Where are all the damn Hobbits?
I live in an enchanted village that I often compare to an idyllic Hobbit town. Today I donned my special art-filter sunglasses and strolled around observing the place I sometimes call 'the Shire'.
Lately, things have changed in the Shire. The sound of bird song seems too loud. It may be because of the lack of noise from automobiles.
There are very few people on the street... Despite the beauty of the scenery I feel like I'm in a dream. Could it be that I'm sleep walking?
Day after day, this strange dream has continued. How long has it been now? I've lost track of time, I couldn't even tell you what day this is.
Now and then I do see another human. When this happens I cross the street... or they do. Approaching someone from behind without warning is frowned upon.
The animals love the deserted streets. They have become emboldened by the lack of people, and they are now quite active during the day. Here mama is teaching her two fawns about traffic and stop signs. Look both ways before you cross the street, children... one day you may see a car.
I head down to the village square. The cobblestoned streets are silent and all the shops are closed as usual.
Across the street is my favourite local coffee shop... How I long to go inside and order a cup of coffee, but of course it is closed. It's been closed for weeks now.
Do you remember how it once was? Here you see teenagers in the square after school. Will the high school open again this year?
The playgrounds are deserted. There are no soldiers on the street. There are no police questioning the few people who are outside.
There are no airplanes in the sky. No drones flying around either. I've heard the stories from other towns. It's not like that here... it's just empty. But there is one thing...
I don't want to sound like a conspiracy theorist, but do you see that helicopter, the black one? I now see them overhead all the time.
These images are based on photographs taken by me, @keithboone.
Nice to see you out and about taking beautiful photos as always Keith! Btw, all the hobbits got covid-19 and dropped dead. Did I hear you say, black helicopters?
I of course have the Full tinfoil helmet with shades...
Reduced noise pollution feels like we have stepped back in a time machine by about 40 years, weird how suddenly everything was closed for fear of unseen enemy!
Your Shire is exceptionally homely with deer learning the rules of the road, thanks for sharing your experience, glad you are able to walk and see life during 2020!
Yes, it's very quiet around here compared to what it was before. Thanks very much, and I'm happy you enjoyed the post! :-)
The lockdown is the cause for the closed shops and silent environment
You think so? I was worried it was something bad...
Howdy sir Keith! Black helicopters. Now that's a bad sign. Hey when are you guys opening back up? Texas is opening back up tomorrow. I hope we don't get a second wave of the virus.
You can't even tell there's a lockdown going on here, town is crazy busy and bustling with traffic as heavy as ever, people everywhere.
Hey Jonboy, how are you doing? The black helicopter thing is just a joke... the chopper looked black in silhouette. That's a Navy search & rescue chopper and it's innocent enough except for the part where it can read your mind unless you're wearing a tinfoil hat!
I'll be posting about the re-opening tomorrow for @dswigles MarketFriday. The short answer is things are very slowly getting back to normal and I think the city is announcing further plans in the next day or so.
Hope you're doing well.
I bet you guys will get swarmed by tourists then! At least I hope so although I think tourists are kind of irritating and dumb but they spend alot of money!
We're doing great. We're in the country so we haven't been affected by the virus.
We'll see... our tourists mostly arrive on the Alaska cruise ships and the cruise ship industry is completely destroyed at this point. I can't imagine a worse place to be in case of an outbreak. All of a sudden you're stuck on the ship and getting turned away from every port. It would be a nightmare!
Howdy today sir Keith! I agree, I think it will dampen people's desire to go on cruises long after the virus is gone. But maybe not. People surprise me. Like going on cruises in the first place after the virus had already started.
I would expect to see hobbits too if I would be living there. You got helicopters hovering around while others got drones for the same reason.
Thank you, I thought the black helicopters were just out to read my mind!?!
Thank you, @pixresteemer!
Amazing
Thanks so much!
You shire photos are lovely Keith. Beautiful area you live in.
It seems the whole world has stopped spinning and we must take a deep breath and take stock in the silence.
I will be so happy when this pandemic is over and I think I will have a new appreciation just being able to go to a coffee shop.
Stay safe and sane my friend.
Yes, I'll be glad to see any return to normal life. We're staying safe here but sane? I'm not no sure... Thank you for your support :-)
Love this very creative blog @keithboone Your sentiments echo many as we get out and walk familiar paths........except they are not so familiar after all are they? Somethings missing! In fact many things are missing. Hope you find your Hobbits. Keep looking because I, for one, am enjoying your search.
Hi Trudee, something is missing for sure. It might just be whatever was left of my sanity! I'm glad you liked my post, and thanks so much for sharing! I hope you're staying safe!
Oh no! The Hobbits have stolen your sanity!!!!!! 😵 Get out your magnifying glasses and put on your Sherlock coat and GO HUNTING!
But, on second thoughts, if you continue to produce work like this.......perhaps you can take your time........as long as Cathy doesn't insist a return to 'normalcy,' 🤪
How are you holding up, Trudee? I'm beginning to struggle with it all at this point.
I'm actually doing well thanks Keith. The hardest part of these restrictions are that I can't see or hug my grandchildren, meet up with friends and family or go for drives.
We are going to experience am ease in restrictions next weekend though which include being able to picnic and go for drives within a 50km radius of home. I can't wait to get in the car and do a short day trip.
Hopefully things will get better real soon. 🌸 🌷 🌸