We’re one week into our stay-at-home orders in Florida, but we started our own social-distancing two weeks prior to that. Like everyone else, we’re learning how to be in this new reality.
Becoming A Prepper
I’ve always thought ‘doomsday preppers’ were just this side of crazy. But I’m teetering really close to the edge these days.
For the past three weeks, the UPS truck has come roaring down our driveway every few days. A box of sardines, six jars of dilly beans, pickled beets, maple syrup, oat milk, quinoa, jasmine rice, bone broth, a pound of smoked salt, and four pounds of dried garbanzos have recently appeared on the doorstep, among other things.
Dilly beans are an essential item in our household
Three weeks ago, we started stocking up from our local Piggly Wiggly. But although there was plenty of TP, there was no rice, quinoa, or dried beans. Apparently, those are in high demand during a pandemic.
We already had a hefty supply of olive oil, fire-roasted canned tomatoes, coconut milk, salsa, balsamic vinegar, dijon mustard, honey, polenta, olives, capers, dried fruit, nuts, and dozens of herbs and spices.
We laid in a freezer full of fresh seafood from the local seafood market and stuffed the fridge with eggs, feta, parmesan, Greek yogurt, and lots of fresh veggies.
We’re in the South, so we have plenty of fixings for shrimp & grits
Also in the survival essentials category: several six-packs of local beer, a giant-sized bottle of gin, tonic, and a dozen bars of dark chocolate.
We have two fridges and the luxury of a whole shelf devoted to local beer
It isn’t just food that UPS has dumped at the front door. My pandemic shopping spree has also produced an Instant Pot, trays and seeds for growing microgreens, kefir grains and jars, and organic masa and a tortilla press.
I am two chickens and a goat away from crazy.
Decontamination Is My New Part-Time Job
Actually, it feels kind of comforting to have all of these foods on hand. Because we’re in a house instead of our trailer, we have two full-sized refrigerators and plenty of freezer space at our disposal (enough room to keep all the beer cold!).
But as you all know, it’s a part-time job to have to sanitize everything before bringing it into the house. The current guidelines for decontaminating our lives have thrown my OCD tendencies into overdrive.
There are plenty of things to fear in life, but I never thought a cardboard box would make the list.
Two weeks ago, the garage was all cleaned out. :-(
Did you know that grain alcohol is an excellent all-purpose disinfectant? Just fill a spray bottle with grain alcohol, add a few drops of lavender essential oil, and spray the heck out of everything (be sure to stay away from open flames, LOL). It’s so much better than bleach or isopropyl alcohol. It doesn’t dry out your hands as badly, and it doesn’t kill you with noxious fumes. And if times get really desperate, you can make a cocktail with it. (Just kidding! Don’t do it.)
Busy Projects For Challenging Times
In these anxiety-provoking times, when my attention span is approximately three seconds long, it’s good to have tangible projects to focus my thoughts. It took me about a week to actually fire up the Instant Pot because using it requires reading and following instructions. It squatted on the counter, looking at me reproachfully before I finally took it for a test drive. The garbanzos turned out great. It’s time to move on to more complex recipes. That thing is going to have to earn its place in our little trailer.
Instant Pot saying, “You gonna do this or not?”
Along with the steep curve involved in learning to use the Instant Pot, grow micro-greens, brew kefir, and make homemade corn tortillas, we’ve been gardening. It’s fun to have our hands in the soil again after so many years of traveling.
Click on any photo for a larger image
Friends Make Everything Better
One of the hardest things about this time is the forced isolation from other people. We’re accustomed to being with each other for long stretches of time, but knowing that we can’t hang out with other people is just plain weird. We’re spending more time than usual on the phone with friends and family, and that helps. But I miss day-to-day, in-person interactions.
Our feathered and other critter friends aren’t worrying themselves about the pandemic, and we have many visitors throughout the day. They love the mix of woods and shoreline on our property, and we’ve put out feeders and keep the birdbath full to keep them happy.
Lucky us, we also have friends of the two-legged variety staying nearby. We’ve gotten together with Shannon and Ken for a couple of kayaking adventures on nearby watery trails in the Apalachicola National Forest. We can easily maintain the prescribed six-feet or more of distance in our kayaks while socializing and enjoying the beauty of this area.
