It’s another Monday, so it’s another Monday QBing here at Marla’s Musings.   I don’t plan it that way but I guess it’s a good day of the week for taking a few minutes to write.   It’s the right time to look back at last week, and to think about what might be coming up soon.

Last week I ventured out away from home, but I tried to continue to safely stay away from busy places.  I had one exception – I will tell you about it in a minute.   I drove up to  my older daughter’s home on Tuesday to help her take the twins to their pediatrician’s appointment.   We had to wear masks. The doctor and staff all had them on.  The doctor washed his hands a long time! (I noticed. Ha)   The rest of the visit there (3 days) I never left their home or backyard.   Friday I drove over to my other daughter’s home and had an early birthday celebration with them.  Today is her birthday and her hubby’s birthday is this Friday.   They are members of a country club in Charlotte so we went there for a drink, and then wee decided to stay and have dinner too.   Only the staff was wearing masks.  Nobody else – the diners and the  golfers – wore them.  It was Friday happy hour.   People were walking around.  There was a bar in the room with patrons.  We sat at a table in the middle of the dining area, but somewhat spaced apart from other tables.  Still, it was a busy room.  A hubbub of activity.  So – We sanitized our hands once we headed home.    Hmmm.  Still,  I gotta say I’m just a bit nervous about that outing.    (I’m feeling fine – and pray I continue to stay healthy.)

The new CoVid numbers here in my state, SC, have surged up and it’s because the state has opened up again.  Everything is open – unless, the business owner chooses not to open, or has an employee that has tested positive And has to close.    We are a tourist area.  This part of the state relies heavily on golfers and beach vacationers.   Our governor decided to open up for the economy’s sake, leaving it to individuals to decide what to do.   He has said he will not close it up again.

So, I’m back home.   I’m planning to stay home except for ‘essential needs.’

I’m tired of it – for sure.   But, I just can’t find it in me to pretend that CoVid isn’t a problem, and to go about my life ‘normally’ yet.    I think too many people are out there, walking about in denial, or just bull-headed, and they are touting their American right/freedom to do it.     It’s a strange country we live in.   We are so bossy about ‘getting our way’ and not looking out for the collective good.    Even writing this right now, I’m sure some will think I don’t put enough emphasis on personal freedom.  That I’m not American enough.

There’s a lot of that going around lately.   There is definitely a group out there who love to point fingers, and who love to wave huge flags (or do boat parades – that’s the new thing) and who sometimes use scare tactics to get their way.    They wear Red hats, and wave flags – some with Trump on them, some are “Don’t Tread on Me” or confederate flags.   It’s there RIGHT – and they like to let us know it.

And, there’s another group out there who feels like the pandemic and just about everything else is somehow politically motivated.   I saw this morning on Facebook a re-post that is going around about how it’s all happening to take down Trump.  All of it!     I wrote back that it’s strange that a worldwide pandemic would be created, spread, and have so many people dying – so Trump does not get a second term.    It’s so outlandish – but, yet, nothing seems outlandish anymore.    People truly believe that there is a big, scary, secret group of people constantly  trying to make Trump look bad – when he does it all on his own!!

Let’s not forget the misguided group who think Black Lives Matter is a militant group of people, who want to get special treatment, and get everything for free.    This group still wants to remind us… ALL Lives Matter.   Police matter.   White people matter.        Of course they do!!  Nobody ever said they didn’t.   Twisting words – and meanings… it is getting really out of hand.     Stop it!    Stop turning it around and hurting those who need acknowledgement – and fairness – and equality.    Those who are still struggling to  get it.

Yep.  It’s a crazy world out there.

It seems Like it’s going to be crazy for awhile.

OH!  This year ahead…    hang on.   Try and stay calm.    Maybe, think of others a bit more.

Til next time.

 

 

 

I have not posted here for a few weeks.  There has been so much going on, so much happening every single day, and so much on social media – that really I didn’t want to just repeat all the great posts already out there.

