Yesterday evening there was an unusual occurrence directly across from the apartment building where I live. The police were in pursuit of car driving erratically, the car was headed for a major intersection with several cars lined up at the stop sign. The driver made a right turn down the road alongside the apartment building, misjudged, drove into a power pole, cables were strewn across the road and beside the car, the driver flew from the scene. Later to be found in a neighbors house, I have been informed. Power was out for 3500 residents including the local Fire Station for the area. Several resident of the building witnessed this.
The local TV for the area (it's not a real TV station, more like a public announcement service). Reported today on the website, that there had been a 3 vehicle accident, the image of the incident was blatantly photo shopped, displaying the vehicle involved facing the wrong direction and emergency vehicles replaced with a pickup and 2 other vehicles. Lies all lies.
I was engrossed with this thread at the time, didn't notice or hear anything until the power suddenly went out, which I thought strange, the weather was clear and sunny. Several residents came out of the building, better than sitting in a dark apartment. So we all congregated around, discussing the event, not noticing social distancing, until the apartment manager came out to police and remind everyone.
I had the distinct feeling that I was in the midst of adult children, I had to shout to one of the men who walked over to the car to stay away there were live wires around the car. I had a semi conversation with another guy, who told me his Alaska cruise which he planned to go on this coming Monday had been cancelled because this psychodrama. I asked him what he thought about being on the cruise given that several cruise ships had become infected. He said yes, and proceeded to name some ships that had been stranded, The question did not seem to register, it could be because, there is no way to say this politely he was half cut. He proceeded to tell me that his back surgery had been cancelled, sat down for a minute then went inside to get a refill.
There is a brother and sister living together, he is somewhat mentally challenged and she takes care of him, he is on continuous oxygen, I advised on making alternative arrangements to ensure he was OK. She told me at the beginning of the year, he had been hospitalized in November for what at the time was called the flu, from what I can gather. He ended up in ICU, not incubated. She tells me now he just had a bad chest and does not connect the symptoms with this so called pandemic.
Another neighbor, who informed me she was 61years a few times (I got the impression she wanted me to tell her she looked young for her age) told me she was awaiting surgery for bilateral knee replacements, she is overweight and is diabetic. She talked about the 70's and proceeded to tell me all the dresses she had made.The patterns and fabric colors, and how she placed them together. She then proceeded to tell me that the virus stays in the hair and is a source of infection, I asked her where she got the information, she told me the net. I told her that was a lie, and gave the example of the regular flu, a stunned blank look came over her face. She then told me her ritual after she has been out shopping, she sprays herself with hydrogen peroxide, takes off all he clothes, washes them and takes a shower.
The husband of the apartment manager recently suffered a stroke, requiring surgery (she tells me it was due to a blocked blood vessel behind his neck). He is a brittle insulin dependent diabetic, and has a continuous blood glucose monitor. She is unable to visit, although he calls he daily at prescribed times. She informs it will be a long recovery.
This is not judgemental, it stunned and saddened me at the same time, today it still bothers me, I feel like crying inside. The horror of what is being done to an aging population that should in a normal society be enjoying there retirement and looking forward to their golden age and new adventures. All because they followed dietary guidelines, faithfully listened to the advice of trusted physicians and have taken the prescribed medication.
Surprisingly the power was back on after 2 hours, everyone dispersed back into their cells, I mean apartments,
no further communication, the hallways are empty. BC Hydro was busy for most of the day installing a new power pole.
Yesterday it was announced there will be no July 1st celebrations (Canada's Independence day, no it's not a joke). No music in the park, an evening event that usually starts around July and into August. No Ribfest in August. These events are very popular community events and highly attended. No idea when this prison sentence will end, I go out as/when I need to and just to get out into the sun. I do not wear a mask, and on the whole the vast majority of people at the moment are not wearing a mask although they are very aware about social distancing. One of the residents had her daughter shop for her at Costco, she left the package at the door and talked with the at the required distance, no hugging or kissing. I feel so angry and sad inside. I need to get out and smell some fresh air.