Sometimes I can’t help but think, “I want my pre-pandemic life back.” But I don’t take for granted our good fortune in being here. Come June, we will really have an opportunity to practice gratitude when the weather turns hot and humid and the biting bugs come out in force. Meanwhile, we’re going to do our best to enjoy this moment.
Stay well, dear ones.
https://medium.com/@juliovincent/prepare-for-the-ultimate-gaslighting-6a8ce3f0a0e0
I think you might like this interesting read about “The Great Pause”
Thanks for the link, Debbie. It’s a thought-provoking read. I hope we will emerge from this surreal time with increased understanding of what is most important in life—and the fortitude to make changes for the highest good for ourselves, other people, and the planet.
I’d say you lucked out having a great place to hunker down and ride this out. Hopefully, we’ll be able to hit the road in early June … I’m feeling optimistic!
We do feel lucky to be here right now, Ingrid. We’re hoping to continue our travels in June, too…I don’t wanna be here when it starts to get really hot. :-(
I want so badly to list off all the things we have in our tiny Bijou, but I don’t want to sent you into shock. :) Instead, I will ask if you have Alison Roman’s recipe for Spiced Chickpeas? It is all the rage. https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1019772-spiced-chickpea-stew-with-coconut-and-turmeric
Linda, I’d love to hear all of the things you have stuffed into tiny Bijou! I know you have the reputation of being able to magically manifest ingredients. But I don’t think I would be too shocked at what you’re carrying around…we have far more than I listed, LOL. I like to have a fully stocked pantry/fridge/freezer, too.
Thanks for the yummy looking recipe! And I have everything on hand to make it, even fresh mint from my newly planted little herb garden.
Glad to hear that y’all are safe, sound & stocked up! We landed with friends who have 65 acres to wait it out. Star is becoming a farm dog. 😁
I’m glad to hear that you guys are safe in these crazy times, Stacie. Sounds pretty sweet to have 65 acres to roam…and I’m sure Star is delighted. Time to work on projects, right? :-)
We have two refrigerators and a full-size upright freezer, so we have plenty of food for at least a month or so. Shrimp and grits (or shrimp and orzo) are on our weekly rotation, too. It’s not always glamorous dining, though. I succumbed to an inner craving for Pigs in a Blanket and used Pillsbury Crescent Rolls and Hebrew National hot dogs. Comfort food! :) Have fun with your Instant Pot. I use it to cook a whole chicken, which I then use for quesadilas, enchiladas, chicken salad, Chicken & Asparagus Alfredo, or simple sandwiches. The chicken is very moist and tender when cooked in the IP. I have also cooked a pork tenderloin with coconut milk, black beans and rice in the IP. Pretty yummy!
Wonderful photos, especially of that Parula! I love the colors in that shot.
I’ve been able to go for some long walks with friends, maintaining a safe 6-8 ft. wide distance as we walk down the deserted streets along the coast. I’m amazed we can still hear each other talking, but it works. Happy hour on Zoom has also become a new reality, but I’m already beginning to feel the itch to load up the RV and hit the road. Maybe by September it will be safe enough to go on some short outings…
Les, it sounds like you’re making the most of this time, in every way. It’s so good that you’re safely at home on the Oregon Coast, and so wonderful that your mom is there with you. One of the most difficult aspects of this shut-down for me is not knowing when I’ll get to visit my parents in their assisted living facility. They don’t understand what’s going on and it makes me really sad.
I’m glad to hear you like your Instant Pot! I have a whole chicken in the freezer and pork tenderloin, so you’ve given me some good ideas.
Last year, my dad sent me an interesting article from Cleveland about the Northern Parula. Here’s a link to it:
https://www.cleveland.com/news/2019/07/new-hybrid-warbler-species-found-in-summit-parks-raises-ecology-questions.html
Please don’t drink grain alcohol.
<3
Wow, that’s a fascinating article! I had no idea that hybrids of Cerulean Warblers and Northern Parulas had been found.
