No Vaccines for Us

​We're watching less news. Yay. But we're trying to peek at vaccine updates.
No telling when Don and I will get ours. We're far from our home where many of our friends are beginning to get theirs. Less chance of us getting vaccinated in OR.

On Facebook I see many, posting photos of getting vaccines. It's good to see. But I'm also seeing disturbing announcements. "We lost my brother to Covid last night." I'm learning of whole families that have suffered Covid, after holiday gatherings. These are people I know now. We have to just keep on staying safe.

Nearby Parks

Our BnB in Clackamas, is near many parks. We need to do more of this, with our off time.

It's nice to be in the fresh air, away from people. Although we've seen many others on these trails. Luckily everyone on the trails is masked. I guess people who get out an enjoy nature, are the kinds of people who want to keep the world and its people, around a little longer.

Cheers for scenes like this! Mount Hood, viewed from Scouters Nature Park!

We packed books and games and puzzles and snacks. And when the weather is sunny, I can read outside. And, there's nearby hiking. No complaints. 

Helping These 2

I wish we could be of more help to Heidi and Jamie. This is them on Friday. Now this wonderful space, has furniture and lots of boxes.

Heidi's feet are swollen from enthused unpacking. Don and I have helped, with carrying and moving things. But we can't make their decisions. It's been 23 years since I moved. I forget how many tiny and huge decisions there are.

Cook for the Kids

A good mother would cook meals and fill their fridge. But our Airbnb has only a microwave and a blender. We brought the crockpot from TX. I cooked  cauliflower and broth for 8 hours. Then I needed to blend it, before adding broccoli. The bathroom was the only place to plug in the blender. My blasts probably perplexed the owners, above. Complicated soup!

If these weren't pandemic times, we'd meet them at a nice restaurant or casually pick up a meals. All this safe quarantining was easier when there was less going on.

Doctor's Appointment

This morning Heidi was working, but I texted to see if she wanted us to chauffeur her, to her appointment in Portland. We drove. Heidi double masked and headed in.

I was glad she said yes. Don and I sat in the car and watched the sidewalk traffic. We're not used to observing pandemic city life. The world is just carrying on... in masks. Good. We sat and wondered if the baby will come early. Will Jamie be able to be with Heidi the whole time? Covid restrictions change constantly. 

It was nice to have 30 minutes in the car to be updated, when Heidi was done. (In the past we've only gotten quick text updates.) Today we learned the baby might be closer to 2 weeks than 3. And Heidi needs to rest those swollen feet...  There's nowhere in the new house to raise her feet!

Ottoman Emergency

We drove Heidi back to the new house. She had a work call at 1:30. We told her we'd drop her off and take care of the ottoman emergency. We attempted a curbside pick up at Target, but no luck. We went in!

After months of avoiding inside visits to anything, Don and I walked into Target and grabbed an ottoman. It seemed so sinful, so daring, so exciting! I wanted to grab a million other things. (We're at a temp Airbnb after all!) But we grabbed the furniture and some Benadryl, that Heidi's doc recommended for sleep. 

All this "helping" would be a lot easier if we'd been in our own house with all our stuff. Our Helping Adventures are so minimal, but still satisfying!

​Local News

It's the day after the Inauguration. Trump is not in the news. No Twitter. No spotlight. All feels calm.

But this morning a spotted this on my newsfeed. Ugh. We are just outside Portland now. I hate hearing this.

"Freezer Bern!"

But today I only focus on happy news. This is the best!

Last night we chuckled with our kids about Bernie at the Inauguration. Scott mentioned his mittens and how he looked like he was dressed to make a stop at the Post Office. ​

Scott wasn't the only one amused. Twitter was going to town,

Bernie Everywhere

I'm not on Twitter, but my social media was starting to get flooded. It's no longer a family joke, when the old-timer friends on Facebook are posting Bernie.

But I couldn't be happier! I could look at these all day. I think a young teacher made those mittens and I don't think she's taking orders. 

Happy New Year! I feel like 2021 just began!

I lowered the volume at 6:30 and studied the images from bed.

Totally missed the Trump's departure. They are really gone from the White House, now. They chose not to attend the inauguration. Melania did not give Jill a tour. 

Theatre Room

It's so weird not to be in our own home. We tiptoed around and made coffee. I didn't know 2 weeks ago, that many women would be wearing pearls today, Just a fun way to support our new Vice President. I wore slippers instead.

Don and I took our coffee and a box of biscotti to the Theatre Room. Our Airbnb is missing a lot of things, but it does have a media room. How odd to celebrate Biden's Inauguration with just the 2 of us, in this crazy Hollywood Room.

Arrivals

We were cozy and warm as we watched the colorful coats arrive!

Cold in D.C., but sunny. Then clouds and about 3 snow flurries. Then sun!

​Statuary Hall

We watched the arrival of many, walking through this special space. I've "visited" Statuary Hall with my TV, throughout the pandemic. I watched guests arrive for RBG's service in September. I cringed at angry mobs invading, on January 6.  This is where post-inauguration lunch would have been, if there'd been no pandemic.

Today, we watched the arrival of the Pences. I appreciate that the VP attended. Was Trump already on the golf course in Mar-a-lago? Or was he peeking at the TV?

Our New Vice President

It was so exciting to watch history being made, in our cozy theatre seats. This is our Vice President. The first woman vice president! A woman of color. 

