Covid-19 Night-time Thoughts
Meal Delivery to St. Mary’s Hospital ER
Covid-19 Night-time Thoughts
Sunday, April 5
Walla Walla WA
As we are all sequestered in place, we are collectively striving to make sense out of these strange and unusual times. And without a doubt, it's easier for those of us who live in a comfortable home with the means to stock the fridge, the wine cellar and have access to reliable high-speed Internet to weather this period, as inconvenient and unwanted as it is.
I’ve managed to keep sane and not let myself go too deep into what this will mean when it is finally over. The pending economic wipeout for so many, especially anyone nearing retirement or depending on a paycheck to make their commitments, is a huge sacrifice even as the ultimate price to our families, our neighbors and other Americans could be dire.
In my email inbox, those inducements to purchase just keep coming - the fabulous clothing deals, must-have items for the home and Instagram-worthy vacations - all lost their relevance. I’m swiping left without opening them. And yet I know when things return to normal, whatever normal will look like, I will be back spending my money on things that right now don’t feel important.
So what is important right now? Without a doubt, the ones we love and the importance of keeping them close or if not physically close, then in close communication.
Friends next, as they are key to our quality of life here in Walla Walla. We’ve done Zoom cocktail hours and check in regularly through messaging and FaceTime.
I got lucky, several weeks ago I saw a chance to help organize restaurant meals getting to medical and emergency front-liners and paid for by generous sponsors. Walla Walla Gratitude Train has kept me busy doing what I love to do, helping organize the logistics of handling multiple meals to multiple locations from multiple sponsors and at the same time giving business to our local restaurants and coffee shops.
So I was doing alright. Then this past week, Washington's Governor Inslee announced an extension of the stay-home order. And for a time, I panicked - May 4! We had already spent almost three weeks in self-distancing by his initial order and now were ordered to spend five more weeks! As much as I know it is the right call, I shudder to think of its impact on our economy.
And while I already work from home most of the time, the main thrust of Real Estate is showing homes to buyers. So while I’m grateful that we are considered an essential service, albeit under very strict guidelines, very few people are thinking about buying a home right now.
What I believe is that a lot more people are thinking about what steps they will take when this is behind us. All of us will be fundamentally changed from this period. And in time, we will look back and know that it was NOW that our priorities and values shifted. Other generations recall Pearl Harbor as their touchpoint. For my generation and those younger, it was 9/11 that woke us up. And as horrific as both those events were, this crisis leaves no one untouched from its double punch - health crisis and the economic fallout that is part of the solution.
So what can one person do now? Not that much really! I don't have the skills to make the important changes needed in my retirement funds. I handed all of that over to an investment house to handle for me and frankly, I'm not looking. It is what it is.
However, what I am thinking about are the things that have always made me happy and maybe I’ve gotten away from. I'm planning a new garden, mostly vegetables but also including flowers for my floral arrangements.
i’m also thinking about how I want to live when this is over. I imagine that you are too. There'll be time enough for that shared discussion.
In the meantime, stay positive in your family, in the can-do spirit of America and ultimately in yourself.
Stay safe, Michele, Edward & Soochi
Links you might enjoy:
Walla Walla Gratitude Train story in the Union-Bulletin 04/03
Seems everyone is doing jigsaw puzzles, according to this story in WSJ this week. If you are having a hard time finding them, check out Jan Wood's floral shop - Petals Port Townsend. On her facebook page she just posted a new shipment of 500 piece and 1000 piece puzzles all under $20.
We're not doing puzzles, but here is the book that Jan sent me that has sparked lots of new ideas of floral arranging - especially as I love to create using "found" structural clippings.
What we're watching:
Ozart:
Easily one of the best series currently on TV. Season 3 was just released on Netflix and while we limited it to two episodes per night, we blew throught it and wished it would just keep going. Great acting anchored by veterans - Laura Linney (Wendy Bryde), Jason Bateman (Marty Bryde) and the outstanding Janet McTeer as the cartel's lawyer, Helen Pierce. We were riveted by the development of some lesser-known characters from earlier seasons, notably Wyatt, played by Charlie Tahan and Darlene, a character that Lisa Emery has embodied (I'm starting to like her - go figure). But best moments this season were captured by actor Tom Pelphrey, a new character in the role of Ben, Wendy Bryde's bipolar brother and Julie Garner as Ruth Langmore. If you like your dramas gritty, we also loved "Hell on Wheels" and we can't wait for "Yellowstone" to return.
Ford Vs Ferrari:
I needed this movie at this time. Real American know-how triumps in this true story about Ford Company winning the 1966 LeMans. Playing on Directv, Dish and AppleTV. Great to watch with kids.
Travel Bucket List:
La Ciudad del las Artes y las Ciencias, Valencia, Spain
This futuristic city is featured in Westworld Season 3 and I was stunned to find it already exists. So not only is a trip to Spain long overdue and made more tempting after experiencing Valdemar Estates wines here in Walla Walla but I can't wait to explore all forms of Spanish art and culture.