Monday in Isolation

And....so...it continues.

It's Spring Time in Alaska.

We saw a bird, and note the spots of bare pavement in the forefront of the photo....This morning our road was ICY....because it was melting yesterday and froze over night. 

 We saw a bug!!! 

This may be the perfect time in Alaska. The snow is still here and pretty (because we had recent snow), the temps are warm enough to enjoy being outside, and it hasn't turned to slush or mud yet!

It's important to get outside to process all the voices these days.

We heard, "Stay at home!" loud and strong from the Surgeon General of the United States this morning.  In fact, he warns us this week will be bad. We will see at the end of the week.

I heard Steve Hilton say we don't want the "cure to be worse than the disease," on a Fox news YouTube clip. His panel seemed to agree the damage to the economy will have stronger consequences than a few thousand deaths.  Wow. Even if you THINK that I wouldn't so callously dismiss the value of a human life.

I  heard President Trump say the "cure can't be worse than the disease" and hint he'll soon lift measures. I suspect he is trying to calm the economy down and doesn't really mean life will go back to "normal" in a few days; I'm guessing weeks?  I can't imagine most up here will rush out to congregate just as community spread pops up.

From Governor Dunleavy we heard we have 14 new cases in Alaska. They are no longer all travel related. In fact, at last count it was 19 travel related cases and 17 community spread. That's quite a jump from no community spread.  We certainly weren't surprised to hear of 2 new health mandates. I should probably document all the mandates for posterity - it's the first time I remember living with these sorts of measures.   Mandate 9 closes personal care/close contact businesses...hair salons, barbers, day spas, nail salons, tattoo and piercing businesses, massage therapists and acupuncturists etc...anything where people are closer than 6 feet to each other.  Mandate 10 deals with international and interstate travel. Anyone arriving in Alaska (By air? Ferry? Alcan?) - for work or travel, visitor or  resident, must self-quarantine for 14 days. This affects many who live outside and fly in to work on the north slope for a couple of weeks each month.  Our governor has done a great job communicating with us. I can't find a link outside of FB to his briefing...but I was a bit perplexed after the last one.

Personal contact businesses are closed and travelers are quarantined. Dr. Zinke used the phrase "shelter at home," but Gov Dunleavy said to, "Get outside - just stay 6 feet away from anyone who is not family, and if you are in a business stay 6 feet apart in line."   There aren't many inside places left to go - so I'm guessing it has the effect of a lock down.  The banner on the state's FB page says "Stay inside if you feel sick..." but elsewhere we are told to stay home...unless you are walking in nature and can maintain 6 feet of distance. As I said - I was perplexed. I think our Gov doesn't want to mandate say the words "lock down"....not sure how it would be much different from what we are doing with the mandates and alerts.....

Concern has been expressed to me that Covid-19 is being taken lightly as folks see Alaskans outside. We don't LIVE in a highly populated state.  We walked along the Matanuska River yesterday. We visited a local park today. Both times we came in contact with NO ONE outside our family. This isn't at all the same as viewing cherry blossoms in DC, or sunning on a CA beach. Many live in Alaska BECAUSE it is less populated and you CAN be ALONE in nature.  One of my daughters mentioned going to a lake and there being at least 100 people there - impossible to stay 6 feet away. We drive to the next lake. As many Alaskans are ALREADY dealing with cabin fever by March - it seems no one wants to tell folks STAY INSIDE...when they CAN be safe OUTSIDE - if they aren't in a group.

I think this sums up what I heard from our Governor, "Stay in; but get outside...wash your hands and watch for moose!"

This is what Sequester 2020 looked like around our home today.

Krista set up a Facebook and YouTube channel for her classroom. She also did some zoom meetings. 

Dad spends most mornings reading the paper - locked down or not. 

Stacia did TWO DAYS of school and practiced piano.

