CoVid-19 Diaries Month 2

MONTH TWO

I have entered the Zoom age.

I have FaceTimed and WhatsApped with my Yayas.

Last night I Zoomed with my family for an Easter Monday Happy Hour.

I am getting lots of human interaction.

...and the weather is still perfect.

I have to stay home, on my beautiful, sunny warm patio?

YAY!

A terrible picture but my pathetic lavender has some pretty blooms.

Another terrible picture, April 12th 2019 Karin and I were in Merida, one of my favourite days on the camino. I do not draw humans but I liked this photo and wanted to try. It is all practice.

Today is Easter Sunday. Keith and I played cards and had a nice relaxing day. We went for a nice long walk through Fairfield (did not take my phone/camera). On our way home ....Yikes Keith wanted me to go into Red Barn to pick up his milk and bread. No line, I was offered hand sanitizer at the door and then gloves once I declined. Plexiglass installed at the checkout. I am trying to go into stores as seldom as possible.

Later we made a nice dinner of barbequed chicken breasts, mashed potatoes, broccoli and mushrooms.

We are watching and really enjoying Hillary on Netflix.

April 13th

Keith is back at work.

Chip and I often walk down by the cruise ship terminal. It is nice and quiet there, so easy to keep a 2 meter distance from others.

Such a beautiful day, The Olympic Mountains are clear, much clearer than this photo shows.

The Breakwater is closed as it is a wee bit too narrow to keep one's distance.

Pansys and their bright little faces.

This attempt was a bust. There is too much detail in the photo that I had chosen. I enjoy a quick exercise, here I got bored with the difficulty and therefore did not complete the aqueduct. Also the stork is way too large. Practice, that is what it is for, to learn from one's mistakes. I am learning quickly.

I really enjoyed getting back into crochet.

I bought this pattern in Australia.

Will send to Chloe soon.

A lesson in Perspective

grade f

but it was fun.

The gorgeous pear tree outside the Huntingdon Manor.

On my weekly Wednesday hike at Mt Doug with Alice.  The fawn lilies have been in bloom for at least the last 3 weeks. Wednesday is my favourite day of the week as that is normally when we meet at Mt Doug.

The provincial government has done an amazing job throughout this pandemic. I do however have one beef and that is why have the provincial parks been closed. On Mt Doug we met an older man who usually walks in his neighbourhood park which is Dean Park. I recommend blocking off the parking lots but allowing park neighbours to wander the trails. Ok, I know, I need to write a letter.

April 16 Basting the 3 quilting layers together is my least favourite task but it has to be done. 

The job is even more difficult due to the spectacular weather, it is a shame to be inside.

April 17

MacCaulay Point, Esquimalt

A lovely walk with Laura and somewhere that I had not been for many years.

I love the ships outlined in front of the fog bank in front of the Olympic Mountain range.

It is very easy to feel complacent here on Vancouver Island.

I know no one personally that has been ill with Covid19.

On the other hand, Yay us! Well done team Vancouver Island!

 All the dog grooming places are closed. Chip was getting very hot in this perfect weather. I put a call out on the Laurel Point Google group to see if anyone had any clippers that they were not using. Anne R and her partner emailed immediately and delivered some nice looking clippers. Unfortunately they were not powerful enough for Chip's thick fur. We made do with Keith's beard trimmer and scissors. The cut is uneven but he is still pretty cute. I was surprised at how patiently he stood and let us work on him. Past groomers have done an excellent job training him. 

Keith then went and ordered a proper set from Amazon, we should have it by Friday.
(PS May 11th and they still have not arrived. As should be the case, more important items like medical equipment have priority)

Keith also spent some time studying YouTube videos and he did a far better job than I.

Practice practice, sorry Chip!

what a look

April 19th (already!)

A lazy morning spent on the patio.

After playing cribbage, neighbours Paul and Anna dropped by for a quiet chat. Then feet up, sun shining I read a bit of my current book .... I am attempting Anna Karenina. Next Cheryl calls so we both talk to her, I went inside and grabbed my hand quilting to keep my hands busy as we talked. Now upstairs neighbour and pianist Barbara is playing just the perfect music for the day. Lovely, I can't think of anywhere I would rather be. Happy and content.

