normal and expected

 September has arrived. Since the start of this Covid stuff, that was March, it hasn't really seemed like seasons have come and gone at all. At least it hasn't seemed that way to me. Spring arrived on schedule but I didn't really take notice, summer too without fanfare or fuss. And now September has arrived with the talk of school. But this talk of school is different from every other year. There is no excitement in the air, only questions and apprehension. The small children are surely confused and the older ones reacting in many different ways. I can't presume to know the mind of a teenager but I do know they will grasp onto anything. I expect their reaction will be based upon their peer group, more specifically the little clique they belong to. I'm certain that hasn't changed much since the days I was in high school. It's my thinking those groups are sharply divided these days, more so than in mine. It seems the whole country has adopted that attitude, you are either for "it" or "against" it whatever "it" is at the moment. This will continue until after the election in November. Even then, I fear no matter the outcome, that will only worsen. Something will have to happen to bring all this to a head and I can't imagine what that will be. Truth be told, I don't want to think about that. 

 Things are slowly opening up here in Maryland. The governor is issuing his recommendations and easing restrictions. In Greensboro where I live we haven't really felt as much an impact as other, larger areas may have. That's the beauty of living in a rural area, there aren't many political divisions. It's only the newcomers that may hold opposing views. They are outnumbered and for the most part ignored. That is especially true when your area is not dependent upon "tourists" or "outsiders" to drive your economy. The farmers are still farming, the chicken farmers are still raising chickens, and the watermen are working the waters. Covid hasn't really effected much of that activity. That activity is the base here. Lots of conservatives here, a majority in fact. In the last five Presidential election Caroline has voted Republican. The actual figures are about 67% Republicans, 28% Democrats, and 5% independent. That is slowly changing however with more people moving to the "country" and commuting to their office jobs. Not unexpected. 

 The new normal. It's a term we hear used a lot these days. The new normal is really just compliance. It is what we adopt, or accept depending upon your point of view, as an expectation. I'm old enough to remember when people smoking cigarettes in the grocery store was normal, it was to be expected. That certainly isn't normal behavior today and would be met with quite the reaction should you try it.  Will mask wearing become the new normal in America? Perhaps in the big cities it will but, not in rural America, not anytime soon anyway. What concerns me more is the acceptance of violent protests. Many of our" officials" are hesitating to take decisive action to curb this. In fact, some appear to actually encourage this behavior! Is that to become expected, a normal reaction? It will be, if it is allowed to continue. 

 This is Labor day weekend but it will not mark a change as in years past. I can't see where it will make a significant impact on our daily lives. It won't change mine that's for sure. As for the end of summer I don't think anyone will really notice, at least not until the leaves fall and the weather turns cold. October is generally considered the beginning of the seasonal flu season. That will certainly be met with a mixed bag this year. Another normal may be getting your temperature checked before being allowed any place public. Will a vaccination card be required? Heard some talk of that possibility as well. Vaccination required before entry! Normal and expected?