There has been a gradual change of personal interaction around here since the pandemic continued so much longer than many thought it might. At the start, people kept their distance, but were still chatty. Whether familiar dog-walkers, or people never previously encountered on walks, everyone was ready to stop and talk, if only about the virus, or the weather.
This week, I noticed more people in the supermarket keeping their distance, and obeying the rules. Then out with Ollie, I could tell people were not only keeping a distance, but settling for a wave from a long way off, rather than the six-feet gap to allow a reasonable conversation. In some cases, this is to be welcomed, as there are a few walkers who like to ‘latch on’, and talk at length about things like Brexit, or house prices.
But in general, I detected a palpable sense of fear. Fear of strangers, as well as fear of people they already knew reasonably well, like me.
Walking back to the house, I refelected on why that might have happened. I conclude it might be about survival. When all this started, few people really expected to get the virus, and even less to die from it. But the stark statistics of 32,000 deaths in the UK cannot be ignored, as we see them every day on the news. The longer the virus scare continues, the more it creeps into your head that you could be number 32,001.
Other people are now potentially lethal. Especially strangers.
I loved your content,its amazing. How you put forth it so easy to understand. Beautifully written on fear of strangers .
Keep writing and inspiring us.
By the way i write too.
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Thanks very much, glad you liked it.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Welcome pete
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I think some of us have got a version of the Stockholm syndrome or maybe we are battery hens at heart. New Zealand has opened up somewhat but we cling to our homes.
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The Stockholm Syndrome.. a profound bit of analogy, Rachel. I like that. Kinda funny that we end up assigning human perspectives to an enemy to humanity that could care less who or what we are.. and either lives or dies without being aware of its existence beyond the instinct to reproduce itself on something it can feed upon. Oddly.. if it were a much higher life form, in certain circumstances, I could imagine me giving my life to it so it had a chance to live. Odd, us humans. Judgmental as hell. 🙂
I wish you well in all this.
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Yes, we anthropomorphise to the hilt. Or maybe we panda-ise? Thanks, Doug. Kia kaha.
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Thanks, Doug. If it gets a tough old bird like you, we are all lost! 🙂 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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Tweet, tweet. (not that kind of Tweets) 🙂
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Thanks, Rachel. We have learned a new way of behaving, and in some cases, new ways of working and socialising too. There may well be a societal-shift following the events of this year.
Best wishes, Pete.
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It is sad, and it’s there. People sidestep each other with wide eyes or looking down eyes. Fear.
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The only positive I can see is that families living in the same house are closer together than they have been in decades. They are learning how to be a real ‘family’ again.
Best wishes, Pete.
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That is a very big positive. Best to you, Pete.
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Here (Germany) we are the best, the officials are saying. Lol (sarcasm).
A lot of people die in nursing homes, but there is no official reporting about this.
Dont worry, we will overcome it.Michael
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Mrs Merkel does not want to go back to lockdown, I understand. Let’s hope she is correct.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Yes, lets hope. We – more our economy – cant have a second wave. We have now missed 20 years of digitisation here, and the smaller countries in Eastern Europe know very well how to benefit from the EU now. Germany will pay.
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A friend approached while we were in the parking lot at the pharmacy on Monday. I immediately put my mask on, she looked surprised. since a mask is to protect her from me, I was surprised when was surprised (a lot of surprises there). However, she, it turns out thought the mask was to protect me. I rather think a lot of confusion in what to do permeates these chance meetings, perhaps as much as the feat you felt. Warmest regards, Theo
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Masks have a lot of associations for us. Dentists, robbers, suspicious people, burglars. We have spent a lot of our lives learning to be wary of, or to fear masks. We will have to reeducate ourselves.
Best wishes, Pete.
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We need a lot of reeducation. Here, a lot of people seem to have missed the point of events of the past 130 years dealing with equality. It turns out masks are not associated with a political faction and the anti-maks folks seem to think like Trump. Yes, we have a lot of reeducation to work on. warmest regards, Theo
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Arizona has relaxed. The govenor advises all to keep their distance, but I don’t see many people wearing masks. I fear we will have a new spike.
