So Many Questions

With the outbreak of the coronavirus, which began as an epidemic in China, before making its way around the world in a matter of months and becoming a pandemic, many questions have been asked.  And with each additional day and new development, there are more questions.

Saturday 3/14 - Soon after waking, news of the coronavirus was spreading as fast as it was.  And I got sucked into many conversations, posts, articles, and questions using my computer and i-phone.
What's flattening the curve?  The graph pictured is from The Daily Examiner.  To keep hospitals and doctors’ offices from becoming overwhelmed with sick patients, the ultimate goal for public health authorities is to flatten this curve.  Social distancing measures can make a serious impact when they’re implemented early, so that over time, all patients get the resources they need.
What's social distancing?  Taking measures like working from home, shutting down schools, minimizing travel, and canceling large events such as conferences, festivals, parades, concerts, sporting events, weddings, and other types of assemblies and mass gatherings.
Answering one question creates more questions... When should we take these measures and how drastic do we need to be in isolating ourselves?

While on Facebook, I saw that Jeff Allen was going to be at Spike's.  Feeling the need to get out and dance, I invited several.  Many planned to join me, but the question was also raised as to whether or not this was a good idea.  I felt it would be fine, with no cases reported within 75 miles and it being a small venue.  I also knew it would probably be my last hoorah for awhile. 

I went to the gym not even giving a second thought to whether this was prudent or not.  I ended up accomplishing a really good workout.

Patty, Ken and Linnea, Chris and Colleen, and Brian joined Joe and I for dinner and a music filled evening.  I forgot to get a photo of us.

None of my fellow diners joined me to dance but there was a table next to us full of dancers, some who I knew.  I ended up moving over to Donna and Patty's table once my whole group left.  We danced till Jeff wrapped up his last set at 10pm.

Sunday 3/15 - The morning fog was lifting when I went down back to put out some cracked corn.  I literally almost 'ran into' these deer who were searching for food.


















They stepped back, away from the rocks I put the corn on, and waited patiently.  The mallard pair, who are not near as afraid of me, waddled up and started eating while I was pouring the corn onto the rocks.







By the time I had headed back up the hill towards the house, the deer had moved back to the rocks, chasing the ducks away.














Church was canceled for the next three Sundays.  I spent the morning here at my computer.  Up until Sunday morning, I was feeling fairly untouchable by the coronavirus, safe here in Fairfield Glade.  But through social media, I was made aware of the importance of social distancing.  I came to the conclusion that if I did not need to go out for a 'mission-critical' purpose, I should not go out at all.  I needed to take part in helping control and slow the spread of the virus.  While we are going out to public places, we could be picking up the virus and then unknowingly giving it to others.  Some trips out into public are necessary, but for socializing and fun, we need to just stop for awhile.  This will be very difficult for me because I am very social.

I e-mailed everyone to cancel a party for pool peeps I had organized.  Joe and I skypped with Britney and texted with Courtney.  A visit from Courtney and her friend was decided against and a trip to St. Louis and then on to Carol's had been postponed.

It was rainy and dreary all day and these cancellations and the outlook for the US was getting me down.  I kept going to the refrigerator and eating.  I wanted to go to the gym.

Eventually I got moving and took Maggie on a long walk.



In the neighborhood just north of us, there were four houses for sale.  I got addresses and photos of each which I later sent to Jim and Lori.

Joe and I listened to the president for the third time this week, speak about the pandemic and advise us American citizens.  The press had so many questions, and it amazed me that some of them just didn't get this concept of 'flattening the curve'. 

Monday 3/16 - It was very early in the 'ball game' still, but I already felt the need for a 7th inning stretch.  Maggie seemed to be expressing how I felt.  I am discovering a whole different meaning to March Madness.  I am going mad being cooped up at home.  There is madness everywhere with people panicking about the pandemic.  I am mad that I can't go out, socialize, and have fun; but also disappointed in others who choose to ignore warnings and are traveling, vacationing, and congregating in large crowds... then coming back to our little town and possibly bringing the coronavirus to us. 

We got a long e-mail about what FGCC is doing concerning the coronavirus, and it's expectations from all it's members and guests.  Not only have all large group activities been cancelled, but they are posting this sign on all of their facility doors throughout the community.  I hope everybody follows it.


