Sunday, December 27, 2020

Views from Here

 I looked through my pictures to let them talk for me.

One of my favorite Christmas memories is a simple one, but it was watching Tucker look closely at all the ornaments on a tree. He will go and stand and just look at all the different ones.


I feel I should explain that clump of lights in the back on the floor. They would later go in the reindeer crate that always stands near the tree. I hadn't finished decorating at this point.

Lindsay took him by Mother's one day before Christmas and I know Mother thought he would notice her Santa collection, but he cared not a bit for it, but again stood looking at all the ornaments. She did have an old fashioned alarm clock (not old though...LLBean version of an old one) that he was crazy about. 

He found a fishing Santa on her tree that intrigued him.



He has become interested in clocks. I have grandfather clock and he just stands in front of it rocking back and forth with the pendulum saying tick tock. I found an old ornament of a clock that Mother had given to Lindsay as a kid. Paul Allen took his collection with him when he moved into his house, but Lindsay's is still in her closet. I dug it out and took it to him and we hung it on his tree. He is quite taken with it.

It's funny what kids notice or not notice for that matter.

We went out to the beach to watch the Saturn and Jupiter conjunction. I thought that was extremely cool. Jeff was not so impressed until I shamed him later with a quote from Louie Giglio who saw it more as I did.

"We could see something from the top floor of our house that no human has seen since March 4, 1226. Stunning. Awe inspiring." ---Louie Giglio.

I agree with his summation.

Sometimes it really is just a matter of perspective. Jeff was unimpressed with Old Faithful as well when we saw it years ago. He thought it would be much more powerful. I explained to him it is not famous for being powerful but being faithful. He complains that too much is made of things and it dulls the imagery when you see it in person. 

That my friends is why sometimes you need to tune out the world.

*******

We made the best of Christmas just like everyone else and I am grateful for Zoom.


Not sure what was on TV, but I can tell you it had to do with sports.


The weather has been quite cold and gave us two nights of freezing weather. The lemon tree got its heat lights and seems to be good to go. I do hope that it is for winter for us.
The bayou got some ice on it this morning. Hard to tell but it had sheets of ice on it. It gets still at night and then freezing for most of the night gave it ice. 




I haven't shared a picture of Miss Lemony in quite a while mainly because Miss Congeniality hates to be photographed. I think she fears the camera. She will be 12 next month and that is old for a big dog like her. She has slowed considerably and hates the cold as much as me. She is one special lady.



She has ended up loving the bed that she didn't want. She is in this position a lot.

We are heading to Auburn for the coming week to just relax. If I stay home I am going to be in that January clean and purge mood and not paying attention to Jeff, so we will go and relax and all of that will be here in January.

Speaking of January.
I am going to be blog breaking for the entire month of January. I need a new perspective on things. A renewal of sorts. I plan to tune out a lot in January. Take long walks and stare at the camellias in bloom on my street. I plan to tackle some cleaning and sorting and all the January stuff. I plan to visit with Mom and dote on her.

We watched the Netflix show called "Social Dilemma" a while back. I was struck by how the creators and employees of all these social medias don't even use them for themselves. They realize the downside to them. I am not addicted as I often go periods of time away from them, but I say that to make you the bloggers that I love to read know that if I don't comment for a day or so DO NOT feel like I don't like your blog, but I just need to step back and tune out so much incoming material.
I was a little shocked at the statistics of how people felt when a post on Instagram was not liked. Wow! I don't want you to feel unloved.

January will be a time of stepping back so I can really focus on what needs to be focused on. I will visit but just not every day. I will catch up when I do get on.

Take care everyone and hopefully 2021 will be a good one for you.
See you in February.
Sandy




Saturday, December 19, 2020

Salt Air

 I hadn't planned to post today, but my pictures are important to me. I haven't gone on many beach walks this year. I would say after having spent the few days around my birthday in Cape San Blas and this morning that no wonder my spirit needs lifting. 

The beach is my happy place.

I know some like mountains, lakes, prairies or the many beautiful landscapes, but for me it is the beach. When I walk along the sandy shore, I can feel the release of the weights we carry around. I feel closer to the Lord here.

Why haven't I made time for more? This year has gotten away from me, but I am vowing to walk the shores more the rest of this year and more next.

Jeff mentioned last night why didn't we get up early to go walk. Two things I don't particularly care for are early and cold. I surprised him with a, "Yes." I don't think he thought I was serious because of the cold. 

