Plunge, Check, Rinse & Repeat (Week 1, Lockdown #2)
Back in the groove, home on the range, living la vida loca. Yup, it’s all happening right here in our exciting little 1km radius.
I guess the advantage of having this done this before is that repetition is easier. Kind of like a play that you’ve rehearsed for months then laid aside, and now need to simply dust off and perform again. The second time around the lines come to you much faster, the show already pre-run in your mind, the cadence of it familiar from before. You don’t need to figure it all out from scratch. You basically just pick it back up and do exactly what you did before.
So yeah, that’s where we’re at right now.
I call it confinement 2.0 the redux edition, an almost exact repetition of March & April, 2020. We’re back to walking the little 1km radius around our neighborhood, never going further except for grocery shopping or essential needs, trying to stick to a daily schedule of exercise, food, and mental health (for sanity’s sake).
For Polly of course, it’s all perfectly wonderful. She’s happy when “the pack” is together no matter where or what we’re doing. And she loves all this time at home. Who needs to go anywhere, when all you could ever want to sniff is right in your back yard? For the rest of us, it’s a familiar place, even if it’s all rather enclosed and repetitive. Wake, eat, exercise, nap and repeat…
For me personally, it’s been quite a rollercoaster. And my emotions around it this week have been….well….difficult.
Ah yes, week 1 of confinement #2, here we go….
Plunging Into The Depths
I started off this second lockdown pretty well-balanced, or so I thought. I had prepped, I knew what was coming and I had done this before. I had this, right? But despite all that I was surprised.
Almost immediately after confinement started I plunged into a deep state of despondence and angst, so much so that I became literally, physically ill.
It washed over me in an emotional vortex that hit a few days after the lockdown started, and honestly I didn’t expect it at all. I guess it was the sudden (albeit expected) realization that I was back and locked in this small space without the ability to move around freely, combined with worry about the virus numbers raging out of control all around us, concern & stress about the upcoming US election, and the fact that the future is still so darn uncertain and grey. Either way all of it came together in one grand explosion and I ended up in bed exhausted, ill, aching and barely able to move.
I was not in a good place…
Thankfully I guess, I’ve been here before. That whole self-realization thing, or just repetition and all such. I do know what I need to do, even though it’s always just as hard.
Slowly, but surely, I started to inch my way out…
Checks One, Two And Three
I started by going to see our wonderful local doctor who, in her usual assuring and sensitive manner, worked with me through all my concerns.
We had several meetings, the first online via téléconsultation (video call, now quite commonplace here in France) the second in-person for some tests, all within the space of a few days. We made a plan, switched up some things and my body started to respond again. I’m so incredibly thankful to have a doctor like this who has my back, as well as the ability to get easy care.
Check number one.
Then the US election finally got called, a stress that has been weighing on all our minds for a long time. I’m not going to talk to the politics of the matter (please, no politics in the comments either), but I do want to say this.
I’ve spent several months working to get the vote out, to help Americans abroad make their voice heard, and although I’m but a teeny blip in a massive grassroots effort, it was incredibly satisfying to see the historic number of people that voted this election. The projected final turnout rate of ~69-72% will be the highest voter turnout since 1900, with more Americans casting their vote than ever before in history. No matter who you voted for, that is a significant result. The people spoke, and now it is done.
Check number two.
Finally the sun came out again, and we saw real people, even if it was just in passing. On our morning walks we soaked in the brilliant, crisp fall weather, the leaves in the valley layered in hues of yellow and orange. And we saw the neighbors and stopped to chat; the don, always happy and engaged, going about his business on the farm; the hippie, relaxed and carefree; and our local Maire (Mayor), who just happens to be the one of the most upbeat and do-it-all guys I’ve ever known. Inspiring folks all around us, showing how its done.
Check number three.
I can honestly say that I’m in a much better place today than a mere week ago, much of it thanks to our little community.
Now, I just need to make it another 3-8 weeks…..
The Virus Numbers Ain’t Good
With all this said, the coronavirus numbers in France still ain’t looking good.
Cases are roaring all over the country. Another record 86,852 infections were announced yesterday, together with the inevitable increase in both hospitalizations and (most critically) ICU. Neither of those statistics have turned the corner, unfortunately, and they’re still not looking good.
