JULIA SPENCER-FLEMING: The birds are chirping (loudly), the sun is shining, it’s a great day to put on your most fetching mask and go for a walk, but first - a Fast Five!
What’s the food item you want most that you can’t find? Bread! Nowhere on the shelves, and though I have lots of flour and yeast, I’m still intimidated about making my own. I’ve been making “sandwiches” out of tortillas, but a ham, cheese and cucumber wrap just isn’t the same.
- What’s the craziest homesteading/Depression Era/Victory garden activity you thought about trying? I was saving the inside of bell peppers, with the thought of using the seeds. I had quite a pile going when the ants arrived on the counter and I realized waiting for my seed order to arrive would be better for my mental health and the kitchen hygiene.
- First place you’ll go when your state’s stay at home orders are (safely, and in line with medical consensus!) lifted? The movie theater! I know, we can see almost everything we want to from the comfort of our own sofas, but my kids and I LOVE going to the movies. I’ll be so happy to see them reopen, I may even buy my candy there, instead of sneaking it in at the bottom of a commodious purse.
- Don’t tell anyone, but since we’ve been stuck at home, I’m considering…adopting another dog. I really shouldn’t say this, because my daughters will be all over me with pictures of pound puppies.
- Every cloud, even one laced with aerosolized droplets of virus, has a silver lining. What’s something you love about our new reality? The reduction in traffic along the county highway that runs past our house. I mentioned this last week, when we talked about the view from our windows. I love being able to take a walk without feeling like I’m a potential speed bump for commuters racing to and from work.
- What’s the food item you want most that you can’t find? Huh. We are fine so far, but you know? There’s no birdfood, and I worry about the ducks. I agree, though, I worry about bread all the time. And milk. We either have too much, or we are running out. And I am panicking a tiny bit about food shortages, and actually looked up what happened in WW2.
- What’s the craziest homesteading/Depression Era/Victory garden activity you thought about trying? I put the bottoms of green onions in a little glass, and they grew gorgeous roots! (They were smelly, though.) Now they are in a pot. But--I KNOW this is crazy-- I often have egg whites in the morning, and just--in the past--threw away the yolks. Now I can’t bear to
do that. So I have these little plastic bags of egg yolks in the freezer with a bit of salt so they stay okay. Now I’m worried about using too many freezer bags,and what can I do with egg yolks? There's only so much mayo and bearnaise one can make. (Plus, I am worried about adding new egg yolks to the frozen egg yolks, somehow that can't be good.) (It’s easier to worry about this than about real stuff.) (But I still can’t throw them away.)
- First place you’ll go when your state’s stay at home orders are (safely, and in line with medical consensus!) lifted? Hair colorist. NO question. Boom.
- Don’t tell anyone, but since we’ve been stuck at home, I’m considering…Truly? I cannot bear to think about any projects. But--I usually don't eat carbs, and I am considering pasta, and that makes me so sad that I can’t stand it and I know it’s ridiculous but it feels like giving up. And once, for about five seconds, it crossed my mind that I could fly to Georgia to have my hair colored. THAT’S how nuts this is.
- Every cloud, even one laced with aerosolized droplets of virus, has a silver lining. What’s something you love about our new reality? Ah. I had been running and traveling like CRAZY, and I’d thought--gee, I worry I am not with Jonathan enough, I wish I could just stay home and hang out with him. So, truly, I am trying to remember this is what I’d hoped for.
- What’s the food item you want most that you can’t find? We have been lucky so far with food, though I never thought I’d be craving disinfectant wipes. Hank, I have whites in my freezer, would you like to arrange a swap?
- What’s the craziest homesteading/Depression Era/Victory garden activity you thought about trying? That’s easy, everyone has got a new puppy and I want one too. Except John doesn’t want one, and T-bone’s on the fence, having never met a dog and being certain he’s the one and only. So the jury is out...
- First place you’ll go when your state’s stay at home orders are (safely, and in line with medical consensus!) lifted? To the bookstore! More than one if possible. And back in Connecticut, we have a brand-newly renovated library and I am DYING to see what it looks like. And honestly, I really miss going to church in person. Oh and Hank reminds me, definitely hair...
- Don’t tell anyone, but since we’ve been stuck at home, I’m considering…dying my hair purple. What do you think?
- Every cloud, even one laced with aerosolized droplets of virus, has a silver lining. What’s something you love about our new reality? I really really miss seeing people in person, but I do feel like people are more available online these days. And we’ve been Facetiming with our grandkids 3 or 4 times a week so that’s been great. And it’s been great to see that little family under enormous stress really rise to the occasion.
- What’s the food item you want most that you can’t find? Lasagna noodles! I ordered, by mistake, a huge package of grass fed ground beef. I have pasta sauce, grated cheese but can’t find the lasagna!
- What’s the craziest homesteading/Depression Era/Victory garden activity you thought about trying? I have no garden here in Arizona, just a patio surrounded by bougainvillea which is lovely but …. I wanted to grow veggies so I have 2 pots with zucchini and peas in them. I’m sure they won’t mature before I can return to California but it is satisfying to watch them grow.
First place you’ll go when your state’s stay at home orders are (safely, and in line with medical consensus!) lifted? Easy - swimming pool. I miss my swimming so much.
- Don’t tell anyone, but since we’ve been stuck at home, I’m considering… I fantasize about a dog but John would go apoplectic. I’m considering writing another book ( as well as the ones I’m supposed to write). I need to be busy and have purpose.
- Every cloud, even one laced with aerosolized droplets of virus, has a silver lining. What’s something you love about our new reality? Having time to sit and enjoy meals, listen to birds and my fountain. ( I’m so blessed that John bought me a fountain for Christmas. Now it makes the patio perfect.) I’m also so happy that my kids have a Zoom chat every weekend and I can see everyone at once.
- What’s the food item you want most that you can’t find? It was eggs,but I found those and my neighbor gave me some, so now I have enough for breakfast for dinner, which is always a mood elevator for my subversive crew! Food was restored here about two weeks ago. Still, no TP, though!
What’s the craziest homesteading/Depression Era/Victory garden activity you thought about trying? Chickens. Our hardware store was selling baby chicks for $4.99. When I couldn’t find eggs I was seriously contemplating chickens...still am.
- First place you’ll go when your state’s stay at home orders are (safely, and in line with medical consensus!) lifted? You stole mine, Julia! MOVIES!!! With a ginormous bucket of buttered popcorn and some Snocaps. I might not leave for a day or two.
- Don’t tell anyone, but since we’ve been stuck at home, I’m considering…cutting my hair! I know, I know, I know...but it’s already 100+ degrees in AZ and I’m over it.
