Monday, April 20, 2020

THOUGHTS ON LIFE IN THESE TROUBLING TIMES, PICK-ME-UP RECIPES, & A BATH REDO



Hello friends.  How are we all holding up?  I'll have some specific questions at the end of my post because I feel that was a very interesting way to share our experiences during this pandemic in my last blog post.  I certainly don't mean to trivialize anything, my heart is breaking for those who haven't made it, or who are in the battle.  And of course, the family and friends who have all of this weighing on them.  It's darn serious business, but I appreciate how we uplift one another, especially on social media and through blogging.  Just when I was wanting to really limit it all, I find it's a way to stay in touch with family and friends from afar, and I feel a little uplifted that I'm not alone in my feelings and isolation.  

I've always been a news addict but I have found in the recent weeks that I can only take so much.  My motto for the better part of my life has been:  The more you know, the less you need.  In early February I was reading about the virus in China and then it's moving to Spain.  My niece was studying abroad in Milan and it drove me to follow the news incessantly.  Thankfully she made it home in time before the flying suspensions from Europe to the US in mid-March. And that's when I began to stock up on canned and frozen foods.  Some thought I was overreacting.   I then doubled up on dog food and laundry detergent.  I sincerely thought that if my health and freaking breathing problems were going to be jeopardized, I needed to be prepared.  I was following what foreign countries were finding out and doing well before the US got moving.


 After a certain point, specifically about a week ago, I really began to have a bit of a mental breakdown.  I was watching the news one evening and I saw the current statistics, or deaths.  And then it really flooded my mind, they were not just statistics,  these were people.  Human beings.  Innocent people who would never imagine their lives ending this way.  Their families not able to see them, comfort them in the end...I felt my breath quicken and my heart pound.  My safe little bubble at home started to deflate in the reality of what is here all around us, not just in the words of a newscaster.  I limited my news drastically, said tremendous more prayers, and made a true effort in letting trivial trials and tribulations go.  No, I'm definitely not a wholly changed person, but I really fear panic, anxiety and depression entering my life as it has in the past, and I'm not letting that happen.  And that is a story for another day.



I do miss the lake.  This duck and it's mate were waddling up next to my house here in Chicago.  I took the pic through my window.  We live a few blocks from a gorgeous college campus which has a pond.  Sometimes little flocks lose their way.  I really felt a tug at my heart in knowing that this is such a familiar sight at the lake.

My oldest son called me just prior to the time we were told to stay at home as much as possible and said that he thought The Husband and I should shelter at the lake in a less populated area.  The problem is that I clear out the fridge, cabinets, and pantry at the lakehouse of all food and perishables in late fall.  And yes, some of you don't know, this is a year round home, we simply don't go as much in the winter---the holidays occupy our time in the city, then it just becomes a little more enjoyable to stay and have access to restaurants, theaters, events, and being with family.  Come April, I'm a busy bee at the lake getting all the cleaning, organizing, food shopping, yard and patio work done, so a good rest up before is fantastic.  

Of course I have tons of help.  We've learned to hire out people who get our beach ready, deliver our boat from storage, and launch our wave runners after their shore stations are set up on the beach.  Blah, blah...that's just how it rolls.  A small price for months of fun and relaxation.  But again, I had stocked up this house in the city with food and paper products, I wasn't going to venture out to do it again in Michigan.  The Husband is also working at home.  He's partially retired  so I've gotten a bit used to having him underfoot. ;-D.  Still, it's an adjustment for all of us in different ways I guess.  



Easter was low key.  This is a tablescape from a few years ago.  I paid so much attention to detail; the  little gold bunny napkins rings, the tea light candles with little eggs, my good silver.  I had started to feel I was a little frivolous the past few years in how much I fussed over decor and table settings.  This  isolation has been a wake up call, and making a beautiful table is really a luxury and celebration, and makes for a memorable time.  I miss this.  

The Husband and I spent Easter Sunday alone, the first time ever, but no complaints.  As for everyday meals, we are across from each other at the kitchen bar.  What I lack in a pretty table settings, I makeup for in creating new and innovative recipes.  My saving grace has been cooking... more on that later.    


