April 02, 2020

The Positive Side of "Lockdown"


I'm going to try to keep this short (I say 'try' because I always say that and then my posts are insanely long). Today was the most GORGEOUS day--it got up to 75 degrees and it was sunny.

You know what was SO odd to see, though? People outside. I'm not saying that's bad--I think it's great!--but I've never seen so many people out walking dogs, riding bikes, going for walks, playing ball, etc. Usually, my neighborhood is dead.

Eli had to make a quick video of him catching and then throwing a baseball. It was really cool what his baseball team did in a group chat! Since they can't play ball now, someone suggested a game of "virtual" catch... One boy started it with a video of him throwing the ball (he throws it but you don't see where it goes). He names someone from his team in the video (like, "Hey, Eli, catch!" before throwing).

Then the next video is of that person (we'll say Eli). His video is of him just catching a ball (so it looks like he's catching it from the previous kid) and then throwing it (as if he's throwing it to the next person). Eventually, with all of the videos together, it'll look like they're playing catch. Awesome, right?! When the video is put together, I'll ask the parents if I can share it here.



This whole lockdown has had such an impact on every single part of our lives. Some of it is negative, of course, especially if you or someone you know has contracted coronavirus. However, I've seen so much positive come out of it, too. Like the people who were outside taking advantage of the nicest weather we've had so far this year.

(My kids' schools announced that they won't be going back for this school year... I expected that, but it's still crazy! This whole thing hasn't really hit me yet.)

Every day, my kids have had me drive them to the park to play baseball (they can't walk or ride bikes with all of their equipment). I got a brand new car a few days before all of this craziness started, and I've barely driven it. I have to say that I love not having to drive all the time! I haven't been able to hang out with my family, but I've been video chatting here and there and that's something I never would have done before.

I got a FaceTime call from Luke and Riley a couple of days ago, and it melted my heart. They are so adorable, and getting so big! Luke is potty trained, and Riley basically started potty training herself. They've been playing outside every day.


I did see my brother, Brian a few days ago. He asked me if I wanted some wood that they had leftover from building the house, and I was thrilled! It was odd when he came over because we had to stay a good distance away from each other, but we at least had a conversation.

He told me that he stopped at my parents' house first, and my dad saw all the cedar boards in Brian's truck and told Brian he wanted them for his fence. And Brian gave them to him! I couldn't believe it. I had been so excited to get the boards. The next day, however, my dad said that I could have them because they weren't the right size for his fence. So, my dad brought them over and I talked to him briefly too, from a distance.

I've loved having the time for hobbies. I've been knitting, crocheting, woodworking, sewing... I never used to have much time for it because I was always driving the kids around or working on more important things. A couple of the things I've made are gifts, so I can't share them until I give them to the recipients. But I love how they turned out!

I also made some masks (I think I already posted this?). We can use them for going to the grocery store or other "necessary" places.



(See? This post is long already!)

I'll end with this photo of my squirrel picnic table being used today! Hahaha, not exactly how it was intended, but I believe Rumples is pregnant--she's huge. So, if you can't fit on the bench seat, might as well sit on the table. (She sat there and ate every walnut, and I even brought her another handful, which she ate as well.)


The bench seat reminds me of when I was pregnant with Eli. I went to Olga's with my mom and we were taken to sit in a booth. It never occurred to me that I wouldn't fit! I sat down and my stomach hit the table to the point where I couldn't sit there. (Being 270 pounds at the time didn't help, either, I'm sure.)

This coronavirus has done a number on eating habits, too--good and bad--but I'll save that for another post!

8 comments:

  1. I have been making masks like crazy for nurses, retirement home residents, etc. I am running out of elastic, but I have a bunch of ponytail holders. I will have to find a pattern that uses those. Can't wait to see what you create with the boards.

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  2. Off topic - I made your Lentil chili for dinner -- hubby rated it a 10 out of 10 - so easy and so delicious! Thanks for sharing that one.

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  3. Wow, those masks are great! Would you be interested in doing a tutorial for those?

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  4. That squirrel picnic table is so so cute!

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  5. Katie, three of my family of nine are deemed as essential personnel. Would you share the link you used to make the masks or briefly explain so I can make some for my family. If they turn out well, my kids and I will start making as many as we can to give away. Thanks!

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    Replies
    1. Sure! Here is a link to the pattern that I used: https://www.unitypoint.org/cedarrapids/sewing-surgical-masks.aspx
      The only thing I don't like about this pattern is that it doesn't stay tight against the bridge of your nose--the instructions on the mask say that you should use double stick tape for a good barrier, but I think that's what they were requiring for hospital workers to be able to use them. I was thinking that I may try putting pipe cleaners at the top.
      Good luck!

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  6. Wow, do I ever see alot of your Dad in Riley! I never really noticed til this pic. What a couple of cuties. Im sure you are missing them. I run an in-home daycare which I was forced to close for now bc of the pandemic rules where I live in New Brunswick,Canada. I miss my daycare kids like crazy. Its been really hard not seeing them. Thankfully we can video call a couple of them. My 4yr old daughter struggles too. She is an only child so my 3 daycare kids (who are all the exact same age as her) are like siblings to her. School here is done for the year also. But otherwise Im praying that sooner than later we can get back to some kind of normal. Reading your posts is one of those few things thats stayed consistent in an ever changing time so Im glad you've kept it up. Gives a small bit of normal to my day, so thanks! :)

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I used to publish ALL comments (even the mean ones) but I recently chose not to publish those. I always welcome constructive comments/criticism, but there is no need for unnecessary rudeness/hate. But please--I love reading what you have to say! (This comment form is super finicky, so I apologize if you're unable to comment)

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