Monday, March 23, 2020

Hanging In There

What a time this has been for us all - who would have thought a month ago that this odd virus floating around could become a national pandemic? 

Even our remote little mountain top has been affected, with businesses closed from one end of Main Street to the other, and 5 confirmed cases in the area. Scary times, for sure. 

I'm blessed to be working from home during this time of unrest and unease, and I've been following all the guidelines for social distancing....no dining out, no parties, no group events....I basically only venture out for supplies as needed, armed with disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizer. 


I am thankful at this time more than ever for my cozy house, which brings me much comfort. I always hated leaving my house in the mornings to go to work, and for right now I don't have to! My laptop is set up on my kitchen counter and I work in peace and solitude, with nobody but the pups around to distract me. 

My woodstove is still going, keeping the house warm and cozy on this blustery spring day. The snow is falling heavily at the moment, and whirling around in crazy wind gusts, which are rattling the windows. In like a lion, out like a lamb, right? I sure feel sorry for the spring birds that have already begun to make their way back up North!


As I write this, Monkey is snoring softly in her chair in front of the fire, and Molly is curled up in a little ball on the back of Monkey's chair. They are probably very confused and don't understand why Mommy is home so often these days. It means many more trips outside to do their business or chase squirrels....and many more treats, as they get one every time they come back inside. Spoiled little angels! 

I had already started clearing garden beds before this snow arrived, and will get back to it once the snow melts again. It felt good to be back out in the fresh air, with the birdsong and smell of fresh earth surrounding me.  I'm anxious to get everything cleaned up and ready for spring, but the weather is against me, sadly.  When the sunshine returns, I'll grab snatches of time on my lunch break to spend in the garden, doing what I can with this bonus time at home. 

But, for now, I shall have to focus my energies on my seedlings and transplants, and try to get them good and strong for when winter finally releases its hold on the mountain top, and I can start moving some plants outdoors. 


The first of the bulbs I forced indoors has bloomed, and I'm delighted to see this tiny ray of sunshine in my kitchen window to brighten the gloomiest of days. 


And in the evenings, after the washing up is done, it's time to snuggle up by the fire with my sweet pups and be thankful for this warm and comfortable place I call home. My haven in this crazy world. 

Be safe, my friend, and be well. 

Hugs from home - xo 

51 comments:

  1. It is a scary time now. Our state just called for a shut down. Sometimes I can't believe what is happening. I pray that this ends soon.

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    1. It all seems a little surreal, doesn't it? It's crazy to me that it has hit the mountain top, but I guess with all the tourists we get up here during ski season it makes sense. Be safe, stay in, and be well, Betty xo

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  2. You have such a sweet, cozy place to be distancing yourself in! Well done, already being out in your gardens / beds. I didn't get that far, and of course, now everything is covered in snow. Take care. -Jenn

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    1. Spring cleanup is such an overwhelming task each year, Jenn - I figured if I took an hour each day during my week of working at home, that would give me a good headstart! And it did, but there's still sooooooooooo much left to do - you know how it is. I'm getting older, I can't spend the entire day in the garden any more, I need to do it in dribs and drabs. Lord only knows how long this snow will stick around....I guess it depends on what we actually end up with. I've seen everything from 3 - 12 inches expected....hope it's 3!! Be well my friend xo

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  3. It is a scary time for sure. Today it is raining and gloomy here. I am making homemade bread and homemade chicken noodle soup. I just ordered some groceries online from one of the chain grocery stores here. They shop for you and you drive up to an express lane. They even put the groceries in your car for you, so you don't have contact with anyone. This is the first time I have tried this service. Our groceries will be ready at 1PM on Thursday. You had to schedule a time and the earliest spot was Thursday.

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    1. Wow, Penny, that really tells it all, doesn't it? The earliest time was Thursday??? What a great service though. We don't have that up here on the mountain top, but I do tend to order dry goods and paper/cleaning products regularly from Walmart to be delivered - what a blessing that is, the prices at our little market are ridiculous for that stuff. I'm well stocked, so I don't anticipate having to go out any time soon...thank God I'm such a food hoarder, it's really paying off now!

