Care and Responsibility, KAVU style

by: Nick Greece

By KAVU

April 7^th, 2020

Well, times they are a-changing. With a frightening existential reality looming, it is sometimes hard to see the KAVU in every day. Now, more than ever, it’s time to be thankful for good health and supportive of our frontline healthcare workers and those who are ill.

As we are reminded by daily news reports, our world has changed, challenging us to thrive in a new "normal". Like countless groups worldwide, our KAVU priorities have evolved.

But KAVU has always been about making the best of whatever situation or cards we are dealt and cherishing the folks with whom we share time.

I feel the need for KAVU more keenly now than at any other time in my life. I brought my aging mom out of Oakland to the mountains two weeks ago, so she, my incredibly patient and saintly wife Caroline, and our dog Frances will be able to spend time and shelter in place together.

You may wonder why a group of adventure athletes has anything to say about dealing with the current situation?

I contend that the KAVU team is composed of individuals who have proven themselves to be professional risk managers. Every time I go to the grocery store for my family, I am mitigating risk. Engineering a safe and livable environment for you and your family comes down to exactly that, mitigating risks.

One thing that most of the team are experts at is anticipating obstacles, situational awareness, and patience. I find in the supermarket and/or the pharmacy where many others are present, situational awareness and patience are key to getting around safely for both you and everyone else. Giving space, anticipating movements, being flexible in one's spatial constructs and being patient while someone else finishes their selection are key. We used to move as fast as we could and often at the expense of other's personal space. The new normal is much slower and takes some relearning of old established networks for us to maintain proper spacing.

We want to hear how you are succeeding and any great tips for gracefully thriving through this trial.

News

Too much of a good thing?

I believe in getting news and information…but there is too much of a good thing. I limit my news intake to once in the morning and the PBS News hour in the evening. Upon moving into the second 14-day quarantine block, I will lobby for news-free days to change the routine and take a break from the constant threat. Music is helpful for resetting one’s nerves and recalling our happy memories. So we have instituted a music hour midday, during which each of us gets to choose recordings and enjoy one of life’s greatest treats—a good listen. If you’re looking for the good news on the front lines of science’s finding-a-cure for the Corona virus, check out, FutureLoop.

FutureLoop’s machine-learning algorithms scrape the world’s news and social feeds each day to deliver you a single comprehensive update of the convergences of exponential technologies (AI, Robotics, Drones, Cellular medicine, CRISPR, Networks & Sensors) altering the course of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This gives hope and is great for nerding out a bit.....

Exercise the Mind and Body

We also take walks as much as possible and use various hours of the day to cut down on running into other groups out walking.

Be Compassionate

Last week we headed to Lake Tahoe to have a picnic. We drove to a nice spot with a dock, where an individual was enjoying the sun. As we approached, he relinquished his seat, indicating that he felt it was time for him to share the sunshine. (but in isolation). This was an act of kindness, allowing all of us to enjoy the dock in safety and peace. Five minutes after we’d eaten, we saw another group waiting in the parking area, so we packed up and allowed them to enjoy that space without fear of contamination from our group. Living with intention and consideration is critical right now. And for Americans, a refocus on the protection and care for our aging population could be seen as a positive side effect. Other positive side effects:

1) The World is Coming Together

2) Healthcare Workers are true heroes we should celebrate

3) We are spending more time with our families

4) Time to catch up on reading and PS4 game time

6) Scientists are taking their rightful place in terms of their importance in the world

7) We are becoming proficient at not wasting food

Food!!

We’ve been deliberating over our menus. The dishes don’t have to be fancy, but we’re trying to be creative and clear out our shelves from years of random accumulation, before we eat any newly purchased items. This is a great time to practice not wasting food by planning every meal.

First item for my family is a smoothie in the morning. If you are able to pick up a blender or have one collecting dust in your kitchen, now is the time to boost your immunity every morning and utilize fruits and vegetables that may be past the golden hours of their usefulness. I have been making smoothies for a long time to decrease inflammation and create a morning ritual that carries me a good way into the day. Here are a few tips I have picked up along the way that might help your food go farther with fewer trips to the store and booooossstttt your immunity in this time of need.

The Fruit

I usually stock my freezer with flash frozen fruit that can be found on sale from time to time, once I start looking regularly. I buy fresh fruit to snack on until it starts to look less than inviting and needs to be frozen for smoothies. Greens from vegetables, like beets, radishes, or kale, are good ingredients to add to the mixture. I like to start with a banana, the oldest first, and then add some strawberries, cherries, peaches, apples, blueberries, raspberries, and/or blackberries. (If you don’t want to stock your fridge with so much fruit, check out the frozen berry options as you can get anti-oxident blends in one bag for a very good value.)

2.The Vegetables

Shopping for a week or two often leads me to small amounts of vegetables that are not ideal for cooking. Enter the smoothie! I add celery, cucumber, and carrots regularly. Immune boost; engage!

3.The Liquids

I use equal parts almond milk and coconut water. You could use just one if you prefer or simply ice and water. I add enough liquid to make the blend chunky but drinkable, so the amount will depend on the ingredients you’ve added and the thickness you prefer.

4.The Grains

I like to add small amounts, like a tablespoon or two of rolled oats, flax or sunflower seeds, or, if you’re flush, you might want natural unsalted macadamia nuts.

5.The Protein

Finally: the protein. Because I’m a large mammal, I need some protein to kick-start start my day. I usually choose pea, plant-based, or hemp protein. Your body may respond better to other proteins, so it’s important to find out what is best for you. Dive in online and check out the data.

As the unofficial KAVU Food Czar, I have a few more home cooked meals that may help pass the time and make your quarantine team smile. First, check out this amazing barbecue spice kit, with delectable recipes included, from The Oaktown Spice Shop.

It’s on sale right now, and they ship. It also comes with a Jerked Chicken recipe and ingredients, as well as two other dishes.

The ribs I made were a 5-hour affair that entertained me as the cook and delighted my mother and wife when served. Cutting the recipe in half seemed perfect to me flavor-wise. Also, this is an amazing gift to send a friend or family member who needs a little cheer.

If you are looking for something a little less meat-sweats oriented, check out this famous lentil soup recipe that I’ve been eating my whole life, thinking it was my mother’s recipe:

Jane Brody's Favorite Lentil Soup

My mom says you can just chop the carrots and taste it throughout the process to make sure there is enough flavor in the broth. Maybe add a bit of cream before serving to cut down on the acidic nature of the tomatoes.

One more vegetarian option that the broke the popularity meter is the Chickpea Stew sensation from the New York Times cooking section—a spiced stew with coconut and turmeric. Cheap, easy, lasts a long time in the fridge and is packed with flavor.

Spiced Chickpea Stew

Play Games!

Whatever your family likes to play or, play new ones. We are playing Jeopardy! Every night after the PBS Newshour, we tune in to Alec Trebec to see how little I know, which entertains the whole house. It’s a good day if I get three answers correct an episode, but fun is had by all.

Got kids?

One cool and effective item I have seen are the Bingo Cards, which my sister-in-law uses to motivate two very “active” children at home. The cards provide them with a full day of activities, including chores, learning, and fun. You can generate a free custom card HERE to suit your needs and change it up each day or week…