Day Forty. I have now reached the time equivalent of Lent.
I trimmed some of the brambles yesterday, but it started raining earlier than predicted, so my time was cut short. Don had to abort his walk, too. Then it got colder and, yes, windier, and that wind continued throughout the night. It’s better now, but still quite windy and it’s definitely colder out there. Sigh. Given the bizarre temperature changes of April, I’m not sure when I’ll go to the nursery. Maybe tomorrow. But maybe not until Monday.
Currently wrestling with gardening/puzzle back problems. I suppose it being too windy for me to work outside (pollen) is a good thing as it will give my back a rest – except for the call of the jigsaw puzzle, which I cannot ignore.
Both of us slept in today after, once again, falling asleep at 9:30. We just had our second cup of coffee together. Yay for freshly ground Peet’s coffee being delivered to our door! And for our UPS guy who delivered it. And for the USPS who delivers every day. I ordered stamps from them online a couple of weeks ago, and I’ll do it again soon. We need to support them.
I miss Paris. I miss London. I miss, surprisingly, New York City. Seeing photos of the empty streets in all of those places makes me sad. I miss getting in our car and taking a road trip. Or even the simple drive across the Hudson to my favorite bookshop. I miss browsing in antique shops. Though we rarely eat out, I miss having that option. And even though I will have the option of visiting our local nursery, I’ll miss taking my own sweet time looking at everything.
I’ve seen a lot of “count your blessings” kind of messages and memes on Facebook and Instagram. I suppose they are of the “Keep Calm and Carry On” sort, meant to buck us all up during this pandemic. I understand and we need them. Except when that kind of message is used to negate someone’s heartfelt sadness, bewilderment, confusion, etc. It’s okay to miss things. It’s also okay to say it. It’s okay to be frustrated and restless, as Don was this morning when he said he was ready for this to be over and that he missed getting on a bus and going into the city for an audition. Of course we feel these things, and we have the right to vocalize or write about them. Feeling that way doesn’t mean we aren’t capable of counting our blessings at the same time. I think the endless “But you’re so lucky, you get to stay home and read books!” of “Now you can do something creative!” responses are well meaning, but also speak to the responder’s own unease and fear.
Navigating this time is complicated. That’s an understatement. We’ve never done anything like this before. I had a somewhat bad afternoon and evening yesterday and I didn’t hold back from expressing my frustration. I let myself feel sorry for myself; Don held me and let me express my feelings, without judgment. I have perspective this morning, which I knew would be the case. So don’t fret about sharing your fears or frustration here on this blog. It’s okay.
This part of my post grew out of my conversation with my husband during that second cup of coffee this morning. It helped us. I hope it helps you.
Stay safe and stay home.
Happy Wednesday.
It is ok
Day 40 for me-my car hasn’t moved
The third load of groceries will be delivered by family outside building. This ark will open. Just know that by isolating you are helping. Wonder what the protestors think about 40,000 dead in one month?
I don’t think they’re capable of ‘thinking’ Brenda. Such a sorry lot! Stay safe!
You know frustration is human -it happens-we all miss so much-I miss holding my my Florida family bit flying my not feasible-had to cancel March flight-but you are doing quite well. You are an inspiration to others as you have more time to blog and express. Natural feeinns. Claudia Strong!!!!
Thank you, Brenda!
Well here I am so early. Shhh. It’s just after midnight in Oz and I can’t sleep. The sleeping beauty in the bed next to me has gone off to sleep, but I can’t. I don’t know how he hits the pillow and is gone…….. Shopped, as I didn’t need much, but I left home at 10.30 and didn’t get home until 4.00 as I had so much to do. Had to have my finger operated on as I had something still inside after I thought I had got the splinter all out. However, when I tried, it hurt so much. At the weekend I was in pain and knew I had to make an appointment with my doctor. I couldn’t hurt myself anymore with trying to get it out. She gave me a needle and then worked on it but found the stuff inside had rotted and broke off every time she grabbed it with tweezers. Lost a lot of blood, but couldn’t watch. Because it wasn’t all out she decided to not stitch it but use steri strips to close the wound. Did I have a time, trying to get money out of my purse and dropping things and finding it hard to start the car with my key, as my finger was numb from the needle. Then I went to the chemist for a month’s medication. You have no idea how they mucked up my order (too long to tell) and then when I went to pick it up I was not told that my new asthma medication was not available. I went home and showered and then opened the bag to find no medication. I was not happy, but thankfully they got in touch with the doctor who ordered an alternative which they delivered after tea. I’m glad you talked about feelings today as I think the last few weeks finally took their toll, and I just wanted to cry it all out.
