Greetings from the chaise at the Stress Pool! What a week. Yesterday just capped it all with flooding rains. I was waiting for Moses to stride out of the woods with his staff to part the waters - no such luck. Just a tiny rivulet in the basement, not enough for me to have to turn on the fans! But, that's where the story ends. On to the beginning.
Early in the week, emails started coming through from school that we'll be moving to on-line, or distance learning. We would have a week to get it together, formulate lessons, etc., etc. Okay. Got that. We were told what format we'd be using. Not okay. At my grade levels, we're using Schoology, in which only half of my classes were accessible. I immediately put in a help ticket with technology, and started learning how to use things like Zoom and Google Classroom. Another email - sign up to come in to the school to get necessary materials. We were allowed one hour. I signed up for both schools - one for Tuesday, and one for Wednesday (because there would be travel between the buildings, which doesn't take that long, and how was I going to waste an hour with everything closed?) Oh, and by the way, some of the kids don't have a means to do this, so we're making up packets for them every week. They'll need to be emailed to the principal by Thursday, enough for one week.
Day 2: Emails - we are NOT to use any platforms that would involve live audience. Okay, one day wasted. Still not able to access all classes. Panicking a little over what to do - dug out the bottle of amaretto just to settle the old nerves that evening. However, did get a lovely text from DiDi showing pictures of our Little Lamb playing with a large water park toy in the laundry room - probably trying to stay out of Big Brother's way since he is also working from home. Looked like he was having a blast!
Went to school number one - packed up my plants and some materials. Looked around the room. I was never so happy to walk into my work space as I was then. One hundred weavings waiting to be woven; clay projects dried and ready to be fired; another fifty or so waiting to be finished.
An email from principal number two: we're going to be making up packets for the kiddos who don't have computers - give him four weeks of lessons, due tomorrow. Drop everything, get four projects together for inclusion in packets. Emailed them off.
Day 3: Went to school number two. I had been out sick right before the closings, but some of the kids had finished what I'd left, and had handed them in. How creative they were, and it made me miss them all the more. Put my grades in for this quarter - I was having difficulty loading the grade book onto my laptop. Got my plants and some other materials, and went home. Still not able to access all my classes. Sent the principal of that building an email that I still couldn't put work up for that school. Sigh. Moving on... Got my grade book loaded onto the desk top in the office, which was great since that's where I'll be doing most of my work. One thing accomplished! Yay me!
Day 4: Went to the office and moved the mouse to wake up the computer - nothing. It was on, but showed only a black screen. That was the proverbial straw. I put my head in my hands and had a total breakdown - water, water, flowing down my cheeks. Ms. Business came to the doorway. I wiped away the tears.
"Sorry, just a little breakdown. I don't know how to do this stuff, any of it, and now the computer has decided not to work!"
Ever the comforter, she said, "Don't worry. You've gotten through everything else, you'll get through this."
She's right.
DH said he'd go with me to the computer repair place - that has apparently changed it's name, or closed and someone else opened up, but they were closed, leaving phone numbers for remote fixing. I took a picture and we went back home. I set the computer up again, and low and behold, the insolent child just needed to get out of the house - so far, so good! I sent another email to the principal - not to beat a dead horse, but I still couldn't access my classes for that school, and what was going to happen if it was still that way on Monday? I didn't want to get swept under the rug. We emailed back and forth a bit, he also having put a ticket in with technology.
Day 5: Spent a few hours going through a refresher tutorial on how to use Schoology, and joined in on a webinar from an art supply company on teaching art on-line. After an hour I had one good bit of info - the rest was fluff, and nice ideas if you were in the classroom - but not in a remote classroom! I shut it down. Then, my heaven- sent friend Cynders called - she had finally gotten through to technology and her classes were now showing up. Sure enough, I got an email from tech, and by three o'clock I had access to all of my classes! Kudos to the tech team - they were getting Chrome books ready for pick-up and dealing with all the other incidentals - they are superb! I thank them for all the work they did last week, and for all the other times as well.
Saturday: I took the day off, knowing there was still a major amount of work to do, but I needed to clear my head. Just as well - we had some crazy storms, and I stood at the kitchen window and watched as a waterfall appeared from the top of our wooded yard, making a path through the mulch, spilled over the railroad tie and cement block wall, and funnel into Lake Kelly. At the top level, a robin leaped in and out of the water, splashing and shaking his wings, and while this overflow of water was concerning, it gladdened my heart that this small creature could enjoy the moment, unaffected by the events of the world, or the storm for that matter. It reminded me of the verse "If the Father takes care of the least of these creatures, what will He do for you?"
