Well, it’s been a week for everyone. Some of you might be working from home by now, and surprise! You’re homeschooling too. For my friends, who work in essential fields, it’s business as usual, albeit surely with chapped hands by this time.
At this point in my life, I’ve been through a hurricane, earthquake, mudslide, tsunami, wildfires, one (two?) stock market crash, head lice, and a long-term hospitalization for my kid. Since I am not a doctor, I have no advice about Covid-19 beyond “Wash your damn hands.” All I can offer is encouragement and distraction. There will be an end to all of this and a new beginning too, but in the spirit of honesty, we probably won’t like the middle bits very much.
In the meantime, when possible, be a helper in your community. We will all be rebuilding together. Also, stay off Facebook. Those people are cray!
Distractions
Here are a few fun options:
- Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems of Elephant and Piggie fame. My daughter adored those books, and I did too.
- Easy Origami by Paper Kawaii – If you do not have Origami paper, you can cut perfect squares out of wrapping, magazine, or printing paper.
- Learn how to compost – There’s no better time than now. Collect your kitchen waste in a small covered bucket. Create a pile outside or make one of these DIY compost bins. Bonus activity: Dig for worms and add them to the mix. (homeschool science!)
- Devyn and I released Episode #26 of True Tales From Old Houses: Lead, Mold, and Asbestos, Oh My! You know, old house stuff.
- Try this toilet paper calculator. Do you have enough? Did you know that modern toilet paper was invented in 1857? There are plenty of other options.
Projects
Gardening
Yesterday, we started a little container garden. I jokingly referred to it as my Victory Garden, and Andy said he has never heard the term before. Is it new to you too? I also remember the PBS show, which ran for 35 years!
I have pretty low expectations. My neighbor feeds all of the wildlife in the neighborhood, so it’s pretty much a Disney movie around here. To attempt to fend off the freeloaders, I’m growing everything in containers that I may be able to keep in my outdoor workshop.
The extra heat will be perfect for the tomatoes. Water is nearby, and I can open those center panes to let in some pollinators. For now, I am anxiously awaiting sprouts in the kitchen and the breakfast nook.
One Room Challenge
This week, the ORC team announced that the challenge will last eight weeks this round! I know I said I was not going to participate this spring, but now that we are all trapped here, should I? Most of my past projects required a fair amount of making do. I relish the idea of shopping in my basement, a longer timeframe, and maybe even a more level playing field too.
Cooking & Baking
I have been joking that when my daughter reflects back on this time in history, she will remember it as The Great Bagel Shortage of 2020. My friend, Cathy, sent me the link for this easy bagel recipe, and I think we’ll give it a try.
Also, this site has some great budget-friendly and pantry-shopping recipes. We will be using a few.
Now, I am off to wash linens and make the kids take showers.
How are you spending your time at home?
