Day 36

Twentieth day in isolation except for three appointments and one trip to the store. Now I’m told that the 14 days starts over after a venture out. So my eye trip is only four days in. It’s wet and cold again so I will miss the meaningful walking outside .I was productive yesterday for the move. All my dressers drawers are empy and my things distributed to new storage. I like having something to do and it helped with looking for something to eat.

Day 35

Wet and windy morning so I probably won’t get a much needed walk. It’s the only time that I feel that life is normal. I will establish a routine as I have spent far too much energy sitting. The move is coming and I can sort drawers in my bedroom to make a place for Hollie to put her things. I have started a pile in the front porch of things to give away. Moving is a great opportunity for sorting and purging. Moving on.

Day 34

I cried watching mass on TV. I realize how important my church is and miss my other family. Tried to sing along but it didn’t work. It’s wet and cold again. I had a brief walk around the block yesterday and hope to get out longer today. Walking is the only thing that calms me. It’s my well-being. I reached out via texting and messaging again. It does break the isolation for a minute and then I look up and I’m still sitting here alone..

Day 33

I owned my grief and anxiety yesterday. Too much news brings the powerlessness feeling. I want to tell Ellen not to bring lunches from the senior center as I don’t know how the food is processed. I walked and today I will walk again. It’s cold and wet and the need to move is first on the list. It helps with the isolation. My new furniture will arrive at noon and will be put on the back porch until needed. It makes the move real.

Day 32

Out early for my eye appointment and my eyes are still dilated. . I need another laser procedure on my right eye to break up the film. Came home and made a huge breakfast. Nice walks both ways. I will limit news again. It doesn’t need to take over my time and attention. I still have seeds to start and the greenhouse needs weeding.  Lots of good humor on Facebook. The American spirit thrives on laughing. I’ve been texting and messaging friends  a lot.

Day 331

Getting a long walk yesterday was the highlight. I did not talk to anyone. I need to move! It makes such a positive difference to my well-being. The anxiety level is ready to climb with little prompting. No tea and stories group. I don’t want any company. Yes, I am feeling vulnerable in a way that is scary. Megan has to make changes at her office to keep people outside until she gives them their tax documents. Changes are happening too fast for comfort.

Day 30

Hollie whispered, “Welcome to the twilight zone”. A surreal experience to see the zombie-like shoppers and the empty shelves. We dashed in and out  At the furniture store, I found a sleeper-sofa, chair, and ottoman that will be delivered on Saturday. Our changes go on along with the outside changes. Hollie and I are staying clear about how we are going to live together. No walks yesterday. Too cold and wet. I will try today as walking helps my mood. Maybe get seed planting done.

Day 29

Hollie will take me to Safeway early for the shopping time set aside for elders. I only need a couple items and then we will take off for Brookings. Megan’s house will close on April 1 and then the moving will commence. I need a place to sleep. The move plus the virus plus just my restless mind are breaking my sleep and I wake up tired. I don’t want to have to buy a bunch of stuff to be comfortable in the little house.

Day 28

Yesterday I walked twice. I have to get out whenever possible. It helps my anxiety and I get to enjoy signs of spring. I filled most of the containers and leveled a spot for the wading pool/planter.  I’ll fool the gophers with my containers. Today I will watch less TV and start seeds in the back porch. I have lots of little pots for seedlings. Still no evidence of local virus patients. Facebook is full of stories of people helping each other.  Keep going.

Day 27

Hollie and I bought a lot of soil for the containers. I found my favorite seeds and now I can occupy myself with planting inside on the back porch. She brought produce from the farm stand so I have spinach, kale, potatoes and oranges. Good stuff. I miss church. Had a long conversation with Paulette. Calling each other is the best way to stay together without congregating. I will get out and walk again. It’s so quiet out that I have the streets to myself.

