Self-isolating in Grand Rapids: week 6

Self-portrait with daughter Julie, detail, 1789, by Elisabeth Vigée Lebrun

Update from west Michigan. Nearly 34,000 cases reported with more than 2,700 deaths. While the state has fallen to 7th place nationally in number of cases, it still ranks 3rd in total deaths. Not good.  Numbers fluctuate to be sure and testing is haphazard. The governor is extending the stay-at-home order which continues to evoke protests.

Tragic times indeed..

Life in self-isolation is taking on its own unique rhythm. Rising late, going down late, reading, baking, puzzling, working on the computer, some of which we would have done under normal circumstances but now define our world. And of course who would've thought we'd be chatting with family and friends via teleconferencing. Zoom is an incredible bit of software.

We are truly fortunate but like so many millions, tens of millions of folks around the world, wonder what the gods have in store for us next. . .

The world we knew, comfortable or not, for good or ill, was, though what we knew. We are becoming suspicious that that world is quietly falling away, to be exchanged with one that has great potential but is also fraught with even more dangers.

And finally. . .