Monday, March 30, 2020

Rhys on the Gift of Time

RHYS BOWEN:




The Gift of Time

I know we are all feeling stressed, anxious, helpless at the moment. It’s only natural when we find ourselves in circumstances we can’t control.

But it suddenly struck me the other day that we have been given a great gift: THE GIFT OF TIME.
It seems to me that I have been running and trying to catch up my whole life. Get up, answer emails, get to work on the book I am writing and try to juggle in time to do the copy edits on the book before it, or to write a proposal for the book coming next. Answer fan mail, do interviews and podcasts, write guest blogs and handle my week as the Jungle Red host. Oh, and read a long line of books waiting to be blurbed.

And how many times have I thought “I should check on this person and see how they are doing”. I should read a book I want to read, not one I have to read. I should try a new recipe. I should get back to my watercolors. But I simply don’t have the time.

Well, now I do have the time. I have been given a gift. My day is my own to make of it what I will. Fortunately I still have writing deadlines to keep me focused. I still have my social media to take care of--and lately I’ve been using my Facebook page to spread calm and reassurance to others with my son’s daily chats (he’s a life coach and is giving wonderful little talks every day)i


But I still have time for other things. My kitchen has never been so clean because I wash the counters at least three times a day! I am at my house in Arizona, not my bigger house in California, so there is no garden to take care of and the house is so easy to maintain with its faux wood floors and white quartz surfaces.  So…. now I can paint when I want to. And I tried a torn paper collage. Lots of fun

And I have decided to give myself one treat every day. One of those face masks that have been languishing in my drawers. (not the sort they need in the ER but the one with gold leaf that you leave on for 20 minutes)
At attempt at a pedicure (not spectacularly successful, I have to admit but it’s more fun with blue toes) Playing Scrabble on my phone. OR… just sitting on my patio and enjoying the sound of the fountain pattering, birdsong, watching palm trees sway in the wind and enjoying my meals. 

My lunch is usually something slapped on a slice of bread with a few lettuce leaves. I eat it and have to get back to work. Today I enjoyed my daughter’s freshly baked sourdough with ham, cucumber and avocado and a hint of English mustard. How good cucumber tastes with a little pepper on it. And the avocado with a squeeze of lemon juice. I savor all the flavors. 

And at night I’m working my way through Britbox--all those good old mystery programs: Marple (the real one, not the later ones) Poirot, Death in Paradise, Rosemary and Thyme etc etc. And the old comedies too. I go to bed smiling. And I wake to my children, all checking in for the day, making each other laugh, offering words of advice, posting pictures of the new puppy. It’s all good.

So Reds, how about you? What are your current coping mechanisms? What are your little treats?


HALLIE EPHRON: My husband and I have been distance teaching our granddaughter for two hours each day. It’s amazing the materials that are out there on the Internet, at our fingertips, and our Franny has been a champ. I’m doing reading and writing; he’s doing math and science. Right now he’s putting together materials to teach her to tell time. I’ve warned him, it’s one of the most complicated things to try to teach. 

I can’t say that all this time has made me more productive, writing-wise. Turns out anxiety is not a creativity boost. In fact, it’s a good way to get really fat.

LUCY BURDETTE: Anxiety not good for me either, Hallie, though I’m making a conscious effort to work some each day. I keep thinking our work will matter to someone down the line who needs to get out of her head, her world (or his!) and into the one I’m creating. I’m hearing from people who are re-reading the Key West mysteries (including our Julia!) and finding comfort there.

I am cooking a fair amount so with you on getting fat too Hallie (although my personal trainer, for whom I now long, calls it fluffy.) So I’m either walking or biking or doing yoga on Zoom most days. And staying in touch with you Reds is a godsend--so glad we have more time for that!

JENN McKINLAY: I thought I would be so much more productive during this self-isolation but not so much. I have too many men underfoot and it’s loud and everyone is always hungry. Also, suddenly I’m expected to monitor the hooligans’ schoolwork online. I don’t even monitor their school work when it’s the regular day to day buried in the backpack beneath the peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Teachers, I can’t do what you do. Seriously, can NOT. 

My happiness has been found gardening and then sitting on my back porch enjoying the plants that are blooming, the pets frolicing in the grass, and the fact that my men are smart enough to leave me alone when I’m outside. 

I know this, too, shall pass but not soon enough for me!

