In her own words…

I am on day 70 of the pandemic quarantine.  I returned from New York on Friday, March 13th.  I was in CT helping my sister as she recovered from knee surgery. I returned from my trip early concerned I wouldn’t be able to return to CO safely.  The flight was extremely stressful, but I was relieved to be back home in our state far away from the epicenter of COVID-19.  

I self quarantined immediately for 14 days. During this time stay at home orders were implemented in CO.  My marketing agency lost its main client so I suddenly had extra time on my hands. I recognized I needed some new activities to keep my mind and body healthy during this strange time.  

I learned to play checkers.  I find the game challenging and frustrating.  Although I lose to my husband every single time, I have enjoyed learning the game.  I also learned backgammon which is currently our go-to game these days.  I enjoy the strategy and luck of the game.  We reconnected our Wii Sports Resort video game.  It is both active and fun.  We enjoy wakeboarding, swordplay speed slice and the basketball free throw game. We typically play in the evenings giving us a break from tv.

I usually spend a chunk of my summer back East.  I came to terms with the fact that I won’t be flying back to visit my family until next year most likely.  With my annual summer travel I haven’t gardened much while living in Colorado.  I decided to try a garden.  I planted herbs I cook with and tried potting some zucchini plants.  I also planted a variety of flowers including lavender, sunflowers, poppies, pansies and petunias.  My new morning routine after coffee is watering and caring for my plants. This daily ritual and seeing them grow adds happiness to my days.

I enjoy photographing beautiful Colorado, but started to explore art over the last couple months. I started with an acrylic paint by numbers project of Vincent Van Gogh's famous Starry Night.  I found my days painting completely relaxes me.  I decided to pursue painting further by trying watercolors which is challenging but extremely enjoyable.  

In May I started hiking consistently 3-4 times a week.  I enjoy the trails around my house early mornings when there are less people around. I always wear a face covering.  I am happiest during the pandemic when I am outdoors on the trails. 

I personally know 5 people impacted by COVID-19.  4 of them lost a parent. The 5th person's dad recovered after being hospitalized for 8 weeks fighting for his life.  I am mostly sheltering in place still.  I am grateful to live in Colorado. The abundant sunshine, amazing weather, trail systems and natural beauty of our state has made daily life adjusting to the pandemic easier.  I have enjoyed exploring new hobbies and activities.  They allow me the needed break from pandemic news and offer a bright spot on the days I struggle with this new normal.