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Week 5 of Physical Distancing, Yet Still Connected

We have now been living in "isolation" for eleventyfour days, and the new reality is becoming normalcy. Somehow, going into week 5 is easier, and more difficult than the first.

Yes, schools, restaurants, theaters and businesses are closed, and I hope that those who are out of work due to the closings are managing, and that we will be so happy when the "Pause" ends that we will be eating out, supporting museums and theaters, shopping and spending in celebration. Let's start those wish lists now, and start making plans to reconnect with all of the people we are missing!

While we cannot gather together, nor even meet face to face with many of our loved ones, we have the luxury of the Internet to keep us informed, entertained and in touch. I cannot imagine a time when the world was in crisis, and news took days, weeks, months to reach people. Can you imagine being in quarantine in "the old days", not knowing what is going on in the world, or the neighborhood, not being able to pick up a phone or open a laptop and connect with anyone, anywhere in the world?


And so today I say thank you to those who made it possible for me to keep tabs on my family vi Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, since they rarely call and cannot visit. I am thankful for Facetime, which allows us to talk with my mother, who is in quarantine in a nursing home in another state, and who has difficulty talking and hearing on the phone. Our Easter would have been so dreary if we couldn't have connected with family, heard their voices, seen their smiles. Today I chatted face-to-face with a beautiful friend who lives 200 miles away, but to whom I have felt connected since kindergarten!  

I am so grateful to all of the lovely people who shared museum tours, coloring sheets, movies, plays, games and so many activities to keep us occupied. I am indebted to those who posted patterns for facemasks, and for other crafts that keep the hands active, and for exercise incentives to keep the rest of the body moving.

I cannot imagine that it would be possible to be bored with all that is offered to us at the touch of a keypad. In fact, there is almost too much available - being able to sample it all is a new measure of success! For those who are looking for something to stream, a museum or zoo to visit, or just a way to pass the time, feel free to check out my Homebound Activities Pinterest Board!  Enjoy!


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