Every time I talk to my dad, he reminds me to make sure we are all following proper handwashing techniques. The first time he suggested this to me, I laughed and told him that of course, we are. While washing hands you pray one “Our Father” and one “Hail Mary” and by the time you are finished you have hit the 20-second mark. Later, I looked up a video on “proper handwashing technique” and learned that I was missing some steps! So, I had all the kids sit down and watch the video twice. The teenagers weren’t pleased. There may have been eye-rolling.
My dad’s routine when he comes home from the hospital is to drop his shoes outside, enter the laundry room and put his scrubs in the wash before heading to the guest room shower. He has two pairs of scrubs and rotates them. I think he’s sleeping in the guest room as well. He is one week into his current three weeks on. He is no longer an ER doc, and was told he will not be working on the COVID-19 floor of the hospital because of his age. Still, there are so many precautions. He’s very calm and matter of fact about the situation and has lots of information. I’ve always been very comforted by information.
Staying home feels safe and we are very aware of our privilege in being able to do so. Yes, it’s hard not seeing anyone, but it’s a small contribution to be asked to make and looking back these long days will seem quite short. I am staying mostly calm, but definitely have my anxious moments, if not days. I’m thinking there must be an adjustment period for this new way of life. I’ve never liked grocery shopping, but now more than ever shopping feels stressful. My stomach gets all knotted as I pull into the parking lot and try to gauge how crowded the store will be based on the cars in the parking lot. Once I get in the store, I feel better and quickly grab what I need. A woman entering one grocery store (with her two teenage daughters along) as I exited, exclaimed, “Oh my, gawd!” at the sight of my face mask. I wasn’t upset by her words but a little surprised by her bad behavior. It’s as if my mask dehumanized me and made her feel as if it were acceptable to shout that within a few feet of me. Yes, I wear a mask when I go shopping, and I’ve been sewing them for others over the past week. It seems like a good idea to wear one if you have one and can (and know how to use it properly) for the sake of others, and I’m not the only one of this opinion. Quite opposite of the rude woman, an elderly man approached me in the grocery store and asked where I bought my mask. I sewed masks for him and his wife later that day and dropped them off at his house. I think that this is a time for small acts of kindness even if they feel like they will have minimal impact. Perhaps, the most important thing we can give is hope. There is hope in a handmade mask from a stranger, I feel certain of that. When we give hope, maybe we gain it as well? My baby sister is sick now and has serious underlying conditions. She will be tested for COVID-19 this week. I refuse anything but HOPE.
(Edited to add: Several of you have asked for the pattern I am using to sew masks. I should have thought to include that to begin with. My local hospital posted a list of items they need and included the patterns they would like people to follow when sewing masks. There are links to the patterns here. There are a few different designs. For those who don’t have a mask at all, I have made the ones that have a wire across the bridge of the nose (I used pipe cleaners for the wire.) Keep in mind that these are a sort of last resort. There is some thought out there that they do help to prevent the wearer from transmitting the virus, but less as far as protecting the person wearing them. The other pattern I have sewn is the cover mask for wearing over an N95. I think these are useful for healthcare professionals who are having to reuse their masks. The sewn cover can be worn over the N95 and be washed and reused.)
As it became clear a couple of weeks ago that we would not be going back into the world after recovering from the flu but instead, heading into a much longer period of self-isolation with so many others, I recognized that I needed some sort of routine. I’m not a schedule person. I’ve written about my attempts to follow one in the past. I’m always very enthusiastic about getting started, but typically cease to follow the schedule within days. The situation we are in now is different. With absolutely no outside activities, no one going to work, or lessons, or homeschool co-op, it’s like we are floating through our days. We really need anchors. With the exception of meals, the only thing I had holding me down was praying a rosary first thing in the morning. That’s a habit I formed a few months ago and I’m so grateful for it. When I started to sketch out a very loose schedule, I started with that rosary. Every day, our priests are saying Mass at 9 a.m. and praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet at 3 p.m. and sharing via Facebook live, so I added those things next. What a comfort to be able to join them in this way while we are unable to attend Mass. And what a gift to be able to structure our days around prayer. I scheduled in a block of school time in the morning ( I noticed that a walk outside before we start school helps Silas and Job focus on their work better than if we save the walk for after they are finished.) And I have a block of work time in the afternoon that I can fill with whatever I need to. I followed this routine all last week and it worked. Let’s see how week two goes.
