Backyard social distancing.
My, my, my.
Last month’s cheery post about a trip to Colorado seems like an age ago. Now I’m dug in at home, envying the squirrels I see outside my window that can come and go as they please…
But that’s absolutely as it has to be right now!
And maybe there’s some inspiration to be drawn from observing the animal kingdom without.
A reminder to eat right.
And exercise.
Have to own though that keeping the nerves under control in times like these has never been my strong suit. After all, the part of our brain that’s supposed to generate responses like fear and anxiety actually has my name in it –
It’s the amygdala. I mean, come on!
Yeah, a bit frazzled…
Despite that – and despite desperately missing Mum who’s locked down in assisted living – I’m doing my best to cope at home and maintain that all-important social distance.
Imprudent elephant seals..?
Intense – but better.
Seems like a prime time to refine our recipes for staying positive – like keeping to our routines, texting and calling friends, immersing ourselves for a bit in our favorite shows, finding solace in prayer, and just taking a conscious and extra-deep breath now and then.
And here are some words I’m taking to heart as Cole Porter sorta said them back in the day:
“”Birds do it!”
“Salmon do it!”
“Even educated frogs do it! Let’s do it – let’s stay apart!”
I know that waiting out this crisis in isolation will be hard for me and for all of us.
“Squirrel?”
But I also know it’s vital.
My heartfelt thanks go out to those who remain in harm’s way while serving their communities!
And to all – please hang in there, spice up those coping recipes and, above all, do stay healthy and safe!
Cheers!
TESSEROLOGY 
Our squirrels are helping us pass the time as well.
They can be quite entertaining, can’t they? Please enjoy their company and stay safe!
Neighbors here recently held a “social distance happy hour” out on the street– 5 people all 6 ft apart, lawn chairs, a golf cart, and plenty of laughs to help boost spirits. Big hugs and stay safe, My Friend!!
I like it! Because as much as I enjoy the squirrels, the conversation does tend to drag. 😉 A big hug back to you and all the best to you and yours!
Thank you for the cheery dispatch! Our dog is ruling the house right now. Hugs!
Hugs to you and your dog! Stay healthy and safe!
Great post!
Thank you – and stay safe!
A beautiful share! There is so much that nature and little creatures can teach us, if only we would take the time to be still, watch and listen.
Thank you so much! You’re right – and this is a good opportunity to be still, watch and listen as you say. Take good care!
Love the squirrel pictures, also the Cole Porter adaptation. Your post is a nice antidote to some of the idiocy out there at the moment.
Thank you very much! It’s quite a serious message – but couldn’t pass on the chance to use nature (and a classic tune!) to get it across! Stay safe!
Great photos, especially the squirrels! And the frog : ) I have felt a certain envy of all the critters out there going about their business as usual.
Thank you! And glad you like that frog – I saw him going about his business in Big Bear Lake in California and, yes, floating out there in the sunshine looks pretty good right now… But do stay safe!
You too, take care.
I’ve been enjoying watching visitors to our tiny garden as well! In addition to squirrels and birds (we keep our feeders well stocked with nuts), a lot of the neighbours’ cats like to visit the sunny patch on the top of our shed, and the other day a cat even came and sat on our front window ledge, and we shared a little moment where we stared at each other for a while and she meowed at me. Hope you and your mum are doing well!
Sounds like you have a very active garden there – and sounds like you’re making some new friends! These are rather scary times, but Mum and I are doing well so far. Thanks very much for the good wishes – and all the best to you and yours!
We have Grey Squirrels on our phone lines here most mornings, but i never saw one lie down like the one in your photo. The frog shot is very good too.
Glad you liked the frog! And I’ve wondered whether my. squirrels feel a current through the wire sometimes – wish I could ask ‘em! Take good care!
Thank you for the very “meta” distraction of actual photos of squirrels, Amy! Your photos and accompanying captions are so appropos. Mostly, I appreciate your observations and encouraging words. Thanks again!
Thanks so much for reading and for the kind words, Karen Z! Glad the squirrels spoke to you – you know, as it were. Stay safe!
Heehee! I’m going to have your social distancing Cole Porter adaptation in my head for the rest of the day! Your animal pics really made me smile too. Stay safe over there 😊
Thank you – glad if my little menagerie brought you some cheer! (Your beasties always do!). And you stay safe as well!
Good post, Amy. Such a strange time, but this too shall pass. Be well. And Happy Easter. 🙂
Thank you! And wishing you peace and health too!
Stay safe – be happy!!
Thanks – you too!
Nice read. Staying positive is an absolute necessity.
Love your images. I’ve been taking lots of photos of the robins in our back yard, and if we do venture out we go at the crack of dawn when hardly any one is out. I pray that your mom will remain safe in her assisted living home. 🙏🏾🙏🏾
Lovely 🥰
Beautiful written
Thank you!