Stuck at home

Stuck at home for almost three months now! Getting increasingly cabin fever and sick of everyday routines, same faces, same places.

Returned from our trip to Elko, Hawaii and Arizona on Feb. 24th and from then on it went downhill, travel- and business-wise. Corona took its toll and still does. Future unpredictable. Travel restrictions, social distancing, mandatory masks, restrictions, regulations and rules - many of them contrary, absurd or paradox, differing in the single States of Germany, set up by politicians living in big villas with staff, surrounded by greenery.

Not denying the potential danger of the disease, not at all, but handling of the problem was and still isn't always persuasive. Regulations were loosened in the meantime, and, in June traveling in Europe will be possible again. But, still, it's not really fun to go shopping, to a library or to visit a beergarden (because of the mask and because of the lines). Also, hotels won't be allowed to open their spas/saunas/pools/fitness rooms, to offer buffets. A long train trip with a mask on all the time? Even a visit at the hairdresser is a challenge nowadays.

Plenty of "runners" in the woods now, many new "yogis", new chefs behind the stove, and, still empty fresh-yeast shelves. Since masks became mandatory in shops and other public places, distance isn't considered a necessity anymore. Also, can't see so many positive social effects, at least not in our blue-collar neighborhood. Egoism, grumpiness and rude behavior is rather common.

The U.S.A. as a travel destination is "dead" and who knows whether, how and when it will rise from the dead. Right now there aren't even flights to the U.S. available and no foreigners are allowed into the country. Which leads to another important factor: Trump. His decisions haven't always been deliberate, to say it mildly. If he will be re-elected in November, the situation will even worsen.

Upside of the crisis: We renovated almost the whole apartment and the garden is in ship-shape order. 20 varieties of (mostly heirloom) tomatoes, lots of other veggies, and, now our many roses are starting to bloom. Haven't seen that spectacle for a long time – we've always been traveling to a tourism congress end of May in the past.