Two Trees

I thought these two trees illustrate better than I can articulate, the confusion that seems to reign just now. As the oak tree is standing stark against the sky with nary a leaf bud on it, the ornamental crabapple next to it is bursting into glorious bloom. As John and I are checking electrical circuits to determine which ones go into the 'critical panel', (in case of power shutoffs during a fire or 'extreme wind event') the whole world has moved on to the next crisis. 

I was struck by how diligently the six people who came to class this morning wiped down their equipment with disinfectant solution. We always do this, but it can sometimes be a bit cursory. Today a proper hush came over the room as everybody concentrated on washing down every millimeter of our reformers. 

I was reminded of being taken to the osento (public bath) in a little village outside Nara, Japan where individual homes were unlikely to have private baths. My friend Ginny and I, having left our clothing in a changing room, and acutely aware that we were under intense scrutiny, walked into a room with a big hot pool filled with naked women, and a row of faucets near the floor along one wall with little pink plastic stools also filled with naked women. Ginny and I agreed  agreed that once we took a seat, we would not stop scrubbing until those around us did. A full twenty minutes later we finally entered the hot tub looking like we had been boiled! As we relaxed in the tub, it was easy to see how the evening trip to the osento was both hygienic and social...

I think we are all finding out how important certain events are to our social and cultural lives now that 'social distancing' is encouraged, sporting events are taking place in vacant arenas and stadiums, schools are closing and plays and concerts are being cancelled. A local boy, who was on a study abroad program in Venice is now home and quarantined to a travel trailer in his parent's front yard! His parents stand six feet away from the open door of the trailer to talk to him and leave food.

I can't even think what the ripple effects of this must be in places like Italy where schools are closed, only a few people at a time are allowed to enter shops at once and, heaven forbid, no double cheek greeting kisses! Even knowing that there is a reason for it, it must be making people feel like pariahs...or worse!