To go or not to go, one of the many questions I have, especially concerning the gym.  I went, and just did weights for an hour.  I have worked so hard to get to the condition I am in, I don't want to give it up and regress.  If only I knew that everyone who has traveled outside of Cumberland county has self quarantined, then I could be fairly certain that the gym is a safe place to go and that I myself don't pick up and then become a hidden carrier of the virus.  For now, I am taking the utmost precautions; washing my hands when I get there, cleaning each machine before and after use, and trying to stay a six foot distance from everybody.  I will only be going to the gym 3Xs a week and at low usage times.  I am abstaining from all aerobic machines and classes and coming home to do stretch and balance exercises.  But I really feel I need to go there for my weight workout.




I hit Food City on the way home and truly believe I am much safer at the gym, where there are fewer people, healthier people, and everyone is being very careful to wipe down all surfaces they touch.  People who are starting to feel sick don't usually go to the gym, but are likely to run to the store for cold and flu medicine, soup, tissues, etc.

The store was crowded, and I noticed a person or two that either blew their nose, coughed or sneezed, and touched freezer handles after rubbing their eyes.  I did not see anyone wiping down shopping cart handles, counter tops, freezer doors, or any other community surfaces, let alone items people placed back on the shelf or into the produce bin after looking at (and touching) it.

I was not surprised to find that the store was also out of TP, bleach wipes, hand sanitizer, and Airborne.  They had signs limiting to two per customer, but were still out.  People are acting like hamsters, hoarding away more than necessary.

Tuesday 3/17 - The rain woke me up and I delayed my first walk because of a thunderstorm.  The weather and social distancing put a damper on my day.  No green beer and a low key St. Patrick's day celebration would be happening with Joe and I.  But I knew, just as the rains will pass and the sun will shine, revealing rainbows...  so will this coronavirus.  There will be an explosion of social gatherings, travel will be rampant, our economy will bounce back, and we will hug and kiss once again.  But until then?


I was feeling really bad for Joe (and Britney) who's trip to Europe has been post-poned until next year.  Joe had spent hours, over the last weeks and months, planning this four week trip.  Now he has spent a bunch of time cancelling everything... cruise, flights, rental cars, air-B&Bs, hostels, going to the Vilhauer (they spell it with one 'l') reunion in Germany, sightseeing reservations, etc.

Mid morning, Joe and I sat in the man-cave and watched the daily White House update on the Coronavirus and listened to the government's newest response to it.  Then, we got another e-mail from FGCC.  Many facilities were being closed for the rest of the month.  Things are going to get worse before they get better.


Joe went for a long walk with Maggie and after lunch, I came across this PE teacher's (exercise video), he posted for his students.  I joined in and had fun and got some good cardio exercise.  I also did his day 2 session.  I love his humor and enthusiasm.






The sun never came out and I decided it would be too wet and muddy to ride Amiga, and she would probably be a wet, muddy mess also.  I started a jigsaw puzzle, getting all of the pieces turned over and sorted.




Joe and I went to Brian's for dinner, pork not corn beef, but absolutely delicious.  Colleen, Chris, Rita, (in photo) and Andy were also there.  It was a nice way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day.

Wednesday 3/18 -Styx being playful.  She tolerates bell rubs, hugs, and kisses much more than Babe does.

The rain had stopped for the day, but the sun was obscured by clouds throughout it's time passing across the sky from one horizon to the other.


After listening to Trump and his team's daily up-date, I went to the barn.

Riding bareback on Amiga, who had been way out in the field, we stopped at the  automatic waterier to let her get a big drink.


Once saddled, we were off to ride around the barn area and go on the trails (not far) until we got into muddy and slippery footing.  Here we are looking down the ravine at Westchester road and the creek running high.  I worked Amiga in the front yard until I got her to listen and move at the speed I requested.  She gets so wound up out there.  I also gave her plenty of time to relax and graze throughout our ride.

Coming home by way of the golf course, on a walk with Maggie, the ducks had spotted us.  Leaving the dog in the garage, when I came out with the corn to take down back, the ducks were up near the back door waiting.  They proceeded to following me (with the corn) back down to the rock by the pond.

We got a message that the gym would be closing its doors Thursday, so I went one last time.  There were only ten people there when I arrived, and two when I left an hour later.


This is the progress I made on the puzzle.

Rain returned to the area about the time the sun went down.  Joe and I watched Survivor.  And I continued reading my good mystery novel.

Thursday 3/19 - The first day of spring, turned out to be an absolutely gorgeous day.  I discovered that a bird had built its nest on my welcome wreath.

