The first day the sore throat was suspicious, and since my co-worker had texted positive, I had my concerns. In spite of them, I took a long walk in the sunshine, met Carolyn for breakfast with the warning that I could have Covid, then went home and took care of laundry. The second day, was decidedly less fun, with chills, nausea, vomiting and the realization that this was exactly how I felt when I got my Covid vaccine. This was not good, but I was still testing negative.
The third day the bright red line jumped up and shouted, “Hey, check me out!” from the test strip. I emailed work to let them know and they told me I would have to be out all week or longer, and that I would be paid for it. As someone who has not had more than two paid days off for over a year, I almost cried with joy, then slept for twenty-three hours. The following day was another blur of sleep, getting up to let the dog out, and more sleep.
The next day, after my morning latte, I had a bit of energy and started tackling things like pruning the rose bushes, and ironing. I leave ironing for special moments that strike one or twice a year. Once I do it, I’m always pleasantly surprised by the mountain of clothes I’d completely forgotten that have sat slumped in a corner for six months.
Ironing can only be accomplished while binge-watching English period dramas. This time I went for re-runs of Grantchester with gorgeous James Norton, whose shoulders should be outlawed for making women, old enough to be his grandmother, think impure thoughts.
After that, like Father Mackenzie, I actually darned my socks in the night, then I mended two shirts that had been sitting on a chair for over a year. I paid my bills, cleaned, did more laundry, super-glued a purse, oiled my sewing machine, baked cookies, made pesto, enjoyed the beautiful full moon from my kitchen window, and slept more.
I ordered a pair of shoes (on sale), cooked pasta, sauteed mushrooms, brushed the dog, cleaned my refrigerator, wiped up the limoncello that leaked all over my freezer when my brother haphazardly shoved it in on his last visit. Then I roasted Brussels sprouts to test my smell. It was definitely not affected.
I walked a bit and tried to relax like normal people do when they get sick, but it doesn’t come easy. I even shredded papers that have been waiting for a year and a half.
I have a little more organizing to do and then I might actually almost be caught up so I can do some writing and not feel guilty about all the things that need to be done, which only happened once before in my life…during shut-down in the spring of 2020. If this is what retirement is like, I will be ready to go back to work after two weeks.
Covid, you are all the joy of a long-sought vacation with none of the fun. But thank you…I think.
12 Comments
Burse
July 23, 2022 at 2:40 amDear Fran, I always get a great big smile on my face when I read your latest adventure. So sorry that you got Covid. But nice you got time off with pay to recover. Of course with everything you did accept sleep made me think a whirlwind hit your house. From the sound of things I wish you could get a real vacation. Hope your feeling better. Miss your smiling face.
Fran Tunno
July 23, 2022 at 10:15 amYeah, thank God! It wasn’t as whirlwindy as alll that, since I accomplished it slowly in eight days. But It is nice to look at my dining room chair and see that it’s not covered with things to be mended, or ironed! Thanks for writing. I hope all is well in the neighborhood! Give my best to Ruby and Darren if you see them. xo
Diane B Chevalier
July 22, 2022 at 7:01 pmSo enjoyed reading this, Frannie. But goodness gracious you accomplished a lot while being sick! I โretiredโ in August of 2020 and it took me 6 months to get caught up with similar chores. ๐ Hope you continue to feel better.
Fran Tunno
July 23, 2022 at 10:13 amAwww Diane, thank you so much. It was the guilt that pushed me and clearly you understand. I love your name, it sounds very much like a Hollywood siren’s name. You always were beautiful, so it’s appropriate.
Bruce Barker
July 22, 2022 at 12:52 pmWhat’s almost as bad as COVID is the wasted limoncello. ๐ Love ya, Fran!
Fran Tunno
July 22, 2022 at 2:12 pmI know! Don’t worry, I’ll make it up somehow!
Emil Mitchell
July 22, 2022 at 12:03 pmMy wife Jeri had the virus also. She had as you the basic flu symptoms and effects of sleep, eat, chores, sleep some more, chores, TV, Sleep, all the while absorbing oxygen through a nuisance nasal cannula draped about and continue to march…..I’m glad you also survived to continue your chosen path of writing as I enjoy reading immensely as do many others of reading your stories. MIne would bore most to tears what with a 21 year US Army career foing here and there as directed except for volunteering for Vietnam and Korea. Enough said, please Drive-On Ms Fran!
Fran Tunno
July 22, 2022 at 2:08 pmYou are a sweetheart Emil! Thanks for always reading and taking the time to write and share your stories. I’m so glad you and your wife are well. I’m sure you’ve got some interesting stories after 21 years in the army! Have the rest of a great summer.
JoAnn Jones
July 22, 2022 at 10:42 amWell, I am glad you got to have some time off work to sleep and catch up on all sorts of things , despite having Covid and feeling pretty awful. Take care , Fran, stay well. Lots of love , JoAnn
Fran Tunno
July 22, 2022 at 2:06 pmIt’s like the cold that never wants to leave me. But it could be much worse, so I’m not unhappy. Thanks JoAnn! I hope the Missouri summer is being kind to you and Bill!
Charles Burkett
July 22, 2022 at 9:57 amNo Fran. Retirement isn’t like that. We don’t do half the amount of those things in a month! Glad you’re feeling better.
Fran Tunno
July 22, 2022 at 2:05 pmHmmm…looks like I may never be able to retire then. Eeeek!