This, too, will pass. Probably sooner than the Coronavirus.
Michigan is officially going to Shelter In Place today. Our governor delayed as long as she could to keep as many businesses open as possible but with over 1,000 cases, she realized it was time.
For me, it doesn't change much. I'm happy to stay in as long as needed. Months, if I have to, to stay well. But I'm really feeling for those who have lost their jobs and are trying to wrangle with the unemployment system, especially the independent workers who may fall through the cracks. Those on the front lines deserve our great thanks. Hats off to our health care professionals, grocery store staff, pharmacy staff (who are now doing home delivery), and others considered "essential services." They're working their tails off and more than appreciated by me.
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| Team Apple Market -- Best Little Grocery in Michigan! |
So, life goes on in this altered state. I should be able to say I'm maximizing this time with worthy chores like cleaning the basement and scrubbing the floors. So far, I'm not. But I suspect this will all happen in due course. I have been cooking and whipped up some of Julia's French Onion soup. My favorite part is caramelizing the onions. Usually I make extra to use in other dishes but I didn't have enough onions so they all went into the soup.
It was delicious, especially with Rick's bread. (Easiest recipe in the world. Google Julia Child's French Onion Soup.)
I took inventory with what I could make from my fridge/freezer (just the fridge-top freezer) and I have quite a few options!
I beat Rick at Scrabble. (That rarely happens!)
I've been reading. A lot. A book post soon, but let me clue you into two current favorites. The first is a collection of short stories in the Bryant and May series by Christopher Fowler. These two exceedingly eccentric and aged detectives and their team are some of my favorite characters. I always learn so much about London through their longer books. These are just fun.
Now I'm into Anthony Horowitz's "The Magpie Murders." I'm about halfway through and thoroughly enjoying it!
Meanwhile, Lizzie doesn't know about Coronavirus either. But she's the best purr therapist anyone could ever have.
To be honest, I'm very anxious and on top of that, deeply concerned about my cousin who is in the hospital in Cleveland with complications following surgery last week. This morning I woke with tears in my eyes, on my face and they keep coming back. I think about those whose families are testing positive and worse, ill in the hospital. Friends around the world. Those in areas like Nashville who have already been hit so hard. Friends who will have challenges meeting mortgage or rent payments because they are out of work. Everyone is doing what they can. We're keeping on.
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| Peter Max painting |
I'm trying to focus on the positive and think of the future. Truly, this too shall pass. Your idea to have onion soup is a great one. Will be looking up Julia's recipe to try something different.
ReplyDeleteSnow! Wow!
ReplyDeleteThe Bryant and May series sounds like something I'd like. I'll keep an eye out. Thanks for the recommendation.
I'm in Memphis, and hearing news from the Nashville area has been a shock. Our mayors have been closing things down as things get worse. I fear it'll get even worse before it gets better. I don't seem to feel anxious during the day, but oh! those dreams! :(
You you and yours stay safe and that your cousin is able to go home soon.
As you know, we also woke to snow. It's still coming down. You are so right, Jeanie, it's not just about health, it's about economics - the people who aren't receiving pay right now, or are having difficulty trying to apply for Employment Insurance (previously called Unemployment Insurance here, or U. I.). Man oh man, that soup looks good!! -Jenn
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteI do prayer for all those who have been hit with this virus. I am very grateful for those stores clerks, nurses and doctors who show up for work. I try to stay positive, wishful thinking this will end soon. Your soup looks delicious, yum! Love your sweet Lizzie photo. I am going to add The Magpie Murders to my "TBR" list. Take care and be well. Wishing you a happy new week!
Yummy. Stay safe.
ReplyDeleteStay safe! I think in NYC shelter in place is in effect, no sure tho. We were supposed to get snow today but got rain instead.
ReplyDeleteI wish you hadn't shown those caramelized onions and soup, I can't think of anything else now! Good that you are staying home and keeping occupied. The people working in shops, hospitals, transport and logistics etc are all heroes, and that can't be said enough! I grew up near the Bryant and May factory in London! Stay safe. Hugs, Valerie
ReplyDeleteThat soup looks great..
