Oh, how I love the blooming trees!
But oh, how the blooming trees and emerging leaves and pollen storms hate me!
I wait and wait and wait for spring to really get here – for trees to bloom in shades of pink, yellow, and red bud red-violet.
And my eyes swell up, and glue shut overnight!
But it’s so WORTH it I tell myself when the antihistamines have me sleepy and closing my eyes by 7pm because they just feel better closed rather than open.
GAH!!
But so pretty!
This is the tree in front of the house -
Right outside of the Quilting Quarters with bedroom #2 above.
There were supposed to be folks here this week, and last week, and the weeks before, and the weeks ahead. Everything has been rescheduled. We are waiting on state guidelines as what to do with the second half of June reservations as our restrictions for gatherings here in Virginia are still in force until June 10, 2020.
I don’t know about you and where you live – but places like Georgia and South Carolina opening up this early scares me. It feels too soon. I understand the economical reason behind it. But at what cost.
Were I to live in these early-opening places – I think I’d still put myself on stay at home order if possible. I’m just that wary of flare ups starting again as folks flock to beaches, salons, gyms and more.
From bedroom #2’s window -
Tree farm across the street with baby trees.
I look forward to watching them grow over the next 7 years it takes them to reach cutting age.
Delicate little blossoms unfurling.
Saturday afternoon drive, with windows down!
Click to Play:
It was such a beautiful late afternoon that we decided to take a drive down to Jonesville to drop off the old washer/dryer to Jeff & Ashlyn at their new cute rental house.
Ashlyn and Casden weren’t there. Ashlyn was at work, Casden had his weekend with his dad. Zoey and I stayed in the yard while the men folk moved the appliances.
I smiled to myself the whole time – never thinking that there really would be a day where my son was excited over a washer/dryer. LOL!
With all that is contagious out there – he’s caught domestic bliss, and I hope he keeps it!
Once the carrying of appliances inside was done, we left Zoey tied in the yard (newly refinished hardwood floors – no doggie scratches allowed!) We did the 6 ft apart house tour after washing hands. A cute 2 bedroom 1 bath 1960s ranch with back to back fireplaces between the living room/dining room – a large kitchen with the laundry area off to the side. Loads of cupboards – newly painted. On more than 1 acre in the country. It’s PERFECT for them. And I couldn’t be more thrilled for them.
Normally we would have dropped things off and taken everyone to dinner- but these are different times. We air-hugged from 6 feet away, loaded up and started the 1 hour drive back to the cabin.
The only downside – those mountain roads are winding and curvy and up and down – and Zoey tends to get car sick on any drive lasting longer than 20 minutes.
I know about not feeding her before taking a long car ride. But the poor girl – I know what it’s like to be car-nauseous. What can I give her to settle her tummy before long car rides?
This morning in her crate during our breakfast time.
She is surrounded by “her babies”.
She noses them all up around her – all of the flat babies with squeakers in their heads and in their tails. She herds them. And chews on them just a bit, but not hard enough to tear them up. She is very tender with them and it his so funny to watch.
With the allergy meds kicking in – and the eyes sticky and feeling like cocktail onions, no sewing happened yesterday. Seriously – my eyes were closing by 7pm in my comfy chair with Zoey beside me. I couldn’t see clearly enough to even hand stitch binding.
But today is another day. I started cleaning up a treadle machine at the QPO – the FREE that was gifted to me last September. It’s getting to be “treadling on the porch” weather and I’m antsy for it. It’s still on the chilly and windy side – but it will come eventually.
In the mean time I want to get this sweet machine up and running. I got as far as winding a long bobbin yesterday. Hopefully today there will be some string blocks happening.
And then I will be diving into Part 5 of our Unity Quilt Along because it’s already Wednesday and that round needs to be ON by Sunday so I can write the directions and here we go again -
Gorgeous in Aubergine and Green by Nela @Tifosew
And then be sure that you threw your entry in on Sunday’s April 2020 Quilty Box Gift-Away! I’ll be drawing for the winner on Friday, so be sure you enter ON THAT POST.
