I happened upon Don staring down into his studio this morning.
This may be the best gift I’ve ever given anyone. He truly loves it and talks about it a lot, much more now that we have it downstairs in the living room. He even took photos of it the other day to send to our friend in San Diego. He considers it his most valuable possession. That warms my heart.
This sparked a conversation about moving the Folk Art house to a slightly different place in the kitchen, which, after a lot of back-and-forth, turned out very well. I’d take a picture now – I tried – but there’s too much sun pouring in those windows at the moment. Not a bad problem to have, of course. Hopefully, I’ll get a photo later today and share it with you tomorrow.
As I said, it’s sunny, but it’s cold. And guess what? We’re getting snow tomorrow. Thankfully, it will turn into rain eventually and it will disappear in a day or so. We’re not going anywhere anyway, so bring it on.
We took a short drive yesterday, just to get out and see the world around us. We didn’t leave the car, but we drove around our little town and into the neighboring (and bigger) town. There were far fewer people out on the streets, though we were dumbfounded by the sight of the seasonal ice cream stand being open for business with a gaggle of young people clustered together at the window. Are you kidding me? The more we thought about it over the course of the day, the angrier we got. These are the people who are dangerous at this point – to themselves and others. What the heck are they thinking? Answer: They’re not thinking.
I finished The Sisters this morning. It was absolutely wonderful and endlessly fascinating. I’m still in a non-fiction mood, so I’ll look at my TBR pile and find something new to read. I worked on the dollhouse the day before yesterday, adding more stones to the exterior. I didn’t do it yesterday because I was so tired, but I’ll be back at it today. Maybe I have a finished exterior to show for this Self-Isolating-Stay-In-Place-Social-Distancing time in my life.
Our feel-good movie last night was Hoosiers. Heavens, I love that movie. It’s pitch-perfect on every level. We rented it on Amazon Prime even though we own it because our DVD player isn’t working. Anyway, we hadn’t seen it together in a long, long time and we loved it.
We’re hanging in there on Day Nine. How are you doing?
Happy Sunday.
Canada is in total lockdown but we’ve heard a tale or two of teens hanging out. I’m glad my kids are older – would be so hard to control that age group right now.
We’re doing fine, getting in a new routine. We both work from home – dh every Friday and I choose different days here and there, so working from home hasn’t been a challenge. The added bodies in the house while we try to work has been fun!
Lots of food. Lots of paper goods (already had on hand because we live in the country and tend to keep our cupboards full). Lots to do at the moment: reorganizing the art studio, I did my office yesterday, gathering items to donate once lockdown is over, trying out new recipes, reading the stack of books I’ve gathered, and we’ve discovered puzzle making is fun, though we will soon run out of puzzles! Thankful for 2 acres to walk around and play in the rapidly melting snow. Looking forward to Spring so we can see what treasures will grow this year!
Keep well Claudia and Don.
X Chy
Hi Claudia,
Doing OK in Mich.
I am watching Gov.
Coumo on CNN right now. This is what our President should be saying!
I’m afraid we are in for a long haul. I tried to explain to my 10 y/o granddaughter (by phone) that the better we all do to stay away from others the sooner we will be able to go back to normal life.
So one day at a time, trying to adjust to this new normal.
Take care…stay well.
I think it will be a long haul, as well. Certainly not the 2 weeks that we heard in the beginning. Take care of yourself, Marilyn!
Yes, thankful here for our property and the fact that – despite the snow tomorrow – I’ll be able to garden soon. You sound like you’re handling it well, Chy. Take care!
Hi Claudia (& Don) ~ I think as of today, I’m going a little batty. It’s 10:40 AM and I’m still sitting here in my pajamas. having done nothing all morning yet except for making some coffee and feeding the cats. As I’m sitting here contemplating what I’m going to do today (I have several things written down on my to-do list, but don’t feel like doing them!), I have an overwhelming urge to rearrange the living room. Hence, that batty part. lol I also woke up with a raging headache.
I am going to bundle up later (it’s cold here, too – only 32 and snow showers later) and go for a walk because I need fresh air. We live in a rural suburb, so no chance of me running into anyone. Even if I did pass someone on the street (we don’t have sidewalks), they’d be more than six feet away.
In 15 minutes, I’m going to join in Marianne Williamson’s call to prayer. That’s 11:00 CST or noon, your time – if you’re interested. It’s a worldwide two minute silent prayer for healing of the world. You can find more details on her FB page.
xoxo
I’ve had a couple of days like that. They’re to be expected, I think. Go for a walk. It’s a good thing to do, my friend. Just stay safe.
I have lots I CAN do but very little that I actually FEEL like doing at the moment! I keep thinking I have lots of time and have to pace myself (but I am really just being lazy!!). Stay safe and keep cozy and keep sharing your wonderful posts. Thanks, Claudia!
I had one of those days yesterday, Ellen. I understand. Take care of yourself!
Hi Claudia, I won’t deny that I’m worried. My son who’s been living with me for a while in order to save enough for a house deposit, works at a hospital. On Friday evening he started with a dry cough, tight chest. Today he has a bad headache too. We’ve contact the NHS online and been sent isolation notices to send to our employers.
The advice is for him to stay home for seven days and fourteen days for myself. We’re okay for food and had kind offers of help from friends.
I feel sure he is going to be okay as he is 32, very fit and healthy. I’m overweight and 64, on BP medication that has brought it to normal levels, but I am so nervous if it is Coronavirus and I get it too.
Sorry if I am being a bit doomy and gloomy.
