A month into all of this

A month ago today was the first day of all of the coronavirus quarantine thing.  Although a month ago, we really didn't know what we know now.  Andrew went to work, and we actually got together with some friends (although I will point out there were only seven of us).  We just didn't know the seriousness of all of it or what we really needed to be doing.  I think we all thought by the end of April, at the latest, life would be back to normal.

Then of course, the restaurants and bars were closed...and that was just the beginning.  We really understand now the seriousness of everything, and that contact with other humans at this point is borderline dangerous.  We understand that staying home is the best thing to do.

We are beginning to understand that anything resembling a true normal may not happen again until July...and maybe not even then.  It's a little hard to swallow as it is only the middle of April, but we will do what we need to do.  I am hoping though, that we will feel it is safe to visit my grandmother and my in-laws long before that.

I honestly have to say I have enjoyed these days with my family.  I have enjoyed sleeping in and I have enjoyed our family dinners together.  We get to do that every day.  I have enjoyed our board games and card games.  I have enjoyed watching movies and family walks.  I am grateful that although my income is gone, Andrew is still getting paid so we will be fine.  I have hope that this only brings our family closer together!

Easter 2020

The four of us spent a lovely Easter together today, although it was certainly very different from any other Easter we've ever had.  The first thing is that it was really hard to not be able to be with EITHER side of the family.  Easter has pretty much always been an either/or holiday.  It's not really one that we can do with both sides of the family together.  It was tough not being with anyone, but I never forget to be grateful that we do have the kids with us.

We all really slept in, and that was really nice.  The kids then made a cake for our dessert, before Andrew got started on fixing dinner.  The kids also helped get the potatoes ready.  Once everything was prepped and ready to go, our family "did church".  Our Pastor sends out the readings and hymns for us to use as we wish, and then he video records a message/sermon for us to watch.  While we very much look forward to being able to worship in church with other members again soon (we hope!), we also appreciate the fact that with only the four of us sitting there, it really forces the kids to be involved.  We sat down and had a very nice dinner, and then we chatted with Andrew's parents while we ate dessert.  Oh goodness, we really miss them, but are so grateful for technology that helps to make them feel a little closer.

Although the weather is really wet today, spring is happening, and I'm grateful for Easter!

Another week of quarantine

I didn't write this week, because there really hasn't been anything to write about.  One day has literally blended into another.  In fact, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday could not have been less distinctive.  Yesterday, today, and tomorrow Catherine is working so that helps us better keep track of the days.  We also did a video chat with some friends last evening.  Overall, we are generally hanging in there.  Because of meetings and video conferences, things are beginning to have a little more of a schedule.

We did venture to see my mom today.  She was having trouble with her cell phone, and that is not something she is going to be able to handle on her own.  I took Thomas along because let's be honest, his tech knowledge far surpasses mine!  We were able to help with a few things at my grandmother's house while we were there.  I was also able to bring home the one thing I truly wanted from her house.  It was a Christmas decoration I had given her five years ago.  It was a table top decoration that listed all of the names of the great-grandkids.  One has been born since then, but otherwise it was complete.  I will enjoy having that at the holidays.  Mom also sent home some pictures of my family that we had given to G.G.  She even sent home my own high school senior picture!  It is kind of fun to have those things.  Mom's rules are that if something was given to G.G. as a gift, the giver has first dibs.  I'm not sure there would be much there from me beyond the pictures.  I don't plan to ask for much else.  To be honest, my memories, and the pictures I've taken over the years mean more to me than most other things!

Happy Good Friday!

A weekend that was full of love

Our friends had asked us this weekend if we could do a video chat with them last night.  I wasn't sure about this...it just didn't feel natural, and I am not very good at technology.  You know what though, we had a blast!  We were even able to include our friends in Missouri, with whom we don't chat on a regular basis.  Three hours later, we finally all said good night to each other.

Yesterday, a cousin had also sent our a note that he wanted to get everyone together.  We got to spend two hours tonight visiting with family in Kentucky, Massachusetts, Virginia, and North Carolina, as well as other Ohioans.  So much laughter was shared again this evening.  It made my heart so full.

Andrew and I also made a "hello" video to high school students today.  A teacher had sent out an email that she wanted to put this together to send out to our students, and Andrew wanted me included.  I suspect seeing the final project will make me cry, because I am missing the students so much.

I know that we have been doing this for three weeks, and we have AT LEAST four weeks to go...and realistically it could be another six to eight weeks.  But for this weekend, it was so nice to feel connected to others!

Old is new again

With so much extra time on our hands, our family has been making an effort each evening to do something that requires the kids to put down their phones and do something with family.  We've played board games, card games, and wii games, we've taken walks, and we've watched movies and TV.  The watching TV games are not my favorite nights, because I don't necessarily enjoy us sitting around and staring at a screen, but sometimes laughter is much needed, and it is always good for the soul.

While movies are great, sometimes I'm not interested in a commitment of a couple of hours, and that is when TV shows are the best choice.  We've gone through all of the series our family loves, so sometimes we watch a disc again just to avoid the commercials on TV (they are all being shown in syndication right now).  However, a couple of years ago, during a White Elephant Christmas exchange Andrew received the first season of "Greatest American Hero".  Last week when we were having pizza for dinner, I mentioned it might be a good time to check it out.  I watched it as a child, but I was young and don't really remember specifics.  We've put it in, and we've so enjoyed watching an episode on a couple of evenings!  The technology, of course, is not awesome, but that just adds to it!  These episodes are nearly 40 years old, but they are bringing entertainment to us even now!

A walk on campus

Today is an absolutely gorgeous day.  We ate a fairly early dinner, so after dinner Andrew wanted to take our sweet pup on a walk.  I don't usually love to join him, but it is such a gorgeous evening.  We decided to head to campus.  Honestly, I haven't walked around campus just to walk around, in many years.  I had been on the other (north end) but not the part where I spent most of my time, and I had never walked around campus with my kids.  I showed them the dorms in which I lived, and in two of the three buildings I could even pick out the exact window.  It was a fun way to spend a little time.  I suspect with campus being so incredibly empty, we'll have some time to do it again sometime!

I may or may not have shed some tears during the Garth and Tricia live special

My favorite performer of all time is Garth Books.  I love everything Garth.  When I left for college in 1992, I pretty much listened to Garth all the time.  Only Garth, all the time.  My dad shared my love for Garth.  I have the videos of his concerts.  I just love Garth.

Tonight, Garth did a live concert with Tricia Yearwood on CBS.  I was looking forward to it all day.  All four of us sat down in front of the TV and watched it together.  I'll be honest, I shed a few tears during the hour-long special.  For one thing, it simply reminded me of a simpler time.  It reminded me of my dad, and it just really got to me.

Today, the Ohio health director admitted we shouldn't get too excited about summer plans.  Ohio is making plans to delay fall sports.  This means, that the state isn't sure we will have a semblance of normal even by August.  This was really tough for me.  I have a senior daughter, and I'm just not sure what is happening with things.  I can't imagine not getting to spend time with my mom, my grandma, or my in-laws for months and months.  And of course, friends.  This was tough news to absorb.

Garth sang songs that are so heart-felt.  It all just got to me.  I am so grateful for being with my family, and I know we will get through this.  Today was just a tough day, and I'm so thankful for TV special to make it a little better!