During these Covid days, I am often reminded of Manny the hippie, who became ephemerally famous on David Letterman’s show a couple of decades ago. Dave found him on the streets of San Francisco, thought that the fellow had a carefree, TV-worthy personality and featured him on the Late Show during Letterman’s San Francisco stint at that time. Manny would rate anything shown to him and his ratings, if positive, were “dank”, “diggity”, or “double diggity”, in increasing order of appreciation. Negatives were met with a flat “schwag” along with a thumbs down. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uvCLA7ekO4).
Watching people’s behavior during Covid, I find myself doing a mental Manny. Like someone said, human stupidity seems to travel faster than the virus does.
Schwag worthy:
Crowding me. Like the guy who reached into the bin of okra I was picking from even though he had a separate bin he could pic from. Dangerous Schwag!
Driving solo in your own car with your mask on. Really? Riding your bike on an open trail is similarly, Conservative Schwag! Not a big deal - no harm caused.
On nature walks - not responding when I wish you a good day/morning - double Schwag!
Grocery stores increasing prices - what the schwag?
Much has been said about the run on TP and baking goods. I had an interesting experience earlier this spring - the increase in prices on kitchen garden plants. That too at Home Depot! I doubt we’ll get the number of tomatoes from the plants we bought to make it worth the $ paid!!
Dank and Diggity worthy:
Keeping 6’ away in public places - stores and such. Stores are making such a commendable effort to allow us to space ourselves. Do your part!
Try a bit harder to be nice to people in these stressful times. Making eye contact and an acknowledging nod makes us all feel like we are in this together!
If you are really worried about catching the virus even from your prudent and cautious friends, staying away from them is infinitely preferable to visiting them and making them uncomfortable with your paranoid presence.
When I filter through it all, applying good old common sense is what it takes. I’d like to hear your thoughts and experiences. Add to the lists above. Write me a note and let me know!
Be well. Stay safe!