Stay safe everyone xx
prayers Dee Dee
Thank you, Brenda xx
Been there already
Waiting is painful
I’m so sorry to hear this, Dee Dee. Of course you are worried! Keep washing your hands, try to keep a distance from your son – you know what to do. Sending healing energy and prayers your way.
Thank you, Claudia x
xo
as am I Dee Dee. stay strong!
Thank you, Tammy x
Take care…I’ll be sending positive thoughts your way! ;)
Thank you, Donnamae x
All best healing wishes to you, Dee Dee. It must be hard to isolate from one another inside the house and in shared spaces. I’ll be thinking of you; you have every right to feel fear, it’s an ‘honest’ emotion, but feel the good vibes from Claudia’s readers; we are pulling for you!
Thank you, Vicki x
Be well, Dee Dee. Best to you and your son.
Thank you, Shanna x
to deedee …
hope and praying that you and your son both feel better soon.
kathy in iowa
Thank you, Kathy x
God bless you.
Thank you, Edis x
Glad you are doing well. I haven’t been out in nine days either. They are strongly suggesting not even going out in cars…to help the service people I guess-in case of accidents etc…then have to go to hospital…police…etc…just staying home as suggested. I have so many hobbies, and I don’t mind but it is worrisome-illness, deaths, economy, etc. etc. Take care and stay safe.
We live in the country so going around in our car is not such a big deal. But I can see it being a problem in a city. We’ll do that rarely, we’ll mostly stay inside or take a short walk. Stay safe, Brenda!
You are right
I live in a city
I walk five miles plus daily in my apartment. Was able to go out couple times in good weather this week, but I have to rest as I do so inside better.
If it were just me-I could stay inside a long time…worried for family and others. You take care. I am happy I found your blog.
I know. I’m worried for my sister and her family and for everyone, frankly! I’m glad you’re here, Brenda.
How wonderful to know your husband is enjoying your work of art. I remember as you were doing the project how excited you were. It is SO Don, as I know him. Lovely at this time to have a little place that’s just right. I continue to be deeply disappointed and frightened by our government’s response but I’m trying to do the only thing I can which is stay at home so I don’t spread it. I don’t know how doctors and nurses and anyone in the health care community is managing given the despicable lack of proper equipment. I’m glad to be an introvert as so far I am still content with books, cats, and tea and even tho my husband’s hearing is almost completely gone, I am feeling that we communicate more closely than before. His positive attitude used to bug me cuz I couldn’t get him to worry with me, but now I remember how it was one of the reasons I fell in love with him over 30 years ago, and how much I depend on it during my depressions, med reactions, and now in these scary times how he keeps me from jumping off the second floor. Unexpected gifts. Thank you again and again for sharing your gifts with us here.
Our government is failing us. There’s no excuse for it as they have known about it for months. Bless all those who work in health care and in every other business that is essential right now. Your husband’s attitude is what we can all use right now. Take care, Nora.
Bonjour Claudia,
I handwrite letters to my grandson, take a photo and send them via Messenger. He reply in the same way and it is a good exercice for him :o) (It changes video conversations !)
Parisians have come to understand (not all alas) that quarantine was absolutely essential. I think the government is going to toughen the rules.
Chère Claudia, continue to entertain us with your reading and doll houses. Your blog is worth a look and is not a “department of tears” :o)
Bonne journée
Thank you, Helene. Take care of yourself, my friend.
My husband and I took a drive yesterday, too, and it was wonderful to get out, drive through neighborhoods we’d never been in, as well as along the river. I took a fresh, hot cup of coffee with me. It is amazing that, hard as all this awful virus stuff is, how it makes you grateful for the little things! I just love your posts and reading about your days. The miniature studio you made for Don is truly amazing. I have a lot in common with you – I love miniatures and working with them, as well as reading whatever good books I can get my hands on. I feel bad for people who can’t escape into these “other worlds” so easily!
I’m so grateful for hobbies and reading, etc. It helps so much! Take care of yourself, Jenny. Stay safe.
Thank you! You and Don as well!
xo
Oh Claudia! I am safe and feeling better every day. It is my brother I am worried about now. He is an over the road truck driver. He has been sick with what we thought was your average cold flu junk. But is has changed. Drastically. He has shortness of breath and pain on the right side of his chest.
He pulled into his company’s main headquarters in Missouri yesterday planning on seeing the company doctor. He was turned away at the gate. He was given 4 options. He could self quarantine in his truck for 14 days, self quarantine in a hotel room for 14 days, go home, or continue to haul freight. He is an independent contractor with this company, but they should still feel some responsibility toward his health and safety. If not him at least toward the rest of the American people!
The only way he will receive any pay is to continue to haul freight, no sick pay for truckers. And without over the road truckers our supplies come to a complete and total halt. He delivers to places like Walmart and Cisco.
The truckers are often over looked, but we owe them a deep deep debt of gratitude.
I’m not sure what my brother is going to do. Right now he is in a hotel, trying to do some self care until Monday. Why Monday? Not sure. But, I’m scared for him
Horrible how these companies get away with mistreating their employees. I’m so sorry.
I’m so sorry about your brother. This is unacceptable – that he should not be in a position where he has to worry about how to handle this. It’s appalling. Sending prayers your way, Trudy. Please keep us informed about how he is feeling. Much love.
I can’t imagine how he must be feeling. truckers have always been heroes to me.
if people only knew how our entire country depends on them!
he will be in my every prayer.
