Sunday, April 19, 2020

Pandemic Update #3: April 19, 2020


Here we are with another pandemic edition of  the Sunday Salon. It's still eerily quiet on our southwest Florida barrier island. The rental accommodation ban is still in effect, county beaches are still closed, our city beach and public parking lots are also closed. Some restaurants are open for takeout or delivery only, and nonessential businesses remain closed. Our last grocery delivery was over a week ago and I'm planning a quick trip out for essential food items tomorrow. After receiving expired dairy products and nearly expired meat and produce in deliveries, I've decided to go out every couple of weeks for these things myself.

We finally have a more established pandemic routine. Our daughters' work schedules are set (so strange that they're working and we are not!) For me much remains the same, except the new routine includes more cooking and less print reading time. I still get my morning walk with an audiobook, and am working on ways to spend more time with my print and ebooks throughout the day.

With sunsets getting later, an evening walk is once again part of our routine... and has become my favorite part of the day. I always have company, so the earbuds stay home.



Finished this week//


by Sheryl Sandberg, Adam M. Grant
narrated by Elisa Donovan

I listened to the first few hours on audio but then wanted to reread certain quotes. I borrowed the ebook from the library and ended up finishing it in print. This book really spoke to Les (her review) and I can understand why.  It was probably not the best choice of pandemic reading material for me, but still a worthwhile read. I will revisit the audio when this current situation resolves. Thanks for the recommendation, Les!



Current reading//



by Barbara Kingsolver
narrated by the author

I generally enjoy Barbara Kingsolver's novels and so far I really like this one, too. As usual, I have both the ebook and the audio. At nearly 30%, both stories of the dual narrative (set in the same house, approximately a century apart) are equally appealing. That rarely happens, so I hope it continues!


Renovation update//

Work on the house continues. Painting, tile installation, and framing in the lower level was happening last week. Tile work continues this week and I'm hopeful the kitchen cabinets will arrive. It looks like the new front door will be going in, too. I was disappointed to learn the wood flooring shipment has been delayed due to the pandemic. The new projected arrival date is May 20... so that pushes our move into June. Sigh.


The week ahead//

Should be more of the same, but hopefully with more reading.

How are you holding up? What have you been reading?





The Sunday Salon is hosted by Deb at Readerbuzz.
It's Monday... What Are You Reading? is hosted by Kathryn at Book Date.


72 comments:

  1. Good luck on the renovations...and on finding grocery items. My granddaughter went shopping for me on Monday, and it was such a thrill. I have ordered some things from Amazon.

    Enjoy your books and your walks on the beach...if you can still do that.

    Here are my WEEKLY UPDATES

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    1. Laurel-Rain Snow - We did better than anticipated at the grocery store this morning... all the meat, dairy, and produce items were available. Even got the last package of tofu... haven't seen that in weeks. Still no flour, TP, or lentils. Still a big success and we're set for at least a couple of weeks :)

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  2. We've been pleased with all of our grocery deliveries so far and even scored toilet paper today. (It's sad that we're excited about that, isn't it?) We're learning to make do with what we have in between.

    I hope the renovations go smoothly - I'm sure you're ready for them to be done.

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    1. Kathy - LOL, I'd be pretty happy to score some toilet paper, too! Still none available today. We can't wait to move into the house... especially now since everyone is staying with us!

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  3. You are very busy right now, despite the pandemic. I can't imagine how difficult it must be to find all the things you need for the work on your house. My dad had plumbing problems that needed immediate help and he had a hard time finding someone to come out.

    We have taken to using the pickup service from Kroger. I start putting things into my cart and then pick things up every two weeks. I bought dried milk to help with the milk shortage. I ordered flour online. We have had a great deal of success with this plan. I hope we can keep going like this for a little bit longer.

    I liked Unsheltered a lot. Barbara Kingsolver came to Houston a year ago, and we in the audience loved hearing her thoughts about the world.

    Stay safe and enjoy your week.

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    1. Deb - I'm so thankful that home construction has been deemed essential in FL (but then again, this is the state that says pro wrestling is also essential!) Went to the store this morning and did pretty well. Still no flour, so I may try to order it online. My sister is offering to send toilet paper from NY, lol! Would love to hear Barbara Kingsolver speak one day... maybe when things get back to normal author events will resume on a smaller scale.