And other than that, off we go on to the Wednesday version of Tuesday, Monday, Sunday, Saturday – and what day is it anyway?
It’s all good. We are getting through this. But for those in states that are opening fairly early in this fight – I give a lot of credence to what mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms of Atlanta said -
“No sooner than the governor's order (to reopen Georgia) came down yesterday, my 18-year-old ran in the room and told me the governor said he could leave the house. And his birthday is today, so he's feeling very empowered, but I reminded him if he left he needed to take enough clothing with him to stay throughout the pandemic, because he could not come back here.
You know these are the tough conversations that we have to have inside our homes and with our communities, and this tough conversation is - it's not time yet. The science and the data doesn’t show that we are out of the woods, we just have to use our common sense. “ [source]
So let’s put on our common sense hats (to cover the gray that is growing out in stripes!) and do this just a bit longer if we can.
And then – keep the social distancing going and keep washing, keep sanitizing, stop the gathering – end the spread.
And that is where my heart is today. I hope we don’t see new surges of this thing because people are tired of being isolated. We are still at risk of infecting others as well as ourselves.
Quiltville Quote of the Day -
String quilt shared by Rosa during our Bakersfield workshops a couple years back.
The list should also include online friends we haven't met in person yet because - social distancing and all that!
Phone a friend you haven't talked to in a while and play catch up!
Love reading your daily blogs. You are so funny, and uplifting with so much common sense. Your positive attitude is just what is needed especially during this crazy and trying time. Would like to see Zoey Jo's take again>. Thank You.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree about stating home with distancing on top of it. We may all get exposed eventually but I would rather wait until our hospitals and staff won't be overwhelmed and maybe a medicine or vaccine is out there to lessen the severity. Stay home, stay safe, Bonnie, hope to see you Halloween at Quiltville
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to seeing you too!!
DeleteThank you Bonnie for all you do for us. I am one of the few on the front lines providing fabrics to the masses creating masks. I never thought that I would see JoAnn fabrics run out of anything. I can now say that I have.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed doggy antics and pics as usual. It is a much appreciated break. I think I am finally "caught up" with mask making and can return to my Unity Quilt Along - almost done with week 1. A little behind. Oops. Must make 2 pair of men's flannel pj bottoms first. Later.
ReplyDeleteBonnie, you can give Dramamine to Zoey to help with the queasy car rides.
ReplyDeleteAs isolated and antsy as we are, I agree we need to contine for another 3-4 (?) weeks. My concern is that people will rush out and then this virus will come back worse than ever. Hard decisions and I don’t envy those that have to make them. Hopefully common sense will prevail no matter what. So sorry your springtime allergies are hitting so hard. Love this journey you are taking us all on. Even though I’ve quilted for over 30;years I’m learning. ❤️❤️����
ReplyDeleteYou could not have said this any better. I live in Michigan and a lot of people are giving our Governor a very difficult time for keeping us closed. We have two more weeks on this extension and think there will be at least two more added on. People just can't use common sense and that is the biggest problem I can see about opening up to soon. Stay home and stay safe is the best thing I can think to say to everyone.
DeleteI live in SC and I totally agree. My face mask will continue to be on the few times I'm out and groceries will still be bought online. It's too early and I'm too old to be out in society!
Deleteoh, Zoey! Look at her busy nose, trying to sort out all that information!!! so sorry about those allergies, it's so beautiful, sad to think it also brings you grief!!! I agree about too soon t be opening... thanks for your lovely posts and of course quilting!!! Cats in Carlsbad
ReplyDeleteMy vet recommended Dramamine for my dog's car sickness. It does make them sleepy, so maybe start with a half.
ReplyDeleteCheck for a children's formula of Dramamine or Bomine. Bomine makes one less sleepy.
DeleteBonine worked for my kids on our boat. ALSO tennis wrist bands work wonders for car sickness and air sickness--but where would you put them on a dog?
