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!!