- Every cloud, even one laced with aerosolized droplets of virus, has a silver lining. What’s something you love about our new reality? I’m such an environmental nut that I am just thrilled to see the earth healing a bit. I’ve planted two new citrus trees and a sunflower garden and I’m enjoying them so much. It’s incredible when you think about how much destruction humans do on a daily basis. Hub even told me that the planet has stopped rattling (I didn’t even know it did that) with the lessened movement of planes, trains, and automobiles.
What’s the food item you want most that you can’t find? Ice cream! It’s literally all sold out. And for a while olive oil until my wonderful neighbor scored a bottle for me. She also brought me 12 rolls of toilet paper. I have the world’s most lovely neighbor. (Thanks, Jane!)
- What’s the craziest homesteading/Depression Era/Victory garden activity you thought about trying? Making my own starter for yeast. Rachael Ray says you need raisins and sugar and filtered water and then time… it doesn’t seem hard, just complicated and it takes days and days and you have to keep it going. I also thought about buying mung beans and making my own bean sprouts -- haven’t done that since my hippie-dippie days in the 60s.
- First place you’ll go when your state’s stay at home orders are (safely, and in line with medical consensus!) lifted? I’ll stay home and have my kids and grandkids come and stay for as long as they can stand it. I miss them terribly. And we’re going to go out together for dim sum!
- Don’t tell anyone, but since we’ve been stuck at home, I’m considering… hang gliding.
Just kidding.
- Every cloud, even one laced with aerosolized droplets of virus, has a silver lining. What’s something you love about our new reality? Blue blue blue skies and the Milky Way at night.
- What’s the food item you want most that you can’t find? I miss all my regular stuff from Trader Joe's., especially their 3 layer hummus, and ...would you believe, goat's milk. I love it in my coffee in the morning because it's so creamy.
- What’s the craziest homesteading/Depression Era/Victory garden activity you thought about trying? I bought arugula seeds to sprout my own microgreens. I was addicted to the ones sold at the farmer's market. Haven't done it yet, however. It turned out to be more complicated than just sprouting seeds. On the other hand, I did buy sprouting trays and am making my own bean sprouts. And I activated my dormant sourdough starters.
- First place you’ll go when your state’s stay at home orders are (safely, and in line with medical consensus!) lifted? The farmer's market. The Saturday morning market is normally the highlight of my week, and I was so looking forward to the April opening.
- Don’t tell anyone, but since we’ve been stuck at home, I’m considering… That maybe I don't have to get my hair cut every five weeks! I know it's getting shaggy but I'm kind of liking it.
Every cloud, even one laced with aerosolized droplets of virus, has a silver lining. What’s something you love about our new reality? I really like the empty calendar. If it weren't for coronavirus anxiety, I think it would be really nice not to be rushing from one appointment/event to the next.
Now it’s your turn, dear readers! Just copy and paste the questions below, and share your own Fast Five in the comments!
1. What’s the food item you want most that you can’t find?
2. What’s the craziest homesteading/Depression Era/Victory garden activity you thought about trying?
3. First place you’ll go when your state’s stay at home orders are (safely, and in line with medical consensus!) lifted?
4. Don’t tell anyone, but since we’ve been stuck at home, I’m considering…
5. Every cloud, even one laced with aerosolized droplets of virus, has a silver lining. What’s something you love about our new reality?
1. What’s the food item you want most that you can’t find?
ReplyDeleteWe’ve been very fortunate with food, so I’m not missing anything so far . . . .
2. What’s the craziest homesteading/Depression Era/Victory garden activity you thought about trying?
I’m growing plants from leek and scallion roots.
3. First place you’ll go when your state’s stay at home orders are (safely, and in line with medical consensus!) lifted?
I like Hallie’s idea of staying here and having all the grandbabies come . . . . and, like Lucy, I miss going to church in person.
4. Don’t tell anyone, but since we’ve been stuck at home, I’m considering…
Nothing in particular . . . just enjoying the extra reading time . . . .
5. Every cloud, even one laced with aerosolized droplets of virus, has a silver lining. What’s something you love about our new reality?
No traffic . . . . and Zoom / Facebook Live author interviews
"Facebook Live author interviews "! This is good to hear. So many of us writers are wondering whether this really works. Glad to see you're giving it a vote of confidence.
DeleteAgreed, Hallie. Thanks for the feedback, Joan!
Delete1. What’s the food item you want most that you can’t find?
ReplyDeleteMango sorbet. I am addicted to this. So I've switch to mango Italian ices, good substitute Julia, I've been making bread every Monday, have plenty of yeast and ordered another pound from China. Let's home it works. Google Julia Child's Sandwich Loaf and give it a try. It is so easy, even for a beginner. You can branch out after you learn the basics.
2. What’s the craziest homesteading/Depression Era/Victory garden activity you thought about trying?
We are still having snow and freezing weather here, so gardening hasn't been on my mind. Also, a couple of restaurant supply places are now selling boxes of fresh vegetables for $25. I have everything I could ever want.
3. First place you’ll go when your state’s stay at home orders are (safely, and in line with medical consensus!) lifted?
Hair cut! But funny thing about the color. As you know, I bleach to a platinum. All of a sudden I'm noticing I don't have dark roots. Hmmmm. Maybe I'll just go with mother nature.
4. Don’t tell anyone, but since we’ve been stuck at home, I’m considering…
I don't feel stuck, can get out to walk Penny daily, and we go for car rides. Most stores and pharmacy have order and pick up at curb, so Julie and I get some shopping done, what isn't brought to us weekly by our dear Cheryl. Just wish I could read more than a chapter at a time. I keep three books going and read them in turn.
5. Every cloud, even one laced with aerosolized droplets of virus, has a silver lining. What’s something you love about our new reality?
I am sleeping when I'm sleepy and getting up in the middle of the night when it pleases me. I rarely wear a bra and have dispensed with earrings and the hair dryer. Make up has never been my thing, so I don't wear any at all any more. I have turned into a slob I'm afraid.
Mother Nature's great virtue: she's a cheap date. Plus who needs all that bleach (ahem...) near your brain.
DeleteAnn, you're not a slob - just like the animals returning to former habitats, you're returning to your ideal natural state!
Delete1. What’s the food item you want most that you can’t find?
ReplyDeleteAll-purpose Flour. I have whole wheat, buckwheat and spelt flour but good-fashioned AP flour is no where to be found.
2. What’s the craziest homesteading/Depression Era/Victory garden activity you thought about trying?
I did make my own sourdough starter for the first time...so easy.
HALLIE: You don't need raisins/grapes, just water and flour...and TIME (Which we all have).
