Welcome to the Strange Times

There were the Before Times — complete with crowded bars and weekends when we planned to get away from the hustle and bustle.

Then there was 2020 — the love child of a dumpster fire and a murder hornet’s nest.

There will be the After Times — when we’re drunk on joy and high on life.

Until then, we’re here — The Strange Times.

It’s like when you wake up after a long afternoon nap and it’s already dark. You’re disoriented, not sure what time it is and what to do next.

By the way, does anyone know what we do next?

Are we safer in restaurants with open windows or higher ceilings? What’s worse, a crowded cafe patio or vastly open indoor pizzeria with ginormous booths that can double up as pods for a family? Who makes the mask rules, the host, the guest or the parking valet? What’s the polite way to ask people if they are vaccinated? Can we curse when we ask people why they aren’t vaccinated, just for dramatic effect? Can we social distance from someone who is vaccinated simply because they annoy us? (Sorry, got carried away there.)

Grocery shopping may have been complicated in 2020, but everything is complex and nuanced in 2021. It’s a good problem to have, kind of a like a candy bowl that keeps filling itself.

I may have it easy. Being a part of a high risk population, I’m probably not going to change much of what I’m doing. But I can imagine the swirl of questions kicking up dust clouds in minds that are already operating on .5 speed due to lack of social contact.

Here’s a little formula to consider:

• Ask for what you need
• Be respectful of what others express they need
• Choose what’s right for you

There you go, as simple as ABC. Let me know how it goes. Chance are I’ll be home watching ABC…

Stay safe. Be well. Smile, and let the strange times roll…