Out the Window: Life in 'Shutdown'

Not a bad view if you have to isolate!

From out window we have a lovely view of the Gulf of Mexico and on the horizon we can see the Tampa Bay shipping channel. Currently, we've spotted at least 4 cruise ships anchored - presumably empty except for a skeleton crew - 2 Celebrity and 2 Royal Caribbean. 2 Carnival ships are in the Tampa Docks.

It's Spring Break in Florida, a time when families and

This looks fun - inflate by swising through the air
then lay on beach or float in water - like a sofa

university students come to party. Many attractions are closed and our weather is fine, so the beaches are one of the only options for spending one's holiday time.

Clearwater Beach 15 March
source:  NBC news

Although some cities further south have closed beaches (as of 15th) so far our Florida state governor has not mandated a state-wide closure, leaving it up to individual municipalities to manage the crowds -  - a bit controversial, especially as he has closed the bars during Spring Break. 

Fortunately, it isn't quite so bad here . . . but still it feels over populated given the coronavirus pandemic - we limit our beach walks to later in the day once the crowds start dissipating at sunset.

Almost turtle season!

Today (18th) we received a letter from the county sheriff, asking all businesses on the beach to "self-enforce" groups of no more than 10 roaming the sand and sea.

Unfortunately, the university students are not making any attempt at social distancing ... yet.  Social distancing with turtles is required too!

All of our volunteer activities have been suspended, but it is a great time for crafting as this article explains - click here. Glad to see crochet relives stress and brings on feelings of happiness (never greater than one completes a project successfully!). True especially for this lady quarantined on a cruise ship.

I will refrain from posting pictures of empty store shelves (think TP, fresh meat, canned goods etc) as we have all seen it around the world!

Save your newspaper; if you run out of TP try making your own.. I do wonder if one positive yet unintended consequence of this pandemic will be that we use our resources more wisely; I have already started to be more prudent and frugal..Perhaps we will revive some wartime recipes too.

Or probably easier - regrow fresh produce - click here to learn how.

For a laugh this was recently spotted in a senior living facility's trash room; look closely for the [fake] lizard - is this senior humour?

Now how do you think this

is going to turn into this?