3/18 to 3/30/2020. It’s hard to believe that it’s been less than two weeks since Part 1 ended. It appears that some of us are really enjoying being able to connect in a way we haven’t before. I’ve also included a break to visit your favorite work of art during this compilation.

3/18/2020 – 10:00 pm. Hi, everyone. Welcome to Phase 2 of our pandemic. I left watching telly at noon today because I couldn’t stand any more of pompous Trump the Pathetic. After two months of inaction on his part, I am sick inside as situations deteriorate and I have to watch him strutting about in glee over the “successful” measures he thinks he has taken.
Even though I am disgusted with our President, I have won the battle with the MHC website. Our coronavirus comments over the past weeks are now posted on the web under the heading, “Supporting Each Other as we Age: Coronavirus;” and you’ll also find Bette’s poem for all to enjoy. It was gratifying to work uninterruptedly.
I know some people are bored, and I sympathize with them. For me, I’m amazed that I’m finding it wonderful to be able to work without having to get up to go somewhere or do something. Bryan, too, is happy to have time to do things that he never has time to do, and spring is bursting forth here in the mid-Atlantic (Ed note: Annapolis, MD.) He has been tackling all sorts of tasks to improve our house — one closet at a time. I think I’m probably not alone in being grateful for more unscheduled time in my day. My son called this morning to ask me if I’m bored yet. I laughed, but I am sad that he sounded bored.
I am uplifted by the unifying attitudes that surround us. I love the Italians singing and dancing from their balconies. I love the people who are helping their old neighbors. I love the people leaving HUGE tips for the wait staff at restaurants and cafes. I am excited about the virtual choirs/choruses that are forming everywhere. Our church choir director is putting together something for us online, and I can’t wait. I’ve always dreamt of a virtual choir. I invite each of you to write us a poem or short story, tell us what you’re doing, tell us about the good deeds of others, paint for us, review a book, send a favorite recipe, send a photo of something you love, create for us, give us music of any sort. The website welcomes you and your accomplishments as do the rest of us. I’d love to see it grow. We all have a lot of time.
Right now Bryan and I are glad that we have not yet moved into a retirement community. We are on a wait list, but I think we’ll maybe stay put for awhile and see what happens. One has to wonder what our finances will be a year from now.
I’m thinking of you all a lot. We are all connected, and we are important to each other. So let’s stay in touch. The road ahead is rocky.
Love and hugs, Liz Hottel Barrett (aka Liz Webfoot)

3/19/2020 – 12:48pm. Great letter, Liz. I love the community spirit that has arisen from this crisis. Not that I wish it on the world, but while it’s here…
Sue Wheatley Carr

3/19/2020 – 1:00 pm. What an uplifting message from our website. My nextdoor neighbors just brought me groceries from my list. They had to go to 2 stores for eggs, milk and bread so I can have French toast all the time. Jennifer B-C Seaver

3/19/2020 – 11:00 am. Hello all. I just received this and felt if would be general interest. (link MHC Response March 2020). I’ve read with great interest all your stories of coping. We snuck in a short visit to young grandchildren in Katonah NY (bringing cartons of gifts for birthdays in April and a load of toilet paper they requested) before tucking in here in Maine. Ella and Sawyer are following a set routine, ticking off a chart of hour by hour activities organized by their parents, a mix of schoolwork (their schools look to be shut for the rest of this season) and fun and backyard exercise. One of our birthday gifts to Sawyer, 5 on March 9, was a soccer set up, something chosen long before the crisis evolved, a happy accident.
Somehow something good comes out of everything, like this imposed time to reflect on lifestyle choices, to reach out to folks, at least electronically, and to discover small joys each day. Life is still good, so very precious. All the best to each of you, Elsa Anderson van Bergen

3/19/2020 – 12:18 pm. Our quarantined granddaughter is still fever free – so thankful! I send her candy, books and photographs of alligators, turtles and local birds every day – almost embarrassed to admit that I’ve discovered a new teacher who doesn’t over charge and am having so much fun at her daily clinics – hoping all are doing as well as are we, husband Rob addressing the serious stuff here. amy laidlaw

