We are in a very strange and scary time in our world right now. There is a novel coronavirus that is rapidly spreading all over the world. It is spread very easily and it makes many people get very sick with a severe acute respiratory illness called COVID-19. Many people are dying all over the world. In many places, there are not ventilators for the sick people and there is also a lack of personal protective equipment for the doctors and nurses that are helping.
A few weeks ago, we were told that social distancing would help the virus stop spreading so quickly. This is important, so that hospitals don't become overwhelmed. We are told that it is best to be at home and to not get together with anyone else that does not live in your house. No one is playing sports. The NCAA tournament was cancelled and other big events, like the Kentucky Derby have been postponed. All non-essential businesses are closed. We go to the grocery only when it is necessary. Some people are hoarding things like toilet paper, household cleaning products, soap, hand sanitizer, and food. We always have food, but sometimes we can't get what we want to purchase. When we shop, all carts are sanitized and you are asked to stay at least six feet away from other people. All restaurants are closed, except for food carry-out or delivery. Schools have been closed for over two weeks. We will soon start N.T.I. or distance learning. Anyone that can work at home, is doing so. We have no idea how long we will be doing this degree of social distancing.
Some days have been pretty good. We are trying very hard to focus on the good things we have or are able to do. On our good days, the boys get along pretty well and we are able to enjoy fun things like fishing, movies, games, walks, baking, etc. Some days are much harder and the boys misbehave and argue a lot. Those days are especially stressful. It is hard for the kids to understand stress, but acting out is definitely one way that they exhibit the stress they are feeling. We try our best to be understanding and help them cope with our new normal.
We are doing our best to stay connected to family and friends. We use social media to stay connected, as well as webcams to "get together." Evan and Levi played a virtual game of chess, Carl and I have had virtual happy hours, and Preston does virtual martial arts classes. We are trying to make the most of a bad situation, but it can definitely be hard.
I am sure I will be adding additional posts about what happens over the next several weeks and months. No one knows exactly what lies ahead, but I know it will definitely be different than how we originally planned.
Here are some pictures of our "bright spots."
Preston and Daddy made gummy worms.
Preston and I have been enjoying cooking and baking. He especially likes baking banana bread.
The dogs love going on lots of walks.
We all like the extra cuddles with the dogs and cat. They seem to like it too!
Even though there is no school at this time, the boys are continuing to read and doing some optional school work.
We have gone fishing a couple of times.
We started to write encouraging messages on the sidewalk, to bring some cheer to people walking by. Carl joined in the fun and we made some really cool art! Evan and Carl made Baby Yoda. When it was washed away in the rain, Carl and Preston worked together to create a new level of Super Mario Bros.
The boys get creative! They had a water gun fight with puddles, played in the hose and found new ways to exercise.
The teachers and staff at Chancey Elementary School held a parade! They decorated their cards and honked and waved as they drove through the neighborhoods near school. Preston and I drove over to watch. He was so excited to see everyone!
We are fortunate to have several parks that are close by and we have gone on several hikes. Preston caught his very first snake, thanks to some help and encouragement from Evan.
The neighborhood and parks are beautiful this spring. I'm enjoying being outside and taking it all in. I especially love all the beautiful flowers.
Preston really likes his virtual martial arts class. I am happy that he can still keep learning.
Even though they quarrel a fair amount, I often find Evan and Preston together.
We put the boys to bed separately each night, but when Carl and I go upstairs to go to bed, we almost always find them together. It is one of my favorite parts of the day. They really do need and love each other.
The boys know how much I love flowers, so they picked some from the woods for me. It made my day!
I tried to highlight the good things, but I thought it would be interesting to add some of the unusual things that have happened as well.
All salons are closed, so I had to touch up my own hair at home. Jessica gave me enough dye for my part and hairline, but I may have to use boxed dye at some point. I am not sure what I will do for a haircut. I did manage to cut Carl's hair and I am sure one of us will need to cut the boys' hair soon as well.
When I grocery shop, I sometimes find areas where all of something is gone. The first picture shows a store that is completely out of flour. The second picture shows a store with no toilet paper or paper towels.
