Day 16

Tuesday, March 31, 2020

The good news is that the folks at Royal Acres Estate were able to sell enough of their beef to carry on. Dave told me (when I ordered my cross rib roast yesterday) that he had overwhelmed by orders. We live in a good community here as I suspect most people do. Once a call like that goes out, most are willing to pitch in somehow.

A friend was reminiscing about quarantines he had known and it reminded me of mine many years ago. I contracted jaundice (hepatitis) when in Echternach, Luxembourg when I was a teenager. I was taken to the US Air Force base hospital in Bitburg for diagnosis and was told to stay in for 4 weeks. It was in the summer and I was pretty bored. The net result is that I cannot give blood.

This is where our family lived for a time in 1953-54. It was kind of an apartment over the store.

Years ago, when I turned 21, I looked forward to being able to vote for the first time and to donate blood. I was very disappointed about the blood part but I was able to vote for the first time in 1962 - John Turner, Liberal in the Montreal riding of St. Lawrence-St. George!

And there I go - down the memory rabbit hole! The mind is a remarkable file cabinet.

I'd better get this done before I go anywhere else. All my family is safe and my friends are as well. I will call a couple today just to keep in touch.

Onwards!

Day 15

Monday, March 30, 2020

A little cheer from yesterday in the garden. These crocuses have been soldiering away without much care for years now and they are our first sign of hope for spring. There are a few tulip leaves there as well.

This morning I saw a post on our local Caremongering Facebook page from a local couple who have really hit a wall. Here is what was posted this morning -

SAVE OUR FARM! PLEASE READ!!
My name is Dave Blenkhorn and I own a small farm in Port Royal, I’m a licensed automotive technician and my wife is a nurse currently employed at the Annapolis Community Health Centre. I’m writing in hopes of getting some assistance with a matter regarding Farm Credit Canada and the Covid-19 programs.
This winter has been an extremely tough one to put it mildly. We fell behind on a few bills, but survived. My wife and I sat down and determined that the best plan of action was for me to continue to operate the farm and shop from home while she returned to work.
The shop had just started to get some calls, Evie had just renewed her license and got the job at the hospital, when the pandemic really took hold and everything started closing. She is now risking exposure every day that she walks through the doors to work and does so courageously! I’m home with our 2 children attempting to home school them to the best of my ability.
When we spoke to our agent at FCC he informed us that because we fell behind on a couple payments, we’re NOT eligible for ANY Covid-19 assistance. He will apply for the programs for us ONLY after we’re caught up. We were already in the process of getting caught up when this pandemic started, and the decision for her to continue with her return to work as opposed to isolate until this whole thing passes was a very difficult one. I worry every time she goes out the door for her shift. It came down to the people need her help. SHE’S A REAL HERO!
If food shortages start to happen then farms like ours will be crucial. We’re not large in livestock, but have some Scottish highland cattle, apples, and also have the ability/land to start community gardens or assist in new ways we have yet to think of.
We are now trying to raise $5111.50 to get caught up by selling all of our inventory and hope it will be enough. Our beef is a very high quality product and I suggest checking out our website for more detailed information about us, as well as the health and overall benefits of this breed. (Link below)
All the prices listed are our minimum donation price and any additional help would be a huge blessing. If purchasing beef is not an option then you can still help. Write the FCC president, write our MLA and ask if they can remove the clause that states accounts must be 100% current before being eligible? That clause eliminates those who need it most and the economic state we’re in currently is making it very difficult to catch up. All we want is to be eligible for the same programs as their other clients.The shop had just started to get some calls, Evie had just renewed her license and got the job at the hospital, when the pandemic really took hold and everything started closing. She is now risking exposure every day that she walks through the doors to work and does so courageously! I’m home with our 2 children attempting to home school them to the best of my ability.When we spoke to our agent at FCC he informed us that because we fell behind on a couple payments, we’re NOT eligible for ANY Covid-19 assistance. He will apply for the programs for us ONLY after we’re caught up. We were already in the process of getting caught up when this pandemic started, and the decision for her to continue with her return to work as opposed to isolate until this whole thing passes was a very difficult one. I worry every time she goes out the door for her shift. It came down to the people need her help. SHE’S A REAL HERO!If food shortages start to happen then farms like ours will be crucial. We’re not large in livestock, but have some Scottish highland cattle, apples, and also have the ability/land to start community gardens or assist in new ways we have yet to think of.We are now trying to raise $5,111.50 to get caught up by selling all of our inventory and hope it will be enough. Our beef is a very high quality product and I suggest checking out our website for more detailed information about us, as well as the health and overall benefits of this breed. (Link below)All the prices listed are our minimum donation price and any additional help would be a huge blessing. If purchasing beef is not an option then you can still help. Write the FCC president, write our MLA and ask if they can remove the clause that states accounts must be 100% current before being eligible? That clause eliminates those who need it most and the economic state we’re in currently is making it very difficult to catch up. All we want is to be eligible for the same programs as their other clients.Thank you for taking the time to read this and helping in this matter.
Sincerely,
The Blenkhorn family
https://royalacresestate.wixsite.com/royalacresestate

