Seven Months Later.....

It's been seven months since my last post......and we are still under the Covid Pandemic.  Life as we knew it has changed! Still waiting for a vaccine that will hopefully bring back some "normal". 

I've been trying to keep engaged and busy, but it is a challenge while trying to stay safe! I was finding myself feeling unmotivated to do much of anything after being cooped up and isolated from so many social activities for so long.

My daily routine included:

• taking a walk, sometimes 3 times a day, 
• going to work for a couple of hours, two times a week - wearing a mask 2 of course
• reading
• watching television
• Zoom calls twice a week

That's pretty monotonous!  

I got a chance to head up north to meet with my childhood girlfriends for a long weekend at resort near Brainerd, MN.  So I took it, even though it expanded my protective circle and added some risk.  At this point I was ready to go for it.

What a breath of fresh air!  Literally!  The top temps were in the high 40's.  Brrrr.  Chilly, Fall weather!  We spent our days playing games, laughing, watching movies, etc.  It was so good to be among friends I hadn't seen for over a year.  

And I got motivated to try some new things! You know, those things you have thought about doing but just haven't done.  Or a new project you just didn't feel like starting.  The change of venue, and the time with good friends gave me the boost I needed.

We saw this item in a small yarn shop we visited - with masks on of course!

The owner graciously gave me the pattern and I've decided to take on the challenge.

Here is my start....

While I continue to work on this crochet project, I decided to dive into soap-making.  I made one batch of soap with a friend about 4 years ago, but I never returned to it.  So I watched a few You-tube videos and decided to try it again.  I was inspired by The Royal Creative Academy videos which can be found at:  https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=%23TheRoyalCreativeAcademy  Katie Carson makes soap-making sound like fun!

Here is my first batch waiting to cure for 4 to 6 weeks.  (And I didn't burn down the house with the lye solution!) Success!

I've got two more batches to make.  Each batch adds a new color, new fragrance, and a new technique.

Changing up my routine, changing my location, and reconnecting with other creative people definitely made a difference in my mental health.  I highly recommend any change to the old routine!

Keep posted for progress on my new endeavors.

Anxious?

Some days I find myself more anxious than other days during this Corona epidemic.  I limit my television watching to less news and more uplifting entertainment.  And no I do NOT watch end-of-the-world survival movies!

I recommend this instead:  Philippians 4:8
"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things."

And there are plenty of people who are reaching out and touching lives in such inspirational ways!  So I will focus on those kind of stories.

I was inspired by one of my Sunday School leaders this week.  She sent out a virtual lesson.  And in that lesson she included a list of prayers and encouraged us to pray.
She is a true Prayer Warrior.

We are encouraged to:   "Pray without ceasing".  1 Thessalonians 5:17 

So to help me follow this advice, I printed her list of prayers as prompts to pray.  Then I posted the prayers all over my house.

I'm stuck at home these days, going outside only for walking, grocery shopping, and delivering Meals on Wheels.  So as I go about my day, I find prompts to pray while: 

• waiting for my tea to get hot in the microwave, 
• taking a shower, 
• washing the dishes, 
• leaving the house for a walk
• sitting down to watch TV

And the list goes on.....

It is possible to pray throughout the day with these prompts as reminders.  Imagine what the world would be like if all of it's people would pray, ceaselessly!

I've included a link to Google slides of each prayer prompt.  Feel free to print them off.  I put them on 4 by 6" postcards.  But warning - I had to play around with the printer settings to get it to print properly.  It would be just as easy to print them all on one sheet in a table and just cut them out. 

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/147hD76wDlXaBVYMDNDtOqcJqFkeAj3HE833WIO298qk/edit?usp=sharing

May you find your anxiety replaced with the peace of God as you pray for the world.

Want to Analyze a Couple of Dreams?

In the midst of this Corona Virus Pandemic, present-day life is definitely causing anxiety, and anxiety often shows up in our dreams.

