Are you confused about cleaning/disinfecting during the coronavirus pandemic? Me too. (Photo taken in the sweet town of Villedieu.)
Today's word(s): Tout ira bien
: All will be well*
*Famous words of Julian of Norwich
A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse
One week into confinement and I'm waving a white flag of surrender: this time over the obsession to control germs. As you will soon learn, I am not a germaphobe. But like you, I've stepped up my routine: when washing up at the sink, I now rub down handles with my soapy hands, wash the dishtowels daily, and go over buttons, handles, and knobs with a soapy cloth. OK, I did that twice before realizing my family of 4 would continue to use the microwave, the doorknobs, the sink…and they would carry on sneezing, coughing, and breathing on things. Should I keep passing behind them with my soapy sponge? No! It is impossible to keep surfaces germ free all of the time, what with everyone touching everything, all of the time.
During my daily nap/Youtube session (reprieve from it all) a few video recommendations caught my eye. The first program asked, Do You Know the Difference between Cleaning, Sanitising, and Disinfecting?
When the gracious host/professional cleaner admitted that on a daily basis a simple soap and water solution in a spray bottle is sufficient, I breathed a sigh of relief (dish soap and a clean cloth or sponge are my methods for both cleaning and, I suppose, sanitization). But when our Youtube expert turned her attention to the third possibility, I had to admit I had never used a disinfectant. In fact, it's been on my shopping list–to buy as soon as the lines outside of the stores go away. Will they?
Meantime, another suggestion popped up on YouTube. Clicking open the video, I listened to a woman explain how she washes all of her groceries and the sacks in which they were delivered. Next, she admitted that she changes out of her clothes and into fresh vêtements before entering her bedroom–her own sanctuary from germs–to rest.
Snuggled in under my own bedcovers a realization came over me: I had worked all morning in the garden, and then cleaned the chicken run before heading in for my sieste. Lying there in my jeans and my dusty fleece jacket I could now imagine the sheer number of contaminants I had carried into my own sanctuaire. For a moment I felt filthy in the world's eyes…. until images of childhood flooded my mind in a most soothing way.
Nothing's changed since mon enfance. I still take naps after playing in the dirt. And everything has always been and is still OK, and….
"All shall be well,
And all shall be well,
And all manner of things shall be well"
Tout ira bien, et tout ira bien, et tout ne peut qu'aller bien. Julienne de Norvich's words are greatly calming–as is a call to my sister, Heidi, who gives me a crash course in le nettoyage: "Bleach is a good disinfectant." OK, I think I've got that somewhere. Tout ira bien.
Amicalement,
EDIT ME: If you see une faute de frappe (typo) in French or in English, I would greatly appreciate it if you would point it out in the comments or via email. Merci beaucoup!
* * *
P.S.: Do you ever take a nap in your work clothes?
P.P.S. About most germs: Mom adds that sunshine and fresh air are cleansing, and that we should never quit playing in the dirt. I leave you with bon courage wishes, and a screenshot from my sister (I have two soeurs) and me on Facetime. I'm wearing the computer-generated heart-glasses and my trusty dusty fleece jacket. Heidi's got computerized bunny ears. It's Heidi's birthday on March 27th. Joyeuse anniversaire en avance. Thanks for being such a great sister and best friend. XOXOXOXO
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Bonjour Kristi –
Happy pandemic! Thanks for continuing your column in the middle of this insanity!
You asked for it . . . here are some edits.
(1) “I had to admit I have never used a disinfectant.”
I think it should be
“I had to admit I HAD never used a disinfectant.”
(2) “to never quit playing in the dirt”
It is technically incorrect to split an infinitive although people do it all the time. That means you are not supposed to insert a word between “to” and “quit”. Look for another way to express this, perhaps:
“and that I should never quit playing in the dirt.”
(3) “a screenshot from my sister (I have two soeurs) and I on Facetime.”
should read
“my sister . . . and ME”
Bonne chance et bonne santé,
Maureen
Hi Kristi,
Thanks for your post and I love the cute photos of you and Heidi!
Stay well and I think naps are great!
Eileen
Thank you, Maureen!f Off to fix these.
P.S. I still need to update the previous post with corrections. Thank you to everyone who helped.💕
Thanks, Eileen. Take care.
Not only is playing in the dirt (or chicken coop) good for the soul, but it also increases our immunities. So Keep Calm and Carry On, Kristi!
If you can google. search for the song “Julian of Norwich,” sung by Ann Mayo Muir. The refrain and the image of wild daffodils has given me hope many a time:
Ring out bells of Norwich
And let the winter come and go
All shall be well again, I know
All shall be well again, I know
Not so sure! “Had never” implies that she is now but not before. “Have never” is on-going.
Happy to hear this, Kate. Take care.🌞
In my studies to become an herbalist, I learned a bit about the immune system One thing that sticks in my mind is that, like the rest of your body, it needs to be exercised. That means coming in contact with every day germs. If you sanitize everything, your immune system could become weak, with nothing to exercise against.
