Christmas is a-coming soon and although there are only five couples and me in residence at the Rancho at present, plans are afoot and afloat for communal gatherings.

Me, I’m trying to respectfully decline invitations while ignoring judgmental comments without cringing. I cringe. We all would prefer our friends to understand us, right, to support us unconditionally, right?

Back-story first. When the COVID pandemic hit, most of us here masked, bought disinfectants and hand sanitizers by the gallon, isolated and generally took great care when we had to be out and about.

Gradually, as we...