Musings of Life During A Pandemic

So.   It’s been six months.  Six.  Months.   Since I returned home from my winter in San Diego and the borders slammed shut behind me.   They are still closed.

And.   There is no end in sight.   Of it ending soon.  Of the border opening.   Of any semblance of life going back to the way it was before March.

It’s surreal.   Between the pandemic, the civil unrest and the lead up to the election in November in the USA, it feels like we are in the midst of a huge shift in how life has been.   It’s enough to force you to reevaluate life and all its meanings.

I cannot even begin to put into words how glad I am to be retired.   I can’t imagine returning to work next week amid and among all this uncertainty and crisis.   I am thankful for my safe, little life.   Yes, I am disappointed that I won’t be able to travel for an extended period of time.  But, I have a safe, happy home; a routine of daily morning coffee, puzzles, paintings, walking/audiobooks that I enjoy.  I, and my family, are healthy.  

Now, once the weather shifts from gloriously hot and humid August we’ve been having, and the cloak of winter starts to set in, I know it’s going to take a much more consorted effort on my part to maintain this healthy outlook.   But, I foresee cross country skiing and learning the guitar as potential channels for focus.   

I won’t have to get up in the dark.   Or go out in the cold (involuntarily).   It is far from ideal and my dream of never experiencing another Saskatchewan winter post-retirement.  BUT....I am safe.  And secure.   And healthy.

And right about now, there is nothing really more important than that.

Try To Leave Things Better Than You Found Them

I’m just home from a week away with family.  Last Monday I went to the lake for a few days with Deed and Fran and Lynn and the kids.  It was great.   Got to babysit the kids for the first few days with Deed and Fran while Lynn was away visiting.  It was HOT!  We watched movies, played in the lake, barbecued, had “happy hour”, watched movies, did crafts.  It was exactly what I needed.   I cut their grass for 3 hours before I left on Thursday to help Brenda with some yard work.   I cut grass, trimmed the hedges and trees.  I hadn’t seen Brenda since December!   It was so nice to spend time with them all.   The summer days are becoming more and more precious as the August days tick away.   I am so lucky to have such great sisters.  ❤️❤️

Sideline Hustle*. *tm MH 😂

I was asked by Celeste from Fallbrook, California to paint pictures of her “Max” who died 6 months ago.  No pressure!!😳. I mailed them off to her today.