Tuesday, March 2, 2021

Tuesday, March 2, 2021 -- Mattie died 596 weeks ago today. 

Tonight's picture was taken in March of 2007. That year we took Mattie to Florida for spring break. We found this traveler's palm and Mattie loved its fan shape. Mattie loved everything about traveling from the plane trip to experiencing new adventures. In fact I would have to say for the 7 years I raised Mattie, it was never dull, and it was wonderful to be able to see the world from his lens. Something that I will always miss. 

Quote of the day: Today's coronavirus update from Johns Hopkins. 

• Number of people diagnosed with the virus: 28,714,851
• Number of people who died from the virus: 516,346

Sunny and I go for a long walk everyday. Typically to Roosevelt Island, as I no longer feel safe walking in the city. A sad commentary for Washington, DC. Given that we are all stuck at home, the last thing I want to walk through are the many encampments surrounding us. Instead, I need to see greenery, trees, and have a moment's of peace. Even medical doctors are talking about the importance of walking during the Pandemic. Going for a walk is a good way to get exercise and it may help with feelings of anxiety or depression that can so easily arise from being socially isolated for a year. 

I have made a friend of the Island. We see each other every morning when we walk our dogs. She has two dogs and both are interested in Sunny. Any case, we got talking one day about the places we like to walk and take our dogs. She told me about a park called Prince William Forest which I never heard of before. Don't you know it, the next morning when I saw her, she handed me a pamphlet about the park! A very kind and thoughtful gesture. I have found being a dog owner, that it is much easier to strike up a conversation and connection than walking alone. In fact, I can't think of a day when walking with Sunny that someone did not stop to admire him, comment on him, or ask to pet him. The beauty of Sunny. I would have to say that walking and Sunny are two protective factors that have helped me cope with everyday Pandemic living.