This picture was taken back in 1982. Mandy was 6 years old and Katie was 4 years old. We’d gone to see the girl’s grandparents in Falmouth Massachusetts. It was a warm, beautiful, day. It was a happy time in our lives and we always enjoyed traveling from New Hampshire to Cape Cod to see both of our families.
Time goes so very quickly.
I was thinking today about all the people and places and things I am grateful for. You know, over the last year I have really reevaluated what is important to me and what I am grateful for.
One of the biggest things I am thankful for is my Cell Phone. With my Cell Phone, I can call anyone I want, talk as long as I want and not feel so separate from everyone during the Covid Pandemic.
I am also grateful for my home. I have a roof over my head, in a Town that is safe, and during the Virus our merchants have done all they could do to provide us food, fuel, and household supplies in a safe way.
I am grateful for the good health I have had over the last year. Aside from a few minor colds, I am well, and able to care for Jack and the hounds!
I am grateful for my family. As wonderful and crazy and distant as they all are. Somehow we have made it through this time, still loving each other and still being there for each other, even if it is only by phone, text, or Facetime.
I am also grateful for Streaming Services that have allowed me to be entertained during this time.
And I am also thankful and grateful for a small group of women from my original WW Class, who, along with me, were determined to watch their weight and stay healthy during this time. We met outside until the snow blew, and then met online for Zoom Meetings.
There is more I am thankful for, but the list is so long I would be here all night listing it all. I will just say that I feel very grateful to have found the life I have after a year of total change.
In March of 2020, we were all told to stay home and not go out unless we had to get food or medication. It was during this time I found myself getting up each day, and putting on a pair of leggings and a long-sleeve comfy top. Who am I kidding? These clothes were pretty much like pajamas and I wore them all day every day. And so it has been every day (except summer when I wore shorts and a tank top) since.
Well, today I got up and put on a pair of jeans and a real shirt. I wore actual socks and wait for it…my sneakers, not my slippers!
I actually felt good. The slight after-effects of my second Covid Vaccine had disappeared and I felt awake and actually pretty darn good!
I know the virus is still out there. I know it will be until people realize that like Polio, we must vaccinate to get a grip on the problem.
I am here. I have had both shots. So has Jack. So have so many of my dear ones. We are here, we are healthy and we are trying to get on with life.
I know that people are free to make up their own minds, but it does bother me because they are putting not only their lives at risk but the lives of my young grandchildren who are not old enough for vaccines.
I have told you the story of my Grand-Aunt, Kätchen. She was just 22 and 9 months pregnant with her first child when she contracted the Spanish Flu in 1918.
Had they had a vaccine, if people had worn masks, if there was a cure, if, if, if. This beautiful woman died far too young, as did her unborn baby. I wish people could look at Covid-19 and ask what they can do to stop the spread of the virus.
The weekend was fairly quiet for me. I’d planned this because on Saturday I got my second Moderna Covid Vaccine. The last time I got it, I actually felt like I had the flu and ended up in bed.
I am pleased to say, aside from a headache, a few muscle aches, and a sore arm, I am just fine! No fever, no congestion, and I actually have an appetite.
Saturday was also the funeral for Prince Philip. I’d wanted to see this as it happened, but my appointment for the shot would not have gotten me home in time.
Because I will not be thwarted, from getting my vaccine and seeing the funeral, I set my alarm, got up early, and drove to get my shot one and a half hours early! Best of all, when I arrived at the facility to get my shot, no one said a word and everyone was very nice.
After my watched time ended, I hopped in my car and headed home. My girlfriend in Delaware talked me through the first part, as the troops lined up and the casket was moved onto the somewhat unusual hearse.
When I got home, I raced up the stairs in time to watch the funeral procession to the church. Jack had it on the TV, live via BBC News, and I sat down and watched and listened to the beautiful music.
The readings were some I have done in the past and the songs were so familiar, I felt I was back at my mother’s funeral, and the tears fell.
After the service, which ended with the Bagpipes being played, I watched the Royal Family walking up the hill to Windsor Castle. And I think I smiled just a little when I saw Prince William and Prince Harry speaking to each other. No matter how different they may see the world, I hope they can at least keep in touch with each other.
Princess Diana sacrificed a lot for her two sons. It would not please her to see, all that she had sacrificed for torn asunder by opportunists.
On Sunday I was just feeling tired, so I just went about making our meals (read: very easy eats!) and watching a few of my favorite shows on Discovery+.