And I have sprouted my own alfalfa sprouts and will do mung bean sprouts next.
3. First place you’ll go when your state’s stay at home orders are (safely, and in line with medical consensus!) lifted?
Farmers market. They usually open in May here in Ottawa but still no word on if/how they will open.
4. Don’t tell anyone, but since we’ve been stuck at home, I’m considering…
Travel plans for my next real-life adventure.
5. Every cloud, even one laced with aerosolized droplets of virus, has a silver lining. What’s something you love about our new reality?
As an environmentalist, I love that the lockdown has resulted in huge drops in air pollution and CO2 emissions, and it's much quieter without all the car/truck traffic on my street. It's also lovely that wildlife is starting to creep back into the city.
2. On yeast: Don't you need sugar??
Delete3. Weirdly, in my daughter's corner of Brooklyn (Sunset Park) one of the few things that has soldiered on through the shutdown is their local farmer's market.
5. And yet... for an environmentalist, the explosion of waste (masks, gloves, plastic bags, packaging) is so discouraging.
Hallie. Here is the recipe I used for the sourdough starter. It has worked perfectly...made 3 sourdough bread loaves and other goodies such as pancakes and cake using the daily discard
Deletehttps://littlespoonfarm.com/sourdough-starter-recipe/
I do have a bakery cookbook for a natural sour starter that uses organic grapes, but most other sourdough starters only require water and flour (biga starter).
And true about the huge explosion in medical and plastic waste. But I was thinking about the fact that I spent more than 25 years in the Canadian federal government in our department trying to reduce GHG emissions and improve air quality with little success in Canada, let alone the whole globe. This pandemic shows how much impact human activity does have on the planet. Alas, these improvements will only be temporary, I fear.
What’s the food item you want most that you can’t find?
ReplyDelete--elbow macaroni, Eggos mini-waffles
What’s the craziest homesteading/Depression Era/Victory garden activity you thought about trying? ---None
First place you’ll go when your state’s stay at home orders are (safely, and in line with medical consensus!) lifted?
-- first place is outside (I'm not allowed to go outdoors) and then I'm headed to a furniture store to get my new sofa and kitchen dining set
Don’t tell anyone, but since we’ve been stuck at home. . .
--getting a cat - darn those allergies
Every cloud, even one laced with aerosolized droplets of virus, has a silver lining. What’s something you love about our new reality?
--The slow pace of the city
Hank, you cracked me up about the egg yolks
You really do need to SIT on a sofa before purchasing it. Ditto beds. And shoes...
DeleteYou do. I read about people buying a bed, a mattress, an easy chair online and I always think - how? Last time Ross and I bought a sofa, I sat on it in a Pottery Barn store for an hour before committing!
DeleteI love these!
ReplyDelete1. What’s the food item you want most that you can’t find? King Arthur flour. All sold out, everywhere. I scored five pounds of whole wheat pastry flour at the health flood store but I'm afraid of running out.
2. What’s the craziest homesteading/Depression Era/Victory garden activity you thought about trying? I've made bread for decades, so even keeping my sourdough going doesn't count. I guess sewing masks, but that's not crazy, either.
3. First place you’ll go when your state’s stay at home orders are (safely, and in line with medical consensus!) lifted? Go hug my favorite toddler and hang on her every delightful word. I adore her little two and half year old self and miss her with a passion.
4. Don’t tell anyone, but since we’ve been stuck at home, I’m considering… Strangling the man I live with. Seriously. I'm trying to work and he's just reading. Not even checking off the long list of stuff that needs doing around the house. So far I've showed admirable restraint...
5. Every cloud, even one laced with aerosolized droplets of virus, has a silver lining. What’s something you love about our new reality? Seeing how caring people can be. All the health care workers sacrificing their own safety. All the walkers who are extra friendly. An online friend who just bought four of my books, and had me endorse and send them to her elderly fixed--income friend to lift her spirits. Caring.
4. Mine just sits and reads and does crossword puzzles, too. I keep suggesting he get up and change a light bulb.But overall I'm glad for the company.
DeleteRight. Crosswords are in the mix, and stupid movies. I am glad I have someone to hug, for sure.
DeleteI think entertaining thoughts of murder are perfectly fine. I always told my husband, "I may kill you, but I won't divorce you."
DeleteBesides, when you write mysteries, planning on how to off your spouse and get away with it counts as research. :-)
My daughter couldn't find garlic in New Orleans and I actually considered mailing her a few bulbs.
ReplyDeleteI'm contemplating growing Ohio corn.
First place I'm hitting is the salon for a haircut, followed by the library.
My hunter-gatherer husband does the food shopping.
Margaret, did you hear the news story about the mayor of Japan's 3rd largest city, who suggested that only men do the grocery shopping because "they're quicker and more decisive than women"?
DeleteIt made me think of my darling Ross, who was quick and decisive at the store, all right - and inevitably returned missing at least four items I had put on the list.
1. I could get all I needed so far.
ReplyDelete2. No craziest home steading.
3. Visit my daughter and my brothers for real and give and receive big hugs.
4. After the pet parade, I considered having a dog
5. After retiring, I thought I would have a lot of time but took to a lot of activities. I appreciate, to a point, the slower pace.
Danielle, I appreciate you including "to a point." I think that's true for so many of us...this is so nice, for now.
DeleteAnd if you do give in to temptation and get a dog, you have to send in pictures!
1. What’s the food item you want most that you can’t find? Really good chocolate
ReplyDelete2. What’s the craziest homesteading/Depression Era/Victory garden activity you thought about trying? A garden and an herb garden
3. First place you’ll go when your state’s stay at home orders are (safely, and in line with medical consensus!) lifted? To visit my sisters
4. Don’t tell anyone, but since we’ve been stuck at home, I’m considering…
A kitten or two (we already have four, what's one or two more?), a puppy (a nephew just got one for his two little boys and it is SO cute, but I can't even go see it!)....
5. Every cloud, even one laced with aerosolized droplets of virus, has a silver lining. What’s something you love about our new reality? No scurrying from place to place, being able take a nap when I need one, eat when I'm hungry, sleep when I'm tired. And, yes, the quiet when I'm outdoors.
Flora, I'm glad to see I'm not the only one thinking a new furry friend. And yes, I think cats and dogs are kind of like children - once you have more than three, it's really an ever-expandable group.
DeleteAfter three, who’s counting? Kids, kittens, puppies — all good
Delete1. What’s the food item you want most that you can’t find? King Arthur bread flour. I found some a couple of weeks ago and when that is gone...but, I did buy some Bob's Red Mill all purpose this week, so I'll use that instead.
