This is How We Roll

You can't put a price tag on friendship. Or can you? This isn't quite the gift that keeps on giving. But it sure is a priceless one-time-use treasure.

I've noticed a lot of weird stuff fly off shelves during this pandemic, but toilet paper ranks up top. People hoarding it. People fighting over it. And sold out everywhere – even on Amazon, which represents thousands of vendors.

All. Sold. Out.

When hubby managed to snag some at the store last week he said there was a "bouncer" making sure people only took one package per household. I suppose if saloons are closed, the bouncers gotta work somewhere.

Some friends of ours weren't as fortunate. They are running low and were supposed to pick up an order of it at Walmart tonight. They got notice today the order was canceled for some reason. Probably supply and demand. So when I was at the store after work to pick up some K-cups (coffee is essential for this girl), I saw there were some package of TP on the shelf. Say what?

I snapped a photo, sent it to our friend and said they're lucky we love them so much! See, you really can't put a price tag on friendship unless it's the $5.89 they charge for 6 mega rolls. Uff da. Glad we could help!

Meanwhile, in our household, the "bouncer" says to me: "We only have 19 rolls left. You're gonna have to start using both sides."

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how we roll.

Neighborly Distancing

For the record, we live in an awesome neighborhood. Social distancing is far from the norm here. And is quite difficult to follow – especially when all the big sweetie doggies walk by and you want to run out and say hi (well, to their owners, too).

But we've been abiding by the rules. Waving at windows if we walk by, just in case our neighbors are peeking out. And we actually thank Mother Nature for keeping the nice days to a minimum or our willpower would surely be tested!

Today was one of those nice days, though. 50-plus degrees. And I gave in. But legally.

Cindy and I learned we can still take walks with friends. We just gotta stick to our own sides of the road! It worked just fine and it was so great to catch up and SOCIALIZE!!

Of course the hard part when I see any of my friends is not getting the hugs "hello" and "goodbye." The power of human contact is so amazing. I miss it. But I'm so lovable I'm sure the germs would just latch on to me!

See why my friends miss me? Haha. I do miss family and friends but am connecting virtually. So out of sight doesn't mean out of mind.

Hopefully the nice weather allows you to get out for today's version of neighborly socializing. We'll all definitely make up for it around the campfire rings this summer, right?

Voodoo Cleaning Magic

Does it really matter where we find our motivation to declutter as long as we find it? Well, maybe... It's possible someone has a voodoo doll of me and they are lighting a match under my feet to get me moving. If so, please don't stop. I have lot more to do!

Today was the basement and closet continuation. I had three big plastic totes of craft stuff. Much of it was stuff I got free from way back in the early part of the century (that's actually accurate) when I worked on arts and crafts magazines. When the magazines shuttered, the loot was divvied up. I shoved it in totes and fast-forward to today and I was posting pictures of items and hoping to give them away to friends in need before donating.

After all, there's a ton of stuff that I never got into – like bookmaking, knitting, and voodoo. Wait, what? Seriously, it was some books from some art and craft (maybe witchcraft) vendor. I think my friends are scared of me now!

I did get rid of a bunch and tossed a bunch of worthless items today, too. Our garbage cans are full so I guess that means I'm off the hook the next few evenings!

Hubby will be glad. He interrupted me mid-cleaning yesterday and said, "It looks worse than it was!" Well I had all those games and was cleaning the shelves, etc. So yeah, it was a big pile of piles.

Now I'm feeling good. Have bags on the right and totes, etc on the left that are awaiting pickup or room in my vehicle to take them to Goodwill. Whew. That was a productive weekend!

To whoever controls my voodoo doll, please put out the fire and let me sleep tonight.

Clutter Jams

I've been looking for motivation and today I finally found it. Thanks in part so some old '90s mix CDs of mine that I've now dubbed "Music to De-Clutter By." And it was.

About mid-morning, I headed down the to basement and came up at 5 p.m. – only taking breaks to eat and refill my water bottle.

I hit the "main room" of the basement with the goal of going through bins of Carter's clothes and toys and eventually hitting the closet. Instead of just throwing things in the donation pile, I did post photos of several items as part of a Giveaway Saturday! I like to give stuff to people I know if they can use it. The rest will go to Goodwill.