I've been wanting to share pictures of the bathroom redo.  I actually finished it about four weeks ago, but I really wasn't crazy about my photos.  It's one of two full bathrooms we have.  This particular one is in part of the house near the bedrooms and not used very much by company.  

I had been loving this type of vintage looking black and white flooring.  It really does remind me of original tile in older homes. Truth be told, I hadn't expected this tile and the black and white color to make me feel 'locked' into a certain style.  I wanted the original apron sink from the 1940's going back to when the house was built, as well as the white paneling. So what do your do with major black and white?  To me it was go vintage or modern and I wasn't sold on either.  Maybe this was a lack of imagination. I finally reached a decision with more than one route.  Mix it up a bit (which I do very much so in my home decor), and just leave everything else up to luck.

First off, I brightened up the paneling with a brighter white paint, and the area above with a darker gray than I originally had. Let me know if you want the paint colors. We have a glass block window which is pretty much standard here in older homes but not very attractive with the steel gray metal.  I painted around it in matte black and then sealed it.  Hard to see at night when I photographed it but during the day-- it's just lovely.  




Again, I kept the original cabinets, also custom made like the paneling.  The lights above the sink (which you really can't see) have Edison bulbs that I may switch out, but darn, I look pretty good in this golden light when I look in the mirror. 😂  Speaking of the mirror, I had been eyeing a gold mirror at Target, but every time I went or looked online, it was sold out.  I finally decided it might have been a little plain, I wanted something to be the star of the show.  So this mirror, surrounded by a verde gras frame from Anthropologie, was my biggest expense.  My faucet, shower, lighting, and cabinet fixtures are from Home Depot.  The marble countertop was a remnant from a local tile shop. Various decor pieces, some in a gold finish, others sort of rustic, were found randomly at places like TJ Maxx, Target, and Hobby Lobby.  





Finally, the shower curtain is a black and white stripe from the Hand and Hearth collection at Target, UI don't know why this pic turned out so voodo-ish but believe me, its striped.  I added a little rustic bench to keep it a little cottage-like.  And that's pretty much sums up the whole bathroom.  


As I mentioned, I'm cooking like crazy every night.  I try to use the food I order weekly from our grocery store.  I've always used fresh foods and I didn't want that to end with the sheltering down recommendations.  Some of our stores deliver within two hours, and it's a preferred method of shopping for them as it keeps the number of shoppers down and minimizes the employee's risk of catching the virus.  It's also providing jobs for more people. 



So as I said,  I've been using fresh foods as always, maybe with the idea that they won't be available at some point--and I admit, it's sometimes slim pickings. I was thinking about salads that both of my sister-in-laws have shared in past summers with strawberries and almonds.  I had blueberries and walnuts on hand and a bit of feta cheese.  I saw this recipe on Pinterest and it looked very much like what I wanted.  I changed it  a lot of course, my dressing is made with what I had and to my liking as well as a few different ingredients. So finally, the bottom line is that the  basic proportions and photo come from this cooking blog.  I'm just not confident in taking food photos, so here is my recipe:


BLUEBERRY SPINACH SALAD WITH FETA CHEESE

I had blueberries on hand that I wanted to use up.  And I always have all sorts of fresh greens.  I went through some recipes and found this picture but modified the ingredients greatly.  No cucumbers here.  I think you will like this.



5 oz. fresh baby spinach
3 oz. fresh blueberries
3 oz. feta cheese crumbles
1/2 c red onion, thinly sliced.
1 c walnuts, roughly chopped

2 T olive oil
1 half to 1 T balsamic vinegar
1 t. honey
1 t Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, minced
S&P to taste

Make the dressing first so the flavors meld.  Assemble the salad.  Just before serving toss the dressing with the salad and serve.




