Greetings from Command Central here at Mockingbird Hill Cottage.
You’ll notice my mug says “Patience.” I have a feeling I’m going to need a lot of it in the coming weeks. This will be a bit harder for Don, who likes to get out at least once or twice a day and is used to doing that. I already had to stop him from going to the grocery store this morning to get some more yogurt. I find myself reading updates to him out loud so that he truly gets it. But, along with that, I am also keeping away from too much information, too much news. We’re self-isolating. We are not having contact with anyone else.
I’ve noticed more and more bookshops closing for the next two weeks. It’s almost impossible to practice ‘social distancing’ in a bookshop. I urge you to help independent bookshops in this time of need. I bought books from both of our local bookshops at the end of last week and I ordered a book online from Oblong Books yesterday. I didn’t especially need that book right now, but I wanted to take some sort of positive action. Modest purchases, but I hope that money helps them out.
Our local schools are now closed for two weeks. The school system is going to feed those families who have children who depend on the schools for a hot meal. They’re also holding a food drive for those in need.
For every fool who thinks this doesn’t apply to him/her and is still congregating with other people, there are far more people who understand the enormity of this and are doing everything they can to protect themselves and others, and are also contributing to the local economy as best they can. We tried to check on our elderly neighbors yesterday, and have been doing so off-and-on since January, but every time we call, we get a fax sound. We think they’re most likely wintering with their children out West.
We’ll take a walk today (Don’s been doing that every day) and since we’re on a country road, social distancing won’t be an issue. Just need to get some exercise! I find my anxiety popping up here and there – it’s no wonder, I guess – but giving myself an activity helps.
Take care of yourselves. Don’t go out. If you are going out and don’t have to, please stop.
Happy Monday.
I am staying home, too but today I have no choice but to go out to the compound pharmacy and pick up my cat, Clementine’s medication that she’s on for her kidney disease. I will wash my hands before I go and also wear disposable gloves. And of course, I will then wash my hands again when I get home.
We ordered take-out pizza from our local pizza place last night since as of today, all restaurants and bars in Illinois are closed for dine-in. When we picked up our pizza, I asked the young woman at the register who would’ve been our server if we had’ve dined in. She said, “me.” I handed her an extra-large cash tip. She was stunned at first, then thanked us. I told her I felt sorry for servers now that they will be out of jobs for at least two-three weeks. So please, everyone…if your local restaurants are shut down for dine-in, when you order take-out, be sure to generously tip whomever would’ve been your server.
We got take-out from our favorite Indian restaurant – one couple dining in. They said no one comes to their lunch buffet now. Now, of course, California asked restaurants to only serve take-out. I, too, left a bigger tip than usual, thinking of what this young man was missing financially.
xo
Good for you, Melanie! I’m sure she appreciated that.
Today is my first day of working from home for at least 2 weeks. I think it will be longer. I understand what you mean when you mention your anxiety. Mine is definitely popping up this morning. I’m used to being surrounded by my wonderful team at work, about 15 of us, we all get along so well and have so much fun as we work. We’re trying some of the communication apps, like Jabber and Slack, but it’s really not at all the same. I know that many, many people are in the same boat as I am, but I feel very isolated. I very much appreciate your daily updates, hearing what you and Don are doing to get through this. Thanks!!
Make sure you chat with friends and co-workers when you can, Jayne. Hang in there!
Greetings from home! I am enjoying my home time as uninterrupted project opportunity. I just started a new quilt. Hooray! I have so many reading/writing projects that I have put aside, and now have retrieved for my attention. And spring cleaning, no excuses! I will miss my little friends from Storytime at the library, and taking my grandson to swimming practice, but we will rejoice and be glad on that happy day when we are together again. The main thing is don’t get sick, and don’t get anyone else sick. Top priorities.
Top priorities, for sure. Take care, Leslie!
I am thankful I have my two “fur kids” to keep me company during this time of self isolation. (I like to call it nesting in place. Sounds more comforting.) In the afternoons my cat enjoys the sunshine on her window shelf in the bedroom, and my Shih Tzu and I head for the enclosed back porch. The light and warmth from the sun is glorious. Spring is my favorite time of year, and I’m enjoying watching the Magnolia blossoms and Easter flowers open more each day.
