Weirdness comes to my town...

[NRaleighLiberal]

In continuing to share tidbits from life in time of COVID-19...

Had to run a few errands today - we are closing on the house we just sold remotely, so the post office to overnight some notarized forms. No line...plenty of time to decide the best option and address the package. Felt like a coffee (I know, I don't look like one...*groan*) - went to my new favorite coffee shop, usually packed. Parking lot essentially empty - went in, all of the chairs and stools were up on the table (take out only - our governor put out the mandate last night - no dine in at any restaurants, coffee shops and the like). Asked for an Americano - they had to put in the honey and cream. Just a lovely, nice young couple that recently moved here as well - we chatted - of course they are worried about the fate of the shop. No other customers. Totally delicious coffee. Drove by a restaurant (a diner) that was supposed to be closed to dine in - but it was open, and busy. Supposedly, the local law is patrolling, so they will likely be cited.

In the car, was listening to the1A. All about COVID - the parade of experts telling us how to pass the time, people sharing their lists and tactics. But it struck me as to how "of our time" this is - we are at step 0.01 of something that will last for months, most likely. How are these messages going to be sustained in our microsecond attention span age - the "this is boring already" age?

So, I got home, was greeted by my dogs, my wife (who was quilting) - and feel so lucky to be here, loved, happy to be retired, gardening, writing, on nice days hiking and biking. I realized - once again - how fortunate I am. I want to think of ways to be helpful - will probably start to work with my daughter on some free Zoom type video sessions that people can dial into to ask gardening questions, or just discuss gardening.

It is common to say "we live in interesting times". That doesn't even scratch the surface of what we are all just beginning to inch into.

Be safe, and be well, all. And please share your own impressions of what your life is like and what you are seeing and experiencing. This is a community...we are all lucky to have it.

[jmbar2]

1. Rural Oregon Coast

I went to my favorite restaurant last nite. Called ahead and ordered twice the amount of food that I normally do. Gonna freeze part of it.

They have a Tuesday nite special that generally keeps the place packed from 4pm on. The parking lot was near bare. They are on a carry-out basis only due to CV.

When they brought my food out, I tipped 60% and told them that I really want to support them as much as possible. I thought the server was going to cry. It was the best money I've spent in a long time.

[AnotherMother4Peace]

3. I love this. I will be ordering take out from my fav family restaurant today, & will tip generously

Thank you.

[NRaleighLiberal]

5. very nice!

[Atticus]

2. Enjoyed your post and your "take" on things. I, too, have recently become

especially mindful of my good fortune. Have great kids who live close with their families, a wife who is the hardest worker and best baker I've ever met and we are about as healthy(knock wood!) as folks in their 70s can expect.

My rhubarb is up, fruit trees are budding and the air is full of birdsong---cardinals and redwing blackbirds especially.

I have food and a warm dry place to sleep. I have books and I am loved.

These are the things that allow me to endure the ignorance, greed and hatred that sometimes seem to be "all there is".

Thanks for your post.

[NRaleighLiberal]

6. right back at you, friend.

[SWBTATTReg]

4. Amen. Better words could not have been said. Be safe and take care all. NT

[Siwsan]

7. I'm relieved that, so far, there are no identified cases in my county

I'm running only essential errands and after I go and sign my tax forms, tomorrow, I'm hoping to pretty much non-stop hunker down for a long stretch. I'm well stocked for food and beverage, and have family who will bring me anything I may have forgotten.

Fingers crossed the weather will start to warm and brighten because there is lots of Spring yard and garden work to do. Everything seems to be coming along much earlier than in past years so my little world should soon be filled with birds, blooms and bees. And, barring the weather cooperating, I've got plenty of walls that need prepping for a fresh coat of paint.

And I've got books. Lots and lots of books. And, of course, I've got my friends at DU.

[NRaleighLiberal]

8. kick

[Dem2theMax]

9. In San Diego County, 10 minutes from town, so I'm in a rural area.

Was going to be without a car for a while, so I had stocked up, not knowing a pandemic was coming.

Still don't have a car, and now can't get one for a little bit, so relying on the kindness of my neighbors to bring me some groceries. Those same neighbors are buying me some tomato plants today. Yum!

Avocado trees are giving me delicious food to eat.
And DU is keeping me sane. I live alone. This place is a lifeline! We really are blessed to have this very special place to come to.

[Marrah_Goodman]

10. I live in a very rural part of RI

But my housemates both work in the grocery at Walmart so my bf and I decided it was best for me to come stay at his house a couple hours away in MA, just outside Boston. We are well stocked and he is out of work for at least a few more weeks after a surgery. I am disabled and don't work. We plan to stay hunkered down at home and avoid catching it or passing it to others. My daughter works as a CNA in a hospital so I do worry about her. My son works at a gas station/convient store in NC and thanks to their asshole governor he has no health insurance. I am pretty anxious for my friends, family and elderly parents. I don't know where this is all going but I think nothing will ever be the same again.