Day 7 - 151 -- Weight of weather, work and the world

It has been a semi-non-productive day. I managed some laundry and changed linens. I worked a bit on the huge puzzle and searched online for a few things needed shortly. Humidity was high again but should leave as the rain arrives this evening.

I tried to watch a few recorded shows, but kept losing focus and flitting around the house to do several small tasks. I feel so much fatigue right now. The weight of weather, work, and the world seem to be at the core of it all. I'm hoping that some down time over the weekend will  help me feel less tired. Negative emotions seem able to walk right in when one is tired. Brief moments of such intense feelings of being alone have arrived recently. It has been 75 days though at times it seems so much longer. A friend back home wrote that she'd had her first brief distanced visit with a real person -- a mutual friend and that they were joined by a third friend of mine. That made me smile to think of them all together having a short chat. It also added to the feelings of something akin to jealousy. The time will come when I can visit with the many friends and family who are geographically distanced at present.

Supporting each other virtually helps so much. Being kind and caring to those we know -- and don't know -- is a key to feeling a part of the solution. A shared laugh always helps, too.  It's all about reciprocity of support. The song chosen for the day deals with being available to help others  -- and likely open for help from others. Stay safe. Enjoy!

One Call Away -- Charlie Puth

Day 7 - 150 -- Expectations and Comparisons

More heat but with wind filled the day outside my windows. It was far to hot to go for a walk today. The house remained overly warm, too. We're told that this will break with a cold front with rain that will arrive tomorrow evening. While the temperature will be slightly cooler than today, the humidity will compensate and make it feel way to hot again in the afternoon tomorrow. I should take a cue from the furry one, who lays very still to cool himself, while I expend energy talking and typing about it all. <smile>

Today was a less productive day than I'd hoped. I'm going to try to take some time away from research projects over the weekend and then do some reading and thinking about it all next week. I'm not sure why I feel I should be doing more than I am, but from what I've been reading, I"m not alone. There seems to be an expectation put on ourselves that we are at home and should be able to do so much more that is happening. Social Workers and psychology professionals tell us that doing less is not wrong. How we deal with the major changes in daily life and expected changes for the future will differ from person to person. Some will learn new skills, declutter the entire house, read all books on their list, sew hundreds of masks, cook new recipes, support others; while other people may do some of these items to  lesser degrees while taking time to be still and take stock of life. There is no requirement to do all the extra stuff. Working from home and home schooling will be more than enough for most people. Social comparison drives the feeling of not measuring up to expectations, even though most of the expectation comes from within ourselves not externally. Just getting through the adaptation and flexibility needed to do something that we took for granted like getting groceries or having the winter tires removed becomes a whole production. All of that takes a lot of energy to work through and experience. No wonder we are tired and yet sleep restlessly at times. I keep coming back to advice I was given and have given -- be kind to one another but also be kind to yourself. That is a tall order some days.

A song from a few years back presents ways that we can be hard on ourselves and others.it just seemed to fit the ponderings today. Stay safe. Enjoy!

Them Girls Be Like -- Fifth Harmony

Day 7 - 149 -- Smoking Hot

Just a few nights back there was a front warning for the area. Today temperatures climbed into the mid 30s Celsius (~82 F) with a feel like temperature closer to 40C (~102 F). Needless to say, the house has been hot all day, too. This is the first of two or three more days of smoking hot weather. We are assured that temps will fall to something more usual for this time of year by the end of the weekend. With that will come rain -- not sure which system will cause that, but it may be the leftover bits of the tropical weather heading northward at present.

I headed out to campus to pick up something I'd forgotten when in earlier in the week and then checked on a friends house. I chose to take the car so I could check out the air conditioning unit in this newer vehicle. It did help keep me cool, though the humidity caused sweat rivulets before the temps got comfortable. The fans made the journey from the basement storage to the main floor, with one creating a pleasant breeze as I type this. It is far too early for this sort of weather to begin. I do hope that we get some rain to help with the dry forests and fire risks. There was a forest fire early this week not far outside of town -- never a good feeling.

The song choice has a decided '80s vibe but the title and lyrics say it all today. <smile>  Stay safe. Enjoy!


The Heat is On -- Glenn Frey

Day 7 - 148 -- Virtual Marathon

The day filled with activities. I did five virtual events on five different platforms. The marathon began began with a small group discussion on BrainDates, followed by conference presentation on a webinar platform. A later meeting took place on  Zoom. In the evening, I used Facebook Live to stream an event and visited with a friend via Skype. That is a first for me. It was a very hectic day that has left me a bit tuckered out.

Another first for me today was the receipt of my first food meal program box complete with three meals. As a dietitian by profession, I've wanted to try one of these services for some time to give me an idea when people ask for my professional opinion. I was curious from a personal standpoint, too. I love to cook and try new recipes or develop my own. I felt that trying this service might give me some new recipe ideas. A friend provided me with a free voucher to try the weekly box. I'll let you all know how things go.

The focus today showed a very different way of interacting with others than would have been seen in in a single day just a few weeks ago. At most earlier in the year, I'd have had a face to face or phone meeting or chat and an evening check-in with friends on social media. Life has changed. I've learned to contact and connect with people in a different way. Granted the new ways take a lot of energy and effort as we learn to 'read a room' on screen -- something we learned to do as toddlers we now find ourselves challenged with re-learning the onscreen body language. It certainly is not the same as being in the same place as others.We can choose to avoid such newer ways to keep in touch or we can take the time and effort to learn to use the software as well as learn to communicate well with video platforms. I choose to learn, though based on the frenetic pace of the day, it did take way more energy than I thought it might.

The selection for the day fits so well with the current times and has lyrics that note that the changing situations can lead to learning new ways of living. The video for the selection uses a video chat platform to maintain distancing. The song gives me hope. Stay safe. Enjoy!

