Quarantine 3.0

The past two weeks have been difficult and draining.  Thanksgiving was great; it was nice to have a few days off from work.  We made a delicious Thanksgiving feast together.  I made pies for the first time, and it was a huge success.  I also attended the "pie hike" of the Philadelphia Trail Club with Deb.  We hiked and then received lots of pie to eat (usually everyone would eat it together after the hike, but with the new restrictions, we had to pre-package the slices and all eat them on our own rather than as we were gathered).  I also went hiking on Sunday at Wissahickon, the most nature-y spot in the city.  The weather was beautiful for a late fall hike and it was quite peaceful.

Then, Tom started to feel sick.  We began quarantining in the house, with Tom isolating in his bedroom.  We received his test results last Wednesday, and he tested positive.  The rest of us tested negative, so our quarantine wasn't too much longer, ending yesterday.  It was difficult being stuck in the house for another ten days though.  On top of that, my work has become more and more draining.  Attendance rates for virtual school are going down even further, and dropping quickly, which means more-aggravated students and families and more phone calls for me.  When I "substitute teach" (aka cover a virtual class where students - 90% of whom refuse to have their cameras on, so you don't even know if they are there - do independent assignments), I am unable to really connect with students at all.  It is difficult feeling so disconnected from my work and the people I am serving.

I am thankful to be out of quarantine - our third one in just a few months.  It was great to finally go for a run yesterday, even though it was freezing outside.  I hope that we can enjoy our last week before Christmas break healthily and joyfully.

Our Thanksgiving blueberry pies