Oncologist Appointment

Today I headed off for my doc appointment. I don't mind getting blood work done every 4 months. It's nice to be reassured that all is good, when I get my results.

I was a lot more relaxed heading into the building than I was 4+ months ago. There were so many unknowns in April. Back then, I wasn't sure if I was actually safe, going inside. But this time, it all seemed easy.

Rolling Veins 

I joked with the new nurse when she struggled with my "rolling veins". She apologized when she had to start over and poke me again. I just have difficult veins.

It was good to see the doctor in person. He stayed away from me, even in his mask and face shield. He laughed at my paperwork and asked how I'd managed to lose weight during a pandemic. Then he decided he wanted to do more blood work since my potassium is sometimes elevated. Dang. The poor nurse cringed when she saw me walk back in the door. She gave me a new color bandage.

This Morning

My arm looked fine this morning. No big bruise like I expected. But my upper arm is still sore from my flu shot. I decided I would treat myself with a yummy breakfast.

While my drop biscuits baked, I went out in the front to see any bees were still in our yard. Ed the Bee Wrangler, took them away yesterday, but a few were still buzzing around. I reach to pick up a twig and got a zapping sting on my middle finger! I was insulted! That really hurt!

I pulled out the stinger and iced my finger. I grumbled about my battered left arm... 4 needle pokes and a bee sting, all on the left. Then I opened the jar of honey that our evil bees had created and I felt much better!

Front Yard

Yesterday, I talked about the guy in the backyard, putting his life at risk to trim our palm fronds.

Today, Ed the Bee Wrangler, got on a ladder in the front yard. He put his own life at risk, tackling a huge bee issue under the roof. 

Bee Protection

Ed was making me pretty nervous at first. High ladder. Cowboy hat and no netting or gloves.

He came down and told me that our bees were the most aggressive, feistiest bees he'd dealt with in a long time! After a couple stings, he put on some gear.

9.5 Hours

It took Ed nearly 10 hours to remove the bees and seal up the part of our house, that bees love.

I dared to take a few photos, but I was quick. The whole front yard was swarming.

I still can't believe how long and hard Ed worked out there. I can't relax when people are on ladders in my yard... when it's swarming with bees.  

Ed was exhausted, but chatty when he finished. I'm so glad the bees are moving to his bee farm and I'm thrilled that he gave us a jar of the honey, made right here at the house!

Palm Trimmers

Every year, these palms grow taller and the job gets higher.

Every year we hire these guys to trim the fronds. It's always very entertaining... and worrisome.

But I have become such a worrier in these past months. Today I didn't worry about masks and pandemics and fires. I worried about these guys without helmets and gloves. And that rope was helping the tree climber, when he was going up.

But as far as pandemic window entertainment, this show rated pretty high up there.

Social Time in the Yard

Today we invited our dear friends over, for a little pool time. This was the first time, Don and I have socialized, except with our adult kids.  

It's easier in many ways to just continue in our safe bubble with no socializing at all. But this is a family we trust and care about. When they arrived in back, we all greeted with elbow bumps... no hugs this time.

Good For All

The kids were so enthused and appreciative. They must have thanked us 10 times for having them over.

It felt good to watch kids having fun in the pool... and out of the pool! Reading with a cookie, waiting!

It was fun for our friends to have a pool break. But it was pretty great for Don and me, to enjoy others for a change. I guess I didn't realize how much we needed this ourselves, until they were here. What a treat!

Shopping Season

It's September and I have fall birthdays coming up... then Christmas. I'm so sick of online shopping. I'm tired of the problems and glitches from shopping without actually seeing and touching items.

Santa Fe Shopping

I'm not a huge shopper, actually. But Santa Fe is the kind of town that makes people like me, enjoy shopping.

We stopped there on the way back from Oregon. Oh how I wish I could have felt comfortable meandering through shops. I did enjoy a little window shopping, though. 

Don took one look at the cowgirl in the window and said, "This is how we Santa Fe!" She certainly was rockin' her mask and jewelry!

