My husband and I are going into week 3 of semi-isolation. My husband’s employer mandated that the casino and hotel where he works shut completely down on March 16th. Since then he’s been back twice to finish up a couple of unfinished tasks, but the place is basically abandoned. Only the security crew has to stay on property during the shut down. The Baer House, too has been pretty darn quiet. We’re not on lock down, but nobody’s traveling. We have been getting daily cancellations since the second week of March. We currently have no reservations at the inn until the very first part of June.
So, we have been doing our part to quarantine as much as possible. We do go out on occasion, usually to the hardware store or the grocery store and once to pick up pizza and wine – it was my birthday, we splurged. We avoid large groups and stay the requisite six feet away from others. Heck I don’t even pull up very close to the car in front of me at the stop sign. Or park between two cars. I leave that recommended 6 feet. Don’t want someone touching my car you know. I’ve even thought about getting a couple of those orange construction cones and placing them on either side of my car, but I thought that might be pushing it a bit.
The good news is, we’ve been getting lots of things fixed and spruced up around the inn. There are no guests to see our results, but we’ve gotten some things done regardless. Decks painted, railings secured, back door hinges squared up again. We even spent a good hour last week taking the entire refrigerator apart and giving it a good thorough cleaning. Found that lemon that went missing. At least I think it was a lemon.
I’ve also received a total of 1 telemarketer phone call in the past 3 weeks and no robocall or hang up calls, so there’s that. Coronavirus for the win!
We’re finally getting around to watching all those movies and TV shows we said we wanted to watch but never have the time, and we’ve found some new shows to include in our regular line-up of DVR recordings. I’ve gotten quite a bit of writing done, watched some webinars and on-line workshops and both my husband and I have been doing a lot of reading.
And, speaking of reading, many authors are finding increased book sales during this crazy time. People are looking for things to read and folks have more time to read so they’re loading up their Kindles. Silver lining for authors for sure!!
Which brings me to another silver lining: I have an offer for you. For the first time ever, I’m offering one of my books for free! That’s right, if you haven’t read Book 2 in my Grounded Series (On Hallowed Ground), now is the perfect time to download it. It’s free across many e-book platforms so go to your favorite e-book distributor and get your copy today. Or use the link at the bottom of this post (just above the photo of the book cover).
UPDATE: My book is only free for Kobo and Nook users. Sorry for the confusion. I experienced technical difficulties on the Google and Amazon sites.
But wait – there’s more – starting this Thursday, April 2, you can find books from several authors who are taking part in a very limited time book promotion. All of the books on that link will be free, or next to nothing, this weekend only. I’ll be sending out a bonus blog on Thursday with the link.
Here’s the link for the free and deeply discounted books: https://www.madelineolson.com/april-showers-giveaway
This is a great way for you, dear readers, to help a struggling author. Yes, even though it’s free, and we won’t get any money, by simply downloading the book we move up in the rankings and that makes our books more discoverable by others. Discoverability is key in a glutted market of e-books. Thanks in advance for your consideration. All the authors participating appreciate your help so I hope you’ll check out Thursday’s blog.
So, tell me, how are you coping so far with the quarantine restrictions in your area? Are you finding any new hobbies or craft ideas? Have you discovered a new TV series or movie that came as a surprise to you? Have you been reading more than usual? I’d love to hear from you.
Word of the Day: Effulgence
Fun fact about me: I love sour candy, but the Easter Smarties candies don’t taste the same as regular Smarties candies. I’m disappointed.
Original post by Jansen Schmidt, March 2020. Images by Pexels, Google Images and giphy.com.
Stay connected with news about my books and other fun stuff by signing up for my newsletter: http://bit.ly/JansenSchmidtNewsletter
My newest release On Hallowed Ground is available at fine retailers everywhere: http://bit.ly/2KONmnf
On Common Ground is available at fine retailers everywhere: http://bit.ly/2BBu7bb
jansenschmidt 
Love to read your blogs , keeps me in touch with you while far away. The fact you write in such an easy way that we can all relate to will be a real treasure during these difficult times. Books will be an asset during the days ahead and for once am blessed to be given time time now to wallow in them albeit in
Extreme circumstances. I live your trivia questions, makes me use my brain .
And get joy from them. Thank you again for making time for everyone .
