Sick You Are....

I feel human - you can tell as I am blogging. My fever has broken and I'm happy to report I just caught the regular old 3 day flu bug. Yes, I am staying home. And, yes, I  communicated with my doctor...I had to cancel an appointment.  Shoot - postponed that A1C another week - I could sure use a Blizzard. 

But thinking back (and post dating this) - Wednesday I spent some time with Benny. Cory is deemed to work in an essential industry and must keep working. As Arielle says - they've been exposed to every germ in the valley. She also is working in a field still deemed essential. We didn't want to bring Benny home to Grandpa - so I went there. Ironically, I went out to protect Benny from germs and ended up exposing him to a germ I had no clue I had.  ::sigh:: 

Benny is pleased with his green cow!

I came home and Krista was working on her first Journey Youth video to post to the church's facebook page.

Within hours of getting home I had a sudden fever.  It is now 3 days later and Benny is fine. Just like every other day in history - a person has no way of knowing if they are sick BEFORE they are sick....and this brought home to me the reality we all live with now, we lived in it before but weren't hyper aware of specific germs...or in the middle of an outbreak.

This was NOT Covid-19. It didn't present at all like covid...and honestly, we CAN'T ALWAYS stay home  in case we MAY get sick TOMORROW...but in THIS time with a known virus running rampant...yeah, I CAN STAY HOME.

I will isolate as much as humanely possible not out of fear - but out of love. Dad and the kids were expressing worry about me being out every day. Out of love for them - I will limit my exposure. Out of love for those I meet with and for my community - I will limit their exposure as well.  I've not traveled, I don't think we ARE infected...but the Governor is asking for us to limit interaction - and I can do that - it's a small thing to do if it helps keep the community I love well.

I had been praying for clarity on which appointments to keep the rest of this week. The flu answered that quite qiuckly for me. I cancelled dinner, 2 counseling appointments and a doctor appointment.  I would HATE to come down with Covid (like I did the flu) after being out with someone....

This bug hit FAST...I was normal, then flushed, then chilled...the family began teasing me as they watched it hit..."Next you'll be seeing Yoda."

"Sick you are....to bed you will go."

I think our governor is handling this well. Listening to his briefings have become a highlight of the day.

I don't do sick well.

 I don't do isolation well.

 I do family well - so I'll focus on family and it  will help.

Saint Patrick's Day - Day 2 of isolation

Frankly, I'm not feeling very isolated...

Pastor Shannon came over today so the staff - much of  which lives at our house - could brainstorm and plan for  "church" in a season when groups under 10 or 50 are recommended.

It's SNOWING.

I put a corned beef into the instant pot...and then had to leave home.

I did NOT want to go out again - but I didn't make it to the feed store yesterday and in our prepping I need to have chicken feed, scratch and shavings.  Krista was gracious enough to come with me - she even drove. We stopped at the feed store. We went to Three Bears. Three Bears is now only allowing customers to buy 2 of any item in the store. It was NICE to be able to find a few of the items we needed...I'd forgotten to buy COFFEE - Dad is our only coffee drinker.  We filled the van with gas.

On the way home Krista treated me to tea from her favorite spot.

Look at THIS....look at my pretty silk spring flowers...the blasted moose ATE them...then spit bedraggled silk flowers all around. Poor things are getting hungry and must have thought we had the one spot of fresh colorful food in the area.

The guys came home early again. They all enjoyed video games this afternoon. 

Stacia made an Irish toffee dessert. I pulled out the beef and added potatoes and carrots. Krista made yummy cabbage, and we were ready for St Patrick's Day dinner.

We poured a new batch of kombucha. Okay - we double filtered this batch...so he is pouring it back into the big jar to be filtered into smaller jars. Look at that foam! 

 Stacia and the boys headed to bed early. They are up early for work and school.

Dad decided to go to bed.

Krista, Michael and I decided to read - well I've spent the time blogging and am now the only one in the living room. ::snort::

Oh, Krista and Stacia have picked out material to make a "quarantine quilt." This could be a fun idea.