Times Like These -- Live Lounge All-stars (BBC 1 Stay Home Live Lounge

Day 7 - 147 -- Yard Work Time Again

The yard buy mowed the lawn for the first time this season today. That is a few weeks later than usual. He left a large part of the front lawn until next week as that area has not really grown much yet. It has more shade and poorer drainage than other areas. the back looks nice as I stand at the kitchen window cooking or doing cleanup. I pruned back or pulled out many volunteer maple trees from the flower beds out front. Most were 1 to 2 inches tall, so very tiny trees. Others had turned into woodier branches and needed the pruners applied to move them out from amongst the flowering plants. My walk was shorter today as I headed out for milk but took the longer way home. 

Indoors, I practiced the presentation for tomorrow and seem to have it smoothed out and down to a manageable time. I battled with a website that refuses to recognize my email address when I have been an organization member since 1998 and the e-mail address has not changed over that time period. Just plain weird. A message has been sent off for assistance and I should hear back in a couple of days. I just want to pay the annual membership fees, so I'm sure I'll get things straightened out <smile>. 

In many ways today felt like a day off. There was one planned meeting by telephone and the rest of the day was mine. Interesting that not having a heap of meetings felt so freeing. I've felt like I was working full time when I am really retired with plans to work a couple of days a week. Tomorrow will be a very full day with the conference beginning and my participation in two sessions and listening in on another. I am excited to see how this new format for gathering together functions. I have four virtual events tomorrow and each is on a different platform. Who'd have thought? <grin> Becoming an expert, I am. <giggle> 

While pulling up tiny trees today, I thought of a song about the loss of a much larger tree. The song has a strong Celtic sound and is sung here by a Canadian artist. Stay safe. Enjoy! 

Bonny Portmore -- Loreena McKennett 

Day 7 - 146 -- Preoccupied Thoughts?

One online meeting held today to practice for the upcoming presentation. We got the time in just under the wire, but only by mere seconds. So -- more practice for me tomorrow to get things to flow more smoothly and shave off a few more seconds. Other work done involved getting schedules organized so I'm not double booked with the conference sessions being every Wednesday afternoon until the end of July with a couple of Tuesday sessions thrown in for good measure. I only found one meeting that needed to be altered due to an overlap. Not bad at all.

I headed into campus to print some items only to discover i'd left the flash drive and my reading glasses at home. So, back home I went to pick up the missing items. I drove back to campus, printed and then went to check mail at a friend's home. I didn't get back to the house until about 7:45 PM, when I made supper. That's what we used to call 'fashionably late' dinner.

Being preoccupied with several parts of several projects causes me to walk into a room and not know why -- until I leave and have to walk back to complete the task. It is also a sign of stress, anxiety, and other mental health symptoms surfacing during the isolation time. Disrupted or inadequate sleep only adds fuel to that fire of forgetfulness. The lyrics of the selection for today cover forgetting and may suggest we be more like a lemon. <grin>  Stay safe. Enjoy!

Lemons Never Forget -- The Bee Gees

Day 7 - 145 -- Trip to the past

Another bright sunny day arrived today. It was warm but not too hot, so comfortable when outside. I spent the day working inside and outside. I re-potted chives for back porch containers. They should grow well and already smell so good. I scrubbed bird droppings off the front porch and then washed the white sploches off the charcoal-coloured car. This is the never-ending price of having song birds in the trees, I guess. <smile> Inside, I finished laundry and made the last (hopefully) changes to slides for Wednesday presentation. They are set for the dry run through tomorrow, though. I tried to order a couple of items that seem to have been on everyone else's lists, so are currently out of stock -- temporarily. Just when they'd be back in stock and available to order remains unclear. The daily walk was later than usual, but the sun remains in the sky longer these days. Supper was very late, but everything was behind schedule for some reason today <smile>.

Working inside and particularly outside today, reminded me so much of a weekend day at home when I was growing up. I'd work with my dad in the garden and help clean the porch and patio. A sense of accomplishment came along with the energy expended. The collaborative effort felt good and still brings a warm, calm feeling. Now if only someone had the barbecue fired up and ready to go <smile>. A song by a Canadian brother and sister duo came to mind to share here. I heard this sometime in the past couple of weeks on the morning show. The video has the ubiquitous home movies included -- if not into those, just listen to the song or move past the intro of kids playing. <smile> I love the sentiment in the lyrics -- it is where my mind went this afternoon.  Stay safe. Enjoy!


Where I'm From -- The Reklaws

Day 7 - 144 -- Going Low Tech

Cooler temperatures made household work more bearable than it would have been two days ago. Maples are budding with early blossoms started. Dandelions are in bloom. I love these for the bees as my friends with apiaries would know well. Pink magnolias are now in bloom down the street, with tulips added to the daffodils -- these are two weeks behind schedule. I even saw the early blossoms of magenta rhododendrons yesterday. All are gorgeous and add colour, life and change to my daily walks.

Sleep was disrupted overnight with me being awake for three hours in the middle of the sleep cycle. I did get back to sleep but then slept later than intended. I felt a bit down when I got up. Having a good breakfast and getting a great note from a dear friend helped to pull me back up that slippery slope. I am a lucky person in that respect. I have some amazing, caring friends. Two other highlights of the day came from phone calls from local friends. With one, we may try a brief visit across the street from each other next time she is in my neighbourhood. With the other friend, we made plans to go for a distanced walk some day soon.

The phone calls reminded me of the way calls were made back in the day. One song came to mind for the interactive nature of making a long distance call. We have come a long way in that respect. Stay safe. Enjoy!

