Sunday, March 22, 2020

How I am Coping

Hello everyone,

I hope you are all faring as well as can be expected during these challenging and unique times around the globe.

Since I last wrote a blog post I have had a relative visit.  She has now returned to her sisters and is trying to get home to Alberta. I've been coping with a cold. I would say this is the 3rd time I've had a cold over the winter though maybe it never really left me. I'm just taking all precautions and getting lots of fluid and rest. I haven't felt like doing much so I've only really had the energy for the basic household tasks, being host to my cousin and a bit of reading here and there. I have not done any gardening though I did repot a number of plants and start some seedlings.  The seedlings are not looking that healthy as they seemed to have sprouted way too fast and are too tall and wispy.

I read two books and enjoyed them both.


I only have 2 more library books in my stash.
All libraries are closed indefinitely and we can only borrow digital books for the foreseeable future.



In my part of the world virtually everything is now closed except essential services. For most people that means they can access grocery shopping and the pharmacy.  When  I go out in my part of the city things are pretty quiet as all the usual hangouts like restaurants, cafes, bars/pubs, libraries, community centers and churches are closed.



Since most things were closed now for a week, I've only been out twice and that was to do a bit of grocery shopping  last Friday and again on Sunday.  Both times I was looking for ground beef and toilet paper. I didn't find either on Friday and today I found some ground beef but it was too expensive. I usually buy everything on sale.  I also didn't find any toilet paper. Though they are limiting quantities per customer, they still had run out. It doesn't help that I went out shopping close to closing hour.

Tomorrow we will go out with the car to purchase gas which has reduced in price by about 35 cents Canadian per litre. I will also look for ground beef and toilet paper at some of the larger stores like Superstore or Walmart. Hopefully one of these stores will have what I want.  Then again maybe not due to their high volumes of customers.

Grocery stores are now closed about 3 hours earlier and they open 1 hour earlier for the elderly and the disabled. The earlier closing hours are supposed to enable the staff to restock the shelves.

Last Friday when I went out I had some problems with other customers who were not displaying appropriate social distancing. I was standing what I thought was an appropriate distance from others in the line up to pay. Others took my distance as an opportunity to get in line ahead of me and this created a minor issue. I do not take lightly to these kinds of behaviors and I insisted on keeping my place in line.  However,  I noted today that the same grocery store has now put in place clear markings as to where people are to stand when queuing.  Today's experience was much better though it is clear I am going to have to get to the grocers much earlier if I am ever hoping to buy what I'd like to buy.

I am very appalled by these kinds of bad behaviors but from what I've been seeing in news clips from around the world, my city residents don't seem to have the monopoly on bad behaviors of various kinds. Thankfully I have also heard about a lot of compassionate behaviors on display.  But most people still don't take social distancing seriously and don't appreciate that community transmission of Covid-19 is what the authorities are now trying to prevent. It means governments and health authorities have to bring in strict controls and fines if people don't heed their recommendations of the past few weeks.  I am now beginning to see strict controls coming into place both here at home and abroad.

We all have to adjust and do our part to understand that we show our care and compassion for others through social distancing and using this time of quiet to check in with those we love. We also have to up our game when it comes to hygiene and learn what to do and what not to do when out and about.  Many people are suffering anxiety at this time for various reasons and the Coronavirus-19 pandemic has made their suffering worse. There are so many, many things being affected by the virus. It is important to for each of us take care of ourselves and our loved ones as best we can. 

Where we can help others without endangering oneself  that is highly desirable.  This may look like phone calls or face time to the elderly or with loves ones near and far. In my building one young couple put up a sign with their phone number volunteering to shop for those that need assistance. Usually this means buying something for another and leaving it at their door so as to keep an appropriate distance.  We also need to keep ourselves healthy physically, spiritually and emotionally.  We can nourish our bodies with nutritious food and in some cases supplements, make sure we are breathing deeply rather than holding our breath which we tend to do when we get stressed, drinking lots of water and resting and sleeping.  We can also do some light exercise indoors or outdoors if it is safe. Emotionally and spiritually we can benefit from prayer, good thoughts, positive meditations and soothing music or music that makes one happy. I wish each of you good health and peace through these trying times.




17 comments:

Rhodesia said...

