Tag: coping with the national crisis

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SOCIAL DISTANCE DIARY: WEEK 2

Drove to the Dollar Store for a few things, simply because I’m getting cabin fever.  Only three or four  customers–unsmiling, looking tired and worried. Had the feeling the cash register clerk couldn’t wait to get me out the door. But it sure felt good to be out in the real world again.  Social distance diary: Week 2

My grandpa's outhouse was often out of toilet paper. They used Sears catalog, instead
When my grandpa ran out of toilet paper on the farm, they used Sears Catalog. Social Distance Diary: Week 2

Of course, they were out of toilet paper at the Dollar Store. We have plenty, but I was going to pick up some extra. It got me wondering about what people did without tp. There are alternatives. My grandfathers farm lacked modern plumbing.  Sometimes, there was a Sears  catalog next to the wooden seat in the outhouse.  As a child, I took it in stride, even though we had modern plumbing and toilet paper in our city home.

Found an old Tai Chi CD. Now, I practice with it every day. It’s not the same without my wonderful teacher and fellow classmates, but at least I’m not getting rusty, and it’s helping to calm me down. And, it does give me a bit of exercise.

Finally located a cousin who lives in LA. She’s like a sister to my husband, and he was really upset. She wasn’t answering her phone, and her mailbox was full. We were afraid she had contracted covid-19, and maybe even died. But yesterday we got a call from Mount Cedar, Sinai hospital. She’s recovering from pneumonia—not corona. We’re feeling much relieved, and moods have improved.

Talked to all of my children this weekend. Yes, actual conversations, not texting. Their lives in this modern world are much more complicated than when I was parenting. Living in big cities, they’re always on the run, juggling jobs, driving kids here and there. They have very little time to spend on the telephone. But this weekend, they had nothing urgent, and it was nice having a relaxing conversation.  So far, they’re healthy and safe.  Hope no one gets sick.

No mass shootings this week. Empty malls, churches, schools and restaurants mean that  evil people have no targets. I hope they can’t buy more guns during the crisis.

Sunday brunch at home, since all the restaurants are closed. Tried frozen waffles for the first time. They’re amazingly easy and good. Especially combined with sausage patties. And,  sugar free syrup is only 10 calories per serving.

I’m beginning to adjust to the slower pace. The introverted part of me enjoys the solitude.  At least for a little while.

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SOCIAL DISTANCING DIARY: WEEK 1

Sunday was probably the end of normalcy in our house.  Some of our kids stopped by for brunch, but we probably won’t be seeing them in person again for awhile. Everyone’s in lockdown.  Here’s my staying home/ social distancing diary: Week 1.

Tuesday,  shopped for groceries at the new supermarket. It’s an enormous place, and the few shoppers looked grim.  No one smiled,  as we maintained our social distance. The store was  out of meat, eggs, paper goods,  water, and soft drinks.   Strangely , there was plenty of fresh produce and fruit available.  I thought people were supposed to start eating more healthy foods.

Today, I’m wearing the same clothes I wore yesterday.   Usually, I’m involved in so many activities  like card games, tai chi, swimming, walking, etc. that I often change clothes twice a day. But now, I’ve worn the same jeans and t shirt for 2 days. Why? Because , I’m not leaving the house for anything more than taking out the trash, getting the mail, and running to the store for necessities.   I’ll probably put on a clean outfit tomorrow.

Feeling lethargic.  At first, I thought I would start my spring cleaning, or initiate a new project.  But the wet, gloomy  weather and  coronavirus crisis  is sapping my energy.

Cheering up my husband, and trying to fix foods that won’t upset him.  The VA messed up  his stomach medicine, and he’s been without for over two weeks. Worry about the virus is making it worse. Called today and they said the prescription was  mailed Tuesday.  It finally arrived Thurs.  Hope it helps.

Obsessing about new cases, checking the internet.  Indiana Cases doubled in two days. Strangely, each county only reports one or two cases.  There must be more who haven’t been tested.  First case reported in my county last night.

Neighbors walking in the rain alone. Social distancing diary: Week 1
Some people are walking in the rain alone:   Social distancing diary: Week 1

Watching neighbors walking in the rain with umbrellas.  They’re probably going stir crazy.  I’d like to join them, but I might catch a cold.  Then, I’d think I had the virus.  And I probably couldn’t get tested.

Libraries closed.  Reading a Kindle book that isn’t very good but it’s something to do.  Instead of skimming our two newspapers in the morning, we’re reading every single story in great detail.

Playing bridge online.  I can only do this for about an hour before I get bored.

Trying to avoid nervous eating, afraid to step on the scale.  It would just depress me.  I’ll listen to my meditation app, instead.

It’s been a gloomy week.  But when the sun comes out, I’ll take a walk in the park.  By myself.

And thank heaven for the internet!