Dear Ireland

I had initially decided not to share this poem but since returning home I have changed my mind.  So many people going through so many things in their lives and don't we all just need some time to process?  Ireland was my chance to be alone and face some things in my life, mainly the loss of my parents, but also so many friends, family members and colleagues in a short span of time. With more sand in the bottom half of the hourglass it was time to think about life, what remains of life, and how I want to live it.   So, Ireland was a trip planned with healing and planning in mind.  Enjoy!

Dear Ireland,

Over the rock-laden hills, 

through the scrubby grass

And across the wild seas

You called my name,

you called to me alone.

You offered up your solace and solitude

As a refuge for reflection and healing,

Holding up a mirror to my soul

And asking, who are you?

And I did not know.

But each day as I climbed

To the peak of Dun Aonghasa

Gazing out over the hillsides

Listening to the cows, 

those cows who 

Are not afraid of heights

And to the waves crashing upon the cliffs

Those waves whose persistence

Have shaped a landscape,

It is here where

shattered little pieces of myself

Found their way home.

I had been out with lanterns

Looking for myself

Here on Inis Mor’s hillsides

Across rocky ridges

And over sparkling seas 

I lay still,

The haunting emptiness inside of me

Opening up 

inviting me to recognize and

Honour the gifts within me,

It was time to lose the lantern

In order for my own light to shine,

To see myself through a new lens

And to rediscover my place in this world

Dear Ireland,

I came to you with two faces,

The one I showed the world . . .

And the one in the mirror.

I have heard your whispers.

I close my eyes 

and finally hear the voice,

The one that has been calling me home.

Homeward Bound

The cold wind and rain slap my face as if to wake me up to being in the moment.  I've hauled my luggage down the steep narrow stairs of the Doolin Inn a little early so I can take a saunter.  I head down Fisher Street towards the ferry dock, passing the brightly coloured shops and pause in front of Gus O'Connor's Pub.  Last night we ended our journey with a knee slapping, toe tapping night of pure Irish Music and a glass or two of Guiness or Whiskey.  I gaze out over the sea to the shadow of Inis Mor where a piece of my soul will forever remain.

The blustery weather of today does not dim the memory of the sun shining on my face as I lay atop Dun Aonghasa staring at the clouds and letting all of life pass through my head and heart.  The steep climb, both up and down, tested my balance and kept me focused ! That last day a rainbow shone down across the rocky hillsides to the sea reflecting the magic of the place.  I stopped at the bottom to have a chat with Vincent, the basket maker, who is there each day as I go up and down.  Vincent came to Inis Mor for a weekend 52 years ago as a young fisherman and knew this is where he would spend the rest of his days.  The little basket I bought will sit on my treasure shelf reminding me of my chats with Vincent, Kilmurvey House, Inis Mor and Dun Aonghasa (where the cows are not afraid of heights).

This morning I will say farewell to the 16 writers I have shared this "Go Alone" journey with.  I was never, in fact, alone.  We came from all corners and quickly settled into friendships that will last a lifetime.  12 of these women are 'alone' in life; widowed, divorced or single.  Each one of them is creative, passionate and strong in spite of all life has thrown their way.  I have always believed that we develop a sense of ourselves through the looking glass of others and these  new friends held up their mirrors changing the way I see myself, especially as a writer, but really in every aspect of my life.

The writing itself was never my main goal in being here. But perhaps there is a writer inside of me, just longing to get out, much like the artist I didn't know resided in me.  One of our writing prompts asked us to think about what the main character in our stories really longed for, what he/she/they was most afraid of, and and how the story would end.  I am not a fiction writer but that prompt will definitely be guiding my life: What DO I most long for? What am I most afraid of and how do I want my story to end? Only time will tell but one thing is for sure, life will be lived in a more intentional manner thanks to my time 'alone'.

But, the most important aspect of travel for me is always the journey HOME.  My husband will meet me at the airport and that first hug will be a long one.  Hugs and kisses from the amazing people I get to call FAMILY will always top whatever experiences life brings my way!

