Who made the clouds?

Good morning!  Today is Day 7 of my "Coronavirus Staycation."  In the absence of busyness and the stress of daily life, can someone please explain why I was awake yesterday at 5 a.m. and today at 4 a.m.?   I sleep later than this on a regular day.  I will definitely need a nap later.

5:07 a.m.

On a mission for Toilet Paper

This morning I opened our last package of toilet paper.  Normally, when we are on the last package, I think nothing of it.  Add it to our shopping list for purchase at our next Costco visit.  With all the panic shopping, there is no toilet paper to be bought.   Check out my Snapchat video:

Speaking of toilets...

  Sunday Worship

Our church broadcast the message on Facebook Live yesterday.  Before it started, I tuned into Elevation Church live on YouTube while I cleaned my kitchen.  Elevation Church broadcasts their service weekly on several different platforms, including YouTube and Facebook, as well as in several physical locations (mostly in North Carolina).  I know a couple people who consider Elevation Church to be "home," so I wanted to check it out.

At 10:30, our church broadcast the worship service live on Facebook.  This was a first for me, and to be honest, I think I was preoccupied by the whole thing.  Church in my kitchen, with my coffee?

After the countdown, the first thing I see is my friend Julie, who served as "MC" of sorts for each part of the service.  There were some glitches with the Live event.  I think Facebook couldn't handle the volume of all the Live events from churches broadcasting simultaneously.  At 11:15, we had the option to tune into Zoom for a continuance of the service to bring the personal touch of interacting with others from Evangel.  (I liked that part best.)

Because of the glitches, I missed most of the sermon, so I watched it again this morning on Evangel's website.  It was good.  Really good.  I would be remiss to even try to share all of what Pastor Brian shared with us.  You really should check it out for yourself.  But in summation, he discussed how we face fear when we know a storm is coming.  Right now, we have a unique opportunity to use the extra time we have to pray, to meditate on His word and to worship.  Our busyness excuse is gone.  As we look into our own heart and grow closer to God, we are able to see what our biggest need is.  So, instead of focusing on the clouds of the storm that's coming, focus on the one who made the clouds.   Very powerful message.

Scenes from my walk with Leia

Birdhouses, an antique bicycle, an interesting lawn setup, and lots of people out and about.

I used the "poop" bag to pick up the empties on our walk.   (I know, gross!)   Brian likes to redeem bottles and cans.  He uses the cash towards his annual trip to Washington, DC for Police Week.  It's a bit of an obsession with him.  Since Leia and I have been walking every day, I've seen these along our walk every day.  It was becoming sand in my shoe, an itch I couldn't get to, so yesterday I collected them all.  I didn't count, but it was worth the payload.  And yes, I did wash, rewash and wash again my hands!

Spring Sightings 

I was close enough to this bird feeder to grab some pictures of the birds.  There were several, swooping by repeatedly.

 Our Big Adventure

Yesterday, we met up with my friend Katherine and her boyfriend to get a piano he bought for her birthday.   But this wasn't just any piano.

Signed, "This is the Thorkelson Family piano, owned @1953 to 2020.   This is true, Annie Thorkelson 3/21/2020

Do you have any idea how hard it is to move an upright piano?  This thing was HEAVY!  It wasn't easy, but Frankie figured it out and it arrived safely at Katherine's house.

So, what's so special about this piano?  This piano is the Thorkelson family piano.  As in, Peter Thorkelson, more popularly known as Peter Tork of the Monkees.  My friend Katherine is their BIGGEST fan, so this was EXTRA special for her.

The piano safely in place at Katherine's house.  She's already practicing "Daydream Believer."

Laundry. Every. Day. 

Folded some sheets and have already two loads of laundry going in the washer and dryer this morning.

Some thought and laugh provoking memes for the times.

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

Praise You In This Storm by Casting Crowns

And I'll praise you in this storm

And I will lift my hands

That you are who you are

No matter where I am

And every tear I've cried

You hold in your hand

You never left my side

And though my heart is torn

I will praise you in this storm

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

   

The Long Haul

Good morning and Happy Sunday!  As I write this, I realize that while today is my 6th day of isolation during this coronavirus pandemic, we've only just begun to see our new reality.  This is going to be a long haul.

On Sundays I go to church to worship and to be with my fellow Christians.  Today will be different.   While I'm not crazy about the idea of worshiping "online," I am accepting this as part of our "New Normal."   I'll tell you my thoughts and reflections in my next post.

