cmfort food

I made macaroni and cheese for supper tonight.  Nothing fancy, I'm talking about Kraft's, following the package directions.  It tasted good and brought back some fun memories.  Macaroni and cheese was always one of my grandchildren's favorites and recently, when two of them were visiting (before we were isolated) I fixed mac and cheess for them and they still loved it.  When they were living with me, way back when one was in pre-school and one in first grade, they had a friend in the neighborhood who would come to play from time to time.  We didn't call it a play date, he just came to play.  I'm pretty sure his mom fed him a healthful, all natural diet so he had never tasted Kraft's macaroni and cheese until I fixed it for lunch one day when he was there.  It was love at first bite.  From then on, all he ever wanted when he came for lunch was mac and cheese. and lots of it.  I usually would mix up three boxes, of which he ate at least half.  I'm happy to report that he grew up to be a strapping big and very good football player.  I like to think I contributed a little.  

phone calls

My assignment today, if I chose to accept it (I had already said I would) was to call ten church members to see how they are getting along and if they need any help.  We have volunteers ready to pick up groceries, etc.  This is an outreach effort by our church to make sure no member is in trouble.  Interestingly, almost everyone was home when I called and had plenty of time to talk.  Most of the people I spoke with are in their 70s or older.  One of my favorite conversations was with a 94 year old lady who still lives alone.  Her daughter and son-in-law are making sure she has everything she needs.  She has learned to access the live steam Sunday services on her computer and sounded incredibly upbeat.  I want to be just like her when I grow up.
Another member I called is a single mom, trying to work from home and take care of four sons ages 3-18.  It was an interesting contrast.  She was glad I called and we talked for several minutes.  I think she needed adult conversation.  Afterwards I thought that if a person has to be 'home alone' it's much easier to be truly alone and retired.  Another silver lining I think.

I'm trying to be good

I'm trying to follow all the rules, at least as much as I can.  I stay in my apartment, when I do need to ride in the elevator I try to be sure I'm riding alone.  I'm washing my hands a lot.  But the one thing I'm having real problems with is the directive to not touch my face.  I don't understand why, the instant I'm reminded of this rule, my nose starts to itch, or my eyes or my chin.  The one time I had the best success at not touching my face was when I drove to the bank the other day.  I found that if I focused on keeping both hands on the wheel (always a good idea) I didn't have a hand left over to scratch my nose.  Of course we're not supposed to be out driving around so that's not really a very effective solution.  Ok now, be honest, how many times have you touched your face while reading this paragraph?  Is your nose itching right now?  Go ahead, scratch your nose.  I won't tell. 

party time

I went to a cocktail party this evening.  It was a bring your own drink party and was hosted by our pastor, by Zoom of course.  25 of us gathered on my computer screen (and everyone elses, I presume.)  I must say it was the most relaxed cocktail party I've ever been to.  No fancy clothes, no pinchy high heels, no make up, no fresh manicure, no worry about driving after dark or after drinking.  I simply brought my glass of wine to my desk, clicked the link on my laptop, and hey, presto I was at the party.  It was actually promoted as a "Sip and Share" party.  I'm not sure if Presbyterians do cocktail parties.  One participant had discovered how to put a false screen behind her and it looked like she was on the beach somewhere.  Nice! The rest of us just looked like we were sitting around in our living rooms.  Lots of good conversation, some laughs, and when the party was over I was magically back in my livingroom.  Really not too bad.  i could host a party like that and I wouldn't even need to clean.  Always a silver lining.

the great escape

I left my Fortress of Solitude this morning, rode down in the descent pod, avoiding all contact with other beings, hopped in my personal transport vehicle, charged up and out of the bat cave and I was on my way.  It was so exciting.  I was free, for the first time in 14 days, if only for an hour.  I really needed to do some banking and I was able to complete my transaction at the drive-through window.  While I was out and about, I managed to avoid close contact with anyone, so I don't think I really violated any social distancing rules.  In what may be an excess of caution, I spread out the cash I got at the bank and sprayed it thoroughly, both sides, with disinfectant spray.  So now, when I pop those $5 bills in Easter cards for my great nieces and nephews I won't worry about sending any virus their way.  I just need to remember not to lick the envelopes.  

such kindness

They say that adversity brings out the best in people and that certainly seems to be the case during this time of Coronavirus concerns.  Every day there are examples on the news of people doing really nice, helpful things for their neighbors or even for strangers.  But I must say I am most impressed and touched by the concern shown by the car dealers.  Three different national car brands have been running ads, all with deep, calm, sincere voice overs, expressing their willingness to help people who "need" to buy a new car.  They will go to great lengths to make sure you can buy a car; delayed first payments, easy credit, to-your-door delivery and so much more. They are such good guys.  Do I suspect an ulterior motive here, like say trying to sell a few cars???  No, they are just super nice guys, trying to be helpful in this stressful time.

The Great Outdoors1

I took a quick walk outside this afternoon.  I know, no big deal, right?  But I had come to the point where just standing on my balcony wasn't quite enough.  Mind you, standing on my balcony is an excellent way to practice 'social distancing' and deep breathing at the same time.  The nearest neighbor's balcony is at least 25 feet away with no ledge between the two.  But, back to my walk outside.  I was very careful, followed all the rules.  No more than two people in an elevator at a time, and nobody close by as I walked.  What I discovered, to my delight, was that, while I've been staying in, Mother Nature has been coming out.  Trees and bushes are budding, birds were twittering all around me, and, glory of glories, the sun was shining.  Wow, I might just have to go walking again tomorrow. If I'm not careful I might even develop a healthy habit.  Time will tell (and I seem to have plenty of that.)