Eleven weeks have already passed this year. My aim is to recount at least one daily joy each week, then reread them all on New Year's Eve to remind myself that good things happen every single day. Some days I have to hunt for it, but there is always at least one thing that is good about every single day. I hope everyone finds their joy every single day.
Wednesday: Wednesday is my usual shopping day because it is the day our grocery ads begin. I had a few items at Aldi to pick up, then went shopping to grab Mom a few things. I was just doing my very typical shopping, but did pick up a large pack of toilet tissue because of the recent visit from the son and his wife. It was really just restocking, but turned out to be a happy accident. My joy was buying toilet paper before the panic buying set in.
Another joy has to do with taxing my brain. I have been reading Elephant's Child for several years now and have always enjoyed reading the Words for Wednesday weekly post. (Which happens for me on Tuesday) There are several words and the object is to use them in some sort of written verse, prose, tale, etc. For a long time I just read what others wrote, but finally decided to dip my toes in the water and give it a whirl. What fun, and I get a true joy if I can figure a way to use the words and come up with some cohesive tale. Then I get double joy reading other's writings.
Thursday: Things began to pick up in earnest concerning the corona virus. To be honest I keep such an overstocked freezer that I knew I would be fine for a while even if we had to sock in for more than a week. If 200 people showed up at my door I could probably wrangle enough food to feed them something. No one would get the same thing and it might not be what anyone wanted, and it might not even really taste good, but it would be food nonetheless. So I consider having the luxury of keeping extra food on hand a huge joy.
Friday: Mom needed a few things from the grocery store, plus I had a 5 dollar coupon off $35 from Sprouts. They had ground beef at the lowest price I can ever get it here as part of their 72 hour weekend sale. I knew I was going to get that, some bacon, sunflower seeds, grapes, and some zinc for Mom (she has to take it daily and was nearly out) Possibly 2 stevia sweetened chocolate bars and a pack of flackers (keto crackers) might have jumped in my buggy (yes I know y'all call it a cart but here in Alabama it is a buggy). I was able to find all the meager things I needed then stood in line approximately 15 minutes while the woman in line ahead of me bought 911 bucks worth of groceries. Wow! Talk about panic buying!
After that I stopped by Aldi and got the rest of the things Mom needed, plus I found her a large pack of toilet paper. I had forgotten to check her stash while I was at her house and decided I had rather be safe than sorry.
I had one last stop at her pharmacist and then CVS to pick up some non medical supplies for her and t I was done! My official joy was that I got out of the shopping madness early. I also noticed people buying insane amounts of canned chili. Another joy of mine is not having to rely on canned chili as a meal right now.
Saturday: We had to go to the lake place to take care of a few routine maintenance things. The drive down was gorgeous and the weather was near perfect. Trees were either in full bloom or budding, the azaleas are bursting out and the sky was a perfect blue. On the way down we stopped for lunch at a small town bbq joint, sat on the patio and really enjoyed conversation and a perfect day. I would say we enjoyed being at the lake but we just did our chores, locked up and left for home. There was an unexpected stroke of luck. While I was cleaning I found a huge pack of toilet paper there so we brought it home. If I don't need it here, I can always take it back, but if I need it here it does no good if it is there. Truly the little things make me happy and I am seeing a recurring toilet paper theme of glee this week. Just writing that makes me laugh!
Sunday: I was able to talk to all three sons today and that does give me much joy.
Son1 and family had an uneventful flight to Portland where there was snow on the ground, from Hawaii where there was none. He said when they arrived to 30 degree temps he was wearing a Hawaiian shirt and flip flops. He must have missed my travel lesson __dress for where you are going, not where you are leaving!
Son2 is off work until April 9. He job serves special needs adults but along with their special needs are some physical issues that put some of them at a high risk. At least he will be paid even though they are closed.
Son3 is another story. He is a musician and all his gigs have been cancelled and then we heard that all bars and restaurants are closed. His entire earning system has come to a halt. I do not know if he will continue with his students or if that will be cancelled too. The Bank of Mom and Dad might have to step in.
Another very simple joy? I ran out of almond flour and swerve. Though it sounds like I am being overly cautious, I can buy both in bulk sizes from Amazon cheaper than I can find them in any stores here. Clicked, ordered and it's on its way.
Monday: This was the morning Mom was supposed to be at the dr. at 10:30. As soon as the office opened I called to tell them Mom's age and request that we be shown into an examining room as soon as we got there rather than having her sit in the waiting room exposing her to who knows what. Mom has so little in her reserves that even the slightest illness could have horrific consequences and we surely don't want her to be around any covid19. Well, her supplemental insurance carrier has just authorized the use of phone visits for anyone with a compromised immune system. (Insert sounds of angels singing right here) Since I have to do all the talking to her doctors now anyway, this was a piece of cake. There was a huge joy being able to conduct the visit over the phone. I do have to take her back in 4 weeks, but I will worry about that in April.
