Someone has suggested that Adam turned to Eve as they were leaving the Garden of Eden and said "My dear, we are in a time of transition." Probably not, but it would have been appropriate and the world has been in a continual time of transition ever since. Our happiness, our peace of mind, and … Continue reading A time of transition
Covid-19
Heart Health
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, health authorities have been telling us that elderly people are most in danger from the virus. Mortality counts appear to bear that out. However, studies of the data are refining that message, showing that heart health is the critical factor in whether or not one survives an attack … Continue reading Heart Health
Nursing home blues
The pandemic is winding down, businesses are reopening, yet normalcy is hidden by a mist of uncertainty. Some day we will know if the measures taken during the pandemic were the right ones. I don’t believe I am qualified to comment on that. All levels of government did what they thought was best, according to … Continue reading Nursing home blues
Getting from survival to revival
I trust that most of us have coped well during this time of enforced hibernation. Now spring has come, nature is alive once more and we want to be too. What now? Do we go back to the way things were before our hibernation? Is that even possible? What is normal going to look like … Continue reading Getting from survival to revival
The COVID conundrum
Saskatchewan doesn't have a huge population, perhaps we're an anomaly in the big picture. The COVID infection rate is edging up to 0.05%, the death rate is 1 for every 200,000 people in the province. The seasonal flu has infected far more people, the death rate is much higher — even if half of us … Continue reading The COVID conundrum
Social distancing – an unfortunate choice of words
Epidemiologists say that to slow the spread, it's important to maintain a physical distance of at least two metres between people. This is physical distancing, not social distancing. In these times, people need social connection, not distancing. And this connection is not made by the so-called social media, like Facebook and Twitter. The connections that … Continue reading Social distancing – an unfortunate choice of words
Is this the best way to spend your final years?
Most of the people dying from COVID-19 are in nursing homes. Families, friends, pastors, priests, rabbis are not allowed to visit in those places. Many of the staff members that the residents have grown to know have contacted the disease and been replaced by strangers. Is this the way things are supposed to be? Right … Continue reading Is this the best way to spend your final years?
Report on a drive-by shouting in our community
A newspaper in a small Saskatchewan city recently reported on a shocking rise in drive-by shoutings. That trend has now come to our tiny hamlet of Swanson. In this hamlet there is a seniors’ residence; yesterday two of the residents had a birthday. Melvin was 86 and Wilbert was 91. With no visitors allowed, a … Continue reading Report on a drive-by shouting in our community
How I stay sane during a time of confinement
(Or at least try to) Talk to my cats. I know this probably sounds like I'm already losing it, but if there are not many people to talk to, cats are not a bad substitute. They are not persons, but they do have personalities, often a little eccentric, Both of ours are largely Siamese and … Continue reading How I stay sane during a time of confinement
Caveat Lector
Let the reader beware. These are my own contrarian views on the COVID-19 situation and not grounds to take things lightly. I am not a scientist or medical expert. Even if I am correct in what I say here, it still remains that elderly and infirm people are in danger and we need to take … Continue reading Caveat Lector
Flatlander Faith 