We arrived home from Wisconsin two weeks ago Sunday afternoon. By Monday morning, news of the coronavirus had become dire enough that we began cancelling all the moving parts of a planned 17 day vacation to California and Hawaii. It’s taken almost two weeks to get everything taken care of as best we can. As disappointing as it is, it pales in significance to the people whose lives have been totally disrupted and upended by the virus. My prayer list now includes all those whose livelihood is jeopardized by the closure of almost all businesses and cancellations of major events, those suffering from the virus, and the many, many health care workers and caregivers offering their skills and risking their lives to those who are ill.
We have gone from one confirmed case of the virus in our county last week to a total of forty-six this afternoon. The governor of New York and our local officials have moved swiftly and consistently to the current situation where people involved in non-essential services/businesses are required to stay home. We are allowed to leave our homes to get groceries, go to the pharmacy, and take a walk—as long as we stay appropriately distant from anyone we encounter. It’s all transpired so quickly. A week ago Thursday night, my interfaith book group met here. No one would consider such a meeting today.
On Monday we felt comfortable walking outside with Matt and the girls, but now even that level of contact is gone. We cancelled Tracy’s birthday dinner celebration, and are relying on video contacts now even though they live just over a mile away.
Walks are the saving grace. It’s good to get out of the house once a day, and we’re accumulating steps in numbers we haven’t seen in a long time.
We try to find a new route each day. Monday it was the Brickyard Trail with the girls.
Betsy had given Skylar (8) and Ella (5) a list of 10 things to look for on their walk. All the schools in New York are closed indefinitely, and both of my children are now homeschooling their children. Sarah is also trying to work from home, so it’s a challenge. Her church (as well as ours) is also closed indefinitely, but both churches are providing worship experiences for their congregations online. Our church is live streaming a service each Sunday. My Lenten Study Group met via Google Meet on Tuesday.
Maddy (3) walked part way, and rode part way.
The end of the trail.
On Wednesday, we walked the Erie Canal path from the Jewish Community Center to the lock on Clover Street.
Not a sign of spring on this walk. You can see the lock in the distance.
Thursday, we took our longest walk. We walked to Mt. Hope Cemetery. Frederick Douglass (famous abolitionist) and Susan B. Anthony (women’s rights activist) are both buried here.
Yesterday the temperature was in the 60’s, and we took an early walk before the high winds and rain began. The high today is not quite 30°.
There were, however, some signs of spring walking through the city neighborhoods.
It’s taken me some time to adjust to the new normal, and get productive. I finally made a list early this week of creative projects to work on and as part of my OLW, COMMIT, decided that working on two different projects each day would be a good start. So far, so good, so there will be some blog posts coming more regularly now.
Isn’t it amazing how quickly everything has shifted!! I’ve been home for almost 2 weeks now; Robbie’s been working from home for one. It’s been fairly easy for us, but just so surreal.
I’ve worked out a schedule as well. I’m working through some Bible studies I didn’t finish or never started (while the videos are up free) in the morning, doing a little Bible journaling as well. Afternoons are for scrapbooking – I’m enjoying this time to do lots of catching up with ongoing projects & looking forward to having several completed in the coming weeks.
We’ve gotten out for a walk or two, but it’s been terribly wet & rainy here.
Stay safe & healthy!
Fresh air & walks, a saving grace in these times. This is a time when we can all agree thank goodness for technology to allow us to connect with our loved ones. The last of the snow in our yard melted on Friday, so I’m getting excited as signs of renewal are just peeking through the earth.
Your photos are very welcome – such a treat to see another part of the world! Yes, isn’t life strange at the moment? I’m sad you had to cancel such a long-for and planned trip, though and hope you will have the joy of it another time … Such a great idea to give the children things to spot on their walk! Here too, everything is closed apart from food shops and chemists. At present we’ve allowed out to walk, preserving physical distance from others but even that may go – that I really dread. Sending warmest good wishes …
Well done for keeping calm and carrying on. It’s an adjustment for sure, and a shame that you won’t be able to interact in person with the grandchildren for a bit. Thank goodness the weather is improving at least – apart from making it more pleasant to be outside, it does lift the spirits. Yesterday was Mother’s Day here … sister dropped by with card and flowers on Saturday and I made a small delivery yesterday. Mum was accepting of not being able to celebrate – I think it hit us both harder but the main thing is that everyone stays well so that we can celebrate some other time. Keep enjoying those walks and the daily task list!
So thankful for walks!! We were wondering how your trip plans were affected. Jim cancelled his March 16 flight to Borneo. One of his group had left a week earlier and discovered nothing was open to view and guides were forbidden to tour with their guests. We’re fortunate to have an ample pantry but there have been no frozen veggies, paper products 🤣, flour, dried beans etc in our local markets for two weeks. Blessings on your quarantine.
yay for getting outside, signs of spring, and so many ways to keep in touch. also to finding a new rhythm in this New Normal. xoxo.
Your new normal sounds much like mine. I think since I’m mostly home anyway, it took me awhile to get a clue. After a mild meltdown yesterday, I finally sat down and created a weekly schedule, blocking in time for business building, job search, craft projects, wedding projects, and everyday life. I have entirely too much going on!
I think that outdoor walks will be lifesavers too. I just added the Charity Miles app on my phone before yesterday’s walk, so I can be chalking up a few pennies for charities who will definitely be needing it. Take care and stay well.
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