Covid-19, coronavirus, THE pandemic of the current century, spread rapidly from China. Cruise ships weren't allowed to dock and passengers were stuck on board for weeks trying to control the spread of the virus. In some, it looked like the common cold, while in others, it looked like severe pneumonia and even death. When it hit Utah, our community just closed down. Schools, churches, any non-essential stores, restaurants, all shut down to prevent the spread of Covid-19. We were advised to shelter in place, or stay at home unless you absolutely needed to go out to get food. We started wearing gloves and masks to the store.
Our schools shut down the week before spring break.
Piper and Steve had rescheduled their Disney cruise (from October, when he landed in the ER) to spring break. But the week before the cruise, all cruise ships shut down, and so their cruise was cancelled yet again. Piper was obviously upset, and somehow that brought about the decision to get another cat (ya know, because 10 pets isn't quite enough - 2 cats, a dog, a gecko, a fish, a snail, a frog, and a couple of hermit crabs...).
We looked for a few days, and then found this guy, Gordon Ramsey. He was kind of a mess, FIV+, almost toothless, several wounds all over his head. But he kind of loved Piper. I told her we'd have to think about it.
And then I went back and got him, and surprised her. Yeah, I'm a sucker.
But he is really cute! (A month and a half later, he still has no name, is afraid of the dog and hisses and attacks her weekly, if not daily. Gets along with Scooter really well, but kind of terrorizes Kiki a lot.)
Since we were on quarantine, it was the prefect time to work on this 3000 piece puzzle that I got for my birthday.
And we got out the board games.
Also, sidewalk chalk became a big thing in the neighborhood.
We added some Easter eggs in the trees.
People started panic buying toilet paper, bottled water, and ramen noodles. It was nuts. And since Max only eats about 3 foods (one of which is ramen noodles), I did actually start to panic. A friend left these on our porch :)
Costco was out of toilet paper for weeks and weeks. Social distancing was the new norm - staying 6 feet away from everyone except your immediate family you are quarantined with. This was the line to get into Costco.
Toilet paper was stocked finally!!!!
The 'new boy cat' (that's what I've been calling him) was adjusting pretty well, other than attacking the dog from time to time ;)
Piper fought off the boredom by doing crafts and making care packages for friends and neighbors.
Then, Utah had a 4.6 earthquake to send people into further panic, followed by a nice spring snowstorm. After shocks continued for a month!
I missed my weekly pickleball games with my friends.
Max was living his best life. No school!!!! And no church. Rarely put on pants. Only got in the car once a week or so to go get fries. Thank goodness the drive thrus were still open.
Not helpful, kitties.
And then, homeschool.
Weird weird times....
