{ramona williams}

{New Normal}

While we were out taking care of errands, we wore protective masks.  About 50% of the people I saw were wearing masks, about 50% were not. I don’t think wearing a mask in public is mandatory in Kansas, like it may be required in other states. Anyway, we did what we thought was the best thing to do while being out — to stay safe and healthy for ourselves and others. 

#1 (April2020) While shopping for things we needed for the home, we stopped to look at the herbs and veggie plants at Lowe’s.

 

#2 (May2018) Also taken at Lowe’s - shopping for herbs and vegetables to plant. 

 

#newnormal #staysafe # staystrong  #stayhealthy #freshherbs #garden

 

 

{Verse for the Week- 4.26.2020}

“But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭40:31‬ ‭NLT‬‬

https://www.bible.com/116/isa.40.31.nlt

{3:59 AM}

About a week or so into the COVID-19 Stay at Home order, my sleep patterns began to change. I found myself waking up in the early morning hours and staying awake.

One morning, I was lying in bed and I heard birds chirping outside my window. I looked at my phone and the time was 3:59 a.m. The chirping continued for a couple of hours or so, stopping somewhere between 5:30-6:00 a.m. 

A couple of days later, I was awake again. Again, I heard birds chirping. I looked at my phone. The time - 3:59 a.m.  I thought only humans kept a regular schedule; I wonder if animals do too. 

Like most, I’m trying to make the most of this strange, unknown time that we are living in. Initially, I was all set on being productive while being at home 24/7: catching up on home projects (hanging up wall art, wall stencils, re-organizing closets/files, unpacking those last few boxes from moving seven months ago). The more articles I read, the more they have the same thought in mind - the focus shouldn't  be in trying to be extra productive. So, I’m learning to take some time to just be still. 

In between busy time, I'm finding moments of stillness. Sitting in the sitting room (no devices or television); staring out the window, looking at the flowers and trees starting to blossom. (I haven’t made it outside to collect all of loose branches in the back yard, or pull the dandelions growing with the tulips in front, LOL.) 

Marc and I are having some great conversations about everything and nothing at all. I’m watching a few tv shows, but not really binging anything in particular. I started watching 30 Rock (Amazon Prime) and Bring It (Lifetime) years ago, then life got really busy. I’m catching up from where I left off back then (season 2-ish) and going forward.  I'm already caught up on my favorite shows, Black-ish, This Is Us, etc. 

As far as the news goes, I was watching a lot of news coverage (probably too much). Now that we are a month into this, I’ve scaled back my viewing. It’s not necessary to watch everything. (less stress and worry.)

Heck, I’ve even dusted off the cobwebs on my blog. The last post I submitted was from 2 years ago. 

Staying connected with family by having Zoom chats; keeping in touch with some co-workers via text and LinkedIn IM. Miss those guys. . . 

What’s next? Where do we go from here? 

Although we’re ready to get back to our lives before this happened - the office, work, school, church, movies, restaurants, and so on, the nation isn’t going to open back up quickly, nor will life be as it was before.  

"Getting back" will be more like "going forward".

It will be a long, slow journey. 

{Mom and Me}

This picture was taken on a fun afternoon. We’ve been working on an upcoming milestone birthday party for Mom. My stepfather has been talking about giving her a party for over a year now, so it’s not a surprise. There are some elements that are supposed to be a surprise, but it seems like she is finding out more and more, LOL 😆 

Over the last few months, I have been looking at old photos through the years. They have brought back so many memories.  

It has been great hearing from Mom’s longtime (and) new friends that plan to attend.  

A celebration of her life is indirectly a celebration 🎉 of my life too.❌⭕️

Herbal Garden

The last time I had a vegetable garden was when I was a young girl. Mom and I planted the seeds together, my job was to water the garden often. We planted lettuce, greens, tomatoes and carrots. There were other vegetables, but I’ll have to ask Mom about those. I remember having issues with the rabbits eating the lettuce. But, other than that, having a garden was fun. 

Recently, Marc & I talked about planting a garden of both vegetables and herbs. 

When we went to Home Depot to shop for more Spring flowers this evening, I was happy to see the organic herbs. So many to choose from. 🤔

We’re going to start the herbal garden with Basil 🌿, Rosemary and Sage. ✅