This ends day 2 in "isolation."

Choices

I want to take a moment and write about choices.

First, God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and sound mind (disciplined mind). 2 Tim 1:7. 

Quickly, that means we are motivated by faith, the power of the Holy spirit and wisdom (disciplined, sound mind) and NOT FEAR.   We also believe in obeying the authority God places over us...and so at the very least we will follow the dictates of our Governor and President.  As of last Sunday morning no numerical limitations had been set on the size of gatherings.  This means we made our choices based on faith, love and wisdom.  There is another dynamic to consider - FREEDOM.  In a spirit of faith and love we need to allow others the freedom to make choices different than ours - within the clear recommendations from the CDC.

Michael and I have lived through natural disasters before (Japan's Tsunami Quake, Alaska's Quake). We observed a sad dynamic in Misawa which we are doing all we can to avoid in THIS situation.  We were given choices in Misawa. Families could choose to go back to the states or stay in Japan. Each family considered their dynamic and many prayed as they made their decision. We did not make the same decisions. Shortly those who left were saying those who stayed were unwise, fool-hardy, using up Japan's national resources...and those who stayed were saying those who left were cowardly, trying to get a "free vacation" et al. It was sin on both sides. We are not called to judge one another. When we came back as a community it was hard to get back to our former level of intimacy. Some shared they couldn't forget the comments another had posted online and they kept thinking "They think I am......"

Motivated by love, faith and power, let's give each other the freedom to make choices for their families within the recommendations we all abide under.

Sunday some states were closed down. We were not. Our Governor had not limited the size of gatherings. Our schools were shut down.   This is what our family did.....

BreZaak stayed home from all gatherings.

We asked Dad to consider and pray about staying home. He is in the high risk category....and he is still not insured. I have been trying to get a PIECE OF PAPER from Healthnet of Oregon since November. They have to send me a paper saying they cancelled him as he moved out of their area, before the new insurance company will grandfather him into their policy. They've dragged it out so long,  I've had to start all over again with the new company. SO....he has no insurance and if he gets sick or needs treatment, it is all out of pocket.  Dad stayed home on Sunday.

Stacia has had a cold. She stayed home - distancing as far as we can in the home...and disinfecting often throughout the day. I've long quarantined sick children...even bringing them a portable DVD player to keep their germs contained. With a family of 11 - we lived in an endless cycle of germs until I discovered the benefits of quarantine. LOL

Alex chose to go to church. Nolan stayed home.  Krista, Michael and I went to church. Michael was preaching. Krista was working with children and I needed my people.

CoRielle stayed home from church. Cory is a manager at Fred Myers and must go to work, even when others are told to stay home. They didn't go to church as they wanted to come over to our home for the evening and didn't want to chance picking anything up that would be carried to Dad. Cory went home and showered and probably sprayed himself with Lysol before donning a hazmat suit and joining his family at our house. ::snort::

We decided, as ministry leaders, not to offer mid-week events while the kids are out of school. We'll follow the recommendations the schools are following.  Then Sunday we heard group sizes limited to 50, and now 10...and so we will abide by those...but even within those there is room for personal choice. Some will continue to have small groups, some will not. Some will meet for coffee one on one, some will not....

My point....as we EACH pray and seek God we should be quick to listen to the Holy Spirit, quick to answer in faith and quick to give each other the freedom to do the same. I have two high risk members in my home; others may be healthy 20 years olds and feel they CAN have a small group in their home as long as they have less than 10 in attendance. It would be FEAR for me to pretend I am not being prompted to be cautious during my prayer times. In other words, we can't always tell as we observe others if a reaction is fear or faith - and it probably isn't my concern anyway.

Let's be kind to each other. Let's be the ones showing consideration and love when we are at Costco (or Freddies as the case may be). Let's walk in faith, love, wisdom and freedom.  We have a great opportunity to bring God's peace, love and joy into a very concerned population.  Let's be salt and light.  Let's be the church.