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  4. I find it interesting to see how others are coping with all of this isolation, so I appreciate everyone doing these recaps of how their week has gone. Thanks for that.

    "Unsheltered," I think you will find, is not going to disappoint you. The dual stories remain equally engrossing all the way through the book. I haven't read a lot of Kingsolver's work, but if this one is any indication of the quality of her novels, I really need to fix that.

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    1. Sam - It does seem comforting to see how others are adapting to these changing circumstances. Plus, I've gotten a few ideas!

      I'm still very happy with Unsheltered. Our library book club was supposed to read and discuss one of Kingsolver's older novels (Animal Dreams) this month but since that's not happening, I decided to try one of her newer works instead. The Lacuna is now her only novel I've yet to read... don't think you can go wrong with any of her books!

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  5. I would be so irritated to get old produce and meats. I wear a mask and go in the grocery store every two weeks.
    Too bad about the flooring but yea to the rest of the renovation project. You’ll be sooo happy to get into your new home.
    Right now I’m sitting on the porch, 82 degrees but windy, taking a break from reading a Tana French book. I am almost done with a nonfiction by Beck Weathers telling about his return from death on Everest.

    Our garden has tomatoes, peppers and beans coming up so I fiddle out there in the mornings. Love hearing your updates!

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    1. Tina - We ended up going to Publix this morning and stocked up with at least a couple of weeks worth of groceries. It wasn't as bad as I expected. They've made all the aisles one-way since I was last there and the employees are now wearing masks. I'm jealous of your garden. May try come container gardening when we move into the house... I should start reading up on it now! Glad you are well and enjoying some good books!

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    2. What a brilliant idea to make the aisles one-way! I doubt Kroger will listen to one customer, but I'm going to make that suggestion since I have a feeling we're going to live like this for at least another 12-18 months.

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    3. Les - The one-way aisles were a huge improvement in allowing customers to keep a safe distance. My husband and I split up when we got there... he actually got stopped (moments after 8AM opening) and told he was going the wrong way! I think you're right in thinking this will be normal for another year or more!

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  6. Having a routine is really good! Happy reading this week!

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    1. Angela - If nothing else, it helps me keep track of what day it is!! ;-)

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  7. I'm not really going anywhere other than to work and to pick up take out. Some of the beaches in northern Florida are back open and it look like hardly anyone is distancing themselves from others. Not good!

    I recently read a book with the same dual times, same house and loved it so I may try Unsheltered.

    Hopefully your house will be finished soon and you can get moved. Will you be farther from the beach?

    Remember, 6 ft. & don't touch your face

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    1. Vicki - Glad you're able to stay home as much as possible. The photos from the beaches up in Jacksonville scare me - so many people! We'll be so happy to move into the house. It's about the same distance from the beach as we are now, so the beach walks will continue! Have a good week!

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  8. How annoying! I find some stores are better than others (Whole Foods costs more than Wegmans but is more reliable in terms of having what I want, etc.) but I would much rather do my own shopping (I actually like grocery shopping under normal circumstances...) My city walks have been life-savers, just hoping it gets a little less rainy around here soon. Enjoy your books!

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    1. Audrey - It was such a relief to go to the store and pick out my own groceries this morning! Publix was surprisingly well stocked... still no flour, TP, or lentils though. My time outside is so therapeutic. Not sure what I'd do if we had to stay in the house all the time... very thankful for long walks and good books! Hope you have good weather for walking this week :)

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  9. Glad to hear your family is doing well with the routine. Is it hard to have renovations now .... with workers going in & out? My husband has us wearing masks when near others or on any errands etc. I'd like to read the Kingsolver book. I did read Sandberg's Lean In book years ago ... but I agree more of her stuff ...is likely not the time right now. Stay well.

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    1. Susan - I've been impressed with the way the contractor is handling renovations. Two painters were in the house early last week, mostly working in different rooms. Two tile installers were there later in the week, working in separate bathrooms. Another carpenter ripped the stairs off the back lanai and began rebuilding them. All his work was outdoors. Very little contact between workers. I had to go over just once while they were there to check tile layout... wore a mask and so did they. Can't wait until the job is done!

