Just past noon, the Arch News blast came out – the University of Georgia, and all University System of Georgia schools, would not shut down. There was a palpable outcry of angst in the building.

Twenty minutes later, the first death from the coronavirus in the state was announced. Two hours after that, the governor said all institutions could proceed as they felt prudent.

And by 4 p.m., we knew the students weren’t coming back after spring break. A two week suspension of instruction, prepare to move all services online.

Whiplash is the other pair of four-letter syllables I thought of.

The rain this year has been unbelievable – we should be around eight inches for the year, we’re over 20. Everything is supersaturated.

The campus seems desolate during break.

At first, it looked like a little pruning of the old oak trees around Tate Plaza. Later in the day, it was clear – they were going to be toppled, rotting from inside crews took advantage of the empty plaza during spring break.

It’s March 8 and the blueberry shubs are starting to bud. This isn’t normal.

Arriving at sunset for dinner with friends paid off in nice light – even a Cub Cadet looks good in golden light. (Says the guy who has a John Deere.)

On a quiet Friday afternoon just before break, I found a family wandering around the first floor. They’d done the university tour, but he was interested in Grady. The nickel tour is probably overpriced, but they were able to see the Newsource studio, even if the little brother wasn’t too impressed.