Are we there yet? Summer 2022 edition

I think we’re there, but am afraid to get my hopes up.

I had another quick trip to D.C. in April to take headshots for one of my corporate photography clients. I had previously been last October. What a difference six months makes!

In the fall, the streets were sparse. I walked 30 minutes to get dinner at one of my favorite restaurants. There were others there, but seating was spread out. Signs were posted on many businesses saying they had limited hours due to staff shortages. There were posters urging support of local eateries to help keep them in business.

During my April trip, I took a 10-minute walk to dinner. The streets were crowded with friends walking together. Men in full suits on motorized scooters whizzed by. People were out running or walking their dogs. People didn’t jump to the other side of the sidewalk if somebody else was passing by. And the restaurant – packed. As in, there was one seat at the bar available. All the tables inside and out were full. There was laughter, and smiles and a genuine feeling of relaxation. Nobody appeared to fear for their lives from stepping into a restaurant.

My husband and I work from home. We have three kids. Most of our outings these days are to parks, birthday parties, playdates or the neighborhood pool. When we do get a date night, it’s so refreshing for many reasons. Uninterrupted conversation paired with packed restaurants gives the sense that most people have accepted Covid is just something we will have to live with.

COVID Rises Across U.S. Amid Muted Warnings and Murky Data

Our middle child just started kindergarten this month. It was so nice to go into the school without masks to meet her teacher. The idea that kids will be able to go on field trips again is so exciting and that parents will even be allowed back inside schools for lunch or volunteering.

This summer, our church held Vacation Bible School in person after running it virtually the last two years. It was amazing to see 200+ kids from various schools and churches come together. For many of them, it was a chance to make new friends face to face after two years of virtual everything.

The sunflowers are back at Dix Park!

So many signs of life returning to normal or maybe evolving into the “new normal.” I am here for it!

So: Are we there yet?