And just when we are all getting a little shack-happy and whining a tad, this comes from a neighbour family who is really up against it. I hope our community can find a way to help.

I took the weekend off, called a few friends on the phone, read some, watched TV, and read some emails. I am running out of Netflix movies now.

Stay safe everyone, this will not pass soon.
Onwards!

Day 12

Friday, March 27, 2020

The other day some friends posted a remarkable piece of writing and journaling from the 1600s. Thanks for putting some things in perspective, J, P & L. I am reprinting (below) the first part plus a link to the whole piece. Does Drury Lane ring any bells?

If you haven't discovered this piece of remarkable statistical work yet, here is another way of keeping track. I think Dafoe would have loved it - https://resources-covid19canada.hub.arcgis.com/

I heard from a local author/friend yesterday who was looking for a long-ago-friend's husband for a piece of information to go in his book. So from here to Thunder Bay and back again.

And another much older friend called to see how I was doing (I had sent her a link to this blog). We had a lovely chat and slagged her adopted country's leader for quite a few minutes - it was quite satisfying. She actually thinks the wretch is going to get back in again. We'll see.

A trip to the doctor's office in Annapolis Royal requires a new set of rules in these times. Here is what Bill did to get a blood pressure test (all routine). He drove to the parking lot, called the doctor's office, was told to wait for a call back, and then he went to the door (see entry procedure below), got the blood pressure taken and left.

And here is what the latest is from the docs at the health centre (we are grateful) -

"UPDATE on COVID-19 preparedness and precautions at the Annapolis Community Health Centre from Doctors Bonnington; Buchholz; Conyers; Hancock; Lavelle; Newman; and Nurse Practitioners Baran and Maynard.

“Dear friends, neighbours, and patients. Time for another update with regards changes in patient flow at ACHC. All the changes are aimed to reduce attendances to the Health Centre, so as to reduce the risk of contracting Covid-19 for you and others, if there is another adequate way to meet your healthcare needs.

First things first: If you develop a cough and/or a fever, you should call 811 for assessment.

Please note the following in regards to the Annapolis Community Health Centre (ACHC):

* ALL access to ACHC is now through the Main Door. There you’ll meet a Nurse behind a plexiglass screen who’ll ask you if you have symptoms that could indicate Coronavirus: a fever or a new cough.

* We have re-organized several rooms within the ACHC – and now have two sides to the Emergency Department: one for possible COVID cases; and one for patients who are likely not COVID cases. You will be directed by the Nurse towards the appropriate side.

