This is Getting Old

At first the idea of sheltering at home seemed kind of appealing to me. Life is generally on the fast track even for us older adults. Having extra time to get to some of those long put-off projects around the house was good. Allowing more time to play the piano was also good. Connecting with classmates and friends via Zoom was fun. Now the projects are finished. More practicing has not resulted in my mastery of Bach's French Suite 5. Zoom has lost its novelty, although it is decidedly better than nothing. I long for a date night out, mixing with other people, feeling a sense of community. When I go for walks most people head to the other side of the street, pulling their dogs with them. There goes another pleasure: scratching dog ears. Even the thought of going to the grocery store now seems as enchanting as an all-expense paid trip to anywhere. We have sons and neighbors ready to shop for us, and we are grateful for that. Still, we miss that small bit of satisfaction that comes with choosing just the right tomato. Small things, but together they are anxiety-provoking. And when will normal be normal?