There is cautious optimism in conversations within the “pandemic bubbles” that have formed over the past several months.
With the province putting forth a roadmap for regaining some of the normal lifestyle of our province and community, and with vaccine numbers rising, how could anyone not start pondering how our new future life will look.
Some in our community aren’t convinced that it is safe to pop the bubbles just yet. Others want to forge ahead, being sick and tired of the restrictions under which we have been living.
Step One of the plan started Sunday and so far, we in our household haven’t completely thrown off the bondages of health rules — bank, grocery store, meat draw, home. Repeat.
After looking at the list of things we might do, we have major decisions: what to do first is the dilemma.
We noted we (and everyone else) may now have up to 10 people inside our home, but they are to be from the same bubble of family or friends. Cleaning and cooking would be required to welcome that many people indoors but then I took heart when the recommendation was that we shoo people outdoors as much as possible.
A wiener roast to follow voluntary weed digging and lawn mowing would be the entertainment of this legal outdoor event. Dessert could be make-your-own ice cream sundaes. Or at the very least attendees could be asked to bring their own picnic lunches, with the hosts providing pop and dessert. I can count on one hand how many members in our bubble would be enthusiastic about my plans for them.
We have no prospects of being invited to graduations or anyone’s wedding so the 150 person gathering doesn’t apply to us unless the mail person provides a surprising, unexpected invitation. Good luck grads, and many happy years to brides and grooms able to gather 150 family and friends on such short notice.
I admit I have missed being able to eat in restaurants with a larger number of friends or family. Unfortunately the combinations of people we would join for a roast turkey supper is larger than the six now permitted. Seven seems to be the prevailing number in our group which means I would have to sit by myself and wave and smile at the rest of my party. I might as well just stay home. Maybe someday the number will grow to 10.
Some chatter reveals unhappiness that alcohol sales at restaurants must end at 10 p.m. and on top of that, dance floors will remain closed in Step One. That’s a good thing as some people simply should not drink and dance.
It was good news for sports teams, with them allowed to have some league games with friends and cheering Grandparents in the stand, two metres away from non-household members. A great way to spend a warm, spring evening, with ice cream after the game.
Church congregations will grow again in numbers and retail outlets will carry on as per the latest Sask. health rules.
Casinos, we understand, are in Step Two and on June 20 I will possibly venture to Casino Moose Jaw to see if I am able to maintain my Silver status or if I’ve been booted back to Bronze. But more importantly, I want to check whether my cash assets are still available or if they have been cancelled because I haven’t visited the casino in over a year —an argument might ensue if the money is gone.
Meanwhile, back in Step One, a back yard wiener roast sounds like a lot of fun for a first-time gathering of 10. That way we don’t have to leave home. Date to be determined.
Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.
