Tuesday, April 21, 2020, Corvid-19 Lockdown Day #34

I was planning to capture yesterday afternoon’s beautiful clouds when Sunni strode into the scene. Clouds sometimes are compelling but a horse is always. I decided against going for a close-up of Broken Top and its unusual cloud cover, and opted instead for a bigger photo with Sunni. Right then, Rosie drifted in and paused on Sunni’s right side. That might have been another good photo op, if my lens hadn’t blurred slightly the two horses.

Throughout the sky, those afternoon clouds were soft, fluffy, and captivating. Some low and partially covering the Cascades. They made the mountains almost magical. All afternoon, I planned to retreat with camera to a recently cleared high spot on my property. Earlier, after removing heavy low tree limbs, I discovered a different, surprisingly pleasant view of the mountains. Later, the seemingly unending work of clearing piles of tree branches tired me out. So today, I’ll hike to that spot for photo-taking.

This morning the clouds dawned still beautiful. The entire sky looked as if Renoir had created it. If the clouds hold steady, my first goal will be to fulfill that photo mission. My next will be to saddle and ride a horse through my recently cleared areas. We’ll continue down the street toward a local outback with a dirt road, appropriate footing for a barefoot horse, that stretches for a good distance beneath high-power lines.

Dear Friends: It’s beautiful outside, a wonderful spring day. Diana

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Monday, April 20, 2020, Corvid-19 Lockdown Day #33

I’ve spent a bunch of days, during this semi-isolation, trimming trees on my property. It’s an effective and satisfying way to be in a private space, physically active and less confined. Today this process is near an end. I’ve tackled the most offending trees with low-hanging and tangled limbs, and am doing a final clean-up.

The cleaning-up has required lopping greenery from big branches, hauling the lops to a burn-ready pile, and sawing logs into pieces for transporting. In early to mid-May, our local landfill will grant a period of free dumping for yard debris. Instead of burning my discards, they’ll go there for recycling.

Ending the trimming makes me wonder what else might keep me outside and active. I began trimming branches with the secondary wish of riding horseback without fears of being knocked off by low-hanging branches. It’s interesting how a project expands as one works on it. Trimming opened space and light enough to let me really visualize a riding trail around my property’s perimeter.

That will be the next project. A riding path will require digging up and moving rocks, at least those that are diggable and moveable as many are solid bedrock. Those bedrocked might keep the pathway too bumpy for driving a horse while in a vehicle, but that’s to be discovered.

Thinking about horses brings another vision, of them grazing on newly accessible areas. This possibility may develop. For improving even a small area usually creates a desire to improve adjoining areas. There are many reasons for creating more of a horse property, because in fact, this is a horse property. For years, long neglected trees and big rocks have hindered horse access and safe usage.

Dear Friends: Environmental circumstances push us into efforts we might rather avoid. Diana

Sunday, April 19, 2020….Corvid-19 Lockdown Day #32

My little pack dogs are controversial even out here on four acres. Their noise rockets through space and lands against nearby buttes that return the sounds. Some neighbors don’t like dogs but are otherwise nice people, who in the past have threatened to turn me into the County, for keeping noisy dogs, and they did. At first, worries about this were consuming, but eventually, I realized that a property that houses horses, goats, and chickens doesn’t top of the County’s list of targets to “get rid of your dogs”.

Over time and at least on the surface, neighbors have accepted dog noises from my place. This is worthy of respect, because for example, my worst-offending dog has high-pitched, insistent barks that when she’s worried may be continuous. That her noise carries far became clear last winter when I could hear her calling me home, as I was a quarter-mile away where my horses were grazing on a neighboring pasture. My hat’s off in respect and gratitude to tolerating neighbors.

This week a wonderful note landed in my “glad jar”, from a neighbor living about a half-mile away who’s a fellow blogger. Her note says, “As for your pups, I LOVE it when I hear them singing! It’s one of the neighborhood’s alternative communication systems!” Oh, Jill, thank you!

