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A Slower Pace Pandemic takes us far from the madding crowds By DON FOWLER
Thomas Hardy took the title of his novel from a Thomas Gray poem, referring to “madding” as a state of frenzy, sort of like many of us are in these days. Most of us have lived far from that madding crowd for over four months now, and it is forcing a new mindset and lifestyle upon us. My life was a continuous adventure within a madding/frenzied crowd, beginning with my youth where I attended overcrowded schools, and joined the Boy Scouts, YMCA, 4-H, and every youth organization in sight. I ran a Boy Scout camp with over 1,000 campers a week, directed associations that required attendance at large meetings, national conventions and trade shows. I wrote travel articles that took me on group tours and cruises to every continent except Antarctica. And, for over 45 years wrote an entertainment column that took me to concerts, music festivals, restaurants, theatres and movie houses that put me smack dab in the middle of many madding crowds. In my spare time, I sat among thousands of fans on frequent trips to Providence Bruins and Pawtucket Red Sox games. And now, here I am, like many of you, social distancing, quarantining, and avoiding any gatherings of more than a few people.
Finding New Interests
Due to health issues, my wife is not physically active. She loves to read and do crossword puzzles, activities I have had little time for. I now set aside time to read and do a puzzle every day. Netflix has replaced sitting in a dark movie theatre. Dining out was always an event we enjoyed doing together and with friends. We now cook and take-out more often, and have recently turned to making reservations in advance and dining outside and inside, especially enjoying discovering new ethnic restaurants. Surveys have shown that most Rhode Islanders dine within 5 miles of their homes. With more leisure time on your hands, discover those great restaurants in Woonsocket, Westerly, Newport, and Exeter. Rhode Island has some excellent hiking trails, from Rocky Point to Ninigret to Buck Hill. You can find maps, routes, degree of difficulty, and everything you need to know online. I’ve taken to walking every street in my neighborhood, discovering that many people have turned to gardening, a great hobby that so many have wanted to take up if only they had the time. Whether it is flowers or zucchini, it is a great way to get exercise and enjoy the outdoors. Animal shelters have seen a huge increase in the adoption of dogs and cats. Current pet owners are spoiling their animals with more attention and walking than they have ever had, and everyone benefits.
Coming Soon! BRAND NEW
Memory Support Neighborhood
New & Renewed Hobbies
Robin has dusted off her pottery wheel and returned to her hobby. Scott and Sandy are making face masks for their local school and for sale. Barry has found more time to practice drumming, while others have picked up their old guitars and taken the cover off their pianos. Susan has a 1,000 piece jigsaw puzzle on her dining room table. Sandra is building doll houses. Many folks have taken up returned to hobbies from their past, such as stamp, coin, doll, post card, and other collections. Lowe’s is doing a landmark business with woodworking hobbyists and fix-ituppers. Virtual knitting and crocheting circles are becoming popular. People are becoming involved in political campaigns. Scrapbooking is back, along with writing your memoirs. People are learning a new language. A friend is going through her Christmas Card list and making a couple of calls a day to old friends and relatives. The list is endless. Just think of things you have always wanted to do, but never had the time for. And forget about the madding crowd.
We are almost ready to open our brand new, safe and secure memory support neighborhood! Boasting 22 private apartments, beautiful courtyard with walking path, cozy living room with fireplace, state-of-the-art IN2L (It’s Never Too Late) system combines touch screen computers with intuitive, picture-based software, fully-trained staff, and so much more.
Now scheduling VIP TOURS by calling 401-421-6610.
12 Old Pocasset Lane Johnston, RI 02919 401-421-6610 AnchorBayPocasset.com