April 23,Covid-19 Pandemic

WOW!  I didn't realize it had been so long since I've updated. I'm not gonna lie - it's been rough!  While we have made many wonderful family memories, enjoyed cooking, and spending time together, all this time inside waiting on the outside world to figure this thing out has taken a toll on my mental health. Despite exercising more, getting outside regularly, and trying to stay positive, I found myself napping more, feeling weepy more, having this feeling like the world is going to explode out of my chest if I don't DO something soon.  It's been rough.

And then we found out students will NOT be returning to school this year. Not only did Andy and I have to break that news to Emma, thus breaking her heart, but my heart also broke too.  No good-byes - no send off for Summer Vacation - no watching those kiddos I've seen grow from timid little 6th graders to mature(er) 8th graders ready for high school cross the stage and get their promotion ceremony. I'm sad. And I'm worried about many of them. Many of their families are struggling financially because the economy has been shut down for 6 weeks. Many of them were financially insecure, even BEFORE the shutdown. They are isolated from their peers - they can't even go to the park and spend time with them. It's heartwrenching.

The other change over the past weeks is masks. We are now asked to wear masks when we go to stores to purchase our essentials. The first time I wore mine felt surreal. I mean - this is AMERICA!  We are healthy and safe and one of the most powerful countries in the world with one of the best health care systems. How did we get to a point where we are wearing protective masks just to go to the store? And now, some stores are requiring their workers to wear masks during their shifts. It's mind-boggling how quickly our world has changed in a few short weeks.

My Mask

Andy mocking masks

The good news is that here in Kentucky, we haven't been overrun with cases. Hospitals can handle the load, and the governor even thinks we may be plateau on the number of cases and can reopen businesses soon. In fact, he's hoping elective and non-emergent medical services can resume next week. That's great news because it means some retail and personal services aren't far behind. What remains to be seen, however, is what will open up for summer. I doubt Emma and I will be spending hours at the pool. I doubt the library will have its Summer Programming, and I'm not sure about the parks. Social Distancing is our way of life for the foreseeable future.

Since we've been home so much, Andy has gotten the boat in working condition. That will give our family something to do this summer since our vacation has been canceled. We can spend time on the lake with some of our friends. It may be the only way to get some good sun this summer.

Emma enjoying the Disney Quarantine Sing-A-Long

Because I have been struggling, I had an online visit with my Dr. today. I usually try to decrease my anti-depressant medications. I've been trying to talk him into taking me off of them entirely for the past year or so. Today I asked for an increase. I had to admit to myself that I'm going to need some additional help to get through the next several months. That was difficult to accept, but I think it's the right thing. We'll see how it goes.

So things are beginning to look up, although there are still many unknowns in the coming months. My goal is to enjoy the heck out of my little girl, spend time as a family, making memories, and work to maintain a positive attitude. At this point, that's all we can do.

Emma wrote a thank-you note to nurses and doctors.

April 8, Covid-19 Pandemic

The past week has been gorgeous here in Kentucky. The sun has been shining, and the temps have been in the 70's. This past weekend seemed almost normal for our family. On Saturday, I pulled weeds in all our landscaping while Andy cleaned up the boat and mowed the grass. On Sunday, he went to the store to get mulch, and we mulched the landscaping and moved rocks. We even went for a drive on Saturday evening and to Culvers for a burger and ice cream. That's where the normalcy ended.

Because of the pandemic, restaurants are open for carry-out or drive-thru only. So we ordered our burgers then drove to the Meijer parking lot to eat. It was bizarre to see the other stores in Richmond Center empty - J.C. Penny, Michaels. the Movie Theater, everything.  Nothing was open. After eating our dinner, we went back through the drive-thru and ordered our ice cream. Then we went for a long drive back home. 

Except for the fact, we couldn't all go inside the store together, and we couldn't go into Culver's to eat, you would never know that the world is amid a dangerous virus that's causing countries to put its citizens on lockdown, shut down economies and schools, and force people to stay apart from one another. This is also Holy Week, and Christians across the world are staying home and worshipping virtually. There will be no family dinners, no Easter Egg hunts, no communion this weekend. It's bizarre.

