(no subject)

Socially distant lilacs meant going out with a bandanna in my pocket in case I needed it for a mask, walking around near home, trying to stand downwind of lilac bushes, and hoping.

I smelled a bit of lilac, and am going to try again in a couple of days: the lilac nearest my front door hasn't opened any of its buds yet, and most of the the lilacs I passed in this part of Belmont weren't yet at full bloom.

It was a good walk, on a pleasant quiet morning; in addition to the lilacs I saw a lot of violets (both purple and white) and dandelions, and some cherry trees that still have a lot of flowers.

what would I need to feel safe?

My hair salon sent out a survey this morning, describing the hygiene/safety procedures they are planning for when the salon reopens, and then asking whether I would be ready to come back, why or why not, and what I would need to feel safe.

There was no place to pick "maybe" for that first question, so I checked "no" and then explained that I might, if certain conditions were met. If (when) the city of Somerville thinks it's safe--they ordered hair salons closed before the state did, and are generally being more careful than the state government--and the MBTA is no longer asking us to make only essential trips, I'll think about it.

I also said that given the procedures as described, the main risk factor is customer behavior, because a lot of people's haircuts, including mine, wouldn't be possible with the client wearing a mask, whereas the person cutting your hair could do it with a mask. (Also that I'd need to switch to contactless payment, but they're set up for that already.)

If things have opened up somewhat in a month, I'll be going to Somerville to see my doctor in person, but I'm willing to take more risks for that than for the haircut. (Telemedicine is good, but I want her to examine my wrist in ways that require her to feel my hand and arm.)