At end of day, I did have a trunk full of stuff – not even clothes yet – but I probably won't add any items to the backseat. Who knows how many weeks I'll be driving around with junk in my trunk (ha) before Goodwill opens again!

I did go through the games part of the closet, but have to drag out stuff from the other side, which seems like a bunch of craft bins – books and material, etc. I'll do that tomorrow while I still have my motivation. Crossing fingers it doesn't drift away while I sleep!

Part of fun was discovering favorite clothes Carter used to wear and items from his childhood – like his bouncy ball collection! I assured him I wasn't getting rid of that. Quite valuable, I'm sure.

I also came across some puzzles I didn't know we had. So tonight after supper, that was my treat. I'm doing a kitty puzzle! I didn't get very far but, hey, I'm not going anywhere anytime soon so I can pick at it when I have a few free moments or just need to escape from the day's headlines.

It will be a true test of willpower to get back downstairs tomorrow and hit that closet, rather than trying to finish the puzzle border. Maybe I should go back out there before I go to bed!

Just for a minute.

Date Night :: Flying the Coop

When you survive your third week in quarantine together, you deserve a date night out. And by "out" I mean a drive along the river to see if can spot any eagles – or frankly any wildlife – and a stop at the gas station and grocery store. Feel free to be jealous about our romantic evening!

It started after work when I saw the first robin of spring in our back yard. I thought maybe on such a nice day the eagles would be out on ice patches on the river, looking for food. Plus, I'm dying to take some pictures of just about anything since there aren't spring sports. I coerced hubby to drive the truck so I could ride shotgun and be the lookout.

It had been so long since I had been OUT, I didn't realize all the ice had melted. The river was quite high, actually.

Even cranberries were floating from some nearby bog – obviously preserved in the ice this winter.

Keeping our social distance. Ha.

Since we came up empty along the river, I motored along County Trunk W nearby and got lucky. All kinds of birds and geese and ducks and feathered friends. Keeping their social distance from this photographer! Didn't have my "super zoom" with me but I made due with my 300mm.

I was headed home and turned down a dirt road when I saw these guys (or ladies). They didn't pose too long.

But their four long-legged friends hung around and let me inch closer to them.

Sounding the alarm! "Honk! Photographer on the premises!"

Glad a I captured a few. You can tell in this picture they're scampering off because they had enough. I'm just jealous they can hang around in such close company.

Jim and I were fortunate, though, to run into at least 5 couples we know between the gas station and two grocery stops. We kept our 6-foot separation from them, but dang, I can't tell you how good it was to see friendly faces!

Lord, I will never take that for granted again!

Home Base

We should be grilling out or eating brats and peanuts or bragging about our team's perfect record, maybe 1-0, but perfect. Instead we all had to observe the 2020 MLB Season Opener at home. At home! And not even on TV.

Not everyone believes baseball is America's favorite pastime (gasp!), but I can guarantee it would be America's favorite distraction right about now.

When the NCAA and NBA called an end to the hoops season earlier this month, I was probably in the minority when I thought that was fine – knowing in my head and heart that baseball was right around the corner.

Sadly, we were denied both sports. Among many others.

Lots of cable sports channels are airing "classic" games right now. And I'm not ashamed to say they're from my childhood. C'mon, you knew I was classy, er classic!

It's actually appropriate to see them now – in a time where there's very few options to watch any other games on TV (just like "back then") and we want to watch something uplifting rather than the depressing news (like gas shortages in the '70s, the Iran hostage situation in the '80s, and the gulf war in the '90s). See, there's always negative events capturing the world's attention.

Now do you understand why right in the midst of all that "classic" time a little television channel called ESPN launched – and claimed we could use more sports?

I think they were right. Baseball (and sports in general) don't necessarily cure the problems, but they sure as heck do a fine job healing our symptoms.

And right now, I don't care if it's a ball, a strike, outside, or bounces to the plate... Bring on that first pitch!

Marching to the Birthday Drum

It would appear March came in like a lamb, will go out like a lion, and steal everybody's birthday joy in between.

I feel bad for March birthdays – especially my mother-in-law last week and my mom, who turned 88 today.

Due to our social distancing, plus the fact Mom is in a vulnerable category at her age, she had to spend her big day alone. One of my sisters who lives nearby was able to deliver flowers to her the other day before floral shops (and most Wisconsin businesses) were shut down. She couldn't even give Mom a hug on behalf of us 8 kids, but Mom had tears in her eyes when she saw there were 8 yellow roses. She was very grateful!