Go n-éirí an bóthar leat guh nye-ree on boh-her lyat 

(safe journeys to you)

Inis Mor 2

It is Day 4 here on the stunning island of Inis Mor.  I feel like it has been much longer.  The group of 16 writers have quickly become friends and laughter rings throughout the hallways during the gathering times.  I am a later riser so often when I leave my room and head towards the dining room several other people are already there.  Every single time I can hear the talking, the story telling, but most of all, the laughter.  I am not generally a morning person but I have found it easy to settle into the group and to join the conversations, ALL of which involve stories and laughter.  It is a beautiful way to start the day!

While I don't identify as being a 'writer' I am quickly learning to try it on and see how it fits.  Many of these women have published and one quiet, gentle woman has published FIVE novels.  There is a mixture of writing styles; memoirs, biographies, fiction, educational material, poetry and historical novels that are all  being produced on this little island at this time.

When we gathered the first morning to tell our stories of why we are here, what we hope to achieve, what we have overcome and where we are headed, as always, I was moved by the honesty and the courage to share in front of strangers.  I was moved to tears more than once.  My friend Sheila often said, 'if you throw your troubles into a pile with everyone else's you will almost always take back your own'.  And yet, there was not an ounce of self-pity.  In fact, these women have demonstrated such strength of character in the face of so many challenges and have forged on, often inspired by the need to write.  While each of the stories belonged to the individual there were common themes of passion for writing, the need to stretch themselves to learn, along with wanting to live life to the fullest.  It is always a good thing to have your life put back into perspective.

Janie and Gerard (the facilitators) have created an environment of safety.  They are incredibly supportive yet are not afraid to challenge you as a writer.  As a teacher for many years I know how difficult it is to achieve that balance between constructive criticism and encouragement yet they make it look easy.  

Before the retreat each of us had to submit five writing samples.  On the second day here each of us met with Gerard for one hour to discuss our writing, our motivations for writing and to create a bit of a plan on how to best make use of our two weeks on Inis Mor.  No lie, I was nervous about the feedback and I came into the meeting lacking a real plan for moving forward with my writing.  I had made it clear in our initial zoom interview that writing was only a part of my reason to travel to Inis Mor, time for reflection and solitude were my main goals.  I left the meeting so uplifted!  I was validated as a writer, recognized as an artistic soul and encouraged to just BE while I was here.  Now I was free to write!

Inis Mor itself has also welcomed me.  The beach down the road calls to me and I may even go for a dip before I leave here.  The steep climb up to Dun Aonghasa fills my lungs and tests my knees but when you reach the top and look over the ocean at the base of 100' cliffs you know the climb has been worth it. The walk down the road past the highland cattle, along the stone walls, past the ancient cemetery whispers the stories of those who have gone before.  Ireland, as you know, is a land of saints and scholars, a land where stories, music and art are celebrated.  The rocky hillsides and stone walls tell the tales of back breaking efforts to settle this harsh land.  And yet, I have not met an Irish soul who has not been quick with a smile and even quicker with a story.

I came on this trip with a sliver of guilt, a feeling of perhaps being a bit selfish for wanting to take this journey alone.  Not anymore.  I feel my creative spark growing and the beginnings of a small flame poofing out from that spark.  I have stories to tell and time to tell them.  I feel blessed to have this opportunity and I will be making the most of it!

Slán go fóill

(goodby, for now)

Go Alone

“If you ever get the chance, go alone.
Walk alone, travel alone, live alone, dance alone.
Just for a while. If you ever get the chance, learn who you are
when the world isn’t demanding you to be one way or another.
Most people only know how to stand on their own 
if someone else will stand beside them. 
Don’t let that be your story.
When you get the chance, know that the opportunity
to walk alone, even for a bit, is a rare gift, one that will hand you
insight that can change the course of your life.”

