Team Wilson: COVID-19 field report

At least five stories above Boren Street on Seattle's Capitol Hill, a lone welder observes social distancing.

PUYALLUP, WA--"My son got sick on Feb 15. 
I got sick Feb 19. My wife, my other son, Grandma,
 and a bunch of kids and dads that went to Boy Scout camp 
that weekend all got it too."

The good news is -- that was the most alarming report I received from members of Team Wilson as a result of a survey I sent out in mid-March. We all were doing remarkably well. But that was six weeks ago, and I wouldn't mind hearing back on how people are doing since then. 

The responses provide a colorful snapshot of Team Wilson members who appear to have been incredibly fortunate--at least at the time that they responded. Almost one out six of the individuals who have followed the Wilson Chronicles  responded to the survey. Team Wilson includes just over 220 individuals, a good share of whom purchased unpopable One World Futbols to give to disadvantaged populations in refugee camps and impoverished communities. We are an eclectic, interesting and somewhat adventurous group, and every report was a testament that we are all in this together.

What follows are photos from pandemic Ground Zero (Seattle) and comments from Team Wilson members. And if you make it through all that, there's a singalong at the end. (I regret that I was not able to include all responses, but I am grateful for all who sent comments.)

First, the survey followed by comments and photos:

There are two individuals who consistenly responded "no" to most questions. One is in Uganda, and the other in Zambia. I became acquainted with them while arranging to deliver 40  One World Futbols to the Dzaleka refugee camp in Malawi, and another 10 to a school in Uganda through a Seattle intermediary.We can only hope for the best for them, as the pandemic makes its way to their countries.

What follows are photographs of Seattle shutdown art, produced on the plywood that covered many business windows in one Seattle neighborhood, interspersed with commentary from Team Wilson members. Perhaps you will find something of value in this material.

Love,

Robert

Mural over the boarded-up window on a Capitol Hill eatery.

The rest of the story from Puyallup

This is told by a man in his 40's who attended school with my son:

These sure are interesting time we are living through. We are good for the most part. my wife and I have been working from home for two weeks and the kids have been out of school for a week. We are getting used to our “new normal” for however long that might be.

Our symptoms were slight fever, bad cough, fatigue and we just felt awful for about three days. I got worse and went to urgent care Feb. 23. They gave me prednisone and albuterol and sent me home. I went about a week and a half, working the whole time, coughing and just not getting better. 

I went back to urgent care March 11. just before the appointment I coughed hard and broke a rib. They gave me antibiotics and more prednisone. They said I just pulled a muscle in my rib. The next day I went to my regular doc and found out it was fractured but barely displaced. This week the lung tightness came back so I went back yet again. Got different antibiotics, yet more prednisone and more albuterol. Three days in now and it’s been up and down. Today is up.

The amazing thing is the differences of the doctors offices over the course of three weeks . . . The first time was “have you been to China? No? OK you don’t need a mask.” This last time was “here is a mask and we are wearing gowns, face shields and masks.”

The point of this is to say that I had a lot of symptoms but it was early and before they were worried about it. Also it could have been flu or a cold or anything but it also could have been COVID-19. We may never know.

From Bainbridge Island

This report comes from a friend who makes interest-free loans to Cambodian fishing villages. I traveled with him to distribute 20 One World Futbols to 10 villages.

Thanks for checking in on our well-being in the face of this crisis.  Everything is fine here.  My wife has been developing a good understanding of the virus with her background in bio-engineering and veterinary medicine and we are taking every precaution against spreading and contracting it.  

Although close to the epicenter, we are aware of only three or four cases confirmed. Two, both over 70, have recovered.  The Island seems to have stepped up to the plate in minimizing contact.  It is eerie with empty streets and stores.  But most seem intent upon following the guidelines judiciously.

I had to edit these photos before I realized that the graphic was a celebration of life and lungs.

Yikes! I'm 80! And a realtor's story.