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  10. Hi JoAnn,
    Honestly, reading is what I'm living for right now. I cherish the escape from New York Coronavirus News. I worry that the country will open up too soon. But no matter, Ken cannot go out in public and I must be very careful because his MS drugs make him immuno-compromised. Just a fact we have to live with.
    We're still a ways from true spring here. It's been a very cold April thus far, though March was warmer than normal.
    We both get out to walk the dog each day, separately, to give her more mileage. I do about 3.2 miles and Ken gives her 1.2 miles and there we are.
    Reading is my salvation, truly. I feel most like my true self while I'm reading. Fiction and nonfiction both. Loving it.
    I'm glad to hear that you're enjoying the Barbara Kingsolver novel. Good to know.
    Do you get to sit out on the beach and relax ever? I hope so!

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    1. Judith - I'm so happy you are finding such happiness is your reading now... I just don't seem to be able to concentrate on anything too heavy, but get frustrated by things that seem too light. Glad you and Ken are able to stay out of public places, especially given the circumstances. Your walks with the dog sound idyllic, and I'm sure she enjoys every moment! I sat and the beach and read for a couple of hours Saturday afternoon... first time in weeks! Usually I'm walking, so it was a real treat to just relax and read! Hope spring comes to northern NY soon... stay well!

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  11. Aww, so sorry about the delay in moving into your home. I hope June's here soon, for many other good reasons too, and you're in your new home!

    Our weeks are more or less the same too - nothing big going on. It's been cold this past week so our evening walks had to stop for a bit.

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    1. Athira - Reading so many Sunday Posts, it sure seems like we're all in the same boat. At least we have books :)

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  12. Our last time at a grocery story was March 22. We've had deliveries since then, but I'm going to have to make a trip to Whole Foods this week for gluten and dairy free stuff for Gage. I'm not looking forward to it, okay, okay it will nice to see other humans! I'm not reading as much either but I'm trying to focus. Hope you have a great week :)

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    1. Stacy - Our trip to Publix this morning was much better than I'd anticipated... getting there right when they opened helped. The aisles are all one-way now and employees wore masks. Stock was good, too. That will be it for me for another 2-3 weeks. Good luck at WF!

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  13. When I read Florida had lifted beach closures I thought of you, it sounds like you haven’t been affected though.
    I’m sorry to learn about the delay in your moving date, but hopefully things will be more normal in June and the process will be smoother than moving mid pandemic.

    Wishing you a great reading week and good health

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    1. Shelleyrae - Some beaches in the northernmost part of the state reopened and the photos were everywhere. I'm afraid that is way too soon! You make a good point about the move... it should be much easier and less stressful when we are no longer at the height of this pandemic. Hope you have a good week filled with good books!

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  14. I have been reading and I've taken on some tough reads that I would not normally do. As you say cleaning and cooking is more than before but we are on a total curfew so that necessarily involves more time at home. There are no walks for necessity or pleasure as this is a very strictly enforced curfew. I have strangely not missed going out as such. Everything is delivered through vendors and the supermarkets so that part of life is fine.
    We have to see doctors though and we just waiting for things to open up as even that is not possible now.

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    1. Mystica - I would have a very hard time with total curfew, but am relieved to hear you are not having a huge problem with it. Deliveries have certainly made things much easier for us, too. Enjoy your books this week and stay well!

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  15. Oh, the nearly-expired foods, that realy sounds so frustrating. I’m glad you are able to get your fresh foods directly from the store now.

    As for your read on resilience, that sounds like a great book.

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    1. Astrid - It was a relief to pick out my own groceries today, but I won't be going back for at least a couple of weeks. The book on resilience was a very worthwhile read and I'll spend more time with it once this is all over.

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  16. I am SO a print/ebook/audiobook person too! Sometimes I find myself switching between all 3. Silly- but it works :)

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    1. Tina TBR Etc - The read/listen combination works perfectly for me. Lets me keep focused on one book whether I'm on my walk or reading in my favorite chair! I've switched between all 3 formats on occasion, too!!

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  17. Your walking routine sounds wonderful! I've only been doing one long walk a day, but maybe I should up my game to two!

    I'll be interested to hear how the Kingsolver works for you. I usually love her, but Unsheltered was not my favorite. Have a great week.

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    1. Susie - The walks seem to keep me sane these days... I especially enjoy the time alone with an audiobook. I'm still enjoying the Kingsolver. Hope it continues!