~Brianna Wiest
My solo trip to Inis Mor has been inspired by many authors but these words by Brianna Wiest sealed the deal.  
I left my parents' home when I was 18 to start a life with the love of my life.  We had a beautiful baby boy in that first year of our marriage, an amazing daughter in our third year of marriage and rounded out our family in the best of ways with the births of our lively twins in the eighth year.  We have had rewarding careers and many adventures.  Life is good.
Those early years, I think, found me at my best.  I LOVED (and still do) being a wife, a mother, a family!  I wouldn't change a thing about how our lives transpired. We have had many adventures and our family remains the centre of our universe.
Having said that, I am in my 70th year.  I have become more aware of the sands of time and have read many influential writers whose messages of "spend some time alone, particularly if you are a creative" have settled into my brain and my heart.  So this trip to Inis Mor is for me.  Emily Dickinson wrote, "I am out with lanterns looking for myself." and her words have also resonated with me.  We all have past selves.  I am proud of all of them but want to spend these remaining years growing and learning and always, always, 'becoming'.  
I have kept my eyes peeled for an adventure to celebrate this 70th year.  The criteria included; a solo journey, a learning experience that took me just a little out of my comfort zone and one that I could look back on as an adventure.  So, here I am in Ireland, heading for the little island of Inis Mor.  Bob and I travelled to Ireland many years ago so that helped a little with the idea of heading off on my own.  While I hadn't intended such a grand adventure, it has turned into just that.
I am joining 10 other writers at Kilmurvey House for two weeks of writing and exploring both my own inner world and the world around me.  When asked what my writing goals would be I had to say that I didn't really have any.  I love to write; poetry, journalling, blogging etc. I would describe my writing as 'opportunistic'.  Generally when I write it is in response to an experience.  You may not know this but I am quite an emotional person (tongue in cheek) so anything that awakens me generally inspires me to write about it.
I am proud of the way I navigated my trip from Comox to Shannon.  It was long and tiring but I did it.  You can only understand my feelings if, like me, you have a partner who likes to have his adventures well scripted.  I seldom worry about anything when we travel as I know Bob will look after that end of things.  And I mean this in the best of ways.
Later today I meet with the group.  While we are a 'group', we are a group of writers and I am not going to lie, the word 'solitude' came up more than once while researching this trip.  I am excited for the workshops and hopefully some new friendships but what really appeals to me is the idea of solitude.  I plan to spend much of my time exploring Inis Mor with my camera, my pen and my curiosity, to keep all of my senses wide open.  I am here to experience the 'chance to go alone'.
An té a bhíónn siúlach, bíonn scéalach [S(he) who travels has stories to tell]

The Circle of Life

Outside the daffodils and crocuses are pushing through the ground.  The ones that have made it have their faces turned towards the morning sun.  The trees that have not burst out in glorious spring colours are full of buds waiting for their turn. There is warmth in the sun that wasn’t there two weeks ago and our cars are coated in pollen.  Life.  Spring Life.  It seems out of sync that my thoughts today are full of death.

Yesterday my younger sister wrapped up all of the loose ends of my mom and dad’s modest ‘estate’.  She was responsible for taking care of all of the business surrounding their deaths.  I do not envy her that task.  Does it seem just a little strange to you (as it does to me) that it took a full nine months to clear up the dangling loose bits that floated around long after mom left us.  Nine months for us to come into this world and nine months to remove all legal traces that we indeed were here.

My sister, who has always been the closest physically and emotionally with Mom and Dad must have let out a big exhale yesterday.  I imagine, now that she has the time and energy, grief will reappear.  It will have a different shape and feel than it did initially but it will be there, of that I am sure.

She spoke to me about how difficult it was that last day after cleaning out their apartment.  There wasn’t a thing in that room that remained of my mom and dad and my sister said it felt like they had just vanished. But in my mind, the biggest reminder of their lives WAS there, my sister, their legacy.  As long as we are all here Mom and Dad are still here.  They will live on through the stories and memories that each of us will polish up and treasure just a little more than we did when making those memories.  I feel fortunate that when I think of my mom and dad I think of that last visit with most of us together, everyone speaking at the same time, no one listening.  Lots of BS and lots of laughter.  That is what I will hang on to.

For me, my mom and dad have not been a daily part of my life since I left home at 18.  We were not a family that communicated regularly and visits happened randomly every couple of years.  We had a great time when we were together but that wasn’t often enough to call what we had a ‘relationship’.  I loved my mom and dad and I am sure they loved me in their own way but their passing, like their lives, was a distant event.  Dad passed quickly and unexpectedly and  mom passed 19 months later.  I feel blessed to have been able to be there with my brothers and my sister when mom went quietly into that good night.