Another neighborhood friend and I are exchanging some of the humorous takes on mask-making that arise in this period of lockdown. It’s really very cool, that humans can turn uncomfortable and often serious events into humorous cartoons, videos, and writings. Humor is the brain’s wonderful self-deprecating element that helps us cope better singularly and as groups.

That noisy dog, now eight years old, arrived here as an eight-week old puppy. She’s highly alert and the pack’s best spotter of everything that happens down at the street and on the property. Her presence and alertness please me. Our experiences because she’s noisy makes me thankful that we aren’t residents in the city itself where police may be required to respond to noise complaints.

Dear Friends: In this long haul through the Corvid-19 phase, let’s keep a bright side up. Diana

Saturday, April 18, 2020 Corvid-19 Lockdown Day #31

We’re ending our first month of semi-isolation and about to enter a second month. It’s been a long stretch, but of continuing importance to we who try to stay put until scientists and medical experts assert that it’s safe to venture into public places. We follow Dr. Fauci and Governor Cuomo who are teaching much about the virus, its danger and challenges in trying to manage it. We’re clear that even now, months after first hints of a CoronaVirus leaked into the United States, it remains a potent dangerous killer.

The Corvid-19 virus is the latest in a too-recent string of highly aggressive worldwide killers, and all have been coronavirus versions. In 2002-2004, the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, or outbreak of SARs-Cov-2, first was identified in China. Next came the Ebola Virus Disease, 2013-2016, which originated in West Africa. There currently is an outbreak in Congo, of of Kivu Virus, with earliest human infections diagnosed in 2018. Another, the Zika Virus Epidemic, 2015-2016, originated in Uganda.

The scientists who study coronaviruses and have discovered their most primitive forms have determined that they’re natural living elements and not laboratory manufactures.

We’ve heard lots about and worried over those widespread disease outbreaks. Unlike Corvid-19, our population wasn’t touched very much before disease-stopping vaccines became available. The current outbreak of Corvid-19 is different. It’s more virile, threatening, and difficult to counter scientifically with solutions. This outbreak has touched us deeply, forced us to hide and protect ourselves. Moreover, it has forced upon us a deeper understanding of what it means to “lead effectively and communicate honestly”.

Meanwhile, we’re in for at least another month or two of waiting and hoping for a safe return to interactivity.

Dear Friends: These viruses demand repairs to a world-wide deteriorating environment. Diana

Friday, April 17, 2020

Corv-19, Lockdown Day #30

One of my jars had a single note, a “glad”, from yesterday. At midday I was spreading hay for the horses when my dogs launched into their worst chorus–loud and aggressive. The other animals and I recognize that they’re usually heralding an intrusion, maybe deer, a stray dog, people passing on the street or (most awful) approaching the house.

I looked up to see a white vehicle pausing on the hilltop beside my house. Before I could get away from the horses, that car continued downhill toward the dry lot. Now, I saw a Cadillac–funny enough, for far as I know, no Cadillac ever has entered my property. But I knew that one, belonging to my neighbor, John, from across the street. His Cad stopped at the dry lot (I should have taken a photo!). John was bringing a bag of carrots for the horses and stepped out to talk. For a few glad minutes we caught up with one another.

This first month of social distancing has kept us close to our individual little baliwicks. It prevents the serendipitous meetings and small talk we used to enjoy. At least, my next-door neighbors exercise their dogs on the next-door pasture, they holler over and wave hello. These days, that’s a big deal. But across the street, John and his wife Patti have disappeared behind their fences. I was touched and pleased that he stopped by, thinking about my horses which he loves, and to say hello.

Well, one glad is a biggie, and maybe fortunately, the day didn’t have unglads. I stayed busy (Okay, I’m still cutting tree limbs!) and the hours passed. Maybe it’s that just okay isn’t enough, a little variety is nice even if some seems less welcome.

Anyway, thanks to John for giving a boost that day. As I begin today, I’ll focus on trying to build in variety.

BTW, see how beautifully those teeny pink phlox can cover ground if allowed to thrive and spread.

