As one who is now retired from working in healthcare administration for over 30 years my thoughts, prayers, and good wishes go to all the dedicated people in healthcare who serve others daily.  As of March 16 we started a self imposed isolation. We do not believe we've been exposed to the virus, but remain vigilant and most of all maintain common sense while we rely totally on Jesus to see us through this very different time in our lives. Our primary job is not to "tax" the system that is evolving moment to moment but to do our part to reduce the stress on the ever evolving system.

When I write I look for something inspirational to get me started and today it was so easy as we listened to Deacon Joe, via a live Facebook feed from Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, read today's psalm - the famous psalm 23 which has guided me through many challenging times...

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want, beside restful waters he leads me; he refreshes my soul.

He guides me in right paths for his name's sake. Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for you are at my side with your rod and your staff that give me courage.

You spread the table before me in the sight of my foes; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Only goodness and kindness follow me all the days of my life and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD for years to come.


Bob said something simple and profound on the first day of isolation: "First we pray and then we plan." Thus prayer is definitely part of our daily routine. My hope is that sharing some of what we do - even in isolation - will be of help to others who are feeling isolated:

1. We're so blessed to have recently adopted a 4 year old furry canine friend named Tuxedo who needs to be cared for and walked at least 3 times a day. I'm finding that is  good for 3 to 4 miles daily and about 90 minutes per day. Though most animal shelters are now closed to the public adoptions are available by appointment. There's always a furry friend looking for a loving human companion. 

2. We're very blessed to have our faith and many resources accessible to us online. I use my walking time with Tux as a gratitude reflection time. Reading the daily Mass readings, whether I'm reading them on my own, reading them aloud to Bob & Tux, or listening to a virtual mass, are so very profound during this Pandemic. i have a whole new perspective on the Bible. There are several resources available for daily readings and reflections: Bishop Robert Barron - Word on Fire, Matthew Kelly and his team at Dynamic Catholic, Fanther Richard Rohr’s at Center for Action and Contemplation

3. We're very blessed to have many outdoor places where we can easily maintain our 6 foot distance from others while enjoying all that Mother Nature has to offer. The Arizona birds and lizards are busily planning their futures. The desert flowers are coming into bloom. All signs of hope. Check out your local parks, gardens, and nature centers. We have the beautiful Desert Meadow Garden (maintained totally by volunteers) with lovely walking paths, sitting/reading areas, even places to play a good game of dominoes or chess) And it's dog friendly. I'm so blessed to have my weekly golfing buddies...I appreciate where the ball takes me so I can maintain my 6 foot space! 

4. We are very blessed to have hobbies we can continue to pursue from our very comfortable living space.  Bob loves to plan and cook so we're definitely well fed even in isolation. He's willingly accepted the challenge to make amazing meals from what we have so that we continue to minimize our exposure to others in the grocery store. He's continuously searching recipes, adapting to what we have and then cooking. Yes, the life of leisure for me! I can find an endless supply of books to read [Amazon, Libby (check out books virtually from your local libraries), Good Reads recommendations]. I participate in a prayer shawl ministry through my church so there are always shawls to be crocheted while thinking of and praying for others. And I enjoy my time in the kitchen also - baking homemade bread (check out Sally’s Baking Addiction )

One thing we’re very certain of is that we’re very blessed - most of all to have each other and family and friends across the globe who stay in touch. 

Until the next post...do your part to be healthy and kind. Nameste!