Sending prayers to your brother too, Trudy x
Spring has arrived here. I saw the first hummingbird this afternoon and had to scramble to get a feeder ready. I have been pulling a lot of weeds and there is pollen everywhere. I can’t go see my mother in the memory care unit because they are closed to visitors and of course we can’t go anywhere else right now so I have plenty of time to work in the house and in the yard, Last year I missed spring entirely because my mother was staying with me for a while. I will be glad when no one has to worry about this virus, either getting it or giving it to someone else.
I’m sorry you can’t see your mom, Beverly. But working in the yard and the garden will be a treat. I want this to be over and there to be no one else in danger of getting this virus. Please take care!
to trudy …
how awful for your brother to be sick and be mistreated by the company that hired him. prayers for your brother to get better soon and also find a better (more responsible, compassionate) place to work. prayers for you, too.
kathy in iowa
Hubs has been on vacation this past week-a blessing. But his return today is bittersweet as he works in management for a large-chain grocery store. I too hate to feel doom and gloom but would be lying if I said I wasn’t concerned. Ok, let’s be honest, make that worried. Our county has had its first covid-19 death, stemming from a nursing home in our town. Several employees and a “visitor” to the home are now in hospital and so it will be just a matter of days until reports of additional spread will appear. Can be no doubt that any of those three or those they have been in contact with have been to the grocery. Oy.
So tonight, new living routine in order at this house. May seem extreme to you all but he will be stripping down in garage and straight into bath right off the garage for thorough washing. Freshening up bedding in guest room as he will now be sleeping apart from me. He is now part of the “front line” with potential for daily exposure. I have to be extra cautious as most seasonal flu and cold viruses oftentimes end up on my chest.
And yes, I do realize the probable futility in this new regime, but sometimes doing something is just better than doing nothing which only adds to the angst. So the theme for today is “proactive and prayer”.
While I have yet to partake, I have saved in my “favorites” such options as streaming of The Met operas and 12 famous museums offering virtual tours. Have already exhausted my stash of library books so will be revisiting my own bookshelves. Have plenty of puzzles to work and on my last Sudoku book. I too finding it a bit difficult to just settle down to something. Perhaps it is the bright sunshine outside and the absence of children’s play as the hood is eerily quiet. But there is still much to be thankful for and no excuse we are too busy at this time to count our blessings.
Doesn’t seem extreme, it just seems to be a sane and careful way to approach this. We take action to protect ourselves and that’s what has to happen. I’m sending prayers your way Chris.
Thank you!
xo
Not extreme. I shared a very similar story a few posts back here on the blog of a family we know whose son works in a grocery store and he’s doing the same thing, stripping off the clothes before ever coming in the main part of the house, showering, disinfecting, etc. Trying to protect the family in a multi-generational household. I’ve read that doctors and nurses are also separating from their families (if they can), like setting up a separate quarters in their basements or garages or porches so as not to take any chances in infecting their families, should they be positive for the virus and not know it. (How hard, to be exhausted, then not even have your own bed to sleep in, or hug your kid.) As I’d written, extreme measures for extreme times. But, you know, when my dad was in ICU and near his passing, some dozen years ago, I was in the hospital parking lot one time, in my car just sitting there, when I watched one of his nurses get in her car at the end of her shift. Even back THEN, before she sat in her driver’s seat, she took off her shoes and changed into another identical pair and I got the impression it wasn’t for comfort; that she was trying to deal with transfer of germs. Again, she was an ICU nurse. They know their ‘stuff’; I have SO much admiration for nurses.
I think you are all just plain smart about what you’re doing, the precautionary measures, although I can imagine it’s all really difficult. Keep safe; take care, Chris in sw OH.
Thank you, we are doing our best and please, you do the same!
to chris in sw oh …
does not sound extreme to me. sounds very understandable and practical. hope you both have peace of mind and stay well.
praying for you…
kathy in iowa
Thank you! Peace to you and yours as well.
Hi Claudia,
I love that photo of Don and how much he loves the dollhouse. I think he gives you as much a gift as you gave him in that appreciation. Oh, how important it is to be appreciated. Well done!
Glad you liked The Sisters. What a fascinating life they led. Check out the doc on netflix about Pam and Unity. It’s not the best (but it’s also under an hour and seeing with the visuals is rather striking.) I’m trying to remember the title of Debo’s memoir which not only looks at her childhood but her life as Duchess of Devonshire. It is fascinating and a wonderful follow up. I gave it away a long while ago and wish I still had it!
The Michigan report — so far, so good. I beat Rick in Scrabble (not typical!). We’re eating well — I took inventory and realized we can eat quite nicely for at least another week. Our store is providing good updates. I looked at my list and all I need (I think) is another box of chicken stock, bananas, noodles for tuna casserole and parmesan cheese! I can work with that. Oh, and a little fresh veg.
I may take a walk later today — waiting for it to warm up a bit. And maybe foof up the house of Easter, even though Rick and I will probably be the only ones to see it. Life is short (even without covid 19) so may as well bring it on! Stay well and take care.
I have a list of books about them but right now I’m going to read some of their letters every day, along with whatever book I’m going to start next! I’m going to bring out our Scrabble game very soon. Time for a competition! You and Rick take care, okay?
We’ll take care if you do. And you are!
I am! xo
Sending you Sunday blessings Claudia.
Don’s dollhouse has always been a particular favorite. You were especially creative going beyond the scope of the most prevalent designs. On the anniversary of my mother’s death
my husband outfitted a room in our office building with multiple dollhouses for me that he had secretly collected as they were a favorite of my childhood. He is unbelievable and filled to the brim with surprises.
