It's hard not to think this week about where we would have been right now had this been a normal year: a cruise ship touring Alaska. We would have boarded in Seattle on Sunday, after a few days in Portland. I would have crossed two states -- Oregon and Alaska -- off of my short list of states left to visit.
I know that in the scheme of things it's not really that big of a deal. We'll rebook for next summer or, if this is still going on, the summer after that. Still, we booked this trip a full year ago and have been looking forward to it ever since. I don't think I've ever booked a vacation that far in advance!
At the moment we aren't planning a trip this summer. Beach vacations seem the safest bet, but we did that last year and I really don't care for the beach well enough to go more than once every few years. In any case, wrangling a 7-year-old and 5-year-old into masks in an unknown location doesn't seem like much fun. We'll see what the months (year?) ahead brings.
Showing posts with label coronavirus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label coronavirus. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 30, 2020
Tuesday, June 23, 2020
Maybe the Summer Will Be Saved After All
For once I'm adding things to the calendar instead of taking them off.
I'm still totally and completely bummed that our Alaska cruise was canceled. We were supposed to leave tomorrow for a few days in Portland, Ore., followed by the cruise and than a couple of days in Seattle. Don't get me wrong, I understand why it had to be canceled and agree with the decision. It's still a major downer though.
Swim lessons have all but been canceled, festivals are off -- it was shaping up to be the summer that never was.
But the city is again in the process of approving block party permits, yay! We'll follow some pandemic-inspired changes and precautions, of course. But it looks like the party will happen after all, probably in August. It was supposed to be the first weekend in June, and as luck would have it, it was a perfectly beautiful day. I was rather hoping it would be rainy and miserable.
And we're hoping to have our annual crap swap (think a garage sale where everything is free, and you invite your friends to participate, too) later this summer. Maybe we'll have some fun this year after all.
I'm still totally and completely bummed that our Alaska cruise was canceled. We were supposed to leave tomorrow for a few days in Portland, Ore., followed by the cruise and than a couple of days in Seattle. Don't get me wrong, I understand why it had to be canceled and agree with the decision. It's still a major downer though.
Swim lessons have all but been canceled, festivals are off -- it was shaping up to be the summer that never was.
But the city is again in the process of approving block party permits, yay! We'll follow some pandemic-inspired changes and precautions, of course. But it looks like the party will happen after all, probably in August. It was supposed to be the first weekend in June, and as luck would have it, it was a perfectly beautiful day. I was rather hoping it would be rainy and miserable.
And we're hoping to have our annual crap swap (think a garage sale where everything is free, and you invite your friends to participate, too) later this summer. Maybe we'll have some fun this year after all.
Tuesday, June 16, 2020
June Update
Playgrounds are open! After a long pandemic-induced closure, playgrounds in Columbus opened last Wednesday. We went on Friday, and I was prepared to leave if it got too crowded. It never did. It's nice to have another option for the summer.
My back hurts! I feel like I'm getting a preview of life in my 70s, and I don't care for it. This is the second time this year that I've hurt it in a ridiculous manner. (The first time I was rolling over in bed in the middle of the night. This time I think I first felt a twinge when I was brushing my teeth on Saturday morning. Sigh.) It seems to follow the same pattern. Day 1: I'm completely useless. Day 2: Mostly useless. Day 3: Slow moving and in pain, but I can do more. Day 4: Much better. Today is day 4, so we'll see.
I'm freelancing more! I recently started writing for The Hub Springfield, and I love it! I worked for Springfield's daily newspaper from 2003 to 2007 and have been freelancing for a few Springfield and Dayton publications since we returned to Ohio from New York in 2013, so I know the area well. I love the features and profiles that I've been writing. An added bonus is that it's all online, when many of the long articles I've written in the last several years have been in print only. Check it out! New articles are published on Thursdays.
My back hurts! I feel like I'm getting a preview of life in my 70s, and I don't care for it. This is the second time this year that I've hurt it in a ridiculous manner. (The first time I was rolling over in bed in the middle of the night. This time I think I first felt a twinge when I was brushing my teeth on Saturday morning. Sigh.) It seems to follow the same pattern. Day 1: I'm completely useless. Day 2: Mostly useless. Day 3: Slow moving and in pain, but I can do more. Day 4: Much better. Today is day 4, so we'll see.
I'm freelancing more! I recently started writing for The Hub Springfield, and I love it! I worked for Springfield's daily newspaper from 2003 to 2007 and have been freelancing for a few Springfield and Dayton publications since we returned to Ohio from New York in 2013, so I know the area well. I love the features and profiles that I've been writing. An added bonus is that it's all online, when many of the long articles I've written in the last several years have been in print only. Check it out! New articles are published on Thursdays.
Tuesday, June 9, 2020
COVID, Protests & More
It's been such a week of nothing and everything that I hardly know what to write.
As far as the coronavirus is concerned, things are starting to open up here in central Ohio. Playgrounds and the zoo are opening this week. Our social circle is expanding, although we do still take some basic precautions. It's a relief to feel that things are moving in a "normal" direction, although of course I'm still concerned that the virus will spread as people go about their daily business more and more.
