2020 BINGO–THAR SHE BLOWS!

As we thankfully bid farewell to the worst and weirdest year ever, what could be more appropriate than a whale in New York harbor giving an “ahoy” to Lady Liberty? Surely this is a good omen to usher us into a new and better reality.
Less than a year ago, who could have imagined what was to come and how we would be left yearning for the most basic freedoms of being able to go outside and be with other people. As many people who could decamped to other locales (many of which are on my maps!), we left more space for wildlife to fill in. Whales in the Hudson, coyotes on Broadway and multitudes of songbirds in street trees. Rather than focusing on the many, nearly inexplicable events and restrictions we’ve been faced with this year, I’m suggesting a reminder of a silver lining or two as a more adaptive consideration.
For a while, there was less traffic, even boats, opening up more space for whales. We’ve had more time to weigh who and what are truly important to us. We’ve been given the opportunity to reach out and reconnect with old friends, without needing any excuse for doing so. Although the losses have been horrible and we’re still facing a difficult winter ahead, there is light visible at the end of the tunnel. If we can stay safe and well (and a little bit lucky), the chance to again swim freely with our pod is not too far away.
No Bingo in 2021!