ReplyDelete2. What’s the craziest homesteading/Depression Era/Victory garden activity you thought about trying? Haven't done anything that extraordinary except ordering all kinds of stuff from Amazon, like Coco Lopez for one of Roberta/Lucy's cake recipes. I'll keep you all posted on that adventure.
3. First place you’ll go when your state’s stay at home orders are (safely, and in line with medical consensus!) lifted? Easy, West Hartford Center. First to the only book store in town B&N, then to Max's Oyster Bar for paella or fish and chips or something they serve to me and then clean up after.
As for hair, I guess we're gonna know pretty soon how much gray there really is up here. So far, tolerable amount.
4. Don’t tell anyone, but since we’ve been stuck at home, I’m considering…
Buying entire series of books for my Kindle. Wait, I've been doing that already.
5. Every cloud, even one laced with aerosolized droplets of virus, has a silver lining. What’s something you love about our new reality? The environment. Gee, maybe this was G-d's of making a correction in the human destruction of our planet. Does anyone else see a divine hand here?
Oh, and on a personal note, all these romantic mysteries that I am reading have really benefitted Irwin, too. I am reading constantly and choosing lots of that genre. So, it's all good here.
Be well everyone, and please, Jungle Red Writers, keep writing.
Judy, you devil! LOL
DeleteHeh, heh, heh!
DeleteJudy, I LOL'd!
DeleteLove reading all these--hang in there Reds, we'll do this together!
ReplyDeleteI meant to add, go for the purple! I renewed my turquoise streak this week. Because I can, and because it makes me happy. Which I needed this week...
DeleteShe was talking about pink, Edith, and that's what I'm rooting for. You live in Florida, Lucy, go for flamingo!
DeleteOh, two more things, Julia, go to Sally's Baking Addiction. She has a no knead bread that is simply to die for and easy, easy, easy.
ReplyDeleteTwo, that Amazon buying can give you some surprises. I thought I was buying 1 pound of yeast but at an exorbitant price. When it arrived, it was 3-one pound packages of yeast. I contacted the good people at K. A. Flour and they said I can freeze it, but with so many people hunting for yeast, I feel a bit guilty to have so much. Hallie, I'll share.
Thanks, Judy!!! Our local STAR market allows each customer only ONE tiny packet of yeast. Today I'm going to make sticky buns and carve a row of them off and give them to my neighbor who bought me the yeast. What goes around...
DeleteJudy, the Smithie did a Target order (we've been going to them instead of the big A) and thought she was getting a few cans of baked beans (her go-to diy lunch.) Instead, she got 52 OUNCE cans - the kind they sell to commercial kitchens! I noted it was a good thing she really liked beans, because she was going to be having a lot of them.
Delete1. What’s the food item you want most that you can’t find? Eggs, organic, free-range, vegetarian feed eggs. We are in a rural area so I have been lucky enough to score fresh eggs, but the supply is spotty.
ReplyDelete2. What’s the craziest homesteading/Depression Era/Victory garden activity you thought about trying? Fresh herb garden and tomatoes. Our Florida growing season is at an end - it's too hot now, so plants and herbs need extra care to survive.
3. First place you’ll go when your state’s stay at home orders are (safely, and in line with medical consensus!) lifted? Hair dresser - I miss you Merry and we're going to need to get the hedge clipper out!
4. Don’t tell anyone, but since we’ve been stuck at home, I’m considering…painting the bathrooms!
5. Every cloud, even one laced with aerosolized droplets of virus, has a silver lining. What’s something you love about our new reality? Love the lack of pollution photos from around the world, and the lack of traffic on the road near my house.
Painting the bathrooms! What a great idea!
DeleteMaybe Jenn can help you with the painting, didn't she just finish, or was it start, a renovation?
DeleteI think she's somewhere in the middle, Deana. But there were definitely cabinets involved. Kait, I understand the urge - if it weren't for the fact I'm trying hard to avoid any exposure, I'd be at Home Depot or Lowes buying up SO much home improvement stuff. Nothing like being stuck inside all day every day to make you notice all the uggo spots in your house!
DeleteNot to suggest that I am a procrastinator - but I've had the paint since January! I was always going to do it "next weekend." Jenn, come on down as Tom Dooley used to say. I'd appreciate the help!
DeleteThese are so reassuring! Lucy— Why do you have so many egg whites? Sigh. I would love them! And I wish I could get you my yolks.
ReplyDeleteAnd as for the husband thing :-) did you see on Twitter the woman who posted “my husband told me I got the wrong kind of coffee at the grocery store, so I killed him.”. And all the responses were things like: “of course, justifiable homicide.”
Laughing out LOUD!
DeleteExactly!
DeleteSo funny !
DeleteJustifiable for sure, ha ha!
Delete1. What’s the food item you want most that you can’t find? Nestle's Nido powdered whole milk. It is available online. But Nestle doubled the price from $16.00 to $33.00. Price gouging at it's worse. We might decide to boycott Nestle over this.
ReplyDelete2. What’s the craziest homesteading/Depression Era/Victory garden activity you thought about trying? Please don't laugh.. Making bird houses out of my cut bamboo.
3. First place you’ll go when your state’s stay at home orders are (safely, and in line with medical consensus!) lifted? I was in the middle of organizing a volunteer library. I have 9 shelves to go.. and they are calling to me. Almost ready to go to start beach breakfasts again too.
4. Don’t tell anyone, but since we’ve been stuck at home, I’m considering… staying here. I like finally tackling half finished projects from the late 20th century.
5. Every cloud, even one laced with aerosolized droplets of virus, has a silver lining. What’s something you love about our new reality? More kindness among strangers.
Coralee, thank you for the big guffaw. #4!!
DeleteCoralee, if you make those bird houses, we want pictures!
Delete1. What’s the food item you want most that you can’t find?
ReplyDeleteGood lettuce. It's all so old and yuck-looking. Can't wait for my baby lettuces to get big enough to eat.
2. What’s the craziest homesteading/Depression Era/Victory garden activity you thought about trying?
We are putting a big garden with several raised beds, right smack in the front yard. Eventually, it will be lovely, with a fence and a garden gate, and lots of landscaping, but right now I'm sure some of our neighbors are mystified at our sanity. They really ought to be used to it, since the Maslowskis have always done whacky things here, with photography sets and whatall. I'm just continuing the tradition.
3. First place you’ll go when your state’s stay at home orders are (safely, and in line with medical consensus!) lifted?
To visit family. Not just my children and grandson, but my 90-year old mother, and my adorable grandnieces. I miss them all terribly. And just to go to a restaurant with my girlfriends, and share a meal and a glass of wine together. We've been calling each other from isolation, but it's not the same.
