Saturday, March 21, 2020 - Impact of CV-19; Keeping Busy; Afternoon Drive

Saturday, March 21, 2020 - Impact of CV-19; Keeping Busy; Afternoon Drive

It seemed so simple when we arrived for us to wait for the remaining quarantine period to end, before we see our kids/grand-kids and siblings.  Even though we have talked with them on the phone, we are missing the physical contact.  Earlier I had mentioned the last time we were with anyone in a one on one encounter was March 12, but it was actually March 13, and we were in a large group setting part of that time - so, we need to add another day to keep our distance from others.  Saturday, March 28 is the day.  While I love the idea of not having to be quarantined, I am also apprehensive....is everyone else taking it as seriously as they should be?

Mid-morning I learned that someone I knew personally passed from the virus.  It is just heartbreaking...he was such a kind, entertaining and intelligent man.  I had the privilege of meeting him many years ago when we attended a Dale Carnegie class together.  At that time, he was the School Superintendent in a neighboring school district.  

What broke my heart most about their situation; because of the virus he had to spend his time in the hospital alone.  While they did finally permit his wife to come and sit with him at least one day, she was unable to make it to the hospital before he passed.  Because of the virus, she cannot be with her children as she will to be in confinement for the required 14 day period.  She has no one to set with her, no one to hug or hold her.  Yes, she has a phone so she can talk, Face time, etc.  However, she cannot have the personal touch of others near her at one of the most difficult times in her life, as well as being with her children and grandchildren and their need to be with their mama/grandma.  What she CAN have is hope that tomorrow will be better for her children and grandchildren, and I know God will bring them through it.  Please if you would, just say a prayer for her and her family.  I can't help but think, how would I handle this?  It gives a whole new meaning to what is going on in our world today and for me, the need to have a personal relationship with God.  

We are learning of others impacted by this disease, including one in a neighboring county. Fortunately, so far in our area it's few compared to what larger cities across our nation are experiencing, but each new case often impacts many--family, friends, and business associates.  Social distancing and taking every precaution is extremely important to not only protect you and your family, but those you come in contact with.  I am not here to spread doom and gloom.  When it begins occurring so close to you it becomes more real, and causes us to think how we might impact someone else.  Please be wise!

Dean left for the garage after our morning routine.  He's been thinking about placement of storage cabinets, shelving, lighting, etc. to improve the order of things.  I am so thankful he has this space to enjoy when we are in Oswego.  He loves to tinker, build and sometimes even rearrange things.  When he can't play golf, it's a great way for him to keep busy while we are here.

One of the things I may try to work on this week, is to start sorting through the tubs of pictures we have.  We can bring one tub at a time here, and I can work on it.  It's a project that needs to be done.  I plan to add pictures I want to keep to Google Photos, separating pictures to give to our kids, and of course I'll keep a few special pictures for display once we are back in a house.

While Dean was gone I did the now monthly washing machine cleaning process for lint removal we went through while we were in Marathon, TX.  I started to do this a day or so ago, but for some reason it did not work just right.  I'm sure it was operator error, so today I paid closer attention.  It requires pressing the right buttons when water stops filling the drum.  If you don't catch it pretty quick, it will be too late.  I took the time to stay near it, listen and try to track the time in between steps hoping that would help, and it did.

Temperatures were below freezing last night but it was warm in Bentley.  About 9 or so I had to open the blinds and let some sunlight in.  It is supposed to be in the 50's today and it will be welcome after yesterdays cold.

I was in the process of working on updating our budget, when Dean returned from the garage.  We had a quick lunch.  After cleaning up, I made a batch of brownies.  Once they were done, we took another "adventure" ride in the country.

For our ride today, Dean suggested we drive to Labette City (a small town northwest of us).  We were surprised at the number of new houses, barns, etc. that have sprung up in the area around it. Of course we always have to reminisce about who lived here or there, etc.  As a former phone company employee he spent many hours working on equipment in the southeast Kansas area.  These drives near Oswego most always bring back memories for both of us.  It was great to be outside, just enjoying this time together.  It turned into a beautiful, warm afternoon.

As we drove back towards Oswego, we started talking about building in the future.  We ended up back at our property to walk the area and talk about where we'd like to place a house, where would be the best place for Bentley, and other things we'd like to do over time.  We need to have someone survey the property lines as we want to plant trees and bushes before we build.  Some of the trees on the lot are in poor condition, so we'll need to have them removed.  It's exciting, but a little daunting at the same time.  So many things to consider and then follow through on, just in the preparation itself.  

Back at Bentley, we were hungry.  I warmed up some of the vegetable stew, and we both commented on how good it tasted.  We are getting to the point we will need some groceries.  I used the last of our cooking oil to make the brownies, and now, we are almost out of saltine crackers - a must have with stew! Lol!  I'll ask Cindy or Misti if they would mind doing a little shopping for us this coming week.  I've already started a list.  

We watched reruns of Virgin River, a show we found on Netflix last fall.  A new season is supposed to start soon.  After we finish watching the last 3 or 4 episodes later this week, we will be ready for the the new shows to begin.  

I am so very thankful for my husband.  I'm thankful God brought us together.  We enjoy so many of the same things and just spending time together - we are truly blessed!