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

   

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