Social Distancing -Day 1- A Diary

March 17, 2020March 17, 2020 / Denise Smith / Leave a comment

This BLOG is about adventure. Life right now totally qualifies!

To say these are tough times is an understatement – and a week after I thought the Draconian measures of isolation were a bit much, I humbly accept my social distancing and hope others will too in an effort to slow down the inevitable …we will all be touched with COVID-19 in some way – here’s what it looks like at my house.

Yesterday was Day 1. I can honestly say that having my kids at home is not hard for me and neither is monitoring their school work (whenever that comes out – this is new for our teachers and so they need time to prepare meaningful instruction – until then, the kids worked on previously assigned work and my son, who is knee deep in vocational training for precision machining, started his OSHA training). For years I homeschooled my kids for blocks of time while we traveled – and thankfully they are both really good at getting done what they need to – sometimes with a little encouragement!

March in Maine can be crazy – yesterday was beautiful and sunny – today it is snowing. Yesterday Charlotte hung out on our porch in a tent and did schoolwork with Cooper while I did some early spring yard work – trimming some branches and picking up old and forgotten doggie presents.

Cooper had a playdate with the neighbor dog, and I fetched a lost baseball out of a fenced in area for some other neighbor kids. No one got closer than 10 feet – kinda normal for New Englanders – hahahaha

Charlotte and I went to the barn and discussed with her trainer (via text) our desire to find times during the week where we would be the only ones there to ride and help with chores (the family is going over tomorrow to help with stalls – winter is a hard time to find stable help as it is – if only we could teach the horses to poop in one spot!!!). This will all work out and getting some stable and horse (and barn cat) therapy will help us all through this.

Char and Syllabus after some exercise.

“Blacky” wanted a little warm up in the car while we waited for Char to groom her horse.

“Big Tiger” getting some sunshine warmed snuggles as I watch Char ride.

My hubby, Kelly, is a pastor. He did go to work yesterday for one last meeting of the minds before imposing social distancing for his office. This is a trying time for those who are active in the community helping others. We want to still serve those in need and those particularly affected by this situation but have to balance safety and service. When people need something, they just need to reach out and ask – we will make it happen.

Day To Day….

We are not going to the gym – I am hoping we find the dedication to do our workouts in the basement – this has yet to be seen.

I had a peanut butter and fluff sandwich (on WHITE bread) and cheese squares for lunch yesterday for the first time in I don’t know how long. And I am wondering if I can wear sweatpants for the next 8 weeks and no one will care!

Our day yesterday was the start of what could be something amazing. This social distancing will be bringing US together. We are looking forward to playing more games together, watching evening movies together and finding different ways to stay connected to our friends and loved ones (the letter writing has already begun). We have plans of doing some home improvement projects, some area beautification and continuing to help those in need in meaningful and appropriate ways. I am going to treasure this time with my kids – my son is 17 and will begin his senior year next year (I hope). This time with him is precious and we will make memories that otherwise would not be afforded to us. My almost 14-year-old daughter is learning about resilience and adaptation. I have a couple new books to read (one is called The Power of a Praying Wife – another example of great timing) and I will be keep up with my travel studies and courses to keep me current with my vendors and trends. We will come out of this stronger than before.

Day 1 and counting!

Athens or Bust…BUSTED

March 12, 2020March 12, 2020 / Denise Smith / Leave a comment

Well – you know what they say? The best laid plans….or something like that!

My travel buddy and I were at our gate last night awaiting our 9:25 boarding time when all the craziness began. My phone started blowing up with calls, messages, texts. I had just been watching the President’s address and knew what was happening.

Immediately we went to the airline desk and these poor folks at KLM Air were gob smacked. They had no idea what was happening! With no time to think about anything other than the prospect of being “stuck” in Europe for 30 days or more, we acted quickly and with the only reasonable and responsible decision we could make. We asked to have our luggage pulled from the plane. As we are at the desk, they start boarding the plane.

A half an hour later “clarification” comes out that of course, US citizens would not be barred entry back on to US soil – but I know this game. Disney plays it. They don’t “close” the Magic Kingdom when it reaches capacity on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas, they just make it impossible for people to get there by stopping or diverting transportation. I already have notification that my flight returning from Athens on Monday has been cancelled. So while I may not have been BARRED from returning to the US, I still may not have made it back without considerable time, anxiety, and expense. And while a month in Europe sounds romantic – and I want to do it someday with my hubby – now is not the time for a forced extended vacation.