What a relief to see this day, finally unfolding.

So Long Ago

The Obamas arrived and I couldn't help but remember.

I remember watching with my mother in 2009. My mother had Alzheimer's but she was giddy watching the Inauguration. "It will be so nice to see children in the White House again!" 

​The Bidens

Don and I wanted to cheer when we saw the Bidens. I hate being quiet in someone else's home. I wanted to cheer and whoop! We've waited so long. I also have no clue about our neighbors. There's a pandemic. We haven't met face to face. I didn't hear booing from above.

It sad to think about how much this special day has been altered. No Inauguration Balls and no gigantic crowds. I'm glad the Biden's have been there before. They are clearly fine without the festive hoopla. There's way too much to focus on from here on out. But it's still sad.

Masks

We'll always remember this odd inauguration, with expressions hidden by masks.

But there was no hiding this smile!

Former Presidents

It was nice seeing these 3 former presidents greeting each other. This stolen image shows no character, but on TV, their body language looked warm and upbeat and gracious.

I wish President Carter could have made a Zoom appearance. 

Music

I'm sure many had unkind things to say about Lady Gaga's clothes and J-Lo's shout out in Spanish. Some probably were confused to see Garth in his cowboy hat, celebrating with this liberal crowd.

But I loved it all. Don and I didn't shout out or sing along. Well I tried for a moment, to sing softly when we Garth asked the crowd to sing the last verse of Amazing Grace. 

This Land...

Don shared his napkin with me when J-Lo sang, "This Land is Your Land". This is the song I sang in grade school, but never listened to the words.

I wondered for a moment if Jennifer Lopez would add the version I discovered a few years ago. Woody Guthrie had some words against D. Trump's dad, in the 1950's. But she moved into a beautiful "America", instead. 

Show Stealer

Young poet laureate, Amanda Gorman stole the show with her poetry.

Such power in her gentle voice. Her words were like no other poetry... a prayer and a song. I read the words later and was even more moved.

What I'll Remember

The day continued, but we had to break away by noon. We're in OR to help our pregnant daughter and son-in-law with their move.

But I'll always remember this funny dark room and our blankets and coffee. I'll remember the huge feeling of relief after Kamala Harris and Joe Biden were finally, finally sworn in!

Tomorrow 

Today is Tuesday, the day before the Inauguration. I so hope all goes well. 

All Wednesdays of 2021, have been full of tension...at the Capitol and everywhere.

Insurrection Wednesday

The first Wednesday of 2021 will never be forgotten.

On Jan. 6, Don and I followed the horrifying news, with texts from family and friends. We were on the first day of our road trip, from TX to OR. We saw these images later, on the hotel TV.

Last Wednesday

A week ago, the House gathered in the same space that was invaded a week before. 

Representatives who feared for their lives in this very room, gathered again. Trump was impeached for the second time.

January 20, 2021

Tomorrow, the Inauguration will happen, under tight security at the Capitol.

25,000 National Guard Troops will be on duty. Every State Capitol has been prepared for protests or violence. 

Transfer of Power

Very early tomorrow, the Trumps will leave the White House and head to Mar-A-Lago. They will not welcome the Bidens to the White House. The last president who refused to attend his successors' inauguration, was Johnson in 1869.

If Trump had conceded and shown support, we could all feel less worried. We don't need Trump's angry supporters causing more problems tomorrow.

This memory is a refreshing reminder! The Bush daughters welcomed the Obama daughters in 2009! This is an example of how "kids" can help with a smooth transfer of power.

Tonight

But all seems calm tonight. So far.

200k flags cover the National Mall, representing people who cannot attend the Inauguration.

Remembering  

​Tonight there are 400 lights illuminating the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.

Each light honors 1,000 Americans, who have died of Covid-19. Tomorrow morning there will be a memorial service before Inauguration. 

I think tomorrow will be a good Wednesday.

MLK Day 2021

We need to remember Dr. King today, more than any other year. But, there's so much happening in the news, the day isn't getting the needed spotlight.

Today, I posted this memory, on Facebook. I remember the fun of watching this happy family reunion in 2016. We visited D.C. that summer and oh how clueless I was about what was ahead in the next 4.5 years.

Social Media Posts

I can't go out and volunteer today, for obvious reasons. I miss volunteering with my senior groups and the kids at the shelter. Especially on MLK Day. I love sharing MLK Day with others,

So I shared on Instagram. I shared this collage of photos, from visits to Mobile and Montgomery and St. Augustine, Florida... peaceful feet.

Then I read FB posts. So many shared Dr. King quotes. I was pleased. Then I was bothered, as I over analyzed the quotes and the people who posted. It's too easy to share quotes. I wish we could all get out there and do some kind of service... one special thing.
​

Then I read that Biden was out volunteering, today. It's 2 days before the Inauguration! 

If President-elect Biden found time, I should have done something! What's my excuse? Even Trump had an excuse. He was too busy, preparing pardons. He only has 2 days left in office.  

Josie watched us from the window, while we carried loads up and down the stairs. Street parking and lively sidewalks made things tricky. The upper floor apartment was also vacating on the same day, which meant everyone needed to wear masks the whole time. Pandemic moving strategies.

Nice to leave the city stress and head off to the suburbs!

Masked Meeting
​
It's quieter in Happy Valley, but masks are still needed.