Project update

Yesterday we loaded the truck with our old dining room furniture and some bags of clothes to donate.   Drove to our local Salvation Army donation center.  Closed.  Drove to the Heartsprings drop off spot.   Closed.  Looked online.   All of the Salvation Army, Goodwill and Heartsprings locations are closed indefinitely.  Looks like we will be holding onto our furniture for a while.  I might bring one of the bags of clothing to the homeless shelter because it has lots of socks, sweaters and men's pajama bottoms - all in good condition.  I might just hang onto it all until this is over.

Remember:  Laundry. Never. Goes. Away. 

Leia's Adventures

Having pets really helps to take the focus off ourselves.  Yesterday was all about Princess Leia.

Spring sighting:  the forsythia bushes have buds that are just about to bloom.  This poor pool kind of struck me as a metaphor of how we are feeling right about now.

A ride in the truck

Snuggles

So much love

Bed Time

Be strong and courageous

Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:9

Be courageous.  I try not to think too much about what is going on in our world today.  If I get in my head for too long, I become fearful.  When I recognize where my thoughts are headed, I stop myself:  "Don't think like that, Tracey."   Talking to my parents and friends, focusing on the 100 different projects around the house, and cuddling with Leia have helped me get through. 

Be strong.  Last night I did some of my physical therapy exercises for my hip.  I don't have all the equipment they have at PT, but I can do a lot on my own.  I realized there are a lot body weight exercises I can do, so I am going to develop a three-day at-home workout plan.  The gym and various fitness subscriptions have been emailing workouts from home.  I might follow one or two of them, or I might just develop my own.  I don't have a lot in the way of weights for strength training, but I can make the most of what I do have.   

We are not alone.  I hold onto the truth of God's word.  He is with us.  Even his name, Emmanuel means "God with us."  While we may not be able to be together in person, we live in a time when we can use technology to be with each other.  No matter your age, take advantage of technology to be with your friends and family, near and far.   If you don't regularly attend a house of worship, or if your home church hasn't transitioned to online,  I want to invite you to worship with me and my Evangel friends this morning.  Today at 10:30 a.m., our pastors are streaming our service Live on Facebook.   If you miss the live event, you can view the service from our website.

https://greenwall.evangelassembly.org/

Today's Meditations

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.   I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous hand.

Isaiah 41:10

Yes I Will by Vertical Worship

I count on one thing

The same God that never fails

Will not fail me now

You won't fail me now

In the waiting

The same God who's never late

Is working all things out

You're working all things out

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

   

Finally Saturday

It's Saturday!  Since today is not a regular work day, I'm just calling it Saturday.  My "staycation" will resume on Monday.  With the Coronavirus Pandemic affecting us all, one way I'm coping is to share random thoughts, prayers, laughs and whatever else comes to mind.   Today's post will be short.

In My Mind

Yesterday was a tough day for me.  The pandemic is a full blown "panic-demic," invoking anxiety across the nation.  Yesterday I let it get to me.  I realized what was going on with me, talked to my husband, then to my friend Ashley.  I started working on another project and felt somewhat better as I pushed through.  It helps to remember, we are all in this together.   I love this CBS promo video, check it out:

We're All In This Together

Bad Hair Days

Here's my reality...

When I first get up (left), I am so ugly, I look like a man.  After some coffee, washing my face and a quick brush through the hair, I feel (and look) so much better.

Please don't 

News and COVID-19 updates

Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has actually been a calming force in my days.  He holds a daily press conference with updates,talks candidly about the reality of what is happening, without instilling panic and fear among the residents.  I respect him and am praying for our leaders during this tumultuous time.

One on One is closed

Yesterday I told you about how I had my session with Pat and how fortunate I felt that I had a safe place to go for strength training.  Last night, Pat reached out to let us know that the city of West Springfield has closed all fitness studios for the duration of this health crisis.  (At least through April 7.)  I guess I saw the writing on the wall, but this seriously broke my heart.  One on One is a small business.  It is not a large corporate gym.  Pete (the owner) and Pat (our trainer) rely on our patronage to keep them afloat.  And now, this.  I get it, I do.  Instead of in-person training, they are offering remote video training.  But still.

Mitch's Room

A year ago, Mitch packed a suitcase and moved out, leaving everything behind, including his mess.  Since then, Brian started putting things in his room to get them "out of the way."  It was so bad, you couldn't even walk through the room.  Once I realized I was in a rut, I decided to tackle the monster.  Brian helped.  We are no where near done.  We need to finish boxing up some miscellaneous things, clean and hopefully I can buy some paint.  The plan is to move Joey into this room because it's a lot bigger.  Joey's room will become a spare room... possibly a workout room, an office or a craft room???

Pushing through

Bad days are to be expected, the key is to not allow it to consume you.   Today will be a better day.  

In a bit, I'm going to get dressed and take Leia for a walk.  Will be back at it in Mitch's room.  