When I talked to her today she was just grateful to be healthy right now especially. And happy to hear from her children via cards in the mail or phone calls or both. She said, "We'll have to have a big party when this over."

Yep, Mom. We're all over that! I don't even think it'll be confined to March birthdays. Everybody everywhere is going to celebrate.

Can't wait!

Oh and please don't tell her I shared this photo of her – without any lipstick on, for heaven's sake! She can still ground me. Well, that's pretty ineffective right now. But she'd find a way to make it count. Moms can always do that.

Time Tracker

For some of you, this house arrest business is new and maybe even fun and exciting. For us veteran quaranteeners, it's getting old. It's getting crazy.

I've lost all concept of time and days and dates. It seriously was only two weeks ago when we were nervous about experiencing the time change, a full moon, and Friday the 13th all in the same week.

Only two weeks? Only two weeks. Seems like a lifetime ago.

I don't know how hubby keeps his wits about him working from home all the time. I thankfully am super busy "at" work so I don't have time for distractions like laundry and Days Of Our Lives (well, maybe). So many people are boasting about their great spring cleaning and decluttering projects and I'm like, wait, just because I'm home doesn't mean I have free time. I'm saving that hour per day of commute time, but that's about.

I'm sure you parents trying to home school your kids right now are feeling the same way. It's not relaxing for all of us in quarantine. And there isn't a bunch of time to get things done, just because we're home.

Well, I guess since the world is canceled, I do have all my evenings free now. So I could go to town on so many projects. But this is what I've learned...

Nope. Even several hours a day aren't going to change me. I shared this on Facebook and had to laugh at myself. I'm still lazy! Gah. Honestly, I really wanted to prove myself wrong.

But first... I finished a book... Ate supper...

Watched one of these... And now am going to watch the season finale of This is Us.

Then, I swear, I'll make good use of my time. Wait. Then I swear I will TRY to make good use of my time.

There's always tomorrow. And, based on predictions, plenty more tomorrows at home. Plenty of time, folks!

Gimme Shelter

The pivotal Day 14: Post-Washington is drawing to a close. We should be celebrating because we both remain symptom-free AND I was set to return to the office (the real one) tomorrow. But then the governor had a few words to say about that.

I know this is happening in so many states – the "shelter in place" directive – but dang, I was this close to finally flying the coop!

So we'll rejoice in the fact we are healthy and employed and able to work from our little shelter on Blue Jay Drive. Oh, not the one above. That was a makeshift shelter built along the shore of Bellingham Bay 2 weeks ago. I don't know if homeless people sleep there or beach partiers sneak in there for privacy. I do know there probably isn't anyone working from home in there.

So we count ourselves lucky and blessed. Just for today. The way things change with each rotation of the Earth, we can't look any further than the presents in our presence.

Praise the Lord!

I Need a Nap

People always talk about how smart dogs are, but kitty definitely has the right idea here. Take a nap and wake me up when all of this is over!

Don't we wish?!

Another day behinds bars, er home bound, and it was a long one. But all positive.

Talked to my mom on the phone since I won't see her for her 88th birthday this week. Got to watch my church service online through Facebook Live, so that was cool. Got to see a little bit of the young and cute Paul Molitor.

Nothing else is on but re-runs. Even in sports!

Did not necessarily catch the "motivation bug," but had just enough of it to keep tackling my office overhaul. I tossed a lot of things I don't know why I was keeping. And actually organized some other things into logical places and groupings. Very long way to go since it also serves as my Scrap Cave. But I did have one big accomplishment...

I can see the surface of my big desk! Guess who's not working at the kitchen table tomorrow? Guess who's really happy? That guy in the office next to me, who now can blare his classic country music throughout the house. If I remember to keep my door closed.

Another perk of decluttering is finding sentimental things you forgot you had – and still don't plan on throwing away.

This letter to Santa (circa 2007) cracks me up for a few reasons. One, my highlight of the year was getting a haircut. Two, he doesn't appear to be asking anything of Santa – just giving a family update. And three, "Sincerely, Carter J. Austin." Ha. Cute.

I did manage to start filling a bag with garbage and a box for Goodwill. Since I officially have NO PLANS any evening this week, I hopefully can keep up the motivation.

