5- COVID19 after 17 weeks of self-quarantine

It's been 14 weeks since my last post during COVID19 pandemic. I've learned that regular Zoom time with people I care for has been very helpful and mood-elevating. But that sitting outdoors in lawn chairs with 10 or fewer people 6 feet part wearing masks is even better!

Of the holidays that have passed -- Easter, Mother's Day, Memorial Day, Father's Day, and Independence Day -- there's been some improvement. I got to see members of my family outdoors in the yard on Memorial Day and ate cookout food with them indoors by July 4th. I drove through a "reverse parade" in Montgomery where the floats were stationary throughout the Sycamore High School parking lot and we drove past them alone in our air conditioned cars, waving.  I went to two (2) different fireworks shows in my car, sat outdoors 6 ft from others in my mask at Fairfield and Loveland. Instead of doing Final Friday at the Pendleton Art Center, I participated in the National Arts Drive where people drove in their cars to see artists like me exhibit in their driveways and front yards.

Some things that are better than before COVID:

1. Seeing at least some members of my family every Sunday night on Zoom
2. Engaging in conversation with people during outdoor walks -- saying hello to neighbors and becoming friendlier with them.
3. Spending more time outdoors walking
4. Working from home, because when everyone is doing it, they participate better in remote meetings and are more creative about how to get things done without actually being in the office together
5. Discovering new eating options like Out of Thyme frozen meals and delivery services like Hungry Root

Some things that remain challenging for me:

1. Feeling mentally and emotionally down, especially when people I know are sick or struggling. My sister-in-law's dad not being able to have the 90th birthday party he'd planned. Weddings postponed or pared down. Losing dear friends to death without being able to attend funeral services for them.
2. Not gathering in person as much with friends
3. Wearing a mask. Not hugging or shaking hands.
4. Not being able to rehearse or sing with my two choirs
5. Not feeling like painting or creating artwork
6. Not shopping in stores
7. Not getting my hair done

Still, I am fortunate and remain very grateful that no one close to me has died from this virus and I sure hope it stays that way! My first known exposure to someone who has tested positive was 13 days ago, in a parking lot, 6 ft apart, wearing masks. She drove to Michigan the next day and just got test results. Hasn't been too sick; not hospitalized. I'm now trying to get into the habit of taking my temperature before I go out to be around other people, or at least every morning. Haven't been tested yet, either antibody or the live test. Sad that Hamilton County, where I live, is Red for community spread. But that's not stopping me from picking my brother up at the airport tonight or having him stay here while on a business trip from Charlotte NC.