In the Age of Pandemics!

Meat counter at our local Publix

I'm sure you're as stunned and amazed as I am about all that is going on in our world.
Even now, people are giving toilet paper alerts on FB. How much do you have to have to feel safe? And bottled water! Is our water source threatened? Every day you go to the grocer store, something new is wiped out. It is just amazing and yet, trump is standing before the microphones and expounding his "knowledge." I have found comfort in listening to Gov. Cuomo on NY giving thorough, calm, rational updates. Too bad we have no one at the helm of government to do the same. States and the Federal government are BIDDING against each other for necessary supplies. Does that sound as ridiculous to you as it does to me? Why is the Federal government not coordinating this? Alright, I know, I know......but it is so incomprehensible!

I wanted to tell you a little about the exhibit sponsored by Lowcountry Coalition Against Hate for March 14 & 15. It had to be cancelled but we do plan to do it when life returns to some semblance of normal. The artist is Mary Burkett from Columbia, SC and she does pencil drawings of Children of the Holocaust and Children of Slavery. She usually brings 10 of her drawings and will talk about two of them. I thought it was interesting that she used this drawing for PR. Her reason was that you really couldn't tell whether this child is from the holocaust or slavery. She was actually a child of slavery who was rescued around the age of 5 and taken to a whole new life. She appears to have had a comfortable life. I was very much looking forward to the exhibit and talk, being interested in where and how she obtained information about her subjects. Here is a LINK to a local article about her and I'm sure you can Google her for more of her drawings.

On the 19th, Chris and I had planned to go to an art exhibit in Beaufort and we thought it safe enough to do so. It would our last outing before lock-down! The exhibit, What it Means to be Free - Art by Women of Color, was just hanging in the Arts Center. We figured there would probably be no one there. In any case, we made a quick stop at the Publix in St Helena in search of yogurt and TOFU. Whoever thought there would be a run on tofu! We were able to pick up a reasonable amount in record time. When we got to the exhibit, there were signs posted on all doors so we thought we were out of luck. We went up to read the notice and I tried the door, and it was open. So, other than the lady in the office, we had a private showing! While we were there, one of the artists came to pick up her work. so we'd made it just in time. From there we went to Herban Market for delicious vegetarian food. There were only doing take outs but there just happened to be picnic tables under a large tree across the street - I'd never even noticed the before. So we sat, facing the river, enjoying a nice breeze on a sunny day, and had lunch. It really was a beautiful day and outing. Chris put it perfectly when we were reflecting on our good fortune...

As always, the simple things give the greatest pleasure. A delicious lunch accompanied by sunshine and river breezes, a successful and impromptu shopping trip, lovely art and best of all, sharing all of this with a good friend. Grace abounds in these perilous times! Be well ...

The following day Tippy scrounged for lunch as our usual haunts were closed. She brought Sushi and we worked on Zoom, a computer program for running online classes. She's going to have to teach her FSU class online. We played with it and got the obvious things to work. The following day she was to meet with two friends who have actually used Zoom for teaching. I'll be eager to pick her brain the next time I see her. 

Since then, I've pretty much been on lockdown with only short trips to the grocery (off-hours), the dump, etc. Today I tried something new......ordering groceries online. This seemed as good a time as any to try it, and it may be needed down the line. They will be delivered on Friday between 1 and 3 PM. I was given some substitution options in case they were out of a specific item (This item is running low. What could be substituted). Prices seemed what I would expect to pay at Kroger. There was a $7.99 delivery fee, $2 service fee, and then tip. It adds up and I wouldn't use it on a regular basis....unless I had to do so. Even so, it's nice to know it's there and I'll see what's actually delivered on Friday!

The hermit in me has really enjoyed having no commitments and being home.  All of my usual activities/groups have been cancelled, as one would expect; but these additional activities will not be happening:

• Tippy and I had planned to attend our precinct reorganization meeting in hopes of also attending our county and state convention. All of that has been postponed/cancelled with no idea of what will follow.
• The travel ban cancelled Eileen's visit and then Melodee did the same. She would be doing a driving trip, but so many things are closed, both here and along the way, it would be difficult to know what to expect. Thankfully, both hope to reschedule later in the year.
• Our governor just announced that schools will be closed through April! I'm thinking of Reyna with a house full of kids and two elderly people!!! She reminds me that my life is a "piece of cake" and I'm not arguing!

I will close with a Rosie update. The vet told me to stop the gabapentin, which I was hesitant to do. There were telltale signs that she was still in pain/discomfort, even on the meds - sleeping/hiding out under the dining room table, getting under the cover on the bed during the day, the "smile" that is really a grimace. I delayed it as long as possible but last Thursday I stopped the meds. Things seemed well for a few days, then she started cutting her morning walks very short. On the third day, I found her under the cover on the bed shivering! So, I've informed the vet and Jennifer, the President of Noah's Ark Rescue, asking where to go from here. It really breaks my heart to see her in pain.

This photo shows the state of my house at the moment. This sofa is one of Rosie's favorite spots.  Under the flokati rug she is sleeping on is a 5" pad to soften her jump from the sofa. There is a chair at the end of the sofa to keep her from propelling herself off the arm of the sofa. There is a spot like this in the living room.....and you can't begin to imagine the bedroom!!  I am at the "love me, love my dog" point and willing to do whatever improves her quality of life. She brings so much joy to me and the whole neighborhood - that is the least I can do for her.

Well, my dear friends, I hope this finds you well and safe. We have to remain optimistic and willing to move to a better outcome. Try leaving me a message (will not show up immediately as I approve them beforehand) and letting me know what is happening where you are. Also, I'm on Netflix, Prime and Acorn...please suggest some viewing recommendations (series). in this time solitude.

LOVE to all. Stay safe and healthy.