And then there are the protests following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Locally they started in downtown Columbus, some four miles from our house, and there were a few news cycles of broken windows at the Statehouse and at businesses. (The kids asked what "looting" meant.) Then came a city-wide curfew which covered our neighborhood that ended only this past Saturday. The rougher protests made their way to campus, about two miles away. Here in Clintonville, there have been some rallies but nothing even close to dangerous.
Of course we've been talking to the kids more about race, hopefully in a way that they understand. I myself hardly know how to show my support and for once words don't seem adequate. But I'm following closely and hoping for real change.
As far as the coronavirus is concerned, things are starting to open up here in central Ohio. Playgrounds and the zoo are opening this week. Our social circle is expanding, although we do still take some basic precautions. It's a relief to feel that things are moving in a "normal" direction, although of course I'm still concerned that the virus will spread as people go about their daily business more and more.
And then there are the protests following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Locally they started in downtown Columbus, some four miles from our house, and there were a few news cycles of broken windows at the Statehouse and at businesses. (The kids asked what "looting" meant.) Then came a city-wide curfew which covered our neighborhood that ended only this past Saturday. The rougher protests made their way to campus, about two miles away. Here in Clintonville, there have been some rallies but nothing even close to dangerous.
Of course we've been talking to the kids more about race, hopefully in a way that they understand. I myself hardly know how to show my support and for once words don't seem adequate. But I'm following closely and hoping for real change.
Tuesday, May 26, 2020
COVID-19 Outbreak in Ohio: Weeks 10 & 11
Thursday, May 14
The governor announced dates for more businesses to open later this month. Now to decide what we will do ourselves. Pools may be open, but are swimming lessons a good idea this summer? The jury is still out.
Friday, May 15
Patios open today for outdoor dining. I am definitely not comfortable eating in a crowd at the moment, but I'm curious to see how it will go this weekend. The weather isn't supposed to be great tonight, so maybe it won't be so bad.
Sunday, May 17
From a distance things almost seemed like normal this week. The weather was lovely, we spent all weekend outside, and so did nearly everyone else. But of course it wasn't quite the same. Still, I'll take what I can get.
A few reports of local bars exceeding guidelines -- the rainy weather didn't really come as predicted, so many people were eager to get out again. But lots of people still staying home as well. We got takeout yet again.
Tuesday, May 19
Book club meetings via Zoom just aren't the same.
Thursday, May 21
Atticus had his end-of-year preschool celebration via Zoom today. I remember Edith's -- the parents came to the classroom, each kid was recognized and we gave an extra big clap as it was announced that she would be headed to kindergarten. Not quite the same on the computer, but it was very nice, all things considered. The teachers even put together a slideshow of the year that was. Now Atticus is off to the next school adventure ... whatever that may look like in the fall.
Friday, May 22
Dad called in the morning and asked if he and Mom could come visit for a couple of hours. They had some things to drop off, plus we hadn't seen each other since February. We stayed on the porch for the visit. Not quite the same as visits "before," but it was nice all the same.
Sunday, May 24
Visited the in-laws for the first time since the virus -- again, an outdoor visit. More things to add to the "new normal" list.
Monday, May 25
Memorial Day is low-key this year. I've read most of the day, the kids have barely been inside, and Paul is finishing up some household tasks. It's been HOT this weekend, nearly 90 degrees, so it really feels like summer is here. We'll see what it brings.
The governor announced dates for more businesses to open later this month. Now to decide what we will do ourselves. Pools may be open, but are swimming lessons a good idea this summer? The jury is still out.
Friday, May 15
Patios open today for outdoor dining. I am definitely not comfortable eating in a crowd at the moment, but I'm curious to see how it will go this weekend. The weather isn't supposed to be great tonight, so maybe it won't be so bad.
Sunday, May 17
From a distance things almost seemed like normal this week. The weather was lovely, we spent all weekend outside, and so did nearly everyone else. But of course it wasn't quite the same. Still, I'll take what I can get.
A few reports of local bars exceeding guidelines -- the rainy weather didn't really come as predicted, so many people were eager to get out again. But lots of people still staying home as well. We got takeout yet again.
Tuesday, May 19
Book club meetings via Zoom just aren't the same.
Thursday, May 21
Atticus had his end-of-year preschool celebration via Zoom today. I remember Edith's -- the parents came to the classroom, each kid was recognized and we gave an extra big clap as it was announced that she would be headed to kindergarten. Not quite the same on the computer, but it was very nice, all things considered. The teachers even put together a slideshow of the year that was. Now Atticus is off to the next school adventure ... whatever that may look like in the fall.
Friday, May 22
Dad called in the morning and asked if he and Mom could come visit for a couple of hours. They had some things to drop off, plus we hadn't seen each other since February. We stayed on the porch for the visit. Not quite the same as visits "before," but it was nice all the same.
Sunday, May 24
Visited the in-laws for the first time since the virus -- again, an outdoor visit. More things to add to the "new normal" list.
Monday, May 25
Memorial Day is low-key this year. I've read most of the day, the kids have barely been inside, and Paul is finishing up some household tasks. It's been HOT this weekend, nearly 90 degrees, so it really feels like summer is here. We'll see what it brings.
