01-31MAR20 - Sultan, WA (going from normal life to "stay home, stay safe"😟)

March starts off gray, wet, & chilly just like the last three monthsL!  Monday AM, 02MAR head to Poulsbo RV in south Everett (RV has been there since 22JAN).  Most issues addressed except tow wiring on chassis & driver side mirror (since RV is built on Mercedes Sprinter chassis, both MB issues).  Next stop is MB’s recently built “commercial” vehicle service center just down the road.

Tuesday we get a ton of dirt for raised garden beds & then wheelbarrow it into the beds.  This will be followed by another ton of dirt a week later.  Wednesday AM Dan goes skiing for a few hours – conditions start terrible but changes to sunny, spring skiing.  Before leaving the house Dan spots coyote walking across yard w/what appears to be someone’s chicken in its mouth (unfortunately no pic taken).

Thursday, 05MAR, off to Mercedes to pick up RV & then take it back to Poulsbo RV for another issue that is not MB related.  On the way home we stop at Costco for a few items.  Although we have been aware of developing corona virus concerns; the short visit to Costco showed some people might be over-reacting?  One side effect Dan really appreciated was the new installation of self check-out at CostcoJ!

Tuesday, 10MAR, Dan skis w/Coast Guard Academy classmate/friend Paul Iremonger - they didn’t realize it but unfortunately that due to raising virus concerns this would be the last run of seasonL!  Wednesday Corrie had an appointment in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle right at lunch time.  Since she doesn’t like driving in Seattle, Dan drove/accompanied her in.  Another unintended positive consequence of the virus concerns, was no traffic & ample free parking.  We were early enough to have brunch at Biscuit and Bean in Ballard.  This is a breakfast/brunch joint that concentrates on coffee, and biscuits & gravy choices – very small but highly recommended.

https://www.biscuitandbean.biz/

Friday AM, 13MAR, Dan heads to east Bremerton to babysit grandkids; while Corrie feeling slightly, ill stays home.  At Rebecca & Raymond’s we learn grandkids’ schools closed for next six weeks – need a plan for long term babysitting support!!!  Since Rebecca is still working nights & Raymond will be drilling w/his National Guard unit, Dan will stay at their house until situation is clearer?  Not much done for next few days, but Rebecca does color the boy’s hair green for St Patty day.

Wednesday (18MAR), good weather continues.  Rebecca told to work from home until told otherwise; Dan leaves after dinner to get back to Corrie & dogs. Drives around rather than take ferry – almost no traffic on two hour driveJ!

Tuesday AM, 24MAR, we are notified that RV not fixed, but in compliance with Governors 23MAR stay at home order dealership will shut down for at least two weeks – what do we want to do, leave RV there or pick-up today???  Since the repair only involves the “entertainment” system, we opt to bring it home not knowing how long governor’s order will last.

Rest of March is some good weather & because of Stay Home, Stay Safe, we busy ourselves with lots routine choirs & items on our “to-do” list that we have been ignoring.  For Corrie that is preparing the raised vegetable/fruit beds for the growing season & tending her flower gardens.  For Dan it was fixing some drywall damage in shop, installing new shelving in garage, replacing control unit on gate, thatching lawn, transplanting some trees, etc.  Along with scheduled medical appointments conducted over the phone.  Oh yeah - completing the census forms on line:)!

Tuesday (last day of march) we make a Costco run during senior hours.  Wasn’t crowded at start but that changed quickly.  No more food samples, but finally have only one dedicated line for check out.  By the time we got in line it ran the length of the store twiceL!  But by having only one line & an employee directing you to next open register, it moved fast!  In fact, we hope Costco keeps it that way after we get thru this public health crisis.

We started March following corona virus on the news; then helping with grandkids when their schools were closed; to being told to “stay home, stay safe” by the governor.  Being retirees living in a rural error, the social distancing impact has been pretty easy for us.  But definitely miss seeing kids & grandkids, & the physical interaction w/themL!  However, we are doing very well; & hope you & yours are doing as well, or better, in these trying timesJ!