By Neil Armstrong
As many of us heed all of the advice from municipal,
provincial and federal public health departments, ministers of health,
premiers, mayors, politicians, friends and family to self-isolate and to
practice social distancing in an attempt to ‘flatten the curve' (slowing the rate of infection) of the novel
coronavirus – COVID-19, some of us are drawing on things that soothe our soul –
like food, or photos of food at past social gatherings which all tell different
stories. Thinking of these as I self-isolate.
I’ve been tuned into the various reports about COVID-19 –
updates here and elsewhere in the world. There was a doctor from London,
Ontario on CBC Radio’s The Current who said he preferred the terms ‘social
cohesion’ and ‘physical distancing’ than ‘social distancing’ to describe what
is happening now. He said people are coming together though physically apart. I’ve
been reading and hearing about small acts of altruism by various people
throughout the country. Kudos to them!
I keep hearing the refrain, “We’re in this together, “ and
we certainly are, so while I’m not able to meet up with family and friends to
bond over food -- I am calling them. A friend told me that last weekend he
baked for the first time. He made a blueberry cake and its aroma drew his
neighbor across the hall to knock on his door to ask for a slice. Another
friend has decided to eat more salads with a new salad dressing and is working
out at home.
Since so many events have been postponed or cancelled, I
have been reading and writing more. You should all try to read the final report
of the Peel District School Board Review by Shawn Richard, Suzanne Herbert and
Ena that is available on the websites of the Ministry of Education http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/new/review-peel-district-school-board-report-en.pdf,
and Peel District School Board. You can also read the ministerial directions to
the Board from Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education at http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/new/minister-directions-pdsb-review.pdf.
I’ve also been
calling up friends who are owners of businesses in the food industry to find
out how they are doing. As someone who enjoys walking this is a time for me to
take long walks around the park and to try not to look at my phone. To essentially,
be present in the moment, is my aim.
I am sharing photos of food, some prepared by me; others by
family and friends and thinking of all the fun moments they represent.
Be well, and stay safe as we wash our hands with soap and water
for 20 seconds often to whatever songs we choose to sing or hum, avoid touching
your face, and follow all the other necessary precautions to curb the spread of
COVID-19.
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