DAY TRIPS 2020 1 & 2

This Covid pandemic has kept us rather isolated like so many others.
Sitting at home or puttering around the house is fine but we need to get out and about also. This is where Day Trips came in.

While reading through Facebook we saw that others had posted pictures and their reactions to day trips they had taken. So we started asking around and got recommendations for places to see.

THIS WAS FIRST WRITTEN MONTHS AGO.

Our first foray was last week. Cindy organized a great picnic lunch while I loaded the car with our lawn chairs and then off we went.

We drove into the foothills south and west from home and drove along the South Platte river. The weather was great and the views were refreshing. A number of other people were out wading, tubing, picnicing and just enjoying themselves. A number of cabins were spotted nestled in the trees with porches faces the river. We found a spot along the river for our picnic. Lawn chairs, a great picnic lunch sitting alongside the river was just what we were looking for. Later on our drive we found another spot of shade under some big trees to sit and read and just enjoy being out.

We finally came off the river road to a major highway back into Denver. Since it was early we texted Laura and arranged to stop by their home and visit for a while in their front yard. It was a great time.

Our second foray out was a few days ago to Evergreen which was about a 50 minute drive from home through a beautiful stretch of foothills. The drive was slow which was perfect for soaking up the scenery.

We passed through a few small towns before getting to Evergreen. Passing through town we finally came to Evergreen Lake.

The weather was just perfect. Sunny with a pleasant breeze. The first thing we did was walk around the lake. There is a great walking path that goes completely around the lake. We encountered some other folks on our hike. We also walked below the dam and even came across a sculpture of a Mountain Man.

Once our walk was completed we found a picnic spot in the shade of nice tree. Other people were playing Frisbee and other games. Some were getting ready to go sail boarding.

When it was time to go we headed out and Cindy spied 4 elk crossing then walking alongside the road. 

It was a great Day Trip. We are already looking forward to our next one.

PROJECTS DECEMBER 2020

 

You may recognize these reindeer figures. I don't mean by name but design. These reindeer are meant to be painted and be out in your yard at Christmas.

I found free plans on-line. I then shrunk the plans so that instead of being large enough to be huge lawn decorations they now stand maybe 6 inches tall.

I cut out the patterns then used a spray adhesive to attach the patterns to 1/8 inch plywood then used my scroll saw to cut out the pieces. It takes time but I have enjoyed doing them. Right now I have a small herd of 6 reindeer grazing on my workbench.

These reindeer are in addition to these ornaments I have made. 

This star ornament is made out of poplar which has been a nice wood to work with. This design means using a drill to make holes in the inside circle to insert my scroll saw blade through. It gets a bit tricky cutting the holes out.

This star is largely made on a table saw. I believe this is poplar also. The individual points are comprised of separately cut pieces glued together. It involves cutting some precise angels. It also involves setting the saw blade at different depths to make the design. The possibilities are almost endless. I am not particularly happy with the results. As you can see the middle hole is not how it should be. I destroyed many stars before quitting with this one. I'll try it again now that I've learned a few things. 

Next Christmas I plan to make multiple copies of another design.

ONE MEAL A DAY

 Over the years we have tried different diets to be healthier by losing weight.

In late September we embarked on yet again another plan. It sounds bizarre but it entails eating once a day between the hours of 3-7pm. No breakfast, no going out to lunch and no snacking. My brother-in-law has lost 60 lbs. doing this.

Surprisingly for us it has not been hard. Neither of us have been thinking about food a lot. I suppose the only thing that has proved difficult is this change in routine. I have typically started each day with a bowl of cereal and coffee. Then we have been going out to lunch or more lately eating lunch at home but eating lunch. That is when we connected and did our talking. Then dinner as usual quite often followed by snacking.

Now it is a cup or two of coffee and then nothing until 3pm. Then we might have fruit or something light and then dinner as usual. No snacks but maybe a cup of coffee.

We are making one exception to this routine though. On Sunday morning we have been having brunch with Rick and Brenda Thompson and plan to continue this. I imagine that means we will have a light snack about dinner time. We shall see.

Well it has been months since I wrote the above section. Covid 19 has meant staying at home. With few exceptions we have eaten at home. During the summer we met a time or two at a local restaurant patio to eat out. 

