Koby Update

Let's talk about Koby! 

Princess Leia steals the spotlight and the camera.  She is four years old, very cuddly and still full of spit and vinegar.   She is my constant companion.

Working from home means every day is now "Bring Your Dog to Work Day"

At my feet during a Zoom meeting

Today is Day 13 of my Coronavirus Isolation marathon.   Today's post will be about our "Old Man" Koby.  I recently shared a story about his boo boo paw: Coronavirus Staycation: Day 1.   Koby is our 13 year old German Shepherd.  Last week, he lost one of his front claws.   It was a mess!   Here is an update on how he's doing.

Sleeping Beauties (Koby in front, Leia behind)

In June, Koby will be 14 years old.   That's old for a German Shepherd.  The progression of time has taken a toll on him.  He has trouble hearing and suffers from night time blindness.   His rear legs don't fully cooperate with his will to play.  But, boy does he still love to play!

Every setback with Koby is a reality check for me and a difficult conversation with my family.  "Koby is getting older, we need to talk about ..."  So last week, after Koby saw the vet, Dr. Crosson prescribed antibiotics for the boo boo paw and added gabapentin to help Koby feel better.  As his paw has healed, we can see he is definitely feeling better.  With the warmer spring weather, he spends hours outside and enjoys "alone time" without Leia to pester him.

I had to call Dr. Crosson this week for a check-in and to discuss next steps.  And so I took the brave step and had the difficult conversation with him.  "Koby will be 14 in June, Doc.  It's hard to tell you how he's doing because I know these are his last days.  What I don't know is when the time is..."

Dr. Crosson is such a nice man.  He is so kind and cares so much about our pets.  He tells it the way it is, but is kind at the same time.  I trust him.

So when he and I talked on the phone, I really listened to him.  Dr. Crosson laid out all the scenarios and basically told me that whatever we choose, there is not a wrong decision.  He did a quality of life assessment for Koby over the phone.  Long story short is that Koby is still enjoying life.  He loves to play and still gets excited when we come home (although we are home 24/7 these days).  Caring for him has not become a burden.   We have had to learn his cues when he needs to go out because if we don't pay attention, he does have an accident in the house.  But these are rare.  Even though walking is more difficult for him, he does get around.  He is still enjoying life.   

So, with that, we have decided that now is the time for Koby to enjoy life as much as he can.  Whatever makes him happy, we will accommodate.  I ordered him some CBD Oil chews from Ellevet.  Apparently in Massachusetts, veterinarians can't prescribe CBD oil for animals, but some of his clients have seen significant improvement their pets' mobility, so we will give it a try.  

I also ordered him some pill pouches for the gabapentin.  

Taking medicine should not be traumatic for our pets.   With these, it's like giving him a treat instead!

Snapshot Update

I was able to get some toilet paper at Costco yesterday.   My friend Giselle sent me a text at 10:52 a.m. with a picture of fully stocked pallets of Charmin.  I didn't see it until 1:30 p.m, but we ventured out anyway.  Score!

We celebrated my cousin Jake's 30th Birthday last night on Zoom.   My parents tried to join us, but that didn't go so well.  Let's just say Amazon has a camera and microphone on its way...

Yesterday was pretty much a do nothing day.  Our school librarian sent out a link to SCRIBD, a free online library.   (Free for 30 days, anyway.)  I downloaded the app and set myself up with an account.  There are sooo many books from which to choose.  I didn't know where to start, so I picked one out and started reading.

"An unforgettable love story about finding joy even in the darkest of circumstances."

Yesterday morning, I laid in bed all morning to finish the book.  All morning in bed.   I don't know when the last time was I just read.

Let's be clear about something.  I don't read.  I mean, I know how to read.  But I just don't.  Growing up, I hated "forced reading" so much that it completely soured me.  In 2014 I went back to school to get my CAGS in School Administration (which I earned in 2016) and completely stopped reading for pleasure.  Times have changed, though.   So I decided to make the most of it.   I liked the book.  I could relate to the character.  It made me cry.  It was somewhat therapeutic. 

Today's Meditations

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7 ESV

Joy by for King & Country

The video starts with an eery prediction of our "current situation."   There is a news broadcast of Mega Storm Hercules...the "storm" of the century, which has completely paralyzed our nation.   Substitute Coronavirus Pandemic and it feels all too familiar.