Monday, May 18, 2020
The New Normal
The new normal is ...
... waking up and starting "school" 20 minutes later, occasionally as early as 7:30 a.m.
... needing a first-grade refresher once in a while. What's a predicate again?
... teaching a 5-year-old how to read. One of the most fun parts of this new normal!
... seeing Edith become a faster and faster typist. And remembering that I didn't learn to type until what? Junior high maybe?
... dragging a chair to the end of the driveway nearly every nice day, watching the kids ride their bikes.
... watching a TV show and thinking "that would never go now" whenever I see fictional strangers close together.
... patting myself on the back for all of the outdoor work we've done. If we're going to be spending more time at home, let's have it look nice.
... thinking about all of the things we're going to miss out on this summer. We were supposed to leave for vacation in five weeks.
... reading. So much reading. I've always read a lot, but now I'm listening to Edith read, reading longer chapter books to her, reading by myself and teaching Atticus some sight words. Books, books, all the time, books!
... keeping a mask at home and in my purse or car. Never know when I'll need it.
What's your new normal?
... waking up and starting "school" 20 minutes later, occasionally as early as 7:30 a.m.
... needing a first-grade refresher once in a while. What's a predicate again?
... teaching a 5-year-old how to read. One of the most fun parts of this new normal!
... seeing Edith become a faster and faster typist. And remembering that I didn't learn to type until what? Junior high maybe?
... dragging a chair to the end of the driveway nearly every nice day, watching the kids ride their bikes.
... watching a TV show and thinking "that would never go now" whenever I see fictional strangers close together.
... patting myself on the back for all of the outdoor work we've done. If we're going to be spending more time at home, let's have it look nice.
... thinking about all of the things we're going to miss out on this summer. We were supposed to leave for vacation in five weeks.
... reading. So much reading. I've always read a lot, but now I'm listening to Edith read, reading longer chapter books to her, reading by myself and teaching Atticus some sight words. Books, books, all the time, books!
... keeping a mask at home and in my purse or car. Never know when I'll need it.
What's your new normal?
Tuesday, May 12, 2020
COVID-19 Outbreak in Ohio: Weeks 8 & 9
Thursday, April 30
Spent the evening installing a new over-the-range microwave. Paul picked it up from Lowe's the day before -- it was the first time I had ever completely researched and purchased an appliance online without looking at them in person, too. One thing I'll say about shopping under the coronavirus: I could get used to curbside pick-up!
Saturday, May 2
A beautiful, sunny day that hit 80 degrees. Everybody was outside -- familiar faces and others taking walks, biking and just generally enjoying the outdoors. Paul powerwashed a boatload of stuff in the backyard, as well as our porch ceiling and the sides of our house. I learned how to use a push mower -- I'm almost 39, so I figured it was about time.
Sunday, May 3
I expected it to rain all day, but it was merely cloudy and warm. So we got even more outdoor tasks done! Paul spray painted the wicker furniture that sits on our porch, so it's a chocolate brown color instead of a chipping white. He also touched up the chairs that surround our fire pit. Not being able to go anywhere of significance means we sure get a lot done around the house.
Tuesday, May 5
Atticus had his first Zoom meeting/storytime with his preschool class this afternoon. He was eager to show his class a Star Wars toy but gets surprisingly shy when it comes to seeing himself on screen dancing, singing or the like.
Thursday, May 7
Ohio is opening up even more. The governor announced that salons and outside dining will be permitted on May 15, with inside dining starting on May 21. I also got a call from our pediatrician's office to reschedule Atticus's well-child appointment, which was cancelled more than a month ago. Maybe there's a light at the end of the tunnel.
Sunday, May 10
Mother's Day, and not a bad one all considering. Got some food from one of my favorite neighborhood bakeries, and Paul helped the kids make cookies
Never thought I'd do it, but we purchased a membership to the zoo today, too. It's for 14-months (starting when the zoo reopens) and the kids will love it. Seemed like a good way to support a local institution -- and maybe I'll love the zoo more when we go for only a couple of hours at a time instead of once every year or two for the WHOLE day. Ask me in a year if it was a good idea!
Spent the evening installing a new over-the-range microwave. Paul picked it up from Lowe's the day before -- it was the first time I had ever completely researched and purchased an appliance online without looking at them in person, too. One thing I'll say about shopping under the coronavirus: I could get used to curbside pick-up!
Saturday, May 2
A beautiful, sunny day that hit 80 degrees. Everybody was outside -- familiar faces and others taking walks, biking and just generally enjoying the outdoors. Paul powerwashed a boatload of stuff in the backyard, as well as our porch ceiling and the sides of our house. I learned how to use a push mower -- I'm almost 39, so I figured it was about time.
Sunday, May 3
I expected it to rain all day, but it was merely cloudy and warm. So we got even more outdoor tasks done! Paul spray painted the wicker furniture that sits on our porch, so it's a chocolate brown color instead of a chipping white. He also touched up the chairs that surround our fire pit. Not being able to go anywhere of significance means we sure get a lot done around the house.
