1 year ago
Monday, March 16, 2020
GROUNDED
It seems we are in for a bumpy ride for a while. Many of us, especially those of us with underlying health conditions, will be seeing a lot of our homes for a while. Kind of reminds me of being grounded in grade school.
I really feel for the families with school age children who will not only need care but will want to be entertained. Feeling also for the grandparents who might be seeing less of the grands since they are germy little critters. Quite sad for the parents who are banned from work, some paid, some not. This is not a good time.
This new normal will require resourcefulness and I'm not sure in this age of instant gratification we are prepared to think outside the box.
Our TV entertainment will be limited due to the actors who will be on a premature hiatus. Reruns will come early. What will affect me the most are the athletes whose seasons are put on hold. That last one breaks my heart for baseball always made my Spring and Summer a thing of joy. Sigh.
I had the misfortune of watching Steven Colbert try to do his show to an empty audience on the 12th. It was horrible. If a comedian hears no laughter, is he still a funny? I think not. He looked lost. Most of the late shows saw what a flop it was and are just going dark.
Fortunately some of us are bloggers and that alone entertains us a good part of the day. Besides composing a post, we also get to visit with people we would have never met without the Internet but have grown fond of. The huge plus is that there is zero fear of contagion with our visits.
But then there is the rest of the day. Now if you have a significant other, you can entertain eachother though even that could get old. Phones and emails will keep us in contact with those whom we will be physically staying away from.
TV will be limited with no sports and tons of reruns. That is when my Kindle will be a lifesaver. I can get books downloaded to my Kindle from my library without leaving the house. I do love to read.
Also, every time in the past years when Direct TV offered free days of HBO and Cinemax, I took advantage and recorded a bunch of movies that I will finally have time to watch.
Shopping, if done at all, will be done during the early and quiet times of the day. No longer eating out with friends. Might be a good time to work on cooking some new things and fine tuning that healthy diet. Also will probably have to tackle Spring cleaning a bit early just for something to do.
This might sound bleak but luckily, I do like my own company though am not all that sure I will say that after several weeks of this.
What are you doing to entertain yourselves while confined to quarters? I could use some ideas.
And please everyone, stay safe and healthy.
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I bought jigsaw puzzles just for the purpose of staying home. We'll be working in the yard a lot. Maybe even tackle the job of 'gutting out the garage'. And praying for a miracle to see this all end sooner than later.
ReplyDeleteAnni,
DeleteNow that is an idea. My cat won't let me do puzzles here but they do have them online. Thanks and yes we do need a miracle.
Honestly, Patti, things havn't really changed personally for me much at all. I'm not a sports fan nor a social butterfly anyway. Most of my visits are over the phone and I like d.i.y. projects, reading and playing the piano. I did catch that Steven Colbert show you mentioned. Pretty flat with no audience!
ReplyDeleteFlorence,
DeleteI sure felt badly for Stephen. He kept waiting for a reaction that never came. Ruined his timing. Music is a good idea. I have a guitar I have been meaning to learn. What better time. Thanks.
Today is the first day that I really "get" how much my active life is changing. The Y is still open, and today I'm going to try to swim laps in the pool. I wonder how long this will be in effect. I'm really scared but don't know how to stay home. At least I can still walk to some lovely places.I'm just not a homebody. :-(
ReplyDeleteDjan,
DeleteAww this will be hardest on people like you who need to be active. The good thing is that you can still walk and your groups are usually small. Sorry about those movies though and morning coffees. Hope you can find enough to keep you from being restless. Just stay safe.
Excellent post Patti, so well said. Like Florence from 'Out to Pasture', I don't see this affecting me so much either... but I worry for people like my own sister, who can't sit still for an hour. She's always organizing church or children’s activities, community get-togethers, etc. I guess time will tell. I just hope the ‘panic’ dies down, I went to my local supermarket on Sunday & the egg shelves were empty, so was the bread aisle & bathroom tissue. All gone!
ReplyDeleteDoug,
DeleteI know, those like your sister are the ones that this isolation will really upset.