When my grandmother passed away my mom said to me, “I guess we are next.”  My sister said the same words to me yesterday.  Yes, that is how the circle of life works.  Death is not a taboo subject for me.  I am pragmatic about it, like my dad was.  He had two responses later in life that I liked.  When he met friends in the grocery store (my dad knew EVERYONE) and they asked him how he was doing, he said, “Well, I’m not buying any green bananas.”  And when asked if he wanted to go for coffee the next day, his typical response was, “Well, give me a call in the morning, if I’m still here we’ll go for coffee  I don’t make plans any more, just live each day as it comes.”  I like that philosophy.  So many of us make plans for down the road and sometimes the road just isn’t that long.  As I have now stepped into the generation ‘whose turn is ‘next’ I really try to live each day, just one at a time.  I do make plans for the future but there is an awareness now around making those plans that didn’t exist a few years ago.  I do not wait for death but I am also not afraid of its presence in my life.  In some ways I feel my mom and dad are reminding me that time is no longer infinite in a way it was in my younger years.

The circle of life goes on.

Sisters

My sister and I have always been different, right from the start.  But let me begin there.

For the first few years of my life I was a middle child.  More than that I was a girl between two boys.  I grew up tough, learned to look up to my big brother and look after my little one.  This went on for a few years and then lo and behold, I was no longer the middle child nor the only girl.

I don't remember much of my mother's pregnancy (other than she almost doubled her weight).  What I do remember is the day she brought home my little sister.  I was mesmerized by how tiny she was and I clearly remember bringing out my 'walking doll' Annie and measuring her up against my sister over and over again.  It just didn't seem right to me that my doll was bigger than my sister.  She was born in May which was great because it wouldn't be long before summer holidays began and I could spend more time with her.  We grew up in a family where "I Love You's' and hugs and kisses were never heard or felt.  I think we were loved, at least I never thought I wasn't but I also don't remember anyone ever treating me in a tender and loving way.  I must have thought it should be different because I clearly enjoyed holding and looking after our new little bundle.  For a few years I thought she was mine to take care of; holding her little pink fingers and doing whatever it took to make her smile.  I held her and I fed her and I took her into the room and closed the door when the fighting got too loud. 

My dad was a drinker and my mom was tired.  At some point my mom decided she had had enough and packed up my brothers and my sister in the middle of the night and moved us to another city. We moved from a house to an apartment and trust me, we were not kids meant to live in an apartment.  My mom found a babysitter for my little sister during the day while we were at school.  When we came home that babysitter treated us quite meanly.  I remember being told to get on my knees about a foot away from the wall and would spend long periods of time here.  I was never an angel but I don't remember what I did to deserve the punishment, I just remember my knees hurting and my back hurting.  But most of all, I remember her slapping my baby sister for crying.  I have always had a very strong sense of right and wrong and have never been afraid to speak up when wrong happens.  I  remember feeling so angry and helpless and afraid all at the same time but I spoke up.  I told my mom and that babysitter was gone.  My sister was safe again.

This really is the last time I remember being her 'protector'.  We moved back in with my dad at the end of the year and things moved on.  I was in school all day and my sister was with her babysitter (Mrs. Letawski).  When we got home from school we had chores to do, games to play and most of our time was spent outdoors.  My sister didn't come home until my mom or dad picked her up after they came home from work and we spent less and less time together.

As my sister grew up it became apparent that we were different personalities with different interests.  While we shared a room right from the beginning, as she grew she became tidier and I didn't.  While I cleaned my side of the room by throwing things under the bed and in the closet, she organized and straightened the way my mom intended.  It was a good thing there were no label makers in those days as I'm sure she (like my oldest daughter) would have had everything in our room labelled.  I remember how frustrated she was with having to share a room with such a slob and I clearly remember those days where my little sister drew a line down the middle of the room (just like my twins) and set the rules for who could be where and whose 'stuff' could would go where.