Operator -- Jim Croce

Day 7 - 143 -- Cooler day with more new information

Only one online meeting occurred today. We met to prepare for a small group discussion we will lead next week as part of the virtual conference. This will be the first of four such virtual discussion groups that will occur before the end of July. The conference is planned for Wednesday afternoons from end of May to end of July (omitting Canada Day, of course). I set up another one that chose to lead. The provincial public health authority release a much longer list of symptoms for screening for COVID-19. These will help health professionals refer people to 811 web page for self assessment and to the phone for an RN if the assessment tool determines the need for testing or intervention. The list contains a very detailed list of many symptoms beyond fever, cough, sore throat and such. Good that these learnings are being put into practice.

Grocery pickup from the online ordering system was my outing for the day. No grapes were available today -- none of any hue. That surprised me. I'm never without grapes in the fridge, so this will be interesting. I did get oranges, but not the navel oranges I'd thought were ordered. These are oranges, but look like the 'not so perfect' oranges, though the price point did not reflect this. <smile> They will work, I suspect. The day was sunny, but cooler than yesterday and temperature dropped during the afternoon. The house was still hot from yesterday, but it was 10 degrees cooler outside, so for the first time this year, I opened windows to try to coax the cooler air inside.

I still feel the changing information can become overly difficult to manage some days. It all piles up and tries to impede my positive thoughts and stomp on my dreams or wishes.  So much uncertainty still. exists and fear and anxiety still sneak into the mind when they find a tiny chink in the armor. The chorus of this song says it all. I've wanted to rail at the sky at times when out in the front yard -- just not sure what that might do in the neighbourhood, though <g> Stay safe. Enjoy!

What's up? -- 4 Non Blondes

Day 7 - 142 -- Living Online?

Today was filled with online activities. Much like other days, I've begun to feel that most of my days are spent with the laptop. I do get to speak to people, but today I felt like I was cooped up i the house with a new appendage that looks remarkably like a laptop computer. <smile> The first activity involved a weekly virtual writing workshop. We generally write a message to the other members to let them know our plans for the next two hours dedicated to writing. I find this can help keep me accountable and able to focus rather than find other things to do around the house. Well, over an hour into the writing time, I checked e-mail to find that a message had been sent by the leader of the writing group asking me to mute my mic. How totally mortifying. I felt it had been very quiet while I was working away, but what the heck might I have muttered to myself? I then went up to campus to print some materials to help me practice for the presentation next week. Temperatures soared today with highs in the upper 20s (we broke 80F). It was a pleasant walk with sun, blue sky and a slight breeze. I even saw to people that I chatted with in person. On the way home, when I paused for that conversation, I found myself being swarmed by black flies. The time for the little beasties has arrived. <sigh> You never feel them bite, but do realize it has occurred when you find blood running down your neck or cheek. The welts are huge and very itchy. So, I didn't stand still for too long.

During the late afternoon and evening I spoke with three friends in three separate video calls. It is pleasant to check in with people and see them not just hear them on the phone or read their post on social media <smile>. I so enjoy these times together, particularly when the isolation means we can't visit with those close to home or with those living further away.

I came across a song that fit much of my thinking about being home in the same place doing online meetings and social calls each day. It has a rather plaintive sound to it, but the lyrics bring a smile. Keep safe. Enjoy! 

Zoom: An ode to video conferencing -- The Ringer

Day 7 - 141 -- Practice, Polish, and Pay

It was bright sunny day with warmer temperatures than over the past few days. Much of the time was spent with slides for the presentation next week. I revised them a bit after doing a walk through -- like a table read of a script -- with my colleague. There is still more polishing needed to make the point without extraneous words since the 10 minutes will likely be closer to 7-8 minutes <sigh>. People who know me will understand what a difficulty that is for me <grin>. The mail contained a letter from the insurance company. Nothing is due at this time of year, so I opened that wondering what the heck was up now.  Well -- it contained a cover letter and a check. This is a one time only "Stay Home Payment" that is based on 25% of 1/12 of the annual fee -- or about 2-3% of of the total amount paid last December. Interesting. It is true that isolating means far less mileage being put on the vehicle which must lessen the costs to insurance companies for accidents. I'm not sure I've encountered a payment from any insurance company other than a settlement from collision damage. Another first in that big lists of first this year.

When speaking to someone on a phone meeting today, I could hear what sounded like a bird in the background. I asked if it was a songbird and was told it was a bald eagle in the tree behind the deck she was sitting on. Two cool points there -- It was warm enough to be outside sitting on the deck in the sun. AND eagles sing and not just scream and squawk. I did not know that until today. Very cool. My evening walk was wonderful today. There was no wind to speak of and the sun felt pleasant.  More magnolias out, though some looked a bit peak-ed, likely due to the frost the past two nights.

A song that popped into my mind has lyrics that fit one of the events of the day. The band performing was in heavy play in my dorm room just a decade or few back. <smile> Stay safe. Enjoy!

Songbird -- Fleetwood Mac

Day 7 - 140 -- Challenges among the Positives

Many things moved forward today. The group presenting at the virtual conference next week met to understand the software and processes needed to communicate to the 600+ registrants <gasp>. That is amazing! The slides for that talk were edited by end of day. The other project needs some revisions completed and sent off for another meeting later in the week. That will have to wait for tomorrow. The video meeting with everyone this afternoon was fun! So nice to see everyone and be relaxed while learning new technology. <smile>

The great outdoors brought a couple of challenges along with some positives. The neighbours' lawn was mowed today and mine will likely be done next week. Just not fully there yet, but with a few sunny days, it will grow more quickly than it has been. We did have a heavy frost this morning, but most plants are doing reasonably well. The magnolias may be worse for wear as the blossoms don't do well with frost. I spent a while washing bird dropping off my car <sigh>. I do park under a tree rather than off to the side; otherwise, people park in my driveway and I can't get in and out. Go figure. Humans can be challenging. <smile> My early evening walk in the sun felt good except that the cold wind blew in my face when walking south, and east, and north -- less so from the west. The multi-directional winds of the maritime weather keep me guessing. <smile>

The challenges presented by technology, nature and weather left me heading towards one song -- because it fits the theme of the day and the title made me smile since I met most of them today. Many covers of this exist. I chose one by a Canadian other than the songwriter. This version sounds comforting. Stay safe. Enjoy!

