Strange Maskings and a Small African Drum

Living out here in the swamp, it's easy to think that I'm the only one whose life has been irrevocably changed.  That "out there" people are going about their normal, everyday lives.

But sometime I have to venture "out there" and it's a little weird.  I had my first appointment with my new doctor (my old one had the temerity to retire on me).  Online.  Me at home on my computer, her at the office (I suppose) on hers.  That was my physical exam (I guess I looked OK).   But I did have to go in because I needed shots (anti pneumonia and shingles ) and to get my blood work done.  So at least they don't just mail the needles to you and tell you to do it at home.

I went to the new clinic (The Center For Aging---ack!).  Sure is different.  My old one you'd go in and read magazines in the waiting room until they call you back.  Now you call them when you get there--and sit in the car until they say you can come in.  Then you pop on a mask and go in (where the first thing someone says is "did they tell you that you could come in?")  Got my shots, and then I was allowed to go into the lab (instead of back out to my car) where 2/3 of the chairs were roped off, everyone was masked . . . and no magazines.

So strange.

I've decided that I need a djembe (small African drum) because why not??  I'm starting to realize that it's going to be a long time before I can go take an exercise class, or sit on the porch at the Museum farm with my friend and spin, or anything of that ilk.  And I want to do more than sit around the house and mope.  I should learn something new.  Join a drumming circle.  Well--watch a drumming circle on youtube (I recently posted on FaceBook that I'm back to playing with imaginary friends)

So I contact the wife of a co-worker who is a belly dancer because I figure she might know some drummers who could advise me on a good beginner drum.  Lo and behold, she had a friend who wanted to sell hers.

In the "Before Times" this woman and I might have met at a coffee shop or equivalent and chatted for a bit.  But that was then, and this is now.  We arranged to meet in a parking lot.  We got out of our cars - both wearing masks - and violated the 6-foot distancing rule for a few seconds to exchange drum for cash, and then both back into our cars to drive off.

So now I can have one-woman drum circle.  Not exactly ideal, but it will have to do for now.