When an October snowstorm brought down leaf-covered tree branches all over the city and onto the power lines, we were without electricity for nearly two weeks, and took in our friends who had neither a wood burning fireplace nor gas appliances. During the pandemic, lockdowns found people all over the world sheltering in their homes in isolation. In the dead of winter, with feet of snow on the ground, getting out of an isolated cabin can be not only dangerous, but sometimes impossible. Since we all prep, we have food and water and heat, our people are fed and the animals are safe, but now what? Here are some of the things we’ve done to keep ourselves and our families and friends sane, entertained, and filled with joy.
1. Sing. Even people who can’t carry a tune in a bucket can still belt out a song, or maybe can do “the talkin’ blues”. In German, it’s called Sprechgesang, “spoken singing” and a surprising number of people have talked their way through the lyrics including Lee Marvin, Lorne Green, Jimmy Dean, C.W. McCall, and a bunch of others. If someone in the house can play along on an instrument, that’s even better. The opportunity of a long winter can be used to learn to play an instrument; guitars, and keyboards are surprisingly affordable. It’s even possible to make instruments—have you ever seen a cigar box banjo? Cowbells, drums, washboards, and spoons are fun, too. We used to do Stars and Stripes Forever every Fourth of July on kazoos—yes, it sounded terrible, but it was also hilarious. We all know songs and have ones we love, especially Christmas carols. Singing and music, believe it or not, are good for your body as well as your mind.Continue reading“Staying Sane and Happy in Isolation, by M.J.E.”
