This is the reason I am still wearing a mask.

[LuckyCharms]

105. More times than I can count, and I don't know why.

The most recent situation was that I was ass deep in fallen tree limbs resulting from a snowfall. Came up behind me, got real close, and started talking to me. He must have actually had to stomp down the twigs to get that close to me. Could not hear him coming because of the saw. There was no easy way for me to quickly back up out of the way because of all of the debris that was surrounding me.

In another situation, I had earbuds in, listening to music.. Was pruning a bush, guy comes up to me that walks down the street every day. Next thing I know, he's maybe a foot and a half away from me, raising his voice, trying to get my attention.

During this latest go around, two different people came up to me to offer help. I kept trying to back up, they kept coming forward.

Relative of next door neighbor comes over. Says Hey! Haven't seen you in a long time. Kept coming toward me. I kept backing up. Finally had to put my hand up and say "Sorry, don't mean to be rude, I'm still distancing".

It literally happens every time I'm working out front. I'm pretty chatty with most people around here. Went for a long period without that happening. But now that people seem to think Covid is over, they are coming out of the woodwork.

I know it may seem improbable, but if you knew my neighborhood, you would see why it happens. And then I feel like I am being impolite by backing away.

Even during the height of the pandemic, when things were really bad, a very good friend stopped over while I was doing something on my deck. He's a close talker, affectionate guy. Got so close he could have kissed me. We both were masked, but still...