My tiny town hasn't panicked yet. Toilet paper was gone but the shelves were full of food--so far.
You are so right, it's so good now to have our blogger friends. I hope to blog more as we all need a creative outlet. I'm going to the lab this morning, then I will only go to town because Samson needs his rabies shot and some other things. I will skip my doctor's visits. Our governor just said everyone 65 and older should stay home. Seems a lot to ask, but may be the right thing to do. Stay well my friend.
ReplyDeleteInger,
DeleteI think blogging will be a real escape for us. And we can't make our blog buddies sick. I am cancelling my routine doctor visits but I do need to take Callie to the Vet for a heart worm check so I can start her on her pills. Just drove past the vet's office and he was busy. Think I'll wait a bit.
You too stay safe and well. We can do this.
Our governor has asked all people over the age of 65 to self-isolate. We're homebodies anyway, so it's not much of a change for us. We worry a bit about the stores being able to keep their shelves stocked with food. We like to go for our usual walks, which hardly ever cross paths with other humans. We talk with our siblings and family members and try to laugh about the utter insanity of these times. Stay safe and well there, Patti. Keep blogging! It helps to make the world a little saner.
ReplyDeleterobin,
DeleteYou and roger all ready have good habits that you won't even have to change. Thanks to technology, we can all still communicate with our family and friends and not be face to face.
You too keep safe and well. We will get through this.
We're mostly staying home at this point, watching netflix and reading books. Now our big activity for the day is going outside for a walk.
ReplyDeleteTom,
DeleteSounds like a plan Tom. The good thing is that this doesn't have to be depriving. We have lots of tools to keep us busy and still be at home. Stay well.
Thank goodness for the blog community. It's always been a big share of my social time and I suspect the time will increase online. I have plenty to do as long as e-Bay and Goodwill doesn't shut down. I'm already resigned to the fact that the auction house might. I'll keep busy but the idea that I have no choice but to stay home makes me crazy as does all the grocery hoarding.
ReplyDeleteJean,
DeleteIt reminds me when my car was in the shop for some reason. I might really have had no place I had go but the choice wasn't mine anymore. There is the rub. Our choice has been taken from us. Phooey.
You really have tons to do to keep you busy so hopefully this will pass quickly for you. Stay safe and well.
Good topic. My husband ended up watching a golf game yesterday not realizing it was a rerun from 2015 until halfway into it!
ReplyDeleteRecently we bought a Nintendo Switch and a dance game. I've been using it to exercise since I'm no longer going to the gym. Today I'm going to send a video to my family so they can get a good chuckle out of middle-aged me busting out the moves.
When trying to pass the time usually video games do the trick for me, whether it's on my phone or elsewhere. I used to be addicted to a few word games--the online ones where you can play with other people, (I don't know if Words With Friends is still around) can be fun. I know Scrabble exists for both Facebook and different devices.
Sherry,
DeleteHad to smile at your hubby getting roped into a 5 year old golf tournament. I saw the same thing and thought all had been cancelled--then I saw the date. They are doing that a lot with sports with old basketball games etc.
I am counting on the online games to help me through also. We have a lot of tools and I plan to use them.
Stay safe and well.
I'm a bit of an introvert so I'm less likely to find this self-isolation difficult. Of course, my son is still working and lives with me, so I have some additional contact. My daughter calls at least 3-4 times a day, and I know she's concerned about staying home with her 3 year old for a stretch of time. The indoor park they normally attend during the week is closed for at least a couple of weeks.
ReplyDeleteI'm able to keep busy with my home repairs (until I run out of paint), my crocheting and knitting (it will be a long time before I run out of yarn), reading, and watching television. I'm a bit of a news junkie so that's still happening. I am annoyed that everything seems to breaking news these days.
Stay safe and well. As you say, there is a fondness for our fellow bloggers and it's nice to touch base.
Eileen,
DeleteYou really did pick the perfect time for all your home improvements. Parents were the ones I thought might have the hardest time. Keeping the kids in and entertained could be rough.