I am trying to focus on nature right now, and stay away from the news reports. It creates a great deal of anxiety for me, not only from the health standpoint, but also because in the beginning of February I listed my house for sale. I had hoped to have it sold this Spring because I must downsize. Now our country is in a state of turmoil because of this virus, and I find myself in a position with no solution. So my mantra is, “I trust that God is in control.”
Yes, I do, too. I called it that several days ago – even used it for a post title. It’s a positive way to look at the whole thing, isn’t it? I’m sorry to hear that this is going to hold up selling your house, Denise. Hang in there. And take care!
I thought I would go to the grocery store this morning, and then stopped myself. We really don’t need anything and can make do. I think about WWII and remember seeing my folks ration books and thinking they had lots left to use. My mom explained to me that those coupons left were because there was no butter, or eggs, or meat to use them on! The times when everyone thought their lives would never be the same again. But those times did pass. Even if it took years, not months. We will get past this too. We may not be able to buy the things we are used to, but we will have things to eat that we usually pass by. The Japanese left their homes and land during the war and didn’t get them back. They had to live in barracks. We get to stay in our homes. I know it doesn’t always help to look when times were worse than they are now, but we will be OK as long as we stay home. It will end sooner if we can help stop the spread. I have my embroidery, and I do use puzzles sitting around instead of pictures, so we have lots of puzzles to put together! LOL! The less people that are out, the slower the virus will spread. That will keep the hospitals from being overwhelmed. We each can help. My prayers are with you and Don to stay well. My prayers are with every person in the world.
We bought enough for two weeks and if we run out of things along the way, we’ll just have to toughen up, right? Stay well,Tana!
I have to say your Gov did a wonderful job this morning in his press conference. And his coordination with the surrounding states is fantastic so people aren’t “shopping” options. If only the Feds would step up and do some guidance. But because of who is concerned with that, it is probably, sadly, best they stay out. Isn’t THAT a terrible statement to have to make!!
Kids are out of school here, but hubs and all teachers had to report today to work in teams putting together packets of materials to send home with kids and figure out the virtual piece that will probably have to be put in place somehow. We have kids with no computer access in their homes, and in this rural setting, there are still places where computer access isn’t even available yet. Figuring out the equity in that for all kids is mind-boggling to me. They do have the breakfast/ lunch access piece figured at about 98% right now, so that should begin tomorrow, thankfully.
A nice walk would probably be fun for both of you. The birds and squirrels are still congregating at the feeders and that is a very fine thing. Their world remains as was at this point in time. They know we will continue to fill the feeders and put water in the bird baths, so they seem happy. As always, it was so great to see your post appear this morning and to “chat” with you and follow all of your commenters. It is another group that we need to keep in touch with over these crazy and stress filled days! Thanks!!
Claudia, I am so thankful you continue to write a daily blog post. Over the years during difficult periods in my life, (i.e., providing full time care for my mom when she was on hospice) your blog has been a respite in my day. Now as we are sheltering in place there are days I feel isolated. However, visiting your blog , reading about what you and Don are up to and reading the comments gives me a sense of community. I am grateful that we can weather this storm together, albeit virtually.
We need community now, more than ever. Thank you for your kind words, Denise. Please take care of yourself.
I didn’t see it so I’ll have to catch up. I’m very impressed by him, Chris. I feel I can trust him, unlike the White House. And you’re right. That’s very sad to say! The walk we took really helped. It was good to get outdoors and we made sure we went down a road where there was no one in sight. Take care!
Staying in or walking is so good. We are lucky we can do the walks without worrying too much about crowds, although yesterday Rick went to a park that is usually very quiet and it was packed with people. Gorgeous day and who knows! He kept his distance.
We all are. Stay safe, my friend.
You too, Jeanie! And Rick as well.
Feeling very low and anxious today – as if you am waiting for the world to end ( think On The Beach but without the wonderful Gregory Peck)
Went to the funeral of a former neighbour as I wanted to pay my respects to her wonderful 85 year long life.
The advice in the UK seems to lack vigour and clarity- the schools are still open, as are shops and other business outlets- heard this morning that Virgin Airlines are asking staff to take 8 weeks unpaid leave – how will those people, those families manage.
Feeling bewildered but grateful as always for the oasis of calm that your blog provides
Siobhan
Update – the advice from the UK government has changed dramatically.
Our lives, all our lives, are going to look and feel different
Thank you for your glorious blog Claudia – it’s a lifeline xx
I assume changed dramatically is for the better? Stricter rules, etc.?
Thank you for your kind words, Siobhan.
