It’s summer — but the 2020 pandemic has changed most things about how we enjoy this season. Knowing that the virus sneakily lurks and may pounce again keeps me sheltered with my husband in our ‘bubble’ at the cottage. Rates of infection in our part of Ontario are low but that doesn’t mean throwing precaution […]
Enjoying Retirement
Celebrating Ten Years of Retirement
At the end of June 2020, I celebrated ten years of retirement! It’s been a time for retrospection and also for looking ahead. I remember so well walking out of my office. I was relieved to be done with achieving and striving to fulfill the multitude of expectations that comprise the work of a leader […]
Canada Day 2020
Happy Canada Day to my readers! This is a time to celebrate our country and today I’m especially proud to be a Canadian. I’m celebrating how well our country has done well in dealing with the pandemic. While the virus is still here, the curve has flattened. Daily reports of numbers of people infected and […]
What’s the New Normal Lifestyle?
I’m thinking about my new normal lifestyle after the pandemic restrictions are lifted. Earlier this month the Premier announced a regional re-opening of businesses and services in Ontario. Best of all, last Friday, June 12, Ontario announced that it would allow people to define a safe social circle of 10 people! I jumped for joy […]
Lessons in Uncertainty
Living through the COVID-19 pandemic is teaching me new lessons in uncertainty. Although the curve has flattened, and the numbers of people who are infected have dropped, the virus remains a concern. Instead of letting my guard down and becoming complacent, it remains important to continue to observe public health recommendations to stay safe. The […]
Pandemic Malaise
Has pandemic malaise hit you? It’s Day 83 of COVID-19 isolation for my husband and me. That’s almost 12 weeks without social contacts except for social media and virtual conversations on zoom! Readers — this post was written before the horror of news videos showing George Floyd’s death at the hands of Minneapolis police. I’m […]
After COVID -19 — We’ll Eat at the Big Table
I was touched when our 7 year-old-granddaughter told me during a short talk last week, “I can’t wait to come and eat at your big table”. She knew this would not occur until the threat of COVID-19 passed. We were having a social-distancing visit with our family who stood on the walkway as they brought […]
Mentality of Scarcity
For many, living through this pandemic has created a mentality of scarcity. It began in early March when toilet paper flew off the shelves as did bleach and disinfectant wipes. Next came a rush on flour and yeast as everyone began to bake bread, and/or cinnamon buns while isolated at home. Recently, fear that meat […]
Joy of Slow Living — A Blank Calendar
Since March 13, my husband and I have experienced what some call ‘slow living’. Thanks to Public Health Canada’s advice to stay at home to avoid the threat of contracting the COVID-19 virus, our retirement schedules are clear of activities and obligations. There’s a blank calendar. Everything is cancelled or closed. My gym and pool are […]
Coping with COVID 19 by Lowering the Bar
During this time of staying home to avoid COVID-19, I’m coping by lowering the bar. Today marks 24 days of staying at home. Consequently, I’ve given myself permission to lower the bar. Filling my days with a sense of purpose doesn’t work. It’s impossible to focus for any length of time when I’m preoccupied with […]
