What day is it?

I know it is Wednesday,  because I am going to see a friend, but other than that...quarantine day 1000?

I stopped looking at the numbers posted, one day they more than doubled, saying a bunch of test results had come in. Then the numbers went down...but they still climb, so who knows? We think the reporting and testing is so sporadic it is hard to believe anything.

This list was posted on the 8th of May. There were reports of cases in San alejo and San jacinto,  but have never had any confirmation.  

This one was posted 16th of May...yesterday it said Sucre had 56...what a mess!

The ATM here in town has been out of cash for at least a couple weeks, the bank is a cooperative and kinda low man on the totem pole is what Ive been told, when asked when the cash will get replenished.  The inside bank has reopened, and is conducting business almost as usual.

We still have red light restrictions,  curfew and weekend driving restrictions, tho it is not as enforced here as in the larger cities. Moto taxis and others are adhering to the restrictions so as not to get fined, so getting around is tricky at times. I know they did that for a reason...grrr.

In other news, the weather is cooling down. The winds have picked up, puttering in the garden and around the house, getting projects done. Something good has to come from this! So..as always, stay home, and stay tuned, the adventure continues. 

Mia and Perry

Lets take a break from the virus and the growing numbers for a minute.  My little kitten, going on 8 months old! Wow is becoming quite the little hunter. She slays tiny dragons...

And the occasional bird. Doves are my least favorite. As soon as she brings them in the house there are feathers everywhere! And they are darn difficult to sweep up. Perry will usually come and gently take it from her, and thankfully take the bird outside. (Where they have shared the spoils)

This little baby is some different bird, its feathers didnt fall off. Here Perry investigates if he needs to take it outside or not...he decided no, morning nap was more important. 

And just when I was wondering if she was going to catch mice...ta da! Our first little mouse the other night.

So proud of her, she also alerted me to a snake the other day. She was very intently looking at something, so I got up to check. Luckily he did not hang out long after he was discovered.  (And then I had the weeds fumigated)

Just another way to stay entertained during quarantine.  Stay home, stay safe and stay tuned, the adventure continues. 

CoVid continued

Another couple weeks have past, and the numbers are still rising. I dont even look at the stats from Guayas anymore, as Manabi is growing steadily. Still only 2 close by in Charapoto and 3 or 4 in Rocafuerte. None listed in Bahia, which people think is shady...and 1 reported across the Bahia Bay bridge in san Vicente. Portoviejo and Manta...uff!

And the country wide numbers

Saw a post outlining burial costs, no wonder people aren't cremating, it costs almost $500 where to bury is just a casket and some bricks to block up the tomb. A casket manufacturer is making very cheap models for the poorest families, maybe even giving for free.

Neighbors are helping each other as well. San Clemente has been doing food drives for their poorest, and fisherman are sharing their catches. Over 600 fish and 400 lbs of shrimp divided and given out over the past couple days. 

Because no one is sick in our little villages, some dont see the risk, but as cases rise, and Ecuador becomes number one in cases in South America, maybe people will listen. There are no cars allowed on the roads Saturday or Sunday, the past two weekends and the special permits for drivers after 2 pm curfew had to be recently changed, as people were not adhering to the essential items only rule. Guayas province, and Guayaquil are still a total mess, not sure what the military is doing there, but its not enough!

Hope you and yours all are safe, I happened to see several comments left the other day, thank you for your well wishes. Stay home, and stay tuned, the adventure continues. 

Government help, rescue or hindrance?

The government finally came up with some money for the poor...unfortunately it meant they had to leave their homes, and stand in line...

This was in Guayaquil,  but Charapoto had the same thing happen. One man said he got there at 730 am stood in line til noon, and THEN  was told he had to come back another day. They are only giving $60 at this time. I did read that some families would get a full monthly salary of $400...but my "go to guy" said it would be many hoops to jump thru, and not likely to happen soon.

In Portoviejo the military has come in, as they were not staying home. Ecuadors driving restrictions have increased (mainly larger cities) and NO ONE is out in their cars on Sunday. Taxis are allowed to work ONE DAY A WEEK (depending on the number of their taxi permit) And people are only allowed driving privilege one day a week.

Total country is mandated to wear masks in public, most were already doing it here in our small villages. Heard the brothels in Cuenca were asking to be labeled "essential", promised masks and gloves would be worn, but they deemed them NOT to be essential. 