As far as more frivolous coping mechanisms, I’ve been thinking that it would be awfully therapeutic to have a little purring kitten to curl up next to me on the bed… Of our cats, two belong to Larkspur, and two to Seth. My two outdoor cats moved into the neighbors’ garage a few months ago (It’s a long story, but the bottom line is that Intruder’s name should be changed to Traitor, though I think the neighbors call him Stripey.) A kitten (or two) sure would be nice. I have a friend with some rescues she will be looking for homes for in a few weeks. In other words, I have a few weeks to come to my senses.
In the meantime, I’m trying to make do by having bunny therapy sessions with Larkspur’s pet rabbit, Gus. He is the most hilarious little animal, like a dog, really! He gets excited and comes hopping over to see me when I walk in the room and will snuggle next to me while I pet him. Both Larkspur and Beatrix have a rabbit obsession right now. They have become experts in rabbit care and follow bunny extremist youtube channels. There is wheatgrass growing in the kitchen window for the bunnies and lettuce planted in garden beds dedicated to them as well. They are talking about starting their own Youtube channel all about rabbits and other pets. The thought of this is giving Keats actual nightmares, which is hilarious.
So, this is how I am handling the uncertainty right now, and the potential for this going on for many more weeks or months: prayer, a bit of sewing, pets, and my garden. It’s a very good time for meditating on Padre Pio’s words, “Pray, Hope, and Don’t Worry.” I would add, “And try to restrain yourself from getting too many more pets.”
I’m also considering ducklings. Please tell me again how messy and stinky they are? And try not to use adjectives such as, “funny” or “delightful.”
p.s. Almost forgot to include these photos of Gus’s cute audience this morning while he ate his breakfast.
Ginny, I rarely comment but have been reading your blog for years. My eldest is only a couple of months younger than Mabel. Thanks for sharing your coping mechanisms in this difficult time!
Regarding the adjustment period, some friends recently shared this video that compares how we’re all feeling to the culture shock missionaries experience when they go overseas. I found it really helpful! (I’m in Australia, so some of the specific rules at the moment will be different to yours.) https://youtu.be/DlGkUUiE4Bc
Bunny and Kitty! Just leaving this funny video here 😉
https://youtu.be/saIlYHLcdHs
If you want any help deciding against kittens, two words: “Veterinary bills.” Kittens can be expensive, with spay/neutering, flea/tick prevention, vaccines. Worth it? Probably, but something to consider.
Ducks on the other hand… so much fun to watch, especially Indian Runners, who look like bowling pins pottering around the pasture. They’ll eat a lot of weeds and bugs, and make a hideous mess of any water pail/pool you put out. But they are inexpensive to keep and fun to look at.
Thanks for your words and photos, always. I’ve read you for years and years and treasure every word and picture.
Daryl in Maine
Daryl,
We are on the same page! Resisting the allure of a furry kitten with vet bills, litterboxes, etc. in mind. On the other hand, there are now four ducklings residing in my bathtub. 🙂
Love,
Ginny
Dear Ginny,
I don’t usually comment on blogs (because of all that data mining) however I really wanted to register my delight in the final BW portrait of your three youngest. I haven’t been so moved by a photo in a long time but the combination of all their facial expressions is pretty powerful — especially with Job’s intent gaze drawing the viewer into the utterly unselfconscious looks of delight on the other two’s faces. Wow. If the composition were slightly more geometrical, then one could easily mistake it for an Old Master — but that it’s not, gives it an authenticity that is so much more appealing.
Have you ever thought of producing a book like Wayne Miller’s The World is Young (1958)? Or maybe doing an exhibition of the really quite remarkable oeuvre of portraits of your children?
Take care, be well and blessings to you and your lovely family,
Sarah xx
P.S. I’ve followed your blog for years now and have enjoyed many of your products too! In that regard will you be producing any more stitch holders? I’ve gradually lost most of the big ones!
Dear Ginny,
Just wanted to thank you…I really enjoy your blog. I am Catholic, homeschooling knitter. Thanks for the encouragement…I have started to begin my day with the Rosary and a devotional.
Blessings, your photography and family life is beautiful and inspiring.