Sunday. The storms are over, a lesson is formulated on paper (I just need to figure out how to put it in Schoology), and I'm breathing easier. If you were ever curious as to why we named it the Stress Pool, now you know! Take heart, friends - as Ms. Business says, we'll get through this!
Thanks for stopping by for a chat - and listening to the crazy woman vent about her week. Until we meet again, may the rain fall soft upon your fields - and your own pool! My friend Amy E mentioned in a previous comment what beverage she might be bringing when she stops by - what's your beverage of choice? I love your comments, and please don't be afraid to leave them. Love you all - stay safe!
Sunday, March 29, 2020
Wednesday, March 25, 2020
Keeping Your Head Above Water
Hello, fellow swimmers! Today's lesson is 'Keep Your Head Above the Water' - unless you're going in for the deep dive. In case you're wondering, I'm still only dipping my toes in at the shallow end, and truthfully, I'm happy to be there.
It has been a crazy time for most. We're learning to dance around each other in the house or apartment - older kids who are used to keeping their own hours - spouses who spend a good bit of their day out of the house and now find they're wandering around - and, while I remember those days as beautiful watercolors, young children who have just about had it with not being able to see friends, or go to the playground, and so on. We've been laughing at the memes and posts on Facebook about gaining weight from stress eating, or coming out of this as an alcoholic (no offense to anyone here!) - and laugh we should. We know that laughter is the best medicine. Laughter moves muscles deep inside, and the heartier the laugh, the more exercise we get! So, we laugh, and poke fun, and get as much exercise as possible!
There is a more serious side. I'm concerned for those whose family life isn't the best, what with all the added stress of lost work and wages, and people forced to spend more time than usual together. It is a good thing the shelters are still open for those who find their loved ones, who I'm sure still love them, might not be kind. Kindness - something we continually remind students of - needs to be practiced everywhere. PSA for the day - be kind.
Back to keeping my head above water. We're getting ready for 'distance learning' to roll out next week. This is considered a training week, where we prepare lessons and get things rolling (very little training!). There's only one problem: this isn't how we teach! So, while we might be preparing lessons, and finding cool things for them to see and do, it's a whole new mindset. Great for times when the teacher can't be there, or if the student has been absent, or is at home with illness, but not for an extended time. "Keep it simple" is the best motto for this time, and my friend Cynders reminded me yesterday that all will be well - just roll.
But I can't access all of my classes - a small SNAFU that I'm hoping the tech department can work out before Monday. And, after several failed attempts, I was finally able to get my online gradebook loaded onto my computer. I don't know if it downloaded or uploaded, but it's on there! Tomorrow I plan on playing with Google forms and docs, and learn how to best put things on this online platform. Youtube has become my best friend this week!
One thing I would like everyone to remember - not that I'm using it as an excuse, because we all know what Big Brother says about those (excuses are like a--holes: we all have them, and they all stink!) - I graduated college before the PC was a household item. I recall one of the mathematics professors excitedly taking us to the Macintosh lab. I learned to move the cursor (called the Turtle) up, across, down, and back - Oh look, a square! No mouse - and we didn't move it with the arrows. It was coding. Everything was done by coding. Word wasn't a thing, spreadsheets were papers used by accountants, and the internet didn't exist. These computers were super expensive, and not for general purposes. They were meant for a school setting. The school where I first taught bought a few Commodore 64s. If you have any computer knowledge, you're probably rolling on the floor with laughter. By the way, I didn't have to use the darn things - the math teacher did!
I've adapted a lot, but there are a few things that just don't come up as an art teacher, like doing much on a computer. Maybe I should use docs and forms more; maybe it will only drive me crazier than I already am! If I could, I'd probably retire, make way for the younger generations to come in and use all this brilliant know- how. But, I would miss it. I like teaching them the rudimentary ideas of art - how to use color, line, forms, and how they work together. I like playing with new materials, and getting them to play with them, exploring and getting their hands dirty with paint and clay. This is what childhood should be - getting dirty and learning through exploration and experimentation. Many kids tell me they don't have paints or playdoh at home - mom thinks it's messy. It's my job, my duty then, to give them that experience.
One mom recently said her daughter is sad because we were starting weaving, and she was so looking forward to that. 6th grade was elbow deep in clay - some done; some just starting. It was downright eerie walking into my classrooms yesterday and today, looking at partially finished projects, sitting where they'd been stored, no children in the room. Very science fiction-like.
