We’re really getting clobbered with the COVID-19 club. All year we coasted along with daily positive cases always less than a dozen, many times in the single digits. We had our fifth death in mid April then no more until August 20. In the month since then we’ve had 30 more COVID deaths and positive cases average 36 a day! Ugh. Wakana went through a mask making phase early on and now we are doing well in that arena. She made me a really nice Dr. Who mask with a hand drawn TARDIS on it.

Back in January an obscure law change allowed me, as a disabled veteran, to access the base Exchange (essentially a department store) and the Commissary (for groceries). Prices for groceries are about half of those in the rest of the island. It’s been a big help. I can even afford to drink orange juice now and I can buy fresh fruit. Unfortunately Wakana cannot go with me.

Back in the spring Wakana had to learn how to teach online. She hated it. Wakana really breaks the stereotype for Japanese. She hates computer technology and she really hated learning to use Google Classroom. There were tears and agitated language. I referred to her teaching as that time when she yells at her computer.

Now we’re in our second quarantine and she recently told me she likes online teaching. I think one reason is the headphone/microphone I gave her. But then she has gotten used to the process and is more comfortable with working online.

In our new room we have one door that opens on the driveway. The other door opens on to the backyard. In the morning they both stand open. This morning sitting at the table I heard rain falling. I looked at the back door. The clouds had darkened everything and the rain was pouring. Out the front door the sun was shining and I saw blue skies. Typical Guam weather.

My only outlet has been my writing. I am making progress on my fantasy novel. I’ve done three unusual post apocalypse short stories. I really need someone with whom I can discuss my work. I have no illusions about ever publishing these things but I’d like to get them as good as I possibly can. Any volunteers?

Gotta go. More later.