3/19/2020 – 1:42 pm. Thanks, Lis. Great letter and thanks for all your hard work in keeping us together. No, I am not bored, yet. Lots of books to catch up, files to sort not, paper and electronic, curtains to make for our place in Maine, letters to write, friends to call, etc. One fun note from our CCRC. On Saturday we are planning a balcony to balcony sing, maybe in Italian or not. Marian

3/19/2020 – 2:24pm. Hi. The fledgling MHC alum group in Indianapolis had been planning a spring outing, and along with the email that the outing was cancelled, the organizers attached this picture from our gathering last fall. Sitting to my left is Connie Wooldridge, ‘62, who lives in my sr. Community also. I forget her maiden name. Anyway, it was an interesting gathering! We were way older than anyone else there and felt kinda weird, tho everyone was super nice. But wow, the students look a lot less homogeneous now than in 1961!!

SarahSally Stearns Gipson

3/19/2020 – 2:04 pm. Don’t know if you all know this, but Sue and Marion and I go way back to Camp Se-Sa-Ma-Ca (as Wheats and Muffy and Lis) before MHC. Thank you, Wheats and Muff, for your kind words. They mean a lot to me, and I love you both.
Today all the “kids” swarming on Florida beaches have made me upset. If you have heard or read any of their comments, I’m happy to be old and kind. We know how to enjoy ourselves and also care for each other. From one spoiled brat: “If I get Corona, I get Corona. At the end of the day I’m not gonna let it stop me from partying.” That is a sad commentary on our young people. It’s disgraceful that the Governor of Florida hasn’t closed all the beaches. I’m sure he or she wants to wait until after spring break. Thanks a lot from all of us old folks.
We know that we need to smile every day. Here’s a winner from a kid answering the question, “How did dinosaurs become extinct?” I am definitely putting it on the web site, but you’ll have to go there to “share a laugh” and smile. Cheers and hugs, Liz Webfoot

3/19/2020 – 2:35 pm. Is a wonderful letter Liz. As one of the “unbowed” I empathize out the joys of unscheduled time – normally the two of lazy old retired people need to up and out shortly after 7:30 almost every day – amy (not bored but certainly over sharing – sure you all can’t wait to get the Alligator photos!

3/19/2020 – 2:44 pm. Thanks Liz for everything you do to keep the connections of the class of 1961. Bette

3/19/2020 – 2:47 pm. So happy to hear you have been able to get up and running on our website! Congratulations and thank you so much! Look forward to reading about dinosaurs on the website!
My daughter and granddaughter just stopped by for a 6 foot apart visit on the porch. Wonderful to see them though I think the news is pretty dire. She also arranged for one of her employees to do my shopping and they were able to get almost everything on my list. At least I am well supplied with a case of wine!
I agree, Liz, that those irresponsible kids in Florida make me nuts! Hopefully they won’t have to pay the price for their foolishness, but I imagine some of them will!
My granddaughter reports that her teacher sends out an assignment every day but they don’t expect to reopen the schools until the fall.
My best wishes to you all. Please stay healthy! I too find it hard to accept that we are far into the endangered age! At least I don’t feel it! Cheers Kim

3/19/2020 – 3:16 pm. Me too, Bette! I’ve ordered The Lotus and the Storm a novel about Vietnamese family experience. My son Geoff has lived in Saigon (easier to write than Ho Chi Min City but maybe I could abbreviate to HCMC) and for several years lived with Khanh, who still prepares my taxes. And the book is next MHC Alum read. I didn’t enjoy the format for participating in a group discussion last time but maybe I’ll try it again. And I’m hoping maybe some of you will share reading it with me during our extended isolation.
Dottie Smith Mann

