Welcome Friends

This is going to be a simple blog post. I just wanted to reach out and see how everyone is coping during this most crazy and unusual time in our history.

Let me begin by saying that I hope you are all surviving this crisis right now and staying safe. I know there is a lot of conflicting information out there and I know many people are going through the hardest time in their lives, both emotionally and financially. It is hard to see a light at the end of the tunnel when every day the numbers are getting worse. My heart goes out to all those in need. I have donated what I can. I only wish I could do more.

In our household, we are staying at home, only making the occasional run to the grocery store for more supplies. I wear gloves when I go out, wash the items when I get home, and then wash my hands. I don’t fear for my own safety, but the last thing I want to do is infect someone else. I really do miss seeing my mother and being able to give her a hug during this time. But she is in her 80s, and the risk is just too high. She lives about an hour away from me, so I call every day to check in and see how she’s doing. And I have a wonderful lifelong friend who lives near her and checks in with her when he’s doing a supply run to see if there is anything she needs. I love him for that.

For distractions and to keep entertained, I am fortunate to have a backyard filled with birds and squirrels. Being able to sit out there and watch them come around looking for seeds at the feeders brings some peace and comfort to my daily routine. I have two cats as well, but they are indoor cats. During this time, I have put the finishing touches on a catio (yes, a patio for cats). It is connected to a window that we can open a crack and they are free to go in and out all day. They like watching the birds too and I’m sure they long for the freedom to be able to do more than just watch! Sorry, kitties.

I’m also a gamer, so spending time with the latest PS4 game gives me a bit of fantastical escape from reality, at least for a moment. Lately I’ve been playing a VR game called Paper Beast, which is amazing and beautiful. And Nioh 2 completely satisfies that itch for a Dark Souls type of game. I am considering getting Animal Crossing for the Switch, but haven’t been convinced yet. And of course I am an avid reader. At night, I consume books like a hungry man at the Sizzler salad bar! I recently read Recursion from Blake Crouch and it blew me away. Of course for the younger reader in your life, the second book in the Moose Beach trilogy, Finding the Lost, is available now at a launch discount! Reading to your children is a great way to bond during this crisis, and inspires creative minds to think.

I had considered going on a road trip to Alicia’s cabin. It is snowed in right now and only accessible by snowmobile or by walking across the frozen lake. But the nearby lodge has been staying open through the winter. I thought that might be a good refuge, as the virus had not yet reached there. Sadly, they have now had to close their doors as well. I pray for the safety of the wonderful owners and all their staff. I hope to see them all this summer.

As I said, I hope all of you are doing your best to stay safe. I would love to hear from you in the comments below! How are you dealing with daily life and being stuck inside? Do you have any suggestions/tips for our readers to stay active and combat boredom? I have these resistance bands that I got from Amazon. They are good for a quick stand up and stretch routine. I find myself snacking more than usual and I know it’s not healthy for me.

Take care, my friends.

Michael Foster