April 13, 2020

Let’s go catch some tiny fish!  It had been a long week compiling information to post on-line and Melissa needed to get outside.  One of our shared activities since we married ten years ago is to go fishing.  While many fisher people brag on the largest catch, Melissa and I like to remember the smallest fish we have caught.  I admit, I like to catch big fish.  I always try a variety of ways to hook a larger fish while Melissa goes straight for the bobber and worm.  It is seldom this proven technique does not pull in at least a few Bluegill.  This resulted in me calling her “Queen of the Tiny Fish.”  As Melissa reels in fish after fish I usually succumb to the lure of the tiny fish and join her.

Even though it wasn’t stated, I knew exactly where to go fish.  We have a small pond in a park not too far away that we fish quite often.  We’ve never caught anything other than tiny Bluegill and the occasional catfish.  The pond has the added attraction of rarely having anyone else there.  This seemed the perfect location to practice social distancing.  I even put our masks in the car just in case.

When we pulled into the park, we were the only ones there.  We set up our gear and true to form, Melissa caught two Bluegill before I even got my fly rod assembled.   I fished a popper until I caught a tree and then switched rods to a spinner with no luck.  After Melissa’s fifth catch the lure of the tiny fish sucked me in.  I threw out my bobber and caught three fish in quick succession.  As the sky darkened and the wind picked up, Melissa’s bobber was yanked violently under the water.  She set the hook and excitedly yelled, “It’s too big to hold onto!”  She fought the fish for almost a minute before giving me the rod.  I brought the fish to shore and stood there amazed.  It was the biggest Large-mouth Bass either of us had ever caught.  I slid the exhausted fish back into the water and dreamed of catching it another day on my fly rod.  Melissa is no longer the “Queen of the Tiny Fish,” now she’s “Queen of the Fish.”

THOUGHTS:  I’ve often found our expectations guide our results.  I don’t start fishing for tiny fish because I have the hope of catching something bigger.  In contrast, Melissa fishes to catch fish and size doesn’t matter.  We are strictly catch and release, so maybe her expectation is more appropriate.   The same may be said about how we approach life.  When we expect to fail in life, we are rarely disappointed.  When we hold the expectation, or at least the hope, of achieving great things we can be pleasantly surprised.  If it is possible, Stay home. Stay safe.

Egg Hunts

April 11, 2020

I remember how excited my son Alexander was to join in his first city-wide Easter Egg Hunt.  We got his basket and grass a week in advance to make sure he would be ready.  We arrived at the city ball diamond well in advance.  I had to laugh when I saw the layout.  The outfield was covered by 100’s of eggs all lying in plain view.  The officials lined the kids up in a single line and we waited impatiently for the hunt to begin.  As the hour approached Alex turned to wave, just as the horn sounded.  The kids took off after the eggs and swooped them up like a vacuum cleaner.  By the time Alex turned around they were halfway across the field and not an egg was to be seen.

The next year Alex was again prepared.  This time he didn’t make the mistake of turning and remained intent on the process at hand.  The horn sounded and he was off like a shot.  He was scooping up eggs just like the others.  Then it happened, he tripped.  As he hit the ground his eggs scattered out of his basket.  This was a bonanza and the eggs were gone before he could rise from the ground.  It wasn’t all bad.  There were other opportunities to hunt eggs and we sought them out both years.  Still, the look of disappointment he felt remains etched in my memory.

Amid social distancing, events like city-wide Easter Egg Hunts will not happen.  Yet even here other opportunities exist.  Several area churches have created on-line virtual Egg Hunts and our congregation hosted a virtual visit from the Easter Bunny.  Our subdivision has taken another novel approach.  They asked us to put paper eggs in our windows to allow the children to drive around with their parents and take pictures of the different eggs spotted.  One good thing, you can’t drop your virtual basket.

THOUGHTS:  I’m continually amazed by our resilience to keep traditions alive.  Some of these traditions have been passed down for generations and others are relatively new.  Regardless, each tradition is celebrated with either the solemnity or joy it has always held.  The same can be said as we prepare for Easter.  This year will be different, but the memories will be held onto just the same.  If it is possible, Stay home. Stay safe.

April 10, 2020

This has been another crazy week weather wise.  We had a day in the low 90’s and two days later a night near freezing.  The perennials in our yard either didn’t seem to notice or just don’t care.  When I went out this morning they had exploded in brilliance.  They announced, “It’s Spring!”  They were going ahead with their celebration of rebirth whether I was ready or not.