3/19/2020 — 10:46 am. I tried sending a reply to this yesterday Liz, but it bounced back. Don’t know why. But I wanted you to know that I think your letter is terrific and very uplifting – at least, for me. Liz Thornton

3/19/2020 – 2:53 pm. Pompus Potus Pathetic! Jennifer B-C Seaver

3/20/2020 – 11:35 am. Perfect, Jennifer! Just like his phone call. He is pitiful. Though I am so angry at him for losing so much time for our country in this pandemic, I do not pity him at all. I choose to no longer watch him.
On the good side though so many people are helping others whenever they can, from health care workers to teachers to grocery stores and restaurants having drive bys. We are back in Michigan and so many of our greatest restaurants are doing that! So smart(for them) and great for us! Keep looking on the good side everyone! Best of health to all. Betsy

3/20/2020 – 12:50 pm. I just ordered the Lotus and the Storm, the mount Holyoke alumni book club next read. Maybe some of you will want to read it and discuss among ourselves, even if the book club format doesn’t serve.
My garden has never had so much attention. And I’ve never walked so much. Even back in pool (briefly) before mid April.
Thanks Kim for mentioning visit on patio with loved family members. 17 yr old Dylan tells me he’s on his way over!!
So many good people in our country as Betsy observed. Too bad one of THEM isn’t president. Love y’all, Dottie

3/24/2020 — 1:00 pm. Here’s a link to a valuable handwashing video that shows how it is best done to cover every possible area of the hands and wrists — and what we are likely to miss if we wash as we usually do. Judy Marshall Kennedy
[https://twitter.com/i/status/1241156722334588928] • Judy thanks! i thought I was doing a good job, but i now realize I was not getting my thumbs and the ends of my fingers…and my wrist! Keep safe! Betsy
• Thanks, Judy. I am definitely not being thorough enough. Barbara Hartt Hise
• Thanks, Judy. I was being thorough enough — enough to wash off all my skin several times a day. Usually we are not going anywhere and have no contact with anyone. We can still laugh about something! xxx Liz Webfoot
• Thanks Judy. Excellent and I’ve passed it on. Liz T

3/26/2020 – 4:39 pm. Please take this seriously. It will do wonders for your mental health. (Editor: Sorry, this is the funniest mp4, and I’ll keep trying to figure out how to include it.) Much Love, Susan Griffen Meeker

3/27/2020 – 4:24 pm. Donald Trump goes on a fact-finding visit to Israel. While he is on a tour of Jerusalem he suffers a heart attack and dies. The undertaker tells the American diplomats accompanying him,”You can have him shipped home for $50,000, or you can bury him here, in the Holy Land, for just $100.” The American diplomats go into a corner to discuss for a few minutes. They return with their answer to the undertaker and tell him they want Donald Trump shipped home. The undertaker is puzzled and asks, “Why would you spend $50,000 to ship him home, when it would be wonderful to be buried here and you would spend only $100?” The American diplomats reply, “Long ago a man died here, was buried here, and three days later he rose from the dead. We just can’t take the risk.” Marty Mulloy (Editor: I’ve put this on the website.)

3/27/20 – 1:08 pm. Thank you – we all need the humor! Amy L

3/27/20 – 1:16 pm. I forwarded this to the priest who was going to take a group on a Pilgrimage to the Holy Land led by the Episcopal Bishop of Pennsylvania.
Jennifer Bagster-Collins Seaver

3/27/20 – 1:46 pm. That’s really good! I wish we could send him somewhere however. Who would take him? Russia maybe? Betsy

