We’re going to be updating this newsletter more frequently, and we would love to hear from YOU. How are you managing? What does quarantine look like for your family? Have your pets launched a full-scale mutiny yet or is that just happening at my house?
And speaking of my house, I’ve got two teenage daughters who are mostly coping. Mostly. Online school is a distraction, but as anyone who lives with an anxiety disorder knows, these are some challenging days. It’s hard to keep your thoughts from going to dark places – and it is completely uncharted territory for parents trying to manage and ease our children’s fears. I’m just trying to keep everyone in the moment. We have no idea what next week will look like, much less next month. Watching my kids melting down in panic is a billion times worse than any of my own worries. So, what to do? Olivia is teaching herself to make bread (does anyone out there have any pro tips for sourdough starter?), and Caramia still has mountains of schoolwork to get through. The poor dog is so used to driving miles and miles every week for dance that today I took him for a car ride around the block just to settle him down.
I asked everyone at the show to share what life looks like for them right now.
I cannot WAIT to hear Bob “try” to work from home! The amount of stress in his voice will be palpable (and enjoyable at the same time) for all is listeners! I cannot wait to hear the stories as they unfold.
And of course the animal stories too Sheri. That goes without saying.
Hope this keeps you and all from getting sick.
About 12 years ago my doctor put me on 5,000 units of Vitamin -D-3 because I was catching the cold and flu virus from my sick students on a regular basis. 🤒🤧
*** Since then I have NOT gotten the flu! *** It also greatly reduced head colds to not even one a year. He tests me every year and wants my number to be between 50 – 70. (I have never gotten the flu vaccine ) you can get chewable for kids. 💕 Hoping for your good health through this crisis.
Here is a site with information on Vitamin D 3 and how it is used for fighting flu virus and colds. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/02/170216110002.htm
My husband and I just chased each other up and down the driveway to get me out of this funk I’m in. I hope folks driving by smiled as two slow 44 year olds giggled up and down the pavement. We are taking this time to do our best to avoid panic (I have to talk myself out of it) and focus on time with our kids with board games, videos and snuggling as we juggle that with working from home. They don’t need to know we don’t have all the answers. All they need to know is if we can be a reed in the wind as the Buddhists say, life will be much more enjoyable. Breathe. Breathe again.We’re all breathing together today, and I find comfort in that.
Sheri, I miss you and Bob, I am craving normal every day interactions so badly. I am still working at a chiropractic office and honestly happy to have some shred of my old life still intact. I am scared but managing well and trying to help others any way I can, I will not be renederd helpless quite yet! We are a strong breed us “Mainers” and I plan to hunker down when it is necessary but also try to function any way possible for now, as long as it is reasonable. We all need to care for ourselves and others to get through this and you and Bob and so many other are such an integral part of our “survival”! Xoxo stay well! Christie McLeod
Thanks for the update! I always love listening to your podcast whenever possible. I am a sixth grade teacher in Santa Rosa, CA. and we are currently sheltering in place. It’s still considered spring break here so we will see how the distance learning will work out next week.
And just to make things more interesting I just found out two weeks ago that I have breast cancer. Things are moving fast and I am set to have a double mastectomy on Wednesday 3/25 already. Phew!
I’m sure I’ll be listening to your podcasts while recovering. 🙂
Stay safe! Oh, I also have two daughters at home. One (20 years old) just came home from college last week and the other a junior in H.S.
Hugs!
Helen
My state is not on shutdown and I have not been exposed to the virus, but it’s definitely not business as usual. My fitness center is closed so I workout at home. I fuel up at 4 am, so as not to encounter many patrons. We were told today at work that even if there is a state shutdown, my company will stay open since we build government products. My 2 daughter-in-laws work in a hospital, so I worry about them every day. At this time I am not anxious, just am aware of my surroundings and pray that this epidemic ends soon.
