I love people and miss seeing dear ones ordinarily in my life, but I’m also aware I owe many a big thank you. Some are friends and neighbors, and others are strangers. If I listed all of them, this would be a book and not a post, so forgive me if I haven’t mentioned you, you matter too.
Thank you to:
Friends and family who keep in touch so often by phone and email.
The people in my neighborhood who write: ‘Things will get better’ on the sidewalks in chalk.
Neighbor Mairona and friend Chris, who, upon reading my post complaining about not having enough reading material, each delivered bags of books to my door.
Mairona and her husband Wayne, who are always willing to pick up anything I may need.
Garth, whom I miss seeing at my favorite local cafe, who sends me beautiful cards and notes.
My dear ‘daughter’ Amy who goes shopping for me, arrives at my door wearing a mask and hands me my groceries, and checks in often by phone.
Those who step off the curb to be at the proper distance when they see this old gray-haired woman pushing her walker on our narrow sidewalks. (It is more difficult for me to do that. I always thank them.)
Joe wearing his Vancouver T-Shirt
My dear Beverly Hills friend Joe, who understands me and regularly puts up with my nutty ideas.
The strangers who, after I thank them for giving me space, have chatted with me from a safe distance as we pass each other. It helps me feel less isolated.
My son Rafi, who calls me just about every day, and my daughter Susan as well, who checks in so often.
Alison, my ‘granddaughter’ who calls me almost every day too.
Alison’s dad, who took the time out of his own busy schedule, (he’s a medical doctor) to drive her over so Alison and I could have a SAFE chat in person, both of us in masks out on the sidewalk.
All my friends who check in with me.
The woman I don’t know, whom I told I missed hugs most of all, who offered me one from a distance. I returned it. It isn’t the same, but it helped.
And, speaking of hugs, if you know me personally, know that I’m keeping track of all the hugs you owe me and I intend to collect for sure when this is all over.
View from Over the Hill 
I’m glad you got to see Alison. I really enjoyed meeting her — she is one heck of a special young lady! You do have many incredible friends, Maughm. I would say you are lucky, but it isn’t luck at all — you make the effort to meet people and you are great company, as well as a good friend yourself. No luck about it!
Aha, I knew I’d forget to thank someone. Thank YOU for being my most loyal reader, and of course for knowing how much I’d enjoy writing this blog. Thank YOU, too, for setting it up for me. I AM lucky! Love, Maughm
Let’s look forward to the day when a vaccine puts an end to this plague.
Hi Muriel. Be well. See ya!
I have to admit I’m getting a little antsy about this and I’m hoping for a vaccine soon too. Take care of you and yours.
Do enjoy your blogs. Keep well and safe.
Thank you Emily: I’m certainly trying. Take care of you too.