* Bloodwork is now by Appointment only – please call 902-825-5191 to arrange an appointment time. Most 'routine' bloodwork has been suspended. If you’re not sure, please contact your Provider's office. If you are not currently on a list, call 902-532-2381

* Unattached patients (those without a Family Physician or Nurse Practitioner) who need renewal of a prescription, or something that could be addressed over the phone, please call 902-532-2381 and leave your details. You will be called back within 72 hours

* X-RAY is now for URGENT reasons only. walk-in X-RAY in not available at this time."

Be safe.
Onwards.

A JOURNAL OF THE PLAGUE YEAR

By Daniel Defoe

First published in 1665

[Courtesy of https://www.gutenberg.org/files/376/376-h/376-h.htm]

being observations or memorials

of the most remarkable occurrences,

as well public as private, which happened in

London during the last great visitation in 1665.

Written by a Citizen who continued

all the while in London.

Never made public before

It was about the beginning of September, 1664, that I, among the rest of my neighbours, heard in ordinary discourse that the plague was returned again in Holland; for it had been very violent there, and particularly at Amsterdam and Rotterdam, in the year 1663, whither, they say, it was brought, some said from Italy, others from the Levant, among some goods which were brought home by their Turkey fleet; others said it was brought from Candia; others from Cyprus. It mattered not from whence it came; but all agreed it was come into Holland again.

We had no such thing as printed newspapers in those days to spread rumours and reports of things, and to improve them by the invention of men, as I have lived to see practised since. But such things as these were gathered from the letters of merchants and others who corresponded abroad, and from them was handed about by word of mouth only; so that things did not spread instantly over the whole nation, as they do now. But it seems that the Government had a true account of it, and several councils were held about ways to prevent its coming over; but all was kept very private. Hence it was that this rumour died off again, and people began to forget it as a thing we were very little concerned in, and that we hoped was not true; till the latter end of November or the beginning of December 1664 when two men, said to be Frenchmen, died of the plague in Long Acre, or rather at the upper end of Drury Lane. The family they were in endeavoured to conceal it as much as possible, but as it had gotten some vent in the discourse of the neighbourhood, the Secretaries of State got knowledge of it; and concerning themselves to inquire about it, in order to be certain of the truth, two physicians and a surgeon were ordered to go to the house and make inspection. This they did; and finding evident tokens of the sickness upon both the bodies that were dead, they gave their opinions publicly that they died of the plague.

Day 11

Thursday, March 26, 2020

A few interesting things happened today. I heard from an old colleague from CBC Western Arctic days in Inuvik who was trying to remember the name of one of the HR Clerks who worked there. It took two of us (a brain and a half) to get it. This woman was from Ireland and eventually moved to Iqaluit with her husband. She was a delight to have around. In the search for the name, we were in touch with another young woman who worked with me there. It started me thinking that I have kept in touch with some really fine people from that radio station over the years. I was there from 1986 to 1995. That was a fun thing to have happen.

The second thing was a connection with a lovely man who was the Chief Technician in Inuvik. He now lives in Halifax with his wife and both his sons live there now. One of them is stuck in the Emirates and can't get home. The son was working on a contract there when the world starting shutting down. I have given whatever advice I can and it seems to be a waiting game now.

I decided to call my siblings today. We don't keep close touch but we all know where we are. I did talk to my sister the other day now that she's back in the country after driving up from Florida. My four siblings live in Ontario - Arnprior, St. Catharines, Toronto and North Bay. They all are doing OK and it was good to hear their voices.

I can only handle a bit from the president before I switch channels. Our premier and our prime minister are doing well.

I'm very leery of this military business being considered on the other side of the border. There are implications. And there are questions - as in - why would he even consider this, is there a longer term strategy here. I grew up in the Cold War. My Dad was in NORAD (RCAF). My spidey senses get going when I hear things like this.

I am sorry for all the folks in the US right now. It's possible that if various plans had been put in place earlier, this might not have been as bad. Who truly knows, I get that. I am sorry lives and money seem to be at ware down there.

I am grateful for all the folks on Facebook these days. It is being a grand way to keep connected and it, hopefully, is helping those who are frightened and lonely. They are being so good at offering to help and being a shoulder or a hand - whatever is needed.