DeleteThe lovely flowering trees - ka-choo! And the grass. And the pines. I know what you mean - I have been miserable for months! The idea of an uptick in cases terrifies me because both my husband and myself, but especially my husband, would be in grave risk if we got sick. I haven't been out of my house since the middle of March and if it takes staying inside until Christmas I will do it. We will see new surges and it is breaking my heart. One look at the people on the Florida beaches online yesterday and I wanted to cry out - "Remember your parents, remember your granny and your uncles and your friends. You are not an island, maybe you could survive this illness but maybe they couldn't. So sorry you have to shoulder this so young, but life is unfair. A little sunshine isn't worth it."
ReplyDeleteGoing out in crowds just isn't smart, especially for us older people or someone with other conditions. Still, staying cooping up indoors all the time isn't healthy either. It's OK to go out in the yard or for a walk in the sunshine on nice days. I'm 68 and have been walking on nice days. I hardly ever see anyone and if I do they're at least on the other side of the road will over 6' from me.
DeleteThank you for your words of caution. I totally agree. I am immune compromised and have been sheltered in place since March 12. Thanks for the videos on the great GREEN outdoors!
ReplyDeleteBonnie, thank you for your words of wisdom. I have used many of them on my own Facebook page because they always seem to hit home on the day that I see them. I love your quilts, just haven't ever made one. Not a scrappie person. One of these days, I will make one in my own fashion and post a picture. In the meantime, I will continue to make my baby quilts and follow your adventures.
ReplyDeleteBonnie,
ReplyDeleteFor your eyes during allergy season, try the Pataday eye drops. They are new to over-the-counter, BUT have been by prescription for many years. I've used them for a while via prescription. You can get it in a 1 drop 1x a day formula or a 1 drop 2x a day. I like the 2 times a day and often only need to use it once a day. They have it at CVS and some grocery stores. It's not inexpensive, but it really works got mr.
It works really well for me. Worth the cost.
DeleteI agree ,Bonnie. We haven’t gotten over the curve yet. I have a son in Atlanta and he’s still staying in. Love reading your posts every day. Starts my day with your quotes.
ReplyDeleteI love hearing stories about your family and Zoey and seeing pics of the property and Inn. Isn't Spring wonderful?! I agree that it's a big too soon to be opening everything back up to the public. It will surely continue to spread like wildfire if people don't use common sense and continue to stay at home most of the time and continue disinfecting, wearing masks and washing hands. It won't do the nation any good whatsoever if we've stayed at home this long and then we have a terrible outbreak worse than what's already out there because we wanted to get back to normal with everything. Thank you for your posts - it livens up the day :)
ReplyDeleteI totally agree it is too early to open everything and get out. Some think there is an acceptable percentage of sick and dead to make the economy better. I am afraid we will pay. Common sense!
ReplyDeleteStay safe. Hope you the best in allergy fight.
It is delightful to read your posts each morning. As I am quarantined alone (with my precious dog), reading your lively stories about Zoey and Quiltville and stitching helps keep me connected! Thank you! And I’m so inspired by “Addicted to Scraps” which arrived yesterday!
ReplyDeleteHere in Texas, we’ve opened up too. The governor actually said...”we’re all going to be exposed anyway..people want to get back to work!” I’m sorry but that’s insane! I’m not going anywhere and neither is my husband. I do feel for those who are struggling financially, who can’t work from home. But, is it worth your life? Not mine!
ReplyDeleteI had a dog that got carsick every time we got in the car...and that was only to get groomed or go to the vet. It was miserable for her! Never did find a way to stop it. But, I get car sick too, so I can relate. Hope you find something to keep Zoey’s tummy settled.
This wasn't your plan to spend your time in quarantine (sorry social distancing) and it wasn't mine either. There was my granddaughters Senior year and her last year to play high school softball. Oh my calendar was full with that and band concerts for my 10th grade grandson. Trips with friends. Time with 6 year old grandson. But this has been a good time and I needed it to re-group. You are actually getting to view your new place and enjoying each days view. Maybe slowing down is not such a bad idea.