It isn't even winter for a couple more days, but good grief it is cold here in north Florida. Well, one day it is hot and then for two days it is cold. I have actually pulled a bin of sweaters down that I keep on the top shelf of my closet and rarely use. It isn't cold enough to be worried about the citrus trees, but it has been cooler than I am accustomed to for certain.

I awoke early and layered up for the trip out to the Gulf Islands Seashore past Narvarre. 

As we headed down and walked west you can see the clouds hadn't even begun to burn off and lighten.

 

It almost looks ominous, but if you looked back east to the sunrise it looked hopeful.


All a matter of perspective. 
The water was an amazing green indicative of its nickname, "The Emerald Coast."
Oh, how blessed I am to call it home.


Again, looking back east.


Sandpipers, pelicans, and sea gulls accompanied our walk. I love little sandpipers. They are always so busy.


If it were summer I would simply have to walk through that water. My goodness...it was gorgeous.


As we walked away, I felt a world better.




Paul Allen is much better and his words today were "I'm good to go." He was always my sickly child and he has had the worst case thus far of our immediate family. I hadn't realized how much I had been worried until he texted me this morning that he felt much better.

Katie tested positive. I had already allowed myself to count days and well, we all know what that means. I won't lie, I was very sad.

Jeff the ever "trying to make all things right" said she could go get a rapid test on the 24th and maybe come over. I have assured him my state of mind is much better and Zoom will be fine

She is feeling better too. 

Kristan, my niece that we didn't get to see at Thanksgiving also have Covid running through their home too. Torrey, her husband has it as well as Katelyn, our great niece. She has asthma, so that has been a worry, but so far they are good. Sickly, but ok.

I just want everyone to be okay and we will just move forward.


I always salt air is good for what ails you, so I hope you can sense it in the pictures.
sandy


Monday, December 14, 2020

A Stitch Finish and Life Update

 I had a good bit in my head to write about for what seems to be a weekly post these days, but it seems Covid has struck again in my family. My thoughts went out the door last night. I can't concentrate much until I know my chickadees are all ok.

Anyone else just plain sick of all this. I know the answer. My positive self is struggling this morning.

Paul Allen's immediate boss tested positive and yesterday Paul Allen started feeling bad and is running a fever. He will be tested today, but he is home and I have dropped off medicine and will take soup over to place on the doorstep later.

Good grief...at this point, I just want this to go away and everyone to be healthy. I know everyone else agrees. IT goes without saying.

I will try and turn the mood of the post around.

I have a finish to share with you today. The minute I saw this pattern I instantly thought of someone and ordered it pronto. It has been delivered to the person.


I think I will maybe do a few more of these down the road. It is such a cute and cheerful ornament There were three in the lot of patterns, but I only ordered the one for now.



I am loving my simpler tree this year. It was just what I needed. I actually would love to find an artificial one that looks exactly like this one and it also be the same exact size. That seems like an in-person job, so it will have to be done next year.



I think I am almost through with my shopping for this year. Jeff having had the virus has been sent on many errands, but he has done quite well.

Speaking of trees, Tucker placed a little toy train under mine on the day he stayed with me from his hand burn. BTW, It is healing nicely.



You see, after Thanksgiving they visited his other grandparents in the Atlanta area, but they saw a train up close and he fell in love. He had loved boats and school busses, but now it is trains. Before they left to come home, his other granddad found Tyler's old train set that was set up under the tree while Tyler was growing up. Tyler managed to get the train working and Tucker loves it. He has to have it running everyday before they leave for their day. I suppose he thinks all trees should now have trains. 

He pulled the old FP train from the toy box here and walked over and put it under my tree. 

It will stay:)

Oh and he found a train ornament on the tree.



He also got to go the Destin Christmas parade. It is much less crowded and during the day unlike the Fort Walton Beach one which is VERY crowded and at night. The funniest thing is that Walmart had an 18 wheeler come by and Tucker was completely enthralled. He also likes big trucks. He waved the ENTIRE time it rolled by. When asked what his favorite thing in the parade, he replied, "Big truck." Walmart for the win. Ha Ha.


Someone needs a haircut but he pitched a boogie woogie in the barber shop, so I think he had to settle for a home trim yesterday.

The weather has gone from cool to hot daily. In fact, Saturday was downright hot and shorts weather. Today it is cooler again.