Dear Friends: Day 30 may only be a start in our learning ways to adjust. Diana

Thursday, April 16, 2020 CoronaVirus Day #29

Yesterday evening my “glad jar” held several notes. I wondered which might have made me most glad. Maybe it was having received a couple of well-sewn face masks from Laura, a neighbor who’s volunteering effort to prevent disease spreading. She sews masks to a design recommended by our main hospital. Her creativity has included easy-closure strings that ease a user’s tying and securing the mask. She offers some masks to neighbors and donates the rest to the hospital.

Her efforts, good masks and generosity, made me feel most glad.

There were other bright moments–like walking the several blocks to Laura’s with my twin goats in tow. Breeze and Poppy have become more confident and bold on their leashes. Walking with them means experiencing some of the world through their alert eyes and ears. A herd of does we came across spotted the goats and popped to high attention–and vice-versa, with the goats their mirror image. Each beast stood frozen, on full alert, except for me, trying to move us quietly past that spot.

Other things happen that evoke different feelings are worthy, too, of noting in an “unglad jar”.

For example, my neck got a sting! In all my years of living here, I’ve never been bothered by an insert, not a bee, wasp, or mosquito. A day ago at a tiny sting, I raised my hand and brushed off a bitty dark insert, maybe a mosquito? Shortly later, the sting site swelled, became itchy, and continues to attract my fingers. Now, having to avoid touching my face also means avoiding my neck. That sting, definitely an unglad.

I used to be a student of Ralph Waldo Emerson’s musings on “the law of compensation”. He thought that each happening, good or bad, opens the way for a follow-on occurrence with the opposite effect. That idea keeps me trying to avoid becoming highly excited or very saddened over events, but controlling feelings isn’t easy. Anyway, various events do cause opposing responses, and noting them rates another jar.

I’ll begin searching for a second empty Mason Jar.

Dear Readers: This long lockdown teaches us much about ourselves. Diana

Wednesday, April 15, 2020

CV isolation: Day 28

One of the notes yesterday in my “glad jar” was about receiving an email from a casual friend who lives nearby. She has created masks and is offering them to neighborhood folks. She describes the masks as made to a hospital pattern but not highly preventive. They do have a pocket into which protective media could be inserted. Well, I’ve noticed that she pays intense attention to details and accuracy, which suggests the masks are doggone good. Today, I’ll pick up one, a good motivation for taking a walk with my goats.

It’s occured to me, there’s a product on hand that might inhibit germ-spreading. In the process of cleaning a fish tank and about to change its filter, I looked closely at the dense fiber rectangle. It’s like HEPA filtration, maybe it’s the same fabric. Supposedly, HEPA filters are as effective as N95 masks. When next I venture out, my mask will include aquarium filtration. In these times of material shortages, any sort of mask seems better than none at all, and the same for insertions.

Venturing out is a big topic. I don’t need anything in particular, just want to browse through places, like Michael’s, JoAnne, and Home Depot. I’d look for new products and hope to come up with creative ideas. About my aquariums, one got hit weeks ago by a fish disease that wiped out all but one big fella. The tank is disinfected, the surviving fish seems okay but needs buddies. I want to find new fishes, but like most other public places, aquarium suppliers are off limits.

Hearing ideas about ways that populations might return to normal activities doesn’t reassure that a transition plan will be easy and safe. But even semi-isolated, we continue to consume products and this requires viable manufacturing and commerce. We’re aware of power-grabbing attempts and associated squabbling among our leaders that obscure any sensible-sounding ideas for moving forward. Before all’s done, we might be wearing two more masks: one to cover our ears and another for our eyes.

Dear Friends: That “glad jar” really helps us stayed tuned to what’s nice in a day. Diana

Tuesday, April 14, 2020

CV Day 27

I’ve been searching for enlightenment about what’s being called a “Maker’s Economy”. This refers to the kinds of indoors activities we’re into while semi-isolated. Maybe we love doing things, like knitting, needlepoint, machine sewing, and painting on rocks. They’re projects we work on while home and mostly inside. Nice outcomes make us wonder if there could be a market for our products. Actually, pathways are springing up. Amazon has many listings under “Handmade”, and also online, a “Rising Tide Association” promotes a Maker’s Economy.

