March can be divided into to parts: PQ (pre-quarantine) and Q (quarantine). Not much happened PQ. Life was pretty quiet.

Ruth had softball tryouts at the beginning of the month. She was both nervous and excited. She found out what team she was drafted to, alas, only to find out later that the season is cancelled.

Jim learned how to smoke beef jerky. I’m usually not a beef jerky fan, but this stuff is delicious!

We celebrated Peter’s 16th birthday! Peter had an early morning lift on his birthday, so we saved the bday pancakes for dessert after dinner.

We had family over the following weekend to celebrate. Here’s the lovely Giere-Johanik rendition of “Happy Birthday”.

Shortly before the shelter-in-place order was given, Jim and his ministry co-worker rode the train into Chicago to lead the Loop Group. Clearly, people had already made the decision to stay home from work.

Derek had left for Cuba on March 7, before we knew anything about an upcoming pandemic. Thankfully, he was able to return just before things began closing down. He had a wonderful trip and saw God at work in powerful ways there.

Upon his return, he learned that he would be spending the remainder of his semester at home, taking classes online. Thus the Q period began. We also began worshiping at church from the family room. Many things remained the same: beautiful songs, Scripture reading, announcements, and sermon from God’s word. One thing that was vastly different was attire. Yes, some of us wore PJs to church.

We still interact, just remotely.

Derek and Peter joined me on a run one morning. After a mile, I regretted letting them set the pace. I was whooped by the end.

Ruth and I had some beautifying fun while in quarantine. We died our hair turquoise…

and did a peeling face mask.

The boys got permission to borrow some equipment so they can still get their workouts in. This more than anything else, I think, is keeping their heads above water during quarantine.

Knowing it’s going to be a long rest of the semester and summer, Jim designed a dorm room for Derek. He went to the Menards (essential business) up the street, brought home big pieces of lumber, and he and the boys attached a loft to the wall.

Everyone likes hanging out in Derek’s “dorm room” now. They all played Minecraft together one afternoon.

It snowed toward the end of the month, though thankfully it melted within 24 hours.

Ruth has been Zooming and FaceTiming friends she can’t see in person.

She continues to play with neighbor friends, however. They do their best to remain 6 feet apart. One family hosted a street hockey game.

We are playing more board games.

And my favorite: Peter decided to learn to play the guitar. I love hearing the music as it travels throughout the house.