I made a graphic for our women's ministry zoom meeting.  I posted said graphic on Facebook and sent an email out to women from the church. I also texted back and forth with several. I am proud at the Alaskan can do attitude! (I do think those of you who are throwing plastic gloves in the parking lot at Fred Meyers are unbelievably RUDE and THOUGHTLESS! It's not enough they have to work and deal with a less than happy public - now they have to pick up YOUR protective gloves in the parking lot? We ARE better than this.)

The girls and I all worked out. 

Nolan worked all day. Alex was off.  Alex worked on school and then helped Michael with snow removal.  

They made another great path through the yard....

Chickens are NOT coming out; but they enjoy the open door and fresh air. 

We are unearthing a house...

The girls and I went OUTSIDE - the boys were obviously OUTSIDE. This is great for our mental health. 

One of the other humans was saw at the park
Benny and Arielle 

Back at home we took showers and changed clothes - something we do to be careful with Dad here.  Krista did a bit of work for Youth ministry and I made dinner.

We watched the Governor's briefing and everyone went to bed. Another day of thriving in isolation.

Recap of the 1st Sunday in Isolation

Time for a recap of this first Sunday in Isolation. In a recent briefing from Governor Dunleavy he said, "Alaskans, get outside. Just stay 6 feet away from others (being outside your family members)."

 This seemed like great advice on this sunny, spring day. The girls and I headed out to the Matanuska River Trail. 

Me, Krista, Stacia 

We saw a couple on their way out as we began. We saw a family along the trail. That was it for people. It was gorgeous and peaceful.

 There are quite a few groomed trails...great for skiing. We don't have skiis...but we enjoyed the trails. The problem came when we got off the trails to go down to the river and then walked back along the river....I kept stepping and going up to my bum in snow.

Check it out! Six feet apart. 

Alaska takes my breath away and revives my spirit!

 On our way home we drove by the kids' homes...Baachan needed a grandkids fix....we didn't see any D's - but we noted a new spring flower in their window. Cory was outside...we didn't see Benny, but Cory pointed us out to him....Ah...a sweet sight!

This happened. I believe they finished 9 squares. I am thinking I CAN do this and we do have a lot of fabric we were just given. 

Puzzles and sewing

Check out the snow behind her

The guys enjoyed a game of  Dominion 

We gave Dad a humorous book for his birthday last week. He has kept us laughing all week.

Dad Jokes/Pastor Jokes

It's getting real - I pulled out some of the garden squash and attempted to make it edible. We ate it. I'll keep trying. I may try to air fry or roast the next batch.....

We got Lori, my cousin, on Zoom and played a game of Farkle together!

There are times I love technology - today is one of those days.

Hospitality Chai & Quarantine Goals

 While Krista made breakfast, I assembled all the ingredient to make a  sugar-free Chai tea. 

Louise, and her husband, run the Travis Hospitality House. Lousie's homemade chai tea mix available at every Hospitality House meeting. She does not share the recipe until one moves to their next duty station. Since the gals at Travis' retreat were missing their Bible study...she brought some mix to the retreat. I LOVE chai tea.

Louise graciously sent me the recipe after the retreat, with the agreement I will not share the recipe. I have spent the past 7 weeks amassing all the ingredients. Ironically, instant tea powder was the hardest ingredient to find. I used Pyure (stevia) instead of sugar...and made sure all the ingredients were sugar free....it's YUMMY.   As I assembled the mix, I tried to come up with a great name for this tea and finally decided, "Hospitality Chai," is a good enough name. Krista thinks its yummy too.  

Armed with cups of tea we sat around the table and discussed "Quarantine Goals"*.  I was motivated by Nate sharing he plans to finish his masters while on lock down. WHUT? 

 Hmmm...we talked about how to redeem the extra time we have around home.

• Michael plans to finish some woodworking projects
• Krista, Stacia and I want to continue our health regime
• Alex wants to finish high-school
• Stacia hopes to finish her freshman year early
• Krista is making a Quarantine Quilt
• Stacia is working on a surprise for a sister 
• Dad's goal is "to stay alive" - alright then! 
• I plan to spend time catching up the blog
• Stacia and I want to go outside each day
• There was talk of re-starting our YouTube channel
• I NEED to start seeds so we can plant a garden in June
• We want to laugh together at least once a day; big laughs
• We plan to move more snow, read, play games, rest, connect

We've got goals! 