ReplyDeleteThis really is the perfect time for some intense spring cleaning.. but I have hurt my knee so I am limited to doing only essential jobs so I can rest the knee and hope for a quick recovery.
A very thoughtful post - we are feeling the anxiety of it all as well, and wondering how it will impact our family business. Scary, strange times for sure. In Connecticut we are asked to Stay Home, and only "essential" businesses can stay open. Restaurants can only do take out, curbside pick up. We have a few friends in the restaurant business and they are already hurting, does not look good for the long run.
ReplyDeleteSo many people are having their lives turned up side down by this crisis it's hard not to let the sadness of it all get to us, even when we try to stay positive. I've been waking up every night at around 3:00 and not able to full back asleep, with tears like you.
ReplyDeleteLove those Lizzie shots and my mouth is watering over those onions. Stay safe!
Something about having things to do and needing to do that don't always win out over what we want to be doing! SNOW.....wow, its been a crazy yr. We have had more rain this winter and two little dusting of snow. Its almost to the point here in TN we are asking....what is SNOW!? When I grew up here it was nothing to have 4 to 6 inches of snow maybe twice a yr. I had to take my kids to Ill. to see real snow before. haha.....stay warm.
ReplyDeleteYour snow looks like ours did this morning, but it's mostly gone now. I'm very sorry to hear about your cousin's problems -- what a bad time to be needing care!
ReplyDeleteWe suspect that even birdwatching is finished for a while, other than at the feeder we can see from the window. Yesterday we birded before lunch, and also saw a lot of people on the paths. However, they could manage safe separation from one another. In the afternoon one of Len's birding friends wrote that she left that same area because it was so crowded she couldn't keep her distance. Which is clearly why we need the "stay home" order. Sad.
Be Well! .... mae at maefood.blogspot.com
Hope your cousin is better soon. Animals are such good therapy and your cat looks lovely. I am trying to practice social distancing but difficult with the shopping situation. So little in the shops we have to trawl around several and people all crowd around you. If only they would just buy what they need we would all be ok. Stay safe.
ReplyDeleteHello, dear Jeanie. Just checking in to see how my Michigan friend is doing. I am doing Ok here in California, and we are now supposed to stay home, which in my opinion, is a good thing. Thinking of things to do around the house comes easy for me, as I was a stay at home mom for many years. I'm so sorry to hear about your cousin who is in the hospital right now. That must weigh heavy on your heart. You made French onion soup! - that sounds so good right now, especially today as it is overcast and cold. Your picture of the snow is beautiful, and Lizzie just looks like the most precious cat. When you are ready to put out your Easter stuff, I will be over to visit - you always have the cutest holiday decorations. I was thinking of doing the same here soon.
ReplyDeleteStay well, Jeanie, and this California blog friend sends love and hugs your way.
~Sheri
ps.....I was commenting on your post at the same time you were commenting on mine. ; ) We are all connected in some way or another.
ReplyDeleteWe remember the viruses since the 1970s, NONE can equal this.
ReplyDeleteHanging out, watching movies, making some BBQ beef ribs. May consider making some brownies.
Kitty has such an enigmatic face.
Glad to hear you're sheltering in place and avoiding the virus, Jeanie. Today is our 15th day of isolation. We'll break it sometime this week to go during "old folks" hours to shop. That soup looks so delicious - one of Bob's favorites. I must look it up. I am concerned about the economic as well as the physical ramifications of the virus. Families with children are hurting both with the isolation and with finances. You and Rick stay well, Jeanie.
ReplyDeleteHello there fellow Michiganian. The snow was a bit of a surprise. The sap will be running good now! I went to our local library the day before it closed so only have 2 new books to read! Ahhh. We've been going on walks with our puppy on nearby trails but think that will end as well. I too have my moments of crying, and my precious daughter just decided to postpone/cancel her wedding for April 11th. It was the right thing to do as over 20 guests were having to fly in from out of state, including one of our sons from San Fransisco. I tried to tell her that her wedding day should be a day of Joy, without the stress that is forming a cloud over us all. She understands, but she is heartbroken. It was only to be a small affair of 30 people but still a big day for her and her fiance. We will have that day of Joy another time. Take care. Wish we could get together, we're in Davisburg, Michigan by the way!