So sweet... flowers and cake and a baby gift.

Heidi and Don lounged in their masks while the cable guy was doing his thing.

Masked Aunts

Aunt Jennifer and Aunt Kate came by the next day, to unload the baby shower gifts that have come to their home. (They offered their mailing address during this transition time)

All these special moments... with masks. 

Too Cautious?

I wish we could ease up with all this caution, but we are close to 400,000 deaths. 

My dad finally got his vaccine today in Missouri! I'm so glad! He said he feels fine and his voice sounded so happy. 

I felt my age when we made 10 trips to unload the car... with bigger loads than this first photo! Quite a hike for a couple of oldsters. There were 30 steps up and down, to reach the rear entrance.  

Like Teen

I felt like a giddy teen when I saw the entrance to the Theatre Room. So funny that our Airbnb has this. 

Then I felt like a pouty teen when I saw the House Rules. Quiet time after 9. No guests. What?

College Dorm

​When I saw the kitchen area, I felt like a college student in my new dorm. We learned the hot plate could only be used outside. (smoke issues) The tiny sink could barely hold a plate. The mini freezer needed defrosting.

However, there actually is an outdoor kitchen. Again, this is an odd arrangement and not so good for all the rainy days. We'll see. 

Being Quiet

Don and I are used to adapting. It's like camping or staying at quirky hotels. Making it work is the fun challenge. But I am having the hardest time learning how to be quiet, after months of very loud quarantining. With owners above, I feel like we need to whisper and tiptoe.

But we came to Portland to help Heidi and Jamie move and to welcome their new baby in Feb! We saw them on Tuesday for the first time. We are merging our quarantine bubbles for a couple months. On Tuesday they came to our BnB. No guests? Oh well. We had carryout dinner and happily got caught up. We did not whisper and we were not quiet. How can you be quiet when you feel your granddaughter kick!

I hope we can stay here 6 weeks without being kicked out.

But, we missed being in Texas today, when Don got a phone call from his doctor's office. They were inviting him to come in that day, for the vaccine! What!? We're thousands of miles away and won't be home for many weeks. This is a bad time to be away from Texas... one of the few states that seems to be moving on vaccinations.

Family!

But we ignored that missed opportunity. We were able to make a stop in Eugene and see Jennifer and Kate! It's been way over a year!  We were cautious and wore masks for hugging.

It was a wonderful stop on our way to Portland, We were fed homemade pea soup and freshly baked sourdough bread, And we looked at all the stuff they've been dealing with for weeks. 

Jennifer and Kate have been receiving baby shower packages for weeks at their home. It's been a complicated mess having our daughter, pregnant and far away during a pandemic. But so many have helped from afar. Too many presents is not a bad problem.

So Much Help

I'm actually stunned at all the family pitching in to help, with Heidi's isolated pregnancy. Heidi's aunt in NY, sent decorations and gift wrap. Heidi's sis-in-law has been coordinating the virtual event from CA.

Kate and Jennifer have used their address in Eugene, since Heidi and Jamie are between houses in Portland. When I attempted to thank Kate for wrapping all the gifts, she assured me that this baby shower has been the best distraction ever, from the depressing news these days. Chali said the same thing as she showed me pictures of colorful cake options on her computer.

This is an awful time to be pregnant, in a place far away from family and friends. But how connected and happily distracted we've all been by this happy focus!

January 7

Traveling during a pandemic is worrisome. But we learned how to make it safe, last August. Now, we're traveling at the most deeply troubling time in U.S. history, since 9/11... while the Covid still rages. I'm glad we're driving.

Two days ago, I woke at 5 in our hotel and turned on the news. The day before, the Capitol was breached. Only a few hours before I woke, Congress officially certified Biden's victory.
​  

On that Wednesday morning, we were on the road before sunrise, headed for Arizona... brains swimming with all that took place less than 24 hours ago. So many questions.

How has our country reached this point? Why was there so little security at the Capitol? Why didn't Trump speak out right away, against the attack? Why hasn't he spoken at all to Pence or shown concern for those who died? Will they invoke the 25th amendment? How safe will our country be on Inauguration Day?

Pandemic

Also, there's still a pandemic in our world. 

We're traveling like we did in August. Picnics instead of restaurants. Lots of spray sanitizer, for restrooms and hotels. It's less stressful. More masks in Jan, than Aug.

California

The scenery was refreshing when we hit southern California. The southern route helped us avoid risky winter weather. It also took us right through L.A., which is ahout the worst place in the country to be right now, after the post holiday surge of infections.

I had to force myself to stop thinking about all the what-ifs. I've read reports of overflowing hospitals in Los Angeles. Patients lined up outside, while workers find bed space... No car accident in L.A. please!

Our Oasis

But we made it to our family oasis in Sacramento and all worries melted away.

Scott and Chali have stayed extra isolated in their safe bubble, waiting for our visit. They kept their tree up, so we could feel festive. We saw our silly grand-dog, Lola!

We had 2 heavenly days together. Don helped with a roof project and I helped Chali with some virtual shower planning... for her sis-in-law, Heidi.  

We went on walks and ordered food delivery and drove around Sacramento. It's still a pandemic gathering, but we enjoyed each other!

We did talk about the current mess in D.C., We all need to vent a worry together. But we kept it to a minimum. Mostly we enjoyed this brief visit and planned for the excitement ahead in coming months. 