I’m amazed when I see UK IG accounts where people are out and about, grabbing dinner, etc. Virgin Airlines should step up and cover their employees pay. That is shameful. Thank you, Siobhan!
Glad y’all are taking it seriously, there are so many who aren’t. We’re staying home but, like you, we went out for a walk. It’s hard to stay inside the house for days. Just read a great biography of Meghan Markel, by Andrew Morton. The kind of book that you’re sorry when you finish it. Y’all take care.
Yes, you have to get out, even if it’s only to walk around the yard. Thanks, Mary!
We are also staying in and actually getting around to several house projects. The weather has been good, so we’ve been getting the flower beds cleaned up. I’ve been cleaning out closets little by little. We’ve also been going on long walks- the trails are empty. We are in a very small town and the merchants depend on the locals for support. Hopefully they all make it through this crisis.
It’s a bit too cold here to clean out the flower beds yet. Hopefully next week! Take care, Liz!
As Denise said so well, during times of trouble, your blog was a constant reminder that there is life out there to rejoin when the trouble subsides. Appreciate it so much.
Here it is rainy, the kind of weather we are used to in January and February, now the sun came out. It has been grey/gray for several days and now the sun suddenly broke through. I’m thinking it might be good for an outside walk as well. Cheers!
Take that walk, Martha. Thank you for your kind words.
I’m home full time for a while. My parents are doing ok by themselves, with the care providers, but my brothers are still dropping by with food. My county, along with some other Bay Area counties, have now ordered people to shelter in place, except for grocery shopping and other necessary service, for two weeks.
I agree with what you wrote a few days ago, Claudia. I love staying at home, but it’s my choice. I don’t like it so much when I’m ordered to.
Everyone stay safe out there…wash your hands!
Take care of yourself, Wendy!
The libraries in our province that are closing because of the virus have let patrons know ahead of time. They are letting people borrow way more books than the maximum and and are not giving a return time. I love public libraries.
Yes, ours did the same. We got the announcement on Friday and they closed at the end of the day on Sunday. Thank you, Brenda!
I’m anxious, too. Worried for my 91 year old mom in a senior residence. No visitation, but I did get to drop,off a couple of thing and yell “hi” . The bay area in California is on 3 week, everyone stay home policy. We have to be careful and serious. It’s finally raining and snowing in California, so that’s a relief. Look forward to your posts.
I’m sure you’re worried about your mom. Praying for her. Take care of yourself, Debra.
My governor closed the schools so my debate if I returned or not was taken out of m y hands. I know he made the right decision.
I had 2 deliveries this week of yarn. I am crocheting up a storm. I’m making hot pads, slippers, and a blanket. As I continue to recuperate from whatever it is I have my hands will be busy.
Just knowing that we are not alone in this is comfort. Claudia, that is what you bring to us. Comfort.
So happy you don’t have to go in, Trudy! Take care of yourself and enjoy your crocheting!
I just finished watching my last recorded episode of Seven Worlds, One Planet on BBC America. If you get the chance, it’s a wonderful diversion to watch.
Our lives are continuing to change. My London son called this morning…he and his wife are working from home. Avoiding the tube, walking more and biking of course. He said that people right now are buying more bikes than usual, that sales were up. He has obviously curtailed travel to other European countries where he sets up Trek stores and trains their staffs. His SIL is a set designer…she is now out of work, and the show she was working on in Germany has been cancelled. Our lives are changing whether we want them to or not, and this is just starting for us here.
Day three huh? How long will the countdown go on? Enjoy your evening Claudia! ;)
So many people out of work. It just gets worse. So alarming for individuals, for companies, for small businesses, for the economy. We’re nearly shut down here in America. It’s almost too much to comprehend.
Take care, Donnamae.
Your Command Central looks like the most friendly, safest, warm & cozy place a person could find themselves in.
And so we start the 15-day cycle. We know our instructions for the next 15 days. And that’ll take us to the end of the month for the next set of instructions on how to live in what will likely be ongoing 15-day increments. Maybe til the end of summer; all still a guess. Wow. Get used to the new norm in a global pandemic. We’ll ride it out as best we can. There’ll be a lot of tips and helps along the way; there’ll have to be. (For instance, no way do I have enough of my life-saving drugs on hand to get me to August. Most of us don’t have that much food in the house, despite our prep. Etc.)