I share your anger with the young people grouped together. On Thur. I had to order our
car service due to finding my car uncooperative. The young man who is always very nice
informed me he’s not concerned with this virus……because he’s young so it won’t affect him !!!
Need I tell you a lecture was forthcoming. The next day he returned and said “maybe I need
to ask a few more questions about the virus”……ah, tiny inroads.
Please keep up your messaging. Your voice is making a difference. Thank you.
Praying safety and protection over all.
Oh your husband! What a gem he is!
I will keep reminding everyone to stay in place. I know you’re being careful, but I must say: Take care of yourselves!
At least there is sun today. For that we are thankful! My husband played for church today. Just 3 people allowed: him (the organist), the Pastor and one person to stay at the doors just in case anyone showed up, and to monitor the broadcasting equipment. They kept many yards between them so it could be broadcast/ streamed. I, too, put a few bunnies out for Easter/ Spring. They do make me happy. I am pretty sure Easter won’t be a time of egg hunts and family dinners this year. So sad.
All parks and playgrounds have been closed, so I can imagine families w/ young kids are having a much more difficult time than are we. My husband is headed into Madison to visit his 86 1/2 year old sister who just got out of the NH Rehab unit 9 days ago. We don’t want neighbors coming into her house as she has COPD, Atrial Fib, and BP issues. She was in Rehab for a broken pelvis she suffered when she fell several weeks ago. Our daughter asked if he would then come by her house and just watch from the car as she filled out her Absentee Ballot and wd sign it so she doesn’t have to “walk the streets to find someone outside”. It is all so baffling and truly unreal. And then our wee newborn Granddaughter who we hope we can meet sometime soon!! So that is it from our tiny corner in Wisconsin…. take care and stay safe.
P.S. Rand Paul just found out he tested positive.
Rand Paul? The Rand Paul who delayed a vote on Coronavirus because of some idiotic rider he wanted included? (I don’t wish this on anyone, of course. I hope he is feeling okay.)
It’s surreal, isn’t it? Such a strange world we’re living in – like something out of dystopic fiction. So many routine things that we can’t do, like have someone sign your absentee ballot. I so wish you could hold your new grandchild. Take care, Chris.
And the same Rand Paul whose father, former Congressman Ron Paul, recently said, “People should ask themselves whether this Coronavirus ‘pandemic’ could be a big hoax.” It’s worth noting that Ron Paul is a doctor.
Rand is also a doctor. Sad, isn’t it?
What’s also sad is that Ron Paul was our Representative for several years; he voted against federal aid to areas of Texas hard hit by 2008’s Hurricane Ike, foremost among them his own district.
Again, we couldn’t make this stuff up. Unbelievable….
Our churches around here are closed…period. I sure hope you get to see your granddaughter sooner than later. Stay safe! ;)
hej, chris k in wisconsin …
congratulations and best wishes on the birth of your granddaughter! hope you get to visit and meet each other in person real soon, the first of many happy times together … prayers for that and happiness always.
kathy in iowa
kathy & Donnamae, thanks for the kindest words. We are soooo sad that we haven’t been able to hold her yet. 3 weeks ago this never really entered my mind, that we would be in this place at this time. I knew about it, but never knew the rapidity and ferocity at which it multiplies and infects. If only everyone would do their part and stay home. kathy, I suppose your job is considered “essential”, so you probably don’t have the option. Donnamae and I are fortunate that the hardest thing we are being asked to do is to stay in our homes.
to chris k in wisconsin …
i replied, but in the wrong place. scroll down to a separate comment, if you like.
kathy in iowa
Claudia – tried to call you last nite. Sent you a package and wanted to be sure and let you know the little red box is for Don. I didnt have enough bubble wrap so used what I had at home – fabric batting! Enjoy!
Oh, okay! Thank you so much, my friend! You are so sweet. I’m sorry I missed your call. I really do want to check in with you this coming week.xo
Well…I love that pic of Don…what a gem.
I felt much better after our drive in the country. I was encouraged to see the hikers out, but practicing social distancing. Evidently a lot of people were getting cabin fever. This morning…after listening to the Sunday morning talk shows, I’m almost positive we are in this for the long haul. Which is disconcerting to say the least.
Then, I, along with all the others in my family, got a text from London son. He asked the question, what are you doing to pass the time? He wanted photos of what everyone was doing at that particular moment. So…we played along. It was great. He wants us to do this everyday about the same time. It’ll give us some accountability and structure…which we sort of all need. Best part….we’re all in on this! ;)
I think we’re in it for the long haul, too. It’s hard to imagine, isn’t it?
That is such a great idea your son has!! Perfect! What a wonderful way to connect with each other. Tell him I said Bravo!
good grief! left the little cottage and the community without saying my first thought!
about Don. and how adorable that picture is. the love and appreciation you both have
for each other is a delight to see! (it’s also my favorite tiniest house is!)
sending you love and well wishes. xo
my brother picked me up today and we got a take-out sandwich at Wendy’s (codfish!)
and water… and went to a beautiful park to put down the windows and eat. it was simply
beautiful. no loud music and loud people. just bird song! a few people walking their dogs.
and totally wonderful. it was good to get out even for a little bit! xoxo
Oh how wonderful! Just gettin out makes a huge difference, doesn’t it? Promise me you’ll take it easy my friend.
I will!!! you too!
thank the lord for this wonderful Internet. it’s a Godsend in these times.
our little state went from 44 cases to 67. in just a few days.
great scot! scary stuff. but we’ll win out. I refuse to go down with something
named Covid 19 !!! yuk.
