This Week
We’ve officially made the transition from our first season here in Minnesota, frostbite, to our second season, mosquito bite. The weather is absolutely gorgeous, temps are approaching 70 degrees during the day and the nights settle to the crisp 40’s. The crab apple trees and lilacs are nearly in full bloom, the colors and fragrance are unbelievable. This perfect weather won’t last long, Minnesota summers are typically hot and very humid.
Our governor announced on Wednesday that most everything in the state will be reopening by June 1st, barring anything unforeseen. A few more beloved local restaurants have announced their permanent closures and I’m afraid many more will be to come.
On The Travel Front
It now appears that both of my upcoming trips -- Ireland in August and Toronto in September are in jeopardy. Ireland is opening up soon but may still have a mandatory 14-day quarantine for passengers traveling from abroad. Considering our trip was only going to be for 10 days this won't work. I guess I picked a bad time to start a travel show. Things are changing day-by-day basis so we’re giving it until the end of May before we officially pull the plug on Ireland.
Being a tumbleweed by nature, my mood is so much better when I have a trip planned. Worst case scenario I'll have more time to learn video editing and get more polished on camera.
Amstel Update
Amstel had his stitches removed and should only have to wear this donut around his neck for another week or so. He, somehow, managed to break open the incision so he’ll have to wear it a week longer than normal. He seems to prefer the donut over the cone, his eyes instantly get heavy when we put it on him. Oh, and his new nickname is “Dunkin”.
Culinary Creations
A professional chef I am not but as it has with so many of us, boredom and limited access to restaurants have forced us to get a little more imaginative with cooking meals. I’ve made a few new dishes this week, this one is panko breaded chicken breast (with spicy barbeque sauce), asparagus, and sweet potatoes.
One good outcome of this pandemic has been more video calls with my family. Mom and Dad are a little self conscious on video so I’ve been trying to break the ice with some of the Facebook filters and games.
During this particular call my Dad and nephew discovered a game on Facebook that challenges you to try to eat virtual hamburgers. My dad said it was the most fun he’s ever had on a call so I think we’ll be doing more of that.
I got around to dismantling my 60 year old Raleigh wheels this week and delivered the original hubs to a wheel builder who will be lacing them into some new modern wheels, hopefully, today. I was going to try and build them myself but after watching a few how-to videos it was clearly beyond my skillset. Ten years ago I would've just jumped in and tried but age has wisened me up a little.
As I was taking out all of the old spokes I noticed quite a bit of rust and even a few spokes popping out of the inside of the rear wheel. All it would have taken is a pothole or a curb for one of those to puncture the tube and I would’ve been stranded somewhere with a flat tire. It’s been tough to be without a bike this week but the wait will be worth it.
Hope Breakfast Bar Initiative
For those of you who missed my last few Pandemic Diaries posts I’m donating the proceeds of all my book sales in May to a wonderful charity that I’ll tell you more about below.
I still have no idea how many books I’ve sold so far in May because Amazon doesn’t have a tool to track sales in real time. Get on that Bezos, would you please!?
If you’ve bought a copy of Alarm Clock Dawn or The Perfect Pause, I thank you!
For the entire month of May 100% of all proceeds from my book sales will be donated to, Hope Breakfast Bar. They’re serving meals to 1,000-2,000 people per day (10,000 per week) to families in need, first responders, and medical staff working on the front line during the pandemic. The links are below to donate or purchase books.
Donate directly to Hope Breakfast Bar
Link to purchase The Perfect Pause
Link to purchase Alarm Clock Dawn
Things I’m Grateful For
I’m going to end this, and every future Pandemic Diary entry with a list of things I’m grateful for.
- Russian Kettle Bells. They've been my saviour since the gym has closed;
- Yoga. I've been doing more this week;
- Chateau les Acacias Bordeaux. It's the best $10 wine I've ever had; and
- Lilacs. Nothing beats the scent of these in the spring.
I hope you’re all well and have a wonderful weekend.
With Gratitude,
Eric Vance Walton
*I am an American novelist, poet, traveler, and crypto-enthusiast. If you’ve enjoyed my work please sign up for my author newsletter at my website. Newsletter subscribers will receive exclusive updates and special offers and your information will never be sold or shared.
Alarm Clock Dawn, one of the first full length novels published on the blockchain, and the book that started it all for me can be found HERE. Or Click Here to read it for free on the blockchain
My book on meditation, The Perfect Pause, is priced at $12.99 (paperback) and $4.99 (eBook). Buy the paperback and receive the eBook for free!
