Keep Calm and Carry On

 I'm happy to report that I am getting back to normal...whatever that is.  I got up early this morning to shower and wash my hair.  I had an appointment to get it cut today, and they charge you 50% of the cost if you cancel within 48 hours.  So I debated all day yesterday, since I was mostly in bed and couldn't imagine getting in and out of the car and getting my hair washed.  

So I showered and dressed in easy to put on clothes, SK helped me with socks and shoes and away we went.  I just wore a sweater because with COVID restrictions, they ask you not to bring anything you can't hold in your lap while you are getting your hair done.  They put a disposable towel around your neck, a disposable plastic cover for your clothes and the lady who did my hair was in disposable apron, mask and plastic visor that covered her entire face.  

I'm very slow moving, but SK got me there right on time.  I got out of the car, signed in with my phone and had to wait ten minutes before they would let me come in.  Yes, you have to wait outside.  No one is allowed to wait inside....only the people in the chairs getting their hair done.  SK (bless his heart) had gone around the block to see if I was OK and came back and had me get in the car to wait.  It is a small one-way road, and I was able to stay there until another car came, which was at least 5 minutes.

This little pub is one I aspire to go to one day.  It is very historic, reasonably priced and has excellent food (we have heard from the young adults). If you would like to see the menu or read about the history, click here:
The Rose and Crown

I recognize that this little street looks unremarkable.  It is just one block long and besides the place I get my hair cut, there are small cafes, a yarn shop, and a sweet little shop about 12 X12 feet that has fresh fruit, fresh cheese, and fresh bread.  The lady there can help you with any questions about fine wine and cheese.  I don't have questions about wine, but she has been very helpful with cheese!  You can see how narrow the road is, and when there is a car parked there somewhere, you just sit back and wait.

When they called me in, the first thing they did was take my temperature.  Never a problem there...my normal temperature is 96.4 and that's what it was today.  Then they invited me to slather hand-sanitizer, and then my "stylist" came to get me.  My hair was so long.  She took over an hour with me, cutting it layer by layer.  The thing about her haircuts is that I don't have to use spray, and whether I go out in the wind or just sleep on it, it will fall back into place.  I'm certain she cut 2 inches off.

When I got done, I found that SK had gone home for awhile and then come back and circled around 6 times waiting for me.  He is such a kind man!  He didn't want me to walk far, especially in the cold.  He had my coat in the car.

We joined a zoom meeting with our district.  I love those young people.  Then I slept for a few hours.  

We joined Institute, and then I did some texting....to a young woman here, and to a woman my own age in Denmark.  She is a dear friend who is alone, and without church and without being able to have people over to her house, I am certain that she gets depressed.  

Erin keeps saying that we will unpack this pandemic for the next twenty years.  I know that is true.  The impact on individuals, families, cities, nations and economies is staggering.  Another one of our young adults, twenty years old went to the doctor today with chest pains and trouble breathing.  Her family is going through rough times because her father (who works for an airline) was laid off months ago and unable to find another job.  She may have the virus or the flu, or she may be feeling anxiety....terrible anxiety.

We have several young families in our ward with little ones.  I have heard these young mothers are struggling with the magnitude of being indoors all day with their children and not another adult available or near for hours on end.  The Relief Society has organized a toddler day at the church.  Apparently for children age 0-5, the virus presents no danger.  So as long as the number of adults doesn't exceed 15 in the church, they can meet.  That is so lovely.  I'm so grateful someone came up with that wonderful plan for them.

In Institute this evening we listened to a clip of Elder Jeffrey R. Holland's talk "Like A Broken Vessel."  It is a magnificent talk about how broken we all are from time to time, and he includes depression in that subject.  I think many in the church gave a collective sigh of relief.  If you have fourteen minutes to listen, here it is.

Like a Broken Vessel

I don't know anyone who is not affected by this virus.  I think the British have the best way to deal with it:  "Keep Calm and Carry On."