I'm so grateful that we've all stayed healthy. 

On the Road

It's been less than a week since I griped on this blog. On Jan. 1, I vowed to stop my obsessive daily posts. But today, I need to rant.  

The day actually started well. We left our cabin, in a car jammed with 2 months worth of stuff. So excited to see our kids out west! I spotted a sweet church in Mason. We stopped in London, TX so I could mail a letter to my dad. All felt good.

Window Watching

After lots of logistical planning, we were on our way. The scenery was drab but my thoughts were nice. Our grand baby is due next month...we'll be seeing CA kids soon... then OR fam... 2021 is going to be better! 
​
I stared out the windows and let the signs amuse me.

I chuckled at the sassy message, to drivers in Texas. I rolled my eyes at numerous Trump signs, proudly displayed near ranch entrances. Then, I grinned as we passed the exit for Warnock Road. Warnock! Hours earlier we had learned, the election runoff results in Georgia. Reverand Raphael Warnock, became the first black senator in Georgia.

Counting Votes at the Capital

By noon, we were out near Ozona, Texas with spotty cell service. I was able to pull up NPR's live coverage of congress, counting the Electoral College votes.

But I ended up being glued to that cell phone for hours, when I learned about the horrifying happenings at the Capitol. After hours of texting, I returned to NPR Live and saw President-elect Biden addressing the nation. "...our democracy is under unprecedented assault unlike anything we've seen in modern times,"  

Calm Before the Storm

Earlier in the morning, it had felt so peaceful driving along in the middle of Nowhere-Texas. I'd been texting with friends about the surprising election results in Georgia. We joked about the tedious coverage of the vote count. Suddenly, Shari texted, "The Capitol is on lockdown! Protesters are breaking down police barricades... scaling walls, tear gas..."​
​

I scrambled to find news on my phone. Were these pro-Trump protesters? They were in the building? The news was happening so fast, I couldn't get updated info on my phone. But, all our friends and family are at home, during these pandemic days... near TVs.  So we got nonstop text reports. 

The Rally Before the Storm

I barely took note earlier, when I heard that Trump was expecting to have one more rally in D.C. this morning. No surprise that he would make one last attempt, before Congress gathered at the Capitol. But when I heard what he told thousands of supporters, it suddenly made sense what happened later.

"We will never concede... We will stop the steal...You will never take back our country with weakness..." He made it clear he was furious with Pence, He encouraged the crowd to walk with him to the Capitol to overturn Biden's victory. Trump of course did not march. He returned to the White House and watched his supporters storm the Capitol on TV.

 
Shocking Photos

Don and I finally reached our hotel in New Mexico and turned on the TV. It was close to the 6 pm in D.C.  Crowds still filled the streets, despite a 6 pm curfew. Eventually the live coverage paused, to share images and footage of what had unfolded, hours earlier.

How could this be our country?  Angry crowds with in MAGA red, carrying confederate flags and Trump flags... scaling walls and breaking windows.. spraying tear gas...ransacking..looting...occupying offices. Congress and staff rushing to safety.. hiding under furniture... putting on gas masks... Chaos!

We ate dinner in our room and tried to absorb what had happened on this day, that had started well.

I felt anxious just watching the news in a quiet hotel room. How did it feel to be inside the building, when the mob's voices and shouts were heard?    Confusion and panic. How may thought they might actually be killed? Was it like a plane going down, with people texting families? I can't imagine the horror. Yet, after hours of enduring the terrorizing invasion, Congress returned to their jobs, to finish counting votes.

Words of Comfort?

I'm ready to go to bed and try to sleep. It's hardly fair that I will sleep safely, while lawmakers work through the night, in a space filled with broken glass and violent memories.

It's even less fair, that the president has been safely tucked into the White House for hours... tweeting his helpful words. 

​But no more tweeting now. Evidently he's been cut off. 

First Day of 2021!

I woke at 7 on New Year's Day, fretting about all I needed to do. It looked cold and wintery out the window. A good day to finish putting away Christmas decor and packing for our trip.

Before I started, I read a Happy New Year text from my brother who lives in New Orleans. It's fun to know that we all are waking up to a new year, wherever we are!
My brother shared an amusing photo, revealing some sidewalk litter from the night before. No beads, no confetti. Just a discarded Buc-ees face mask. NYE 2020! 

Boxing up Xmas

I headed upstairs to box up decorations. My phone lit up while I worked away. More people are wishing "Happy New Year!" this year, than ever before!

I stopped to text with a good friend and learned that her family dealt with Covid (as in very sick) over the holidays. For so long it has only been friends of friends. Now the pandemic is everywhere! Vaccinations are in our future, but not soon enough.

Back to Work

I put the phone aside and went to work on mugs. Why so many for 2 people? Because I love having options during these pandemic times!

While I wrapped up the mugs, I thought about our trip ahead. In 3 days we'll head west to help our daughter and husband move and prepare for their baby. How can we make this trip safer than safe?

Baby Distraction

I finally got all the Xmas boxes into the guest room closet. Then I suddenly remembered I have a box under the guest room bed...

I've been meaning to get to these old clothes! It was the best interruption, thinking about when baby Heidi wore these, years ago! Will Heidi and Jamie even want these for their baby girl? I don't know, but I'm going to wash them just in case. 

