Now, though, I am back in the land of reality…..two- and one-half days of escapism, of distraction, of joy.  As I was watching TV last Friday evening, surfing the channels, I unwittingly found that the local PBS station was showing Downton Abbey re-runs. Thus, it began, this mental vacation – I was sucked into the TV, re-living the escapades and accomplishments of the Crawley family.  I was in TV heaven, I was transported for a short time out of the reality of this current world to watch a fascinating story, fiction as it was, of a family with all of its ups and downs.  Yes, when Downton Abbey was in “season” I watched it regularly, but I did miss some episodes.  Well, I can happily say, I am all caught up.   What a marvelous example of talented writing, acting, producing, and all of the facets that it takes to bring such a show to life.   I am grateful.

This is the question hovering in the back of my mind.  And, the answer is, I don’t know.  These last several months have been challenging for all of us.  I find one of the hardest things is to grocery shop.  It consumes my morning.  Remember, when we first were learning about what to do during this Pandemic to minimize exposure, there were guidelines on how to handle your groceries.  It was a major process of wiping everything down.  There’s getting used to masks – I have 2 styles, one leaves ridges under my eyes, the other is harder to see from a couple of angles.  But hopefully they do their job.   Of course, there has been minimal contact with folks.  Every once in a while, I’ll be out front when my neighbor across the street is out and we visit for a few minutes – enough space between us.  My daughter even came over on Mother’s Day (she lives 1.5 hours away) to do some odd jobs outside – power washed the patio – but we air hugged and ate our separate lunches on the patio where we were able to enjoy the decent weather and were over 6 feet apart.  Last week, my son-in-law to be came out on Thursday and did some odds and end, put a vent cover on the dryer vent…. etc.  It was good to see him – we, too, just air hugged.  Ate our meals separately, I had soup (which I had made the previous day), and he ate his sandwich on the patio – I opened a window near my dining table so we could converse.  Other than grocery and pharmacy visits, that has been my human contact.  I did need to get my car inspected – managed to find a place where I could actually stay in my car.  Result – car is legal (and after inspection she got a nice washing, too.)

I have done a few projects outside, but they have been minimal.  I have finished two small crochet projects; I do have another easy one to do, just don’t seem to have the will.  I keep my routine of house cleaning, and other ordinary chores, preparing meals, laundry, bed linens, etc.  That is as it should be.  My morning routine, although not always in a timely fashion, is still pretty much the same – I do put on a little makeup. I have a walking routine and a morning exercise routine – done daily.  My walking is minimal, though. I have thought about my wonderful bike – just wish I could get over my fear of falling and not wanting to be hospitalized for a broken something during this time. (Maybe I should convert it into a stationary bike.)  I read – especially just before bed.  I have done 3 puzzles, working on a 4th – but, this one is challenging my patience.  The TV is always on, that is my main company (oh, of course there are phone conversations) but I have become addicted to re-runs of Diagnosis Murder, Mangum PI (original), Love It or List It and Home Town.
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The days come; the days go.  Still there is life.  Life in a more careful way.  My stay at home endeavors do include weekly visits to a grocery store, occasional visits to a pharmacy (as mentioned above) and post office, and maybe a short drive by myself into the country side.  I am in the higher risk group, so will continue social distancing protocols. I do not want to become a burden on the medical community, or on anyone.  Indeed, I am sincerely grateful that I have a home, space and ability to care for myself.  There is a nice roof over my head, and all of my wonderful memories surround me.  While these times are different for most of us, and the challenges are exacerbated right now, for me, there is none the less a firm realization of how valuable and good life truly can be.  This heightens my gratitude.