But, my blog is important to me.  it gives me a place to express my feelings and to let others know that they are not alone in their feelings.  I hope I do that.  When I feel alone I really appreciate hearing from others that I’m not going totally crazy, or off the mark, or feeling let down.

Phew!  What a time we are going through right now!     When the CoVid pandemic first came to our country and we all hunkered down For it little did we know that even more would happen!    Never a dull moment!  Right?    I think some of us would like a few dull moments for awhile.

But, I am proud!   I am so excited to be a part of this new civil rights movement! I am going to keep doing my little part to continue the dialogue and the activity needed to make more positive changes.  I promise this.    We can’t let the momentum slow down.

I am also feeling a bit more hopeful after all the pain – the pain of over 3 years of meanness, of an inept narcissist, and a country so extremely divided.    I think the truth is coming out….   slowly but surely.   Enough is finally enough!   People are speaking out.   Thank you to those, well known and not, national leaders and locals, those who have decided that game playing is no longer worth it.    It’s too important.

I can watch the news easier now.   Oh, there is still sadness, and bad people out there – but I’m also seeing well-meaning citizens ‘thinking’ outside of themselves.  I am hearing them say… maybe I didn’t look beyond myself enough.   This morning I’m feeling bolstered by it.    The violent protests have ended – the anger stage has calmed down.  The large peaceful protests and marches are uplifting.  I did my little part walking in our local march.   Truly walking the talk!     Now, let’s continue the progress.

A couple of other thoughts:

June is also LGBQT month and it is being overshadowed – BUT, when we promote equality it is for all.   Race, sex choices, heritage, money should NOT decide how you treat another person.

Last weekend was also “Wear Orange” to promote a future free of gun violence.    It too was a bit lost, but again, it all ties in together.

Church:  My church is going to try and open and have worship this Sunday morning, with lots of protocol to follow.   I plan to go – mask on, sitting apart, no singing, etc.  I’m glad –  it’s a small step in the right direction.    As of now it’s on.  But, South Carolina’s new CoVid case numbers have gone up in recent days due to  relaxed restrictions and tourist season happening.

Our pastor’s wife was in a serious car accident last week.  It was not her fault, and  she had some serious broken bones… arm, leg, ribs.  She required surgery and now has a plate and some screws in her.   Thank God she did not have a head injury or internal bleeding.  Although she will have months of healing ahead.      Life can change in a moment.   We have had many reminders of this lately.

Woman’s best friend:   Some of you know my one pug has been struggling lately.   Miss Honeybee seems to be failing and I took her to the vet’s last week again.  She is now on antibiotics and eye drops. She isn’t eating well at all. She is often lethargic and has an on again/off again tremor.   It’s hard to watch a loved pet go downhill.   When she was in the vet’s office I had to sit in the car (due to CoVid) and I just kinda lost it for a few minutes.   It’s sad and unfair for dogs to have such short lives.

Our kitchen remodel is done!!!   (Almost… still need to do a backsplash and my kitchen island is supposed to be delivered tomorrow. Fingers crossed.)    It turned out beautifully and I’m thrilled by it, and to have the work finished.

I’m off to visit my grandsons tomorrow!  Yippee!  I’m going to help my daughter taken them to the pediatricians – and then the next day she has some doctor appointments scheduled.   I’m happy to jump in and help, and spend some fun time with the boys.

Yes  – I am still VERY aware of CoVid spreading and that I need to continue with wearing a mask in public.   I do.  Every time I go out – it’s with me. I wear it in every store, and when I’m in close proximity to someone else. I wash and sanitize.   We all need to do this.  We need to constantly be aware of how we might be spreading it, or susceptible to it.    Hey – masks are cool!  They are available now in all colors and with fun images on them. I need to get one with a smile on it because I find I often smile under the mask and then realize nobody can see it.   We all need to see smiles! Also, think of the money you saving from not buying and using lipstick!   Ladies: you just need to put on a little eye makeup and you are out the door!   Lol

Happy Monday – happy new week – happy new attitude – happy days ahead!