Tuesday, May 5
Atticus had his first Zoom meeting/storytime with his preschool class this afternoon. He was eager to show his class a Star Wars toy but gets surprisingly shy when it comes to seeing himself on screen dancing, singing or the like.
Thursday, May 7
Ohio is opening up even more. The governor announced that salons and outside dining will be permitted on May 15, with inside dining starting on May 21. I also got a call from our pediatrician's office to reschedule Atticus's well-child appointment, which was cancelled more than a month ago. Maybe there's a light at the end of the tunnel.
Sunday, May 10
Mother's Day, and not a bad one all considering. Got some food from one of my favorite neighborhood bakeries, and Paul helped the kids make cookies
Never thought I'd do it, but we purchased a membership to the zoo today, too. It's for 14-months (starting when the zoo reopens) and the kids will love it. Seemed like a good way to support a local institution -- and maybe I'll love the zoo more when we go for only a couple of hours at a time instead of once every year or two for the WHOLE day. Ask me in a year if it was a good idea!
Tuesday, May 5, 2020
Things I'll Miss When Things Are Back to Normal
Don't get me wrong -- I'll be glad when things are back to normal and we can all go where we want, when we want, as often as we want. But I'm trying to find the icing on some truly awful cake, so here it goes. I'll miss:
- Sleeping in every day. When the kids don't need to be ready for school at any certain time, we're more leisurely in the morning.
- Not rushing to get out the door. See above.
- Letting the kids ride their bikes on the road. Traffic is down on our street, so there seems to be a general agreement on our block to let all of the kids ride on the road as long as there's an adult or two to watch for cars. The kids love it!
- Not feeling guilty about watching copious amounts of TV after the kids are in bed. All we have is time, so why not?
- Being so productive with home projects. Sure, we watch TV at night, but on the weekends our hours are filled with outdoor projects (and a few indoor, as well). After all, there's nowhere to go.
- Curbside pickup at practically every store we patronize. I really hope this doesn't go away! How nice it was to pick up a microwave, charcoal, storage shelves and spray paint without having to enter a store! (Haven't tried it with groceries though.)
Tuesday, April 28, 2020
COVID-19 Outbreak in Ohio: Weeks 6 & 7
Tuesday, April 14
Our summer vacation was officially canceled today. Last summer we booked a week-long Alaskan cruise, bookended by a few days in Portland and Seattle. I've known for the last few weeks that it would probably be off, but I'm still bummed. Luckily we should be able to get refunds on the cruise deposit and hotels we had booked, and at least credits for the flights we purchased. Hoping we will be able to rebook for next summer.
Wednesday, April 15
The kids helped me do yard work for an hour this afternoon, although I remembered why I hate to do it when I was pricked on two separate fingers by rose thorns. I really don't care for gardening, but it feels good to do something productive.
Friday, April 17
With vacation canceled along with everything else that I ever look forward to in the spring and summer, I realized that the most exciting thing in the foreseeable future is the sweet potato fries I'm planning to order for take-out on Saturday.
Saturday, April 18
Paul's at the office again today. He has had two days off since March 30, and he often works at home for an hour or two (or longer) after the kids go to bed.
The annual art show at Edith's school was canceled, so each student was asked to create something at home to be featured in an online gallery. Edith drew birds that she found in Paul's "Birds of Ohio" book and made them into a quilt. She's 7 and has already surpassed me as an artist.
Sunday, April 19
Went to the grocery store this morning for the first time in 23 days. I was nervous about going on the weekend, afraid it would be crowded. But it was less crowded than when I went on a Friday morning 3+ weeks ago. I got there just before it opened at 9 a.m., and it was even less crowded when I left an hour later. I got enough food for at least three weeks, hopefully longer. I've never purchased so many frozen vegetables and fresh fruit -- plus THREE loaves of bread. We go through a lot when three of us are here every weekday for lunchtime peanut butter sandwiches.
Monday, April 20
Governor DeWine announced today that school would be online-only for the rest of the school year. Not a surprise, but I still got a pit in the bottom of my stomach when I heard him say it. The kids were disappointed but not devastated. We'll be fine.
Saturday, April 25
A beautiful day that I would have considered the first "real" day of spring in ordinary times. It was supposed to be Duckling Day at the local library, I think the first day of the farmers market down the street and we were to host our annual crap swap. Instead, we spent the afternoon doing yard work. I cut down a lot of vines, and Paul fixed the fence in the backyard, so that's something.
One perk of all this for the kids is that they are able to bike and scooter on the street a lot more than they ever have been able to before. The parents of the street watch from our respective yards and yell "CAR!" whenever a vehicle appears. With the stay-at -home order in place, there really aren't that many.
Monday, April 27
The governor announced the first steps of a gradual reopening in the state -- nothing that impacts us yet. Paul's work continues, and he worked a few hours on both Saturday and Sunday again.
Our summer vacation was officially canceled today. Last summer we booked a week-long Alaskan cruise, bookended by a few days in Portland and Seattle. I've known for the last few weeks that it would probably be off, but I'm still bummed. Luckily we should be able to get refunds on the cruise deposit and hotels we had booked, and at least credits for the flights we purchased. Hoping we will be able to rebook for next summer.