*Quarantine - we realize we are NOT really quarantined here. We are choosing to isolate, self-quarantine out of love for Dad and for our community. 

Pajama Sunday or When the Moose Came to Church

Krista has tried to talk every staff she's worked with into having "Pajama Sunday." Finally, today, we had PAJAMA SUNDAY! We started with a LATE breakfast (because we NEVER have a late breakfast on Sundays) of breakfast burritos. 

Popcorn signaled it was time for church!  We staged a couple of photos and settled in to watch Pastor Shannon's message. (Because I honestly was paying attention and not bopping around getting photos). 

Last week we started a new series at church, "Saved." The plan is for Michael, Shannon, and Krista to each preach on various aspects of salvation.  Moving to a new venue is an added challenge! We discussed having Sunday messages to reflect our new dynamic, rather than trying to recreate a Sunday a.m. service online. We were glad Pastor Shannon had the first week. LOL  These are short online clips, meant to be discussed as a family and online. He had also posted worship play lists and a kids' video.

Michael shared last week that we "belong." Today, Pastor shared we are "blessed," which has little to do with external circumstances. He shared how we are blessed by God with His presence, purpose and peace.

After we watched the clip we discussed which of the "p" words impacted each of us personally. This led to insight as to "where" each of us are with  Covid-19 and to a good discussion. Three of us felt the word "peace" hit home, 2 "purpose," 1 "presence," and 1 "power to become or live like Christ."  Yeah, it's a houseful of pastors (four of us) you KNEW there would be at least one addition. ::snort:: We came to the conclusion that it all flows from presence....when I walk in relationship with Him, His presence leads to peace, purpose, and power. 

We knew our "service" was over when the moose came to church!  

This one concerned us most...thought she may have her calf outside our window!

Thus, ends our first church service during this season of life.

#thechurchhasleftthebuilding

We Should Have Bought a Cow

Yes, we should have bought a cow - or at least a goat. If we'd known 2020 would be the year of Corona....Michael looked for milk when out for his doctor's appointment and found none. Today, we didn't find any at Fred Meyers or Carrs....but we found Cascarones! We've not seen any of these outside of Texas. 

The confetti would litter the parks like snow the day after Easter. I envision a giant hunt and party here on Easter, but I know it's not likely...ah well...G Dog is going to think I've gone crazy when I bash an egg over his head on Easter. 

How are we doing on those "Quarantine" Goals?  BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front)

• Made progress on snow removal - what cutesy rhythm is work Rebekah Lyons. I better read the book....
• Got OUTSIDE and participated in meaningful movement
• Tried out the Egg Molds from Japan - Create
• Made meals from our pantry - Create
• Tried out Zoom with myself, Krista and Stacia and Arielle and Benny - Connect
• Chatted with Nate in K - stan - Connect 

Now - if you want more than the BLUF - read on....

My first time outside in 3 days. I am VERY happy to be feeling better. I drove into town to pick up Alex from work - because fast food is still considered essential. 

True love - a shoveled pathway to my van's door. 

Some of you may remember during the cold snap and BIG snow storm we got enough snow to block our back door...snow is now sliding off our roof and landing right here too. We actually have no passage between the red chicken coop and the house. Just a wall of snow. Michael spent 5 hours a couple of days ago moving snow- while I was sick and the boys were working. He unearthed our trash pile....today, I joined him. The goal is to unearth the rest of the trash and more of the house.

Michael suggested I clear a path to the back door...first he mentioned moving all the snow away from the sides of the house to avoid water in the house during the melt. This was simply too much of a goal for me. I tackled the door.

 I was OVER-joyed when Alex came out to join the fun. We miss having him here to help keep up with snow moving. He chose the weakest spot on the wall and joined me.

We worked about 40 minutes and were within reach of the door.

The girls came to assist. Out the door they came it was suddenly very doable. We had a work party!