I miss my friends, my activities and my family. I couldn’t celebrate my planned birthday earlier in April, and feel tired and exhausted. In just over a month I was meant to be flying with my husband to Hamburg and then going through beautiful parts of Germany which I love, and then seeing the Passion Play in Oberammergau- a town I love – but now I will have to wait for 2 years to do that. So thank you for allowing me to voice my disappointments and feelings.
Better times are coming and life will be different soon. The most important thing to remember is to stay safe.
I’m so sorry you had to go through that, Robyn! What a difficult and painful day for you. Take time to heal and rest and know that this will end eventually. Stay safe!
The sun is shining here, and there is talk of reaching 60+ today, so we shall see. The furnace is on in the garage where virtual school is taking place. My husband did a lesson on Earth Day for his kids for this week, and last night he got a video from a sweet little 4th grader. She said she knew he liked The Garden Song by John Denver and she had a song to sing for him….. she sang Country Roads from beginning to end for him. Dancing, a few thumbs up, and some VERY energetic vocals! At the end she whispered “I DID IT!!”. And yes, she did. I said to my husband that if she could do that, WE could do this!! It really is the little things…………………
We see the numbers going up, and see the Grand Re-Opening starting and I am beyond totally bewildered. I know we old people are certainly disposable in the minds of the young, but, I am unsure of how they think this is just going to go away. I get the idiot fighting any concept of testing, because then the truth in the numbers will come out. He and his cronies surely don’t want that. They are only interested in the bottom line of their golf courses and hotels and restaurants being opened once again. Oh, and getting back the write-off for businesses for restaurant meals. Another thing that will benefit………. guess who. Through loop holes, the big businesses have once again captured most of the dollars we were told would go to help save and assist the small businesses, so all is again right in their world. OK, my rant for the morning is complete. Thank you!!
Such a heartwarming story from your husband’s student. Bravo!
We will be plunged into a second wave because of these amoral fools. I get so angry thinking about it. How many more lives will be lost because they don’t have the moral fiber or conscience to shepherd us through this?
You may rant. I’ll join you. Stay safe, Chris.
Did anyone see the interview CNN-anchor Anderson Cooper did on TV with the mayor of Las Vegas? I felt like I wanted to throw something breakable against the wall; like he said, seems like a nice lady, but she made no sense. Can you imagine opening up casinos and hotels right now? How can you physically distance on a casino floor with gamblers at gaming tables? Everybody using a slot machine (usually side by side in a row, practically touching elbows) wears gloves? Sounds like she cares more about revenue/profit/economy than human life and virus spread in the midst of an epidemic. Willing to risk lives. She’s saying she wants to get the workers back in employment so they can feed their families. But she’s wanting to open too soon; as all the scientists and health professionals say, we’re not ready. They may get a big surprise, somebody like her, because intelligent people aren’t going to want to expose themselves (who wants this potentially-deadly virus?!); they’re gonna instead use their noggin to say that gambling and eating out in sit-down restaurants doesn’t feel safe enough right now.
I did. I mentioned it in today’s post. UNBELIEVABLE.
You are absolutely right…”navigating this time is complicated.” I am very grateful that neither I nor my family has gotten sick. But, I so miss being able to do things I used to think were just ordinary. So…I want to complain….but I’ll feel guilty if I do. As if my gratitude for not being sick. should be enough for me, to not complain. I should be satisfied that we’re not sick. That should be enough. Yes…it’s complicated.
