Catherine Coulter's Blog: I'm Baaaack!, page 42

June 4, 2020

Thursday, 4th June -- It's going to be a bright, bright, bright sun-shiny day -- who wrote that? Let's all sing it when we're walking around the house trying to find something to clean out, something to polish, some hidden potato chips.

Whatever else you do on this beautiful June day, you want to kick up your heels at least once. Why? To shoot endorphins to your magnificent brain -- a great sense of well being. You say you can't kick up your heels? Okay, then how about this? Do a little skip, maybe a bit of soft shoe, or a tad of tap dancing. Everyone can do that. And be sure to laugh aloud while you're
doing it. We're surrounded with chaos and the unknown and it's upsetting and makes us anxious, stresses us out. It's up to us not to let it be frightening or upsetting for us, for kids, our other half, all our neighbors. It's up to you to smile and be pleasant -- and the trick is to turn any comment that's designed to upset and make us angry, afraid. We all wish the world could be different, but it is what it is right now, folks, and the trick is not to let it swallow us whole. SMILE, be kind, and don't forget the tap dance.

June 3, 2020

Wednesday, 3rd June -- Remember I was whining about the hike yesterday in 90 degrees? Well, staying close to home probably for the whole summer now -- 76 degrees here in southern Marin as compared to 15 miles north. Today we'll have a high of 76 degrees as opposed to 93. Maybe your blood thins out when you're used to cooler weather, something like that, what do you think? I don't think it's acclimating. I remember I never could stand the heat in Texas -- at 3 of 4 year old I had to have a fan in my face in the summer. So maybe it's genetic?

People, if there are peaceful protests going on in your area, join in. Raise your voice. Be part of a vocal group that means something, like the police chief in Flint, Michigan. Take part in improving social justice. If there are rioters out there looting, stealing and destroying, then you need to vote out the mayor and the police chief. Be active, not passive, that's the worst. What do you think?

VORTEX is marching right along. Had to go back and redo some parts or rather make adjustments as elements become clearer -- Still about halfway through the book, which feels really good.
Isn't it interesting all the businesses taking off because of the virus? Like bleach, like masks, goodness, my brain just fell off the rails -- tell me other unexpected windfall companies --

Outside, folk. Too hot, then head out in the morning and evening -- call neighbors, see if they want to walk or visit or have a drink -- you can keep distance, wear masks, no problem, but you really need to be social -- we all have that need -- so don't just shrug your shoulders and lie around and be depressed (or worse, eat) -- take action. Get your neighborhood FIT, help keep everyone's mood up --

June 2, 2020

Tuesday, 2nd June -- going to be hot in Sausalito today -- 78 degrees -- all right, I can see all the raised eyebrows, the 'you've got to be kidding', but for me, anything over 70 is getting there. As you know, I live in a 'micro-climate' which means it's rarely over say 78 (like today), only occasionally. I forget I own a portable air conditioner you put in the door -- it's still in storage, and aren't I an idiot? So hiking today will not be too strenuous, I don't want to croak of heat stroke. (low those eyebrows!)
We were supposed to open state parks yesterday -- NOT. I don't know what's going on with these people. The governor says one thing and the county doesn't follow through. What do you think? Power mongering? That is, some people in county government are suddenly given power and they're wallowing in it? Let me know --

Everyone, hang in there -- This is a super tough time. Talking to each other sure helps, keeps you positive and hopeful. Do you know, I wish President Obama would say something. Ah well.

Everyone -- no matter how hot -- GET OUTSIDE -- If you're afraid of the virus, then go out early in the morning or after the sun goes down, but believe me, staying fit is the most important thing you can do -- other than wearing a mask in public and washing your hands whenever you turn around. When hiking or strolling (on a hot day like today) I wear the mask but don't pull it up until someone is coming. I'm sure all of you do the same thing.
So, if people want to talk, listen.

June 1, 2020

Monday, 1st June -- Amazing, for me, June officially means summer's here. I will miss the OBX, a whole lot. This time last year, do you remember what you were thinking, where you were planning to go? And really looking forward to having a blast? And now? Oh well, life is sometimes unpredictable -- in the case of the virus, extraordinarily unpredictable. Does anyone still have a flight booked for say in Sept. or October? Hotels or B&Bs? To see the Fall leaves? What are you thinking about that now?
The hike to Lucas Valley yesterday was pretty amazing -- it is so different in Northern Marin -- the hills are no longer green, they're going summer gold with dots of green trees. I did take some photos, but they're not great -- well, I'll post one, give you an idea, at least -- very different and we're only 25 minute drive south.
Today, you need to do something special. Something you haven't done in a long time or not at all because of the virus. Maybe get together with friends and neighbors in the driveway or back yard and have music and some dancing and potato salad and grilled corn on the cob. Let me know what you do, IN ADDITION to your daily exercise -- I do hope walking is a lifelong habit now --

May 27, 2020

Wednesday, 27th May -- Not quite so hot today, thank heavens, but I'm going to stick to Sausalito where it's a good deal cooler than going only 5 miles north. We live in an amazing micro-climate. Keep posting pictures and I will too -- a moment of distraction in these weird times --
I like the term COVidiots -- the photo with all the people gathered close in a park -- wow -- where is a functioning brain?
VORTEX is coming right along -- sent the synopsis off to my editor yesterday, see what he thinks. There are two types of writers -- "Pantser" this is more me -- I write by the seat of my pants, and the "Plotset" -- yep, people who plot out the entire book. This means when I send in an outline (synopsis), it's short -- in fact I have to write at least one hundred pages before I can even do one.