December is fall color in north Florida. And right on cue, the trees that we have here that change color have done just that.

This one was taken earlier in the week across the bayou on a sunny day. I wish I could get the color to show up, but alas I am not a photographer.



This one was taken yesterday as the clouds were rolling in.


Jeff has gone far more simple in the yard decorations this year. This is it...not the finished photo as you can see the ladder. He did put a smaller duller light on the little Santa and called it a day. He usually goes all out. The thing is I feel JOY when I think of Christmas and Jesus, but I don't feel so festive like usual. I don't think I am any different than anyone else this year.



I really enjoyed church yesterday. The message was amazing and I enjoyed my girls so much, but again I am just a bit on edge with the virus. 

Oh Carol, I used your idea for a crinkle toy for a baby shower gift. I needed something a little personal to go with my gift. You gave me the best idea.

The navy (which doesn't look navy in this picture) and aqua were from the bridal shower I gave the girl several years ago. 

I also helped Mother decorate this week. She had already done her table, but needed help with her Santas and...


her tree. We also hung her wreaths outside. She is doing much better in spirits that a few weeks ago. Thankful for that.


I am trying my hand at paper whites this year.



AND Tucker did get to see a Santa this year. They rode out to Baytowne in South Walton the other night. IT was not crowded at all and this was not an official taking season but someone did offer to take the picture. 



I managed to write far more than I was feeling once I started typing.

Stay well everyone and I am so grateful for the greatest gift of all...Jesus.


Monday, December 7, 2020

A Random Assortment of Life Happenings

 I am retired...doesn't that mean you have lots and lots of time? 

Seriously, last week was so busy I had zero time for myself let alone to stitch, so I have nothing to share there and to be honest my house is a total wreck.

I have good news though, so let's get some thoughts out on this post. Paul Allen popped the big question to Katie this weekend. There are so many "yes" answered prayers in there that I have really just said, "Thank you, Heavenly Father," over and over and over this weekend.


The question was posed in a deer stand in the woods in south Alabama. Only Paul and Katie --ha ha! Just evidence of how well that both of my children have chosen their lifelong mates. Not only, did he pop the question in the deer stand, but an hour later Katie got her first buck. I shudder at the thought. I mean I really do. I am way too girlie for that. The thing is to look at Katie, you would never suspect that she likes to hunt. 

Anyway, I am beyond thrilled and that is something to look forward to in 2021.

I kept Tucker for a day. This was not in the plans at all, since they had just come off a quarantine and Thanksgiving. Lindsay had wanted Tucker to be in school. He really has learned so much, but Tuesday night little one put his hand on the stove burner. Lindsay nearly needed the doctor more than he did. All turned out well. He had a bad burn, but thanks to a good pharmacist, the Internet and a much calmer daddy all is well. It is healing up very well and fortunately he didn't have to go to the ER which I think would have made the whole thing even more traumatic.

Tucker loves to help and Lindsay had him on the counter helping, but he decided to touch the burner. She has one of the stoves with the flat surface which is not lit up when turned off even though it is still hot. They both learned a lesson and it honestly took years off Lindsay's life over the next few days. I kept him the next day to make sure he was ok. He was fine by then and wore his bandage well and knew it had to be treated carefully. The only problem he had was holding his drinking cup, so school was back in session for him on Thursday and Friday and all went well.

Let's move on to Christmas.

I am going to share my tree this year. It is very different than all the trees that I have done since starting this blog. Not different from all my past trees - just different than the ones on this blog. Other than that and my new living room furniture nothing is really different anywhere, so I don't think I will get a Christmas tour up this year. I am struggling to keep up these days so we will just share the tree for now.


The star is new this year. Back to a star after a few years of an owl. I must say I love having a star back!!!

This year's tree is a very simple tree. I wasn't sure I was going to like it when I set out decorating it, but I knew it had to be simple because of my past two year's experiences with the real tree again. 



Way back in 1984 when Jeff and I married I was of one of those that thought it sinful to have an artificial tree. HaHa! My mother-in-law took me to see some silk trees in the late 1980s and convinced me to try it since she was going to buy it. I think that tree would be synonymous today with something I could not afford today. Anyway it lasted for decades and the year before this blog started was its last year on the scene. My kids only knew fake. I feel a bit bad about that. I think kids should know picking out a tree.

