It has been devastating on many of the elderly, in particular, I think. I know my dad has suffered from the lock-down. For my husband and I personally, we are staying in touch with friends and family. My best friend and I talk every few days. We've done a few distanced, safe meet-ups. I see my sister and her husband occasionally also. We are actually seeing more people who live in our neighborhood/area as it seems like people are outside more (maybe not so much this week, yesterday we were 97.) Just this morning had a nice chat (phone) with one of my lunch-bunch buddies. We need to remember to make the effort, especially for those who live alone.

Thank you Arapaho for your sweet post!

Justerrilynn - that is totally a text exchange my family could have

My mom lives alone in Az and I am here in Maine. Sister is in Oregon, brothers are in NY(Long Island) and NC. We Zoom party Saturday nights. I do call my mom at least one other time a day but I also play words with friends with her and sometimes my call will be later week than I intended. I always say, 'I know you arent dead, you played your word. If you want me to think you are dead dont play a word." Her reply is usually, 'Oh, but I had such a good word'

LOVE it Local.

And Arapaho... aww! That's true. There really is a community here.

Total aside Arapaho, i love the Corning paperweight you gave me. We actually use it to weight papers, too! We usually have the windows and doors open in Maine, so stuff flies all over. I was just admiring it the other day and thinking I should send you a note. : )

One of my sisters decided to contact 5 people per day, via call, email, or text. She’s heard back from over 150 people. Everyone was so glad to hear from her and connect or reconnect.

My Mum decided to call 5 church members a week. She started by focusIng on those who live alone, like she does. She’s had wonderful chats with everyone.

Most people won’t initiate contact but are so happy to receive it.

My SIL was complaining about being lonely so I told her about the above what-I-consider-success stories. She claims she does call a few friends but since she’s single more people should be contacting her first. Ok then, sit home and be lonely or extend yourself an inch and contact people you already know. 🤷🏼‍♀️

Maybe I should ask my Mum and sister to contact my SIL. 😆 I’d invite her to hang out here because it is such a nice atmosphere but she’d just harsh my mellow. 😬

We have a cousins zoom every other week. The call spans 9 time zones, so some are eating dinner while others are getting their first cup of coffee. We haven't seen so many relatives since the last wedding. It can be fun. One of the cousins does promotional stuff for clients. Her business has really picked up with the pandemic, with orders for social distancing mats and face masks.

DH showed me FB post that said "I didn't know I was so anti-social until COVID didn't change my life!!" I could have told him so. LOL The term "socially distance" was WRONG WRONG WRONG from the start. It should be PHYSICAL distancing!! Once the weather allowed it really has not been difficult to find ways outside to keep in touch with those we always have. To those that led lives of travel and lost of social gatherings--welcome to a simpler quieter life. We love ours!!

Of course communications have slowed, everyone is staying home so there’s really not much to talk about. I connect with a few members of my family every day, but we ran out of things to say a long time ago. Before, we’d text or talk for at least an hour every day or so, now it’s just a quick check in to make sure we are all still alive and sane.

I tried zooming weekly with friends but as restrictions eased in my province (we got more freedom as our cases are single digit) the zooming died down. I do FaceTime regularly with Em’a grandparents and aunts. It was awkward at first but they all enjoy it now. We do at mealtimes as it’s the only time he sits still.

Actually I have found that there is an acquaintance I can really do without. I have felt relieved and calmed not dealing with this person. So I am gradually letting this relationship die. It is a positive thing. And I have realized there are a couple of people I want to see more when this is over. Win/Win