Jeff and I planned a fantastic trip to Viet Nam and Thailand leaving on February 10, 2020. As we read more and more about the virus in Wuhan and other Asian areas we got nervous and decided to cancel our trip. Our big concern was Jeff's cough and that he might get yanked off the plane in Seoul and put into quarantine. We were sad, but definitely made the right choice. So we took the month off, hung out with friends and watched the news as the things escalated.
Things were normal here and we went to visit cousins in Florida the end of February. I worked on educational meetings that were to be held at my house for the next three weeks. I had not returned to my part time job at Steinmart yet.
The beginning of March I started to fear being around too many people and was still off from work. I played Mah Jongg, went to meetings and had two meetings in my home.
The following week the news got scarier and my Hadassah group decided to cancel a fundraising event scheduled the next week. we were ahead of the curve and definitely forward thinking. I allowed the HVAC serviceman to come in, but cancelled the meetings that were to be held in my house. We did go to our Shabbat dinner group which turned out to be the last meal out for a while. I had my nails and hair done so I would be good for a month or so. Sunday, March 15 we played cards with three other couple and a few wore gloves and masks. Things were getting really serious now. We had done some important shopping purchasing hand sanitizer, gloves, paper towels and lots of canned goods, beans, rice and pasta. Toilet paper was nowhere to be found, but we have our usual supply.
I was scheduled to return to work on March 16 and I was torn as to whether I should call out or go. I decided to go and wear protective gloves. I arrived with Clorox wipes and cleaned my work area, phone, stapler and every surface. After 45 minutes the assistant manager noticed my gloves and said they could not be worn. So I left work, got gas, picked up some groceries and went home. Our calendar was completely clear and Steinmart closed the store on Wednesday along with most other businesses. Soon after Sun City closed all our buildings, then the pools and today all outside activities except for golf. Golfers must each ride in their own cart and not get near each other.
My days are busy sweeping the porch, cleaning the pantry, cooking and doing chores. I read, watch TV and do crossword puzzles. Spending lots of time on the computer and the telephone keeping in touch with friends. Every morning Sirius and I take a long walk. I usually walk on the nature trail in the afternoon. This is a wide raised boardwalk running through the woods .83 miles each way. It is shady, quiet and beautiful. You pass a few people and everyone keeps their distance.
On March 19, I celebrated my 70th birthday. My luncheon party was "postponed"and I was happy with friends and family calling and opening cards. On Saturday I attended virtual Shabbat services from our synagogue, Mickve Israel in Savannah. Rabbi Haas did a lovely job alone in the sanctuary and I sat on my screened back porch enjoying nature and spirituality.
Today I took two walks, attended an online course on Kabbalah, and have a long list of online things to do as well as books to read and TV shows to binge watch. I completed the 2020 census. Opened our bluebird box and found five eggs which makes me smile.
I am quite content at with home with Jeff and Sirius and too busy to be bored. So far we feel great and want to keep it that way. Carpe diem!
No comments:
Post a Comment