Ashland, OR

A week earlier, we missed an opportunity to shop in another good shopping town.  We were spending a week with our kids at an Airbnb, outside of Ashland. We decided to venture in, to see the town. 

After months of staying out of stores, it was tempting to step inside a few boutique shops, but kept our wandering outside. We were attempting the safest "reunion" possible and that meant no shopping and dining out.

Sadly, Ashland is now in the midst of fighting fires. It's sad to think how much worse off these businesses will soon be. 

Dreaming of Santa Fe

Now, I'm sitting at my computer, sending emails to Amazon to get my money back from the seller who sent a counterfeit item. The frustration makes me dream of strolling through these artsy towns and buying unique gifts from creative artists and vendors.

The shops inside our Santa Fe hotel, could have used our business. They were so quiet. 

Palace of the Governors

The saddest part of our visit, was seeing the empty market place.

It was a Friday afternoon and the streets were quiet. Just a year ago, I bought earrings from these talented vendors, sitting along that very building.

Maybe I need to go back to the computer and do some online shopping that benefits these vendors.

19th Anniversary

19 years ago, I watched a different TV, in this very same spot... after Mom called me from St. Louis. 

This is not an anniversary that anyone looks forward to. It's sad, every single year. This year it seems even more so and not just because it looks different.

So many of us are remembering how our country came together after 9/11. Oh how I wish we could all come together again.

​Maybe we did, for just a moment during the moment of silence today. 

Worries in the West

Just over a week ago, Don and I enjoyed a long and safe visit with our kids in California and Oregon.

Now we study the TV and text the kids for updates. More than 3 million acres have burned in California. Wildfires are destroying hundreds of homes in Oregon. The house that our daughter and husband just bought, is very near one of the worst fires.

Smoke

I study the air quality on the weather app.

The air got worse in both places after I took these screen shots. "Hazardous" air in both places. On the news, they said Portland had the worst air quality in the entire world.

Calm...

I spend a lot of time worrying over things I can't fix. These fires are out of control... which means they are totally out of my control.

I feel like we're back in March, finding ways to calm nerves and be positive. Don and I took coffee up to the porch. We haven't done that in a while.

I was not happy to see the Prayer Flags, hanging by a thread. I put them up months ago. I know the fading and weathering is supposed to be a positive thing. But if they fly away, I'm going to have to get worried about what that means!

Health Outing

Today I had a double health outing. I had my teeth cleaned and I got a flu shot.  

I wore my mask into the building and had my temperature taken. Then everything felt pretty much the same. My hygienist entered in a mask, but I'm used to seeing staff in masks.  When she put on a shield that didn't even seem odd. Maybe she's worn one before? But it did feel strange to suddenly open my unmasked mouth, to her hands.

Then it was the same old thing... carrying on a conversation with my masked hygienist, while her hands were in my mouth. But my teeth are clean now and they feel wonderful. 

Walgreens for Flu Shot

I decided to make it an extra fun day and headed straight to Walgreens for a flu shot.

I had my temperature taken and went into a little room, where I studied the "Triangle of Safety" sign.

"What does that actually mean?" I asked the young woman giving me a shot. She mumbled something behind her mask. She clearly did not want to make small talk in that small room. That makes sense. 

Another Sign

I walked out of Walgreens, feeling extra good. Clean teeth and hopefully no flu, as I move into this pandemic fall season.

I passed the trash can and noticed a sign that needed no interpretation. I guess I'm not the only person who has been annoyed to discover trashed masks and gloves in parking lots. 

Sadly the people who do that, probably don't care about signs.

Tour de France

The Tour de France has been a nice distraction on TV. 

I watched Don in bike races, 40 years ago in California. Now I watch Don relaxing in front of the TV, enjoying something so far away from our current worries, of Covid, politics and fires!

The races are exciting to watch and the scenery is stunning. You can forget about the pandemic, until you see bikes crowding like this. But I guess there's a much bigger chance that these guys will die of a bike crash than Covid.