ReplyDeleteThe problem with common sense is it's not common. I agree with you that it may be too soon. A friend said that even though things are going to open May 1st, she's waiting until June 1st to see how it goes. I think I'm going to do the same and since I'm retired, I can do just that. I have plenty of sewing to keep me busy. Stay safe everyone!
ReplyDeleteBonnie, Have you tried chlortrimeton for your allergies. It works for me and doesn't make me sleepy.
ReplyDeleteAs for opening the states, I feel like we're half way there. Why throw in the towel at half-time?
ReplyDeleteLove your “chat” with me every day. Zoey has been such a blessing to you and joy to us. I’m with you, don’t think we have met the criteria for it to be safe here yet either. Iowa is on a steep incline with new cases everyday. So for me, I’m not even thinking about any changes for more than 14 days. But we were able to go to a trout stream today and enjoy bald eagles, Canadian geese, wood ducks, clear burbling streams and caught four trout.
ReplyDeleteBonnie when our pup Molly used to get car sick I would stop the car just before her 20 minutes and walk her 9n a leash for 5, then get back in the car for another 20 minutes or so and then stop. The key is to stop before she is sick and give her a couple of minutes..eventually the time got longer and longer until we could drive 8 hours without a problem.
ReplyDeleteLove the pictures of Zoey...she's awesome :)
ReplyDeleteI'm with you! We've come this far in this quarantine thing so what's a little bit longer? Yes I feel bad for some of the businesses, having been a business owner myself for 15 years. However, there are assistance is out there. There is the stimulus and the Corona unemployment etc. etc. there is help out there for businesses. We have to do what we have to do. I'm going to stay hunkered down and do the right thing. We have to have self accountability... even if the govt says it's okay- we don't have to go along with it
ReplyDeleteWe had a dog that always got car sick, even on the straight highways of the Colorado plains, she got 1/2 of Dramine or now they have children's, they do help.
ReplyDeleteI can see both sides of the stay at home. When our state opens I know it will be with limitations. Social distancing will have to happen for at least there is a vaccine or drug to help. However there are families that are out of money and out of food, the food banks in our town are overwhelmed. The grocery stores are beginning to be well stocked again but they are not giving the food away and people with no income and no safety net are out of luck.
ReplyDeleteIf the states allow openings to begin the retail locations will need to do the same things that the grocery stores have done. Limit numbers and lines on the floors. If restaurants are opened tables will have to be further apart and staff temperatures should be taken plus everyone must wear masks.
Not sure how they should handle job like hair salons.
But clinic and doctors offices have to open at some point. A friends grandson went to an emergency room because of abdominal pain. He got sent home where his appendix ruptured. Now an fairly routine surgery became a complicated one. With a much longer recovery time. All because he didn’t have COVID-19. People with other health issues are not able to get help and dying. That is not right either. I do agree that next winter is going to be horrendous. We will have both the flu and COVID-19 making the rounds. I believe some of the thinking around opening things up is for the young to get it and start providing herd immunity. Since Covid is no respect or of persons I see a lot of sadness in our future.
We got our puppy at 9 months of age at a rescue and he got carsick coming home. The vet had a medicine we gave some but mostly chose Dramamine as it worked quite well. We gave 1/2 tab for a 20 pound dog. He eventually outgrew the carsickness by 2-3 years of age.
ReplyDeleteYes,concur with you Bonnie, and as posted by others. Trying to put myself in shoes of younger generation. We were always frugal and always kept bills down to house, car, utilities, etc. Hard for teens and 20-30yo, but they could have immune compromised friends and never know it! Agree with the post on hoping for vaccine!
ReplyDeleteTexas is beginning to open up soon and I'll be one of the first ones out there (with mask on and sanitizer as always). I take the number 98% recovered number to heart and I will go for my hair color/cut (that I missed by 2 days when everything was shut down) and my pedicure. It's time (for me anyway)!