Day 26

Walked a lot yesterday in the gorgeous sunny weather. Walked to the cheese store and waited outside six feet from other as the store was only allowing three people inside at a time. I used my cane to show my personal space. Hollie is going to the farm stand this morning to bring fresh produce. I don’t need much to feel abundantly cared for. I’m watching too much news and don’t feel that it has enough truth. Today I want to play in the dirt.

Day 25

Michele visited yesterday. We sat on the sunporch far from each other. I appreciated her  visit. I’m sick of the news. It is repetitious and probably not accurate. The political aspects are horrible. The sun is beautiful again and I will ttake another long walk and enjoy signs of spring. Can’t stop Mother Nature from her journey around the sun. Lots of facebook communication and texting. Phone messages too. I okay on food for a couple more days. Maybe get to the farm stand tomorrow.

Day 24

Virus! It has taken over our lives. I watched the news and it has blown  my world view that I have abundance and peace. I took a long walk and bought take-out for dinner. A whole new way of living. Hollie went shopping for me yesterday and had to wait in line to get into the store. I will get out in the yard. Dirt is soothing and pulling weeds takes the top off the stress. It’s still too cold at night for spring planting.

Day 23

I admit to anxiety taking my rest away. Lots of thoughts about the virus and the move. It is surreal and too fast paced for my poor mind. Karen had hygiene protocols at her house so my massage was  healthful. She brought me home as I was warm and pink and the wind was cold. Hollie is shopping for me today. I don’t need much as I live simply. I do want a couple bags of garden soil so I can get my containers started.

Day 22

I took a long walk and did stop in at the cell phone store to have them update my credit card for automatic payment. No one was in the store except the guy who fixed the card for me. It was not quiet at Safeway. The parking lot was full. I’m okay on food. Soon I will need fresh vegs. Two good buddies have offered to shop for me or bring take-out. I am going to Karen this morning for a much needed massage. 

Day 21

I will bend to pressure and self-isolate as I am considered as a frail elder.  I don’t like the label but I will comply. I will continue to ration news as it is screaming and threatening.  We woke up to white roofs and I will go out to walk as soon as it get to the high 40s. There is no ban on walking. I could spend time sorting things I want to take when I move next door. I’m hoping Megan’s process is moving.

Day 20

No church today. Closed for a while until the virus scare passes. I’m sorry for the disruptions and hope it makes a difference for everyone’s safety. I will get out and walk while it’s dry. It’s cold and I will bundle up. I did watch news yesterday and I won’t bother again. There is no way of knowing what is true. Lots of Facebook conversations and messaging. I need social contacts even distanced. I could turn my attention to clearing areas before the move starts.

Day 19

I’m planning to comply today and stay inside. It’s cold and wet so why not? I can binge watch Grace and Frankie. I have plenty of fresh food and no agenda to miss. The CofC was not busy. Only 10 people came in for information. After duty I ran into Rosalie and we went to Safeway for a couple of items. The store was busy with folks buying up a storm. I’m not concerned so I might be missing the message about panic and fear.

Day 18

No tea and stories group yesterday so no prompt . Michele, Karen and I talked and it was worthwhile as all our conversations are. Today I’ll go to the CofC for duty. Other volunteers are staying home and I don’t see a reason for it yet. Life is simpler without watching the news. There is nothing I can do about the state of the world except keep my routine and add as much positivity as I can. The visitors will be effected by the virus.

Day 17

Yesterday was productive in the yard. I unloaded the compost bin and started a new one. The greenhouse is looking good with lettuce ready to eat along with beet greens and spinach. I enjoy going out and picking food from my yard. I took two walks and picked up a couple of grocery items. I have not stockpiled food in the face of the virus. Probably should have a few cans or frozen vegetables plus dog food.  I guess I’m not taken it seriously yet.

Day 16

Good report from the medical appointment. The brain disorder does not have to be progressive. I asked for the mini-cognitive test to track any changes. That’s what I’m most interested in doing. If changes occur gradually, I may not notice. All my other parts are in working order. She suggested counseling to get over the truck incident and I agreed..  In truth, I have not been the same since that day and I would like to move along without the OCD staring at truck grills!