So, I'll learn how to use docs and forms. They're not going to be perfect - they probably won't even be pretty - but hopefully, they'll do the job!
How are you keeping your head above water these days? Are you baking? Walking? Playing a musical instrument? Writing? Playing video games? I still plan on working on the creativity in the studio, playing with all the wonderful supplies I'm so fortunate to have at my disposal. So, drop on by the Stress Pool, and we'll chat up some ways to stay purposefully occupied!
Anything to keep our hair dry!
It has been a crazy time for most. We're learning to dance around each other in the house or apartment - older kids who are used to keeping their own hours - spouses who spend a good bit of their day out of the house and now find they're wandering around - and, while I remember those days as beautiful watercolors, young children who have just about had it with not being able to see friends, or go to the playground, and so on. We've been laughing at the memes and posts on Facebook about gaining weight from stress eating, or coming out of this as an alcoholic (no offense to anyone here!) - and laugh we should. We know that laughter is the best medicine. Laughter moves muscles deep inside, and the heartier the laugh, the more exercise we get! So, we laugh, and poke fun, and get as much exercise as possible!
There is a more serious side. I'm concerned for those whose family life isn't the best, what with all the added stress of lost work and wages, and people forced to spend more time than usual together. It is a good thing the shelters are still open for those who find their loved ones, who I'm sure still love them, might not be kind. Kindness - something we continually remind students of - needs to be practiced everywhere. PSA for the day - be kind.
Back to keeping my head above water. We're getting ready for 'distance learning' to roll out next week. This is considered a training week, where we prepare lessons and get things rolling (very little training!). There's only one problem: this isn't how we teach! So, while we might be preparing lessons, and finding cool things for them to see and do, it's a whole new mindset. Great for times when the teacher can't be there, or if the student has been absent, or is at home with illness, but not for an extended time. "Keep it simple" is the best motto for this time, and my friend Cynders reminded me yesterday that all will be well - just roll.
But I can't access all of my classes - a small SNAFU that I'm hoping the tech department can work out before Monday. And, after several failed attempts, I was finally able to get my online gradebook loaded onto my computer. I don't know if it downloaded or uploaded, but it's on there! Tomorrow I plan on playing with Google forms and docs, and learn how to best put things on this online platform. Youtube has become my best friend this week!
One thing I would like everyone to remember - not that I'm using it as an excuse, because we all know what Big Brother says about those (excuses are like a--holes: we all have them, and they all stink!) - I graduated college before the PC was a household item. I recall one of the mathematics professors excitedly taking us to the Macintosh lab. I learned to move the cursor (called the Turtle) up, across, down, and back - Oh look, a square! No mouse - and we didn't move it with the arrows. It was coding. Everything was done by coding. Word wasn't a thing, spreadsheets were papers used by accountants, and the internet didn't exist. These computers were super expensive, and not for general purposes. They were meant for a school setting. The school where I first taught bought a few Commodore 64s. If you have any computer knowledge, you're probably rolling on the floor with laughter. By the way, I didn't have to use the darn things - the math teacher did!
I've adapted a lot, but there are a few things that just don't come up as an art teacher, like doing much on a computer. Maybe I should use docs and forms more; maybe it will only drive me crazier than I already am! If I could, I'd probably retire, make way for the younger generations to come in and use all this brilliant know- how. But, I would miss it. I like teaching them the rudimentary ideas of art - how to use color, line, forms, and how they work together. I like playing with new materials, and getting them to play with them, exploring and getting their hands dirty with paint and clay. This is what childhood should be - getting dirty and learning through exploration and experimentation. Many kids tell me they don't have paints or playdoh at home - mom thinks it's messy. It's my job, my duty then, to give them that experience.
One mom recently said her daughter is sad because we were starting weaving, and she was so looking forward to that. 6th grade was elbow deep in clay - some done; some just starting. It was downright eerie walking into my classrooms yesterday and today, looking at partially finished projects, sitting where they'd been stored, no children in the room. Very science fiction-like.
So, I'll learn how to use docs and forms. They're not going to be perfect - they probably won't even be pretty - but hopefully, they'll do the job!
How are you keeping your head above water these days? Are you baking? Walking? Playing a musical instrument? Writing? Playing video games? I still plan on working on the creativity in the studio, playing with all the wonderful supplies I'm so fortunate to have at my disposal. So, drop on by the Stress Pool, and we'll chat up some ways to stay purposefully occupied!
Anything to keep our hair dry!