ReplyDeleteI liked your post . . .
ReplyDeleteYou seem to gracefully be able to offer a balance . . .
between the light, real, possible . . . kindness, empathy . . . and not escalate fear, untruths.
If only we could hear that from the president.
I can relate to the tears for I have awakened with them as well . . .
First I thought my eyes were just watery . . .
and then I got real with myself, realizing real tears.
.
We just now returned from quick buys at the grocery store.
The mood was drastically different.
Obvious six feet distance happening.
Masks of all kinds! Rubber gloves, (us)
It was noticeable that people were purchasing items to “tide them over!”
No talking, aisle visiting, 15 minutes in/out. But still . . .
By going to the store, we broke our Stay Home . . .
And that is the danger we need to halt.
Caring about you Jeanie, and Rick . . .
Stay well, stay safe, stay apart . . .
for some reason I can relate to the Stay Apart better than Social Distancing.
For it is exactly what I have been doing, being apart, in my person, especially with my
children, grands, greats . . . Yet . . . in my heart, they are constantly on my mind.
And the hospitals, nurse, doctors, health employees . . . police, fire, pharmacies . . .
i truly can’t imagine . . . Let’s raise them up in thanksgiving!
We're getting that snow right now as I write this. March is such a fickle month, isn't it? And I'm with you about staying home. I just wish my day wasn't so chopped up with on-line work, but, I am not complaining since it is a better day for me than being in school. However, definitely not as good an educational situation as being in school. And julia's onion soup is the best. I make it occasionally myself, and thought maybe I should make some while home the other day. I uess great minds do think alike-ha ha. And those books sounds good. I;m always looking for some recommendations! Happy reading and staying home. Hugs-Erika
ReplyDeleteWe have a little grocery store and a dairy not a very long drive from us. We have chosen to give them our business. Never busy. Very alert to cleanliness and looking after their customers.
ReplyDeleteWe had snow too, but it felt more like rain. It's lovely to see the cherry blossoms on the TV.
Hunkered down in Ontario
If only people truly will Shelter In Place.
ReplyDeleteI'm not afraid but am remembering so many people who are struggling right now. This is such an incredible tine we're living in right now. I pray peace envelopes you.
ReplyDeleteRight, I have meatballs in the freezer!
ReplyDeleteLizzie is so beautiful!
Hubby again went to work. That or the job is gone. For once I am glad I lost my job already....
Let´s all stay well and hope it´s over soon....
I was wondering what your cat would think about this epidemic situation. Take good care.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to read that you feel so anxious about this. We are now in lockdown too, from yesterday. It's such a shame it came up to this, but there is nothing we can do now, besides staying indoors.
ReplyDeleteI love French onion soup too. Also, well done for winning at Scrabble.
I have hope. Apart from cures and vaccines being worked on in Australia, today an announcement that in Melbourne they have designed a blood test for covid19 that gives the result in 15 minutes!
ReplyDeleteHave hope.
Cath in Australia.
Take care..thank you for checking in..
ReplyDeleteI've not been out since March 11th.I am fine with this.
This unreal scenario so terribly upsetting ..imagine..all the lonely people..worried alone.
Filled with concern for people..filled with gratitude for everyone on the front line.
Take care!
Delicious home-cooked meals are always comforting, but especially so now. I am limiting my time with the news, enough to stay informed. Reading is always on my to do list, and I am enjoying having the time to pick up those books that have patiently waited for me. The French onion soup looks amazing. Stay safe Jeanie!
ReplyDeleteFrench Onion Soup and Rick's bread...a winner!
ReplyDeleteOh is there anything better and caramelizing onions. They smell and taste so good! Bet that soup was awesome with your cold winter day. We are moving into really warm weather now, already using the AC. Just maybe the virus won't like it! Like you I'm ready to be home for as long as we need. I'm keeping the music on a lot these days for a distraction. Stay well Jeanie.........
