Vicquilter: CoVid~19 DIARIES ~ month 1

Today is Monday April 6, 2020. CoVid-19 has hit most places in the world. Areas of China first, it was shocking when the Chinese closed down transportation from the affected areas. On February 7 we went on our Australian cruise, me with a sense of dread that it would not end well. On February 16th Princess wisely made the decision that passengers would not travel with the ship past Fremantle. We flew home on February 24/25, got picked up at the airport by Gary, did our grocery shopping, even though I was sick with something .... something that kept me in bed for 2 days and included a seizure. Keith got it a few days later. We did not self isolate, did not know to. We heard that places in Europe were being hit hard, first Italy, then Spain and even England. Today the English Prime Minister who has been CoVid 19 positive for 11 days has been admitted to hospital yesterday and now to intensive care. The United States is a mess with New York and several other cities severely hit and with not enough medical supplies.

Here in British Columbia we feel that we are well taken care of. Our Chief Medical Officer the capable Dr Bonnie Henry and NDP Health Minister Adrian Dix are keeping the public informed 6 days per week and exhorting the public to stay home!

It all hit the fan for us on March 12th.

The NHL, NBA and other sport franchises announced closures.

The Canadian Government announced that all traveling Canadians were to fly home ASAP.

Schools closed, spring break was just around the corner but schools expected to stay closed.

However, many daycares remain open. Rosalie is reluctantly still going to work.

We were told to stay home, to only go out for necessities and exercise. When out in public we are to maintain 6 feet of distance from others.

CBC personalities are working from home as are many Canadians.

Both the Federal Government and BC Government are subsidizing wages, rents and mortgages.

At first I was terrified but now I am taking it more in stride. I am not so worried about me getting sick (altho I do not wish to enter grocery stores) but more afraid that Mom might get sick. When one does get sick and is admitted to hospital, the family cannot visit them. People are dying, a horrible death, alone.

Here are random thoughts and a photo diary of my life during a pandemic.

This is March 7th, A wonderful day hiking with the Outdoor Club of Victoria at East Sooke Park.

We had no idea that would be the last hike for quite a while.

March 9th .. Hold onto your hat, it is going to be a bumpy ride!!!

Nine Patchers had our regular meeting at my place the afternoon of March 12th. We were hearing the news but had not yet been able to appreciate the implications.

The above is a closeup of a quilt of Nicky's, I took the photo hoping to make a scrap quilt if I had the time. I have had so much time.

Our new member Joan, loving Chip, the feeling was mutual. These days I do not let people pet Chip as I have learned that although dogs do not carry the virus it can live on hair/fur. Chip has been quite understanding, he attempts a close up for a pat but backs off when people do not reciprocate. I usually give him a pat instead.

March 13th we went to our favourite breakfast restaurant El Fuego with Robert and Juhree. On March 15th, we went out for dinner at Spaghetti Factory. A couple of days later we wondered what had we been thinking!

Most restaurants closed their doors on March 16th. The Keg included. Adam got busy selling leftover Keg food to employees and then had to lay off his workers, including Chrissy.

March 16th 2020

Our nesteggs are quickly disappearing.

BUT we have pension income.

Unlike the younger generations who have lost their jobs.

For some unknown reason there has been panic buying of toilet paper!

CoVid-19 may require kleenex but not an excess of t p.

So a look at the positive outcomes of a pandemic.

Harbour Air has either closed down or has only very few flights. I am no longer subjected to plane exhaust on my patio or on my walks.

We can still go see the goats, although we are not allowed inside.

Birthday parties are no more. Keith celebrated his 68th on March 26th.

I purchased shrimp, made him a nice dinner and a delicious lemon cake for dessert.

Unfortunately I was unable to partake as I had used lemon extract in both the cake and the icing.

Lemon Extract is made from alcohol. I am sure that I do eat sweets that include vanilla flavouring and have no ill results but I played it safe. Also I want to keep being able to do up my button pants.

However, it was all good as Keith took much of the cake to his work where it was greatly enjoyed.

Anticipating free time, I began to cut out scrap pieces to make Nicky's quilt.

All GVPL branches are closed as of March 16th. Luckily I had taken out 2 great books and 1 no so interesting .... we are not to return the books until the library reopens.

Loved Loved Loved The Testaments!

Margaret Atwood still has IT!

April 1st, I have the interior of the top almost all together.

I seldom got into my sewing room at first, I seemed to be very busy with other projects. Once I did get in there, it was difficult to get me out.

Kitchen work is what I seemed to be drawn to. It is very disappointing not to go out for meals so I make up for that by creating interesting, healthy and delicious meals and desserts. Above is a favourite recipe of Banana Chocolate Chip cookies.

Stores are running low on flour and no doubt chocolate chips. I have enough chips for a while and Keith managed to find some unbleached flour.

This is the delight that I see when I look out my sewing room window. These tulips are perfectly, delicately coloured. How can one be sad when this is part of our world?