Another bonus, I am finding it easier to give myself permission to be lazy. Love it!

Keith and I have started walking together in the afternoons. Some workdays he is now getting home early afternoon as there are less stores open to deliver goods to. Yesterday the 3 of us walked over to Mom's side. Tom and Alison had met her at home and walked with her towards the bridge. We found a bench and had a nice physical distancing visit. The weather was cloudy but just as we all headed home the sun came out and it was glorious. 

We ate 2 vegan meals in a row, a delicious "butter' chickpea recipe from Alice.  I served it over roasted vegies, love it when a meal lasts 2 nights. This evening it is Keith's turn to cook, it is guaranteed not to be vegan.

Beacon Hill Park is closed to vehicles every weekend,... it seems.

I would like it to stay that way forever. Bicyclists, strollers and happy folks were in  abundance. 

Do you see Chip?

Today's art attempt, I had gotten discouraged with my lack of art talent so had not practiced for a couple of days. A laundry photo inspired me today, while the results are still disappointing I did have fun.

This lazy day made me realize that I am beginning to get the concept of "manana".

Many folks are remarking about what an unusual time we are having when really, Pandemics have been very common throughout history. It is only our recent history since vaccines have been created that our current situation has become unusual. My Mom remembers being a child and later having young children of her own, having to be very careful to not contract polio. Polio that afflicted my own husband when he was a child of 5. The vaccine was out by then but as he was sick with a cold, he did not get the polio vaccine. He contracted it just a few days later and was told that if he had gotten the vaccine that he could have died. 

It is all relative.

We still do not know anyone that has contracted CoVid 19, we are still under 100 confirmed cases on all of Vancouver Island.

Today Dr Bonnie Henry announced that anyone showing symptoms can now be tested. Until now testing was only done if one was sick enough to be admitted to hospital or if one was exposed to a known carrier or in places like care homes.

April 20th

The 420 celebrations were all done remotely this year.

It is Monday, Keith is at work.

This morning I walked to Lifestyles to get some "health food". It was another perfect day.

Lifestyles is not set up as well as Root Cellar. One bonus though, one can use their own bags, just do not place the bag on the counter.  Baking powder was on my list, they were all cleaned out and there were no brazil nuts.  Of course the bulk section is closed but there were many prepackaged items that one formerly purchased in bulk.  

I was back in time for lunch and a read in the sun on the patio.

I am now tackling the dining room.

Today the news is not entirely about the pandemic. There have been at least 19 people killed in Nova Scotia (of all places) by a shooter. The worst shooting event in Canada's history. Such needless death, including an RCMP officer and some health workers. The killer was on the loose for 12 hours and was wearing a police uniform and driving a police look alike vehicle.  Justin Trudeau was visibly upset, he took the time to talk directly to children. 

Played Facetime Bananagrams with my YaYas this evening.

Today is Thursday April 23

I haven't written for a few days.

This morning I worked in my sewing room binding a quilt that I have just finished hand quilting for my friend RoseMarie. She has always been a huge inspiration to me, such a generous and kind soul. Now she is on an oxygen tank but does still occasionally join our 9 Patchers group. A few years ago she cleaned out her sewing room and gifted us all with some beautiful fabric and other quilting items. She no longer quilts very much if at all. She had a few UFO (unfinished objects) and I volunteered to complete one for her. This is what I have been working on for the last weeks while Keith and I watch (too much) TV in the evenings. So this morning I was able to apply the binding, almost done. While quilting I often listen to CBC radio. Since the beginning of the pandemic The Current has been expanded by 2 hours, taking over the Q time slot. Tom Power does some entertainment clips.

Today's show included a piece on journaling during these unusual times which felt like some welcome confirmation of what I have started here. 

Also discussed today is how Sweden and Russia are dealing with the crisis. Sweden is encouraging all to physical distance but businesses are not closed down. Russia was in denial for quite some time and now that it is full on there, Putin is stepping into the shadows to not take blame. He was about to push through legislation to keep himself in power for several years to come. 