Wednesday, April 15
The kids helped me do yard work for an hour this afternoon, although I remembered why I hate to do it when I was pricked on two separate fingers by rose thorns. I really don't care for gardening, but it feels good to do something productive.
Friday, April 17
With vacation canceled along with everything else that I ever look forward to in the spring and summer, I realized that the most exciting thing in the foreseeable future is the sweet potato fries I'm planning to order for take-out on Saturday.
Saturday, April 18
Paul's at the office again today. He has had two days off since March 30, and he often works at home for an hour or two (or longer) after the kids go to bed.
The annual art show at Edith's school was canceled, so each student was asked to create something at home to be featured in an online gallery. Edith drew birds that she found in Paul's "Birds of Ohio" book and made them into a quilt. She's 7 and has already surpassed me as an artist.
Sunday, April 19
Went to the grocery store this morning for the first time in 23 days. I was nervous about going on the weekend, afraid it would be crowded. But it was less crowded than when I went on a Friday morning 3+ weeks ago. I got there just before it opened at 9 a.m., and it was even less crowded when I left an hour later. I got enough food for at least three weeks, hopefully longer. I've never purchased so many frozen vegetables and fresh fruit -- plus THREE loaves of bread. We go through a lot when three of us are here every weekday for lunchtime peanut butter sandwiches.
Monday, April 20
Governor DeWine announced today that school would be online-only for the rest of the school year. Not a surprise, but I still got a pit in the bottom of my stomach when I heard him say it. The kids were disappointed but not devastated. We'll be fine.
Saturday, April 25
A beautiful day that I would have considered the first "real" day of spring in ordinary times. It was supposed to be Duckling Day at the local library, I think the first day of the farmers market down the street and we were to host our annual crap swap. Instead, we spent the afternoon doing yard work. I cut down a lot of vines, and Paul fixed the fence in the backyard, so that's something.
One perk of all this for the kids is that they are able to bike and scooter on the street a lot more than they ever have been able to before. The parents of the street watch from our respective yards and yell "CAR!" whenever a vehicle appears. With the stay-at -home order in place, there really aren't that many.
Monday, April 27
The governor announced the first steps of a gradual reopening in the state -- nothing that impacts us yet. Paul's work continues, and he worked a few hours on both Saturday and Sunday again.
Tuesday, April 14, 2020
COVID-19 Outbreak in Ohio: Weeks 4 & 5
Now back to our regularly scheduled programing -- how our family of four is dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic and social isolation in Columbus, Ohio.
Thursday, April 2
As I wrote about last week, today is Atticus's fifth birthday. He was obviously excited, but got increasingly bummed as the day got closer. No party, and he can't even play with friends! But there is one good thing about school from home -- the flexibility. The kids agreed to start school about 90 minutes early (we usually begin at 9 a.m.) so we could end early and play more in the afternoon.
Friday, April 3
Paul not only is still going to the office for more than half of his hours, but he's working longer hours than ever. Yesterday he worked the full day at home -- a rare occurrence -- from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Took a break to watch Atticus open presents, cook supper and work on a personal project. Then he worked without break from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. And then left home before 6:30 a.m. this morning. It's a stressful time, but it's hard to complain.
Another Friday that the block decided to eat on their porches if we could. It was almost like normal.
Saturday, April 4
Paul worked another six hours today. Meanwhile I loaded the kids up in the car for the first time in three weeks, primarily to drop off some fabric I had that a friend is turning into face masks.
Tuesday, April 7
Dr. Acton used the term "tolerance for ambiguity" in Ohio's daily news conference. That's a good phrase for this whole distancing effort. (And maybe for life with small children in general!) In other news, Edith has learned to be a pretty good Frisbee player lately. We also want the kids to learn to ride bikes without training wheels, which seems to be as good a goal as any nowadays.
Paul is still working long hours -- worked at home on Sunday, went into the office extremely early yesterday and today.
Wednesday, April 8
A very exciting day -- BOTH kids learned to ride a bike this afternoon! I think I'll write a separate blog post about this, so look for it soon. This would have been quite an accomplishment in any case, but it feels even better to have done it during this time of isolation. It really feels like we really took advantage of this time together to learn a life skill. I feel good, and the kids are as proud of themselves as we are of them.
Friday, April 10
I remembered to get an extra dozen eggs when I was last at the grocery store, and the kids spent some 90 minutes dyeing and decorating them. Some things never change.
Saturday, April 11
Paul tried out a homemade no-sew mask for the first time when he picked up some take-out for supper. A little hard to breathe in, he said. I'll try mine out when I get groceries, probably at the end of the week.
Sunday, April 12
It was going to be an nontraditional Easter anyway, so we went all in. Instead of ham and potatoes, Paul make chicken tikka masala and some flatbread, and I baked a rose water tea cake. I preferred the meal to the traditional holiday foods anyway.
That evening we watched a stage version of "Jesus Christ Superstar" on TV, and evidently something about the pandemic is getting through to the kids. One of the first things Atticus said of the performers? "They're spreading germs."
