For the past 10 months, we’ve been treading water. Just trying to keep going, staying alive and well. It’s been a time of emotional ups and downs, as we adjust to the social isolation and other restrictions of the covid-19 pandemic . Now. there’s light at the end of the tunnel. We can allow ourselves to think of seven New Year hopes and dreams for 2021.

Vaccine: Not sure when it’s going to be available. We’re hoping to get it in the next month or so. My husband has agreed to go first. If he can handle it all right, I’ll get it too. Not looking forward to the side effects, but there really isn’t any choice.

Dinner at a fine restaurant. We’ve done a lot more take out this year, but sitting down with cardboard containers at your table doesn’t quite do the job. I want to get dressed up, go out for dinner, and enjoy the ambiance: Romantic lighting. Soft music. An appealing menu of delicious food. . Attentive wait staff. Afterwards, nothing to clean up or throw away in the kitchen.

7 hopes and dreams for the new year — 7 new year hopes and dreams include dining at a fine restaurant.

Getting a Haircut.. Salons have been open, but I’ve not been willing to take that risk. I’ve done a pretty decent job of cutting my own hair, but a professional will do much better.

Talking to people when out in public. When wearing a stocking cap and mask, most people don’t recognize me. And even if I see someone I know, , I’m afraid to stop and chat. Didn’t realize how much I miss interacting with casual friends and acquaintences.

Swimming. Yes the pool at the YMCA has been open. And they’re following all the guidelines for social distancing, but it’s a little too high risk at my age. I was okay with it in the summer because I could leave without going into the locker room. But walking out in the cold with damp clothes is not my idea of fun. I just want to dive in the water, swim, do some exercises, get out, take a shower, dry my hair, get dressed, and walk out into the sunshine.

Senior center activities. Our local senior center is a haven for the retirement crowd. Miss the camaraderie of participating in tai chi and playing mahjong. Eager to once again see friendly faces, and having a good time.

Family get togethers. You can Skype and Zoom all you want, but it’s not the same as hearing the laughter of your grandchildren, seeing the light in their eyes. and the feel of a warm hug.

Happy New Year!

With winter coming on, a recent retiree asked my husband, “what do you do all day?” He felt exasperated because he’s an outdoor person. The Covid-19 lockdown didn’t bother him much until now, because he could hike, play golf, and easily find things to do while socially distancing. But now, he’s wondering how to make it through the next few months while stuck inside. Here are 9 things to do if you’re home alone during the pandemic.

1. Make Your Bed. Why bother, if no one but you can see it? Because making your bed gives you a sense of accomplishment and normalcy. Anyway , who wants to climb back into a tangled mess at night.

2. Exercise. Maybe you have some home equipment, like an exercise bike. But you really don’t need it. There are tons of stretching exercises you can do, plus ones using weights. Make it a habit, fifteen minutes, first thing in the morning.

3. Jigsaw puzzles are good for your brain because they exercise both side of your brain. If you have a computer, you can do them online at places like jigzone.com. and listen to the pieces fall into place. It’s fun, and free!

9 things to do when home alone. Do a puzzle at jigsaw.com — 9 things to do if home alone. Try a jigsaw puzzle at jigzone.com. It’s free!

4. Prepare nourishing foods. It’s tempting to live on cheese and crackers or cereal. But that’s boring and unhealthy. Make fresh fruit smoothies. Try a new recipe–something fancy and unusual. Dream about the day when you can have a dinner party with a dazzling new dish.

5. Do something creative. Learn woodworking online or with a book from Menards.. Paint pictures, knit, sew, crochet. Write your memoirs, start a scrapbook, make a collage with favorite photos—the list is endless

6. Get out of the house. Unless its pouring down rain, sleet, or snow, bundle up and get a breath a fresh air. Fill your lungs with oxygen and take a short walk. The change of scene will lift your spirits.

7. Read books. If you’re bored with “formula” novels and Chicklit, go back and read the classics. How could anyone tire of Tolstoy?

8. Start an indoor garden. I began one last year with pots of amaryllis. They don’t start growing until you water them, so they can be staggered to bloom all winter. I had gorgeous fresh flowers from December through March. Spider plants, ivy, and philodendron provide fresh greenery on dull winter days–and they’re good for the air.

9. Redecorate. Paint your bedroom pink. Order some new curtains on Amazon or buy them at Walmart. Refinish some furniture.

One of these days, we’ll have a vaccine, and new medicines to fight the virus. In the meantime, there are nine good things to do if you’re home alone this winter