I’ve always been fascinated how both plants and animals know what time it is even though humans don’t seem to notice.  The birds fly south and then return.  The butterflies make their annual migrations. The salmon forge their way upriver.  The bear comes out of her den.  All these events may happen on different days, but they always happen around the same time.  Somehow nature just seems to know when it’s time to be reborn and to begin to thrive again.

I think missing the signs comes from a lack of connection to the nature around us.  I found when I moved from the city to a rural camp, I became much more aware of my surroundings.  I saw the early buds as they began to break through the soil or fill out the trees.  I was aware when the butterflies stopped at my blossoms for a respite and a quick meal.  I marveled at the rapidity between the dry deadness of winter and the green freshness of spring.  I also noticed my yard had joined my flowers in rebirth.  I guess I’d better go mow.

THOUGHTS:  Even stuck at home it’s easy to tell the nature around me is being reborn.  Perhaps now even more than before, I’ve found I am more aware of my surroundings.  Rather than being outside and attending to my business, I look outside and marvel at the amazing world I often take for granted.  Amid reliance on technology that keeps us connected, it’s good to remember there is an even deeper connection that has always been there if we take the time to notice.  If it is possible, Stay home. Stay safe.

April 8, 2020

I didn’t go out today and instead sheltered in place as recommended by the Governor, but I would like to follow up on the conversation began yesterday about “Business as Usual.”  As I drove through town on my way home, I passed a line of cars in a parking lot.  The lot was surrounded by orange cones and a uniformed worker stood at the front directing the cars as they entered.  I wasn’t expecting this, so I drove by before I realized it was there.  I’m always looking for something to blog about and I assumed this was one of the testing sites in town they have been announcing.  As I circled back to get a better look, I passed a large manufacturing site just off the beaten path.  The plant had recently closed and a large sign on the front declared, “For Lease.”  Coming back to the line of cars I stopped for a moment and watched as several more cars circled into the lot and were directed to a place in line.

When I arrived home, I told Melissa about the testing site I encountered.  I showed her the picture and she informed me this wasn’t people waiting to be tested for the virus.  Instead this was a massive food distribution site serving two counties.  The people waiting in the long line were hoping to get food to tide them over until the next week.  They were braving the outside in order to feed their families.

The closed factory I passed also reminded me of the stark reality of our situation.   While many factories and businesses have been able to continue production, others have been forced to suspend work if not permanently close.  Either way the workers are being put at risk.  Perhaps it’s not business as usual after all.

THOUGHTS:  There are times when I think I’m better off staying inside and not having to deal with reality.  I can work from home and this takes time and breaks up what would otherwise be long periods of monotony (even my game gets old after a while).  Then I think about all those who do not have that luxury.  Amid this crisis, aside from the virus updates, the news has been sharing uplifting stories of ways people are reaching out to others.  I take hope in how in the middle of crisis we still find ways to comfort others.  It gives me hope.  If it is possible, Stay home. Stay safe.

April 7, 2020

I went to the church today to pick up an item needed for the Good Friday service we will stream live from my home.  I had just received a hand sewn mask from my sister (with wolves on it!) yesterday, so I felt confident to brave the outdoors.  On the way I saw all the electronic church signs announcing there would no longer be public services or planned meetings.  As I left our empty parking lot, I was sad to think about no indoor service for Easter (we will be streaming at 10:30).   There was a car stopped across our driveway with two people beside it.  I stopped and asked if they needed anything, but they said they were fine.  It reminded me people still have needs amid distancing.

I had taken the interstate and marveled at how few cars were on the road.  I decided to take the slow way home rather than the direct Interstate.  This led me through the manufacturing district.  I was surprised to see all the factories working at capacity with full parking lots. On my way I got caught behind a truck moving a house down the road.  As I crossed the river there was a barge moving grain up the river.  There were a lot of people in cars and trucks busy going from one place to the next.  It was business as usual in this part of town.

As I progressed from the manufacturing area to downtown there was a marked change.  Once again there were very few cars on the road.  Most of the shops were closed and the restaurants were advertising only take out available.  The exception was any business that had to do with vehicles.  The gas stations, lube and repair shops were open.  I saw two car upholstery shops open and actively working on vehicles.  The new and used car dealers were open and offering deals.  I must admit, it made me wonder.  When I got home, I put my mask and shirt in the clothes hamper and washed my hands.  Happy Birthday . . ..