But, I’m most upset that the small backyard wedding of my son, is getting even smaller, as the days go on. We don’t know if London son and his wife will be able to leave the UK. Will the bride’s sister be able to come from D.C.? Her other sisters are nurses who are currently taking care of Covid patients…so they and their families will probably not be attending. So we’ve gone from 21 attending to just 7. That makes me so very sad. If they postpone, what’s to say that things would be any different in the future? So, I’ll have myself a little cry..,and be thankful that none of us are sick. I guess Plan B is to do it live on the internet…however that is done, so everyone can still “attend”.
Yesterday’s main activity consisted of putting the furniture back out on the deck. No cushions yet, but they are close by. That simple thing, gives me hope. Now all that’s needed are some flowers. So, on that note, I hope everyone has the best day they are able to have! And, stay safe! ;)
I’m so sorry about your son’s wedding and how this is impacting what should be a joyous celebration with family and friends. You are allowed to cry, Donnamae. Stay safe.
Go ahead and cry!! These things are heartbreaking. And trying to plan ahead seems useless as more and more things keep getting cancelled. Did you see that Madison schools are looking at what will happen in the Fall if on-line school has to continue? It truly is mind boggling. I think of all the HS and College kids who likely won’t have a graduation ceremony and already have missed their proms. We know that, of course, these aren’t things that will change the course of history, but to a young person, these are the rites of passage they have worked towards, for so many years. And your son’s wedding that you have been planning for ….. well, seriously, just cry, kiddo!!
Going back to my high school days of marching band, marching in place w/out forward movement was called “marking time” and this is what this whole thing is starting to feel like. Thanks Claudia and others for speaking out, I too sometimes feel ashamed of my thoughts and wonder why I can’t seem to truly find some enjoyment in this “marking time” period.
But I want to wander around the local nursery at my leisure too, or a favorite antique mall, or have the option to pop into a familiar eatery for that something-something I can’t manage in my own kitchen. Are we spoiled? Indeed.
One friend has sent out what I call a “broadcast” e-mail daily for many years and she has included at the onset of this pandemic asking what one thing has made us happy for that day. She reached out to me about day-5 into it to tell me I am the only person responding. That made me sad but as I told her, this simple question has done more for me during this “marking time” period-it has made me want to be a better person.
And that, good people, is about all I know for now. Being a better person is reminding myself to dig a little deeper for patience, for the day I can hug my hubs and be hugged back with no more fear of what he might be dragging home w/ him from his job at the grocery.
Stay safe, be smart. Be thankful.
It is like marking time. We’re trying to not mark time, but there’s certainly an element of that in every day. Hang in there and stay safe.
Love your post.
Thank you, Betsy. xo
Hey, you two. You may have seen it, but for a good laugh, Google DeSantis putting on a face mask. Expect no less from an idiot . . . one who declared wrestling an essential business! On a bright note, think of all the money the clown in chief is losing at his hotels . . . and the government is saving not having to pay for Secret Service, golf carts, rooms, etc., etc., etc., for the clown’s WEEKLY vacations. Ha! Silver lining. From your friend you’ve never met.
I saw it last week. He looks like the inept fool he is. Isn’t the head of WWF part of Trump’s inner circle? Hmmmm.
Stay safe, Chris.
I get it. I think those of us who have blessings are more than aware and don’t need to be reminded to count them. I think we do every day, more than once, especially as we see video and hear of those who are far less privileged than we are. It’s like hearing when someone dies, “Well, they are out of pain now.” Or “Now they are in heaven.” Or “Well, they were awfully old and they did have quite a life.” Not helpful. Perhaps well meaning, but not helpful.
I’m not unhappy in quarantine. In fact, I’m rather good with it, for the most part. But then, I don’t work. That’s a biggie. My life is basically the same. What I do miss sorely is human touch. Since Rick and I have to keep distance, Lizzie is the only living thing I have touched in more than a month. I mean, she’s great to touch, all satiny smooth and her purr when I pet her makes me smile. But she doesn’t touch back (unless she gets feisty and you don’t want to be near her claws if she takes a swipe at you!). I miss just a hug or being held. It has been a hard week, the anniversary of my mom’s death along with knowing some who have ill family members.
