Like every one, I struggle to find how to live in what has become the new normal. I know it is so easy to be fearful and stressed. Well, today I want to find any and every silver cloud we can think of during these strange times. And here is my silver cloud. As most of you know, I have a rare condition that means I battle vertigo 24/7 which has significantly affected my quality of life. Well, my silver cloud is simply this: I am having fewer dizzy episodes daily thanks to being home so much. I know it's a little thing, but even little silver clouds can mean a lot. So what is a silver cloud you can come up during these crazy times?

How wonderful Karen to come one here and read this wonderful positive post. I am so happy that your Vertigo issues are reducing, that's definitely a real plus.


I suppose I am very fortunate in that where we live there is hardly any Coronavirus, so things are semi normal! We actually had to wear masks to Church this morning (I'[m an Anglican - Episcopalian to you or Church of England to the British family of Cute members) due to the NSW Health Department and Premier asking us to do so, so that is a silver lining, as the local Uniting Churches can't open.


I've got all my family close by and they are all well and working where so many Australians have lost their jobs. Melbourne, Victoria is in complete lock down.


I'm actually sitting in my sewing room and Ben and his 3 boys are here for lunch (it's 1.00pm Sunday) and they are running around on their skateboards whilst Trev and Ben are cooking a BBQ, mind you it's only about 14C!! So listening to their laughter is a wonderful silver lining. Love to you and thanks for such a great post. Love Chris

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by 02kar 09 Aug 2020

You are so welcome. I knew I needed to think about some positive thoughts so hoped others would share their positive thoughts too. It sounds like your area is very much like where I live. Our true numbers are actually quite low and most places are open including churches. I'm so glad you are able to see your family. Mine lives 1500 miles away and is in near lock down. I have no idea if I will ever see them again, but am content with phone calls.

I quite often start my day by quoting this Bible Verse to myself. "Today is the day the Lord hath made. Rejoice and be glad in it." It seems to give me a kick start on getting me up and going . Vertigo is something I am having to learn to deal with also Karen so I can sympathize with you. It's definitely a bummer when you live alone.

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by 02kar 09 Aug 2020

Yes, it is one of my favorite verses too. There is nothing that can comfort and strengthen us as HIs Word does. And I agree, being alone with vertigo is very hard. And it's not easy to do what we used to do. I am fortunate to still have my hubby who has been so creative and come up with adaptations that have made my life more bearable.

Today is a new day, fresh with promise.

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by crafter2243 07 Aug 2020

Yes 🤗😘👍

by 02kar 07 Aug 2020

Isn't that the truth. I always seem to manage to go to bed at night content with my day and wake up looking forward to a new day.

Glad to hear you have less dizzy spells. I get dizzy every once in a while when getting out of bed (I think it's blood pressure issues), but can't imagine feeling that way all of the time. Hope it continues to get better.
My blessings are my three children and grands. Two call more often than they used to and talk longer, and one I get to see with grands to hug. And I'm trying to be a bread baker. Used to bake years ago, but having to remember some old techniques. It's not as easy as I remember to make GOOD bread. Still not cleaning out too many closets, but I've finished some UFOs in my sewing room. That's a big blessing. I miss going to church, but the silver lining is that with technology, I can still live stream and zoom services and Bible study!!

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by 02kar 07 Aug 2020

I like your list! Lots of good things. I wish I could sample your bread. I need to learn to make bread but I always seem to find other things to do.

Great news on the lesser vertigo spells. Before I used to go and go, now staying home is normal and I do not mind it at all. If I do go to store i get anxious and do not like anyone near me, did not have this feeling before. I have not been doing much sewing or embroidery. Not sure what my silver lining is but most of my joy is spending time cuddling with my dog. I do have great family and neighbors and thankful all are healthy. Today I am looking for the silver lining of ambition!

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by 02kar 07 Aug 2020

My life is so much like yours. I like being at home too. I'd say your dog is a part of your silver lining. Now I hope you manage to find some ambition.

My silver lining is a bit strange. I have met more of our neighbors! We often see each other outside and "meet" in the street, keeping social distance. Weird, you'd think it would be the opposite.
I also think I am considering what is important, not just what I'd like.
Plus, I've cleaned out some junk!