We loaded the snow into a sled and shovels and drug it back to the garden area...which is always a swamp during break up. I don't have to water much with the lay of our land. 

Michael did great on his part of the wall....trashcans uncovered, snow moved to the drop off behind the RV.  He's a beast. 

Last year we cleared the chicken yard...they seem to be wondering why no one is enlarging their snow-free space....Last summer Michael built them a covered area and he deemed getting the mountain of snow away from the side of the house is more of a priority this year. 

Yes, the kids haul snow in shorts! Why? 

The kids and I reached the door....Michael had been loading trash into the back of the truck. The landfill and recycling ARE open. He and I headed off to dump....keeping at least 6 feet from all people and never being in a group of more than 10.

When we came home the kids had finished up to the first window...working their way towards Michael.

Josiah jokes he will survive on pancakes and salmon if he can't make it to the store when they are open. He's working long hours just now!  I found a big bag of pancake mix left from "fish camp." I am concerned about my flour and milk stock...but made pancakes for breakfast.....and as we worked outside I remembered Michael has been asking for Salmon chowder...a dinner request I filled.... Pancakes and salmon. We shall survive.

I wanted a photo of this odd shaped potato from the garden....and  I captured the potato, eggs and salmon - all stuff we grew, raised or caught.

 Michael was sweet to filet the salmon for the chowder, making this the first time I've made chowder without the assistance of band-aids.

I tried out these molds. Quite fun....

After dinner we checked out Zoom. I'm gearing up to use it this week for women's ministry and need to figure out how it works! 

Via Arielle

 G Dog went to bed early. We watched some funny YouTube clips and everyone headed off to their rooms.

Nolan got home around 9:20 p.m.

As I sat down to blog late last night....this popped on my screen. 

Fun memories of a Nate and Heather's summer visit. They are currently in Kazakhstan. He is "teaching from home" and  even his introverted self was ready for a bit of social interaction. ::wink:: I'll read much of our chat to G Dog this a.m. It will make him smile. I offered to stock the RV with food, and let he and Heather hole up for 14 days inside of it...::snort:: They are well in Kstan and it was good to hear from him.

Another good day in "quarantine." We rested, read, worked towards goals, and connected with family we aren't physically able to be near just now.

We Saw it with our OWN Eyes and More

 Living in Alaska, we've heard stories of  moose stomping dogs and people to death. I never thought we'd see this scenario begin outside our window.

Dad called for me to come look. I don't know who this is. Someone saw a baby moose and GOT OUT OF HIS CAR. I am guessing he didn't see mama moose when he got out. There is a moose at the front of the car, a moose at the rear of the car, and he's BEHIND THE TREE.

He eventually did make it back to his car. Maybe he won't get out next time?????

In other news...Krista went back in to the school today. She will now work at home until at least May.

Alex was called in to McDonald's for a couple of hours. Nolan is a manager and worked a full shift at McDonald's.  We're haring rumors that drive up windows will be closed and we're hearing that fast food will be deemed essential...along with grocery stores, banks, and medical facilities.  We shall see. Each new day is an adventure, isn't it?

Michael is feeling "off."

Stacia schooled.

I paid our bills and Dad's bills. Who knew they'd still want to be paid? I also spent another 90 minutes dealing with Medicare and Healthnet of OR. I have been assured they are mailing the paper that says they disenrolled Dad again - this makes the 4th time they say it has been mailed. I may personally inspect every piece of mail that comes into the house for the next 10 days. I rested and read and slept a lot.

Dad read and called friends. Thank you for talking if he calls. He has been home since March 8th.

In the evening - NOTE THE SUN!!! -  the kids began playing a game. Pandemic! I am happy to report they stopped the world-wide pandemic. I may send them to Juneau next week. ::snort::

After dinner we watched some fun  YouTube clips - and laughed. Then we watched Tim Hawkin's "That's the Worst!"

Humor heals.

What a beautiful place we live....I am content to stay here as long as needed.

Well - OK! My extroverted/ ADHD self is a bit terrified of being in once place forever....but this is a beautiful spot to be with some of my favorite people.