This post can’t be about skating, obviously, so it’s just a way of checking in. I miss all my friends and fun at the rink. Here’s hoping we can all be together again soon, and that everyone stays healthy and safe.

Here’s also a moment to celebrate all the great songs that Bill Withers left us with. I had a really hard time deciding which one to share here. Lean on me? Ain’t no sunshine? I finally went with his collaboration with Grover Washington, Jr., “Just the Two of Us.” Just listening to the first few bars without any words takes me back to a happy time.

Crystal raindrops, shining sun, rainbows, and castles in the sky. Just what I need right now.

Classes at our university were moved online over two weeks ago, and I’m getting used to teaching virtually. I’ve been asking students to post thoughts and questions on an online forum and then writing up materials based on what they say. The first lecture took  until well past the midnight, the second only five and a half hours. So I’m improving.

At least I can wear my comfy slippers! And there’s lots of yummy snacks at home. When I’m not stressing out about getting the next lecture posted on time, I’ve been doing a lot of baking. In the past few days it’s been muffins, naan, and I just started some no-knead pizza dough for deep-dish pizza tomorrow.

Luckily my son is back home from college, so there’s an extra person around to help eat all those stress-produced carbs. So much for our empty nest! He’s filling the house with cello music, which is an incredible gift these days.

I have been doing a lot of yoga online, which hopefully will keep my balance and strength up for when I can finally get back on the ice. Just taking it day by day around here.

Here’s some pictures from the past few weeks. A few are from the last skating sessions before rinks were closed, and some of my neighborhood walks.

I was supposed to visit my cousins in D.C. this past week, but of course that was cancelled. Cousin Charles took pictures of the cherry blossoms for me. So beautiful!