Verse 1:   Lately I've been reeling, watching the nightly news

Don't seem to find the rhythm, just wanna sing the blues

Feels like a song that never stops

Feels like it's never gonna...

Chorus:   Oh, hear my prayer tonight, I'm singing to the sky

Give me strength to raise my voice, let me testify

Oh, hear my prayer tonight, 'cause this is do or die

The time has come to make a choice

And I choose joy

Let it move you, let it move you

Yeah, I choose joy

Let it move you, let it move you, let it move you.

How are you and your family dealing with this pandemic?
Feel free to share your updates with me, either in the comments or by message.

My daily posts since my "Coronavirus Staycation" began:
Day 1:  Boo boo paw
Day 2:  Let the projects begin
Day 3:  A photo journal
Day 4:  Love wins
Finally Saturday:  It's starting to get to me
The Long Haul:  Be strong & courageous
Who Made the Clouds?  Day 7
Time Out:  Day 8
Fever, Cough & Shortness of Breath (Day 9)
May 4:   Days 10, 11 & 12

   

May 4

This week all "this" became real.  On Wednesday, Governor Charlie Baker announced that schools in Massachusetts will be closed until May 4.

May 4

He. said. May 4.   May 4.

If that wasn't bad enough, yesterday the Red Sox posted this on their Instagram account.

I read the entire post to Brian (he doesn't really do social media).  As I read it, I started to lose it.  Tears over baseball.   I don't really even like Baseball.  In fact, I tell most people that I'm a "baseball widow" because Brian watches every Sox game.  Every game.  Yet here I am, crying over the loss of Opening Day.

It's all just too much for me.

The Olympics is postponed until 2021.  School is cancelled until May 4 (possibly later).  Opening Day is cancelled.  Will the season be cancelled?  Oh, yeah and on St. Patrick's Day, Tom Brady announced he is leaving the Patriots.  I know that was last week, but still.   It's all just too much.

So, today is Day 12 of my "Coronavirus Staycation."  It's also the last time I will call it a "Staycation" because, if you haven't noticed, I haven't been posted anything since Wednesday.  Now that school is closed indefinitely (or at least until May 4), our district is in full drive.  It's no longer just emails to answer and an occasional report to file, it's a full blown effort for everyone to figure out how to provide the students we serve with the education they deserve.  There are so many questions and we are all just trying to figure it out.

Moving forward, I will continue to post updates, probably not as often.  But I won't be calling "this" a "staycation" anymore.

May 4.   School is closed until May 4.  (Maybe longer?)

Is there hope in the madness?

So while the world seems to be spinning out of control, how do you find hope?  How do you smile when everything is bleak?  Since the coronavirus scare started, before it was categorized as a Pandemic, I've consistently said "Let's just focus on today and not worry about tomorrow.   Tomorrow has enough of it's own worries."   This is loosely based on the words of Christ from the book of Matthew.   Yesterday I was reminded of these words when my church posted this on their Facebook page:  

"Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not of more value than they?  

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.  

"Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself.   Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."

Matthew 6:26, 33-34

For me, when "all of this" starts getting to me, I realize that it's okay to feel the feeling and acknowledge the loss.   But to be careful to not dwell on it.  And to be grateful.   Grateful for all I do have.  Good health.  A job where I can continue to work.   Long walks with Leia.  Spring.  My family.   My friends.  

By the way, I really could use a hug.

Speaking of being grateful...  

I found these under the bathroom sink.  Score!

Laundry:  The Neverending Story.

What happens when you don't fold or put the laundry away for two days.

  All folded.  (Full disclosure, it's still not put away!)

Speaking of the Never Ending Story

I saw this on Facebook the other day, so I played along.  I looked it up and it's "Endless Love" by Lionel Richie and Diana Ross.  Someone commented, "Are you sure it's not more like the theme song from the Never Ending Story?"  Laughter is the best medicine.

This video will MOST definitely make you laugh:

Hello (from the Inside) An Adele Parody by Chris Mann

Scenes from my walks with Leia

Waiting patiently for Momma

I try to find something unique in every walk.   Just some yard lights we noticed the other night.

A very gnarly tree

Walks with Dad & Newbie.   (Cautionary note: Dad & I  are practicing full social distancing on our walks.)

Right now, for the students across the nation, I am praying that school does resume on May 4.  While we all wait patiently, try to remember it's Star Wars Day!

Meditation for Today

This was the Abide meditation in my email on Thursday.  

