The new normal for everyone is just weird these days. Today our state, North Carolina, finally joins many others in practicing even stricter protocols for staying safe during the Coronavirus pandemic. Chris and I have been doing this for 2 weeks already so not a huge change for us but it is a time of just weirdness. The world seems out of kilter.
We are so blessed to live in a wonderful community with lots of wildlife and forests to enjoy. We live on a small lake and can sit out on our dock and watch the world go by safely. We have a freezer full of food, a well stocked pantry, and all of the necessities that we need. I have commented often on how grateful I am and I mean it. Our family members are currently all healthy and safe and we pray it stays that way.
The new protocols have us home bound and I thought I would share some of the things we have been doing to help keep ourselves occupied. Since Chris is consulting he can continue to do that virtually. Yes, some jobs have been halted due to travel restrictions but we are so very grateful that he is not “in charge” of a plant and all of the responsibilities that go with that. Talk about stressful — so very grateful for God’s plan for our lives right now.
So here’s what we have been up to. Because I know you all want to know. “Smile”.
First up – I stained our new dock chairs that we put together last weekend. I also repainted my little table so we have been enjoying sitting on the dock a bunch since the weather has been in the 70’s and 80’s.
Flowers always make me feel better and while I only have a few that survive the deer in our yard I do try to keep some blooms in the house as often as I can. I have camellias blooming right now and put some on the dining room table. It got me to thinking that I would love to share that with someone else so I hopped online and went to my favorite Bouqs online delivery service and sent some to the staff that takes care of my mom. They were a hit apparently and brought some happiness to the staff. I love this service because the flowers are always amazing and they always have deals going on to save money.
Next up – a trip to Shadowbrook Farm to feed the animals. Now that always cheers me up!
We binge watched “Tiger King- Murder, Mayhem and Madness ” on Netflix. Holy cow. If you need a primer before you start watching it here is a great article. Here is a trailer to entice you a bit further. (Bad language alert. Sorry about that but it is peppered all over the show as you can imagine.)
I am also baking, reading (of course) and writing. One of my projects this spring is to write letters to friends of my mom. I know a lot of them want to know how she is doing and what is going on with her since she has not been able to write letters for a couple of years. So that has been a good thing to be able to share a recent picture and let her friends know that she is doing okay even if she does not remember them.
Of course we are also enjoying the antics of our kitties and that is probably the best entertainment of all. What are you doing to ward off loneliness and boredom? I would love to hear all about it in the comments. Comment for a Cause for the Diaper Bank of North Carolina.
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Leave a commentWe are fortunate, as well, that hubby can continue to work at his shop, since he works alone. We’re doing a lot more dining at home (more cooking…), taking rides in the car and having picnics. Getting together with Marshall a couple of times a week. The shop that he and his dad own is closed right now, so that’s a major difference in their lives. I find that I’m noticing more of the little things …..birds singing, things like that. I find comfort in hearing them right now. Stay well, my friend.
I am so glad that you and Jr are able to still keep working at the shop. It is hard on businesses like the one that Marshall and his dad have because that just changes everything. We also can get out and take a drive if we want to and that is always a good thing even if we don’t step foot outside the car. I am glad you are well! Stay healthy!
The new normal is going from my office to the livingroom to the kitchen. LOL We are able to take our dog for a walk but only one of us and not very far. Fortunately we have a park nearby. Writing to your mom´s friends is a great idea. There is always something to do. No chance of getting bored. We´ve been doing this for 2 weeks already so we are now used to it. xo
Ugh. Spain has really been hit hard and I think about you every time I watch the news, Darlene. I know it has to be difficult for Dot to understand why the walks are shorter and not as fun anymore. Please stay well. I know you are doing all the right things so keep doing that!!! 🙂
😍❤ Thanks! from Dot too. xo
We’re so glad you and the family are healthy and safe. Your lake photos are so peaceful. We have had nice days sandwiching some snow and back to some nice days again. Trayse loves having us home all the time.
I bet Trayse is loving it –most pets are. Your weather will be getting better soon hopefully and that will help the mood a great deal. I know being able to just be outside on our decks and dock makes me feel so much better! Love you! Stay well.
Looks like you are making the most of your “stay at home” time. I’m grateful every day that we have so much room to spread out and enjoy. We are all adjusting as best as we can. The girls both started online school today. So we are getting a bit of a routine back which helps.
We are trying. You have a beautiful place to spread out and like us you can be outside safely a lot which certainly helps my mood a great deal. Routine helps and I am sure the kids will remember this time forever.
Oddly enough I just left a comment elsewhere in which I talked about our new normal. Great minds and all that. I’ve decided that while I am at home I’ll stay healthy by reaching out to bloggers via the comments. And I’m cleaning out closets, which will probably lead to some blog posts about the contents therein. Stay tuned.
I love that you are staying healthy and reading blogs! I am so glad you started joining me here and I am finally getting around to adding your blog to my Bloglovin feed! It means a lot that you take the time to lead. Can’t wait to hear what you find in your closets!
So glad you and Chris are doing OK and finding great things to do. Chuck & and I are doing good and thank the Lord we both are retired so there is no worry there. Doing things around the house that should have already been done. We so miss our church but I Pastor was able yesterday to do her sermom over the phone. So needed that.
Thanks, Shirley. We are dong well and doing exactly the same thing that you guys are doing –catching up on things that should have been done years ago! 🙂 Thanks for being so positive.
Wow!! You never fail to amaze me!!! I can’t believe that you binge-watched Joe Exotic! Lol!! What a show. I knew about half the people in it, and some of the animals, too. Thankfully, though, I have never crossed paths with Joe or Carole!
WHAT? You know some of those people? Oh my goodness. What a story! I just got sucked into it and could not stop watching. Of course I am the one who listens to all the murder podcasts as well so that kind of stuff intrigues me. I am kind of glad you have never crossed paths with either Joe or Carole. 🙂
It sounds like you and Chris have found lots to fill your time. So glad Chris can still work, too. I’m way behind on blog reading, but hope to be back in the daily loop soon. Stay well, my friend. And thanks for writing those letters to your mom’s friends.
So glad you have some work to keep you busy during this time and that Randy is still able to work as well. Safely I hope. Stay well!
Wow, you are staying busy! Hopefully this will pass soon