Victoria @thornythwaitefarm
xx
Surely there’s a bit of knitting in there too? You know, as an utterly vital coping process? ☺
Hi, I hope you are all doing ok
I saw these puzzles, most of them 500 pieces, which is also my ideal, I don’t know if they are your taste, but I thought of you, so here they are:
https://buyolympia.com/?Search=puzzle
Gus is adorable!! The comment about Keats having nightmares if the girls have a YouTube channel made me laugh. ?
That’s great about the masks. Thank you for explaining they may help you not to pass the virus along as I thought they didn’t help keep you from getting it. That is sweet you made some for the elderly couple.
I’m like you that I’m more of a routine person than scheduler. I tried over the years and it would never last. I even tried many methods and within a week or two someone would either be sick or we’d need to go somewhere that didn’t work with the schedule & I just couldn’t get back on it. So I was grateful when I at least heard about “routines” and that was more my speed to have morning, afternoon and evening routines ? it definitely eased my mind & helped me to not feel like a failure.
Thankfully we can still get outdoors and weather is warming up here in the Midwest.
I can say this trial has revealed to be that I can be a better steward of my resources when I need to be. And I’m getting into puzzles thanks to you (except my cat always wants to interfere) and cross stitch again thanks to Alicia Paulsons posts at PosyGetsCosy. So I’ve been enjoying these things.
Prayers and blessings ??
I would love it if in the next week or so to hear your Easter traditions- I love what you do at Christmastime, so maybe I can get some ideas from your family for my own….
Get the ducklings!! They are wonderful!!!
Love this post. I will pray for your dad and sister. Going to mention again as I have a few times— you should make a children’s book of your animal photos!! They are the best!!!!!
Did you hear there’s been a run on puzzles?! Hard to get on amazon. You were ahead of the trend. Agreed re: anchors in the daily schedule. Very important. We have watched Relevant radios mass each day and it’s been great.
-Kerry (Eve’s friend)
Gus is absolutely adorable! Makes me want a bunny. I’m filling out days with garden plans, 12 new chicks, and knitting. Thank you for the reminder of a schedule. I’m finding the same thing is true where we feel like we’re floating. Even being homeschoolers this time is are and strange.
The photos are fantastic!! It’s great that you caught the bunny yawn!! I’m trying to start a meditation practice, hopefully I can keep at it!
Your posts are a gift. We are working on stronger routines here too–they help us feel more at ease and once I get used to the routine it kind of puts my mind on autopilot. I saw that you had someone comment from Czech Republic–have you seen the public service video they put out on wearing masks? Look at masks4all.org. To me it seems like wearing a face mask is the perfect example of “love thy neighbor.” ?
Also meant to mention earlier that the phrase “bunny extremist YouTube channels” was a highlight of my day. ?
good luck resisting the new pet adoptions, can’t wait to see their new photos! (I know you will do it…). Thanks for an uplifting post. I watched Mass on Sunday morning on youtube from Boston and it was comforting to be with ordinary. I also say a rosary a day in the morning, what a wonderful start to the day and I lift up all the worries to God.
Sewing the masks and then delivering them surely added stars to your crown. The elderly are often invisible and undervalued in American society. Reading about your kindness has been the highlight of my morning. So far.
Thanks.
Be well.
To the owner of the rabbit: I would very much like to have you contribute to your mom’s blog one of these days and tell us how you take care of your animals. I have a rabbit named Winkie and 2 cats. Our rabbit loves to dig tunnels and holes in her pen. I think she would like to come inside sometimes but I am nervous to let her in- but I see that you have your rabbit inside and things seem to be just fine. I would like to hear how you safely let your rabbit inside- and if you have any “rules” about her being inside to help make it work out for everyone. Also, maybe you could include some directions on how to grow wheat grass for the rabbit…..
Thanks!
We are planning to get more baby chicks soon and will keep an eye out on our hens. Typically, we have two or three who go broody then and we have had them hatch and raise their own in the past. But…..the mind gets going and today my oldest son and I were researching homing pigeons. Hhmmmm…….
That bunny yawn would be frightening if it weren’t so precious!
Gus is adorable, I thought he was a stuffed animal at first! I’m trying persuade my husband to get a bunny during the quarantine time, but he’s resistant… Says we have enough animals… But that’s not possible. We have 7 ducks and they are messy (especially in the winter), and require hard work when you clean out their mucky pen, but they are so stinking cute too, waddling about, following each other to the pond every morning.
