We’re in the middle of a worldwide health crises—Covid -19, known commonly as the Coronavirus. I  wondered what to write about on this blog. Could I give you tips on how to be optimistic as the days drag on and we are still wandering around in a wilderness with no reliable answers in sight? Or should I give you ten tips for having fun under the circumstances—if  only I had any tips for having fun, which I don’t.

So, how are you filling your days? I’d love to know.

Here’s how it’s going for me.

My significant other, Mike, is staying with me and we are incredibly compatible. I wonder if that’s because we’re older and are not working or raising kids. I’m pretty sure I’ve mellowed a lot. There, I said it. I’m a nicer person now.

We are watching “Homeland” on Prime—thank God for streaming TV! It’s an intense show—so we limit ourselves to two episodes each night. It’s all I can take. We are so very lucky to have reliable Wi-Fi that I can afford and a giant TV screen to watch it on.

Of course, I have been reading as much as possible—and inevitably, playing my games on my iPad. I’m cooking a lot more and sleeping too much—and trying to be on some sort of schedule. I’m not a schedule type of person—so, that’s a challenge.

Like so many of us, the ever present news is the background to our lives. Shopping for food has become my main occupation—although I’m cutting back on it to isolate myself a bit more. Thankfully, we are supplied well and not worrying about necessities. Not even toilet tissue! ( I’m still wondering why toilet tissue became such a focus of hoarding, but I guess it’s a scary thing to run out of.) I figure if I run out of paper towels, I have plenty of rags—a lifetime supply. I am a lot more conscious of conserving my use of paper products—with the exception of napkins. But, there’s always the possibility of substituting paper towels for them—or a shirt sleeve!

Our dear friend has been eating dinner with us—either at her home or mine. We only see one another—no other friends. Even if we wanted to go out, there’s no place to go—our community closed down at least 10 days ago—a good thing, in my opinion. I am on Facebook a lot more than I should—but it helps me feel connected. Two good friends reached out by phone—so that was a blessing to talk to them. Remember the good old days when we communicated by phone—not just by text? It’s nice to hear another human voice and the give and take of a conversation. My brother brought me up-to-date on some important family news and I’ve been in touch with my daughter who is shepherding her staff and faculty in placing their university classes on-line.

Needless to say, my little doggie Sparkle has to be cared for and she gets her share of attention and especially treats! What a great life she leads—she gets rewarded for peeing in the right place! Ha! Can you say that?

The one thing I’ve been neglecting is my writing—with all of these long days—I’m still not carving out the time. So, that has to be prioritized more. I have a second novella to get back to and this blog which I’ve neglected.

I hope you are finding ways to make these days productive. I’m sure many of you are creating art, taking classes, reading great books, running or walking miles every day, and finding ways to stay connected. Or maybe you’re sleeping a lot. Whatever gets you through the night—and the days.

Take care.