Pandemic Times, September 13 - 19

Sunday, September 13

We left the Missouri Whitakers before breakfast.   We were a little concerned about David & Trisha having been to a wedding Saturday night and wanted to get on the road early in any case.  The drive home always seems so much longer.  In a way, it is, because of the time zone change and also because we do not have the anticipation of the visit ahead.

We are always happy to be leaving on a trip. We look forward to breaking our routine and enjoying different activities, people and food, especially if our little ones are involved. We are always just as glad to be back home to our comfortable chairs, our comfortable bed, our comfortable routines - all the comforts (and quiet) of home. 

Monday, September 14

Bill had his annual physical this morning so I had the house to myself until almost noon.  After breakfast of banana bread and peanut butter (we are out of eggs), I did my yoga routine.  I have done yoga in months and I'm feeling stiff, especially after a long drive and not enough excersize.  I enjoyed puttering around, filling the feeders, doing dishes, picking okra and Purple Hull peas and prepping supper.  The peacefulness of a slow moving day has been good for me.

Numbers:

TN Dept of Health: 174,274 cases; 2097 deaths; 0-10, 8526 cases; 11-20, 22665 cases

Loudon County: 1049 cases; 98 active; case rate 15.72; pos rate 10.6%

Tuesday, September 15 

Happy Birthday Trisha!

I spent the middle of the day, 10 am until 2 pm, as a volunteer at the Loudon County Democratic headquarters.  This year  instead of the usual storefront we are 'headquartered' at Lenoir City Park on the lake, shelter #5.  With me were Melanie from Trinity and Paula, a newcomer to Loudon County living in Tellico Village.  Most the the volunteers are villagers. We had about a dozen 'customers' and gave out all our yard signs as well as other paraphenalia. Buttons were the most popular item.

Melanie and her little Jubal

I left in time to get Amanda to Mike's office a little before 3 pm.  They were headed for a golf practice at Egwani in Alcoa.  The district tournament is there tomorrow.  

I forgot to write that Claire was sick last weekend with a stomach bug.  She had to get a Covid test and spend Saturday, Sunday and Monday in an isolation dorm, really an efficiency apartment. Laura went over to help her.  Her test came back today negative (as expected) so she moved back to her regular dorm rooms.  She is better but not completely well.

Numbers:

TN Dept of Health: 175, 231 cases; 2127 deaths; 0-10, 8556 cases; 11-20, 22,785

Loudon County: 1054 cases; 92 active; 6 deaths; case rate 16.91; pos rate 11%

Wednesday, September 16

Hurricane Sally came ashore at Orange Beach/Gulf Shores, AL early this morning after sitting off the coast and dumping rain for a couple of days.  I was a Cat 2 but damage from Mobile to Pensacola was significant because it was so slow moving.  Our friends have significant property damage and we are waiting to hear about the condo we have book for Oct 5. By contrast, our weather has been beautiful with cool nights and mild days. 

Dogwoods are beginning to turn

Amanda felt like she did not do well in the district golf match.  In fact, she was #6 in the field with a 93 on 18 holes, and only 2 strokes behind the #5 girl and 12 strokes better than last year.  That has been about her average score. Only 5 girls advance to regionals.  She was not too upset about that.

I had a new bird at the feeder closest to my easy chair this afternoon.  It is a rare delight to add a new bird to my life list.  This little Red-Breasted Nuthatch looks almost like his/her cousin the White-Breasted Nuthatch that I see regularly.  He/she is smaller and has a bold black eye streak, which is what caught my attention. Amazingly, I was able to get a picture through the blinds.

Red-Breasted Nuthatch

Thursday, September 17

I woke up today with the intent to make my favorite blueberry streusel cake as muffins to take to our monthly lunch.  We met again at Connie's house.  Before I got too far in the process, Bill decided that he wanted to go for a walk. We abbreviate our route so I would have time for baking.

The muffins were ready before Kathy was there to pick me up.  We had good conversation as usual while we ate our sack lunches.  Based on Connie's recommendation, I am now ready "The Last Ballad" by Wiley Cash.  It is about a woman involved in the union organizing in the Caroline textile mills in 1929.  I was able to check it out through the Tennessee Electronic Library system.  I've already forgotten the other two titles that I was interested in.  Kathy was the photographer this week, so she is not pictured.

