And the COVID Pandemic continues, with some areas opening up, others, like ours, continuing to "shelter in place" (staying home except for outdoor exercise and "essential" errands) and keeping our distance until the end of May. Our times have changed with technology, changing demographics which has affected and put so many out of work; but how different is it really? 
Our church leaders have said this may only be the preparatory stage for even more challenging times ahead. 

And people stayed at home 

And read books 
And listened 
And they rested 
And did exercises 
And made art and played 
And learned new ways of being 
And stopped and listened 
More deeply 
Someone meditated, someone prayed 
Someone met their shadow 
And people began to think differently 
And people healed. 
And in the absence of people who 
Lived in ignorant ways 
Dangerous, meaningless and heartless, 
The earth also began to heal 
And when the danger ended and 
People found themselves 
They grieved for the dead 
And made new choices 
And dreamed of new visions 
And created new ways of living 
And completely healed the earth 
Just as they were healed. 

This could be applied to the Spanish flu or the flu of 1869, too, perhaps!

But lives and traditions must go on. The first day of Muslim Ramadan (April 23 this year) in Kashmir

We keep our distance as we celebrate birthdays..
Friends drove, biked or walked by to wish Happy Birthday to Colette Taylor at her home

Becca Johnson sang "Somewhere over the Rainbow" from a safe distance.
We haven't seen rainbows lately as blue skies and sunshine enhance our lives...
The Palo Alto Elizabeth Gamble Gardens are blooming

Roses of every variety (and so many other beautiful flowers) are more beautiful than ever this year.

As much as I love my city and neighborhood, I, too, wish I had wings to fly to Germany and England. My long-anticipated yesterday's flight departure and trip were sadly canceled. Instead I'm listening to Harry Potter and his state-of-the-art Nimbus 2000 broomstick, an alternative mode of transportation for some.

And speaking of transportation, I found this old Studebaker in a neighbor's driveway, same model almost as my parent's first car in the 1940's. I do prefer my red hybrid KIA, which I'm sure gets better gas mileage. During the quarantine it goes almost nowhere!

Instead, I have been binge reading: among many other books, Harry Potter; A Long Petal in the Sea (by Isabel Allende); a story of the Whitmans (my alma mater); Paris 1919, and have been especially loving C.S. Lewis' Screwtape Letters, Mere Christianity and the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and other Narnia Chronicles. (below Lewis and his poetess/writer wife Joy Davidman); Lion..., their home in Oxford, the Kilns. I re-watched Shadowlands )

I highly recommend watching The Chosen on YouTube, about the early part of Christ's ministry: wonderful cast, exciting events, so beautifully done. I can't wait for the second season. Whatever your religious views, I'm sure you will enjoy it.

And my housemates and I love puzzles. So far we have done 8 big ones. (below is the latest with 1000 pieces) Will we/they ever puzzle out the solutions, timing, full impact and best methods of dealing with the Pandemic? I fear (and to some small extent hope) our lives are forever changed. Perhaps gone are some of such idyllic scenes?

I saw these two pine trees, next to each other, growing so differently, and thought they were symbolic: the first represents social distancing during COVID-19, the second our coming back together soon, we hope. Fortunately our lives intertwine through technology and thoughts and love shared however possible. How will it be when we open up and get out again? I hope you are surviving physically, mentally, and emotionally, and have been able to reflect and find some positive aspects of this unusual time.

Happy May Day! Think of a way to share your love and friendship with others, especially those who feel isolated and lonely.

A joyous Easter to all! It is an Easter unlike any other as we "shelter at home" during the COVID-19 Pandemic. But the great gift from our Savior Jesus Christ, the Atonement, gives us hope that we can rise above our sicknesses, trials, fears, sorrows with hope for a better tomorrow or at least in the next life where all will be made right.  Easter week began with the sacred remembrance that Christ entered Jerusalem on a humble donkey not on a horse (symbol of war and physical power). He was, and still is, welcomed today with shouts of Hosanna and rejoicing. 

His Resurrection promises a resurrection for each of us (a union of body and spirit restored to perfect form), a return to live with Him again, and a reunion with those loved ones who have gone before us.



There are many positives as we come together as households and as communities. Two signs in my neighborhood:

On a garage door: we offer help sometimes in a phone call or note that we are thinking of "you." 

In a yard: Acceptance, tolerance, inclusion, love and kindness.

Our wonderful Prophet Russell M. Nelson, a tender-hearted, wise, optimistic and inspired leader has traveled around the world to bring messages of courage and peace to all. We have been uplifted by all the messages we heard from our leaders (broadcast throughout the world) last weekend at our semi-annual General Conference (to an empty hall, even the speakers sitting 6 feet apart as they obeyed "social distancing"). Friday we were invited to fast for those at risk as first responders, medical personnel and all affected in any way by the virus. We all wanted to "flatten the curve" by sacrificing in that small way, to focus on others.

Our chapels and temples are closed but we as a congregation meet on "Zoom" each Sunday morning to visit with each other and to share Gospel messages. One speaker this morning shared the thought that we all have our Fridays, not to the degree our Savior suffered in Gethsemane and then on the cross, but times of trial, but 'Sunday' will come as we embrace the message of hope and joy. The Gospel is everything if we choose it to be the focus of our lives. 

Sometimes I see double, too! So much reading!
I just finished "Becoming Mrs. Lewis" (C.S.) and am now reading some of his works as I feel like I know him (and her) better.
My roses are blooming. How wonderful to watch flowers open!

Meanwhile, for many of us who are fortunate, we can enjoy the spring flowers, the time we have to spend more time with family and households, to discipline ourselves to do some of those projects that need doing, and enjoy activities and deepen relationships with those closest to us. For me it has been a time of reflection, simplification, and connection with others in a different way. When I'm out walking my conversations are often with those across the street, 6' apart in a driveway or park, or as one walks in the street with the other on the sidewalk. I have managed to stay away from the store for a month and I have not lost weight unfortunately. My books keep me company, too!

It's given me more time to keep in touch with friends. An Ecuadorian friend from my mission there sent this photo of her son (3rd from left) leaving his mission in Mexico to return home to Ecuador. Like the US missionaries, all have now returned to their home countries where they may be reassigned at home or resent later. This has been a bonding time, a chance to laugh.

My housemates and I have enjoyed more time together. Last night we celebrated Angie's birthday. Elsie (left) and I did a puzzle shared by our neighbor who left it at the gate (where any mail is left to keep social distance). We've saved on gas, movies, non-essential shopping, and gained on friendship, closeness, appreciation for things we never considered before.
I hope your new week is full of good surprises, that you learn something new or deepen your understanding of something. Try to record this crazy time...in general we won't forget, but the details may interest our posterity. My sympathy and love to all, especially to those of you suffering at this time.