No Podium Girls

All sports have had to adjust to the pandemic. Cycling is the only one I know of, that had to stop the tradition of Podium Girls.

It's about time! That was a tradition that needed to go. Yes, it was kind of cute seeing the lovely girls putting the awards around the winner's neck and handing him flowers and stuffed animals. 

Podium Team

Then again, this podium just looks silly.

Now on the podium, they have a guy and girl, wearing yellow masks. The winner  stands in the middle, awkwardly holding his flowers and lion.  

Faceless Winner

There are still medals and flowers and now we have masks, on the podium.

As always, I'm glad that athletes are making statements with masks. (even if they don't have a choice) However, it's kind of sad that I can't see the winner's expression at all. For all I know, he might be pouting because he didn't get kisses from the Podium Girls.

​No. I'm going to say, he's grinning behind that fabric!

Labor Day Today

Today is Labor Day. When I was a kid, it marked the last day of summer. Most kids across the U.S., are back to virtual learning, this fall. School is extra complicated for so many, right now.
​
First Grade in Staten Island 1963

My school worries were pretty simple back in the day. We moved a lot, so I do remember many first day nerves... in schools, where I knew no one.

Some kids were nervous about traveling to a different school. My brother was one of those kids, but I don't remember him complaining. Many adults were angry, but my parents supported the plan. Mom volunteered at the school and her enthusiasm helped make my brother's transition a positive one. I think Mom would have been a good Pandemic Parent.
​

Brave Students

There have been so many brave students in history, from little Ruby Bridges to the young students at Little Rock.

And this fall, there are brave kids as well, dealing with frustrations and fears of learning from home... or walking into a school, full of masks and rigid rules.

I will be cheering on all the kids and teachers tomorrow! Staff and parents as well!

I don't like the feel of an empty stadium and I'm just watching from home. There's a ghostly sound of air moving, without crowds. Do the players hear that? 

It's almost spooky to see the players emerge with their masks, before the match. I'll bet some are happy to hide their nerves behind those masks.

Some are letting their masks help share a message.

The players get to remove their masks, but the ball-kids and judges, keep theirs on. 

The ball kids aren't allowed to hand the towels to the players now. I'll bet that's a relief for some. Our daughter was a ball kid once and got reprimanded by Andy Roddick, because of how she handled the towel. I can only imagine how extra stressed the tennis players are these days.

​I'm glad the ball kids can keep their distance!

It's very strange watching the Kentucky Derby in the fall, instead of spring.

It's even more odd, seeing jockeys in masks. It's good. They are following rules, I'm sure. But they're also setting a good example.

​I miss seeing faces, though.

There was also no rain and no mud. And there were no big crowds and no big hats. Well maybe a few. But it felt very different.

The jockeys started the race with masks on. I was surprised. Most athletes are un-masked, in other sports.

​I cheered for "South Bend", since I was born in South Bend, Indiana.

"Authetnic" won the race. I briefly got to see the face of Jockey John Velazquez! I'm glad we got to see his smile.

 

Pop-Up Decor

It's not pandemic boredom that leads to my goofy decorating. I've always amused myself with whimsical "Pop-Up-Decorating-Spots" around the house. 

I like circus colors. I love the nostalgia. This corner of the kitchen makes me happy. 
​

It's been easy to grab those colorful balls, sitting in the bowl! Back in May, Don and I struggled and laughed and kept working at it. We ordered better juggling balls and now we can keep it going through a whole song... well, a short song. Juggling to music, is extra challenging.

Good-by Circus. Good-bye Beach

But it's time for the circus to leave town. It's time to put away the beach.

It's time to say good-bye to my Pop-Up-Beach, too. What will it be now? It's too early for Halloween. And speaking of Halloween, what will be happening with that? Are kids going to trick-or-treat, during a pandemic? Maybe I could wait on the porch, juggling candies, till I spot kids in costume. Then I could toss goodies into the open trick-or-treat bags. 

​Hmmm. We'll see.

