Rainy.

I know April showers bring May flowers, but meh. It has been almost 30 days since we have been sheltering in place, but life around this part of Washington has been in the process of shutting down almost 14 days prior to that so the days are really beginning to blur with the onset of the gray rain. Everyone is currently navigating working at home in the same building as kids schoolworking at home. Good times. ;)

Lemon water.

I have no idea what life is going to look like on the other end of all this pandemic-ing and shelter-in-placing. All I can do is work and pray as hard as I can to be ready for the things I know are coming ahead.

Almond Milk, Avocado, Banana, Berry Blend, Greek Yogurt and Pineapple Smoothie.

One year ago today my father had a motorcycle accident. It was an awful accident. We are still walking through his recovery, but in this and every challenge that has faced our family before that day and since, God has been with us. He is still with us.

lemon brownies.

Breakfast of champions, I know.  I can't eat healthy all of the time, although these brownies were made from the zest and juice of organic lemons, flour, sugar and cage free eggs, they are still brownies. And quite tasty.

Kale and eggs.

This morning I woke up with so much hope. I am so thankful. Here's to hope. Happy Good Friday.

Almond Milk, Avocado, Pineapple and mixed berry smoothie.

The kids are having a tough time getting motivated enough to start their day without my assistance. Even the sound of the blender did not stir them today. Some days I am having a tough time getting motivated enough to start my day, too. It is a tough balance between getting enough rest and attempting to maintain a routine that will transition into school whenever school begins. Sometimes I fear that I think too much, but I only get one chance to get this thing called life right, right?

Almond Milk, Banana, Mixed Berry, Pineapple and Greek Yogurt Smoothie.

This weekend, I learned that the new CDC recommendations include that we wear masks whenever we go to public places. This video features U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Davis demonstrating how to make a face mask using a scarf, t-shirt, or bandana.  I watched the video and decided that one of my husband's shirts that I decided was no longer worthy to wear to the office would make suitable material for our family's masks. The masks would get to be tested when we went for a walk Monday (today).

I cut the shirt up into six pieces and applied the folds from the instructional video. It was a challenge to get the elastic around my ears, but I eventually got it to stay. It would not stay around my husband's or my children's ears, not even the adult children, so we improvised and wrapped the fabric around everyone's faces. The masks were a bit warm and uncomfortable at first, but everyone grew used to them by the time our walk was over. Smoothies were a suitable reward for our efforts toward fitness and being kind to our neighbors, I think.

Bread toasting in the oven (Corona Chronicles Day 28)

Having my schedule forcibly pared back by this pandemic is making me more mindful about my surroundings. For the first few weeks of this experience it has meant me spending a lot more cleaning than I ever considered. I'm still cleaning a lot more often, but part of that is in anticipation of being ready for what the future holds, whether it is inviting friends and family over or the process of finding a new place.

Back to the warm cloud of sweetness that is the smell of toast in the kitchen, dining and living area. At first it reminded me of the rolls they used to bake in the cafeteria when I was in elementary school. They were so tall and fluffy and buttery. I have been able to replicate them a few times, but I think the biggest obstacle to consistently doing it has always been my lack of willingness to wait for the dough to rise and rest properly. I should have tried to make rolls these past few weeks because there have been so many days when I have felt that all I have is time.

The Corona Diaries - Day 26.

Twenty-six days ago, things had begun to shut down in the state we live in, Washington. A lot of the tech companies in the Seattle area had begun to arrange for employees to work at home. I had begun to consolidate my weekly shopping trips and I had not been to the gym for a few days. The following week, the governor shut down all of the schools in the state and all non-essential businesses began to close. The week after that, a stay at home order was issued by the governor and our family has been at home ever since. We have gone for a few walks outside to save our sanity, and I have had to leave the house maybe three times to take care of some essential business, but otherwise, we have been spending all of our time here. I know that the world is in a very strange place for most people and I also know that things could be a lot worse for us. I'm trying to keep things together for my children, but between me and you, I do not know how successful I will ultimately be.