April Fool's Day In Troubled Times by Leigh Riker

Okay, folks. I’m going to refrain here from making any jokes about April Fool’s Day. Nothing can top the coronavirus pandemic, what it has done to cause upheaval in all our lives not to mention the economy, and it’s certainly no joke.

Here’s my personal experience so far. Several weeks ago, my husband and I came down with a nasty “bug” that had gastrointestinal and respiratory symptoms and fatigue. Ugh,I know. TMI. Although this didn’t seem to be the common course in corona virus cases, our doctor suggested we take the test to be sure so we met him in the parking lot outside his office. After he swabbed our noses, while he was fully gowned and masked, he strongly urged us to go home—and self-quarantine until the results came in. We promised to do so.

I recently saw a funny meme on FB suggesting that writers may be the best survivors of this epidemic. We’re often introverts, already used to staying indoors, away from people, so it’s true our lifestyles don’t change all that much.

But I digress. A week later our tests came back negative—thank goodness—but we’re still staying home except to buy groceries. I have to say, though, that cabin fever is gradually setting in. I may not want to visit the nearby mall—which is closed—but I do wish I had that option. 

In the meantime, I’ve ordered some spring clothes online, which is actually nothing new either. I like “shopping” at my computer, hitting the Place Order button, and waiting for the package to arrive. It always feels like Christmas. I’m a lot more pleased about this than my husband whose standard comment whenever the doorbell rings is, “Did you order something more?” (said with an exaggerated eye roll)

How are you coping with this pandemic? Plowing through your to-be-read pile? Ordering takeout food delivery? Cooking up a storm? A few days ago, I made bread pudding for the first time in years! It was yummy. Comfort food. We can all use some of that.

A pizza sitting on top of a metal pan

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Be well and stay safe, everybody!

Comments

  1. Your ‘scare’ that you might have the virus resonated with me, Leigh. I woke up with a mild headache the other night and tossed and turned for hours imagining lots of other physical symptoms. It is fortunate that writers already know how to self-isolate and writing is on my agenda for sure. So is cooking and baking. These days I’m craving carbs and sugar...bread pudding sounds yummy! Stay well!

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    1. I know, Janice. Every sneeze or cough is a cause for fear these days. I'm having a hard time focusing enough to write anything new, but, yes, I'm very good--as most of us are--at self-isolation. You'd think I'd get more done! Maybe tomorrow...Good luck with your writing. Funny, isn't it, how we all seem to crave sweets?

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    2. I forgot to say: The image I wanted to include of that bread pudding did not load after all. It certainly wasn't a picture of a pizza in a metal pan, which is described above! My apologies to all.

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  2. I seem to be jumpy with every little headache, sneeze, or nose-blow. I'm not at all a nervous Nellie when it comes to health, but this is different. We all know that. I would like to order some clothes for spring but (1) I don' t know what size I am (loss, gain, loss, carbs...) and (2) I don't know when I'll be able to get out and wear them. So I just look. A lot. Stay safe, Leigh!

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    1. Me, either, Liz. I don't normally worry about every little symptom, but I guess we're living now in different times. Hope this all ends soon. I feel your pain: I'm only able to order clothes because I've used retailers I'm familiar with and already know my size in those stores. I've heard many people have to return what they ordered. Sometimes I do too so I tend to stick with the sure things. Good point you made. My new stuff is hanging in the closet because I can't really go out anywhere. Sigh. Stay well.

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  3. I have seasonal allergies so I take benadryl right before going to the grocery store. No reason to panic everyone when I sneeze or cough! I think all husbands know the eye roll when the box arrives. Stay safe!

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    1. I have seasonal allergies too, made worse by the fact that I relocated to Arizona a year and a half ago, and all the plants/trees here are unfamiliar to my system. It's really bad right now! I'm so congested. I like your idea of taking Benadryl, and I know I should pop a Claritin today, but I don't want to feel drowsy. I've been sending my husband to the store lately. Ah, yes, that eye roll...

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  4. I'm in the group that is most vulnerable, although the only underlying condition I have is high blood pressure. I'm usually in except for tennis practically every evening. That went by the wayside when all exercise facilities were closed. I'm reluctant to go to the grocery store and have been checking my cabinets and making a list of needs. So, when I go I don't forget something (unless it's out of stock).