The news really is alarming as it is all day long. I have it off most of the time now and only watch enough to keep me up to date.
You too take care and stay well.
Laurie,
ReplyDeleteThese are times none of us have had to deal with. It is all new for us all. You do seem pretty set with ways to entertain yourselves. Sorry about the grands though. That could get hard.
Hope your threats stay low.
We are self quarantining, too. David watches TV and I blog to entertain ourselves. We also like to google for information.
ReplyDeletegigi,
DeleteWe really are fortunate to have so many options electronically these days. Self quarantine is not the misery it would have been years ago. We will get through this. Stay healthy and safe.
Dear Patti, thank you for this posting. It cast perspective on what's happening. Like you, I enjoy reading and so my iPad and the library's e-books keep me reading. Also, on the iPad I do spider solitaire--to which I'm addicted. Also, I've taken a subscription to BritBox and am enjoying British detective series that were never shown here in the States, ie. Waking the Dead and A Touch of Frost. Finally, I'm planning to declutter all the drawers and cabinets throughout the house and garage and also the two bathroom vanities as well as my office where I have lots of drafts of everything I've ever written. Much of that can be shredded! I'm blessed in that I'm used to living alone and I've come to enjoy my own company. Take care. Be gracious to yourself. Peace.
ReplyDeleteDee,
DeleteWell you seem to be in control of how to keep busy. I too live alone so that really is an asset in these times. Like you I really should take advantage and do some purging. No excuse now. Thanks for the reminder of what we can be doing.
You take care and stay safe.
We have appointments this week and I have a feeling most will cancel with the exception of the hotel. I fear money issues more than the virus if I am being honest. We are hanging by a thread. I just saw where a healthy 30 year old is in a coma. Not looking good. No underlying conditions. Well blogging is virus free. Take care of yourself Patti. I just checked on the lady across the street with diabetes. I got some things for her at the store and left them on her stoop. She wouldn't open the door and I understand it. She wanted to pay me and I told her I know where she lives so we can wait. :-)
ReplyDeleteMargaret,
DeleteAww, you are a great neighbor and I know you helped to make her day. We all need to reach out to eachother in these times if only to let others know they are not alone.
I'm sure this is not going to be great for Rick's business. People will only get work done that has to be done. Hope the hotel is a biggie. Let's hope this disease very short lived and we can get back to normal soon. Stay safe you two and be well.
Dear Patti, two things I forgot to mention in my earlier comment is that I've been negligent bout exercise for nearly a year--due to my being sort of down in the dumps. So I've found in my drawer 2 exercise DVDs I used to do: one on yoga for seniors and one on Tai Chi Chih. I'm so enjoying doing them again.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I'm using the food I have in my pantry--rice, bulgur, pasta--and in my freezer--frozen veggies--to make vegetarian soups and casseroles that I can divide into serving portions and freeze. I enjoy cooking and that's something else that got pushed to the side while I was feeling sorry for myself this past year! Peace.
Dee,
DeleteI too am trying to do better. I have an exercise bike that I am actually using these days. You are right about the pantry. This will be a good time to clear it out of those things we have been hanging on to.
I am so happy that you are feeling up to doing these things. This might be a jolt we all needed.
Hi, Like you, I will miss the sports... One of the high schools in our county had sent their really good Girls' Basketball team to the state. That team made it to the Final Four --and then they couldn't finish their games.. SO SAD for them... I'm also sad for those people who cannot work yet they won't get paid through this...
ReplyDeleteHere ---George and I are fine --and unlike so many, are NOT afraid of this virus. We will (and already do) continue staying as healthy as possible... We won't go into big groups --but we also won't stay confined in our home. We'll get out and walk and do some hiking (IF these darn rains ever stop).
We both have lots of other interests.. George still can work in the yard --but also loves working on his stamp collection and changing old records into CD's... He is NEVER bored... I'm good also since I love my Blogging and Facebook friends. AND --it's a great time for me to continue working on my Genealogy programs....