4. Don’t tell anyone, but since we’ve been stuck at home, I’m considering…
I'm almost to the point of actually working out with my husband in the basement. This is desperation!
5. Every cloud, even one laced with aerosolized droplets of virus, has a silver lining. What’s something you love about our new reality?
Seriously, my husband and I are doing really well, and actually enjoying our own company, as long as we each spend time doing something on our own each day. And we have had some really fun Zoom sessions with our kids and their families. I'd been trying to get everyone to do something like that for years, and now we are. The other day my daughter who just moved to Portland "took" me on a Zoom walk around her new house, yard, and neighborhood so I could see what they're doing, and to identify flowers and shrubs she likes. And being very amused that the "honeysuckle" in her front yard turned out to be a huge pink dogwood.
Karen, I find the same thing with Zoom and calls - I'm just much more in touch with family and friends who live at a distance. It shouldn't make a difference - I don't get to see my bestie in Colorado anyway, but we're all just taking more time and effort on communication.
DeleteThese are fun!
ReplyDelete1. What’s the food item you want most that you can’t find? Ginger root. I normally use it in recipes at least once a week, and now it is very hit and miss if I can find it at all.
2. What’s the craziest homesteading/Depression Era/Victory garden activity you thought about trying? I actually have trimmed my own hair. It turned out surprisingly well, but I would say I only trimmed off about two weeks' growth, and nothing from the back, so within a couple of weeks I will have to try again if we do not have access to professionals by then.
3. First place you’ll go when your state’s stay at home orders are (safely, and in line with medical consensus!) lifted? To get a professional hair cut!
4. Don’t tell anyone, but since we’ve been stuck at home, I’m considering… Can't think of much for this one. It has briefly crossed my mind to plant some food items, but I have a notorious killer thumb.
5. Every cloud, even one laced with aerosolized droplets of virus, has a silver lining. What’s something you love about our new reality? Much as I hear people talk about gaining weight, I have actually been losing without trying. Bob and I take a long walk twice a day now, and I have control over what we eat because I plan and cook all the meals. Under normal circumstances this is what I always WANT to do, but time constraints often limit the walking and lead to worse food choices.
Susan, you're going to be a rarity! I suspect a lot of us are packing on the Covid 19. I had to go to my doctor's office at the beginning of last week and I had put on six pounds since February! However, the weather is finally warming up a bit here in Maine, so walking has become easier and more enjoyable. Clearly, I need to do a LOT of it.
DeleteBeer bread is super easy, by the way. Just add a can of beer. Julia, I know you are not keeping any in the house, but maybe you can get a single can somewhere. Lots of recipes online.
ReplyDeleteI'll take a look, Karen!
Delete1. What’s the food item you want most that you can’t find?
ReplyDeleteFrozen strawberries. You know the kind, in a tub. Makes the best strawberry shortcake and I can't find any anywhere.
2. What’s the craziest homesteading/Depression Era/Victory garden activity you thought about trying? Can't think of anything different than I already do.
3. First place you’ll go when your state’s stay at home orders are (safely, and in line with medical consensus!) lifted? The library, of course!
4. Can't think of an answer!
5. Every cloud, even one laced with aerosolized droplets of virus, has a silver lining. What’s something you love about our new reality? I love that the price of gas is so low although I'm not needing to buy much. And I do love hearing that our air is cleaner and the water is more pure. If those things can't spur us on to take better care of our environment I don't know what will.
Frozen strawberries, Judi? Who would have thought? I kind of wish there were little explainers in front of the empty shelves - "There are no frozen berries because x% of refrigerator truck drivers are out sick." "Sorry you can't get wheat bread, Kansas is shut down."
DeleteI listened to your interview at Murder By the Book last night, Julia. Great fun! And I’m enjoying Hid From Our Eyes very much.
ReplyDelete1.Food item: Fresh veg! Any kind of fresh veg, but mostly salad greens. I finally scored some at the Wednesday grocery pickup, and I’ve been salad binging ever since.
2. Depression Era/Victory Garden Thing: I actually haven’t been resorting to any of those, except maybe to revert to cleaning rags, as my paper towel stash is running very low. I’ll try to keep the habit once I have towels again.
3. First Place I’ll Go: Silly, but probably the Meyerson Symphony Center, where we perform all our concerts. It breaks my heart to think there will be no live concerts . . . ever? Anymore? I’ll want to go there and hear music just to know it’s possible again.
4. Don’t tell anyone but . . . I like being “stuck” at home. Like, REALLY like it. Like, I’m considering early retirement, if the market ever revives enough that I can afford it.
5. Every Cloud: I love spending so much time with my animals, and also love having more time to tend to my house. I’ve been here six years, and there are still mounds of moving boxes I haven’t dealt with. Now I have time and I’m pecking away at them. Someday, I swear, this will be a nice house again.
Gigi, you've stumbled onto the professional authors' secret: we LOVE being stuck at home!
DeleteI just repurposed a ripped pillowcase into four large rags to add to my supply. Celia and another friend have made home made dish towels (neater than just ripping the cloth, but can be used for almost everything.) I don't know what material Celia had, but my other friend used one of those "t-shirt material" sheets they had purchased for a kids' dorm room. Very absorbent.
1. I’m not missing any specific food item, but I sure do miss the freedom to just pop out to a local shop to get something I need or want.
ReplyDelete2. No planting urges here, but my partner is (finally) sketching plans for new raised beds in the backyard, along with a sitting area. I’ve been wanting this for years!
3. My hair stylist, followed by my own office on campus. I miss the separation of work and living space.
4. I’ve definitely thought about home haircuts, but haven’t yet succumbed. My hair grows bushy more than long so I feel like I have a mop growing on my head.
5. Contrary to what I say in #3, I enjoy working from the living room and having full-on sun in my workspace and being able to watch the birds swoop onto our feeder in the front yard. That and not having to pack my lunch every day to take with me to eat at my desk. It still feels like a luxury to just walk into the kitchen for lunch and put something together on the spur of the moment.
Amanda, sounds like we're going to have to hope your state stays in lockdown long enough for those raised beds and the sitting area to get built!
DeleteWhat’s the food item you want most that you can’t find?
ReplyDeleteWe are blessed living out of the city, and really I have plenty of stores which I laid in early. Wish I were closer to share. Plus two friends/neighbors shop for us. I am craving duck, but that's just a first world issue.
2. What’s the craziest homesteading/Depression Era/Victory garden activity you thought about trying?
I haven't, sorry, see above. Veggie garden, not so much. We live in the woods, lots of trees, no light. I always save bottles etc. I'm trying to use cloth rather than paper towel in the kitchen; patted the frozen chick breast with a 'clean' wash cloth last night. Works really well. Have demoted old hand towels to kitchen towels for hand drying. Reduce, Reuse, that's me.