Four Strong Winds -- Neil Young

Day 7 - 139 -- Power of Sunshine

While the day brought wonderful sunshine, the news was less positive. A CAF Snowbird jet crashed yesterday. The pilot has injuries reported to be non-life threatening. The passenger, the only female of the team, died. Not only was this woman from Nova Scotia, the Snowbirds are from my home town, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. This news hit me on several levels.

Two Zoom meetings for research presentations filled the afternoon. For some reason, I had the meeting reversed. I only realized that the first meeting was not the one I was prepping for 5 minutes before signing on. My brain wasn't as nimble as I'd hoped, so I felt a bit out of sync as we discussed methods and content. In the end, both meetings produced positive outcomes and a manageable list of tasks for the follow-up meetings middle and end of this week. I was pleased to have the work as a focus and to see and interact with my colleagues online. When that was finished, I worked a bit longer and then headed out for a walk in the late day sun. It is delightful when the sun is still strong in the early evening. The air was a bit chilly due to a cooler breeze, but it was fully enjoyable and helped me to clear my head somewaht of the heavier thoughts.

When walking, I was reminded of a quotation from Nelson Mandela. The words fit the day so well.
       "Part of being optimistic is keeping one's head pointed toward the sun, one's feet moving forward. There were many dark days when my faith in humanity was sorely tested, but I would not and could not give myself up to despair -- that way lays defeat and death." 

Humanity was kind today with everyone I met during the walk moving to distance when they had the space, as I did when I had the space. That renewed faith somewhat. I looked at the sky -- all blue with no clouds. I saw the first tulip buds opening into a bright crimson along one of my usual walking routes. The neighour dog came out to greet me, letting me rub his head and neck. So -- the day had some solid up feeling moments. <smile>

The song for today is another about the sun, since that affects mood a lot. the song brings a wonderful upbeat feel. Stay safe. Enjoy!

Good Day Sunshine -- The Beatles

Day 7 - 138 -- Looking Up

The day began with sunshine but by midday it turned cloudy with intermittent rain. I finished the laundry, got caught up with social media and placed some online orders. While on social media, a quotation that is likely an older proverb, though it was made famous by John Lennon a few decades back. This fits with the idea noted by a good friend who tells me 'the best is yet to come.'  The quotation states, "Everything will be OK in the end. If it's not OK, it's not the end."

These two statements can help me get through some of the uncertainty of our current global predicament. It might be easy to panic, particularly if we spend an inordinate amount time with broadcast and social media prognosticators. Trying to focus on the good that will come as we move forward through the pandemic takes effort some days. Many aspects of life are going along almost as usual with a few tweaks. Other aspects have changed a lot, but we can, have, and are adapting. It can be extremely frustrating. This is generally the long weekend that marks the beginning of summer activities in Canada. It is different than before, but spring is moving forward with trees budding and blossoms popping up around us. I have to take heart in the constancy of seasonal changes in nature as a positive sign. Things will move forward and smiles will continue.

A song that ran through my head today while outside deals with the seasons changing. It feels happy and positive.I have used it in the blog before, but it one I go back to often. Stay safe. Enjoy!

Here Comes the Sun -- The Beatles

Day 7 - 137 -- A Virtual Walk

This morning I received a surprise invitation to a Zoom viewing of a virtual convocation for a cousin's daughter, who received her masters degree today from University of Wyoming. The school sent all graduating students a package with cap, tassel and hood. They could choose to get the gown. A very large graduating class with names scrolling u[ the screen for some time, with graduate studies degrees last on the agenda. It was fun to be with other cousins and have a chance to visit a bit once the ceremony ended. It felt wonderful to participate in her graduation in some way, particularly when there was no ceremony here this year --  postponed until next May when there will be two separate celebrations and ceremonies for the 2020 and 2021 graduation groups.

So, while the day began grey, rainy and very overcast, with sun coming out just before sunset, the day held a couple of surprises. Into the early evening, I though I should have donned my academic robes for the morning ceremony. Now that would have been fun. Sure beats daytime pjs. <smile>

Lyrics that often come to mind at graduation ceremonies seemed to fit well again today. They contain wishes for the graduates who received degrees today and those whose degrees will be conferred in absentia this spring with ceremonies at some future point. Stay well. Enjoy!

I hope you dance -- Ronan Keating

Day 7 - 136 -- Is it Tuesday?

Time is an odd construct -- something rather  difficult to define and something understood in many ways by many people and cultures.  Recently. we've all heard someone -- or several someones -- say that they had no idea what day it was. A friend had noted that this was clearly written at the bottom of the computer screen (or top of the phone or tablet screen) so why did people keep saying this?  The days blur together in a way that I haven't quite experienced before. It could be that this is longer than that vacation feel where we lose track of days and even time of day due to lack of our usual schedule. During isolation, regular markers of days or times of day no longer demarcate our days. There is no rush to get off to school or work, even if work occurs at home. The sunrise and sunset have changed a lot since we began this process, so the disorientation of not realizing how the outside has continued to change might affect our sleep-wake cycles. There is no clear end of work day at home nor are weekends distinctly different than any other day,

Even when things seem to blur and feel like time is dragging along, when I look at a calendar date, we are firmly in the middle of May. Eight weeks have passed -- actually we are 2 days shy of nine weeks since I began isolating. That amazes me. Why does it not feel that long, while it feels too long? Heading outside for a walk in less busy parts of the neighbourhood helps me to keep track of seasonal changes. Inside the spring shed of the furry one reminds me, too. Yet, going for grocery pick up once every 10-12 days leaves me thinking that less time has passed than when I went once or twice a week. the whole movement through days has been likened to the same day repeating itself by some people. I haven't felt it in that way, though I struggle to describe how this feels to me. A friend said this as clearly as anything I've heard yet -- "There is some serious Twilight Zone shit going on." <smile>

These meanderings and musings today reminded me of lyrics that noted the nature of time passing and the journey we each are making -- especially during this weird time in global history. It is sung by a favourite troubadour.  Keep safe. Enjoy!

