Lemon-Aid*

Ensconced in various forms of lockdown, distancing, sheltering in place, masks and non-touching for over 12 months now.  All since mid-February 2020.

Strange and deadly world this.

Yet, we decide how to adapt, survive, then move on eh?!

Lately, it has occurred to me that certain good things have come about as a result though.  And so, a little play on the word "lemonade" to illustrate here;

Lemons - man, we have our share don't we? 

• A deadly insurrection attempt to destroy democracy inside our nation's capital building.
• Militias and racists wandering around like they own the place. (But they are only part owners right?!  They need to share like the rest of us common folks.) 
• Our unenviable position as world's leader in cultivating the incidence and death rate of coronavirus 19. 
• Politicians spinning anything and everything to acquit themselves of any responsibility for America's declining positions on world trade, international relations, promoting peace and on...and on.
• 
  Social media trolls highlighting and spreading viral lies, bots and hatred - like a world-wide edition of the National Enquirer.
• Voter suppression in a country that was once regarded as the seat of democracy.
• Decaying infrastructure that once had us a (the?) world leader in manufacturing and transportation. 
• Climate change that continues to progress rapidly with the US chief among naysayers.
• A growing income gap between the wealthy and the common man.

Yeah, there's more I'm sure but it's time to move on to the bright side.

Aid - sure we've got some!

• 2020 Nobel Prize to the World Food Programme!  Want to set the stage for the emergence of innovative, bright, humanitarian world leaders?  Make sure they are not hungry!
• Increased political involvement of the average American.  Want to right a sinking ship?  Call on the Common Man! Vote!  I know we elect politicians with a mandate to represent our best interests but all too often greed and political survival win them over post-election.  The only way to straighten some (most?) of them out is to vote.
• Togetherness:  Months and months of closeness have put new light on many (most?) relationships.  We've been successfully expanding and exploring new ways to be together through media and video conferencing like Zoom and Google Meet.
• Telemedicine:  Yes it's booming and convenient.  An online discussion with your doc followed by a prescription if needed that is electronically delivered to your preferred pharmacy and ready to pick up an hour or so later?  Pretty cool.
• Home gyms:  Many have figured out how to stay in shape with home-based exercises and equipment. (See: dumbbell inflated prices and shortages)
• Notables:
• Amanda Gorman
• A new President
• Jamie Raskin
• Stacey Abrams 
• Greta Thunberg
• Simone Biles
• (added in April, 2022) Volodymyr Zelenskyy
• Alexei Navalny