JULIA SPENCER-FLEMING: Jenn, one thing I’ve heard over and over again, from the internet, from the community college where I teach, from Youngest’s university - don’t sweat the school work. Everyone is dealing with the same things your boys’ teachers are dealing with their kids at home, whose teachers are dealing with sharing the office with a spouse, who is trying to learn Blackboard for the first time. We’re all half-assing it. Basically, the command from my college was, “Pick the most important concepts and jettison the rest.” I suggest that as the way forward for the Hooligans.

As for me, I’m cooking more, usually while listening to NPR or a podcast, which I enjoy. It’s still half-winter here in Maine, but I’m trying to get outside once a day for some fresh air and sunshine. I threw my whole getting-off-sugar thing into the wastebasket - remember the NYTimes “Seven Day Sugar Detox” from the New Year’s Day edition, about five years ago? Yeah, not so much. I made a double batch of Toll House cookies and we all binged.

Also, I’m really enjoying the communal evenings with the Smithie, Youngest, and her two university buds, or, as I call them, the Creatures of the Night. We’ve watched a movie, spent an evening in conversation, and I’m going to propose a game night - the boys both like “Clue” and unlike my daughters, they didn’t refuse to play with me (the girls say I have a grossly unfair advantage.)

HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN: I'm worrying, too, and vacillate between terror and optimism. I ordered the dahlias for the garden, though--and then wondered if that reflected how I actually feel. If so, great. I made rosemary infused croutons from old frozen hot dog buns, and thought I was so creative--and frugal, right? (And they were fabulous.) And I am realizing I need structure. SO I make daily lists of what I have to do THAT DAY. And I drive myself to accomplish that. My treats? I am talking to lots of people on email, and have reconnected with my next door neighbor. I read in bed in the morning on my iPad, early on, and don't feel pressured or guilty that I should be rushing to work. And Jonathan and I take long walks together, and that's good. And the ducks are here!

DEBORAH CROMBIE: Rhys, I so get what you're saying about always feeling behind. I think I've been behind my whole life!! Maybe I was even a late baby... So I've been thinking about having the gift of time, for the foreseeable future. Of course there is work to do, and I've managed some, but not nearly as much as I would like. You would think with not going out, the days would stretch endlessly, but that hasn't been the case. There's been a lot of figuring out how to do things, how to order groceries, etc. etc. Maybe in the next few weeks I'll manage that watercolor tutorial, or the Gordon Ramsay online cooking class!

My treats have been regular phone chats with friends, and this last week at least, spending time outside. After a long rainy spell we've had gorgeous weather. Things are bursting out in the garden, so I walk around and survey things every day.  Normally this time of year I'd be filling all my deck and porch pots with flowers and hanging Boston ferns everywhere, so in lieu of that, I've just been tidying and transplanting things. And the hummingbirds have arrived!

RHYS: and to all our friends and readers out there. Any brilliant coping skills? What are your little treats? Stay safe, everyone. We love you!

99 comments:

  1. No brilliant coping skills from here . . . like Hank, I ordered flowers [rose bushes and lilacs] . . . I check on family and friends [and wonder what we ever did before computers and phones that texted words and pictures] . . . I cook and bake . . . I check on the daffodils . . . I read.
    My youngest daughter did something to the Amazon Echo she parked on my shelf the last time she was here and now she “drops in” and talks to me every day . . . it’s just lovely.

    I’m so grateful to be able to check in with everyone here on Jungle Reds . . . somehow I don’t feel quite so isolated, even though I am sitting in the living room by myself . . . .

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    1. I so agree - HERE has become my safe harbor.

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    2. Joan, Hank and Hallie, We are so happy to see you here. Yes!!! I feel the same way - so grateful to be able to check in with everyone here on Jungle Reds!

      Diana

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  2. I rewatched It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World this weekend. I'd forgotten just how much I love that movie. I've got plenty more movies I own that I haven't watched in years. I'm thinking some mini-marathons are in order, especially since I have the DVR mostly cleaned off. I did record some stuff tonight, but with little new TV out there, it will be fairly easy to get that stuff watched in the next couple of days.

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  3. Rhys, I have listened to your son Dominic's chats, a couple so far, and he is wonderful. He has a soothing voice and manner that gives great comfort. And, his wife and he seem so in sync with one another. Is the FB page IM Healing? I may not have that quite right.

