Day whatever – I don’t even know anymore – of sheltering in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

I’ve spent hours working on jigsaw puzzles – I’m on my second 1000 piece puzzle.  I’m working my way through a stack of library books.  I’m attending church services, including special Lenten services, virtually.  I’m going on daily outdoor walks (weather permitting).

I want to be informed about this quickly, and apparently easily, spreading virus; but after watching news shows and special reports endlessly, I find I need a break.  The stories about those affected with the virus and those healthcare workers on the front lines fighting this disease, make me cry.  I would rather hear the positive, heart-warming stories that are out there, but not as readily reported.

I admit I’m spending too much time on social media sites.  However, that being said, I do think Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – my pastimes of choice – provide me with news, entertainment and most importantly connection with family and friends.  These platforms provide me opportunities to stay in touch with those people important to me.  And, it’s easy to scroll past any negative posts I don’t want to read.  I have connected with others through email, texting and Facetime also.

My current favorite technology tool is Zoom.  Through that app meant for facilitating virtual meetings with several participants, I have gathered with my book club for our regular monthly meeting, got together with family for a happy hour and this week, my book group from church will Zoom in to discuss our current book.

Can you imagine what being isolated would have been like in the “olden days” without the technology we have today?  When I was a young person we would have been communicating with snail mail or land line telephones.  Thankfully, today’s technology allows us to see faces and hear voices.  You younger folks taking all of this for granted don’t know how lucky you are!

My biggest challenge now is finding the motivation to stay productive.  Yes, I am retired so in theory, should always have lots of time on my hands.  But, under normal circumstances, I tend to stay pretty busy and out of the house quite a bit.  Now, when I can’t leave home, I really do have time on my hands.  It’s so easy to put off tasks thinking I’ll have more time to complete them tomorrow.  Instead, I think I should (hate that word) be taking care of spring house cleaning, cleaning out drawers and closets, and other necessary chores I never find time to do.  It’s just too easy to procrastinate.

Not knowing how long this pandemic will go on and how long we will need to shelter in place, makes it difficult to plan for the near future.  We would like to put our house on the market in June in anticipation of moving into a town house in August.  Now, I wonder how feasible those plans are.  Should I continue to work on cleaning out the basement and garage, or forget about it for now??? I feel sorry for all those folks trying to plan for graduations, weddings, confirmation celebrations, etc.

Enough ranting and worrying for today.  As I write this, the sun in shining brightly in the Twin Cities.  Time to get outside for some fresh air.

I hope all of you are hunkering down and finding satisfying activities to keep you busy and healthy.  Drop a comment below and let me know how you’re staying sane.