SO--life could be worse. We don't know what these next weeks/months will give us all --but George and I will do whatever happens without PANIC or HOARDING or anything the least bit stressful...
Stay healthy and stay SAFE.
Hugs,
Betsy
Betsy,
DeleteYou and George have always been active with hiking and all which should bode well for you now. Also, hiking is rarely done in crowds so that is a huge plus also. I'm with you on the DARN rain. We still have a week to go yet. The sun has been a rare visitor this year.
You two stay safe and well.
I'm lucky because I've already been housebound for fifteen years so I will be doing what I usually do: blog, watch movies & shows, make cards, write letters, do my calligraphy lessons, listen to audiobooks, watch the partridges eat on my patio, and I could always get out some art supplies or tackle some cleaning & organizing. BUT I am going to really miss not seeing McFamily so we are doing video chats.
ReplyDeleteI've always pretty much been a stockpiler so I didn't need much to be ready to last a month just fine without groceries. I will eventually be in trouble if the online shopping (like Amazon) is suspended. I hope everyone is trying to isolate so we can flatten that curve. :)
Rita,
DeleteYou seem to have this pretty much under control. It helps to have such varied interests and hobbies. It is so sad that the family has to stay away but with the electronics we have available, it is wonderful that you can do video chats. Can't catch anything that way.
Me too on hoping Amazon stays active. I do a lot of shopping through them.
Lets flatten the curve. I'll do my part and you are doing yours.
Stay safe and well.
Thank goodness you're back, Patti. I was worried with your previous post.
ReplyDeleteWe're pretty homebound too, though not totally... We'll still have to go out later... eventually to pick up some things I need to roast our turkey.
We picked up rotisserie chicken from Sam's Club a while ago, cut it up and froze it for 3 dinners worth. Now I'll do the same with that free turkey I got in November which I just wasn't motivated to work on. I have time now at home.
Like you I have my Kindle and I have you and the others to keep me company. Yay! That feeling of connection is very powerful.
Kay,
DeleteThankfully my computer problems ended. Margaret thinks it was Mercury in retrograde. Could be as it all got better when it ended.
Thanks for reminding me of those rotisserie chickens. Haven't done one in a long time an they are quite good. I make mine last almost all week.
You, Art and your Mom take care and stay well.
I have been pretty much confined by health issues so life hasn't changed much for me. Except mentally. For some reason the virus makes me feel trapped even though I have gone nowhere except to weekly chemotherapy infusions and driving around in my car. That said, I am listening to music andd audio-books, reading and avoiding the news.
ReplyDeleteYou neglected to mention something you have to entertain you that I would adore...a dog. I'm dreaming of the day when we are not so tied up with medical appointments that we can get another dog. I miss our dogs more every day.
Carolyn,
DeleteI know, as soon as we are told we can't go anywhere, we really want to go. We no longer have control.
You are so right. Callie is a huge help now and I really wish you could get another dog right now but understand. The lucky dog and you would both benefit.
We also are self-isolating... but DH has to go out every day for his radiation treatment... and our grandson (21) still goes to work (so far), so not totally home-bound. Unfortunately we are the opposite of hoarders and keep very little on hand, so with our last shopping trip (about a week ago) we have enough to get us by for about 2 weeks. If it goes much beyond that... maybe the shelves will be restocked and limits put on personal purchases so all may share?? Whatever... we'll get through it. Not worried about being bored, always a lot to do... and if worse comes to worse, some long needed areas of house/garage cleaning. Stay well!
ReplyDeleteRian,
DeleteI understand here we are putting limits on the amount of one item a person can buy now. Smart. Hope it goes nationwide.
Like you I am so far not bored enough to do massive cleaning.
Stay well and safe.
You mentioned a lot of things on my mind. I don't know if we will see our grandchildren or not. My 14 year old granddaughter is afraid she will be a carrier. Her birthday will arrive while we are still in quarantine.
ReplyDeleteBesides all of the activities you mentioned, we do have our garden to tend. Unfortunately my back is not recovering from the work we did at the cabin, so I am limited in walking and well as gardening. Then is really cramping my style. Without exercise, I will really need to watch my caloric intake, and of course, confinement makes me want to eat.