Cindy orders our groceries online for pickup and then has organized options for meals to chose from. She has done a fabulous job of this. She even talks to her folks in Minnesota and then works with her mom to order their groceries which are then delivered to their home.

I admit I have cheated from time to time by having a piece of fruit or bowl of cereal later than usual. Having said that I have also managed to lose 20 pounds thus far.

And so it goes.

ARE WE IN THE "END TIMES"?

2020 is a year we will never forget.

Covid-19 has changed our world. Deaths from this virus are on the rise around the world even though for a time it seemed we were dealing with it.

Climate change has meant more and more powerful natural disasters such as tornadoes, hurricanes, fires, floods.

Racial tensions have boiled over after yet again another black person was killed by police under circumstances that reveal racial bias and inadequate training in law enforcement. Those same police officers involved in those shootings for the most part do not suffer any consequences. That tension has led to protest marches and in a small number of cases violence and destruction.

The political divide in our country seems deeper than ever before and perhaps not fixable. People cannot talk about politics with one another since there is so much distrust and out right hatred. Our current leadership in Washington only makes things worse.

There seems to be so much anger, uncertainty and pessimism about the future.

So I believe it is only natural that the question “ ARE WE IN THE END TIMES the Bible talks about? is being asked. I’ve been asked that question more than once.

I honestly have not thought much about it until now. After reacquainting myself with what scripture says and what teaching I retained from seminary I believe the answer to this question is NO and MAYBE. I know this seems to be a cop-out but whole seminary courses teach about this subject and so I am a bit hesitant about dealing with this very complex topic with this blog.

Having said that there are a few things I will say.

Throughout history some people have claimed to know exactly when the world was going to come to an end. I’m sure you have even read of those predictions. Only a few years ago another prediction made headlines. All of those predictions were obviously wrong. In the gospel of Matthew Jesus said, “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father”. This is the passage we need to remember. No one knows when the end will come.

Here are some other scripture passages:

Matthew 24:42-44

42 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. 43 But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

2 Peter 3:10-13

10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare. 11 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives 12 as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. 13 But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.

2 Timothy 3:1-5

1 But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.

Mark 13:5-23

5 Jesus said to them: “Watch out that no one deceives you. 6 Many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and will deceive many. 7 When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 8 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains. 9 “You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. On account of me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them. 10 And the gospel must first be preached to all nations. 11 Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit. 12 “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. 13 Everyone will hate you because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. 14 “When you see ‘the abomination that causes desolation’standing where it does not belong—let the reader understand—then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 15 Let no one on the housetop go down or enter the house to take anything out. 16 Let no one in the field go back to get their cloak. 17 How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! 18 Pray that this will not take place in winter, 19 because those will be days of distress unequaled from the beginning, when God created the world, until now—and never to be equaled again. 20 “If the Lord had not cut short those days, no one would survive. But for the sake of the elect, whom he has chosen, he has shortened them. 21 At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah!’ or, ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it. 22 For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 23 So be on your guard; I have told you everything ahead of time.

 

Probably the most important thing to remember is that the world’s future is in God’s hands, and the world as we know it will only pass away when God intervenes to bring it to an end.

Jesus said, “Such things must happen, but the end is still to come” (Matthew 24:6).

What will the end be like? For one thing, it will be sudden and unexpected—and most people will be unprepared. Just as in the days of Noah’s flood, a catastrophe will suddenly overtake the earth—and then it will be too late to turn to God.

The good news is, we need not need fear that day if we know Christ.

And when Jesus does come again, all the evils of this world will be destroyed and Jesus Christ will rule over a new world in perfect peace and justice. We can barely imagine this, but it gives us hope for a better world.

If we knew for certain exactly when Christ was going to come again we might be tempted to stop doing the work God wants us to do.

Christ’s promise is clear: Some day He will come again in glory and power, and all the evil and rebellion and injustice of this present world will come to an end. That day is closer now than it has ever been before.

 

CAR ACCIDENTS OBSERVED

 Just to make things clear I watched these accidents happen to someone else.

Over the years I've come across accidents that had happened and like everyone else slowed down to see if I could see what had happened. I believe one time I actually saw a body covered up on the pavement by the police on the scene.

The first time I watched a car accident unfold was in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

I was three cars back from a fairly busy intersection. The traffic light had just turned green and the car in the front of the line entered the intersection. No sooner than she entered the intersection another car entered from the left. That driver was going through on a red light. That car t-boned the car in front of me. This was the first accident I had ever seen. I was a bit stunned.