Click on the image for a 3:48 meditation of hope.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Hebrews 13:8

How are you and your family dealing with this pandemic?
Feel free to share your updates with me, either in the comments or by message.

My daily posts since my "Coronavirus Staycation" began:
Day 1:  Boo boo paw
Day 2:  Let the projects begin
Day 3:  A photo journal
Day 4:  Love wins
Finally Saturday:  It's starting to get to me
The Long Haul:  Be strong & courageous
Who Made the Clouds?  Day 7
Time Out:  Day 8
Fever, Cough & Shortness of Breath (Day 9)

   

Fever, Cough & Shortness of Breath

 Good morning!   Today is Day 9 of my "Coronavirus Staycation."  Today I have a lot of actual work to do, so after I post this, I will be at it.

Posting my updates has been good therapy for me in dealing with the craziness of the coronavirus pandemic... just some random thoughts and prayers and laughs and whatever else comes to mind.  Feel free to share your updates with me, either in the comments or by message.

Yesterday was a much better day than Monday.  Shortly after I posted yesterday's blog, I could feel a headache coming on again.  I think the headaches are a result of poor sleep, but I can't really be sure.  I was able to stop it in its tracks before it consumed me.

Taking Care of Me

Have you been eating healthy or have you been eating a lot of comfort foods?  (Truth? It's been a little of both for me.   Here's my lunch.   Yummy!)

A friend has a home gym in his garage.  With the gyms closed, our friend opened his garage to us so we could lift heavy things and feel good!  We practiced safe social distancing and cleaned EVERYTHING after we used it.  I think Brian may want to create a home gym of our own now.

Scenes from my daily walk (continued below):  There's a house along our walk that has several cute painted birdhouses on the trees along their driveway.  I posted a couple pics of them the other day.  They are so cute.  I couldn't actually capture the birds, but the bird feeders were swarming with birds yesterday.  Evidence of kids playing outside.   My faithful companion.  I'm so curious what is going on with this ladder.  I've seen it every day since Leia and I started our daily walks.  I haven't decided whether they are just storing the ladder there or if it has a purpose leaning against that tree.  It's good for the imagination!

Found more bottles to redeem.   Yes, I washed my hands (and rewashed them).

Project Update

Progress!  I finished packing up Mitch's stuff, swept & vacuumed the floor.  I didn't dust, but the room is just about ready to paint.   I am going to move the furniture to the middle of the room, clear the walls an patch any holes.   It feels good to see progress.  It will be sad to take the FatHeads off his walls though.   

Taking Care of Others

We are following the Stay-At-Home Advisory.  We are getting outside to get in some solitary exercise, which is necessary for my sanity.   When we do go to the grocery store, we keep our distance from other customers.  This was a surprise yesterday at Big Y - plexiglass at the checkout counters.  Good for them!  I'm glad to see they are taking active measures to protect their employees.   As soon as I get home, I wash my hands, then wash them again.  (Inside my car, I keep a small towel and a spray bottle of Lysol.   Hygiene!)

Fever, Cough & Shortness of Breath

Forgive me for a minute while I rant.   A good friend of mine was diagnosed with "pneumonia" the other day.  She was very sick and exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19.  She was seen at our local emergency room, but they would not test her for the Coronavirus, even though she was exhibiting the symptoms and was having trouble breathing.   Why wouldn't they test her?  Because she is not a high enough priority to test (as established by the CDC).  What does that mean?  It means she probably has COVID-19, but she will never know because she won't be tested.   It means the ACTUAL occurrences of coronavirus are most likely FAR HIGHER than we can even imagine and we won't know because they are not testing people.   (Even when they exhibit symptoms.)   We can only hope that people are actually following the "Stay-At-Home" advisories that local governments are instituting and that people who are sick AND their families are STAYING at HOME.  For all the people who are sick and aren't diagnosed, and therefore are not quarantined, this highly contagious virus is only going to continue to spread.   

I get it, we don't have enough kits to test people who are symptomatic.  I get it.  That doesn't make it right.  I could rant for a long time, but I'm just going to let you try to put the rest of the puzzle together for yourself.   I mean, seriously?!?  So, for the last time, people:  

Stay home.  Wash your hands.  Wash them again.

More. Laundry.

Seriously Though!