I was at an age where I swam and played ball and ran with the neighborhood boys.  I was an outside kid and had a hard time being 'still' and following all of the rules.  I wasn't bad, I just wasn't good.  My sister, on the other hand, was very rule-oriented (for the time being ;) and it was during this time that our lives became quite separate. 

We moved to Comox after grade 8.  I hated my parents for moving us.  Well, until I saw Comox.  Sports and being outside took up every spare minute of my time. I was in junior high and my sister was in elementary school.  During these years my older brother became closer with my sister as I became more distant.  She didn't seem to enjoy the things I enjoyed and with the age difference we didn't spend so much time together. 

When Bob and I started going out we did more with my sister than I had done in years.  I remember playing board games with her and one very memorable trip to the PNE (remember that roller coaster?).  During these years I went to school, played a lot of sports and worked.  I started to challenge my parents a little and really, I didn't come home until later in the evenings.  My brothers were also busier during these years and my sister spent a lot of time with my parents.

I married at 18 and those 10 years I had with my sister were gone in a flash.  In looking back I think how hard it must have been on her as both of my brothers and myself left home within 18 months of each other.  We all moved away and my sister was left alone, really as an only child.  When I look at her face in my wedding pictures, there weren't too many smiles.  I know when my son was born she had no interest in him at all.  Really, who could blame her?  Her world had changed in the blink of an eye.  Only when we're older do we understand how little control kids have over the worlds that they live in. With no technology like today and long distance calls being expensive we never really spoke much, my parents or my sister and I.  We had a few visits in those early days as she came to visit us in Gold River and Victoria.  All of those pictures are filled with smiles and I remember each time she left I felt sad.  When my parents got posted back to Alberta I had this great fear that I would never see any of them again and I felt very alone.  I was 20 with two children, no money and now, no family other than my own.  My sister seemed to grow closer and closer to my parents, especially my mom as my dad was often away.  In the  years since I have been gone from home my parents have called me 5 or 6 times.  I had no money to call them. I know my older brother has spoken often of the communication gaps in our family.  We've never been much at sharing our lives with each other. 

For me, part of this was that we were raised to be independent.  "You made your bed, now you can lie in it" was a mantra in my growing up years.  When I became pregnant at 18 my parents would have been (and in fact were) the last people we told.  My dad stated over and over that if I had any problems I wasn't to come running home.  My sister happened to be part of that world where I didn't feel I could turn to during those very challenging years and our relationship has never really recovered from it.

I always saw my sister as being more a child to my parents than my brothers and I ever were.  Their marriage was more solid (not solid, but more solid) in those years after the separation.  When my brothers and I left home there would certainly have been significantly more money, which had always been a problem.  I remember my sister camping and travelling around the island with my mom and dad.  I remember her being a comfort to my mom when my dad was away. 

As I look back now, at my own children growing up, I know that my mom and dad would have been much more conscious of the time they had left with my sister as she grew up.  They have played a big role in the lives of my sister's children and have stayed close together, living in nearby towns. 

When my sister asked me to write this blog I wondered why.  I am hoping it is because she would like a closer relationship with me.  I'm sure some of it has to do with knowing more about herself as she grew up.  I wonder as I read through this if it was what she was hoping for.  What I do know is that we all see the world through our own experiences and it's a tricky business sharing memories as they are never the same.  After a visit with my brother a few years ago he wondered if we had even grown up in the same house.  So Bev, if this leaves  you with questions or thoughts you want to talk about more, let me know.  From all I know of you I know that you are thoughtful, caring, sometimes insecure and that you love your family more than anything.  In the end, we're more alike than different :)  I love you!

Corona Virus (Covo-19)

Corona Virus (Covo-19)

So here we are, March 13, 2020.  All major sports are cancelled, all concerts, plays and classes cancelled.  University classes to to online instruction.  It is recommended that people not travel outside of Canada and there is talk of closing the US border as Washington State is a hot spot for the virus.  People are hoarding toilet paper and hand sanitizer and the sad, sad situation of scalpers selling  much-needed goods is becoming an issue.  Line-ups at grocery stores are a reality and empty streets and public gathering places are a stark contrast to those line-ups.  We are in a situation where gatherings of over 250 are banned and people are being encouraged to self-isolate, not only when sick but to avoid getting sick.

