Today was my day to cook breakfast, so we ventured out for a PICkuptruckNIC. Went to Bo’s for a biscuit, then – because he is showing withdrawal symptoms – a stop by Lowe’s. I admit it was more than a bit scary – after all, we haven’t been out of the house in two weeks. We never left the truck, though The Engineer and I did go into Lowe’s – he in search of supplies and me wanting to feed my Fitbit. People tended to make sure there was space in our togetherness, and most women wore gloves or kept their hands in their pockets. Why did I feel like holding my breath the entire time? A clear plastic panel was on his shopping list, and their supply’s was nil. When we went to the checkout, we discovered why: a panel of hard, clear plastic separated every cashier from the paying customers. Every aisle was marked off with big, colorful X’s on the floor and a sign asking next-in-line customers to wait here to maintain social distancing. The people behind us paid no heed.
The weather was absolutely beautiful today, so once back home, Mother and The Engineer busied themselves outside planting colorful annuals in the deck pots while Alison and I worked on our computers indoors. If I told you Mother’s age, you’d be quite impressed at all she did today. But then if I told you her age, she’d kill me and spend the rest of her life wearing ill-fitted orange jumpsuits in prison, (a sentence she’d willingly endure for punishing me for the ultimate transgression. Our motto is Age is just a number, and mine’s unlisted.) I imagine we’ll all sleep well from a day of good work (and no naps) with visions of Bo’s Biscuits dancing in our heads, though I’m not sure we’ll venture out again any time soon. I don’t like being fearful, but I don’t know how to quell it.
From the Mailbox
Thank you to Julie for sending a long list of quotes in response to my request on Day 14. She includes a quote at the end of every blog post, and she was kind enough to compile last year’s quotes and send them to me. I dare say Mother will enjoy these much more than the oracle cards.
I really enjoy hearing about how you’re getting on during this surreal time. My friend Becky writes of baking cookies and how she and her husband (who is now working from home) enjoy this slower lifestyle, including date night on the newly pressure-washed deck – now festooned with brightly colored plants – twice a week. She’s turned this into a delightful time of delightfully leisurely togetherness.
The Four-Legged Population Sheltering-in-Place With Us
Meet Flerkin
And Jeeves
Did I mention that we have 8 – yes, e-i-g-h-t – cats staying with us, too? Why oh why does it sound so adorable when Tracy Coan posts of her feline’s antics? Ours are cute as buttons . . . When they’re asleep.
It’s lovely to see your photos and sunshine. Another cloudy day with more to come in Toronto. And I really wish I weren’t allergic to animals!!! I live alone and it’s a great day when someone calls, video chats or even tallies my groceries – that and take out are the only places we can go.
I had a blue Monday/pity party. Thank goodness time and counting blessings help get over those days! Now I have a flexible schedule. Mornings, I put cds of my old faves on while I sew – Christmas bags and quilts for the Linus project. In the afternoon I’m working on beaded/cross stitch Christmas ornaments in front of the TV. Idle hands are the tools of the devil. And working with my hands keeps me out of the kitchen!
I have video chats with the grands and video coffee with another gal in my building. I love seeing what’s growing in neighbourhood flowerbeds while on frequent short walks.
This, too, shall pass. And I think of ppl who went to war for us, those who are working on the frontlines now for us, so being comfy in my home is nothing to complain about. Nothing at all.
Every day is another day closer to the end of the pandemic. Make a great day!