The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

Yay! Governor Inslee has approved Phase 2 status for Walla Walla County. Such fortuitous timing, in the midst of so many other "phasing" events, like high school and college graduations, now those students will phase into their new lives as college freshman, or (hopefully) employees-maybe graduate school? June is also a big month for weddings, and couples "phasing" into married life. And some of us are just phasing into rural life, (and loving it).

But, like all things in life, "phasing" presents its challenges. Last spring, when Daniel and I reconnected, I had just moved here from Los Angeles. I had been on my own for 10 years, and although I had dated, and had relationships, none ever passed the "you can leave your toothbrush here" stage, a phase of my life that rapidly changed.

Daniel moved here March 1, and both of us had to "phase" into new situations. The first two weeks were hectic, what with rearranging furniture, readying the place for the moving van's arrival and numerous trips to Home Depot for supplies, tools and much needed shelving. Daniel needed to assemble a second shed for storage and start on home repairs. Luckily, I had my escapes; tennis, the gym, and walking to Ten Ton Coffee with Mugsy for coffee, chats and sticking my nose into the crossword puzzle-solving contingent. We anticipated Daniel would start work on some Pop-Up restaurant ideas, meet some winemakers and check out local foods around the beginning of April.

Covid-19 changed our plans, and suddenly, there were no winery meetings, no restaurants, no gym, no tennis, only 24/7 togetherness, which is more of a slam, than a phase. He's kept busy with banjo playing, mowing, fixing things and building planters. Every scrap of wood and old cabinet has been turned into a planter. Living with him is the planter box version of living in the Winchester House. He builds, I plant.

As I walk or run around the town, I've noticed other gardens are flourishing much more than mine. I'm convinced I need to fertilize more aggressively. I'm told horse manure works the best, but I just can't see myself chasing the backside of a horse with my little red wagon hoping to catch a few drops. I may settle for second best and learn to compost.

However, Phase 2 has brought me good news; I can play tennis again. I started last week, it felt great, but that also came with some challenges. After the first 45 minutes, I had to take four Advil, and in the last five minutes of the two-hour session, I realized I had developed a blister from the racquet. It opened, and I hit the raw bruise, just in time to end the lesson.

Phase 2 will also allow restaurants to open (with restrictions). Daniel's meals are better than I would have in most restaurants, so no complaints here. But, it would be nice not to have to do the dishes! Then going out will present challenges for me as well; do I still fit into my "going out jeans," since I've been only been wearing sweats and stretchy leggings since sheltering at home? I want to wear make-up, but I may have to watch a YouTube tutorial to relearn-how do you put on mascara? I've been outdoors so much, I have raccoon eyes from wearing sunglasses, and probably also have a new tan line from my mask. Attractive!

We've spent so much time at home with Mugsy, he'll probably have separation anxiety when he's actually left to his own devices for an extended period of time.

Phase 2 presents challenges for all, even the dog, but progress is good!