 

 

 

I have heard that talking politics during a state of emergency is not the right time to do it.  (It’s kinda like when people say talking about gun control after a mass shooting is wrong.    Hmmm.    Seems like  the best time to me.)   Well, I have discovered that as we are living in this  time of constant upheaval from the pandemic that discussing why and how we got here brings us to politics.

Now, this may surprise some of you but I am not about to blame Trump for the deaths caused by coronavirus.

But, I am going to bring up what you and I are doing about it, or not doing about it – and why.    I listened to a short devotion the other day and the topic was Christian liberty vs. American liberty.   It is a subject that I have thought about at times when we are faced with decisions within our country that may challenge Christian living.   Today’s concern is all about masks. It’s about social distancing.    A Christian is a person who lives by God’s rules and by Jesus’s example.   Would Jesus wear a mask??   Would Jesus social distance right now?    Would Jesus offer help to those unemployed?

Yes.  Yes.   Yes.

The liberty a Christian experiences  comes from living as a follower of Jesus, and to think “What would Jesus do?” And then respond best to it as one can.    Christians  know the guidelines God gave:   Love your neighbor as yourself.    And this one: For every time there is a season.     And:  Feed the hungry, clothe the naked.  Tend the poor.

Christians also of course live in the real world.  In this country we have a whole set of laws and rules to follow as citizens. They are set up to stop chaos and havoc, and to live Safely and peacefully with each other.   Most times they are not really tough things to follow… like road rules.  Perhaps neighborhood restrictions. Noise regulations when needed.   Some are obvious, and some perhaps a bit annoying.  Some can be restrictive to businesses and schools.  Zoning laws.  Health requirements.  Some are called ‘guidelines’ and they leave some leeway on whether we really have to follow them or not. We are given a choice….  given The liberty to decide.

Oh –  American freedoms.   We love Them!  The founders wrote it down and it’s like concrete now.   If we question them at all we are considered un-American.    But sometimes, they can make living here tougher.   Personal freedoms differ in our minds and personal responsibilities vary Too.   Our country was founded on allowing citizens to have lots of freedoms.   We see every day that some people respect them, some abuse them.

Question:   Which is more important to you??    Christian freedom or civil freedom?   Can you support both? Can you accept both?   Can they go hand in hand?

As a follower of Jesus do you feel it’s okay to walk around without a mask?  Do you accept the need to get society running again – with businesses opening up?    How would Jesus handle it?

I think it’s easier for non-Christians to do what they personal want to do – especially now.  They can live looking out for ‘numero uno’ and To care mostly about bank accounts, and selfish comforts.    They can accept lies in pretty packages, and they can go on like it’s no big deal.

I am reminded that it is not Always easy to be a Christian.

Christians are called to seek the truth, to share the love, to bring peace.    At all times – all seasons – with all neighbors.

 

I just backtracked and counted. I have written 12 memes so far about the Coronavirus since we have had to change our normal living.

Yes.  It is still the number one concern for everyone for sure.   But, I wonder…what else is going on??   What else are we missing?    What is happening as days go by?

I’m curious as to what you are doing to make use of the time.    The first couple of weeks in lockdown I read.   I practiced my flute.   I prepared my garden.    I was excited to do these things because I rarely got the opportunity to have long spans of time to dive in and do it.       So….      been there, Done it.

I am still reading, maybe not as many hours each day as before.   But, yes, I always have a book By my side – and another one ready to go.      I haven’t picked up my flute for awhile now.  It’s hard to play the same things over and over again, without my fellow flute & band mates to play along with. I miss band rehearsals and our flute choir wedding gig was cancelled.  I need a ‘reason’ to practice and right now I don’t have one.    My garden is looking good.  I’m still tending to it but the early work is done.   I may add a few more plants – just because.

Hubby and I have watched some streaming shows.  We finished ‘Ozark.’  We are almost done with ‘All American.’  I recommend them both.  We tried ‘Tiger King’ for a few episodes to see what all the fuss was about. A few episodes was enough. Oh – I watched the series about Blind Love… and also the one about Afterlife. ??  I can’t remember the title.    We have now started the second season of “Dead to Me” after really enjoying the first one.