Secret o' life -- James Taylor

Day 7 - 135 -- Altered Protocols

A slow start to the day felt strange. I did get into the groove quickly, though. An academic group held a virtual writing workshop this afternoon. There were quite diverse topics and documents involved. Most felt the process was useful and that it should continue for a few more weeks. We write a note to all about our writing objective for the day and then meet online at the end of the writing time to discuss progress and the barriers and enablers to the process. I managed to get a handle on a flow for the presentation of a 10 minute research paper (followed by 5 minutes for questions). I will need to review examples that work well for the points we can make about a larger project that cannot be fully presented in the brief time. I feel well on my way to something useful, though.

I needed a refill for a prescription for the furry one. Nothing major, just something we use regularly for over a year now. I called the vet office to determine protocol for such things given the newer happenings since I was in last -- that was a few days before lockdown occurred. I paid over the phone and they put things on a table outside the door. So, I got in the car and drove out to the office. Even being in the car for a pick up seemed exciting. <smile>  I left the car and walked to the door and there was a small table with two packages on it. Each was labeled with the name of the customer. Mine was heavy so did not need to be weighted down like another -- with a rock from the ground <grin>. That process made me smile. I then walked from the house to the bank machine and there was only one other person there, so we didn't have to line up outside the door. The weather was reasonable if we'd had to, though -- no rain and just a bit of wind.

In my wanderings today both with words on a screen and on two errands, I realized that the rhythm of things had altered and the steps to do certain tasks had changed, too. It is like dancing. You learn one form of dance and then another and by then you may be able to embellish or change the steps a bit. That is what today involved -- changing steps to a well known dance. A song lyric that came to mind notes the changes needed using a dance metaphor, too. This metaphor I've used often for my research process. Not that I am any good at all at dancing, but I enjoy watching others who do. <smile> The chorus of the selection today contains the lyrics I first heard in my head. Stay safe. Enjoy!

Life's A Dance -- John Michael Montgomery

Day 7 - 134 -- Nerve Involvement

Two meetings today brought discussions and some near term deadlines. We have a practice in one week for the online presentation, which will help us to manage the software when we present the next week. In the meantime, the slides have to be developed and polished in the next few days. This is a shorter presentation, so these tasks should be doable. I have an online writing workshop time tomorrow, so this week it will dedicated to this presentation. <smile>

The walk today was pleasant with some sun and then clouds rolled in on the way back home. Winds were a bit strong and felt cool. Two of six people encountered along the walk, refused to move themselves out onto the grass so each time I had to scurry into someone's driveway and stand there harumphing at the folks who feel they don't need to social distance. <grump> Overall, it was a good walk with great tunes. When I got home, I realized that my shoulder was hurting more than earlier in the day. I then realized this was the chronic rotator cuff pain that comes from having the fixation at the elbow done five years ago this month. Stretching exercises that 'floss' the nerve help this pain to subside, but it will take a few days before it dissipates.

The selection for today is an instrumental with a title that reminded me of the nervy people who won't distance as well as needing to stretch the nerve to fix the arm pain. The music sound like what my head and arm feel like -- some calmness and some harshness interjected every so often. <smile>. Enjoy!

Nerve Center - Vangelis

Day 7 - 133 -- Nursing Profession

International Nurses Day today falls during 2020, which has been designated International Year of the Nurse and Midwife by WHO. The theme for the year is "nursing the world to health," ironically chosen before COVID-19 descended on the world. International Nurses Day is celebrated on the birth day of Florence Nightingale. This year marks the 200th anniversary of Nightingale's birth.

This amazing woman is the focus of my historical research exploring the development of the dietetic profession as it is known today. She recognized the importance of sanitation and hygiene during the 1950s, when she nursed during the 1854 London cholera epidemic and just after that headed to Turkey to organize hospital care for the wounded soldiers in the Crimean War. Now, sanitation and hygiene sound like common sense -- more or less -- today. But in the mid-19th century the sanitation movement advocated for something that science had not found evidence of yet. It wasn't unti 1961 when Pasteur published the 'germ theory' -- and it was just a theory that tiny organisms caused disease. Koch proved that theory when he found the bacteria that caused anthrax. Prior to that discovery, Lister used phenol to sterilize wounds and instruments. He is known as the father of sterilization.

Nightingale worked with statistics to explain disease rates in different populations, which was during the very early days of epidemiology -- the study of how disease spreads. She produced beautiful coxcomb graphs showing the morbidity and mortality from disease, where she compared Army barracks with general populace to show the enlisted men were not treated well. This is similar to class structure issues found by Snow with cholera epidemics in London. Cramped, close quarters, poor sanitation from sewage management, water supplies, food sources, access to care all increased risk of disease or death. Sadly, we still struggle with health equity issues in industrialized and emerging nations around the globe. Poverty is a key determinant of poor health.

So today we celebrate the work of the many nurses around the world, particularly during this pandemic. I have many good friends and relatives who belong(ed) to the nursing profession. I have taught undergraduate nursing students and held workshops for practicing nurses. That we have a common individual who spurred on the nursing and the dietetic profession is cool.  The song for today provides examples of the importance of this health care professional. Interestingly, the singer-songwriter best known for his band in the 1960s and their performance at Woodstock, has also studied Florence Nightingale from the perspective of army nursing. go figure <smile>. Take care. Enjoy!