3/28/20 – 10:05 pm. So we’ve had a little scare, although I fully believe there is no scare that can be called “little” these days. I’m sure that you, like we, feel pretty much like sitting ducks.
Friday early afternoon, I was exhausted from just trying to plant one damn rose bush. Digging a very large hole — I’m guessing 16″ across — was a bear. After only an hour and a half, I came in exhausted, ate lunch, and did absolutely nothing that afternoon. By early evening, I realized that I was still hot and my hair still wet and then realized that my hair had been wet off and on for a couple of days, especially at night. You guessed it. I took my temperature, and it was high, 100.8 degrees. I know that’s not terribly high, but my normal temperature is low.
My PA (Patient Advocate, that would be Bryan) leapt into high gear. I called the doctor’s office, told them, and they said I needed to call to schedule a video medical appt. Of course it was Friday night and I kind of thought I was out of luck.
Saturday morning, “we” took my temperature again and it had gone down some. (Bryan is the most hilarious nurse.) But at 8:15 Saturday morning, a scheduler called and said I had a video medical appt scheduled for 9:40. I said I probably didn’t need it, but she said I might feel better talking with a doctor. That made good sense. So by 9:50 I felt a whole lot better and now know better what to look out for.
I was hugely impressed with the speed and efficiency of that contact, and I am sure that our lives with our doctors will be a whole lot different in the future.
I also think we are sometimes afraid to voice our uncertainties for fear of sounding too soft. We don’t even want to admit that to ourselves. It is so easy for us to be psyched out!
We’re picking up a delivery at WholeFoods tomorrow. They will deliver them to our trunk, and we’ll leave the bags in the car for a day or two to allow any virus to die (after about 24 hours.)
Hugs to all of you xxx Liz Webfoot

3/29/20 – 7:50 am. Liz, What a great report: scary but with a happy ending! Also interesting and informative, especially the part about the transformation in doctor/ patient modes of communication , post pandemic. New normals abound in our brave new world! Hugs to all and STAY SAFE.
Barbara (Williamson) Bucholtz.

3/29/20 – 8:27. That is scarey, Liz. Glad to hear that apparently you are all right. Thanks so much for sharing it in detail with us, as I’ve been wondering if any of us have been diagnosed with Covid-19 yet, or know someone who has. In the next few weeks, I think that that will be pretty inevitable. As always, it will be a good time to learn from each other, although given the circumstances, I wish it were not so.
Are any of you wearing masks, or making them for yourselves or others in your community? We are about to do that here at our house — and I see from an email announcement that the “PussyHat Gang” is gearing up again, this time to make “Masks for Humanity” countrywide.
Also, someone sent me a 40 minute video by the top coronavirus doc at Weill Cornell Medical Center in NYC about “how not to get infected” and his advice was simple and twofold, i.e. 1) Wash your hands all day long, and 2) Learn not to touch your face. But he was quick to say that #1 was far easier to remember and do, than #2. To remind yourself to not touch your face, he recommended that when you went out for groceries or a walk, wear a mask or even just a bandanna — not to protect yourself or others from any airborne virus (as it is very rare that one would get the virus that way) but to remind yourself not to touch your face until you got home and washed your hands — an interesting approach, I thought. The video is long but worth viewing. So, here’s a link — double click to take a look. Watch video.

3/29/20 – 9:47. I hope Liz feels better now. I just watched a YouTube video of a doctor who talks about bringing food home from the grocery store and/or hot food from a take-out. It’s worth looking at. Jennifer B-C Seaver

3/29/20 – 9:50. I’d like to add my thanks to Liz both for her health and for her keeping us connected. Thanks, too, to Carol Benson, who got us all connected in the first place.

Today it is rainy and gloomy
But, thanks to Susan, my roomie
We do keep in touch
It helps me so much
We’ll get thru this later or soonie (sorry, tis the best I can do)
Marian
(Editor’s comment: I love this poem.)