You are doing the right thing. We are not allowed out of the house at all unless we have a permit to allow us to go shopping to go to Hospital or Chemist. We are allowed no visitors. All other shops are closed anyway. I am thankful we have a reasonable size garden which will help to keep us sane. Take care and keep well Diane

eileeninmd said...

Hello, the social distancing is very important. We do not mind spending time at home, I can blog or read and be happy. I think the price gouging happening now is a disgrace. Some people are buying extra TP and reselling it for a higher price. They should be stopped somehow. Take care and be well. Wishing you a happy new week!

Joyful said...

I'm grateful we do not need papers to go out here. I know some countries require the documentation as in France. I agree it is good to have the garden. Take care, Diane.

Joyful said...

I know that some people can easily stay home. I'm glad I love to read and have many hobbies. Truthfully I am not finding too much time on my hands and in this time of slow down perhaps I can rest as long as I can keep positive. So far so good as with other members of my family near and far. It is a disgrace to see how some people are buying and reselling goods to take advantage of others. Where I live the leadership is well aware and things are being put in place to stop it. Mainly retailers are limiting what people can now buy. When I went shopping they were limiting TP to one package and meat to 2 packages. Take care Eileen.

Red said...

Many people till do not get the seriousness of this virus. We find staying home a bit frustrating but it's what we must do. We need to protect others as well as ourselves.Keep safe. Stay healthy and get rid of that nagging bug.

affectioknit said...

Hi Penny,
...good to know all is as well as can be there...thanks for the book recommendations...libraries are closed here as well...I'm planning to go to the grocery store for the first time today...I'm a little bit worried about it...but I'll take all the precautions I can...
~Have a lovely day!

Billie Jo said...

Hello.
We are much the same here in Pennsylvania.
We are staying home and not interacting with anyone unless absolutely necessary, and with social distancing.
It is so frustrating when people don't.
I am reading, cleaning, calling older friends, and spending with my family.
I pray for health,cozy, and happiness fro you.

Jeanie said...

This is a beautifully written post, Penny. I'm glad you are taking good care. It's so smart of the store to put queuing marks on the floor. I, too, have been appalled by bad behaviour, mostly what I see on TV, but nonetheless, I don't think it's uncommon.

Stress level is high here and viruses rising exponentially. Our governor locked us down today -- essential services only. Stay at Home till April 13. No egg hunt with the little ones this year, I'm afraid. But that's OK. Rick is getting groceries and I am staying in with Lizzie, who is blissfully unaware of everything but lunch, nap, and good girl treats. I envy her.

Joanne Noragon said...

Well said, Penny. I haven't seen any bad behavior, but I haven't been around much. You take care. Get well.

Mari said...

Glad you are doing well. I haven't really seen bad behavior but I know it's out there.
Our state (Mich) got locked down for the next 3 week. I have a letter to carry with me saying I need to work. So I'm thankful for my job as a nurse - no layoffs.

shayndel said...

Hi Joyful, I am glad too to hear you are doing well, and hope even by now your colds are better and your health improving every day!! Thank you for sharing all your updates and the ways you recommend to help others. In Japan I am impressed how people do well in this kind of situation, there is a peaceful overall mood. As people generally keep a distance for example, no hugging and hand shaking is normal,as is wearing masks in flu season and most of the winter, so its interesting how those become positives in a kind of situation like this,so its less dramatic in terms of those social changes, interestingly. Blessings and love to you and healing prayers for us all !! xoxo

Annie said...

Crisis brings out the best and worst of people. We are also locked down. Take care of yourself!

Sharon Wagner said...

I'm getting low on books Too. Stay safe!

diane b said...

Yes trying times. We get our groceries delivered. Is that possible in your area? Hope your cold doesn't develop into anything worse.

Lowcarb team member said...

These are not easy times and it is so important we all do our bit to ease and help the situation.
Sending my good wishes.

All the best Jan

Tanza Erlambang said...

we are going to grocery every other week instead of once a week....
your second book: the orphan thief sound interesting for me.

# Stay safe, health and virus free

jabbott said...

Stay safe my friend xx

A Few Days in March ~ Skywatch Friday

Hello friends and fellow bloggers. I hope Spring is treating you well so far. It's been roller coaster weather where I live with mostly ...