Thursday, April 2
As I wrote about last week, today is Atticus's fifth birthday. He was obviously excited, but got increasingly bummed as the day got closer. No party, and he can't even play with friends! But there is one good thing about school from home -- the flexibility. The kids agreed to start school about 90 minutes early (we usually begin at 9 a.m.) so we could end early and play more in the afternoon.
Friday, April 3
Paul not only is still going to the office for more than half of his hours, but he's working longer hours than ever. Yesterday he worked the full day at home -- a rare occurrence -- from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Took a break to watch Atticus open presents, cook supper and work on a personal project. Then he worked without break from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. And then left home before 6:30 a.m. this morning. It's a stressful time, but it's hard to complain.
Another Friday that the block decided to eat on their porches if we could. It was almost like normal.
Saturday, April 4
Paul worked another six hours today. Meanwhile I loaded the kids up in the car for the first time in three weeks, primarily to drop off some fabric I had that a friend is turning into face masks.
Tuesday, April 7
Dr. Acton used the term "tolerance for ambiguity" in Ohio's daily news conference. That's a good phrase for this whole distancing effort. (And maybe for life with small children in general!) In other news, Edith has learned to be a pretty good Frisbee player lately. We also want the kids to learn to ride bikes without training wheels, which seems to be as good a goal as any nowadays.
Paul is still working long hours -- worked at home on Sunday, went into the office extremely early yesterday and today.
Wednesday, April 8
A very exciting day -- BOTH kids learned to ride a bike this afternoon! I think I'll write a separate blog post about this, so look for it soon. This would have been quite an accomplishment in any case, but it feels even better to have done it during this time of isolation. It really feels like we really took advantage of this time together to learn a life skill. I feel good, and the kids are as proud of themselves as we are of them.
Friday, April 10
I remembered to get an extra dozen eggs when I was last at the grocery store, and the kids spent some 90 minutes dyeing and decorating them. Some things never change.
Saturday, April 11
Paul tried out a homemade no-sew mask for the first time when he picked up some take-out for supper. A little hard to breathe in, he said. I'll try mine out when I get groceries, probably at the end of the week.
Sunday, April 12
It was going to be an nontraditional Easter anyway, so we went all in. Instead of ham and potatoes, Paul make chicken tikka masala and some flatbread, and I baked a rose water tea cake. I preferred the meal to the traditional holiday foods anyway.
That evening we watched a stage version of "Jesus Christ Superstar" on TV, and evidently something about the pandemic is getting through to the kids. One of the first things Atticus said of the performers? "They're spreading germs."
Tuesday, March 31, 2020
COVID-19 Outbreak in Ohio: Week 3
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| Tuesday, March 24: We've all been reading a lot. |
Wednesday, March 25
Play dates in this new era -- my next door neighbor called and said she and her two kids would be in their backyard. Would we like to go to our backyard and let the kids talk? They spoke along the length of the driveway that separated us, far greater than the prescribed six feet. It was nice to catch up.
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| Thursday, March 26 |
Friday, March 27
I've never been so stressed from getting groceries. I spent a good deal of time making my list on Thursday, hoping to get enough for three full weeks. (That includes Easter, so I made sure to fill in the blanks for Easter baskets and a somewhat special meal.) I've never had such a full cart -- overflowing, plus a few odds and ends on the shelf below the basket. I wanted to shout out that I was NOT hoarding! For the most part shoppers gave each other a wide berth, taking turns to grab their milk or turn down an aisle. A few didn't maintain good distances, which made me anxious. Luckily the Aldi shelves were well stocked, with the exception of absolutely no toilet paper or paper towels, and some of the freezer stock was bare.
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| An empty fridge (and freezer, below) the night before. |
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| A full cart of groceries. I bagged them at the trunk of my car. |
My block had plans to have everyone eat on their own porches at the same time for supper, but the rainy, dreary weather kept a lot of people inside. Nevertheless we were out, along with a few neighbors. We could wave but not say too much -- the rain drowned out words. It was a nice reminder that we're all in this together.
Saturday, March 28
A beautiful day that got into the 70s. Usually the neighbors would all be outside mingling, taking advantage of one of the first lovely days of the season. The kids would all be running from one yard to the next. Instead we're stuck talking from afar. We did get some yard work done though.
After the kids went to bed, Paul and I watched one of my favorite movies -- "The Painted Veil." Had second thoughts when I remembered it was about a cholera epidemic. Watched it anyway.
Sunday, March 29
Another day spent largely outside. Talked to the neighbors, each of us keeping our distance. The kids blew bubbles and were on their scooters all day long.
I'm determined to reread all of my Jane Austen books during this time of isolation, in the order in which she wrote them. Finished "Northanger Abbey" tonight. In movies, Paul and I seemed to do a study in opposites. "The Painted Veil" last night, "Smokey and the Bandit" tonight!
Monday, March 30
This was the first day that Edith started to really have questions. Would we have to stay away from people all spring? What about the summer? Would she go back to school? Would she have school in the summer? What about Field Day? And she misses her teacher. I think it's starting to get real for the kids now too. I wish I had better answers, but I did the best I could. And wouldn't you know it, the governor announced today that schools are now closed through at least May 1.
