What are you doing as you practice social distancing while remaining safe and sane?

This is a new way of life for most of us who are accustomed to planning and agenda that take us out among people.

Anne Bull reports that some people think this self-quarantining has a silver lining.

Carol Campbell says she’s learned to appreciate all that we have and not to take anything for granted.

Virl Caughman says she’s enjoyed the peace and serenity of staying at home. It has made her notice how beautiful and special this area really is.

Judith Halle misses her family members, but has enjoyed the break from care giving. Caregivers need a chance to recharge and she has that time now.

Lynn Dempsey enjoys interacting with her students on Zoom as they discover internet learning.

Bob Peeler says that after home schooling an 11-year-old he’s learned that he needs to repeat the 5th grade!

Brenda Maxwell says she’s enjoyed more time to read the Chronicle.

All those lions and tigers and bears in home windows are part of a safari or bear hunt for children. They are hunting for the animals and doing a variety of activities depending on their ages. Ashley Oaks, Mallard Lakes and Saluda River Club are just a few of the neighborhoods participating. Next week, Ashley Oaks is planning an activity for the children to decorate consenting neighbors driveways with chalk art. If you neighborhood is doing an activity for the kids, please let us know.

Maria Bridges reports that the Golden Hills Garden Club invited residents to decorate their mailboxes for a contest in the spirit of community unity while practicing social distancing. Judging was to be March 31. We’ll let you know who won.

Take a ride through Golden Hills and see the creative mailboxes. Some outstanding ones are at the homes of Pat and Harold Turner, Rose and Bill Lorenzen, Wanelle and Marty Lefkowitz, Bonnie and Rick Murray, and Marie and Jimmy Bridges.

Golden Hills is practicing neighbors helping Neighbors by picking up groceries, pharmacy prescriptions, mail and other things for those who need it.

Dr. Allison Cashman, a Golden Hills resident, is putting together items for homeless and future COVID-19 quarantine centers. They need wash cloths, hand wipes, baby wipes, face wipes, big bar soaps, deodorant, towels, small packets of Kleenex. She says staying at home and not getting sick is really the best thing you can do to help others.

Lou Kennedy, CEO of Nephron Pharmaceuticals, tells us the company is taking the temperature of each employee to make sure they do not have a fever before starting their shifts. The company wipes down frequently used areas multiple times a day and fogging common areas with peroxide.

Our grandson, Sam Stormer, is in New York City working with Perrigo Pharmaceuticals, where they are producing many hand sanitizers and suppositories that control fever. His wedding to Maddy Smith, set for April 18, had to be moved to August. Many other couples are in the same situation.

Our daughter Charlotte’s golden retriever Doc is loving his expanded family time and more hugs and treats. Saturday, he and Chris watched their neighborhoods golf cart parade from their front steps and Doc got his favorite treat, blonde Oreos.

Happy birthday to Suzanne Montgomery, Sarah Biser, Patricia Rawl, Peggy Moseley, Scott Yakimo, Rebecca Bingham, Beth Sears, Marie Barron, Lori Jordan, Bobby Dial, Gloria Talley, Jerrie Galardi, Chas Stafford, Ann Clark, Chad Geary, David Loney, Emily Brittingham, Craig McFarland, Jason Miles, Bowen Wise, Flynn Jeffcoat, Lydia Murry, Adrienne Sorenson, Christie Addy, Matthew Dicker, Matthew Jackson, Rob Davis, James Badler, Andrew Mintz, Cindy Harris, Kathy Foster, Wanda Porter, Herbert Meetze, Orine Younginer, Sabra Denny, Charles Rice, Kate Crapps, Jennifer McInnis, Lynn Helton, and Dick Hinson.

Don’t forget to wash your hands often and support your local restaurants’ take-out!