A Dulled Daytrip

I went for a drive recently, to a region I haven't seen for, well, since the coronavirus was officially acknowledged.

It is a location treated almost like a day trip destination. Go and do some shopping (only for those things not offered in Sidney). Take the time to see places and people not in Cheyenne County. Then load up for the windshield time home.

I have to say I was disappointed. I was disappointed because the health measures in areas outside of Sidney squelch the very idea of tourism, time away, of human interaction at its most basic. It is hard to like a stop when you are looked at like a criminal for not wearing a mask.

Yes, I'm aware there is a valid health concern. Yes, I'm aware of why these proactive measures are in place. I'm also aware just by casual observation fear is the easiest way to steer human behaviour.

We are encouraged to stay home as much as possible. Some states that are imposing stronger measures, mandated state-at-home unless an essential worker, also have a clause of "but go outside and get exercise," as long as you're within 10 miles of home. You can't use a campground or state/national park, even though that is why most people go to a state park, to spend time away from people. The list of excuses is long, including everything from birdwatching to hiking or bicycling. Ultimately, it is the same; getting out where you can enjoy nature without wall-to-wall people.

Some of my recent ventures have noted the change in society, and admittedly even in myself. I walk into a restaurant, or drive by a park, and find myself quietly counting how many are in a group. No particular reason really. Maybe I want to see how many are obediently following rules and how many are passive rebels. There are nearby places where "normal" now is to be uptight and quick with the stare if a shopper is bold enough to enter the doors without a mask.

I went into a store that is literally geared toward impulse purchases. It's hard to impulse purchase when you are metaphorically standing across the street from the candy store until the store staff invite you in.

In the midst of this randomly sober of review of a recent drive, I do want to offer that these drives also remind me of how blessed we are to live where we do.

Regardless where you are on the political spectrum, Nebraska officials are more relaxed than other areas. People do walk through the parks, on the trails and even bike and run as weather allows. Locally, the communities are supporting restaurants as much as they can, even more now that limited seating is returning.

Yes, we have crowd limits. However, the upside is we can still go for walks, with one or two or three. We can be active. We can find opportunities to be as independent as possible.

As confining as the experience may have been, there are places more restricting.

We need to recognize the value of human interaction. Sometimes we need to laugh at the social distancing argument, while recognizing some people may feel the need for it. Don't laugh at them, find a reason to smile in the middle of the uncertainty.

While many of us may feel defeated, we are not down until we decide to stay down, or the last drop of energy is spent.

We don't yet have social police, hooking us up for greeting an acquaintance on the sidewalk, and let's hope that day never comes.