I now, officially, have cabin fever!

I now officially have cabin fever. Doing DIY projects, gardening and walking the dog is not enough some days. I am now making calls and connecting with family and friends via the telephone or on Facetime.

I have expanded my Papola Minute’s (Papola is my daughter’s nickname for me based on our favorite movie, Father of the Bride), where I catch up on my daughter’s life in a one-minute call. These days, I now have a Papa John Minute with my 11-year-old grandson. He and I share our latest adventures, clean jokes or riddles, and weather reports from our home windows.

Today is sunny at our home and overcast cloudy at his home. Ironic how much I learn from him each day. Today’s joke from my grandson: Q? “Why did the chicken cross the road?” Papa John’s answer … “To get to the other side.” His humorous reply … “Can’t the chicken just want to be on the other side?”

My good friend Paul and I have a standing phone appointment to “chew the fat,” talk about our news, and share philosophical interests. We used to have breakfast together every few weeks. Something else I learned from my grandson was how Paul and I can now use our phone cameras to see and talk at the same time. Is that multi-tasking?

Now on to my handyman life during SIP … With great excitement I share my latest DIY project … a new planter for the tomato plants given to me by a good neighbor.

Unfortunately, we had no planters in which to plant them. Great fortune, that I happen to have on hand reclaimed wood, 1×4 pine from shipping palates. (Joan calls that pile in the corner of the garage my hoarding pile!)

Once the planter was built, I lined it with plastic. The plants are lovely on the south side of our home. Our dog Eldred approves, and I am counting on Joan to remind me to water them.

Always glad to hear how you are doing. Drop me a line. God bless and protect you all.

See you, in person, on the other side of this trying time.

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Mother Earth still has our back — just step out into nature!

We are still sheltering in place here. I pray you are all staying safe, distancing and following the protocols. Even with our fear, we are counting our blessings. We call each other every day. We do have each other, family, friends, neighbors, shelter and food. And with all that, springtime is here.

Mother nature is putting on a springtime display of flowers, colors and growth. While walking our dog Eldred on the power line path, we pass Lupine, mustard, lush green grasses, and many wildflowers. There were no other people on the path. All was quiet and serene.

I am hopeful to take a hike in the hills, at Black Diamond park, as soon as the restrictions are lifted. It is my favorite destination, close to home. All the recent rain nourishes all the new growth.

In the meantime, we are waiting out the time on our deck garden. To bring more color and nature to our deck, we planted purple lavender, blue lupine, pink and red geraniums, mint, aloe, herbs and flowering jade. Overlooking the river and communal grassy area, is peaceful and calming. Our dog, Eldred, loves it out there, too!

To combat going stir crazy, I am an extroverted guy after all used to seeing customers every day, I have found the garage my haven of activity. I am cleaning out my truck and the garage, along with building inventive things I now have plenty of time to create. And still following the rules and protocols.

Please do stay in touch. I’m always glad to hear how you are doing and what you are doing to stay safe and sane! Drop me a line. And, may God bless and protect you all.

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