3/29/20 – 11:20 am. Marian, Ditto about Liz and Carol. And love your poemno apologies warranted! Let’s hope for “soonie”. Sue Wheatley Carr

3/29/20—11:29 am. Marian, I too love your poem for we need all the love and wisdom we can gather during these times. Virtual hugs to all, Ding

3/29/20 – 12:03 pm. Yikes, Liz! I can imagine your PA in full action. Nevertheless, what a scary 24 hours! Thank goodness for your conversation with your Doc; it’s reassuring to know you found it useful. And, I’m sure the rose bush appreciates your efforts! Stay well everyone!~Bobbi

3/29/20 – 12:08 pm. I saw that video last night – it is terrific -straight facts, easy to remember the basics, as you have cited them. It is hard not to touch your face catch myself doing it all the time, and think I should look around the house for a bandanna. We are doing well – making use of Zoom for family, friends, and even our Quaker meeting – silent meeting online must be something to see for people not used to it! Love the poem, Marian. Good to hear from you all – we’ll get through this, I hope with all of us still well. Greetings to you all, Dee

3/29/20 – 12:47 pm. We had a wonderful Zoom experience yesterday with our entire family for my birthday, grandchildren and all. We talked for about an hour. It was so cool. One family had a Happy Birthday sign across the ceiling in back of them. We felt so close to all of them, whom we have not seen since we got home from Florida ten days ago. We decided to try to do it every Saturday! Thank goodness for technology in this really scary and unusual time. I highly recommend it! Betsy

3/29/20 – 12:54 pm. Liz -just glad you paid attention and are alright – our grandaughter in New Haven, Ct. has just been released from required 2 week quarantine after have symptoms similar to yours. 12:56, not a crafter but have a friend who’s just made 30 masks for her family but is having a hard time finding more elastic – amy

3/29/20 – 1:05 pm. Belated Happy Birthday, Betsy! Your Zoom visit sounds great (though I must admit, I HATE seeing what I look like on the screen!) Thanks for your poem Marian and thanks, Liz, for describing your scary experience. So glad it turned out all right.
I do know 2 people here who have/had the virus but they are recovering. I saw them in a meeting about a month ago so fortunately didn’t pick anything up. The wife described the ups and downs of how she felt — thinking she was almost well and then it socking her back, so it definitely is no fun. Our local count has gone from 26 to 66 in 2 days.
I think this is the video that Jennifer referred to. (Watch the 13+minute one — the first one.)
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCldCyQOF-hwkVXEsF5-oRFg
A friend sent it to me yesterday and I found it so depressing! I think if I have to wash each orange for 20 seconds, you can wheel me off to the looney bin! Are any of you going to these lengths? I do wash my hands all the time and really hardly see anyone except a couple of friends who occasionally walk by and stop 8 feet away for short visits. My daughter and grandchildren also stop by for outdoor short visits (I’m so grateful!) and have brought me groceries once — second one scheduled for tomorrow. I’m almost out of wipes so probably don’t use them as often as I should! My daughter and her ex are wrangling over visiting vs quarantine which is difficult but so far everyone is fine.
I find it amazing that each day looms long in front of me and yet I don’t get very much done! I do make myself exercise every day and wash my dishes at night and try to do at least one constructive thing every day! Watching too much news and too many Hallmark movies as an antidote! Thinking of you all and so appreciate this opportunity to keep in touch. Stay healthy and safe! Kim

3/29/20 – 2:43 pm. DITTO—DITTO—DITTO. YOU are a super poet, Marian, keep those rhymes coming!! XOXOXO Babbie Miller

3/29/20 – 3:19 pm. Okay, so while you were all emailing back and forth this morning, I was improving my mental health and physical well-being by going to virtual church. Like most churches now, it is all 100% remote. It was totally fun, including some good questions and discussions. Too bad the choir director/pianist had only his phone for transmission.
I’ve been assigned a buddy to keep in touch with, and I adore her. Fun!
In answer to Babbie’s questions: Other signs that I might keep a lookout for are: pink eye (which I have mildly), cough (we all cough), headaches (which I’ve been having), difficulty breathing, sore throat and exhaustion. It’s just important to keep it all in perspective and not get psyched out. I promised myself to try not to read too much into anything. I envy Kim her exercise routines — I don’t exercise enough.
We went to pick up our WholeFoods order. By the time it was in the trunk, I could feel that my blood pressure was elevated and my temperature risen. It was all too stressful. When Bryan got out of the car to ask the guy something, I screamed, “Get back in the car!” and then was mortified. We left the groceries in the car until tomorrow, took off our outer layer of clothes, put on new, and washed. Overkill? Who knows. I don’t want to do it again.
Bobbi, you are one of few who really can imagine Bryan as head nurse — what a laugh, but I am so lucky to have him. I am still smiling at Marion’s poem and Sue’s response. Now you can understand why we three had so much fun at Camp Se-Sa-Ma-Ca; and we’re still waiting to become grown-ups. Hugs to you all, Liz Webfoot