Photo Credit:  Jane

Finally I have this.  I made it the other night for The Husband and I to munch on when we watched a movie.  I found the recipe a few months ago in either Country Living or Better Homes and Gardens magazine.  Again, I substituted a lot of ingredients.  I added more spices, and instead of corn kernel snacks (what the heck are those?), I used pretzels.  So use what you want but keep the proportions the same so your butter mixture coats the dry ingredients.  



SMOKEY POPCORN MIX

1/2 c butter
2 T Worcestershire sauce
2 t smoked paprika (I only had sweet but it was fine)
2 t chili powder
1 t onion powder
1 t garlic powder
1/2 t ground cumin
1/2 t dried thyme

8 c popped popcorn, lightly salted (equivalent to 1/2 c kernels in 3 T vegetable oil in a large pot)

1 1/2 c corn chips (I used Fritos)
1 1/2 c cheese crackers (I used Pepperidge Farm goldfish)
1 c sesame sticks

Preheat oven to 275 degrees. In a small saucepan melt the butter and then whisk in the Worcestershire and dried spices (it's best to mix all the dried spices together first and then add to butter mix.  In a roasting pan mix together the popcorn, crackers, etc.  Pour the butter mixture over and stir well to coat.  Bake 30 minutes being sure to stir well every 10 minutes.  I found that the butter tends to settle to the bottom and can brown so you really need to flip this stiff around!  Enjoy!




Finally, just some questions to find out how we are all doing, what's new, and perhaps start a little convo.  Let's get it out!


~~What sort of mandates or recommendations does your state have right now to prevent the spread of COVID-19?

~~How are you getting groceries, meds, and staying in touch with family these days?

~~What sort of hobbies have been your go-to during this time of sheltering?

~~What has been the biggest change in your life in the past few weeks, good and/or bad?

~~Have you been blogging more or less?

~~What are the first few things you will do when it's safe to get back put into public?



Sending love...be safe and well!😘

Jane




33 comments:

coffeeontheporchwithme said...

Glad to hear you are doing well. I live with a news fanatic (husband), who has been following this for months. He's been pre-warning me and did much the same that you did in terms of stocking up ahead of time. Way ahead of time. My biggest change has been how I work- I had to learn to teach on line to eight and nine year olds who are not familiar with the type of computer work that this involves. As I have had lots of respiratory problems (sinus infections, have had pneumonia twice), I am heeding all warnings. I think that staying where you are was a good idea. I live in a general area where there are seasonal cottages. Municipalities have begged cottagers to stay home because our small hospitals could never deal with the numbers should the virus take hold in a big way. Take care and keep cooking those wonderful meals! -Jenn

Jeanie said...

So much good food for thought in this post. I am a news fanatic but I found that it was making me crazy (especially the off-the-wall briefings that boggle my mind). I've done better toning down my news coverage. I've been cooking like crazy, too and that salad is going on my list for later this week or whenever the groceries arrive. Fabulous. The popcorn looks good and so does the bathroom.

Now, about coming to Michigan -- I'd think twice. My infectious disease doc (and the health department) say that the peak of virus hasn't begun to hit West Michigan and won't till mid-May. I'm not sure how they know but I'll take their word for it. Also, unless there is a VERY good and VERY big hospital near your lake house, I'd hesitate. It's why I'm not headed to the lake for a long while. The hospitals are too small, too understaffed and too ill equipped to handle a major outbreak. And it seems this is never a case or two. So, my two cents.

Questions -- We're a mask and social distance state; no traveling to second residences (even if I wanted to), Stay Home. Walks are Ok or cycling. No group events. And so far I'm not aware of much policing on this. / I am having groceries delivered. I stocked up on meds before but those are delivered too. We've done a little zooming but mostly email and phone. / I've been painting, needlefelting, blogging, writing other stuff, cooking. Soon I'll plant seeds. / I have had zero major changes APART FROM not being able to touch or hug Rick. We stay six feet. I miss a couple of friends and my massage therapist but that's OK. Being six feet from Rick is hard. / I have been blogging more. / The first thing I will do is have a painting day with my friend Kate and if possible, go to Southern Exposure for a workshop. When I go north I am taking all food and never leaving the lake or my walking route. I intend to stay put, more or less, till there is a vaccine or better testing.