Hello from Oregon! I am a photographer and I clean houses, I only have two clients who haven’t cancelled on me yet. My husband works for a major phone company and is on forced vacation until the 30th. I have been taking my kids outside a ton to ride their little bikes and be in the sunshine. Something for them to do and keep us away from people. This morning as we turned the corner of our block, there was a man with his daughter. My two year old shouted “hi! hi! hi!” in her little chipmunk voice. The man proceeded to run away and tells his daughter to keep going. It’s odd, in this time of social distancing it’s still a little difficult not to take that personally. For someone to ignore my sweet little daughter saying hello. But what are you gonna do? It’s a strange time indeed. I should have shouted to the man, “Good luck to ya!”
Hi, long time listener here. My husband I and both are Charlotte natives. It always puzzles me when people act like that’s a strange thing because we know lots of natives; some cousins, some not. Make sure that Bob knows that I watched PM Magazine. Had to get my daily Bob and Moira dose.
The other day via the podcast the discussion was about sports. There was a question of what woman would be good for a sportscaster. I have a suggestion, Hannah Storm. Sorry, that I can’t recall more particulars on this subject or the date of the conversation.
Ok, back to the original request of “my quarantined life.” We have friends with a house and rental cottage in Grassy Creek, NC; for years we have dog and house sat for them. Months ago they asked if we would care for their dwellings and plants (dogs died of old age, sad about that) while they took a trip to France and Spain from March 1 to March 18.
We took care of the daughter’s cat until she came for him. We took care of the sister’s dog until her travel plans to France had so many set-backs, cancellations, reschedules she decided to stay in the U.S.
Things haven’t gone exactly as expected and currently our friends are stuck in France trying to get home. Numerous plans have been sought and numerous obstacles have squished those plans. They might leave France tomorrow, 3/21/20. We don’t mind be stuck at their house on 45 acres with pond and vineyard. In our opinions it’s safer here than in Meck Co so we don’t mind enjoying the views, the solitude, and the wine.
Our friends lived in Charlotte for many years and know quite a few people there so if you decide to mention this on the air, please be vague. You can see photos of their rental cottage on VRBO. It’s the Nuthouse Cottage in Grassy Creek.
Another thought, I’ve seen some people commenting on having their kids at home all day and it’s driving them crazy. I homeschooled both of them, k – 12. Homeschooling is a lot easier when you have the teacher’s manual.
Thanks for keeping us entertained in the sane and not so sane times. Stay healthy, we the public need you.
This is my first newsletter. Thank you so much! I love it! The hardest thing about this time for me (besides the obvious) is that I have not been able to download Bob and Sheri for about 3 weeks now and itunes won’t even let me play any episodes. YOU ALL are the reason I’ve been happily working as The Gardening Tutor for many years.When i work alone, you keep me company! I am afloat without you. I bought a new ipod touch, waiting for it, to see if it lets me download.
My sympathy all around especially to Lamar’s wife Carla and their whole family.
mary frost
p.s. there is a daffodil variety called Chit Chat
Hey Bob and Sheri!
Love your show, I listen every morning and love the interaction between the two of you.
I have to say, my husband and I haven’t killed each other yet. LOL we have actually been enjoying our time together, kayaking, catching up on our shows and watching some new stuff. A lot of spring cleaning, FTing with our kids and cleaning up our backyard. I do wish people would take this more serious, people are dying. World is a changing and it’s pretty scary.
Thanks for keeping me laughing.