“Despite city order, Kid Rock’s bar refusing to close.” Not helpful. “In some cities, partiers ignore distancing pleas.” I only scanned the headline, but apparently lots of Bourbon Street revelers for St. Patrick’s Day. Not helpful. This is what’s gonna cause enforcement of curfews and lockdown for all, because of a segment of the population who will not obey restrictions and advisements, only thinking of themselves and defying authority, ‘no chains on me’.
We’ve got some friends whose grandson is a ‘box boy’ (should I say ‘box person’??? – – all antiquated terms from my past; maybe they call them courtesy clerks now [they sack your food purchases]). He works at a big-box grocery store; after-school job, in his teens. Lives with Mom & Dad plus grandparents (multi-generational household with a granny flat out back for the older folks). This is how it goes, in terms of the entire family being fearful for his virus exposure in that environment with many people for hours on end: He has a car to go to & from his job at the store. Nobody is ever in the car but him. When he comes home off his shift, he wipes down (disinfects) the interior of the car and his keys; of course uses hand sanitizer as well. Then, he walks around to a private side porch of the house, goes inside and removes his clothing, takes a shower in the bathroom where his family has left him a stack of clean clothes. (My cousin had a set-up like that when she lived on an 11-acre Calif horse ranch; designed it that way, so that when her mucky/horse-y husband came in at day’s end, he took off his boots in the mudroom off the porch/garage, dropped his dirty clothes in the laundry closet on the left and then walked into the shower-bathroom on the right, before he ever could walk into the kitchen. It’s how she kept her home cleaner!) Anyway, only after the aforementioned kid has washed off and has on his clean clothes does he then come into the main part/common areas of the house shared by his loved ones. (He’s got it down to a science already and is onboard with the routine to protect himself and his family. What a good kid!) In the meantime, Mom has gloved up, picks his clothes off the floor and puts them in the washing machine with hot water and detergent. Dad goes back around to cover tracks by disinfecting anything else overlooked. They are taking no chances, especially for the grandparents. Extreme measures for extreme times. (It made me exhausted just hearing about it…sounds like some added stress for sure…but you have to wish/hope anybody is as cautious in, indeed, this new norm.)
We have some other friends who bought a lake home in SoCalif in this past year who continue to go back and forth from there to the house they still own in our town (it’s a slow move, doing it on their own time, transitioning to living year ’round at the new place in retirement). The coming & going has now ground to a halt. Oh, to be ‘way up there in the mountains which they’ve ‘escaped’ to, with only a populace of about 5,000 people, away from ‘the masses’! They can just hunker down/self-isolate in their nice, spacious cabin-home, away from everything. I know the virus knows no borders, but it sounds safer to me than here where I am (an illusion, but it makes it seem like they’re removed from the dangers the rest of us have in the more-populated areas). Maybe this is when I wish I lived out on a farm surrounded by lots of acres of land…or somewhere in a sparsely-populated desert. Oh well.
Don just told me that one of his friends puts incoming mail in a box and doesn’t open it for 24 hours. The idea being that the virus would no longer be viable. To me? It sounds a bit over-the-top. But it’s all very confusing because we have no guidelines about this.
Well, we’re doing the same thing. We still get a little bit of mail at the house although we largely get mail at the post office. Either place, we put on gloves and let the mail sit for a couple of days, in the trunk of the car or in the garage which is attached to our home. We’ve been doing that for the last eight days; also with parcels although I’ve now limited any packages coming; have done some cancellations and cleared my Amazon cart. (I don’t want anything extra right now.)
There is confusion; confusion everywhere. We’ve read conflicting reports on how long ‘they think’ the virus/droplets stay active on certain surfaces like paper, cardboard, metal, fabric, wood. It seems to be at least 24 hrs on paper despite earlier things we had read about it only being a few hours. But who knows? I’m still worrying a bit about all the groceries/sundries we unpacked last Thursday from the store, after hearing a virologist say that the only way to be safe is to wash everything/wipe it off, like I guess we should have had a disinfecting cloth and wiped down every item of canned food, each package of pasta noodles, each roll of paper towels, etc. Makes sense, but we didn’t. I guess we were stupid, when you have to thinking about every little and big thing. I wish somebody would just tell us; one voice. Nobody knows what to do. Until then, some of us are probably taking a few unnecessary cautions. I dunno. It reminds me of the whole anthrax thing in 911, when we were hesitant to open up our mail. All this confusion is leading to high anxiety and what we’re going to wind up with is a lot of depressed people behind their closed doors because anxiety and depression can go hand-in-hand.