In  the beginning of the quarantine I really loved the home concerts that so many country music artists were doing.    I still like them when I come across them but I think they have become fewer as time goes by.   The novelty has worn off.

i even admit I was much more into the online church services and daily devotions in the beginning.  Not so much now.     I would prefer to be there.

So…          What else to do?

What little projects await?   What new thing to jump into?

I’d love suggestions from you and would love to hear how you are spending your days.     I know places are opening again, but I intend to take it slow and give others the first spots at restaurants and bars.     Maybe I should take up golf again.    I love being outdoors (even though my allergies are flaring up.)  I need some exercise.

How have you been making your days count?      What else is waiting for you?

 

PS:      For those of you keeping track, our kitchen remodel is almost done!    We are waiting for counter tops.  Then, once the counter tops are in the stove can be hooked Up.  Finishing touches done. We ordered a free standing island from Wayfair and it should arrive next week.    Before and after pictures will be coming.

 

 

 

 

Hi everyone!   I am home from a few days up in Raleigh visiting my daughters & their husbands, and my grandsons.   It was the first time for all of us to get together since the lockdowns were announced in South Carolina and North Carolina.   We stayed together, under one roof,  but we didn’t go anywhere.   Ok.  The guys went to the grocery store.  They wore masks and washed and sanitized as needed.    No doubt about it – It was REALLY good to get together and I had a wonderful time!   It was a Mother’s Day weekend and reason to celebrate!

And, yes:  We hope to gather again over Memorial Day weekend here at our home on the riva.

But, I know that life is still very much day to day when it comes to making plans.  Our two states are opening up again, especially South Carolina.   Starting today restaurants can bring customers inside in SC, with new cleaning requirements and only 50% of the pre-pandemic seating available so that the tables will be spread farther apart.

The need to get people back to work is immense and the economy needs to start moving.   We all know that.

As we watch restrictions lift I am concerned about two things specifically:

The coronavirus has gotten up close to our elected leaders now – our prez, our VP, and those working on the national task force.    Part of me says “serves you right” as they seemed to be too relaxed early on while they told everyone else how to be safe.    They didn’t wear masks and they stood too close to each other.  They met in close quarters and defied their own standards.     But, truly, I do not want to see anyone suffer from coronavirus – even the leaders.   It seems awful even if you make it through.  But,  maybe now they will understand better the anxiety so many around  the world have faced from it.   That is a good thing.

My sister got an email from the administration of the assisted living building where my Dad lives. A resident has been tested and is CoVid 19 positive and is being treated in the hospital.    It’s very scary when it gets into a ‘closed environment’ such as where Dad lives. For weeks now he has not been able to leave his room. All the meals are brought in to his room.  Aides come in but only after doing the proper procedure of washing.  No family or any guests have not been allowed there for weeks.    Yet, someone contracted the virus anyway.   Most residents are elderly and have some health issues (who doesn’t at that age?)  so they are not able to fight a virus well, or stay asymptomatic with it.    As you and I see more freedoms in dealing with the situation, the opposite is happening there.

I watched the news this morning and noted that the national new cases has not yet evened out, yet restrictions are being dropped.

Yesterday I saw an AME Church parking lot in rural SC full of cars as we were on our drive home.    Members were inside the church worshipping together.

A friend said he went  to Lowe’s Home Improvements this past weekend and only about 10% of customers wore masks.

It feels like two different worlds are happening right now.    Numbers going up in both.   More new cases & deaths continue.  Yet,  more and more people are heading out to shop and dine, and live without masks.

Let’s face it, we are all tired of dealing with it.

I’m especially interested to see what the next two weeks bring.   The two worlds still live in one place.  So, either the opening up with the new safety systems will end up okay, or we go backwards with it and have to really quarantine again.

Which world will it be?