    Like you, not being able to go out makes me want to go, but I stay home. Seeing people walking is weird since no one walks in my neighborhood. NJ is a drive state. Even my grocery store is 12 miles away and we practiced tennis in Pennsylvania during the winter (30 miles away). Driving to the store is weird too. There are no few cars on the road, although the parking lot is full. The number of people in the stores are fewer than before. The checkout lines are longer. I guess they have fewer employees.

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    1. Shirley, it's so hard to have to stay home! For exercise, I've been walking around my little neighborhood most days, sometimes with a friend while we stay six feet apart. Yesterday we actually met up with several other neighbors, but we were careful to talk from a distance. It felt wonderful just to see people. One of the reasons I moved here was to get out more, go to restaurants, shops, activities, etc., all of which are nearby. Before, I was out in the country and now I'm close to town. Wouldn't you know? The whole area shut down officially, as of yesterday, so now the restrictions are more severe. Enjoy your tennis!! We joined a new fitness facility a few days before they had to close. Stay safe.

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  5. Seasonal allergies have me wondering about every sniffle as well, and is it my imagination or is my throat a little scratchy? We've been working on some house projects. The laminate that has been stacked in the living room is finally going on the kitchen floor. I got in the dress I ordered to wear to my daughter's wedding this summer (fingers crossed.) It's too big, so I need to figure out whether to alter it or return it. Love the grape chiffon color and fabric, though.

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    1. Ooh, your dress for the wedding sounds gorgeous, Beth! Which would be easier--to exchange it or find a good tailor? At least you have time. Best wishes to your daughter. And yay for you, getting the new flooring put in now. I had a set of shelves for my storage closet sitting in the box for at least six months before my husband and I finally put them together. What a feeling of satisfaction, and that closet is now, at last, organized. I have a whole list of "projects" to be done during this isolation period. The problem is, I often turn to a movie on Netflix or pick up a good book to read instead. I know what you mean about the allergies. I suddenly had a scratchy throat yesterday and thought, uh-oh, but this morning it's gone. Hope yours is too.

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  6. So glad you're better, Leigh. No one needs a scare like that! I've been writing, enjoying the outdoors and reading. Also getting used to the new normal, but hey, we're all doing our part!

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    1. So true, Tara. That scare was unsettling, but getting the negative result was more than welcome. You sound very productive during this epidemic--writing, getting outdoors and reading. I really need to buckle down again! I'm grateful that, after a cool and sometimes rainy winter, we're getting some gorgeous weather here again. Stay well and safe.

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  7. I'm glad you and your husband are okay, Leigh. We are on day #19 of quarantine and counting. Our saving grace is that my children have been playing outside a lot, even if it's chilly or rainy. I'd rather live with a muddy house than grumpy children. I did get stir crazy on Saturday. I packed up the kids, lots of snacks and drove to my parents' house for a visit. My parents sat in their garage. My kids and I sat on the truck tailgate, parked six feet from them. We talked for an hour in the sunshine and it did wonders for my mood. I'm planning many more "drive-in visits" with friends and family once the weather warms up here in Ohio.

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    1. Thanks for the good wishes. We were very happy to get those negative results. I love your idea of "drive-in visits." Brilliant, Elizabeth!! And isn't it neat that kids are playing more outdoors? Away from all the devices for a while. I hear you about getting stir crazy. Several nights ago I felt very fed up with the isolation, and several friends have expressed the same frustration at the same time so maybe that's a natural part of the whole process. With the other "bug" we had and then the stay-home business, I've probably been in this house for a month. Then this morning I got really inspired to get some business tasks done that I've been putting off. The sense of accomplishment made me feel really good and re-energized. Guess the experts are right that keeping a schedule is important.

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  8. Glad to hear you and your husband didn't have the virus. My days aren't that different, but for visits to the library and going out with friends and seeing my grownup kids now and then. I really can't complain, though, except about the cold weather. I just hope the medical workers get what they need--such a struggle. My daughter-in-law is a nurse in Illinois and is working entirely with patients with the virus. Naturally, we're all concerned about her and she has to isolate herself, more or less, even inside her house.

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    1. Thanks, Virginia. I was glad too! It sounds as if you have a nice routine established. I'm praying for your daughter-in-law. Bless her. The health care workers are doing an awesome job and surmounting a lot of difficulties. I hope she stays healthy! Please let her know that we all appreciate what she and the others are doing. They are true super heroes.

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