La Contessa said...

YES, LETS NOT WATCH THE NEWS DAILY THAT IS FOR SURE!
I LIKE TREVOR NOAH of THE DAILY SHOW and I follow him on INSTAGRAM to get the BLOW BY BLOW and he NAILS IT EVERY TIME!HE IS FUNNY TOO SO THAT HELPS!
YOU WERE A SMART COOKIE!!!!!!!!!
DID YOU FORGET THE Toilet PAPER?!!!!
I made a TOMATO SOUP TODAY from another BLOG I FOLLOW DELICIOUS!
I ALSO POSTED TODAY AS IT HAS BEEN 60 DAYS SINCE I HAD ONE OF MY EPISODES!SO I DID A LITTLE DANCE YOU MIGHT ENJOY!I don't think you have been FOLLOWING me long enough but bottom line I have BEEN SICK for MORE THAN FOUR YEARS!
ALL FIXED NOW because of my BLOG READERS!
WE ARE POWERFUL PEOPLE!
BATHROOM LOOKS "GREAT"oh lets come up with a different word as we HEAR THAT TOO MUCH IN THE NEWS!
BATHROOM IS STUNNING!!!!!!!!
XX

Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe said...

I give myself 1/2 hour of news and that is all I and my heart can handle.

Your bathroom looks lovely and you did a wonderful job with it. I love vintage.

It takes us two weeks to get our food delivered or pick-up. When we first started having our food delivered, it took three days. As more and more people turned to this service, the time got longer and longer and we got less and less of our order. However, I am so grateful for what I have and we make do. Those people who work in these stores and are brave and heroes to many of us. I read that in the near future the stores might be closed to shoppers and only pick up will be allowed. Too many workers are getting sick.

Take care and stay healthy.

Lorrie said...

Glad you are doing well, Jane. Yes, too much news can weigh down the mind and soul. I've stopped watching most of it. My husband is still working and is in health care admin so it's a busy time for him. He goes to work everyday. I'm teaching part time and that's been a challenge to figure out how to do distance education.

When I'm not working I'm doing a little embroidery, working in the garden, or cooking. I find that I can't really concentrate on a meaty book these days, and am re-reading old favourites. I still go to the store each week, standing in line and maintaining my distance. Masks are not required or recommended here, so I don't bother with that. I keep a bottle of hand sanitizer in the car and use it a lot when I shop.

Our Island (Vancouver Island) has 94 cases, which is quite low given our population, so we are glad about that. We can't visit with anyone we are not living with, so that's just my husband and me.

I'm so glad spring and summer are coming. This would be even more dreadful in the midst of rain and cold.

Do take care.

I miss my kids and grand kids.

Scribbler said...

Hang in there! Your food looks fantastic as always. That duck made me laugh. I looked out in my yard the other day and there were a bunch of ducks! The closest lake is at least two miles from here, so I guess they were just looking for a change of scenery. Your commenter who pointed out that rural hospitals are ill-equipped to handle this health crisis had a good point, You are probably safer where you are. Ray is still doing some of our grocery runs, and we get other things delivered. We so far haven't found anyone who delivers alcohol, so he has to go out for that, too. Alabama has some really archaic ideas that all the holyrollers like to foist off on the rest of us. Your bath redo is really pretty. You can never go wrong with black and white bones because you can add any color or style accents you want.

allcottonlinen said...
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Little Wandering Wren said...

