During the Quarantine of 2020, life has actually been busy. Work has slowed down in some areas with advertising clients pausing schedules during the height of the pandemic. But other client work has picked up, especially as we’ve been partnering with the Office for Catholic Education to help promote the tremendous work accomplished by Catholic school teachers to keep students learning during the school closures.
But you know what they say about all work and no play…
To keep busy, personally, I’ve tackled some home projects! For those of you who know me at all, this is very much out of my comfort zone. That said, working with a friend and with the kids, I created a backyard space we call “The Lanai.” Living in South Philly, actual “backyards” are all but non-existent. But we have a small 18×18 patio. But it was inhospitable without shade. So, I sunk two 4×4 posts into large planters filled with cement, attached hooks to the posts and to the back wall of the house and hung a sun shade sail. I bought some gently used patio furniture and my daughter made cushions. Now we eat most meals outside and enjoy the peace and quiet.
I’ve also kept the plants in the front of the house. I typically kill plants, but so far so good.
Finally, I was able to replace two light fixtures. So far, I haven’t had an electrical fire.
In addition to these house projects I try to bike at least 3-5 times per week. My normal trek takes me from S. Philly to Center City, along the Schuylkill River Walk, past the Art Museum and down Kelly Drive. I’m missing the gym. So this has to suffice.
Keeping the kids busy has been an interesting challenge. But we’ve had many cool meals together… like Make Your Own Pizza. And we grill out a ton! The kids like meat very well done… Hence a small grill fire.
And the kids love doing craft-like things. Abigail made pillows for The Lanai and she made a bunch of homemade masks. Grace and Tess are constantly making slime in the “Kid Kave.” Madeline has been busy working. But she graduated high school during all of this and is going to La Salle University in the fall.