The thing I miss most isn’t really any one thing in particular but the fact that I am without the control to DO something when I want. I don’t really miss shopping. I miss the fact that I can’t go if I want. I don’t miss traveling right now, I miss knowing I could if I wanted to. I’m mourning my canceled trip to England and wondering what up-north will be like this summer — or even if I should go. If I have any really solid feeling, it’s almost survivor’s guilt in that here I am missing a trip to the cottage or England or shopping when so many are struggling with very basic needs, and all the donations in the world may not help them.
I won’t feel comfortable until there is a vaccine and I don’t see myself “out there” much until that can happen. I have to be OK with that because the alternative is too significant. So, it’s just getting with the program and sticking with it. And that’s always easier said than done.
It is true. Having no control over when I leave the house or where I go is frustrating. Very little spontaneity in a lockdown.
Don and other actors are really impacted. Actors and performers will be among the last to go to work because who is going to feel safe in a theater? No one. Don has been wondering if he is now retired. He doesn’t want to be. He wants to keep working and frankly, we need him to keep working. And we worry about his agent, who may lose her business if this goes on much longer. Even though I say we’re fine, the long term effects of this in terms of career – for both of us – are very frightening.
Stay safe.
I wonder about the theatre. The U canceled its summer season (and should have) but there is still concern about the fall. What plays are written for only two or three people who never get closer than six feet apart? Or the audience who is scared to attend. We have two regional professional theatres — Purple Rose in Chelsea and Williamston Theatre and they rely on audiences to not only operate but pay their people. I really feel for Don — It has to be deeply distressing to know that the occupation you love and your role in it is so threatened because of something very real but invisible, unpredictable and deadly. I’m sad for you both.
It’s not only the actors, but more importantly, the audience. Who is going to feel comfortable sitting right next to someone? I wouldn’t. Mark my words, many theaters will go under. And Broadway? Who know when that will start up again. It will be a long time. New York theaters are old and small and the lobbies are non-existent. It’s heartbreaking.
Hi from Maryland where it feels cold. It is cold, and windy, our weather seems to so similar to yours each day. I have potatoes, onions, beans, cabbage, lettuce and beets planted in the garden and tomatoes, cotton, squash, and several annual flowers started in the glass house.
I am over the staying home, but know I must so I just try to entertain myself with cleaning, cooking, mending and making masks. My grand-daughter said she is going to keep hers as a souvenir when this is over, my husband says he is going to pitch his and hopefully all the memory of having to wear it.
I lost 2 friends on April 8th. One a high school chum and the other a gardening buddy, and neither from the virus. I miss them and don’t feel like I have had the opportunity to say good bye.
Took Sheldon, the kitty to the vet on Monday. He has pancreatitis. Poor boy has been under the weather for almost a week. The vet bill was over $300. The grand-daughter had to have an emergency wisdom tooth extraction yesterday. That was just over $400. The cost of everything seems so extravagant lately! Maybe it’s just me getting older.
So, today I have been crying, (not about the money) just sad…
Take care, this too shall pass…
Kelly, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your friends. Go ahead and cry. Loss of any kind is heartbreaking – especially in this time.
Stay safe.
I’ve stopped counting the days. I believe our lives will be disrupted for at least a year. I feel like I have come to terms with my new normal. We are fortunate to be retired and our income hasn’t been impacted. We are not as isolated as you. Hubby works a couple days a week at a gas station. Our kids work so they could expose our granddaughters who could expose us since we care for them while parents work. I go to the grocery store weekly. We try to get outside everyday the weather permits to walk or we drive by Lake Mi. We live about 1 mile from the lake and it is always a source of comfort for me, the way gardening is for you I think. I’m not much of a gardener…just pop some impatiens in a couple pots and buy a couple hanging baskets and I’m done.
Hang in there Claudia. Every day we get closer to getting life back to some sort of normal.