The year I started this blog I was heavily influenced by a tree I saw that you can read about here and I had a really fancy tree for the years following. When I went back to a real tree because of a lighting debacle I kept trying to put all of that stuff that I bought in 2014 on a real tree. Last year, the tree was really drooping and I lost one of my most treasured ornaments due to its falling off with all that weight. The tree was beautiful and I really like the stuff. There is enough that I could do a woodland animals small tree and I actually have one in a closet, but I am not feeling it this year.

I told myself last year as I was taking it down I would go back to a simpler tree. I did.

I wasn't sure about it as I put it up, but it has grown on me since and I am quite happy with it. I have had many phases with trees:) Does anyone remember the apples from the mid 1980s. I bought 2 dozen of the little red apples. I still have them, but only a few go on now. However, I still hold onto them for some reason.

I added some light blue bows like our first couple of years. I think any color could work. I also noticed how using blue bows really made any ornament with blue pop on the tree. Meg, I missed yours on the close up, but it really shines this year.



I do have one more item to share with you and then I will close this very LONG post and get busy on my very MESSY house.

I got an early Christmas present. While Jeff was home in his quarantine, he assured me it was time to get rid of the very old worn rug in the kitchen. I got online and found an outdoor rug on a really great pre Black Friday special. I mean I scored a big deal. 

I love it! 

Here it is up close...



and then farther out so you can see the fuller picture with light.


I have one more picture to share. I sent this to Jeff on Friday morning to show him I could look nice. Not that I go around looking awful, but I go nowhere so I have worn mostly leisure stuff. I had to take Mom to the doctor so I put on real clothes:)



Hope everyone is hanging on. This Christmas is going to be different in so many ways. I am just hoping for all to be gathered here for Christmas Eve, but know that things can change on a dime. 

Sandy


Tuesday, December 1, 2020

A Stitching Finish

 I have been jumping around on the stitching as of late which tends to happen in fall and then Christmas. I was working on my heron when I ran out of thread and I am glad I did. I just knew as soon as I ran out of the color that I was supposed to finish my flowers before the year was up.

The final installment is a magnolia.



Now, let's take about what led me to the stitches and my plans for them. While perusing one of my favorite gardening and decorating Instagram pages I saw a wall of botanical prints that I fell in love with. The decorator was using them in an antebellum home just north of Auburn and commissioned an Auburn artist to watercolor these prints. I also follow that artist and love love love his work. If only I could afford that kind of thing.

The following prints are from A Place to Call Home by James T. Farmer and the prints were done by Andrew Lee Design of Auburn. I wish I could find a better picture, but I don't seem to be able to locate the picture of them upclose that got my wheels spinning so long ago.




This is an example of Andrew's work on Instagram. Amazing...



I kept thinking on it and really knew I had nowhere to put anything like that even if I could afford it. I was still drawn to them and then it hit me. I stitch...that is what I do and what better than a wall of flowers and birds of my own stitching

You have seen the three birds I stitched and yes, they are hidden away in a bedroom at our Auburn house, but they look spectacular in that bedroom. I hope one day we will spend a lot more time there than we presently do, but either way I love them.

I think the flowers will also look good all mixed in with those birds when framed. The framing will come in the new year because after all it is Christmas and I have presents to buy.

How did arrive at the choices? Well, the birds are the three birds I can count on seeing when I walk everyday. The flowers are special choices as well. Let's talk about the four state flower choices and we will go in the order I stitched them.



I first stitched the orange blossom for Florida. It is my home! I love Florida. I have loved Florida my whole life. While I wasn't born here, I lived just across the Alabama /Florida line and spent many weekends either shopping or beaching it. It is my hubby's birthplace and home. He has only lived in Auburn other than right here. I have lived here officially since August of 1984. I taught 4th grade many years and loved learning and teaching about this wonderful state. It has a rich history. Of course, my kids were born here too. I actually lived in Pensacola for a month at age 4....long story...Pensacola NAS.

The second stitch was the camellia for my sweet home Alabama. I was born there and that is where I lived most of my growing up years. My mother and father are from south Alabama. Both were born and raised in Conecuh County, Alabama. The U.S. Army took them away. Starting in 6th grade, we moved to Brewton where my home was 9 miles north of the Florida line. My roots are deep in Alabama. I do love pink camellias. There is one very close to my dad's grave in Range, Alabama. Oh, and Fort Walton Beach, Florida is the camellia city. My street is lined with them. They are a show stopping plant in full bloom during the winter months. Can't beat that!