Also, playing in the dirt will help your biome stay healthy, which in turn, helps you keep healthy. Play away!
I LOVE it that you included the words of Julian of Norwich!! Over the years, I have repeated them whenever I feel anxious about something. Her wisdom always brings peace & hope.
Thanks, Meg, for the song! Enjoying it now, via this link: https://youtu.be/lDhX_P9ehEw
Thanks, Nancy. 💕 This makes me want to read more about the biome you mention.
Thanks Andrew. I need to have another look at that.
So has anyone sneezed on your chicken coop lately and if not you probably don’t have to worry too much about washing the chickens.
You and your sister are soooo cute!! I agree with the above statements, unless a stranger has come in your house or garden and sneezed or coughed on everything, you should all be ok!! Germs are good, viruses are bad. Soap and water kills Covid 19, and a mild bleach solution to wipe all handles, after a trip away from home, is a good idea. We are all hunkered down here in DC, and luckily I have a small garden to work in to relieve cabin fever…
And since you asked, it’s not joyeuse anniversaire, it’s joyeux, just sounds like joyeuse when spoken!! Happy birthday to Heidi, and stay safe !!
I take my nap in what ever I am wearing – on the sofa with my two pups. And I have also been digging in the dirt starting a new cutting garden for flowers. Hind sight tells me I should have put in some veggies. Soon it will be to hot and muggy. As always, I really enjoy your posts and hope that all of you will be well and your family safe. Hugs to you all or should I say elbow s.
I just listened to this – beautiful. This is a new quote and song for me – thanks.
A limerick:
Covid-19’s a scary affair
Supermarkets have shelves that are bare
Should we move to the moon?
Not any time soon
Because we just can’t pay the fare!
Thanks, Suzanne. Also, I am making another load of bread from your No Knead to Knead cookbook. My family thanks you!
Sure does, Kathi. 💕🌞
“and that I should never quit playing in the dirt.”
Why not leave out the word: that? It is superfluous and so over used, but not often needed; leaving it out does not change the meaning of the phrase.
Even though restrictions on split infinitives have eased up considerably, I agree with you and usually find I am more satisfied with result after un-splitting, when I catch it in my own writing and speaking.
Bonjour, Kristi !
Our son, Gabriel, who I believe you met in France with Robert, shares a birthday with your sister! He’ll be 15 years old this Friday, on March 27th!
Best wishes to you and your family!
I’m repeatedly told that at 85 my immune system is not as it used to be, however as friends are staying away, being also self quarantined, no one is sneezing et cetera in my house. SO WHAT IS TO STERILIZE?
Everything I love, café shop with friends, concerts, plays, walks with good friends and having friends visit are all forbidden now.
The saving grace is FaceTime, telephone, iMessage and Facebook. All keeps the cabin fever at bay.
Thank you so much for keeping posting this blog 👍
Agree Andrew
Soap and water are good. I do take a Clorox wipe the few times I’ve gong to the market and wipe the door handle of my car and steering wheel. Didn’t realize how dirty a steering wheel can get! With all of this washing and disinfecting, be kind to your skin and moisturize. My sister Margaret’s birthday was March 27 also. Happy Birthday to Heidi.
Hi Kristi,
You may be interested in this New York Times article about how long the virus lives on various surfaces and in the air. Tried to post the link but your spam trap won’t let me. Just look it up.
Sante, et si, tout ira bien!
Kristi- Of course you know that the virus is carried on droplets of water. i.e. a sneeze. That’s why we have to stay 6 feet apart. So if someone sneezes you don’t want to be hit with that gust. The virus does last for a few hours on cardboard and plastic. BUT when you arrive home and wash with soap and water (the virus is a little ‘ball’ finished in a layer of fat.) The soap breaks that fat barrier and destroys the virus.
When I get a parcel from Amazon or even if I take cat food home in a plastic shopping bag. I leave the bag with the goodies or my parcel in my garage for 24 hours. (And then wash my hands.) Which I believe is enough time for the virus to die.
I take my temperature 2X per day. morning and evening -so far it’s around 97.7 which is normal for me. And one of the symptoms of the virus is if you lose your taste of smell and taste- and believe me- that hasn’t happened to me.
Of course I’m self isolating -I’ve only been out of the house 2x since March 9th.
I think I’ll live….
Bon chance.
and my reply during these times: who cares about the grammar?! I already can see a couple of mistakes I have made and could care less right now ;-}
Our dear Kristi,
Your wonderful,gifted words once again wrap us in hugs and bring smiles and hope–most especially and gratefully received.
The hardest thing to remember(next to tout ira bien )is that THIS WILL PASS.
At our stage of the game(we are in our 70’s) we have endured our fair share of nightmares and crisis,and those words have never failed to prove true.
Dear Jules is so wise in her advice:Jesus told us that fresh air and sunshine are His greatest physicians.I add: mentally as well as physically.