ReplyDeleteMy husband and all my daughters are "essential" workers, so they have been working every day during this pandemic. A couple of them wear a mask, depending on where they are working, and some don't. So far, they haven't gotten sick nor have they brought anything home to their families. They are in GA, TX, OK, and WA, while I'm in NV. I've been isolating basically for the last 4 years caring for my dad, so nothing is different for me, except that I am now alone, except for my 2 dogs. Hard to know what to do...businesses are going under, never to return, taking people's livelihood with them, so I understand their need to get back to work. I figure I can decide for myself when I feel safe going out with a mask on...since I have asthma, and have so much to do in my dad's house, I'll be home for quite a while. There definitely aren't any big parties or travels in my immediate future!!
ReplyDeleteIs there room for a contradictory opinion? First, I'm part of the 'me' generation -and- should continue to shelter. Nevertheless please remember, the true reason we did this was to slow down the virus long enough to get our health care system ready. We now have treatments, PPE supplies, rapid testing, etc. that we previously lacked. Although there's more to do the time has come for many places to begin opening. I, for one, would like to have a healthy country/economy and delay is the enemy of that goal.
ReplyDeleteI understand your position, but for those of us who are older and have pre-existing conditions it is not a time to risk our lives. The health care system may be able to handle new cases, but some of us might not survive regardless.
DeleteSpring is so lovely. LOL @ Zoey - and you made me fidget dance today with the Shania Twain in the background.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree - too soon to start back up, although I feel sorry for the youngsters who desperately want to see friends and be free. My son (30 this year) works at a special school during the day and it's X-box with friends in the evening. He is living alone at the moment, but I know he's having fun with them - they were and still are a nice bunch of kids. Daughter still working and is going to be a kitten mummy soon. I'm excited - but I won't be able to see them while they are tiny. Stay safe everyone.
Bonnie, I love your openness, humor, and good-old-plain common sense; and, of course, all the great quilting inspiration, tips and tricks and patterns you share with us. I especially love your photos, and can feel your love through the web!
ReplyDeleteI have had several dogs (including the current two) who got car sick. My vet recommended soda crackers and riding in the front seat until they got their "sea legs" and a little maturity. All of them go over it before they were 18 months old. I liked this solution as I didn't have to worry about drug allergies and reactions. Zoey is awesome, and I can tell you know exactly what to do to bring out her best.
Thanks for giving me daily smiles.
I have the groceries delivered. I left the house today for the first time in weeks to mail a mask to my son who delivers pizza and is having trouble with his mask. If the governor of Oregon says we can leave home next month I'll still stay home. I don't like the possible consequences of leaving home. Unity is one of three Quarantine projects I'm working on. I'm keeping busy.
ReplyDeleteMy husband had a bout with a cough that lasted two weeks in February. It was different than any other cough he had ever had and we feel he probably had the virus. Living in Florida, the weather has been so nice it is hard to imagine any virus lingering around. And our numbers aren't bad either. Anxious for the beach to open back up on May 1 so we can walk on it. Staying our distance. Thankfully, you have provided entertainment with Unity and Zoey. I am using up lots of stored patriotic fabrics with stars. Nearly out of golds that I subbed for aqua. I might have to buy some next time I can visit a store. I wonder if you have estimated the yardage going into Unity. It would be nice to know. Again, thank you.
ReplyDeleteBonnie, I totally agree with you. I'm in SC and have no intention of changing what I've been doing. I do believe that if we start relaxing what we've been doing, we're going to be in a much worse place than we are right now! The only thing I will be doing is walking the beach one morning a week right after sunrise looking for sea turtle tracks with my walking partner but you better believe I will have my mask on and try to stay 6' away from her.
ReplyDeleteVery uplifting post, love the pictures, Thank you!
ReplyDeleteScary that they are opening so soon, this pandemic is not over yet. Our schools are closed till at least the end of May here in the Channel Islands and only essential businesses are open. Take care everyone.