    I do feel that I'm using time differently now. I'm determined to stay in touch with people. I'm cooking so much more, and in that, I'm expanding my repertoire. I'm going to attempt a made from scratch pie crust this week do the first time. I haven't made a quiche in a long time, but a ham, cheese, and mushroom quiche is on the menu for supper tonight. I'm making my first lemon ice box cake this week, too. We are all going to need gym memberships when this "free time" is over. But, it's like my husband and I need the food comfort now, and supper is an event to enjoy. I also enjoy sharing our food treats with husband's mother. My MIL has never bragged on me before, and she keeps telling what a good cook I am. It's a win for both of us, whether I really that good or not.

    I want to take time and go outside now, just to walk around a bit and get some fresh air. My husband and I even walk to the mailbox together. Of course, being able to visit with everyone here on Jungle Reds daily is still such a treat and on FB with friends. FaceTime with my granddaughter Isabella has been fun for both of us, and we share what we're doing with each other.

    Reading and watching TV shows that I've been meaning to are more treats, although reading is a lifelong treat. Time seems to actually be on my side she me more these days. Oh, and I even let myself take a two hour nap Saturday.

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    1. Yes, time is so bizarre these days —certainly not like it was. Xxxx

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  4. I love hearing about spring that is further ahead than ours! Like others, I have been baking too much, but I do get out for a long walk every day and greet the other humans I see (at a distance).

    Unlike many, after the first few days I haven't had trouble concentrating on my writing. My days are not that different than they were before quarantine. I still have deadlines, I still have book releases (one tomorrow!), and my publisher is still in business, so I still get copyedits and proofs dropping in when I least expect them.

    It's a treat that Call the Midwife has started up again. It's a treat we still have electricity so we can still have internet, charged phones, zoom meetups - and blogs to read. I look forward to weather warm enough to sit on the deck, but meanwhile I am reading more indoors.

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  5. I'm watching across the street as the two nurses, who were safely in patient education two weeks ago, leave for their new front line assignments. Patient education is no more, for the present anyway. One just posted this on Facebook:

    "I was having a panic attack the other day thinking about going back to work in the hospital. I am of a vulnerable population, I have asthma. After watching this I realized I can control my exposure and acquisition. Just wash your hands and don’t touch your face."

    Yesterday they made a vat of beef stew, filled all available containers, and brought dinner to us, many of our neighbors, and then packed up the rest and took to friends. If Staci and Cheryl can cope, then I can too.

    I wonder if they'd like a loaf of homemade bread when they come home from the trenches tonight?







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    1. Well, yes, they certainly would! Isn't it wonderful how neighbors can share like that.

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    2. that's inspirational Ann! Tell them we all salute them, and yes a loaf of bread!!

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    3. Ann, bless you! My bread-baking skills are zero, but I'm eager to try Karen in Ohio's no-knead bread recipe if I ever remember to get the ingredients....

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    4. I'm pretty sure they would, Ann. Or, if you have leftover loaves just lying around, you could ship one to me.

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  6. I am on Day 13 of self-isolation and have felt antsy being stuck at home. Not able to go out at all for a walk. My daily step count has dropped from 12,000 to 1,500. The lack of exercise is not good in many ways.

    One of my main coping skills has been to revisit long-forgotten cookbooks and make new comfort foods (soups, stews) as well as baking bread and sweet treats.

    But I have still lost my reading mojo. I can't remember the last time I had not read a book in 11 days! Some progress though on that front...I read @40 pages of an ARC last night.

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    1. I'm having trouble reading too, have to stop every few pages. What is most disappointing is that I can't concentrate on the new Hilary Mantel book, just too deep for today's atmosphere of fear and anxiety.

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    2. I have just been purposefully walking up and down the hall—I can get lots of steps that way !

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    3. Yes, I used to walk a lot indoors when I was working on regaining my mobility/strength from my broken ankle. I quickly learned it is only 40 steps from one end of my apt to another, so it gets rather tedious doing laps but I did keep my step count in the 5000-8000 range daily. I just want to walk outdoors and breath some fresh air and be with nature, you know?

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    4. Grace, are you feeling better ? Didn't you have symptoms at some point ?

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    5. Danielle, thanks for asking. Feeling somewhat better but the fatigue and headaches continue. And I still have a persistent, hacking cough which I hope does not become more serious since respiratory issues are the main worry.

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    6. Grace, why can't you walk outdoors alone?

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    7. Grace, I’m finding it hard to read now. I’m revisiting old friends like Narnia and Agatha Christie

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    8. Edith, because I am sick with many of the COVID-19 symptoms and have recently returned from travel outside of Canada, our government has issued a MANDATORY 14-day self-isolation. So I have to remain inside my apartment for 14 days or when my symptoms stop for more than 24 hours, whichever is greatest.