When asked whether they were 60, a two individuals responded with surprise that they were actually 80, one emphasizing that she was avoiding "young" people. (Most of those on Team Wilson just aren't that young any more.) Here's a report from a long-time friend who is a ballroom dancer and Seattle-area realtor:

Thank God for friends.  I have a list of about 10 people who will help me.  Since My husband is in a wheelchair 24/7 and is unable to stand on his own, I have different friends stay with him while I do errands or just get to my book work.  I am still active in real estate sales and listings because old clients always need help... I manage 11 properties and the accompanying book work.  Life is good.  The sun is shining and my husband is taking a nap.

This window mural at the Lost Lake Cafe suggests a good relaxing soak in the tub.

A report on Jerusalem

A Tacoma friend reports:

I do not know anyone who has tested positive for the virus, but both my granddaughters are in quarantine currently.....one in Jerusalem, age 24. She is a teacher who was exposed by a student and she is now halfway through her 14-day quarantine and is fine. The other one is a 31-year-old, a veterinary assistant in Oregon, doing fine and several days through the quarantine.

 Scent of a woman

OK, so I know I'm supposed to stay six feet away from people, and that when they sneeze, the droplets can fly for 30 feet. But when I walked up the hill from the waterfront the other day I spied a women with two toddlers on the other side of the street. And suddenly I got a whiff of her perfume. What the hell does THAT signify?

The Medic's tale

Here's a report from a medic with an ambulance company: (This person contributed a large amount of sports clothing that ended up in the Dzaleka refugee camp in Malawi.)

We will be starting drive-through COVID-19 testing Saturday. Finally, we have test kits

The lady in the room next door to my aunt in the assisted care facility died of COVID-19 yesterday morning.  My cousins and their kids all visited my aunt at that Richland facility several times last week. Some tension in the family currently. Not knowing is extremely concerning.

 The ambulance company would like me to work every day even though I keep reminding them that I am in the age group recommended to shelter in place plus I am just helping for fun as the pay is a joke considering the level of responsibility.  Their comment: I didn't get this old by being careless or stupid so please come in and help.  

 I find it very interesting that places like North Carolina had the drive-through clinics way before us even though we are the hotbed of the outbreak.  In all medical facilities,  level of caution is a 10.  We are required to take our temperatures and record them when we arrive at work.  We then wipe down the entire interior of our ambulance with the appropriate disinfectant at the beginning of the shift…. When we arrive at hospitals, etc, they take our temperatures before we are allowed to enter the facility.  Even though Trump tried to downplay the outbreak and referred to it as a hoax, the medical community is treating it as a true pandemic.

On a bench outside a restaurant, some thoughtful person left packets of orange juice.

A defense worker reports

This individual and I were both dance hosts on a cruise ship along the Mexican coast. His report:

 I work for a company that has defense related contracts, so we are considered essential, and remain open. We have reduced our on-site staff to about 40/50 out of a total count of about 165 in our building, restricting the presence to "hands on" staff, and rotating support staff on a necessary basis only. Off-site employees are working from home. 

Several people, who are "hands on" who are at possible risk to become ill and succumb have decided to not come in. Interestingly, in our modern facility (we have automated heavily in some areas), we have fewer workers than support staff. A lesson here might be that we need to cross train some for the support people to do the production work that we do. The concern is that if we take a hit on the "worker bee" level, the hardship would be great.

 A bright note for my company is that the two owners are greatly concerned for all employees. They have always respected and treated us very well. Cheers to them.

My parents are 85 (mom), and 90 (dad). I, two brothers and one sister are coordinating how to care for them with minimal contact. My parents live alone, which is probably to their benefit right now. My older brother is retired, and is the "point man". He is the only one that will have any kind of direct/protected contact with my parents. 

The rest of us are going to support by preparing meals in our homes, and obtaining supplies, for the point man to deliver to my parents. We can also, of course, leave supplies on the steps of my parents home for them if we have to. It's interesting to plan on how what I drop off is going to be contaminant free. I plan on using a mask and gloves for the supplies I prepare to ensure the absolute minimal risk. I have today's dinner duty.

Mural over the window of a shuttered restaurant expresses optimism.

