This is meant as an observation of the fast abandonment of masks, given the recent CDC recommendation changes, and not a celebration of the way things are.

The last communication from our Little League leaders has been that masks are required. This is based on the recommendations and rules at the time, but hasn't changed. The recent announcements to remove the mask mandate, since the recommendation is to allow vaccinated to be without masks, and for the not-vaccinated to continue to mask and practice social distancing, have evidently been heard as "no more masks." Specifically, the rule was that coaches always wear masks, kids in dugouts wear masks, and kids in the field could choose, as baseball largely has separation and is played outdoors. Until the game today, all of the kids and coaches had been wearing masks, pretty much all of the time.

We've already decided to continue wearing masks, to encourage or support our kids to wear theirs, as they're not vaccinated. So my player and I had our masks on. A couple of the players on our team had masks on, too. Only one of the other coaches, on either team, had a mask visible, but it was pulled beneath the chin. Very few people in the crowds had masks on, and more sat closer to others than in previous games.

I know a large number of people have been vaccinated. Statewide, they call out "60% of the eligible" are fully vaccinated. I suspect that's more here in the city than in the outer regions, just because supply chain and compliance regularly goes that way. So even if we manage that number to say more than 80% of the eligible who might go to suburban baseball games do so because they're fully vaccinated, that should have had a smattering of masks in the crowd. Maybe we were close to that, if we go far enough more-than.

We decided to head to a restaurant for lunch, instead of dash straight home. The game was early, and ended before the lunch crowd should have piled on. We sat on the patio at a local Pizza Lucé, away from the other table of brunch people. The kids aren't yet ready to return to restaurants. We try every now and again. Takeout with a picnic at a park or return to the house is still manageable, especially if the taking out is drive-through. Sitting and waiting for food to arrive, especially when it isn't cheeseburgers, seems to be torture. This is where our next challenge will be, I'm sure.

We returned, and plan for a lazy day. Maybe I'll get to trimming and getting the lattice ready for under the deck. I have a bit of an upset stomach, though. Probably all of the processed snacks from yesterday, or maybe the rich restaurant breakfast after baseball.

Everyone's healthy.