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    9. I should also add this mandatory self-isolation is supposedly enforced with pretty significant fines or jail time, if someone snitches on me going outside!

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    10. So sorry to hear that you are suffering from this mess. If walking doesn't work, do you have space for yoga, or simple stretching? Crank up the music and dance? I hope you feel better soon.

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    11. Aha - I hope you recover completely and soon!

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  7. When I was counseling, I used to tell my clients "You have 168 hours this week, How do you intend to spend them? Possibly we are in a position to look at what happens when we are forced to slow down?
    I planned to treat myself to a Zoom meditation with my Sangha, this morning -- it would have been my morning treat. As I mentioned yesterday I am having trouble with understanding Zoom; well I have time enough to figure this out.
    Meanwhile after 6 years feeding a feral cat, we finally have convinced her to try inside life. I am spending a lot of time training Major who is now a semi indoor critter.

    Today we can relax and be gentle with ourselves. We have the time.
    Thank you Rhys for you words this morning.

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    1. thanks for those words Coralee--and hurray for the kitty! An animal makes such a difference right now.

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    2. You are very welcome, Roberta. I wish I could be more helpful, all I have to offer right now are words. glad you found some solace. c

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  8. I read somewhere—we are not STUCK at home. We are SAFE at home. And we revere those who are going to work. Today I really start writing again! How many times will we hear “April is the cruelest month” ? But we will have each other!

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    1. Agree Hank. On everything except the hot dog bun croutons:)

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    2. This is exactly what my son has been saying in his talks. The words you choose define how you will cope

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    3. Very wise way to look at it. Thanks, Hank!

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  9. Love Julia's comment that we are all half-assing it! Some things are just not worth stressing about.
    My life has not changed much at all but I am reading less, not more as you might expect. Because the library is closed I no longer have pressure to hurry up and read because the next book is there. I love to read slowly and savor the books. However, I am planning to clear the reading decks so when my mail arrives on April 7 I will be ready to open Julia's new book and enjoy it!

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  10. Usually the end of March brings dread: so many weeds, overgrown bushes, is the ash tree dead yet? Taxes! Muddy dog pawprints on the doors and across the kitchen floor. This year, I'm much more laid back. The Met Opera HD productions are on every evening at 7:30, my library books aren't due for another month, my writing is going well, and we have enough food and paper products. My plant nursery has curb service, so I can buy tree fertilizer and plant pesticide and for Mother's Day, herbs for my deck pots. And we still have garbage service.

    Most important, we're all healthy.

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    1. I was comforted to see others mention some of the things I had been feeling. In many ways, things aren't that different for me. I still get up weekdays around the usual time, follow my morning routine, and work online until late afternoon. Bob and I get outside for walks -- usually two a day -- and that is probably the biggest coping mechanism. We see and communicate with neighbors but at a safe distance. I am cooking more than usual, which I have enjoyed, but haven't done any baking. The one sign that I am stressed, though, is that like others have mentioned, I am finding it harder to read. I can sit for maybe a half hour and read, then it's like my attention wanders off or I become too antsy. It is no reflection on the books I am reading -- they are very engaging. But it seems impossible for me to sit and really lose myself in a book as I usually do.

      And yes, online communication is a very important piece of salvation. Thanks to the easy availability of video I am able to stay closely in touch with coworkers and family. I actually told Bob yesterday that if, God forbid, I should keel over, he should be sure to log onto Jungle Reds and let you all know because I feel so connected to this community I would want you to know why I stopped showing up.

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  11. That's just it, Margaret--everyday I wake up and during the day check in with everyone I love--and as long as we are still all okay, then I can try to stay calm and reassure my nephews (and grand-nephew). I'm reading more, thank heavens for my kindle, and getting outside whenever the weather permits. A day with some sunshine really helps--always a mood-lifter for me. I keep thinking I should be more productive--get the refrigerator cleaned out! get the basement organized! etc. Instead I set myself a list of small tasks and try to accomplish those. And I bake and cook (and am still loosing weight--because the food has to last and I make sure everyone else has enough). One of my tasks today is to see if I have enough backing material to set up a lap quilt, then find a place to put my quilt frames.