Cancel Italy Plans

I just cancelled our hotels in Italy. I knew we weren't going months ago, but it was hard to do this final task. Even if we were brave enough to travel, we aren't allowed to go to many countries right now. Aruba and Turkey, yes. Italy no.

Trip to the Grocery Store

So no international travel. But at least we can pretend.

We've done curbside and delivery and Don has done in store shopping by himself. But today, we took a trip to Al Rabba.

Dreamlike

It was odd for me to be pushing a cart after all this time. I appreciated the cleaning station.

It was odd being in the grocery store where we shopped for 20+ years. It was a like a warped dream... maybe a Covid dream! Familiar this and totally foreign that...
​

Curious Foods and Drinks

I miss our old store, but it was so crazy and entertaining to be in this new shopping atmosphere.  

I know what Sprite is, but what is Wai Wai? We didn't get any Iraqi Mango Sauce... this time!

Unfinished

The 61,000-square-foot supermarket, felt like a warehouse with towering boxes and pallets, stacked hight with bags of rice. So much rice!

I couldn't tell if some of this was temporary. They opened during the pandemic after all. Or was this a cultural thing? I felt like we'd taken a trip across the world. Visiting grocery stores in different countries has always been a wonderful way to understand the culture.

Eggplant

The produce was intriguing. So many kinds of eggplant!

These Graffiti Eggplants were beautiful. There were 8 different kinds. We bought some good old Italian Eggplant.

American Food

I had to laugh when I saw the American Food aisle. Raisin Bran and Honey Comb cereal!

We didn't purchase any boring American foods. We also didn't purchase any of these fine beds. Hmmm? Odd. I don't remember Randall's having beds and cots for sale.

Chat Hut

It was early for lunch, but we picked up some hot food, after we checked out.

Our lunch a little later, was much more exciting than the old salad bar the Randall's once had. Salad Bar. I'll bet we never see one of those again.

I didn't get a photo of the Samosas that we also purchased. All was piping hot and tasty. And later in the evening, Don grilled some burgers made with Halal meat. Tasted like ground filet mignon!

We kind of overdid in the sweet department. The coconut cookies were very yummy.

​No trip to Italy this year, but we took a trip to India and Pakistan, Africa, Asia and the Middle East... without traveling more than a minute from our house!

Dad's 93rd

Today is Dad's birthday. I've been fretting about it.

This photo was taken in 2018, when Dad moved into assisted living. Never would I have guessed that 2.5 years later, he would be isolated in his living quarters... for 6 months. How do you make your dad's birthday special, when you're far away and he is locked in.

​Gifts? Cards?

We were on the road coming back from seeing the kids, when I realized I was running out of time.

I always travel with stamps, so I made a corny card in a hotel room. I ordered gifts on Amazon. No homemade cookies or special handmade gifts.

Night Before

It made me so frustrated and sad and angry to know that my dad could not have a hug or a visitor or an outing on his birthday. Now, his facility allows some outdoor visits, but they don't schedule them on Wednesdays.

So I took this silly photo and sent it to my Uncle. He said he would share it with Dad when he saw him next.

FaceTime?

I knew I'd talk to Dad on his birthday, but that's nothing special. We talk daily. I wish we could do a FaceTime call, but he seems uncomfortable with that.

So I fretted some more. Then I had Don take a video of me doing a very silly Happy Birthday song. He jumped in at the end and we blasted horns. I sent the video to a staff member. "Could you show this to my dad on his birthday?"

What Else?

Then I worried more and texted the kids in CA and OR.

The kids sent videos and photos with birthday greetings. Yay! These would also be shared along with my singing video. 

Well, I guess all that worrying was for nothing. Dad had a good birthday, without my frantic worrying. My siblings all called and sent gifts. My Uncle was allowed to take him out for lunch, after all. What!? I was so surprised and pleased. I thought they were still on lockdown! Dad was delighted with the collage frame that I sent, but he didn't seem to remember anything about being shown photos or videos.

