Life in the Time of Coronavirus, 4/10/20

The End of Another Stormy Week

Four Weeks of Quarantine and Counting
Like most of you, we’ve been in quarantine in our home for over four weeks.  It’s still very strange, but interestingly, we have settled into a new regular routine.  While so much illness, death and suffering is going on all over the World, we are so thankful and blessed to be here in our lovely home, with each other and our dogs, and we have resources to weather this virus storm for the coming weeks. By the look of things, I think we’ll be in our homes for at least one or two more months. When we are able to socialize, our norms, such as social distance, personal space, hugging, kissing and hand shaking will likely change for a long time. I wonder about the impact on societies.

Social Distancing- Things May Not be the Same for a Long Time

Thus far, California has not been hit as hard as many other States, like New York, New Jersey, Louisiana and Michigan. We do not take this for granted.  We were forewarned, are watching, and taking heed.  We have strong local and State leaders who are making necessary preparations and ramping things up.  Our State is also able to donate or share critical supplies. Personally, we are giving what we can to our heart charities to help as best we can during the crisis.  Our hearts break for our fellow Americans and all others around the World.

We’re Pretty Boring These Days

Our routine is pretty solid now:

• Get up (Some nights we sleep well, others, not so much. How about you?)
• Open up the shades to see the day (Rain or shine, we have beautiful views here.)
• Feed the dogs (By 10 a.m. or else)
• Give the dogs treats (Of course)
• Watch morning shows (Good Morning America, Kelly and Ryan, The View)
• Check Email and social media (Mostly Facebook and a bit of Instagram)
• Make and eat breakfast (Great way to start the day.)
• Get dressed (Yes, we still do this, and we still wear pants.)
• Do chores, projects and crafts (Stuff you gotta do.)
• Work out (Elliptical and yoga)
• Make and eat lunch (Usually salads and soups)
• Happy hour (Woo hoo!)
• Watch evening news (Favorites are NBC, CBS, ABC, PBS, MSNBC, CNN, BBC)
• Feed the dogs (Their tummy alarms are going off earlier each day.)
• More treats for the dogs (Of course)
• Make and eat dinner (Trying so many great recipes.)
• Watch movies or play games (Online and table games)
• Bathe/shower (Yes, we still do that.)
• Watch late shows (Noah, Colbert, Cordin)
• Get to bed (Are your dreams weird too?)
• Rinse and repeat (Wait. What day is it?)

Highlights of any given day include: US Mail delivery, ordering and receiving food and other goods from delivery services, and having brief conversations with our neighbors, as they do their daily walks.  Isn't it hilarious how people are dressing up to take their garbage out, among other entertaining things?

Taking Out the Garbage in Style

More Changes to Everyday Life
Our beaches and the Pacific Ocean are completely closed to the public now. Some local sun and sea worshippers recently broke this law and congregated at the beaches. They were all given citations. This is serious business, and it seems that the authorities have to protect us from ourselves. 

Beaches all Closed to the Public

We have to disinfect everything that enters our home. All deliveries are carefully handled with rubber gloves, left out for a time and cleaned before we bring them in. 

I find it most disconcerting that the CDC and Government have been telling us for the past few months that we don’t have to wear scarves or masks to keep safe. And now, these are mandatory in most public places. You can be cited for not wearing a face mask now.  Interesting to note that when you watch the reports from other countries that were hit well before and after us, they all are wearing masks as normal protocol. Why didn’t we do this sooner? 

The Weather also Seems to Weep for Us, While the World Heals in Other Ways
It rained a lot here this week.  Seems like the weather is weeping for us. Maybe it's a bit of a cleansing to help wash away this horrible virus that has stricken us.

Without us going about our usual business, the World environment is healing.  I think we have proof that we're our own worst enemy when it comes to ruining the environment. I hope that when things are back to somewhat normal, we will factor that into our thinking and actions.

Air Pollution Clears Due to Lockdown

Holy Week:  Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Passover
Whether or not you are spiritually inclined, no matter what your beliefs, I wish you happy holidays. For those of faith, let’s continue to pray for our loved ones and all of humanity as we face more suffering, sadness, uncertainty and strife.  Remember to #holdfast #staysafe #stayhome.