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People helping people is what good people do during desperate times. It gave me hope and pride to see that California Governor Newsom will use FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) funds to reopen restaurants in order to deliver three healthy meals a day to seniors in need. The program will get people back to work and also generate revenue for municipalities throughout the state. It’s the country’s first program of its kind during the coronavirus crisis. www.Covid19.ca.gov This is healing – one step at a time. Wednesday, April 22, was Earth Day and indeed one we will remember. The irony of it all is mind-blowing. The world has come to a halt as people are staying home to avoid spread of Covid-19, factories are operating at a minimum, and traffic is virtually no where to be seen. As a result, air quality in Los Angeles ranked among the highest in the world. Skies are bluer, flowers seem to be blooming longer, and wildlife is coming out of the woods and venturing into the city. Mother Nature has her way of guiding us, doesn’t she? We’re bombarded 24/7 with so much news, but we also need balance to lift us up. In the best way ever, I found that balance when Jacqueline shared with me “Cocktails with a Curator,” a virtual museum mini tour at the Frick Collection in Manhattan in New York City. In the midst of the pandemic, Xavier Salomon, Peter Jay Sharp Chief Curator at the Frick Collection, brainstormed a brilliant Friday “cocktail hour” for the next several weeks while “We’re all home during this time of difficulty and crisis.” But before he gets started from his apartment in NYC, he recommends a cocktail for viewers to make at home to relax, sip and enjoy as he describes in fascinating detail the history and mysteries of one selected painting in the collection. While I wasn’t quite up for a Manhattan when I tuned in for the 16-minute film, I happily lingered over a fresh-brewed cup of coffee enraptured as Salomon discussed “St. Francis in the Desert” -- that eerily parallels where we happen to be today. https://www.frick.org/interact/miniseries/cocktails_curator/cocktails_curator_bellinis_st_francis_desert PREVIOUS ENTRY NEXT ENTRY

“New normal” is the newest catch phrase these days. But this is where we have arrived. And as we accept sheltering at home (we’ll be doing this for a while), new routines are part of our daily lives. It’s a major event now to run an essential errand. “Do you really need to go?” my protective Jacqueline asks. In the mud room, masks and gloves hang next to the coat rack. A spray sanitizer sits on a shelf nearby at the ready to sanitize masks when we return home. And we leave our shoes outside and sanitize the bottoms. I even spray sanitize the mail. It’s an inconvenience, but better to be safe than sorry. With this new consciousness, we avoid unnecessary trips to the store by paying attention to consumption and wastefulness. As for toilet paper? That will always be a challenge. Sadly, a study for the treatment of novel coronavirus was “halted” because the antiviral drug Remdesivir appears not to be conclusively beneficial for Covid-19 patients. https://www.biospace.com/article/data-from-chinese-study-suggests-remdesivir-showed-no-benefit-in-covid-19-patients-gilead-sciences-says-drug-still-has-potential-benefit/ And the search goes on. PREVIOUS ENTRY NEXT ENTRY

While choosing the next song to play for the 7pm Cheer last evening, we previewed “I Have a Dream” by the Swedish “supergroup” ABBA. It could not have been a better choice. I checked Lyric Interpretations.com about the song’s meaning, which is generally about coping. One anonymous individual interpreted the lyrics as beautiful, uplifting and encouraging: “We’re going to get through this Coronavirus. We have a dream, a song to sing and we will cope. I believe in Angels! We all have a dream and we will cross the stream.” The lyrics: I have a dream, a song to sing To help me cope with anything If you see the wonder of a fairy tale You can take the future even if you fail I believe in angels Something good in everything I see I believe in angels When I know the time is right for me I’ll cross the stream, I have a dream I have a dream, a fantasy To help me through reality And my destination makes it worth the while Pushing through the darkness still another mile I believe in angels Something good in everything I see I believe in angels When I know the time is right for me I’ll cross the stream, I have a dream I’ll cross the stream, I have a dream I have a dream, a song to sing I printed the lyrics for neighbors to remember the words. Because we all need to dream. PREVIOUS ENTRY NEXT ENTRY