Dear Ginny,
here in the Czech Republic our government ordered everyone to wear a face mask when outside, about 10 days ago I think. It was a big shock for me to see people wearing them, now we got used to it even though we don’t go out that much. Now people are questioning it though if it makes sense to wear the mask in a car, on a walk etc. Now it’s also compulsory to wear single-use gloves in shops. The rules are strict and no one knows how long this is going to take. People are losing jobs, facing financial trouble… Well, I think everyone should get a kitten in this kind of situation 😉
I like your schedule! Keep up the good work 🙂
And thank you for the cute bunny pics!
Ducks = splat, quack and rich eggs!
Stay safe xx
Gus’s yawn gave me a much needed smile! Lovely of you to sew masks for the elderly couple, Ginny. Please take good care of yourselves and I hope your sister is recovered very soon xx
Your children are beautiful. Growing so fast. So blessed.
Teenagers do not realize the seriousness of this virus. But pay no real attention to reactions of people about you wearing a mask. I’ve seen some real pretty ones that people are making. I personally think masks are helpful and useful.
I love Padre Pio and his words. My friend Maria from Brazil told me about him several years ago. Such an amazing story about him.
I pray your sister recovers quickly and that the illness is very mild.
Be well. God bless.
Also, ducks have a straight line digestive tract, so not subject to things chickens carry, i.e. salmonella. They love to eat bugs and little shotx of weeds and grass. Because of their digestive system, their poo won’t burn grass or plants. Your garden and lawn will be healthy and green. Just keep those garden hoses nearby. Hours of entertainment watching them swim in their kiddie pool. Just make sure as babies they can get out, So they don’t get waterlogged.
I think face masks will become more and more common. I went to the grocery store for the first time in over a week on Saturday and saw my first facemask. I’m sure I looked a little startled. Then I saw another, and another…and by the time I got home I decided I wanted one too. So – I think you are a model for good behavior! (My sweet daughter sewed 50 masks this weekend and donated them to St Agnes Hospital in West Baltimore.)
Gus is adorable! How does it work with the cats? They don’t want to “prey” on the rabbit? I’ve got two indoor cats and would love to add a bunny but I fear aggression from the cats.
Praying for your sister! That she heals quickly and has “just ” the flu.
Ducks are super messy and smelly but I think I would get them again if I were better prepared this time. I had Khaki Campbells and they were great layers but very antisocial and flighty – if I got ducks again maybe Anconas or Silver Appleyards?
Glad you are able to mostly stay home and hope your husband can work from home. I desperately want to stay home during this time but my job is labeled “essential ” and the boss points out that we need to keep going so we still have jobs.
Would you share the pattern source for the mask you are making? I’m disappointed you didn’t include a picture of yourself wearing one! Ha! Thank you very much!
I just updated the post with a link! I’ll think about getting a photo of myself wearing one next week-Ha!
Hello Ginny,
I love your blog and I have been a follower for years!! Love all your knitting and sewing projects that you share with us!!
Can you share more info about the masks you are sewing? I just finished sewing one for myself and wonder what design style you are making!! Maybe even with a tutorial?!!
Very interested!! Thank you.
I loved what you said, “What a gift to structure our days around prayer”…I have put the quote on my prayer wall to motivate me and remind me the importance of prayer.Thank you…such a great message of hope when we need it most!!
Thank you, Janice! I just updated the post with information and a link to the masks I’ve been sewing! 🙂
Hi Ginny, thank you so much for your uplifting words. Information is very grounding, and helps us know what actions to take, and prayer keeps us hopeful and energized. I’ll keep your sister in our hearts. Take good care and good luck with the duck and kitten decisions! Sending love your way, Dorina
Dorina, I’ve been thinking about you! You’re in my prayers!
I love to see your posts come in, they’re always funny and uplifting! I was wondering if you still have Weasel. I know there was talk of rehoming him but I haven’t seen anything further.
Our poor Weasel died in early January. I have a post full of photos of him ready to share, just haven’t been up to talking about it yet. We miss him!
Loved your schedule, Ginny, especially the way you have it interspersed with prayer. Such a great idea!
Ducks are messy! But, I think they are far hardier and easier to keep than chickens. I have several types of poultry, I’ve got to say ducks are pretty cool. They will pick bugs off of your plants, without harming the plant, unlike my chickens, who eat both bug and plant! Plus, duck eggs are high in fat, which is great for baking.