After supper, I listened in on the Loudon County Dems monthly Zoom meeting.  I don't write much about politics, but is consumes a good bit of my time and thought.  I believe, along with so many others, that Trump is a clear and present danger to our democracy, but his defeat is by no means certain.  I am trying to do my small 'for what it's worth' part to change the trajectory that the country has been on for the last few years.

Numbers:

TN Dept of Health: 178,140 cases; 2164 deaths; 0-10, 8,698; 11-20, 23,290

Loudon County: 1074 cases; 85 active; 6 deaths; case rate 18.8

Friday, September 18

Video recording went on as usual.  The Bishop has announced that churches can re-open for indoor worship beginning this Sunday.  Four of us met to plan for re-starting worship.  We decided to have the outdoor singing as planned on September 27 and continue with that for the following 3 week, through October 18.  We hope to resume indoor services on October 25.  We will continue to record on Friday at least until then.

As I sit quietly on my deck in the afternoon, the deer come, not afraid. 
Today, they are eating the fallen persimmons.

Renee Hoyos

The Loudon County Dems hosted candidates Renee Hoyos and Marquita Bradshaw at Lenoir City Park at 5:30, so I went back into town for the event.  We are fortunate to have 2 outstanding nominees, both female, both environmentalists. What a miracle it would be to send both of them to Washington - Hoyos to the House and Bradshaw to the Senate!

Marquita Bradshaw

A pretty good turnout

The very red sun is caused by the high level smoke from the extensive wildfires in the west.  Taken from "Sunset Point" near the Brock's house, but this is not an ordinary sunset red. Notice the Ayers house in the center.

Saturday, September 19

We woke up to a 60 degree cool clear morning so of course a walk through the park was at the top of our agenda.  We are enjoying sleeping with the window open we haven't used AC in several days. Bill spent a lot of time working on the boat rail project.  He is modifying the bow rail so he can install a trolling motor.  If we want to keep fishing, we need a trolling motor. The anchor is too much to deal with for fishing.

I did a few household chores but not much except making fried rice for supper.

Numbers:

Nationally, we have hit 200,000 Covid deaths.

TN Dept of Health: 181,436 cases; 2,216 deaths; 0-10, 8863; 11-20, 23,878

Loudon County: 1099 cases; 94 active; 6 deaths; case rate 17.17/100,000

Pandemic Times, September 6 - 12

Sunday, September 6

I didn't feel too well again today so despite the great weather with morning temperature in the mid-60s and low humidity, we didn't walk.  I managed to get the dishes done from last night's party and the bird feeders filled, but not much else.  We had one small steak left over, so I made pepper-steak with rice for supper.

Monday, September 7

Today is officially Labor Day Holiday.  I still didn't feel up to walking.  I hate missing the chance to be out on such lovely mornings.  Mid-morning we drove over to the Matzek's to say good-bye again to Claire as she head back to MTSU.  She is returning refreshed, I think, to tackle the work ahead.  It is so good to see her positive attitude.  I pray for her safety and for all the students who are having a very different kind of first year of college.

For lunch, I made myself some french onion soup.  It was just what I needed.  For supper, we cleaned up all the left-overs.

Tuesday, September 8

I went to bed last nigh with a sense of feeling better at last and woke up the same this morning,  but we still did not attempt a walk.  I went about normal activities today.  It is easy to forget how good "normal" feels.  No special activities or outings other than picking okra at the Green's this morning.

Numbers: TN Dept of Health - 165,754 cases; 1896 deaths; 0-10 -8171; 11-20 -21,062
LoCo: 986 cases; 96 active; case rate 17.04

Wednesday, September 9

In the morning, but not too early, I took Bonnie to Park West for a "procedure." On the way, the tire indicator light was on, so after dropping her off, I took the car to the KIA dealer.  They just filled the tire with air.  When we left the hospital, we decided to pick up lunch at Ruby Tuesdays and take it to her house.  I had just enough time to eat my "New Orleans Seafood" plate (baked tilapia with shrimp & sauce) and make it to get Amanda for her golf match at Avalon.  I decided that I had been productive enough for one day, so I spent what little was left of the afternoon reading.  I'm currently reading "A Horseman Riding By," a novel set in early 1900 rural England.