I think he just had too much going on and can't remember everything. Here I had pictured him, sitting all day watching his birds. He was having a much bigger pandemic birthday than anyone else has had in our family! Lunch out and tons of calls and gifts. Whew. I need to save my fretting for bigger things.

On-the-Road Dining

We made it back to our home after 24 days. Luckily most of those days were at Airbnb's, with our own home cooking.

Close to the end of our trip, we spotted a McDonald's, while pumping gas. I honestly have not had a fast food burger in over a year. It sounded like heaven!

Maybe they had clean restrooms, too? Nope. We weren't allowed in. We could do curbside though. Why would we? We just did the drive through.

Happy Meal Time

I was so giddy, I ordered a Happy Meal. It came with 2 tiny boxes of fries.

Is that how they do it now? One for kiddo and one for Momma? It tasted pretty wonderful.

Tailgate Picnic

Some of the western states had rest stop closures. That is super annoying when you can't just pull up and take your sandwich fixings to a picnic table.

So after we pumped gas at this station, we pulled up to the fancy arrows and did some tailgating.

This food prep photo, is most unappetizing!

Yikes. White bread and the whatever we could find in the bottom of the cooler. We ate these tasty treats in our laps, in the car. It was about 100 degrees.

​So glad to be back home with our very own kitchen!

Boring

Lots of people complain about how boring the drive is through much of Nevada, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico.

Don and I are easily entertained, so we've never minded the flat drives or dusty scenery. But it all does seem more lonely and dreary looking, during these pandemic days. I worried about the hitchhikers, in their masks.

Ugly Reminders

It's good to see, many states had signs and reminders about Covid. But not all signs are very pleasant.

I'm looking forward to post Covid days and post election days, when we no longer have to feel jolted by words and worries. Navajos for Trump? Who is paying for that sign?

Comic Relief

Driving through Roswell, I felt a little lift from current worries.

The aliens and spaceships gave me a nice chuckle!

Musical Highway

But I searched the internet and learned that the sign had been removed and the musical road was no longer maintained.

We searched anyway. The sign was gone. (this one is from internet) We found the spot by mileage and slowed to 45. I squealed when I suddenly heard the road humming to us! "Oh Beautiful for spacious skies..."  It was there! We turned around and drove it 2 more times!

Our Favorite Squirrel!

The Musical Highway made me giddy, but seeing good old Ms. Pearl the Squirrel made me grin. We were on TX 71 about 2 hours from home, when we drove by Berdoll Pecan & Candy Co.

I took a window photo as we flew by. You go Pearl! Since this pandemic began, our 14-foot lady, has been sporting masks of many colors. 

What a nice greeting!

Sunday

Today is Sunday and we are on the final day of road trip driving. I had lots of time to think about... churches.

How many are doing virtual church still? How many are risking crowds by going to church in person? I'm sad for the elderly who are most at risk and may be missing church more than most.

I thought about the churches I saw during our brief stop in Santa Fe.

St. Francis

Our hotel was across from this beautiful church. We heard the church bells when we dined. It was both comforting and eerie.

We walked over later at night and I read the sign about "Covid-19 Mass Times" How odd these times are. I'm guessing Catholic masses have put a temporary halt to the part of mass that I used to dread as a kid. I was about 11 when we were asked to acknowledge those near us in the pews. "Peace be with you..." As a shy kid I hated shaking hands with strangers. 

Loretto Chapel

Last night, we also walked down to see the lovely, Loretto Chapel. The lit up church seemed so safe and peaceful.

It was 10 am when we passed the large lot and fenced in arena. The lot was packed with trucks, mostly. I saw no horses. I saw no people, because they were all inside, the warehouse-like, church. 

I hope that "cowboy congregation" kept safe at their service. I hope they said some extra prayers, that they don't get AND/OR SPREAD Covid-19!. 

La Fonda Hotel

We made a change, for the last night of our road trip. After keeping it safe with Marriott owned hotels, we checked on reviews for the historic La Fonda in Santa Fe.

Reviews convinced us that guests with concerns about traveling during a pandemic, felt very happy at La Fonda.