Also, ducks have a straight line digestive tract, so not subject to things chickens carry, i.e. salmonella. They love to eat bugs and little shotx of weeds and grass. Because of their digestive system, their poo won’t burn grass or plants. Your garden and lawn will be healthy and green. Just keep those garden hoses nearby. Hours of entertainment watching them swim in their kiddie pool. Just make sure as babies they can get out, So they don’t get waterlogged.
I remember once a friend saying about her own mother who was from Japan, “she is just so thoughtful and considerate of others that she wears a mask to make sure she isn’t sharing anything with others”. This was taught to her culturally and she continues now as an adult here in the USA. For some reason that was such a lovely thought that changed so much about what I thought of others wearing masks. Maybe it’s to protect ourselves at times but even sweeter is the desire not to share our own germs with others.
Best wishes to your family. I enjoy reading your posts.
Yes, exactly! I love that. With an illness that can be asymptomatic while contagious, I think we should be wearing masks to protect others!
I’m all for getting kittens and ducklings! When my children were little, I always said yes to new pets. That said, we’ve had ducklings and they are crazy, super messy. Seriously, 4 ducks are the equivalent of 24 chickens. Haha! I really mean it…the equivalent of 24 chickens with a leaky chicken coop roof! If you do get them, they need to be supervised when they swim. They aren’t very buoyant if they don’t have a mama duckling preening them, brooding them, and sharing her oils.
oops…mama duck (not mama duckling) : )
We got a puppy about 2 weeks ago. We had been looking for one and decided now was a good time. He’s sweet tempered and has been a good distraction. He’s become my 13yo’s new best friend. Our cat doesn’t like him though.
I’m keeping calm because my husband is calm. I asked him if he’d like me to make a mask for him (since he’s the one that goes shopping). He said no and then asked if there was any evidence that fabric masks were actually effective or just made people feel safer. We then discussed what such an experiment would entail. The reaction of the rude woman in the grocery store might have been from fear. People walking around in masks do tend to produce that, which is why I think only people who are at high-risk or in the medical field should wear one. I think this pandemic is serious, but the level of panic and hysteria out there is not helping. I still can’t wrap my mind around the toilet paper hoarding.
By the way, some stores are only letting in a set number of people at a time and you might want to find those if you are anxious. I know Trader Joe’s in Ohio only allows 30 people in the store at a time.
Sadly, her tone made her intent clear. Plus she was shopping with her two teenagers. Were she really concerned, she would have left them at home or in the car as per the guidelines being given. Because I have asthma and autoimmune disease, I am considered at risk. However, I think that wearing masks is something we can do to protect others, especially in the face of an illness that can be easily transmitted and by people who are asymptomatic. None of us knows for sure that we are well, and if we can wear a mask (without taking those needed by healthcare professionals) it seems like a good idea to me. I think those who are going to panic, are going to panic no matter what. The toilet paper hoarding is very upsetting, though I wish now that I had purchased an extra package myself! Our stores are being careful about the number of people they let in-I’ve been very impressed with the measures being taken especially by our Costco, but I still don’t like going in them!!! I’d stay home till summer is here if I didn’t have so many people to feed!
Perhaps consider fostering a cat or dog. That way you get your fuzzy-buddy fix but know they are going to a good home at some point. We love our little foster dog and look at our time with him as a gift to him and his gift to us. After he finds a new family, we can look forward to the giving and receiving that comes with another foster.
I don’t think I would feel comfortable fostering a dog because we have so many children and already have two dogs, but I’ve been thinking about fostering kittens! I have actually fostered hundreds of them because I worked as a volunteer implementing trap-neuter-return programs in my community for many years. But, chances are, I’d end up keeping my fosters!!!
I wore a mask to Costco and the check out lady acted like I had the plague rather than me trying to avoid it!! I don’t understand why it’s standard in every country but ours. I’m making masks as soon as my elastic gets here….maybe if they are cuter they won’t cause so many scowls.
Love how Gus is snuggled up & looking adoringly at you. He’s so cute!
Sorry but I say go for the kittens & ducklings…any diversions right now are worth the trouble!
Yes! When we lived in South Korea people that wore masks were the ones that were sick with colds or what have you. They put others first and I loved that!!
Let people scowl!!! For all any of us know, we may very well have this virus! We need to look out for one another!