The second big joy of the day was FaceTime with my granddaughter. Pip is quarantined for 14 days. Her kindergarten teacher started showing all the signs of having the virus.The upside is that they were in Hawaii for the entire week so maybe they missed the contagion part.
It was bad enough that school was cancelled, but having her in isolation with just her Mom and Dad is almost too much for her to bear. She is a very social critter. Starting tomorrow she is attending Annie School via FaceTime. I told my son I would work with her on reading and math for an hour each day, but will try to make it feel like play while she is learning. I also told her to call her beloved uncle, Son3, and see if he might be willing to give her beginning piano lessons over FaceTime. I also suggested to Son2 that he work up a little lesson on plants since he is making raised garden beds while his work is waiting out this immediate crisis. It takes a village, or at least a slightly off center extended family. If we all give her a little time each day, she can continue learning but more importantly her parents can work remotely from home and actually get work done, while they wait out this quarantine.
Tuesday: What a weird day as things get worse and worse for businesses. I was driving to pick up some medicine for Mom right off Highway 31 in my suburb. Normally it is a heavily traveled road, and making the left turn into the strip where her pharmacy is located requires waiting for the turn signal. On Tuesday, I swear I could have gotten down on all fours and crawled over all four lanes and two turn lanes with time to spare. It was like I was living in some dystopian novel. I miss people! I miss the chaos! I miss going out to eat!
But there is an upside. I live in a neighborhood where a lot of professional people live. Though everyone is cordial, we all have a tendency to go about our lives with just some nods, hellos and occasional chit chat. The last two days I have seen so many people out walking and stoping to have real conversations. And now a couple of the neighbors know I have a real name and not just the "Big Candy Bar Lady". Joy meeting new folks and yes we are all staying the requested social distance from each other!
My second joy was being able to have school with Pip. We went through a lot of flash card words, created words using different consonant sounds for words she already known how to read, then we did apple math (fractions) and had art. Tomorrow we are learning about animals, and using word prompts (Thank you EC) for her to create a story I will type for her. I think I will also read her a poem I used to read nightly to Will.
And the third joy was our night out on the town (in our dining room) We had an American traditional St Patrick's Day meal by candlelight with Celtic music compliments of Alexa. I am amazed how much more conversation we had sitting in the dimly lit room and eating. We need to do it more often. Next up is some al fresco dining out.
And that about sums up the rather odd week. We are making the best of what is going on right now and sincerely hope and pray that this will not be as devastating as we hear it might be. Meanwhile I will continue to isolate as much as I can, while making sure Mom has what she needs.
Wednesday: Wednesday is my usual shopping day because it is the day our grocery ads begin. I had a few items at Aldi to pick up, then went shopping to grab Mom a few things. I was just doing my very typical shopping, but did pick up a large pack of toilet tissue because of the recent visit from the son and his wife. It was really just restocking, but turned out to be a happy accident. My joy was buying toilet paper before the panic buying set in.
Another joy has to do with taxing my brain. I have been reading Elephant's Child for several years now and have always enjoyed reading the Words for Wednesday weekly post. (Which happens for me on Tuesday) There are several words and the object is to use them in some sort of written verse, prose, tale, etc. For a long time I just read what others wrote, but finally decided to dip my toes in the water and give it a whirl. What fun, and I get a true joy if I can figure a way to use the words and come up with some cohesive tale. Then I get double joy reading other's writings.
Thursday: Things began to pick up in earnest concerning the corona virus. To be honest I keep such an overstocked freezer that I knew I would be fine for a while even if we had to sock in for more than a week. If 200 people showed up at my door I could probably wrangle enough food to feed them something. No one would get the same thing and it might not be what anyone wanted, and it might not even really taste good, but it would be food nonetheless. So I consider having the luxury of keeping extra food on hand a huge joy.
Friday: Mom needed a few things from the grocery store, plus I had a 5 dollar coupon off $35 from Sprouts. They had ground beef at the lowest price I can ever get it here as part of their 72 hour weekend sale. I knew I was going to get that, some bacon, sunflower seeds, grapes, and some zinc for Mom (she has to take it daily and was nearly out) Possibly 2 stevia sweetened chocolate bars and a pack of flackers (keto crackers) might have jumped in my buggy (yes I know y'all call it a cart but here in Alabama it is a buggy). I was able to find all the meager things I needed then stood in line approximately 15 minutes while the woman in line ahead of me bought 911 bucks worth of groceries. Wow! Talk about panic buying!
After that I stopped by Aldi and got the rest of the things Mom needed, plus I found her a large pack of toilet paper. I had forgotten to check her stash while I was at her house and decided I had rather be safe than sorry.
