the same, but not

I'm doing pretty much the same things I do on the Cape, but there have been a few subtle changes.

Coffee

In the past, M and I would meet most mornings at The Daily Brew. But she is more careful than I am, and I am more careful than most. M wouldn't consider going inside to pick up coffee now, even if we planned to drink it outside, as a safer alternative exists — making coffee at home.

Hanging at the beach

Actually, the biggest change is that people are more aware of sitting at a distance from others. This is actually nice, regardless of COVID. And because it's so late in the season — later than I am typically here — the beach is less crowded anyway. 

Meals with friends and family

This has changed the most. 

The other night, Zelia, my mom and I all have dinner at my sister Jean's house — as good as any top restaurant. We eat outside, which is great. Inside dining isn't even a consideration. 

And tonight, M and I are supposed to have dinner at an outdoor restaurant. But it rains, so we cancel and eat separately. 

I pick up soup and salad at Crabapple's, and am surprised to see a 10% add-on for COVID.

My mom's cat

Ellie is one big cat. And now an odd-looking one. Her hair got so matted that the only solution was to shave her. Poor kitty. Now she looks like a lion, as her face, tail and legs remain as before.

The Cape is really not much different from NY. People all wear masks in stores. Caution exists for food delivery or pick up. Here, call ahead, pay ahead, wait outside, and the food is delivered to your car. And conversations often include politics and COVID. 

Even still, because people drive more than walk, and the streets aren't crowded, the constant reminder of this ugly, dangerous virus feels more like a whisper than a shout.

Maybe that's what makes it so peaceful here. Oh, and then there's the ocean.