Pandemic Times, February 14 - 20

Sunday, February 14 Cold Valentine's Day.

Laura and Amanda came over for a late waffle breakfast.  Mike is working at a gymnastics meet in Pigeon Forge.  I started the sourdough sponge last night.  It makes the best waffles ever!

Later in the afternoon, Kathy came by with a valentine for me and for a short visit.

Ruby fixed supper for us - steak for me and fried chicken for Bill.

Monday, February 15 - MLK Holiday for some

We have been spared the ice and snow that hit hard in Mississippi, Missouri, West and Middle Tennessee.  Texas is snowed in and many there are without power.

I few days ago I ordered some metal strips for Cavid masks.  Today I made two masks for Laura and used the strips.  I also added a strip to my favorite mask. It seems to work well.

I didn't do too well with exercise today, only 15 minutes on the treadmill.

BiBimBap for supper.  I did a little better with getting a crisp crust on the rice.

Tuesday, February 16

The weather was just barely bad enough to close schools today, but we have not evidence of icing.  Amanda let us know that she would not need a ride to Softball today.   With nowhere to go, baking seemed in order.  I made 2 loaves of banana bread bread and 2 loaves of French bread.  To go with the French bread we had spaghetti & meatballs and pear salad. The spaghetti sauce was made with tomatoes that I grew and canned and herbs that I grew and dried.  Home-canned pears were from our tree.  I love home-grown meals.

Home-made French Bread

Spaghetti with pear salad

Kinglet showing its Ruby-Crown

Song Sparrow

Downy Woodpecker

Wednesday, February 17

Morning sun welcomed us today.  What a relief it is to see the sun! I did my grocery shopping going to Trinity for a "drive-through" Imposition of Ashes with Pastor Kristie.

After lunch, I drove Kathy for her 2nd Cataract surgery.  I waited in the car and did some reading. I read a bit in Deeprok Chopra's "The Third Jesus" and Neil DeGrasse Tyson's "Astrophysis for People in a Hurry." I'm not in a hurry, but I didn't think I needed a more in-depth look into Astrophysics.  I copied two quotes:

Chopra: "When you contemplate any spiritual teaching deeply enough, you are brought face-to-face with yourself and how you view the world."

Tyson: "Science is not just about seeing, it's about measuring, preferably with something that's not your own eyes, which are inextricably conjoined with the baggage of your brain.  That baggage is more often than not a satchel of preconceived ideas, post-conceived notions and outright bias."

It strikes me that both statements are about "seeing" deeply and truthfully.

On the way home, we got Thai from our favorite spot - Little Bankok in Farragut.  Matsumum Curry for me and Orange Chicken for Bill.

Bird of the day:

Rufous-sided Towhee.  Not only beautiful, but a pretty song

Thursday, February 20

A rainy day, good for sleeping in.  I offered to take Kathy for her follow-up appointment in South Knoxville so I picked her up about 11. The rain had tapered to just a light mist and had ended by the time we headed home.  It was an easy trip and her appointment went quickly.  We were home in time for late lunch.

After lunch, I was enjoying watching the little birds at the feeder when I spotted a new visitor.  Picture me, sitting on the floor behind my chair with my camera lens poked between the slats of the blinds.  I was able to get a few clear shot and identified the visitor as a pine warbler.

House Finch

House Finch

Pine Warbler

Pine Warbler

White-throat Sparrow

Pine Warbler

Friday, February 19

I spent most of the morning on a new sewing project. I began with sorting and organizing my remnants and discarding those that were "scraps." Most of the time was spent planning and figuring out what I have and what I need.  I ordered some small hardware and will get some interfacing when I'm in town.

Greedy sparrows

I dropped Amanda off for softball just before 4 and headed to Turkey Creek.  I found the interfacing I need at Walmart.  I had a 5 pm haircut appointment at the new salon location new Pelissippi and Kingston.  I am so happy to finally have it cut. I didn't get home until after 6.  Bill had baked potatoes ready and we had them topped with pulled pork BBQ and Red Cabbage Slaw with carrots, dried cranberries and pistachios.

Saturday, February 20

We hoped this afternoon would be warm enough for a walk.  The morning sun seemed to illuminate every cobweb and dust bunny in our bedroom.  I spent all morning deep cleaning the room, a chore I have put off for far too long.  For a few days, at least, there will be no cobwebs and dust bunnies.  Not having company for months has meant the motivation for cleaning has not been there.  It certainly has not been an issue of time, but of motivation.

After watching the TN Men lose a BBall game, we went for our walk.  We ran into a couple I know who were also there for a walk & eagle watch.  In addition to the eagles, I saw a little bird along the road that might have been a Myrtle (Yellow-rump) Warbler.  I couldn't get a picture, though.  Maybe tomorrow.  It was a lovely afternoon for a walk after so many days of dreary weather.

Busy grooming

After our walk I too Kathy across the way to see the eagle.  I hope she enjoyed. When we got home, the sun was still providing enough warmth to sit outside for a drink. 

Beautiful Clear-day Moon

We used the last of the pork to top a pizza. It turned out very good.