 
Moderna Text
​
​After a fun distraction with baby clothes, I got a text from another friend and learned she'd received the vaccine! I was thrilled for her! She's been one of the most cautious and concerned people I know.

But I'm also confused. My friend isn't a frontline worker and she's younger than me. She heard about a local center with vaccines and simply made an appointment online. We texted back and forth and then I got back to work. My mind is boggled with how this whole distribution thing is going to work out. Different states with different plans. And it's extra complicated, since Don and I will be leaving our state, soon. Oh man.

​Packing!

Then it was time to do a little more packing. How do you pack for 2 months? We've never been gone more than a month. Since we'll be quarantining for a while, I figured I will need a few books.

How to decide? I got all these wonderful books for Christmas!

William Saroyan

I stopped and studied the cover of "The Human Comedy", That reminded me that I hadn't called my dad yet. (I gave Dad the very same book for Christmas)

Our daily phone chat was a nice distraction. We talked about the book and and the author. Dad remembers reading short stories by William Saroyan in the Saturday Evening Post, when he was a kid.

​Diary Time

As we talked, I had an idea. I asked Dad, "Do you know what we did on New Year's Eve in 1967?" He of course didn't. I dug quickly and found my diary from 5th grade.

I haven't heard my dad laugh that hard in a while. I started reading about our 1967 celebration with the Betts family. Then I jumped around to different dates. My writing was awful, but Dad and I could visualize every silly thing I wrote about... we stopped at Krispy Kreme after church... David made me laugh so hard, I spit out my milk all over the table... it was a rainy day, so Dad put a big carpet in the garage so all the kids could play...
 
It was much more fun reading my lame diary, than talking about vaccines and being on lockdown.

Sunset

My day was full of stops and starts. At 5:30, Don and I sat down to have a glass of wine. Then we both looked out the window and the sky distracted us!

We left the comfy couch and headed out to see the first sunset of 2021! It was a beauty.

So the new year has begun and I will slow down with these ridiculous daily blog posts. I'm going to stop documenting every single day. I'm going to enjoy a sunset or two without interrupting the moment, with my camera!

​That's it for now!

​Anxious to End 2020!

​Everyone has been eager to be done with 2020! It would actually be fun to celebrate with others, this year. It's a big one. Kind of like the countdown to 2000!

But this is the year of all year's to stay put. We celebrated at home, like most people. Later in the evening we watched the "surreal"  New Year's Eve celebration on TV. There were no crowds.

Starting the Day

​We woke to a dark morning with gushing rain. My cell phone alerted me to a tornado watch until 3 pm.

Later I got a text and then a voicemail, alerting me that our county was in the RED level, for Covid risk. It seemed like a fitting New Year's Eve, for this  unsettling year.

Instead of Resolutions

​I could have taken the rainy day and reflected on our year. But it's depressing thinking of all the sad and the bad of 2020.

I could have thought about the things I've accomplished, but that would have led me to thinking about all the things that I did not achieve in 2020. So... I allowed myself to think for a moment and then I dragged out the dusty sewing machine. (I had to use the guide book, because it's been so long!) Then, I started the bib project I meant to start 5 months ago.

Champagne and Dancing

At 6 pm the evening began. Don shot the cork across the yard and we used my new tripod to capture our toast. We didn't actually get off the couch to  dance. 

Instead, we let Fred and Ginger do the dancing on TV. We turned off the TV sound and and cranked up some New Orleans jazz. That's the kind of entertainment we've grown to love during these isolated months.

Reverse Seared Filets

After some texting and phone chats with our kids, Don got to work with his cooking skills. Don has definitely become a better cook in 2020!

He did an amazing job. I love living with a chef!

Good-bye 2020!

At dinner, we toasted to the end of 2020. 

We talked only a little bit, about our plans for 2021. The world is still uncertain and it's hard to plan. Suddenly we know more people who have recently had Covid. The distribution of vaccines is pretty messed up. Who knows about 2021?

We do know that we'll be welcoming our first grand baby in February! And we know that with careful planning, we'll be with our kids before too long.
​
Countdown

A year ago, we dressed up and rang in the New Year at a party. But most of our New Year's are spent at home watching the crowds in Times Square. 

We did the same old thing this year, but it felt a little odd. The public was obviously not allowed to gather.

Only invited guests were allowed to be present for the ball drop. I'm not sure how these frontline workers were chosen, but it was a nice reward for some. 

There were so few people in the streets, that the cameras kept showing the same people. I started to feel like I knew some of these guests. Even with masks, I thought some of the faces revealed thoughtful expressions. What were these people thinking?

It was awkward and sort of funny, at midnight. A few couples  attempted a "kiss" with masks. It looked like they forgot they were wearing masks. There was probably a lot more eye contact at midnight than most years!

Welcome 2021!

We made it! I'm glad Don and I (along with our family) made it to 2021, in good health. 

Don and I also made it (awake) to midnight! The anticipation wasn't the same as greeting 2000, 20 years ago. But it felt good to be awake to say hello to a new year!

I just wish the year could be a blank slate and we could start fresh, with no pandemic or political worries. But it will be better year! We'll step into 2021 with caution and lots of hope! 

Yesterday

This is the news from yesterday. I heard the death count was actually much higher. Hurry up vaccines!

We're doing about 1 million vaccines a week. This could take 6 years at this rate!