I don’t know what I’d do if I didn’t have the internet, Tammy! xoxo
DITTO dear! lol. xo
We brought out our Easter decorations to give he house some cheering up. We put up a string of Easter egg lights in the bedrooms. I saw where people are putting their Christmas lights up around their houses. We have been doing the Rosary from Lourdes, France on EWTN. We always have watched the daily Mass on the same channel. It is comforting. Hope you do not receive too much snow. We are in for rain.
Marilyn
I still have my Christmas lights up but I unplugged them. Maybe I should turn them on again…You’ve give me an idea.
We’re supposed to get between 2 and 6 inches. I hope that’s an exaggeration, Marilyn. Take care!
We plugged in some colored Christmas mini light strings in the living room about two weeks ago. Got them back out of the boxes we hadn’t yet taken to storage. Very cheery in the evenings to have them. Or like right now when it’s so dark outside with rain about to hit, 3pm. I just love them. Warm & glowy & nice.
Ours are on the porch – outside. I think I’ll plug them in – we need some cheery out there.
I have read that a lot of people are doing that. We all need some twinkling lights right now to share with each other, for sure!!
I think it’s time to turn them on again. Especially since it’s snowing here this morning! Thanks, Chris.
You know, I think I’ll have my husband string some on the front door tomorrow; if somebody is throwing the newspaper in the early-morning hours, maybe it would indeed cheer them up. Good ideas here!
We can all inspire each other.
Just got thru talking to a friend on the phone and she said, until this, she didn’t know anything about hand sanitizer. Surprising, because she had to go in and out of a nursing home daily to see her mother last year. When I told her I’d been using hand sanitizer since 2001 (on the advice of my personal physician, who also used it), she was so surprised.
It’s about to rain here in SoCalif; really overcast & muggy, in the 70s temps. I’ve been watching two guys next door working head to head with yardwork, standing right next to each other, face to face, analyzing a tree to trim, etc.; look to be in their 20s & 30s; no physical distancing, mere feet from my fencing where it’s chain link and easy to see. My husband is out there picking the endless weeds and I told him to stay away from that side of the yard for now. There must be 8 people in that backyard right now; I could count it pretty easily from where I stood. Sigh. I don’t really know who’s a family member or not.
Saw a piece on TV that interviewed an author about pandemics and he said that when the mixed messages have gone on long enough, people no longer listen. Seems to possibly be what’s happening now in the U.S. as regards this novel coronavirus. My husband has the local apps and various social media, still keeping in contact with many of his work friends who live largely an hour from us here in SoCalif (L.A. County), and one typical story: Of a mom whose kids needed ‘an airing’ so she thought she’d take them to the beach, only to find no place to park; this was just in the last 48 hrs (her own post); the beaches were packed from an area, of which she could see and drive into until she gave up and returned home, Zuma (near Malibu) to Ventura (near Santa Barbara; that’s a wide stretch, like 50 miles of beach). It seems to be largely teens & 20-yr-olds. The ‘young people’. Would seem they haven’t gotten the message that they can be carriers to their own parents, their grandparents, etc. And that our governor is saying that over 50 percent of Calif citizens may wind up infected with the virus in the next two weeks.
My husband and I watched that video clip last night which had an English-speaking Italian doctor giving a glimpse into the rooms in a hospital where he’s treating patients, and his message to the camera to those in the rest of the world was: Stay separated and, in this instance, in terms of congregating, he included grocery stores along with bars and restaurants as a no-no. My husband did begin to think of that; how, at the grocery store, at least in the parking lot where we would be going, the diagonal spaces where you park your car are very tight, a situation where two people can’t of course open their car doors at the same time or your bang one into the other. Is that social distancing, even in the parking lot? (This stuff could drive you crazy in the thinking about it. Note to ourselves, if for any reason we have to go ‘back out there’ again anytime soon, park out in the far spaces of the parking lot, although that could feel a bit unsafe at 5:45am which was the timing of our most-recent trip several days ago now, or whatever date it was [our town has some crime].)
So, I dunno. We sat there on the sofa last night, actually holding hands, going over each thing again, like do we have enough medicines, enough food for us and the pets, etc. Our behaviors. Behaviors of others. Anticipating anything upcoming we haven’t thought of, such as the monthly soft-water tank delivery (our water is hard here and wrecks plumbing with mineral deposits; we have a service who brings tanks which contain a softening solution which mixes with the water, although we only have it on the hot-water tap, otherwise your glassware coming out of the dishwasher looks like it has a white film over it and it’s nearly impossible to repair). I’ll call tomorrow to see if they’re even an open/essential business. Then, if we’re getting the delivery on Tuesday as per usual (which I’ve paid a year in advance for), the man would be coming into our garage where we do laundry, so how will we disinfect? The tank is adjacent to the washing machine; he usually holds on to the washing machine to wedge in the tank. It seems completely germaphobic to even think of these things, but there was never a time to be more germaphobic. (Our attached garage is like a room to us, almost as if it’s part of the house’s other interior rooms; we’ve been keeping the large garage door shut over the past ten days or so, as much as possible, as it fronts the street. Part of our garage even has a carpet on the floor. We don’t actually have a car parked in the garage, and haven’t for a long time. But it’s where the water heater and appliances are located.)