3/29/20 – 10:41. Happy Birthday, Betsy! Glad you were able to celebrate in a virtual way!! Wishing all of us good health and fortitude! We are doing OK here except that I’ve got a toothache and am debating whether to call my dentist. So far it’s manageable with Tylenol. Don’t want to go anywhere! Hang tight, all! SarahSally Stearns Gipson

3/29/20 — 11:38am. Find myself nodding yes to Kim‘s description of days these days. I live in a community of 50 freestanding small homes inside a wall with a 4 acre park to walk in next to the Hillsboro River.The daily walks usually include chats with others, a greatly appreciated blessing of this community. Six of us comprise the Winey Widows. Usually we meet at five on Tuesdays but I had reservations so didn’t attend the last two weeks. This week, we’re going to try meeting out of doors, keeping the social distance of course. No, we are not whining. Nor are we windy. Well, maybe a little long winded sometimes. Seldom does talk turn to our spouses except in a lovely natural way with no need for “poor you’s.” We all understand. Right now we especially understand doing “stop the spread” alone.
And my college sisters are no farther than my cellphone. What riches our memories share!! (Well, until they temporarily fail us.)
Yes Kim I too write assignments for the day. 2 walks. Yoga. Grocery trip if coast is clear. The university Publix is pretty quiet these days. Made Blondies for kids the other day. We had a cookout Saturday with me on one side of the porch and they on the other. 17 year old Dylan is special. Said he’s an introvert and can do social isolation as can most of his nerdy friends. Girl friend is harder.
Ok time to eat. Thanks for being there. Dottie Smith Mann

3/30/20 — Dottie, I remember your beautiful park, indeed very special. We have a nice man-made Park very near us (as well as a really large dog park but alas, no dog any more…) and lots of other places to walk. It is finally looking hopeful for the weather getting warm enough to get out. I’ve worked in our little gardens a couple of times with NO back pain—couldn’t do that last year but now can with my nerve stimulator implant. Small miracles. I am truly a shrinking woman, having lost 5 inches in height due to late onset scoliosis and spinal stenosis. I don’t enjoy being so short, not to mention all bent over.
OK I’m going to confess that I use an app, have for several years now, that I really enjoy—although I get lots of eye rolling from my family. My granddaughter started me on it but she has long since outgrown it…it’s called a HayDay; I manage a large farm. Does anyone else happen to play that? One of the neat things is that our “neighborhood” is made up of people from all over the world, and I’ve made friends with a few of them. Anyway, now you know my silly pleasure! Playing that and a couple of other games too much just now… I really am grateful for our chat group! SarahSally Stearns Gipson

3/30/20 – 1:26 pm. OK. Now that we’re confessing, my addiction to Words With Friends has gotten much worse lately. How many ways can we find to put off doing the many things that have been waiting for days like these? Knowing there will be so many more days like them is not a motivator.
I take my 3 mile walk every morning and swim about 30 min. Still play golf a few times a week. Then I have plenty of time to do the projects I am so disinclined to do. I’m reading a lot and, shamefully, wasting a lot of time.
A good friend in our community of 800 homes has the virus as does one other person here. They’re both doing well and at home, but it brings it mighty close.
Sarah, so glad that your back is well enough for you to do some yard work.
Be careful everyone and stay well. Barbara Hartt Hise

