Life in the Pandemic

An interesting side note: Those born during 2001-2002's New York City 9/11 nightmare turn 19 this year. They are entering into adulthood. 2001-2002 -born babies are fortunate enough to not directly remember the 9/11 drama. This go-around, because of  COVID-19's  global effect, those young adults will, one way or another, be directly affected, unable to fully distract from our world's contagious crisis and feelings of uncertainty. This year 3/22 (or thereabouts for different regions of the country) begins a social distancing (yet bonding) crisis they will never forget. A poem that challenges readers to observe Drawing, a Bob Ross type of fun A few safe non-social distractions for those 19-year-olds (and all of us) include drawing, observing nature, and puzzles.  I might be preaching to the choir, and it goes against our nature. But during this time of being home bound, and also years beyond this crisis, we might  encourage ourselves and others to s hed the...

Those who have listened to any of the news lately know the hot topic. Social distancing. Visit any grocery store, or exercise on any walking path, and feel the tension.  Personal space within groups of people is now no less than 6 feet.   Stand with a grocery cart in the Costco parking lot, waiting to enter, and the cart is the subliminal message. Keep back!  California, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Illinois have announced the next step. This weekend, those states are initiating Shelter in Place orders, to keep the COVID-19 bell curve from spiking.   Shelter-in-place is used during an emergency, like a pandemic, which includes stocking up on supplies, finding a safe spot to hunker down indoors and, simply staying put.  For COVID-19, it is to reduce the spike of people needing hospitalization. Hospitalization that fills  hospital beds, uses medical workers, and depletes medical equipment. All of which are limited. The light-hearted quiz below ...

Medical experts say I need to act like I have the COVID virus (even if I don't). Staying away from others, regular hand washes, and announcing  Unclean! Unclean!  😎  are key . With that type of mindset, I identify with lepers,   But, this, too, shall pass. When diligently planning for our stock of food supplies (no hoarding here, but we have enough to share), and deciding how much bread and milk and this-and-such is enough, an encouraging (and less remembered) saving-the-day non-fiction account contained in the Bible 's 2 Kings chapter 7 hits me square in the eyes. I will try to embrace this story's abundance, and more-than-one-can-imagine, above and beyond mindset, during these historic times. It is where God provides in miraculous ways to those who humble themselves ( Easter is just 3 weeks away 😍 ).  Here is just a small portion of 2 Kings 7, to whet the appetite: (The  YouVersion Bible  app is available free in the apps store) ...

We can do this home bound thing, and keep our minds active. There are ways to stay home and not catch Cabin Fever. Hearing someone online talking to us (even though they're not directly talking to us) seems to help. Rather than just zombie watching, write down questions to ask. A list of online opportunities that are free: Cincinnati Zoo live feeds 2:00 p.m. CST / 3:00 p.m. ET (donations accepted) Church messages, like LifeChurch YouVersion, a free Bible app in the Apps Store (read or listen to the Bible ) And, praying is a free activity. Here is a list of critical things to pray about: Medical care workers People who are sick Finances for those who have no jobs People who have lost $$ in the stock market Parents home bound with young children Providence.org needs donations to purchase protective masks for medical workers

Our new normal schedules: Wake up and eat (too much 😉 ); hubby works from home while listening to Jazz; I purposefully  putter around the house and respond to updates from family and friends; some time during the day we exercise; and, in the evening we watch TV. Yesterday's text message hit us hard. Months ago our friend's husband experienced a first-ever strong seizure. Then, after numerous doctor visits and brain scans with subsequent seizures and various issues, yesterday he died. Prematurely, because months ago when we saw him (before our move and before the seizures), he was healthy, with the active mind of a Bill Gates.  "Marcus" put out figurative fires and squelched computer viruses.  I believed and prayed he would be healed, healthy, and full of life. I envisioned the next time we visited. He would be there. Talking about his miracle. It is surreal to think about life without "Marcus." And very sad. We live a thousand miles away from the Midwes...

Yesterday's important events included this Breaking News, to clarify misinformation about lockdowns: Trump not looking at nationwide lockdown, only "certain areas" : In numbers: New York state has more than 900 confirmed cases of COVID-19 while cases in New Jersey tripled over the weekend to 98 on Sunday, the New York Times reported [maybe due to access to COVID-19 testing?] New Jersey is just across the river from Delaware, so COVID-19 is hitting close to our home  (New Jersey is one of the lockdown areas). We stay home, a lot. Our world is closing in, and life is becoming more simplified, with less movement. I climb up and down our steps and we walk around the nearby fountains. Does it seem that the slower we move, the faster time passes (with fewer accomplishments)? And the slower we move, the slower the brain? To-do lists are a good thing! With libraries and schools closed, and mind gears potentially cranking slower, yesterday's 2:00 p.m. CST Cincinna...

Just after we developed a new-normal, following our half-cross-country move 6 months ago, normal is changing, yet again. At least temporarily. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as of today, the public library is closed at least until April 1st. A weekly women's meeting I attend is canceled until further notice, as well. My husband begins working from home, at least for one week (and can't decide what to wear today 😄 ). No word yet whether our beloved Y will be closed; and, most difficult to grasp, I am not sure whether weekly visits to Philly will still be viable  😔 . We experience March Madness in various ways, even though the official sports March Madness is cancelled. Professional ball games are cancelled, as well. Instead, ESPN classic or vintage games fill the air time  (never label them re-runs) . Unreal. I learn on CNN it is important to keep a schedule. In other words, even if there is nowhere to go, don't stay in pajamas all day. And, make your bed.  Over the las...