Thursday, September 10

We left in the RV at 10:15 heading for Cape Girardeau.  We got there at 5:30 to an enthusiastic welcome from the grandkids.  Trisha had planned a taco supper, which is a family favorite.  I think Owen at 4. After supper, Allison and Evangeline gave us a ballet recital.  They love dance.. We settled into our basement room for an early bedtime.

Friday, September 11

Trisha had a morning MOPS meeting at her church (Mothers of Pre-Schoolers.) We took the four children to the 'bumpy slide' park, their favorite.  It is a playground designed to accommodate handicapped children.  The bumpy slide is a roller slide.  Even John enjoyed it!

We were back to the house in time for lunch and spent the hot afternoon doing indoor activities like painting and play-dough. After supper we all took a long walk to another playground.

Evangeline

Allison

Owen

John David

Since we saw them last July 4 weekend, John has gotten much better at walking and is trying a few words.  Evangeline has a good imagination and often plays on her own.  Allison has gotten much better on her bike and little scooter.  Owen is seriously into "How to Train Your Dragon." He had made construction paper cut-outs of the different kinds of dragons and a chart of their names and "fun facts."

We made no commemoration of 9-11.

Saturday, September 12

After breakfast we went downtown to for our ritual of throwing rocks in the river.  It was pretty hot, so we didn't last too long.  We walked around the downtown farmer's market for a little while before heading home. Owen bought a wooden 'battle ax' to go with his wooden sword, all part of the "HTTYD" fantasy. 

Another hot afternoon kept us indoors watching episode of "How To Train Your Dragon," much to the kids delight. (while John slept). David and Trisha left a little after 3 pm for a wedding so we were on our own with the kids until bedtime.  Pizza and a movie is always a winning combination.  We watched "The Secret Life of Pets 2." Even John got into it because he loves dogs and dog is one of his favorite words.  

Bill talked to Anna this morning and she told him that she and Jake are planning to move back to Newport this fall.  We wish them well.  She is excited about the possibilities that Newport offers.

 

Pandemic Times, August 30 - September 5

Sunday August 30

I love being able to start the week with a walk in my beautiful neighborhood.  I wondered as we started up the hill to the overlook if I would be able to notice anything different.  I looked and listened, but everything seemed the same as usual.  We had seen a doe and fawn about to cross Woodlawn Rd. just as we entered the road.  We always thrill at the sight, no matter how often we see them.  And I noticed that the little daisies from last week were gone because a neighbor had mowed the roadside. So I guess I had noticed a couple of things already!

The park is always well manicured and clean, leaving less room for wildness - except for these giant mushrooms that had recently popped up. Two of them were about 10 inches across. Bill stuck his 12 inch foot in the picture for scale.

We extended our walk past our driveway, around the corner and up the next hill, making 2 1/2 miles total.

The day was getting hot, so other than filling the bird feeder I stayed in and worked on making a focaccia from a sourdough recipe. We were going to the Brock's for an anti-pasta supper and the focaccia would be featured. Our visit was cut short when Aiden called with a car emergency - a tire and not an accident, thank goodness!

Monday, August 31

Another walk.  What will I find today? The past few days I have noticed that the tall fall wildflowers are beginning to bloom.  Even though the days are hot and muggy, the purple ironweed and bright goldenrod give promise that cooler days are coming. So far, these blooms appear here and there, but soon there will be a profusion of roadside color where the mowers have not been at work.

My garden this morning produced about a dozen green beans and a handful of PH peas, enough for supper tonight.  As I was shelling and snapping, Connie emailed me the "my row" of green beans was ready to pick again. I went right away because rain was imminent and even beginning a light sprinkle.  I got the green beans picked before getting we, enough for several meals.  I appreciate her generosity.  We didn't end up with much rain after all.

Bill and I spent time after lunch researching condos for a possible week or two at Orange Beach in October.  We talked with David about it, but have made no decisions.  Laura's family has decided that they (minus Claire) will rent a small place near Wind Drift Oct 8-12. We are looking at Wind Drift or Jubilee Landing.

I made a loaf of banana bread and just as it was about done, Amanda came driving up with Laura.   We enjoyed a snack of hot-from-the-oven bread and tea.