I pulled off to the side and got out of my car. The police showed up along with an ambulance. The police took my name and my statement. About the same time I took some time to write down what I saw. I knew that the longer between seeing something and recording those observations the more details blur. I'm glad I wrote things down since some time after someone from an insurance company called me to ask about my observations. I was able to read to them exactly what happened and I never heard another word about it.

The second accident Cindy and I observed happened just a few days ago.

Cindy and I were driving to Laura's house on a busy road when we saw an SUV in front of us 2 cars and in the next lane smack into the guard rail on the right twice then loose total control and took a hard left across our lane then across the median and then the 2 opposing lanes all the while losing a fender and various other parts.  It ended up in the ditch on its side. I pulled off to the side and got out and approached the car. Cindy was calling 911. Many people converged on car. The driver was unconscious. One guy sort of took charge.  I hung around a bit but decided I wasn't contributing anything and the police had just arrived so I got back to our car and went to Laura's.

In neither case did we ever hear the outcome of these accidents.

END OF AN ERA

 In 2006 while living in New Mexico I bought a Tomos SX moped from a dealer in Carlsbad. It joined my other moped that I had purchased at a garage sale some years before.

After getting the blue Suzuki I could be seen riding all over Mukwonago, WI. I rode it to work many a day. As you can probably see I was not a small guy back then. I over-powered that bike. That didn't stop me from puttering around the area. It was exciting.

I should mention that each of these bikes had 49cc engines which meant that they could go about 25mph.

After Mukwonago we moved to Las Cruces, New Mexico. I continued to ride my Suzuki around the area and to work. 

The picture below is from a drive I took to Fort Seldon Monument which I believe was 20 miles from home. Notice the really cool helmet (my father-in-laws old helmet) and the extra cool plastic container bunge corded to the back. I was sure cool.

The video is of Matt on the Suzuki riding with me to Fort Seldon when he came down to visit.

I wanted a bigger bike so that is when I got the Tomos. It is a nice bike. I bought what is called a trunk to store and carry things in. And since it is bigger I didn't over power it as much. With the special muffler I could reach speeds of close to 40mph while going down hill with a good tail wind. That suited me better in traffic.

I had two accidents on my bikes. The first one was while riding the Suzuki.

I was coming back to my office in Las Cruces and my bike skidded and tipped over on loose gravel. I was on the ground. I was scratched up and a bit disoriented. A passing motorist stopped and helped me. It was a bit scary and because of it I didn't ride for awhile. In time I started riding again but watched the roads very carefully.

The second accident was on the Tomos and also in Las Cruces. I was going home from work and traveling about 30mph. As I came upon on intersection I noticed the light was green but the cars were stopped. My lucky day. I could zip through the intersection without a problem. Now realize these thoughts all occured in a split second before my accident. The cars were stopped because an ambulance was coming on the side street. I noticed the ambulance, slammed on my brakes and went head-first over my handlebars to the pavement. That same ambulance stopped and attended to me. They checked me over and I was fine. Once again I was very cautious about riding again but got over it.

We moved to Riverton, Wyoming and once again I rode the bike to work and around town. I had no problems in Riverton.

Before moving from Las Cruces I sold the Suzuki, It wasn't running and I am not mechanical.

After retiring we moved to Highlands Ranch, Colorado. I was older now and my neighborhood is hilly and the traffic is heavy so I decided it was time to sell my Tomos. This picture is from the day I sold it.

I really enjoyed riding. It is such a "free" feeling. I was not sitting in the comfort and afforded protection of a car. I was experiencing things up close and personal. I got drenched a few times and still had a huge grin on my face. I was alive.

DAY TRIPS RESUME

For a long while we had to stop with our day trips. There were two reasons: 1) too hot or 2) too smokey. There are a number of fires burning here in Colorado and the California. Oftentimes it was difficult to see the foothills for the smoke.

Today we resumed our trips since yesterday we bought a 2019 Honda Pilot LX, cooler temperatures blew in and the smoke has let up. We packed a picnic and drove up to Estes Park which is about 1 1/2 hours from home. Wow that 6 cylinder SUV really climbed the mountain roads nicely.

We found a nice shady spot by the lake and settled in. We lunched, read our Kindles, walked along the lake and relaxed. 