Hospitalizations jumped 43% this week, to the rate of 1 new patient intake every 30 seconds, with 2% of those expected to end up in intensive care. That may not sound like much, but if you project that rate out mathematically, that means full ICU beds by the end of the month, unless things ease up.
Yeah, it could happen that fast….
Everyone is hoping confinement flattens the curve and prevents this, the same way it did back in Spring, but the question is, will we see results fast enough?
This 2nd infection wave got ahead of us in an exponential way, and now we’re like the tortoise trying to catch the hare. Scrambling along and doing our best, but oh-so-far behind. Plus kids are still in school and (oddly?) EU borders are still open, even if travel is limited to “motif impérieux” (compelling reasons). So although we’re technically under confinement, folks are still able to mingle and move around.
Plus I’ve got my own, additional theory on the lag….
COVID fatigue is everywhere and it’s real. People are just darn tired of worrying about the virus, staying isolated, taking precautions, being separated from loved ones. So they’re not nearly as careful as they were before.
I’ve heard this from townsfolk, and so many others. “I haven’t seen my kids/grandkids/friends in xxx months, so we decided we’d get together, even if we’re not supposed to”. It’s totally understandable, from a human point of view. But it’s also the perfect virus-spreader, as it’s the exact environment where all guards (social distancing, masks etc.) are the most relaxed. It shows in the numbers too. For a while, infections were restricted to the younger crowd, students and parties and such. But over the past months it’s spread slowly, but surely to every age group, including into retirement homes.
For the first time since the start of the pandemic, we’re seeing deaths in the village next to our little rural community. That really brings it close to home.
All This Too Shall Pass
None of this is forever, I know that….and I will keep telling myself that.
We will flatten the curve again, even if it takes 2 months (which it likely will). And we will get better treatments (and eventually a vaccine), so that in the future we can manage a recurrence of this virus more or less like we manage the yearly flu. SARS-CoV-2 will come back, it will mutate (as it has already done, most recently in Denmark!) and it could even become seasonal. But eventually, it will be managed to the point that it does not overload our healthcare systems and force us to implement repetitive, crippling shutdowns. This, I do believe.
In the meantime I will plunge back into the day-to-day; baking, exercising, being present in our community and living in this moment. This is what I have control of right now, so it’s what I need to focus on. Plunge, Check, Rinse & Repeat.
Onwards and forwards, week #2 here we come….
How are you this week, my dear readers? I know this was a darker post, but hopefully it helps those of you who may (at times) feel the same way as I did this week. We can all get through this, we will all get through this. Feel free to comment and share your thoughts below.
I don’t have much to say that hasn’t been said, as you say, this is the second time around…..We, too, are missing friends, missing restaurants and missing just going about our business without a nagging worry We haven’t seen our son and DIL since last Christmas and have no plans to visit until next summer. It’s tough. But…..life is still good for us. We have plenty of food and water and wine, plenty of books on Kindle, beautiful scenery outside our window, our Jeep to get us out into nature safely, the political ads are gone and – we’re together. We’re grateful.
It’s really tough not to see your kids, especially for this long. I’m glad you guys are getting some RV travel in….at least there’s warm weather & the SW desert to look forward to. I hope you get a good Christmas too.
Nina
Basically we are doing what we have been doing all along… keeping to ourselves or those in our very small bubble( since the begging).
The numbers have been creeping up since the students came back to WSU… not liking that… hoping they stay home after the holidays. We will see.
Stay safe…stay healthy!
I’m hoping the numbers in the US don’t lead to a massive resurgence like the one we’re seeing in Europe right now, but admittedly they don’t look good. We’re thinking of you guys. Stay safe & healthy!!
Nina
I do understand how a second lock down is very difficult to take. You have so many more regulations that we here in the US (could be why our numbers are getting worse each day). I am thankful that we have had the freedom to roam where we want other than to a few states. That distance rule would really be tough. We have always been naturally social distancers, so that was easy for us. But the continuous worry about the virus and staying healthy is a daily struggle and gettting old. Like Sue, we won’t be seeing our daughter and family and new house at Christmas. We’ve booked the trip three times since March and continue to cancel. Thank goodness for Southwest’s easy cancellation policy. Otherwise, we are doing what we normally would be doing except for not traveling til January. Our little town has everything we need including a Starbucks, so life is good. The election results were a huge mood boost. Thanks goodness for the wonderful result. Take care of yourselves. Glad you are feeling better. Love Polly on her memory foam bed.