The third stitch was for where a piece of my heart resides...the Cherokee Rose of Georgia. I have lived there two times in my life. Once as a small child...Fort Benning and again as a first year teacher just out of Auburn. Same location...Columbus, Georgia. Columbus is just across the Alabama/Georgia line from Auburn. It was the last place I lived with my dad alive and then was able to share my love for the area with Jeff when we were dating and engaged. In fact, he asked me to marry him in Columbus. We visit often and ride around the area. I was so glad I got to share my heart with him there. I taught just north of Columbus at Harris County High School (home economics). It was just 5 miles south of the Calloway Gardens gate. We love that place. We spent a lot of time there when I taught there and he was finishing up in Auburn.

The final stitch is another of my quintessential Southern favorite flowers.. the magnolia. The magnolia is Mississippi's state flower. Why did I choose that because trust me I have many favorite flowers? I mean there is the blue hydrangea that grew abundantly around my great grandparents' home. Mississippi is where Jeff's parents were born and raised. Two Mississippi people and two Alabama people gave birth to a couple who loves their southern roots and feel blessed to live in our area. We actually have a painting above our couch that is two boats on the water named "The Mississippi Blue" and "Miss Alabama."

That is how the birds and flowers were chosen and I look forward to blending them altogether on that blue wall in Auburn.

Friday, November 27, 2020

Recording Thanksgiving

I spent the oddest Thanksgiving of my 60 years, but this blog records the mostly happy moments of life, so here goes.

Thanksgiving - It was odd for everyone. I am not saying anything new or different than most everyone. It was spent at home with just Jeff and me. 

Lindsay and Tyler did come out of quarantine and feel just fine, so it was decided by Tyler's family that they were clear to go to Atlanta. I was happy that they could visit his parents and brother, sister-in-law and little 1 year old.  Tucker got to see his cousin and Lindsay sent some very cute pictures of them. Their celebration was low key too since no aunts and uncles and usual crowd was there.

Paul Allen and Katie did go to Katie's dad' house for just them and her dad as well. No big gatherings were had.

I missed Kristan and her family terribly, but mostly I worried about Mom all by herself. We all called and talked to her through out the day. She did make her famous dressing for me and Paul Allen. She had it ready Wednesday evening and put it in her garage for pick up.

I did make two casseroles on my own since I seem to be symptom free of this virus and how is is a mystery, but I will take it. I had three things on my plate, the two casseroles and the dressing. Not a feast but it was quite tasty. Jeff did have a turkey breast and he ate that too. I am not a turkey fan, so I told him he could fix that and I wouldn't eat it since I force myself each year to eat one obligatory piece. I shared the casseroles with Paul Allen since one of them is his favorite.

We ate early in the day and I just had a bowl of coconut milk ice cream with my gluten free buckwheat cereal acting as my cone for supper. So all in all I didn't blow the diet this year for the joint pain of the feast. One good thing.

I spent almost all of my day on the back deck. 


I took this picture because the water is finally clear after all the rain and storms this fall. It is perfectly wonderful again. There were so many kayakers and paddle boarders out yesterday.

We ate our there. I cross stitched. I watched episodes of Flip My Florida Yard on the computer. I just soaked up the most amazing weather that November has offered up.


As the afternoon rolled on, the clouds started forming, but for most of the day it was filled with glorious sunshine.

I took a long walk about 3:30 so I could have that bowl of ice cream.

It was very different but I have never ever felt more grateful for my blessings.

I think all can agree nothing has felt quite right this year. None of the holidays have seemed like the normal holidays...football season which is a big thing for us seems so weird... and yet, I am grateful.

December is not my favorite month as far as weather goes. In north coastal Florida, it will be foggy in the mornings and evenings and or course couple that with the shorter days it makes December  probably my least favorite weather month of the year. Even January is not like December. It can be cold, but usually the sun shines and makes it a better month. 

All that said, thankfully December has Christmas decorations. When I woke up this morning it was if on cue, the fog rolled in, so I am glad that yesterday was spent soaking up all that sun.

The lights of the tree will go up today. Katie is going to pick me out a tree and deliver it to me. Oh joy! Lightts and candles will help get us through the dark of December. I know that is no surprise that God uses dark and light to describe His presence. He is the Light of the World!

