March 22, 2020
My neighborhood.
Total distance walked: 4.81 miles
Coronavirus—the topic of conversation taking place all over the world, the Internet, between family and friends, on radio shows and television. With 2,535 confirmed cases of coronavirus in California and 53 deaths (updated as of 3/24/2020), my husband and I are sheltering in place by order of our governor who has asked us to stay home. Like everyone else, all that we do has been canceled: job, meetings, Mass, lunch dates, volunteer work, babysitting grandchildren, family visits and the list goes on. Even Yosemite has closed its gates.
By the grace of God, our family stays healthy, and the shelter-in-place order has not left us financially burdened. The blessing that has come from this for my husband and me is the feeling of more time to spend with each other, to relax together. Time to do projects that were otherwise low on our priority list. Time to take a long walk.
Lately, the weather has been cooperating for a cozy shelter-in-place. (It’s a little easier to stay home when it’s rainy.) I watched my weather app closely waiting for a break in the rain. It came mid-afternoon. I grabbed my coat and headed out to view my neighborhood through the lens of my camera.
It was fun to photograph the interesting yard art of my neighbors. There was a lot of rusty metal garden décor.
Since we can’t walk the trails of Yosemite, I pretended I was in the untrammeled backcountry. It wasn’t hard to make-believe. I walked along the damp trail—I mean roadway. Muddy footprints followed in my wake. Countless chattering birds were out and about enjoying the break in rain. Their happy chirps and trilling lifted my spirits.
Every so often a crisp breeze whipped through the trees. It wafted a spicy scent into the air. The sweet smell of spring. This is only temporary I told myself —the virus not the break in rain—as I strolled up and down the six hilly roads that make up our neighborhood.
There is a myriad of ways the coronavirus has touched people’s lives. I have been fervently praying for all who are sick and suffering, for those who work in the medical profession, for those who have fears and concerns, and for those who have died as well as for their grieving family members.
I pray that it has not affected your life in a negative way. That it has given you time to enjoy something even as simple as a cup of afternoon tea.
Abide with the hope that in God’s time, this too shall pass.
Hiking Yosemite and Beyond 
What I hear you saying is more saws.
🙂
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Janet, your outlook is so encouraging. I miss the wildflowers in your area, but am blessed to live in Arroyo Grande now. In our mobile home community we can walk around, visit out of doors with neighbors. At least we do not feel alone. Thank you for our positive outlook and your continued prayers for all of us. God’s blessings to you and yours.
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Thank you Rae. I hope you are both doing well.
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So good that you stayed in the neighborhood… It was fun to see! Hugs, M
On Mon, Mar 23, 2020, 5:01 PM Hiking Yosemite and Beyond wrote:
> Janet posted: “March 22, 2020 My neighborhood. Total distance walked: 4.81 > miles Coronavirus—the topic of conversation taking place all over the > world, the Internet, between family and friends, on radio shows and > television. With 1,382 confirmed cases of coronavirus ” >
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🙂 Thanks, Marlene.
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Glad you found a window of good weather and were able to get out for a walk. I’ve been trying to go for a walk ever day either at lunch or in the afternoon (if the weather permits), just to get some fresh air and have a change of scenery from being cooped up in my apartment working from home. Stay healthy and safe.
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🙂 Thank you. Hoping you too remain healthy and safe.
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Thank you for sharing! It was so fun to take this walk with you and see the fun in the neighborhood. I keep saying I want to take my camera out and get outside, but they have closed all of our hiking trails, beaches, beach parking and piers. We are staying home. You really have some beauty where you are. I hope you and Chris are staying well and healthy. Take care, Terri
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Hi Terri. Everything is closed here too. Lots of time on our hands now but not much to do. LOL We’re well, hope you are too.
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We are hanging in there and staying at home. Stay well.
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Glad you are basically safe and healthy amidst this stay in place situation. Your walk is a delight–and appreciated. My immediate neighborhood is not quite as gorgeous as yours, but I am heading into the surrounding areas soon when i go out for some essentials (med refills, food, etc.). Nature is definitely an essential. Be safe. Thanks for sharing.
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Thank you, Patti. Nature is what uplifts me when I begin to get down about things. I hope you are well.
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Your neighbors’ yard art made me smile. I especially liked the cow. She looks so cheery.
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Terrific post. Thank you.
Have great day!
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