 

 

 

* Is it just a coincidence that after writing and posting my last muse about the White House press conferences they have changed them??   First, questions from reporters were not allowed – and then yesterday, no conference at all.     Hmmm

* So, why do people think we have to hate all things from China now??    A virus can get a start anywhere around the world.   Some have even started in the US.    Yes, China may have either accidentally had it escape from a lab OR it might have come from a bat in an open street market.  We don’t know for sure.  It’s still speculation. The rumor that the virus was released on purpose is just crazy.  Don’t believe it.  We can certainly say though that we need better safety features in labs worldwide, and that we need to increase standards worldwide when it comes to farmers markets.    By the way, we have markets all over the US too and they are not highly regulated.

* Note that I am using the word ‘worldwide’ ??    When will we realize that we are not an island and that we have to care about what happens all around the globe?  It’s a global economy and we aren’t going backwards on it.

* When will you feel truly safe to go about your life – shop, dine, do leisure activities –  among others?      Many states are slowly opening up now and is it just me, or do you want to wait and watch what happens for a few weeks before going back out?    Who wants to be the ‘tester’  and go for it??     Not me.

* When will I get a mani/pedi again?        Ok, I know it’s shallow, but I miss it

*  Do you think this pandemic is turning people towards God – or away from Him?   We have certainly been reminded that some things are totally out of our hands. We have to learn to live differently.   We have to develop trust in the unknown.  We must have faith for the future.

* Why do we think this is the worst time ever?   One thing history books tell us is that people have had to deal with pandemics before – throughout time.   People have suffered through war, and famine, and other natural catastrophes.    We have had  unimaginable horrors.      I am not downplaying the personal tragedies of lives cut short by this virus, and the pain families feel.   But, there is no doubt we have gone through some pretty tough times before.  We probably will again.

* Has this caused us to come together (figuratively of course) at all??    And if so, when it’s over will we be any better?      Will we fall back into old beliefs, and cushy lifestyles, and will we forget?    Human beings have a tendency for doing that.

* Will we evaluate the pecking order?   Can we see the value of ALL parts of society, and jobs??    We certainly have realized that we need medical people.   We need scientists.    But we also need truckers.  We need the food industry workers – farmers to crop pickers to grocery store cashiers.  We need trash collectors.   We need teachers.  We need every part to make economies flourish.    Will we value them equally?

* Can we continue to see the beauty of nature after this over?   I have found the senses of nature to be calming.  I always have.  But, now, I have allowed myself to  sit and listen, to see what is all around me.  I have slowed down enough to admire the workings of this earth.    I hope we don’t put the care of our world on the back burner again.

I know we are all full of questions these days.   And, yes, that’s okay.   I just hope we don’t jump to conclusions with our answers.   This pandemic time will take a while to  sort out, and there will be much to research, to learn about it, and to see how we reacted, and prepare for the next one.

Take heart.  Take time.

 

 

I know my husband gets a bit annoyed about my new evening TV viewing.  I went from not being able to watch without getting really upset to now laughing.  It’s become my new comedy hour.   Every night.

What am I talking about?

It’s the show that happens in the Press room of the White House.

It happens like this:   President Trump starts off with trying to stick to the written script.  He reads it fast with no expression.   Then he notices something that catches him just enough to go off-script.   The comedy starts.   He reminds the press that he never gets patted on the back for anything he does that is good. I mean, why don’t the reporters write about all the wonderful things HE did?  Wait – not good. It’s perfect.   In fact, it’s probably the best ever done.   The most ever done.  The biggest numbers ever.    Somehow he finds a way to go on about this, on and on for ten minutes or more.

Then, there is a pause and he looks back down at his script and reads a bit more.   Then back to repeat the above.

While this is going on, it’s fun to watch the people around him.    Standing too close at first (completely forgetting the safe distancing rule.) Now, they sit to the side, but still too close.    It used to be fun to watch the  facial expressions from these people, but they have learned to stay straight faced in front of the cameras.    But, I can still sometimes tell when the president says something that goes against what they believe.   It’s hard to stop initial facial reactions.   Eyes surprised.  Maybe looking down.   I remember my term paper in college about  reading body language.  Yes, a lot is said when not even talking.

