Absolutely

As an old guy (77) I've come to the conclusion that a grand reset/decompression does not just happen as a result of some grand scheme, but rather it happens gradually as we slowly become accustomed to life as it has become.

Take a deep breath and keep pushing for being a better person and for helping others. If you focus only on your own happiness, you will ultimately be unhappy.

Go for it, and never quit exercising and eating right!

Boy, isn't this the truth. There is a lot of time spent looking ahead, remembering things that were bugbears in the past that you've learned from that you won't do again, being flexible, thinking ahead at least a few days so you don't end up on the road after dark with no accommodation, etc. It's not the prepaid, planned carefree vacation that a lot of people think it is. Then when things fall into place, and other nice things happen as well that you have no control over (tail winds, great weather, nice people you meet) it's pretty magical and empowering.

Best solution would be for the manufacturer to design out critical damage areas. If you contact them and tell them the problems, they might even consider doing it.

You never know till you try. If they do, and come up with solutions, everyone wins. If they do not, no loss.

Hi Andrea,
Welcome back by the way. Yes I think you're exactly right with what you said. I suppose it'll take time to find out the full effects of the pandemic and where this goes for a recovery, but right now things feel quite out of order.

The world has had a big wobble and things feel askew sometimes. Returning to the states and seeing our local grocery stores looking a little bare, and the meager produce through the roof after some bad weather in California, well, it was a little sobering. We are used to things working, if not perfectly, reasonably well. And you're right, there was a huge shock for us at food prices after being in Thailand where gorgeous fruits and vegetables were heaped high in every single market.

That waterside path on Stanley Park is so great.

Looks so shiny and new!

Welcome to Texas. Denton (snort), no less.

The trolleys at SFO were $8 and wouldn't take my credit card! A kind passenger paid for ours, and this was just to take our stuff 500 feet through customs and on to be rechecked to Portland. Super super irritating.

Thanks so much Andrea. Yes you're quite right. It's hard to say exactly how the pandemic did this kind of damage to relationships but I can see it everywhere. This trip is now far from the lockdown yet the consequences of it are felt even here

I’m really sorry. My condolences on the loss of your father and this chilly reception you got from family members. I’m so glad your wife is by your side through this. Sometimes we just have to build the life we want and you’ve spent a long time doing that. The pandemic killed not only people, but family relationships, I’m here to attest.

Well, crap.
Get well fast, take it easy now.

Hope it is no worse than mine last Jan... So mild, I only checked because my wife insisted. Nose ran a bit more than normal, cough a bit more than normal and fever that spiked at 100 degrees for 2 days. No headache, sore throat, weakness, loss of smell etc. Stupid test swab made me sneeze and nose run for a bit though.

Oh damn. Whose test is this? Here is hoping it is mild and recovery is swift.