Friday, March 20, 2020
As Long As There Aren't Frogs
Greetings!
We're all still treading here at the pool - literally. We had some heavy rains last night, and I woke up to a water feature in the back yard. Our back is a hill - quite steep, in fact - and when we get a heavy rain, a waterfall appears. It flows in a stream through the mulch, through the wall into Lake Kelly, and becomes a river along the side of the house. I haven't gone to the basement yet to see if the reservoir has started - I'm hopeful the repairs I made to the mortar at the end of last summer will hold up. Always trying to see the bright side, I pointed out the waterfall to Ms. Business when she came downstairs for breakfast.
"Look at the water feature out back."
She glanced out the window. "Wow, yeah."
I chuckled. "So, we've had plague, and now flooding. I guess locusts are next!"
She shook her head as she walked away. "As long as we don't get frogs. I hate frogs."
Well. I hadn't even thought of frogs.
Things I wouldn't want to be over-run by: stink bugs; roaches; termites (nothing that will eat my house, thank you!); rats (eww).
Things I wouldn't mind having more of: kittens; puppies; art supplies; cookies; muffins...hmm, I haven't had breakfast yet, can you tell?
Some friends have posted on Facebook that they're stress-baking; some are writing; some are painting and drawing. With more time to get into the studio, I hope to get some creative time in! Why don't we try to post some of our creative endeavors, even if it's as simple as coloring in a coloring book, or making origami cranes, or baking treats! Are you learning a new dance? Do you play music? Have you found a meditation program that will help us feel better? Did you take a fun picture of your loving pet today? Or, any photograph! Maybe you like to take pictures of the sky. Show us! Let's post as many positive things as possible! Inspire us!
I'm off to eat breakfast, and then I'll head to the studio, hoping not to find a small flood. Or frogs.
We're all still treading here at the pool - literally. We had some heavy rains last night, and I woke up to a water feature in the back yard. Our back is a hill - quite steep, in fact - and when we get a heavy rain, a waterfall appears. It flows in a stream through the mulch, through the wall into Lake Kelly, and becomes a river along the side of the house. I haven't gone to the basement yet to see if the reservoir has started - I'm hopeful the repairs I made to the mortar at the end of last summer will hold up. Always trying to see the bright side, I pointed out the waterfall to Ms. Business when she came downstairs for breakfast.
"Look at the water feature out back."
She glanced out the window. "Wow, yeah."
I chuckled. "So, we've had plague, and now flooding. I guess locusts are next!"
She shook her head as she walked away. "As long as we don't get frogs. I hate frogs."
Well. I hadn't even thought of frogs.
Things I wouldn't want to be over-run by: stink bugs; roaches; termites (nothing that will eat my house, thank you!); rats (eww).
Things I wouldn't mind having more of: kittens; puppies; art supplies; cookies; muffins...hmm, I haven't had breakfast yet, can you tell?
Some friends have posted on Facebook that they're stress-baking; some are writing; some are painting and drawing. With more time to get into the studio, I hope to get some creative time in! Why don't we try to post some of our creative endeavors, even if it's as simple as coloring in a coloring book, or making origami cranes, or baking treats! Are you learning a new dance? Do you play music? Have you found a meditation program that will help us feel better? Did you take a fun picture of your loving pet today? Or, any photograph! Maybe you like to take pictures of the sky. Show us! Let's post as many positive things as possible! Inspire us!
I'm off to eat breakfast, and then I'll head to the studio, hoping not to find a small flood. Or frogs.
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
Overcrowding at the Pool
Greetings! Here we are, day 3 of captivity, and a second post this week - Wendy must be at home! Observations from the Lifeguard chair:
The pool is overcrowded.
I've been chuckling at Facebook posts about parents with young children, and the challenges with which they are suddenly faced. Ah yes, I remember those days, like with the blizzard of '93, when schools were shut down for a week, and of course, summer vacations of the past. But, there are no small children in the house anymore, and haven't been for some time.
Now, there are 4 adults meandering about..
DH is going to work every morning and putting in half days. He's the only one who has to leave right now. Ms. Business has taken the social distancing to heart, and we really only see her at meals. Oh, wait, that's as per usual. (She keeps herself busy!) Moink is deeply feeling the loss of his alone time, which is what he usually has when we're all out of the house during the day.
So, I've decided to enforce some rules here at the pool. If you find you're also having some issues, take note, and maybe we can compare!