The next part of the show starts when the actual scientists and specialists stand up and give their daily briefing.   They are ‘matter of fact’ but the president sometimes interrupts.   If he doesn’t, watch him anyway.   He stands off to the side but still on camera and he gloats.   Or, maybe it is just the face that a narcissist always displays.  The chin up, a little smirk on the face.   Because, you know, he KNOWS everything about everything.    And he has told us that.    Except when he decides to say “I’m not a doctor….      but….    ”   .     He also likes to show films about himself.

The serious part of  the hour is when Vice President Pence comes forward and starts every time with showing a bit of compassion to those afflicted with the virus and to those families who have lost loved ones.    Thank you for that.   He looks sincere.  Then of course he stresses how EVERYTHING being done is at the direction of the president.   This is called ‘kiss up’ time.   It happens every time and often by many on the show.    There is a lot I do not like about VP Pence (basically all that he stands for) but I have to admit he is the most honest part of the show.

My favorite part of all though?    You have to wait for it when you watch.  It comes towards the end.    It is when the president opens it up for questions from the reporters.    Now,  let me say first,  I admire them because they sit day after day and listen with serious faces. I believe they really do take their jobs seriously.  It’s an honor to  be a White House reporter.  They have worked hard for it.  The major networks send seasoned reporters.   I have noticed a few others in the room are younger, from less known publications or media outlets.  Are they plants?  I hope not.  But I sometimes wonder.  Anyway –   They have questions prepared, but they also have to be alert to catch incomplete info, or to notice some different viewpoints that come from the  speakers.  That’s their job.  They are there to push back a little to give the American people as much truth as possible.      Does it look like they are out to get Trump? Well, if you don’t want him to get tough questions then you might think so.   But, reporters need to ask the hard questions.   If they don’t, nobody will.

Our president seems to love this part of the show too.  He loves to belittle individual reporters on national TV and he knows that they can’t defend themselves.   It’s pretty childish but he does it often.   He loves to call entire news organizations fake and liars.   It’s easy for him to spew meanness.    It used to really, really bother me.   But now I laugh.    He goes so low to make himself look good.    No…     Not good – perfect.  Probably almost the best president ever.

The Coronavirus 19 pandemic is absolutely the worse thing for him and his staff, and for all of us to have to deal with, daily working hard for the right answers.    It’s not a game – but unfortunately sometimes it feels like it to me when I watch on TV.   And this is the nightly game show – with an inept host.  (It’s funny because he loves to say  the host before him is the one who is at fault for everything. The ole blame someone else routine.)  But, yes, he makes me laugh.   Because he keeps playing his game – each day.

Just like I used to love Sean Spicer when he was Press Secretary because I enjoyed never knowing what he would say, and how he would tell us about the ‘alternative facts’  – I now find this comedy show just as good.

Yes, my hubby tells me I watch it too much – but when it’s on, and he walks through the room he stops and laughs too.    And, seriously, I really hope the show doesn’t go on much longer.   Please oh please.  Some networks have already decided to stop carrying it from start to finish.   My sincere hope is that we will no longer need the show because the virus will be contained and a vaccine will be available.  I pray our scientists and medical specialists find a cure.   I also pray that we have learned from this that we need to prepare for the next time.

Until then tho my evening TV viewing will remain the same.

PS:    This is VERY different from the rallies that will eventually return.   When they start being televised again I will NOT watch.   Those are the egotist’s love fests, filled with his lies, with scary worship, and with people unable to see beyond the bells and whistles.   They think the problem is me.

 

 

I knew it would happen.   At the beginning of the pandemic I figured that there would come a day when some people would lose their patience and would take to the streets.    And really, we all our losing it a little, aren’t we?  We want the end of self-distancing to be near, so we can resume a normal life. We want our country to be back ‘open’ with business as usual.

And, it’s not just because we miss our daily schedules with work and school and going shopping like we used to, but it’s because people are really financially hurting.   Employees have been laid off or let go.   Employers and employees are watching their savings get depleted, if they are lucky enough to have had some savings.  Others are going into debt because their small business was staying above board week to week.   Or, they were working a minimum wage job baring making it anyway.

