The April Where We All Stayed Home

We're still locked down here in Ohio, as most places are. Some businesses will start up again soon, some will have to wait. Those that open will certainly look different. And yet hubby and I have mostly decided to remain cautious for awhile yet, until we see how it plays out.

I'm amused to see so many people jumping on the gardening bandwagon through it all. They've discovered what I've known for years, that gardening will soothe the soul. Of course my seeds were all ordered long in advance, but I went to order a couple of extras and was shocked to see them sold out of so many varieties. However, I'm pleased to hear that so many others will be enjoying gardening this year. Hopefully they'll continue on for years to come.

All this time at home has given both of us plenty of extra time to work in the garden. It's nice to be ahead of the game for once, and well prepared for the upcoming warm weather gardening. We've been working on cutting out new edges around all the borders, which is especially easy to do after spring rains pass through. I've transplanted stray plants, removed overly enthusiastic ground covers, started seeds, planted perennials, watched our spring vegetables sprouting, and often just admired whatever pops up. Each arrival has been marked with a flurry of photographs, and all those photos are promptly edited for use later. Yes, I'm definitely enjoying this gift of time at home.

But there are many disappointments to deal with during this Coronavirus pandemic, although I'm trying not to think about those. If I do start to dwell on the downside, it's just too disturbing to my psyche. So I put those thoughts away until later, and use the time to my advantage. I'm not sure when I'll see my family and friends again, or when I'll feel safe in the world. I'm particularly sad to miss my annual trip to the Tulip Festival in Holland Michigan, which of course has been canceled. But we've had many home cooked meals and fresh baked goods. The house is clean and organized, and laundry is usually caught up. I'm doing yoga by Zoom, and having my piano lessons by Skype. I've read several good books, and talked about them online. I'm craft painting anything that doesn't move, and crocheting up a storm. Hubs is not doing any business travel, and working from home full time for the first time in years. And the garden looks fantastic! These are the positives from our end.

Because I am missing the tulip festival, my own tulips have been especially appreciated this year. And there are still a few more to come. Oh how I love tulips!

We've also had time to watch the spring birds with more interest. We've seen many varieties that seem  new to us, but perhaps they've always been here and we just never noticed. Right now, a sparrow is loudly proclaiming that the birdhouse belongs to him, while a mama mallard has nestled underneath with her eggs, and the cardinals are once again playing tag. I've got news for that pesty house sparrow. You can't even fit in that birdhouse anymore. I put on a shield to keep you out, hoping that nicer birds move in. So go away already!

In a few days, it will be May. Our state will then begin lifting some restrictions. I personally think it's too soon, so I'll continue to be safe at home for the most part. Hubs has done all our grocery shopping with a mask on, during the senior hours. I haven't been anywhere other than closed car errands or porch drop offs, but I do have a plan for my first outing soon. I may be overly cautious due to my immune system being compromised, but I draw the line at my annual spring shopathon at the garden center. I have my detailed list ready, I've got a mask and gloves, and I'll be going during their senior hours for extra precaution. So I'm ready! I have a long list, and it's not the kind of thing I can trust others to take care of for me. After all, I can't hide inside forever.

Hopefully next month when I post here, we'll be through the worst of it, although it sounds doubtful. At least I have my garden for comfort, and hubs at home with me in our cozy nest. Be safe and well my friends!

The Madness That is March 2020

As I checked into what I posted last month, I could hardly believe how much our lives have changed since then. March Madness indeed, but it is a vastly different type of madness than basketball. It's frightening of course, but here at home I feel somewhat protected in my bubble. Perhaps my fragile sense of security is misguided, but since I can't change anything except my own reaction, I'll just carry on in my bubble. I'm almost ashamed to admit that our isolation has its advantages. I call this a gift of time. I'm cooking again, doing more crafts, editing photos, keeping up with housework and laundry, following my yoga class by Zoom meeting, doing Skype piano lessons, and catching up on garden projects that have nagged at me for years. Yes, I'm scared, and yes, I'm keeping up on the news. But sometimes I shut it all out and use distraction to calm myself.

We started March as we usually do, with a trip to Florida to visit my family. The virus was already here, but the worst of it hadn't hit, so we went ahead, with caution. Well, no sooner had we arrived than all hell broke loose. We continued on with our visits, and ate all our meals in restaurants, again with extreme caution. But the news worsened each day, and our plans began to change. Group activities were canceled, and eventually we decided to cancel our return flight and drive home. Meanwhile, we found outdoor activities that felt safe. I enjoyed a swamp walk with my sister in Ft. Myers at Six Mile Cypress.

Next we visited my dad in Sarasota, where we took in a drum circle at Siesta Beach. There was definitely no social distancing going on at that point.

We also visited one of my favorite public gardens, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota. There was a Salvador Dali exhibit going on, which made for some odd displays of eggs, spirals, butterflies, and other popular themes that he used. It was delightful!

Next stop was to see my mom who lives north of Orlando, in Leesburg. There are many lakes in the area, and rural country roads to enjoy. We had planned to take in a spring training game with our beloved Detroit Tigers, but by then group outings were abolished. Instead, we visited another public garden with very few people about, Leu Gardens in Orlando. There was supposed to be a plant sale that day, but it was canceled. The plants were all sitting around making colorful displays, but you couldn't buy them. I photographed them instead.

 Leue

We did cut our trip short a little, and headed for home. I found the journey to be somewhat perilous because by then the threat was intense, and I knew we'd have to stop for restroom breaks and food. In particular, I found that Savannah Georgia was clueless, with people crowded into stores and restaurants everywhere we looked. We slipped in for a restroom break, drove through for some food, then hustled away from the crowds. I hope by now they have improved! And now here we are at home, hunkered down for a good long while yet. Spring happened while we were away.

When warmer weather arrived, I hustled out to the garden for cleanup, which I have been doing intently ever since. We even planted some early spring flowers, and cool season vegetables. Bulbs are popping up everywhere. Soon the tulips will arrive, if I can keep the deer away from them.

I'm still crocheting diligently, with a long list of projects that I'd like to complete. With all the extra time, I predict that they'll all get completed in time.

Stay home all, be safe, and try to find ways to touch base with your loved ones from afar. I've taken to writing old fashioned letters myself, but of course texting is always fun too. We've had Zoom meetings with some friends, and all the modern ways to stay in touch. Hubby and I are still hanging in there, doing our best to enjoy life at home. Hope you all are well, and continue to be so! And so it is in Robin's Nest.