260 Surviving pandemic times

Surviving in a time of a pandemic 

It’s July and we are still held hostage by a pandemic. It came on fast but doesn’t want to leave quickly. Experts say it will be here for quite some time. Although some restrictions have lifted, the comfort level has been compromised.

So we can’t ignore it but must learn to live with it in the best way possible. Each day we come up with more survival techniques. The following are some tips we have learned to help us cope.

• Go to stores such as variety stores, drug stores, and dollar stores as soon as they open – 8 a.m. or sooner. It is less crowded and easier to navigate. You don’t have to put up with as many people who don’t wear masks and want to talk. My husband prefers going a little before closing time.

• Suit up--in mask and gloves and carry a shopping bag. Put items in your own bag while moving through the aisles. Then empty items on the counter and then repack your bag after items are scanned. I don’t know why I do this with a shopping bag but somehow it seems safer. Really whatever works for you.

• When you get home, leave purchases in front hall or similar area out of the way for at least 24 hours and wipe down after that and put them away. Don’t put them away until some time has passed.

• Grocery stores are trickier. We do mask and glove up but use a shopping cart that has been wiped down – again we don’t use store bags. We take items out to our vehicle and put them in boxes or bags we brought.

• We are also finding out we can buy basics at small stores and convenience stops so grocery trips are less frequent.

• Enjoying the outdoors is vital to survival. My daisies and daylilies are especially gorgeous this year as well as hydrangeas (I don’t have any but enjoy them in other yards.)

• Whatever outside space is available, make the most of it. Soak in the fresh air and enjoy the trees forming a natural shade.

• Solar lights add a nice dimension in the yard—really inexpensive but lots of enjoyment in the evening hours. 

• Ordering has taken on a new mission and has become critical. We even ordered a dehumidifier for the basement. Arrived promptly at the front door and works great.

• Also when toilet paper is available – buy it. Not sure why it is in short supply. Also buy paper towels, tissues, wipes, sanitizer whenever you see them. Be prepared!

My last blog was a poem and some of you encouraged me to write some more. So here it is--you asked for it and you got it. You may be sorry.

Pandemic

What a time
this has been.
Like no other
we have lived.

No visits, no trips--
Everything screeched to a halt
Everything paused.

Imagine Wolf Trap with no concerts,
The Kennedy Center
without “The Nutcracker,”
Broadway theaters
with no shows.

Ballfields
with no games.
Bleachers empty
of spectators.

U.S. citizens have even been
banned from traveling
to EU countries for now.

Warm weather was thought
to maybe slow or stop the spread
but it hasn’t.

Sometimes I forget
what was the norm.
Sometimes I am
shocked by where we are.

Some restrictions have been lifted
but we don’t always feel safe
going back.

Where will it end
no one knows
so be careful, stay safe,
and love your family and friends. 

                             Frances