UGH! So sorry you’ve had to cancel your Christmas plans. Unfortunately many families will be apart this upcoming season. Freedom to roam is lovely though….I do miss the SW!!
Nina
It helps to know that I’m not the only one feeling physically ill from the lockdown… on top of everything, here in Florida we’ve had rain constantly for weeks…neighbors are not coming outside for fear of getting sick…. I’ve been making soup and comfort food. I would love the recipe for that apple cake… it looks delicious and small enough for me… hang in there, better days are ahead.
I honestly think it’s quite natural to feel ill to some extent about all this. Confinement & restriction are just not good for the mind or body.
For the apple cake I can confirm that it is AMAZING!!! Moist, delicious, light yet flavorful. In Italian it’s called Torta di Mele. Here’s the recipe: https://www.misya.info/ricetta/torta-di-mele.htm
Nina
Glad to hear you are getting in the groove of being isolated yet once again. I really don’t think the US has any clue what’s about to happen. I did read some encouraging news about Biden establishing a virus task force and making combating the virus a priority. I so hope that happens. I too have extreme Covid fatigue. We did have a dinner party last night–four people other than ourselves–people who we know are mask wearers and who have been mostly staying home. But the holidays are looming and I’m afraid it’s going to be a quiet season.
I think there’s a big disconnect between science, doctors, news and the people in the US. It’s hard to know what is “real” anymore, when there is no cohesion in the message from those in charge. Since you’ve worked in the medical field, I think you have a more realistic view of what the virus is doing and how it is currently impacting hospitals. But sadly, that message isn’t getting out to the people. And with COVID fatigue rampant, perhaps no-one really wants to hear it anyway?
Tough times….and like you said a quiet season ahead for those of us in isolation.
Nina
Sadly, the pandemic is wearing people down and that, coupled with the U.S. election, has sent my stress level soaring. Trying to avoid politics, but will say that when the election was called, it felt like a huge weight had been lifted. I feel hopeful for the future. Thank you for your efforts to help get out the voters. It was amazing to watch voters turn out in record numbers.
Be well.
I am very happy the election is over too. I think everyone (on both sides) has been stressed about it. It was amazing to see how many people voted. Awareness and action in the political process is key for the future of the country, so it’s good to see the younger generation getting involved too. We all need to be involved, talking & taking action if our democracy is to survive.
Nina
Sickness-exhaustion- But now thankfully the election is over and we are looking forward to a return to relations again with EU, CAN and more. It was such a stressor everyday to see our democracy at risk of total loss.
Covid is now rampant here too and New Mexico which was hardly affected because of our excellent Governor’s decisions early on, is now being hit hard. Everyone is tired and missing friends and normal activities, so being more careless.
No RVing to Mx this year—no fresh shrimp and walking on the Sea of Cortez… but we are healthy, have a home, food and beautiful high desert weather.
Stay strong! We love hearing from you in your French life!
We’re seeing a similar thing here in France. Areas that were barely affected in the first wave, are now heavily affected in this 2nd wave. Hang in there!!
Nina
We are in the southern Appalachian Mountains, not a bad place to quarantine. I took heed of your warning last week about the U.S. following in a couple of weeks what France is already experiencing and I stocked up at the grocery. I think you are right. So we are as ready as we can get. Luckily, in the midst of the first wave, my husband found a job working at a packing/shipping small shop where he is the ONLY employee, having lost his 2 other jobs due to Covid shutdowns. His new job will sustain us through this and will, most likely, not shut down as it did not shut down during the first lockdown. I am retired and quite used to staying at home with the pets. Our dog has an obnoxiously yellow jacket now just like Polly, for the same reason as Polly’s. I wish you well during this lockdown and I suggest that you take some online courses to help pass the time spent at home. I took an EMT online course which met only for skills practice once a month and I am now an unemployed-and-glad-of-it certified EMT. I figured if we’re locked down, maybe I could take care of little medical emergencies without having to go to a doctor or enter a hospital. My next endeavor is ham radio, also with an online course/exam and licensing. It can be done. These courses expand your horizons without ever having to leave home, which is perfect for the times we are in. And ham radio would give you opportunities to speak with people all over the world to see what’s going on in their part of the world. Wishing you all the best.
