My apologies to Rachel Carson. I'm not stealing her famous book title. I am using it as a metaphor of what we're all going through right now concerning the coronavirus outbreak.

Don't you just want to scream? The silence in public places is deafening. We're used to laughter, joking and lots of talking in the shops, restaurants and other public gathering places. Social distancing and distress over this pandemic has not brought a lot of laughter and most humans are not used to isolation.

What to do about it? Family entertainment, taking nature walks (we have suggestions for both in this issue) and starting your spring cleaning come to mind.

The newspaper staff is working remotely for the time being, as are the staffs of other businesses, to do our part about social distancing, but it feels strange not being in the office and not being there to greet our customers and friends. Let's hope and pray that this "plague" gets over as soon as possible.

Thursday, March 19 is the first day of spring. If the weather is right, get out and look for signs of the new season in nature. And if you feel like it, scream your head off.

Be safe, wash your hands, and enjoy life the best you can right now.