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I hope not, for your sake. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete. x
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There is fear here in Massachusetts too, Pete. But Vermont is close so we go there to shop. They are reopening.
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I hope they take it steady, and don’t forget the virus is still around. New cases in China again, just yesterday. Stay safe, dear Lara. x
Best wishes, Pete.
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Be careful over there in Vermont. Warmest regards, Ed
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That’s not Pete, over a month ago you and Ollie sent a couple running for the hills. 🙂
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Yes we did. But after that, things calmed down a great deal. Now they have stared to get quite creepy.
Best wishes, Pete.
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I’m sorry to hear that. Best wishes Pete.
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We seem to be very luck here in Poland, less than a 1000 deaths if the numbers are to be believed and as a result most people have just carried on as normal with a mask on! There are restrictions on public gatherings, bars, cafes and restaurants but a quick pole of friends and relatives shows that most people are back at work in factories, construction and other outdoor activities. Children are still off, but family gatherings are still common and as such childcare seems to be dealt with within the family. Gosias sister is a nurse in a covid designated hospital so that put us all on edge a bit, but with only 17 cases in our county so far she has only seen a few patients.
I’m conscious it could easily get worse, but it will take a lot to panic the Polish I think 🙂
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The Poles are stoic people, and have endured a lot worse in the past. Glad to hear it’s not too bad over there, and that you are all safe and well.
Best wishes, Pete.
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A whole lot. I am part Pole.
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Thanks, Edith. Eddy is married to Gosia, a Polish lady. They live in a remote part of the country.
Best wishes, Pete.
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He’s a lucky man.
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He built a house from straw bales, and leads a self-sufficent lifestyle.
His story is on his blog. https://winkos.wordpress.com/ 🙂
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I’ve noticed people being extra cautious for several weeks now when I’m on my daily walk. When I’m walking down the sidewalk, I step out over the curb to give some extra distance. I’m the type of guy who says hi to everyone, but I don’t latch on to anyone. It does seem a bit curious to me that some people walk right past without looking my way, nodding, or greeting me back. The fear is real.
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Yes, it’s that walking past without acknowledgement that is different. I feel like a zombie! 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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Sad but true, even though most infections are transmitted from close and/or prolonged contact with an infected individual usually inside not outside.
But I guess with such a potentially serious outcome, most are erring on the side of caution (except the ones who aren’t!)
I found this article very helpful though it’s a little bit long.
https://www.erinbromage.com/post/the-risks-know-them-avoid-them
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Thanks very much for the link, Susanne. Any information is always helpful.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Although Trump would have you believe otherwise, numbers keep climbing in several states here Pete. It’s funny, usually I’m a very outgoing person, but when I bump into someone in our apartment complex, or while walking, I’m very cognizant of making sure there’s even more than 6ft between us. That’s usually because the majority of people aren’t wearing masks.
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Few mask wearers here, Kim. maybe less than 10% of the people out and about. I don’t wear one yet, as they have limited effect. But if they make them compulsory in shops, I have some handy.
Best wishes, Pete.
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The thing is, if EVERYONE wore one, they would be more effective, but good luck with that.
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the numbers in my county is still on the rise, Pete. the scare is very real. take care 🙂
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Yes, it is not that much better here.
Thanks, Wilma.
Best wishes, Pete.
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We’re still in lockdown in Scotland for the time being, which I think is right. It seems to be all confusion and mixed messages in England. Just because London has passed the peak doesn’t mean everywhere is is the same. A second wave would be utterly devastating for NHS staff to face.
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I saw that Germany is possibly considering going back into lockdown after the relaxations were disastrous. We should learn that lesson.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Our numbers in LA county (CA) are still out of control high. “Covidiots” are rampant. I shall continue to stay home and hopefully avoid them. I agree that July would be a safer time to start reopening, but with everyone suing the govenor he is backing down sooner than I feel he should.
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He should have stood his ground, and exercised his power as governor. Time to worry about the courts if everyone survives.
Best wishes, Pete.
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I wish we had that here, too. But no: flocks of tourists, no masks, no social distancing. I don’t know how things are in supermarkets as I don’t go there, but I’m afraid it’s not different. “Covidiots” everywhere.
