Despite stringent, almost draconian, directives by the municipality, for dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, substantial sectors of the population seem to be carrying on business as usual. More worrisome still is that those seemingly oblivious to the lockdown are poorer sectors of the populace most likely to be affected by the epidemic if, or when, …
Tag: coronavirus pandemic
Music meets memories during the quarantine
Judging by the increase in Facebook postings, most pretty lame, and in the number of newspaper advice articles on how to cope with "self-isolation," the coronavirus prevention campaigns may be driving people batty.Folks complain of insomnia; being unable to focus and grieving; excessive drinking leading to domestic violence. Some couples are even talking about marital problems. Other people fear a …
Of plans, mice, men and pandemics
I subscribe to a weekly newsletter from the Center for Contemplation and Action, an ecumenical think-tank (or prayer-tank?) in Albuquerque, founded by Richard Rohr, a Franciscan priest and well-known author and celebrity in Christian circles.His daily messages focus on different meditation topics, many of which go zinging by six or more feet over my head. …
And now, let's pause for a moment of gratitude
I've been trying to write a post about the COVID-19 virus for three or four days, only to cave in and quit, under the weight of so much bad news. And who can blame me? The last news bit I read yesterday was that Chicago, our hometown, has plans to turn its huge convention center …
Continue reading And now, let's pause for a moment of gratitude
Looking for solace amid the quarantine
I've always thought—and I hope this doesn't sound sacrilegious—that one the principal functions of churches is not just to point the road to heaven or hell, or remind us of our moral failings. Rather, churches or religious spaces also provide us with both, a place to meet like-minded people, and also a quiet, private time …
San Miguel's thumping response to the Coronavirus pandemic now awaits enforcement
Pardon my cynicism, but I half expected city officials in San Miguel de Allende to remain silent or lapse into denial with respect to the Coronavirus pandemic that has shut down much of the United States and several European countries. National and international tourism is practically the town's only business, so the city is, understandably, …
Continue reading San Miguel's thumping response to the Coronavirus pandemic now awaits enforcement
Letter from Coronavirus Penitentiary
Yesterday, or the day before, we received an email from a friend in St. Petersburg, Fla., who said public alarm in the U.S. over the coronavirus pandemic is approaching the batshit-crazy level. "I don't know what to say or do." Among rank-and-file Mexicans, here in normally somnolent San Miguel, not so much. There's a general awareness …
The coronavirus epidemic: Should we lock ourselves in our homes?
Without even stepping outside the ranch, Stew and I have been pelted mercilessly with reports about the spread of the coronavirus, as lack of information and hysteria slowly push aside prudence and even common sense.The local Episcopal church has installed jugs of hand disinfectant by the doors and advised congregants to avoid any touching during …
Continue reading The coronavirus epidemic: Should we lock ourselves in our homes?
El Rancho Santa Clara 