Yesterday I went to the bank to handle a transaction that I couldn’t do using the ATM or online. Goodness, the measures being taken to meet people face to face is startling, but necessary during “Covid” times. As I passed cubicle offices, I noticed that plexiglass walls have been attached to the front of each desk protecting customers and bank representatives from each other. Hmmm… maybe those clear bubble umbrellas aren’t such a bad idea. On the way home, I stopped to look at the local library’s Poetry Garden. Poems are “planted” into the ground and passersby are invited to pick a poem to plant at home – or plant one of their own. The library even has an online map of planted poetry around the city. Remember “Twinkle, twinkle, little star…”? I never knew “The Star” (a 19th century lullaby) written by English author Jane Taylor, had five verses. And Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart wrote the melody! PREVIOUS ENTRY NEXT ENTRY

I woke up to the soothing hoots of an owl. I imagined it perched in an old oak tree somewhere nearby. But then I wondered if it might be a mourning dove. Its coos are similar to the hoot of the Great Horned Owl. Whichever, it was my gift for the morning. Because soon thereafter, the tranquility was majorly disrupted with jackhammers breaking up the sidewalk in front of my house. Nice. I hadn’t even made my coffee. We had received notice a week ago that street work would start today and last through June 1. That’s a long time. Serology tests recently performed in Los Angeles County are showing high numbers of people likely infected with Covid-19 who just don’t know it – a sign that the region is still in the early stages of the virus. The practice of “safer at home” could just be keeping the spread at bay. Dr. Barbara Ferrer, director of the county’s Department of Public Health, says that “…the presence of antibodies in a person does not mean the person is immune to the illness.” A clear sign that we are deep in the woods and must continue social distancing, wearing masks and washing our hands. I felt a big gulp in my throat and teared up as I read the local news and saw a powerful photograph: A line of Glendale, California, police officers and firefighters applauding a nurse during a shift change at Glendale Memorial Hospital. This all the more validates the unspeakable pride I have in our neighbors as we come together each night to salute our frontline heroes. https://patch.com/california/shermanoaks/after-deadliest-week-la-sees-drop-coronavirus-deaths PREVIOUS ENTRY NEXT ENTRY

I just replied to an email “letter” from our friend Henrik in Sweden. He and his wife Linda were our neighbors across the street for six years. Then it was time for them to return home as their beautiful family grew. Sadly, they had to cancel their May trip to Southern California because of the pandemic. Our bi-cultural friendship was a blast. My fondest memory is Henrik always coming over with a freshly baked loaf of bread wrapped in a towel. And Mexican fare a la Chef Louie was always the meal we enjoyed when they came over. They now make tacos at home in Sweden! The nightly Cheer has evolved into more than one minute as neighbors linger longer outside –- but always at a distance. The other night as Louie and I walked back to our house, we saw Lola snooping around our neighbor’s yard. The gate to our yard was left ajar and Lola found her way out. We called out, “Lola!” Well, she didn’t come to us. Instead, so stealth-like, she bee-lined her way back across the two driveways between the houses, weaved around our parked cars back to the opened gate to our front yard. Without stopping, she continued up the back stairs, and through our back door. I followed her to the living room. In her mouth was a bright pink stuffed “animal” that she had snatched from our neighbor’s yard. Ah ha! I looked more closely at her new friend. Its head was definitely a pig. But the round spiked hot pink body looked like -- the coronavirus! Am I thinking too much into this or did “coronavirus red” subconsciously dominate one of Jacqueline’s recent paintings -- that now rounds out (no pun intended) our salon wall? I did a bit of research on the color of coronavirus. Simply put, it doesn’t have a color. But medical illustrator Alissa Eckert who leads a small team at the Center of Disease Control and Prevention, created the iconic logo of the SARS-CoV-2 virus (the cause of COVID-19) that we’ve come to identify on television, in ads and in articles. In order to draw attention to the aggressive virus, she chose red for the spike proteins. It certainly grabbed mine. PREVIOUS ENTRY NEXT ENTRY