And I put a ‘don’t drink it!’ warning in the blog in case people didn’t realize I was kidding about making cocktails from grain alcohol. 😳
Also, I like that anole lizard — what a bright display! I thought about doing some planter boxes, but haven’t decided if I want to deal with more deliveries/stuff.
You’re going to want to keep that Instant Pot when you travel, though. I got mine a year before we took off especially to full-time RV. So make room in the Fox!
I still can’t comment on the kayaking due to deep-seated envy.
Seriously, though, don’t drink grain alcohol ❤️
Joodie, get those planter boxes! I think we’re going to be here for a while, and it will be nice to have fresh greens without having to go to the store. I’m glad you like your Instant Pot. I’d been thinking about getting one for a couple of years but wasn’t sure if I would use it. Now I have time to practice.
I wish you were here to kayak with us, too. It’s truly beautiful. And I’m glad you liked the anole photo…I thought of you when I posted it, my reptile-appreciating friend. :-)
When we say we are in this together, we mean we can do this together….yet distance us from others. We have hunkered in as well, I look at the RV and quietly tell ‘Winston‘, YEAH, in time, just be patient and enjoy the sit!!!! Migration is upon us here in SC and the yard free of weeds for the moment. It’s actually never looked better having us home. the summer tangers are here.
My fabric pile took a huge hit making 32 masks. A friend in NJ got two dozen. She works NICU-ICU but can wear them to and from work. It was a nice diversion, there is no elastic in the USA but ribbon looked really pretty. So, some had green and yellow ribbon, I sent a note that our life didn’t match up either. At least our humor hasn’t left us. Lucky you to have water you can paddle from your own dock. The state parks are all closed and even the Savannah River boat ramps. So, back to our yard, another closet or just plain read a book.
I got a great pic of a hermit thrush yesterday grabbed the feeder and hanging by one toe…like we all feel, hanging on…will post it later. Stay well, glad you are there and stay busy. Looks like some interesting meals. I put a date on my last roll of TP to see how long it would take to replace. That OCD at its worst or best…😷
It’s good to hear an update on your daily lives in this wild time, Julie. I know your backyard is gorgeous, having enjoyed sitting out on your deck and watching the birds coming to your gardens and feeders.
I feel so fortunate that we’re ‘at home’ in a beautiful, nature-rich environment until we’re able to travel again. This is the first time that we’ve witnessed the spring migrants in Florida, which is fun. And we feel really lucky that we’re still able to get out and kayak.
I’m looking forward to seeing your bird photos, so send them on when you get a chance!
I love that your version of “doomsday prepping” involves kefir, homemade tortillas, and gin. Most people stock up on rice and beans, Laurel and Eric make sure they’re not gonna run out of beer. LOL.
Honestly, if this all goes to hell, we’re totally coming over. You guys are well stocked and ready to party!!
You know we know all about feeling isolated. I am so jealous that you’ve got friends down the way and people you’ve known in town for a while. And we’re all very fortunate that we can keep our sanity through technology. Those daily/weekly check-ins make a world of difference.
Can’t wait to see what you make in the instant pot. It really is a great tool – and as much as it takes up space in the RV, in our view, it’s worth it. Enjoy!!
Laura, haha, yeah, we’re having a party! There’s only two of us, but…still a party! I have my priorities straight, right? This would be a MUCH more difficult time without chocolate and beer and gin. So if you end up nearby…come on over! We can sit six feet apart and have cocktails. And compare kefir projects.
When I look at all of these new hobbies that I’ve taken on (Instant Pot, microgreens, kefir, homemade tortillas) I realize that perhaps it’s a bit much, LOL. But it does give me something to do other than obsessively read the news and fret over how many reservations we keep having to cancel. Sigh.
Keeping in touch with friends and family is helping keep us sane. And it definitely helps that we’ve been able to actually SEE real live friends on a couple of kayaking adventures, even though we’re having to carry on a conversation across the river. At least sound travels well over water. Wish you guys were here, too!
So good to hear you guys are doing OK. You guys are safe that is the most important thing. You guys do know how to adapt.
Love you both
David and Susan
Oh, David, it’s wonderful to hear from you and Susan! We hope you two are doing well…Ashland is a good place to be. Love to both of you from both of us! Stay well.