So much in this post (love the bathroom and your old Easter table!) but I'm going with your questions!
Our Thai Government requests that we stay at home unless we are out for essential work or food. We collect food from the supermarket once per week but we have a small store in our apartment building which is handy for fresh milk, water (we can't drink the tap water) and I seem to be buying a lot of tonic water there! I am enjoying social media and studying some online courses. I walk in our apartment garden every day. The biggest change is not to leave the building. I am blogging more and on Instagram more. Looking forward to getting out in nature or to a beach when I can
It is lovely to read everyone's answers!
Stay safe everyone!
Wren x

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Hi Jane, I finally just blogged yesterday after 6 weeks. :/ No reason why I couldn't have done so earlier. I've definitely been keeping myself busy with cross-stitch, crochet, art challenges journaling. I have my balconies for gardening. We've been in lockdown for more than a month now and have an evening curfew, the hours of which will be extended once Ramadan starts this weekend, so another month of staying home, no government offices open; nothing open really except grocery stores. I do hope by June that we can sort of get out and about at least a little. I do enjoy my time at home and never run out of projects. A bit sad that I won't be able to travel to the States to see my boys and my mom & brother, as that was my plan for the summer. My husband is only working half days because business is so slow now. His routine has definitely been turned upside down. I let him do all the grocery shopping since he is already running around and needs to stay active. Be well, stay positive. Take care, Tammy

Theresa said...

Great post Jane and I love the bathroom RE-DO! That mirror is perfect and I love the tile. Have a blessed day dear friend, HUGS!

The questions/answers...

~~What sort of mandates or recommendations does your state have right now to prevent the spread of COVID-19? We just got opened up for some things on Friday and Monday, we will still stay in for the most part.

~~How are you getting groceries, meds, and staying in touch with family these days? I shop for these items with a mask on about every two weeks. Staying in touch by phone/FaceTime etc.

~~What sort of hobbies have been your go-to during this time of sheltering? Not much hobby work but doing some cleaning and organizing to pass the time.

~~What has been the biggest change in your life in the past few weeks, good and/or bad? BAD that I can't see my family:(

~~Have you been blogging more or less? I try to post a blog often to keep in touch with my blog buddies.

~~What are the first few things you will do when it's safe to get back put into public? Visit family and SHOP at Hobby Lobby:)

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

Love your bath redo! And I don't know... if my cottage were winterized I would head there, but our farm is a good source for social distancing so I'm OK here too. Can your husband work from the lake house? Throw your paper supplies and groceries in the car and head out - I know, easier said than done. Better to be in a less populated environment though - and I don't think all this stuff is going away in the next few weeks.

Ask me how much I miss Homegoods and TjMAXX, LOL...

Lisia Mendy said...
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Kit said...

Hello dear Jane! Glad you are doing well. Okay over here in the mountains. Only 12 deaths so far and we are still on restrictions. No grouping together. We visit our kids via video and text and drive by to see their faces. I've been reading a lot and finally can garden. Cooking and baking like crazy. We order our groceries from Wal-Mart and then pick up. They do a great job. You take care and dream of days with your family. Kit

Mereknits said...

I am glad you were smart enough to stock up when you did. I wish we had done that more but we are doing fine and that is what counts. You have every right to be nervous and stressed we all are. I am still going out and working at several homes and never know if that is the right decision or not, still it is what I have to do. I am cleaning like a mad woman everyday, my house is the cleanest it has been in years and that says something because it is always pretty clean. Stay safe my friend.

Bluebird49 said...

I'm pretty used to being in because of health issues and hubby is retired and loves being home, so we're okay. No cases of the virus in our little country town so far, although we're supposed to go out only for "essentials" -- which is different for everyone!
Love that pretty bathroom, Jane.
I've not kept up with much news, nor have I been on social media mucb. Our same 'ol, same ol' for us.
It'll be over before too long, hopefully! Love to you!

Lynne said...

Mister Irish has done most of the grocery shopping.
Early on I made sure I had EXTRAS in most things.
I have always been one, to have a “back up” so it
has come in handy during this crisis.
Happy you mentioned laundry soap . . . I am running low.

I have been blogging less.
I stay in touch through FB, IG . . . and have changed up my style on both.
I like personal, not political, and to tell a story or two.
And of course, some flowers.

We are most totally shut down in everything . .
Although, ice cream drive through opened full force this past week.

I look forward to being with family, coffee with friends and
having the great grands sliding down the carpeted stairs on their rumps, tummies, with giggles.
And hopefully a hug or two.