There were no eggs laid yet, but I decided not to destroy the hard work, and let the mom raise her youngins here.


It was a leisurely morning, I had nowhere to go, and had gotten bored with computer time, so I went in the living room to work on the puzzle. 




I called Mom and talked with her and sister Jean, and then listened to Trump and his team of experts, while entertaining myself with the puzzle.  Look how much I got done.






Joe picked up carry out meals and we enjoyed a big lunch out on our screened porch.  I had all the doors opened so the cats could come and go.  The two 'new' ones had never been out here before, so were quite cautious.  I was glad neither tried to climb the screens.

I worked in the yard from 1-5pm.  Mostly I raked leaves and picked up sticks, but also trimmed all my forsythia since they were about done blooming.  I also mucked around down at the pond a little, and found this baby snapping turtle.

I only handled him long enough to take a few photos, and then released him back where I had found him.  But seeing him assured me that spring is really here.


This flower bed, that was particularly covered in leaves, is nice and clean now, and so is most of the back yard.

I took Maggie on a 2¾ mile walk after we had dinner.  I like that it is light later and hope to get back into this routine of walking after dinner.






Friday 3/20 - This cat picture was posted on Facebook, which made me smile.  But I actually think my cats like having me around more often.  However, with the exception of Styx, they all are definitely more  annoying to me, than I am to them.


Babe never seeks attention in the form of a lap or lovin', but she is almost always into trouble.
She is just so stinkin' cute though.

I doubled the distance of my short, first morning walk, seeing in the forecast that rain was coming and would continue throughout the day, which it did.  Maggie was a bit confused as to why we weren't turning for home and breakfast, as quickly as usual.



Stevie and Monita sitting on my lap.

Joe and I watched the daily White House update on the Coronavirus and listened to the question and answer session.  We are hearing a lot of the same stuff over and over again.  Trump sometimes impresses me, but often times just makes me shake my head.



Our Church posted that it will be closed through Sunday May 3rd, a little over six more weeks.  And then we got an e-mail from Fairfield Glade, EVERYTHING is closed.  Joe was not happy about not being able to golf.

I finished the puzzle, worked a few Sudoku, had a big lunch, read, napped, played games on the computer, and watched it rain.  With the rain being incessant, our lawn was very soggy, and the creek overflowing.



After doing two of Coach Wood's more strenuous workouts, I did his yoga one.  While standing for the Tree and Warrior poses, Babe was chewing on my yoga mat.

Joe and I watched two episodes of Blue Bloods.
Then I laid awake, continuing to ruminate over so many questions, the main ones being How long is this isolation going to last? and How bad is this pandemic going to get?

Life Of Riley

Living the life of Riley indicates a carefree, comfortable, and thoroughly enjoyable way of living.  This I definitely have.  Several definitions also included, - to have a life without hard work, to live in luxury with plenty of money and no problems.  This is not my reality, nor do I want it to be.  I enjoy and thrive off of working hard and accomplishing goals.  And I do not need wealth to be happy, yet recognize I have way more than so many others in this world.  I am so fortunate to be born and live in this country.

I saw a travel ad headline that read 'Plot your next escape.'  I have nothing to escape.  I absolutely love it here, at my house, being in Fairfield Glade, living in Tennessee.

All that being said, there are still trials and tribulations I (all of us) have to endure.  It's part of life.  I thought this second photo (warning) for the week was funny.  And in spite of it's premonitions, I had a great week.



Saturday 3/7 - It was brisk out, but sunny.  More daffodils had opened up in bloom.  Joe and I hit the road for Nashville just before 8am.  I sat in front, working Sudoku, and keeping a watch out the window for tornado damage.  I didn't mean to be a gawker, but wanted to see the devastation for myself.  There were several incredible sights along the way, even though much cleanup has been occurring.

Soon after getting to Courtney's apartment, we climbed back in our SUV and drove to the condominium she is in the process of buying.  Hers is a lovely, newly remodeled, three bedroom end unit in a nice neighborhood.  The realtor told us about some of the little improvements that will be done before closing, and we all discussed ways to change a few other features (kitchen island, master bath vanity height, and the TV hole).  This is what the wall above the fireplace looks like.  Courtney does not want her TV up there (it wouldn't fit anyway.  So, what to do with this space?


