Quarantine, Day 9

Fiends: I’m test-driving a new comment plug-in. Could you give it a go if you have something to say today? Thanks, and sorry for the problems of late…

The first eight went by pretty quickly, filled with lesson planning, house cleaning, dealing with contract negotiations issues, laughing on text and Facebook with family and friends, catching up on some TV shows, playing with Remy, missing my grandsons, watching the daily press conferences by the governor, cooking, and reading. Lots and lots and lots of reading — mostly about COVID-19.

I keep the coronavirus live updates page on CNN running 24/7 on my browser; it’s become somewhat of an obsession. If I see a number next to the tab, I know there’s a new story to read. Unlike some of my friends, I never tire of reading about this crisis. It doesn’t wear me down at all. Rather, with each story, I’m re-energized to keep doing my part, and to encourage others to do theirs (don’t get me started).

FYI — I’m calm, and feeling fine; no symptoms of any kind. I’m confident that so far, I’m dancing out of the way of this thing.

The downside, besides no contact with my sons and grandsons? I can’t ride my new bike. Devin, one of my students (and a 2020 graduating senior for whom I’m heartbroken), came over and put it together for me, for which I’m eternally grateful. Since that day, I’ve just looked at it. I got on it once and tiptoed around the garage floor on it, but it’s been either raining or cold (or raining and cold) almost every day since, so no ridey-ridey. Blah.

You mean you’re not leaving?

Remy and I have had a great time bonding through this. I think he can’t believe I’m actually not walking out the door every morning. His routine has been disrupted, but I’m pretty sure he likes it. It’s worked out well, since my sons aren’t visiting, and sister Mavis (his adored caregiver while I’m at work) is unfortunately laid up in the hospital with pneumonia right now. :-(

Into the great wide open (of the park)

After dinner last night, we ventured to the park for a walk in the windy, 29-degree temps. It felt more like -29, but he loved it. Wore him out and paralyzed my face. I’m not sure what the weather calls for today, but I think we’ll give it another go this afternoon. It’s good for both of us to get out.

I can’t remember a time when I was alone for this long. Isn’t that funny? Even when I’m traveling solo, there’s always company of some kind, on a train or plane, or in a taxi or bus or restaurant. I don’t mind it, but it does highlight the Thriller’s absence in a big way. What I wouldn’t give to be kicking his butt in Scrabble right now (after which he’d kick mine in chess).

I hope you’re all handling things as well as you can, and that everyone in your world is healthy and safe. Let’s try to keep it that way!

Much love.

14 thoughts on “Quarantine, Day 9

  1. Mary

    Always great to see you posting. Your love oh humankind always comes through. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t scared of this. Whirly a little over a year ago I was frustrated with my government job, today I am grateful for it as Tom and I can both Telework and our paychecks continue.

    While I am seeing sone horrible behavior , I am also seeing amazing acts of kindness. That does restore my faith In humanity.

    You are an amazing writer and I always look forward to reading what you write.

    Love to you and your family.

    Reply
    1. Rat Fink Post author

      Mary, thank you friend! I’m so glad that you and Tom are doing OK. I know that retirement is just around the corner for you both, and you could do with a lot less stress right now. I’m also seeing beautiful behavior as well as ugly. Thanks again — we’re all fine up here! Hugs

      Reply
  2. Kay

    It is shocking to the system when one day you are interacting with hundreds [dozens in my case] of students, visiting with colleagues, hugging the grands, chatting with neighbors, running into the store, seeing friends and the next nothing. As an extrovert [or even a gregarious introvert] that is careening off the comfort zone cliff. Then add in fear for others, self and the world. When you go to cleaning house, you know you’ve got it bad!!!

    Why are most of the words underlined as if I have spelled them wrong? Now I’m really freaking out ~ do I have a spelling virus?????

    Reply
    1. Rat Fink Post author

      Careening off the comfort cliff indeed! I’m just glad Bob is coming home after all, and won’t be stuck over in Europe. A few weeks of quarantine with your sweety, and you’ll both probably wish for solitude once in a while. :lol:

      (And I hope we got your squiggly problem solved over email.)

      Reply
  3. R. D.

    Just like you are missing Thriller, I am missing Bonnie. Right now there is little to fill that void. This morning I appreciated Live streaming worship from both my church in Ohio and my one in the south. Since I am in a warm climate, I can enjoy bike rides each day. I hope your weather will soon moderate enough for you to enjoy a ride on your new bike. Thank you for your post. You brought a breath of fresh air to me.

    Reply
  4. Skyler

    Havent read one of these in awhile, Jax. Woke up thinking about you. Glad to hear you’re handling everything well and have no symptoms. I can’t imagine living alone at this time but if anyone could do it I know you can! I’ve been trying to break up my news reading with the Harry Potter books hah!
    Positive thoughts and hugs to you!
    Skyler

    Reply
    1. Rat Fink Post author

      Skyler! So good to see your comment today!

      And I can’t think of a cooler series to read during this lockdown time. Maybe I should fish mine out again…it’s been literally years. I am doing fine, and I hope you are too!

      Reply
  5. Darice

    So good to hear all of this… you’re handling the whole thing with such spunk! Grateful for our backyard and distance from neighbors right now. The sunshine, fresh air, and dirt are essential to our mental health. Keep on keepin’ on! <3

    Reply
    1. Rat Fink Post author

      I’ll bet you’re glad to have that extra backyard space, especially for the kids to get out and tear around a bit. It’s almost an imperative during this crazy time! Here’s hoping that soon we’ll enter the 2nd act of this tragedy so we can get past it and get together with people again. What a learning experience this will have been for all of us — me especially! Hugs to you, Darice!

      Reply
  6. Suzanne

    Hey girl!! Except for missing your boys it sounds like you are handling everything most excellently!

    H will be working at home for awhile so that will be interesting. The 2nd room will be his office and I’ll keep to myself.

    I try to keep up with the virus info but it is overwhelming sometimes. We have over 1000 cases, many in the south. Hospitals there are being overwhelmed so they moved some patients up here! OK I get that but what happens when it gets too much up here?? It’s a mess.

    Hang in there and keep doing you.

    Cyber hugs and kisses.

    Reply
      1. Rat Fink Post author

        I am trying, Suzi! (And your paragraphs look all separated and perfect!)

        The last time anything on this scale was dealt with, it was 1918. That’s what our governor said, and it looks like he may be right before this thing is all over. As long as people are stupid, we should get out of it OK. I just hope it doesn’t ruin our trip, but…. :-(

        Love you! Enjoy this time with handsome Mr. H. at home.

        Reply

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