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Germany might have to go back in lockdown, after disastrous relaxation of rules. Let’s hope everyone learns from that, but I doubt it. Keep safe, Pit.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Not that I’m totally with the German decisions, but I wouldn’t call them a “disastrous relaxation of rules”, and I haven’t heard/read og Germany going back in lockdown. Let’s hope what they do will work.
Stay safe, too,
Pit
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I was just repeating the latest news broadcast, Pit. Apparently infections spiked again immediately after the partial relaxation. I’m sure my German readers will let me know if the BBC is exaggerating. 🙂
I read since that Merkel is refusing to reimpose lockdown, so the news was rather previous.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Infections went up, as was to be expected, in a few places.
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Us old fart worry about our health constantly….so we have been stand-0offish since this began….especially when strangers try to engage us….chuq
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I have seen it get more common as the situation here became serious. As I said, it does also keep away some people I would sooner not chat to. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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In my part of the world, the fear is seen more in older generations than the young population. They had to barricade the beaches because too many were gathering there to chat and play games as though it were any other time.
What they don’t realize is that while they might not fall ill, they can take it home with them and potentially infect family members.
Canada is slowly relaxing its sanctions now. I hope and pray we don’t get hit by a second wave. So sorry for the UK’s loss of life- heartbreaking.
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Thanks, Jacquie. We have had the much-anticipated ‘relaxation’ since Monday. Traffic started getting heavier again, people are playing golf and other sports, and some families are visiting each other. I dread another wave of infection, just as bad as the first.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Residents of Beetley: On Stranger Tides.
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I don’t get that one, David. 🙂
They don’t often fly over my head!
Best wishes, Pete.
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“When a stranger waves, it’s because he brings you good tidings!” (J. Depp, secret resident of Beetley)
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Pirates of the Carribean (4th- It’s worse than a Marvel franchise! 🤣🤣 )
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That’s why I didn’t get it! Wouldn’t waste time watching that nonsense. Just sat through Mad Max Fury Road then wondered why I bothered! 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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I quite liked that, but then again I could watch Tom Hardy put his rubbish out 🙄🤣 (wasn’t as good as the original!)
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This is very interesting. I find the opposite to be true in my locale in Canada. At first I detected fear in people’s eyes. People tried not to make eye contact in fear that someone might start talking to them. Now, that things are somewhat under control and people are more comfortable with social distancing its outcome, they gladly meet your eyes and eagerly say hello while staying at a safe distance. It’s possible that the difference is because the virus took a difference course in the UK than it did in Canada. Still it is interesting to see such differences. Either way, stay safe!
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Thanks, Margie. It started slowly here, then when the death toll accelerated to 20,000+, people started to get genuinely scared.
Best wishes, Pete.
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I think a lot of it is down to where you live and how young or old you are. I’ve seen plenty of the younger ones not afraid of anything, and in busy towns you don’t have much choice about being too close to someone, I’ve seen the pictures of crowded busses and tubes today, they may be scared/worried but they are doing it anyway.
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Yes, with the announcement of a return to work, many people have no choice. Either travel in to their job, or face unemployment. I would like to have seen the regulations carried on until the end of July at the earliest.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Well so far I haven’t been called upon to go back to work so I’m staying schtum and keeping fingers crossed it won’t be for a while yet!
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Glad to hear that. But if you do, I expect you would be within your rights to insist on full PPE.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Indubitably!
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Hi Pete. Too many folks here still persist in their cavalier attitude toward COVID. Trump supporters particularly have turned wearing a mask or keeping one’s distance into a political statement. This morning I ran to a local convenience store for milk donning a mask and gloves. I was the only one so attired.. Even the young thing behand the counter had no mask. Luckily there were few in the store. We are on our own here so it is up to each of us to care for ourselves as best we can. Best from Florida.
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Good to hear you are being careful, Frank. Given that cavalier attitude of so many Americans, I had expected twice as many deaths over there by now, to be honest.
Best wishes, Pete.
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I’ve got used to people crossing the street when they see me walking towards them. If they don’t, then I tend to cross the street. If we chat, it’s always from opposite sides of the road.
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I am left wondering if social avoidance will become ‘normal’, even after this. We never know when the next virus might be arriving, after all.
