Center Update 4-5-2020
Hello Seniors!
Bored yet? I’ve been working from home nearly every day since the Center closed and have plenty of things to do, but even I’m getting tired of being isolated. The stay-home order is this extrovert’s worst nightmare – I need human interaction, so I’m taking a break from my usual newsy update and writing a pep-talk version, because I think we can all use a bit of cheering up.
For those who don’t know me outside of the Center, I work too much and have very few domestic genes. Cooking? Um, no. My sons Perrin and Walker are living proof that children can live on cold cereal for dinner and still grow up to be big and strong. Crafts? Not unless it involves a power tool. Playing games with the kids? Nope. The one time I was allowed to use their PlayStation 2, I ended the downhill domination race with my bicycle permanently stuck in a tree.
However, after having to stay home for so long, I find myself being entertained in ways that astound even me. Make your own mask? Why yes! I dug my mother’s 1948 Singer sewing machine out of the basement, cut up a flannel sheet and some bandanas, and made matching masks for my husband John and me. Adorable. Then I cooked up a big ole batch of boiled peanuts, which I am happily munching on as I type this. You can take a girl out of the South, but... And, as if those weren’t completely out of character enough for me, I’ve also been slowly getting the hang of flying a 4” drone around the house. Amazing how many cobwebs that thing can find on the ceiling. (See: lack of domestic genes in Paragraph 2 above and stop judging me.)
So what have you been doing to entertain yourself? What can you do to stay healthy, stimulated, active, and sane during this unusual time? Get virtual!! We (and by we, I mean the activity leaders and our Zoom Czar, Liz) have been working hard to bring your regular programs and activities to your computer. There’s a new webpage this week on our site: Virtual Activities. Here you will find a list of all the online programs and activities you can enjoy at home. We only have a few right now, but I hope this will catch on and we can bring you even more things to do.
Sara Van Fleet is bringing her upbeat dance style and great tunes to Zumba Gold. Here’s your opportunity to dance with nobody watching. The Vashon Bridge Club invites you to play bridge online Tuesday evenings. No need to lift a card – it’s all digital. If, on the other hand, you find your mind can’t slow down, Julia Lakey and Wade Yip invite you to join their Mindfulness Café every Friday morning. Serenity now.
I’ve also been posting links to free entertainment and learning opportunities as I come across them on our Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/VashonSeniorCenter/. Museums, operas, universities, and random experts are sharing some good stuff. Better than wasting a Saturday night browsing Netflix titles but not finding anything to watch. Not that I did that last night or anything.
What else can we do? Send cards and letters to friends. The postal service is still operating, so dust off that pile of cards you bought but never sent to anyone. Susie Kalhorn sent a card to me that made me laugh so loudly the dogs started barking. Humor and love all wrapped up in an envelope that wasn’t licked. Thanks for that, Susie.
Seriously, though, stay busy. If you need someone to talk to, call me. I’d love to chat in the evening. My cell number is 206-922-8499. Take pictures and email them to friends. (Thanks, Bob Hallowell). Dig in the dirt, even if it’s a terra cotta pot. Watch the sunset, which I am happy to report, is happening later every day. I love that.
Stay well,
Catherine