Sorry I haven't written for a while now. I'm not feeling all that great about things since we've been back home from our trip to South America. I felt by now I would surely want to relive all the beauty we experienced, but I'm just not there yet to share.
I've always wanted to keep my posts positive and upbeat. Honestly I haven't felt that way for a while now. Please forgive me as this Covid-19 virus pandemic is quite scary. I feel folks are not taking it as serious as they should!
I truly believe those folks are making it last longer than is necessary! This is a rant, but it's my blog so I'm posting what's in my heart.
Grayden and I are staying home except to grocery shop and take a daily walk on the Heritage Trail. Our walks are becoming quite frustrating to us as many folks don't adhere to social distancing! Yes, we have a choice not to walk, but frankly this irritates me to no end. The trail is clearly marked to keep a six foot distance when passing. Frankly we pass hundreds of folks each day. We walk off the path to keep our distance when there is space to do so.
For heaven's sake, what's wrong with people? I know they are tired of this sheltering in place. Okay, you would think I would feel better to let it go, but frankly I don't.
My garden helps me to stay grounded. How are you doing with the quarantine?
I'm glad you have a garden to ground yourself in. Your climbing rose is so pretty over that arbor. Seems like it's such a cheerful space to be in! Hang in there!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ellen. Some days (not today) are hard.
DeleteSadly, you're the second friend I've spoken to today with exactly the same sad frustration. I read ou'd everyone would stay home/ wear masks we could beat this in a month. Just know you're not alone. Vent all you want. It's healthy. And keeping our mental health a priority is essential. Love you!
ReplyDeleteJoEllen, I appreciate your thoughts, my friend. I'm usually pretty level headed about life issues, but this has shaken me. Love you too, dear one. xo
DeleteDear Martha Ellen, I too am having issues with folks that are either ignorant to what's happening, choose to ignore what they are being told by science and Dr.'s, or just too selfish to care about others. I've shed so many tears for people that I don't even know. Just found out that a in-laws family members are now positive and the Mom has quite a few existing issues. Not the kind that one would normally associate with Covid19 but she has a stint in her brain to drain fluid and so has to go to the Dr.'s quite often, as the family has been so careful about going out that they think she got it from a Dr. appt. It is so scary. I worry every day about my Mom. She is my everything and I'm doing everything I can to keep her safe but am so scared that I'm going to mess up something one day and bring the virus to her. And then I go to the store to see folks not wearing masks or have them down on their neck...arg! Our Governor is catching all kind of heck for her plan to keep us alive. "They" are having another stay home protest that is really just a rally tomorrow at our capital and I'm so afraid something horrible is going to happen. It's easy to "say" it's no big deal but it's a very big deal to me. It doesn't consume every waking moment but I sure don't have happy thoughts when I think of folks suffering, whether I know them or not. Happy to chat any time you need to rant. Stay well, please. xx Sheryl
ReplyDeleteOh Sheryl, I share your feelings about this pandemic. I know you are doing the best you can for your mother! You are doing all the right things. I'm sorry to hear about your in-laws family members--that is so scary! Opening our states up too early is a great concern. Tomorrow our state will partially open to phase one. I'm afraid too that folks will be even more lackadaisical with being careful. Take care of yourself, my friend. xo
DeleteI don't like clichés, but you and I are on the same page. I agree, I don't think people are taking this seriously enough, and I don't think most world leaders are by putting money before lives. I am naturally a person of solitude, but have been off my drive only once since the middle of March. I just don't feel safe. I do wish I was able to be more productive during this time of great fear and uncertainty, but there are days I simply cannot move for the despair that washes over me. What worries me is the slow realisation that, unlike other viruses, this is not going away any time soon, and we are going to have to adapt and learn a new normal way of living. You are not alone when you say it is difficult to be cheerful and happy, and anyone who is, is either putting it on, or I fear they are living in Cloud Cuckoo Land. Sorry, I have gone on mercilessly here, but the general cavalier attitude of so many is more than upsetting to me. I think you will see a change in my own blog next time too.
