Since the March 31^st mandate we’ve done our part in social distancing, staying home and missing meetings, classes, fun gatherings and contact with family, friends and co-workers.  Just getting accustomed to the upheaval in our schedules was challenge enough, we’re also faced with how to fill the hours..

Here’s what I did during that time:

…filed my federal and state tax returns. For the first time I did them myself (with some guidance from my son) and submitted them on line.  They were accepted, but I’m still waiting for my refund checks, so the process is not yet complete.

…registered for several online courses.  I had to learn how to access and navigate the Zoom app.  So far so good!  I took the first class yesterday.

… read a wonderful book titled The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa Lee

… sorted and organized the hundreds of CD’s Ed and I had collected over the years.  I was going to get rid of some, but couldn’t bring myself to do that—too many memories.  I listen to a couple each night as I read.

… set up my exercise equipment in front of the TV to use while I watch the news and briefings. It gives me a chance to release some of the stress and anxiety.

… took advantage of the low interest rates and refinanced my mortgage.

… reacquainted myself with online solitaire and have played 975 games, winning 672 or 68 %.  My high score was 5505; fewest moves 112; fastest time 2:08.  I rationalize that it keeps my hand-eye coordination and mind sharp.

… planted spring flowers in front of the house to remind me that it’s spring.

This morning a beautiful red cardinal perched outside my bedroom window as I said my prayers.  I took that as a wonderful sign: A cardinal is a representation of a loved one who has passed.   When you see one, it means they are visiting you.  They usually show up when you most need them to let you know they will always be with you.

Here are some favorite quotes that keep me going:

Today is the first day of the rest of your life.

Life is what we are alive to.  It is not length but breadth.  Be alive to goodness, kindness, purity, love, history, poetry, music, flowers, stars, God and eternal hope.  Maltbie Babcock

There never was a night that had no morn. Dinah Mulock Craik

Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.  Psalm 30:5

We need time to dream, time to remember, time to reach the infinite–time to just be.  Gladys Taber

Jane Austen once said:  There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort.

Faith is the virtue of the storm, happiness the virtue of sunshine.  Ruth Benedict

Jesus did not say, “You will never have a rough passage, you will never be over-strained, you will never feel uncomfortable,” but he did say, “You will never be overcome.”  Julian of Norwich

See each morning a world made anew, as if it were the morning of the very first day…treasure and see it, as if it were the final hour of the very last day.  Fay Hartzell Arnold

And a few recycled smiles:

I need to practice social-distancing from the refrigerator.

I hope the weather is good tomorrow for my trip to “Puerto Backyarda”  I’m getting tired of “Los Livingroom.”

I’m so excited..it’s time to take out the garbage.  What shall I wear?

Classified Ad:  Single man with toilet paper seeks woman with hand sanitizer for good clean fun.

Remember-no storm lasts forever.  God Bless, stay safe and be well.

Lots of LovEstelle