Our government has sent out checks which will help – a little.   But it is certainly not a long term solution.  It’s a token.   It will help to pay a month’s rent, or some utility bills.   Hopefully it can provide food on some tables.

In these crazy times, when people are frustrated, and yes even getting mad, they protest.  In the past I have participated in protest, so yes, I get it.   I have gone out a few times in recent years holding my sign up to show my support for women’s rights and for gun control.    It’s a wonderful, legal American right to do – to be allowed to show up, and to speak up when something isn’t working the way you want it to work.

So, in the past couple of days I have seen on the news that organized protests are popping up in some major cities around our country.   I totally understand it.    I knew it would happen.

But the line is drawn when the respect for others goes away.   The line for me is drawn when I see intimidation used in the protests.   The fact that Ar-15’s are carried by some, and confederate flags are waved, is a terribly wrong attempt at trying to be tough and to want to be seen and heard.    It creates fear.  It divides even more.   It hurts the cause.   It is separatists finding a platform.    Yes, I want to say (I guess I am) that it seems this group acting all tough, like thugs, hurts their mission more than helps it.   Carrying guns and flags and yelling does NOT help anyone.    Even them.   They just don’t get it.

Protest – yes.     But do it right.     Act like grown-ups.      Be respectful.

Simple as that.         From the beginning of this pandemic we have known we have to work to rid The virus  together.   We can not only consider our personal freedoms right now.  We live here together.    Yes, America is about personal rights and freedoms but only when they don’t infringe on the rights and freedoms of others.   I believe too often the Amendments are used as a scapegoat for group responsibility and for caring for others. I don’t think the founders & writers knew it would be taken and used that way.   They lived in an America that was certainly not as complex as it is today.    They could not foresee everything we face now.    Technology, weaponry, communications, global economy  – all beyond what they thought ever possible.

Protests are still a good and fair right that we have.  I am truly glad they are.     But, only when they are peaceful and respectful.    Flashbacks to the 60’s – of sit-ins, and love fests, and anti-war and civil rights marches.    That was definitely a time of protest.  We all remember it as so.      We can do it again.      Together.     The right way.

 

 

The struggle is real.

I have lost track of how many days (weeks) I have been self quarantining.   I decided awhile ago not to count the days because it would just make it seem longer and harder to stay positive.

Yesterday my hubby said to me ‘let’s jump in the car in the morning and drive up to our daughter’s and see the grandboys!”    Had we left at that moment I would have hopped in to the car and headed right there.  I miss seeing those little guys so much, and I am sad that I can’t help out my daughter and son-in-law as I like to do.

But, as I have said before:  I am a rules follower.   So, last night and especially first thing this morning, I struggled with the decision.   We have been self-distancing for so long now!  We have been doing  the right thing.    I know the odds that we are CorVid-19 positive are very, very slim.   I know we have been wearing masks and washing well.   We have been doing the right thing.  We feel fine.    My daughter and family have been doing the same.   So, what would be the harm?

But…

I have  the TV on this morning, and I am watching the doctors and nurses – exhausted, and telling people to stay at home.    The topper:  I just saw a story about a 3 year old boy, sick and in the hospital, hooked up with IV’s and other things… and it broke my heart.    I could not imagine having anything to do with putting my grandsons into that position.    I just can’t do it.

The struggle is real.

I am one Mimi having to make the decision.      I know there are thousands, millions perhaps, making the hard decisions too.  I wonder what will make it okay to feel safe to get together.  Will I wait for the governors of our states to say we can  get back together?     Will there come a day when I say ‘screw it’ and I’m going anyway?    How long til I get to that point?

I don’t know.

It’s frustrating for sure to see people out and about NOT wearing masks and seemingly going about their day as normal.   I have seen them.   They think it won’t happen to them.   They feel fine.      But, they are the ones who might be passing the virus around without knowing.   They could be asymptomatic and still spread it.

