The last ferry has left the island and I’m sitting by myself in The Reality Ballpark. What the hell? How did this happen: risk management is now a buffet of choices that do not manage risk but invite it in? Estrangement from the government I am used to in the last three years, but not estrangement from family and friends. Is this the new normal? www.patcoakley.com www.thephotogardener.com

My interview with Joan, a 74-year-old widow in Rochester, NY who, unlike myself, is not a sloth or someone who enjoys sitting for hours at a time reading, clicking, snoozing and I feel 100% sure never uses her bed as her living room, dining room, and office.  But, she got through quarantine in her own determined way and taught me a few things. One of them?  When in doubt, drive around.  

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Meet Steph. She was born and lived in US until a year and half ago but now lives in Stellenbosch, South Africa with her husband and five kids while he completes his graduate studies at the University there. She describes what “quarantine” has meant and if you think the US rules were strict, listen to Steph. I spent most of the time listening and going, “Really?”. www.patcoakley.com www.thephotogardener.com

Meet Alice. A First Grade Teacher in a Catholic School in Washington, DC during COVID19. After listening, you may agree that Teachers, Students and Parents are some unsung heroes of this pandemic. www.patcoakley..com