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    2. Such a cozy hideaway you have! We have a small amount of snow on the ground here on the Island but sunshine. I am thankful for my tablet and Kindle. I made a fresh! Seafood chowder so we, too, are comfy, cozy and well fed.💖

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    3. I'm planning on making a pot of broccoli cheese soup and cornbread for our dinner this evening, Susan - I guess we are on the same page!!

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  4. Oh how I long for warm days so that I can get outside and enjoy it. I want to sit on my porch and read. I want to lounge all day and enjoy the peace and quiet of the outdoors early morning when all I hear are the chickens and other farm animals.

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    1. That sounds like pure heaven, Carol! I miss having chickens, they were such wonderful little companions, clucking about the garden.

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  5. Glad you are able to work from home in your cozy space! I'm sure the pups are so glad to have you at home FT right now. xoxo

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    1. They're getting even more spoiled than they were before, Melanie! I have to let them out just a few minutes before each conference or video call so they won't be barking during the call....our calls are always an hour and that seems to be about as long as Monkey will go before bugging me to get out again!

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  6. Hi Debbie, I know it has been way too long since I paid your sweet home here a visit. I am glad to hear that you are able to work from home, where you are much safer. Our state called for a lockdown also, but they so nicely phrased it as "Stay Home Stay Safe" as to not freak people out as badly. My hubby has been preparing the garden beds for me and I am hoping to get out there this week and get the peas, lettuce, and spinach in. I did try to start some tomatoes in the hot tub area so we shall see how that works out. I am glad I bought all of my seeds ahead of time. I have been following this virus since it roared it's ugly head in China, so I have been preparing over the past few months. Take care my friend!

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    1. You're a smart woman, Debbie, and I know you're like me and keep your pantry and freezer well stocked. Stay home and stay safe, that's the best advice!

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  7. Doing much the same here, but without the snow. We are getting a lot of rain today with a chance of some flooding in low lying areas. Up on our mountain, we are snug and safe, only venturing out like you for essentials and armed with disinfectant wipes. I need to do some garden clean up and harden off my seedling starts, hoping for a good harvest of tomatoes and squash this year.

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    1. I haven't started my tomatoes yet, Carole - I need to go through my stash of seeds and see what needs to go in next. That might be a project for later today!

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  8. Yes, it is scary times. We still have a few store open but all businesses are closed. They shut down the hair and nail salon yesterday. I’m glad I do not have a high maintenance hair style or color.
    It get my gray cover up from Revlon. Haha.
    We plan to head to the beach this weekend where they just announced that we cant be in groups over 3 people!
    Hang in there.
    Lisa

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    1. Wow, no groups over 3 people Lisa??? Holy smokes!! We had a few restaurants that were hanging on, offering takeout where they would deliver the meal to your car, but they announced this morning that they are closing also. We have 6 confirmed cases in the area at this point, which is simply terrifying....we have so many second homes and these folks are bringing their virus up from the city to convalesce up here....I really hope and pray they stay in their homes and not be infecting our little tiny supermarket!!

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  9. I just love visiting your home! The fur babies are loving having you there. Good for you, keeping supplies ahead. There are a lot of remote places which would not be eligible for grocery delivery. I called my 87 year old sister-in-law (who lives out in the country) to see how she is but she apparently is having some memory and cognitive issues and I don't think she's aware of what is going on. Fortunately her son lives across the street. I would encourage folks to pray for this country and for all the folks affected by this horrible virus.

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    1. Prayers are surely needed now more than ever, Donna - and folks need to make smart decisions to lower their risk of contracting or carrying the virus. I had someone leave the nastiest comment on this post yesterday, I nearly posted it just so I could chew him out, but chose the higher ground and marked it as spam. But basically he said we're all nuts and creating a problem where this is none. Clearly he never turns on the TV to watch the news and see that people are dying all over the world from this virus! Stay safe, my friend. xo

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  10. We are certainly living in a scary time but it is wonderful to have our homes to be safe and secure in. I have taken Buddy for a walk everyday just to get out and have a little fresh air. Helps me get up and moving and not eating all day!!!! We are all in this together and the good news is it is not forever. Patience is the name of the game and hoping all these safe guards in place will help our numbers stay down until this virus runs it course. Stay safe and enjoy cuddles with your fur babies. They make this so much more tolerable.