ReplyDeleteSo nice to see ZoeyJo enjoying the fresh air during the car ride, she is such a happy pup.
Love and quilty hugs
Anne xxx
Bonnie, I agree that it's still too early to open things. On an allergy note, have you tried Neil Med sinus rinse? It does a good job of rinsing out that pesky pollen that wreaks so much havoc!
ReplyDeleteI'm in the U. K and we are still in lock down only going out to shop if we have too. Only food shops open. Its hard not seeing family and friends but its got to be done. Happy sewing to everyone and stay safe.
ReplyDeleteI am so happy you share. I do not know if you really understand how much your words encourage some of us... on some days. And that helps us encourage others.
ReplyDeleteI love you and I love ZoeyJo. I am so so grateful that she found you and got you.
I used to hang a wire coat hanger in car...supposed to dischrg static electricity...it worked for my dog
ReplyDeleteAs a resident of New Jersey, one of the states hardest hit by this dreaded virus, I am thankful for a Governor with intelligence. We are in this for the long haul. This virus is not going to disappear over night. When I see states deciding that it is OK to reopen beauty parlors, manicure salons, bowling alleys, I figure they are run by a knuckle head. This is a terrible time economically for so many people, but thinking a bowling alley is an essential service is just idiocy. How many people will lose their lives because of foolish decisions? How many doctors, nurses, first responders, etc. will be endangered? Believe me, I need a hair cut because I called to cancel my last appointment which was scheduled for the day before the State shut down all beauticians. Actually, what I really need is an open quilt shop, some wonderful place where I could go and fondle and buy my real necessity, fabric. Praying all stay safe and use good sense. Now is the time to actually cut into that fabric we have been hoarding for years. Let's face it, if all of us quilters had hoarded as much toilet paper as we have fabric, the world would be set for TP for years.
ReplyDeleteI am glad I do not have to worry about small children in my home but my heart breaks for my grown children who have lost their jobs, their businesses and their way of life. We have to go sometime and get the herd immunity going. Happy Sewing :0)
ReplyDeleteBonnie, I couldn't agree more with you on everything you wrote. I,too, intend to length any stay home orders by 3 months and see what the fall out is for those so antsy to challenge the virus. I do know it is tough for those not working. My daughter hasn't received her unemployment yet and realizes she is lucky to be living at home. She is afraid about going back to work to soon. She is a beautician and realizes how busy they will be, but can't understand how they are suppose to still practice social distancing. If clients and peers wear masks, my daughter who is hearing impaired and relys heavily on reading lips even with hearing aids, doesn't know how she will be able to communicate well. One would think close contact businesses would be the last to be opened. Bonnie, stay healthy!
ReplyDeleteBonnie
ReplyDeleteTry giving Zoey ginger snap cookies it helped our little dog. Also the more we took him the better he got. Love your pictures.
Jeanne
Thank you for everything you said today. I am grateful you had the loving heart to say it.
ReplyDeleteI, too, have a fur baby that gets car sick on wiggly roads. Straight fine, but wiggly, no. She'll be 8 in June and I give her two ginger snaps about 1/2 hour before we jump into the car and she does fine. I usually feed her 1/4 cup of kibble for breakfast if we are leaving within 2 hours. The store brand ginger snaps are best as they are not super strong with ginger, but just enough to settle the stomach.
ReplyDeleteI love reading your words each morning. They are always down to earth, sensible and usually very uplifting as I believe you are a cup half full person and look on the bright side of things. Your positive/can do attitude is wonderful. I agree that people have to still be very cautious about going out and I for one will not be going out unless I have to. It was discouraging coming home from our holiday in Mexico early because of the virus but it has been wonderful being at home knowing I was still on holiday and did not have to go to work. I have enjoyed the "catching up" on cleaning and completing some projects that have been 20 years in the making LOL (found a knitted sweater that needed the hood attached when cleaning out a closet) I have to go back to work next week but will only be part time and will still stay home in between. Stay safe, stay healthy, and stay positive!
ReplyDelete