Best wishes, Pete.
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I think we’ve all learned a lesson, Pete. I expect more people will be wearing face masks in shops and crowded places in the future too.
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I hope so, but history tells me different. Fingers crossed, Stevie. 🙂
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It seems to be par for the course, Pete I am seeing it here although infection rates are very low and for us here we haven’t had any new cases for nearly 3 weeks…But the wariness is still very evident and I am happy with that…Be well and stay safe 🙂
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Thanks, Carol. Better wary and alive, than chatty and dead, I agree. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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And according to the Financial Times, Covid related deaths could well be up to 50,000 (estimated by looking at the excess deaths with respect to the past)…
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Yes, the current 32,000 figure here is undoubtedly an under-estimate, Sam. Many people who died of this condition before the lockdown might well have been given ‘Pneumonia’ as a cause of death.
Best wishes, Pete.
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The sense of fear is everywhere… even to the point of some desperation… but still shy of overt “going nuts over the cliff” running in the streets. The largest impact is the wearing of the masks. We humans do a LOT of communicating with our facial features and we have been conditioned since Adam & Eve to interpret facial signs between each other as a form of self-preservation.
You might recall the popular explanation for soldiers to render military salutes between each other. When knights were covered from head to toe in armor the flipping of the helmeted visor allowed for some element of being recognized to others. It’s evolved to being a salute to acknowledge the authority of an officer status versus a those of lesser rank.
We humans are also social people and this distancing thing, especially among loved ones, is just unnerving to most of us. Over here in America, while the numbers are high across the board compared to other nations, one would be hard pressed to find an average person on the street who knows anyone who has the virus, has had the virus, or died from the virus. For much of America this entire thing is “another person’s problem”, and wondering what all the hub-bub is about… so they blame the media for being fake news alarmist.
The other impact feeding the fear, subliminal or not, is the complete lack of understanding in the progression and impact of the disease itself, the unknown as to the longer term impact on our respective societies, and the pure fear of economic upheaval, with governments everywhere being unable to focus on a plan.
So.. when you walk with Ollie and acknowledge those distant waves… everyone is becoming wary… and in a way suffering quietly. Not a happy time to be sure. We are becoming strangers behind our masks.
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Thanks for your thoughtful reply, Doug. I have yet to know anyone who has died of the virus, but I know people who have lost someone close to it. Masks have long been associated with bandits and other criminals too, so seeing so many people wearing them is disconcerting, I agree.
But they might one day become the ‘new normal’, and public preceptions will alter once again.
Best wishes, Pete.
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There is only fear here among the more educated, Pete. Most people who can go out, lots of us can’t, are taking any notice of the social distancing rules at all. This is quite to be expected, South Africans are very non-compliant that is why our road deaths and murder rates are so atrociously high. PS, I must have missed it but I didn’t know you had a book (referencing Jay’s comment above).
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I don’t have a book, Robbie. I just told Jay that he must have been writing that part of his comment about someone else.
Sorry to hear about the careless people in your country. Actions like theirs must make you even more fearful.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Pete, you are absolutely right. You never know who might be a “Carrier”, so the natural inclination is to stay away and follow the “shelter at home” guidelines, even with the economic catastrophe it caused…here in the US with less than a 1% infection rate, and a 94% recovery rate from those who are infected, we shut down and you know what ongoing battles have resulted….necessary to be socially distant, but unsettling indeed – and it does stoke fear between us
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It seems to have got more obvious this week. That might be because of the partial ‘relaxation’ of the government rules here on Monday.
Best wishes, Pete.
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I’m worried about myself, I’m beginning to enjoy being isolated so much I may never leave home again.
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Nothing wrong with that, Jaques, if it works for you! 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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I do see the fear too. Especially walking around nyc. 😦
BTW I finished your book this week. 🙂 great stuff. Review to come this weekend.
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Thanks, James. I believe part of this comment might be for someone else though. I have never written a book! 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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Somehow I hit paste at the end and didn’t realize it. Was from a prior chat message. Wow! So sorry.
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No problem at all. Who knows, I might publish a book one day. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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Sounds like a good plan.
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