1. Living room, dining room, and kitchen are community areas. If anyone is present, be kind, polite, and refrain from saying things that will be hurtful. Remove yourself from that area if you're feeling anxious or overwhelmed - everyone will love you for it!
Television (in the living room - we are a one television family!) There are shows we watch all the time. Some times are negotiable. It would be rude to watch something nobody else would be interested in during evening times when we all might be in the community areas. Watch personal shows when no one else is about, or at least ask the others if they mind. Be kind; be patient.
2. Bedrooms and the bathroom are secure sanctuaries. Please knock on bedroom doors, and please respond if someone knocks. Remember, that person might just need their alone time! Bathrooms shall not be used as an escape; no camping! Please don't take more than half an hour if showering!
Not everyone will have the next couple of areas:
3. Office - fair game, anyone can use, but should be considered a quiet area, a retreat for reading or using the computer.
4. Studio - great for working on any art projects one might have going on. Light-hearted banter is welcome; no unkind words.
5. Garage: (in our case, it's used as an attic - storage for everything except cars!) In the process of being cleaned out. All hands welcome. Should be used as a last resort for escaping.
6. Back patio: still a little cold out, but can be used as a safe haven. Still a community area, so please have respect!
I think these are acceptable, reasonable expectations for 4 adults, don't you? That way, coexistence at the pool is at least marginally livable!
What are you doing to alleviate anxiety at your house? We'll all get through this, I promise! Stay safe and healthy, and keep treading, just like our family is here at the Stress Pool.
The pool is overcrowded.
I've been chuckling at Facebook posts about parents with young children, and the challenges with which they are suddenly faced. Ah yes, I remember those days, like with the blizzard of '93, when schools were shut down for a week, and of course, summer vacations of the past. But, there are no small children in the house anymore, and haven't been for some time.
Now, there are 4 adults meandering about..
DH is going to work every morning and putting in half days. He's the only one who has to leave right now. Ms. Business has taken the social distancing to heart, and we really only see her at meals. Oh, wait, that's as per usual. (She keeps herself busy!) Moink is deeply feeling the loss of his alone time, which is what he usually has when we're all out of the house during the day.
So, I've decided to enforce some rules here at the pool. If you find you're also having some issues, take note, and maybe we can compare!
1. Living room, dining room, and kitchen are community areas. If anyone is present, be kind, polite, and refrain from saying things that will be hurtful. Remove yourself from that area if you're feeling anxious or overwhelmed - everyone will love you for it!
Television (in the living room - we are a one television family!) There are shows we watch all the time. Some times are negotiable. It would be rude to watch something nobody else would be interested in during evening times when we all might be in the community areas. Watch personal shows when no one else is about, or at least ask the others if they mind. Be kind; be patient.
2. Bedrooms and the bathroom are secure sanctuaries. Please knock on bedroom doors, and please respond if someone knocks. Remember, that person might just need their alone time! Bathrooms shall not be used as an escape; no camping! Please don't take more than half an hour if showering!
Not everyone will have the next couple of areas:
3. Office - fair game, anyone can use, but should be considered a quiet area, a retreat for reading or using the computer.
4. Studio - great for working on any art projects one might have going on. Light-hearted banter is welcome; no unkind words.
5. Garage: (in our case, it's used as an attic - storage for everything except cars!) In the process of being cleaned out. All hands welcome. Should be used as a last resort for escaping.
6. Back patio: still a little cold out, but can be used as a safe haven. Still a community area, so please have respect!
I think these are acceptable, reasonable expectations for 4 adults, don't you? That way, coexistence at the pool is at least marginally livable!
What are you doing to alleviate anxiety at your house? We'll all get through this, I promise! Stay safe and healthy, and keep treading, just like our family is here at the Stress Pool.
Monday, March 16, 2020
Deep Breathing in the Pool
Greetings!
Listening to the news about Covid-19 updates had me feeling a little anxious this morning. We're off school for 2 weeks and now, listening to what the CDC is saying, maybe a little longer. Last week, I came home early from work with some sort of virus - they're not saying it is THE VIRUS, but I was advised to stay home with minimal contact with others until symptoms subside. And, by-the-bye, no testing unless symptoms worsened. Glad to report I haven't had to go for testing, as I'm feeling a little better, not worse, but would have had to take a couple more days off. Now, those sick days are saved for another time. (Deep breath in, deep breath out...)
Darling Hubby had to go in for a meeting today at the Great University of our city to find out what they're going to be doing. Ms. Business, who is in their dental school for hygiene, was saying this morning if they're off for the next eight weeks, this runs right into State Boards - and they'll not have had a chance to get patients lined up. National Boards are conducted at a testing center - that's probably not happening, either. (Deep breath in, deep breath out...)
