Noticing the details in pandemic

So what’s ya pedaling?

Usually a bike. But today, a walk. Stay close. But keep a distance. The sun is shining, birds are blooming, flowers chirping, rivers burbling, woods beckoning. Yes, we are in Norwalk and ....

And?

And I’m thinking I miss a lot when on my bike or in my car.

Like?

Like .... these signs outside so many peoples’ houses thanking and celebrating the brave hard-working health care workers, first responders, grocery store employees, truck drivers, mail deliverers, etc. who make it possible for us to be out walking like this.

You’re losing me.

No. We’re still in Norwalk. Again, stay close. But keep a distance. Did you see that Op-Ed by Michael J. Sandel in The New York Times (“Are we all in this together?” April 13) in which he wrote that the coronavirus pandemic has suddenly forced us to reconsider what social and economic roles matter most?

Do you know where you are going?

Yes. And then he pointed out that any of the essential workers during this crisis are performing jobs that do not require college degrees; they are truckers, warehouse workers, delivery workers, police officers, firefighters, utility maintenance workers, sanitation workers, supermarket cashiers, stock clerks, nurse assistants, hospital orderlies and home care providers.

So.

So I wonder how much they are being paid.

Where are we?

Flax Hill Road. Take a look at that church. The Church of God at 463 Flax Hill Road. That’s what the sign out front says. Never even knew it was there. And now we are at 328 Flax Hill Road. Fodor Farms. Built in 1802.

Whoops. Watch out! Time to wave and cross. So many people just like us out walking or biking and taking in the sights and…

Hey where are we now?

Still Norwalk. But I’m not sure exactly where. Sorry about that. Too often my eyes are open but I don’t notice where I am. Now on these walks I am noticing more.

Such as?

Such as the woods and rivers and stone walls and beaches (now empty of people) and harbor views and privately owned creatively landscaped properties. Makes me appreciate how spectacular is the New England countryside where I live.

Yep, these walks are opening up my eyes.

Figuratively speaking.