Sequestration/Self-Isolation (I)

As I write this post, we’re in our ninth day of self-isolation.  We are part of the perfect age group for serious complications from the Covid-19 virus.  Fortunately, we like each other because we’ll probably be confined to home, a short neighborhood walk or a drive in the country for some weeks to come.  So, no whining permitted…we’re making the most of it!

One truly positive factor is that it is spring!  Spring represents a rebirth and that is always uplifting.  Think about how much worse it would feel if we were all isolated in mid-winter.  Our plants are sprouting and bushes, plants and trees are blooming!  It gives us hope! (Both photos were taken from our deck)

Just a couple of days ago, Laurie and I went for a drive in the country.  Our goal was to get out of the house and to wander around the area to better appreciate the earth’s rebirth.  It was a positive change of pace!

Remember though… If you have to fuel up you vehicle, be sure and sanitize your hands before and after pumping gas!

We are both eating less and I’ve definitely lost a few pounds.  Still…food and regular meals are one of the reassuring constants during these times. 

The other day Laurie made up one of my favorite chicken dishes.  It involves chicken thighs or thigh meat cooked slowly in ‘enhanced’ cream of chicken soup.  The enhanced soup includes half and half milk and lots of spices.  We usually have a small bowl of rice on the side but we skipped the extra calories and just sided the chicken with some canned Italian green beans.

Another thought… Thinking about all those folks who are out of work with no income, we’ve doubled down on our monthly contribution to the local food bank.  Even if you’re not leaving your home, you can write a check or contribute on-line.

One of our purchases during our latest grocery foray were 2 zucchini pizza crusts.  Why not try something new that is perhaps a little bit healthy!  I forgot to buy pepperoni but we did have some spicy Italian sausage on hand along with shredded mozzarella and Italian pizza spices.  It was a simple meal and it was quite tasty.  I now have some pepperoni when we’re ready for the second pizza crust. 

Other meals have included mahi-mahi from Costco plus a long time favorite for most folks…Kraft Macaroni and Cheese!  Of course we added our own touch to this favorite, with extra cheese, a small can of baby peas, spices and hot dogs.  This is true comfort food!

Our neighbor Sherry stopped by this morning with a basket of warm blueberry muffins.  The hand off was at arms-length and the hands were sanitized after handling the basket.  The muffins look great don’t they!  We already had breakfast, so we now have a treat for later in the day.  Thanks neighbor!

We also had another visitor.  Laurie took this photo of a tiny frog on one of the breezeway windows looking out the front of the house.  He or she may have just been trying to keep warm.  Life goes on!

Just click on any of the photos to enlarge them…

Thanks for stopping for a visit!

Take Care, Big Daddy Dave