3. First place you’ll go when your state’s stay at home orders are (safely, and in line with medical consensus!) lifted?
Well, a trip to hug my daughter, the boys, particularly oldest whose 18th birthday on 5/5, I shall miss, and younger, who is busy being a 15 year old ironic. But seriously my pedicure. Yes hair is a mess, but I don't have a well organized head anyway. But my poor gnarly toes are very unhappy. My blessed Victor trimmed them for me but I really want Laura and the soak, hot wax, the lot.
4. Don’t tell anyone, but since we’ve been stuck at home, I’m considering…
TREATS! I go online Shopping at Eileen Fisher, or to the bra stores, shoes too. So selfish. But really I think of our blessings, everyone is healthy, our neighbors are kind, helpful, that so many folk are trying to build community through Zoom, concerts, the Met Opera, Patrick Stewart reading Shakespeare daily, David Whyte reciting poetry, videos that make me laugh. So much love out there, how can I be anything but grateful?
5. Every cloud, even one laced with aerosolized droplets of virus, has a silver lining. What’s something you love about our new reality?
Just segued into #5, in #4. I am delighted to learn that the earth has a chance to heal.. I want to see where this new reality will lead the global us. The kindness we have seen goes on. That we slow down. After the Second World War, the USA led the world in reparations. It was a time of growth, education and seeing people lifted up. I hope we will emulate that type of can do attitude to move to a better life for all. I'm off my soap box now.
Let's all hope for that last, Celia!
DeleteI'm answering questions first, then going back and reading everyone's responses.
ReplyDelete1) What's the food item you want most that you can't find?
-- Chunky Peanut butter, actually any real, full fat version will do. I settled for a low fat version a month ago only to find it had soybeans added. Grr, allergies.
1) What's the craziest homesteading/Depression Era Victory Garden activity you thought about trying?
-- Running a clothes line. I really like the smell of sun dried sheets. Apartment living makes it a little difficult but I could try, as long as I have them down by sunset. I think that's what the rental agreement said. (For those of you thinking about chicken raising, my sister had to wait a month to get some chicks from the feed store. Seems everyone had the same idea.)
3) 1st place you'll go when your state's stay at home order are (safely and in line with medical consensus) lifted?
-- Only one, really? The Village. It has my favorite bookstore, a couple of my favorite restaurants that don't rush me out at breakfast, See's Chocolates and my new favorite clothing shop. That, and church. Oh, and the coast. How about a nice drive? That would be grand, get in my car and go. Just go, it doesn't have to be far.
4) Don't tell anyone, but since we've been stuck at home, I'm considering...
-- Can I come back to this I one, please?
5) Every cloud, even one laced with aerosolized droplets of virus, has a silver lining. What's something you love about our new reality?
-- Quiet. There are less cars so the roads around me are quieter. I think people are also being quiet, as in no loud talking, no loud music or loud TVs, no parties.. Just being quiet. It's as if the thought of making noise might disrupt the sheltering, healing process.
Okay, back to number 4.....
Don't tell anyone, but since we've been stuck at home, I'm considering...
-- ... Talking to someone about my problems after they took a sledgehammer to my apartment door last year and have me scared to death of any thing that does bump, in the night or day. I have never generally believed, sorry Lucy, that talking about things will make it better. I can't undo what's already done, right? But maybe I need try this one time.
Deana, please do find someone to talk to. Things that are manageable under normal circumstances can start to be overwhelming when there's no way to distract ourselves or change the environment. One of my girls has anxiety - medication and all - and she was doing a phone session with a therapist just a couple days ago.
DeleteI agree with you - you can't undo what's already done. But, as someone who has turned to support groups or a therapist several times in my life after some bad stuff happened, I can tell you you can undo your reaction to the event and find healthy ways to process your fears and feelings. Really.
What Julia said... Hugs, Deana
DeleteYes, do it Deana
Delete1) Food items vary each time we go grocery shopping. Sometimes they do Not have eggs. Sometimes they do not have Mocha Mix for my coffee. Sometimes they do not have Soy Yogurt. They always have fresh produce, though they may not always be what we want.
ReplyDeleteDiana
Diana, I was so thrilled when my friend Celia offered me eggs - she has a farmer-neighbor who has hens, and she is always well-supplied (at least now, during the laying season.)
DeleteJulia, how lucky you are! I wish that I lived near (15 miles across the bridge is Not that close! LOL) Jacqueline Winspear like walking distance from her house because she gives jars of lemon marmalade to her neighbors and her neighbors give her eggs! We lucked out with our neighbors because when they go shopping, they offer to pick up something for us. We asked for a few produce and there was a bag waiting outside our door!
DeleteDiana
Diana
2). Homsteading activity? Thinking of growing my own vegetables on my deck. Knitting? Preserving food ?
ReplyDeleteDiana
Diana, I have SO many mason jars from twenty years-plus ago when I was a stay-at-home mom and tried my hand at canning! I have been seriously considering dragging all my old, cobweb-laden equipment out and ordering some new seals and tops...
DeleteJulia, that's wonderful. I usually keep a crockpot of soup going for several days. Trying to stretch out food portions so we do not have to go shopping more than once a month.
DeleteDiana
I was thinking about buying a food dehydrator, so I can make fruit last longer. Still, thinking about it.
DeleteCould someone please explain about what seems to an addiction to King Arthur's flours? Not that I'm going out and start baking any time soon, living alone and all. But I was raised with Gold Medal and Pillsbury, what's the difference?
ReplyDeleteI don't bake enough to give an opinion... maybe Celia or Hallie can chime in?
DeleteI’m no baker either - Lucy?
DeleteSure. They sell very good whole wheat flour, and their white flour is unbleached and unbromated, so it's not treated. It bakes and tastes better. And they are plum out, even buying from the company online.
DeleteI got some from HEB (Central Market in the Dallas area) a few weeks ago. HEB was much better prepared than most grocery chains. Of course I haven't tried since, so may not be available now. Nor have I baked because I've been getting really good bread every week from a local baker, and I want to help them stay in business. And I'm lazy... And besides, I'm afraid I won't be able to get any more flour!
Delete3). First place I will go after the stay at home order is lifted?
ReplyDeleteMy hair salon (hair cut for sure and maybe color highlights to match my white roots?). Then to my local bookstores. And going back to work at the law office. Going back to Bar Method in person.
4) No idea
5). Silver lining? Not getting pushed in public! LOL. Blue, blue skies! Green lawns! Sleeping in late. More time to read books.
