— by Minor Lile, Orcas Issues reporter —
This is the fourth in our Village Voices series, in which we take the pulse of the people of Orcas Island on a particular topic.
Last month’s question was “How are you feeling about the Coronavirus situation?” A lot has changed in our lives since then and no doubt everyone would answer that question differently today.
This month, with thanks to those who agreed to participate, we offer a special expanded ‘stay home, stay healthy’ edition.
From Anne in Rosario
How many others do you live with?
My husband, Patrick and our two cats, Angelo and Mirabelle.
How have you been spending your time?
Not much has changed for me. I work from home mostly anyway. As an interior designer who specializes in virtual 3D modeling, I do a lot of my work on the computer and for people who live in other places. I’ve always liked being at home. I exercise at home and I walk/hike in the neighborhood.
What have you been eating?
Our diet is the same so far. We make pizza every Friday and my husband bakes bread every weekend. Flour has become an issue. Our pizza dough last week was all whole wheat so it was a little tough but good for us…I guess.
What has been most challenging about this situation?
Most challenging for me has been to try and keep a peaceful presence. I feel pulled into the anxiety of the world and the suffering that is still to come for poor nations. I’m appalled but not surprised by the national leadership….I wouldn’t even call it leadership. (And in jest – having Moran State Park closed is a huge bummer!!!)
What are you most thankful for at this time?
I am very thankful to have a wonderful home on this wonderful island with wonderful neighbors and a wonderful community.
How many others do you live with?
One person, two dogs and lots of wildlife.
How have you been spending your time?
I exercise, walk our dogs, weed our yard, and start flowers and vegetables in our greenhouse. I raise tomato starts that I share with islanders. I usually spend a fair amount of time reading so I continue these activities.
What have you been eating?
Our diet hasn’t changed much, we eat a lot of vegetables, fruits and fish.
What has been most challenging about this situation?
Our travel plans for the spring and fall have changed. The virus has created numerous challenges for our family in South America who were planning to relocate back to the States this summer. We are taking the stay at home seriously.
What are you most thankful for at this time?
We live in one of the most beautiful places on the planet. Everyday is a gift.
How many others do you live with?
One other creature.
How have you been spending your time?
Catching up on reading, on movies, on cleaning up, on books, on family (via skype and zoom).
What have you been eating?
Fortunately, Island Market has what I usually eat, though I am also slowly emptying the fridge and the freezer.
What has been most challenging about this situation?
Lack of face-to-face contacts, worries about symptoms that might imply infection, thinking of my offspring’s offspring.
What are you most thankful for at this time?
I am retired and living at a beautiful spot with a loving companion.
How many others do you live with?
SO many deer, birds, spiders, trees and one other family at Indralaya.
How have you been spending your time?
Spring-cleaning, gardening, pruning, emailing, taking videos, and breathing deeply.
What have you been eating?
A lot of lentils and oats and kale from the garden.
What has been most challenging about this situation?
Being far away from family and friends in Ohio.
What are you most thankful for at this time?
Feeling safe and healthy and grateful to have meaningful work.
How many others do you live with?
I live with Bella, my ever-present kitty housemate.
How have you been spending your time?
Spending too much time on the computer, though the veggie garden calls…I have planted peas.
What have you been eating?
Eating well, as I love good food, and still have plenty of fresh food available.
What has been most challenging about this situation for you?
Spending too much time on the computer keeping up with the latest info, when I should/could be outside.
What are you most thankful for at this time?
Thankful that we are, collectively, keeping the virus at bay.
We invite you to join in the conversation. Please send your answers, along with a picture of what you see out your favorite window, to minorlile@theorcasonian.com. If there is enough interest, we’ll share more responses next weekend.
Here are this month’s questions:
- What’s your name? (first name only)
- What part of the island is your home on?
- How many others (people/animals) do you live with?
- How have you been spending your time?
- What have you been eating?
- What has been most challenging about this situation for you?
- What are you most thankful for at this time?
- Please share a picture of what you see out your favorite window.
[Interpreted from Meow language by Margot] Hello, everyone.
My name is Bella ; I live with Margot in a West Sound house that has a covered porch I can watch the birds and deer from….after she feeds me, of course. I always eat well. I am happy to have Margot’s attention as she’s here so much now, even though she spends too much time on the silly computer. You can see from the photos how I’ve weathered this virus thing….my advice: sleep it off.
**Oh oh, Margot tells me the photos won’t show up here, and I should ask Lin how we can show them. I’m beautiful, whether asleep or awake, as I keep my gorgeous white fur spotless. Until later,
Love, Bella