One more . . . cut and color for me, full groom for Snickers!

Pinky Sharma said...
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Sandi said...

Our news is designed to scare us. Fear sells and they want us looking and clicking. I have seen so many leading headlines and slanted stories since this began. It really is eye-opening. I have to look away too.

Your blueberry salad looks fabulous!

The Questions:

--What sort of mandates or recommendations does your state have right now to prevent the spread of COVID-19?

I live in NC. Most things are shut down. People work from home if they can.

~~How are you getting groceries, meds, and staying in touch with family these days?

I go to a small town near here. In the other direction is a bigger town, but I feel like quieter and simpler is better. We had groceries delivered once, but since then I have gone out myself. I wear a mask and gloves.

~~What sort of hobbies have been your go-to during this time of sheltering?

Animal Crossing, Star Trek, blogging, and laundry. Laundry isn't really a hobby. It's a way of life!

~~What has been the biggest change in your life in the past few weeks, good and/or bad?

We homeschool and hubby works from home, so those things haven't changed. The biggest difference is that we have church online and the kids do music lessons via camera phone. Also, we have begun to look like sasquatch. Our hair is out of control!

~~Have you been blogging more or less?

Shorter posts, but more of them.

~~What are the first few things you will do when it's safe to get back put into public?

Tip hairdressers more! Seriously...see sasquatch comment above.

I am a homebody, so I don't really feel like going anywhere in particular, but I do want to see the economy improve and grocery store shelves full again. How glorious will it be to see an aisle of toilet paper? I can only imagine!

It's me said...


Hi Jane...What a terrible time we must thrue....I am affraid..and not happy right now...but I try to do my best to make every day a present for me and Leaf...my friends arround me call me several times a day...now I am alone at home...it is so hard being alone....but I hope I will stay safe....💚🍀🙏❤️..and hope you will also!...and every one around us too...🙏🍀💚❤️

The questions/answers...

~~What sort of mandates or recommendations does your state have right now to prevent the spread of COVID-19?

We must stay home...I am glad I have Leaf so I can walk a several times a day with her....that is my only way to go out site..

~~How are you getting groceries, meds, and staying in touch with family these days?

I let deliver my groceries and friends bring other things I need ...I call the whole day with friends they help me thru...no FaceTime or something...I do not like that...

~~What sort of hobbies have been your go-to during this time of sheltering?

No hobby’s...reading books watching Netflix...going out with Leaf doing the house cleaning things...


~~What has been the biggest change in your life in the past few weeks, good and/or bad?

You know what is my biggest change...and I am very sad about that...before this crisis start...I have my own crisis...so double ...So my life is so difficult right now....but I try and do my best to come out much stronger than I was before...

~~Have you been blogging more or less?

Less but that is because I have so much trouble and I can think about making a blog post but u read them only...I enjoy that

~~What are the first few things you will do when it's safe to get back put into public?

Visit my friends !!...I hate it that we can’t give hugs now...I miss it so much....it is not normal for us....so I will hug the whole day!!...


Stay safe darling...love you Ria ❤️💋

Amy at Ms. Toody Goo Shoes said...

Your bathroom reno looks terrific, Jane! I can imagine how much you are missing the lake. We bought a condo in Florida a year ago, and left mid-March. I wonder if we will get to see it next winter, if the virus comes back as predicted. To answer your questions:
NJ has been hit hard so we are in total lockdown. Today, the Governor re-opened parks.
My little town has set up a food delivery program with various local vendors and restaurants. It's been a godsend, because it's hard to get food deliveries from the markets. I've been lucky, though, and have been able to get deliveries every couple of weeks. I hate not picking out my own groceries. I've been doing a lot of Facetiming with family.
Hobbies - Photography! It's getting a little boring taking pictures of birds in the backyard, lol. Soon, I'll be doing my container gardens.
Biggest change is not running here and there and having jam-packed days. Best thing is having my son home (selfishly), but my heart breaks that he isn't on campus enjoying college life.
I'm trying to blog more often, but it's still been sporadic.
First thing I'm going to do is get my hair colored! And, I can't wait to see my friends and family in person.
Stay well!