ReplyDelete~~~Waving~~~From Across the Pond~~~Deb in Wales xoxo
Deb, our state is opening up to phase one tomorrow evening. It concerns me greatly that folks will be even more cavalier about social distancing, mask wearing etc. I really don't want to see a second wave that is happening in other countries. Take care, my friend. xoxo
DeleteCoping well and keeping myself busy. We are in the high risk category so unable to leave the house, everything is delivered to us for which we are thankful. It is strange times that's for sure. Sadly, you are always going to have people that will not adhere to the rules. I am hoping that it will bring out the best in people and the kindness and generosity of people will remain. Take care Martha and stay safe.
ReplyDeleteStaying busy is so important to me as well. I am a homebody gal so the part of galavanting around doesn't bother me. Playing with fire does! I hope you and your hubby stay safe and well.
DeleteI was in CVS the other day and the elderly gentlemen in line behind me was not standing on his 6-feet-away mark!. At least he was also wearing a mask. I was next to be waited on so there was room for me to move forward into the check-out area and still maintain my 6-foot distance from the customer ahead of me. With Stage 1 of opening up being put into place tomorrow, my husband and I have decided we will only do what is comfortable to us, which means we will continue to social distance until there is a vaccine. Our only hope to be with our grandchildren and families might be in the works I read--a device that can detect the virus from your breath within a minute and send the results to your smart phone. The article said it may take another 2 months to finish developing it (they made the device to detect the Zika virus) and a month to test it, so there is light at the end of this tunnel! https://detroit.cbslocal.com/2020/05/12/researchers-developing-device-that-could-detect-covid-19-using-your-smartphone/
ReplyDeleteCathy, I had not heard about this device. I will read your link. Our state is going to stage one tomorrow as well, except Northern VA. It concerns me that folks will be more lax in their behavior. We are going to continue what we have been doing. I have no intention of going to a restaurant, a beauty shop, etc.
DeleteBeautiful pictures.Stay well.Hugs.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I hope you are well.
DeleteHello!
ReplyDeleteAnd I agree.
I wish people would not be in such a hurry to dismiss the danger of this virus.
I am staying home, even though our county has slowly begun reopening.
There is just too much unknown.
You are not alone, my friend. : )
I'm glad to hear you are being safe, Billie Jo. Nice to hear from you. Stay well.
DeleteI try to maintain social distancing, but since I go nowhere and do nothing...kids still shopping for me...hair looks like, well, I won't say...I am not one to comment. I have been reading both sides of the issue so I can find as many professionals who disagree with masks and even social distancing. For me, it's come to this...I'd rather take my chances with Covid-19 than to die alone and lonely. This isolation is horrible and I know that many have it much worse. Hang in there! Maybe you could make walking t-shirts with a message: Keep Your Distance. 😁 And, yes, it's your blog and you can vent all you want. 😤
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine the isolation you must feel, Vee. I haven't seen my two children and two younger grands since January. I feel it is too soon to risk a visit, even with phase one beginning tomorrow evening in our state. I don't think folks would read a t-shirt if they don't read the social distancing markings on the trail.
DeleteMartha, it IS frustrating. I understand when someone says "I'm not worried about getting it," but they don't realize that the unspoken end of that sentence is "and I'm not worried about spreading it!" But self-centeredness is rampant in this world.
ReplyDeleteJean, it's a sad reality I'm afraid.
DeleteYou are right . . . it is your blog and these are your thoughts and feelings. I am glad that you shared your frustrations with us. We probably all have similar stories of frustration with people. My low was one day in Walmart, trying to shop for my parents and ourselves. There were a hundred little annoyances and several groups of rude and inconsiderate people. I decided right there in the self checkout (after another customer had become miffed at me for having two orders) that I was not going to shop inside in the foreseeable future, so I have started doing grocery pickup. It is hard to deal with the choices of others, isn't it? It seems so unfair. And it is. These are hard times.
