Glenn Miller and his Orchestra

Dancing around a may-pole on May 1st is a tradition in many countries, dancing to celebrate spring. We may not feel like celebrating anything these days, but I think it's important that we still dance. Music, movement, rhythm, what could be better? This morning I listened to the music of Glenn Miller and his orchestra from an album entitled, A String of Pearls. And I danced to celebrate life renewed, the coming of warmth, and the hope that springs eternal in our hearts. This music was written between 1937 -1942, before and during WWII. The music was meant to inspire love, hope, and faith that Johnny would come marching home again. We are fighting another kind of war, but our hearts are still inspired by faith, hope, and charity. We see it all around us during this CORVID-19 outbreak. But I danced today because I am grateful. I'm grateful that I can still dance. I'm grateful that I have family. I can make a cabbage soup today, I have a love bucket, and I have so much more.

I'm not forgetting those who are suffering. I cry everyday. I pray. And I understand the fear that we live with. We are living this tragedy together, and yet I've never felt so alone.  We now know that what effects people in China, Italy, Britain, Korea, Brazil, India, and anywhere else on the planet -- effects us all.   I will do what I can to protect myself, my community, my family. This stage in American history will soon belong to the past, just like Glenn Miller's music. We will look back at today and shake our heads, knowing what we have endured, knowing we did the best we could, just like those soldiers that Miller wrote his songs for.
And right now it means keeping at a distance from those I love. We are a people of love. We need each other, face to face. I don't get the same feeling from a screen. Face time doesn't let me put my hand on the head of my grandson to feel the new buzz cut his dad gave him. I love that fuzzy feeling from a newly shorn head. The summer buzz we called it.

I try to learn something new each day, it's a great way to pass the time. It's amazing what we can accomplish. I planted spinach, swiss chard, lettuce, and peas. I will do everything I can to protect the plants from rabbits, squirrels, and rodents. I'll put up fencing once the plants are above ground. I may try moth balls, and I'd use a BB gun if I had one. Last year the rabbits ate all my pole beans just as they were forming the string bean. Oh I was so mad. But I'm learning. This year I'm going to have the raised bed screened off. I'll show those buggers.
It reminds me of this terrible virus plaguing our world, we need to learn and protect ourselves. With help from our scientists, doctors, and teachers we will find safe passage through this storm. We will once again dance around the maypole and celebrate new life.
The music will play on, so get up and dance. We have to celebrate the renewal of Mother Earth. Stay safe, warm and dry.  Fair Winds.