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  18. Love the picture, JoAnn! So pretty. My walking has been such a good thing for me. Don't know how I'd do without it. We're doing some pickup of dinner from local restaurants that we like, especially ones that are single restaurants. They were struggling a lot at first, but I've noticed that they are getting more and more busy or so it seems when I arrive for curbside takeout. I do go to the grocery store about every week or so. I go early, stand in line for a few minutes and then shop for specific things - mostly fresh items. They are fairly well stocked at that time and I've not had much of a problem finding items. It's really the only place I go and get out, so I actually enjoy it. I wear my mask and am patient to keep the social distancing. Otherwise, I'm calling family and friends to check in, listening to books and reading a bit, and that's about it. Hope your week goes well and please take care!

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    1. Kay - Sounds like you've got this pandemic routine down! We've done takeout a couple of times from local independent restaurants... can't imagine how they will recover! Publix was much better than expected. I got there when they opened this morning, had my list written according to store layout, and was able to breeze through with minimal contact. Patience certainly helps with social distancing! They'd also changed the aisles to one-way traffic and employees wore masks (as did I)... almost feel like I could do it again in a week if I need to, but we shouldn't need to.
      We're also having weekly zoom chats with my siblings and parents - lots of fun. I've been checking in with friends regularly, too. All the cooking has been a creative outlet in some ways... and I'm thankful for all the good books, too. Hope you have a good week!

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  19. My brother does our grocery shopping. He hasn't the patience to stay at home and has to leave the house for at least a while every day. I'm fine at home though I wish it would finally get warm enough for outdoor walks without winter jackets and gloves. Come see my week here. Happy reading!

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    1. Kathy - Glad you have a system worked out for groceries. I don't mind staying at home either, but I do love my walks. Hope it warms up for you soon. Happy reading.

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  20. Yeah, we got one delivery and it just didn't feel safe with the delivery, etc so I go once every two weeks to get what we need with mask on and gloves. Glad you can enjoy some evening walks on the beach and that your kids are safe with you! Having audiobooks has been a lifesafer. I hope you have a safe and healthy week with lots of reading!

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    1. Heather - I'm thinking the every two weeks grocery shopping may work better for us, too. The silver lining to all of this may be the bonus time with our adult children... we're enjoying that part of things so much! Hope you're having a safe, healthy week!

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  21. Glad to hear that things are going as well as they can in Florida. Australia has managed fairly well too. There's some talk of easing a few of the restriction in the next week or so.
    Spring sunset walks on the beach sound lovely :-)

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    1. Brona - Glad things are going fairly well for you, too. There seems to be mounting local pressure to ease restrictions here, and that makes me nervous. Hope our elected officials do what's best for our health.

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  22. I am glad that you are adjusting - it is so different! It sounds like you have some great things happening still, like walks on the beach! That sounds amazing right now. :)

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    1. Erin - The walks on the beach keep me grounded... it's definitely the best part of my day!

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  23. Glad you've fallen into a good routine and that the house is progressing even though slower than you had hoped. Our grocery delivery has been going pretty well, although we got expired milk last week as well. I don't feel it's worth the risk so I'll leave shopping to others.

    I'm glad your beach is still closed as we've seen some nutty things on the news with FL beaches. Stay well JoAnn

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    1. Diane - Glad your grocery delivery is working out. New England seems to be a hotspot, so I'm sure it's less risky to let others push the cart around. It's going to take some time to get back to the old normal... if we ever can.

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  24. I feel like we've reached that point in the quarantine where we have our new schedules. I am jealous that you can still have walks on the beach! One of the first places I want to go when this is all over is the Oregon Coast.

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    1. westmetromommy - It's good that most of us have fallen into some kind of quarantine routine. The beach walks are saving my sanity, for sure!

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  25. Right now I am battling day 5 of a bad headache. I believe it's my work setup at home. I don't have ergonomic anything here.

    The beaches in the county next to us have opened which is just dumb. No one can practice social distancing when hoards of people flock there.

    I am getting pretty tired of cooking. We do takeout a couple of times a week but it's like preparing for a war and my kids keep commenting on the need for masks and sanitizer. They aren't being all that cautious and it's super irritating.

    My reading has slowed because between work and the news I get pretty distracted but it's getting better. I am reading Ruth Ware's The Lying Game which was good and juicy and full of promise but now I have hit a boring part and it's over 400 pages and I am only halfway through, if that.

    I hope you remain well. I've been watching good TV Harlan Coben shows on Netflix... all good. I cleaned the garage. Trying to keep busy.

