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Since the Corona Virus Lockdown

It has been almost two weeks since the lockdown due to the corona virus visitng us here in Utah. Social distancing has been used several times to remind us that we should not get close to another person for our own and their safety. Many people have suffered from the sneaky tiny virus that is lethal. People have either shown their worst or best side during this pandemic. It has been a difficult time for all of us (the whole world)!

Personally, the viral breakout together with a medium-sized earthquake a week ago literally rocked my world. Having a predictable schedule is now a thing of the past. Last month my husband had a car accident which resulted in him being let off work. I was just getting used to him being home almost every day before the corona virus came to America. He still worked in the temple two days a week until the temple was closed for his work there. We have discussed having couple counseling since we are not used to being together 24/7!

The hardest thing for me through all of this is not being able to hug my grandchildren. We now do feet or elbow bumps! We also have drive-by visits. Luckily we have the app Marco Polo to check in with our children every day and also utilize Facebook and Zoom. We can hold a family home evening where everyone of our children and grandchildren participates. Two of our grandchildren were at university and now they are home with their family. Our new normal is difficult to get my mind around some days.

I worry about my daughter since she is on the frontline of this battle against the enemy. She goes everyday to help sick people. As for my work, I can still write articles online but my reseller job has gone stale. Evidently, the virus can stay on cardboard for several hours so it is not feasible to send packages out every day. Now I feel like getting rid of all of the items in my Poshmark closet but there is no where open to take them. So many people are out of work and suffering much more than I am.

A few days into the lockdown, I felt like I was suffocating and had to get out of the house. I drove up and down Redwood and was shocked by the lack of traffic, closed businesses and vacant schools. I tried to come to grips with the current situation. I grieved for lost opportunities and my lack of freedom. With loss comes the need to check priorities.

I have kept up on my scripture reading and anticipate our conference that is coming up soon. Our prophet warned us to “take our vitamins” and be prepared for a memorable conference this spring. All of the temples have been closed, missionaries sent home, and church services now take place in our living room. A lot has changed since the last conference. My prayers have been more often and sincere lately. That’s a good thing!

Funny how much things can change in a couple of weeks time. Comedians have been my “go to” when I am feeling low. Many have posted new poems, songs, affirmative thoughts, and inspirational quotes. I appreciate them! There is still so much good in the world. This is a wakeup call for all of humanity!

One thing I have been doing to use my time is artwork. I have never had this much time to do the things I enjoy. I share the art with my

granddaughters and it inspires them to be creative. I hope you enjoy them, too! These are all watercolors and I also paint with acrylics and oil.

Stay safe and carry on!

BEAUTY, CULTURES, family, Grandchildren, HEALTH, home, PARENTING, photography, RELIGION, TRAVEL, Uncategorized

Coronavirus COVID-19 and Grandma

The latest epidemic of Coronavirus has been on my mind constantly. I feel empathy for the many who have suffered from this virus and especially those who have lost their lives and their families. As an older person with chronic autoimmune issues, this virus is a threat!

So far, Utah has not had any known cases of the virus obtained instate. However, paranoia has emptied many shelves in the local Costco and Walmart. People are panicking in ways I never imagined. You would think it is the end of the world! Perhaps it is!

Well, at least I have learned something from all of this chaos, like how to wash my hands properly! Before, a quick dab of soap and a second or two of water sufficed. Now I feel that everything around me has germs on it, especially things I touch often like these computer keys. I use my clorox wipes much more than ever before.

I have also decided not to go out to the movies, to shop unless I really need to, and I have questioned attending large gatherings. It has affected almost all of my interactions with others – I even found myself elbow bumping my own granddaughter (what)?

Our church (LDS) has had general conference every spring and fall for as long as I can remember. For the first timein my life, they have told everyone to watch conference from home and that no international leaders will meet as usual at the conference center on Temple Square! Even the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah is not accepting new missionaries in lieu of being prepared online. Some temples have been closed and missionaries reassigned or sent home.

Our daughter and our family at the Salt Lake Temple

All of this has affected my psyche and ultimately affected everything I do. My daughter is a Nurse Practitioner and I worry that she might be exposed to the virus at work. She has been taking care of my husband and I and this adds another dimension to her job. I have Grave’s disease and use oxygen at night due to respiratory problems.

When will this nightmare end? Hopefully spring will bring warmer weather and kill off any hint of the virus! I am praying this time next year, the coronavirus will be a bad memory and not a significant threat to many.

Some of our family in Italy only a couple of years ago where the coronavirus currently rages

I realize how unprepared I am for a full-out emergency situation. We have been slowly eating up all of our food storage and not replacing it. I regret that right now!

While we are retired and doing okay financially, the recent stock market crash has eaten away at my 401-K! That is not the worst thing that could happen, but it is very frustrating.

I’m trying hard to have a positive outlook for my children and grandchildrens. I hope and pray that all of them will avoid the effects of the coronavirus.

Our latest family photo – missing Israel Kongaika