The pandemic has truly brought the world together in a most powerful way. Ralph in Germany replied to me via WhatsApp: “We were thinking of you both during these days of a truly global community, when it becomes obvious that we’re all passengers on the same trip and the same ship.” Well said, Ralph. Thankfully, he and his immediate family are doing fine. But their family members in Spain are having “…harder times, hit much by regulations and testimony of sad things right next to them.” And our friend working in Cambridge, England, worries about his closest family and friends who all work in hospitals, including his father. We watched on television last night the global concert, “One World Together at Home,” organized by the international advocacy group, Global Citizen, and hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Fallon. Through interviews as well as music and songs performed by artists sheltering at home, tribute was paid to our essential workers -- especially those on the frontlines in healthcare. The world broadcast raised almost $128 million for the World Health Organization’s Covid-19 Solidarity Response Fund. Indeed, in the words of French poet Victor Hugo, “Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise.” PREVIOUS ENTRY NEXT ENTRY

Our nightly 7pm Cheer is becoming a bonding activity on our street. Two young brothers across from our driveway wait at their doorway for Louie and me to walk down our back steps. They were shy the first few days. Maybe it has something to do with Louie’s introduction of “music to clap by.” On his portable wireless speaker his playlist has included “I Will Survive” (Gloria Gaynor) “Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World” (Israel Kamakawiwo’ole), and last night, “La vie en Rose” (Edith Piaf) that inspired the couple next door to enjoy a dance on their lawn. I asked the boys at the doorway if they’ve ever heard this song before. “It’s French,” I told them. The older one replied, “Oh yeah, I think I’ve heard of it…” So sweet. We are a long way from conquering Covid-19 and the road to recovery will not be overnight. I’m encouraged, though, by the task force California’s governor just pulled together to take on this charge. The impressive group of 80 members includes former California governors Jerry Brown, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Gray Davis and Pete Wilson; former Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen; Apple CEO Tim Cook; and Walt Disney Company Executive Chairman Bob Iger; and will be co-chaired by former presidential candidate Tom Seyer and Ann O’Leary, Governor Newsom’s chief of staff. That’s a lot of brain power. On April 17, the majestic Matterhorn in Switzerland lit up “draped” with the American flag, “…a show of solidarity with the United States during the coronavirus pandemic.” At 4,478 meters high (14,692 feet), it is one of Europe’s highest peaks. This project is the genius of light artist Gerry Hofstetter. On its Facebook page, tourism group Zermatt Matterhorn wrote: “Our thoughts are with all American people at this unprecedented time. We look forward to meeting again at the foot of the Matterhorn, we are all in this together.” https://www.wbtv.com/2020/04/17/switzerland-lights-up-iconic-matterhorn-with-us-flag-show-support/ PREVIOUS ENTRY NEXT ENTRY

This morning I replied to an email from my friend Jeannie in Paris, France. Unlike here, grocery stores are few and far between in the City of Light. But, leave it to Madame Jeannie, she managed to find a store that will deliver -- although she must still go there to select her goods and pay for them. It’s all about walking in Paris. Grocery shopping in the time of coronavirus is a new reality. Paris’ old apartment buildings are stunningly beautiful. But they don’t have elevators. I also emailed our German friend Ralph, who, good thing, did an unforgettable California road trip recently with his wife and daughter. He’s an engineer who travels to southern California regularly for work. The road trip was his wife’s and daughter’s first time to the states. What a great time they had – especially when we went to Hollywood! I hope they are safe and well. I am starting to see that some countries in Europe are looking to lift restrictions and reopen some businesses. Even the U.S. has begun making such plans. It goes without saying that we are all anxious to get back on our feet. But I view this with some trepidation. I ain’t going back to life as usual until I know it is safe. I am happy to social distance as long as it is necessary -- even if Nordstrom is having the sale of the century. PREVIOUS ENTRY NEXT ENTRY