On the way back we stopped at the Rio Grande restaurant in Boulder to eat.

It was a good day.

PROJECTS

Since mid April, I suppose, I have found myself moving from project to project and then having bouts  of  lethargy.

Right now I am in the midst of various projects.

Church:  I recently wrote then recorded a sermon for our church. Pastor Eric had asked me to preach before  covid-19 hit us. Originally I was going to be preaching 4 times. Now since we have church online I simply made the recording. The sermon is for this Sunday.

A few weeks ago I help with a food drive our church was sponsoring. I simply sat in our empty building and waited for food donations. There was a shopping cart outside for people to fill. Once a donation was made I went out (wearing a mask of course) and brought the food in. I emptied the cart and put the food in boxes and bags we had ready. The cart was returned outside and so it went for two hours. I will be doing the same this next week.

Music: I mentioned in my last post my adventure with Virtual Choir 6. It took some time to learn the music, polish it a bit then make a recording I could live with.

Photos: I believe I have 5 cameras. Three of those cameras use film. Two are digital. I don't suppose anyone wants the film cameras anymore. My best film camera in an SLR and uses two telephoto lenses, filters, flash  and other things. It just sits in the basement. I would love for someone to want it so it gets used but after checking online it looks like you can't even give non-digital cameras away. Do they make film anymore?

Well those nice non-digital cameras took hundreds if not thousands of pictures over the years. I started digitizing those old photos recently. I checked Pinterest for ideas as to how to do this. Actually I have toyed with this project a few other times but it never got off the ground. I found what I was looking for on Pinterest and on Google. I was going to make a stand to hold a camera and the photo to be photo'd. Here is one idea I found.

Then my genius brain came up with just the right solution.

This is actually a drill press stand I use in the shop. It is made to mount a hand-held drill in such a way that you can drill perfectly vertical holes. Hand holding a drill and drilling vertical holes usually works fine. Sometimes though the holes need to be just so. That is why I have this stand. It is set up in such a way that my cellphone sits on the platform perfectly parallel to the photo sitting below. It works great.

We have 4 bins filled with photo albums and pictures in envelopes. Accept for the photo albums the photos are not organized. Wow. I have started to digitize these photos. I don't copy lousy photos of which there are many many. During a good session I copy maybe 50 pictures. They go from my phone camera to Google Photos. Then little by little I am editing pictures to enhance them. This has been a lot of work. I have many pictures to go yet. THEN I want to organize them somehow.

Music:  Both Cindy and I have collected music albums of our favorite artists/ groups over the years. Another recent project has been digitizing some albums. I can find just about any music on Youtube but there are some albums that never made it that far. Cindy was in the Minnesota All-State Lutheran Choir in 1972. I digitized it for her. I just started this project so I really don't know how long it will go on.

Kites:  The kite craze peaked some years ago. I used to make my own kites and fly them with the family. I really enjoyed it. Years and years ago when I was maybe a teenager brother Don and I made a 7 foot tall kite and flew that sucker. I remember tying off a different kite that was way up there to the mailbox on our house so I could go in to eat dinner. It took a bit of time to get it down after eating before it got dark. There is something called a "messenger" that is used to drop parachutes from high flying kites. It is hooked on the kite line and the wind pushes it up the kite line until it connects with something up by the kite. When it connects the messenger drops whatever it was carrying and then collapses and slides back down the line to the ground. They are fun to use. It does mean you have to chase down whatever was dropped. Hopefully not in treetops.

I have three kits now and I got them out yesterday. I didn't fly them yet. I just checked them over to see if they were in good shape. I had to make a few repairs. Now I plan to fly them sometimes soon.

Reading and Happy Hour: Cindy and I put lawn chairs in the front of our house where it is fairly quiet. There we might eat our lunch or sit out there and read. It has been very pleasant. Neighbors walking dogs or themselves pass by from time to time and wave, say hi and possibly chat a bit.

Rick and Brenda had us over to the patio for Happy Hour a few times. We enjoyed our favorite beverage while sitting far enough apart and catching up. It has always been nice. We had them at our place once so far. I hope we continue the practice.

So... I have been busy. It has been go go go sometimes.