I am going to close this up...........but not before I share how heartbroken I was to hear about Barbara of Sweet Tea and Sandal's Beloved passing. I just couldn't help but cry for her. I discovered Barbara's blog when they moved to Jacksonville. I fell in love with her and her sweet Tom. She has inspired me more than she can ever know. I know I was meant to read her blog. I am praying for days ahead and God's infinite blessings to follow her.

2020 is crazy, but we will survive as many generations have made it through difficult times before. 

It doesn't feel like Christmas yet, but I am going to put on some Christmas music and decorate my tree later today. I don't know if I am going to have hot chocolate yet, because it is rather warm, but cold weather is on the way I hear for next week. 

Blessings to everyone in Blogland,
Sandy

Monday, November 23, 2020

Covid Update and a Crafting Project

 The fact that I can write crafting project in my title lets you know my state of mind is much better. Jeff is doing much better. He has more energy and has had no fever today. He is still tired and I have encouraged rest and he seems to be listening.

The epidemiologist didn't make their phone call to him until almost 3:00 PM today so that let me know they are swamped. I was feeling fine and settled in with Jeff feeling better. I received my news at about 4:30 that I am negative.

That was a surprise to everyone but me. I have had a cold and that is what it is ... a regular cold that wouldn't even raise eyebrows in a different time. As soon as I felt that coming on after keeping Tucker I started taking extra Vitamin C along with my other supplements. 

Jeff and I have worn masks when in the same room since Friday and I wash every dish he touches in hot soapy water and then wipe the counters and areas he is in with Lysol wipes. If I get it I will just get it but this is our current state.

Much gratefulness that it seems to be mild and not as contagious as if he were coughing and spewing germs everywhere. 

Lindsay is 100% and Tucker is well. Tyler has shown no signs and Lindsay's quarantine is up today. Of course, it being Thanksgiving week they have no plans to go out anyway. Tyler is officially in quarantine until Thursday since he has not gotten it. 

The rules in our area are 10 days in quarantine from a positive test date with no symptoms. If you are a close contact and have not contracted it you are in a 14 day quarantine. Poor Mama...she has to go without seeing any of us a little longer.

Hope that is helpful to others out there wondering what is going on with this virus. Will I get it? I have no idea, but I am just doing what I can and taking precautions and that is all one can do.


Now as promised - a crafting project. I had a pair of Annabelle dolls, drummer boys to be exact since the early 1990s. They were a gift from my mother-in-law. Oh my goodness, probably 15 years ago, one of the dogs shredded the taller one to pieces.  

I held onto the smaller one even though the drum was damaged. I kept thinking I will find a new drum and one day fix it. That thing has stayed in my Christmas bins for all this time. I never seemed to find a a drum the right size to repair it. Last Christmas I took it out of the bins and left it sitting out on top in the closet hoping I would come up with a plan for it.

The other night after having started to pull out Christmas decorations and seeing my newly stitched drum that I made this summer....

it came to me. Why not make one?

I did just that. I went and found a piece of white linen and an old pattern border and stitched up some stars to match. Then the next day set out to make it into a drum.



The other really special thing other than salvaging a wonderful memory from my mother-in-law is that the fabric for the drum top and bottom are scraps from an old Vanity Fair housecoat of mine. I know city folk call them robes, but country folk call them housecoats and slippers are called house shoes. 

I am a country girl. Almost every member of my family worked at Vanity Fair in Monroeville at some point in their life and we wore VF undies and bedroom clothes. It is who we are!

This made the little drum even more special. Little drummer boy will find a place again in the decor of Christmas. 



Thanksgiving and Christmas are not normal this year. This entire year hasn't been normal. I have given up on thinking it will be. I am just ready as Arlene said today in her post...be hopeful. 

The Lord is our hope. Jesus is the hope we need. I have prepared an Advent reading to start this Sunday. I am eagerly looking forward to it.

As my Aunt Faye has said more times than I can count in my growing up years..."This too shall pass!" She said it so much that at one time I was sure it must be in the Bible. IT is not, but still wise words.

Thank you all so much for your kind comments and prayers. They helped immensely. I will keep you updated on the virus here so we can learn from each other.

Grateful even in uncertainty,
Sandy

Sunday, November 22, 2020

How Things Change (not a usual post)

I put that Thanksgiving table out in hopes that I would have a dinner. It won't be happening. 

