Editor’s note: Karen Harris Tully is a writer who lives in Raymond and has agreed to keep a journal to share with Daily World readers during the odd and uncertain time we’re all navigating.

Dear Journal:

It’s supposed to be warm today. What a start, the most boring topic ever, the weather. Still, it’s supposed to be in the 70’s, to vaguely resemble summer around here, for a day. Isn’t it July? But here I sit in my fuzzy flannel with a blanket, and the next two weeks are supposed to be back to 60s and cloudy. Also, even the weather is better than thinking about the dumpster fire of current events. So, today we’re actually going to visit with family (gasp) in person. We have visited with a few friends and family locally, but we haven’t been getting together in out-of-town groups. Today, we’re going to the Olympia area for a hike with my parents and my sister and brother-in-law and their two girls. We’re all coming from different directions and Olympia is in the middle.

We haven’t seen them in person since Christmas and somehow, I need to convince my kids, especially my 5-year-old, not to hug her cousins, or Grammie. How do I do that without scaring them? Adults can pretty easily stay 6 feet apart, but kids? I guess we’ll find out how that goes, at least we’re going to try. It’s not that anyone is suspected of being sick, of course, it’s that none of us can know if we are. Also, my sister, as a trained doctor living in Snohomish, has been even more vigilant than I have. Like, washing the groceries vigilant. So, masks, no hugs, and a picnic with no sharing food. I can’t help but feel a bit sad. But, chin up, we’re seeing each other in person! It’s supposed to be beautiful out, and we’re getting away from this house for a whole day. Savor the small things, right? Road trip!

Song of the day: Lowrider, War

Karen Harris Tully is a novelist living in Raymond with her husband and two small children. She writes sci-fi/fantasy for teens and adults and can be found at www.karenharristully.com.