Once upon a time, in the not so distant past, there was an amazing world, and in that world there was a great country called the United States of America.
Every community had buildings they called schools. In those schools teachers taught and kids learned. Beyond the book learning, they learned how to socialize and get along with others.
There were places where people went to work called workplaces. In the workplaces, there were rooms where people met, called meeting rooms. People got together in those meeting rooms to solve problems and plan for the future.
The grocery stores had shelves that were fully stocked. You could walk in and buy anything you wanted! It was an amazing time. You could get toilet paper, eggs, bananas, and fresh vegetables. The meat section had endless choices of beef, pork, chicken, turkey, and lamb.
Breweries were a big deal. It was a very regional thing and every city had them. People would gather at these places and drink fresh beer, socialize, and have a good time.
People ate out at restaurants. They wined and dined. You could feel the energy in the busy establishments.
There were entertainment options galore. Movie theaters, plays, live music venues, and sporting events. Professional athletes were paid mind boggling sums of money to entertain us by playing baseball, basketball, soccer, hockey, and football. Perhaps the biggest sporting event, even bigger than the Super Bowl, was March Madness. The Big Dance. The NCAAs. College basketball at its most exciting. And if your team was playing, it was even more exciting.
This is going to sound crazy, but there were buildings called libraries. The libraries were full of books that you could check out for free!
The words “social distancing” were never uttered. People hosted parties in their homes. When you saw your friend you shook their hand and/or gave them a hug. People stood side by side and reminisced and laughed.
Let’s hope in the not so distant future, the world once again resembles the one from the not so distant past.
March 18, 2020
Greg & Amelia's Airstream Adventures 
Wonderful post, you hit it right on the nail, also nice photo of the dark clouds, hope they will be gone soon and the SUN out again and all will be normal again. Hang in there everybody, this too will pass.
Hi Ruth,
Just want you to know we are all well and sheltering in place!! Keeping our faith in God and praying for the best! God bless us all!
Howdy neighbors! Well written. Let’s hope we get back to normal real soon. Miss you guys!
Hey Sharon! We think about you a lot. And we’ve seen all your travels! Once this passes let’s definitely get together.
Well said Greg. I hope you and Amy are well. I miss you two!
The world as we know it, is forever changed.
Never again will we trust a hug or a handshake.
I witnessed it first hand, where a grandpa wouldn’t even hug his granddaughter. Sadness.
I understand the social distancing, but at the cost of humanity. I myself am taking this threat seriously by preparing to “shelter in place” but at the same time still out there in the world, making contact with people. It’s such a strange time to be sure. You might even say, it’s “the end of an era.”
Amen cousin! Sending love & hugs from South Texas.
Greg, SO well written. These are scary times. I have run out of subjects to talk to me about! The boys just look at me as if there is something really wrong. Air hugs to you two. Love, Pauly
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My life is so busy taking care of others that I forget to take care of myself. I say this because reading your posts is self care for me. Over a year later I am finally getting to read this post where I find myself in awe of the depth of your words. Some of us go through life feeling yucky over the situation but you name it.
Thank you for addressing the reality of what was, what is, and what could be.