Thank you, Marilyn. I wish I could walk to one of the Great Lakes! I grew up spending time there – whether Michigan, Superior, Erie, or Huron. Have fun, I’m sure it’s very grounding. Stay safe.
kelly …
sorry for your loss of two friends (on one day) and then your granddaughter and cat being sick. too much! tears are understandable and hopefully a good release. hope you do something nice for yourself every day and your granddaughter and sheldon heal quickly. will add to my prayers.
stay safe and well!
kathy in iowa
I agree, Claudia. It’s perfectly ok to feel anxious and frustrated and sad and lonely and whatever else one may be feeling. And to express that. Trying to ignore those feelings or not being able to express them only leads to further frustration and loss of control. In fact, in meditation that teach you to acknowledge those feelings when they come up. Say “hello” to them and let them pass.
Like you, one of the things I really miss is being able to jump in the car with Brian and go on one of our outings or day trips. I miss going out to eat in restaurants. I miss visiting two of my local coffee shops, especially doing so with a friend. I miss my yoga class. I miss antiquing and thrifting with my mom and aunt. I miss going to the library. I miss being able to share a cup of tea and talk with my neighbor-friend down the street. I miss taking my time, shopping for plants and flowers in our local nurseries. I miss grocery shopping like it used to be (never thought I’d say that one!).
And I have to stay away from reading any more news articles today. I read too many yesterday and they were all scary and basically announcing no hope in sight from this virus…it only made me more anxious and I’m afraid of falling into depression. Brian’s back at work today and I’m cleaning and then making him some cookies (he requested Snickerdoodles) and making a pot of soup for dinner. It’s chilly and rainy on and off here today (yesterday we had the cold and high winds, so I’m sorry they went your way), so I’m hoping to take my daily walk later.
xoxo
Some soup will be comforting, Melanie. I stay away from the news. I’m doing all I can by self-isolating. The toll of all this is too much, so I do my best not to go there. Stay safe, my friend.
Thank you, Claudia, and all those whose comments I’ve read. This time is unlike anything most of us have ever dealt with in our lives. I try to count my blessings every day, but the mounting number of cases and deaths around the world make it difficult. One thing that does help me is trying to stick to some kind of routine, so that I have something in my life that I can call “normal.” Part of that is the reading of this blog every day. Claudia, you remind us that life has ups and downs. I appreciate your honesty. Take care, everyone.
Thank you, Jayne. Sticking to a routine is a good idea. It gives some structure to the day.
Stay safe!
Very, very interesting post and perspective, Claudia.
Between myself and my husband, it comes in waves. His irritability is in major gear today. At other times, he has to put up with my complaining…or, the tears from me (am now very much limiting my exposure to news headlines from what I was even doing a week ago; I get too sad with so much suffering out there [and then of course I also have fear because it seems the dire virus predictions just don’t go away]). It didn’t help that we got our soft-water tank delivery yesterday, it has to last a month, but it leaked and ‘flooded’ part of the garage (we weren’t out there to notice til like 11pm, so it had to be dealt with and my husband was tired; just wanted to go to bed!); the guy just came an hour ago to replace it.
Anyway, my husband’s patience level is a bit low in the ebb & flow. What I really think is that he needs to get in the car and go for a LONG drive; just get out. Go to one of the cities where he used to work; just look around by car (although the cops would prefer people not be out joyriding). I told him to do it for his mental health; just leave me home (I currently have some medical stuff going on where it’s difficult for me to be away from home on a longer drive, even if we didn’t have a epidemic). In pre-Covid life, we often did things separately as much as together. He has a whole group of work friends I’ve never even met as he always had employment/jobs out of our area and often commuted two or three hours away. He admitted finally, at my probing (trying to thoughtfully get to the bottom of things; I’ve lived with him long enough that I had my suspicions of what was going on in that handsome head of his!), that if he didn’t have to worry so much about my underlying health issues (and how devastating the virus could be for me as a consequence), he’d be taking more chances, like going to the hardware store, the garden center, the grocery store, the auto-parts store, the pharmacy, the fast-food place for a burger; all the things he used to do to curb his restlessness and which are the current ‘open’ essential businesses. Of course there’s the factor of his own age as he’s a senior; and, yes, he felt guilty saying this and said it doesn’t change anything in what he’s doing, because I’m his ‘everything’; but I felt we needed to clear the air. We try to be honest with one another; isn’t this the way of most long-married couples?!!