A world truce? Sounds like the title of the next best seller. In fact, French President Emmanuel Macron is leading the charge for a global ceasefire during the coronavirus pandemic. Covid-19 is the world’s enemy right now. China, the UK and the US are on board with this – and Russia is thinking about it. Goodness, it takes a pandemic for us all to be friends. Even world-renowned Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama felt the urgency to address Covid-19 as she wrote this powerful poem: Though it glistens just out of reach, I continue to Pray for hope to shine through Its glimmer lighting our way This long awaited great cosmic glow Now that we find ourselves on the dark side of the world The gods will be there to strengthen the hope we have spread throughout the universe For those left behind, each person’s story and that of their loved ones It is time to seek a hymn of love for our souls In the midst of this historic menace, a brief burst of light points to the future Let us joyfully sing this song of a splendid future Let’s go Embraced in deep love and the efforts of people all over the world Now is the time to overcome, to bring peace We gathered for love and I hope to fulfill that desire The time has come to fight and overcome our unhappiness To COVID-19 that stands in our way I say Disappear from this earth We shall fight We shall fight this terrible monster Now is the time for people all over the world to stand up My deep gratitude goes to all those who are already fighting Revolutionist of the world by the Art from Yoyoi Kusama PREVIOUS ENTRY NEXT ENTRY

It’s tax day in America, but due to the pandemic, the deadline this year has been extended to July 15 giving people more time to file their returns -- a welcome reprieve in a bittersweet way. But for us, we’re well-trained by our tax preparer who books our annual appointment in January. Yesterday’s sunny weather lifted everyone’s spirit following weeks of on-and-off rain. Temps must have reached the upper 70s or so and it appears next week’s forecast is for precipitation-free days. During yesterday’s walk, I saw Chris, a local professional dog walker who is now providing her much-needed service to assist healthcare workers with their pets so that they can work the frontlines. So, the Covid-19 antibody tests everyone’s been excited about will take longer for implementation. I will never understand why the Federal Drug Administration allowed for loosening restrictions prior to the agency’s final approval -- that move resulted in many faulty tests on the market. In the words of Dr. Fauci and Dr. Birx, antibody tests are key to determining “…how quickly and safely society can reopen.” The other night, Louie brought out the pots and pans again. He thawed frozen beef short ribs, opened up a YouTube recipe and proceeded to make a heavenly stew with carrots, celery, garlic, onions, red wine, bay leaves and other herbs that cooked in the oven for two hours. His favorite “tricks of the trade” are the Le Creuset pots his Aunt Magdalena gave to him. Julia Childs is smiling down on Louie. As we were doing the 7pm Cheer last evening, I noticed a woman walking mid-way down the street. I did not recognize her, and she wasn’t clapping. Suddenly, she put her hands together along with the neighbors. When she reached us, she smiled, “I’ve never been part of something like this before!” My neighbor Teresa had explained it all to her. I invited Paula to join us any time. PREVIOUS ENTRY NEXT ENTRY

Now that so many people around my town are taking walks – solo, couples, and families – I am seeing regulars on the route I take. In particular, I see a young family of four, Dad, Mom and their two children. Now, we greet each other with a heartfelt smile and wave. “We have to get out and exercise!” said the father. Interestingly, I notice that when I come across others while on my walks, we make it a point to have eye contact, hungry to socialize. I came across an article about the increase of people taking up baking during this time of sheltering. I can’t say that I am one of them, but my lovely Colombian neighbors are. Recently, we were lucky beneficiaries when my neighbor Elsie texted me to meet her at the fence. She handed me fresh-baked traditional bread and cake from the homeland – still warm and wrapped in foil. Louie and I practically ripped open the wrapping to sink our teeth into the delightful treats, light-as-a-feather with just a hint of sweet. I am thankful for the relative calm we have in our pocket of Los Angeles. But cognizant of heartbreaking tragedies taking place in other parts of the country, we’re cautious and diligent about donning our masks, washing our hands, isolating and social distancing – behaviors that are making a difference. Last night, Louie received a sad update from a colleague that her father in New York has been hospitalized with Covid-19 and is on a ventilator. Although she does not have a close relationship with him (he left the family), she feels a sadness. PREVIOUS ENTRY NEXT ENTRY

I spoke to our friend, Torsten, on the phone last night. He also lives at the foothills of the local mountains. With fewer people out and about, he’s noticed more wildlife wandering during the day, including deer and coyotes. Sadly, his son’s friend lost his pet dog to a coyote. The other day, I picked up Louie and Lola at the local park. As I started the car, we noticed a guy who had just arrived to shoot hoops at the once busy basketball court. He saw a newly posted sign urging social distancing. The basket hoops had been completely removed and replaced with yellow tape. Nonetheless, he stayed, and we watched him for a few minutes as he so adeptly performed dribbling drills. Night “3” of the 7PM Cheer surprised me to no end. Being a rainy Easter day, I questioned if we would see the turn out we had the night before. Even more came out this time. A neighbor stood on her balcony while her friend hit a spoon against a pot, our next-door neighbor came out with her stainless-steel pot, and a father and his son stood and waved from their front door. A neighbor in the middle of the block couldn’t help expressing how emotional it was to see everyone. Clearly, we are all feeling the pain. PREVIOUS ENTRY NEXT ENTRY

