Day 1: March 13th, 2020

Don't Panic

It snowed, hailed, and rained today. In the midst of everything going on, the weather seems to be an additional freakout. But, in reality, this is just an average March day. 

Most people are going nuts over covid-19. I think some of it is warranted, some of it is nonsense or worse. Please, do not get me wrong. Awareness is important and so is safety. Panic is not so helpful, on the other hand.

The president gave a speech with incorrect information about leadership direction, the pandemic, and the public's reaction. While some of the information may technically be correct, most of it was discounted by those closer to the pandemic later in the day. 

I think this will be par for the course going forward, it only worries me a little. There will probably be some mixed messages and some people not listening to the correct messages from the CDC. If most of us stay on track, all should be safe.

In general, my day went fine...

My boyfriend bought some fairly normal groceries, but a little more than usual so we could stay away from the crowds or have a couple back up meals. There was no tofu left in the store, but we managed. We were out of toilet paper and luckily only our toilet paper was left on the shelf, the recycled kind. 

The late night talk shows had no audience last night. Most of the guests did not show up either. It was very odd. I know we will get through this, but how? Netflix, and Steam, that's how.

Thanks to the late Douglas Adams for our new ubiquitous motto. So many are using the tag line; Don't panic. It makes me laugh.

Ground Breaking - A Short Salem Story

This was written in honor of the NEW ground breaking at Riverfront Park, for the Minto-Brown Island Bridge - I give you this first hand (slightly satirical, but true) account from viewpoint of an 8th grader of the Riverfront Park ground breaking.

Judson Middle School Concert Band, Director Shira Fadeley

It was Spring of 1994, and our middle school band was asked to play for the most important event many of us had played in our lives, up to that point -- the 1st Salem Riverfront Park ground breaking ceremony*. Now it seems adorable how excited we were, but at the time it was historic; monumental even.

Sitting in the low brass section of the Judson Middle School band, for such a central community ground-breaking ceremony, was very exciting for 13-year-old me. I remember everyone was trying to be on their best behavior. But, you know how it is with overly excited middle-schoolers. We needed a reminder every 30 seconds to settle down. What can I say? We didn't get out much? :-)

The highlight of everyone's conversation was the Boise Cascade donated acid ball. What was it going to be? Many had heard it would be an art project, and talked about how exciting that would be. Most of my band mates were a little concerned with the term "acid ball". I mean, acid + ball = what-unknown-horrors? Of course some of that confusion was cleared up on the carpool ride home by my Dad, but it caused quite a bit of controversy among us very P.C. '90s era kids.

At the moment of ground-breaking, it became too hard to keep the excitement in. This was happening, an historic moment. (Remember, thirteen years old.) So, I did what any dorky 8th grader with too big an imagination would do. I unscrewed the bell of my trombone, and waited for the precise moment of action. When the mayor struck ground with his shovel, my trombone bell also struck earth. Yes, Mom and Dad, I used my old Yamaha student model trombone as a shovel... briefly.

Me, center, playing with the Judson Concert Band at the ground-breaking ceremony, 1994

In my defense, I thought the whole act would be symbolic and "stuff". At least I had fun! Plus, it didn't do any damage, nor did anyone notice. It did make the trombone bell quite dusty. To whomever owns that little trombone now, you own a piece of Salem history.


*NOTES There was another dedication ceremony in 1996... Yeah, we felt a little less important after that, but still, it was very nice to be invited to play at such an important city event at such young ages. Thank you.