Panic?

Today it seemed like our world was falling apart.

On the one hand people were taking the threat of a widespread virus seriously and taking steps to protract their families.

On the other hand some people were scoffing at any type of seriousness of this and going about business as usual and complaining that restrictions were being made.

And then there were the others who were predicting the end of the world, that this is a massive message that the Second Coming is indeed...coming.

Am I nervous?  Yes, I am.  A little.

My plan, and I think it is Gary's too, is just to stay at home as much as we can.

Yes, I will need to go to Megan and Matt's house on Monday and watch the kids while they go to work and take care of the e-learning things that they need for the next three weeks.

Yes, the Yaggie kids will be here while Blaine is working and Hilary is at school helping out with delivering meals to the kids who are on free and reduced lunches.  She needs to do this so she can continue to receive a paycheck since she is paid hourly.

But other than that, we are staying at home.

When we went to Meijer late last night, we were surprised at so many of the shelves being bare.  Potatoes.  Flour.   Soup.  Dishwasher detergent.  Of course, the toilet paper hoarding.

While none of those items were on our list, it was surprising to see that so many had deemed those items necessary for purchase.

Even when we left the store after 10 p.m., there were still many entering the building and the parking lot had plenty of cars in it.  I heard that today was even worse.

Am I scared?  A little  I never really thought that we were elderly, and I still don't, but we do qualify as Senior Citizens and we both have health issues that might make us fit into the high risk group.  Not as much as others do, but there is no reason to take chances.

I have read so many things about how to make these weeks profitable for families and for individuals.  How do we keep the kids occupied?  How do we maintain our own sanity?  How do those people who need to be with other people manage when they are isolated at home?

We are fortunate in that we live in the country with no really close neighbors.  I shudder to think what it would be like to be quarantined at the double wide park we visited in Zolfo Springs, Florida in January.  Too close for comfort for me!  But here?  We are good here.

Hilary and Blaine have a big yard also where the kids can get out and play.

Megan and Matt have an even larger yard and the kids can toss balls around and walk to the back and burn off some energy.

Gary and I can walk out to the party barn and walk down the lane to pick up the mail.

Fresh air will be wonderful!

I have also shared suggestions for indoor activities.

De-cluttering closets and drawers.  I need to go through the linen closet and the pantry and the cabinet above the microwave.  Now is a good time to focus on that instead of saying 'someday I need to clean out this cabinet.'

Sewing.  Working on Nick's quilt.  Finishing the Cubs table runner.  Starting on some Christmas projects.

Reading.  I have a big bag of books to dive into.

Spending time with the kiddos.  As long as we stay healthy, there could be some good times ahead full of memories and fun.  Let's take advantage of the extra time that we have to enjoy each other. 

That is all.