I said no other Christmas decorations would come out except the foyer until after Thanksgiving. That is happening minus a tree.

Oh how things change!  Jeff has tested positive and I am awaiting my test. 

Let me see if I can back track to give you an update.
Lindsay was sick Friday a week ago. It is flowing through hers and Jeff's office. She tested and found out Sunday morning she was positive. She went into panic mode over Tucker and Tyler. Tyler became a good single dad. On Thursday of last week, little Tucker coughed and both Mommy and Daddy were worried. 

When Tyler went into get him up Friday morning, he called Lindsay to come immediately. So no more social distancing was taking place. Lindsay called the pediatrician who knew Lindsay was positive but told her to come on and she would meet her on the back porch of her practice and examine him so that she could rest over the weekend.

She took one look and listen and very emphatically told Lindsay that Tucker had the croup. Best medicine for all of them was to quit worrying and get outside over the weekend and relax. They were all young and in good health. 

Jeff had a light treatment Monday on his face. Basically they burn your face off:) He probably had some symptoms but with the light treatment and the pain associated with that he didn't catch them. He was also VERY busy with work. Many of the people in his office are sick, so he was trying to do a little double dosing of work. Many phone calls and Zooms went on. 

Wednesday I coughed in the middle of the day. Here is the scenario going on. I am worried about him. He is worried about me and both of us are worried about Mom. 

I have actually had a little cough for several weeks and have had a routine doctor's appointment tomorrow where I was going to mention it. IT is not bad enough to take medicine...more like an allergy. I however am usually healthy these days. I hopefully will have a telemedicine appointment.

So when I coughed a few times during the day, Jeff insisted I call and get a test. I called the health department and they said I could come Friday for the drive through test. The more we talked, I told him if I had it he had to asymptomatic and maybe he should test so we wouldn't worry about Mom at Thanksgiving. 

He calls and they have just had a cancellation and he can come on Thursday afternoon. 

He got his phone call Saturday morning that he was positive. Just in time for him to start actually showing symptoms.

He is very fatigued and running a low grade fever. He slept most of the evening Saturday, then all night and has dozed for 2/3 of the day today. I keep a check on his fever. His sense of taste has left him today.

I don't really like typing all of this, but I made the decision that it is helpful for all of us to know this stuff. 
I can't really focus like I should and I apologize for not replying to my comments or reading my usual blogs.

I am in nurse mode. 

The one other worrisome thing is Paul Allen was exposed when he dropped by for a visit on Thursday afternoon. AT this point, we were testing more out of precaution for Mama rather than believing either of us might have it.

I am feeling fine. I have a little cough, but it is not a dry cough. It actually is productive and I have a wee bit of a sore throat in the evenings or mornings. I could totally have a cold from keeping Tucker.

I do take lots of supplements and for the most part even with thyroid and Rheumatoid Arthritis, I am very healthy.

I decided to write the post to let all of you know to take care of yourselves, be careful, but not afraid of life. Life is way too short to miss out on.

Now onto a little more going on. I have no pictures. IF things go well, I will pull myself together to share more of those things later. 
I did salvage a Christmas decoration with a homemade Christmas drum that I stitched and whipped up last night and put together today. I think y'all are going to be impressed. Again, at some point I will share that crafty project.

Christmas decorations. I was one of those people who didn't like to even breathe pulling it out before Thanksgiving was done. However, what is normal about this year? Absolutely nothing!
I have had to put that table I set out in expectation because it won't be happening. To make myself feel better, I decided to just pull those Christmas bins out of the closet. I have put it all out with the exception of the lighted garland that I usually do on the banisters and the Christmas tree. 

Will I have a Christmas tree this year? I sincerely hope so, but I am in quarantine. If all goes well, there may be only Charlie Brown trees left. And you know what? It will be a blessing. 

I am just going to not worry about that and pray the whole family is in good health. 

Maybe next year I will go back to a fake tree which I swore off a few years back. 2020 is doing strange things to us all.

I will leave you with a Gus antic.
Saturday morning we decided to drive out to the island. We weren't going to get out and walk... just drive out and soak in the salty air, so the dogs could come along. We stopped at Starbucks and got a coffee and they got their whipped cream. 