Odd Time in History

Since this a family journal and intended to be read years from now, it seems best to share a bit of this odd time in history in which we find ourselves.  Some say the CoVid 19 virus/ pandemic is a media-created hoax. Others say it's very, very serious. We are doing our best to navigate through the maze with faith, love, and wisdom (2 Timothy 1:7) and without fear.

Monday I met a friend. We were the ONLY ones at the restaurant for much of our meal.  I worry for those who work in these industries.

Michael was across town meeting with a young man.

We both felt peace in continuing with our plans to meet and felt they were God-planned meetings.

I headed to Fred Myers and Carrs after our breakfast. I had to pick up meds for Dad. I'm not sure why Healthnet has all his meds as 30 days - but this results in frequent trips for meds. I took advantage of being out to try to hunt down sanitizer, soap, beans, vitamins, zinc, and flour.

Well...shew...I did get some kleenex, no sanitizer, flour or vitamins to be found anywhere. I looked for bleach, alcohol - you know anything to make disinfectant. All sold out. Vodka was gone. Michael called and said he would go to Walmart and look for the items I couldn't find in our town. I don't usually worry about sanitizer as we wash with soap - but soap is another item impossible to find right now....

I have been on the look out to give out coffee cards to harried grocery store stockers  and cashiers. I saw one poor girl crouched and cringing as she tried to clean an empty shelf. Customers were very rude and spewing their anger at the lack of product on HER. We are BETTER THAN THIS people! It was my joy to stoop down next to her and speak words of affirmation and encouragement. Let's look for chances to be salt and light. Let's look for opportunities to be different in the midst of the panic.

While I was out I heard all bars, restaurants and gyms were closed in Anchorage. They are still open here.  The recommendation was still not to gather in groups more than 50. None of us did.

I was finally DONE. I KNEW I was done when I discovered Matzos and green tea in my cart. I used to buy Matzos for Mom G when I shopped for her at Safeway.... I was in Safeway/Carrs on autopilot.

Our mayor or Borough is asking businesses to stay open...but with things as slow as they are I am guessing many will be shutting...and if we follow Anchorage's lead it will be a ghost town downtown soon.

I came home and made dinner.  After dinner I brought out a gift for the family.

Krista divided some out for everyone who was going to play Farkle.  I abstained. The slower evenings are giving us much more time to connect as a family.  

Michael wasn't able to find hand sanitizer, bleach or alcohol...but he found Listerine. I wondered why all the mouthwash was gone in our town....now we have fresh smelling hands. Saving the strong stuff for when we're out and about. Using Clorox wipes around here OFTEN and our minty fresh home made sanitizer. I don't think it is doing much...but oh well.

Here's a recap of the way we spent the first day in isolation....

Michael and I carried on with ministry - to others and family.

The boys came home early - business is slow at McDonalds.

Stacia continues to rest and recuperate.

G Dog continues to read, visit and rest.

Krista fielded various emails from work and read.

I got Stacia and Alex's 3rd quarter work samples turned in to our charter school.

This evening President Trump announced national guidelines in dealing with the pandemic for the next 15 days....you can read them here.  Since this may be read by our descendants long after the website is down...here's a summary.

Just like that the whole country is encouraged to school and work at home.  Now some are saying these are not "rules" for local states....but seriously? I would guess in most states they WILL be rules within days, if they aren't already.

The big one for us is avoiding groups of more than 10 for the next 2 weeks. This means we  will go from being out every week night to being home - and that's got some positives too.

I am praying these measures "flatten the curve."

Grandpa and Cory Get Older

(I am writing this on Tuesday and am surprised already at how fast things keep changing in regards to Covid-19.)

Today (Sunday) G Dog turns 79. Cory turned 27 on Friday, the 13th.  We planned a dinner/dessert time at our house for this evening. 