We did have to get out a week before we were ready today (quite early this morning) to pick up more mail at the post office because my husband neglected to see they’d left us a locker key from the last trip (which meant three weeks for that particular stack of mail or parcel), so we did that and pulled it off, only encountering one person (shady-looking dude who was NOT wearing a facial mask, so my breath caught in my throat as I sat there in the car waiting) but the guy came in, came out, and was nowhere near my husband inside the otherwise-empty building (not yet open for business at the counter). And although I was VERY nervous about being out (still trying to understand this with myself because, normally, I love a nice drive in the car), we drove to a nearby creek although its surrounding public park is closed, and it WAS nice to see the rushing water this late in the year for us here in our part of SoCalif.
But it’s as if I didn’t recognize my own town. No people except work crews/construction (glad to see they’re finally wearing masks as they work up close & together with each other). A very few ‘walkers’. SO few cars. Everything closed up. It feels cold; unfriendly; detached; benign. No personality. How I feel isn’t rational, but it’s just how it struck me today (’empty’) to where I again said to myself deep inside as we returned to our neighborhood, ‘What has happened to the world?’ I know it will change soon enough (hope not TOO soon) but, for the morning, and we really were only away from home for 40 minutes or less, it was just…odd.
I was disheartened, on the other hand, that my county opened the beaches/pier/promenades (and golf courses) as of yesterday (saw photos; many physical distancing violations, not unexpected); then, we heard a rumor that Gov Newsom of Calif overruled it a few hours ago. I hope it’s the case. Gonna go read up on it now.
Hoping for a sunshiny, warm day for you soon, Claudia! We’re 88 (f) degrees at 2:45pm PST. Gimme some of yours, I’ll give you some of mine. (I don’t like the hotter temps! But if the virus doesn’t like it either, all the better.) It’s hazy; not really a Santa Ana condition; some weird ‘high pressure’ scenario.
I told Don today that I can’t wait until it’s summery warm out there. I’ve had it with cold, warm, then cold again and episode after episode of winds. We’ve had high winds for over 24 hours now. Sigh.
Stay safe!
So here’s an irony for you.
Much preoccupation and worry over all the many weeks about the virus. Being so careful to stay virus-free. Limiting life; not taking chances. Etc. My word for it, ‘living gently’ right now. I say to my husband, “Don’t fall off that ladder! Don’t cut yourself with that saw! This is no time to have to go get stitches or fix a broken leg; we can’t be going to a hospital where there’s contagious virus and other people needing a doctor’s help more than us!”
And what do I do this afternoon? I had a significant fall. As in fall-down-go-boom. In my own kitchen. ‘Accidents in the home’; gets ya every time. My husband had brought in a small delivery from the front porch; a few cartons. Set them right in my walk path at the kitchen sink. Had the lights off to keep heat out of the room. So, the space was somewhat dim and I wasn’t paying good attention (didn’t sleep well last night; kinda blotto [well, that’s not really the right word but I guess you could say I was sleep-deprivation drunk). I turned and fell right over these cartons. Hard fall although floor is softer, old vinyl covering. But there wasn’t enough room for length of my body, so I wedged my head and back of my neck tightly against bottom of frig door and a cabinet; narrow space. Squashed; squished. I’m hoping my neck and shoulder took the brunt of it (not my head, although I definitely hit my head; AGAIN). I can deal with the creeping, worsening soreness of a fall, and I got a good bloody gash on one arm. I can even deal with the neck compression and took some ibuprofen.
But now I’ll worry, because I’m a worrier, that in hitting the back-side of my head, this could have consequences. I’ve had too many falls on my head already and I still haven’t gotten over the face plant I did on asphalt three years ago; had headaches for a year and of course MRI and CT scan. I just don’t want a clot/brain aneurysm (sure, that’s a leap, but it had been the previous concerns of my various doctors in each fall I’ve suffered). Of course not every fall results in such a bad scenario. How would that be right now, in the middle of a virus outbreak, one small hospital, my doctor only available by phone, and they need CT scans for virus patients, not dumb bunnies who fall in their kitchen.