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    1. Ti - Sorry about that headache... home offices just don't seem to be as comfortable as the real office. We had to get a card table from amazon for one daughter to use as her work desk :(

      Our beaches are very quiet with the public access lots closed. Residents still walk or bike there, but if I rarely pass half a dozen people the whole time I'm walking. It's good for the birds and nesting sea turtles.

      I'm still enjoying Unsheltered, but the story set in the past is slowing down a bit for me. Think I may start rereading some old favorites next. Hope you and your family stay safe and healthy this week.

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  26. I have found myself reading more and more as the weeks go by. 1026 pages read last week! I only go out for groceries where we stand in line with our masks on, but hearing about the expired items you received I am even more sure it is the right way to go. Today is Day 47 for me staying at home. I have a feeling it is only about half over. Though I have some friends who still go to work and relatives in the health care professions. Strange times.

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    1. Judy - Our trip out for groceries (with masks) was better than expected... we got there when the store opened, the aisles were one-way now, and employees had masks. I was able to zip through and get what we needed pretty quickly. I think you're right about this being only half over...

      Your review of The Robber Bride has convinced me to read some old favorites next. May even call our local indie and see if she has a copy on her shelves. She's set up an outdoor pick-up box and I'd like to support her if I can. Hope you continue to enjoy your reading.

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  27. Unsheltered sounds interesting. I usually enjoy parallel narratives like this sounds like. Enjoy your week, and take care of you and yours!

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    1. Becki - I started avoiding dual narratives a while ago, but this is a pleasant surprise!

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  28. I'm glad to hear you're doing well and the house is progressing. I can't imagine having that going on with all this! We are somewhat on a schedule too though I'm sorry to say my bedtime is getting later and later and my wake up time is sliding later too! My poor husband is working from home and he's being so good. Our governor (Alabama) just announced that the stay at home order will stay in place to the end of the month despite Georgia and Tennessee lifting theirs early and I'm glad. I think no matter what happens we will be staying home for awhile longer until we have a better idea of what is really going on. Hope you have a wonderful week!

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    1. Katherine - Surprisingly, I'm going to bed earlier and getting up earlier... hard to imagine! Our emergency declaration/ rental ban is in force through the end of the month. I'll be curious to see what happens next. I'm worried about what's about to happen in Georgia, too. I know we will be staying at home for another month at least...

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  29. Your pandemic report sounds very much like ours. We have a ban on rental property and most beach access is closed due to being in state parks. There are a few places you can get to the beach, which is not closed, but parking is a little tricky. We have takeout available at some restaurants, so we've started using that to help support our favorite spots. I've only been to the grocery store twice in the past month and really won't need to go back other than to get produce (mushrooms are really hard to buy in bulk, as is lettuce). I'm doing a little more cooking of old, but forgotten, favorites. The other night I made Welsh Rarebit! Huge hit with my mom and Rod. Tonight, we'll have Chicken Parm, which I haven't made in months. Later this weekend, I think I'll try a new recipe - Swedish Meatballs with Egg Noodles (or if Rod gets his way, with mashed potatoes). My exercise routine has shifted to mainly walking 5 miles a day, but I no longer do yoga (just don't have a space large enough without rearranging the living room every morning) and I can't seem to get in a good routine to lift weights.

    I can see why Option B wouldn't be a great choice during the pandemic, but I do hope you go back to it later on down the road. I think a lot of what Sandberg shared about grief resonated with me and I wish I had read it 15 years ago. Thanks for the shout-out. :) I thought Unsheltered was very good, but of all the books by Kingsolver, it isn't a favorite.

    I'm sorry your move date has been pushed further into summer. I'm sure you're more than anxious to get settled into your new home. Will you be closer or further from the beach?

    Sorry for the long comment! It's raining and Rod just brought me a latte, so I'm enjoying my blog hopping and have missed hearing from you. :) Take care and stay safe.

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    1. Les - I love the idea of making forgotten favorite recipes. I'm sure the girls would love it if I pulled out a few childhood classics. Think I'll add chicken parm to our lineup. This week we've already tried three new recipes and they've all been winners - definitely need to think about a weekend cooking post for Saturday! Walking is my main exercise now... 3 - 3 1/2 miles in the morning and 1 1/2-2 in the evening. Loving the sunsets these days :)

      Option B had so many quotes and ideas that I want to revisit and spend more time thinking about. I'm sure once this all settles down, I will reread it! The audio was very well done, but I needed to see so many passages in print...