Deadliest Days

This post is from early December.  It's scary that yesterday, we lost more people than we lost on 9/11.

But what's really scary is that there are so many of these record breaking days! 

Refocus

There's little I can do about those numbers today. I will turn on music and start putting away Christmas. 

A good distraction. I smile each time I pick up one of my favorites.

And I mope when I put them away in boxes. I've never put Christmas away, before New Year's

But we will be on our way soon. Heading off to help our daughter prepare for their new baby. Leaving our quarantine home and heading off to quarantine again. 

​Good things ahead... if we can stay safe.

2 Weeks and 2 Million

It's been 2 weeks since the first (non trial) American was vaccinated. We've only vaccinated 2+million. 

We all wish this could go faster. The number of Covid patients across the US is the highest it's ever been. Things are expected to get much worse in January. 

Don's Email

I was pretty jealous of Don's email this morning. It's starting to look like things are really going to change!

Don's eager to get his, but it's not really clear when. Distribution has become really complicated. I just hope my 92 year old dad can get one soon.

​Get Moving!

So Trump says it's up to the states to administer the vaccine. "Get Moving!" he says. I guess that's all the encouragement he has to offer. He's been in Florida, playing golf every day.

It's confusing as we talk to our family and friends all over the country. We're hearing different stories about who gets vaccines first. Luckily everyone in our family is eager to take the vaccine. It's mind boggling that many out there say they will refuse.

Snarky Post

​Or will they, when a vaccine is offered?

I'll stop with the sarcasm in 2021. I think.

Escaping the Burbs

In recent pandemic months, many people have been fleeing crowded city housing and moving to the suburbs. 

Today, I was itching to leave my Sugar Land suburb and drive into Houston. I've been reading about the pandemic inspired artwork, that can be found around the city. 
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Heading Downtown

​As I headed downtown I felt excited to get out of my safe little bubble-burbs and see some city color. "This is a safe adventure." I reminded myself. "I'm putting no one at risk.

Once in the city, I took a few pics from my car window. Then, I scolded myself. "Great. You'll get in an accident and go to the hospital and be part of the problem." Every safe outing is questionable these days.

Even before I reached my destination, I spotted lots of curious scenes out my window.

Grafitti Park

I had plugged "Graffiti Park" into Google Maps. I've never been to this large lot, in Houston's East End. 

So many colorful walls and so much paint! I parked and felt comfortable getting out of my car, when I spotted a couple families taking photos.  

Masks

Some of the murals were dated, but they hardly needed dates. It was clear that these images were inspired by the happenings of 2020. 

This little star was way above my head. "Give me 50 feet."  Hmmm?

Selfie Time

I hate selfies, but I had to do at least one snap, with my mask and this wonder painting by Blanco.

I took the silly selfie, then walked over to the wall, with blue sky and wings.

A workman in an orange vest saw me attempting another awkward selfie. He laughed and offered to take my picture.

​Oh dear. This is why I stay in my bubble. I didn't want to be a snob and say "No thanks." I didn't want to be unsafe and hand my phone to a stranger.

But I answered "Sure." and I stretched my arm out to hand over my phone.

Stupid? Maybe. He took some photos and handed my cell back. I thanked him and grinned big behind my mask. I went straight to the car and out came the hand sanitizer and wipes. My phone and hands have never been cleaner. 

​I can't wait for the day when I no longer cringe, over a friendly encounter with a stranger!

The Best Gifts

This is what I should have been sending this Christmas.

This is where my energy should have gone. But I made things complicated.

Post Christmas Mailing
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This photo is from my first of 5 post office trips, this season. I hope in my rush, I addressed all those Christmas cards correctly.

​"Slow down, Beth." (I can hear my mom)

Patience
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I'm not the cause of all mail mistakes.

But, I'm trying to be patient. 6,000 postal workers were infected last week and online shopping is up about 40 percent. There have been weather delays. I'm so frustrated, though.

Online Bloopers!

All my shopping has been online. I tried to shop early so I could receive purchases, inspect and wrap before mailing. Nice idea, but I made some bad shopping choices.

I didn't know these cute little lamps were coming all the way from China. 2 battered boxes in an envelope. Instructions in Chinese. I gave up fighting this one and sent the lamps as bonus gifts to the kids.

Wrapped Gifts

I sent boxes of wrapped gifts to everyone this year. I also ordered some gifts straight from Amazon. I've totally boggled my mind, trying to follow tracking! Way too complicated.

It wasn't until I mentioned something about the crazy Chinese lamp to my daughter, that I realized she and her husband never received our box of wrapped gifts. Waaa! I want my kids to have their goodies!

Getting Angry

On December 6, I told my dad to keep an eye on his mail. I was sending him an early gift. Something to read during the holidays, while on quarantine lockdown. It never arrived. 

On Christmas Eve I sent a whining email to the online book business. I thought I'd been burned once again. 
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​Correspondence

The business owner wrote back a long note that made me stop and think.

Yikes!

Well, I felt a little guilty and wrote back.

"...I do apologize for not taking the time to think about what your world is like. I have been burned by a number of online businesses, since before covid, So I was a little afraid...  After I sent my reply to you, I looked on your ratings and I saw right away that you have baby pleased customers. I should have done that earlier, then I would have just relaxed and known it was slow mail... can only imagine how busy... dealing with stressed and impatient customers... hope things change in our world soon... I hope you can finally rest! Stay well!"
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Quick Reply on Christmas
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So enough of all this. Done shopping. Done complaining. Done worrying...even over the packages still floating around!

