Part 4: Chapter 5

The Beach

Saturday, May 16, 2020
	Supposedly, the beaches are closed. Supposedly, California’s Governor Newsom declared this two weeks ago. Don’t actually know because, while I don’t believe the ladies in my prayer group would lie to me, I’ve once again refused to look at headlines. Instead, after my morning gals meeting, ask Steve if he’d like to go to the beach with me. He is somewhat surprised at my defiance of regulations but gung-ho regardless.
	Question: is this a sin or just my personality? Why is it that other people don’t seem to be as rebellious as myself? Beatrice, Lucy, Auntie Bev, Grammy Phillips, and our immediate neighbors seem to be obeying regulations without a problem. Maybe they hide their rebellion. Maybe they’ve forgotten what it’s like to be trapped in a house with small kids.
	Beach preparations are somewhat chaotic. You'd think we'd never gone to the beach before. Write a list of what the children must do and what they must pack, but, despite this, they decide to selectively follow their lists. It is the same for any assignments given to Steve. He decides to slather up two children in sunscreen but forgets the third. He packs his own bag but does not help any of the children with theirs. 
	Communication at this advanced stage of preparations is difficult. Do not want to boss Steve around, but we didn't who would be responsible for what, so I’m left asking what has or hasn't been done. I admit, I don't follow any sort of list either, but just drift around the house doing one task halfway after another. Crabbiness sets in. Perhaps this is a warning to respect our governing authorities and not go to the beach. 
	Ignore the signs.