Diana
Diana, we may have had this conversation before, and if so I apologize for forgetting, but are you in the Portland area? Or is there another Bar Method somewhere?
DeleteJulia, I think Bar Method is a national chain of exercise classes that combines ballet, pilates and yoga? I go the local franchise in Berkeley, California. Perhaps there is a franchise in Portland, Maine?
DeleteDiana
1. What’s the food item you want most that you can’t find?
ReplyDeleteWhile there was a good while when I couldn't find the kind of canned soup I like, I'm doing fine now and pretty much everything I've gone looking for and NEEDED, I've been able to get.
2. What’s the craziest homesteading/Depression Era/Victory garden activity you thought about trying?
Sorry Julia, I'm not doing any gardening or even contemplating doing any.
3. First place you’ll go when your state’s stay at home orders are (safely, and in line with medical consensus!) lifted?
Probably to get a haircut. I generally keep my hair short because as soon as it starts curling due to length, it annoys the crap out of me and I need to get it cut now. I wouldn't say theater because in the case of AMC Theaters, they just announced they won't reopen until at least July when they have something NEW to show on the silver screen. I'll also be looking forward to the return of Thursday night trivia so I can hang out with my team and futilely flirt with the way out of my league waitress.
4. Don’t tell anyone, but since we’ve been stuck at home, I’m considering…
I thought about going for shock value and saying becoming a home nudist but we all know that I have a body meant to be clothed! I'm not really considering anything really. I'm just going about my day and getting stuff done.
5. Every cloud, even one laced with aerosolized droplets of virus, has a silver lining. What’s something you love about our new reality?
Though it is likely going to bite me in the ass come next year, about the only thing I'm currently enjoying is that thanks to that $600 bucks each week from the government to go with my regular unemployment amount, I'm actually making more money staying home. It has enabled me to not only pay off every bill for April, but most of my May bills have the money set aside already too. Oh, and since I had to go buy a new vacuum cleaner today, I actually had the money to do that as well. And that is the drudgery that has become of my life, when I'm excited about paying bills.
Jay, that's not drudgery, that's adulthood. I was super excited when my publication check arrived - like most authors I only get paid 2-4 times a year - and you know what I did with it that pleased me the most? Paid off Youngest's braces in full. You and I are definitely in the same club!
DeleteI'm always excited about paying bills! Weirdo, I know.
DeleteJay, you made laugh out loud at your last sentence.
Delete1. Food I can't find? Not an issue. Frank does the shopping. The issue is I'm on a no sugar/no flour diet and all the food I crave has one or both.
ReplyDelete2. New homesteading or whatever activity: None. Absolutely none.
3. First place I'll go when it's safe? Probably the library. Hope my books have come in!
4. Secret considerations? I'm trying to figure out how to get out of the emotional slump I've been in for some time. I feel like my family are all doing what they want to do and I am stuck here holding down the fort. My next secret consideration is spousal murder. He does have a big new plot of forested land near Palestine, TX. Lots of room to bury the body.
5. Silver lining: Clearer air. So much less traffic. Too bad I don't go anywhere to take advantage of it! Empty nest. Yes. I am enjoying an empty nest for the first time in years. My son has been with us quite a bit while working and going to classes. My granddaughter joined the fray last fall to go to culinary school here. He is a basic training; rejoining the Army in the reserves. She is home in Ohio with her mom. But I think one or both will be back in May. Her school is scheduled to begin May 4; she's flying in the day before. I hope the school reconsiders and pushes back their starting date another month. Adrian will be finished mid-month with basic and I expect will return home. We'll see. Stay tuned!
Pat, is Adrian covered by the DOD's "no-travel" rule? I know Spencer's not allowed to go more than a 30 mile radius from his base (thankfully, he's not due for another deployment so he won't have to do a pre-sailing quarantine) and he told me the Navy was holding personnel at their training commands or their TDYs - no one was coming home.
DeleteI do not know what happens when basic is done. I think everyone will be sent to their assignments. I know those up for basic training were told to stay home for now; Adrian's class was probably the last to report. Since he will be in the Reserves I think he'll be sent home. His assigned unit is in this area. I don't know how the training for his new MOS will be conducted. By the way I watched the Murder by the Book video, not live unfortunately. Totally enjoyed it! That's a nice store. I did not know you were on the schedule there for a book signing. Now I am totally desolated, desolated! to miss you. I did get your book from them. And Jack sends his regards.
DeleteI'm deferring to Edith, and other experts. I think the KA and other bread flours are made from what is known as hard wheat. Google says it's all about the gluten content. "Hard wheat or bread flour has a high gluten content of 12-14%, and its dough has elastic toughness that holds its shape well once baked". Have you tried Amazon for bread flour? KA isn't the only manufacturer.
ReplyDeleteCelia, I don't shop from Amazon for anything but Kindle books. I'm not out of flour yet, thank goodness!
DeleteYes, what Celia said about the bread flour. The gluten percentage does make a big difference when you're baking. And it is definitely better to use unbleached flour--or whole wheat!
ReplyDeleteJulia, I watched your event at Murder by the Book last night! Great job, and John was a terrific interviewer!!
ReplyDeleteHank- Try zabaglione.
ReplyDeleteOOH!
Delete1. What’s the food item you want most that you can’t find? I'm just craving going to a Chinese buffet and eating myself silly. And maybe eating sashimi again while watching from the seats at the counter. Otherwise, I'm just eating my way through my freezer and the pantry.
ReplyDelete2. What’s the craziest homesteading/Depression Era/Victory garden activity you thought about trying? Maybe I'll think about that with the last of whatever is in the pantry/freezer. So far, nothing crazy. I probably already tried 'em all in my misspent youth.
3. First place you’ll go when your state’s stay at home orders are (safely, and in line with medical consensus!) lifted? To the dentist, to finish the work that was supposed to be done in March. And the nail salon-- I want a pedicure. And a swimming pool-- any pool, anywhere.
4. Don’t tell anyone, but since we’ve been stuck at home, I’m considering… Hibernating, estivating-- what do they call it in spring?
5. Every cloud, even one laced with aerosolized droplets of virus, has a silver lining. What’s something you love about our new reality? I don't have to go anywhere! I don't have to see anybody! (I don't have Facetime or Zoom for a reason!)
And there;s this: I always used to say that my idea of the perfect existence was to be a hermit with a WATS line (remember those?). Now I have unlimited long distance (even international, via Facebook Messenger), and I'm very happy being a hermit. But I do wish the little dog, who died in January at 18 and a half, were still around. (He was happy with a piddle pad. We wouldn't have to go out.)
