01/23/2021, Saturday

DD, the bobbin itself drops in from the top and is super easy to thread. This machine is computerized, so selecting a stich is push button...no more dials. The best feature so far is the option of using the foot pedal or not. With dogs under foot, the pedal can be challenging. The swim up bar sounds wonderful, as does temperatures above the teens ! Peps, I agree that dogs are such a blessing during this isolation. I am so uplifted by your journey ! BB, yes...focusing on health more than weight does make things seem more manageable. Ceci, may you be safe from mudslides ! Sending you and your dad positive energy as you await test results. Great to hear from Bonnies ! Shirl, everything okay there ?

I plan on spending the day inside... temperatures in the teens and wind chill below zero. We've had snow flurries for a week. The girls reversible placemat fabric arrived yesterday and I washed it immediately. I'll get it ironed and cut today. Both girls wanted a BLM and I selected two great fabrics ( black & white graphic on one side and BLM rainbows on the other. Lindsey's second set will be Dr. Fauci on one side and a vaccination needle on the other. I found great black hole fabric for Jess, with an Einstein on the other.

That sewing machine does sound fantastic. I have only used basic machines over the years though I always have one - I have one on Cape Cod and one here in Florida.

Mike arrived at noon yesterday so we ate outside and listened to music for lunch and dinner at two different venues. Today we are going to the beach and probably eating dinner at a restaurant across from the beach as it is a little over half an hour to get there. We might go to the farmers market near me this morning.

Not much else to report except that the new Florida vaccine pre-registration system may not work great at least immediately. One of my friends received an appointment call, was asked to choose between two appointments, but then the woman calling her that they were no longer available so she would have to wait for another call. Apparently the appointment makers are now competing against each other in the system the same way we had all been competing. Really dumb IMHO.

Have a safe, healthy and warm day!

It might get into the high 30s today, we're all excited.

Yesterday, I met with a student and his Mom yesterday at school. He has 0% in some classes. We brainstormed, and made accommodations. The fact he got up, and came to school for a meeting tells me he does not like where he is at, but mental health is a huge challenge for him right now. I just know a few things, no kid wants to be flunking all their classes and we can never give up on a kid. Our reset could work, but it definitely might not. But if not this semester, there will be a semester and a modified plan that will work for him eventually. It felt wonderful to do those things that make this job meaningful: make connections with a student, and think creatively about individualizing expectations so he might experience some success.

Not much going on. My husband offered to go to the store last evening. I made myself go with him. I'm becoming too reclusive. (Although I guess one could argue that is a good thing during a pandemic). 8pm, there were maybe 10 other shoppers, so not too risky. I made it out of the house twice yesterday!

Yesterday, I was using the bathroom, and I was surprised when I tugged on the sides of my pants, they did not pull down. It was then I remembered I was wearing real pants with a button and zipper. My WFH pants are leggings or yoga pants, occasionally jammies.

Also, I'm going to need to retrain my feet to wear shoes all day. Right now, the only time I'm wearing shoes is when I go on my infrequent outings. Otherwise I'm stockingfooted. Other effects of quarantine that we just don't talk about.

Weight 192

The disclosure statements are done and submitted for my dad's house. I thought I was close to done yesterday, but found there was a second equally long one in the electronic packet. What a load off to be finished there. The inspection was yesterday. My dad's wife said the buyer really loves the house. It needs to be loved full time again. They were there for nearly 5 hours. I suppose that happens with a house that size.

I'm off to walk with a friend at the park this morning. So glad we decided on 10 as there was no way I could drag myself out of bed any earlier than I did (8:45). Where did the "me" go who used to be sitting at my desk at work at 6:30 am? She has seriously flown the coop.

My retinol regimen (now used twice in a week and a half) is still producing a ton of peeling. Vanity continues to be rough. There is even a term for it I found - the retinol uglies. They last for a month to a month and a half until your skin adjusts. Perfect pandemic/masked activity as the peeling is mostly around the lower half of my face!

I should go get dressed. Diane, zero risk for mudslides where I am. It's the hill and canyon dwellers who have to contend with it. Imagine their house sale disclosure forms!!

Hope you all have good Saturdays (and Sundays if you're reading, Shirl)!