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  12. Yes to the gift of time : I made a list of things to be done but I have all the time before me, so no stress, I do it as it pleases me. My daily treats are this blog, walking outside, reading, playing scrabble and communicate with loved ones.
    Also, yesterday, I've done something I hadn't done in decades, I took out a paper to draw a rainbow. Here in Quebec, someone started a chain of solidarity and encouragement. You draw a rainbow and write : CA VA BIEN ALLER ( it will go well). Then you put it on a window or a door and someone passing by your house see it and smiles. This is a reminder that this situation is only passing. It did me good to see one and decided to make one myself ( a treat for myself and others).
    Have a very good day everyone đŸŒˆ

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    1. In my town people are putting stuffed animals in the windows to lift children's spirits. I still have some, so up in my office windows are a pig and her baby, a whale and her two babies, one of my son's old puffy dogs, a lobster, and my threadbare childhood Dalmation.

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    2. You made me smile. It must be so cute. I'm sure it doesn't lift only children spirits.

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    3. Oh, and Danielle, I have an interview with the Montreal newspaper today. I hope it won’t all be in French!

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    4. I like the solidarity rainbow movement, Danielle. One small way to put a smile on a person passing by your residence. And Edith, I did your FB post and photos of your stuffed animals. Very cute.

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    5. Yes, I've put a bear on my porch!

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    6. Rhys, most journalists in Quebec are bilingual. They are happy if you can say a few words in French but if not they usually are respectful.

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    7. And Rhys, which newspaper is it ? I would like to read the article.

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  13. I'm trying to do one activity a day that keeps me moving and cleans something. The bathroom was the first thing. Next is working up the gumption to clean up all the little branches that have fallen in the yard over the winter.

    As for treats, I suppose the simple fact that I can do pretty much whatever I want while I'm at home and unable to go to work is a treat. I haven't run out of things to do. And I have a deadline of sorts to keep me sort of on track for book reviews and I have to knock out another Cassette Chronicles article this week as well.

    Oh, and I discovered that AcornTV is free right now on my cable system so I'm catching the third season of the Agatha Raisin series.

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    1. Jay, I LOVE the TV adaptation of Agatha Raisin.

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    2. I'm glad you like it too Deborah. People in the Mystery Book Club I belong to don't seem to like it. They are not in favor of Ashley Jensen as Agatha. However, since I haven't read the books, I had no preconceptions about Agatha going in and I've found Jensen's portrayal to be quite a hoot to watch.

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  14. I'm doing home workouts, walking and biking in my cluster of interconnected neighborhoods which gets me a total of 4-5 miles, reading, watching Netflix and Acorn, but the greatest addition is a weekly Zoom call with our 3 sons, 3 DILs and 9 grandchildren. Each Saturday morning we "gather" for about an hour and tell each other what we've been doing. This week we picked up my MIL, 3 SILs and one BIL. The grands who range in age from 3 to 14 have shared musical creations (ukelele and guitar compositions so far) as well as videos they've created; the 5 year old was especially proud of a book he wrote and that his talented mother sewed a spine for. The 3 year olds preen for the camera and wave to each other.

    The sun has reappeared here in central PA after two very gloomy days and that is such a joy. I'm limiting the news I'm watching and reading since it seems to create fear and anxiety if the dose is too large. We will get through this!

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    1. It’s wonderful how families are supporting each other, isn’t it?

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  15. I must be odd. I haven't felt at all anxious about the virus. This too shall pass. It will be inconvenient and messy, yes. I'm also vulnerable. The infusion I get now for my MS destroys half my immune system (all the B cells for your medical types), but I don't feel particularly worried. I still went to Sam's Club on Saturday. I was taking my dog for a walk in the afternoon (until it rained every day but we might get a clear week - what an idea).

    I do wish people would stop hoarding toilet paper. I don't absolutely need it, but it would be nice to buy some before I'm down to my last roll. I don't like having my house so full of people ALL THE TIME. Someone is always underfoot and I find myself having to wake up extra early so I can pretend I'm all alone and get some peace.

    I still have a day job (I work for 3M and my division does medical supplies and software, so no rest for the wicked). I still need to make sure The Boy does his work (two months until graduation, kid - you can do it). I still have deadlines (edited manuscript on the next book is due 4/10).

    We're doing takeout once a week to support local businesses. I bought myself a growler of cider from the local cider house and meadery, and I'm treating myself to one glass a night. I have slightly more time to read and do my digital puzzles.

    But really, aside from having more people in the house during the day, not much has changed in my daily life.

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    1. Thinking of you having to keep up your important day job. Thank you from all of us

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    2. Aww, thanks, Rhys. I'm blessed to have the work. It's one of the reasons we decided on the takeout. Usually we give to charitable foundations in times of crisis, but this is so local. We have jobs and money (The Hubby works for the Federal government, apparently they're kinda necessary) - the least we can do is help someone else keep theirs.