I have said from the beginning – we all must take it seriously, and we must listen to the medical officials and the scientists. We must work together to  beat this thing down.   It’s going to take time. And I knew from the beginning that people (including me) would get restless.     Now, I see some getting ‘fed up’ and going out and protesting, without proper coverings and without concern for others.

The struggle is real.

It won’t get easier.

But, I can’t wait to get back to seeing my kids and my grandkids, and to getting back to the music rehearsals, and playing in and seeing concerts, and getting back to church, and walking the beach, and doing all  the other things I used to do.    So, I struggle now…   and wait.      I do the right thing.

 

 

Just like the movie, I wake up every day now with my schedule looking the same. I say ‘schedule’ loosely because there is nothing on it but this:

Some cleaning

Some sunshine and walking around outdoors

Some reading

Watering the garden flowers

and then, Evening TV viewing

 

Does your list look like mine?

Oh – I can also say I look forward to happy hour on the dock every day.   Ha!

Hubby and I have been binge watching “Ozark.”  It’s not the type of series that I would normally pick out to watch but we decided to give it a go and now we are hooked.   It helps that I like Jason Bateman and Laura Linney, who play the main characters.     Have you watched it?    Do you have other binge viewing shows to recommend?

I’m into my 4th book since self quarantining.   Thankfully I had a stockpile of books sitting on my nightstand ready to go.   I just ordered a book online too which should arrive shortly.

Our kitchen remodel is moving along.  Thankfully we have a ‘one man operation’ at this point with trusted friend and construction guru Dodd.    We are Replacing two windows in the kitchen right now, and then the drywalling  starts.   A new refrigerator will be delivered today.    Where to put it?    We already have one in our living room, sitting by the TV.  I guess this one will sit in another room until it can go into the new kitchen after drywalling and painting is completed.     Other appliances and the cabinets are to be delivered in the coming weeks – fingers crossed.   Coronavirus gives us no option but to be patient and to expect the unexpected.

Wonder:  will we stay patient after the pandemic is over?    Even when it is over there will be months of ‘catch up’ and the continual worry of coronavirus returning.    So, we have to realize that there will be a new normal for us all.   Patience, calm, perhaps a slower life…     that part may not be a bad thing.

My daughter’s company is cutting back on personnel and salaries.   She is thankful she has a job, but it is hard to hear about setbacks.   You ask why an accounting firm is doing this?    Usually they rely on big business in the first quarter due to the normal April 15th tax deadline.   That has changed.  Plus, some of their clients are shut down due to state orders.    It’s a ripple effect throughout our economy.   Closing a restaurant or business does not just effect the owners and staff.  It effects the wholesale food distributors, the marketers and those whom they usually advertise with, and even the tax people.

Who is not suffering?   Social media companies.  Zoom! I had not heard of them before the virus.   FaceTime too.        Delivery companies. The usual ones (Amazon, UPS, FedEx)  but also new businesses who can deliver groceries and food are popping up to meet the need.

If you are working through this – in the medical field, or in essential business – then my heart goes out to you.   Stay safe – and stay healthy.  Thank you.     If you are working from home, I am happy for you that you can stay in and continue to receive a paycheck.  If you are one of so many that can’t work now, and have no income, I hope you can get benefits from the government, but also from the charities out there ready to help.  That’s what they do.   This is not a time to feel embarrassed about it.    It’s not your fault.

Our government is there for you.   Remember that.    I think we have discovered that lots of people are only one paycheck away from needing help.  We have been quarantined over a pay period, and now there is no check to receive.   Some say that  now is not the time to talk about it, but I think it is.  This is WHY we have systems in place in our country, and people working all the time, to support us – for when times get tough like this.    It’s there for those who usually don’t need it.

So,

If it’s Groundhog Day for you again – and again – and again:  you are not alone.

Yes, I’m getting antsy for this to be over.  I miss seeing people and my activities. And, I’m ready for a new DIFFERENT day, but I know it’s not going to happen soon.   I remind myself to take each day as it comes.  Read,  garden, clean, and do things to pass each day – and to keep sane.

We have to hang in there together.  Maybe physically apart, but still together.