I really enjoyed climbing up the steep stairway to the top of our back hillside this afternoon. I can see in three directions and at least in the afternoons/evenings I can get the sunset even though I can’t see much to the west. Sky all stormy-looking; mountains in the distance. How lucky we are to have the ability to be home but still have a view if we make that short climb. Still so much green on our mountain slopes which just five months ago were burned with wildfire. The land renews; so will we.
A book I’m cracking open tonight? Jennifer Davies’ “The Wartime Kitchen and Garden: The Home Front 1939-45”. Apparently the book accompanied a BBC TV series.
I know. It’s mind boggling, all of this. xo
Well, now, at evening news locally 6pm, Mayor Garcetti of L.A., in a ‘live’ news conference on all our TV channels, from what we could interpret as the news anchors were trying to do the same, it sounds like he has closed all beaches from here forward (where he can), including the beach parking lots; also the canyons, where too many L.A. citizens are jamming the narrow trails (how do you close a canyon?); trying to keep people off the public golf courses which are already closed but I guess ones who have no fencing to keep folks out of there. I don’t quite remember the rest. He was very stern that if it takes more than that, he will not hesitate to be even more stringent with his orders.
Absolutely appalling, with the local TV news reporters interviewing people outdoors, even one couple surely in their 70s walking too close to other passersby and being rather blase about it, a teen who said he’s seen too many viruses in his life to be upset about this one (are you kidding me…what is he, 15?) and a mature woman probably 40 who said it’s much ado about nothing, a complete overreaction over’ some little virus’ floating around. The reporter turned back to the camera and said something to the effect of, “We here in the news media do not consider this epidemic to be some little virus.” It looked like a couple of these people were on the beach piers, so why haven’t they closed off the ocean piers? (Maybe because of food takeout? Restaurants and sandwich shops on the pier.) Anyway, it was really quite shocking that such wild, erroneous thinking could still be out there among us. I mean, doesn’t it get their attention that we’re about to have this gigantic medical ship anchored off L.A.?!!
It doesn’t bear repeating because some will always ruin it for all; even if they have a police officer or National Guardsperson outside their front door (if/when it comes to that), they’ll find a way to circumvent an order. So, what we have to do is throw our good telepathy(!)/thoughts/praises to all the people who ARE being responsible, and also for all the innovators out there who are coming up with ways to manufacture masks and gowns and all the other stuff needed; putting together brains and ingenuity, at their best in a time of crisis. Bravo to them, one and all. Unfortunately for the negligent, they may be the very ones who wind up losing someone they love, and will wish they’d thought first, before boasting, ‘I’ll do whatever I want to do; you can’t stop me.’ They’ll only have themselves to blame, because there was certainly enough info in front of them to be informed.
(Heard an interesting squib about the hospital I was born in, which was an absolutely brand-spank’in new hospital that year in L.A., and which has been shuttered for over a dozen years now, with the latest thing seemingly to be that the land/lot will be used for single-family homes/condos…but the building hasn’t yet been razed; was at one point going to be converted to medical offices…is being considered now, on an emergency basis, to be rapidly outfitted as an auxiliary hospital, such that ‘regular’ hospital patients will be transferred there from ICUs and ERs or med/surg units [like, if they had an emergency appendectomy; recovering from a heart attack; etc.; maybe pregnant mothers/obstetrics I’m thinking, too?] so as to leave active, working hospitals open and ready for the Covid-19 patients. Smart, smart, smart. (I love that the old girl can still
have some use; I have affection for that hospital! It’s good size; had over 350 beds.) Like I read about the possible utilization of your Javits complex in NYC. Although I think Cuomo is wanting it for the actual coronavirus cases. But, yes, if it’s empty and can be used, go for it; anything in the nation. This massive mobilization across the country is very encouraging. I’m so glad that for all the dumb sh*ts in the world (of whom I mentioned on my own Calif beach promenades), there are so many intelligent ones rising to the occasion. THAT’s what warms the heart and gives us hope.
Another subject: I sometimes visit a blog called The Gardener’s Cottage (Janet Korff in Redlands of California) and she posted a link today of a youtube piece (about 30 mins) from a Brit university student who took a week to see how she’d live on war rations of wartime England; really interesting what she came up with – – if you do as Janet says and watch it right to the end, some key info from this engaging student of how 3 good meals a day replaced snacking for Brits of the 40s; the prominence of veggies and a good homemade whole-wheat bread; and she mentions how there was less incidence of disease despite rationing because people really were, to a greater degree than we think, eating quite healthily although of course there were exceptions. An example lunch on war rations was a sandwich made of this dense (rustic) bread; add two slices of cheese; eat a half of an apple and a half of an orange along with a glass of milk, and that’s your meal, like for lunch. They couldn’t always get tea, sugar, butter or eggs. (Clearly, I find this all just fascinating!)
I remember Mother telling me how the English moms would feed rose hips to their children as a source of Vitamin C; I read a novel where they were harvesting those rose hips from their lovely English rose gardens/hedgerows; I could swear it was a Rosamund Pilcher novel and its setting was Cornwall in WWII but it’s been years since I’ve read her. (It wasn’t her famous, The Shell Seekers; it was one of her other novels, perhaps a prequel or sequel.) I was reading today online about how they’d boil down the hips and make a syrup which you could give to a kid by the spoonful, or it could be used in a recipe; even good on toast when all you had was bread. I guess the rose hips are also like honey in that they have anti-inflammatory qualities. (Roses have been on my mind; I ventured into the front of my house yesterday and while I’ve been indoors, my roses are starting to flower; I’m giving it one more day, then I’ll go pick some for a vase. I love the roses; one bush is from a wedding anniversary gift from my husband (we’d transplanted it to this house from another one we’d lived in); others are from cuttings my grandfather brought to my parents as a housewarming gift in the mid-1950s; they’re so vigorous even 65 years later. They were from bushes my mother had around her when she was a baby in the 1920s. I guess you could call them my family’s own brand of heirloom roses.)