VIRTUAL CHOIR 6 "SING GENTLY" by ERIC WHITACRE

A few years ago I participated in a Virtual Choir organized by composer/ director Eric Whitacre. It was a really interesting experience. After downloading a copy of the music I watched a bass rehearsal YouTube video. Once I was comfortable with the music I recorded my own video and sent it in. Then I waited for the grand unveiling on You Tube. There were thousands of videos like mine from around the world. 

A few years after Virtual Choir 4 another choir was organized. Virtual Choir 5 was another interesting experience. It was either choir 4 or 5 which amounted to simply singing sounds - no words.

Well a few years later along comes Virtual Choir 6  "Sing Gently". I got to sing WORDS.

Look at these stats. 33,000 people registered from 134 countries. So far 2,000 people have submitted videos from 80 countries. I submitted my video tonight so I'm one of the 354 basses. At the Bass rehearsal today there were guys from S. Korea, Nigeria, Argentina, Germany, Netherlands, England, Wales, Portugal, Connecticut, etc. Since this was a live rehearsal some were up early or really late.

Cindy asked if I was satisfied with my video. I told her I was satisfied with it. Well it wasn't half bad. That means it wasn't terrific. I regrettably don't sing as well as I used to but I thought it was good enough. Some people admitted they made 20 or more videos before they were satisfied. I made at least 6 videos.

Now we wait. I really do not know how long before the final product is revealed. I even got a Certificate of Participation. Whoopee!

UPDATE:

Submissions for Virtual Choir 6 closed on May 22, 2020. Our stats at that time:

• 17,562SINGERS
 
• 129COUNTRIES
 
• 41,836SIGNUPS

We’ll be announcing the date of the premiere of the film soon. Check back here for more information.

It’s amazing to think that the Virtual Choir started as a simple experiment some ten years ago. We have all known its special purpose over that decade – joining people from around the world through music – and it has brought us particular comfort this year. That said, we all look forward to the day when we can safely make music together, in person.

Eric Whitacre

MORE OF THE SAME

Well we are still here. Not much has changed since I last wrote. The pictures just lift up show glimpses of what we have been doing.

Cindy Goggled making facemasks and came up with this. It looks nice.

She has worn this when out for a walk.

A popular walking path here.

I painted our guest room. I took a couple of days because 1) I had nothing better to do and 2) most of the furniture was left in place and it was awkward to get at some surfaces. It turned out nice.

As part of that project I hung a large mirror on that wall. While working on that mirror in my workshop I dropped it (rather heavy) on my foot. Apparently it was a deeper gash than I originally thought. That was a few weeks ago now and it is slowly healing. 

In Colorado snow comes and goes. We are really ready for it to be Spring. Starting next week temperatures are supposed to finally be in the 70s for longer periods of time.

Daddy and Jackson. This was Jackson's first time.

The intrepid hunters celebrating their success.

An Easter egg hunt meant masks and social distancing. Both sets of grandparents watched from the deck. The weather was warm and the kids were excited.

Rick and Brenda

Cindy and I

WHAT'S NEXT

Well the Covid-19 Coronavirus has really changed life around the world. I know I'm not saying anything you dont already know.

I just finished reading a book I've read many times. I got it years ago when I was in my science fiction phase of reading material.

The book is called "When Worlds Collide" by Philip Wylie and Edwin Balmer. A movie was made from the book in 1951. The book was copyrighted in 1932 so you can imagine the way the characters talked. The following is a sample: "The women will be chosen for one purpose only: to breed a new generation in the new world." I have to laugh. The men are heroic and want to possess the women, to crush them in their arms and make them their own. Who talks like that anyway?

The purpose of mentioning this is finishing the book put me in a particular mood. Oh, I should mention that a ship was built and a metal was found to withstand the terrible heat of the atomic blast of the engines. Then after annilating hordes of savages bent on getting on board that ship or killing everyone in sight except the women, of course, the ship blasted off to the rogue planet that was hurtling towards earth. Earth would be destroyed but would provide sanctuary and a new beginning for the brave men and women who for-saw the inevitable and overcame the almost insurmountable  obstacles necessary to procure a new home, a new beginning on an alien world. The sequel is called "After Worlds Collide".

Anyway maybe now you have an idea how I was feeling.