Mountain Rescue:

 Some of you may remember that several years ago, Wilson was lost on Mount Adams, and a young couple rescued and carried the unpopable to the summit. Here is their story:

 I am so glad to hear that you are getting through this crazy time We are still here in (city name).  He  has been continuing to work regular hours at the police department.  The  department has been developing a number of strategies to deal with the current times.  

I have still been going into work at the prosecutor’s office, but have been working from home as well.  My office has not developed plans of how to continue operations should several, or any of us who have been in close contact, become ill.  

We had at least five people from my office out, on Friday, with symptoms consistent with COVID19.  However, it has been made clear at this point that if you are not a healthcare worker or in a hospital or an at risk group, even if you are experiencing symptoms, you will not been tested or in other words you will not be diagnosed.  This is to conserve resources which makes sense, but it makes the numbers that they flash on the news rather useless if they are woefully inaccurate due to a lack of tests.  It leaves us scratching our heads and wondering how many times higher the real number is..? 2x, 10x, 20x?   

I have also been bingeing on vitamin C when I can, but find mine in the form of oranges and kiwi.  Like you said, I don’t think that it will help to fight the disease, but it will keep our immune systems in good shape should we end up with it.  

I am so glad that you reached out to everyone on Team Wilson.  Should you ever need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.  We are forever in your service, whether it is packing a soccer ball to the top of a mountain, or answering your questions.  

Isolation in Argentina

I met this team member during a visit to the One World Play Project in Berkeley, CA. At this writing, she had been working on a movie just before the pandemic hit.

We're all navigating the same storm these days. Aside from some stomach problems that started yesterday, I'm doing fine.  We're in a mandatory national-level quarantine until April 1. I have a feeling my stomach issues are anxiety-induced. Concern for loved ones and our global community, my current work / projects. I started a crowdfunding campaign on March 8 for a short film  I'm directing and producing on a female mountain guide in Nepal.  Like everyone,  wondering when and how we'll come out of this pandemic weighs on me.

Unfortunately, with Argentina's quarantine, I can't even go down to the beach to put my feet in the water, which I'd adopted as a new habit last week. I do have a spectacular view where I live of the lake and mountains as well as a garden to sit outside in, but man, it's so tough to have so much freedom taken away. My neighbors and I are also without internet right now at our small apartment building, so that really blows. Talk about timing.

Is this how it feels to be sequestered at home? Maybe it's time to curl up with a cup of Joe.

Suggestions

Many of the respondents suggested that this was a time to think of and be kind to others, even your pets.

Queen Anne Hill.1: Teach your dog to say “ I love you” in her sleep and to blink and wink when you do.

Queen Ann Hill.2: Stay cloistered until we hear the all clear signal.   

South King County: Be a light, the way in which we are guided to do so.  Check in on those we love. Protect the most vulnerable. No one can help everyone, but everyone can help someone.  An abundance of love, light, peace, and good health, to all.

From Omaha, NE: Be patient. Be kind. Think of others first but be kind to yourself. Watch a funny movie or TV shows and remember to laugh. Call friends and relatives. Skype or FaceTime if you can. Send cards and letters too.

Enumclaw, WA: Catch up on projects that don't take you among young people.

Sex and the city

Here's what my favorite pet sitter had to say:

She is fairly confident about part of her income. Her own business has taken a hit, but she has social security and also a renter which has a “pretty secure job.. . .he sells wholesale –get ready for this—sex toys, and he will probably enjoy an increased demand as people shelter in place.”

She adds that she is “76, with an underlying autoimmune condition, so I’ve taken social distancing seriously I wash my hands many times a day, wash and sterilize counters, digital panels, phones, remote, computer, light switches, door handles and locks, car surfaces inside and out, bathroom fixtures, tools, wallet, credit cards, keys and key fobs, packages that are delivered. Who knew how many surfaces could harbor these little fiends?"

A sentimental memory -- sort of

I would be remiss if I didn't post a photo of Linda's Tavern on Capitol Hill, Seattle. It's where my son and his wife were married lo these many years ago. It's not quite as it was, though:

It no longer looks like Las Vegas' Little White Chapel Tunnel of Love . . .

. . . but then, Linda's Tavern never did, and it sure as hell doesn't now. Oh well, this is where they tied the knot.

