Whidbey Work Trip
We have come up to the cabin on Whidbey Island for an overnight, to do the early spring cleanup here in the cabin garden.
After three and a half hours of crawling and bending over, weeding and grooming, we have things looking pretty good.
We still have a little more to do tomorrow, but then we hope to take a little time to play. It's cold and windy here today but we hope for some sun tomorrow.
We are conflicted about how to respond to the coronavirus. On Saturday we went to the stadium for the Sounders match, along with about 30,000 other soccer fans. We rode the light rail to get there, so we exposed ourselves to whatever was around us. We were very careful about keeping our hands clean, with the use of disposable latex gloves, hand washing, hand sanitizer, and cleaning everything when we got back home.
Today on the ferry we stayed in the car. We learned yesterday that this virus hits older people much harder than young people. So even though we are very healthy and have strong immune systems, we are ages 75 and 78, and the warning is for anyone over 60 to limit exposure. We are taking notice, and weighing our decisions more carefully. At least we can still play outside, or in this case, work. :-)
It's hard to know just how much we should expose ourselves to this virus. At the store today a woman coughed and I almost over-reacted and left. That's no way to live but it is a problem because we are the same age a you and Tom.
ReplyDeleteLike you I'm hoping for some sunshine tomorrow. I want to get the chickweed pulled out before it sets seed.
I am about your age and it is hard to know what the right limit on exposure is. The university in my city has stopped physical classes until March 22, and I am a volunteer visitor and we were told to not visit nursing homes until March 22, but I already visited once this week before we were told that. Your Whidbey cabin patio looks charming.
ReplyDeleteThe news on the virus is very distressing. It seems to picking up speed. For a long time they've been saying we're in for pandemic. Yes, I think seniors will have to be careful. As you say you have maintained good health but it's still a worry.
ReplyDeleteWell, I definitely think that isolating yourselves because of the Coronavirus is a good idea. I was actually a bit surprised to see that you were still taking part in such big crowded Sounders celebrations. Nigel will be working from home for all of March, and I have been either using the online ordering/pickup system for grocery shopping, or going out at 10:00 at night when the local stores are pretty much empty to shop.
ReplyDeleteThis seems to have taken hold and yet life must go on. I try to take reasonable precautions although it is amazing me how often I catch myself touching my face. We all have our eyes on Washington State since it tops the news reports most nights. Stay well.
ReplyDeleteI would like to see a comparison of healthy seniors to less-healthy ones - who survives this and who doesn't. It seems strange to me that a blanket "you will die if you get this and are over 60" is true. Some schools are still holding physical classes - do people think that children are immune somehow? We need a lot more information to make good decisions.
ReplyDeleteThis virus really has a thing for seniors. I did see where Seattle may still hold sporting events but may ban spectators. I know that will really disturb you but there should be TV coverage. We will get through this but it will require precautions. Stay safe.
ReplyDeleteIf it helps, there was a report in British Columbia that a woman in her 80's survived the coronavirus. From what I've read it is more likely to be fatal when there are serious underlying medical concerns. I'm just over the 60 mark and I plan to continue to live my life, though I will take the necessary cautions, washing my hands, not touching rails or door knobs without some covering. I'm learning to keep my hands away from my face..though that's been the hardest part.
ReplyDeleteThe yard looks lovely!
It will be interesting to see what develops as warm weather moves in. Some research reports claim that the virus cannot survive temperatures over 90ยบ. Some say to drink only warm beverages, not cold. Also, to drink something every few minutes to wash the virus down into your stomach instead of letting it sit in the throat or mouth.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter sent me an easy hand sanitizer recipe: 8 oz of 91% isopropyl alcohol, 2 oz distilled water, 10 drops of essential oil. Mix in a bowl and pour into 2 oz spray bottles. I did half the recipe and it is rather nice. A nice scent with the strong alcohol base that makes me feel "sterilized".
I hope this virus goes away when it warms up like regular flu does. I don't know it can be devastating.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you are both taking precautions. We are, too, but it makes no sense to just stay home for who knows how long?
ReplyDeleteI have been thinking of you guys, being in an area so filled with the virus. Take care and do what you have to do! The garden looks great! :)
ReplyDeleteI was going to ask if the wind was blowing those grassy looking plants or if they grow that way. It looks windy there. I've just enjoyed reading and catching up with your last three posts. Left a comment about sweet Jill. Hope this virus goes away soon. You guys enjoy getting out and doing so much. Take care. Been thinking about you.
ReplyDeleteIt's scary to be elderly at this time in history...your work looks like enjoyable play but I'm sure is difficult on the body!
ReplyDeleteYes, we’re all at that rather fragile age, I’m afraid. And mom is 90 so we’re limiting her exposure.
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