My hope had been to do a few sections during the winter months while caring for my mom. It quickly became clear that would not be an option. I do not regret one moment of time I was able to spend with her. Frankly, since her death I have had very little energy to pursue much of anything. Grief is interesting, and it can certainly be immobilizing.
I have found myself using mom's "good-bye" catch phrase since her death. It would not bother me a bit for it to become the fifth of my "stock answers." [For those who do not know them, they are, pretty much in order: Best day of my life. People in hell want ice water. Don't tell me your troubles; I have troubles of my own. (Thanks to Clint) ...and finally, Ask for what you want. It ups your chances of getting it. (Thanks to James).] Mom's cremation box was buried directly atop my dad's coffin's spot. Her stone bears her signature departure salutation. [The stone maker texted me this photo after he placed the stone Tuesday.]
A week before our self-imposed sheltering in place began, we improved the economy with the purchase of what has now become a great training tool. I never enjoyed spin classes. DL loves them. She has wanted one. Where we live, many people cycle. As you have already picked up from my multiple posts, I don't do mountains. So we don't ride here. Now, we can ride. The regular bike on a trainer is not the same. This allows for a bike that fits both of us. And I have come to appreciate what I have been learning in the beginner spin classes, especially as it relates to form. And I love not having a bunch of people in the room with me. That was my least favorite part of the spin classes I ever took. I also appreciate being able to ride Cadillac Mountain, ride around the Popham Beach area in Maine, and even ride through some trails near the Golden Gate Bridge. It's cool to be able to filter down to my age group and who actually is riding the same class or place at the same time. The other day there were over 600 women in their 60s in one of the classes. But I didn't have to see anyone, and they couldn't see me :-) [IF you acquire or recently acquired a Peloton, I recommend Hannah Frankson's beginner classes.]
Speaking of improving the economy... When we had some medical appointments in Athens a couple of weeks ago, we were able to support some of our favorite restaurants by ordering delivery or takeout. Up here, we are limited to one takeout place. We are grateful for our Bootleggers! But boy have we missed some of the finer things in life. Like lattes. We took care of that, too! Getting the exact mixture is a work in progress, but we're almost there.
Our hope is to get back to the road in September, starting in Connecticut. How we do this remains to be seen. Flexibility was, and always has been, the name of the game.
Now today, on to our next adventure. Mask making. Stay safe everybody.