From the condo we then went to lunch at a colorful Mexican restaurant.  Courtney thought it would be cool to have some fun art work above the fireplace, over the hole.  I suggested a fish tank or cat cubby, LOL.  We lingered, talking, at the eatery before going back to Courtney's apartment, where we hung out a little longer.








The drive home was quick and uneventful. 



I took Maggie for a long walk, enjoying the sunset and the moon rise.  I moved our clocks forward and went to bed at my usual time, even though it was actually an hour earlier.

Sunday 3/8 - With the time change, the morning was dark longer than usual.  I knew my evening would be light longer, but I wasn't sure it was a good trade off.












All our pets live the life of Riley.


After Church, lunch, and a nap, I finally headed to the barn.  It was hopping when I got there and I wished I hadn't let myself take a nap.
Patty on Zorro and Karen on Maverick.






Deanna had just finished riding, Pat was mounting up, and Jan was tacking up.  By the time I had Amiga ready, Jan was the only one riding.  I joined her, and later Cheryl joined us.  It was a pretty afternoon and an enjoyable, leisurely ride.



After dinner,  Maggie and I had a nice little walk.  I know I have a lot of photos of our backyard, but I thought the contrast between the green grass and newly mulched area looked striking, and I had to take a photo.

I texted with Courtney a few minutes at bed time.  I just love staying connected to and 'talking' with our children.

Monday 3/9 - I had the usual relaxing morning here at my computer.  Got gas on my way to the gym at 9:00.  After Line Dance, Zumba, weights, and lunch, I was at the barn by 1:00.

Jan and I met to ride the Holly Trail, go visit Terry's, and take Chestnut Hill home.  We went over five miles and were in the saddle 2¼ hours.



We stopped to let our horses rest going up the big hill on the Holly Trail.  Jan was in front of me and farther up the hill.

Once in the Glade, we could relax and enjoy the ease of the roads to ride on, as could our horses.  Like Jan and I, Amiga and Cash are good buddies.














Coming back on Chestnut Hill is always a little nerve racking, but we made it unscathed, even though I had to bail off Amiga when a big dump truck was barreling down the road towards us.  I could not get her to get off the shoulder and across a ditch, and instead she was backing into the road.  So I hopped off and lead her over the ditch out of harms way.  Meanwhile, the considerate truck driver had come to a hault until I had Amiga under control, and then slowly drove by.

Joe and I cut down a small maple tree in back that has started crowding a dogwood and two other trees.  And I worked at clearing leaves from the creek. 


Tuesday 3/10 - Rain all night obscured the full moon so I found this cool photo on line, to depict the event.  The rain continued off and on all day.









As often happens, the rain and clouds had the propensity to make me be lazy.

I did go to the gym and do a weight work on legs, since I had done arms the day before.  I also did a Zumba class but my favorite instructor was sick so it wasn’t as much fun.  I took an after lunch nap by the fire, did some household chores, and then went to the barn at 5:15.








I needed to give Amiga her Previcox before the vet shots the following morning.   Then I hopped on for a little ride.




I sat on a towel because Amiga was still kind of wet from the day's rain.  I let her graze quite a bit but also had her gaiting some of the time.  These photos were taken from across the street at the garden plots.  Rain was moving back into the area and was coming down before I got home at 7:00.  I love that it doesn’t get dark until 7pm.
It was a quiet evening with popcorn (no beer) for dinner since Poker Joe was at a game.

Wednesday 3/11 - During my 5am walk, you could cut the fog with a knife.  With blogging time shorter, I have spent more time 'gaming.'  For some reason, the advent calendar ornament smash game has been more difficult since the start of the new year.  I have had troubles winning, let alone getting a score over 11,000.  But this morning, I had a successful go at it, 14885 points.



On our second, 8am walk of the day, the fog was lifting (photo).  Then I was off to the barn for our vet visit.



I got Amiga out of her stall to let her graze for 30 minutes.  Then I got Zorro and brushed him well while waiting for the vet to come.  This is a shedding comb I used on him.  The vet was over 30 minutes late.  Another horse went after Zorro so I could exercise him, which helps alleviate a shot reaction.  






Amiga was her usual very tense self for her Coggins test and 4-way shot.  To exercise her, I went for a 45 minute ride all around the barn area.  In this photo, we are at the garden plots, looking at the horses over in the winter pasture.  Amiga was a bit animated at times, which can be a challenge when riding bareback, but I thoroughly enjoyed our little ride together.


