Collecting Histories

Books, basketball, bicycle, laptop, and gardening gloves.

Pandemic Time Capsule

I've included a spray bottle of bleach solution, made in March at the start of the pandemic in Ontario. I normally use more gentle, eco-friendly cleaners, but to kill the COVID-19 virus stronger chemicals are recommended. One of my running shoes is included because I've been one of many who recently took up running to keep in shape. But I am really not a runner! I'm hoping the lake will warm up soon so I can swim. (And that there is access.) Next, I've opted to add my handmade face mask. Early on, it seemed to me that face masks were smart to wear when shopping, but I remember how strange it felt to wear my mask for the first time. Now I see people wearing handmade masks all over Kingston. I sewed a number of these, and it felt good to be doing SOMETHING to help. Tucked in behind the mask are four tickets to see Hamilton on April 25 in Toronto, a show my young-adult "kids" have wanted to see for several years. Of course, this event was cancelled along with all other entertainment and sporting venues; replaced in part by online offerings, such as the Stratford Festival's live streaming of plays on Thursday evenings. Sad, but necessary. Central to the capsule is a seed packet with okra seeds. Normally I buy a few seedlings in pots in the spring, but this year I planted seeds myself and watched them sprout in my window. I have never planted okra before, and it seems to be doing well. Seeds and getting out in nature represent hope, which is vital. This seed packet, donated from Loving Spoonful, a charity promoting food security, was delivered to my porch along with a 6-pack of Proper English Ale (contactless delivery) from Kingston's Skeleton Park Brewery. Supporting local businesses during this time seems especially important and porch deliveries are a new phenomenon that is quickly taking hold during these challenging times.

Five Things that have Gotten Me Through the Coronacation Thus Far

(clockwise from top left): 1 - Books and magazines, specifically the @redbullillume photobooks, @cangeo magazine, and @canadashistory magazine 2 - MTB helmet and gloves for MTBing (I have my own trails at home so I don’t have to go to a club) 3 - dartboard and darts for downtime, magnetic because I miss a lot and like my walls without puncture holes 😁 4 - earbuds cause I listen to a lot of @spotify 5 - last but not least a mouse sander and tape measure because I’m trying lots of new things - such as making canoe paddles Stay safe and stay home everyone!

Walking, Canada Geese, Coffee, Laptop & T-shirt

In my time capsule, I'd include: my toddler's shoe because of all the walking and exploring we do; a Canada Goose because on those walks we have to go see if we can find some geese; a bag of North Roast coffee; my laptop because I'm working, doing Zoom calls and playing online board games with friends; and, for fun I made a t-shirt.

knitting, writing, candles, reading, playing

in my time capsule would be: knitting supplies (there's been many toques created and gifted so far), writing supplies (connecting the "old fashioned" way), candles (cozy home-cooked dinners, every night!), that book that hadn't been read yet, and games (lots of both board and card games!)