Zoom Prep

We've had more Zooms than usual, with the holidays. Even after months of Zooms, I still fumble a bit over the technology. Then I have to find the right spot and light... and I have to think about what I'm wearing and if I have make up on. Even my ears have gotten lazy. They don't like it if I attempt to put on some earrings for a Zoom.

On the 23rd we Zoomed with good friends. I raced home from a doctor's appointment and struggled to start up the Zoom that I'd set up. Why do I make this so hard? But in one minute, we were sipping our drinks and enjoying our old neighbors, like old times. It was so worth it! It's amazing how lifted we feel after a good Zoom visit.

Sibs on Kwanzaa 

The day after Christmas we Zoomed with my 3 sibs and spouses. It's never easy finding the best time, since we're in 4 different time zones.

My younger brother got on for a while, but the reception was poor and the delay made things comical! But oh how wonderful to see family and feel a little bit together!

All my memories of adult holidays, include phone calls coming and going. Wonderful, but complicated interruptions... lots of passing the phone around. So instead of lots of holiday calls, we had a few organized Zooms, this year. So much more relaxing when it's planned. What a treat! 

Together
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It's been an odd year of feeling isolated and yet more together. For those of us who live far away from family, it's been a year of connecting.

I gripe sometimes, but I hope Zooms don't disappear, when Covid disappears.

​Christmas for Two

It's really not that big of a deal. Don and I know how to do Christmas for two. It's just knowing that we were supposed to have the 4 "kids" in Texas this year.

Our tiny Norfolk pine looked kind of pitiful this year. But at least we went ahead and put up stockings. They look a lot plumper when the kids are all here, helping us play Santa.

Gifts

I must admit, it felt pretty relaxing to just lounge around and open gifts slowly.

We had lots to open, thanks to online ordering. Besides an item or two from CVS or the grocery store, every gift was ordered online this year. It was a treat having an excuse to not join the shopping crowds. It was also a complicated mess of delayed and wrong orders.

Food!

We kept it simple I made a breakfast sweet from scratch. It wasn't great.

Omelets in the morning and ham in the evening and a delivery of cheese cake from Cheesecake Factory. That was some covid silliness. That dessert cost more than our other meals combined.

Christmas Covid Jig

We had "Alexa" playing Christmas music all day. Some Smoky Mountain Christmas music, inspired a bit of a jig. 

I also needed to show off my new boots. 

​Cozy Zoom Time!

We had a nice gathering with the kids mid-day. We girls wore our polar pants, that Chali got us 2 years ago.

What a sweet time, remembering our last Christmas together in 2018!

Evening

By the time the sun went down, Don made us cosmopolitans and the house started smelling extra good.

Don made a special ham glaze and I made the sides. Dinner in the dining room at the big table. 

Cheers!

We checked the mail later and discovered a small package we'd missed yesterday. Scott and Chali had sent bonus gifts for all. Masks and Christmas crowns!

We missed a fun Zoom photo with the 6 of us in our Covid Christmas attire, but we texted our toast later!

Merry Christmas! 

Christmas Eve in the Past

I love a lively Christmas Eve with "the kids", but that's not always possible. We are in Texas and they are on the west coast. Don and I still enjoy celebrating together, but it helps to get away from the quiet house.

Chali and Scott had their Thai Wedding ceremony on Christmas Eve. That will go down as the most memorable Christmas ever.

Christmas Eve Reunion

We know many people are traveling and gathering, this year. Some are being selfish and stupid about it. Others are taking lots of precautions with testing and travel safety. But it's easy for us to just stay put... and Zoom Away!

In the early evening we Zoomed with the kids in California and Oregon, as well as Chali's family in D.C. Some of us wore some Thai clothing. I drank from my Thai tea cup.

We reminisced about the wonderful time we spent all together. And we cheered about the future with vaccines and new president... and a new baby coming into the family in February!
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A Christmas Reading

We had a special treat before we got off the Zoom.

Scott read us the Texas Night Before Christmas, with the appropriate twang. Only 2 of us were really in Texas this year, but it still felt like we were all together.

No Masks Needed

Don and I hardly needed masks, being tucked away in our own home.

But we had some festive ones, so we took a selfie while we made a toast.
"A Merry Covid Christmas Eve to All!"

​Christmas Eve Eve

Today is the day before Christmas Eve. I only had the TV on for 5 minutes, this morning. I refuse to be reminded all day of Covid and politics.

In 5 minutes I learned that nearly 85 million are traveling over the holidays! I saw that Dr. Fauci got his vaccine and that covid death rates are soaring. And what's with about anti mask protests? 

Trump Time
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I also learned that Trump slammed the stimulus bill and granted clemency to 20 more people. Besides the turkey in November, I believe all these people pardoned, have some personal connection to Trump. 

No TV News

So the packages and cards are mailed. Cookies baked. Time to enjoy books, music and movies.

There's more time this year. I finally get to read some old favorites, before Christmas.

Each year I hold my breath during the scene when young George Bailey confronts his distraught boss, who has just received news of his son's death. I'm always glued to the intense emotions of these characters, but this year I absorbed something that I missed in the past. Mr. Gower's son died of Spanish influenza. New meaning, this year.

