Tuesday, July 18, 2023

Covid Chronicles. Chapter 59: A Mass Gathering

 
Read chapter 58 here
Photos by Retiring Guy


 Friday, July 17, 2020

Everything’s in place for the weekend festivities. Games. Multiple seating areas. Canopy and umbrella for shade. Kiddie pool and garden hose for cooling. The bar. Sanitizing station. Snacks. Bug spray. We’re ready for fun and frolic, with a side of thumbing our noses at the virus – not to mention the Public Health of Madison and Dane County order #6. 
A Mass Gathering inside the private property and private residence is permitted with ten (10) individuals or less.
In our defense, the latest order went into effect on Thursday, June 25, at 10 a.m., after most of the planning for the Andrews’ Crew had been put in place. 




Nonetheless, I’m still a bit puzzled at JoAnna’s uncharacteristic disregard for government rules, especially since both of us have served as elected officials. She was determined to make this event happen no matter what the current circumstances. 



Yesterday I asked her why she moved away from the September idea she proposed in an Andrews’ Crew Facebook group post. The question seemed to stump her momentarily, as if she didn’t fully understand my words. She faltered as she started to speak, dancing around the question without ever giving me a satisfactory answer.



I decided not to press her to explain further — certainly not on the day before 13 family members and 2 dogs are scheduled to arrive. Right I’m mentally rehearsing a jocular way to remind JoAnna about the limit of 10. She plans to set up a sprinkler in the front yard. I hope she doesn’t envision us all participating at once.



The sprinkler and kiddie pool are likely to get some use. We’re in for a brutally hot weekend, the heat index rising to broiling 104. As the Weather Advisory implores, stay in an air-conditioned room. Unfortunately, we have already determined that a successful reunion is contingent upon everyone’s ability to social distance outdoors. From the start, JoAnna’s plan was to limit indoor activities to meal preparation and bathroom breaks. Not to hang out to escape the heat. 


But least there’ll be a breeze tomorrow. 


And cooler weather after that.

Read chapter 60 here

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