It was 5 years ago yesterday that the World Health Organization declared the Coronavirus to be a pandemic (click here). A few days later, Maryland Governor Hogan would issue an Executive Order closing all non-essential businesses.
Although Buzzy’s Country Store technically could have stayed open back then (and initially I tried to do so,) it was just too tough to do. For instance, some folks got pissed with me for enforcing the mandatory mask requirement. Then as the virus got worse, I ultimately decided to close the Store at the end of March (click here.)
In addition to those bad memories, recall all the other virus-related churn that we had to endure with schools being closed, waiting in line for virus tests, maintaining the 6 foot distance from one another, wearing masks, buying lots of hand sanitizer, putting up with toilet paper shortages (click here.) Concerts, sporting events, and for that matter, everything canceled. This was on the Ridge KoC sign at the time:
And above all, there was the loss of folks we knew and loved going outta here from the virus. (I still think of and feel badly about my tenant Glenn Morgan coming down with the virus and passing like he did (click here.))
But hey, it all seems like such a long time ago now doesn’t it? (It also seems like one of those bad dreams that you awaken from and ask yourself “What the heck was THAT all about?”)
How about a little music for the soul? Since I took you back five years, let’s go back another five to 2015 and check out this Howard interview/performance by Don Henley. The 4:30 mark “You’re losing all your highs and lows, ain’t it funny how the feeling goes, away?”
Then again, I always liked how he sounded on the original version (click here.)