Tuesday, March 24, 2020
COVID-19 Outbreak in Ohio: Week 2
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| Tues. March 17: Edith modeling a couple of recently lost teeth! |
As the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing continues in Columbus, Ohio ...
Tuesday, March 17
Watched the entire "North & South" miniseries tonight -- 200 minutes. Why not? It seems that all we have is an abundance of time anymore.
But our days are still filled with homeschooling, and we're all becoming used to our new schedule. "School" starts at 9. Edith continues to work on her reading, writing, math and other special activities. Atticus is practicing kindergarten sight works and how to write lowercase letters.
Wednesday, March 18
Rallied my neighbors to make a bulk order from a brewery in a Columbus suburb that a couple of close friends are affiliated with. Worries abound, but it's nice to help even a little bit where we can. It's a weird feeling to buy so many local beers in such a short amount of time purely in hopes that they will make it through these difficult times.
On a lighter note, I made chocolate chip scones after the kids went to bed. I often do this, but I hadn't lately because I wasn't completely sure I could replenish my ingredients when I next go to the grocery store. But I feel pretty confident, and by all accounts the supply chain is keeping up.
Thursday, March 19
The governor's afternoon press conference has become a part of my daily schedule. As of today, Ohio has 119 confirmed cases. Still on the "upslope," said Dr. Amy Acton, director of the Ohio Department of Health.
Friday, March 20
Heavy rains overnight meant that a number of homeowners in our neighborhood awoke to inches of water in their basements. We had some spots of water, but nothing in the finished part of our basement that some special time with a dehumidifier couldn't fix, thank goodness. Clean-up and setting up the dehumidifier meant that "school" started a little later than usual.
The weather reached 70 degrees today, so we got out the scooters and took a trip around the neighborhood. Many others did the same, but everyone was extremely careful to stay the prescribed 6 feet away from each other. I saw another mom I know with her two kids -- we spoke to each other from practically across the road.
Ohio announced it's first COVID-19 death. 169 cases.
Sunday, March 22
And today's numbers were 351 cases and 3 deaths in Ohio. DeWine announced a "stay at home" -- or shelter in place, whatever you want to call it -- order that goes into effect at 11:59 p.m. Monday. If things weren't real before, they are now. But all in all, the order doesn't affect our daily life -- or at least what our daily life has become in the last week or 10 days. As a bank employee, Paul is an essential worker and can still go to the office. (He expects to work from home more and more, but he simply doesn't have remote access to some of those essential tasks. Not ideal, but at least he's secluded.) Thinking more and more about all of the friends we have in the medical profession and how their lives are likely to change much more than ours every day.
Monday, March 23
On the edge of feeling overwhelmed -- by Edith's schooling, but how long this is going to last, by what comes next. But it's all nothing when I hear that Ohio now has 442 confirmed cases and 6 deaths, including 2 in the county in which I live. Perspective.
Tuesday, March 17, 2020
How Social Distancing Affects Our Family: A Diary
What a difference a day makes, especially when it comes to how COVID-19 is affecting us here in Ohio. Every day lately has brought more changes and restrictions to try to slow the spread of the coronavirus throughout the state.
Last Thursday it was announced that school would close for three weeks. By Friday we had cancelled Atticus's weekend birthday party. By the weekend, things had gotten even more serious and social distancing had started for real.
I have decided to keep a diary of sorts on this blog to chronicle how our family (and, to some extent, the city of Columbus, as well as the entire state) is dealing with these changes. It's a crazy, scary time. While news is flying fast, we are doing our best to keep some bit of normalcy for our family while also trying to keep us all healthy and safe.
I expect to update this blog every Tuesday like normal, although I may add some other posts in between if I have a lot to say. Here's how COVID-19 is affecting our family so far.
Day 1: Saturday, March 14
I dyed my coat. I'd been meaning to re-dye it for awhile, and what better time than while we were encouraged to stay inside. Just before noon I also learned that Columbus had its first case of the coronavirus, and the person had recently come back from a cruise. Our family has a cruise booked this summer, and its not looking good. It seems we will be able to get refunds or credits for our cruise, flights and hotels, but we haven't cancelled anything yet. The businesses are working with customers who have more immediate reservations, so we're trying not to even think about it at the moment.
I also finished my first book, although I was already half done before all of the cornovirus announcements. The Columbus library system announced Friday that it would close at 6 p.m. that day for three weeks -- preparing for the kids being home, I visited the local library before the announcement and checked out a stack of books for us all to add to the ones we already had at home. Now I'm wondering if it will even be enough. Later that afternoon, there were pictures floating around Facebook of the library's empty shelves.
Day 2: Sunday, March 15
We watched Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine on CNN this morning saying that school could possibly be out for the rest of the year. Now I'm starting to be concerned about this enforced "homeschooling," worried about how I can keep my kids from falling behind. Edith came home from school on Friday with five weeks worth of papers (in case the closure goes beyond three weeks) and a log-in for a computer program they use at school. But if this goes on even longer ...
Later in the day DeWine announced that bars and restaurants would be take-out only starting at 9 p.m. Hoping to help one of our favorite bars in the neighborhood, Paul went to Lineage Brewing and bought 15 32-ounce crowlers. We kept four and sent emails to our neighbors selling the rest for $5 apiece, the price we bought them for. Paul also left a big tip. Hoping an infusion of cash will help them withstand the issues to come. It felt good to do something concrete to help.
