April 16, 2020

I realize it is no longer Easter, but it is Eastertide, so this is still relevant.  While we were preparing for the different activities of Holy Week, Melissa let me know we also had to figure out what to eat.  Easter is a time we usually go out for brunch.  I like brunch, and especially on Easter.  There are different kinds of meats and side dishes.  There are entrees from both breakfast and lunch.  There is usually an entire table dedicated to a variety of deserts.  Even though I rarely eat desert, I love to stand at the table and think about how good each one would taste.  The only thing I don’t like about brunch, is I always eat too much.  I know in my mind I’m telling myself, “If I’m paying this much, I’m going to get my money’s worth.”  I usually regret it later even while at the time I enjoy it immensely.

We have family around us and having a big shared meal has been another option in the past.  Sadly, that was out of the question this year.  Melissa did hear of one of the local restaurants offering ham dinners with sides and desert for takeout only.  When we called, they had sold out of their pre-orders.   We asked if they could make an exception for us, but apparently that was not possible.  That left us with making our own dinner at home.  Lucky for me it was time to order supplies from the grocery and Melissa said she would get what we needed.

When Melissa got to the store, dutifully wearing her mask made by my sister, she found two types of ham were all that was left.  There was a 10-pound bone in ham and a small half ham lying in the cooler.  Knowing it would take the two of us weeks to finish the 10-pounder, Melissa opted for the small half ham.  This was served with steamed cauliflower and a low-fat scalloped potato dish that was truly excellent.  Did I mention the ham was small?  It was the tiniest ham I have ever seen!  I couldn’t image the size of the pig it came from, even with the other half.  As small as it was, it did taste good and as I cut the ham it was obvious this was not a “pressed” ham, just a really small pig.  We still have leftovers.

THOUGHTS:   The consequences of the pandemic came even closer this week when we learned of the pork processing plant in South Dakota closed due to virus among the workers.  While this didn’t affect the meat, there was no one left to process.  We have seen stories on milk being dumped and gathered vegetables rotting in the field, all while the food distribution lines grow daily.  Technology has found ways to manufacture masks and ventilators, but people are still needed to harvest, transport and stock our food.  In our high-tech world, we are still vulnerable to low-tech distribution.  Perhaps it is time for innovation in this area as well.  If it is possible, Stay home. Stay safe.

 

 

 

 

 

 

April 15, 2020

I’ve had several interesting experiences with planting onions during my life.  The first was told to me by my mother and happened when I was around 4 years of age.  We were living in a semi-rural town where we had to drive twenty miles to get necessities like food and gas.  Since we had limited money, dad would hunt for meat and mom would can fruits and vegetables to save for the winter.  I have fond memories of climbing into the peach trees to pick peaches and driving along the irrigation ditches to cut asparagus.   I don’t remember having a garden, but I do remember the large plot of land where our next-door neighbor planted his garden.  He was single and retired and took a liking to my brother and me.  I’m told he spent the whole morning preparing the soil and planting onion sets to grow onions for the coming months.  Dan and I must have missed the planting, but we did see the green tops of the onions poking up through the soil.  He came over to our house later that afternoon and told mom we had knocked on his door and proudly told him we had harvested all his onions for him.  He did not get mad but merely explained.  I hope he was able to replant his onions.

My second attempt at onions was when we decided to plant an urban container garden.  We were located on a main thoroughfare and this was a way to feed our neighbors as well as demonstrate how this could be done.  We set up the containers in a gated area and constructed a rain barrel watering system.  It worked well until the bunnies ate most of the early crop.  Melissa and I tried a similar approach at our house. We had small containers of various sizes and I again choose to raise onion sets.  I built another rain barrel watering system and conscientiously tended my baby onions throughout the summer.  They grew green tops and seemed to be doing well.  When I finally decided to harvest the onions, they hadn’t grown at all, but were still tiny sets.

This time I’m better prepared.  I planted the sets in a sunny plot of ground prepared and fortified with a bag of outdoor planting soil. This time I’m not going to be impatient for the harvest as I read on-line it takes 100-175 days for the dry bulbs to mature.   I also learned when to harvest and how to mature my onions for storage.  I’m hoping my onions will grow.  Now to get the potatoes into the ground.

THOUGHTS:   Much of what we do in life is a learning process.  This isn’t just going to K-12 or even graduating from some level of college.  After having spent most of my childhood and adult life in some form of schooling I am still amazed by what I do not know.  Life-long learning is important because we are constantly facing new challenges and situations.  The learning curve during our current crisis would have been unfathomable only two months ago.  Whether you are learning how to plant a garden or different way to stay connected, I encourage you to embrace your new task with the same wonder you had as a child.  If it is possible, Stay home. Stay safe.

 

 

 

 

 

 

April 14, 2020

We are in a position where we need to open a new bank account to receive direct deposits from a job.  We felt a little wary about going out since we have tried to practice stay at home.  Melissa found the bank had an app that allowed you to open an account virtually.  She logged on and entered the requested information for her, but since it was a joint account, she needed my input as well.  The way the computer verified I was me was by asking a series of security questions.  It asked what state I lived in in 1963, if I knew any of a series of people, and if I had resided at any of a number of addresses.  I relayed the answers to Melissa, and she typed them in.  The computer “waiting” spiral came on as my answers were verified.  Then a message popped up that said I answered incorrectly.  We would need to go to the bank and apply for the account in person.

There is a local branch near our home, but the lobby is closed by executive order.  That meant we would need to go to the drive through and fill out the needed information through the glass.  When we arrived, they had no problem verifying me but said Melissa was already in the system under a previous name.  We drove home, found our marriage license as verification and drove back to the bank.  This wasn’t a notarized copy, so they needed to call the corporate lawyers to see if it was acceptable.  We pulled out of line and parked.  They finally called and we got back in line for the third time.  Once we reached the window there was the usual mountain of paperwork and signatures transferred back and forth through the teller slot.  An hour and a half after first arriving at the bank we had our account.

I must admit.  It bothered me that I had failed the security questions about my life.  It reminded me of the time I stood before the clerk to obtain a visa after I lost my passport in Jordan.  He looked at the manifest of the flight when I entered the country and informed me, I was not listed.  In fact, he said, I wasn’t in the country.  This as I physically stood in front of him.  Once more I thought, “How can the computer know more about my life than I do?”  What really bothered me, was it didn’t tell me which questions I missed.

THOUGHTS:   I realize how important it is to apply security measures to keep my identity safe.  This is especially true in this time of financial scams and distancing.  I also know I have less patience than I used to have.  We were polite and realized the teller was only doing what was required of her, but as time ticked by, I found myself grating inside.  Earlier in the day I had attended an on-line call about coping with stress in the age corona virus.  The call seemed even more relevant as I sat and waited.  One key to overcoming the stress was advice to stay connected with family and friends.  I encourage you to do this in any way possible.  If it is possible, Stay home. Stay safe.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.