This pandemic came on us so quickly that the results are just starting to hit me. As I go through each day without a real obligation, the days are starting to run into each other.

I know it’s just not me. The questions I used to ask whoever I was with daily, used to be, “Did you see my phone?” and “Did you see my glasses?” Now it’s, “What day is it?”

I’m also confused and surprised about the lack of groceries and paper goods. I get it – we are all home, so naturally the consumption of both would naturally go up. But to the point of the shelves being bare?

I finally found some toilet paper and paper towels at CVS last week. As I put the bag in my front seat, I had a thought. Would someone pull a smash-and-grab for this precious commodity? I decided to move my package to the truck. Better safe than sorry!

I’m also confused about mask wearing. I’ve been diligent about wearing one in stores. I don’t, however, wear it in my car. I see lots of people doing that and wonder why. I hate the way wearing a mask feels, so I take it off when I’m alone.

Another thing that I’ve noticed is my neighborhood in Warwick Neck has changed. Now on a sunny day I see families walking, riding bikes and pushing strollers. I swear, I’ve never seen some of these people before. I hope that families continue to spend this kind of quality time together well after this whole thing is over.

I’ve also noticed that a sense of calm has come over me. When I am working in my yard, or cleaning and organizing, I know longer feel a sense of urgency to finish and get to my next project. I know I have nothing but time on my hands. It has made me enjoy these tasks that I used to rush through.

I hear the birds as I work in the yard. I take breaks and really enjoy the beautiful area that I live in. I look out over the water and watch the fishing boats return with their catch and the boaters working on their boats getting them ready for the boating season.

I’ve always loved cleaning, or should I say the results after I’m done. Now I’m actually enjoying each task and have been taking the time to incorporate some aromatherapy into my cleaning routine.

I take a spray bottle with water and add a little lemon, eucalyptus or mint essential oils. I spritz it in the air and on my cleaning cloth. My house smells fresh and I feel invigorated. Who knew that cleaning could actually give you energy?

So, as we all get through this together and we will, I suggest you take a deep breath, look around and try to enjoy your surroundings. This, too, shall pass. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions at SixtiesAndSexy@gmail.com and follow me on my blog at SixtiesAndSexy.net.