So here we are.  65+ and in an age group advised to be more vigilant than younger folks.  So, vigilant we are.  We are not anxious.  We are not overly concerned.  But we are also not taking any unnecessary chances and will follow all of the guidelines suggested.

We have permission to slow down our lives.  We have permission to spend more time with our immediate family.  We are encouraged to get outside and go for a walk and get some fresh air.  Perhaps this is a gift for those whose lives are so busy they don't have any other chances to do exactly what is necessary to keep this virus from spreading.  In Italy people who are in isolation are leaning out over their balconies and singing traditional folk songs together.  This is the way to be 'together' in our isolation.  

March 17

Things are escalating.  No groups of more than 50 allowed.  Canadian borders closed to all non-Canadians (and US citizens).  Washington State is a hotbed for the virus so British Columbians are quite worried about the border being open to US citizens.  Schools in all provinces are closed except B.C. at this time but there will be an announcement later today and we are all expecting the same thing here. The hospitals have cancelled all elective surgery and are preparing for the next couple of weeks where the spike is expected.  People are still hoarding but there are many good news stories as well.  All bars and restaurants are to be closed for St. Patrick's day but I am sure people will find a way to celebrate and am curious to see how creative they can get :). Our family group-skyped last night and it was hilarious.  Bob (and I) are proud of how creative our kids are and how they seem to be needing to connect to each other at this time.  I was glad to see UBC had finally shut down as well.  Up until yesterday Carrie was going to work.  

In general, I am not having any problems staying 'socially distant' but then it has only been a few days.  As long as the weather is nice I will be riding my bike and doing some hikes with Bob.  Our yard is needing some spring work and I have lots of books and crafts to keep me busy.  Our food supply is good and the stores, in spite of peoples' posts on FB, seem to be fairly well stocked and we do have an egg stand next door, local meat sales and veggie stands as well.  We are fortunate to be Canadians!

I am beginning to have difficulty watching the news, particularly those stations who seem to need to sensationalize every story.  Dr. Bonnie Henry (Chief Medical Officer for B.C.) and Adrian Dix (Minister of Health) have done an excellent job of keeping us all up to date in a very calm, factual manner.  Once they are done their reports I am not interested in hearing reporter's ridiculous questions, particularly the ones that start with, "In hindsight, would you . . . " I find the second-guessing insulting to our medical professionals and feel that much of what is on the news is repetitive and irritating so need to walk away and find something else to do when it gets to that point.

The sun has shone the last two days and that has made all the difference.  Being able to get out on my bike for a couple of hours a day makes the day so much better.  Bob has also started on yard work and in the next few days I will begin preparing garden beds.

Today's news included the province announcing a Health Emergency in the province.  This give the Chief Medical Officer powers to make decisions she wasn't able to before.  All bars and restaurants were closed in order to keep people away from St. Patrick's Day celebrations.  Bars will remain closed until further notice and restaurants have turned mostly to take out and pick up with very few  having inside seating.  If they do have inside seating tables must be more than 6 feet apart and no more than 50 people allowed inside.

The bigger announcement was that all schools will be closed until further notice.  This decision was predictable with BC being the only province in Canada that had not made this decision as public schools are currently on spring break.  

I cannot begin to say how grateful I am for our life situation at the moment.  So many people being laid off and businesses having to shut their doors.  There will be many, many people unable to make ends meet.  The government will step in to support people but I doubt it will be enough.  Our pensions are good and my pay will continue through until the end of the school year.  The kids will all be fine as well and we are in a situation to help if need be.  We have enough food and supplies to last us quite a while.  Stores seem to be fairly well stocked at the moment and there is no official concern although there seem to be many people hoarding.  I am sure there is a lot of stress out there.

The predictions are that we are just on the doorstep of the escalation here in Canada.  We will keep to ourselves and continue to make the best of the situation.  The next couple of weeks will be an ever evolving situation for the government and for businesses and industries.