We could have such a good time if only we’d done a bit more planning for the pandemic induced sewing retreat and joined you guys in Florida or you here in Oregon! Oh well…next time! Sarcasm intended…miss having projects to spin off each others creativity. My fifth Diamond quilt just finished as I was afraid if I died without using my best Kaffe Fassett fabrics, the Fabriholic Goddess I pray to would never forgive me … so the large diamonds it is!
Also got a bit silly with some still life fabric paintings fashioned after Dutch women painters work in the 17th century…with bugs and critters, some bug eaten leaves and wilted flowers it was all about the “transitory” nature of life … yup snuck in a few coronaviruses !
We’re happy you are both hunkering down in a beautiful place and connecting with the landscape roots! Glad it’s you and not me as Nebraska prairies have a subtle charm and the folks are good Republicans …. there’s just not enough alcohol or weed to keep me on an even keel!
Love you both and totally enjoy your blog! Should be caught up by the time we’re released and you’re off on more blog worthy adventures!
Hahahaha!!!! Oh, you always make me laugh, my wild friend!! I must say, of all the places we might have to be hunkered down, this one is pretty fine. “Nebraska prairies have a subtle charm…” LOL!!
But…I wish we were together using this time as a sewing retreat, too. We might be able to actually make a dent in that lifetime supply of fabric you have stashed. Although I think at the rate you’re going, you’re making a huge dent all by yourself. I saw your quilts on your Facebook page…they are fabulous…and I love your still-life fabric paintings in homage to the transitory nature of life. Next time we’re in town I’m totally doing a sewing retreat with you. Miss you, always. OX
Great pictures of a lovely spot. If you have to stay home, that’s a pretty nice home! And, I laughed and laughed at what your “prepper” list consisted of – pickled beets, smoked salt, oat milk, dried garbanzos and a tortilla press…..Don’t we all find ourselves wondering what we’ll do without these things if the grocery store shelves are bare? I’m still rummaging around in the back of my freezer and trying to come up with something interesting and edible! Yesterday’s chicken wasn’t it…..
Fortunately, self distancing is our middle name so that has not been a real hardship. We’ve plenty of books, a puzzle, and miles of empty desert to explore so our daily routine isn’t all that different. Well, with the exception of trying to insert extra time for all the sanitizing and decontaminating every darn thing either of us touches…..OCD indeed.
Seriously, wonderful to hear from you and see pictures of you and your daily life in this weird time. Keep blogging and letting us all know that you’re well. We’ll lift our G&T glasses to you!
Sue, I want to know what’s on your prepper list! Seriously, wouldn’t it be fun to know what everyone considers to be pantry staples? We have a hard time going without dilly beans and pickled beets, LOL. Probably not things that are on most people’s lists, but they add a lot to our lunchtime salads. The smoked salt, though…that’s something everyone needs!
I was just remembering that in June last year, we were sitting with you guys on your deck overlooking the lake, drinking G & Ts. We are glad to be tucked in here in this beautiful spot, but I sure wish we were going to be meeting up with you two again this summer and sharing cocktails and good times together. I’m holding that image in my mind and hoping that it still might happen…
You’re in a great place for this situation!
John, we feel lucky to be here! I just wish we hadn’t gotten rid of those fishing rods and crab traps. :-( Miss you guys!
Life certainly is a new normal. I carry wipes in a baggie with me at all times. I have my mask to wear in the store that I spray with disinfectant when I get home. I wipe the mail down. We started getting home delivery for the newspaper so we can avoid another store. We only get it for the puzzles. After I remove the puzzles, it’s wash the hands time…again. Getting into the car after grocery shopping is a fun time. I use a wipe to open the doors, wipe the key, inside the door, the steering wheel, my hands, etc. After we wipe the groceries down, I disinfect the counter where I placed the bags. I only take my credit card into the store in my pocket and wipe it right away after use. I don’t carry my phone if I am going to the store. Thank goodness we have lots we can do with no on around. This isn’t really a change for us since we don’t spend much time with others normally. It sure will be nice for this virus to move on. I’m tired of the worry. Sounds like you have the precautions down pat! Take care and get that Instant Pot humming. Our daughter loves her’s!