Linda,
DeleteSo sorry you won't be celebrating Irene's birthday with her but it is best. Hope that back heals soon. I know how painful early spring can be.
Hopefully we won't all become boredom eaters.
Soon we will be taking care of our yard and flowers. Outside in the sunshine sounds good. I agree with trying to cook some healthy food and spring cleaning are good ideas!
ReplyDeleteNawm,
DeleteHope to get out in the yard soon also but we have been in a 9 day rain and have several more lined up. Can't wait for the sun.
We aren't told to isolate ourselves at home yet, but I mostly stay home anyway if I don't need to be anywhere else, so everything is as normal as usual for me, except the shops have no toilet paper available and my own stocks are pretty low.
ReplyDeleteRiver,
DeleteI guess it is helpful that most of us in the higher risk group by age aren't gad about types anyway so it should be easier on us. I would hate to be a young person right now.
Since I'm rather a homebody anyway, I am not too concerned about keeping busy if I can't go out. My days go pretty quickly as it is and I find staying home and doing exactly what I want to do a little bit wonderful. As long as I can read or sew or play with my dogs, I'm happy. By the way, I accidentally put your last comment on my post in the spam box. I was planning on reading it, but it was gone! I wish I had a month with my three children at home again. I always enjoyed having my kids at home. We'd play games or bake something and they all liked to read.
ReplyDeleteSnickelfritz,
DeleteSounds like you have it under control. Of course an empty nest would not be as much fun as having the kids around.
Stay safe and well.
Hi Patti, Bob and I are in isolation, but we aren't normally social butterflies, so our daily lives haven't changed much. Our mountain resort towns had the first outbreaks in CO, so we are careful about trying to stay away from people. This is our third week of not having family visit, so we do miss that. We're in contact electronically, but it's not the same (only virtual hugs...). I've found food in the freezer I forgot was there, so I guess that's a bonus. We still go outside daily to exercise. More snow is due tonight and tomorrow so we'll be able to use the touring skis again. The last couple weeks were melt/freeze and the conditions weren't good for the skis. Downhill skiing is finished for the season - all CO ski resorts are closed. You stay well and keep to yourself. Glad you have the pets for company!
ReplyDeleteBarb,
DeleteIf you have to be sheltering in place, you have the perfect place for it. I guess being a resort are did make it so that the disease was delivered to your town. Enjoy that beautiful scenery and all the furry visitors.
We are living in troubling times and I'm praying we all get through it unscathed. I'm fine"home alone" as I don't massively socialise. But I am missing my family who every Sunday come round my house for a roast dinner. That's stopped for the time being. All we can do is sit it out and be sure that "this too shall pass". Stay safe. xxx
ReplyDeleteAround My Kitchen Table
AMKT,
DeleteGood to see you back in bloggerville. I would imagine routine get togethers will really be missed. Hopefully you can get back to them in the not too distant future.
Be safe and well.
For my coping strategy I had anticipated getting outside and working in our yard, but alas, warmer weather has brought the gnats, biting, voracious tiny insects. Now if they would just practice social distancing . . .
ReplyDeleteLC
DeleteHa ha, thanks for bringing your sense of humor with you. Still giggling.
A good post Patti: I am pretty much a loner so I have no problem being alone. I've been in self isolation for a week now and my kids are so relieved. I concentrate on all those projects that I never got to before. I also love that bloggers are keeping on and all of you who comment on mine are even more dear to me now. Stay safe my friend.
ReplyDeleteGinnie,
DeleteAll we can really do now is follow the rules and take it one day at a time. Each day that we get through puts us one day closer to the threat being over.
TV will send more films and educational shows as everyone of all ages becomes home bound. I still have Buddy as usual so that makes it less lonely but we are now stuck at home mostly. We rented the movie Mr Rogers and watched it twice to get the most for our money and memory. We enjoyed it. Hubby was less engaged.
ReplyDelete