Living in the time of Coronavirus...moving forward...

I went to the doctor this week. Just for a checkup. We hadn't seen each other since December 2019, and being conscientious about my health - and getting nagging phone calls from his office to come in for a checkup - I finally felt it was time to go. I like my doctor a lot. He really listens, and responds. Rare to find. 

So, we caught up, and we talked about the last year and the lockdown and our reactions to it. And I talked a bit about how depressed and frustrated JD and I have been. He was immediately concerned, so I reassured him that we were basically OK, it wasn't chronic depression that required drugs and counseling. 

And I was reminded of the times in my life when I was stymied by depression.

Slowing wining back to 'normal'...

JD & Larry

The Goddess of Wine and JD took a quick trip south to Los Olivos and Solvang. First time since December 2019. It felt good. And odd. JD's been running errands and making the occasional foray down to Ellay, but I haven't been anywhere south of San Luis Obispo.

We stopped in at Tercero for a too-short visit with the irrepressible Larry Schaffer. He's got some new and interesting wines available. And he's been keeping busy doing Zoom tastings, both public and private. Admirable. You should check them out. Chatted briefly with a young couple who were just learning about wine. Always good to see bright faces light up with those 'aha' moments. 

A new year of wining...in San Simeon...

A bucolic scene at San Simeon
(photo by Rico Mandel)

This past year has been so challenging for everyone. I am pleased and amazed to see how so many of my wine colleagues have pivoted (the latest buzz word) and adapted to the new normal. Many event planners have created online events, virtual tastings, all designed to keep their base engaged. Others, like myself, stepped back a bit, waiting to see how things would develop. I tried not to give in to depression, but there were days that my major accomplishment was getting the bed made. 

Meanwhile, vaccines were being made and distributed! Hope on the horizon! Grownups in the White House! I started feeling a bit better, and after getting my first shot of the Pfizer vaccine, began to feel that I could return to the world. Carefully.