I’m afraid I’m no help either. I grew up on a ranch, and in addition to the horses, cows, sheep, goats and chickens, we had numerous cats and dogs. I was the one who dressed the barn cat kittens in my doll clothes! I was also the one who reared a wild jackrabbit from a baby, after my uncle unknowingly ran over the nest with the tractor while mowing. I was about six.
So, animal lover that I am says, get the kittens! They will provide hours of laughs as they play. And laughing is good for all of us, especially now. And the ducks? Only wish I were in your shoes and able to consider adding animals to my family, too…
Hi Ginny,
So good to read your posts, now more than ever. I would love to make masks. I know how to sew and would find it satisfying but I don’t have any materials. Can you tell me how I can get what I need to make them online? I don’t want to go to the store without one. Thank you for all you do ❤️
Hi Pamela! I edited the post to include a link to the patterns I have been following. You could order batik fabric which is considered best, or quilting cotton from Fabric.com? I used pipe cleaners for the wire across the nose, but floral wire or bread ties can be used as well. https://www.marywashingtonhealthcare.com/COVID-19/COVID-19-Donations.aspx
Thank you so much! I will check this all out. Also, I heard Joann’s is giving out kits – they bring them to your car. I haven’t tried it but it would be interesting to try it.
I’m with the reader from Ohio. We are sheltering in place, following the rules to the best of our ability and limiting the latest corona virus report to once a day. Otherwise we are distracted every moment of the day instead of giving the worry to God.
Yes, I find that I am far more peaceful if I limit my time reading the news!!! I want to be just as informed as I need to be to make important decisions, but no more.
Ducklings are cute as can be but messy messy. As long as you can spray out their holding pen, it’s not so bad.
I won’t be able to help with the ducklings as we got two new ones a couple weeks ago 🙂 Stinky as anything but oh so cuddly! Do you want a mean, cranky old kitty by chance?? Hehe. Our one cat doesn’t like us or any of the other cats. She hasn’t sincewe got her in Portland so we are going to try to rehome her, as sad as that is 🙁
I’m not sure if it will help your anxiety at all or not but in England they already downgraded the Cornona virus to the same as a typical flu and life is started to return to normal there. We should still be vigilant for our immune compromised and elderly, of course! There are also many doctors in NYC saying not to fear it. Just don’t touch your face and wash your hands (like the videos you saw) and we’ll be fine 🙂 The thing that is killing me most of all is no Mass.
Sorry for all the comments. I missed the part about your baby sister – we will be praying for her! I’ll add her to our family morning rosary. XO
Thank you, Nicole!!! Praying it’s just the flu!!!
OK, first off, I LOVE GUS! He is adorable!
Second, re: masks. This is why I hate to wear one. Some CF folk wear them wherever they go, but I am *not* that person. One, with my CI, they don’t like to stay on, and two, I hate the stares. I hate, hate, hate them. And yes, people think that you can’t hear them because you’re wearing a mask. Sigh. I do have some here, in case I need to go out, but I basically haven’t left my house except ONCE in three weeks.
I have to balance the amount of information I take in, because otherwise I will just lose it. I really will. So I watch our governor’s daily presser (I’m in Ohio), and that’s it. That’s all the news I need.
Sorry to be a Debbie downer but in England we have not downgraded. We are still in lockdown, only leaving the house for essential reasons. We are a long way from returning to normal life.
Oops I think that was meant for my comment 🙂 I didn’t mean that the whole country is downgraded. I mean the doctors and scientists downgraded the level of threat that the virus is. It will take time to get things back to normal for sure.
Yes kittenS! Yes kittenS! Cuddly sweet little kittenS!!!
What kind of bunny, and does he use the same litter box as the cats?
My cousin and two small children are sheltering in place in Chicago, and my first recommendation was that they needed a kitten!
I like Gus.
We have 16 ducks and I currently have 17 eggs in the incubator (a similar quarantine decision). We also have a few chickens, but had the ducks first and vastly prefer them and will probably always have at least a few ducks. They are messy in a different way; but utterly charming. Oh and duck eggs are amazing for baking. 🙂
You had me at, “I’m thinking about adopting a kitten or two”. So funny. I’ve been going through the same thing and keep telling my husband we are home now so we should. HA! Stay the course and stay strong regarding all things. And thank you for writing. I love reading what you have to say. Those children are beautiful as well as the cat and the bunny bun. ?
I won’t be any help. Considering ducklings myself.