I had one last stop at her pharmacist and then CVS to pick up some non medical supplies for her and t I was done! My official joy was that I got out of the shopping madness early. I also noticed people buying insane amounts of canned chili. Another joy of mine is not having to rely on canned chili as a meal right now.
Saturday: We had to go to the lake place to take care of a few routine maintenance things. The drive down was gorgeous and the weather was near perfect. Trees were either in full bloom or budding, the azaleas are bursting out and the sky was a perfect blue. On the way down we stopped for lunch at a small town bbq joint, sat on the patio and really enjoyed conversation and a perfect day. I would say we enjoyed being at the lake but we just did our chores, locked up and left for home. There was an unexpected stroke of luck. While I was cleaning I found a huge pack of toilet paper there so we brought it home. If I don't need it here, I can always take it back, but if I need it here it does no good if it is there. Truly the little things make me happy and I am seeing a recurring toilet paper theme of glee this week. Just writing that makes me laugh!
Sunday: I was able to talk to all three sons today and that does give me much joy.
Son1 and family had an uneventful flight to Portland where there was snow on the ground, from Hawaii where there was none. He said when they arrived to 30 degree temps he was wearing a Hawaiian shirt and flip flops. He must have missed my travel lesson __dress for where you are going, not where you are leaving!
Son2 is off work until April 9. He job serves special needs adults but along with their special needs are some physical issues that put some of them at a high risk. At least he will be paid even though they are closed.
Son3 is another story. He is a musician and all his gigs have been cancelled and then we heard that all bars and restaurants are closed. His entire earning system has come to a halt. I do not know if he will continue with his students or if that will be cancelled too. The Bank of Mom and Dad might have to step in.
Another very simple joy? I ran out of almond flour and swerve. Though it sounds like I am being overly cautious, I can buy both in bulk sizes from Amazon cheaper than I can find them in any stores here. Clicked, ordered and it's on its way.
Monday: This was the morning Mom was supposed to be at the dr. at 10:30. As soon as the office opened I called to tell them Mom's age and request that we be shown into an examining room as soon as we got there rather than having her sit in the waiting room exposing her to who knows what. Mom has so little in her reserves that even the slightest illness could have horrific consequences and we surely don't want her to be around any covid19. Well, her supplemental insurance carrier has just authorized the use of phone visits for anyone with a compromised immune system. (Insert sounds of angels singing right here) Since I have to do all the talking to her doctors now anyway, this was a piece of cake. There was a huge joy being able to conduct the visit over the phone. I do have to take her back in 4 weeks, but I will worry about that in April.
The second big joy of the day was FaceTime with my granddaughter. Pip is quarantined for 14 days. Her kindergarten teacher started showing all the signs of having the virus.The upside is that they were in Hawaii for the entire week so maybe they missed the contagion part.
It was bad enough that school was cancelled, but having her in isolation with just her Mom and Dad is almost too much for her to bear. She is a very social critter. Starting tomorrow she is attending Annie School via FaceTime. I told my son I would work with her on reading and math for an hour each day, but will try to make it feel like play while she is learning. I also told her to call her beloved uncle, Son3, and see if he might be willing to give her beginning piano lessons over FaceTime. I also suggested to Son2 that he work up a little lesson on plants since he is making raised garden beds while his work is waiting out this immediate crisis. It takes a village, or at least a slightly off center extended family. If we all give her a little time each day, she can continue learning but more importantly her parents can work remotely from home and actually get work done, while they wait out this quarantine.
Tuesday: What a weird day as things get worse and worse for businesses. I was driving to pick up some medicine for Mom right off Highway 31 in my suburb. Normally it is a heavily traveled road, and making the left turn into the strip where her pharmacy is located requires waiting for the turn signal. On Tuesday, I swear I could have gotten down on all fours and crawled over all four lanes and two turn lanes with time to spare. It was like I was living in some dystopian novel. I miss people! I miss the chaos! I miss going out to eat!
But there is an upside. I live in a neighborhood where a lot of professional people live. Though everyone is cordial, we all have a tendency to go about our lives with just some nods, hellos and occasional chit chat. The last two days I have seen so many people out walking and stoping to have real conversations. And now a couple of the neighbors know I have a real name and not just the "Big Candy Bar Lady". Joy meeting new folks and yes we are all staying the requested social distance from each other!
My second joy was being able to have school with Pip. We went through a lot of flash card words, created words using different consonant sounds for words she already known how to read, then we did apple math (fractions) and had art. Tomorrow we are learning about animals, and using word prompts (Thank you EC) for her to create a story I will type for her. I think I will also read her a poem I used to read nightly to Will.
And the third joy was our night out on the town (in our dining room) We had an American traditional St Patrick's Day meal by candlelight with Celtic music compliments of Alexa. I am amazed how much more conversation we had sitting in the dimly lit room and eating. We need to do it more often. Next up is some al fresco dining out.