So, my husband will keep observing me, and we’ll hope for no further consequences; but, falls at my age are not a great thing to have happen. Again, though, the irony. Certainly gives me pause. Maybe I better quit worrying so much about Covid-19 and instead worry about organizing my kitchen with these various shipments of non-perishables/shelf-stable foods on the floor in sacks & boxes, when I’m having trouble making space for ‘stock-up’ in a really-small house. Too bad it took another bang in the head for me to find a balance on the subject. My word to all would be, ‘Stay safe. Both outdoors AND indoors.’ This was a stupid thing to have happen; it could have been avoided. Like I also keep saying, none of us need one more stressor right now!
hej, vicki …
sorry you fell and are hurt! hope you feel better soon and find out there’s nothing to worry about … and call your doctor if that eases your mind. glad your husband can watch over you. will add this to prayers. stay safe and well!
kathy in iowa
thank you, sweet kathy in iowa; I’m currently trying to pretend I don’t have a sore neck but wondering how headachy I’ll be when the 800 mg prescription-strength ibuprofen wears off; mostly I’m just so mad at myself (and my husband) but I’ll get over it…
Oh, Vicki! I’m so, so sorry! That has to be unnerving, not to mention painful. Please take care of yourself. You’re right to remind us that we need to be mindful both outdoors and indoors. Check back in tomorrow and tell us how you’re doing. xoxo
Thanks; I never got on the computer Thurs; I had a crummy day after this fall. I spent the entire day on the sofa with ice packs and ibuprofen, nursed by my husband who felt pretty bad about leaving me obstacles to trip over! No great leap (sounds like a pun) to know I needed to take it easy. I fell hard on my side so my left arm, left side of neck and left/top/back of my head is one big owie. Surprisingly not black & blue, though. Knock on wood, I was lucky. The frig door broke my fall but it’s that darn hardware/edge around said door that I connected with; I’m just glad I didn’t have a ceramic tile floor. Headachy, but I’ve had worse and it’s much better here VERY early on Friday morning; I’m sure the headache emanates from my stiff/’battered’/sore neck which is often the source of my ‘normal’ headaches over the many years. Since it was 92 degrees most of the day outside (such that the house was a bit warm; we didn’t want the air to chill too much as there’s always the outside-outside chance that MAYBE warmer weather can help kill the virus), the ice packs actually felt nice and kept me cool. (Gotta look for the silver lining, right?)
Just read your Thurs post and I sure am glad you’re still enjoying the puzzle!
I’m so sorry you had a bad day, but I’m happy to hear you’re beginning to feel better, Vicki. Stay safe – and I mean that!
same here.
be safe and well, everyone, and know things will get better.
kathy in iowa
xoxo
Thank you Claudia. Everything is NOT Ok. In fact, on my fB page I just went on a rant about the “silver linings” bull shit. Knowing we’re lucky have shelter and so far access to food and water makes us grateful, but trying to cast a pandemic in the light of “we get to spend more time reading” is just gross. Our government is failing us in a spectacular way and the only people protesting are being paid by NRA, Devoss, white nationalists, etc. Around here, my family and friends encourage me to calm down–even my therapist. The Serenity prayer doesn’t just ask for serenity–it asks for COURAGE to change, and we have damned little of that in our hearts or guts in this national right now. I’m so glad you had Don’s loving arms to hold you and I’m so glad you expressed your feelings to one another and invited us to do so here. Stay safe, stay strong. Thanks for what you give us!
Bravo, Nora. Well said! Thank you. Stay safe!
Thank you, Claudia. Sometimes it is hard for me to feel all the feelings and I just have to step outside (into my backyard) and breathe and breathe.
I used to think this was a progression, like the stages of grief but now I think it’s a cycle and not going in order, either but I guess a squiggle.
I think you’re right, Leanne. Stepping outside and taking a deep breath is a good thing. We all have to do what brings us a semblance of peace. Stay safe.