Hi, Paula.
You’re right: almost everything that was on my calendar has been canceled. My mom’s residence won’t allow us in except in an emergency. I don’t argue with that, but it’s hard on a 92-year-old woman who lost her husband less than three months ago to not be able to see her children.

Teletherapy sounds like a good idea under the circumstances. Do your clients all have access to Skype?

Hi, Nancy.
I hear you can work from home. Hope that eases your apprehension.

Hi, Molly.
Thinking about you two [in Ireland] and hoping the travel restrictions aren’t cutting into what you want to do. Stay well and safe.

Hi, Rick.
It’s going to be weird for you with no games to watch. And what’s the Herald-News sports section doing with nothing to cover?

Hi, Shawna,
We can’t even look at Mom through a window — she’s on the third floor. My brother was denied entrance to the building over the weekend. The residents were told today that they would eat in their apartments. I understand the precautions, but can a 92-year-old widow go for weeks without human contact except the people who bring her food and medicine? We’ve all been trying to call at least once a day.

Hi, Leanne,
I’m not being very resourceful. I decided I want some sort of a room divider between my living room and alcove that doesn’t block the light or make the alcove feel like a closet. Have spent the bulk of the last couple of days Googling possibilities and trying to decide. Maybe tomorrow I’ll do something more productive (like taxes). Maybe not. I did say in the blog post that I wouldn’t pressure myself to do chores during this time.

Hi, Rick, Pat, and Nance,
I talked with Patti, the American House activities director. She said that they’re aware that older people have to stay engaged, so she’s putting out games that they can play in common areas. The rosary video will continue at 10 a.m. because few people come, so at least Mom has something to leave her apartment for once a day.

Hi, Jeannine.
Happy birthday! This will probably be the weirdest birthday you ever have, and I hope you find a way to celebrate.

Hi, Ash.
I’m sorry you had to cancel your spring break trip, but I’m proud of you for doing the responsible thing.

Hi, Sarah.
Maybe some kids off school would like to make cards to send great-grandma.

Hi, Leanne,
Thanks for sending the doggie tales, and please keep them coming. You are entertaining your friends as well as your grandkids.

Hi, JoAnn.
I’m okay but don’t feel I’m using my time especially well. I’d said I was going to go easy on myself and not force myself to do chores — but I’m not even doing edifying things like watching good movies. I spent the better part of the last few days searching online for a narrow divider between my living room and office alcove to hide my messy desk. Finally settled on bamboo blinds, which I intend to order this morning so that I can stop obsessing.

I have been grocery shopping and taking walks. Getting out helps.

It’s going to be weird not to have church during Holy Week.

Hi, Sandie,
The doorman is going to ask you for an ID. If you don’t want to show one, just call me and I’ll come down.

Got the Siskel Center mailing for April — wonder whether there’s reason to look at it.

It’ll be great to see you and do something normal [Scrabble].

Hi, Joan.
My neighborhood is still busier than you said yours is in Evanston — auto traffic and people on the sidewalks, though not as many as usual.

You asked about what my building is doing. We finally got a notice yesterday. The hospitality room, business center (where the books and magazines are), and storage locker room are closed. We, not the doormen, have to open the lobby doors with our own key fobs. We have to hoof down to the first floor with our recycling instead of leaving it in the floor trash room. Go down to the lobby to get food deliveries. Not ask for any maintenance help unless it’s urgent. Email or call the management office instead of dropping in. Limit visitors.

Hi, Nance.
Any word on whether Alex will have trouble returning from Mexico?

Hi, Marge.
Thanks for checking in. I’m not sure there’s much difference between the limitations here and the sheltering in place that you Californians are doing. I’ll print out your email and the photos and send them to my mom; they will enliven her day.

Hi, Molly,
Glad you’re back safe and sound. I’ve been getting out for walks and grocery shopping. Not much else to get out for. It does feel isolating.

ANTI-TRUMP QUOTATIONS: 105TH IN AN ONGOING SERIES

“How can anyone have confidence in his or her government when the leader continues to brag in the face of widespread evidence of incompetence?”
— Michael D’Antonio, CNN