ReplyDeleteI read an article yesterday that was very helpful to me. I will preface this by saying that I cannot read everything that's out there. It becomes overwhelming and confusing to overload on news. But this article, although very lengthy, gave such valuable and practical advice about staying safe and reducing your risk of contracting the virus. Maybe it will help you feel better about what you're doing?
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/saving-your-health-one-mask-time-peter-tippett-md-phd/?fbclid=IwAR1XSdbfPv3_oXsqgdSv-Fckr7o9oB8QgUO2VFnYXgdYx6mi3oyraDwu8bA
Thank you, Cheryl for the article. I will read it soon. Grayden and I have been doing the early senior openings at our local grocery. It's maybe better, but not ideal. I have vowed not to go into any other store, except the drug store, during this time. I'm sorry to hear about your experience in WalMart. Folks seem to be less than congenial these days. I'm trying not to be one of them. Take care.
DeleteI share your frustration! We have been safe at home since March 13! Grocery delivery is via Instacart, and we pick up prescriptions curbside/drive through. I believe in science, and the data has yet to be encouraging! We will continue being home as long as it is safe to venture elsewhere! Sending you special hugs! Wish we could connect more often!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you are staying safe at home, Nellie. It's quite surprising how some folks are ignoring the science and doing what they wish endangering others. Take care and stay well.
DeleteOh Martha Ellen, I understand everything you're saying. I always wonder why people can't just distance themselves? When we had this move, I had to repeatedly tell people who came in to fix something to stand back. I even went outside until they were done. It's such a scary time, and my heart is heavy sometimes, so I really feel for you and your struggle lately. That's too bad that the trail is so crowded, as that's the one thing you enjoy doing so much. They have those six foot distances at the stores as well, and frankly I don't think that's far enough away. God bless you, Martha Ellen, and I'm always here with a listening ear.
ReplyDelete~Sheri
ps.....you have shared some lovely blooms. ; )
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sheri. The trail is usually not crowded, but with the pretty weather and folks having cabin fever, it is becoming more so lately. We have talked about another place to walk, but we really love this beautiful trail. Today was not crowded so much better.
DeleteI can't imagine how you managed to move during this pandemic. It is a scary time, but I pray that a vaccine is in the works soon.
On the bright side my roses have been the prettiest ever! Take care.
Yes, speaking to one of our sons on the telephone he too was saying how he couldn't understand those people who seem to be totally ignoring the social distancing!!! It is so frustrating, I just do my best and try to stay positive and take something from every day. A garden is a wonderful place to do this …
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
These are trying times, Jan. I guess each one of us has to do what we think is best for our health. I'm usually an upbeat gal, but these frustrations have been getting to me. Take care and stay safe.
DeleteYour rose arbor is amazing! I'm glad you get to walk on your favorite path. We all should feel fine about telling how we feel about this difficult time. I know I'm depressed about the loss of life and how it divided the populace is right now. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
ReplyDeleteI too am so sad how this pandemic seems to be partisan. So crazy! We are already too divided.
DeleteI am so with you on this. I'm fine at home; I don't really miss going out all that much and have done many things I enjoy. But when I go for a walk I am appalled at how many either don't wear masks to give distance or step aside on the trail. I do (and maybe because I do, they don't) but it's terribly frustrating. Local friends have shared their grocery shopping stories and they don't give me any sense of confidence in going out. And I see way too many cars parked and hear music, knowing someone is partying with a crowd. You're right -- this will make it last all the longer.
ReplyDeleteI will err on the side of caution if it comes to wearing a mask or not, shopping or not, distance or not. And my docs and two doc friends who don't treat me but treat lots of others say to do the things we are doing are smart and the only way to get on top of this. They aren't the media; they're people that read the stuff and know what to do.
