When The Moose Goes to Bed

Keep scrolling or reading - there really IS something about moose in this post. ::snort:: 

Stacia came up and asked if we were going for Bible study this a.m. Honestly, we've skipped it for 2 weeks - and we need to get back into our normal routine in these abnormal times. We couldn't go OUT and sit at Sophia's for a study...so we did the next best thing. We drove through Sophia's and took our food to Crevasse Moraine Trail-head. We explored a bit while we drank our coffee and chatted. 

A hill with sledding possibilities

We hopped back into the car to eat breakfast and talk about being blessed when it doesn't feel blessed, and about being "pure in heart"...clean hands, pure hearts...no hypocrisy... good topics.

Breakfast and Bible on the go

 My favorite

Sophia's breakfast sandwich 

Stacia's favorite

Spanakopita

We HAD to go explore the trails a bit more. We went for a 40 minute walk....wandered around trails and it did us a world of good.

We found the big sledding hill 

It never fails - Alaskans have a hard time keeping track of gloves and hats....at every trail-head...on every trail...

Signs of Spring - break up as we call it here. 

Squirrel

The walls were closing in yesterday and I was grumpy about voices and screens everywhere - all day. Yes, it's contact...but it's NOT 3 dimensional. Getting outside was a huge help. I need to do this every day. 

Maintaining routine was key....going on with what we can - Bible study, working out...

Stacia and I had a great discussion as we walked. It was good. 

HERE IT IS _ THE MOOSE PART! 

I've been noting the moose tracks in our yard....I have mentioned numerous times how the moose are rambling all over our yard...but I never realized...all tracks led to our DECK.....Michael was cleaning off the deck today in preparation of Krista filming this week's Sunday message....when he figured it out. 

The tracks all converge under the deck. There are piles of these nuggets under the deck. This is outside the girls' window....so we may yet have a front row seat to mama moose giving birth. 

Krista filmed her sermon or "sermonette." Our pastors are going with the "main message" in 10 - 15 minutes video clips posted online...and then we're spending time processing the message...rather than trying to recreate a full service. Krista was scheduled to preach this week and Michael is scheduled for next week. Learning new skills...being flexible...it's all good. 

At dinner I realized I was totally out of RANCH - McDonald's packets to the rescue.

Condiments from Crew meals add up

 Everyone wanted out of the house when I went to pick up the grocery order. No one got out of the car - but we enjoyed being out....especially Dad who hasn't been out since March 8th.

Michael and Stacia are working on an elaborate surprise for us....

While they were working, I got a call from Ms. Bonnie. We talked for about an hour and a half...me trying to talk her through installing zoom on her computer. Honestly, I'm not the best tech support...but I was willing. Krista was listening and finally said, "Let's just go over and set it up on her phone for her." We didn't want to take the chance of taking any germs into her house...so we told her to just put the phone down, we'd pick it up with gloves, fix it, disinfect it, and give it back.  Bonnie came out - but a strict distance was maintained.

We got her set up for tomorrow's Coffee Chat with the women.

It was good to see Ms. Bonnie. We all miss her and her hugs. It was good to be able to help someone.

SCREENS - EVERYWHERE!

Krista took Alex to work at 0600. 

I didn't see or hear either of them, my day began about 0630. I got up, had some devo time, and headed to the Quest Lab in Carrs. I pulled up and saw someone putting plastic gloves on. OOPS....I had no gloves. I walked into the store and people had masks on.  Oops, again. 

I walked directly to the lab  - taking the quickest route which isn't my normal procedure. I didn't touch a THING. I donned a pair of gloves at the desk and used their tablet to check in. Shoot - the order was NOT faxed over in December, or they lost it, in any event - no labs until 0900 when the docs office opens. 

I was home by 0830. Krista was already busy at work from home. 

I woke dad up. I don't usually wake him up - but we had a date with Heather and Nate from K-stan! 

It is always great to spend time with Nate and Heather - even through a screen.  They are living with the same measures as we are...though our pineapples ARE bigger here in Alaska.  Can you imagine paying $4 for that pineapple?

I found a sequestered store of toilet paper (Michael's fishing/camping stash) and mini sanitizers - viva le stocking stuffers!

With such a weighty win under my belt - I headed back to the lab. This time I had gloves. The waiting room was FULL. Ugh.  I had dreamed of a Blizzard on the day of my A1C draw - I had no desire for sugar. I'll hold out for the grand opening of Krispy Kreme in Wasilla.

I compared prices for groceries at both Walmart and Fred Meyers online and it was CHEAPER - by $13 -  to shop at Freddies. That's a new development.  Freddies is much closer. At Freddies I always have digital coupons subtracted and earn fuel points. I put together and order. We can't pick up until 7 - 8 p.m. tomorrow night.

It was time to retrieve Alex from work just as I finished the online order.

Nolan worked an evening shift today.

Michael and Stacia drove to Joanne's. Stacia arranged to purchase a kit of supplies to make masks. We will return completed masks to Joanne's and they will send them to local hospitals. She went into the store and picked them up. I was proud of her carrying this one on her own. She usually gets a case of the stutters on the phone.

While they were out I FINALLY got to a work out. I did a one mile walk/ JOG on the treadmill. This is big for me as my knees usually swell when I jog.  I followed it by 45 min on the elliptical.