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  16. Growler? What a great word. Why have I never seen it before? Could be a title...
    My husband and I made a pact to try to keep down the piles of stuff in the house. He's a champion piler but turns out he's been better at eliminating the piles than I. But don't tell him I said so. Doing takeout to support local businesses: such a good idea.

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    1. Goodness, Hallie. You must not frequent micro-breweries. A growler is a jug (in many forms) of locally brewed beer or, apparently, cider. Often the container is returnable to the brewery. A delicious way to consume fabulous brews at home.

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    2. Yep, I believe it's 32 ounces. Once you buy the jug it can be refilled.

      Our local microbrewery is also doing "crowlers" - which I guess is a can - don't know what size. 16oz?

      We had fish last Friday, barbecue on Saturday. It seems the most options are on the weekends.

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    3. I had a collection of 3 or 4 growlers I once used. Got rid of them in a short period of trying to clear out stuff. Love the name. In fact I once named my bike Growler.

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  17. Yes, what to do with all the time? I was already retired but had several volunteer jobs on a regular day and book group, etc. also on regular days.
    I am cleaning more. Never my strongest suit but I assign myself one big one each day and kitchen and bathroom counters all the time.
    My book group is doing Zoom on Wed. We had a practice session last week and I think it will work well this time.
    My docent friends are "meeting" for lunch on Zoom today as we usually get together for lunch on Mondays after our docent training.
    Yesterday, my niece in San Francisco, a lawyer with Google, set up a Google Hangout for my family. My niece and nephew in San Francisco, my sister and her husband (the parents) in Sonoma, my husband and me in Atlanta and another sister also in Atlanta. It was so wonderful to see the faces, a real boost. She has now set it up as a recurring event every Sunday. Although the Atlanta sister lives nearby we haven't "seen" each other.
    As for reading, I am but have discovered that rereading is easier now, not enough concentration for new.
    We are streaming concerts, saw the Syracuse Theatre's Amadeus last night. The National Theatre (London) is streaming a play every Thursday night so we have that to look forward to.
    Keep blogging, please. I can see you all in my mind's eye.

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  18. Yes, Rhys! The gift of time. Such a blessing. This is toward the end of my tenth year in my job, and it's a full-tilt, high-pressure thing most days. We have a small staff and a small budget, so everybody wears a lot of different hats and we all try to get our work done perfectly for as little cost as possible. Sometimes I work 14-hour days. Sometimes those days are in the middle of 12-day work weeks. I love a lot of what I do, but it is exhausting.

    For the past year or so, I have begun to wonder if I can make it to my retirement date without a serious impact on my health. I try to get that work/life balance thing in balance, but that's not always possible. I take craft projects into rehearsal, but if I finish a quilt top there I somehow never manage to actually do the quilting. I write when I have the time and the energy, but most days I come home, feed the critters, and fall face first into a pillow.

    So this time has been a true and deeply valued gift to me. I work as I need to, sleep as I need to, write more and more, and have even begun pecking away at the margins of the chaos that fills most of the house. I sit on my patio and tend to my little plant-stand garden, hug my beloved companion animals, and just breathe. I have even taken up knitting again. This quarantine may just save my life on more than the obvious front.

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    1. Gigi, that sounds wonderful! You should submit your story somewhere - I see newspapers looking for "slice of life in isolation" sources. It's wonderful to read one that's so inspiring!

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  19. Kathy Reel, thanks for the quiche idea! I have all the stuff to make one, but had not thought of doing so. Perfect. And I'll add it to my list of meal ideas that can make use of pantry items. Glad this crisis is helping with your relationship with your MIL, too!

    Luckily, I'm pretty used to being at home all the time, and to cooking most nights. So this is not a huge change for us. We also have a million projects around here, big and small, to keep us busy. And of course we have books galore to read, of all varieties.

    Yesterday I made four loaves of bread (three for the freezer) because the kind we like has not been in stock at Kroger for weeks. And a big pot of Senate Bean Soup, an old favorite. (It's been served in the cafeteria in the US Senate for over 100 years). There's also enough of this to freeze for another day.

    We are building a vegetable and herb garden in our front yard. Sounds awful, right? I hope it turns out not to be. I plan to have berry bushes and landscaping around it, to make it a feature. Before the virus gathered steam I ordered a bunch of seeds, so that should keep me busy. Steve has built four raised bed boxes so far, with a few more to go. Eventually we'll have a fence and gate and arbor around it.

