ED NOTE: With the outbreak of Coronavirus, families have been isolated from each other. Some are mourning the loss of their loved ones, or praying for those in need who are without the love and support offered by the physical presence of family and friends. Millions also worry about becoming sick, about losing their livelihoods, homes and savings. Amid this fear and sadness, there is a universal message relevant to these unprecedented times, regardless of whether one believes in a higher power or not. It is a message of hope and solidarity we share with our fellow human beings.

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We see it in the actions of all those in essential services who are putting their lives on the line for others during the COVID-19 crisis, and in every act of kindness from one another in these troubling times. All of them are demonstrating the universal message of the world’s great religions, that is the basis of all human decency and kindness - to treat others as we would want to be treated ourselves. It’s the message found in the words of Jesus from Matthew 7:12: “In everything, do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets.”

Even in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are not powerless. We can comfort the sick and their families, even if we cannot be with them. We can donate to charity according to our means. We can look out for one another. We can be messengers of hope, even in the darkest hours.

May all of our readers and their loved ones stay safe and healthy! I hope you enjoy enjoy this issue and I hope it brings you some information, some joy, and some laughter. There is a light at the end of this tunnel.

God bless you and yours! -Kelly & Margaret

Mike and Karen McCarty occasionally interrupted their stay-at-home regimen in March and April with walks around the condo neighborhoods and at two area parks. At Saugatuck Dunes State Park, they met up with Ryan and Missy's family and all practiced social distancing on the beach. And the day before Easter, Karen and Mike took money-filled plastic eggs and hid them for Mia, Luke, Brayden, Natalie and Henry to find in their yards. At home, Karen sewed masks for the family, Mike played guitar, they had Shipt deliver a couple of grocery orders, and they kept in touch with the family on Zoom. Mike also played long-distance Monopoly via Face Time with Marylanders Andy and Max. The Michigander won, thanks to Boardwalk and Park Place hotels. 

A Sight On Our Daily Walk - Some Social Distance Beach Time - Virtual Face Time Monopoly With MD Grandkids

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Grandkids Found The Hidden Eggs

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Karen Making Masks - Getting Groceries Shipped

DATELINE: MY QUARANTINE DIARY

Being a good citizen and following President Trumps '15 Days To Stop The Spread', I started a diary to recap my days in quarantine. Here's my entries.

Day 1 – Dear Diary. I Can Do This!! Got enough food and wine to last a month!
Day 2 – Dear Diary. Opening my 8th bottle of Wine. I fear wine supplies might not last!
Day 3 – Dear Diary. Strawberries: Some have 210 seeds, some have 235 seeds. Who Knew??
Day 4 – 8:00pm. Dear Diary. Removed my Day Pajamas and put on my Night Pajamas.
Day 5 – Dear Diary. Today, I tried to make Hand Sanitizer. It came out as Jello Shots!!
Day 6 – Dear Diary. I get to take the Garbage out. I’m So excited, I can’t decide what to wear.
Day 7 – Dear Diary. Laughing way too much at my own jokes!!
Day 8 – Dear Diary. Went to a new restaurant called “The Kitchen”. You have to gather all the ingredients and make your own meal. I have No clue how this place is still in business.
Day 9 – Dear Diary. I put liquor bottles in every room. Tonight, I’m getting all dressed up and going Bar hopping.
Day 10 –Dear Diary. Struck up a conversation with a Spider today. Seems nice. He’s a Web Designer.
Day 11 – Dear Diary. Isolation is hard. I swear my fridge just said, “What the hell do you want now?”
Day 12 – Dear Diary. I realized why dogs get so excited about something moving outside, going for walks or car rides. I think I just barked at a squirrel.
Day 13 – Dear Diary. If you keep a glass of wine in each hand, you can’t accidentally touch your face.
Day 14 – Dear Diary. Watched the birds fight over a worm. The Cardinals lead the Blue Jays 3–1.
Day 15 – Dear Diary. Anybody else feel like they’ve cooked dinner about 395 times this month?

Going out to stores to pick up essential needs for the family during a pandemic can be trying and down right scary. Only the brave should attempt this. Just to show the ingenuity and creativity of Walmart shoppers, here are just a few of the personal protective equipment they were able to conjure up to keep safe.

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CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) - IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM THE CDC

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Know How it Spreads

•There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
•The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
•The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person. Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
..........◦Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.
..........◦These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
..........◦Some recent studies have suggested that COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.

Everyone Should Wash Your Hands

Clean your hands often

•Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
•If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
•Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
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Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others

•You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick.
•Everyone should wear a cloth face cover when they have to go out in public, for example to the grocery store or to pick up other necessities. 
..........◦Cloth face coverings should NOT be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise ..........  unable to remove the mask without assistance.
•The cloth face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected.
•Do NOT use a facemask meant for a healthcare worker.
•Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. The cloth face cover is not a substitute for social distancing.
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Bad Bad Covid-19

Mike sings a song about the Covid-19 virus
(sung to Bad Bad Leroy Brown)

Online Learning Song

A music teacher sings her heart out
about the transition to online learning.

Easter Egg Hunt

No kids over during a quarantine?
No problem! Gina solves this issue.

Musical Accidents?

Ever wonder how some of the great songs and videos were inspired? It was accidental. Here's some.

DATELINE: SAMSUNG PHONE OWNERS

A warning to all Samsung users... To the right is a photo of Sergio Bennett of Fraser, Michigan, who was the latest victim of a Samsung Galaxy phone. The phone did not explode, but his wife did discover his password.

YOUR DATELINE NEWS WILL RETURN IN JULY