Thank the Nurse - Country Joe McDonald

Day 7 - 132 -- Hang onto the Hope

Monday arrived filled with sunlight and slightly warmer temperatures than previous days. I worked on household and research project tasks indoors most of the day. The walk in the afternoon brought a number of wonders. The daffodils on Main Street are still so perfect -- they almost look artificial they are so perfect.  I walked down Main street where I encountered the huge white magnolia tree outside one of the banks. It was almost fully in bloom. I just stood there looking at all the blooms with a big grin on my face. I so love magnolias. Pink are my favourite. the white variety seems a bit earlier. I hope to get to see the ones on campus during a walk there in the next week or so. There is also a yellow variety up there, that would be wonderful to see, too.

On my walks during the time of isolation, I've taken time to look for the signs of spring. They bring such hope. They remind me that some things still continue as they would without the viral invader. They hold a promise of changed circumstance. Hope resides here. As written by Chekov in 'Uncle Vanya':

We shall find peace.
We shall hear angels.
We shall see the sky sparkling with diamonds.

I was also reminded of the description of hope written by Emily Dickinson.

Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul,
That sings the tune without the words,
And never stops at all.

 And sweetest in the gale is heard;
And sore must be the storm
That could abash the little bird
That kept so many warm.

I've heard it on the chillest land,
And on the strangest sea;
Yet, never, in extremity,
It asked a crumb from me.

          Dickinson (254)

Hold onto the hope. Isolating and changing everything we would usually do in day, a week, or a month can take a tole. There is hope.

The song for today revolves around a statement a good friend reminds  me of often. Things will improve. the arrangement for this is different than many of her songs, but the lyrics are worth a listen. Stay safe. Enjoy!

The Best is Yet to Come -- Carole King

-- Hope and dreams -- Hope by Dickenson and song ???

Day 7 - 131 -- cooking up a Storm

I seem to have accomplished a number of things on the list today -- for a change. <smile> Household chores mostly, including laundry and cleaning. I spent a fair bit of the afternoon cooking. The freezer needs refilling so there is more than one choice when I head down in search of dinner items. I made a big pot of stew and a recipe of Etouffe sauce. Both sit in the fridge now for the flavours to meld. Tomorrow will be either shrimp etourre or stew and dumplings for supper. Yum. I made a dry roux for the etouffe and it worked wonderfully. I've done the same for gumbo, but that one is scarier to do as it must get darker for the right colour and flavour.

Supper today consisted of the Chinese food I ordered yesterday from the restaurant that has reopened for take-out after a few weeks of being closed. I also got a box of Girl Guide cookies -- Guides can't go door to door this year, so another local restaurateur is selling boxes for the organization. So great to see this community spirit.

I had a long chat with my pharmacist. The prescription refill I received was for 30 days only, when it should have been for 90 days. She told me the provincial government mandated that only a one month supply could be dispensed at a time until later this month -- unless the order isn't lifted then. The order appears to be an effort to ensure no one was stockpiling meds -- but anyone with additional insurance couldn't get a second refill until a week or two before the current one should be done. the order also ensures that supply chain shortages won't create a huge difficulty -- as in everyone will get meds in dribs and drabs. Equality principle here, but economically not so much. To get a 30 day supply three times, will cost me almost three times the regular cost for the full 90 day supply. For those with more expensive meds, this has the potential to become prohibitive. I will be fine, but others may not.

I chose a song about cooking for today. It is an odd little thing sung by the well-known wife of a famous singer-songwriter. Stay safe. Enjoy!

Cook of the House -- Maul McCartney and Wings (sung by Linda McCartney)

Day 7 - 130 -- A Founder of Rock and Roll

The day was cold, windy and rainy. Luckily during my late afternoon walk, the sun was trying desperately to shine through the clouds. It wasn't successful in any ajor way, but it did mean that the walk was dry -- followed by a lot of wetness, but dry when I was outside. Great daffodils on Main Street and the beginnings of white magnolias on the small bushes by the Town library. Those made me smile.

A founder of rock and roll passed away today. Beginning over 60 years ago, Little Richard presented a flamboyant on-stage character with a pounding piano style and fast-paced lyrics and music. Many of his songs were covered by other artists who grew up listening to him, Jerry Lee Lewis and Chuck Berry. What had been termed race music began to be sung by everyone and the beat brought young people of all cultures together.

Many of his songs are recognized by people of all age groups. This may be because even if they hadn't heard them sung by Little Richard, many other individuals and groups covered his songs. Today I've chosen to share the first and second of his hits. The first demonstrates the vocalizations he was known for -- ones that Paul McCartney spent time with Richard learning. You can hear them on early Beatles recordings. The second shows his piano playing style. Stay safe. Enjoy!

Tutti Fruitti -- Little Richard

Long Tall Sally -- Little Richard

Day 7 - 129 -- Anniversary of an End

75 years ago today, VE day was being celebrated around the world. Granted the end of hostilities in Europe came several months before VJ day saw the fighting stop in the Pacific. A family member had been in the navy ferrying supplies back and forth across the North Atlantic dodging the U-boats. On this day, he noted they were docked in Lunenburg on the south shore of Nova Scotia. The party was mighty. The town had been drunk dry and foragers went off in two directions to find what they could in other towns. The one headed easterly had to go as far as Halifax to find further fuel for that celebration.

The happiness of the end of a major part of a global war was captured in stories and photos and newsreel footage. We can feel the excitement in those documents. It makes sense to preserve such pieces of history to share with those who did not live through those days and the years that preceded them. As one who dabbles in historical research, I can tell you that having access to actual materials from someone with foresight to keep letters, journals and photos, can make all the difference in the world to helping current day minds understand decisions of the past. When we encounter such things when clearing through an estate, we need to find a family historian or a regional person who will see that materials are properly archived for future generations.

The song for today comes from the World War II era. The singer is over 100 now. In the UK this evening, people stood on their front porches and balconies and sang a song she made famous., "We'll meet again." I've chosen a different one for the blog tonight. Stay safe. Enjoy!

