Walk To The Duck Pond

I took a mental health walk with Buddy yesterday.  I admit to being a little overwhelmed with everything right now.  There is a fine line between needing to know what is important and information overload.  The weather was lovely and there were lots of ducks about.  Soon there will be ducklings as well.

These were taken with my cell phone but I've decided to dig out my digital good camera soon and start shooting wildlife again.  It is so peaceful and calming just to listen to them.  They thought we had food so a couple got out of the water to check it out.  Buddy doesn't mind ducks, sort of disregards them instead of wanting to chase them.  That is until they get too close then he gets nervous so we walk on.

We've had wonderful sunny days of late, a really beautiful Spring is coming.  It has gotten cold overnight though, almost to freezing which is unusual for us this time of year.

The flowers on the fruit trees are about to burst, such a pretty time of year when that happens.

They couldn't top coat our patio as it is not warm enough so it will be done in a month or two so we've lined up delivery of the patio furniture we bought back in January for Friday.  We also went out and bought some paint, plant seeds, potting soil and a propane tank for our new fire table.  

I am interested in what is happening in other countries during this crisis so am going to describe what is happening in Canada to those who aren't living here.  All our schools are now shut, I believe in every Province.  Colleges have gone to online classes and exams for the last few weeks of term.    Most workers that are able to are working from home.  Non essential services are mostly voluntarily shutting their doors.  In most of Canada the Provincial governments have mandated that all restaurants, bars, casinos, rec centres, libraries are closed. Our places of worship are closed.  Only those restaurants that do take out or delivery are open with no seating available.  Anyone taking the ferries now is able to remain in their cars, previously banned due to safety issues but the rule loosened up by the Federal government due to the big C. Yesterday my hairdresser shut their doors, I was supposed to have a cut and colour so now will give myself a small trim.  I can deal with the grey hairs.  Our food supply chain is intact for now and I believe it will remain so.  The US Canada border is shut to all but necessary supply chain traffic, no cross border shopping or tourism.  All international and transborder flights from our two national carriers are ceasing in a few days.   Our government called all citizens home a week ago but it takes time to get people home.  I am not sure if there will be a total lockdown or not but we are prepared for it and are acting as if we already have one on.  

Our clients are reeling so hubby has had many many video conference meetings this week and I've prepared ourselves and Mom as best I can.  No hoarding, just a couple of weeks worth of groceries.  Many dental offices were exposed at a conference in Vancouver 10 days ago so the Province mandated they all close and if it is a dire emergency they've organized a dentist or two that wasn't in attendance there to take care of them.  They found this out 1 day prior to my second appointment to finish my root canal so I really don't know when that will happen.  If things flare up I will call the emergency number.  In the mean time I called my Dr to get another antibiotic as thought it was getting infected again.  My Dr office is doing almost 90% phone appointments now and won't see you unless absolutely necessary.  I think that is brilliant and truly hope when it is over it continues.  With all the technology these days in person visits for minor things is really not required.  I was happy to see when I picked up my prescription they had the toilet paper behind the checkout counter and were limiting it to one per person.  They should have done that last week.  There are over 10 cases on our beautiful island paradise now.  They are really limiting testing to only those that may have been exposed and even then sometimes just telling people to self quarantine.  I do wish they would test more people but it is what it is.  Most people are being cautious but many still think that everyone is overreacting.  I disagree.  Tell that to those who live in Italy, Spain and France right now, 3 countries other than China that are on lockdown right now due to a high number of cases.  A friend has family in Northern Italy and for now they are ok.  They are happy everything is on lockdown, feel much safer that way.

My stepdaughter lost her job a day after my last post as bars were ordered closed.  She was pretty devastated.  She is 21 and had trouble understanding why they were shutting all the restaurants and bars.  We've been in almost daily touch with her and she is in a better mind set than a few days ago.  The government is expanding unemployment insurance to people like her who 10 days ago wouldn't have qualified with 2 part-time jobs and tips but now likely will.  In the meantime, the wine store she works at is still open and busy - she went from having 3 shifts to 6 this week.  Fingers and toes crossed they let that stay open.  We may need to help her out financially at some point but for now she is ok.  

I did finally manage to get through and change our flights to Mexico November 30 - I am hoping things are somewhat back to normal by then and if not we shall simply toss in the towel.  Hopefully a third attempt will be the charm.  

That's what is shaking on my little piece of paradise.  Stay safe everyone.