Social distancing?

We did go to Courtenay on Monday to help Kaili temporarily move here for the duration of the pandemic.  While we were on the big island we were able to get a large bag of chicken pellets for Henrietta, more fabric for my next projects, a few more groceries, and pet food.

My pottery evenings are on hold for now and we're not leaving our yard much. Sad face.

We had gotten a bunch of fencing materials last week. So far we've put in about 75 feet of board fencing (we probably have another 25 ft to do). We hope to have more materials delivered on Monday. We have also reconfigured some of the deer fencing and other stuff to hopefully keep Madrone contained and refrain him from accosting passersby. He can't seem to get the social distancing thing straight. If they're friends he enthusiastically greets them. Strangers on the path past our house are too close and need warning off.

We're also finally able to get to last year's slash piles and doing some burning. Our yard should be pretty awesome if the weather conditions cooperate and the need to hideout continues, as I suspect it will.

Stay safe, wash your hands and keep your distance, love you- Maggie

Once the fencing situation is handled, we will likely be a bit more serious about a veggie garden this year.

"Layin' low on the (little) island"

Fortunately Ron and I began restocking our freezer and pantry before the panic buying and COVID-19 craziness began.

We feel like we're in a pretty good spot to ride this thing out at the moment. Ron had a follow up visit with his doctor(s) last week and we were told at that time to self isolate for the duration. We were also told to expect this to be the case for the foreseeable future.

I have been busy with the sewing machine and plan to continue with my pottery evening once a week as long as it continues. We are also using this time to tinker on all the little home repair/improvement projects we have around here. I think we have been a little bit more diligent in our scripture study, in part by YouTube lessons (Come Follow Me Scripture Gems, Scripture+, and church videos)

Kaili will likely be joining us as her ulcerative colitis treatments leave her very vulnerable to the current disease making the rounds.

I'm sad we won't be able to meet our newest granddaughter for awhile and our trip to California this year is off indefinitely. Fortunately, we have the technology to "keep in touch" with friends and family.

A batch of sewing is heading to Manitoba today or tomorrow for a 4 year old's birthday. There's also a "crinkly taggie for the baby and a new pair of slippers for the biggest sister.

Our other recent projects have included new shower walls and floor. Next we are adding more fencing to better contain Madrone. Not everyone walking along the trail by our yard appreciates his youthful exuberance.

We are concerned for our friends and family and pray they are taking this situation seriously and using the necessary precautions to stay safe. We know of one friend in Folsom (the town, not the prison) who is currently sick with a suspected case of COVID. She works in health care and has been unable to locate a test to confirm her status yet.

Please keep in touch (not literally ATM), wash your hands, and keep your distance. Love to you all.

The Christmas "Letter" 2019

This year has definitely offered us some emotional challenges. We had to say goodbye to three of our pets; 17 year old Patchyface, 15 year old Aurora, and 14 year old Isis.

We also spent a great deal of time and energy in Ron's battle with and recovery from esophageal cancer. He is doing so much better than he was at this time last year.

We have adopted a new puppy and he is keeping us very busy as well as entertained. We call him our toddler, and he is very much like one. He gets into everything, has no concept of personal space, and loves to play.

We also have a chicken named Henrietta. She's got a portable coop and is a good egg producer in the summer. She's just coming out of her molt and is taking a rest from laying.

I have been struggling with seasonal depression a bit more than usual this year. My motivation has not been great but, I have managed to sew a few small Christmas gifts (slippers mostly) and I have baked a few dozen cookies. Of course, about 4 batches of almond roca have been produced as well.

Merry Christmas and a happy New Year. We're praying for a less emotional "rollercoaster-y" year.