Talk of self-distancing ratcheted up this weekend. Other states are imposing restrictions on the size of gatherings. Alaska isn't, yet...but Borough buildings and schools will be closed.  We know Dad is high risk and he has been staying at home. We are disinfecting often.  

We decided to go ahead with our birthday plans. Dad has been isolated all week and is always thrilled when family visits. He loves visiting with his grandkids - but really gets a kick out of the great grandkids. 

Benny flung the door open and said, "Hello!!!" and then brought GG the card he had made for him. 

Benny & GG

As the afternoon went on, Benny came to me and said, "I Looove us." I told him I love us too. ::grin::

Dad wears the old Party Animal hat. 

Michael, Benny, Josiah and GG

Y'all treat the employees at grocery stores NICE. They are tired. They are facing the same stress you are, and are working in the stress as well. We were thrilled to have Cory join us.  

Benny & Cory

 Stacia played Sonatina by Clementi for Grandpa. She did a great job. I think she may have gone further than any of the others in their lessons. Michael says she's about ready for him to have to pass her off to another teacher.

Benny was the gift and card runner. Here he has barricaded GG. 

Michael made an oak fishing pole holder for Cory. 

And this, THIS, is not social distancing. This happened before I had time to stop it..I guess the germs are shared now.

GG and Cory

We enjoyed visiting and catching up with each other. We discussed news and heard that the CDC had recommended no groups over 50 meet. We knew that meant some upcoming changes.

Social Distancing at it's Best

We are a family which lives in close proximity to each other. We have a couple of high risk members. Note, neither are with us on this adventure.  We took our contact with each other out into nature. No one else came into contact with us. It was a GREAT lift to our spirits and a reminder time will pass and spring will arrive...The sun was AMAZING today! 

Any day which begins with moose in the yard and thieves oil difussing in the living room has to be good.

 Note - "someone" keeps turning the diffuser off. I've questioned all and scrutinized when it gets turned off...seems Grandpa may not like the thieves oil. 

Arielle had a meeting to attend today. I stopped by to play with Benny. He began the morning by displaying a yoga stretch for me.

He helpfully assisted with the eating of my homemade, sugar-free, cinnamon roll. My tea was safe. 

At some point in the day he wanted to watch Curious George. I cannot figure out how to make their TV work....but I did figure out how to make popcorn. Baachan score!  He was content to sit in front of the quiet screen with popcorn.  I consider it a win win.

Kimber alerted Benny to strangers outside. See him peeking out on the other side of Kimber. I checked it out - maybe another moose? 

No it was "UNCLES....and yay-ya and co-co." We decided to let them in. Benny outfitted everyone with a reading book. All is well. Note the social distancing in spacing of individuals.

While Arielle was at her meeting, these had picked up Alex from work with the plan  I'd shortly be available and we'd all go to Reflection Lake. This was my ONE spring break goal and it hadn't happened.

Unbeknownst to these 4, Josiah and Jamin had called to see what we were doing on this bright, sunny afternoon. They decided to meet us there.

Arielle got home and heard the plan and she and Benny joined us. Perfection. Not only did I get to walk around Reflection Lake...I got to do it with seven of the nine Gherkins, two grand dogs and one grand blessing. A win all the way around.

And THIS is what social distancing looked like today in Alaska...so nice to be OUT in nature...and yet, we were far away from others....and in fact...when this many people live in one home...there is contact. We just took the contact outside...we didn't come in contact with anyone besides ourselves...and it lifted all our spirits...because we are that sort of a family.

The lake is frozen...it's beautiful in any season. 

Nolan, Josiah, Me

 Benny alternated between insisting on BLAZING trails....

"Baachan - lets go this way!"
OK - LETS.  

Photo via Arielle 

...and being carried by various uncles. 

Benny and Uncle Axe

 As a side note - no one carried Baachan at all. 

There is a little "island" in the middle of the lake that has needed exploring. Today was the right day to get to it...nothing spectacular as it turns out. LOL Note the spacing of individuals....close but safe.