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    1. They really do, Kris - the babies make everything better! I should get out and walk with them every day, but instead I'm trying to tackle tasks every day I'm home, to cross some items off my very long to-do list! Plus, it's just cold and rotten out there right now.....I'm longing for sunshine and blue skies!

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  11. I just got back from the Woodward Park Garden Center. Purchased some plants online from them and they scheduled the pick up times 15 minutes apart for each person. I just pulled up and they put my plants in the back of my SUV.
    Brenda

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    1. That's awesome Brenda! I went to Lowe's the other day, I needed some items....I went with my sanitizing wipes, wiping down everything I touched, and I carried the items in my arms, didn't even want to use the cart! They had pansies and I was so tempted to buy some but since we were due for a snowstorm I talked myself out of them....plus I have so many seeds started myself, I don't need to spend $20 for one pot of pansies!

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  12. It is always nice to get these lovely, peaceful glimpses into your home. Glad you are able to work from home also. Snow? Yikes. I've got the a.c. on. ;-) Be well, stay safe ~ Love, hugs and prayers ~ FlowerLady

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    1. Oh that's funny, Lorraine - you have the A/C on and I'm sitting here in two sweatshirts and I'm still cold!!! Enjoy your peaceful gardens and plum cottage and stay safe!

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  13. I can't believe you got snow after you cleaned up a bit outside. Our pups aren't sure why daddy is around so much either. They are happy he's here though.

    I'm staying creative and for me being home during the week is nothing new. I can't drive with my MS anymore.

    Just happy my husband doesn't have to go to the City which is germ central.

    Stay well

    Cindy

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    1. That's wonderful, Cindy - it's such a blessing in this day and age that we have the ability to work from home! I'm enjoying this break to my normal routine, even though the reason for the break is downright scary. Be safe and be well!!

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  14. Happy to hear from you, Debbie, and that you are well. We are doing okay too, fewer cases in our state (only 20 confirmed), but still being very vigilant about social distancing, since March 13. New details each day seem to make the virus a moving target as far as pinpointing its exact capabilities for spreading, and we're all only as good as the weakest link when it comes to being compliant, so I sure everyone heeds the calls!

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    1. That's it, we can only do what we can do, Rita, and if some folks do not comply that could start a whole chain reaction. I feel for those folks working in healthcare and worry for their safety - no doubt they are taking extra precautions but still, such a scare!!

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  15. Hi Debbie :) I've seen your comments on several of the blogs I read and wanted to stop by to say hello and to follow you. :) You have a beautiful home, I LOVE your kettle. Enjoy your time working from home, it's a blessing not to have to leave the furbabes! We got a dump of snow here too yesterday...I keep rolling my eyes at Mother Nature...enough already I want spring!! :) Your flower is so beautiful and what a brilliant colour! I don't work and my hubby works from home so we are fortunate that we rarely have to leave the house. We are natural hermits anyway, so life is going on as usual for us! Take care!! :)

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    1. Hi Rain, and welcome!!!! I'm always delighted to 'meet' new blog friends, and I think during this time of self isolation it's even more of a blessing than ever to have so many wonderful self-minded people to call friends. Your hubby is lucky to work from home on a regular basis, it truly is one of the best things about this digital age! Stay safe and well, and I hope you'll pop back in soon!

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  16. Your home is just beautiful. You are an amazing decorator. I love beautifully decorated rooms, but rooms you can also snuggle up and feel warm and cozy in. Can't believe you are getting more snow. It may look sunny and warm here but actually we have had mostly cloudy dreary days. It has been cloudy, misting rain, and in the 50's today. Glad you can work at home these days. Stay safe. Scary times for sure.

