COVID -19 This is for real

How is everyone holding up? I know social distancing and self quarantining are certainly something that makes our days more difficult, but they work!

We are in the early stages of a pandemic like the world hasn't seen since the breakout of the Spanish flu in 1918. In that particular pandemic approximately 50,000,000 people died world wide largely because of soldiers going home and spreading the virus. Granted, at that time the medical knowledge was not like it is now, but there currently isn't a vaccine available yet and the virus is spreading.

Social distancing and self quarantining are excellent for "flattening the curve". The same number of people may still get sick, but it will be stretched over months instead a few weeks. Our medical system is stretched at the best of times, so having thusands get sick in a few weeks would completely engulf the system. It's up to us to try to give our front line workers a chance.

In my part of the world the schools are closed, all sporting events are cancelled, retail storesexcept grocery stores, gas pumps etc, all restaurants except for drive through or home delivery. Bank branches are closing and ones remaining open are reducing their hours.

Here's some things we can do to help our community:
     *  Keep up with social distancing
     *  Reach out to friends and family via social media to see how they are doing
     *  STOP HOARDING THE ESSENTIALS > you don't need 400 rolls of toilet paper. Think of your others in your community who can only afford to buy once a week and can't buy ahead.
     *  Everytime you can, thank the front line workers for their dedication and that the groceries, etc. for staying open so we all can survive.
     *  IF YOU FINANCIALLY CAN:
               *  go to a restaurant offering take out and leave a bigger tip than usual
               *  buy some music on-line, especially from smaller up and coming bands. Like many artists they live day to day and having the bars and other small venues close takes away a major source of income for them. If they have swag, buy a t-shirt.
               *  if you bought a ticket to a concert that has been cancelled, consider not asking for a refund.
               * buy some books on-line

Finally, if you are a young person, you can catch this too. You are not immune just because you are under thirty. So please be smart about social distancing and not going out unless you have too.

If you do catch it, you will probably will be alright. However, if you then give it to your parents or grand parents, they may not be. Be smart for them if you can't for yourself. A day hanging out with your friends is just not worth the risk. Get together virtually. That's not a difficult thing for you.

Be smart and be safe. Let's work together to mnimize the danger to us all.

Wild Lights at the Magnetic Hill Zoo

So, here is my wife and I at the Magnetic Hill Zoo in Moncton, NB. It is mid December and it is as cold as it looks, but we never miss an opportunity to go the the "Wild Lights" event put on each year during the Christmas Season.

With approximately 170,000 visitors per year, the Magnetic Hill Zoo is the largest in Atlantic Canada and the locals are justifiably proud of it. Since the 1970's it has grown from a "Game Farm", where orphaned local wild critters were looked after, to a full fledged award winning zoo.

The Magnetic Hill Zoo is spread over 40 acres in the north-west part of the city, and boasts 70 different indigenous and exotic species divided into four global zones - Americas, Africa, Asia, and Discovery. They host many seasonal events as well as educational summer camps. By the way, it is also an awesome place to just spend a sunny afternoon strolling around.

However, I'm writing specifically to tell you about one event that happens during December called "Wild Lights". It is brilliantly done, well worth the low price of admission. Dozens of volunteers spend thousands of person hours putting up lights and displays throughout the zoo. It is an amazing thing to see. As a bonus, on nicer evenings, some of the animals are out where you can see them as well. When it happens to be very cold, they stay in their nice warm habitats and laugh at those crazy two legged animals wandering around in the cold.

Of course the Siberian Tigers are usually out regardless of the temperature. They are big, beautiful kitties and I'm always thankful for the two tall chain link fences between them and me!

Part way around there is a coffee / hot chocolate station and a couple of large bonfires run by volunteers to help you warm up. When you leave the gift shop is open as well.

It takes about 1 1/2 to 2 hours to walk around and admire the sights. Since it is dark by 5:00 in December, this is definitely an event the younger children can take in as well. Just make sure everyone dresses for the weather. Remember there is no bad weather - just bad clothing! Get out there and take it all in.

Here are just a few of the many displays that have been set up. The blue globe is new this year. They continue to add to their displays so it's a great excuse for you to go every year!