Krista, Alex and Stacia had Zoom Youth Group. It sounded like a lot of fun. I know at one point the kids were running through the house looking for scavenger hunt items.

Stacia continued a sewing project which is strategically hidden under flamingo fabric. 

I made contact with several people via text and such. 

This was my hardest day in isolation so far - I think because there were so many trips out of the house....and I was tired...and I love people and today - it just seemed like too many screens and voices from screens all day long. LOL  BUT I loved the voices. 

I started a new hobby - coronaware. What do you think? The necklace if functional and beautiful at the same time. 

I didn't listen to the Governor's briefing tonight.  I'll have time to fit that in tomorrow.

I do know we have 17 more positive test results for Covid19.

When the Moose Comes to Breakfast

The moose enjoyed church so much she came to breakfast!!!!

She is going to have that calf sometime soon....I keep wondering if we'll have a front row view.

That really IS all I'm going to say about moose today. I got tired of isolation or quarantine titles. ::wink:: 

We've added a blog label - Sequester 2020. Sequester means to isolate or hide away.  I like the sound much better than quarantine. I have just listened to our Governor's press briefing for today.  Alaska is realizing we need to manufacture our own PPE, sanitizer and such. We need to do more to protect our supply lines.  (Skip the next 3 or 4 paragraphs as I process if you are rushed for time).

The clear message tonight is...stay home. Don't come into contact with those who do not live in your immediate home. If you are closer than 6 feet apart at work - stay home. If you go into a store - send 1 family member in - not the whole family. If you carpool - don't.  BUT there are benefits to getting outside - do it!

Because of the Constitution, Governor Dunleavy doesn't want to issue a "lock down" order. He believes Alaskans will shelter in place without a "lock down" order. He quoted, "With great freedom, comes great responsibility." WE have the responsibility to stay home....

Dr. Zinke shared there was an 80% spread rate of the virus in families in China. In other words, if one member gets sick - 80% of the household will likely get sick.  We are doing our best to keep Grandpa safe. He hasn't left the house since Sunday, March 8th.  We did have all the kids over for his birthday on the 15th - just as the first case in Alaska was reported. I've shared the measures we take when kids come home from work...but now I'm wondering...really...do we NEED a piece of paper so employers will let employees stay home without fear? I know all the measures being taken to keep things safe and sanitary...but I also know in a small space, trying to get food out a drive through window....well...I will be checking to see if they ARE staying 6 feet away from everyone. Even though both are over 18, my mama heart needs to know they really CAN stay 6 feet apart back there...because it would be tragic if Grandpa gets this.

And then I go back to Emmanuel. God with us. His presence gives me access to His peace. He's left me with peace. Yes, we want to act wisely in accordance with the scientific facts, but I don't want to walk in fear.

ENOUGH thinking....thank you for allowing me the space to process. Now, on with reporting...this is how spent this sequestered day.

Nolan and Alex worked.

Stacia did school and worked on a new sewing project.

Krista made a video, "The Coop to the Plate," on how to make an omelet for her classroom. She edited it and loaded it to her classes new YouTube channel.  I showed her the software I use to edit and resize YouTube clips....and once again I'm thinking about our neglected YouTube channel.

As Krista tried to hold the camera and crack eggs at the same time - I took over filming.

Dad (Grandpa, G G, G Dog) hung out.

Michael got all the recycling hauled away.  Krista was happy to GET OUT OF THE HOUSE and go with him.

I checked in with a few people, worked out, sent texts and prayed on the phone with a friend.  I also made dinner and hosted (though Krista ended up doing the techie stuff) a Zoom Pajama Party for the women at church.

This was just the right size for me to get comfortable with the format. A bonus was the 3 or 4 educators in the group who were very familiar with Zoom.

Some of my peeps - what a blessing they are!
Photo via Nora's upload - Thanks!

I miss these ladies. We usually have 15 ladies at Bible Study and Zoom can easily handle us. Krista was in a meeting with 75 people last week.  We are going to resume our Beatitude study next Tuesday via zoom.

I also made a new graphic for our upcoming Zoom Coffee Date. I discovered the virtual backgrounds....and then found photos so we are READY for the rest of our meetings....

OH - I also rearranged the basement. I don't do seclusion extremely well. The walls were closing in - so I changed the view inside the walls.  Since we won't be using the kitchen as a kitchen on a consistent basis.... we didn't need to keep the table where it was. The treadmill blocked the game closet and so games were always stacked on the stove...and the girls don't really like staring at the wall while they run...Krista and I moved the tables and got the bike into the general area.

Alex helped move the treadmill. All the gym stuff is in one place and we have free access to the game closet. There is more space if we want to set up a laptop and work out with YouTube clips too. We do need to get something softer for much jumping around on that floor.

We moved the tables to the other side of the room....the table with sewing machines is not always out.

When we are canning or processing salmon, the exercise stuff can be moved and tables set up....and I CAN reach all the cupboards, sink and oven even with the exercise stuff in there.

By the time we go through 2 more weeks of Sequestration I may be knocking walls out for the remodel we keep thinking about. ::snort::

Good grief - it's after midnight....my schedule is going to be totally scrambled by the time life returns to "normal." ::snort::

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.