Twelve years later

Cherry tree in bloom

It was twelve years ago, on April 17, that we finished our journey from Boulder to Bellingham, with our U-Haul and Honda Civic to begin our new life in retirement. I saw this lovely tree in bloom in front and was introduced to our new apartment. SG had come here in February to find us a new place to live, and this one was not only available, but pretty much ideal. Twelve years later, we're still here. Although we are still in the same 26-unit complex, we've moved once, from a two-bedroom on the south end to one on the north side, but otherwise, we have not changed our residence during this time.

Many other residents have come and gone, some moved away and some died, but one other couple who were here when we moved in is still here and have become good friends. I can't visit them at the moment, since we are all still in lockdown in our own homes, requiring six feet of distance between us, but we text and talk to each other on our phones now and then. It has been a good place, but I must say I am getting very tired of being unable to go anywhere, since nothing is open and the streets are still pretty much deserted. Now that the weather is getting warmer, it seems that everyone is restless and wanting to change the status quo.

In our county, we have had 25 deaths, mostly people in nursing homes, and fewer than 300 confirmed cases of the coronavirus. That doesn't include many of us who believe we contracted the disease and had mild cases. My doctor believes we did have it and have now recovered. She said there was no reason for us to get one of the scarce tests, unless we got worse. Fortunately, we both no longer have coughs or any of the other symptoms that we experienced earlier. I was very tired for what seems to be a long time.

It did give us both a chance to use telemedicine to "see" our primary care physicians. Using our PeaceHealth portals to discuss our symptoms and a course of action, it was very comforting to realize that I can have a chance to interact with my doctor without having to go into the eye of the storm, so to speak. Hospitals are not places I like to visit, especially now.

I have given up trying to get my usual step count every day, and now that I am getting stronger and want to get outdoors, I have had a few solitary walks, much shorter and slower than usual, but it's been a tonic for my mood and helps me feel better overall. The only actual thing I've done regularly are my Zoom yoga classes twice a week. I've actually enjoyed them, even if it's just not the same. I get to see my instructor and when we first sign in, I can see who the other participants are. We can say hello before we start the class, but then we get down to business and it's just me, my yoga mat, and the screen on the iPad.

There is the pesky problem of putting on a few pounds, just like probably much of the population. Not getting as much exercise and being home all the time, I spend a fair amount of time looking for something to eat, even when I'm not hungry. I smiled at the thought of gaining the "Covid Fifteen," although for me, so far, it's been the "Covid Five." And I am trying very hard to keep those numbers down. I still weigh myself every morning, trying to keep myself honest, and I was doing pretty well until I added a fairly generous glass of wine to my diet every night. I had gotten away from it being a nightly thing and only indulged when I'd had a particularly strenuous day. That changed when I stopped being able to have any semblance of a schedule and felt like I was dragging myself through the day. There seemed to be no reason not to treat myself, but now I'm feeling better and want to get back to a healthier "new normal."

We received our stimulus money, although since we are retired and living on Social Security, we haven't actually had our income shrink much. That may change dramatically next month, though, when our annuities are recalculated for the year. When I retired, I chose to receive an annual monthly amount, rather than having the amount fluctuate with the market. It made no sense to me to have one's monthly income vary, since our expenses stay the same or increase. I am spending a fair amount less, since there's no place to go: no restaurants, no movie theaters, no haircuts, no shopping for clothes or even shoes. Surely all that will begin to change soon; I'm hoping that by midsummer perhaps some places will begin to reopen. I feel for all the people who have lost their jobs and worry about how our economy will recover. It will take a long time.

There is much to be thankful for, however. This is a global pandemic, and all over the world there are so many places that are in far more dire circumstances than we are here in the US. I am glad to learn that Europe is now past the worst of it, but Africa and India are just beginning. Now that people are no longer traveling, perhaps they won't be hit as hard. I simply have to believe that we will one day see a silver lining come from this dark period. I wonder if I will be around then, since I'm in my twilight years and no longer measure the future in decades, but year to year and month to month.

Since I consider this blog post each Sunday morning to be part of my gratitude journal, it's important to concentrate on the good in my life every day. The one that stands out is my dear partner, who has been on this journey with me now for more than a quarter of a century. After a few failed marriages, I would never have believed that I would be so fortunate as to have found a life companion who would take such good care of me. And I am also very fortunate to have relatively good health, which I must not allow to slip away through inertia and laziness. I've worked hard to stay in good shape and will regain my prior activity level eventually. I have good friends, past and present, who surround me with love and light. Some of them are ones I have never met in person, but that doesn't make them any less precious to me. That would be some of you, dear friends of my heart, chosen family members who buoy me up when I'm down and celebrate with me over my achievements. "At times, our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person."

And we are at the beginning of a new season, just past the equinox and heading toward the solstice, the time when the light overcomes the dark in the Northern Hemisphere, and when the darkest time is past in the Southern Hemisphere. Nothing stays the same, we are not static creatures, and our world is not static, either. This too shall pass, and while we wait for better days, we are not alone. Until we meet again next week, dear friends, I hope that you too will rekindle the light in yourself, and I intend to do so for my own family, near and far. Be well and stay safe.