Courage

Ice berg lettuce, carrots, green pepper, cucumber, celery, black olives, bacon bits, artichoke hearts, croissants, tomatoes, dressing. These comprise my salad. Up until now.
After some serious thought, I've decided to throw caution to the wind and add red cabbage.
Will it cause gas? Possibly. But I am convinced my Italian croissants will somehow band together in my stomach and block its release. No scientific evidence, just a strong hunch.
Even in these chaotic times, I continue to challenge my creativity, stepping fearlessly into the Unknown.
Churchill said it best--"Courage!"

Zombie Afternoons

I do my walks in the afternoons, usually on commercials streets, sometimes by the waterfront. The parks are closed.
Yesterday, hundreds were out by the water, Hudson River. I keep to the right, head down, mask sliding a bit. I make some contact, noting all the couples. I haven't spoken to anyone in days.
The cyclists speed past, a bit recklessly I think, but I'm old. When my 50 minute walk is done, I choose a bench and read my book. A young woman wearing a face shield passes and is stopped by several women on the bench next to me. They ask where she got it and she informs them One Nation, com One woman takes her picture. I make a note to look it up. That shield is damn impressive.
After an hour of reading I head into the nearby Acme and buy a carton of slaw. The brand is Grandpa's Cole Slaw.
It's not bad, but not on the level of Thumans. Shoprite has their own decent brand. The worst and cheapest is Walmart's brand. No depth. Slaw needs depth.
The Zombie atmosphere is broken up by actual conversation. People are talking to each other.
It's a start.
Later, I can't find that shield company. Maybe it's for the best. I might have gotten claustrophobic.

Homeless

Dunkin' Donuts
Just want an ice tea
Homeless disheveled woman follows me inside
Crowding me, ignoring six feet apart rule
Wants to engage, I cross my arms over my chest
Look down while some guy complains about
A tiny dog allowed inside
He turns and offers homeless lady coffee and muffin
She thanks him many times, engages with a new guy
Counter girl tells her she can't stay
Woman screams at her
It's the rules, she is told
Moments later, I see her across the street next to her pile of bags
It will rain later
Where will she go?

Notes

Slight fever, eight straight days, call dr., diagnoses of virus, not flu, pick up Z pack.
Weak, tired, sweats, chills, shaking up to half hour, serious runs, weight loss.
Take shower, towel off, sudden loss of balance, fall back into tub, crack head against wall.
Lay there minutes, try to pull up on grab bar, too weak, heart pounding.
Deep breath, one final yank does it, land on floor, gasping, get up, finish drying off.
Drink water, sleep, listen to politician speeches, Tylenol every six hours.
Phone rings, too tired to answer, get on laptop, notify friends, no appitite, sugar too low.
Nephew brings bags of food, takes an hour to put everything away, begin eating again.
Days pass, no fever, feeling stronger, begin light exercise and stretching.
Force oneself to go out to CVS and Shoprite and bank.
Neck and shoulders ache possibly from head hitting wall, continue exercising, TV binge.
Nine days after fever gone decide to go for walk, very slow, deliberate.
Each day extend walk until one hour, sit in car read paper, sip coffee, weather miserable.
Regain some weight and spend more time posting on Facebook.Sneezing and nose inflammation, possible allergies.
Damn, I wish gym was open.

Virus

Fever
Weak
Tired
Sweats
Shivers
No appetite
Isolation
Breathless
Insomnia
Weight loss
Diarhea
Mystery
No test
Dry Mouth
Fight