Pam I consider you one of the luckiest people in the pandemic. I’d give my kingdom for a box of wipes. For 6 weeks there have been none in any stores I’ve checked and none on line. I ruined the finish on the doorknob using straight 70% alcohol.
Pam, your grocery shopping ordeal sounds a lot like ours. :-( You really have a good system! It takes SO much more time now to shop and put away groceries since we have to go through the whole disinfection process. But I wonder if we’re ever going to feel safe enough to not wear masks in public and sanitize everything we buy??
We weren’t able to find sanitizing wipes anywhere so I’ve just been using grain alcohol in a spray bottle. It’s 153 proof (76.5 percent pure ethyl alcohol) and the name is “Diesel.” LOL!! So far it hasn’t caught on fire or taken the finish off of anything.
Miss you guys. Glad you’re still getting out for hikes.
I love my Instant Pot! One of my favorite simple recipes is Cinnamon Apples. We eat them on oatmeal, or warmed up and topped with chopped nuts, or on top of yogurt or vanilla ice cream…I usually double the recipe (but if you do, don’t double the water!).
https://www.thispilgrimlife.com/instant-pot-cinnamon-apples/
Stay safe, you two!
I’m glad to hear that you like your Instant Pot, Lisa. I’m not usually one to have a lot of kitchen appliances, but I think I’m going to like this! I’ve already made two batches of garbanzos and they are the best we’ve ever had. And I made a delicious risotto a couple of nights ago that cooked in about 5 minutes.
Thanks for the cinnamon apple recipe. It looks great, and only three ingredients!
You two take good care, and stay healthy!
I will be curious to hear what you think of the Instant Pot. We considered one for our travels but passed for reasons of space and because it wouldn’t be useful during our relatively long periods relying only on solar power. Now that we have a kitchen in our future (with, presumably, permanent power) I am open to ideas for new tools!
We are very grateful that you guys are in the area and can help us keep a little bit of human connection through regular outings in nature. As you know, we are also available to assist in consuming Oyster City Brewing products. :-)
Shannon, much to my surprise, I’m enjoying the Instant Pot. I’ve never liked cooking dried beans because it takes forever on the stovetop and there are times they never soften. But the Instant Pot works miracles on garbanzos, and I’m thinking it will be the same for other beans. I also made a delicious risotto a couple of nights ago…no stirring involved. So I think we’ll be carving out space in our trailer to haul it along. :-)
We’re looking forward to our next outing with you two…and yes, we have plenty of Oyster City beer to share. We stocked up on the last day the brewery was open. Fortunately, the Piggly Wiggly still has a good supply in the event we run out.
Wow is all I can say. Leave it to you to write the most interesting pandemic blog ever. What a fabulous place to be quarantined. It even has kayaking. SIGH…. You are far far better prepared than I and have a much better attitude about it. Wish I could be eating at your house. Hats off to you!! Have thought about an IP but haven’t done it. I’m afraid it would make too much for one person. Being alone during this and other times is the pits.
Aww Sherry, thanks for the nice comment. This is a good place to be quarantined…until June arrives and the heat/humidity/and bugs. Maybe easing into it I’ll get used to it. I lived in Florida for 30 years, but I’m not accustomed to the climate anymore. But we are definitely happy to be where we can do some kayaking, and we can get outside every day for long walks and biking while rarely seeing more than a couple of people.
It took me years and being quarantined to finally get an Instant Pot. I figured this is the perfect time to give it a try. So far, so good! I got the 3-quart one (the smallest size) and it might be a good size for you, too. It might even make things a bit easier for you in cooking for yourself. Sending hugs.
OMG, I feel like such a loser! With the most boring stock of “essentials”! Admittedly I haven’t fired up the Instapot since we’ve been here. When something has 12 buttons and I only ever use two of them I just can’t get excited. Maybe I should reconsider and learn how to use more of the buttons :-))) We’re also grateful to have two refrigerators in the house, and yes the second one holds a good amount of beer, wine and bloody mary mix! We occasionally “visit” with our friends from the driveway just to get caught up face to face (sort of). Surviving is the goal, doing it in style is the best!