Love you both and look forward to when we can be together again. Stay safe as you can . Michele and Bob ❤️❤️💗💗
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Thanks Michele (and Bob). These are indeed strange and trying times. Several of my author friends are trying to help each other out by offering free or extremely low priced books. My blog was a bit premature because I don’t think my pricing reduction went into effect yet, but hopefully by the end of the week, it’ll show up as free on the bonus blog post.
As always, thanks for stopping by and for your encouraging words. I hope you guys are doing well and staying healthy. We’re still experiencing empty store shelves here and I’m not sure why. This is the third week, people who stocked up 3 weeks ago shouldn’t have to keep buying so the rest of us can have our chance, but nope. Still panic buying. Oddly, tortillas cannot be found anywhere right now.
Have a nice rest of the week. We sure were looking forward to seeing you guys later this year. Now, we’ll have to set our sights for 2021.
Patricia
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I’m sure the quarantine is playing hob with your income, Patricia, but at least you’re getting some rest, which I would guess is much needed compared to your normal activities.
I’m one of those people who are barely affected by the quarantine. Other than not getting to eat breakfast out, my daily routine remains pretty much the same.
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I’m used to being home most days as well so it’s not that bothersome to me. The only difference is that my husband is also home and he’s underfoot a lot because he’s bored. My problem right now is being able to concentrate. Depression is slowly setting in and I’m having a hard time overcoming that. We’ve had 3 bad years in a row (2018 – cancer / 2019 – flooding / 2020 – Coronavrus). It’s enough to make me just close the doors and walk away from everything.
Thanks for visiting. I hope you find a delicious breakfast at home. Hang in there.
Patricia
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Happy belated birthday, Patricia! And thank you for the free book offer. I think I have both of your books, but now is a good time to check. 🙂
During this COVID19 outbreak and isolation period, we’re painting the inside of our house. And I’m finally writing again, so every morning, I’m working on revisions of the book I wrote last fall.
Stay healthy and safe!
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We’ve been getting some things done around here as well. And, I’m trying to write, but I’ve been hit with occasional panic and anxiety attacks so it’s hard to concentrate. I know everything will be okay, but it sure looks bleak right now.
Thanks for visiting and for the belated birthday greetings. You hang in there.
Patricia
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I’m back to work this week, but only had to work half a day last week, and got a ton of gardening in on a couple of rare, rain-free Oregon days! I even managed to clean most of Jack’s garage (which was a nightmare, multi-day project, no joke), discovered Lock & Key on Netflix, finished a couple of books…while it was no Ireland, for a staycation, it wasn’t half-bad!
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I am so bummed for you. Visiting Ireland would have been sweet. But having a clean garage is nice too.
I’ve been doing a lot of reading and trying to write. My concentration level is pretty shallow right now so I’m working on all projects in tiny spurts. Took me 3 days to finish the banana bread I got the ingredients out for on Friday. Things are so weird right now.
Hang in there. Stay healthy. Here’s to a fabulous second half of 2020.
Patricia
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I already work from home and am one of the lucky ones to still have a job, so I haven’t really been affected much, other than getting carryout instead of going out to eat once or twice a week. Hope this thing passes sooner rather than later, and that there’s a lot of pent-up demand for a B&B stay afterward!
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I hope you’re right Jennette. I see this as going one of two ways: People will be champing at the bit to get out of the house – or – people will still be afraid and reluctant to go too far away from home. I think a lot of folks will still be leery or airplane and cruise travel for quite a while. That should work out well for me because any road trip can bring you to me.
In any event, I’m sure things will ease up soon. I think we’re nearing the end. That’s what I choose to believe anyway.
Thanks for stopping by. Have a great rest of the week.
Patricia
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The quarantine has been a challenge is some ways and a blessing in others. I feel a little guilty teaching in shorts and sweatshirt. I have zoomed my students a couple of times and its been good to see them. The first time was intended to be a check in and review and all we got through was the check in.
I do go out to the store and back and like you I park away from other cars and walk in, but I have ceased my habit of bringing in abandoned shopping carts when I walk in from the parking lot. I’ve been able to exercise more and we are eating together as a family and that is a victory. Last night we had roasted chicken and roasted pan vegetables – good food with good people. I keep the news OFF and that helps. We’ve got 30 more days and after that I am uncertain, but I’ll remain hopeful and positive. Positive and hopeful. Take care and stay well. Peace.
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Thanks Clay. It looks like we’ve got to stay put until the end of April as well. We’re just trying to find things to do and not get too depressed. The psychology of this is interesting to say the least.
Good to hear from you. Keep on keeping on my friend. Enjoy the time with your family.
Patricia
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