So my family and others from many faiths participated in a fast yesterday to pray for those affected by the COVID-19 virus as well as the world economy during this time of lockdown. Many have lost jobs and I hope those that have can get back on their feet soon. Many have lost loved ones to this virus and anytime someone loses a loved one unexpectedly you find yourself in uncharted territory. It is humbling enough to deal with that but combining that with an economy that is rough has created an environment that is difficult for many. My thoughts and prayers are with all. I hope we can emerge ok when the dust settles. This moment has made me reflect on my family, friends, and coworkers as I hope all can weather this storm.
For a family event my kids shaved off my beard. They took turns with the clippers. They had fun but it takes a few weeks for the beard to grow back. I am one week down and Samantha says I am still in the "scruff" stage. I probably need 3 weeks to get it back the way it was. Being shaved clean was a bit shocking to Samantha and Alex since this was the first time they had seen me without a beard. Even Emma Jane on FaceTime was caught off guard. There was significant shock value to the moment. Emma Jean mentioned it has been probably 7 years since I last shaved.
I think everyone is getting stir crazy from being in the house. Everyone is ready for some grand announcement about a cure for COVID-19 and an agreement between Saudi Arabia and Russia. I am happy that this moment is bringing families together. There is a silver lining.
Samantha is working today. She works at a fabric store and they are selling fabric like mad to people making masks to fight the virus. She gets off of work at 2. I'm sure we will try to do some kind of family activity when she returns.
Yesterday we went to Home Depot and a local nursery to look at plants for the front yard. I am not a plant guy so I told the person there that we were looking for plants that could fend for themselves. My only interaction is going to be with a trimmer. I think we have picked out some plants that may be up for the job. They are green and look pretty. That is where my knowledge ends. When this COVID-19 issue passes we will look at getting them. For now we are just planning for the future. While I was there I noticed they sold pepper plants. My dad was a pepper person and would eat stuff really hot. I think that is because his tastebuds just got weak with time. I say this because I feel this is happening to me. Anyway - they sell a large variety of pepper plants. I think I will pick one up and get some peppers going. I figured it would have to be something everyone would eat. They sold California Reaper pepper plants and I just laughed because nobody would eat those peppers. So - I think I will settle on something everyone would eat, like a jalapeño pepper.
Anyway - that is it for now.