Joe and I really trimmed back the giant hemlock in our yard.  Unfortunately it makes Allen and Carol's house much more visible, but we needed to get it out of their way and ours also.




I did a little trimming of some other shrubs and removal of leaves until dinner time, after which, I took Maggie on a long walk.









The daffodil blooming behind Brian's house sure are pretty.

Joe and I watched Survivor and then listened to Trump's speech, which gave us plenty to talk about.


Thursday 3/12 - The Lenten Rose in back are attractive, and can be seen from my office window.










By 8am I went to the barn to check on Zorro (video) and Amiga to see if they had a reaction from their 4-way shot the day before.  Both were doing great.

I took Amiga on a long 2½ hour ride.  I rode her into the Glade and on the undeveloped roads around the Dorchester Golf Course.  During part of the ride, she got a long rest and grazing time in a grassy section while I talked with Mom and then sister Jean on the phone.








The woods are greening up as things are starting to bloom.  I think the lichen/moss on this budding red maple is striking.  I had a wonderful ride and Amiga did a great job carrying me up and down hills and past a few scary (home and road) construction things. 

Driving home from the barn I was mentally making all these plans to do yard work and go to the gym.  But after lunch, I felt chilled and tired so read and napped by the fire with Monita and Maggie.









They were so cute napping together.  When I took these photos, they both stretched and then went back to sleep.

I drug myself to the gym and finally got a bit energized about halfway through my workout.

News of the Coronavirus precautions was shocking and disheartening, especially when it hit so close to home.  Britney's students were all being flown back to the US (so if more borders close they don't get stuck abroad), Courtney's concert in Nashville was cancelled, and it looks like Britney's college reunion in April, Joe's transatlantic cruise, and his and Britney's trip to Europe in May may also be cancelled.  These are important precautions to keep the spread to a minimal, but people's over-reacting (buying all the toilet paper) is ridiculous.  It's people that make me nervous... they are asking people to use common sense, well we have a shortage of that here in the US.  The thought of people rushing into emergency rooms when they get the slightest cough or sore throat and demanding to be tested and treated is a scarier thought.  For most who contract the virus, they need to just stay home and let the virus take its course, like a cold or flu.  Save the medical care and resources for those who really need it.  And for those who've been exposed but have mild symptoms, Stay Home!  Your presence at work, a party, or elsewhere, is not that important.

Friday 3/13 - The day dawned beautiful and carefree, as birds chirped their happy songs and deer meandered through in the backyard.  The ducks were waiting for their corn and came right up to eat before I stepped very far away.  See the toe of my shoe near them?  This prayer from our Pastor, Lanita seemed so fitting.

Holy and most gracious God,
Robins sing from rain-soaked shrubs,
 chorus frog melodies rise from wetlands,
 our local deer begin to shed dark winter coats for lighter buckskin.
All this heralds the changing of our Seasons.
But now we are afraid.
Our world, our country, our community is
 being invaded by that which we cannot see.
Help us to be brave, to be calm and reasonable,
 to be people of faith who trust you with our very lives.
Give us courage to face these coming days
 with a sense of assurance that we are being wise
 in how we work together during an unprecedented time.
We offer ourselves into your care, now and always.
Trusting in your goodness and mercy.
Amen.

My whole morning was spent in town shopping.  I hit the usual stores, spending most of my time and money at Walmart.  This was my bimonthly trip to stock up on household and pet supplies.  Luckily, we are not down to our last rolls of TP, because this is what that isle looked like.  There were also no more bleach wipes, but I can get along without those for awhile.


Babe relaxing on the cat tree, had her arms folded under her chest but on top of her tail, the black tip which you see bottom right of her.  She is so cute.











After a late lunch, Joe and I watched/listened to Trump's speech and the discussion that followed.














Styx and Babe hugging while cleaning each other's faces.  I could not get energized so napped in front of the fire again.


Finally I made myself go out so I could plant these flowers and hen's and chicks I just bought at Lowe's.










I started weeding and cleaning leaves from this area and then moved to the side of the house.


This last photo shows the bed by the steps, full of leaves, and how neat and clean the one on the other side is.  There are also plenty of weeds underneath the leaves that need to get pulled.

As the Coronavirus becomes a growing pandemic that has upended lives and wreaked havoc on financial markets, I pray for your health foremost and am sorry for the hardships you will and have suffered.  I hope the sacrifices that you make will be looked upon later as being well worth it.  Stay safe for you and others.