 Some more photos before the singalong:

E.T. says "wash your hands!"

Define "soon"

And now, for the singalong.

Riding on a metro bus after midnight through dark Seattle streets a half century ago, a close friend, Marian Abbott, was inspired to write this song. Today it seems to apropo. The first line is a link that will take you to her voice, singing a Capella.

Love again,
Robert

CITY SONG
The night is cold, the streets are bare
the city stands with no-one there
I walk along past darkened shops
my thoughts are heavy with the night

Tonight I thought of life and loss
I could not sleep and left my house
the city called meso I came
to walk the city in the night

The neon sheds a purple glow
there's no-one here to watch the show
of withered papers on the street
it feels like puppets in the night

This building feels its people gone
it stands here waiting for the dawn
and lonely I can sympathize
I am a city in the night.

Final cut: the jungle, and other Puerto Rican art

El Yunque: Puerto Rico's crown jewel  and the only tropical rain forest in U.S. forest system

What is the sound of one leaf dying?

It is the thud you hear behind you in the unworldly quiet of the El Yunque rain forest, Puerto Rico's crown jewel. A rain forest, and yet some large falling leaves are desiccated and curled inward, providing the least air resistance as gravity tugs them loose and they plummet to the forest floor, giving the sound of a footfall.

A downed leaf, broad enough to span the footpath, lies dead on the El Yunque trail.

There are no animals large enough to give such sound. Even the mongooses are so light on their feet

Coque & thumb

that they can move silently. In the night or after a downpour the tiny coque frog makes a croak that is enormous for its size. There is good reason for the volume --- the frog is searching for love and scaring away rivals. But the lizards make no sound, when they dart, leap (yes, Orphan Annie, there are leaping lizards!)  and peek out from under a leaf, characters in a silent movie.

There seem to be no mosquitoes. The soft buzz I could hear was of my own making; it was from the blood coursing through the vessels in my head, which create the roar of the sea when you hold the shell to your ear.  But day and night, quiet as it is, Puerto Rico's jungle is alive. It never sleeps -- it creeps. Silently. It is constantly growing somewhere.

I have seen such tiny lizards leap at least a foot from one surface to another.

Its leaves flat against a tree trunk, a vine makes a stealthy ascent, as if to avoid notice.

A man-sized leaf arches over the footpath.

As I moved along one  narrow path in the forest, a gossamer spider strand caught my forehead. Beard stubble gathered the humidity into droplets. My camera lens, cooled by the car's air conditioner, steamed up in the open air. No worry about glasses clouding as well -- cataract surgery has replaced them with 20-20 vision. I found no thorns or stinging plants and only one very large, languid bee.

At 110 miles wide, Puerto Rico is too small to afford an excuse for missing a visit to El Yunque.  It has trees that are more than 1,000 years old, a cloud forest, and 200 inches of rain a year, enough fresh water from eight watersheds to support 11 percent of the island's population.

After a deluge, the water doesn't stream down this wall like this -- it shoots out past the edge.

This pool was just a short walk from the road.

There are hummingbirds, 150 types of ferns, 225 tree species, and 70 species of orchids. Epicites clinging to the sides of trees find their nutrition in the air and rain. El Yunque has the island's best hiking, and in 2005, 10,000 acres were designated as the first tropical wilderness area of the U.S. Forest Service.

Rough Rider Teddy Roosevelt, a hero of the Spanish American War that allowed the United States to acquire Puerto Rico,  made El Yunque one of the nation's first forest preserves.

"Lush" begins to capture the sense of the density of the forest, and the roads take the visitor into its lush depths. Experience that lush vicariously through the photos that follow:

Look carefully -- you may spot the guard rail. There's a steep drop on the other side.

The tree beside this two-lane road is a major landmark.

The tree photographed above is thick, rock solid, and very tall. It is one of the Arboles Campeones ("Champion Trees), and the largest known specimen in Puerto Rico.

Flowers of the forest

What follows are the flowers and fruit to be discovered at El Yunque.

Three variety of fungi in the forest

There are 50 species of Passion Flower in the forest.