At some point, it's gonna be my turn for the TV, though. Isn't it?

Spring Stay-cation is Probably Overrated

When this reminder popped up on my phone today, I felt bad that College Boy's spring break destination was our basement! Probably a lot cheaper than some beach somewhere, though.

Since his spring break (aka corona-cation) started early this week – turning it two weeks long – he was ready today to get the second half started. And not in his parents' basement.

I get it. I really do. It was great, though, just to have a few days with him – and his sweet girlfriend – in the house. They headed back to Platteville tonight. Basically college kids these days just shake a dice and decide where they're going to spend time being bored. Or having fun by themselves (or with one special person) and managing the whole social distancing thing. Definitely a memorable spring semester for them all!

Meanwhile, Sylvester remains oblivious. Good. We don't want her stressed. While I was attempting to clean in my office today (about time!), I came across the Mickey Mouse back scratcher my sister Romey gave my parents (I think) when she was living in Florida in the mid-1970s. Yup. Vintage and working great. Good thing I don't throw anything away.

Right.

I did spend a few hours shredding documents today after cleaning out some filing cabinet drawers. Why did I start with the one thing no one will see anyway? I don't know. Not like we'll have company in the next month anyway. Pretty much the whole house is going to be a decluttering work in progress while I have my evenings and weekends free. Yippee.

This is not my idea of a spring stay-cation either. I understand why Carter wanted to escape. Dang, I should've hitched a ride.

True Colors

Well Mother Nature showed her true colors today. After all that lovely rain yesterday to bring in a fresh spring, she dumps snow on us! Our Skol Man on the front deck was not amused. Me neither.

And guess who else is going to be showing her true colors soon? A helluva lot of us. That's who.

Less than 24 hours before my next hair artist appointment (not even kidding), and our governor decides this afternoon to shut down hair salons (and tattoo parlors, tanning salons and more) – effective at 5 p.m. today! Yes, a few-hour notice and that was it!

Seriously, dude?! If the governor were a woman, she'd know hair salons are essential. Honestly, my mental health will not be pretty when my true colors show!

So, I crossed off my 10:45 a.m. Saturday appointment, like every other item on the calendar for the rest of the month. So sad.

And yes, I know this virus / situation is serious. But we do need to laugh or we are all going to go stir crazy. And for some of us, that's a shorter trip than others! Trust me when I say, it's quite a contest between who wants me back to work in my actual office in Stevens Point more – me or my hubby.

I am so seriously in Jim's way and cramping his style that I'd guess that's the main reason he wants us both to get through Day 14 on Monday with flying colors. And for me, I really just want to feel some normalcy in my "usual setup" at work.

These days, I think we're all just clinging to those one or two normal things remaining in our life routine. And I don't want to say this is the "new normal" because I don't want it to last. I'll adapt to change, as long as it changes back.

Except when we're talking about hair color. Get that gray gone and don't let it come back!

The Groundhog Was Right

Shout out to Punxsutawney Phil. Not only is spring early this year, but it's the earlier one in more than a century! To honor the occasion, it rained all day in central Wisconsin. Trying to melt that snow and get the creek in the backyard flowing.

But after a sunny home office the last few days, it was sort of depressing.

Still, we are living in special times. Earliest spring since 1896 and the potential worse pandemic since 1918. Good times, right?

So why is spring a day early? I had find the answer with my friends as the Farmer's Almanac...

The first day of spring will occur at 10:50 p.m. tonight, marked by the arrival of the Vernal (Spring) Equinox – the earliest in 124 years.

Traditionally, we celebrate the first day of spring on March 21, but astronomers and calendar manufacturers alike now say that the spring season starts on March 20, in all time zones in North America. And this year, it’s even a day earlier than that—something that hasn’t happened since 1896.

Regardless of what the weather is doing outside, the equinox marks the official start of the spring season. May it bring new life, new hope, new health, and a new appreciation for our many blessings.

Reason to Smile

Despite our constant state of bad news and negativity these days, I have reason to smile.

While it may be breaking some "social distancing" rules, our college boy is home! Just for a few days on break. Got home tonight and it's the first time I've seen him in 2020. Seriously. This momma needed her up close and personal hugs.

Followed by hand sanitizer, of course.

That's all I got. Sweet dreams coming right up.

