Covid-19 changed everything. We all know that. Rodeo Houston was shut down mid-season in March 2020. Every other event was cancelled for that year and with the next brought new restrictions and safety concerns. Most of my friends became happily vaccinated in order to return to some form of normalcy. We happily wore mask to protect others. Baseball returned last year, but I still wore my mask while photographing the games. The athletes were isolated from us all and the variances continued. Many friends and family members, both young and old, still got sick and some unfortunately passed away.

Our families were able to get together again for holidays last winter, as we continued to mask up and try to stay safe. The hugs were few and far between.

Enter Spring 2022! As the weather heated up, we became more comfortable going out and meeting friends, still preferring to eat outdoors on the patio than in a crowded restaurant. I went to the movies and sat alone on my own row. It felt good again, perhaps close to normal, except for the fact I still wore a mask.

Then last week, a number of artistically-modified vehicles began to patrol the streets dispensing hope that JOY was just down the long road that had been lined with despair. Finally, the 35th Annual Houston Art Car Parade returned downtown after a two-year Covid Break There was laughter, friends and family sharing the inside jokes and experiencing the mighty awe and talents of Houston’s artistic community. Roll on!