Normally I would begin a March post a little something like this...
Heading outside for chores today found a lingering chill in the March air. The skies were grey and the ground was muddy from yesterday's blowing rain. What a change...only a few days ago the sun was shining, the sky was blue, and we could hear peepers singing from the creek back in the woods. Yes, March is fickle and not to be trusted...a month where we have cheery days that help break the spell of cabin fever, only to wake up to find snow the next morning.
However; with the news changing almost hourly, today is not a normal March day.
After receiving an email asking students to empty their lockers, my son and I went to the high school early this morning. Currently the school is closed until April 6 and the students will be studying from home. My daughter is also home for 3 weeks from her first year at college, and while the university hasn't officially closed, we're certain it will only be a matter of time.
These days are filled with so many emotions for all of us...we're anxious, worried, and sleepless.
And while our kids are settling into an online routine for classes and lectures, the mom in me wants to make this time as comfortable and "normal" as it can be under the circumstances. We all know the need to wash hands, cover coughs, social distancing, etc. but what about making the most of this time together?
I jotted down a few thoughts for us and wanted to share...maybe they will spark some ideas for your family. And please, share any ideas you have!
checkers
~ cook together...last night we built a fire, roasted hot dogs, and made s'mores
~ get outdoors...walk a country lane, see what's sprouting in the back yard, or take a hike in the
woods (although I will warn you, we've already seen our first tick!) blow bubbles, twirl a
baton, play tag
~ on that walk, look for bare branches for forcing...bring a little springtime inside. Cherry,
crabapple, or forsythia are ideal: just cut branches sharply at an angle and put them in room
temperature water.
~ have fun with meals...today is Saint Patrick's Day, how about some green eggs & ham for
dinner?
~ make time for a movie marathon...some of our favorites are Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings,
Operation Petticoat, North by Northwest, The Sound of Music, The Great Race, The Music Man,
and Sherlock Holmes
~ settle in with a favorite book and cup of herbal tea, or snuggle in bed and read to little ones
They're just a few ideas, but while we're all in close quarters, noses to the grindstone, it seems like a good idea to have a little fun, too.
Sending good wishes to your family from ours.
