Reflections

 

It probably won't be long until Palm Springs nightlife looks like this again.  On Saturday the airport was filled with people coming and going. The travel floodgates have opened. Friday night, as we ate dinner in a balcony restaurant, cars were pouring into downtown Palm Springs for the weekend. 

The virus is still everywhere, but it felt different compared to Seattle. Add to that no graffiti, trash, homeless begging or boarded up businesses. People drive around in nice cars and big gas guzzlers, despite the highest gas prices in the country. Maybe it's the warm climate or California vibe, but it feels safer and definitely happier down there. Even so, this trip wouldn't have been possible without our vaccinations and we're grateful.

We had seats near the front of the plane and it was OK, although we waited at the departure gate for a long stuffy time before the engines and cabin ventilation finally started up. The flight attendants were all cheerful. For starters, they're working again. And compared to the old days, it's lighter work. No snacks, meals or alcohol to sell. Just  hand out a small can of soda and they're done with the flight service.  

March 22 is "As Young As You Feel Day." A good thing to remember after a year of constant hammering home our vulnerability and frailty. About 38% of people over 65 are now fully vaccinated. For a short time, our demographic is the lucky one. In a few months, the vaccines will be available to anyone who wants them.

There's no doubt that seniors gave up more than anyone else in lives lost, health lost, and precious lost time. Now they are starting to venture out. We saw pairs of couples obviously getting together for the first time. Seniors are filling restaurants, looking forward to hugging their grand-kids and booking vacations. 

A group of older women took over the pool at our quiet inn and yakked and yakked loudly into the night. They were on a girl's weekend away without their husbands so I don't blame them for being excited.

Back to home, cold home. Yesterday the temperature topped out at 43, with nothing much to do but laundry and grocery shopping.  The shore leave was over way too fast! But we're just getting started.