,The chain hotels had been safe, but I was tired of seeing stacked chairs and tired of little bag breakfasts on the way out.

Classy Reminders

At La Fonda, they went above and beyond, with covid restrictions. The PLEASE sign made me smile. It's not a huge demand. Just put on your shoes and shirt and mask!

I liked the hand sanitizer in the shiny container. And I liked being given a first floor, upgraded room.

​Clever Changes

I liked the way the hotel handled the closure of their indoor dining space. (pic from 2 years ago)

Instead of stacking chairs and putting up caution tape, they transformed it into a gallery.

La Terraza

Their spacious outdoor restaurant was open. 

After checking in, we took a peek and we were so impressed we made reservations. The masked staff was relaxed and welcoming and the tables isolated, without looking odd.

Don and I had our last restaurant meal on March 7. We figured if were going to take a baby step with outdoor dining, this was the perfect place to do it!

Safe and Yummy

Neither of us has had any desire to do more than carryout dining. But suddenly we were craving this dining experience. The guests and staff all looked relaxed and happy. The New Mexican cuisine smelled heavenly. 

When a man at a nearby table saw me snapping a photo of Don, he jumped up and insisted on taking a photo of the 2 of us. I was delighted. We toasted and he snapped a photo, before returning my phone.

Oops. I guess I was so relaxed I didn't think that this was the perfect way to get a little covid-contam! Oh well. I grabbed my portable hand sanitizer and cleaned my hands and phone. 

We don't have plans to dine out again, anytime soon. But I'm glad we tried it out at a great place! 

Hotel TV

We had one more hotel stay, last night. Hotels are no fun during a pandemic. The desk staff tried to be pleasant when we checked in, but all felt awkward. It's just hard to understand each other in masks.

Don and I lugged bags to our room and hunkered down with cheese and crackers and wine. We turned on the TV to see the RNC in progress. Why was a convention happening at the White House? Is that appropriate?

And why were so many people crowded together without masks? We had just passed through the hotel lobby, where people were respecting each other by wearing masks. This seems so confusing.

This Morning

This morning, we turned on the news before checking out.

There is more happening in D.C. today. It's the anniversary of the March on Washington, in 1963.

Even larger crowds were expected at the anniversary March.

But they had rules about masks and temperatures were being taken. Crowds of any kind worry me these days, but I'd rather be in the crowd that wears masks.

Closed Hotel Gyms

We've been staying at Marriott owned hotel chains on this road trip. They have the best ratings for how they're handling the pandemic. We checked into SpringHill Suites in Salt Lake City, last night. It was very new and clean. 

Oh how I would have loved to have used their fitness room with new equipment, but hotel gyms are closed. I've totally gotten out of my exercise routine with our trip. And these long drive days, make me crave running.  

Morning Run

We had a nice view of the mountains from our room. I also spotted a park, so I decided to have a run before we checked out, this morning.

I don't usually run with a mask, but I took mine, since it looked like a fairly active park. I joined the walkers and runners on the one-way road, around the lake.  

Social Distancing?

I noticed some teenage runners and some ducks, not keeping properly distanced. 

I let the coach deal with the boys and I had a talk with the ducks. I waved my mask as a reminder.

Obviously the fresh air went to my brain today. 

Restrooms on the Road

One of our biggest issues with our pandemic road trip, has been about restrooms.

Rest Stops 

On our trip out west, we found very decent rest stops. They were cleaned well and the doors were propped open. Most had openings near the ceiling, for more airflow. We were all about NOT picking up Covid on the journey to our family gathering.

I wore my mask and used a tiny disinfectant spray. I waited a minute at most, to make sure I could zip in and out, without anyone else inside. Only one time did we change our minds and drive on to find a better rest stop.

A Different Route

But, now we're heading home on a different route. The handy sheet with the list of rest stops, won't help us on this drive.

I've been looking up rest stops on GPS, but what's with all the rest stop closures in New Mexico?

