Racing the Rain

Today was one of the better ones so far. The kids got along better, thanks, I think, in part to "go jump on the trampoline 15 times" as a solution to both angry feelings and brazen silliness.

Early Spring is a nice time around here, but I'm really drinking this one in. Rain is finally greening the place and the weeds are battling for supremacy in my backyard. When I mow them down, they become a lovely green color that gets all over my clothes when I clean out the catcher on the lawnmower. I finally mowed the back lawn: just in time to beat four days of forecasted rain. Driving around town is kind of fun with fewer cars on the road.

I stopped at the pharmacy to pick up some prescriptions, signing as usual with the same old pen attached to the battered tablet in the drive-through window, and I wondered: how many people have touched this thing? I was careful not to touch my face on the road back – when you're trying not to touch your face, you realize how much you touch your face – and quickly washed my hands upon returning home. I have avoided buying cages for a pepper and tomato plant that I put in last week because I don't want to go out to more places than I have to. 

I enjoyed playing Mario (banned for the previous few months due to gamer's rage) with Kenny. He did great! We played Mexican Train as a family today with the 15s. It desperately needs to be pared down to 9s for a family of four.

We did church this morning, enjoying Pastor Mark's message. The kids sat and paid attention to most of his 36-minute message, and we enjoyed seeing him and hearing his encouraging words. The four of us sang a favorite song together and Kenny played my drum, which was a real thrill for him. Looking back, I feel that taking the time to do that as a family might have set the tone for our good day.

Work with students is returning this week. I do not plan to be overwhelmed but to focus on giving my students the type of experience they need in this unique situation. I want them to track the news so they know how to be good citizens and save lives during this time. I realize that many of them are caring for siblings as their parents work and have little time for school. Many of them (and us) may get sick as the virus continues to move up its frightening curve, which will undoubtedly disrupt learning. Many of them may lose a loved one.

I will be writing a letter to them and posting it on here with the same questions I'll be giving them. I miss them, and I hope I can be a part of helping them through this challenge.