It’s Easter Sunday. Church pews won’t be full, but homes will be alive with sheltering family units tuning in on virtual Easter Sunday service and children eagerly awaiting indoor Easter egg hunts. Yesterday, we finished off the last tablespoon of Starbucks Breakfast Blend ground coffee. Our delivery of Don Francisco coffee won’t be in until next week and going to the store has become a dreaded task having to mask up, social distance, and to wear-or-not-to-wear gloves always confuses me. But desperate for an interim coffee supply – and short of competing for space at the local market – I slipped over to the local liquor store that carries a few grocery items. Through my mask, I asked the store owner if he carries coffee grounds. He had no idea what I was saying. He finally understood and nodded to the shelf behind me. There stood a lone can of Folgers. Uh, do you have any more coffee? He nodded yes. “Instant.” Last evening was our second night of the “7:00PM CHEER.” This daily salute to our “Essential Workers” across the country is proving to be unity in the most powerful way. That morning I decided to type a quick letter to our neighbors on our street encouraging them to join us. As it was with me, some may not know about “The Cheer.” I handed the letter to some in their yards and for most, I taped it on their gates or front doors. Come 7:00 p.m., one by one, neighbors on both sides of the street emerged from their homes clapping and ringing chimes. Louie had his iron skillet and wooden spoon. I could see a neighbor at the opposite end of the block and gave her a big wave. A neighbor next door wiped away tears. She, her husband and adult son were demonstrably moved. “It’s so nice to be doing this!” How I wanted to hug her. And in the spirit of New York City skyscrapers lighting up in blue (the color of hospital scrubs), I replaced my front and back porch lights with blue bulbs. PREVIOUS ENTRY NEXT ENTRY

Today is the anniversary of Mom’s passing. She was 89 years young. Beautiful skin. Sexy legs, I used to tell her as she blushed. She never drove. She walked and rode the public bus all over Los Angeles County. And I mean all over. From her apartment in Orange County, her favorite bus drivers picked her up at the bus stop and she traveled all the way to Farmer’s Market on Fairfax on the west side of L.A. to buy her raisin bread. My older sister was often frustrated at Mom’s all-day adventures. She can buy bread around the corner she’d tell me in exasperation. I reminded her, “It’s about the journey.” But dementia began to present itself. One day, Mom’s bus driver recognized her wandering not far from her apartment. Bless this wonderful man, he picked her up and delivered her back home. My siblings and I agreed it was time to find full-time supervision for Mom and the best option was board-and-care. For the next four years, she lived in a lovely residential neighborhood “happily demented” (as someone once described her sweet mother with dementia) where she died peacefully. Long before, though, Mom had pre-arranged for her ashes to be scattered at sea. The small boat was able to accommodate the family, including the grandchildren. On that beautiful clear morning off the Pacific Coast, the captain, a chaplain, read her beautiful prayer for Mom and I gave a eulogy. Then the captain gently released Mom’s ashes into the placid waters. As the boat quietly circled around, we tossed flower petals and bid Mom a good journey. In this time of coronavirus, Louie and I are grateful that our elders have passed on their own terms. Last evening, we stood outside for the “7PM CHEER” to applaud and pay tribute to our SUPERHEROES around the country -- healthcare personnel, grocery employees, shoppers and delivery drivers -- tirelessly working long hours bringing to sheltering residents much needed food and goods, and saving precious lives stricken by Covid-19. It was just us and our neighbors Teresa and Denis down the street. For one minute we clapped our hands while Louie tapped a wooden spoon on an iron skillet. Every night this ritual will acknowledge our deepest appreciation for their exemplary work -- until this marathon ends. PREVIOUS ENTRY NEXT ENTRY