3/30/20 – 1:49 pm. Sally, I have just read your email, and I am both stunned and saddened. I don’t remember your being tall at all, but no one can afford to lose 5 inches. I also didn’t know anything about your nerve stimulator implant, but if it is keeping your pain at bay, it must be miraculous. Thank you for sharing all of that with us. It is interesting, and I’m wondering how much this condition detracts from your life. Hunched over certainly can’t be fun, but are you able to do most things other than gardening?
I think I am stunned today because I am feeling so much better than usual. I have finally gotten out on a beautiful day and taken a lovely two-mile walk, followed by intense gardening for a couple of hours. I am trying to work my way back to getting into decent shape after a much-too-long time of simply not doing anything, mostly all because of my shoulder, for about a year. I got used to Bryan doing everything, and so enough of that! I’m back on my feet, and beautiful weather is forecast for the next several days!
So I am feeling guilty about feeling good. I want you to be able to garden without being in pain. Know that I am thinking of you — and all the rest of you, my solitary confinement group. Hugs to everyone — Liz Webfoot

3/30/20 – 1:55 pm. Do I remember that you’re a master gardener Sarah? Oh, of course I do. You and Charles had five gorgeous acres, with a pond, near Evansville. Willow Pond. Aren’t you clever to think of using a farming app?
And great super news that the implant has had such good results for you! I’m always glad to hear of medical magic happening. It must surely be spring in Indy and what joy to get out.
Last but not least: I considered games very therapeutic. My favorite is solitaire online, where I am repeatedly reminded that we can’t always get what we want, but there’s always another chance to try. Love to all, Dottie Smith Mann

3/30/20 – 2:40pm. I, too, watched the video from the Cornell doctor. I began to realize while listening how often I was touching my face. From the time he first mentioned it until the end I touch my face more than 20 times. Got to thinking about it and realized I only use one hand to touch my face. Therefore I am only touch one side of my face and I don’t wanna wear a mask. I happen to have a lightweight gardening gloves – durable plastic I suppose –
I put that glove on when I went out and every time I reached up to my face I was reminded to put my hand back down. I am left-handed; I also noted that my right hand makes no effort to go to my face.
So I offer you my one glove alternative to a mask. Maggie Gat

3/30/20 – 3:06pm. Barbara, I hear you!! Same problem! I am spending vast amounts of time on line with friends and family as we find more and more ways to connect while my list of things to do languishes under a stack of books I plan to read! Some things are non-negotiable : three more weeks of teaching and committee meetings plus ongoing projects by the faculty to save the university from marauding commercial interests. Barbara ( Williamson) Bucholtz

3/30/20 – 3:19pm. Helpful as ever, Maggie. I am prompted to try a bandanna or scarf as I have some light weight ones. I have three zoom sessions. See if they know who I am!! Dottie Smith Mann

3/30/20 – 6:22pm. Hi Liz and all, Gosh, sorry, I didn’t mean to feel sorry for myself to my classmates. But I look like a bag lady or a munchkin. used to be 5’5″, now 5′, on a walker for anything but short distances. Between the spinal crap and the lung disease (bronchiectasis) I dont have a lot of energy but do try to do as much as I can, including water exercise with a fun class here on campus of my senior community, under normal circumstances. This group meets after drying off for visiting, coffee with Baileys, and snacks. I miss it! I can still sing but lack the volume I once had. Plenty of other things to do around here and we are near 4 of our 6 children and their families (3 mine, 3 his) so that is wonderful.
Anyway, I had some lovely hellebores delivered from a nearby nursery today and am hopeful for some sunny spring days. Sunshine is good for the soul! Hugs to all, SarahSallyStearns Gipson

3/30/20 – 8:43 pm. Am aware of the nerve implant as we have a neighbor, even older than we.! who has one He’s found a new life . I can empathize about what gardening does to bad backs, have also lost inches but nothing like you Sally and will spare all the results of MRI done Nearly 8 years ago, down time has inspired me to look up exercises given me during allowed physical therapy sessions and supposed to be done every day forever!! Tall order – amy L