I need to put it out there. I am struggling with the lack of social interactions other than, blessedly a wife I love and Abbey the dog who provides a daily reason to get out of the house if only for a half hour or so when the weather permits.

Teaching, as I have for over 4 decades, is the ultimate social “gathering”. Each day you walk into the classroom with an idea or 20, put them out there and then shift and pivot as you get reactions (or the lack of) from the huddled masses. Trying to replicate that, even in a minor sense, by writing, posting, “zooming” simply does not satisfy either the intellect or the soul. I know this will eventually be worked out, but for the time being each day brings with it challenges and struggles that I’ve never been a part of.

I actually have it pretty easy all things considered, it’s just the two of us, our home is comfortable, we are currently not in any danger of job loss (quite the contrary since schooling is not going anywhere fast), and as of this moment the supply chain of foods and drinks remain viable. We are not entertaining anyone other than ourselves, have taken all reliable precautions (and continue to do so) and yet, even with that, we both run the emotional gamut from cheerleaders to close to clinical depression.

Hopefully we will reach a turning point soon….in the meantime, I suspect I will end up venting, writing, and just being thoughtful on this platform more than I have in the past.