Self-isolating in Grand Rapids: week 2

"The Elder  Sister," 1869, detail, by William-Adolphe Bouguereau; artist's daughter Henriette and infant son Paul 

With nearly 2,300 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the state and at least 43 deaths Michigan now ranks fifth in the nation in infections.Although much of the suffering is found in the southeastern part of the state, the virus continues its inexorable spread and we wait to see how it all shakes out.

Like most of you we focus on immediate needs and keeping to the space where we live. Aside from short trips to get groceries we remain at home.

Susie is busy baking; just yesterday she baked sandwich bread and a cranberry-walnut bread with rolls. The day before she made a luscious orange-olive-oil cake which we shared with several of our neighbors, at a distance of course. She's also thinking about doing some work in our small garden in front of the condo.

Susie's mom is well and in good health and spirits. Although still in lockdown -- for how long we don't know -- she's seems to handling it just fine.

As for myself, it may be tiresome to hear, but I continue working on my Guide to the early Burials in Pére-Lachaise Cemetery; my four volumes of biographies of the men of the 3rd Michigan is complete and just awaiting publication.

In the evening we watch Foyle's War followed by an episode of Modern Family before turning in for reading or puzzling and then lights out. Pretty simple, true, but right now simple works.

Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, TX