To Tren. K5wf and N0gal here. Good luck, enjoy. It is a great hobby.
Hi Sheila, Good to know. We haven’t even taken the class yet, but I’d love to chat with you once we’re up and running. I have printed out your info. Tren
YES, online classes. That is an excellent tip. I’ve managed to find a small online exercise class which is keeping me sane, and Paul is now talking Italian lessons, but I do need to expand my base.
Nina
I am glad your body and your mind are healing themselves, but it is such a difficult time, and none of us has been asked to make these kinds of sacrifices before. Sadly, too many people are finding it beyond their abilities or are not willing to make the sacrifices and so we all suffer. We have not seen our family (children and grandchildren) since last Christmas, and will not be seeing them this holiday season. It breaks my heart to not give hugs and have my baking helpers around or be able to read stories together. Yes, we can FaceTime and Skype, but it is not the same. I just know this is something we have to do, but I sure would like to be doing it with all of my fellow Americans.
Thank you for your work to make sure voting occurred. The system works when not interfered with!
Stay well.
This holiday season is going to be a tough one for many. We’ve been trying to figure out if there was a way we could safely get together with my siblings (e.g. with a combo of quarantine & testing), but I’m not clear it’s going to work out. If I think of anything useful however, I’ll definitely share! Hang in there!
Nina
For the first time in all this we actually know someone who was hospitalized with this. That’s scary. So, I’m back to being super careful instead of mostly careful. And being very grateful to be an introvert with a view of a nature preserve out our windows. Together we will survive this with our minds mostly intact. 🙂
I’m sorry to hear that! Hopefully your friend does well, and recovers quickly. This 2nd wave is hitting us harder than the first too, at least as far as people we know. It does bring it a lot closer to home.
Nina
When the second lockdown was announced here in France we watched as the bars and restaurants got packed and masks and social distancing were forgotten on the Thursday evening as people went out too make the most of their last day of freedom/ supported local businesses. One week on we’re seeing the result of that as new cases soar. I’m sure the ‘confinement ‘ benefits will kick in shortly as the lockdown has the desired effect.
I think you’re right. People truly packed together in France right before confinement started. Stories of completely full restaurants, and people having get-togethers and last-minute overnight parties. So yes, we will see the benefits of the lockdown…they may just come a little later than expected.
Nina
Hello Nina. I enjoy your post so very much. I along with others have had a difficult time adjusting to the COVID restrictions. Daily life as we all knew it has changed and the outlook for our life returning to “normal” doesn’t look good. I believe you expressing your thoughts and honest feelings, in a way, help us all. I wish good health to you, both physical and mental. I wish it for myself. The stress of the election has played heavily on me. Ayn Rand wouldn’t be happy and neither am I. Take care and hugs to dear Polly.
Indeed, you are right. By the way, I was impressed by the Libertarian showing this election. They had a female nominee for president, and got a good set of votes. Political ideals aside, I actually think the US could do well from having more parties, and a wider choice of presidential candidates. However, I don’t see our (essentially) 2-party system ending anytime soon. Maybe one day….
Nina
Pandemic exhaustion and election fatigue. Everyone I know is exhausted. Into 9 months of no socializing, no traveling. I am on immunosuppressants and continue to be very careful. I hate it. I took part in a 6 month NIMH study about emotional and physical response to the pandemic. It was a good way to check into myself every 2 weeks, and also interesting. It’s cooled off here finally (AZ). I’ve not been into a store but once for a flu shot. And a doc. office once for blood tests. No restaurants, of course. Americans have been so adrenalized for so long regarding politics it’s going to take us a while to heal. Yes, a routine – exercise, putting away last night’s dishes, email, games, facebook, shopping and cooking. Rinse and repeat. Be well, and thank you for your wonderful blog, Nina.
Very interesting that you took part in that NIMH study!! I am sure much will be written about this pandemic (in the future), including the emotional and physical effects it has had, outside of the virus itself. Your participation in that study will undoubtedly be part of this, and that is something very worthwhile.
But yes….routine, routine….is key.