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by 02kar 07 Aug 2020

I don't think your list is strange at all. I think it is wonderful that neighbors are caring for each other. That's how we grew up and I've missed that. And I'm with you on clearing out items. I've donated and given away quite a bit too.

by hightechgrammy 08 Aug 2020

It feels soooo good to clear out stuff - except from my sewing room. I've bought way too much fabric online - but it makes me so happy when it comes in the mail. Pretty fabric makes me drool! So glad you are doing okay and looking for the good in the middle of this worldwide crisis.

You certainly know the difference between a marathon and a sprint. I'm so happy that you do have that silver lining to celebrate and that you have chosen to be a blessing to others.
Perhaps you said silver cloud because it's the whole thing, not just the lining.
Love and hugs, Jerrilyn

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by 02kar 07 Aug 2020

This is certainly a marathon, isn't it. I wish we knew when the finish line would appear! Cuties are definitely a blessing during good times and times that aren't so good.

Karen I am so glad you are having fewer dizzy spells. I hope they will continue to become less and less.
Silver linings.
I am so blessed with so many. All of my children are healthy and are able to keep their jobs working from home. My granddaughter, she had a kidney transplant and suffers from Krohns decease is pregnant. She is so happy about that and we all pray that it will go well. I love my house and the yard that goes with it. I can not imagine what it would be like having to stay in an apartment. I also have great neighbors that take care of the "old lady of the neighborhood". I can't help but think if this would have happened 30 years ago how difficult my life would have been. Ironic, but in this case being old and retired is a blessing.

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by 02kar 06 Aug 2020

I feel the same way, that it is much easier on me because I am retired. Please keep reminding us to pray for your granddaughter. That is quite the list of medical conditions to manage. My vertigo is doing better because there is so much less stimuli in my life now. Maybe I should stay home for the rest of my life. hehe

You have a huge silver cloud. These are crazy times. I have several silver clouds. The most important is family members are healthy. Second is people like you and many others that reach out to check on us to make sure we are okay and to remind us to look at the silver lining so we can put a smile on our faces. Third, is living close to the national and state forests to get out and enjoy the mountains. finally to have a hobby here at home, the sewing machine, fabric and thread to take minds off of these trying times. Thank you for reaching out.

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by 02kar 06 Aug 2020

I love your nice long list of good things. I also needed to think on the positives so knew others would enjoy doing the same.

Hi Karen. Glad to hear your vertigo spells have decreased. My plus point on lockdown and all the strange goings on is, I am alive and very greatful of living in a lovely place with fantastic neighbours who have been so kind. I could have been living in a flat on the 10 floor and a broken life. Small things have been important, not buying new stuff etc. I have missed the grandchildren and their parents but they are fine and well.

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by 02kar 06 Aug 2020

That's a nice list of blessings indeed. I'm blessed with great neighbors too and happy to hear your blessings.

My personal silver lining is that I haven’t had a cold or bronchitis this winter. It must have something to do with wearing masks all the time when we are out. Thank you Karen for being you. There are a lot of very special Cuties out there and you are one of them. Pleased that you are better. Hugs Sarah

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by dailylaundry 06 Aug 2020

You are right, Sarah, Karen is one of the very special Cuties and so are you!!!!

by 02kar 06 Aug 2020

You two made me cry! Thanks for the very special blessing that you both are to me.

by hightechgrammy 06 Aug 2020

You all three are! Any time I come on here, needing some encouragement, you are always part of the caring Cuties who help! I know you probably think I'm just saying that, but it is TRUE! Hugs, from Jan in Colorado

Karen, I am so happy that your dizzy spells are less. That is a blessing!! I am sort of a home body anyways that this isn't too hard for me. Yes, I do miss many things but, I truly can't complain. I am so thankful with joy that our large family is safe and healthy. Most of them live so far away! While I do miss our children and can't wait to hold our new Granddaughter, Evie (who is two months old now) - I know I will in time. I am thankful for the patience to get through this. Perhaps that isn't a silver lining for some - but it is for me. I appreciate this post, Karen - when I get a little down about the way the world is right now - I can easily count my many blessings! Hugs to you dear friend, Laura

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by 02kar 06 Aug 2020

I agree that hope and patience are definitely keys to get through these trials. I always feel better counting my blessings too.

Karen, that's wonderful. My sons have begun ending every phone call with "I love you Mom". A simple thing, but treasured.

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by 02kar 06 Aug 2020

What a wonderful silver lining to share! Those 4 words mean so very much and give such joy.