      It's frustrating that things have slowed down on the house and we are cramped with all 5 of us in this condo, but I am still so thankful it is moving at all... several states shut down home construction. Not sure when this will all end, but starting to worry about our plans to travel to NY/CT for the height of hurricane season. I'm hoping we can be off island for at least August and September. These are such strange times. Glad you are all well... take care!

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  30. My husband has been venturing out every two weeks for groceries and we've personally been doing OK here in Mass. so far, even though we're in a hot spot. He has often come home with expired or close to expired stuff from our local store before; he's being extra-careful to check dates now! I feel sorry for the supermarket employees.
    I read Unsheltered with my book club and we had a great discussion! The books I've read by BK have been a little too message-y for me, but that makes them good book club choices!

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    1. Laurie - I'm almost done with Unsheltered now and would love to discuss it with a group. Her books so easily lend themselves to conversation. I know what you mean about them being message-y though. It doesn't bother me too much. Glad you're doing well up there in MA. Have a feeling we're in this for a long haul.

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  31. I haven't read Kingsolver in ages! Thanks for the recommendation.

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    1. Patti - I've read most of her novels and then to enjoy them. She does have an agenda though..

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  32. Thanks for the update - I am really enjoying evening walks myself. So many fewer people out and about after dinner. The quiet sounds lovely.

    I listened to Unsheltered, read by the author, and really liked it. I thought the two stories meshed nicely, although I did prefer the modern one, which surprised me.

    Good luck on finishing the house - so much is now suspended, it's unnerving.

    Take care and stay safe and healthy.

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    1. JaneGS - I finished Unsheltered yesterday and can't decide whether it's a 4 or 4.5 star read. Either way, really liked it a lot! I ended up liking the modern story better, too, but the two fit together better than any dual narrative book I can recall. This is the second time I've done a read/listen combo with Kingsolver's books. She is an excellent narrator, but I need to speed it up a bit.

      Evening walks are the best. Glad you're able to get out and enjoy them, too. Hope all is well in CO!

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  33. So strange right, that going to the grocery store is something we have to get prepared for with our masks, etc. Hope you are all doing well and glad to hear that the Kingsolver is so far a good read. I haven't read one of her books in a long time but have definitely enjoyed several of her novels.

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    1. Iliana - I finished the Kingsolver book and enjoyed it very much. Flight Behavior was the last one of her novels I read and I've just added The Lacuna to my wish list.

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  34. Hi JoAnn,
    I, too, have been taking longer and longer walks with Sandy, our golden. We tromped up steep hills and down dales for well over 4 miles today. I feel the exercise is helping something, but we are not at all springlike here still. It's been snowing like mad the past hour, with temps in the low 30s. But we had a 60 degree sunny day yesterday! But not another is in the forecast for over a week. I don't mind too much.
    But I would mind missing my reading time in the afternoons, when my exhausted pup slumbers on a dogbed at my side. That's how we're doing. I AM SO TIRED OF COOKING EVERY NIGHT OF THE WEEK! Oh, well.

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    1. Judith - I'm so glad you and Sandy are enjoying long walks together... so good for both of you, I'm sure! The weather hasn't been great in central NY either, according to my relatives. They've been sending photos of snow again. We had storms here over the weekend, but I can't complain because they ushered in cooler, less humid air... it's gorgeous today.

      You inspired me to carve out some afternoon reading time... just an hour, sometimes two, It made a huge difference in both my reading and mood this past week. Finished both Unsheltered and Clock Dance by Anne Tyler. Today I'm thinking about rereading some older Margaret Atwood novels I loved. Hope I can get either Cat's Eye or The Robber Bride as an ebook from the library.

      I'm trying to use cooking as both a creative outlet and a challenge... new recipes from ingredients I have on hand or can easily obtain. Some days are better than others, lol. Hope you and Ken have a good week!

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    2. So nice to hear your news, JoAnn. I can only imagine how difficult it must be to wait and wait to get settled in your new house. Well, I for one can't wait!
      I'm so glad you've carved out a reading respite in the afternoons. I so treasure mine. I never knew I would treasure my peaceful reading hours as I do now. Thank heavens for books and ebooks and a home library.
      I need to take inspiration from your attitude toward cooking creatively. It is a challenge.

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  35. Oops, I commented on a very old post ... regardless, I'm catching up with your posts now.

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