Let's be honest, I didn't keep a journal the past 3 months, however, as life returns to a new "normal," I felt a need to commemorate this unusual COVID 19 pandemic. A bizarre, unprecedented 90 days in which we rejoiced in our essential workers, supported our restaurants, reduced our calendars and contemplated the relationships between science and politics. Terms like social distancing, self-quarantine, flattening the curve, essential vs. nonessential, PPE, N-95 masks and curbside-pick-up were daily interjected into conversations. It wasn't fun, but plenty of silver-linings with the family. With my teens nearing adulthood, it provided an opportunity to connect differently and in some ways, actually strengthen relationships.The positive moments will be what I choose to remember.
March 7th, Dallas, TX Katie and Chase Smith were fortunate to celebrate a memorable wedding weekend just in the nick of time. Not to mention, a beautiful Caribbean honeymoon all before life changed dramatically!
From Dallas, TX Auburn flew to Orange Beach, AL for AU Spring Break with friends.
March 8th. Auburn to Spring Break and family returns to Milwaukee.
March 15th: I cancelled my Pilates clients and classes for the spring session. Public schools quickly transitioned to on-line learning while AU classes were suspended temporarily and the campus closed. Rather than return home to dreary Wisconsin, Auburn had the option to visit family in Florida in hopes that school would resume April 10th. The double-bonus, her best friend and room-mate was able to vacation as well. The visit was short and they quickly adapted to on-line learning, but it gave the girls some closure on what had been, a fantastic and AUsome freshman year.
| March 13th: We had scheduled a Spring Break Cruise departing April 4th on Carnival, Brilliance of the Seas, with Trey and 3 of his high school friends. Disappointing!  Trey's online learning center looked a bit like this:  April 4th: My 49th birthday Pearl of Canton and a weighted blanket were my favorite gifts!  I attempted to implement Family Time as it was easy for us to disappear and not see much of one another during the day. I would quarantine in my Pilates space, Auburn would work on extensive school work, Ron would busy himself with various home and outdoor tasks (he built a rock wall), while Trey liked to sleep! We did enjoy some Pickle Ball (I was the weak link and finally quit the team.) We did enjoy Cribbage (same results as Pickle Ball), and I always liked to share an Andy Stanley broadcast or podcast. I lost my steam in my effort to promote family time...and meal time too! A+ to good intentions. | March 21st: There was a feeling of dread, and perhaps a little fear, that flights would be suspended so rather than risk spending months in Ft. Myers (nothing wrong with that!) Auburn was encouraged to come home and set-up her on-line learning center.   While Auburn's collegiate on-line experience was a full-time desk job!  |
 Our cousins in Raleigh, NC conducted haircuts ironically the same night as Trey and Ron! Money saved is money earned! |  We have to cajole Trey to get a haircut in the best of times. The silver-lining for Trey in this circumstance...it's the longest it's ever been! If you know his dad, you know his preference for a buzz cut! |
Out of a sense of necessity, to continue my passion of teaching and Pilates, Auburn and I took advantage of opportunities to teach live for Pleasant Valley Tennis and Fitness. In addition, I created YouTube tutorials for Home Training, LLC entitled, The Quarantine Quest. Each exercise in the Pilates mat series was explored for a deeper understanding of the movement.
 May 2nd...Cousin Colton's 5th birthday in St. Pete, Florida! Life is rough when you quarantine on the water! |  Birthdays gave us extra reason to coordinate Zoom family conferences. Happy Birthday Colton! |
It doesn't get much better than this! After sharing a car with his sister for 3 years, maintaining great grades, completing his lifeguard certification, plus money saved in haircuts...he got his first car!
As the restrictions were gradually reduced, more friends thankfully returned to the picture. Rachel is seldom available as she is working hard as a new CNA for Cedar Community. A great job for a talented Madison student!
May 16th, 2020 The white, mother trucker covers nearly 1000 miles in a day to make it to Auburn, Alabama and a weekend of moving Auburn from her Cambridge dorm.
All is fair in love and pickle-ball.
Life goes on as we approach Memorial Day. Stores, restaurants and gyms are gradually re-opening. Trey's summer job at Fort Wilderness, his favorite camp the past 5 years, was unfortunately cancelled along with the camp. His position at the Y is questionable however today he is helping Grandma Larson with her garden. Being productive, in spite of the disappointments, will be our challenge this summer. Auburn is training a few groups of aspiring basketball players on our sport court and she has remained busy with adjusting and unpacking life after freshmen year. I have to be patient with the kids and not project my own expectations onto them. They did not ask for summer to be packaged this way and we all must practice love, grace and patience. I am looking forward to "re-entry" as friends resume training the first week of June. Thanks for reading and all your positive vibes during these past few months.
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