I have just finished a book, Heads You Win by the infamous Jeffery Archer ... much about Russia and Putin, now I am stepping back into history and am reading Anne Karenina, loving it. 

What has been going on?

The 21st was Dad's birthday. Gary met Mom at Dad's bench where they had a nice visit and then went for a walk. 

I spent the overcast morning basting another quilt.

Keith and I walked Chip through Beacon Hill in the afternoon. While walking along the road from Michigan to the lake we passed a man, who I noticed was holding a gun. He was calm, looking at the gun and almost caressing it. I picked up my speed and quietly advised Keith who got Chip onto his scooter while I phoned 911. The 911 operator at first did not seem to know where Beacon Hill Park was but we soon got going and I was able to give a good description on the man, who was by this time diverging from the road and thankfully away from us towards Douglas. Of course I was also describing his route. We saw him drop the gun and raise his hands in the air and then oh so fast, there were the police, able to come right up to him and gently guide him away. I got the feeling that he was known to the police. 

Adrenaline rushing, omg, we 3 went to visit the baby goats and the world was fine again. 

Some beauty on our way home...

Dogwoods are beginning to bloom.

Our Condo Courtyard.

Chloe received her package, I don't have a photo of her with the quilt but Keith managed to get a couple of pictures from a Facetime conversation. So Cute! The little sweater fits just right. 

Miss Chloe May struttin' her stuff.

Mom told me a lovely story, she got up very early to go do her grocery shopping at her local Save On Foods. The staff were so nice to her, even gifting her with flowers!!!! Such a perfect day for that to happen, when Mom is thinking about Dad so much.

I finished the day by doing my art.

April 22 EARTH DAY

Normally we would be attending Climate Change protests but of course there is none of that these days. With very few planes in the air and boats in the water, including in our Inner Harbour, the air and water are looking beautifully clean. One hopes that efforts will continue to use less energy but one knows that will not happen. (Debbie Downer)

Last night I watched a heartbreaking documentary on Environmental Groups that have been taken over by corporations and billionaires. Just like the plastic "recycling" issue. So discouraging. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zk11vI-7czE

It is called Planet of the Humans.

Truly a MUST SEE.

(May11th, the documentary has since been debunked by the Green Party)

on a lighter note...today's art

Normally on Wednesdays, Alice and I hike Mt Doug, not this week, we have chosen Friday instead.

But! A perfect inside day to finish basting that quilt.

April 23

I am so pleased with myself.

I have done my exercise routine pretty much every single day!!!

Yay Me!

...and in spite of being discouraged I am back doing my art every day.

this day's work is too embarrassing to show.

Keith, Chip and I on our afternoon walk.

I let the Legislature Guards pat Chip ~ living dangerously.

Tongue in cheek but it is not a funny matter.

Our Boy

Les and Jean happened along so we had a nice chat with them.

This does not do it justice but I love the pink forget-me-nots combined with the red tulips.

I heard later that the red tulips are to celebrate the 75th anniversary of VE day. 

Back to visit the goats (every chance I get). Currently 4 have been born. I tried to get a photo of the babies but they move too quickly and of course I have to work through 2 fences. One is not allowed to touch the fencing, there are signs everywhere not to. A Beacon Hill Children's Farm employee came along and mentioned that soon the viewing will be stopped as people just were not respecting the no touching the fence rule. Very sad news indeed! They have however ordered a camera to show live feed on their Facebook. They have a GoatFundMe account that has so far made $30,000 to help pay for food, insurance and vet bills.

(The Farm ended up hanging flags on the fencing forcing viewers to be 6 feet apart, a creative solution.)

It was windy (but not cold) on Dallas Rd.

The south side of Dallas was closed west of Douglas so we walked along the north side.

The bike lanes are almost completed on the south side.

NIKE!

As we approached home we ran into this cute little girl, the star of 7pm.

When we all come out at 7PM to say thank you to the Essential Workers, Nike is so excited and helps to make noise by barking along.

Another nice chat with Nike's Mom and Dad, Robert and Juhree.

