We are learning (or with a sigh surrendering) to do things we used to buy or outsource. Like cleaning the house. Yesterday we talked with friends in Pune, India, where I stayed in December. I remembered the two ladies who would come in the morning, prepare lunch and dinner, clean the house and do laundry. They are no longer coming and the chores are now insourced rather than outsourced. Many middle and upper class folks around the world now have to clean bathrooms and do dishes themselves, unless their help stayed with them or they have daughters or daughters-in-law living with them. Our Indian friends have divided the chores between them, with, as one can expect, the lion’s part falling on the woman. Of course, this inconvenience is mild compared with the missing income for the millions of people who did all that work and who no longer have a job, at least for now.
I am also learning to make things that are always on back order, like paneer for our favorite Indian dish, sag paneer. Last night we made it with most of the accoutrements produced by us: the yogurt, the paneer, the lime pickle and the chapatis. Soon we will be able to add our own vegetables. It’s planting time for some varieties of beans, peas, spinach, shallots, and potatoes. The garlic I planted in November is already up. We make our own bread. Given the dearth of yeast I made a sourdough starter that is nearly ready for prime time. Axel has been brewing beer which should be ready in about a week. We produce mung bean sprouts every week. With some creative meal planning and what’s left in our pantry, we can help ourselves.
And then there is hair. The pandemic may produce a resurgence of women with long hair – not styled, just long, just like the 60s. For people like me with short hair, the closing of hair salons as non-essential while gun shops stay open as essentials, reveals a male prejudice. Yesterday I ran out of patience with my locks falling in front of my eyes. I am not quite ready to entrust this task to my husband, although I some point I will have to (I am sure there are some YouTube videos on haircutting). I cut the front part, bangs and sides. That was difficult enough as I had to keep my glasses on and do everything in mirror imagine. I am pleased with the outcome, even though it’s a little uneven. We’ll see if I can manage another 6 weeks without a skilled hairdresser.
Oh those things we thought essential and that are not, and the ones we took for granted that are now essential.
Sylvia's Journal 
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