Morning thoughts

Still in lockdown. The president has extended it for another month. By then, if I am still alive, my floors will be clean enough to eat on or else I will be here stark raving mad. Now, when I think of something I want to buy to fix up my house or something I want to do, I preface the thought with IF I AM STILL ALIVE.  What a way to think.  But this is our new reality. We are all at risk, some more than others.

Right now, I wish I had never left San Blas. The quiet little beach town north of Puerto Vallarta. I was going to retire there years ago but the mosquitoes and jejenes drove me out. Now an even greater threat exists in this area. Also unseen, like those jejenes. I checked the statistics this morning. Over in the San Blas area they have had only 6 cases and no deaths. It is fourth from the bottom of cases in Mexico. Jalisco, where I live, is third from the top with 90 cases and 4 deaths. And that is just for today.  It will get worse, much worse.

Last night I heard and saw a police truck coming down my street. The policeman was blasting out warnings and people walking on the street almost ran. I couldn't hear whatever he was saying. Maybe he was telling them to go home. And two days ago I watched an army helicopter above my neighborhood, going back and forth. Don't know why. Things are strange here right now. Most of the people are ignoring the threat but then there are little pockets of fearful events.

Well, back to cleaning my house. I have never been so well organized. If I die during this time, at least the person cleaning my house and getting rid of my things will have an easier time of it. Sorry for being so negative. I really should quit listening to the news. Good luck to you all and happy cleaning if that is what you too are doing.

Lockdown, day five

I just got word that the lockdown has been extended until Sunday. I am bored, bored, bored but at least I am still alive and well. I am tired of cooking. Tired of cleaning. Tired of reading. And especially tired of looking at the virus news.  But at least I am still alive.  Bored to death but not dead yet. The sunset is just happening. Big event of the day for me. Have to go watch it. Take care everyone.    

Lockdown, day four

My internet was out all day. So, no listening to the news. It was such a peaceful day without constantly listening to the corona virus disasters. I knew life would be better without all that fear being pumped into my house but I didn't have the courage to turn it off.

I spent the entire day without thinking about it. Just me and the cat and dog. I did more cooking and cleaning and resting in the sunshine. It was a good day and I am doing exactly what I am supposed to be doing, staying home. Okay, I cheated a little this morning with a short walk so Chico could do his business.

This is the first time in my life when the only thing expected of me is to do nothing. Just stay home. And I can't manage to do that completely. Tomorrow. I hope will make it through tomorrow, the last day of the lockdown, without peaking my head out the front door. I expect this won't be our only lockdown. I will have more chances to practice. And maybe I will get the courage to keep the news turned off. I can't change anything by listening to it and worrying about it.

Lockdown, day three

I have continued my obsessive cooking while listening to the news on my iPad.  Now there is no more room in my refrigerator. I am not sleeping much because of my mind running wild. Plus, last night my Mexican neighbors across the street had a loud, very crowded party at their house. Everyone was laughing, playing music, having fun. While I sat on my deck alone and thought about all my fears.

What is life going to be like in the future?  A five day lockdown that is only followed by a few people isn't going to stop the virus. Will there be more lockdowns? In the future, will we all have to stay home and only relate by way of computers? Sounds like a scary science fiction movie.

Maybe the Mexicans across the street have a better grasp of reality than I do. They are enjoying life and each other before it comes to an end.  The music hasn't died for them yet.  

I bring out the worst in myself. Fears become exaggerated. Every time I cough I imagine that I am going to die and I think that the end is here for me. Ugh! Maybe I should have crashed that party last night.

Lockdown

Yesterday I received a message that Jalisco is in a lockdown. We are supposed to stay in our homes for five days. I am only half way through the second day and am already driving myself crazy.

I have been cooking for two days. Cooking and cooking. There is no more room in my frig. I couldn't possibly eat all this food by myself, even if I had a month to try. It is just my way to calm my nerves.

It would be more helpful for my nerves if I would hide my i pad. I keep obsessively turning it on and checking the news.

Three and a half more days to go and then I can venture out again.  Probably five pounds heavier from all this food, but hopefully still alive and well.

Sending good wishes to all of you and hoping that this nightmare won't last forever.

Morning thoughts

Things are rapidly changing here just as everywhere else in the world. I am now self isolating. I am one of the more vulnerable of the population because of my age and health issues. I had to go out a few times to try to get money. Three times I tried ATM machines and they were empty. Being a suspicious person, my first thought was that the banks didn't like the current exchange rate so they stopped the ATMs from working. A couple of months ago, the peso to the dollar was the best for the peso than it has been in many years. Recently it is the worst for the peso. It fluctuated from 16 pesos to the dollar to over 24 pesos to the dollar. I can't keep up with all the changes that are happening here.

Most of the events have been canceled. The Lake Chapala Society has stopped all activities. But so far, they are keeping their grounds open.

Tomorrow I have to venture out to pick up my renewed IMSS health insurance forms. For now that office is still open. I hope I won't be needing to go to the doctor or hospital in the near future but I have to be prepared!

Expats are clearing out the grocery shelves. Toilet paper and dry beans, rice and fruits are almost gone. Superlake was so crowded at the checkout line that I had a panic attack and had to put my groceries down and leave the store. I suffer from claustrophobia. I guess that can be helpful in these social distancing times..

I am trying not to worry but it is hard to control. I should quit looking at the news. That would help.

Mexicans are business as usual. The president was out a few days ago in crowds, hugging people and kissing babies. He thinks everyone is overreacting. He has his three lucky charms protecting him. An American two dollar bill, a religious charm and I have forgotten the third one. God help us!

Be safe everyone!

Sangre viva festival

The sangre viva festival was last weekend. I don't know if there will be many more festivals for awhile with this corona virus. I was happy that I went to it. Here are a few photos.

Morning thoughts, Mexican Census

Flowers are in bloom all over town. In April the Jacaranda trees bloom and the towns turn purple.

But down to the business of census taking. A woman came to my door with her official identification hanging around her neck and asked me many questions. So many that I was starting to lose patience. Also two (men) neighbors ran over to help make sure I understood her Spanish and I am also guessing to learn my answers. Here are some of the questions. I am sure I have forgotten some. 

Where am I from? How long have I lived in Mexico? How old am I? Do I have any children? Do I have any children that have died? What kind of health insurance do I have? Do I have an income? Do I go to school? Do I work? How many years of schooling did I receive? Do I have any health issues that require help? Can I hear okay? See okay? Walk okay? Do I have a car? A bicycle? Or other mode of transportation? How many Rooms are in my house? How many people live here? How many bedrooms do I have? Do I have a washing machine? A television? A telephone? Cell phone? Refrigerator? Computer? Internet? Am I divorced or did my husband die? 

The two men learned a lot about me very quickly. maybe I should have been concerned about my privacy but I had no idea she was going to ask me so many questions. I guess I am a little bit flattered that people were interested enough in me to want to have those answers. Mostly I am like an invisible person, just making casual greetings on the street or while buying groceries. I do like my privacy.