Jodee, I know exactly what you mean about all of those buttons on the Instant Pot…I have NO idea what they all do. I’m looking for one that says “clean kitchen” but can’t find it, LOL! I sure hope I’m going to end up loving this thing. It cooks garbanzos really fast, that’s for sure.
Isn’t it the best having two big refrigerators? It’s almost essential right now with having to stock up on so much food at one time.
I think you should make bumper stickers (refrigerator stickers?) of your motto: “Surviving is the goal, doing it in style is the best.”
I’m feeling a bit quiet inside, Laurel, but wanted to acknowledge your wonderful post. Such beautiful photos of your beautiful home. We can’t see the bugs or feel the humidity either, so it all looks simply divine. I love that town so very much, and have no clue how I can ever again taste shrimp as good as what we had when we shared a meal with you two there. You do look like you are making incredible progress, and I am glad you have a place to “be” for now. Will write to you in the next couple of days. Many hugs to both of you
Oh, Sue, I’m so happy to hear from you. Thank you for your loving comment. I was thinking about you and Mo and Mattie a couple of days ago while looking through photos from our time together last year in Apalachicola. I’m so glad we were able to share time with you here! I wish you could magically transport here to enjoy a dinner of fresh Gulf shrimp with us. :-)
We’re grateful to be here in this safe haven and are doing our best to stay positive and to use this time well (still, it’s weird, and we feel displaced). Fortunately, we’re mostly having nice weather and few bugs. But we know that will change. :-( Meanwhile, the spring migratory birds are arriving, and that’s a treat! Hugs to you three, stay well.
OMG Laurel, I laughed so much about your Instant Pot hesitations! We bought one a few years back, thinking it would be a great aid as we transitioned to our whole food, plant-based lifestyle. It went from hiding in our pantry, to setting on the kitchen counter (because surely we’d use it if we looked at it everyday), to bringing it to CK a year or two ago, so a friend could teach me to not be so afraid of it. Admittedly, the black beans were the best I’d ever made, but alas, that was our one and only attempt. We gave it to a friend shortly after returning to Michigan that year. LOL!
You’re doing a great job with all of this. Stay safe up there.
Karen, you made me feel SO much better about my relationship with my Instant Pot! Your story is hilarious! :-))
I let mine sit in the garage for two weeks before I unpacked it, and then I put it on the counter where it sat for at least a week making me feel guilty. My first attempt at trying it out (which simply involved heating water per the instructions) failed because I didn’t have the pressure valve in the proper position and it hissed steam the entire time. I finally figured it out before it blew up, LOL! The jury is still out, but I’m going to give it a good try. I have time, right?
Thanks for the encouragement. Hope you guys are doing well in Cedar Key!
You two are so fortunate to be where you are even though I know cleaning our your parents home isn’t fun. Imagine if you were in some concrete jungle when this happened.
You have wide open spaces and water sports right in front of you. I feel blessed we are
in a large house with acreage around us and not squeezed into a crowded apartment or condo with no place to walk. We get weekly meal delivery although I must admit the disinfecting part is sure not fun. Our 3 refrigerator/freezer were jammed full when this happened thanks to a $600 Costco refund we had just spent. Toilet paper and paper towels were also restocked and then it hit. I have to admit it does make one become creative and hopefully it ends before we are completely wiped out. It’s nice to get our
pantry cleaned out and check expiration dates. Imagine what we really don’t need.
The isolation is getting very old although we’ve had some fresh food delivery from Alicia and Bryan with the distancing. Tom’s made a few short trips out with one of my homemade masks but basically we have been confined since March 14th. I think one of the hardest things is sanitizing everything daily which after awhile plays havoc on my mind. Anyway you take care, stay safe, keep forging ahead with the house and just imagine how organized you’ll be when it ends and then you can take off on another adventure! Love you!
Penny, I’m so glad to hear from you! I’ve thought the same, that if we have to be stranded, we’re so fortunate to be in a place where we’re surrounded by nature, just as you are. It would be horrible to be in a city right now, confined to a tiny apartment. It’s different when we’re in our little trailer traveling and having adventures.
