I am writing this on Day 3 of what I am calling The Hunkering. Frankly, I am not a fan of the term “social distancing,” as it implies that we are all still gathering but just at arm’s length. Let’s not pretend that we are doing anything other than hunkering down and waiting for the storm to pass.

We went for a hike to a place new to us called by locals Lick Brook Falls. As we drove there on back roads, we saw families out in their yards tossing balls and frisbees, parents and kids walking dogs together, people sitting on their stoops enjoying the chilly sunshine. It seemed to recall another time when our interests and our world didn't offer so many temptations to divert us from the important Sunday business of being together.

I was surprised to see so many people out enjoying the hike. Despite being in the woods, the sounds of voices carried from around the gorge, people laughing and chatting and pleased to be out in the sunshine, though it was a fool’s sunshine - deceptively brilliant, yet not at all warm.

This week begins with the Teen off from school for the next month and my husband working remotely from across the dining table. The oldest child is still working full-time at a job requiring his presence. There will be constant negotiations with the Teen about meeting up with friends and I hope that the weather permits them to gather in a small group outdoors. They’ve already been in school together for days, so everything they’ve had they’ve shared.

As I went through my photos of the walk this morning, I was struck by how much the shadows of the trees on the pool of water resemble the new tote design pictured above.

I almost didn’t like this tote design and now it might be one of my new favorites. Available to purchase here if you’re interested. There’s a spring green version as well.

x Robin