Nina
Hello Nina,,,thank you so much for your work on getting out the vote for the USA. I am so relieved that it’s over and we’ve saved our democracy, but we still have 70 some days to get through. And he’s golfing and spreading false statements about the election which helps no one. Sorry for the rant. I have enjoyed your blog for years, I don’t comment often but I just wanted to say thank you for your truthful feelings about the worlds’ situation that we are all in. I am near certain here in the US we are not ready for what’s coming. You take care of yourself and hugs.
I am hoping that these next 4 years will bring us back to more “normal” politics, if such a thing exists in our modern age. A focus on the issues with both parties working together, a return to science & serious news reporting. I hope these things can be achieved.
Nina
We have been going on long walks from our home. Yesterday we did 10.5 miles. We discovered a road we have never been on, so we took it. It winds up-hill 1000 ft to spectacular views of the valley and hills about 15 miles away. We were blown away by the fact that we had never ventured toward this road, either by foot or car-having lived here for the past 25 years. We were all alone on this road, passed by one car the entire time. There are a few beautiful houses built along this road taking in the views. The other very interesting thing I have done this week was read “Breath” by James Nestor (recommended by Outside Magazine), instead of watching the news. I absolutely loved this book. I had been a gym rat for 30 years and taken yoga for the last 10 years, but never really understood how breathe and health go together.
What a wonderful discovery!!! It’s actually interesting, but often we don’t discover the gems closest to us, until we are forced to (travel always seems like something that should take you far away). And what a great discovery on the book too. I’ve been doing a lot more breathing work these past months, so I will look it up. Thanks for sharing!
Nina
Good morning, Nina. So sorry you got sick, but glad you are doing better and that you have access to good care. Not a given for so many here in the US. Pandemic exhaustion and election fatigue all at the same time is taking a huge toll on so many of us. It is especially difficult if you have people in your life who think differently. It is crazy wanting to jump and shout for joy while being respectful of some friends who might be mourning the outcome of our election. I try not to be a sore winner because I remember the grief I felt four years ago. It took me days to get over the shock, and try to function normally. I am so glad to have this connection with you, even a tiny one, to get an idea of what it is like outside the bubble of our own news and our own closed up world right now. Thanks for writing in the midst of the hard times, Nina. It helps so many of us I am sure.
This election has been the most divisive in our history, at least the most divisive I’ve seen…and the last one was up there too. I know friends who no longer speak to each other, families who now have almost un-mendable (it seems) rifts, all because of differing political views. I honestly don’t know how we will be able to heal this rift, and bring the country back together again, but I hope we can.
Nina
This is a good time to catch up on writers who write as well as you do Nina! Do you have a Kindle reader? with an electronic library card? I highly recommend “The Sun Is a Compass: A 4,000-Mile Journey into the Alaskan Wilds” by Caroline Van Hemert. You’ll love it! I couldn’t put it down, excellent way to escape!
THANK you for the tip Terri! I will look it up.
Nina
I do thank you for writing, it is always a joy when there is a new bog entry..
I feel like i can breathe again, after the election, but it was a hard time getting there. I have had 10 million leaves to pick up in my enclosed backyard (for the dogs) and am finally done, what, oh what will i do now… 🙂
BLOG!!! Ha!
HAHA….sometimes I do feel a bit like I’m writing from a bog somewhere LOL
Nina
Hello from New Zealand (NZ). I have just today discovered your blog, what a hoot, such good info and lots of nice comments. My wife and I toured France, Spain and Belgium in 2019 for 3.5 months in a Chausson (French brand) motorhome/Camping Car which we purchased in England, then at the end of our trip shipped it back to NZ. Since then we have been travelling in NZ but not full time. I have read several of your posts and your experiences and comments are so similar to ours, we thought it was the best trip of our life. The plan was to return for six months in 2021 but along came Covid so we are now hoping and planning for 2022. The next trip will be for six months and cover many more countries. We plan to just ignore the 90 day rule, it’s not like anyone is checking at the borders. As you may, or may not know, NZ is virtually Covid free. Everything is open, shops, restaurants, concerts and sports events, we’re free to go anywhere within NZ. Not so easy if you are coming into NZ, you need a clear pre flight Covid test and then two weeks in managed isolation on arrival, with two more clear tests during this, all at your expense, NZD$3500 per person. But we get to live our lives without worry of Covid, I think 99 percent of the population thinks it all good. Looking forward to reading more of your posts, I love other travellers knowledge and experiences, to enhance our next journey. Now I’m just yearning for my next Baguette Traditional, my absolute favourite, plus some people watching in a small town Tabac, always fun. Stay safe, it’s a jungle out there.