THOUGHTS:  Human needs continue even while we are encouraged to stay home and take the pandemic seriously.  One of the last lines between work and homelessness is a working vehicle, or at least a place to sleep.  Drive through or curb service has become the norm for food, medicine and other supplies.  The next two weeks are supposed to be the worst of this crisis in America.  If it is possible, Stay home. Stay safe.

April 6, 2020

We lost our dog Bella today.  She has been in and out of the hospital several times over the last weeks as her ailments compounded and had never really recovered when she came home Friday.  It was hard to see her go but having her home for the weekend meant a lot.  This morning Melissa and I set up chairs on the driveway and carried her out to sit in the sun, one of her favorite things to do.  She wanted back inside and let Melissa and I both have time to get down on the floor with her.  She had her favorite foods, bacon from Melissa and cheese from me.  She sat up to lick my face and then went to Melissa to go outside.  When we carried her in, she laid under the bike for one last nap.  She died at 2:20.

As we were on the floor with Bella, Melissa said it gave her a new understanding on what many families are experiencing.  We have both lost parents but have always been able to be with them to say goodbye.  Over the last months as people have succumbed to the pandemic their families have watched from afar and never got that chance.

Later as we sat in the living room, we began to tell Bella stories.  We remembered our dog. The news stations have been reporting that this will be the toughest week as we face the pandemic.  It is saddening to know this is coming during Holy Week.  Now more than ever we need to listen to the health experts.  Stay home. Stay safe.

THOUGHTS:  Experiencing the loss of those we love is one of the hardest challenges we face.  We cry, we mourn, we go through the process of grief.  Yet even during our loss, we have our memories.  It is in these memories that we can find strength.  Be sure to continue making good memories with family and friends.

April 3, 2020

I finally did it.  I set up my first meeting on ZOOM.  I’ve attended ZOOM meetings before, and several a week over the last three weeks, but I’ve never hosted.  Most of these meetings have been through a large corporation or a judicatory who have paid staff who understand the intricacies of on-line creation.  My staff is me.  If I get in trouble, I can also turn to Melissa to get me out of the jam.  She works as a techie and understands a lot of what needs to be done.  In the past I always relied on her to accomplish whatever I need.

Things are different now.  I still rely on her to do a lot of problem solving but I also know creating an on-line presence is time consuming.  I have noticed in the past whenever an issue came up where she didn’t know the immediate answer, she would query on-line.  To plug into ZOOM I went to their web page and asked, “How do I schedule a meeting?”  An instructional video along with written instructions came up to walk me through the process.  I’ve also been having trouble with my sound when I connect to the second monitor.  I opened my browser and typed, “How do I get sound to work?” Since I wasn’t on a web page, it offered several options.  I clicked on the one that seemed closest to my problem and again it took me to a video and written instructions to walk me through.

I realize none of this is rocket science but prior to a month ago I really had no desire to find out what information is stored on-line.  Having worked as an Historian I find comfort in having written material in front of me.  I limited my on-line experience to communication (and playing my game).  I had taken a virtual sabbatical through the Holy Land several years ago and was amazed by the depth of resources available.  When I enter the world of virtual reality now, I am blown away by how much we have developed.  I hope this ZOOM meeting works.

THOUGHTS:  Just like everyone else, I’m being drug kickin’ and screamin’ into the 21st century. Ten years ago, I took a seminary class in creating virtual community.  I found it both fascinating and disturbing.  I was fascinated by the length people could go to create community.  The virtual relationships I saw were just as close and meaningful to participants as face to face was to me.  What I found disturbing was my own fear of losing “real” contact.  In the midst of self-isolation I worry about those who are not on-line or technically savvy.  We need to find ways to ensure no one is left outside in the new reality we face going forward.

April 2, 2020

I’ve got nothing.  Nothing to say.  No direction.  Nothing.  That’s how I feel today and I’m sure how many of you have occasionally felt over the last weeks of confinement.  It’s depressing enough to think about having been confined to the house for the last two weeks without considering how it is projected we will continue to be confined for an additional six to eight weeks.  I know this is necessary and if we all work together, we will slow the spread of the virus, but sometimes shouldn’t it be about me?

When I get depressed or start feeling sorry for myself, I remember the opportunities these days have provided.  I’ve been able to read and study where usually I didn’t have the time.  I’ve been able to sit and reflect where usually there were other things that got in the way.  I’ve taken the time to purposefully greet my neighbors, even if from across the street.  I’ve learned new skills and abilities to enable me to reach out virtually to others when before the technology seemed daunting.