Have also been seeing more of this,  and art classes online. Unfortunately not all have access to internet. We are all just doing our best to stay well.  Stay tuned, the adventure continues. 

Quarentine day ???

Looks like this little country of Ecuador has made some news, I have a Facebook friend who lives in Colombia  and she asked if I was ok. We are indeed burning bodies in the streets down in Guayas province.  A couple things, one it is not the actual cremation that is a problem,  there are at least 4 crematoriums in the country but the pick up of the deceased is the problem. Also, people are trying to get their deceased loved ones to other provinces for burial, and the authorities are not allowing that,  so they are burning them in the streets. No one seems to be sure about the contagion after death...

Here in Manabi,  they are taking every precaution they can think of...even here washing the parking lot and outdoor area of the local hospital. 200,000 gallons of disinfectant if I remember correctly. 

The numbers continue to climb, not by standards of other countries,  but it is not over. All we can do is stay home, and pray. 

Take care loved ones,  stay tuned...the adventure continues. 

Quarantine projects

I have been trying to keep busy while bannished to the house and yard for the past 16 or so days...my first project was painting a wall in the kitchen. Then the floor, which meant moving my shelving unit, which meant taking everything off and washing it all. It also meant finally getting the black hole that is under my sink organized. Awww, much better!

The next day I decided to do the other wall, and am very happy with the results.

I only had two rollers,  and were using them for the floor, so I had to use a brush, but I  like the textured look it gave. Keeps in the rustic-ness of the house. The window valance is what inspired the color scheme, and take note the valance was a skirt my mom brought one year. If the hardware stores werent closed, I would continue on, and finish the floor in the liv room, but hardware is non essential...

I brought in a table from outdoors, and had planned on sewing projects,  but havent got there yet. I hear there is time...how many more weeks of quarantine?

Yesterday I needed to change the sheets, which meant a good cleaning of the bedroom. Changed curtains, thinking paint, duh...and had to fix the window screen because the cat is using it to climb in and out. I had some tree trunks in the yard, from when the fence was built, brought one in the house, wrapped some burlap around it...and voile! A tree ramp for Mia

It takes her to the top where the ceiling and walls dont quite meet, and she can get in and out as she pleases. She also is using it to sharpen her nails. When the hardware stores open again, I will buy some rope and wind it around in some places for more traction. But for now, it works! Always something more to come, so stay tuned...the adventure continues. 

New curfew

As of a couple days ago, our mandatory curfew was changed from 7pm to 2pm! Now for the whole country. They have again changed the driving rules, depending on your license plate number, one is only allowed out and driving 2 days per week. No one without mask or gloves allowed in supermarkets, banking still done by outside windows only. With the new curfew,  stores, banks and restaurants have had to change their hours, so even now if we order dinner, it arrives before 2pm.

Ecuador's numbers have been climbing very slowly, thanks to the measures being taken early. I also believe that the spread in Guayas has really opened peoples eyes and they are taking quarantine seriously now. (I read an article this morning about the living condition in much of Guayas,  and brought to light how unbearable being cooped up would be, no wonder they didnt stay home. 6 or more adults in a house 10x10, hot, near 100F with kitchen in the middle, no breeze, no internet)

There have been issues of locals running out of money and supplies, no work means no money. Some of the politicians/assemblymen are donating their salaries to help the poor in their communites. Have also seen and heard of farmers bringing their crops to town center, as there is no market to sell them, at least people can take what they can use.

Also saw today that our canton (county) of Sucre bought a disinfecting mobile.  Said they are driving around after curfew, disinfecting with hypochlorite.  I had to look this up, and essentially it is similar to bleach,  so not too sure if it helps or not. (But the guy driving it is probably having fun)

Guess thats all for today. Stay inside, stay well and stay tuned, the adventure continues. 

Quarantine continues

We now have 4 cases confirmed in the Galapagos.  That is where our President ran to when it all hit the fan. Hmmm...

In an effort to regulate peoples comings and goings, the supermarkets were limiting entrance to 30 people. They did this very lax on the first several days, but got more and more diligent.  The larger cities of Manta and Portoviejo also had driving restrictions,  depending on the last number of ones license plate. But now, we are shut down and not allowed to travel that far,  we have to stay in our Canton (think county).  Last week they were fumigating buses, cars, trucks and motos traveling between cantons and provinces. Now I dont think travel is permitted period.

