Maintaining motivation is becoming an increasing challenge for many people slogging through life curtailed by the coronavirus pandemic. Initially facing weeks confined to our homes, we tackled, with some satisfaction, long-neglected chores like weaning closets of clothes that no longer fit our bodies or lifestyles, reorganizing drawers and emptying pantries and refrigerators of forgotten foodstuffs.…
Here’s what you need to know: Illinois makes it a misdemeanor for business owners who flout pandemic restrictions. ImageIn the face of increasing disregard of stay-at home-orders, Gov. J.B. Pritzker has increased the penalty for businesses that violate efforts to slow the rate of Covid-19 infections.Credit…Nam Y. Huh/Associated Press The owners of restaurants, bars and other…
Bringing greenery inside is important if you’re going to be spending a lot of time indoors. But don’t just focus on the plants. A well-designed container “allows you to curate your plant choices to create something that feels special and personal,” said Aaron Booher, a principal at Future Green Studio, a landscape design firm in…
When reservations for this year’s cruise with Garrison Keillor, the former public radio host, went on sale last May, Mr. Keillor’s loyal listeners rushed to claim passage. Cabins sold out in 23 hours. The Veendam, boarding 1,350 passengers, was scheduled to leave for the Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on March 18. But a week…
As parents stay home with their children, in a situation of anxiety and uncertainty, the recurring rituals of daily life — eating and sleeping and occupying your time — can be opportunities for comfort and family bonding or fraught expressions of stress, and sometimes both in rapid succession. Eating together can help a family through,…
ImageCredit…Illustration by Vincent Neuberg/The New York Times By Allison P. Davis In isolation, I’ve begun to recognize the entertainment value in making the biggest deal over the smallest thing. May 18, 2020 “Anyone for Zoom Uno?” I suggested to a group chat. “Maybe Friday night?” “I can’t, I have plans,” said Mel, with a vague…
ImageCredit…Illustration by Vincent Neuberg/The New York Times By Jane Hu It’s a rediscovery of aimless ambling, but also a late-breaking innovation of movement in lives suddenly devoid of trips or errands. May 18, 2020 “Circling the block”— a phrase typically reserved for vehicles in search of a parking spot, now something done more on foot…
ImageCredit…Illustration by Larry Buchanan/The New York Times By Heather Havrilesky Sure, my prairie is a driveway, but the mind must travel. May 18, 2020 Yesterday, my husband found a large baby bird in our yard. It was the size of a cantaloupe and had gray wings with tendrils of yellow fuzz sticking out of them.…
ImageCredit…Illustration by Eden Weingart By Sarah Miller I knew I would hate ‘The Princess Bride.’ What a delight to confirm not just my hunch, but that I know myself so well. May 18, 2020 “The Princess Bride” debuted on my 18th birthday — Sept. 25, 1987 — but did not find its way onto my…
ImageCredit…Illustration by Kaisha Murzamadiyeva/The New York Times It’s a great day for the race. The human race. At a contemplative pace. May 18, 2020 We were knee-deep in quarantine and the television was on. “Andrew Cuomo is talking about running!” I shrieked excitedly to my husband. “Running for president?” No. Known for his enjoyment of…