Lori
I am a dog sitter working with Rover.com. We do small house dogs,one or two at a time. Every one is canceling because trips are being called off. We miss having the dogs and the money the work brings. We read,watch tv and use the internet
Neal
My husband and I live at our daughter’s house. Besides us there is her husband, a 4 month old baby and 5 year old pre-k schooler, sweet dog, and her. She and I both suffer from anxiety and are home bound. I have issues with my back and am on disability and she is looking for employment. I try not to feed into her stresses and she mine, but there are multiple times during the day it occurs. We are fortunate the children are too young to know a different normal then this, but we watch too much news to not feel the tightening of our chests and the increased death grip on our lungs that comes with it. I had my first virtual doctor visit today. Everything adds up. The only way I’m actually getting through everything is I start my day with a praise and worship song, prayer, and typing life into others on Facebook. I try not to put all my concerns out there, but I have them just the same as others do. I believe there is a season for everything. We will get through this. Cherish every moment we have been handed with our loved ones. Share time with them to see how they are coping and to help them through their day. Give them time to themselves or with others via all the great technologies we now have. I think this is the number one thing – Pray with them. We love your show and each of you!!
I work in registration for a hospital outpatient clinic, so I am still working for now. My mom is a saint by watching my teenage twins & cooking us all dinner. My twins are on the spectrum so this change of routine has really thrown them this week but we are making. Prayers fo all of you guys & thanks for being there to entertain us all during these times.
Self-quarantine started on my 23rd birthday, March 15th. My main birthday present from my fiancé this year? The Bob and Sheri to-go coffee cup. I SCREAMED!!!!!
I’m a 2nd grade teacher in Michigan. It is very strange. I’m constantly trying to think of ways to help my students. Missing them. Worrying about them. I know most will be fine. Hoping and praying for everyone in our country.
I miss listening to morons in the news on my way to work.
Hi Sheri! I highly recommend looking at the YouTube channel “Homesteading Family” to learn all about bread baking including a great sourdough starter. I learned so much from her!
I have a 16 year old boy and an 18 year old girl who are starting online classes Monday. No concerns with my daughter, but my son is another story! And college acceptances are rolling in so it’ll soon be decision time.
Two 5 month old rescued sisters who are part Aussie and Border Collie are keeping me/us busy! Thanks to my husband and I we are more than prepared for this Zombie Apocalypse. Godspeed y’all! Stay healthy.
I’m an ER nurse in Nova Scotia. Things were slower than usual last time I was there, but we’re expecting the tsunami to hit soon. We are practicing social distancing,I live alone so had some dread about that. Facebooking and texting help. I see the disasters US nurses are dealing with…making their own bandanas instead of masks is suddenly ok? Or using the same mask 12 hours, they are made of paper, and people sweat, disintegrating them.
Tell the girls that if they can’t change something, there is no point worrying about it. Try to just let it ride, take a wait and see attitude. If you can get there, it’s a huge coping skill for life, not just during a pandemic.
Wishing you all the best.
Hi Bob & Sheri,
Your show is helping me cope with all the uncertainty & anxiety that I feel at this time. I work in a school & we are closed down at this time. My husband & I are quarantined in our home, trying to help out my elderly parents without actually being in their presence. I have one daughter who is in primary health care. Needless to say that is a big worry.
I hope that everyone does their part & stays home as long as they can. I believe that we will come out of the other side of this, but it is certainly scary.
Thank you so very much for helping your listeners laugh, even though I know that you guys are worried.
Take good care of yourselves!
I am an Infection Preventionist so am working and worrying more than ever. We need more access to testing- so many worried community members. We do not have many cases yet but the state (Minnesota) case load is rapidly escalating. The fear of the unknown weighs heavy. I try and shut off the news most of the day and update a couple times a day. Like you I have a vulnerable little in my family (grandson with leukemia) so keeping him safe is of utmost importance- I will only be seeing home at a distance or via FaceTime. I hope your COVID scare is short lived. I truly believe we will get through this and have more compassion and strength in the end. Hugs to you, Bob, Max, and Todd 💕
Hi Bob and Sheri from Houston Texas. I am a homemaker now so my life
Isn’t much differant. I do stay home more. Sheri, I would like you to try Laughing yoga. NO poses. Just the deep breathing. Friend. Emma Ferguson
It will boost your immunity,sending endorphins into your blood. Really good for everyone to laugh. 10-15 minutes to get best benefits.lowers blood pressure.i know Bob wouldn’t try it. Lol love you all