This pandemic year began in the Netherlands, Europe on March 13 when our Prime Minister announced that during that weekend bars and restaurants would be closed and a partial lockdown was installed. It was called Intelligent lockdown which boiled down to: take your responsibility, wash your hands frequently, avoid mass gatherings, and practice social distancing. Wearing masks was questionable at that time.

As soon as I heard I made arrangements to live with my stepmom of 86 years old, in another city. I stayed with her from March 16 on, for three weeks was the idea. 6 months later I was home. The pandemic took its time.

In the beginning, I was afraid. We didn’t know much about the virus, the whole situation was completely new to everybody and we stayed indoors as much as possible. The first four months we self-quarantined, I only left the house to do the grocery shopping and to walk my dog.

It was not always easy taking care of a 86 year-old with severe memory problems and some physical ailments during a pandemic. The diagnosis was NOT dementia but old age, but the symptoms were the same. My stepmom was very forgetful, within minutes things would slip her mind. So, I had to repeat a lot and wasn’t able to hold a real conversation with her. Not easy! But, because I was her caretaker I was busy just doing that. It helped me focus on other things besides COVID-19, which was good. Luckily she took a daily nap so I had two hours every day to write and be active on WdC. Daily blogging saved my life!

After six months it was time for me to go home and my stepmom tried living on her own again. She is doing great, by the way, so no worries there.

When I arrived at my place two and a half months ago, I was more than happy and relieved to be on my own again. I couldn’t wait. And it has been bliss. I live in my COVID-free bubble. I don’t leave the house other than walking the dog five times a day. I have my groceries delivered and I avoid other people. I talk with friends and family on the phone and online. Still self-quarantined.

So, now I am writing 24/7 with only a break sleeping a couple of hours every night. I am extremely busy and loving every minute of it. COVID-19 is something at the back of my mind but not in my face any longer.

I call my stepmom daily to check on her. Furthermore, I am a volunteer for the Red Cross, which means calling an 83-year old lonely neighbor every day and having a chat. That’s what I am doing for the past 9 months now.

The rest of my time I am writing, reading, reviewing, or active on Writing.com.

I have my newspaper, books, music, and DVDs to keep me entertained when I need to. I keep myself busy knowing that I am a risk factor for COVID due to being a diabetic, type II. I try to live my life as healthy as I can, but I am slightly overweight and don’t exercise enough other than five short walks with my dog every day.

I don’t travel, and I don’t use public transport. Too risky. I have a bike. But I am not going anywhere. I stay put. I hope to live and see the day when there is a vaccine available. We are currently in the second wave!

In the meantime, I am careful, apprehensive, and generally doing okay, I guess.

But what a year! And it’s not over yet!!