WELCOME to the blog…and what a Sweeeet trip you had in 2019. We moved here to travel, but the Universe seems to have other plans for us at the moment. By the way I’m impressed with the way NZ has handled the pandemic. It was tough at the beginning, but now you essentially have zero COVID worries. There’s a lot to be said for that. Oh, and I have such fond memories of NZ!! We traveled there for 3 weeks back in 2006 and it was a magical trip. One day, post-COVID, we’ll go back.
Nina
I see you also made the trip to Cadaques, the stunning little town made the drive over the mountain and the below average campsite all worth while.
Indeed Cadaques was lovely, and much nicer than I expected (knowing it’s a tourist town). It’s a shame there’s not more places to stay nearby in a camper, but we loved driving that whole coastline. Such spectacular nature.
Nina
I enjoy your blog and the comments. Since we have been staying home so much I discovered my husband’s cnc plasma cutter. Figured out the cad program enough and made signs for everyone I know. Lol. It’s fun to do something different. Did you see the Atlantic had 29, record breaking, storms this year? Take care
OOOOOO….CNC plasma cutter. That sounds like SO MUCH FUN!!! I did some CAD programming back in the day (for aluminum cutting), but it’s been a long time. Would be fun to do some again.
Nina
Miss you guys all ok here, hope we can go to spain next year
Be safe. Sending our love
I hope so too!!! It would be so much fun to meet-up there.
Nina
Hi Nina,
Just heard a blip about these cool sounding things only in France now. They are device chargers in public places that are powered by users pedaling them like a stationary bike. The newest shut-down may have put these gadgets on the back burner, but have you seen any or heard about them? Maybe in larger populous areas only? Nifty idea. Keep fit and powered up. Or make a buck (euro) pedaling for someone. Maybe they could be adapted for any bike and power up, down the road. Some bike lamps work that way, right?
I’ve been enjoying the many different birds and critters that ‘dine’ at the suet feeder pole I built. They sit atop and give me the ‘stink-eye’ when it is empty. So funny.
Not the patissier that you are, but love the dessert porn. I am going through the selections of cake-in-a-mug single serving, microwave treats. With a side of whippy in a can.
Is it Jan. 20th yet?
Ah yes the peddle chargers!! They haven’t really taken off yet, but I’ve read about them. Only a few installations in France at the moment (none anywhere near us), but they look fun. Here’s the main company that’s doing them: https://wewatt.com/green-energy-charging-devices/
And YUM…..cake-in-a-mug. Drool….
Nina
Thanks for the link. Europe is tops in [forward] innovation, sigh.
I am surprised your annual analysis of the ACA enrollment period hasn’t ben published yet. I always enjoy your analysis and learn from it. Even the Technomads are being silent on it. It was based on your and their examination that I have my Florida mailing address and am well versed on Florida Blue EPO’s. Love visiting your site and adventures in France. Stay safe.
To be honest Vincent I don’t think I will be writing about ACA this year. The research for the article always takes me multiple weeks, and since I’ve been out of the US healthcare system for a few years now it’s kind of fallen off my radar. I do still think Florida EPO is a solid choice.
Nina
That’s what I figured.
Reading blogs and watching youtube vlogs has been a big source of “connection”…. even reaching out to people i haven’t communicated with in years/decades (fb etc). It seems suddenly connection is wherever you can find it. Is there a chance you and Paul might post a youtube video by year’s end… it would be so nice to see your environment, hear your voices. “A day in the life of” would be mahveloous for your followers….seeing your pets, RV, house, the two of you…
Everyone goes thru their own cycles of life angst but reading about or “seeing” each other and living vicareously thru another’s adventure helps.
(The info on the swab test was really interesting thanks.)(the past 15 months I’ve had the emotional journey of re-losing a bunch of weight that had accumulated after some life setbacks. Funny how that happens.)