March 22 Update

Well, the borders are closed to all but essential traffic.  All Canadian citizens were ordered home and those that are able are moving quickly to get back into Canada.  All restaurants and bars are closed to clients coming inside.  Many of the restaurants are doing their best to stay in business by providing take-out food.  This is working well here in Agassiz, particularly with Lori's Catering and The Broken Whisk.  Playgrounds all have yellow caution tape around them and Harrison Hot Springs and Cultus Lake have barricaded off the entrances to their communities to keep tourists out.  White Rock pier is considering the same actions. So many people have been outside enjoying the sunshine and warmth of the last few days but are completely ignoring the warnings to keep 6 feet apart from each other.  The road to Lindeman Lake in Chilliwack had cars lined up along the road for miles and this is a trail that has many parts where only one hiker can pass at a time - the same is true at The Chief in Squamish where everyone going up must use the same ladder.  I passed by Super Valu today and people were lined up along the sidewalk leaving plenty of space between them.  Apparently they are only letting in 10 people at a time.

On a more positive note, our family has learned to use a group link so we can all talk as a group.  The kiddies are loving this one and even connected for a dance party yesterday.  The kids all seem to be doing very well and are enjoying this time at home with arts, crafts, puzzles, games and lots of walks in the great outdoors.  There is a bit of a movement here where children are posting messages and hearts in their windows and drawing art work on the sidewalks for people to enjoy.  It is heart-warming to see this taking off. 

The weather has been very good the last few days and this has allowed us to get out for walks and bike rides.  Bob has done a lot of yard work including mowing the lawn for the first time this year. The rain is coming but we are stocked up with books and I have enough art supplies to keep me going for quite a while.

The numbers of people having the virus in BC has continued to climb steadily.  We have had 10 deaths due to the virus, all coming from a seniors' home in Vancouver.  My mom and dad are confined to their building - no going in and out.  They get all of their meals in the facility they are in so have no reason, other than just to get out, to go anywhere.  Still, if it was me, the not being allowed would be very hard. They are strange times.

Today is April 6 - three weeks into this pandemic.  As you can see from the numbers , we are lucky to be living in British Columbia.  Experts believe that our later spring break has helped us tremendously. Many families, including ours, did not travel prior to the outbreak as families in Ontario and Quebec had.  Their spring break came before the pandemic hit Canada and it is believed many travellers returned from holidays carrying the pandemic with them.

Province, territory or other	Number of confirmed cases	Number of probable cases	Number of deaths
Canada	15,496	16	280

British Columbia

1,203

0

38

Quebec	7,944	0	94
Ontario	4,038	0	119

This is the norm for us now.  We do not have direct contact with any of our family.  We have had a couple of walks with Jason and Lizzie while keeping the recommended 2 meters apart.  We cannot walk with Kelly and her family as the kids are not able to understand that we cannot pick them up, especially Riley and Layla.  We have seen them through the window and the door as we drop things off at their house.  Christine, Marc, Kai, Nico, Derran, Carrie and Austen, we have all had chat times face to face on the computer.  We do not know how long this will go on - likely through the next couple of months.

We buy groceries once a week unless something is necessary.  The weather has not been good so we have not been outside much.  Bob goes for a walk or a bike ride most days but I am having trouble getting outside when it is so cold and windy.  Yesterday, April 5 we had snow for much of the day - heavy at times and always windy.  It did not stick but still hard to watch through the window as we hunkered down for another day.

All non-essential businesses are closed.  Restaurants have gone to take out only and our local restaurants have been very good about sharing meals with people who are struggling financially at this time.  Many, many people have lost their jobs as businesses close.  The government has, in my opinion done a terrific job of getting financial support to people as quickly as they can.  Again, I cannot stress how fortunate our family is to be working in jobs that are paying them through this situation.  Derran and Brady continue to go into work while Marc works from home.  Carrie is at UBC who is continuing to pay them and the rest of us are teachers, working from home.

The education situation is very confusing at the moment.  Teachers are working extremely hard to find ways to get lessons/activities to their students.  Many are using online platforms to deliver actual lessons while others, especially elementary schools, are using the platforms more to connect with their students and families.  Administrators are working from the schools and seem to be on call 24/7 at this time.  We will see how this works.  Many families are finding the education piece just one more stress at a time when they are financially strapped and, for the most part, housebound.