You certainly are in a beautiful place, with gorgeous views and so much space. Lucky you to have just shopped, too, and to have three refrigerators and freezers stocked full! I know you must be making delicious meals. I understand what you mean about getting creative…that’s what happens when all of the spinach and asparagus are gone and cabbage is the only vegetable left in the refrigerator, LOL. We’re minimizing our trips to the Piggly Wiggly (haha) and are going about every 10 days. I run in wearing my mask and power shop and Eric sprays me down with sanitizer when I come back to the truck. And then it takes FOREVER to sanitize all of the groceries. As you know.
Take good care, stay healthy, and let’s talk soon! Big hugs and love to you and Tom and the whole family. OXOX
I leave it up to you to write a hilarious post about the pandemic. And omg! what do you have in the fridge and in the pantry! You really stocked up and you won’t go hungry ever!
We have an instant pot too and it was Steve who was using it and it he makes good risotto out of it. I still have to learn how to use it when getting the ingredients do not require me to wear a mask and be unsocial.
Love all your photos and you are actually in paradise right now until June.
Enjoy while you can :)
I’m glad you enjoyed the photos and that the post made you laugh, ML. If I couldn’t laugh at myself during this time I would probably completely sink into anxiety and despair. Instead, I just take on more new projects, LOL.
I need to find out some of Steve’s favorite Instant Pot recipes! Even though we have a pretty well-stocked pantry, I need to make a trip to the store to get some of the ingredients for recipes I have my eye on. Every trip to the store is traumatic. :-(
We’ve been really lucky to have had mostly good weather so far…but I know hell is right around the corner. The birding, however, has been fabulous!! All of the spring migrants are coming through and there’s someone new every day.
Hey you two! I have been slacking on keeping up with you guys. I know, I know – gotta do better….
This pandemic has us spending our time in Alabama and have been ‘isolated’ since March 13. My granddaughter, Jessica, that you met has her wedding date set for March 28, and unfortunately that didn’t happen. 😢 I have spent part of my time making her a beautiful quilt (if I do say so myself). Henry needs a hobby – he goes for a walk daily, but otherwise, he’s waiting anxiously for this pandemic to be over so we can get back to our real life!
We have also stocked up more than usual and Henry does all the shopping. You know his shopping list includes a good variety of hoppy IPAs. We also have an InstaPot and I’m not totally convinced. I have always used a regular pressure cooker and it seems to do the same thing.
We were supposed to be volunteering at the Sawtooth National Recreation Area this summer in Idaho. Our report day was toward the end of May, so we still have hope.
Sounds like you guys are in the best place you can be for now. We love that area and frequently mention that we gotta do a Florida trip. And the shrimp!!!! Stay safe and we hope to meet up with you guys in the not so distant future. Plus – I want to have a sew day with you! Love ya!
Loretta! I’m so happy to hear from you and to know that you two are doing well. We’ve missed you.
I’m so sorry that Jessica had to postpone her wedding. :-( Give her a hug for us. I’d love to see the quilt you’ve made for her, so send me a photo. This is a good time for doing projects, but it’s really hard to have our wings clipped, as you know. Tell Henry he could always get your blog going again and catch up on those Alaska posts from last summer. We would enjoy traveling vicariously with you. And tell him it’s not too late to post..I’m getting ready to start posting about our travels to the Maritimes from last summer and fall. :-)
You guys take good care, and if things open up and you want to come down here, we would love to see you! OX
We are in our 24 foot motor home that is shrinking horribly as we are cut off from so many sites and sights. But, we’re healthy and reading a lot.
I love my instant pot, we have a 3 qt. Since our stove is all the countertop we have, I usually use it to just heat up soup or what ever also. 99% of the time I use it outside on the picnic table. My husband says when we get a house, I will probably take it out on the patio!
Stay well!
It’s helpful for me to know that you enjoy your 3-quart instant pot, Nancy. That’s the size I got, too. I like your idea of using it outside on the picnic table because it will take up most of our counter space in the trailer, LOL.
I’m glad to hear that you’re staying healthy in these challenging times, but I imagine there are days that you have some serious cabin fever. As much as we want to be traveling, we know that it would be really hard with so many restrictions and our trailer would feel REALLY small. So we’re just going to stay put for the time being. And I’m going to keep practicing with my instant pot. :-) Take good care!