Claudia, when you talk about the Mitfords, this isn’t the Jan Karon Mitford or the Hallmark Mitford. You’re speaking of the British aristocratic family, yes? Could you tell me again which author of which book or series? I’d love to read whichever ones you are reading that talks about rationing at home during the war effort; how they coped with shortages. I’m sorry I didn’t pay better attention when you wrote of this earlier. I’ll try to get my head out of the cobwebs. You always have the BEST recommendations for a good read. I also like seeing what your readers come up with when you have the posts, “What Are You Reading?” I’m currently digging in my mess of boxes at home for this DVD series I’d bought a long time back, called (I think), “The Land Girls”. Another BBC thing (thank goodness for the BBC!) … fictionalized series on the Women’s Land Army in Britain during WWII where the women worked the farms; the farmers were their employers. They learned to drive tractors, do the harvest; plow. The men were all fighting in the trenches in Europe. Britain needed to grow its own food to feeds its people. I want to keep learning more!
The book is over on the sidebar under Currently Reading. It’s The Sisters by Mary Lovell.
I saw some pictures from the beach in Malibu yesteday – insane. Thanks, Vicki.
So I woke up to Trump now wanting to pull back on the distancing orders? Or so it could appear? Again, are you kidding me? Fighting the science, with people dropping dead all over the place? I understand there’s another picture here about a collapsing economy and trying to calm fears, but I need to hear somebody like Neel Kashkari, the bank guy who was on 60 Minutes last night.
Anyway, about to watch the news conference here upcoming at 3pm-ish PST. I can’t keep talking about people not in compliance. If you let it, it could drive you to madness; insanity. My neighbor has a pool-accessories business, it’s non-essential; he goes to work. Small company obviously in jeopardy in current circumstance/orders. He’s the kind of guy I wouldn’t want to have a run-in with. My own gardener was here this morning, ‘way early, between rains (I even tried to help him by sending him a check a month in advance in anticipation of a lockdown when he couldn’t work), NEVER expected him, we were asleep, but I watched him drive off with his two helpers, all three adult men jammed tight into a very-small pickup truck with only one front seat for all 3. It’s impossible. The situation is impossible. Unless you strong-arm (some) people who aren’t complying, they’ll never comply.
All we can do is try to do the right thing ourselves, which we’re doing; we personally can’t control these other people NOT doing the right things. If you’re gonna go try to gently inform somebody who isn’t doing what they’re supposed to, many will not take kindly to it; I’d like to avoid a situation where somebody doesn’t like my suggestion for them to change their behavior, and then get a gun in my face for my efforts. People are edgy, tense, scared. Scared about income; livelihood. Fear does weird things to people; I’m no expert, but I don’t think everyone reacts the same, right? I want to believe the best, but I’m not always seeing the best right now.
I know. It drives me crazy. Why should we have to pay for the decisions of these idiots? It only lengthens the amount of time everyone has to spend in lockdown. Trump wants to do that because…some conservatives are concerned about the economy. Money is the only thing Trump cares about (besides himself) and understands. He should be thrown in the slammer if he does that. He would be willfully using his position to endanger even more Americans. I cannot write this without my BP shooting up. Hang in there, Vicki, and stay safe.
Claudia, I’m sorry if I’m writing anything to get your blood pressure up. I really am. You’ve been up for our venting here, on the side of helping us with our mental health(!) but it’s a lot for you to have to take in, and the rest of us can’t be selfish about it. You’ve been so generous to let us all share, at length (especially in my case). It’s a wonderful thing to let your readers have a community, and they can choose to read who they want to here besides you, but you’re having to read every single comment to each post; you can’t get away from it. We all wanted to follow your lead and stay away from the dire predictions and all the same stuff we’re all reading and hearing about anyway, but I think we’re sort of running to each other here, at least we of like minds, for any kind of…I don’t know what to call it, but I suppose it’s rooted in the questioning, the bewilderment, and needing the comfort from each other. (But, yes, look at your comment load on each post; it’s a lot of entries with your answers. You can’t spend your whole day on the blog! It gets to be too much of a drain on you.)
All I know is, from here on out, especially now with the absence of Dr. Fauci which was VERY noticeable in this new conference today when Trump wanted to dominate ALL the info delivery and put his own spin on it, I’m no longer listening to him because all he is doing is throwing out lies, false hope; confusing us, not letting the experts run this. My opinion is that he is so damn worried about his own investments and his ‘legacy’ about the terrific economy that “He” created, that pulling back on the distancing recommendations and saying people can go back out there and work to keep the economy going means he’s willing to sacrifice ME. I am the over age 65 with the 3 or more underlying issues which make complications for the virus. I’ve had my time; I’m old; I am expendable. He’ll leave the economy for the younger working people who don’t die and, as my mom would have said, put the rest of us older and sicker folks on an ice floe and let us float away like the old ‘Eskimo’ (wrong word; indigenous people of Alaska) mythology.
