Dear Friends:
June is certainly “bustin’ out all over”! With the loosening, or the abandoning, of most COVID restrictions, it certainly feels that way. Doesn’t it?
Recently, I received a
very personal email from Governor Cuomo celebrating New York’s victory in reaching the 69.9% vaccination rate and that once we reach 70%, all restrictions will be lifted. That’s miraculous! Back in the short, dark days of January, who would’ve believed we’d have reached this milestone so quickly!
So, where do we go from here? I’m psyched about the possibilities 2021 holds and I’ve made a “to do” list to share with you.
First, I’m eager to see my friends and family, and meet the new friends I’ve made this year via Zoom. Although we’ve chatted on the phone and “zoomed,” there’s nothing like a face-to-face get together. Being less than six feet apart will seem weird at first, however, the oddity will quickly disappear; unlike the new facial wrinkles we’ve gained over the past year.
Next on my list is shopping! For the past fourteen months, the grocery store and Home Depot have been my stomping grounds. I’m ready for a good old-fashion girl’s day at Woodbury Commons, but the pandemic has taught me what I can live
without. Do I really need that new bikini or beach bag or flip-flops? (As opposed to toilet paper and paper towels.) Shopping for entertainment’s sake can be Zen-like, and we could all use a little Zen in our lives, right?
Next, I can’t wait to attend events. Broadway, galas, the Bardavon, book signings, baseball games, writing conferences, book festivals, art classes, concerts, weddings and movie nights. Remember those? Spending an evening out will certainly signal a return to “normalcy,” but I may not be ready to ditch my mask when in a crowd. Even if I’m rocking at
Springsteen on Broadway.
And the last thing is travelling. I long to explore the world and visit places that National Geographic has been taunting me with for the last fourteen months. Machu Picchu, London, the Great Barrier Reef, the Canadian Niagara Falls. While fulfilling my international wanderlust will have to wait, luckily there are fifty incredible states to explore. In New York State there’s so much to explore, from the Howe Caverns to Shinnecock Golf Course to the Corning Museum of Glass to the Olympic Village in Lake Placid. And close to home in the Hudson Valley, there’s a new Legoland!
You may have noticed that dining out at restaurants
isn’t a priority for me. I’m no Ina Garten, but the time in lockdown boosted my culinary confidence. I can now follow her recipes to the teaspoon. (Although my family may beg to differ.) Last year, we installed a veggie garden, and I’m weeding, picking my lettuce, pruning the tomato plants and getting dirt underneath my fingernails. I even get a kick out of pickling. Summer ushers in wonderful farmer’s markets, so I’m eager to support them and fire up the grill. I’ll consider dining out when my garden goes fallow for the winter. And if I really want Lola’s takeout or Maryland crab cakes or truffles, there’s always the Internet.
As the pandemic winds down, let’s take time to learn from the past year and appreciate the possibilities with cautious optimism. Where we go from here, and how rapidly, depends on our continuing to work together and getting vaccinated. This is our shot!
Friends, I’ve revealed my summer plans to you. Now where will your journey take you? Please drop me a line and let me know.
Let’s keep up our monumental accomplishment and see you (full face) soon!
Happy Summer,
