Petaluma Perspective by Houston Porter — May 2020
So here is the thing...most everything has been cancelled in Petaluma and even once the Order is lifted, life is likely not going to go back to normal soon. I write this not as a prediction but more of a reminder that whatever emotions we are feeling right now are emotions we need to get used to and get a handle on. Patience and understanding are going to be the key or else this current pandemic is going to cause even more societal fracturing than what we were already seeing with the run up to the election.
Do not read me wrong. I am as annoyed as anyone and that seems to apply to just about everything that is going on. We all are. A social media post that tickled my funny bone to no end read something to the effect of, “We’re playing a new game in our house during SIP. It’s called, ‘Why did you do it THAT way?!?!?!?’ ...nobody wins.” Our fuses are short, but we need to recognize that others are in the same boat. The feelings of frustration are not ours alone.We are all in the same boat.
We need to work on being patient, understanding and considerate, not matter how much of a curmudgeon we might normally be. It is not easy work to always keep those things in mind, but let your facemask be your reminder. I am not new to facemasks, so I understand it takes patience to get used to them. And it may seem silly that we all must wear them (for the time being), but we need to be understanding when it comes to a “better safe than sorry” situation, like the one we are in. Is there a chance that none of this will matter? Of course. However, if there is an outside chance that our actions are helping to save lives, I feel it is worth it and hope you do too. We here in the North Bay have not been hit that bad by COVID-19, but have a virtual visit with friends or family in other parts of the country or the world and it all quickly comes into perspective. Once you know someone who has died, the inconvenience does not seem quite so inconvenient anymore. Finally, let that facemask remind you to be considerate because that is exactly what the mask represents. For the most part, facemask cannot protect you from infection, especially with the way most of us are constantly fiddling with it, reusing it, etc. However, the main role these masks play is in helping you from infecting someone else, if you were to end up being someone who is unknowingly infectious. Wearing the mask is a sign that you are being considerate of others.
Because my main area of interest is food, I report with great sadness that Three Twins Ice Cream has ceased operations. Although the Shelter in Place certainly played its role, founder/owner Neal Gottlieb told me things have been particularly challenging as of late, with tightening margins and declining sales. Unfortunately, this likely will not be our last local food casualty so please consider giving a little extra support to your favorite local eateries. Also, again, please be patient and understanding as restaurants transition into this new business model. Your food may not be quite as good as normal, but that is because they are working with skeleton crews, you are not eating the food hot from the kitchen and they are still figuring out how to transition from dine-in to take-out and delivery.
Also, on the topic of food and drink, people have started using Zoom video conferencing to have social and happy hours. It’s a fun idea and definitely better than nothing but the smart-aleck in me sees it as the worst potluck ever, even if you brought your favorite item. With only your contribution to gorge yourself on, it is like going to a buffet and only getting to choose one item.