And that about sums up the rather odd week. We are making the best of what is going on right now and sincerely hope and pray that this will not be as devastating as we hear it might be. Meanwhile I will continue to isolate as much as I can, while making sure Mom has what she needs.
This year you could throw a dead cat in a grocery store meat dept. and not have a chance of hitting a corned beef there so we had Chinese take-out for dinner on St. Pat's day. My Irish ancestors are truly spinning in their graves. lolz
ReplyDeleteStay safe out there!
3 or 4 weeks ago Aldi had a tremendous sale on corned beef so I bought 3 packs. All I had to do was remember to defrost it! Though take out Chinese is not bad either. Spin away, relatives!
DeleteWe are all just doing the best we can, and it sounds like you have it under control my friend.
ReplyDeleteI have nothing under control but I excel at lowering my expectations!
DeleteLots and lots of joy here. And I am so very glad to know that Words for Wednesday contributes to that joy. And equally glad that you dipped your toes in the water and dived right in. Your stories ALWAYS give me joy.
ReplyDeleteI have not had time to look at this weeks yet but I will!
DeleteI'm happy to hear that one of your biggest joys is being able to school your young grand daughter by face time. I bet she really enjoys it. I hope you are prepared for what may likely be longer than only 2 weeks. It sounds like you had a great many joys to choose from this past week.
ReplyDeleteMy son told me her school is cancelled through April. I can come up with lesson plans for that many days easily. Plus I can be slightly wicked with her since I am not her teacher and when we are adding consonants to word endings I can tell her hip is a fancy schmancy word for hiney and make her laugh while learning.
DeleteShe is going to love YOUR school. Ha.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great grandmother you are helping with PIP's schooling. All our schools are shut now, my hairdresser shut today, dentists is shut, all rec centres, libraries. I made a last gigantic food shop, stocked up on dog food and we are going to home depot in a half an hour for last minute supplies. I fully expect a lockdown. My hairdresser shut today....I was way past due for a cut and color. Can wait on getting the highlights but will have to give myself a trim (*strikes terror in heart). Very very weird times. My joy today was taking a mental health walk with my dog and staring at the duck pond for many minutes. Fortunately my dog totally disregards the ducks unless they try and come towards us for food.
ReplyDeleteWalking the dogs sounds great! We just have to do what we can while this is part of our lives.
DeleteI am worried about all the parents who wonder how they can teach. I do not know if you have a background in education or not. Before I had a degree in education, I would have just taught my kids without a worry. No matter, I am glad you are not worrying about teaching your granddaughter. That is great getting your mother treated over the phone. I wonder if more insurance companies will allow this, considering the situation right now.
ReplyDeleteI think more insurance companies are jumping on board with the televisits
DeleteLooking for daily joys is a great thing. These days with your mother and the virus, it would be so easy to go the other way. I bet Pip is a joy whenever and wherever. BTW, I grew up calling them buggies, too.
ReplyDeleteI know we buggy people are a geocentric lot!
DeleteA lovely list of daily joys, Anne. I'm sorry to hear about Son3's predicament, but, what a blessing that you are able to help him if needed. How wonderful that you are able to teach Pip online and her uncles could help, too. That's what family is all about, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteIt really is what family is supposed to be, anyway.
DeleteGood idea with the homeschooling- wish I had thought of it but i can still plan and come up with something. My kindergarten grandaughter is in San Francisco and according to my daughter, school won't resume until next September. I did send $100 for each child (GS is 18 months) to order some books/puzzles from Amazon. GD is just starting to read Babysitter Club books like her mom did. I haven't left the house for a week! Eghads but I do talk to folks on the phone and am still working. I am glad your mom is getting such good care. Some of the service providers I work with (same field as your number 2 son) have been asked to not work with the clients and therefore are not getting paid. The day programs are only open to folks living in group homes too. This is really serious- my older daughter is debating keeping her preschool open for working parents, but her staff is nervous about that too. Lots of unemployed folks in my town and also those who still need child care...it's serious. Stay safe.
ReplyDeleteIt is serious! I just hope and pray this is not as horrid as the predictions.
DeleteThat actually sounds like a rather lovely week to me (I know it's all relative isn't it). But I'm glad it was more positive than some of your weeks, and yes it would be lovely "homeschooling" your granddaughter - and a big help to mom and dad I don't doubt!
ReplyDeleteShe is such an easy child, so I will do whatever they need me to do.
DeleteDespite all that is going on, it's wonderful that you are finding the joy in everyday. I haven't bought toilet paper yet, but generally have lots on hand.
ReplyDeleteTake care and stay well!
You take care and stay well also. I saw a great cartoon that had socks walking two by two to the washing machine and one says to the rest of them "stay matched or you will wind up as toilet paper"
Delete