This is how Carolien helps her neighbors

What a bizarre world we have found ourselves in: as if we have landed in an episode of ‘Black Mirror’ that is far from over. Since Friday, the four of us have been at home and despite all the intense news reports and worrying television images, we are also trying to make something beautiful out of it. Otis can't contain his happiness with everyone in the house and to prevent us from lying on the couch all day, we are doing all sorts of things: clay modeling, puzzling, coloring, cooking together, playing on the roof, hockeying with a Swiffer... Unfortunately, the attention span of such a little one is quite short, so we can't avoid watching two movies a day. But now that it is one big hustle and bustle at the Karthaus household, we are even more mindful of all the households that are now incredibly lonely... Today I have my first FaceTime coffee date with friends and Jon is gaming with friends in the evening (finally he has found the perfect legitimate excuse, because yes, he has to entertain his friends who are sitting at home alone...).

In particular, the elderly who are isolated at home touch me immensely. We sent a message to three of our direct neighbors asking if we can help them with anything. And if everyone does that now, we all carry a bit of the world's misery on our shoulders and hopefully it becomes bearable. In terms of activities, I have picked up knitting again, I am finally reading my book in the evenings (although I still don't reach the number of pages per day that I would like...) and the house has had a thorough cleaning by now. And to compensate for those packs of chocolate cookies I ordered from AH (I also read that Dunkin’ Donuts and my favorite patisserie Tout will now deliver, LIFE-THREATENING) I climb onto the roof every other day to do some exercises. As I read this, it doesn't sound so crazy after all, being indoors... Hopefully everyone now realizes that this ’huge sacrifice‘ isn't so bad and that we can hopefully prevent an even greater disaster. In the coming week, I will gather some fun things you can do at home, I will keep you updated. Lots of love and be safe.