It's a lovely day tomorrow -- Vera Lynn

Day 7 - 128 -- Communication Changes

Another rainy day visited today. While it is full moon tonight, clouds ensure there will be no view. I did get to see it briefly last night, and it was stunning as always. I spent time with technology aging today. I feel as if I'm spending far more time with electronic devices than before hunkering down at home. It may actually be that I'm not in the office, where the computer tends to be the focus of all activity, and that time is now part of the working at home model. It may also be the different communication platforms I'm using. What used to be telephone calls are now video conferences.
Today had a phone meeting and the Skype call became a phone call when internet was unavailable at the other end. Good to have the old school processes still available. <smile> I'm not sure how I would respond to this loss of connectivity, since so much depends on having access to the big world outside the window and that depends on internet connection.

This week I've had something everyday and often several video calls a day that require internet. We can do most meetings, planning, teaching, decision making, medical appointments, music recording, and socializing through the various platforms. In such a short time, most of my meeting and chats with friends have migrated to one video platform or another. Yesterday, in fact, the tv drama All Rise did the whole hour via video chat. The personal and professional relationship story lines all took place on a Zoom-style screen as each character was isolated in their own home. Stresses and challenges of being separated from those they work with and family members were portrayed fairly well. The final scene was when all had been invited to a virtual dance party. Now that looked like something fun and worthwhile. It looked cathartic, as well.

It seems such technology will become more common place as we move through this pandemic -- one of the good things that can come from this -- a way to bring us together when we are far apart. the song today was one of many great songs that provided the soundtrack on the episode. Many great covers of this one. This is one of my favourites. Stay safe. Enjoy!

Change is Gonna Come -- Seal

Day 7 - 127 -- Meetings, Sun & Social Distancing

Another day filled with meetings. Two were planned a week ago. The other appeared as part of a crisis averted in mid-afternoon. Research and professional presentations will be online instead of in person this year. I will miss the conference and seeing my colleagues, but am pleased that we can still communicate the messages planned. Logistics of a new way of doing business has worked well due to a lot of behind the scene efforts. Now they are ensuring presenters become familiar with the presentation platforms -- software an be challenging (understatement much? <grin>)

It was a sunny day for a walk between the last two meetings. It felt good to be outside and see the sun and a couple of familiar faces from a distance as I walked by. Today I had two people who did not ove into the boulevard and tried to pass me with less than 3 feet between us -- I nearly growled at them <smile>. I managed to tuck into a driveway or onto someone's lawn at the last minute to make the space between us almost 2 metres. This behaviour is so rare on my walks. I hope it isn't a new trend of folks thinking opening parts of parks means this distancing isn't important anymore. ,sigh>.

A song that I haven't played yet during the time of the great isolation. It popped into my mind as I dodged the second person today. Just look at those fresh young faces in the video. <smile> Stay safe. Enjoy!

Don't Stand So Close to Me -- The Police

Day 7 - 126 -- Tedious Grey Day

The cold and drizzly day let little light in through the windows.  The key point of the day seemed to be the continual technology difficulties. These were time eaters and tedious to boot. It began when in error I deleted a folder in error and had to spend a loooong time reclaiming each email separately. The when the plan involved migrating some files from the old computer to the new computer, the old one took forever to run through several 'questionable' sectors and the new one refused to load windows. So, when taking a short trip to campus, I schlepped the laptop along with me and booted while hard wired to the campus system. That re-initialized Windows and everything from off campus should work tickety boo. I let the IT tech know that if it didn't, I'd send another note along <smile>. This additional silliness meant the trip to the office took far longer than I'd hoped to spend up there. I'd originally planned to retrieve some research literature files, but searched and did not find them in the office. Later tonight, I thought of one other place they could be lurking. So, another tirp into campus is in the offing. We need to notify Safety and Security personnel by phone according to the latest e-mail. When i called I was asked to send details of time and place by e-mail instead. Much easier to do, for sure.

The greyness of the day didn't help to reduce the glum feelings from arguing with technology and having to do things twice or three times today. IT got back to me after their official work hours, so that did make me smile. They work solely online as many of us are doing these days. The plan for the day was hijacked so things from today will need to fir into tomorrow and the next day. Meetings scheduled tomorrow, so it is most likely to be the next day when the items from today's list are tackled again. It just seemed to be a giant waste of time to me today. I felt down when I got up and the day didn't move things forward until speaking with a friend tonight helped me to relax and laugh about the absurdity of the day.

Lyrics of the song chosen to share today speak to my feelings of the tedium of having to fix things, wait for things, and not find things that should be there. Dull, glum, tiring. Stay safe. Enjoy!

Time -- Pink Floyd

Day 7 - 125 -- Wanderlust?

Something that has weighed heavily while isolating has been my desire to travel. When this current 'stay home' strategy is eased and we can travel by ground and then by air, there is list of people that I need to visit. Some for lunch or afternoon tea and others for longer more involved visits. At present, I dislike being so far away without the option to just get up and go to be with them. I'll admit to tears when this settles into my thoughts for a visit. Family and friends -- heck, they are all family in my heart -- live scattered across this continent, while other related pilgrimages planned involve crossing an ocean.

I recognized before the pandemic, how lucky I've been to be able to travel all over North America and to parts of Asia and Europe. There are still so many places I would love to visit, to get to know the culture, history and people. I've often said that I love to be where I'm going but getting there not so much. I'm not sure in the future that I'll see that travel process as such a pain. It is a privilege. The discomforts of travel days are so very minor. I guess, the isolation has provided that perspective. Something to be grateful for, too.