This post is meant to bring some comic relief among the barrage of scary news stories. My sister is the funniest person I know, so I try to save pieces of her humor so I can have a good laugh anytime I read them again.

Friday the 13th of March, I received this gem of a text message from my sister:

Dreamed last night that Wayne told you he wanted a divorce.  You asked him to go to counseling and he said it was too much bureaucracy.  So you came to stay with us at our house.  Then you and I went back to your house to "break in" to Wayne's financials!   (This was a movie!!! What the hell?)  Also he was going to open a candy store and when we came to your house there was candy everywhere!

Anyone what to analyze this dream for me? Do I have something to worry about - other than the virus?


This Sunday morning I got an early morning call with another treasure of a dream.

Paula called to tell me that she dreamed that I dropped her off at my church and told her she had to lead a Sunday School class.  She was in a panic because all these people were waiting on her to help them fill in the blanks with the right bible verses.  And she couldn't find any of the bible verses she needed.  PANIC!!

Every person has had the "not prepared" dream.  But Paula must be clairvoyant because we watched our church service by live streaming it and the sermon series was on......ANXIETY.

Oh, and Paula, all the parishioners are still sitting in class waiting for you to give them those answers and scripture readings!  I think the answers can be found in  the book of Ecclesiastes!! (and that's a whole other story!!)

Feel free to comment below and share your analysis!

So, What Do I Do Today?

I'm trying to think of some options to keep busy today while practicing social distance.  The temptation is to sit around, watch TV, and snack!  All of which are bad news for mental, spiritual, and physical health.

So far today, I've completed my Bible Study lesson, which I think helps me find more peace. My class no longer meets, but I can still do a lesson each day.  I'm finding that at night time my thoughts become more anxious and I start to play little scenarios in my head.  So I definitely need some peace from the only ONE who has control and a plan to walk with me through this.

Then I tried contacting hotels, airlines, etc. because we had a lot of wedding and travel plans.  Alas, not a lot of success as we're still a little over a month before the travel dates.  So we have to wait in limbo.  My Mantra when frustrated:  Be kind, be kind, be kind!!!

So I now need some positive activity.  For starters it's on to the treadmill while watching my new binge favorite:  The British Baking Show.

It's competition and baking.  What's not to love?  I have to put the captions on so I can understand what they're saying cause those accents are a little tough to decipher.  (My age might have something to do with it too!!)

I am fascinated with the types of food they bake.  I've never heard of most of them, and the terms they use are so foreign to me.  I'm impressed by seeing how many men spend their time baking!!  

All I can say is I'd love to spend time baking with some of these people.  They are so knowledgeable about flavors, techniques, and decorations.  

Since we are all at home, why not try something new in the kitchen?  I got an email from America Test Kitchen.  They're offering a free trial for all of their tested recipes.

If you don't want the hassle of a trial membership, here's a link to some free recipes from them.  They have ideas for cooking with kids on this page too.

https://www.americastestkitchen.com/articles/2240-resources-you-can-count-on-to-cook-well-and-be-well

Lastly, today I'm going to learn to use Zoom.  Engage my brain in some new technology that allows me to video conference with family and friends.   I can grab my glass of wine, sit on the couch a talk to my entire family, or my set of KC friends.  We can all hangout together.  And it's a free app!  I always like free!   Check it out: https://zoom.us/pricing

Here's a You-tube video on how to use Zoom.  
https://youtu.be/bTSJ0YDoF7o

That's a good start on the day I have been gifted with.  Hoping that everyone has the opportunity to try something new, be kind, and help someone in need today!

Mandatory Home Time - Now What?

Gotta stay home. Minimal Contact. Those are the orders coming from the top.  And in order to keep our citizens safe from the "Virus", it's what we all should be doing.

Reality has shifted.  Some have to continue to work - from home. Some have lost their livelihoods - don't know for how long.  Parents have to juggle home - work - children and home-schooling.  In order to stay safe, grandparents can't help out their families.  The many who have to continue to work are putting themselves at risk for the benefit of those they serve.

