Beneath the Wraps

          There were several signs of spring before it the equinox made (or will make) it official.   So many trees in pink and white blossom and all the daffodils and allergies.    Though my eyes appreciate the view from a distance, I have a hard time with spring up close as my sinuses go ballistic.   My ears tear and my nose runs.   Allergies.   I’m not sick.   I’m annoyed.   I need more moisture than the air has been providing me with lately.   Time to bring out the humidifier – which always seemed like an oddity for this part of Oregon.   But with Roland always being cold at night, the electric heat is really not agreeing with me right now.             It’s the heat.   It’s not a virus.   I’m not sick.   Even if I do get sick, I won’t admit it.   I’m not going to the doctor’s or hospital.   Ther...

        Jenna changed her tune a bit from Monday.   I woke up yesterday to find her dressed in green – well, partial green anyway.   She didn’t go overboard as she did the week prior when she dressed in yellow for spirit week.   She said she will be wearing the same thing for her birthday – her “sweet sixteen” and like everybody else’s plans will be very different from what she had planned.           We started the series "100 Humans" and were amused by many of #23's responses, namely his 600 plus word explanation on how to play Tic Tac Toe - laughter.  It was/is greatly needed.           We had played games the last couple of days.   Sequence on Monday and Spades last night.   We have both danced to music – even commercial jingles.   How much better our day has been when we can smile and laugh.   She had wanted to go to the park to hand out gold coins,...

I often feel like I am an extra or cast member in one of those poorly made science fiction movies in which the government has ordered everyone into isolation.   I feel bad about those who have to go to the hospital as it feels like they will never return.   The only thing missing from this sf weirdness is the standard silver jumpsuit that seems to be the attire of the entire planet – though we never see the entire planet.   Nor do we really know for certain if the jumpsuit truly is silver as it is a black and white movie.   We’re grounded to our houses for our own protection while a selected few get to be out in the public eye for “our protection” – and they end up being eaten by the monsters or disintegrated or whatever.   And those few who are left in their homes have absolutely no clue what is going on.         There are truths and there are rumors, precautions and scare tactics, internet jokes and so forth. ...

Friends of Myrtle Creek Library have been polled on whether to keep the library open or close it along with the schools and other government businesses that have shut.   Our library is NOT government.   We’re run on volunteers.   Some agree that we should shut.   I don’t know if they are panicked or really seeking precaution – which is probably how we should lean, but some of us are already bored with the feeling of recluse.   There are many individuals who don’t have access to current events other than through the library.   There are still children who like to read books and there are things to learn during their time absent from school.               The gal who does the scheduling has worn herself out.   It would be okay to shut down.   We have a choice.   Patrons have the choice whether to come.   Patrons have the choice of whether to shop or go out and eat.   Unfortu...

This morning my alarm went off as I had set a reminder to meet with the bishop this morning.   Of course that never happened.   It is weird not going to church on Sunday.   The dismal air outside mirrors the way Jenna and I feel with summoned isolation. Jenna and I watched a “Come Follow Me” video before reading Jacob in its entirety.    She still plans to study independently according to her daily schedule starting with seminary and each class that she has – except for maybe one of her math classes as she has no reference from the school.   I told her to watch math videos during that time. I did get a message from the friends of Myrtle Creek library.   They may be staying open as they are not considered to be a public library.   However, the library is still in a city-owned building and so the decision may not solely be left for patrons and volunteers of the library to decide. This is such an odd reality – or is it?   A...

            I accepted a long term position at the middle school last week.   When I arrived to the school on Monday I was given a schedule which had my name on it along side three other aides.   I was told to follow the schedule unless another aide is absent and than her schedule would be my priority rather than my own.   I’ve been there enough times to know what teachers utilize me and which ones don’t and so will use my own discretion on where I may be needed most but often will feel as useful as a tampon dispenser in a men’s room.             The schools let out an hour earlier on Wednesdays giving time for instructors to meet together or what have you.   Those aides who are scheduled to stay after school lets out go to the detention room to provide homework support for those students who need it.   As I have mentioned in prior posts I have R...

When the “Come Follow Me” program was introduced at the same time as two hour meetings, we were told to use the third hour to study at home.   We were also told that we wanted to develop the habit for one day when we were unable to attend church meetings for whatever reason.   None of us had predicted this soon however. We had cancelled our last RS activity due to the weather and decided to cancel our upcoming as well.   We had made the decision before the church announced NO MORE MEETINGS until further notice ( here ). Only seminary will be held unless the schools shut.   But as of now only seminary is the only meeting that will be held at the ward house.   No others.   Not even sacrament meeting.   Why do people panic instead of remaining calm?   Why do so many always expect the worse.   Instead of viewing the police car at the high school as “Oh, good.   They are keeping my child safe” a parent may panic and demand, “What...