I think it is important now to revisit this topic as the world is now in the grips of a Pandemic. Please watch, and arm yourself to the best of your ability against the potential social isolation and loneliness that could be experienced in the days and months to come.
11 comments
April 2, 2020 at 5:28 am
Carmen
Arb, how are YOU doing?
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April 2, 2020 at 7:20 am
john zande
What Carmen said. You doing OK in these odd times?
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April 4, 2020 at 7:52 am
The Arbourist
Hi Carmen,
I’m doing okay. It’s going to be an interesting couple of months now. With my first job public school teaching shut down I have a fair amount of time to do with as I wish. :>
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April 4, 2020 at 7:53 am
The Arbourist
@ JZ
Greetings >:) Yeah, I’m doing okay. I’m much the introvert anyways, so this social distancing thing is going to be not a particular challenge. :)
Thanks for asking, and I hope the pandemic madness is going well for you down there.
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April 4, 2020 at 8:09 am
Carmen
I suspect you’ll still be busy preparing online learning. The students (Gr. P – 9) are supposed to start getting packages mailed to them early next week (online) and anyone without electronics will get it in the mail. Our grandchildren are all home (6, from the ages of 2 – 10) and we get to see them through the patio door. . . One set of parents are both considered ‘essential’ so one is home, trying to work with the children there. The other family has two parents home and it’s still difficult! Our daughter in Australia is also working from home with two children, 7 & 8. She finds it quite taxing as she has no help. I just got back here Feb. 2nd and there’s no way I’m going back anytime soon! Interesting times. . . Sigh. .. glad to know you are employed; many people here aren’t, and relying on EI.
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April 4, 2020 at 8:12 am
The Arbourist
That would be the case if I was a full time teacher. As a supply teacher, no dice. No school, no work. :/
Sadly, my second job is also temporarily coming to an end.
I will be seeking aid once my employment runs out.
Thankfully, I’m a bit of a saver, so no worries yet. :)
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April 4, 2020 at 8:38 am
john zande
Having a blast! :)
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April 5, 2020 at 7:48 am
The Arbourist
How are things going out there on the Coast? In land locked Alberta our premier is busy committing political seppuku as he continues to gut the public health care system while subsidizing the oil and gas industry.
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April 5, 2020 at 7:59 am
Carmen
Speaking of the coast, I am just heading out on my solitary walk, part of which is along the shore. (We’ve been directed to “exercise, not socialize!”)
I am grateful to be living where I am, even though most people refer to it as the ‘boonies’. :). I have a whole bag full of criticism for Kenney, which I’ve been filling for years. It’s no surprise to me as to his present shenanigans. So far, our Premier has been showing real leadership — Friday’s message (he’s been having almost daily briefings since Mar 15th) was this – “Stay the blazes home!” We shall see what the financial fall-out is from all of this; something no one can be predict. Suffice it to say, it won’t be comfortable for any of us. One thing about it Arb – we’re in this together. I am thinking of you and all my blogging buddies.
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April 5, 2020 at 8:01 am
The Arbourist
@ Carmen
Glad you are doing okay. Your Premier’s message just hit CBC and I got to hear the song that went along with it. Good stuff. :)
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April 5, 2020 at 9:58 am
Carmen
Great stuff! He directed his message to children in the province on Friday, and featured some of them who’ve been on the Ultimate Nova Scotia Kitchen Party – Covid 19 Edition. It was just heartwarming. He has had his times of unpopularity, mind, especially with the province’s 9600 public school teachers. So when you read the comment, “He’s doing an outstanding job — and I’m a teacher!”, on FB you know he has to be doing something right. When the Kitchen Party site was launched on FB (which features singers across the country, even Sam Roberts and his children) McNeil mentioned it as one of the ‘Caremongering’ sites.. with a little smile. (He’s a very serious fellow). A few of our long-time friends have appeared on there and people who are ‘safe at home’ are loving it.
Arb, if you are ever thinking of relocating, I want you to know that substitute teachers here are in high demand everywhere in the province. I retired in June/19 but have been contacted by at least a dozen teachers/principals since then. .. and I know your musicianship would be highly prized. Now, the suggestion has selfish reasons, as well. I might someday get to meet you ‘bluenose to nose’. Big smile.
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