Onwards!

Day 10

Wednesday, March 25, 2020

It's been a day! The warden (a neighbour) of the county called to see if we needed anything as he was doing a run for groceries, etc. My next-door neighbour called from the grocery story to see if we needed anything. And yesterday another neighbour called to see if we needed anything from the Superstore in Kingston. We sure live in the right part of the world right now.

Bill did the early-morning-seniors'-time run to the store this morning with the list. He said it worked out fine. He thanked the cashier for being there. I was happy to hear that because his thanks took care of my thanks too.

We headed off to Pension Pies to get our weekly stash of goodies and did the Loop. Down this side of the river to Granville Beach and back on the other side of the river so I could go to Pharmasave in Bridgetown for printer paper AND Hawkins Cheezies. It's a good thing they only had the small bags!

I have spoken with my excellent girlfriends and they are doing well. I watched my brother Don on an episode of Workin' Moms last night. It was pretty funny.

The sun shining like fury out there today. The snow is sort of melting and I'm not going to check the weather until tomorrow.

As far as the political scene goes - just about the way you would expect. Our government stayed up all night to come to an agreement on a bailout bill - it's in the hands of the Senate now. Down South, they seem to have gotten their bill part way through their process. Now I have to stop watching for a while. I tend to get over-saturated! It isn't pretty.

I am reading Liz Hay's book - All Things Consoled. I am only part way in. It's about her relationship with her parents. She writes beautifully! It is (so far) poignant and funny and insightful and searching. I knew Liz when we were in Yellowknife a long, long time ago - a fantastic broadcaster and storyteller for CBC Radio.

It's a beautiful day in the neighbourhood.

Onwards

Day 9

Tuesday, March 24, 2020

Well, look at that, will ya! Out the kitchen window this morning after the birds got fed. Geez! Bill had to go out and brush off the satellite dish - this wet sticky stuff was preventing us from watching the latest from our fearless leaders.



I have been ruminating on the differences amongst countries and how they are dealing with this virus business. The one closest to us is certainly at close-to-top-of-mind. I'm sure there are as many different kinds of people "down there" as there are up here. I think our leaders are reflecting the many up here. I like our leadership better at this time. I watching the doctor at the "other" leader's news conference yesterday tell the military dude to back off 6 feet. There are some people... And the message was irresponsible. And get off the damn money... Life is more important! There's my rant for today.

I really like the funny bits that people are posting on FB to keep us a little more upbeat than we are prone to be right now. Keep them coming!

I am occupying myself with various games on my phone and on my "main" computer. It's a hard life here on Mt. Crossman, I tell yah.

Hugs from here.
Onwards!

Day 8

Monday, March 23, 2020

I see that other folks are having trouble figuring out what day it is. Yesterday I wished my close friend Happy Birthday for today and discovered today that it wasn't until tomorrow. Losing it!

I spoke with relatives and friends yesterday - some are OK, some are a tad anxious. I seem to be OK and have offered my "ear" should anyone feel the need to unload. It's about all I can do for them these days.

I said that we were having scallops for supper last evening and we did AND we had KD AND peas. Krista and Holly will remember those days!

In the meantime, there was a flurry of FB questions about whether the old railway trail (can't bring myself to call it the Harvest thing) is closed or not. All seems to be resolved but it took a bunch of research and municipal ponderings to get it straight. Good for the diligent ones - you know who you are.

The numbers (both viral and financial) are alarming to say the least.

People are trying to find things to do - I have ruled out vacuuming, dusting (other than those cobwebs I mentioned the other day), floor washing, laundry (got done yesterday) and going out. Speaking of going out, Bill brought in some forsythia and some pussy willows for the kitchen window. I await the yellow and love the kitty feet. All very Springish!

Some garlic cloves found in the basement have decided to sprout in a pot in the window - anything greenish at this time is a joy.

Onwards!

