Our Neighborhood

We no longer have kids in school, but I worry for my neighbors who do. So many unknowns.

It was odd to see our neighborhood newsletter for August. Today, it was strange to drive by my son's old Middle School and see the the signs and tents, ready to hand out laptops to students.

Houston

This Back to School Fest in Houston, looks more worrisome than fun. But I guess back to school is always a bit worrisome. I so remember stressing as a kid, when I saw "Back to School" advertisements in store windows. I dreaded the end of summer.

How do kids feel today, with so many unknowns? Our neighborhood schools open in 10 days, with virtual learning. I'm glad for that.

Georgia

This image was taken by a student on the first day, at a high school in Georgia. Masks were encouraged, but not required. Evidently there are also no plans for keeping 6 feet apart.

I'm feeling sad for these students and the teachers and parents and staff. This just looks plain dangerous. I wish them well.

Masks Everywhere

Finally people are wearing masks, even if they said they never would.

This couple had the nerve to speak up on TV. They refused to wear masks before, along with all their partying friends. Then they became "mask believers" after both became sick. She spent time in the hospital and still has health issues. You have to give them credit for getting on TV, to push people to wear masks. Their masks aren't creepy.

Masks on Commercials 

I'm pretty used to seeing masks on TV. We've seen journalists and police and politicians and even the president... about once. We've seen baseball players and tennis ball kids and golf caddies. But, what's really odd is seeing masks being worn on commercials, that have nothing to do with the pandemic.

This image freaked me out! Mattress Mac has been on local commercials selling furniture since we moved to Sugar Land in 1998. Today he did his usual "We'll save you money!!!" bit, behind a mask. Yikes! That threw me to see his big old frozen smile on the mask, while he spoke.

The Creepiest Masks

The worst masks, are the discarded ones that don't make it to the trash can!

I If you are concerned enough to wear a mask, aren't you the kind of person who cares about littering? Ugh. This was spotted on a neighborhood walk. Sad.

Who Cares How they Look?

​I guess I don't care what masks look like.

I just hope more and more people start wearing them!

New Home in Covid Times!

Today, something good is happening out in Sacramento! After months of working (and living) from home, in a hot and stuffy rental, Scott and Chali are moving into a new home, with central air... today!

This is how your New Homeowners Photo, looks when you buy during Covid times.

This makes me so happy! Next time we Zoom with our kids, they will look cool and dry...  no dripping sweat, like the last Zoom.

​Cheers to Chali and Scott! This is about much more than air-conditioning. We are so excited for you!

New Yorker Humor 

Sometimes I read the New Yorker magazine, just for the cartoons.

Fires and Hurricanes

This pandemic has made me a worrier. I worry for all the people I don't know...

As if a pandemic weren't enough. There are people who are homeless, due to fires in California and floods in the east. I worry for them all.

People I Know

My fretting and worry is also about people I do know, who are dealing with loss or extra worry. In the past 24 hours, I've spoken with a friend, struggling with grief... I talked with a neighbor, anxious over the start of her son's school year... I've written a condolence card for an old friend, who lost a brother to coronavirus.

And I was heartbroken to hear that a dear friend's mother suddenly passed. These past two days feel heavy and it's hard to know how to help.

I know my worrying doesn't help anything and no one is asking me to fix a thing. So right now, I'll focus on the people I care about...  

​22 Years

We've had 4 Live Oaks growing in our front yard for 22 years.

Today, two of them were gone in less than an hour. They needed to go.

Five guys skillfully climbed and zipped and sawed and danced around our yard for a total of two hours. Long limbs were trimmed. Stumps were ground into sawdust. Leaves were raked. The yard got brighter.

It's funny though. On this day, when the house suddenly became more visible and the yard became brighter, I saw and spoke with more neighbors than I have in months.

Before the work began, I had 4 conversations while standing apart in the street. These in-person chats were brief, but so needed... after months of neighborhood texting. For a half year, the homes on our street have pretty much been sheltering in place. Those who brave the heat like us, mostly hang out in backyards. Suddenly today, the world opened up in front! 

Flying, Buzzing, Humming & Stinging Critters

Luckily we haven't seen any murder hornets yet, but we've been hearing about them!

I prefer the humming critters! We've had a lot of competition, though. We've had to work hard to attract them this year. So many people are "staycationing" this year and looking for bird entertainment. Birdseed is sometimes out of stock!

Lizard-type Critters

What is it with all the chameleons and lizards and geckos this year?

We share the patio with them every night. They like chips and popcorn.

At the Cabin

We've been lucky to be able to escape to our cabin every few weeks. I wasn't able to catch a photo of the roadrunner that I saw, last time.

But, Don got a photo of this deer, waiting for me to fill the bird feeder... so she could enjoy. 

Creepy Critters

​At the cabin, we also saw this eerie little stick bug.

I found this nifty locust shell on our front sidewalk. I haven't seen one of these, practically since I was a kid. I had a little fun attaching his claws to Don's shirt. That's what we kids used to do.
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Sweet Friends This Morning

So I've enjoyed some odd and curious critters, during these slow months of home stay. This morning I was rewarded with the nicest surprise of them all.

Little Miss Independent, is my very favorite!

Dad Gets Steak

This is a photo taken of my dad after an outing that included the barber and lunch! When I got the text that included the news and photos, I felt a big old batch of emotions.

Surprise... Worry... I could go on and on. But I studied his happy face in the photo and I called him on the phone. His "Hello!" sounded different. He voice was energized and upbeat. He described the steak he ate and I could almost smell it. 

After months of isolation, with every meal delivered to his room. My dad ate out! I got off the phone feeling happy for him. I also felt a little jealous.

Yeast

​Early in pandemic times, it was hard to get yeast. It was sold out, like toilet paper.

I haven't made bread in about 30 years... except for my failed beer bread, earlier in quarantine times.

A few people have recommended bread machines. Are you kidding? That would be just one more thing for me to put to add to the Goodwill pile. Plus, I would miss out on all that kneading and punching! Oh man! Bread making is so therapeutic! The smell is calming and the taste of warm bread with melted butter... Heaven!