Josiah, Krista, Stacia and Cody is to the right

We checked out some "ice fishing holes" and discovered they were NOT ice fishing holes...the ice is melting out here in the middle of the lake...water was bubbling up.....

Coooo-DEEE! He loves the snow. 

My favorite Horgi - it's a thing - check it out

  

Stacia and Cody 

Arielle and Kimber

 Some of the crew - notice the skill it took to get not even ONE face looking at the camera with a group this size. LOL 

Arielle, Benny, Krista, Nolan, Alex, Jamin 

Photo via Krista 

 At the END of the hike, Benny pulled this out of his pocket...He carried it from home, on the ride, along the lake....His timing of the revelation reveals a strategist? 

Finally Spring Break Friday

Except  Krista heard  this isn't the last day of spring break at all. It had been extended a week. Later she heard staff is to report to work.

Alaska has it's first case of covid 19....a cargo airplane pilot who  I've heard either "went directly to the hospital for  testing," or "walked around the community for 2 days before going in for testing." I choose option 1.

Unfortunately,  Stacia is fighting a cold. Dad said he had a sore throat. My antibiotics are still not kicking in as expected. I texted Bre and she and Izaak opted not to have me watch the kids tonight.

I spent some time considering the peace with which God graces believers. I opened New Morning Mercies; it was ALL about trusting God to rule even when life isn't going as expected. Timely.

I was on the Elliptical when I heard all the Burrough (county) buildings would be closed for the rest of the month. This includes meeting rooms, courthouses, pool and THE LIBRARY. I added a trip to the library to my tasks for the day.

Krista offered to run a few of the errands for me. She took boxes to Bishop's Attic, took Amazon returns to the UPS store and went to the library for books for her and Stacia.

I headed to Fred Myers. We are well stocked with food due to my "prepper" tendencies since living through the food/power disruption after the 2011 Tsunami/Quake in Japan. I needed to pick up fresh produce, ingredients to make two ice cream cakes (Cory and Dad's birthdays), cards, and pizzas.

It is  easy for supply disruption to occur in Alaska. I would think more people would have had basics on hand...however...it would appear not. It was CRAZY in here....flour, soups, veggies all gone....If we have a supply problem it will be because folks are going crazy buying toilet paper, soap etc. One man is reported to have ordered a 12 year supply of toilet paper. Yes, 12 years. Why? It'll keep - I guess. I would simply wait until AFTER this crisis to put that much demand on the supply. Ah well....the stories I heard were stunning.

I arrived in the library with less than 10 minutes until it is closed for the month. I opened my bag, and slid a dozen mystery books from the shelf into it. The librarian laughed. I'm prepared.

 I love this neighborhood flock of turkeys. Note the sign "No Trespassing or Hunting." These birds know just where to hang out. LOL

We moved a dresser into the girls' room. Krista can finally get her things put away the way she'd like them. I'm not sure why it took us months to realize we could bring Dad's extra dresser inside. We still have a trailer of furniture to unload - but it will have to wait for the spring.

We were playing games when we heard all schools in the state of Alaska will be closed at least until April. Just like that homeschooling becomes the norm.

This is how we play Farkle when there are germs in the house....

Stacia, Nolan, Alex, GG, Krista 

 Every person had their own set of dice...I sanitized them all after the game was over. Nolan pulled his typical sneak attack with a final roll of over 5,000 and won.

The boys went to bed as they have work in the a.m. Dad, the girls and I watched a few shows. 

All in all it was a good day in Alaska. 

God is still on the throne!

God is God even in the midst of new virus'.

I spent some time today considering His creativity, His rhythm of rest, work, solitude, community, and how that might apply to the way I make a home....I also pondered what it would mean to live incarnationally as the body of Christ.  I was thinking some of these thoughts when I checked my mirror and saw an amazing array of mountains in the mirror. I was on a side road with no traffic. I stopped and enjoyed the view.

It's good in the midst of uncertainties and busy-ness to simply stop and let God take your breath away.