    Every day I go outside to see what's coming up around the property. Since it's been in the family since 1962, there are several varieties of daffodils, some planted over 50 years ago. We also had a huge plot of snowdrops come up, a big surprise to me. I also planted several dozen crocus and pink daffodils on New Year's Day, and lo and behold, they are up, the crocus are blooming, and the daffs have buds. It was the gardening version of a Hail Mary pass, for sure, to plant so late, but we had such a mild winter up until then.

    We started building shelves in the garage yesterday, and every evening we each watch some kind of Netflix/Prime/Acorn something, and then come together for two or three episodes of Murdoch Mysteries, which we are both really enjoying.

    But the best way yet for spending time was having a Zoom meeting Friday night with all three daughters, two sons-in-law, grandson, step grandson, and two granddogs, and my husband and me. My middle daughter sent us a montage of screen shots she made of us all cracking up at some silly thing--a typical event for our family. Since they are all spread out (Michigan, Oregon, and Virginia), it was really lovely and we will definitely do that again. Thank goodness for today's technology. We really do not have to be completely isolated.

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    1. No the garden does not sound awful it sounds wonderful! People are going to walk by and be so envious. And think here is a smart person who is using their worthless lawn to provide wonderful fresh vegetables. Bravo!

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    2. Envious. No gardening here in Ottawa until mid-May at the earliest. My herbs and planters will be put out on the balcony @Victoria Day weekend, hopefully. Some years I have had to wait until June 1.

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    3. I wish we had a garden here! Karen. Only an easy care patio and I can’t get out to buy tubs etc. I’d love to watch plants coming up

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    4. Rhys, I'll bet you have a nursery that would deliver pots and maybe plants.

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  20. No gardening up here on the Prairies yet, but I am beginning to find my feet in this new-normal. Reading is still a challenge, but the daily work-from-home routine is settling in after almost two full weeks of it. I've figured out how to order groceries, and I'm enjoying online connections such as this blog, Pluto Living (an adorable Schnauzer offering advice to the 2-leggeds online, ex. Facebook) and Netflix. I'm hopeful that a third week of self-isolating and social distancing will bring me back to reading and a greater sense of calm about things generally. Regardless of all else, I listen to the news twice a day on the radio, that is my limit!

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    1. Amanda, when the storm clouds were gathering, I obsessively read updates on the NYTimes, the WaPo, Twitter, etc., etc. I've cut that down to about an hour in the evening, and maybe some of All Things Considered, and I'm feeling much better for going on a news diet.

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  21. I do need to get some plants to replace the ones the workmen trampled a couple of years ago. And some more herbs for pots. I have a healthy rosemary and the chives are still hanging in there, despite winter cold snaps. Need some basil and mint. But, I don't want to make the trip to the nursery. They are open, being considered essential, but. . . I don't know. The grocery stores do have herb plants outside so maybe I'll ask my shopper bee husband to pick up a couple next time he's there. And speaking of husband, he has actually been thinning the herd of his stuff. Never mind that he's probably taking it to his storage unit(s). But if I don't have to look at it that's a good thing.
    If anyone wants a movie recommendation I suggest Blow the Man Down on Amazon Prime. A funeral of a beloved woman in a small fishing village is the catalyst for all kinds of secrets and dirty business coming to light.

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    1. Pat, that movie sounds right up my alley!

      I'm thinking of what to do for my flower garden. Usually I pick up annuals from the local garden club sales, but I'm guessing those won't be going on this April and May.

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  22. Rhys, we have the GIFT OF TIME. I love that! I have been binge watching on Britbox too. AS TIME GOES BY was my great aunt's favorite British show. She died in 2003. I have been watching the series again. I noticed that Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer teamed up several times in a James Bond film and again in Mrs. Brown. I have been hearing great things about DERRY GIRLS and it is on Netflix. I have been stress baking. Getting more sleep. And I got in touch with my family and friends to check in. I am currently reading an Advanced Copy of FAST GIRLS, a historical fiction about women at the 1936 Olympics, by Elise Hooper. And I am going to pre-order your new Georgie book online from my favorite local independent bookstore. I exercise when I remember to before I have coffee / tea and eat breakfast.

    And I am so grateful to see all of you here on Jungle Reds. We will get through this crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic is so bad that they had to set up more hospitals in convention centers all over the country.

