Notes for the Road (well, notes for home, this week).

What day is it? (Friday.) What time is it? (As of me writing this, 6:32 AM.) How are you doing? (I really, really hope you are well.) We are at the end of week two of social distancing here in Massachusetts and I’m finding comfort in the bright spots on the internet like this new Save with Stories instagram account (and the easiest way to donate $10!), the bright spots in your week, watching Money Pit with the boys one morning (Tom Hanks’ laugh at the bathtub scene), bike rides on a warm evening, and dance parties while I make dinner on Instagram. I’m hoping that you’re all enjoying the levity I’m trying to bring to Instagram, despite the fact that so many’s realities are dire. It feels right, but I know there is suffering, and sadness out there too. I just hope evening dance parties might bring a smile to your face.

Some weekend reading…

What we’re watching right now: The Hunters. It’s crazy, and definitely violent in a (semi) Quentin Tarantino way. But a very interesting concept. We’re on episode 2.

Favorite thing about homeschooling this week: a lesson on Matisse. I’ve added this to a highlight if you missed it, but I really enjoyed doing this with the boys (mostly Parker. Anders tuned in and tuned out.). While it doesn’t check the fundamentals box–letters, math (we are doing some of that too!)–we all learned something! What’d we do? We watched a quick Youtube on Matisse, and learned a few things about him, and how his art changed over time with his illness. Then we painted his earlier art, using a vase of flowers as our inspiration, and then his later art, a little more young-kid friendly with the cut outs. Also, listened to Henri’s Scissors on Youtube.

You guys are really good at predicting what I will like, and whomever (there were several of you, actually) recommended this book were correct. It’s so up my alley. It’s fitting at a time such as this, and with little chicks getting bigger by the day in my kitchen, and a new garden bed outside waiting to have living things in it! (Similar vein, if you haven’t seen Biggest Little Farm yet, what are you doing?!?)

Nice to start a day with this podcast for kids, and there are also print outs that they can color along while they listen.

Nordstrom is having a sale, and while some of us are feeling like we’ll never need real clothes and miscellany again, I do suspect there will be an end to this. If you’re feeling similarly, maybe check out the following links…

Best backpack ever, and almost never gets discounted.

These sneakers are awesome and may inspire you to move your body at home!

About as predictable as it gets, but I’m sorry, these leggings really are fantastic. The high-waist ones have become my favorite.

This shirt is just really cute.

And, not on sale, but just a Hunt favorite: these sandals.

Also not on sale, but perfect summer dress.

My friend Caroline (who is full of so much wisdom, and thus, stellar recommendations) said this was a great watch. A Veritas forum on the Coronavirus.

Reading Cup of Jo the other day I was reminded how fun the NERTS card game is. Playing this weekend! We’re also going to try this for the first time.

I had three too-ripe bananas yesterday, so I made this Smitten Kitchen double chocolate banana bread. It’s delicious, as you can imagine. I used Guittard dark chocolate chips.

I think this would be delicious quarantine food. Grilled cheese croutons? Come on, Ina.

I’m undecided on bedding for this room we’re doing in our house, but I also really love everything at Morrow Soft Goods. Do I want to go bright like white or do I want to go dark, like the deep blue? I’m leaning towards dark. I would love to have this print in the room too.

Do you have your kids doing any outside-the-box crafts like embroidery? Crochet? Needlepoint? If so, will you let me know and share a link?

Get some fresh air, take deep breaths, and stay well, friends!