ELBEE Something about the title of this post made me want to sing along. Then I realized she’d stolen it from a classic song written by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer in 1944.
CHARLEY Where does he come up with this stuff? I was the smart one before we moved up here.
The first positive news is that I haven’t been arrested or fined $1000. The mountains, my sacred place, have been closed due to the pandemic. I have tried to do my part by respecting the rules and not sneaking up there.
A few weeks ago I took a photo of the Doods next to a sign that first announced the closure. The new warning is a lot more emphatic, possible six months in jail emphatic, plus there’s police tape blocking the entrance to the trails.
ELBEE The thought of the daughters seeing her in handcuffs is just too much.
To make up for the restrictions, I started exploring different neighborhoods with Gus and Stanley. I was delighted to find so many small positive things that lifted my spirits.
GUS & STANLEY Not to break the mood but she also got us lost when she was exploring some of those neighborhoods.
A few times on quiet residential streets, when families walked by on the other side, small children called out to the dogs. Since I couldn’t bring them over, I had Gus dance and wave and Stanley play peek a boo. One little girl in a stroller clapped and giggled “bow wow.” Older kids laughed and waved back.
I saw a huge Laker sign on a house. How great that fans are still showing their love even those this magical season may be gone.
Someone else had put up this simple message by the 
mailbox.
A few homes even had Easter decorations. This holiday is very different from from those in the past but it gave me hope to see that people were celebrating.
ELBEE Isn’t the Easter bunny an essential service?
I think what I enjoyed most was the chalk art that has sprung up on so many sidewalks. Games of hop scotch have been replaced by messages of humor, support and appreciation.
I thought this one was perfect for the youngest daughter who’s home with her four year old and six year old. Even though she’s a teacher, it’s different when your students are still there at bedtime.
These two made me laugh out loud and think about my outfit. Yes, I was wearing sweats.
The outpouring of support for doctors and nurses touched my heart, especially since the middle daughter is still on the front lines as an ICU nurse.
It was also very moving to see neighbors supporting neighbors and strangers alike. In this often dark time how beautiful to see these displays of kindness and caring.