March 28th; a year ago from this day I left for my trip to Spain. I have now decided that each day I will revisit that same day one year ago by reading my blog.

The papers and the radio are non stop CoVid-19 related clips.

I check in in the morning, listening to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau give his 8:15AM pep talk to the nation. He then answers questions from the press (phoned in). He has rote speech down pat and has to be very careful when mentioning D Trump. For example, "Our government has been very busy discussing the problem of ... with all levels of government ... that are more productive."

What a beautiful time of the year to be confined to home (as much as possible). I have 16 bush bean plants coming up presenting the promised of fresh vegies this summer.

Oh what project to work on next. A fun project for a future day will be to combine painting with fabric using dried tea bags as my medium. The sheep postcard background is made with a paper serviette from Med Grill. I smuggle my "unused as much as possible" napkin out every time we have gone there. Shh, don't tell.

I started appliqueing this project on the cruise.

What a happy quilt and a pleasure to make.

a closeup

It is in a box with a koala bear, ready to be mailed to Chloe. We are just waiting for her little sweater to be finished, more on that later.

April 3rd

This is a very bad photo of a very vibrant quilt. As I type this today on April 11th (for the 2nd time as previous work was lost!) I am planning on biking to the recipient's home, it will be a surprise for them.

The fabric is the last of my hand dyed, done many years ago when I had a yard for that messy job.

One of the few times that I have purchased fabric for the borders, backing and binding.

Yumm!! Baking powder cinnamon buns = happy husband.

April 4th

I was sick and tired of hearing non stop news and clips about how bad everything is.

In my life, and I am sure, many others' lives, things are wonderful.

I felt such joy walking around James Bay with Chip. The sun was not shining but my heart was.

We avoided busy areas as it was Saturday and there were more people about.

So Stunning!

Thankful to have Chip, he is awesome company.

Doesn't he look like Pluto, the internet sensation. We love Pluto in our home, she and her mom bring so much pleasure and a sweet outlook on the pandemic situation.

Sweet

These flags are everywhere now, where are people getting them now that stores are closed and one is not to shop unnecessarily.

These sweet lil things, growing in a lawn.

Due to the cool weather, both daffodils and tulips are out at the same time!

Our capable neighbours are taking very good care of us.

On March 24th many hotels closed including the Empress, Laurel Pt Inn and The Grand.

On Saturdays Keith often makes dinner, this evening it is a delicious stirfry.

Thank you!

Looking good! That is Good Friday at the end there.

April 5th

Border on, ready to sandwich and quilt... postponed to a later date...other things to do.

Trilliums near the Museum

Everything is gorgeous, this is a maple of some sort.

Fawn lilies are everywhere, all over Mt Doug and Beacon Hill Park.

sweet

This magnolia is just past its prime but love the bird houses that have been hanging in this tree for years ~ At Fisherman's Wharf Park.

We ended this lovely day by playing cards, Chip is bringing Keith some needed luck.

April 6

Gorgeous sunny day.

Heart full again.

My tulips are still perfect.

The water is so calm.

I am on my way to meet my friend Laura for a 6ft distance walk.

The whales must be enjoying the quiet days.

On the Goose

Flowering currant

And with Oregon Grape.

The streets are often eerily quiet.

Posted at a James Bay bus stop

These "flower pots" were used in the Bapco Paint factory that used to be on this property.

April 7

Mom and I met for a 6ft distance walk.

She is making the best of the situation.

That is what she does.

My Mom

Love Her!!!

April 8

Another long distance walk, or more a hike. Alice and I meet every Wednesday for a hike at Mt Doug. She is a good friend and even though life is quieter than usual we still seem to find much to discuss.

April 9th

I mentioned that I relive my last year's camino each day ... have expanded that now.

Every day I chose one photo from that day in 2019 and attempt to reproduce it in my (terrible paper) sketch book with my favourite method ... line and wash.

My Bleeding Hearts are fabulous.

This afternoon Keith joined Chip and me on our afternoon walk. Beautiful day at Dallas Rd dog park. We knew that we would not be able to go there during the next few days as it would be very busy with Easter folks. As we were walking home, Ray and Joyce spotted us from their vehicle as they were driving by. They stopped to visit and as they were on their way to see Heather, she came by as well.

Justin Trudeau today said what we all were not wanting to hear, that "This is the new normal" until a vaccine can be created. There are expected to be waves of the virus. It is not clear that having it once makes one immune.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is out of Intensive Care.

April 10th Good Friday

I spent much of the day doing housework. Kitchen cupboards are done, yay!

I set up my YaYas on Keith's IPad and we enjoyed a 2 hour Facetime connection last night.

Caroline was busy cooking a feast for her solo dinner, Adam had made pasta for his mom and him. I was busy crocheting Chloe's sweater. Two hours flew by. Everyone is so positive. More love, I am so fortunate.

Two thousand American died today of Corona Virus.

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