Well, we haven’t been doing that. I know our carriers use gloves, so it seems as if the virus wouldn’t survive between sending and receiving. Still, who the heck knows?
No way do we have enough food or toothpaste or butter or….in the house for anything beyond 15 days. We’ll have to address that when the time comes.
Kid Rock is an ass, but I already knew that. He’s a rabid Trump supporter. Probably still clinging to the belief that it’s all a hoax. I saw photos this morning of young people crowding the beaches in Florida for Spring Break. Are you kidding me?
Thanks, Vicki.
Yes, I saw that beach headline, too. I glanced out my window this morning at my across-the-street neighbor’s and my next-door neighbor’s houses. The one guy works construction; pipe fitter. The other guy works with outdoor swimming pools. They seem to work 6 days a week. This morning, their work trucks are gone; they’ve gone to work. I guess they were only home the past days because they have outdoor jobs and it’s been raining. (Last Thurs or so, the pipe fitter was still car-pooling, like 4 guys jammed tight in a car at 4:30am; that is NOT social distancing.) Both of these neighbors are in the age group of their 30s. Life goes on. Should they have gone to work? I don’t know the type of work of, say, the pipe fitter; is it solo work? Can he distance? Or does he have a helper and they’re side-by-side working on a pipe, a 2-man job?
Sunshine after our good rain of the past days; looks so nice out there. Hard to think of it as being dangerous. I had a weird thing come over me last night of, “Is this real? Is this really me? Is this really happening?” Very strange sort of aura/feeling, like maybe I’d been temporarily transported to some alternate universe. But, no, it’s real.
I’m not a conspiracy theorist at all, but I have had thoughts about the timing of this. Nothing to linger on in any way, just…thoughts. I guess all Russian election interference has made me wary. Sigh. I’d like to go back to my innocent self.
Libraries, churches, restaurants, schools…closed…this may help our normal to come back more quickly than it would have. I agree with you…those going out and about–if one doesn’t have to, stay home. Much going on…worries…take care…read…rest…walk…
You too. Everyone that can needs to stay home. Take care, Brenda!
Hopefully with most things shut down this will end in the not too distant future. Keeping busy with projects to do and lots of reading. Stay well every one.
Marilyn
You too, Marilyn. Thank goodness for the blog, which provides a bit of structure for my day! Take care.
I love reading what your readers have to say, as well as your blog posts in general! I am in for the duration except to get the mail and drive-up pharmacy. I have LOTS of books, puzzles, embroidery projects, and TCM…Netflix etc. I will be fine. My husband works but can distance himself, but I worry about my children and grandchildren who live a state away. I am glad to see so many people being selfless and helping others here.
We all need to develop a ‘war mentality’ and sacrifice for the greater good. Thank you, Melissa. Take care of yourself.
we all might require reminders (i know i do) … habits and needs and wants can be very strong!
my sister had a bit of good news today … her employer has been doing what is needed so she (my sister) could work at home, if it comes to that. and i think it has … beyond time, actually. that would be a relief.
and my boss finally agreed today to cancel all activities for april. as of today, she’s said nothing about closing the office (i have talked with her about that, but she’s afraid, i think, to make a big decision. i’d be afraid not to). think that cancellation of activities will have to start tomorrow, given the “ten people” limit recommended by the cdc tonight. good, since we work with elderly people.
this is all so surreal, isn’t it? and even though i know we’ll get through this, i am scared. i fight depression much more than anxiety … but i sure felt anxiety with today’s federal and state announcements and seeing so many people picking through what’s left on nearly-empty store shelves in a necessary trip after work. am glad to be able to talk with my family and go outside for daily walks. i have several craft and organizing projects that can help distract me. i have God (we all do). and i am glad to have found you and don and others here at mockingbird hill cottage. :) thanks for being there.
appreciate, too, people’s ideas for supporting businesses, especially the small/independent ones, during this weird and tough time.
i hope and pray everyone has what they need and stays safe!
kathy in iowa
It’s all too easy to fall into depression and anxiety. We’ve not seen anything like this before. It’s truly surreal. Make sure you take care of yourself, Kathy. I’m glad your employer is coming around, but she needs to do more. (You can tell her I said so!) Glad for your sister, too. xo
my cup says Keep Calm and Drink Tea. I am stocked up on tea.
Good advice, Jan!