Pools
I’ve always loved pools. In adult life, the appeal wasn’t swimming in pools; it was lounging by them and maybe diving in if it was unbearably hot. Covid-19 Summer 2020 gave me an entirely new appreciation for pools. First of all, outdoor space where you can remove masks and socially distance. Also, if it is a public pool—chlorine, chlorine, chlorine. Swimming is a great workout, even if you’re not doing formal laps. Water moves with you, resists against you; it an amazing element to be completely submerged in. Pool water ruins your skin, hair and nails, but the safety of the aquatic environment in peak summer heat wins.
My Freezer
Bless the freezer. I have been utilizing this like I never have. Initially, in March, it was my savior for preserving all groceries – I mean, meat, fruit, veggies, bread – if you store them right, they will last forever. And that means less trips to the corded with people empty with food grocery store in the midst of a pandemic. In summer, I began freezing everything.
Bike Riding
While we have City Bikes and many other bike options in Jersey City, I was always apprehensive about riding around here because of congestion and riding in the street. Somehow, even though I’m always on the Hudson River in Jersey City and Hoboken, I didn’t realize you could ride your bike along the water without ever having to enter the street. Well, almost. There are a few detours away from the water, but they’re minimal enough. Being wary of cars, especially when it’s dark, I just hop off the bike and walk it in the street for a few moments until I’m back on the PATH.
The Return of Outdoor Dining
Most people in Jersey City and New York City rely heavily on meals coming from other sources than their own cooking. For a long time during lockdown, most restaurants had shut down. When some began to open for take-out and delivery, it was such a relief. To be cooked for by anyone else is a privilege. And now that outdoor dining has opened and the weather is finally warm, we are able to sit outside, remove our masks and enjoy a meal in the company of friends and family. People really need restaurants. Beyond food (and drinks!), restaurants are intrinsic to the fabric of our social lives, especially in hyper populated urban areas like NYC and Hudson County.
