how do you quarantine?

How have you been spending quarantine? I asked some local friends what they’ve been up to and here’s what they had to say. Edited for length and clarity….

James and his wife, Victoria, live in Oskaloosa and spend their days lounging in hammocks and long boarding around town. In one word: paradise.

“I’ve been trying to make the time purposeful. Knowing that I have more time, since I’m not going anywhere, I’ve been trying to pick up on all those hobbies I’ve been meaning to master. I’ve been making bread, doing some woodworking, and always making coffee.”

Local food writer, Karla Walsh, has been using the time to perfect her baking skills:

“Baking has always been good therapy, and now more than ever, it’s helping me find a little zen amidst the hectic days covering the latest health news. Plus porch drop-offs are A-OK according to CDC officials. so it’s a nice way to let friends know I’m thinking of them. The latest adventure? Attempting to recreate Table 128’s incredible sea salt chocolate chip cookies, gluten-free, for a friend who can’t eat wheat!”

Des Moines’ favorite Parisian, Tatiania, has been working on some DIY projects:

“I was able to finally complete the painting project in my living room that I started months ago, which has consisted of converting the un-charming green walls into a crystal white! Then I moved to the backyard, where I set up new pieces of furniture, including a hammock that I purchased in Mexico nine years ago! I was so happy to be able to hang it!

My friend, Bret, has been trying to spend an equal amount of time both inside and out. Relatable, yes?

“My wife and I are both working from home - sometimes more, sometimes less productively. Trying to get out for walks with the dog, as well as running and biking away from the trail system which is too crowded for comfort.

One home project we're working on is to listen to every vinyl record we own - some of them have not been spun in a long time! It's fun to try and remember where you got the record or some other story about the music.”

Leslie, a talented stylist, recently purchased an 130 year old house (!!!) and is renovating it with her dad.

This was my opportunity to be able to turn a house into a dreamy space that fit my style and needs. I planned on turning three rooms on the first floor into a new kitchen space, tearing down walls and leveling floors. I didn’t have an exact timeline for all of this, but knew I needed to spend as much time as I could on it.

Then my contract photo and video shoots came to a hault with all the Covid-19 concerns and my dad’s scheduled opened up as well, so we got to work. This was the little break I needed to get started! I‘m taking this as a blessing, to get to spend time working on my house with my dad.

You can watch the home remodel unfold on my Instagram page @thequeenofkingman.

As for yours truly, I’ve been diligently watering my plants, ordering pizza from Eatery A because it’s just $10 on Monday, and jamming to this playlist.

Hope you’re doing well! I’m guessing things will start returning back to normal by mid-May.

Right?!?!?