Day 7

Sunday, March 22, 2020

I was much relieved to talk to my sister-in-law yesterday! She and her daughter are back in Nova Scotia, thank goodness. As far as I know, all my snowbird relatives and friends are back from the land of OMG. And a lovely friend from Alberta called to see that we are OK. They had a blizzard last weekend and their 40 cows are in now waiting for the Grand Birthing routine that happens every spring.

I woke up this morning thinking about what I would "talk about" this morning. I have tried both to keep up with the virus news, the politics of it all and to keep my mind otherwise occupied. I sort of succeeded. Saw an interesting website of the the virus stats - Data Map. While it is a tad scary, it is an interesting blend of technology and world-wide information.

I watch CBC NewsNetwork (or whatever they call it these days), CNN and BBC for information. I used to work for CBC and I don't like what it has become these days. That's for another post, I think. Some of the hosts on CNN are pretty good, in my opinion. I will be watching what Fareed Zacharia has to say today. The Beeb always has a good world view.

Last evening I went far away for fun and watched Blues Brothers 2000. There were more musicians than you could shake a stick at! It was silly and fun and the music was just great. I put it in the same category as O Brother What Art Thou. I think I have to find that CD and play it today. I see that the various opera venues are streaming productions these days too. Thanks for all this, it helps as we move into the second week of really close in-house-staying.

I will be making some phone calls today to family and friends to check in and hear their voices. I may also send out some emails.

And we are having scallops for supper. That's it for now.

Onwards!

Day 6

Saturday, March 21, 2020

Yesterday brought more news about the virus, deaths, infections, and so on. On the positive side, yesterday saw my peeps all back in Canada and in isolation as required. Once again, I am so grateful for the inventors of the internet (in my lifetime - amazing!). It has allowed me to know about my relatives and friends quickly in this kind of crisis.

I redid my list of passwords. If someone breaks into our house, it will be curtains for me! I now have  two pages of the wretched things. I do know that they can (and some are) be stored in "the cloud". That doesn't give me comfort especially when I want to go to a site I haven't visited in a while.

I got at those cobwebs over the fireplace that suddenly appeared when the sun shone on them the other day.

I did go out to see the green shoots - daffs, tulips, irises - the other day. The lovely lady linden tree has started to turn redish with buds coming along. She is my favourite tree. It was quite delightful to find that when my mother took me for a walk in my pram in Grosvenor Park in Chester, England, she admired the lindens there.

The lovely treats from Pension Pies are all gone. I may have to go on another excursion next week. These excursions are definitely only gong to happen once a week. We all know why. 😀

I have been watch our premier here in Nova Scotia and his trusty sidekick Dr. Strang over these past days. I must say I like their style. Stephen (he is my MLA and lives just across the river) is measured and straight forward and is Dr. Strang. Our prime minister is doing a good job too. I sure hope his wife is getting better. It must be quite worrying for him and his family.

I may have to save my remarks for another day about the stoopnagle below us on the map. I find my blood pressure rising - probably dangerously - when I listen to him.

Local friends have created a Facebook page called Caremongering-AC: Annapolis County Community Response to COVID-19. It has been great for local information on what's open and what's been closed; useful tips on how to deal with this virus; caring remarks for those who need them; funny bits to cheer us up; and reliable medical recommendations. Thanks to all who are managing this FB page.

I heard this morning that Kenny Rogers died - 81. He gave us (me) a lot of musical pleasure and I hope he lived a good life for him.

Onwards

Day 5

Friday, March 20, 2020

An auspicious day today, my first daughter was born 59 years ago in Montreal. That was quite the event! I won't go into all the details but most mothers remember the first much better than any ensuing kiddos. Happy Birthday out there!

Yesterday's excursion to my good friend Sandy's Pension Pies was good. Interesting that there was hardly any traffic. We stayed in the vehicle with the windows down and Bill talked to Chris on his side and I talked to Sandy on my side. The weather was quite lovely for the first day of spring so the chats went for quite a while. Got home with the loot and promptly ate a delish orange cranberry scone.