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    1. Awww thanks Henny, what a sweet thing to say!!! My decorating style is most definitely COZY!! Perhaps Eclectic Cottage Cozy may be the best way to describe it? I don't go with fads, I can't afford to swap things out every time a new fad hits the markets! I would much rather surround myself with things I love, that have been gathered over time. Be safe, Henny!

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  17. Totally crazy times, indeed. Your home is the perfect place to hunker down. It's always, always so cozy, warm and welcoming. It's easy to see why you love it so much. And Monkey softly snoring...ha...you made me giggle out loud with that line. Thanks for that adorable little image. A good laugh is worth its weight in gold these days. Safe safe my friend. Hugs!

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    1. A good laugh is totally necessary these days, Kim!! I hope all is well with you - I'm sure the girls had to cancel some of their gigs, that must be tough for them - sending you virtual hugs from the mountain top my friend! xo

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  18. Stopped in to see how you're doing up there! Glad you're ok and your sweet little fur babies too. Love all the pictures but the last one is my favorite....the peaceful black outside and inside...warmth and safety, the glow of familiar lights and sounds, and a pretty clean sink! So so glad you are able to work at home, back in the "old days" that just wasn't possible. Take care and stay healthy! Hugs

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    1. You're so right, Debbi, and I feel so fortunate that we live in this digital age that makes it possible for me to sit at my kitchen counter and work from home!

      Be well, my friend - xo

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  19. I always enjoy looking at pictures of your cozy home. I'm doing fine here, well supplied with all of the basic needs, plus lots of gin and chocolate. ;-)

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    1. Ha ha, same here except it's not warm enough for gin yet....but lots of vodka, bourbon, and wine....plus chocolate....is stocked up!!

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  20. Fine post you have written here and enjoyed the read. I think I shall wrap some lights around my kitchen window. I like the warm glow they give.
    stay safe and well, Betsy

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    1. I adore the warm glow of twinkle lights - just remember to get the ones that plug in, as the battery operated ones require replacing batteries about once a week!

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  21. The time is sad around whole world.We(Czech Republic-Europe)have closed all schools.The scholl-pupil learn with Televizion(some hours at day with excelent teachers)I was not out whole month now.I like to walk a little.But my imune system is out after chemotherapies.I wish you a power for this days.
    Best wishes Eva

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    1. Eva, you are very wise to stay home at this time....with a compromised immune system you cannot be too careful. Stay well, and stay safe....and thank you for your visit!

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    2. Debbie,many,many thanks for your answering.The world is so little for all friendships.
      Eva

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  22. Debbie, I'm sorry to hear that your small community has confirmed cases too. You are so smart to stay home and stay safe. Staying home is a lot easier when you love your home so much and have so many fun hobbies. I've been getting a head start on my gardening this year, and on some deep cleaning (although more reluctantly on the cleaning, ha ha). Our new cat is pretty happy to have us around all the time - at least I think he is! Take care.

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    1. I'm pretty reluctant on the cleaning as well, Heidi, although I had all good intentions when I first heard of working from home! I do try to take an hour a day if I can to accomplish something perhaps I wouldn't be able to if I was at work, but to be honest even working from home has been quite busy....with all the weddings and group events being affected, that makes my job pretty stressful right now...prayers that this crisis will start to wind down soon, what a crazy scary time it has been around the world!

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  23. Happy Mother's Day Debbie my friend and MAY THE SNOWS stopppppppppppppppp flying and the SPRINGTIME with it's warm breezes, bright sunshine AND BLOOMING FLOWERS come roaring onto your mountain very very soon!

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    1. Thank you my sweet friend!! I could sure use some spring weather for a change - it's been another miserable day today!!

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  24. Your place is so sweet and cozy. Have not visited here in quite awhile as I keep my computer time to a minimum these days.. Like you I await a full on change of seasons. I feel like were in a never ending winter this year. I also spend lots of time in front of the fireplace with dogs cuddled up to my side. I am super done with winter type weather and hope and yearn for a full on HOT summer this year. Blessings.

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    1. I think we might be over winter at this point, Tonita....looks like spring might be here to stay now and I couldn't be happier!!!! The nights are still dipping into the 30's but as long as they stay above freezing I'm ok with that....for now!

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