Isolating in 2016 Don and I learned how to quarantine, years before the pandemic. For months, our world revolved around surgery and chemo and radiation appointments. My energy was up and down and my compromised immune system kept us closer to home. Spring 2020 In spring of 2020, Don and I found ourselves quarantining at home again. This time neither of us was sick. And pretty much the whole world was hunkering down along with us. We had our days when the isolation felt worrisome and odd and frustrating. But for the most part, we survived with lots of silliness. There were things I loved about the isolation. I could forget make up and expensive haircuts. No more answering the door. It was like being snowed in, with your favorite person. Fall 2021 18 months later, we're back to hunkering down. Don's recovery from open heart surgery will take 6 to 9 or even up to 12 weeks. We've had boosters, but the pandemic is still here and Don is more vulnerable, now. I throw on a mask and run to the store, but mostly we are home, staying pretty isolated. Pandemic Walking During the pandemic we started walking regularly. I still did my predawn runs, but I loved getting out later in the morning and walking with Don. Instead of walking in our neighborhood, we drove a mile and walked where we knew no one. We enjoyed the change of scenery. Walking and Socializing Now that Don is doing 2 outside walks a day, we just walk in our neighborhood. Different routes and different times. It's nice to change it up. Lately we've encountered a few ghostly decorations. We've also encountered some live people on our walks. It's the oddest thing. For years I've run early, often before daylight. I love NOT seeing people. Now on our walks, we're suddenly seeing neighbors and friends, most we've not seen since the pandemic began.
Luckily Don is not clocking his walks so carefully anymore. And he's not exhausted and frustrated, by occasionally stopping to chat. Some of the people know that Don has had surgery and some don't. But all the waves or short conversations have given us a nice little break or lift in our day. The brief encounters have actually been just what the doctor ordered. Isolation is sometimes needed, but interacting with others is actually refreshing. The dreaded people encounters are not so dreaded anymore.
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Not-So-Happy List
Cancer, Covid & Coronary... I started this complaining list/blog, in May 2016. I posted 200 gripes about my breast CANCER and then I was done. On March 13, 2020, I started venting all over again, when another disease (starting with a C) interfered with my life. This time it was the invasion of COVID and it affected every person. I ranted for a year, until I got my COVID vaccine in March 2021. CORONARY Artery Disease was the reason I restarted this blog on September 26, 2021. This time it was my hubby Don, who was dealing with a worry that started with the letter "C". Coronavirus and Cancer, Coronary Artery Disease! All are evil, but none can totally get me down... if I vent! I usually end up feeling a little more positive at the end of each post! Navigating This Mess! The most recent post is at the top, from coronary posts in 2022, back to cancer posts in 2016. To find past posts, look below the "Archives" section, to find "Categories". Archives
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