The Adventures of Kathy and her 'Porch Friends"

The Adventures of Kathy and her Covid-19 Porch Friends

Everyone is searching for ways to make other people smile because it's hard to smile in these crazy corona times. Physical distancing during covid-19 has put a huge strain on everyone's happy-meter. One retired school secretary from Stratford, Ontario knew just the thing. A few weeks into physical distancing, Kathy Baker decided to try something fun to entertain those who walked past her house with no smiles. Now everyone smiles and goes out of their way to walk past her house. Adults and children alike can't wait to see what Kathy and her 'Porch Friends' are up to each day.
Even on rainy days, of which there have been many during covid-19, Kathy did her best to make people smile. Her 'porch friends' would look longingly out the window to see the children, or sit on the porch with raincoats and an umbrella. This feel good story was shared on Facebook and even more smiles were had! Then a local newspaper did an article on Kathy and her porch friends to share the joy with even more people. I decided to make this video because I wanted to help Kathy and her 'Porch Friends' make even more people smile. Don't be afraid to pass it along! Smiles can be contagious too – it's not just covid-19!
Beyond making other people happy, creating these stories each day has been fun for Kathy too. In these dark times we sometimes need to create a little happiness of our own ...and super nice when we can share that joy with others!
“It’s just trying to come up with something people can have fun with and maybe pick up on and do it themselves. Give someone a smile and make kids happy as they go by.” Kathy Baker
Thank you Kathy for taking the time to make us smile. The secret learned in all this is, when we make other people smile it makes our own heart smile too. Try it! I wonder what creative ways you will come up with to make your neighbours smile. Good luck and have FUN with it!

April 6
Edward and Joe enjoying a little bit of outdoor fun and sunshine. They are being watched my our special geese!
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April 7
Gertie reading “Ten Bears In A Bed” to her little friends
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April 8
Doug thought they should have an umbrella should it rain
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April 9
We are so sad today. Mom said it is too cool and windy to be outside today. We will have to watch from outside. Maybe we will be able to play outside tomorrow. Mom was also concerned as she could smell a skunk and we don’t want a “skunk bath” today.
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April 10
Some bunnies keeping an eye on the neighbourhood. Tuffer has decided to help with our neighbourhood watch.
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April 14
We couldn’t be out the last two days due to weather. We were getting into too much trouble in the house so mom told us to sit outside and get some fresh air. Harold put in his beaver sweater and took Santa bear with him while Hannah and Donovan took their fur babies for some fresh air too. The geese decided to go out also. Cold enough for the reindeer and nurse is making sure everyone is staying safe.
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April 15
Cold enough today that the penguins were hoping to get out sledding. No snow here though...but they imagine!!
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April 16
Tigger was pouncing all over the house so Mom agreed to let him go outside as long as he had Pooh Bear and Eeyore with him. They were also joined by baby Tiggers. Spelled T-I-double GRRR-S! Still cold but maybe Tigger will get done bounce out of him! Eeyore just loves yo be with his friends. Good thing they live together. Missing my friends?but stay safe
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April 17
As you can see, Ted has eaten a few too many snacks and his coat doesn’t quite fit so mom told him to get outside and away from the frig!! The geese are dressed for rain and/or snow but hoping for sunshine!! Be safe everyone. From our home to yours!!❤️❤️
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April 18
The pandas are finally outside! Peppi thinks he should be out too as he is black and white. He is just a little more “scented” so the pandas will be very very quiet!
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April 19
Mom said that , despite Covid-19 and isolation, we should get dressed in our “Sunday best”. This is good for our well-being. Sweatpants are fine but not every day. She is right, we feel better wearing our new spring clothes. Happy Sunday everyone!
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April 20
Mom had to work at the church today and was so busy we couldn’t get outside??hopefully tomorrow.
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April 22
Finally it is a little warmer and mom let us bring our LEGO outside to play. So nice to have fresh air again.
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April 23
It isn’t too nice out today and mom said we have to keep busy soooooo....we are sorting socks!!!
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April 24
We thought we would help mom today with her work on the church website. Hopefully we can give her some advice on how to use Wordpress!
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April 25
It is such a beautiful day, mom said we could be outside and enjoy the weather. It is game day, so we brought out our dominoes. Haven’t taken time to play this for years. Forgot how much fun it is. Sibling rivalry at its best!! Enjoy your day everyone.
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April 26
When is it going to warm up? We are staying in today and Tuffer is helping us colour. Mom has even let us use her special colouring markers!! Have a good Sunday.
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April 27
Such a beautiful day, mom is letting us have a picnic. Calling for rain later this week so everyone needs to enjoy the sunshine while it is here!
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April 28
A bunny and her friends enjoying the warm weather today. A few of “the girls” got out of the barn!
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April 29
Bertha and Gertrude and their dear friend, Betty, were ready for the weather today. Keep dry and warm today.
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April 30
Farmer Joe has his girls our for some fresh spring air. A little cool but his girls just enjoy the fresh air.
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May 1
A good day to be with friends and enjoy the sunshine!
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May 2
Farmer Joe would like to know “who let the cows out?”!!!!!
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May 3
Sunny enough for a tea party outside. Enjoy this beautiful sunshine!
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May 4
Cool but ok if we are in the wagon. Going for a social distancing stroll
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May 5
A nice sunny but cool day. Good time for Farmer Joe to take a few more f his friends for a ride. Every day you do some work but you also need to take time to enjoy the moment.
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Article – May 5
The porch friends appeared in the local-news!
https://www.stratfordbeaconherald.com/news/local-news/matilda-street-resident-using-stuffed-animals-to-make-people-a-little-happier-in-a-time-of-physical-distancing?fbclid=IwAR2ruoycVkm7Oud4-_sJL6WZ-UH3OhHgUANNnoKlInGHlw2TaNU_BYPzVpA
Matilda Street resident using stuffed animals 'to make people a little happier' in a time of physical distancing
Published on: May 5, 2020 - Cory Smity
May 6
Mom has us getting some nice pots ready to plant some flowers. She has to pick them up but she needs the pots ready first. Such a beautiful day to garden.
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May 7
Mom has to be away for a bit today so Dad thought we could keep busy with a puzzle. Our new friend, Rocky the raccoon, is helping us. Gertrude and Bertha are hoping that with the umbrella and their raincoats they can keep the rain away until the puzzle is finished. Enjoy your day!
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May 8
A bit cool this morning so had to have blankets to keep our toes warm. A hot coffee and a paper or magazine to pass the time. Keep warm my friends.
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May 9
Happy Mother’s Day to my mom ( a day early). Miss you every day
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ANY MY PERSONAL FAV...
May10
Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there enjoy your day! These ladies believe there is nothing better than a coffee with a little baileys and chocolate
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Oh wait! Maybe this is my FAV!
May 11
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Kathy made a post to thank her supporters:
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I would like to thank each and everyone for the kind words sent to me regarding my “porch friends” and the article in the paper. These comments brought tears to my eyes being blessed to know so many wonderful people. This article would never have appeared if it weren’t for a former Hamlet mom, Joanne Smith and her son, Cory Smith. Thank you Cory for the article and photo. I am so happy that my friends have been bringing some happiness to these sometimes dreary days and difficult times. Be safe everyone We are Canadian and we will get through this together. For those who truly know me, I am sending virtual,hugs.❤️❤️

I can't wait to see what Kathy and her 'Porch Friends' continue to do to make us smile!
Stay tuned for more adventures! Thanks Kathy keep up the great work!