Blessings,our dear Kristi ,to you and your beautiful family for health,safety,and peace.
Love
Natalia xo
We think alike. I leave the Amazon package in front of the door for 24 hours before I bring it in also. I have been out twice since the 5th. And will probably remain in “shelter in place” for a good 4 more weeks. I did not know about losing smell and taste…no problem there for me either.
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/17/health/coronavirus-surfaces-aerosols.html?searchResultPosition=1
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/17/health/coronavirus-surfaces-aerosols.html?searchResultPosition=1
Continue playing in the dirt and breathing in the fresh air. Enjoy that sunshine. And as long as the whole family is remaining on the property there should be no problem. If not perhaps set up a little wash station outside the house so they can wash their hands before entering and touch anything. Living alone is tough because you truly have to reach out in different ways to socialize. Over the fence to the neighbor and such. My sister who lives about 10 miles away and I don’t even get together right now. We are very close, so it is hard. Maybe, just maybe I will finally get my house organized . This truly is global and we tend to forget. I talked to friends in Switzerland and New Zealand last week.
Thanks, Teresa. It may be this article:
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/24/health/coronavirus-mail-packages.html
PS Happy birthday dear Heidi!!!
Blessings always!!
XO
Natalia
It is a beautiful spring day in NYC. I am going down to my community garden soon, which has to remain closed to the public. I have noticed, in the past, that it is impossible to feel unhappy while playing in the dirt, so I look forward to that.
Thanks for that link, Kristi! It feels right to share it today.
I’ve never had such a collection of gels, wipes, bleaches, sprays, etc, etc! How I would love to just go out to the chicken coup and then fall into bed. Stay well and carry on! Bises
I say this as well… and I agree – “All is well, all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well”. Hugs Kristin and Jules!
I finally wiped the doorknobs with isopropyl alcohol. I while back I had to give shots with those insulin needles (for Vitamin B12) and I had lots of bottles of that alcohol left over. Now I can use a little bit! There is construction going on in my house, so I figure I owed it to those workers coming in and out to do that. I am so grateful that construction is allowed to continue! Else I would not get my one bathroom back and usable.
I am not fond of bleach. It does so much more than kill germs, like ruin colors. We cannot live sterile lives, agreed. On the other hand, it is a painful disease and I do not want to learn that anyone I love gets it.
Love this post and the soothing song. Thanks for uplifting our spirits.
Peace and health to your family.
restez chez vous.
I take naps in my outside work clothes. Sometimes I’ll put on my old sweat pants. But those are most likely a bit dirty too. I do, however, always take off my garden boots!
Have fun outside!
Just came in from working in the garden – felt good to be getting it ready for spring. I am also making Dutch Oven Bread. My dough seemed softer than what the video showed. Hope that it turns out well.
This is what we do when we self quarantine.
Peace, Kathleen
PPS did you know that they caught who started the virus?
When they removed the plastic and pulled off the hood it was…..(ready?)
Charmin the toilet paper bear!!!
LOL Need some laughter !!
Bonjour, Kristi,
I’m not certain just where I heard or read this little bit of advice, nor do I know the science to quote in support of it, nevertheless, it is my understanding that the sun’s ultraviolet rays
destroys covid19. Obviously, if one is prone to skin cancer, beware of this exposure to oneself, but it is likely the rationale for leaving articles in the outdoors before bringing them inside. To get the best outcome from this practice, I presume that one needs to take care to place objects out of the shade and into the sun. Bon courage!
Doing lots of cooking (esp. tomato sauce, every Italian American’s default meal in a crisis!) Neither Ralph, nor I, are going in to work and getting a bit stir crazy but other than that all is well here. Getting fresh air every day certainly helps and is a proven way to keep germs at bay. Thinking of you all and hoping this crisis will soon pass! xoN
Merci for continuing your column. It’s just so fou that all of us, around the world, are experiencing the same thing. I laughed today when I washed off my apples and mandarines, and boxes and packages that my niece had so nicely picked up for us at a supermarket and left on our patio. We’re isolating. We’re healthy but 78 years old. We aren’t having anyone in and I’m talking my husband out of going to the hardware store everyday. No, no, don’t go. He walks on a vita-course, 3 o4 4 miles and that helps him. Me, I’ve got my studio and have taken to writing a poem every day. Something I’ve never done. So, my dear, we’ll get through this, we will, and creativity and innovation will flourish and inspire. And PS I’m glad you mom is there and not far away in Mexico. Hi, Jules.
Good job Mike!
Truly, I am sick to death of “Crazy-19” and germaphobia. Mon mari is in Stage 4 esophogial cancer and growing weaker by the hour. He soon will no longer be able to stay at home. The name of the game is perspective. If it’s close to you, it matters. If it’s not, just let it go. But, I don’t want to let HIM go. Je suis désolé. Thank you for letting me get this out of my system.
Linda, reaching through this screen, putting this arm around you as you care for your dear husband. God bless you both. We keep you in our hearts and our thoughts . Bon courage.💕