Then, there's Morticia, whose wedding to the Doctor is the first week of May, the eighth week. Even though it is a small affair (under 50 people), it's at the National Aviary. If National Parks and Monuments stay closed that long - well, I guess we'll be rescheduling the reception. They can still have the ceremony - just immediate family would have been there, anyway - so having the party another day shouldn't be a big deal. (deep breath in, long breath out...)
Let's look at some happy things!
Spring is here! At least if we have to be home, we can go outside. Can you imagine if this was going down in a cold, cold winter?
Our little grandson is walking and enjoying one of his first words - "NO!" He's a joy to behold, even if we can't see him for a while.
Time to get to all those little things we've been saying "We'll get around to it." I gave DH a Round Tuit when we were engaged - a nifty little ditty on a round piece of wood that I used press-on letters for, to ensure the entire thing would look uniform. He was less than impressed, but we still have it-somewhere! Guess we'll get 'around to' looking for it!
Getting creative with meals - no biggie here, but Moink is going to have to learn to eat what we have on the table. If it's something with dairy, I understand, but money could become an issue, so...yeah.
Being thankful we're relatively healthy and happy that we have each other.
And Simon is certainly beyond happy that his family is home - he gets to curl up with me on sofa, and watch for his favorite human (Ms. Business) to come out of her room, and for chances to play with Moink.
This gives me a lot of time for creative endeavors - back to those paintings, and maybe a little writing!
In light of the symptoms of Covid-19, thankful I can take those deep breaths in and out!
So, come for a virtual swim - social distancing and all that - but pop in for a while. Why don't you share a positive thought with everyone what you plan on doing during our time of home encampment? Would love to hear your thoughts!
And remember..."Just keep swimming, just keep swimming..."
Listening to the news about Covid-19 updates had me feeling a little anxious this morning. We're off school for 2 weeks and now, listening to what the CDC is saying, maybe a little longer. Last week, I came home early from work with some sort of virus - they're not saying it is THE VIRUS, but I was advised to stay home with minimal contact with others until symptoms subside. And, by-the-bye, no testing unless symptoms worsened. Glad to report I haven't had to go for testing, as I'm feeling a little better, not worse, but would have had to take a couple more days off. Now, those sick days are saved for another time. (Deep breath in, deep breath out...)
Darling Hubby had to go in for a meeting today at the Great University of our city to find out what they're going to be doing. Ms. Business, who is in their dental school for hygiene, was saying this morning if they're off for the next eight weeks, this runs right into State Boards - and they'll not have had a chance to get patients lined up. National Boards are conducted at a testing center - that's probably not happening, either. (Deep breath in, deep breath out...)
Then, there's Morticia, whose wedding to the Doctor is the first week of May, the eighth week. Even though it is a small affair (under 50 people), it's at the National Aviary. If National Parks and Monuments stay closed that long - well, I guess we'll be rescheduling the reception. They can still have the ceremony - just immediate family would have been there, anyway - so having the party another day shouldn't be a big deal. (deep breath in, long breath out...)
Let's look at some happy things!
Spring is here! At least if we have to be home, we can go outside. Can you imagine if this was going down in a cold, cold winter?
Our little grandson is walking and enjoying one of his first words - "NO!" He's a joy to behold, even if we can't see him for a while.
Time to get to all those little things we've been saying "We'll get around to it." I gave DH a Round Tuit when we were engaged - a nifty little ditty on a round piece of wood that I used press-on letters for, to ensure the entire thing would look uniform. He was less than impressed, but we still have it-somewhere! Guess we'll get 'around to' looking for it!
Getting creative with meals - no biggie here, but Moink is going to have to learn to eat what we have on the table. If it's something with dairy, I understand, but money could become an issue, so...yeah.
Being thankful we're relatively healthy and happy that we have each other.
And Simon is certainly beyond happy that his family is home - he gets to curl up with me on sofa, and watch for his favorite human (Ms. Business) to come out of her room, and for chances to play with Moink.
This gives me a lot of time for creative endeavors - back to those paintings, and maybe a little writing!
In light of the symptoms of Covid-19, thankful I can take those deep breaths in and out!
So, come for a virtual swim - social distancing and all that - but pop in for a while. Why don't you share a positive thought with everyone what you plan on doing during our time of home encampment? Would love to hear your thoughts!
And remember..."Just keep swimming, just keep swimming..."
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