Here’s another homebound activity: visiting U.S. national parks virtually, via Google Earth.
I decided to travel to the aptly named Rim Rock trail in Black Canyon in Gunniston National Park, Colorado. I doggedly clicked the little white arrows to advance down the trail in five-foot increments.
The day after tomorrow I have to—no, get to—go grocery shopping. I plan to arrive at 7:00 a.m. for Safeway’s senior hour.
So many people are doing all kinds of creative and productive things during their isolation in this pandemic, making clever use of increased free time: learning an instrument, taking up painting, sewing masks for healthcare workers… even washing off mildewy basement walls (Mom). I was talking last night with Elana about how inferior I feel, as I do nothing but snack and pace and jigsaw and snack and watch the coronavirus count climb. I just don’t have the inspiration to do more. I’d better figure out something before I go mad(der). Eventually I may have to clean the kitchen floor. Not today.
It’s weird being in a demographic I don’t identify with: the elderly. Like, today I really want to walk the half-mile to the farmers market before the rain is due this afternoon. Apparently all kinds of measures are in place to prevent the spread of the virus there: no one can touch the produce except the seller, and then of course there’s the six-foot distancing rule. Safer than a grocery store in some ways. But then I realize: I’m 65. I have a hard time wrapping my brain around that I’m among a population they’re telling to be extra-careful. So I decided to stay home with my canned food.
I forced myself out for a walk down to the community center (closed, of course) and back. I was surprised, once again, at how many people were out and about. Like yesterday, most were cautious but one guy came up close. Eedjit.
I passed a pair of people sitting in the sun on their front step, watching the world go by from a safe distance. I was so thrilled to see new humans in person that we started chatting. They and the conversation were a bright spot in my day. I’d brought my camera but nothing much caught my eye.
Came home and finished my second jigsaw.
Now it’s only 3:00 and I’ve run out of stuff to do for the day. I’ve just read that this shelter in place could last a lot longer than three weeks. I figured that was the case, but still. We’ll see. Bye.
That’s a lovely trail you chose. What was the altitude gain?
I think it very important that you don’t beat yourself up for not doing anything too fancy with your time. Just getting through this time is an accomplishment.
I’m glad you’re being cautious, as boring and weird as it may feel.
That jigsaw looks very satisfying!
WUB!
But I’m very skilled at beating myself up! When one is so good at something, ought not that person practice their skill?
I LOVE that you leave me comments. Thank you.
The altitude gain was 527 pixels.
NO. Don’t you practice the beating-yourself-up skill. You have enough practice. Bad Tinna!
Wowee, that’s a heck of an elevation gain. I hope you got a good rest afterwards.
Better listen to Lulu.
Mz Molly and G: I can’t abide the (mis-) use of altitude when elevation is the intended word….🤨 elevation: ground height above sea level…altitude=distance above the ground, as in an airplane…at least that’s my story, and I’m sticking to it! No! I’m not going whacky….not at all!
Syd: So glad we’ve got our scientist friend to keep us on the straight and narrow. Thank you! I’ll try to remember the distinction. Ha ha: you’re not wacky at all. Not one bit. Nor am I. (Yeah, right.)