Masks at the Pump

So, I was forced to use a gas station rest room. I had to walk inside and actually go through a laundry room area... because it was a truck stop! 

We have a Texas license plate, after all. Don't want people to think Texans are traveling around the country sharing the Covid.

Biggest and most obvious travel tip. Don't drink a lot on the road.

Avoiding Fires

Today we packed up from the Oregon rental house and hit the road for Texas. Luckily our relaxing 2 weeks was not cut short.

We changed our Sacramento route, to avoid possible road closures.

It was odd to see smoky skies, along with some damaged trees, from another year.

We luckily had no real issues, but we could imagine what evacuating might be like. How scary to deal with fire worries, on top of a pandemic.

Two Hurricanes?

Before we got on the road, texts started coming in, from friends back home in the Houston area.

What a strange world we're living in right now. Two hurricanes forming at once?

​"Laura" was the one that seemed to be more of a threat to our home.

Hurricane Laura
​

Our next door neighbors let us know that they'd gone to our backyard to move plants and furniture.  It will be a few days before we reach home. It's seems so much more predictable than fire. We know the storms will be over by the time we get home. Fingers crossed.

Food for Hunkering Down

We've all gotten so much better at "sheltering in place" this year. I kind of hate knowing that we're not back home, along with our neighbors.

I had to chuckle when I saw this bit of info, that a Texas friend shared.

Toilet paper limits for pandemic. Brisket limits for hurricane!

Posing With Masks

This morning, "the kids" headed back to Portland and Sacramento.  

Luckily I have a few photos to remember our 2-week pandemic gathering. We took these on the second evening, that we were together. The masks will always help us mark the year.

I hopped up and set the timer on my Nikon, again. "Okay! One more. Take your masks off this time!"

"One more! Take your sunglasses off and point to the new mama!"

"Okay! Last one! Just regular." And here it is. Just regular.

This will most likely be THE family photo for 2020. No dazzling photos, taken at a wedding reception. No perfect outfits or hairdos or make up. Just a lot of smiles and maybe a little pandemic facial hair.   

​This is not your perfect family photo and that's why I love it!

Oregon Beaches

I remember seeing photos of crowded beaches last Memorial Day. "Who are those crazy people, going to beaches when there's a pandemic?"

Now it's August and there's still a pandemic and our rental house is near the Pacific. We can walk to this beach! There are no crowds. There's also no sand.

Harris State Park

Less than a 10 minute drive away, we found this beautiful beach.

They had a sign to remind us about the pandemic. But we didn't exactly see anyone wearing masks.
​

​Masks at the Beach

Jamie and Heidi and I visited the beach yesterday. We wore masks, while walking from the car to the beach.

I was glad we were wearing them, when we walked down a tricky path and a (mask-less) woman tumbled, right in front of Heidi. Heidi's instincts were to reach out and help the woman, who found herself sort of wedged in the rocks. She wasn't hurt. It was mostly just awkward. But this is why it's not being overly cautious to wear a mask at the beach.  

Kite Time

There was a ton of open space on the beach and lots of people scattered. Our masks came off and Heidi and Jamie went to work trying to get their kite up.

It was sort of comical how the wind teased that little white kite.
​

There was a lot of laughing and a little grumbling. I took some photos and they finally got the little "announcement" up in the air.

2 Weeks Almost Up

Our "family quarantine vacay" has gone so quickly. I'm so glad I had a little beach time with Jamie and Heidi. They head back to Portland tomorrow.

It's hard being thousands of miles away, in Texas. It's frustrating that Heidi and I can't go to lunch and talk about cravings and cribs together. Phone calls just aren't the same.

Coffee at the Beach

So, it's our last day today. Heidi and I jumped in the car this morning and went through a Dutch Bros drive through. Heidi got a fancy decaf and I had a yummy latte. 

We drove back to the Harris Beach and sat in the car and talked. What a treat to look out at that foggy view, with our coffees and no masks. Just Heidi and me, talking about the little girl who is coming to this world in February! The best Covid-Coast memory.