We drove out to the beach and went all the way down the road that runs between the Gulf and the Sound (Intercoastal) to where the land changes to military and then turned to come back. For some reason, Jeff decided to go down a side street where some houses are along the Sound. We were putting along. The usual set up is Gus, the Springer sits in the front seat with me and Lemony, the Golden sits in the back with the window rolled down. Lemony has never and can't even be coaxed to sit in the front seat. 

All of a sudden Gus, jumped in the back seat and I guess I must have been looking at a house. We turned back out on the main beach road and I looked back in the backseat to see what Gus was up to. 

NO GUS! 
I immediately panicked. Jeff turned around as quickly as he could, but of course a car was in the way. We started tracing our drive. We found him two blocks back just sniffing, but quickly running to the truck. 

He was covered in sand spurs. For those of you not from around here, those are needles and they stick to nice Springer Spaniel fur. He had to sit in the back seat on the way home with the window closed of course. It took me a while to comb this all out with a Spaniel comb. 
I have no idea what possessed him to do that. 

As I was combing, we got the news that Jeff was positive.
So I take his temperature and try not to let my imagination run wild. 

Take care everyone. At some point I will be able to think and do a post with something besides this doggone virus.

Thursday, November 19, 2020

The Virus, Thanksgiving, and a Little Stitching

 That ugly virus has hit home and I just haven't even been able to focus. It has taken me a few days to come to the place where I couldn't even write about it. We are all good, but... it just has me a little worried mama.

Lindsay has it and although she seems to have a mild case it has put us all on pins and needles. 

The decision was made to close her and Jeff's work location (they work in the same building). They are working from home for this whole week and the partial week of Thanksgiving. Hopefully that will give it time to be cleaned and settle down a bit. Two  of the people in that building have had a much worse case but most have been mild.

Lindsay is saying it is like a severe sinus infection with headache and congestion. Now, the deal is if Lindsay says it is mild, more likely it would be worse for others. She is the child who would have strep and assure me her throat didn't hurt one bit.

This has meant Tyler has been a full-time single dad and he is quite worn out. I have been praying for him as well as Lindsay.

Every cough- well basically every single symptom that would otherwise be ignored sends us all in a frenzy. Jeff worries over me. I worry over him. 

I have been super concerned about Mother. 

I am staying away from her until Lindsay's quarantine is up. We were altogether the Saturday before she started showing symptoms on Thursday evening a week ago. A close contact is considered someone who is closer than 6 feet for more than 15 minutes and within 48 hours of the first symptom. 

That rules us out, but it is on the rise all over the county.

I will leave it at that.

I have been unable to concentrate to write a post let alone read one so forgive me blogging world for not showing up this week.

I have been in full on cleaning mode while Jeff is on Zoom meetings and phone calls. I actually enjoy having him home, but don't enjoy the school talk so much.

I have really put away fall decor with the exception of the dining room and my one little spot in the kitchen where I do seasonal decor. I think I needed less clutter for my vision and my mind before Christmas decorations come out.

I set the dining room table today and I realize it is a full week early, but I think I needed to see it knowing nothing is set in stone these days. 



Kristan, our niece will not be here. Lindsay and Tyler will actually come out of quarantine in time to go to Atlanta that is if Lindsay has no symptoms. That is still up in the air. If they can't go, I will take them a meal.



I have stitched a few things. Lindsay requested a turkey like one I had already done. I had already sent the pattern that I used from Arlene back so I had to use my turkey to stitch her one.



She wants a seasonal piece to hang on a cabinet knob. I let her pick a Christmas one and she chose a Prairie Schooler fishing Santa.



If it looks familiar it is because I was stitching it for myself on 14 count Aida with the plan to put it in a 5 X 7 frame. 



So now I have stitched two turkeys and two Santas. 

I did pull out some Christmas boxes to start thinking about it. I even decorated the foyer, but nothing else will come out until Thanksgiving is done...no matter what happens with the day. 



I will be happy if all are just healthy whether they are at my table or not. The plan now is me, Jeff, Mother, Paul Allen, and Katie.

Just grateful that for now Lindsay is the only one and she seems to be doing ok. 

November is one of my favorite months for weather. I always think of that quote that says something about loving to live in a world of Octobers. For Floridians, I think that would have to be changed to November.

The daily walks in the neighborhood have been so pleasant and the nights have been cool enough for a cup of homemade hot chocolate made with oat milk and homemade whip cream. Yummm.

My posts will be sporadic for awhile.

Sandy