Strange and Crazy Times

The scene 15 minutes after snow fell one morning

Has the threat of contracting the Covid-19 virus affected your life? We started the week with the time change, followed by closures because of Covid-19, followed by snow blanketing the yard, followed by Friday the 13th!

Yesterday, there were 36 known cases of people with the virus in Oregon. One person has died. In Washington, 607 people have the virus and 40 people have died.

Last Sunday, I was one of two trainers teaching a lifeguard instructor class. We started with 10 participants. We held day one of three training days. The other two days of classes were scheduled to be held next weekend. Within three days after the first class, the pool where we were teaching closed for two weeks and most area schools announced a two week closure beginning tomorrow. Additionally, a number of other pools, community centers and recreational districts closed too.  Some organizations closed for a month. Others closed for two weeks and then planned to re-evaluate. Care facilities closed their doors to visitors. Public libraries closed.

A number of businesses also closed. Some businesses increased their online presence. Other businesses tweaked their business plan and offered curbside take out for restaurants and curbside pick up for other shops; other businesses shared how they are sanitizing common areas. Grocery stores have empty shelves. Hand sanitizer, toilet paper, milk, formula, bread and meat are in short supply. There are long lines at the check out stands. Last night, a private source notified us that the supply chain may be disrupted starting Monday. If we need medications, food, and/or supplies, we should buy those supplies today.

Evening sunset colored sky

Our CCQ guild canceled the March general meeting and also canceled April quilt show. The show is rescheduled for Fall. It will be November 12-14, 2020. Please make the notation in your calendar. Many other shows were canceled until next year.  Our Mt. Hood guild canceled their stash bazaar.  Our book club canceled our monthly meeting. Most of us in the quilting community are in the higher risk category because of our age. We are being wise and staying home.

The governor of Oregon banned gatherings of 250 people or more and imposed a six foot space between people in work places and schools. Colleges moved to only online courses. Dorms closed. I am surprised that the airport, train station and mass transit facilities have remained open.

Two of my April classes canceled. One because the organization wouldn't be open to take registrations and the second canceled because the organization planned to remain closed for an additional two weeks which would be during the time the class was scheduled. That class was full.

I did complete a lifeguard review class of 7 participants and finished swimming lessons for 20 participants. I taught 15 participants in Healthcare CPR and have more classes scheduled before the end of the month. I'm teaching hospital employees. While they need to have current CPR certification to work, holding class is always on a day to day basis. That lifeguard instructor class has a rescheduled date option and a rescheduled site option. As trainers, we wouldn't want anyone to come to class that felt their safety was at risk. As for the participants returning, they will have different teaching skill topics so we can be six feet away from each other and remain safe. In the end, it will all work out!

Amanda, on the right, winner of the Hazel Bressie Spirit Award 2020
Sister, Nicole on the left, on our Hawaiian adventure 2018

The last three mornings, it has snowed. It was beautiful to see the huge flakes fall; but, it is not typical March weather to have snow this late in the year. We've also had some beautiful sunsets. I wish I could capture the amazing colors of the sky. (I do plan to continue trying!)

Our refrigerator is stocked. We could probably survive six or more weeks without a store run if necessary.  I have plenty of fabric and thread to keep me busy and some novels that are waiting for me to read. I am not bored nor do I feel cabin fever if I can't get out. (Home has always been a great place to hang!) We are doing our part to stay safe, healthy and to breathe though the next transition! Life is crazy right now.

If taking these extra precautions save thousands of people being infected with the virus and save as many people dying from it, the craziness was worth it.

To end on a positive note, our daughter, Amanda, was named the Hazel Bressie Spirit recipient for 2020. She shared this news last night! This honor is awarded to the female Masters Swimmer who has exemplified the most enthusiasm and spirit to her team and other masters swimmers over the past year. She has been a masters swimmer for the past 12 years. She began her swimming career when she was three months old and has been swimming ever since! She was on the high school swim team and has taught swim lessons.

Amanda is the force behind her club still having a place to swim! The recreation center planned to either charge four times the fee or close the time slot so the group would have to find another pool. She is one determined woman when she has a goal to meet. She worked with the recreation center and negotiated an annual step increase that the team members can manage. She started an annual swim fitness clinic that he team puts on for free for the recreation center. She updated the recruitment process/tools for her team. She is the first person a new swimmer meets and she is the one that helps them find "their spot!" Her coach nominated her for the award. I am proud of her and happy to see her efforts recognized!