Yesterday, I heard the selection for today sung by the artist in an acoustic series from her home kitchen. It made me cry. The imagery in the lyrics is beautiful. The travel descriptions showed me the beauty and wonder in the process, which made me feel wistful. I felt the heaviness of wanting to travel, and not knowing when or how this would appear. It will morph into something new, likely with further checks and balances added to the mix. I hope that I can see the changes as I want to now -- necessary to keep us all safe and a positive part of the journey to be with those I love. Stay safe. Enjoy!

Transcendental Reunion -- Mary Chapin Carpenter

Day 7 - 124 -- Baking and Blue Sky

The day greeted me with bright sunshine that lasted all day. It was to have been convocation day here, but this has been postponed until next May. It would have been a perfect day in terms of weather. It certainly wasn't the ending of a multi-year journey that we had hoped for. degrees will be conferred nearer the end of the month.

I made cinnamon buns today. The look good,but still not what I was hoping for. The hunt for a different recipe that is ore bun and less caramelized syrup will continue. Guess, I'm just not that into sticky bun style. I went for a walk during the second rise of the dough. The brilliant blue sky and a chat with the Great Pyrenees down the block helped my re-centre a bit. Some research work was done today, much as I try to keep that out of the weekend. It is one of the only ways to make the days different from one another - particularly during isolation. I worked on the grocery list and getting parts of it into the online order program. I takes a while to complete, but I'm getting the hand of the software and its quirks.

Today I chose a song by a group with a name that goes well with the major activity of my day. Stay safe. Enjoy!


Mother Freedom -- Bread 

Day 7 - 123 -- Plans, Deadlines and Relaxation

For a Saturday, it has been quiet. Grey, rainy skies remained all day, so staying inside to do some household chores wasn't too difficult. Still more on the shortened 'to do' list, but parts will be completed before end of day. Mid-afternoon held a meeting regarding an upcoming presentation -- online not in person due to current travel and distancing restrictions. Headway was made for an earlier presentation date than expected, which was shortened by a week due the request for a rehearsal the week before. So -- that is just over three weeks from today. So much to do. This will change other project plans in the near term.

Once the meeting ended and a few more small cleaning tasks completed, I began to focus on the grocery needs for next week, which resulted in a list that will need to be reviewed a couple of times. I don't head to the store more than once every 10-12 and won't return again if something was omitted from the list. Supper was planned to be later today and something light that didn't take a lot of prep. That left time for a short decompressing or relaxation time. I find that 20-45 minute time helps me to feel calmer -- not always fully calm, but calmer <smile>. Throughout the day, I do a bit with the gigantic jigsaw puzzle on the dining room table -- one that required two additional leaves be added. those few moments get my shoulders back down where they belong. The evening reading, music time or a bath do the same -- just more tools in the coping box.

The selection today notes the frenetic pace I expect in the coming days in the lyrics, particularly the chorus. Even the band name fits that expectation. The lyric wanting to take time to be present fits my plan, though I know it is difficult when one gets deep into that world of deadlines. Stay safe. Enjoy!

Time Stand Still -- Rush

Day 7 - 122 -- Discovering Coping Strategies

A day with mixed feelings -- mainly good, but those daily moments of less pleasant thoughts did appear. For a few minutes today, in my mind was an image of families on either side of a border unable to see each other -- split apart with little to no warning and no way to communicate. Being isolated has moments when it feels a bit like what I imagine others might have felt in those situations. In this privileged part of the world, many of us have ways of connecting electronically, but the need to see them in person is no less overwhelming -- just to see that they are alright and to hug them. I have to believe that things will get back to some form of travel but that date is a moving target. The possible date just gets further and further away as we work to continue to find ways of coping with the emotional side of not seeing folks we care about in person.

Most times when in the midst of darker thoughts, somethings happen to change the perspective to one that is more positive. It could be a song, the flowers of spring, a walk in a gentle rain, a note from someone, or seeing a friendt and having a chat from 10 feet away. Today all of these occurred, leading to an overall good day feeling. That may be one of the good things about the current isolating experience. For many people, the smaller moments of joy may be seen as the good parts of the day. Being more mindful of such moments, may help us to hold onto the good in the day, while acknowledging, but minimizing the less pleasant aspects.

The song today came to mind as I recognized the positive effect of refocusing thoughts to something less dark. This strategy worked well over the past couple of days, so the goal is to continue. The song has a strong, upbeat sound with a melody and lyrics that can help refocus thoughts quickly. A wonderful band and front man. Keep safe. Enjoy! 

Don't Stop Me Now -- Queen

Day 7 - 121 -- Deviations from the Plan

The day was filled with good happenings. Sun shone for the whole day taking out the remaining snow. I had a great catch up call with a friend isolating outside of town. That is always a fun conversation. A meeting about project planning deadlines provided some hope for a changed date along with some potential deviations from the original plan. A call to an airline to re-book a ticket cancelled a year ago, resulted in learning that the new policy now states that travel for this ticket would need to be completed by next spring and not two months from now. Very good news, since it is unlikely flights will be operating fully into early summer. My daily walk occurred into the early evening today. As I left the house, I found a delivery parcel on the front porch. This was the tea that I had difficulty finding in stores in town. It arrived five days earlier than the guaranteed delivery date. So, I can continue by daily routine with a good chai blend instead of the pale imitations I've been dealing with over the past three days. All good things

Working out new plans requires flexibility in thinking. I am one who likes to think for a while and then make the decision rather than the other way around <smile>. Being forced by circumstance to have to rapidly alter plans adds stress. It can be done and once done I do come to terms with it -- even feel comfortable with it. It just requires time. As life places speed bumps along the planned route, it can create disappointment and a bit of crankiness -- the petulant child rising up inside some moments. Forward movement around and over and through obstacles leads us to the altered end point. Keeping faith in the plan and accepting needed alterations will see us through.

The chorus of a song ran through my head today as I encountered unexpected outcomes that were still positive. Things did not need to be negative just because they were different. Interesting concept there <smile>.  Stay well. Enjoy!

Carry on Wayward Son -- Kansas