Not a parasite. It's an "epicite that clings to the tree and feeds on air and rainfall.

The colors seem surrealistic at times.

The Hiking Trail

There's an El Yunque trail that climbs about 1,000 feet from the main road passing through the park.

The jungle prepares to swallow you as you ascend the steps from the trailhead.

Bark that peels off the tree trunks can end up flattened for solid footing on muddy paths.

A rain shelter for any unexpected and sudden downpours. Some didn't survive Hurricane Maria.

Yellow Brick Road

Puerto Rico is an old island with a lot of weathering and it shows in the iron-rich soil.

Does this suggest the Yellow Brick Road?

The hydrological cycle can turn this into a yellow clay bed.

The same colors show in the stone in this waterfall.

Small wonder that El Yunque Trail is referred to as the "bath of gold" trail.

South of the El Yunque summit was steep Mount Britton, with its distinctive tower (see insert).

Hurricane Maria's devastation made  necessary  a new road and wall to the El Yunque summit. 

The concrete building at the summit looks to be able to survive another hurricane.

Lichen and a vine grace the outside of the lookout at El Yunque's summit.

Public Art

I didn't stay in San Juan, so this post won't show some of the spectacular architecture of the island's capital. With some exceptions, I'm sharing art that reflects the spirit of ordinary contemporary folk. Let's start with some of the earliest art, such as the petroglyphs below:

Those boulders are granite, so the ancient carvings took some doing. Note images in the inset.

Puerto Ricans like to express themselves, as this roadside art reveals:

That's the Puerto Rican flag  painted on that granite boulder.

Come around that narrow corner too fast and you might not notice the street monitors (see inset).

Well, why shouldn't a bridge guard railing be colorful?

A bus stop, and a mosaic saying the city of Jayuya is "blessed by God"

Why should a building face a street with a drab wall, when you can have color and action?

A ramp to a food bridge over the river.

A Dalmatian fire plug, left. Right: perhaps Jayuya's emergency phone number linked to the phone.

Who would expect a police station adorned with a flower and butterfly?

In a Ponce shop, a vejigante mask stares up from my Tilley hat.

The photo at the left is a joke. I collect hats, and I wanted an authentic Puerto Rican hat. This is as authentic as it gets: it was made of paper in China. (The Chinese started making paper thousands of years ago, so I guess that makes this hat sort of authentic.) Masks like the paper-mache vejigante mask in the photo above are created for Ponce's carnival in February. They reflect African, Native American and possibly Grecian and Roman influences.

The furniture below is neoclassical, dating to the 19th Century. It's on display in a free museum in Guayama, Casa Cautiño, which had  been the home of a sugar, cattle and coffee baron.

A church that overlooks the town square in Guayama.

Well, as Forest Gump would say, that's all I have to say about that.

Petroglyph

Travel tips:

I hope you have enjoyed the posts on Puerto Rico. I think it will be worth at least one return visit, and maybe more. It's easy to get to, the air fare is reasonable, and it's possible  to find English-speaking individuals in this heavily Latino island. If you decide to go there, be aware of these points, particularly with regard to car rentals:

• If you drive, taking a Garmin GPS  with you isn't a bad idea, because it doesn't depend on a cell tower. The agency may want to rent you one for more than the price of the car. I bought one ahead of time for my two-week stay and saved money.
• Before you leave the rental agency, identify a landmark your Garmin can recognize. I was able to confidently find my way back after Googling a BBQ restaurant near the agency.
• If you reserve a car ahead of time, ask them what the fee is for using the freeways.
• Don't depend on getting the car you requested. However, if you order a compact and get an SUV, you will likely pay the lower price -- in my case, $11 per day.
• The SUV handles mountain roads better, but mountain roads are difficult at night, and SUVs can make passing other vehicles a very tight squeeze -- not something you want to do in the dark.
• If you stay in San Juan, you might consider renting a car only for excursions out of town.
• El Yunque is a must-see. 
• I found that spending $20 for Fodor's Travel: Puerto Rico made sense. It's not long -- read it before you go.

Love,

Robert

"That's all, folks!'