On Laurel Pt Condo property, Mavis did a fabulous job on our gardens.

The homeless situation is dire. The shelters had to be closed as it was impossible to maintain physical distancing. Three sites were chosen to set up camps in donated tents and sleeping bags, they were Topaz Park, Beacon Hill Park and Victoria Athletic Park. In the end only Topaz worked out. There are 100 tents there, police are attending non stop and yesterday 2 people died there. Also along Pandora there are many homeless living in tents, another person died there as well. It sounds like the cause of death for all 3 was overdose. Due to border traffic all but eliminated, drugs just are no longer getting through so addicts are taking whatever they can get there hands on. There was talk about the government providing safe drugs along with care and a home. Most of these folks have severe underlying mental health issues. Leonard Krog, mayor of Nanaimo has been brave enough to say that most of these people need to be treated in an institution. I agree 100%. There has been so much care, effort and dollars directed to this issue and nothing is helping, it just gets worse. Three people die every day in BC from overdosing. 

So was it the correct decision to close the shelters?

A difficult decision to uproot all these people from a place where they were fairly well taken care of.

Heartbreaking.

The other issue in the news this week is Meat Plants.

They often have foreign workers and newly landed immigrant workers.

Conditions are not good.

There is no physical distancing.

No PPE, oh except for management.

2 out 3 beef processing plants in Alberta have closed due to CoVid-19 outbreaks

2 poultry processing plants in the Lower Mainland have also closed for the same reason.

A wonderful time to be a vegan.

Friday April 24

My weekly hike with my friend Alice.

Since I do not drive we have been meeting at Mt Doug, it is an easy bike ride for me. 

There are many trails there and we have been taking less traveled trails lately to provide some change. Today we ended up on the west side, on a narrow path with many ups and downs, the type of path where one needs to concentrate on where your feet are so as not to fall and horrors break something. My favourite type of hiking! It was gorgeous with carpets of wildflowers and the arbutus trees are also giving a great show as they are also in bloom.

It was a treat to get out and not be listening to the radio all day. So I have no idea what is new in the world of CoVid-19 today.

There have not been many photos of me.

Mainly cuz my hair!!!

Yikes, thankfully this photo is not a closeup, I desperately need a haircut ...

but since that is my biggest problem in the middle of a pandemic ...

I am very fortunate indeed.

Many restaurants in our neighbourhood are open for takeout only.

I picked up dinner at Santiagos, I was the only customer, the only 2 people working there are the owners. We do not want these local businesses to disappear!

On Saturday I delivered Rosemarie's completed quilt back to Leah who had completed Rosemarie's beautiful Grandmother's Flower Garden quilt. Leah will drive both quilts to Rosemarie's.

What a lovely bike ride with little traffic on the way there around 9am. When I returned home the wind had come up, against me of course, I elected to ride through Beacon Hill Park instead of right on the windier waterfront. 

It was nice enough to play cards on our patio.

I celebrated a 24 crib hand, I threw myself 2 7s, Keith donated an 8 and a 9 and then a 7 turned up.

Yahoo, oh yeah, I skunked him.

Happens very infrequently.

Then Keith played cribbage with neighbour Paul, they used to play here but now they play online using the speakerphone. Adaption.

Oh Yeah, then Keith beat Paul a few games so he felt better.

Sunday April 26th

Keith and I met Mom on her side of the bridge.

Two seagulls and a cormorant entertained us.

The Empress is a land of tulips this years.

Stunning.

It was a better show last week.

At Laurel Pt condos the garden beds are full of pink blossoms.

Tuesday April 28th

A surprise to come across this handsome blue heron right on the bridge approach.

Biking to Mom's to do her vacuuming.

Her housekeeper has not come for several weeks.

Gary and Pam have been so good to Mom bringing her meals and groceries.

Of all Mom and Dad's children, they are my favourites!

I love them even more than I love myself!

Good people.

Perhaps the parents practiced on Tom and me, 

perfected their techniques on #3.

Anyways, I was feeling I needed to score some points of my own.

I also gave Mom Keith's leftover stew ... sorry Keith.

