May 20, 2020
Day 60
Up early on a beautiful, clear and cold morning to return to the doctor. He said to put the lime in the coconut and call him in the morning. Other stops included the main op-shop for the first time in two months. Found some treasures there, including a light fixture for above the washer and dryer for $5. Amazing value to be found if you know what you’re looking for. Found a GoPro knockoff for $5 in a smaller op-shop around the corner, waterproof case and all. Going to hook it up to a motion sensor and see what sort of critter is digging up the leaves along the edge of the walkway to the workshop shipping container. While Valerie shopped for groceries I used some of the disinfectant spray I’ve been using around town and some paper towels to wash the inside of the windshield of the car. The sun is so low in the northern sky now that no matter what time of the day we’re driving there is constant glare at certain spots on the 309 Road. It was better going home, but I missed some spots so there’s still work to do. Ammonia based window cleaner will be next.
I designed the base for our faux tile floor for the shower last night and began to cut the pieces of timber I’ll need to complete that job. The afternoon passed in a blaze of glory and evening found us firing up the burner to heat water for our showers before a dinner of steamed chicken, mushrooms and potatoes. Watched the movie A Brief Encounter on YouTube and reflected on how fortunate we were to have found each other and to have been in a position to do what the protagonists in that story could not.
Tucked Valerie into bed and then checked the day’s numbers. They are encouraging, tantalising, even mesmerising and they are shown below.
Zero New cases. 5 Recovered cases. Ratio of recovered cases to confirmed and probable cases is 96.2%. Four Zeroes on the board. 35 Active cases.
There is a chance.
There is hope.
There is going to be a respite while a vaccine is developed.
The story of our finding this place to build our home is one of miracle after quiet miracle, each of which reaffirmed our belief that the Universe supports those who make a leap of faith.
We could not agree more.
Stay safe and let your thoughts manifest the change you want to see.
Goodnight.
ironwoodwind 
Dear Doug,
I feel your pain with the windshield. But for me it’s a height deficit issue. Those visors never do a thing for me. (a memory of you trying to scrunch yourself into my car makes me grin)
It is wonderful that you and Valerie found each other. ❤ 😀 Wonderful post to read this morning.
“I once asked a bird,
"How do you fly in this gravity of darkness ?"
And she replied "Love lifts me"
~ Hafiz~”
Love and more love,
Rochelle
Dear Rochelle,
Fifth best book on your shelves.
Thank you for the memory:)
Yours from the forest,
Doug
Dear Doug,
A cherished book I assure you. And I did get a better job. 😉
Shalom from my home,
Rochelle
You most certainly did:) Smart woman.
I really love that last photo, Doug. I’m happy for New Zealand’s success. And I do believe the universe conspires to help us. 🙂
Dear Russell,
Very glad to hear from you. (Did you get a letter from me about a week ago or did it find the spam folder?) I linked to one of your books on Amazon and mentioned you in one of my entries. Was writing to ask for retroactive permission. Crickets. Thought perhaps you’d gravitated into an ICU ward looking for material.
I’m pleased you like that last photo. it’s the view over our lawn and up the valley. Every single day. Amazing.
Give my best to Connie and you both stay safe. Coronavirus isn’t done with ‘Murica.
Yours,
Doug
I love things like “202020”. I always look for that sort of thing on my van’s odometer or on a clock “11:11”, “12:34”, etc. My m-i-l thought it was weird, but I’ve always enjoyed it. 🙂
I love the last shot, Doug, a view that gladdens me heart even secondhand. Speaking of secondhand and apropos of nothing, have you ever seen “Secondhand Lions?” If you get the chance, it’s a wonderful movie with Michael Caine and Robert Duvall.
I’ve gone back to that last photo several times. This morning I walked in a marvelous place called the Riparian Water Preserve (https://www.discovergilbert.com/riparianpreserve/) and had some incredible luck with what I saw (to be posted in the future.) It was such a blessing and there weren’t too many people, although 0 would be my preferred amount. 🙂
Sending the same as usual–love and prayers.
janet
Dear Janet,
Thanks for the movie suggestion. I’ve placed it near the top of the queue. Going to have a wander around the RWP now that I’ve posted tonight’s entry. Also very glad to hear the last picture resonated with you. We love it in real life. (I’m a numbers guy, too. Don’t you hate it when you look at the odometer and realise you missed a perfect alignment a few miles back? Ugh!:)
Cheers, (and say hello to Bill for us.)
Doug
Yes, I do hate missing a perfect alignment!! 🙂