When Life Hands You Lemons - Make Sugar Cookies

On Friday, we in the U.S. learned that several states in response to the increased spread of COVID19 had issued a total lockdown to its residents. I live in Texas, and no such announcement has been made yet.

In fact, it's a bit hard to get any credible information locally or nationally. I also learned that as of today:

• 43,945 cases of the virus;
• 547 have deceased;
• New York has over half the total cases in the U.S.;
• New York's infection rates have been increasing every 3 days; and
• virus is spreading rapidly.

This virus must be taken seriously. As in other countries, the U.S. is taking measures to combat it. But it seems bureaucracy is grinding to a halt substantive measures needed to combat the virus. I don't pretend to know what the solution is or what is being done on a higher level. But I do know that the information we are receiving from the federal government seems to contain mixed messages.

For instance, the health professionals recommend self quarantine for certain individuals. They indicate the virus is spreading at a more rapid rate than initially predicted simply because testing is not available to uncover the true indications of how widespread this virus truly is. However, our federal government's focus seems to be on revitalizing the economy. I know that millions of Americans will be affected by the economy. Their livelihoods have been interrupted, and they are worried how to provide for themselves and their families.

But how can the economy be revitalized when the federal government doesn't even know the extent to which its combined workforce is infected due to non-testing? Millions more Americans have yet to be tested. Our government officials, health professionals, and everyday individuals have been infected. This virus doesn't discriminate.

^{Image by geralt from Pixabay}

Yesterday, our President proposed that a re-evaluation of the American economy needs to take place next week and plans to urge Americans to "get back to work" to stimulate the economy. American lives are being weighed against the economy. Which one is more important? An important element is missing here at a time when our health professionals are urging social distancing.

To bring the situation home and closer to my reality, yesterday I received a notice from my Clinic that doctor visits would now be conducted by phone or e-visits. This was a welcome relief since I was due to a scheduled visit next week. I still need to visit the lab for my 3-month diabetes tests.

^{Image by geralt from Pixabay}

When it comes to testing, I can understand and insist that our first responders must always be given first priority. The selfless individuals are the ones on the front lines protecting the remainder of our society. The tireless efforts of our health professionals, teachers, medics, and others are to be commended.

Schools in certain states have closed. Texas is included. Trying to explain to my granddaughter the positive effects of social distancing due to COVID19 was a bit difficult when dealing with an unseen health threat.

Her solution was that since she couldn't go to school and play with her friends that I help her bake Sugar Cookies after she completed her online school-at-home assignments.

Putting all the serious issues in the world aside for one day, we gathered the ingredients needed to begin our baking.

Ah..baked goodness. And the smell is wonderful. Makes you forget about your trouble for a while.

Since I'm the helper, my assignment was to read the instructions. That's it. She wants to attend culinary school to become a famous baker. So I told her to take a picture of her creation to show her friends and to share with me.

First, she assembled the ingredients:

• 1 c. butter
• 1 c. sugar
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1.2 tsp. almond extract
• 1 egg
• 2 c. all purpose flour (sifted)
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda

Next, she finally heated the oven to 375 deg. F.

I told her to do this first. But since it wasn't in the instructions as the first step, I didn't know what I was talking about. She informed me this was her project.

She was literally reading from top to bottom as instructed by her teacher. What do I know?

Third, came the mixing of ingredients:

The butter and sugar.

She added the egg.
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Forgot the flavorings. No big deal. It doesn't matter when you add it.

Then she added the flour and baking soda.

Looking good so far. She was happy with it.

She used a tablespoon to scoop the dough and round it into a ball. Then place them on cookie sheet, flatten them out, and sprinkle extra sugar on top.

Finally, she placed them in the oven and baked for 12 minutes.

Voila! She did it. Remember, this was her project, so don't comment on how they look or supposedly tasted. I don't know because I didn't eat any.

She wanted to save them for her friends. When I explained again she wouldn't be seeing her friends for a while, she stated, "I'll just put them in the refrigerator until I see them again."

"Whatever you say, sweetie," I responded.

By the time she left a few days later, only half of them remained!

For the time being, we are asked to utilize our home officer. Whether this will become our new reality for the next several months has yet to be determined.

^{Image by geralt from Pixabay}

But in order to keep our children safe from this threat, we adults must figure this out.

And until a vaccine for this virus is proven effective and available to everyone, let's do our part in stopping the spread of COVID19 with credible information and guidance from our health professionals.

^{Image by geralt from Pixabay}