Numbers:

TN: 154,933 cases; 1754 deaths; 0-10, 7665; 11-20, 19,010

LoCo: 952 cases; 237 active. Thank goodness there have been no new deaths in months; 
          case rate: 18.10

Only a few counties in TN are below the case rate threshold of 10.  The nearest is Anderson (Oak Ridge)

Tuesday, September 1

I always consider September 1, not Labor Day which falls on the 7th this year, to be the start of fall, even though it is just as hot and muggy as ever.  I am writing from Laura's front porch watching the rain.  She is at work today at Tate & Lyle and has workmen here.  That is why I'm here just in case anything is needed.  Amanda is in her room "at school." I miss having a porch to sit and watch the rain.  While watching the rain, I worked on the budget for the GSC grant and was able to get it done.  Amanda and I took a lunch break to Chik-fil-A. The workmen quit earlier that expected so I was home by 2 pm.  

Later in the afternoon, Pastor Kristie texted me that she had suffered a fall.  She got tripped up while walking her little dog and fell face first on the pavement. The picture was not pretty, but she was not seriously injured, just scraped and bruised.  She asked me to lead the service again this week.  Of course, I said yes, but I let her know that we would be going to David's next weekend and I would not be available. I went to bed wondering what I would talk about.

Wednesday, September 2

I had to be at the Matzeks' again by 8:30 this morning so no walk, again. This morning, the porch was too sunny to sit, so I settle on the sofa and Amanda did her schoolwork in her room.  She admitted that when her mom is home she works at the dining room table. Claire said I could have 3 of her painted pots for transplanting some basil, so I selected those.

Sometime in the night I had settled on a Labor Day theme for my Friday/Sunday message.  That turned into "Essential Work." I tied it to this week's lectionary passage from Romans which continued the these of loving our neighbor.  The research and writing kept me busy all morning.

Amanda and I decided on sandwiches from Ruby Tuesday for lunch. When we go back, the workmen were leaving, so after we ate I went home, too.  The rest of the say was spent writing and revising.

Thursday, September 3

As planned, Bill and I took the boat out for a spin.  We've not used it this summer.  We rode all the way to the reactor bend. We felt like we had our own private lake.  A boat ride is always good for my soul!

We booked a unit at Wind Drift for Oct 5-15.  All of the kids and grands will be there Oct 8-12.  I'm looking forward to that time.

The afternoon was mostly spent polishing my sermon and prayer for tomorrow. Claire was expected home for the long holiday weekend and Laura let me know that they would come over after supper. I made my favorite blueberry crumble cake to serve.  I didn't take any pictures, I'm sorry to say.

Friday, September 4

Today was a typical Friday, with the video production in the morning.  We've been doing this for 6 months and this is the 4th week that I have lead the service and delivered the message.  - "Essential Work" posted under Sermons and Essays.

I stopped by the Matzek's briefly on the way home.  I don't think I accomplished much useful work in the afternoon because I felt fatigued.  I was glad for some leftover chicken to make supper prep easier.  I found enough PH Peas in the garden to shell out for the meal and 2 ears of leftover corn to cut and fry.  Not Bad!

Saturday, September 5

We turned the AC off and opened the window during the night.  We woke to a delightful 65.  After a very late breakfast we set off on our walk.  Soon, I was feeling unusually fatigued.  In fact, I was not able to make it all the way back home.  Bill had to get the car and rescue me.  I rested off and on during the day while getting ready for our Derby Watch and cookout with Bonnie and the Brocks.

Bill set up the TV on the deck so we could watch and celebrate safely. Even though the afternoon only got to 83, it was hot on our sunny deck. We brought over an extra umbrella and the fans and by 6, it was comfortable enough. 

Bonnie provided sweet corn and the excellent tenderloin, which Bill grilled to perfection. Kathy brought a salad, watermelon and wine.  I made mint juleps for Kathy & me and the others enjoyed their beverage of choice.  We had a delightful evening. 

Almost forgot the Saturday Numbers:

TN Dept of Health: 162,362 cases; 1862 deaths; age 0-10, 8,025 cases; age 11-20, 20,478 cases

Loudon County: 965 cases; 102 active; 4 deaths

The state has redefined inactive/recovered cases.  I think the result is to reduce the number.

Knox County has more than 1000 active cases