Closing Time

Of all things a pandemic could cause in Wisconsin, I never thought sobriety would be one of them. But the gov announced today that all bars and restaurants are closed. Yes. Closed. Not even the unpopular dives with less than 10 patrons are open. Every CLOSED sign was to be hung by 5 p.m. On St. Patty's Day, no less.

Ironically, the phrase, "It's 5 o'clock somewhere" did not indicate the start of a good time.

Crazy, huh?

Also in Wisconsin, churches had announced they're closing their doors for now, too. But the saloon announcement came later. Totally in line with our usual priorities. No offense.

Seriously, every day it's bizarro news taken to a new level. For us in the Blue Jay Drive Bubble, we're just glad we reached Day 8 Post-Washington and still not symptoms. I'll drink to that! (At home.)

Based on our empty fridge, water or chocolate milk will have to do.

Cheers and happy St. Patrick's Day!

Let's Get Things Straight

One week into working in the Home Office bubble (aka the Cramping Jimmy's Style bubble), I've realized – quite literally – what a pain it is. Who knew the biggest perk of my office job was having an ergonomist on site?

After a weekend of very little computer time, I sat down at my kitchen table cubicle this morning and immediately felt a twinge of shooting pain in my right shoulder. It quickly became obvious what was causing it.

All last week working in that spot, I didn't pay attention that the table is taller than my desk at work. Or at least taller than my ergonomically appropriate chair height. So I've had my arm and hand too high and, basically, pinching my shoulder to my neck. Like you're holding a phone there.

For. A. Week.

Thankfully, my massage therapist could sneak me in for an emergency session after work. It was a major ouch.

So advice to all of you who don't normally work at home: Pay attention to your work setup. Listen to the tips for raising your seat to work above your keyboard and mouse; sit with proper posture; have your feet on the floor (or flat surface like a shoe box if you have to sit on more chair cushions, like I'll have to).

Lesson learned.

And yes, I do have an office, a desk and a desk chair at home. But there is not room in that spot for a laptop and another monitor. Remember, kids, Macs and PCs don't mix. Also, full disclosure, I do have another desk in my office, but that would require a day off to clean it. And there's just not enough sunlight like the kitchen spot, either.

So we'll see how long this bubble business goes on. Like everybody else, I'm learning something new every day.

And hoping to maintain my health and safety – and hubby's sanity.

Sit up straight and be careful out there!

Close to Home

Every time I see photo illustrations of the coronavirus, I'm reminded of these suction cup toys for little kids. See what I mean...

Now you can't un-see that, can you? Well, at least it's the only thing I can find funny about it.

Found out tonight we have a confirmed case in south Wood County. Some quick facts: We live in south Wood County. It's not us.

But it gets alarming when it's potentially close to home. And considering we know a lot of people (a lot), it could be somebody we know. Hopefully, they'll be OK. Apparently, the patient was on a cruise recently. Now the county health people have to go through the whole investigative process to identify all the people who may have had contact with this person since their return. Now that's a nightmare. Hoping for a positive (as in good) outcome.

I'll just keep plugging along in my bubble! Be careful out there!

Practice Safe Socializing

As much as I understand the current need for "social distancing" to stop or slow the spread of the coronavirus, it's a tough ask for us hugger types.

This morning at book club, where there are always hugs hello AND goodbye, we sat with some distance (not the recommended 6 feet) between us and no touching. No hugging. *sad face* Thank goodness we could still talk and laugh. That was much needed socializing for Mz. Home Office this week.

This afternoon, hubby and I were at a surprise birthday party. Definitely not possible to keep the recommended 6-foot distance between each person. I wore a high scarf to keep my mouth hidden behind a barrier – and tried really hard to just bump elbows instead of hugging anyone. Two hugs sneaked in at the end, but I'm hoping to God they were safe ones. We kept our visit shorter than usual, too. For the most part, though, everyone there was on the same page about practicing safe socializing.

Just not as fun, though! But so necessary. I get that.

Back in the Bubble... Day 5: Post-Washington... Jim and I still feel great. Not showing any symptoms of ANYTHING. But we know we just need to stay diligent about washing our hands, staying home as much as we can, and trying to keep enough distance between us and other people when we're out of the bubble.

Like everyone else, we're just taking this one day at a time. Trying our best to be smart and safe.

And just keep praying all we brought back from Washington was good memories of a great weekend!