ReplyDeleteJeanie, these truly are dreadful times. But, we will all get through this and hopefully without getting the virus. I am cooking, reading and getting in the garden when the weather isn't too cold. It seems as though it rains on our warmer days. Keep after those books - cuddled up with Lizzie. Be well, Jeanie.
ReplyDeleteLizzie makes things better.
ReplyDeleteA sad situation for all. Out of the list, I like the Onion soup.
ReplyDeleteFirst, I want to thank you for stopping by while I was offline twice last week and the week before. I felt so out of it. Instead of making art or cleaning, I just sat in front of my tv and worried about all those people who are out of work, laid off, and without the ability to pay their rent or house payment. I also worry about the people on the front lines who have no PPEs, gloves, or masks. Thanks for sharing your beautiful photos and amazing words. I'm truly grateful. Lizzie is a big help, too, I'm sure.
ReplyDeleteHang in there, Jeanie. I made my list of meals too, checking them off. Staying socially distanced since March 13. Stay well!
ReplyDeleteThat French onion soup looks delicious! We have been working through our freezer stash too and treating ourselves to one meal delivery/week to support local restaurants. We do not have as many cases as you - that we know of (testing is still limited due to shortage of tests) - so we aren’t under a shelter in place order. Yet. I am sure we will be soon. Phil does all the errand running. I only leave the house for walks which are so good for my soul.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry to hear your family member had complications from a surgery. Tough to add those worries to all the other ones. I definitely feel very on edge and concerned about lost jobs, the isolation of social distancing (I know it’s necessary! But so hard on the elderly and those who live alone), staying healthy, you name it...
French onion soup, Scrabble, and Lizzie loving seems like a good way to celebrate staying in. Take care, dear one.
ReplyDeleteI hope your snow melts soon. I guess I shouldn't be complaining about our rain today. I love Julia Child's French Onion Soup! I need to make that now that I have more time on my hands.
ReplyDeleteLOL, you talked me into some book! I had to look up "Lascombes"!
ReplyDeleteOh Jeanie, I am very sorry to hear about your cousin, it is so hard when someone you love is fighting illness and you are not able to help. Hopefully the hospital is proving communicative. I know that the doctors will all do their very best to deal with the complications. Your French onion soup is a beautiful idea, and I do have quite a few onions. I think I'll be having a go at this soon. Stay strong, my friend.
ReplyDeleteI'll have to try and make that onion soup for the upcoming winter months when we enjoy eating soups.
ReplyDeleteI haven't played Scrabble for ages, a great game.
And I like your list of foods to cook, great idea Jeanie.
We are doing "shelter in place" also here.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing beautiful painting of Peter Max, it relieves my anxiety about our condition.
Stay well.
Jeanie, I'm glad you and Rick are well. We are too, so far, and hoping to stay that way. I'm out of words right now!
ReplyDeleteWell done on beating Rick at Scrabble.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're doing OK. Well, physically anyhow. I'm in a similar boat: fine physically, but the anxiety is getting to me. I agree about pet therapy... I'm pretty sure it's the only thing preserving what little remains of my sanity right now. It's not the being shut in, but the uncertainties, the number of deaths, etc.
Hope your cousin gets better soon.
Stay safe and well.
I'm so sorry to hear about your cousin. This isn't the time to be in the hospital under any conditions, and complications after surgery are especially worrisome. I thought I'd come up against another crisis yesterday when my phone suddenly wouldn't take a charge, but it turned out to be the charger. I was smart enough to try charging it in the car, and when that worked, I realized the phone was fine. A lot of problems can be solved if we just slow down a bit, and don't jump to conclusions. Of course when I called Verizon to ask them what might be up, they told me I'd need a new phone! I suppose they're doing what they have to do to keep things rolling along, too!
ReplyDeleteOn we go! I've got so many onions I might make that soup, although we're so warm at this point soup doesn't sound as good as it would if this were happening in the fall!
Lizzie is so sweet!
ReplyDeleteSorry to read about your cousin …
ReplyDeleteWell done on beating Rick in scrabble!
That is a sweet photograph of Lizzie.
Stay positive, my thoughts and prayers.
All the best Jan
scrabble word finder
ReplyDeleteVery good blog post. I definitely love this site. Continue the good work!