Yes, I am getting old and crotchety right along here. Being scolded for not wearing a face mask when going to the store, to protect others, nope, I won't have it!
Back in 2009 I heard the expression of "new normal" used describing something for which we had to become accustomed, and I liked it. My sister-in-law, Mona, used it and said I could as well. But, I do not like it anymore, especially not the way it is being used these days, to get us to kowtow and knuckle under to the social pressures of compliance.
Yesterday late afternoon I joined some of my neighbors who were sitting out on the sundeck enjoying a libation. The conversation turned to the pros and cons of wearing face masks and was surprised to hear one lady become downright adamant about wearing them. She wears one to protect me, she claimed, and suggested strongly that I wear one to protect her! The neighbor sitting next to me asked her how long she was going to do that, because every year it is going to be a new disease coming for us. Now that "they" know we are compliant, a face mask can become part of our every day wardrobe. I reminded the ladies that masks are worn everyday in Asia by many, primarily due to air pollution, and face coverings are mandated in many Muslim countries, ahem ahem. That amazing outburst is another reason I do not drink wine. No new normal for me!