We were supposed to fly out on Saturday for Florida. Usually, we would be in Florida right now, eating crab claws and fresh seafood, going to the beach, and generally living our best life. We are making the most of spending our time at home. Emma and I cleaned out our closets, I got the house scrubbed top to bottom, and we utilized the 4-H daily kit, and I taught her to sew on a button.  I've also been getting some more reading done and trying to relax since I'm not checking on students and grading work 4 hours a day. Although I worry about those who are unemployed and worrying about paying their bills, I am enjoying this slow-paced life with Emma and Andy. I hope I can maintain this chill attitude even when we do go back to school.

Dr. Fauci, the infectious disease expert advising the president, suggests we will LIKELY be able to go back to school in the fall. That's a big statement. Mainly because most governor's haven't called school off for the remainder of this year. The idea that there are those monitoring the situation that believes there is a possibility students might not be able to return to school in the fall is a little frightening. I'm trying to just go with the flow, take care of my students, and enjoy the extra time to cook and read.  It's hard for me - I like to have a plan for everything.

Today Governor Beshear had to create an order that only one adult could enter a store at a time. The exceptions are if a parent has to have a child with them, or if someone is assisting an elderly or disabled adult. This is because people are going to Wal-Mart or Lowe's and bringing their entire family to make an outing out of it. The stores have tried to discourage groups of people from shopping together by implementing store limits, one-way aisles, and lines on the floor to keep customers 6 feet apart, but apparently, it's not working. I'm not sure how he's going to enforce this new rule, but at least he's making it more official. Unless you HAVE to bring someone with you - 1 adult to 1 cart. 

Today's Stats:
Kentucky: 
      1346 Cases
          73 Deaths

(Note: There were 36 cases in KY on March 20, when I started this page)

United States:
       395,011 Cases
        12, 754 Deaths

(Note: There were 19,300 cases and 250 deaths on March 20, when I started this page.)

April 2, Covid - 19 Pandemic

Today's post is a long one.  I haven't written in a while because I've been struggling with anxiety. I think most of it came from the fact that my husband still wanted to travel to Florida to visit with Nanny and Grandma. I just felt there were too many contact points between here and there where we had the potential to be exposed to the virus. I wouldn't be able to stand it if Grandma contracted the virus and there was even the remote possibility that we exposed her to it. Unfortunately, I worried and worried about it - tried to convince my husband to change his mind - but he didn't. Until the governor issued an order expecting us to stay in the state - no travel to other states.  That helped convince him that perhaps we should stay.  And then the Florida governor issued a shelter-in-place order for the entire state. Those two factors convinced him that we should stay here next week.

With that load lifted, I've been able to kind of settle in and get used to the routine. I've been doing Soduku puzzles, reading, exercising twice a day, and sleeping well.  We've been doing a lot of cooking; we're cooking the meals that take a long time, but that

Making Noodles

Meatloaf

we love. Today, Emma and Andy made noodles from scratch to go in Mary Alice's Chicken Noodles recipe. It was delicious. Emma and I made banana bread the other day, one day Andy made biscuits.  This is just one way we've been keeping ourselves busy.

Today Andy received word that his department is canceling all training through May. So he is definitely working from home for two more months. The governor asked schools to close through May 1. But because of Andy's work news, I have little hope that we will be able to return to school this year. And that makes me sad because this group of kids was such a good group. And recent weeks have made me realize how much I like seeing them and hearing the stories of their lives every day. I miss them.

But other than that, life is putting along much the same as before. We are able to get outside when the weather is nice. We've been working some puzzles together, playing Nintendo, talking to friends online and through text, watching TV and movies, and trying to appreciate this time that we have to spend together. I know there are many families out there not as fortunate. We have food, shelter, activities to do, the internet to do our school work, and at this time, our income hasn't changed. It isn't lost on me that many others aren't as fortunate. I think worrying about those folks is a source of some of the anxiety I have been struggling with as well.

Next week is Spring Break week. Even though we are working from home, and have been for a while, we will not be responsible for being online or completing any schoolwork next week. I'm glad for that. I am going to appreciate being able to work on things I want to work on throughout the day. I'm sad we won't be spending this time on the beach and doing all of our favorite things in Florida with Nanny and Grandma. But maybe we can make it down there later this year. This is a very weird time and surreal as well. Three weeks ago many of the things we are discussing today only existed in dystopian novels. Yet here we are. It's weird. I'm trying to document what we're living through. I intend to post updates more regularly than this week.