We love that fantasy world of profit from our ideas and energy, and it’s nice to purchase things handmade and beautiful. The only way my brain can get slightly on board with the notion of becoming commercial from home would mean purchasing a 3D printer. I know zero about those printers, but their capabilities and an operator’s creative brain may conjure ideas for useful products.

Keeping to what’s simple, yesterday evening I read a blog where the writer described having started a “glad jar”. Into it during the day, one slips handwritten notes as reminders of occurrences that cause glad feelings. That idea encouraged me to think back and search for yesterday’s moments of gladness. All day I’d been task-oriented, glad enough but not happy-glad. Suddenly, I flashed on something that had been unexpected, that made me very glad. My neighbor texted about going shopping in the morning and wondered if I needed things. As one among the more vulnerable-to-coronavirus, I felt relieved and very glad while texting my list of needs. With thanks, again, to my thoughtful kind neighbor.

Thanks also to the blogger for that idea of starting a Glad Jar. I’ll hope that daily it’ll collect several notes. Actually, the jar will serve multiple purposes, by (1) focusing attention on “a glad”, (2) recording the nicest moments, and (3) encouraging day-end reflections on all the best stuff.

Dear Friends: Collaborating in these “insider days” is a grace that encourages gladness. Diana

Monday, April 13, 2020

CV: Day 27

Hulu is streaming the movie, “RBG”, and as friends who’ve recommended it declare, it’s a terrific documentary. She’s brilliant and likeable. Some of my favorite parts are audios from her early days arguing before the Supreme Court, and later as a Justice questioning the capable attorney arguing against enabling the enrollment of women in the historically all-male Virginia Military Academy. Plus, watching her working out in the Court gym shames we couch-potato retirees. And how RBG loves opera! She’s amazing and determined. Long may she stay strong and continue doing whatever she wishes.

Thinking about RBG, her longevity and fortitude, got me reflecting on Queen Elizabeth, who’s in her early nineties and still very active. Recent videos have shown her riding horseback, walking with delegations, and now, stepping forward in this coronavirus stretch, speaking to her subjects and the world. Her public declarations are rare.

Those very elderly women encourage us step back and reflect on them as individuals, with historical influence and continuing power. Americans who wonder about the worthiness of elderly candidates for this country’s most powerful position might be wise to take into account the world’s experience with such as RBG and Elizabeth. Thinking more about this can reveal many examples of contemporary fine, wise and powerful, elderly leaders. Just sayin’.

Not that the age game is much of a consideration at this point for Americans. We’ve zeroed-in on our most-likely candidates, and they’re old.

Anyway, watch RBG if possible. It’s probably available to stream on venues besides Hulu.

Dear Friends: The weather was lovely for Easter and so I hope was your whole day. Diana

Sunday, April 12, 2020

Coronavirus Day 26

For many religions this period is one of holiest. Today, Easter Sunday, brings another day of public lockdown and an unusual Easter. Worshippers are asked to stay home and stream religious services or watch them on television. Typically, this holiday celebrates wearing pretty clothing and hats, and gatherings of folks taking walks (my mental visual is MGM’s “Easter Parade”), and the comings-together of families for celebration meals. Today, people must seek creative ways to gather and celebrate. The Zoom site will be busy.

Anyway, Happy Easter and Passover or whatever you might be celebrating. I’ll be interested in learning from the news media the ways in which people spend this day. I haven’t a particular religious belief, but am respectful of the many “social goodnesses” that exist because there are believers and followers. After all, every one of us was taught the Ten Commandments.

Fortunately, my freezer held a whole chicken that yesterday I thawed. Today, I’ll roast that chicken until it has the right temperature and a lovely, crisp skin of perfect color. I’ll enjoy my favorite parts, a leg and thigh, while remembering and appreciating happier times and celebratory meals with family and friends. My cockatoo, Peaches, will crack open a leg bone for its marrow; my dogs will get kibble well-moistened with “trimmings and giblets” soup. We’ll continue for days sharing the remains.

I’ll make a point of participating socially, online, to enjoy the offerings.

Dear Friends: Have as fine a day as it’s possible to create among the possibilities. Diana