And. More. Laundry.   

Today's meditation and a song for the times.

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.  For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.  So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.
James 1:2-4

Spreadin' (Coronavirus) by Psychs

Rap isn't my speed, but this is a good one for the times.  Check it out.

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.

   

Coronavirus Staycation: Day 4

Happy Day 4 of my coronavirus "staycation."  (I actually do have to work from home, but it feels like a staycation.)  Yesterday was a very busy day.

I am finding posting my updates to be a therapeutic way of dealing with the craziness of this coronavirus epidemic... 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.

Today's Updates, Stories and Projects

We got our dining room table at a tag sale for under $100 about 18 years ago.  The table has served us well, but the legs are a little wobbly and the surface of the table has heat stains on it, so I've been looking for a new dining room table for the past several months.  To make a long story short, some friends are moving and can't bring their dining room table with them, so we are providing their table with a temporary shelter in place.   When they need it back, we will gladly return it to them.   In the mean time, I have a new (to me) dining room table set.  I'm SOOOOO excited!   

Brought them coffee from Dunkin.  I got 100 free points for making an On The Go order yesterday.   Our new dining room table.  And more signs of spring (tulips sprouting) .

I've been serious about cleaning the house.  Yesterday we moved all the furniture out of the den (and into the kitchen), and thoroughly cleaned the room.  With two German Shepherd Dogs, you can't imagine how much dirt we have.  Not just dog hair, of which they have soooooo much.  But dirt.  Brian rearranged the furniture and is going to give it good cleaning today.  I like the "new look."

My appointments with Pat are on Thursdays, so I ventured out to One on One for my session with him.   They are following VERY strict hygiene policies and the studio is set up with individual rooms, so I felt safe and I was the ONLY one there.   I thoroughly cleaned everything I touched before and after I used it.  I'm grateful to have this unique opportunity to get in some strength training.

While I was there, I got a text from Brian, "We are almost out of laundry detergent.  If you can, stop at Costco and pick some up."  (Costco is about 1/2 a mile from One on One.)   Surprisingly, the Costco parking lot was pretty sparse.  I go inside and it's kinda like Disney World...corralling customers in a holding area because they are at capacity.  Not only are they limiting the number of customers in the store at one time, they are limiting the quantities of items you can purchase.  And when you check out, they are directing you and enforcing social distancing, with no more than one person in line at a time.   On my way home, I threw caution to the wind and took this quick pic of the highway.  It was rush hour and there were no cars.  Everyone is home. 

I. Am. So. Sick. Of. Laundry.

Love Wins!

Let me share a story with you about my friend Luzed.   Luzed and her fiance were supposed to get married today in New York City.   As the pandemic situation evolved, their plans were changing daily.  My heart was breaking for her.   First their grandparents couldn't come, then the venue cancelled, then their honeymoon cancelled, then their parents couldn't come, then New York City threatened a shelter in place order.  But they did not let that stop them.  In spite of ALL the craziness, to the surprise of everyone, Luzed wen to New York City yesterday.  She and Jonathan got married in his home church, with his pastor officiating.   They didn't let the pandemic keep them apart.   Love WON!   

Like just about everyone else, I am on Facebook far more than normal and I couldn't help but re-post some of these thought and laugh provoking memes.  They speak for themselves.

I hear you all now, "Coleman, Follow your own advice.  Stay home."

Toilet Tissue from the Carol Burnett Show

I gave my Aunt Kelly a scare today, announcing some unexpected company...

Thanks for taking part of your day to read about my adventures.

Today's meditation and a song to make you laugh.

I will turn their mourning into joy, I will comfort them and give them gladness for sorry.

Jeremiah 31:13

Staying Alive by the Bee Gees

Whether you're a brother or whether you're a mother

You're stayin' alive, stayin' alive

Feel the city breakin' and everybody shakin'

And we're stayin' alive, stayin' alive.

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.

   

Day 3

Today is Day 3 of my Coronavirus Staycation.  Instead of stories, I thought I'd do a Photo Blog for today.

Working From Home

As an Assistant Principal, this means answering email, answering my cell phone, doing reports for the state and online trainings I should have done in September.

Morning coffee and snuggles

Supporting local businesses, responsible shopping and home made chicken soup.

Scenes from my afternoon walk

Completed our 2020 Census.

Thought for the day (click on the picture)

I have the news on constantly.  Brian actually makes me turn it off.   As far as this whole Spring Break craze in Florida goes... Seriously?

Today's meditations:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindess, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.  Against such there is no law.

Galations 5:22-23

Worthy, Worthy by Vertical Worship

Though we cannot comprehend such a mystery

Just a glimpse of You revealed is compelling us to sing.

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.