Before this Pandemic many of us wished we had more free time to do all those things we rarely get to do in life (sleep in late, travel, not work - just play).  Well it's hard to sleep late when the kids are home unless you have teens; no one can travel even though there are many who now have plenty of forced time off; and no one is supposed to be socializing except in small groups with a social distance of six feet.  Not much fun in that.  Hey, raise that glass of wine to your friend six feet across the room.....and try not to breathe or cough on them while you are at it.  For heavens sake, don't touch anything in common unless you have a disinfectant wipe handy.


Feelings of isolation are setting in.  So I've been contemplating how to minimize those feelings and at the same time, do something for my community.  I love seeing on TV all the great examples of what people are doing to stay connected.  I think there is blessing to be had even in the midst of this Pandemic.

Yesterday, Wayne and I delivered Meals on Wheels.  There are so many more Seniors at home now that community centers have closed.  We've decided to deliver more days a week.  This is an activity we can do together, safe in our car - yet out in the community dropping off meals to hungry Seniors.  No contact.  We just drop off the meals on their porch, give them a call and let them know the food is there.  We can also monitor who is answering and who is not so we know if they are okay.

Now who can resist this face?  I think a walk everyday with this guy would be just great.  We're so lucky that our daughter lives a mile from our house.  Being outdoors, getting some fresh air and exercise, well that will help keep the blues away.  My daughter is able to work from home, so now we have time to meet for a walk.  I keep a 6 ft. walking pole handy so I can keep her far enough away from me.  

It's important to find just the right walking stick:

Tomorrow is another day to challenge myself to try something new, to foster new creativity, and to find ways to help my community.  And I certainly have the time!

We All Need a Good Laugh These Days!

Everyone needs a good laugh these days.  My sister continues to make me laugh.  This is from a few years back, but it is still funny!

The Laminator:  FYI  - almost had a near death experience in the library. Had my lanyard on…..reached over the laminator to make sure laminating paper was not getting wound back in…. when I felt a slight tug on my neck.  I looked down and my glamour photo was being pulled into the lamination.  Luckily,  because of my cat-like reflexes …. I pulled back and my picture ripped off my lanyard before my lanyard got pulled into the laminating machine. Would have been a long weekend if my lanyard got pulled in and I would be stuck.  Glad to be alive and going home. Have a great weekend! Cherish every minute.  :)

Now that March Madness has been called off.  Enjoy this rant by my sister.  What year was this?  I have no idea!  Still Funny.  Read to the end.

Basket Ball:  Did anyone see the push that Michigan State had?  On the replay there was a ref watching the whole thing and did nothing! Not only is the NBA dirty but these college refs are controlling who wins. I hate Michigan State and hope they lose the championship in 4 overtimes on a full court shot that spins around the rim 12 times before it goes in..   and the shooter was thrown to the ground during the shot, hits his head, receives a concussion and nothing is called. Only then will I feel justice was served! Wow! I feel better already! Read Personal Foul by Tim Donaghy and you will never view basketball the same way ever again.

Later that day....

Ok, I don't really hate Michigan all that much anymore.  Last night I watched the last 10 minutes of the game and thought Virginia was Arizona.  I was screaming and hollering, cussing out Michigan. Then there are all these emails about if Arizona wins....blah blah blah....and I am thinking, "Good God!  Don't these people know Arizona lost last night?

I had Rahn come in and read these emails from these stupid people....    Then I was told by Kollin , John  and Rahn that it was Virginia who lost last night, not Arizona!

I think I may have had a seizure or stroke.
So.....never mind and  It's all good ...unless Michigan beats Arizona

Last Message.......

Ok, want to know something even funnier?  Maybe even scarier?  I picked Michigan to win last night.  
I think I need to print out my bracket and have it with me when I am watching basketball.  
A picture of the team jerseys might be helpful too.. Just sayin.

And that's my sister!  Don't cross her!