No art for a couple of days, have not felt inspired by the photos.

This time last year I was in Salamanca which I loved very much.

But drawing beautiful cathedrals is way beyond my skill and patience.

The living room is DONE!

Wednesday April 29th

Keith and I walked up Government Street to pick up my birthday dinner from Green Cuisine.

It operated like Subway with an employee, separated by plexiglass, dishing out our requests into a compostable cardboard box. For a special treat I bought a Not a Nanaimo Bar for dessert.

OMG So Good!

As we walked up and back down Government Street we noticed that most of the businesses were temporarily closed, their windows covered with paper, so as to dissuade criminals from breaking in. 

Crime has been on the rise, one hears that drugs are less plentiful, with the border closed, and more expensive, driving desperate folks to desperate deeds. 

On the other side, the last thing these poor business folks need is for their stores to be vandalized.

Thursday April 30th, my 66th birthday

Mom was very inspired and creative.

I had already planned to walk with Spring that afternoon so when Mom suggested that she treat us to a meal for 4 from Spinakers I was IN!

Keith, Spring, Chip and I walked over the bridge and met Mom, we all walked to the grass, on the leaside of the rock (it was a bit windy and cool) where we enjoyed our picnic.

birthday party CoVid-19 style

Chip trying his best

Keith had purchased a delicious Cakes Etc cake.

A great day, loved it.

Oh and ya I am getting along better with my hair...

cut my own bangs.

We got home in time for the 7pm clapping to thank the essential workers. All my neighbours sang happy birthday to me.

Lovely

Later that evening the YaYas connected on Facetime.

Caroline had dressed up, set out wine glasses and had baked a cake!

We danced a bit and talked lots ... 2 hours worth.

More Lovely 

May 2nd My favourite clematis, it always blooms around my birthday.

The James Bay Market was open today with many changes. There is only 1 entrance with cones set out 6 feet apart, only food vendors are present, they were supposed to take only non touch credit card payments but I noticed that my usual vendor only took cash (as is normal).

The weather was not very good so there were few people around, I did not need to stand in line.

I came home with a large head of lettuce and a large bag of flavourful cherry tomatoes. So pleased to be able to have our farmers market here during these times. 

The streets of James Bay are normally full of cruise ship passengers at this time of year. 

It feels as though the locals have taken our neighbourhood back. That said, I have enjoyed the visitors, we often stop to talk with them, especially if they are dog lovers and want to pet Chip.

BUT our neighbourhood is now full of neighbours, few cars, less noise and pollution and busyness.

I find myself often dreaming of being in crowded situations where I cannot physical distance, I wake up feeling very uncomfortable. When walking and encountering oncoming pedestrians you veer off onto the grass or the road to maintain the recommended 6 feet. It seems so rude, I try to always acknowledge the person with a cheery hello or thank you.

It just seems weird and so very anti social.

I cannot see EVER shaking hands with anyone ever again.

One advantage to this is that we should catch fewer everything ..... including colds.

That is good news.

I wash my hands as soon as I get inside, I wash them again after I have put away gloves, groceries, whatever and then again before preparing food. This is now an ingrained habit.

May 3rd

 Paul and Keith playing crib on line, this time Paul came over so they could talk ...

not over the phone as they usually do. 

Sunday May 3rd

I have been spending hours and hours  machine quilting this latest project.

Monday May 4th

This is just the best Mama!

.... cuddled up with her wee one.

so sweet

Camas is  all over Beacon Hill Park.

First Nations Peoples ate the bulbs and traded  them up and down the coast.

More Camas

Gorgeous!!!!

One never knows who you are going to run into when you are walking the dog in James Bay?

Tuesday May 5

The various trees are blooming one after the other.

I have no idea what this is, the leaves look like an oak but I am pretty sure that it is not.

May 10th, I discovered that it is a May Tree, also know as a Hawthorne. Ya learn something everyday. 

Wednesday  May 6th

Alice and  I  ventured on seldom traveled trails and discovered another beautiful spot.

The path upwards.

Laburnums were blooming all along the Galloping Goose.