1. What’s the food item you want most that you can’t find? I can't really think of anything I'm missing that I can't find right now. Luckily, our Kroger's has, especially the last few weeks, been well stocked. Oh, I did think of something. Dunkin Donuts French Vanilla Coffee. I have it every so often as an afternoon treat, and I couldn't find it this week. With all the cooking and baking I'm doing, we're keeping well fed.
ReplyDelete2. What’s the craziest homesteading/Depression Era/Victory garden activity you thought about trying? It's not too crazy as crazy goes, but I thought about and did just bake a blueberry cake from scratch. I have also thought about doing Hank's onion growing.
3. First place you’ll go when your state’s stay at home orders are (safely, and in line with medical consensus!) lifted? I will fly to my ten-year-old granddaughter and give her some serious hugging.
4. Don’t tell anyone, but since we’ve been stuck at home, I’m considering… Getting another dog, but not only one, a pair of Brittany Spaniels. Our last dog was a rescue senior Brittany, and we loved him so dearly, that I'd like to go through the same place where they often have pairs that need to be adopted together.
5. Every cloud, even one laced with aerosolized droplets of virus, has a silver lining. What’s something you love about our new reality? Well, I do love how so many people have shown kindness to one another, helping those whom they might have not noticed before. I also love that there is a new appreciation for all those working hard to keep the rest of us well and safe and comfortable--nurses, doctors, hospital housekeeping staff, other hospital personnel, grocery store workers, warehouse workers, waste removal workers, restaurant workers keeping the to-go going, and so many others who are putting themselves at risk so that we can get through this pandemic.
1. We live in a retirement community and our main meal is delivered, however I am desperately missing a Papa John's or Dominos pizza. Finding any sort of bathroom cleaner spray w/ Lysol or bleach is impossible.
ReplyDelete2. Homesteading--trying to finish up stitching projects that are ? years old.
3.First place to go--Mr and Mrs Sasquatch w/b going to the hairdresser. Husband is growing a beard for the duration, that w/b coming off!
4. No answer except that beard is shaved off or there w/b a new murder plot. See answer 3.
5. Silver lining --recognizing that sometimes you just accept and make the best of changes as opposed to fussing about them. The clear night sky is my second choice. Not since I have been little has the sky been so clear.
Very very late to the game today, but here are my answers.
ReplyDelete1. What’s the food item you want most that you can’t find? Right now I'm good--had trouble getting bread for a while, but last two grocery deliveries have brought me bread. Now I have a lot of bread.
2. What’s the craziest homesteading/Depression Era/Victory garden activity you thought about trying? Trying to make a mask out of an old handkerchief and a coffee filter. Let's just say it's a good thing I haven't needed to go anywhere.
3. First place you’ll go when your state’s stay at home orders are (safely, and in line with medical consensus!) lifted? Probably to visit my parents and the rest of the family. That really hasn't hit me yet, since I wouldn't have been able to go see them at this time of year even without the stay home orders. But I usually go visit once the semester is over, and that's next week . . . it may really hit me then.
4. Don’t tell anyone, but since we’ve been stuck at home, I’m considering… retiring early. Teaching online is hard, and if we have to keep doing this next fall I don't know if I'll make it.
5. Every cloud, even one laced with aerosolized droplets of virus, has a silver lining. What’s something you love about our new reality? I'm pretty much a homebody anyway, so one of the things I'm enjoying is that I can stay home all the time without feeling any pressure (or having to turn down any invitations).
What’s the food item you want most that you can’t find? Acutally we are doing ok. It's unpredictable but we are not deprived. Yet.
ReplyDelete2. What’s the craziest homesteading/Depression Era/Victory garden activity you thought about trying? None. I'm not that much of a do-it-yourselfer. And I already bake (more than I should!)
3. First place you’ll go when your state’s stay at home orders are (safely, and in line with medical consensus!) lifted? NJ to see my adorable 3 yr old grandson! (And to give his mom a break, too)After that, a haircut for sure.
4. Don’t tell anyone, but since we’ve been stuck at home, I’m considering…Cleaning out my closets and basement. Almost 40 years in this house, so it's a scary job
5. Every cloud, even one laced with aerosolized droplets of virus, has a silver lining. What’s something you love about our new reality? The earth is perhaps healing somewhat That seems veyr silver lining to me.
1. What’s the food item you want most that you can’t find? Blessed by a mother for the depression era to preached the benefits of a well-stocked pantry and living in a smaller community with less competition for the few items needed, we haven’t ran into anything we are desperate to find. The thing we have had more problems finding is the cuts of meat that sound good to us at the time – like a roast.
ReplyDelete2. What’s the craziest homesteading/Depression Era/Victory garden activity you thought about trying? Hubby loves to garden and has been growing his plants from seeds for years. This is the first year since downsizing and moving that we have been able to have a garden again. He’s loving it and spending the time preparing the garden area even before the epidemic with compost and such. As for me, it’s planning meals around what we on hand. I might get an idea but ingredients must be checked now before proceeding. No running to the store for a missing ingredient. I’ve had to change plans a time or two.
3. First place you’ll go when your state’s stay at home orders are (safely, and in line with medical consensus!) lifted? We had a major trip planned that we had worked over a year to line out. We had every detail worked out from where to stay each night, what route to take, meals, sites to see – everything. We would have been in Utah right now seeing the wonders of all the national parks there. It had to be all cancelled. So, once things are lifted, we might not be able to take that trip again until next year, but want to travel some place and enjoy being out in nature seeing it’s beauty and some of God’s critters (besides those that come daily to visit us). To eat out and let someone else worry about making the bed and washing the dishes. To get to really drive our new vehicle we had bought for the trip thinking our 2004 wouldn’t make it.
4. Don’t tell anyone, but since we’ve been stuck at home, I’m considering…
Since we are retired, we are home all the time. However, not getting out or seeing anyone, I’ve come close to staying in the housecoat and being comfy. However, I figured if I ever started that I may never get dressed so we still get up about same time and keep to a regular (as can be) schedule.
5. Every cloud, even one laced with aerosolized droplets of virus, has a silver lining. What’s something you love about our new reality? I love the way our world has slowed down. I like the pace of not rushing through a meal to get somewhere we are suppose to be. I enjoy spending time with the love of my life – even after 37 years – sitting on the front porch talking, watching the bluebirds feed their little ones as well as the other daily critter visitors we have. We talk AND listen now. It’s a habit I don’t want to lose once things get “normal” again.
2clowns at arkansas dot net
Hey all you King Arthur flour addicts, I ordered 29 pounds from amazon earlier in April. Added to the ten I already had, not a bad coup.
ReplyDelete20 pounds
ReplyDeleteUhoh. No longer available.
ReplyDelete