Walmart making sure we "social distance"

March 25, Covid - 19 Pandemic

I wish I could say things have changed, but they really haven't. We're still only leaving the house when we need to. I went to the grocery today to get groceries for the week. The good news is, they had most everything someone would need. The meat case wasn't completely filled, but there was still plenty to choose from. There were lots of fresh fruits and veggies. They even had some toilet paper. And I was able to get another container of Clorox Wipes - they are limiting these to 1 per customer.

We've been taking care of Emma's friend, Lily, on Monday's while her parents work. They own a Physical Therapy Clinic. This shut down is extremely difficult for them. As of now, they are only allowed to provide services through telehealth - over devices and the internet. Tonya said their clients' appointments are dwindling as people are less willing to participate online.  We did allow Emma to go visit Lily on her farm this afternoon. While we probably shouldn't, we're all limiting our exposure to one another and our world is smaller. Lily is the only friend Emma has seen in nearly 2 weeks. When they play they help each other with their homework and actually get outside to play.  It's helping us get through this.

My parents have finally stopped running all over town and doing unnecessary shopping. This is such a relief. I know my dad is very upset - he believes the government doesn't have the right to order private businesses to shut down and that he should be able to go wherever he wants. My poor mother keeps trying to tell him that this is for his own good. He still grumbles and complains, but he's staying indoors. I'm not sure how long we can keep him there though.

The government has waived all standardized testing for the end of this school year. Our governor, Andy Beshear, has ordered the schools remain closed until April 20. I'm somewhat concerned that we won't be able to finish the school year with our students. I don't know what that might look like, but I know this isn't how I want to finish this year. I miss my students. Tomorrow I'm having my first video conference with one of my classes just so I can see some of their faces and hear their voices. I never imagined I'd really miss my students. A month ago if you'd told me I could work from home and teach my kids remotely for a month, I would have asked - begged - for it. Nope!  Lesson learned. Seeing them in person is MUCH better than trying to teach them remotely. Thankfully I am in communication with many of them via email, text, or through the digital classroom we use. But it's not the same as seeing and talking with them.

So it seems we're in this holding pattern for a while. The number of cases in KY is climbing - as expected. Not sure when it will peak.  Hopefully soon.  Today's KY Covid count: 198.

March 21, Covid-19 Pandemic

It's Saturday - Day 8 of the social distancing, unofficial quarantine for Emma and myself. Day 3 for Andy.  For the most part, it was like most rainy Saturdays around here. I woke up, did my college classwork, took a nap, and watched movies. We cooked dinner at home and just enjoyed some downtime.


 Even though we're staying home and limiting our exposure to other people, for the most part, our daily lives haven't been drastically impacted. Yesterday Emma played outside because the rain stopped and it was finally warm enough to get out of the house. She and Andy practiced softball.  Sadly, although she was so excited to play her first season of softball this year, that likely won't happen. We don't have the heart to tell her that yet, though.

My family is fortunate. Right now we are still earning our paychecks while we work from home. I worry so much about those that are suddenly unemployed or scared of losing their small business. The waiting period for applying for unemployment has been waived for now, and the Federal Government is allowing small businesses to apply for Emergency Disaster Loans to keep them afloat until this passes.  It's all so scary. We are used to sections of the nation having to rely on disaster relief efforts in the wake of hurricanes, tornados, etc. But this is affecting nearly everyone nationwide.  It's unheard of.

Kentucky seems to be missing the brunt of the Covid-19 havoc. We still have only 87 cases statewide. Much credit is being given to our governor for emphasizing social distancing beginning nearly two weeks ago. He ordered the shut down of schools for at least two weeks last Thursday, March 12. And earlier this week he ordered restaurants and bars to offer only drive-thru or carry out services.  Likewise, Tennessee, our southern neighbor, has done none of those things. They currently have over 200 confirmed cases in their state - and have tested fewer patients than Kentucky.

Credit: Stephanie Jolly

The worst impact is occurring in New York City and in the state of California. Hospitals are overrun and don't have anywhere to put patients that need critical care because of the virus. In fact, a naval hospital ship has docked in New York to help with the overflow. The governor of California has asked for the same thing. At least 5 state governors have called for a Shelter In Place order for their entire state - this means people can only leave their homes for food, pharmacy, and other essentials.

