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.