Chazd's (Charles Dowdell's) News Burps

The virus thing is somewhat refreshing in a few ways. One way is that even though I have seen many different things in my life our current situation is proof that there is still novelty ahead. A year ago, this seemed only theoretically possible. And we are still figuring out what "this" is. It will be a long time before we sort out what is happening now. The technical, the social, the panic, the contrived, the realities, all to be sorted out in good time. I gather very little news. I don't need the analysis, speculation, politics or panic mongering. We have been into our food stores. The oldest item so far is some frozen chicken soup Angie made in 2014. It was interesting to figure out what we cooked and how back then. We were saving it just for today. It was delicious served in bowls I remember my Mom getting in the early 1970s. We have been spending more time in the nice chairs (we never used to use much) on the front porch as a lot more folks walk by. But mostly, it ...

We are finally all together in Atlanta. Angie did a heroic single-handed evacuation of herself and our two cats from California. Spring is sprung here in GA and we are working hard on remodeling and everything else the house needs to fight the jungle back.

I spent another week up in Maine. The virus thing really has stuff shaken up. I drove back from Maine to Georgia. for the most part traffic was lite, but some absolute mentals out there. I saw three big rig crashes and a number of information signs regarding the virus.

What Virus? Social Distancing they call it. I call it my everyday lifestyle. Even though I am not much of a germophobe, I am the one who gets up early to "beat the crowds". I am the one who often parks away from others or stands-alone. I have worked to break my herding instinct, but realizing that no man is an island. It is a gentle balance. Fear is contagious. So is courage. I choose the latter. I am also not much for taking wild risks for some sort of thrill (personal value) nor taking action that will put others at harm (moral value). In a few hours I am flying up to Maine today from Atlanta. I will take an Uber to the airport versus Marta, and eat my meal made at home in first class. I went to the "Walmarts" this AM to take advantage of a sale. I think I saw the result of panic and lack of understanding of math associated with risk taking. Some pics of the shelves in Walmart where there is supposed to be food and toilet paper. Also a pic of my shop in its "...

I have been traveling in the US and decided my blog wasn't as important as real life. Mostly, California, The Midwest, Maine and Georgia. One pic has a glimpse of a Zumwalt class navy ship. I have been restoring an antique roll top desk. I got to use many of my woodworking tools. I have realized I have vehicles spread all over the country. I need to get better organized. Happy women's day 2020!

My commute from our luxury apartment in Costa Mesa. My commute will change soon so I made the video today.

This weekend I have been reflectful of our time here in Southern California. I don't feel I live here although it has been over a year. Not sure why. I guess it is because I don't own any real estate here. California is indeed a bit like a separate country rather that one of the US states. When Kobe Bryant died last week (taking off less than a mile from our apartment and crashing in a familiar place just north of LA), it was another reminder that this is the place where the megastars live. Name almost any megastar and although they may not live here they will very commonly spend time here. I have almost forgotten what bad weather is. I walk to work everyday. I wear only a sport coat everyday. I have used an umbrella maybe once. It is common to get a small shower (or a very heavy dew) in the night and it will be dried up early in the morning. It is low humidity. Angie and I went for a short drive to Chino (inland) today. We had the top down on the freeway up to 90 mph (or so)....