On March 23, there were 42,000+ cases in the U.S., 83 in Kansas and 11 in our county.
Monday, March 23
Today we should have been going back to school, but since all school buildings are closed for the remainder of the school year, we get an extended spring break.
Yesterday, our county voted against a “stay-at-home” order. Today they voted for one. Essential businesses can stay open, and there’s lots of exceptions. Basically, bars and nightclubs, entertainment venues, and salons are encouraged to close. Restaurants should close their dining rooms, but can offer delivery and take out, and have their drive thru opens. The order starts at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday and lasts for 30 days.
Tuesday, March 24
The boys mowed the lawn. Adam announced he was going to Taco Bell for lunch “before the world ended.” I made some kind of beef and bean stew in the crockpot that ended up being named “coronavirus crap.”
Even Scott wouldn’t eat it. He made omelettes and the stew was thrown out.
We had a 15-minute investment lesson (we set a timer this time).
Wednesday, March 25 (and Day 1 of our county’s “stay-at-home” order)
While it’s Day 1 of the “official” order, this is actually Week Two of us staying home. I asked Zach to make a countdown (or “count up” really), so I wouldn’t lose track of what day it was.
The boys and I think Scott is going to be the first one to go crazy. He can’t not do anything, and with many things closed, he can’t just “hang out” like the rest of us.
It was a nice day, so I was able to work from the deck…until the battery went low on my computer. 😒
Before dinner, the boys kicked the ball around, and made a video using toilet paper as the “ball.” I made a comment that toilet paper was a hot commodity right now and should we really be kicking it around like that?
Then we moved to the backyard and setup two pieces of wood and had a contest to see who could knock the wood over using the soccer ball.
We sat on the back deck for a while and FaceTimed with Oma and Papa. Zach and Papa talked about life on other planets and Papa told Zach he should watch the movie 2001.
Our school district sent out the plan for distance learning, and many of the boys’ teachers connected with the students and sent out schedules for next week.
Adam made excellent flatbread pizza for dinner, and we watched Lego Masters.
Thursday, March 26 (Day 2)
Adam had a Zoom video conference with one of his classes.
The boys played disc golf this afternoon, then headed to the grocery store. Shelves were much better this time, and we were able to get potatoes, celery and many of the other things that were previously “out.”
Zach made delicious tacos for dinner.
Friday, March 27 (Day 3)
I made a quick trip to Walmart at 7 a.m. this morning. The toilet paper, disinfectant, and soap aisles were being monitored by Walmart employees, and each customer was allowed one item each per person.
I also saw this sign.
What a weird world we live in right now.
Zach had a Zoom video conference today for Spanish class. One of the tips for “zoom etiquette” was “be sure to put a shirt on.” 😆 Good advice for everyone! Both boys have now received distance learning instructions from all their teachers. I’m guessing each kid will spend approximately 30 minutes of day on schoolwork. It’s a tough life.
Tonight, we grilled out chicken, shrimp, salmon and vegetables. We’re watching Iron Man 2 – the next movie on our “Marvel movie watching list.”
Saturday, March 28 (Day 4)
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has ordered a statewide “stay-at-home” order through April 19. Our county already had an order, but only 22(?) out of the 105 counties had implemented such a thing.
Adam will be a senior next year, so he and Scott reviewed college information today. We can’t go on any visits (all the schools are closed), so online research was the only way to go. Sometimes the teenagers can’t be bothered to wear shirts. #LivingWithBoys
Sunday, March 29 (Day 5)
Social distancing Sunday took us to Pawnee Prairie Park. More college research and Adam announced his top five colleges: Kansas State University, University of Tulsa, University of Nevada-Las Vegas, University of Texas at Dallas, Missouri University of Science and Technology,
It is now suggested that you leave non-perishable groceries outside or in the garage for three days to reduce the virus living on cardboard and plastic. Once you are ready to bring them in the house, you should clean them with a disinfectant wipe prior to bringing them into your house.
Who would have thought people would be wiping down groceries?
On March 29, there were 136,000+ cases in the U.S., 319 in Kansas and 41 in Sedgwick County.
One Kansas Girl 