My friends and relatives should all be back in Canada now. It was kind of odd being worried about the situation. My sister kept me up to date her her drive home and cheered as she (and her husband) came across the border. Now for the isolation. My friend is safely home here and is in isolation as well. I haven't heard yet exactly where my sister-in-law is. She was to be in Canada last night. I'm sure I'll hear today that all is well.

This year is a big birthday year and there was to be a Party with a capital P. It is looking very doubtful at this time. I have given it a May 1 Go No-Go decision date. But with the predictions of this wave of germs lasting through the summer, I'm skeptical. Someone reminded me that it means there could be a big one next summer instead. That means I have to hang around a lot longer! 😀

As these are just random thoughts from an isolated mind - I am very pleased to hear about the Gordonstoun School being built here. The spinoffs are not just economical in nature, they can lift all kinds of boats - artistically and educationally. While it may be a bit of a stretch (I get it), this part of the country used to be international with all the shipping around the globe coming and going. Captains and crews learned about places beyond their home ports. They had had wider views of the world. I look forward to our wider horizons.

I will continue to watch the news about "all this" today and hear on Facebook what friends and neighbours are doing to pass the time. There is an early morning grocery run being planned for early this morning when the old folks are allowed to be out and about. My "shopper" is focused - figure out how many bags to take in, have the list in hand, zoom around the store knowing where everything is and get out. No shilly-shallying around!

Onwards!

Day 4

Thursday, March 19, 2020

I am feeling somewhat relieved this morning!

One dear friend is finally back at home here from Florida! Now I am waiting to hear about my very special sister-in-law who is on her way today from Florida. It will be a long journey but hopefully she will be back in Nova Scotia by the end of today. And, last but certainly not least, my only sister should be back either today or tomorrow as I understand they started driving yesterday from Florida. I have heard that Floridians seem to think they are immune or something from this virus. And there are lots of ancients there - both living permanently and snowbirding from this country.

The other big thing - imagine this - we are going out in the vehicle today! Yay! We are driving to Granville Beach, just on the other side of Annapolis Royal, to pick up some baked goods from our friend at Pension Pies. I just know you'd want to know what we are getting - lemon cranberry scones, blueberry scones and peach tarts!

The TV and Facebook and email traffic yesterday was like a blizzard of info and sharing and people checking on each other. While this disease is very serious, somehow folks are being nice to one another. I haven't seen this in a long time. I choose my online friends carefully. I have cut back on my rants (which is a good thing) and the caring that has come from my tiny little community here in rural Nova Scotia has warmed my heart.

Thank you all.
Onwards!

Day 3

Wednesday, March 18, 2020

There have been some references to the The Decameron lately which prompted me to look it up. I have read it (probably partially and many years ago) so I thought I'd check it it this morning to make sure I remember it properly.

And here is what Wikipedia says -

"In Italy during the time of the Black Death, a group of seven young women and three young men flee from plague-ridden Florence to a deserted villa in the countryside of Fiesole for two weeks. To pass the evenings, each member of the party tells a story each night, except for one day per week for chores, and the holy days during which they do no work at all, resulting in ten nights of storytelling over the course of two weeks. Thus, by the end of the fortnight they have told 100 stories.

"Each of the ten characters is charged as King or Queen of the company for one of the ten days in turn. This charge extends to choosing the theme of the stories for that day, and all but two days have topics assigned: examples of the power of fortune; examples of the power of human will; love tales that end tragically; love tales that end happily; clever replies that save the speaker; tricks that women play on men; tricks that people play on each other in general; examples of virtue. Only Dioneo, who usually tells the tenth tale each day, has the right to tell a tale on any topic he wishes, due to his wit. Many commentators have argued that Dioneo expresses the views of Boccaccio himself. Each day also includes a short introduction and conclusion to continue the frame of the tales by describing other daily activities besides story-telling. These framing interludes frequently include transcriptions of Italian folk songs. The interactions among tales in a day, or across days, as Boccaccio spins variations and reversals of previous material, forms a whole and not just a collection of stories. The basic plots of the stories include mocking the lust and greed of the clergy; tensions in Italian society between the new wealthy commercial class and noble families; and the perils and adventures of traveling merchants."

