My Covid-19 Diary 5: Toronto Trippin'

After being on the road, it's hard just staying at home all the time. Though it's only been about two months since we got back, it now seems like a lifetime ago .... 

Last fall, Janet and I hit the open road to celebrate her retirement. First Japan [LINK] and then Florida [LINK]. With stopovers inbetween; back home in Toronto at Christmas, and for a February protest rally or two. [LINK] Before we wrapped up our winter tripping in Santiago de Cuba.

Originally, we'd planned to stick around Toronto for only a month or so. Then go to our trailer in the Land o' Lakes [LINK]. Fully enjoy the Canadian spring, summer and early fall in the great outdoors. 

Instead, the Covid-19 pandemic struck. We've been grounded at home, ever since.

I'd planned a Cuban travel blog when we got back. That was interrupted by the pandemic too. It'll follow shortly. First, a few, more, catch up notes:

Covid-19 is truly, a silent, uncanny enemy. Since our close brush with Costco and the Zombie Apocalypse, I've acquired a real aversion to going outside, even just for our groceries and household supplies. [LINK]

One never knows where the nefarious coronavirus lurks ...

During November, we were in Japan. Apparently, that was before the pandemic struck. We saw some fellow Chinese travellers, but can't recall having any contact with them. 

We regularly rubbed shoulders with the German and Italian tourists In Cuba. Some of of them, as it turns out, were carrying the virus. We seem okay, but being good Canadians, are still staying at home anyway. 

As seniors, we're at high risk. Plus, who knows who's asymptomatic? Maybe the shopper next to us? The sales or stock clerk?

Better safe than sorry! Since crossing Costco off our shopping list, we decided to try grocery shopping at the nearby Metro Downsview instead. Saw lots of shoppers in gloves and masks. But only about half of them were social distancing. 

There were plenty of signs and announcements over the PA, but it's very easy to make mistakes, when the aisles are narrow. 

Still, it seems like many shoppers simply can't measure and stay 2 metres apart. Or maybe they think that either wearing PPE's or practising social distancing, but not both, will do?

All things considered, I'm not surprised that the infection rate here in Toronto hasn't yet shown a steady decline.

Plus, without proper testing, we've no idea how widespread the virus really is. Where it's spread. Nor if it's always being properly reported either, when there's an outbreak at the stores.

It disturbs me to no end. Sometimes, the tension is almost palpable. Janet's really good about it all, but likes to go shopping anyway. Like a big kid, she just wants to get out. Is going stir crazy.

I feel her pain. But am more hard assed about the safety precautions. Meanwhile, she's stuck indoors with me now all the time. Poor girl!

Still, we've been together almost twenty years. Are apt to verbally spar and squabble at the best of times, as is our way. Fortunately, we're very used to each other by now. We're still keeping it together, quite well. 

It's May now. It's been a very long stretch. Our condo is spacious. Very comfortable. Low maintenance. If need be, we can hang on here indefinitely.

Still, even the overhead flights to nearby Pearson International Airport have now all but stopped. Replaced with a quiet uncertainty among the endless hours of waiting ... and waiting ... and waiting to safely get back outdoors again; the new order of our day. 

Oh to be social distancing way out in the woods, in the Land o' Lakes! In my mind's eye, Janet and I are lounging on our summer porch, with two tasty steaks on the BBQ. I'm toking on a big, fat, outdoor sized reefer. Inbetween frequent kayak trips. Instead of this .... 

And so, we patiently await news on whether trips to cottage country will be allowed come the May 18th Victoria Day long weekend. When Toronto is still the provincial epicentre of the coronavirus pandemic?

And we're still tripping! Kinda sorta! Lately, I've been vaping some lighter, hybrid cannabis strains to rest and relax, legalization style. 

I'm finishing off the last of the Emblem Nebula, that I was telling you about. A little OHM leaves me feeling pretty dreamy and sedate. Or I'll fire up some 808 Headband, for a happy, euphoric buzz. Plus, I enjoy the old one-two punch of a lil' Pine Tar Kush, when it all gets too much. Yummy. Yummy. Yummy.

Last Saturday, a 100 mg THC Smiley Pop had me ... er ... smiling. A lot! That really livened things up!

Come evenings, Janet and I enjoy a pot of Yoni tea; 300 mg THC and 100 CBD per 30 gm pack. That's a lot of tea! 

It's a different kind of tripping, but very calming and relaxing. We'll cuddle together on the couch. Watch TV. Have our fun. Then drift gently off to sleep.

So, as we wrap up two months at home, we're still hanging in there. Hope you are too!

Be well!

Keep trippin' the good way!

David C.

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