Day 15

The meeting was interesting and I always learn something about the politics of our county. It is a red area and that’s hard to change. Lunch with Rosalie and the trip to the beach were both perfect. What a postcard day! The ocean was flat and sparkly. The visit with Kathy and Janet was interesting and fun. They had photos from the 70s. Janet became a teacher because of me and spent her  career in special ed. It was a  treat to hear her story.

Day 14

The moon is brightly shining through cloud breaks. Stunning way to start the day. Yesterday was okay. I walked the long block with ease. Busy Monday: lunch with Rosalie followed by a trip to the beach and home in time to greet Janet and Kurt. They are friends from way back in the 70s and are visiting from Cincinnati. Later I’ll attend the dem committee meeting. I want to hear the aftereffects of the election where none of my choices was voted in. Next time.

Day 13

I worked under the  rhody to shore up the escape route that Jake found.  Dug up weeds and pruned limbs to get back to where the fence is broken. I used an old lath door and old screen and hope it works. In spite of the cold wind, I had two walks. Came home from Rumiano’s with pepper jack and chips that are my favorite snack. Today is Morning Prayer. Until there is a health reason to avoid crowds, I will do as I please.

Day 12

  The CofC was interesting. I notice that single tourists want to talk.  We had a guy from Fargo that wanted to share his travels. Then the celebration of life for Edy. I’m glad she finally is out of her miserable life with dementia. It was a full church and lots of family stories. I came home to find that Jake was gone. I went around the neighborhood and had help from Sean and Tanya. Brought him home from Flynn Center where his rescuer works.

Day 11

The blog book arrived and it is fine. Another dither that was unnecessary. Yesterday turned out better than it began. I received a gift basket from the assisted living facility. That made me laugh. I guess they are recruiting residents. I’m not ready for incarceration. Today is my visitors’ center duty. I’m ready to get out and meet the people. Rain is expected later so I will take the long way to walk to work. The first virus patient was announced. Don’t want new worries.

Day 10

I am not handling even the most minimum of stress well. This morning the computer screen was black and I panicked. My mind knows that happens during updating but there I was dithering. It uses a lot of energy that I could use better. Today I will check with the bank as I think Big 5 charged me for two pairs of shoes when I only bought one. Another dither. Not my normal reaction. or is this the new normal? On to brighter kinder thoughts

Day 9

The Working Mouse did wonders: cleaned out old stuff, updated the security, showed me how to do things better, and I had her company for an hour. All good. Bundled up and walked around the block twice. The wind is brisk and cold. Today I will get the green bin filled. The bird of paradise has lots of old dead leaves that can come off with a minimum of bending over. Lots going on in the greenhouse. Lettuce is so good. Lilac buds are swelling.

Day 8

Sheila cleaned the three sun porches. There are days when I just plain don’t want to do housework. She does a thorough job and needs the extra money. Works for both of us. This morning Working Mouse is coming to help me straighten out the glitches in this computer. I have a list of problems that I don’t know how to fix. She always helps me understand and use my tech stuff. Meg also has a glitch in her house buying process. She is bummed.

Day 7

Church was very satisfying with Zack singing the Great Litany. It added depth to the service. No mental stimulation at all but a fun time with Grace and Frankie.  I laugh and enjoy the quick dialogue. I hope to be involved in my life today rather than TV lives. Today I will reduce my roasted chicken and make soup. It’s my favorite part of the process. Lots of noodles and vegetables. I will get out and walk at least once. Wind is brisk and cold.

Day 6

Yesterday was close to normal! Restless energy and the need to move. I walked to the store with my cart and brought home everything I need. A chicken was roasted and lots of vegs including asparagus are residing in the refrigerator. Good feeling to feel well enough to take care of myself. Today is church and I will go for the first Sunday in Lent. Then the day is open and I will find something new to do. I said I wanted new mental stimulation.