    Diana

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    1. Diana, we will get through this. And like the people who lived through the 1936 Olympics (FAST GIRLS sounds intriguing) and everything that came after, we'll do it by sticking together. So grateful for our community here!

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    2. Julia, we will get through this! If you love Historical fiction, then I think you may enjoy FAST GIRLS. The author also wrote THE OTHER ALCOTT and LEARNING TO SEE (about Dorothea Lange the Depression era photographer). So grateful for our community too!

      Diana

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  23. I am so grateful for this community! We are heading into a gray and rainy week, so I will not be spending so much time outside. Maybe I will get some writing and reading done!

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    1. Deborah, we had more rain last week than the rest of the year. We really needed the rain after droughts in California. You can sleep in the morning, right? Stay warm.

      Diana

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    2. Your gratitude is matched, Debs! Have a lovely time cocooning and writing.

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  24. I planted the lemon and lime trees that I've wanted for years. My yard has never looked better...still, I miss having my people leave the house every day. It's good for me to miss them during the day. There is no missing going on here...*sigh*

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    1. Jenn, I have been growing lemon trees for many years! Mostly inside but I do take them out in the warmer months. The lemon blossoms are lovely and the fruit is absolutely the best - I never want store lemons again but here in the northeast we don't have much choice. I tried a lime tree but I did not like the thorns so I gave up on that. My son had a beautiful one and I don't recall it had thorns; maybe I got the wrong kind. I also have an orange tree that right now is full of little tiny fruits. I'm trying to think of something to compare the size. Smaller than a gold ball. About the size of those little bouncy balls my grandson always wants to get from a machine. They are very sour but flavorful. Wish I knew what I could make with them.

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    2. I never bought a lemon until I moved to Japan (from the Los Angeles area) when I was 23. Just went home and picked a bagful!

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  25. Since this is my busiest semester, and going online has made things even busier, I haven’t really needed to focus on my coping skills. I’m still behind with grading!

    I kind of like that I still teach at specific times, and still have things to grade and emails to review. It provides some small sense of normalcy.

    One of the good things about this is that I am actually keeping in touch with family and friends even more than usual. It’s nice to have everyone pull together!

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  26. "Shit, I so stressed I can't do it any more". Yes, apparently I sat up in bed in the middle of the night and spoke to my subconscious truth. Oh dear, my poor Victor. Born a Brit, I believe strongly in soldier on, but I'm guessing that my subconscious does't agree with me. I hear you all my JRW community. I think the best thing we can do is share it. I am blessed as Julia and I get together and share. Yes, we sit 6 feet apart, even on the deck, which is cold, but it's my breath of peace. My new DeskCycle is helping too. I'm up to 20 minutes a day, which as I haven't worked out since last November is cheering. Bless you all and stay well please.

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  27. I envy you all whose nurseries are open. Pretty sure ours are closed. Maybe they will change their minds if this really goes on until April 30. I want to buy my tomato plant, some herbs, a ton of annuals, and maybe some new perennials. At least I can divide the ones that I have. So far having no trouble reading. I just received some books in the mail and expect more. Stay well, everyone.

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  28. The sun is setting in California and I'm finally able say Hi! Everyone seems to be in agreement that being part of this blog community is helping and I whole heartedly agree. At 6:45 there were 96 comments waiting for me to read. I read slow generally so I finally gave up reading comments so I could put my thoughts in words. As I've said before, I still go into work. I have an essential job but we are quieter than normal. I'm okay with reading because I'm rereading Julia's books in anticipation of April. I ordered my copy but haven't paid for it so I need to contact Copperfields. They will ship it, across town. My little weekend goals don't seem to be being fulfilled. "I will get rid those boxes, I promise." Okay, maybe next weekend, it was raining this past one. The one thing I haven't done is pick up my crochet hooks. I did notice my proofreading skills are deteriorating, so embarrassed. Rhys: your bougainvillea is beautiful. I close with a warning, if you hear or feel a loud explosion between the San Francisco bay area and Eugene, Oregon, it's just me lobbing a verbal boom at my sister who should not be out and about but for some unknown reason went with her son, her grown up son, to their favorite feed store to purchase some chicks. They were out for now. Grrr!

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  29. I'm totally with you on the gift of time. My days seem so much longer now that they are not broken up by errands. I'm still working my two jobs from home, but I also seem to have much more time for reading...and have also picked up both knitting and crochet projects that had languished for ages. Funny, I always wondered what it would be like under house arrest (do all writers imagine these things?) and now I know, more or less. :)

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