Today Premier John Horgan made public the governments plans for "Getting Back to Our New Normal". There will be no travel across borders, no large gatherings (no quilt guild meetings)  until there is a vaccine or a treatment medication or herd immunity. Provincial Parks will reopen for day use only, no camping yet. The question was asked if one can hug their mother for Mothers' Day, basically that is up to the individual and also if she has any underlying health issues. The Legislature will begin sitting soon. Horgan complimented the other parties on their co-operation.

Again, I felt very proud to be a British Columbian, our  government has done  so well guiding us  through this pandemic, relying on science when making decisions. Only 124 British Columbians have died from CoVid-19. On that note it has been discovered that CoVid-19 was in France back in December, even before it was first reported in China. Testing has been done on earlier unexplained cases. Very interesting stuff.

I thought that a pandemic would be the perfect time to read my 1st Tolstoy novel. I expected it to be a bit of a slog and was pleasantly surprised that ...from a very different country and culture and the span of 150 years ... that I could relate so very well to his in depth character's thoughts. I did not want the 800 page novel to end. It seems though that as he wrote the novel, it became less about Anna and concentrated on other characters. I know that the 1st chapters were serialized in a magazine so I expect the title was chosen as he began writing. Interesting, often the construction of my quilts proceed in a similar manner. They seldom turn out how I had originally planned.

Mothers' Day Weekend 2020

The weather is fabulous, full sun, temperatures in the 20s ... even in chilly James Bay.

We spent much of the weekend in and around Beacon Hill Park.

On Friday evening we met 4 friends to have a picnic on the cricket grounds.

It was so hot that Keith, who arrived 1st, chose to sit in the shade.

We all carefully sat 2 m apart but I did let the others pet Chip.

That was satisfying for both the pettee and the petters.

The park was full of many groups doing the same as us.

Lesley texted me after to thank me for letting her pet Chip, that it gave a sense of normalcy.

On Sunday Keith, Chip and I again strolled through Beacon Hill Park.

As usual during this pandemic, barriers have been erected to ban cars from the park so there were just the right amount of folks, all spread out in their family groups. The atmosphere was so calm, joyous even. One just did not feel the normal speed of every day life. Parents played, I mean really played, with their kids. People were enjoying conversation with their loved ones. My feeling was of peace and happiness. Of course I am aware of the medical and financial tragedy that many are facing but here on Vancouver Island we feel so far away from it all. In the entire province only 127 (or so) folks have died and here on the island there are only 125 (or so) confirmed cases with only 5 deaths. 

Walking on May St to see the May trees in bloom. Turns out that we were too early for the May/Hawthorn trees (I love that I was able to google my tree questions as we walked!) but the Linden Trees were amazing. 

And so were the lilacs.

Back through BHP we spotted a couple of deer, which, surprisingly, we seldom see in the park.

Later in the evening I went for a bike ride and rode through the Moss St Cemetery on my way home where I saw many single deer settling down to sleep on graves.

Monday May 11

Provincial Parks reopening for day use only ~ Hooray!!!

A Columbine volunteer on my patio.

Beautiful!

All playgrounds are off limits.

Many stores downtown are closed with their windows papered over. 

A few have signs up that they have permanently closed.

Some are open ... but for very few hours.

Few businesses, if any, are open in the evenings.

Some are open but only for online orders to be picked up.

Including shoe stores .... just how does one purchase shoes online? I know that folks do it but I have enough trouble purchasing shoes when I get to try them on.

Some stores may be opening in about a week... with many restrictions especially around physical distancing. 

Even Trounce Alley is closed.

Well that is a wrap for the end of month 2.

The next month will be a challenge for us all, how much do we feel comfortable entering back into restaurants and stores? Will there be a spike in cases?

Personally I am looking forward to going out for breakfast again but have just read an article on the transmission of viruses, it illustrates just how well transmission happens in enclosed spaces. So I will practice patience and wait just a bit longer. Restaurants are just beginning to plan how to best open and still be safe for their employees and customers. There are many original ideas popping up.

Travel will not be happening until there is a vaccine or treatment. .. not even interprovincial travel it seems. Interesting times.