It’s actually a relief. I’m tuning off the talk from the feds; I will listen to my governor and the Los Angeles mayor who have taken the actions to protect me more than my own national leader. I feel really fortunate to have Gov. Newsom and Mayor Garcetti. You of course, I know, feel lucky to have the amazing Andrew Cuomo. We’ll take it from there, Claudia. Just trying to get rooted in this, true? Rooted in the new normal. Has been a scramble! A really odd 10 days that has felt a whole lot longer. Now we’ll gear up for the rest. We will take care of ourselves. Nurture; nourish; replenish; somehow find an oasis in the rough sea. We will do everything we can and what we prepared so hard for at home.
I’m so glad you have Don. I’m so glad I have my man, too. My friend who is alone is glad she has her dog in her lap. I know other people who are getting so much richness from friends who call; making the rounds, everybody checking up on one another (phone, skype, email, etc.). We’ve just got to hold on and get through this as best we can, as we’ve all tried to tell ourselves a hundred times by now. Even if others aren’t listening to the science and the public health experts, WE are, and we should be proud of that!
If I haven’t said it before much lately, and even though we’ve never met and I don’t really ‘know’ you, Claudia, I send you my love. I really mean that. During that news conference today, I raged; I cried a big bucket of tears in frustration and disbelief of what I was hearing. But I tried to turn it right around with gratitude for my own particular situation, and that includes the people who make a diff in my daily life and you’re one of them with your blog and your heart and your compassion for your readers and the world around you. As always, I wish you and Don a cozy and comforting time at home in these next critical weeks and you’re a real role model for getting the rest of us out of our inertia on the sofa; get up, work on something, pass the time with something that gets the brain juices going, like creativity (reading, working a doll house, etc.).
I think the good rain is over for now. Really poured around 4am. It’s a bit chilly tonight. I try to imagine all the little houses all over America, with a majority of people safe inside their homes, lights twinkling in the dark night. My husband is getting a big sheet pan ready with the rest of our fresh vegetables which were getting somewhat limp, so we’ll have a good dinner in a little while with some delish roasted veggies & potato. Small things. Good things. Grab onto the good!
A good idea to ignore the WH Press Briefings and listen to your sane Governor and Mayor. Everything else is just noise, especially since T can’t do any of his rallies, so his need to be the center of attention is even more acute.
Sounds like a great dinner – I love roasted vegetables. Take care!
Money and money, here in Brazil the same thing happens, the president thinks only of the economy, he even signed a decree that said that employers would not be forced to pay the wages of their employees in quarantine, but after the strong negative repercussions, he returned in the decision
It’s all money, Edis. Not compassion for citizens, but money. Take care!
glad you’re doing alright. am sure that outing felt good.
but … snow?!
thanks for sharing movie and book titles (adding to my list). and that photo of don and his studio … very sweet!
okay here with supplies and stuff to do. and i still have a job. i am grateful for that, but also very scared to go to work (i am a social worker).
i am no expert, but with all the news … i can’t help but think it’s time for a national quarantine.
praying …
hope and pray you all are healthy, happy and have what you need.
kathy in iowa
Yes, it’s snowing now! I agree. It’s time for a national quarantine and I must say, I’ll be much happier when I know you don’t have to go to work, Kathy. Stay safe.
thanks, claudia. me, too.
be safe and well!
kathy in iowa
xo
to chris k in wisconsin …
what rand paul and ron paul said about this coronavirus is incredibly shocking and (considering they are doctors) reckless. thanks for pointing it out.
i wish everyone well.
and am glad you can stay home. hope you get to hold your granddaughter soon and in the meantime i am glad there’s technology to help try to bridge the gap.
thank you. i am grateful to have a job, but also very scared there. i am a social worker and work primarily with older adults. many have lots of visitors (in-home helpers and family) so i worry about the amplified risk of potential exposure. also, many don’t seem to understand or see the need for social distancing and others have such hearing loss that lots of “yelling” is required to be heard and makes social distancing tough.
praying for everyone …
kathy in iowa
I wasn’t the one who mentioned Rand’s father, but you are absolutely correct. They are doctors for the love of all that is holy. Hopefully they don’t try to actually heal sick people with those attitudes.
Be careful, kathy. This is serious stuff. Your state doesn’t seem to quite be on board with so many. Especially with all of us surrounding you, and making much more serious accomodations. It seems to me we should ALL be on the same page for several weeks. There are too many people who actually have this virus and don’t know. People who say “my county, city, etc. doesn’t have anyone”, are really, I’m afraid, being blind to the facts. Take care, kiddo!! ♡
hej, chris k in wisconsin …
sorry for mis-attributing.
i hope and pray rand paul and everyone else with covid-19 heals quickly and completely.
also, i am glad he’s not my doctor or representative.
agree about some people being in denial. sad, scary where that could lead.
and i agree with you that our state is … sadly … very slow in setting the drastic restrictions needed to flatten the curve and help get rid of the virus. there’s a rumor going around that the guard will be called up this week ahead of a state-wide quarantine. again, just a rumor as far as i know … but i wish it would be true: it would add to the surreal-ness, for sure, but also be a help, progress, some relief …
hope you and your family all stay safe and well. take care!
kathy in iowa
ps: i try not to hate anything … but i hate that now when i write messages, the intuitive thing on my phone now quickly puts in “coronavirus” and “quarantine”.
I’m at home for a week off from today, my last night shift was tense several people went to the emergency room with panic syndrome, crying other flu, but we still have no hospitalizations from the covid 19. The mayor of my city interdicted several squares where the young people met. But the president of Brazil preaches the opposite saying that quarantine will do more harm to people than this little flu. May God bless your home.
I’m glad you’ve got time off today, Edis. Stay safe. Your president sounds a lot like ours…and that’s not a good thing! xo