Jimmy Stewart's performance is alway powerful, but this year it seemed even more wrenching. Seeing his character suffer and rage and cry, seemed fitting for this stressful year and season. Seeing the joy at the end, offered a welcome lift. Hearing the voices singing Auld Lang Syne was a nice reminder that we're moving closer to the end of 2020! 

Mostly it felt wonderful to see the Bailey's home, filled with warmth and smiles. Generous friends pitching in, offering support. Caring people, hugging and crowding close together. Lots of hope in the end of the movie and lots of hope at the end of this year! Light is at the end of the tunnel! A new year and vaccines coming!

Homesick at Home

Don and I are at home, but I feel homesick for the kids, when I play the piano.

When I play "Douglas Mountain" I think of the kids when they were small. Heidi started singing along when she was very young. After Scott was born, we had more voices! Lots of loud jingle bell times around the piano in December! The kids got wound up with Christmas music, but this song always calmed them.

Sad Lyrics

Last night, Don and I watched Meet Me in St. Louis. It's our favorite. We met and married in St. Louis. The kids were born there. I love being transported back to 1904 and imagining how St. Louis looked, when my own grandmother visited the World's Fair.

The scene where Judy Garland sings Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, always puts a lump in my throat. Garland's character sings to her little sister on Christmas Eve, days before their family plans to move away from the city they love. The song's title doesn't suggest the melancholy feeling of this song.

I remember watching this same scene, the Christmas after we moved away from St. Louis... moving our kids away from grandparents. Even sadder that year.

The Song Today

But this year, the lyrics have even more meaning to more people. Having a merry little Christmas... sounds like the simple, low key approach that most of us are aiming for.

"Next year all our troubles will be miles away..."

I hope so! We've all been saying  Next Year, an awful lot lately.  

"Faithful friends who were near to us, will be dear to us once more... Until then, we'll have to muddle through somehow."

Oh my. Next year...

World News

World news is mostly stressful. U.K. is "halting Christmas" due to new coronavirus strain and Trump is talking about invoking martial law to overturn election results. 

But there was some good news on TV today. On this day of Winter Solstice, we were told that we'll be able to view Jupiter and Saturn, overlapping! First time in 800 years!

Christmas Star

It's being nicknamed the Christmas Star, even though it's 2 planets not one. At 6 pm, Don and I stood out on the patio and stared into the evening sky. We spotted the "double planet", just as a jet appeared to pass it by! I couldn't capture it well with my cell phone, but it was clearly spotted the rare "conjunction"!

We've had some fun treats in the sky during the covid months. We've spotted full moons and space stations and Blue Angel flights. It's been fun to spot sky moments with family and friends far away. I so wanted to share the Christmas Star with our kids out on the west coast, but they had clouds in Oregon and California. 

Oh well, maybe we'll all catch it together in another 800 years.

Yesterday

It gushed all day long, yesterday. 

So now the U.K. is dealing with a new variant of coronavirus? And some people are having severe reactions to the vaccine? Well, you can always dig up bad news. I'm keeping the news off.

Today
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It was beautiful and cold this morning. There was steam coming off the damp bougainvillea.

We set up the new fire pit. Too cold to swim. Just right for a fire.

Water and Fire

There's something so calming about watching flames. Staring at water is also relaxing.

So Don tossed on some logs and before long we were staring at flames. Across the lake, Christmas lights were glowing over the water. Such a treat to have a little of both for our Covid Christmas Countdown.

​Pandemic Mail

I've sent more letters and cards in the last 9 months, than I have in years.

I've mailed off some of these goofy old postcards, that my mom used to collect. (but I'm keeping my favorites!)

Tough Cards to Write

As if the pandemic isn't heavy enough, many have lost a loved one this year. I've never written so many condolence cards in one year. Only one has been directly related to Covid, but it feels like they all are. 

It's never easy finding the right words to support someone who has lost a family member. I've struggled over the words and ripped up many notes. ​"May you find strength in love of family and warm embrace of friends." Those words don't work right now.  
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Sweet Surprises

I'm not the only one making use of snail mail, during the pandemic. I got a sweet surprise in the mail in the late fall. My dear friend Margie sent me a handwritten note and some scripture.

Miss Margie is in her nineties. For years, she has been a faithful member of my "Around the Quilt" group of seniors. After I stopped volunteering in March I worried when I could no longer reach her by phone. She used to always pass out little prayer notes to her friends. I grinned bit, when I opened up her pack of prayers!
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Mail Complications

Old fashioned mail has been fun... and frustrating. I've had numerous issues with returned mail! I'll admit, my scattered brain made a couple of addressing errors. 

And there's nothing like pulling up to a mailbox wrapped in caution tape, to make you fret about the safe transport of your mail. This box looked like it had been pried open with a crowbar!

Holiday Cards

So, what about Christmas cards? I've been sending them for about 35 years. I've a good excuse to skip it this year. But more than ever people of 2020 could use a lift in the mail. So, I ordered up photo cards. And then I worried about sending. 

I been overthinking everything this year. I looked at this card and I thought. People are going to judge. Bragging? Too happy? Making light of Covid, when some are suffering? I stressed over it, then decided to send regular cards to a few and photo cards to the others. 

Then we got this one! Made my day! It also helps that this card came from a college friend who shares a whacky sense of humor. No judging on this one. It is maybe my favorite card this year!