I love the New Hampshire editions of “Northwoods Law“. The Fish & Game Wardens all work in parts of New Hampshire that I know and love. I must say, I live in one of the most beautiful states in America.
I also love “No Reservations” and “What Not To Wear“. I also watch “The Great British Baking Show” on PBS.
Now as my Sunday is winding down, I’m thinking a nap may be in order. I hope all of you had a great weekend!
It’s been a busy week for me. I found myself in bed early each night and actually sleeping in until 6:30 each morning. Here’s what’s happening in my world.
Have a great weekend!
This Throw Back Thursday is a picture of my Mom, Rosamond, and her big brother, Robert. Mom looks to be about 3 or 4 years old and Uncle Bob was 5 years older.
This was taken back in the day when most pictures were in black and white and then colored in. Still, it is a sweet picture.
Mom adored her brother, and quite sadly she lost him when he was fairly young.
A few bloggers I know do a Wordless Wednesday Meme each week. I knew that this wasn’t one for me. Since the day I was born I haven’t been wordless. In fact, my parents considered naming me Chatty Kathy.
All through my childhood, I was one of those kids who just talked. I drove my sister crazy. We would be lying in bed at night and I would start talking and asking her questions and I would go on and on and on. She would kindly tell me, “Good Night”, and I’d reply, “Good Night”, only to go right back to chatting all over again.
As the years passed I moved in with my Grandparents. I would sit and talk to my Grandmother for hours. I would tell her about school, about my day, and go on and on.
She once told me, after I had married and left home, that the worst part of my moving out was the silence. The one and only time anyone has said this to me.
A few years ago a friend of Jack’s was driving me across Florida to meet Jack at another airport. We were driving along and I was doing my usual chatting, hardly taking a breath. Finally, he interrupted me and said, “I bet you can’t shut up for 10 minutes”.
Ten minutes? Not a problem. We started the clock. One second, two seconds, three seconds…It was the longest ten minutes of my life! I did, however, make it, although I felt slightly queasy afterward.
I don’t think I talk as much as I once did. At least I try not to.
What’s that?
Jack is now laughing hysterically.
Well, I am trying!
I hate Spring cleaning. You know you get out the heavy-duty cleaners, usually containing bleach, and by the time you get done, all you can smell is bleach! Jack says he can’t smell anything, but to me, it is all I can smell! Ugh!
I did manage to get four loads of laundry done, clean the fridge and walk the dogs several times. Wait! Let me check and see if I have a fever! I am simply never this productive in one day!
At least dinner was easy. I took all sorts of leftovers out of the fridge, heated them up and that was dinner. So no real cooking for me. And tomorrow is the same. I am all for quick and easy meals.
My second shot is on Saturday. I am planning to be quiet and feel crappy like I did last time. This way, if I feel good after, it’s a win-win!
Well, a very Happy Tuesday to you all!
The weekend really did fly by for me. I had planned a lot of downtimes so I could rest my eyes, and I will admit to sleeping a great deal on Saturday. On Sunday I was still experiencing sensitivity to light, so I walked around wearing my winter hat and sunglasses, thus shielding my left eye.
My God-son is holding his own. He was due to get his shot this week, but unfortunately, the Covid Virus got him first. His family is also ill, and they have all been so careful social distancing and wearing masks.
I know many of you think that Covid is not real. But it is very real to me. Not just my God-son and family have been hit with it, but one of my closest friends and her family were also stricken.
The weather here has been lovely. It reminds me that Spring is on its way! I am so ready.
I feel quite sad about Prince Philip of England. It’s not so much sad at his death, more, I think at a loss in my own life. You see, all of my life Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip have been the head of the British Monarchy. All of my 62 years. It just seems very sad that things are now changing. I am not one that handles change well anyway. Now Queen Elizabeth is without her Consort. Change.
I guess this is about all from me. Being quiet means sleep and perhaps a movie or two. But not much else.
So much has happened on Friday that I decided a This & That was probably the way to go. So, here we go.
First, my deepest condolences go out to Queen Elizabeth and the entire Royal Family after the passing of 99-year-old Prince Philip. I was thinking that Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip have been prominent in my entire life. God Bless and let him rest in peace.
Friday was my eye surgery and it seems that all went well. I am just a little achy tonight and an early bedtime is planned.
My God-son is in the hospital with Covid. He is quite ill. So many people have told me that Covid is not real. Sorry people, Covid is real and affecting someone I love very much. He is young and wonderful and I am quite frantic. Please pray a little for my God-son.
For our anniversary we ate frozen lasagna made by Stouffers. I simply had no desire to cook today. Off to bed, I go.