Day 3: Monday, March 16
Started the day with a call to the pediatrician. Edith began coughing at suppertime the night before. At any other time it would be off to school for her -- it's not that bad, and she played outside in the cold air for an hour or so on Sunday. But with everything going on, we wanted to be safe. Paul was on hold for 20 or 30 minutes and talked to a nurse -- she doesn't have a fever or any known exposure, so she's fine. Paul got the all-clear to go to work. (Later in the day, Edith also got a runny nose, which seems not to be a coronavirus symptom, so I'm not terribly worried. We're staying inside for a while out of an abundance of caution.)
I'm not thrilled that Paul is going to work, but I'm not freaking out about it either. He has his own office with four walls and a door, so he is pretty secluded, or can be. There's also not too many people who work at his building, maybe a dozen or two. He's also preparing to work from home if needed. As a commercial banker, he's expecting a busy week. A few busy months, actually.
Today was our first day of homeschooling. As I write this at noon on Monday, everything is going well. I spent this weekend making out a daily schedule, and so far we've followed it well. (Right now, it's recess.) But how long will I play at teacher? Believe me, I did NOT sign up to homeschool for a reason!
Ohio had 37 confirmed cases as of early this morning, with 50 as of the governor's afternoon press conference. The widely repeated number, however, is that some 1% of the state's population could be infected, or 100,000 people.
Last Thursday it was announced that school would close for three weeks. By Friday we had cancelled Atticus's weekend birthday party. By the weekend, things had gotten even more serious and social distancing had started for real.
I have decided to keep a diary of sorts on this blog to chronicle how our family (and, to some extent, the city of Columbus, as well as the entire state) is dealing with these changes. It's a crazy, scary time. While news is flying fast, we are doing our best to keep some bit of normalcy for our family while also trying to keep us all healthy and safe.
I expect to update this blog every Tuesday like normal, although I may add some other posts in between if I have a lot to say. Here's how COVID-19 is affecting our family so far.
Day 1: Saturday, March 14
I dyed my coat. I'd been meaning to re-dye it for awhile, and what better time than while we were encouraged to stay inside. Just before noon I also learned that Columbus had its first case of the coronavirus, and the person had recently come back from a cruise. Our family has a cruise booked this summer, and its not looking good. It seems we will be able to get refunds or credits for our cruise, flights and hotels, but we haven't cancelled anything yet. The businesses are working with customers who have more immediate reservations, so we're trying not to even think about it at the moment.
I also finished my first book, although I was already half done before all of the cornovirus announcements. The Columbus library system announced Friday that it would close at 6 p.m. that day for three weeks -- preparing for the kids being home, I visited the local library before the announcement and checked out a stack of books for us all to add to the ones we already had at home. Now I'm wondering if it will even be enough. Later that afternoon, there were pictures floating around Facebook of the library's empty shelves.
Day 2: Sunday, March 15
We watched Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine on CNN this morning saying that school could possibly be out for the rest of the year. Now I'm starting to be concerned about this enforced "homeschooling," worried about how I can keep my kids from falling behind. Edith came home from school on Friday with five weeks worth of papers (in case the closure goes beyond three weeks) and a log-in for a computer program they use at school. But if this goes on even longer ...
Later in the day DeWine announced that bars and restaurants would be take-out only starting at 9 p.m. Hoping to help one of our favorite bars in the neighborhood, Paul went to Lineage Brewing and bought 15 32-ounce crowlers. We kept four and sent emails to our neighbors selling the rest for $5 apiece, the price we bought them for. Paul also left a big tip. Hoping an infusion of cash will help them withstand the issues to come. It felt good to do something concrete to help.
Day 3: Monday, March 16
Started the day with a call to the pediatrician. Edith began coughing at suppertime the night before. At any other time it would be off to school for her -- it's not that bad, and she played outside in the cold air for an hour or so on Sunday. But with everything going on, we wanted to be safe. Paul was on hold for 20 or 30 minutes and talked to a nurse -- she doesn't have a fever or any known exposure, so she's fine. Paul got the all-clear to go to work. (Later in the day, Edith also got a runny nose, which seems not to be a coronavirus symptom, so I'm not terribly worried. We're staying inside for a while out of an abundance of caution.)
I'm not thrilled that Paul is going to work, but I'm not freaking out about it either. He has his own office with four walls and a door, so he is pretty secluded, or can be. There's also not too many people who work at his building, maybe a dozen or two. He's also preparing to work from home if needed. As a commercial banker, he's expecting a busy week. A few busy months, actually.
Today was our first day of homeschooling. As I write this at noon on Monday, everything is going well. I spent this weekend making out a daily schedule, and so far we've followed it well. (Right now, it's recess.) But how long will I play at teacher? Believe me, I did NOT sign up to homeschool for a reason!
Ohio had 37 confirmed cases as of early this morning, with 50 as of the governor's afternoon press conference. The widely repeated number, however, is that some 1% of the state's population could be infected, or 100,000 people.
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