Monty Python Humor

I saw the meme below the other day on Facebook, and I didn't get it.  (I was a bit offended, to be honest.)  But then my husband had to explain the Holy Grail reference to me.  Last night, instead of streaming our normal shows, we watched various clips of Monty Python and the Holy Grail.  I never really appreciated British humor like my husband does.  (He knows every line of this movie by heart.)  But after watching this clip, I get the meme below.   And it is funny (if you're a Monty Python fan).

Today's Meditations

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.  In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.

Psalm 56:3-4a

Shoulders by for King & Country

My help comes from You

You're right here, pulling me through

You carry my weakness, my sickness, my brokenness all on Your shoulders

How are you and your family dealing with this pandemic?
Feel free to share your updates with me, either in the comments or by message.

My daily posts since my "Coronavirus Staycation" began:
Day 1:  Boo boo paw
Day 2:  Let the projects begin
Day 3:  A photo journal
Day 4:  Love wins
Finally Saturday:  It's starting to get to me
The Long Haul:  Be strong & courageous
Who Made the Clouds?  Day 7
Time Out:  Day 8

   

Time Out

Good morning!   Today is day 8 of my Coronavirus Staycation and I am posting this much later than normal because last night I actually slept!

Yesterday the day started off bright and chipper, but didn't stay that way.  It snowed.

My view this morning

I woke up at 4:00 a.m. yesterday and could not fall back to sleep.   By 9:00 a.m, I was starting to feel it.  I tried to take a nap, but it wasn't happening.  I practiced safe social distancing and went for a walk with my friend Giselle.  We met at the East Longmeadow trail, walked the length and back at a brisk pace.   It had just started snowing.  It felt great.

Scenes From Our Walk

The old train station is under construction.  

Giselle pointing out people out for a walk...

Seriously though...

Families out for a walk

We made it!  4.0 miles round trip

Time Out

When I got home, the headache had started.  I had some soup for lunch, drank some water, took some ibuprofen.  I desperately wanted to lay down, but I had back two back Zoom meetings.  I had to cancel my physical therapy appointment because I felt so awful.  I took a long nap and was pretty much done for the night after that.  No laundry, no cleaning, no projects, nothing.   Just a long time out.

Woke up this morning again at 4:00 a.m.,  but after I let the dogs out, I was able to fall back to sleep.  I slept until after 8 a.m., which is super late for me.  But no head ache today, so I'll take it for a win!

Stay-At-Home

Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker ordered closed all non-essential businesses as of 12:00 p.m. today and issued a Stay-at-Home Advisory for Massachusetts residents.  His press release reads, "The Baker-Polito Administration does not believe Massachusetts residents can be confined to their homes and does not support home confinement for public health reasons."   And so, we will stay home.

Project Update

Today's plan is to back to work on Mitch's room.   It needs a complete overhaul.  (I'm dreaming something like the room above.) Today if I can just clear out the clutter, dust and sweep, I will be satisfied until the painting can begin.

  Working From Home

Unlike most people who work from home, as an educator without students or teachers to supervise, there is not a lot for us to do.  Yesterday at one of my Zoom meetings, we discussed a couple projects to work on.   Today I have some reports to do for the state.   My days are largely wide open.  I've been listening to Christian music and meditations.

I found this yesterday on YouTube:

Meditating on God's Word: Scriptures to Ease Anxiety by Steven Furtick

Time to get dressed and get ready for another Zoom meeting.  This morning, our E-Kids ministry met with some of the little ones from our church to bring them a Bible story, song and memory verse.  It was fun.

A laugh for all the new to Home Schooling parents:

Remember to focus on the ONE who made the clouds:

Borrowed from Evangel's Facebook page

Today's Meditation

I keep thinking about the storm clouds brewing.  As we sit at home and wait for the Coronavirus to either affect or miss us, what is our focus?  Is our focus on the imminent danger coming?  Or is our focus on the ONE who made the clouds.  Reflect on Him today.

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:38-39

I Just Need U by TobyMac

On my darkest days

When I'm losing faith

Not, it ain't gon' change

I just need, I just need You

Lord, I need You

How are you and your family dealing with this pandemic?
Feel free to share your updates with me, either in the comments or by message.

My daily posts since my "Coronavirus Staycation" began:
Day 1:  Boo boo paw
Day 2:  Let the projects begin
Day 3:  A photo journal
Day 4:  Love wins
Finally Saturday:  It's starting to get to me
The Long Haul:  Be strong & courageous
Who Made the Clouds?  Day 7