Since my last post, the whole world has been turned upside down.
Weeks later the spread of this virus was officially dubbed a Pandemic.
Days later and we were shocked to learn how quickly things can change:
* Schools were canceled for the rest of the school year.
* 90% of the public school support Staff in the province were laid off.
* Group gatherings over 200 were banned. Then 50. Now 15.
* Toilet Paper, Hand Sanitizer, and masks were impossible to find. Now so is yeast, flour, and depending on the day you go shopping - anything else!
* All Non-essential businesses have had to close their doors.
*National Parks, playgrounds and public spaces are closed.
* Gas prices have plummeted causing a guaranteed long-lasting recession in our province.
* The internet is ablaze with terrifying stories about this virus and the damage it has done to cities and families.
* There are rumors of government scandal, of plots for forced vaccinations, and fearmongering for political and social gain.
* Oh and several states in the US have been experiencing earthquakes, some of which could be felt from all the way up here!
I'm pretty sure I am scared right now, though the degree of it fluctuates.
For the most part, we really are hunkered down here.
Some of the moments we've enjoyed while quarentining:
John has moved his classroom home. Since High School classes are now being taught online, John has created a pretty good set up in our music room. Every morning he goes to work and shuts the door, reappearing 7 hours later. I will say, he seems much busier now and there is no doubt that this transition has been a challenging one for him, and all teachers.
I've been far less productive. Confined to a recliner for weeks, the kids would come to me for help with their Math or English, but really, far less productive than John;)
Abby combats her housebound status by crafting it up. So far she has painted her closet doors, her art box, she's working on painting a deck of cards and has plans to paint a sweatshirt with bleach. She's also turned to the piano more lately, downloading music and learning new scores.
As a family we have taken up Poker.
Most evenings end with a few rounds. Jessica specializes in Straights. Nate is the one who goes "all in" without ever glancing at his cards, and I'll proudly admit - I've pulled off a few good wins myself.
My other three kids have "productive moments" but have definitely adjusted to the downtime without any real complaints. ;)
The picture above largely promoted this one.
One month into isolated living and I'm finally figuring out we all need a bit of schedule in our lives.
Oh and the kids have discovered that online shopping is another way to kill time.
Purchases so far have included books, Guitar Straps, hooks for guitars to hang on, a capo, dice for a D&D obsession, and most recently... matching and reversible bucket hats, because apparently, you can't pass up a saluting duck.
Nate has sure made me laugh.
He's built many forts over the past month - also of them smartly stocked with a supply of toilet paper, soap, snacks and whatever else he can find. Truly - the exterior and shape of the fort looks different every time, but he's never without the necessities.
During one of my more fear-filled moments, I made these facemasks with bandanas, elastics and coffee filters. You know, just in case the kids are ever allowed to leave the house.
Sam says he will never wear his.
I don't know why.
Church and all things related to church has been canceled for almost 6 weeks already.
John works hard to make sure that we treat our home church with reverence and I have so enjoyed this hour-hour and a half each week.
Grandpa has been joining us each week, which has made it extra special!
A few family members give talks and then someone teaches Sunday School afterward.
Really kinda loving it.
Lately we've been able to go for Sunday afternoon strolls, something I am unbelievably grateful.
It feels so good to walk, breathe fresh air and feel a bit of sunshine after a long and arduous winter.
Jess and I have been watching a little Robin that has taken up residence in (or near) our back yard.
What a sweet sign of spring!
Often, when I sit and think about how much things have changed in the past month or so I feel a nervous frustration and then I remind myself that we are not "stuck at home, we are safe at home."
I am so grateful for the reality that we are well.
We have time together and we have what we need.