One of my colleagues, Kerry Michel, wrote this not an hour ago and I couldn’t agree more….”Just some clarification, this ban does not apply to legal US residents (last line of the first paragraph) and does not apply to all European countries. I am in no way advocating travel to Europe for anyone, just providing accurate information, as that is key to making sure we understand the parameters of the Proclamation. Additionally, for those who do travel to said countries on the list, returns will be limited to certain airports with the appropriate screening tools before reentry is allowed. Those airports have not yet been identified; a list is forthcoming. So, flight changes may become necessary for some. Can you still be quarantined? Yes, absolutely, so make appropriate arrangements should you choose to travel to any of the Countries on the list. As I have been telling all of my Clients, this is a fluid situation and is literally changing every single day. Staying informed is the most important first step.”

And, informing my clients and attempting to stay on top of this living beast that is ever changing right in front of my eyes is my top priority.

So, while I sit here on hold (as I am sure I will be ALL DAY LONG taking care of clients who trust me and I will not let them down) I will get to Athens someday – and I feel for all those people abroad whose livelihood is being severely disrupted, but there is a time for stubbornness and a time for responsibility. Last night I had to draw the line.

Nuremberg – Our Last Stop

March 10, 2020February 25, 2020 / Denise Smith / Leave a comment

Our last stop and point of disembarkation for our Christmas Market River Cruise was Nuremberg, Germany. We had a pretty full day here touring before heading home the next day, but I would have loved more time!

Nuremberg envoked a range of emotions for me. Being a lifelong and enthusiastic student of history, this beautiful place is shadowed in the echos of Hitler and his reign of terror. I often marvel at the some of the cool locations I have visited and wonder dreamily whose steps I am following. But I STOOD where Hitler stood and it brought tears to my eyes. Life’s contemplations resurfaced and one begins to ponder this world. That’s pretty deep for a bus tour!

We continued on to the location of the Nuremberg Trials, then into the Old City…which is stunning!!! But there was that shadow….and it is hard to shake even now in reflection.

The Old City of Nuremberg, with its ancient castle on a hill, HUGE Christmas Market and warm and welcoming people, invited us in. I am a sucker for a castle, so we gladly toured it and enjoyed the views.

The inner courtyard of the castle.

A beautiful view from the great hall.

Nuremberg definitely had the biggest Christmas Market – and I would say, the best prices as well! We found a lot of our goodies there and enjoyed Nuremberg sausages and saurkraut, German ginger cookies, and my most favorite gluehwein was found at the Scotish cultural booth (amoung other nations represented in this small area of the Market) – it had whiskey in it and it was lovely!!!

Nuremberg has something for everyone! I can’t wait to go back and visit again!!!!

Corona-What????

March 9, 2020 / Denise Smith / Leave a comment

Do you have those places that are your unicorn destinations? I have a few….and mine are all based on history – if you have read any of my posts before, you know I am a history buff!!!! My tippy-top unicorn destinations are Rome (check), London (check), Greece and Egypt. And this week, I am going to Greece!!!

Last year, a friend and I took advantage of a great deal to Athens – 4 nights there, hotel, breakfast, flights – and springtime temps in the upper 60s! We can’t wait! But recently, there have been some hurdles – and you all know about COVID-19 or coronavirus.

My travel buddy and I decided (along with many of my clients traveling to Europe this spring) that we were not going to let this media frenzy hold us back. Now, there is a lot to consider, including one’s health and work situation (some jobs are telling people that if they visit Europe they will be forced out of work for 2 weeks post return) and of course, fear plays a factor for some. But not for us!!! And certainly, I would not advise clients to do anything that was counter intuitive for them, but my travel buddy and I are biting our thumb at coronavirus and going to Athens.

Stay tuned for some cool pictures, stories and tips!

Bamburg, Germany

March 3, 2020February 6, 2020 / Denise Smith / Leave a comment

The vineyards continued as we sailed further into the Bavarian region of Germany. Bamburg is another city with much of its historical architecture intack and as it was built on seven hills surround the Main, the views from the cathedral and fortress were breathtaking!

This is the view from the hill that the cathedral sits on. This has got to be one of the most stunning photos I have ever taken!!!!

Bamburg is known for its famous mills and wine and a unique beer – smoked beer or Rauchbier! There is one particular pub in town that sells it and of course, we had to check it out! We poured over two of the famous hills of Bamburg, wound our way thorught the ancient old city streets, sipped Rauchbier in the Christmas Market and felt like we belonged!

Here are my favorite pictures from this beautiful stop on the Main.

A look into the village from one of the seven hills!

A look upwards towards the bell tower of the fortress.

Quaint neighborhoods are all around the old town.

I’ve heard that allowing vines to grow on the outsides of buildings is not good for the building (you can see these are cleverly trellissed). I don’t think these guys know that – and I’m glad – because it is beautiful!