Maybe the last two weeks haven’t been that bad after all.  Perhaps amid the silence I have found a renewal of strength.  While this is a different reality than before, it is a reality that opens new possibilities.  I think I’ll go mow the lawn.

THOUGHTS:  It’s normal to feel isolated and alone when we are deprived of human contact.  A number of episodes of the old series ”The Twilight Zone,” focused on the fears surrounding isolation.  I give thanks for the technology that allows me to stay in touch even while staying apart.  I give thanks to family and friends who are willing to virtually lift me up.  I hope you are able to find this peace in your lives as well.

April 1, 2020

Melissa got a text this morning letting her know our grocery order of yesterday was ready to be picked up.  All we needed to do was park in the lot, let them know we were there, and our order would be brought to our car.  I was still a little skeptical but was assured everything would work.  We drove to the store and pulled into the lane normally reserved for pickup orders.  When Melissa called to let them know we were there they asked what numbered spot we were in?  There were no numbered spots in our area.  We asked an employee standing nearby and he said he didn’t know.   Apparently, they had moved the pickup area due to the large number of orders.  Once we got to the right place, we parked a safe distance from another car and very shortly received our order.

What surprised us both was the full parking lot and constant stream of people going in and out of the store.  Many of these were families.  It seemed “groceries” has become an excuse for a family outing.  About half of those entering the store were wearing masks and gloves, but age didn’t seem to make any difference.  Even though the store provided special hours for seniors, about half of the people we saw entering were older than us.

I did find it interesting as we drove to the store to see the effect of distancing.  When we drove by one grocery market cars were parked in the front of the lot away from the rest of the customers.  I assume these were workers.  They had been parked with an empty stall between each vehicle.   We also drive by a house with a waterfall built to cascade down the hill with a family of three deer statues standing nearby.  When we went by today the doe and fawn had been moved about twenty feet away from the buck.  Both cases seemed social distancing at its best.

THOUGHTS:  Every doctor and nurse interviewed makes it clear that how well we choose to stay away from each other is going to decide the outcome of the COVID-19 pandemic.  We have seen cities and countries refusing to distance and the result has been high infection rates and over-extension of hospitals.  We have seen others who voluntarily choose to distance, or are forced to distance, and the number of new infections has begun to go down.  It is not a case of young or old or sick or well.  We are all in this together.

Virtual Groceries

March 31, 2020

Our big box store in the area is offering safe zones for senior shopping.  If I get up early, I can shop with all the other seniors from 7-9 am on Tuesday and Thursday.  That’s on top of the store being located a half an hour away.  Let me be honest, I’m not much of a morning person.  I can get up early if I need to but since I retired, I prefer to sleep late and even stay in bed playing on my phone after I wake.  I knew to really beat the senior rush I’d need to be there as soon as possible to the stores early open hours.  That meant I would need to wake at six am (I know, I can hear some of you saying, Poor Baby!) in order to get ready and drive to the store by seven.  Although I wasn’t looking forward to the hours, I told Melissa I was prepared to make the sacrifice so we could get the needed supplies.

Melissa knows my habits and how I feel about rising early.  She went on-line and began to search for possible ways to get our supplies that didn’t force me to get up.  When she opened the site to the box store, she found you can order and pay for most of your needs on-line.  They even bring them out to your car.  Only a few of the items we wanted were restricted to in-store only, and that was due to demand.  What we couldn’t or didn’t want to get from this store was available locally and again the local market had started on-line shopping and pickup several months ago.  It all sounded too easy to be true.

We did run into a snag with on-line grocery shopping.  After Melissa made her selection for the items wanted, she tried to enter her order.  The web site told her the purchase was unavailable.  It seems the store only had a limited number of people per day that could be shopped for and picked up.  That made sense as someone else had to run around the store and shop for all the items we had ordered virtually. Even though she was driving to the store and never leaving the car, she was still forced to stand in line. Melissa logged onto the site at midnight to avoid the crowd and order our groceries for tomorrow. She told me nobody else had scheduled a pickup and we could have gotten the first pickup at eight in the morning.  Thankfully she scheduled for eleven.

THOUGHTS:  Retailers and groceries are not only staying open while most of their customers stay home, they are also finding innovative ways to keep safe while supplying essential services.  I realize making me feel safe is good for business, but it still means making accommodations to serve my needs.  It causes me to stop and thank not only the business owners, but also the countless workers.