Living in Seattle, it is sad to see so many restaurants have shuttered their doors, because this is a foodie city. An article in the Seattle PI said that more eateries here will reopen in the spring. But problems with crime and homelessness downtown started to impact restaurant traffic in downtown Seattle way before the pandemic. So it's anyone's guess how well restaurants will fare when they are allowed to open downtown with full capacity. Surrounding area restaurants might do better.

I miss the camaraderie and ambiance of dining out. However, like so many, I've adjusted to cooking at home. And I've become quite the gourmet cook (never thought it possible!) so there is some positive out of a negative. When restaurants open up again, I might want to venture out monthly, but not weekly as I once did. Unfortunately, if others feel the way I do, that's not great news for restaurant owners. Yet, there's still take-out which seems preferable to me. It's relaxing to eat quietly at home--not that I hate all people but I don't enjoy inevitable inconsiderate behavior we're unapologetically exposed to at times in public settings. 

Another guilty pleasure that has been gone for months is going out to the movies. I love seeing films on the big screen. What I don't miss though are loud clueless people yacking it up on their cell phones, even though clear notices were posted on the screen pre-movie that politely asks folks to turn off their phones. There are those who can't resist talking through the whole movie. More than once, I've had to change seats because I simply don't want to listen to inane banter when I've paid to hear movie dialogue. 

Over the past few months, I can't count the number of films and documentaries I've enjoyed. It's pleasant to relax in my living room and not be disturbed by coughing, sneezing, or loud and irritating voices ruining the rhythm and mood of a picture. My cinematic experience has indeed changed and I'm not sure how often I'll pay to go out to a movie theater now. Yet it might be worth it to enjoy surround sound again, which is awesome, or to see a flick in 3D. I can't duplicate that at home.

As for shopping, I've never been a woman who loves to shop. I don't categorize people by gender but there is an old-fashioned stereotype of women--that they love to go clothing shopping. I'm not in that group. I am content to order anything online and pick it up or have it delivered. 

I visit people wearing a mask and socially distancing. I don't hate everyone--I just don't appreciate the stuff they do. Undeniably, there is a very positive side to socialization. I feel for young kids and college students who cannot be in class now. That's tough. For me, the pandemic has taught me to be discerning of who I spend time with and appreciate them more.