I may have to reread this!

There are lots of folks on the Facebook Caremongering in Annapolis County page now. It really is quite terrific. It also reminds me what that app is capable of doing - bringing people together to share in what matters most.

I have been listening to music which some kind friends have been posting. It helps. I am really a tad sad for all those who are really upset with all the upheaval in their lives and the lives of our fellow human beings. There will be novels and theses written about 2020 and how it shook up the planet. There will be examinations of our leaders and how they reacted. And we will look at ourselves to see how we dealt with all the ramifications on our lives this year.

The sun is shining this morning. It shone on my keyboard. OMG, I had to take the batteries out and clean that keyboard mightily!

Onwards.

Day 2

Tuesday, March 17, 2020

St. Patrick's Day is much subdued out in the world today. I hear that bars are being asked to either tone it down or close altogether.

Like many, I am concerned about a number of things - personal and for our present world. That sounds a tad pompous but that's how it is.

I pay a lot of attention to politics - local, provincial, federal and international stuff.

I see that our county has restricted meetings and is doing other things to minimize people contact - good. Provincially, the premier sounded like a leader the other day in what people should be doing and not doing - excellent. Federally, our prime minister sounded like a leader too - excellent. Internationally, someone must have gotten to the US president and told him that if he didn't act like a proper president, he wouldn't get re-elected - he sounded better than I've seen him before. You have probably guessed that I don't like him at all.

I watch CBC News Network, BBC and CNN for news. When I can't take any more in without blowing a gasket, I watch movies. I read. I read and post on FB. I play computer games. I watch my Tax Free Savings Account decline rapidly.

While I try to be positive without going all "Pollyanna-ish" on folks, it's getting a bit more difficult each day.

I'll end this morning with a wish that all my relatives and friends stay well over the next weeks and months.

Day 1 of Self-isolation

Monday, March 16, 2020

After listening to our Prime Minister yesterday (Sunday), I decided that I would stay at home starting today.

This is not a complete hardship for me these days. I am 79 and, therefore, in a high risk group. I have, as they say, pre-existing heart issues. All is under control with meds so I am fine. The last appointment with the cardiac guy was re-assuring - he said my heart was good even after a stent a number of years ago and a recent Atrial Fibrillation diagnosis. My mobility is rather ghastly - legs don't work as well as they should.

You should know that every conversation with an "older" person either starts or ends with the Health Report! And the somewhere in there is the Weather Report! 😊

I am worried about my relatives and friends who go the warmer climes in the winter. My sister, my sister-in-law and my good friend all are in or were in Florida this winter. My friend is now across the border and I will be talking to her soon once she's home here. Now that I am self-isolating, I won't actually see her for a while (who knows how long this will last). My sister-in-law is due to fly home on Thursday - thank goodness! Flights are being cancelled and borders are being more stringent. I have not heard when my sister is coming home but I hope it's soon. I saw this morning that some insurance companies won't cover anything out-of-country after March 23. What a lousy bunch! Stronger language comes to mind!

I am retired. I do volunteer work these days. I can do computer work from home. I can catch up on The Family Tree. I can write countless emails and annoy every relative and friend I have - be prepared! I can post stuff on Facebook. I can continue to refile correspondence jpgs. I can cull ephotos. I can watch TV. I can watch movies on Netflix. There are green things coming up in the garden which I may have to shuffle outside to see. And I can call my excellent friends to see how they are doing.

Speaking of friends - I had 4 calls in less than 24 hours from dear souls who wanted to know if they could pick up anything or do anything. I love them all! And I know that "love" is a word that gets thrown around a lot these days but this time, I really mean it!

Onwards.