By Barbara Andersen · 23 April 2020
In this strange time we find ourselves in, I want to reach out and let you know how my household is doing. We have been quarantining for about 45 days now and find the best way forward is one day at a time. So what is my day filled with? I must admit I am on Facebook and Instagram quite a bit. The need for human contact is strong and even this artificial way seems to ease it. I am finding a lot of encouragement and opening of hearts online. There are some great musical performances, both comforting and clever. It seems like a time such as this brings out the creativity in many people. There are also a lot of darling animals out there too. We have a dog but she is not a cuddler so other people’s videos and photos are feeding that need for me. Have you seen the site called View from My Window? People all over the world are posting their views while staying at home.
There have also been some incredible surprises online. Musicians are giving free concerts at regular times, filling their need to perform and ours to be entertained. One of these musicians is my nephew who is a musical performer in New Orleans. If you like old time New Orleans Jazz, please look for Seva Venet on Facebook. He is doing concerts on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. I have connected with a history professor at Boston College who is giving an hour long lecture on American History every Thursday. Listening is like being in a wonderful college class.
I am appreciating my husband more and more during this time too. He has become our chief shopper and chef. The quarantine has meant that a hip replacement surgery I desperately need is some months away. If I am required to do anything from other than a sitting position, it is not getting done. But thankfully there are lots of things that can be done from a sitting position! Reading both professionally and for pleasure is a particular joy. I am part of a Book Club that will be meeting on Zoom this week to discuss our book selection for the month. We had the first Zoom meeting in March. I have been appreciating the outside spaces here at home where I can get away from the house and pretend to be free. I hope your home has been a place of refuge during this season.
The real estate business has slowed down during this time but has definitely not stopped. We are still in a Seller’s market in the lower price ranges. Most people have pushed off both buying and selling but if you have a definite need, please let me be of help to you. The industry, and HomeSmart in particular, have come up with some incredible ways to do things virtually and remotely. I would love to hear how you are filling this time. Please be safe as you shelter in place. We long for that day when we can be together with our loved ones in person.
First published in The Bodeen Team’s quarterly client newsletter, First Quarter 2020.