It has affected us all so much. I was going to Colombia for 26 days, to have left on March 12th, but by the grace of God I cancelled my trip on March 11th. I would have been stranded in Colombia until May according to the information I received from the U.S. Embassy in Bogata, inside in quarantine. I am so glad I was able to not be stubborn and listen to good friends who were so worried. That's one of the importance of friends, when you can't see the writing on the wall, sometimes they can hold up that magnifying glass for you.
Then my huge trip planned for April 22nd to Paris, Armenia, Germany, South of France, Madrid and back to Paris to fly home on June 8th. Oh gosh that cancellation ripped my heart out. But again we have to try to make good decisions and I do enjoy life. I can always go later when this scourge of the earth is gone.
It is an interesting time of some reflection, some projects getting done and lots of procrastinating. I have spent a lot of time on the computer (not unusual for me), but for awhile I was only reading about the virus and finally I'd had enough.
I've tried to make my FB page positive and share fun or good things so we can enjoy some humor. I've actually talked to several people on the phone which is something I never, ever do with one exception, Cheryl. I'm not a phone person, but when you're stuck at home it is nice to hear and voice. I've been trying to check on some friends who are alone. I wish I could check on every single person, but many do post on FB so I can keep track of them. We need to care about our neighbors at this time.
My good friends have been totally amazing with offering help if I need it, I got a delivery of some antibacterial soap, toilet paper (with an apology that it was only single ply - which made me laugh) and hand sanitizer. Just keeping in touch and people wanting to be sure I'm OK. I already knew I had some of the best friends in the world and it has proven out time and time again.
I'm trying to spend an hour a day working on my Spanish. Some days I don't have time and I don't know how that is possible, but I guess it is. I'm putting up art in my front room that got painted when I was in London, returning home in November. I'd say it is about time (moving slow on this).
I've cooked and baked a little more (no restaurants) and hardly any of it is healthy food. I am having comfort food and lots of carbs, my food of choice. No excercise to speak of - 2 one-half hour walks. Trying to work on crafts that are right in front of me, but don't seem to be able to motivate to get any of that done. So eating and sleeping more seems to be what I'm doing best.
I went to grocery store this morning (7 a.m. senior hour) and got many things I wanted. It was weird to see that there was no chicken or hamburger. We take so much for granted -- the amazing array of food that is "always" available to us. Canned veggies were all gone. I found it funny that all the flour and I mean all, was gone. Many really gourmet and expensive items were still on the shelves. People are looking for the starches, pasta, beans, rice -- the staples of life that we have all been living on for a long time. I have bread flour and yeast and baking powder that I just bought just in case this does go on for awhile and we would run out of those items. Part of the weirdness I think is that we don't know if this will be 2 weeks, 4 weeks or longer.
So I guess I just had all this stuff running around in my head. I think when I put it down "on paper" it just makes me feel better.
And as I knew before, I know more now, how blessed and rich I am in what counts. I worry about the economy, people out of work, children out of school who might not have food, the people fighting for their lives in hospitals, the healthcare workers, paramedics, grocery store clerks. Speaking of, the clerks were so wonderful this morning. They cleaned every grocery cart, when I took my groceries up to put them on the belt they asked if I wanted help doing that (I had more than I normally do - not hoarding!!!). They really are on the front line too and I just can't get them off my mind. They were so kind and welcoming. I gave them many compliments and thanked them. I just don't know if I personally could do any of these jobs.
So I guess I just had all this stuff running around in my head. I think when I put it down "on paper" it just makes me feel better. So I'll end this and send out hugs to you my dear friends. Please be kind and take care of one another.