Banking can be done here in San Jacinto by outside window only 9-1pm. And there have been many posts on FB to use electronic means if at all possible. Pharmacies are open, we have two in San Jacinto. Charapoto Sunday market was closed,  and all work has stopped on construction sites and non essential projects.

Just another reason I am so glad to live in a small town off the beaten path.  I may just survive this pandemic.  Picture above, centro San Clemente... a ghost town. Better safe than sorry. Stay well, and stay tuned, the Adventure continues. 

Ecuador under quarantine

It dawned on me this afternoon, as Im sitting in front of the fan cooling off from my quarantine puttering...that I needed to write about this. It reminds me very much of the transportation strike we had months ago...that I meant to write about,  and never did. Oops. So, here we are. Ecuador, well...Manabi under quarantine.  One word, QUIET. Very little traffic, and even tho everyone is at home, very little music. No vendors, no buses and town is void of the normal hustle and bustle. Two tiendas are open (in SJ), and several restaurants for delivery only.

These are the latest numbers.

The province with the most cases is now under military rule. They just would NOT STAY HOME!

Large cities, Manta, Guayaquil et al have 2pm curfew. Ours here on the coast, in small town is 7pm and the police come by at night, about 7:15 with a loud speaker to remind you. Stiff fines if found out after curfew, hundreds of dollars and possibly months in jail.

Our closest case has been reported in Charapoto, a doctor from Guayaquil recently came. Hopefully he had been self isolating,  but we have no idea at this point. 

I have been doing well with completing projects. Painted a wall in my kitchen, and the floor in there as well. Made room for the sewing machine,  and will get out some fabric tomorrow. Wish I could go visit, but am happy to be getting some things done around the house. Will keep you all posted, stay home, and safe and  as always, stay tuned, the Adventure continues!!

Spay and Neuter at home

As Mia approaches age of her first heat cycle, I knew I needed to get her fixed, I spoke with my friend Leo who also had a dog to fix. We made the appointment for Friday afternoon with a local vet from Charapoto who came to the house. He was going to charge $60 for Mia, but then brought the price down to $45 if we got 3 or more. Fingers crossed that #notmydog Toby would be around when it was time to go, and he was! 

Toby and Leo, waiting for the anesthesia to kick in. Bless his heart, no more fights for Toby (hopefully)

I borrowed a carrier from the chihuahuas and had that on the floor of my house for over a week. Mia was getting used to it, and really liked it, so getting her in it when it was time to go, was a breeze!

After Toby was done, I took him home in a truck, then came back to wait for Mia to be finished. Glad I was not there to watch, but two of Leo's family were very interested. 

She was not squeamish at all...maybe another nurse in the family. 

After surgery Leo and I celebrated with a glass of wine, while we waited for them to wake up. 

When I got home Toby was awake, but not phased. Yesterday everyone stayed close to Mom and rested. 

So glad that's taken care of! Not going to be a grandma! Whew... many thanks to Noah the vet, and Leo for arranging. And as always, Stay tuned, the adventure continues!

Free water

Finally a post not about kittens, haha.

The city of Manta, Ecuador's 3rd largest city is having work done on their water delivery system. They have been repairing the old pipes a couple neighborhoods at a time, and there have been scheduled delivery trucks (tanqueros) to assist those who are not recieving water because of it.

This particular neighborhood has 360 families that were coming to get free water until the project is complete. So far, they have been on time and on budget,  completion should be next week.

The city of Manta has been doing many improvement projects with the election of the new (younger) mayor recently. The beach area has had clean ups and trash/ recycling bins placed around and also a tree planting project involving school children. 

I dont get to Manta often, I am just too used to the smaller, slow paced beach life, but when I do go, it is a beautiful city and I feel safe, somewhere I really should explore more, so...Stay tuned, the adventure continues. 

Introducing Mia

After Christmas eve dinner at friends, I came home to find only one kitten. She was the sweeter of the two, so I was glad she stuck around. I named her Mia, feminine for mine in spanish. No longer #notmykittens.  Made her a collar, so it is official. 

She knows how to get in the house, using the window or door screen then jumping up to the open ledge at the roof line.  I am teaching her with the squirt bottle, and will have her fixed next month. She is hours of entertainment for sure.

Everything is a toy, including Perry and #notmydog Toby's tail. But she also has a LOT of nap time...

She is just at 3 and half months old, what an experience this has been, but its not over, so stay tuned...the adventure continues.