Anonymous said...

Jane, stay strong. YOU are a strong woman so please don't let "this" get to you. Spending your shelter in place at the lake would be beautiful however, as you said you are totally prepared right where you are. To answer some of your questions, yes, CT is working on a plan. We are supposed to wear masks when in public and social distance, however, many do not. Does it bother me? Yes. You know how I love the woods and being alone so my walks really haven't changed. What has impacted me is that the Eagle's nest failed. However, I have two Osprey nests to keep an eye on, although I am not passionate about Osprey. I have been doing a lot of yard work and took your advice about weeding...using my kneeling pad which has been WONDERFUL! I too have been doing a lot of cooking...made your chili (threw away my old recipe!!) and love it, although I had a TON of beans (all different kinds). As for blogging, I do it when I want just as before. I've been going on and forgot the other questions you asked...LOL!!!...:)jp

Sarah said...

Jane, glad to know all is well, I like the new profile photo. Very pretty!
I'm in Texas. We've been on mandatory lockdow until last Friday when the governor announced a soft reopening. Restaurants can operate at 25% with limited diners and all tables 6 feet apart. We order groceries online and do curbside pickup. If I need to go into a grocery or post office, I wear a mask and gloves and carry my Clorox whipes. Masks are mandatory if out of one's home. I'm gardening, organizing around our home, baking, and have taken on housekeeping responsibility full time as our housekeeper isn't coming. Honestly, other than absolutely no one but us has been in our home for two months, our life is pretty much unchanged. We are both retired, so are at home most of the time. We pretty much do what we always do, other than the grocery shopping. My guy misses that the most. Going to the grocery is entertainment for him. We feel fortunate!
Oh, and did I mention we have a remodel in progress? It began in October, but things have been on hold off and on. I'm ready to have it complete, but in reality they haven't made significent progress. Patience is my mantra!
What am I looking forward to most? That would be having my housekeeper back once a week, meeting friends for lunch or coffee, and playing mah jongg with friends.
Thanks for the update. Stay well!

handmade by amalia said...

Nice to catch up on all your news, dear Jane, and to know that you are safe. Here many of the restrictions are being lifted already, whether of not too soon nobody knows.
Amalia
xo

Maggie said...

Hi Jane, just catching up with my blogging friends after being absent for almost a year. It was very interesting to hear your thoughts on the pandemic and how it is affecting your life and those of your loved ones.
We have finally relocated back to England and beginning to enjoy this new interesting chapter in our lives, lockdown is affecting everything of course but all I say is thank goodness we're home at last.
Maggie Xx

Karen (Back Road Journal) said...

HI Jane, You did a great job with your bathroom remodel, I think it goes great with your home. Life in lockdown has been no trouble for my husband and I. I would rather stay home and know that I'm healthy than to go out and worry that someone standing near might not have bothered to take health precautions. I was like you and my pantry was filled early. I don't have a grocery list any more, it is a "wish list" which I do online. Each time an order is delivered and items deleted because the store is out of stock, I immediately add it back to my cart. One week the store will be out of rice, the next week they may have it. Toilet paper, napkins and bacon are always illusive...thank goodness I still have a little left. We were very social and went out to dinner with friends at least 3 times a week. I told my husband that I realize that we were accepting mediocre food from restaurants just so we could be with friends. We are eating much better at home. No overcooked fish, no dry chicken, etc. I've always been a person to look at the glass as being half full...staying home is keeping us healthy and I'm grateful for that.

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Elaine said...

Thanks for visiting my blog. Day 59 I think but who knows? Nice to see your kids are helping with the grocery deliveries. I am having everything delivered and sometimes waiting 3 weeks for a delivery window. How times have changed! I ordered toilet paper on March 28th for a May 4th delivery. Guess wjat, on May 4th I got an email that they were out of stock and here's your refund. At this point I have a whatever attitude. Stay well, we will all get through this eventually!

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