Today, if it's hot, get out early or go after the sun departs for the day. Lots and lots of water -- I know, all of you are preaching at me as well --
Stay safe, be smart --

May 26, 2020

Tuesday, 26th May -- so many of your states are opening up -- and you're telling me there are more new cases. Question: More new cases than you'd expect , or are new cases due to more testing? Listen, guys, you're saying there are some folk not behaving as they should? SAY SOMETHING -- be polite -- they'll probably react badly, but if you're nice and reasonable, it'll make them think. (Unless they're teenagers -- and good luck with that.)
The hike yesterday around King's Mountain -- it's an amazing walk, but it was really too hot -- I'm a real heat wuss, simply can't deal with it -- Many of you gave me good ideas about freezing water before you go, etc. -- thank you. 4 miles -- that's a lot. Some of you are doing 5 miles, I applaud you. You're the greatest . Another thing that strikes me on hikes is you're up high, tons of wooded hills around you and then suddenly there's a sort of notch and there's the city -- like in the photo I posted yesterday and your heart gives you a bump.
Please get out early if it's going to be hot, but do not use the heat as an excuse not to walk and exercise -- Hot here again today -- believe me, it ain't going to be four miles! But at least a mile before collapsing in a heap.

May 25, 2020

Monday, 25th May -- gorgeous here today which translates into a mucho big hike with no hurting the knee again -- just a little tweak this time, lots of TLC and rest -- Let's Go!!
All of you in states that are opening up -- are the new COVID cases more than expected? Is everyone using their brains?
Isn't it strange -- there weren't enough masks in the universe, now there are enough for three galaxies, there weren't enough ventilators but now we know the ventilators don't do a lot of good -- so much leaning about this freaking virus. Now we have the team in England working on a vaccine that looks really promising -- all digits crossed. Maybe this Fall????

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY -- Spend a little time thinking about friends, relatives who gave their lives for us in the armed services. Back so many years -- And send a big heartfelt thank you out into the universe.
Everyone out and WALK TODAY --

May 22, 2020

Friday, 22nd May -- Last day of the week which means -- if it's not raining outside -- YOU ARE OUT THERE WALKING -- physical problems? Do what you can, but never give up on trying to keep as fit and healthy as you can and that is always, bottomline, moving. Back stiff -- some gentle stretching, and I hope you have a stretchy band. If not get one from Amazon -- they're really cheap. Take that band, put it behind your back, hold each end in a hand (make it as tight as you can) -- and gently begin to pull and then push back -- great for your upper middle back. Also, stand straight, raise ONLY your shoulders, straight up, then push your shoulder blades together, release. You'll hear lots of cracking -- keep doing this until the crackles are gone (or nearly) Actually, this is good for everyone. Also, climbing stairs, gut in, SBB -- Take care of yourself and those you know -- smart, people, that's the watchword.
Lovely hike today, not sure where yet, depends on what's still closed down -- get that heart pounding, have to stop and pant a bit -- IT's ALL GOOD --

May 21, 2020

Thursday, 21st May -- Already Thursday, end of the week right around the bend. Amazing how fast time is flying by -- even with all the restrictions in our lives. At last we're opening up countrywide -- Pray they'll be few big spikes -- you really might consider telling managers in stores opening up to provide masks at the door and mandate they be worn while shopping. If you're in a restaurant, just be very careful -- do not touch your face, you might wipe down your silverware with sanitizer -- why? You simply don't know how careful staff is being. But it's doable. And talk to the people at tables six feet from you -- make human contact, it's so important.
In Marin County (right over the Golden Gate) we've had 16 COVID deaths -- all of them were older people with pre-existing conditions. Everything is stable, only three current cases. We could be opening up lots faster -- it's so much power in so few hands.
Don't forget, anything coming out of China, don't believe it. Coming out of Russia, don't believe it. Any other places? Sure, I guess the Middle East as well.

Everyone is getting outside and WALKING -- well, most of you who are able. I can't tell you how very important this is. You must stay strong and fit or if you're not yet in really good shape, stick with it. You come in after a three-mile walk And it feels so good, talk about feeling virtuous -- you'll be smiling more, proud, shoulders back -- you'll be golden, so WALK, folks, WALK.

May 20, 2020

Wednesday, 20th May -- Lots of you didn't get the May Newsletter -- it's probably your server screwing around with you if you've signed up. Tell you what, I'll simply put the newsletter on Facebook, that'll solve the problem --the reason I like you guys to actually sign up is that I then have your email and can send you announcements --
I don't have specifics yet, but was told Europe was opening up and wonderful news -- so far, NO SPIKES in COVID. The virus is still there and here and everywhere, of course, but we've really slowed it down enough to re-open in most places. NYC -- the density -- that really makes it tough, but say here in Marin County? OPEN PLEASE. Where you live is everything calm? Very few cases? Last thing we want is to be Venezuela and in a world-wide depression. So we all continue to take really safe measures, e.g., don't go French kissing strangers -- well, maybe, if you're wearing a mask and social distancing -- who came up with that? If there are very few cases in your county and people are hurting, the economy is dying, then EMAIL AND CALL THE GOVERNOR and state reps.
Think of it this way, all the greatest scientific brains in the world are working on vaccines, meds, prevention, you name it -- we will come out of this. We will.
Everyone, butts outside today and walk, walk -- and what's really really important is to visit with people. People in need in your area, see what you can do, okay?