In this weekly blog series, “Life in the time of Covid-19”, I will be sharing a candid view of my family’s journey as we navigate the Covid-19 pandemic.

This week it snowed. Big, sticky, flakes spewed down from the sky like cotton candy in a blender. Spring snow storms are rarely welcomed, and this one was no exception. With rising river levels and otherwise rising anxiety, now was not the time. But, as we’ve been finding out, nature really doesn’t care much for convenience. So, with all things, we went with the flow and enjoyed it as much as we could.  

Pre-snow, it was almost an ideal spring if you ignore the whole global pandemic thing. Our tulips have started to push up from the earth and I was pleasantly surprised that there are buds on the peonies I transplanted last fall. After this batch of snow melts, I have grand plans to start getting our garden boxes prepared for spring planting. I can already feel the dirt on my hands.  

Our household rhythm changed quite a bit last Monday when distance learning began for Edith, our 10-year-old. I’ve asked every day how it’s going, and, as usual, she replies “amazing.” Towards the end of the week, she did admit it has been a learning curve for her but overall not too bad. I’m amazed by her resilience constantly. I’m sure being able to show off her doggo didn’t hurt.

Anton, our preschooler, also had some distance learning this week with daily internet “circle time” with his teacher and class. Preschoolers are funny little buggers and it seems this time is a battle on who can show off the coolest thing 10 feet from them. I’m forever impressed by how his teachers can wrangle them to listen, even when not in the same room. 

Because Edith is back in a school routine and my husband, Kris, is still busy working from home, this week Anton and I hung out together… a lot. We’ve been on tons of walks, got a little dirty, learned that ketchup cleans pennies really well and that I cannot bake bread. 

The highlight of the week was when we finally introduced our 4-year-old rabbit, Rory, to our dog Rosie. Rory is a pretty bold bunny and was remarkably unphased by a Corgi trying to lick her constantly. Now that we have time, we’ll be able to bring out our bunny a little more and hopefully get these two bonded a bit. They do both love chewing shoes.

This week has been an emotional rollercoaster for me, as I know it has been with many of you too. It takes more energy than I expected just to keep the household going and all the family members in a good place. And then, there is my business (or lack thereof). Anxiety is a tricky beast. One moment you could be feeling fine and the next it’s like a 300 lb man is standing on your shoulders buzzing in your ear with a squeaky kazoo. 

Walks have helped, as well as art. I had a good art-induced cry while binge-watching Unorthodox on Netflix. More tears flowed when listening to twin episodes about Wolves on the podcasts Criminal and This is Love (highly recommend - start with Criminal). I’ve been brainstorming what I’d like to do for the #100DayProject (it begins tomorrow!) and started my book club's latest selection The Alchemist, which so far has been a delightful read. Also, did I mention walks? Family walks have been especially helpful... and pizza night.

And this weekend, I finally took a moment to start sewing cloth face masks for friends and family. All the skills I developed when sewing bonnets for Edith when she was a wee baby have really come in handy this week. And while sewing does cause a little anxiety for me, I’m really proud of myself for pausing before I get really frustrated and picking it up again when those feelings subside. So, there is a win for the week.