So, it's your blog. Vent when you need to. I think you'll find a lot of support, judging by the comments here.
And the flowers, arbor, they're all beautiful. I'm glad you have this haven.
Jeanie, Grayden and I both wondered if when get out of the way is why they don't as well. But the thing is they still stay to the right and even thank us for getting out of their way! Sadly on the trail today, no one, I mean no one went single file or kept 6 feet away from us and others. Our state is now in Phase One and it looks like all caution is thrown to the wind. It truly infuriates me and I don't like how it makes me feel about my fellow man.
DeleteMy garden really centers me in many ways, but especially during these trying times. I know you are finding joy in your home as well. Take care, my friend.
I'm with you - this is the time for personal and social responsibility, it is the only way to beat this crazy things. Stay safe and strong, my friend.
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
Thank you, Amalia. I'm so shocked at the response to advice to stay safe! Keep well. xo
DeleteMartha Ellen, that little bird plate is actually a tea bag holder. It's very small, but it looked bigger, as the photo is a close-up. Nel got it for me, as she knows I love hummingbirds. It's really pretty though, and for right now, it's just on my desk so I can appreciate it. I hope you are feeling better, Martha Ellen. : )
ReplyDelete~Sheri
It's lovely, Sheri.
DeleteI am feeling better. Just worried about a worry that doesn't go away.
Take care of yourself.
Things will get better soon. I have to see my family because we baby sit. No one else can. We take precautions, washing hands as it always should be done. One thing that always made me kinda sick was people who would use the rest room and talk on their cell phones, now that is nasty. Maybe people will be a little more cleaner now. Children sneeze in their shirt or elbow as they have allergies when outside. I wear a mask when out in a store but this has to pass and getting sunshine and fresh air helps. I was just reading the pandemic of 1957-58. Interesting.
ReplyDeleteI am not worrying because it just doesn't do any good. Take precautions and love and live life and laugh, it's so good for us. I look forward to hearing about your trip to South America and seeing some scenery from there. I hope you will feel like posting that soon. This will pass. Betsy
Betsy, I think many lessons have been learned by this pandemic. I do hope and pray everyone will stay safe and well.
DeleteThank you for these beautiful photos Martha Ellen. And rant away, you haven't said anything that I don't feel myself. We will just have to wait this out and do what we have been doing for our families and for others. I wish you and all your loved ones, everyone really, to stay safe, happy and healthy.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Denise. It is a trying time for us all. Do take care of yourself and your family.
DeleteWill do and thank you. I have enjoyed looking at all these pretty photos again :) Continued good health and safety my friend.
DeleteThank you for your sweet comments as always, Denise. Hopefully I will put together a post soon.
DeleteHello again, just popping in to say hello, and to thank you for stopping by my blog and leaving your comments. Always lovely to see you there.
DeleteLovely garden photos. It’ s great to see some beauty. For two months I did not venture out. My husband went out to buy food. We did go to Costco recently and everyone has to wear a mask. Some restaurants are opening with outdoor dining with social distancing. A very difficult year.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Linda. We are now in Phase One, but we are still not visiting family or going anywhere but the grocery. Take care, friend.
DeleteHI Martha Ellen
ReplyDeleteI can understand your frustration. Our neighborhood is mainly young families and they seem to feel they have nothing to fear from this virus, or at least as much as we as seniors fear. Happily many people do wear masks while shopping, as well as store staff, so that has been a relief. I do fear all the protests that are happening now are going to make the virus resurge in high numbers. Too much sadness these days. Stay well and find joy in each day as much as possible (( hugs)))
Hi Pat, most of the folks in our grocery stores wear masks, but it is required by our state. The social distancing issue still bothers us on the trail, but we just get out of everyone's way! I too am worried about the political climate and how the protests will start a second wave of Covid-19. Joy is found everywhere I look, my friend and I hope the same for you.
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