Tuesday, March 17, 2020

Pandemic

I'm sure all of our worlds have changed dramatically since I last posted.
The Governor of Colorado issued a state of emergency earlier in the week.

dawn

In Breckenridge and throughout Summit County, CO, places where people congregate are closed.
This includes schools, shops, restaurants, cafes, bars, rec centers, and ski areas.
People are asked to keep away from others, staying in their own homes.
Outdoors we should keep a safe distance from others and avoid crowds.
Some popular parks and sledding hills are off-limits.
None of our shuttles or buses are operating.
Short term rentals and hotels are closing.
Tourists and second home owners are supposed to leave.

the fox is curious - what's happening Barb?

Bob and I hunker down in isolation.
Even prior to the government edict, we asked our family not to visit.
Before the emergency, we stocked some groceries and supplies.
Unlike families with children, our supplies last a long time.
Meals are simple - we don't eat a lot.
We can exist on what we have for awhile.

the pine marten visits - he abides by social distancing

We maintain a similar schedule to our normal one.
I wake early and give thanks for another day.
I answer e-mails and do some reading.
We work around the house and property.
We get fresh air and exercise.

exercising on snowshoes

We discuss what's happening here and around the world.
If we get sick, we'll care for each other just as we've done for over 53 years.
We don't feel panic though we've never lived through quite this kind of situation.

Each morning we ask each other, "How are you feeling?"
So far, so good.

Perhaps we all can get outside and breath fresh air.
Keep in touch with family and friends electronically.
Smile and remember happy times.
Let ourselves believe that this too will pass.

deserted ski trail

I hope wherever you are, you're well.
If you're able, offer help to someone in need.

May peace and love abide with you.

Barb

A friend sent me this meaningful poem:

Pandemic
What if you thought of it
as the Jews consider the Sabbath—
the most sacred of times?
Cease from travel.
Cease from buying and selling.
Give up, just for now,
on trying to make the world
different than it is.
Sing. Pray. Touch only those
to whom you commit your life.
Center down.

And when your body has become still,
reach out with your heart.
Know that we are connected
in ways that are terrifying and beautiful.
(You could hardly deny it now.)
Know that our lives
are in one another’s hands.
(Surely, that has come clear.)
Do not reach out your hands.
Reach out your heart.
Reach out your words.
Reach out all the tendrils
of compassion that move, invisibly,
where we cannot touch.

Promise this world your love–
for better or for worse,
in sickness and in health,
so long as we all shall live.

–Lynn Ungar 3/11/20

sunset
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