As I'm writing this, I'm dumbfounded on how we got here so quickly. Last Monday, if I were to be asked if this could happen here, I would have laughed.  If anyone told me we would be going to the grocery store on a Friday night to find there was no fresh meat, no bread, very little canned goods, and no toilet paper, I would have thought they were crazy. But here we are - less than two weeks later.

The citizens of Italy tried to warn us last week. Our country seems to be on the same trajectory that they've been on, and that's frightening. This week there have been images coming out of that country of military trucks driving through neighborhoods to gather the dead and take them to be disposed of. The entire country is in a shelter in place mode.  It's scary. The only people I've seen are my parents since all this started. I probably shouldn't be seeing them either. If either of them were to contract the virus it would likely be deadly. I don't know how long this is likely to last either.                                     

   Credit: Neonnettle.com

While Kentucky seems to have a decent handle on the spread of the virus, we are very much dependent on our neighboring states to do their part. I can't imagine opening up restaurants and shopping centers again if neighboring states are still experiencing outbreaks of Covid. Citizens would simply drive across the border and eat and shop, possibly reintroducing the spread here.  It's a very weird- disconcerting-scary time.



Sources:
Infographic

Italian Military Trucks

March 20, Covid - 19 Pandemic

A week ago our lives were putting along like they usually do each spring. We were on a daily routine - counting down the days until Spring Break. This year we had splurged and purchased plane tickets to fly to Florida to visit my Mother-In-Law rather than drive. Things were moving along smoothly.  Then we started to see the governor do a daily briefing discussing the impact that Covid-19 was having on the state. He gave a daily update on the number of cases, etc.

Next, the president, the governor, and the officials from the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control began issuing guidance to not only wash our hands but to keep a "social distance" of at least 6 feet from other people. There was a mad rush on toilet paper and other supplies. There are no Clorox Wipes, disinfecting cleaner, or paper towels to be found.

courtesy of OCregister.com

On Wednesday, March 11, the NCAA announced there would be no spectators for the NCAA tournament this year. This was unheard of and sent shockwaves throughout the US.  The NBA followed suit and ultimately decided to suspend their season indefinitely after two players were diagnosed with the Covid-19 illness. The NCAA followed suit and canceled their tournament as well. This was unheard of in the US. We had heard of the drastic measures being implemented in Italy and the crazy accounts of quarantines and cancellations, but we didn't think it would ever happen here.

On Thursday, March 12, Governor Beshear asked all schools to close for at least two weeks. Our district decided to close for the three weeks prior to Spring Break, plus the break week. We are currently scheduled to go back to school on April 13.

On Friday, March 13, teachers and staff worked to create lessons, communicate expectations with students, and get ready to work from home for the next month.  Surprisingly, the kids were calm and receptive to the changes. He also asked churches to consider cancelling services to protect those most at risk from contracting the virus.

Since then the Centers for Disease Control have recommended no more than 10 people gather at any point in time for up to 8 weeks, the Governors of many states have ordered restaurants to cease indoor dining options and only serve customers via carry-out and drive-thru, and in Kentucky, Salons - Nail Spas- Gyms- and on Friday, Child Care Centers - will be closed. It is eerie and unnerving. No one knows what to expect.  All of these precautions are taking place even though there are only 36 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Kentucky. Those are only the confirmed cases. There are wide-spread reports that medical facilities are ONLY testing those that have ALL the symptoms of the virus and are in a high-risk category. There is a wide-spread belief that there are many more cases walking around out there undiagnosed.

This week I have been checking in with at least one of my classes each day, while I help Emma with her classwork. Andy is now working from home part-time as well, and our dining room table has been converted into a 3 person desk. The only people I've been in physical contact with, besides Andy and Emma, are my Mom and Dad. Mom has been going to the grocery store in the mornings and picking up what we need.

We are trying hard to keep our risk low and prevent the spread of this virus. We have canceled our plane tickets - but are still hopeful we can drive there and see the family. Experts expect the pandemic will peak in the US in about 2 - 4 weeks. I am hopeful that the extreme measures Kentucky is taking will help it peak sooner rather than later.

Images:
https://www.ocregister.com/2020/03/02/costco-crush-water-toilet-paper-dwindle-on-coronavirus-fears/