This virus will not destroy us but has sure changed things. This isn't simply something taking place somewhere else this time. This isn't Ebola killing hundreds somewhere in Africa. This time it is a pandemic around the world. There have been thousands of deaths with some of those occurring here in Colorado. One of my friends here in our subdivision contracted this virus and is hospitalized. He is making a recovery I understand. Social distancing is expected from everyone. Colorado is shuttered except for vital businesses until April 26th. Millions of folks nation-wide have filed for unemployment insurance monies. Medical supplies for first-responders are critically needed.

How long will this last? Will a vaccine be developed? Will there be a second wave of this once people resume their "normal" lives? Once "normal" returns what will it be like? Will our favorite restaurants reopen? What businesses will have closed for good? Will there be a time when people are nicer to each other after having gone through this together? We've gotten used to worshipping online in a fashion. I know we will return to our church family but will everyone?

I miss being with the rest of our family. Cindy and I are fine. We can walk around our subdivision and get the mail. We are eating healthier since we eat almost exclusively at home. We watch too much tv and sit with our laptops a lot. Everyone is making due but I miss the hugs and antics of our grandchildren. Thankfully we can Skype or Zoom with them. I miss the gatherings of friends over a nice meal and the playing of Farkle, Dominoes, Old Maid and Go Fish.

You get the picture. I know things will get better and all this will be behind us. Psalm 91 is a great source of comfort.

I guess I need to start reading the sequel to once again read of the adventures of those brave men and women, dont forget those women, who have landed on a new "home" and are attempting to begin again.

A MIGHTY FORTRESS IS OUR GOD (VIRTUAL CHOIR #4)

IN CHRIST ALONE (VIRTUAL CHOIR #3 / A CAPPELLA)

CORONA VIRUS MARCH 24, 2020

Life has changed.

Cindy and I were sitting in Laura's front yard talking and watching the grandkids when at 5:00pm my phone sent me an emergency message saying that Denver was in a lock-down because of the corona virus.

I'm sure books will be written about this time in our world so I don't need to be too detailed.

Apparently last December in the Wuhan province in China this virus appeared. It is very contagious and infected many many people. The U.S. got wind of it in January I believe but downplayed it as just another disease but not anything to be worried about. The virus was somewhere else so nothing to be worried about. Even when it started to spread it was downplayed. People from China and people visiting China were traveling all over the world and unbeknownst to them were spreading this virus.

As of today this virus is in every state in the U.S. and all over Europe. Actually the only place on the planet now devoid of the virus is Antarctica.

As it spreads more and more our country is shutting down. All but essential services are being closed. We can get groceries, go to doctor appointments and get take-out from restaurants. People are being asked to practice social distancing (6 feet apart). At the gas station I had to go inside to get my receipt and they had x's on the floor 6 feet apart so people would know where to stand.

The federal government is finally gearing up but they have been so very slow in recognizing this threat. Trump didn't cause the virus but has downplayed it until a week ago. At first it was simply called a hoax perpetrated probably by Democrats to get back at Trump. There are groups still spreading this kind of conspiracy theory. Trump tells so many lies that I do not believe a word that comes out of his mouth. This is a time when you want a leader you can trust. Governors from all over the country are begging the federal government to help. Health care workers do not have the resources they need.

For Cindy and I our lives haven't changed too drastically. Our lives have been pretty quiet since retirement. It has meant staying home at lunch time most of the time when before we would eat out every noon. Worship services at church are now online, the 4 rec centers here in Highlands Ranch are closed so no pottery classes for me or going to exercise and using the hot tub. We had groceries ordered online for the first time and Laura picked them up for us. It is not so much that we don't do much but we can't. The libraries are closed also so I can't go read magazines. That is done online also.

Today Cindy and I met Rick and Brenda Thompson (B.J.s parents and good friends) at Culvers so we could get out. We sat at separate tables and chatted and soaked up the sun. After that we gassed the car and waited at home before going to Laura's to chat outside, watch the grandkids play and pick up the groceries Laura picked up for us.

I painted our guest room over a few days. No rush. I have projects close to completion in my shop.

We miss Matt and AJ's family in Virginia especially because we can't be with them. Like Laura's kids their kids are at home. That means Matt and AJ have to both work from home plus teach their kids since they are no longer at school. Thankfully we Skype regularly which helps greatly. Matt also makes a point of calling from time to time. All of that helps.

How long will all this last? Will the virus infect any of our family or friends? How will all this permanently change our lives? No one but God knows at this point.