Wednesday, October 6, 2021

Three days to Florida departure. I have most of my clothing packed. This is the earliest I have been this ready other than when I was sending a box. But this year I am trying to have a suitcase, a carry-on, and a canvas bag suffice since we will be flying back in mid-December. But of course if I can't manage that, I can always send a box back.

Last night we had a 3 hour dinner with Mike's friends. Really nice people who are contemplating moving to Vermont to be near the wife's daughter. They are thinking of purchasing some property with several rental units. I can't imagine living in the extreme snow and taking on landlord responsibilities at almost 70, but that is just me.

Today we are going to Mike's place to get some things we need for Florida and for him to do some final pre-winter tasks. The latter could be done by his son-in-law but we have to go anyway so he will do it. On the way we are going to look at an area with multiple condo options near the water and with a restaurant and other nice amenities on site. We will take Justice for a run on the beach and probably stop for dinner out there before heading home.

Have a safe and healthy Wednesday (I had to think hard about what day it was LOL)!

As you know my weight is up

I don't know if it's that but I've been kinda depressed the past couple days. I just feel like I'm treading water in alllll the ways. Most of all, and it's silly, but we're planning a halloween party. And it's clear that this year the guest list is dramatically lighter. I worry about that every year, but this year I'm 99% sure I'll be correct. And it kind of hurts my feelings and signifies change. Regardless of the reason, it means there are other priorities or likes for people. Of course we didn't host last year so now it's really been a while. And lots of these reasons are probably pretty legitimate--people have had kids. There are weddings. Other parties. And of course some are being extra cautious about covid. But I still feel like I'm losing friends. And not seeing these people for at least the main thing we see them for just seems to reinforce this notion we won't see them much any more. Rich and I are extroverts and this time has been so hard. First with job loss/change for Rich. And his whole industry dramatically shrinking. Then with us having two babies who monopolize such a great deal of time. And then with covid. I worry if people will ever get back together. And in a year where we've lost a lot of family too, it makes me really really sad. For reference our parties normally have 50+ people. Our smallest felt very small around 30ish. We've had up to 92. And this year so far I've had...15 yes.

I already feel so isolated staying home with kids.

I think all gatherings this year are still smaller because of Covid so I wouldn't necessarily be concerned about it beyond that. But you do have a lot in your plate with the kids, the point you and your husband are at, and with what has transpired in the last 18 months due to Covid. And with our group, weight gain adds to what pulls us down. Hang in there and try to get out with friends and get exercise as much as possible to bring your spirits up.

There has been so much upheaval the last few years, I think it may take a while for life to return to normal for everyone. I have embraced the old normal and sometimes get surprised by people still living closed off lives (no judgement). Try to reach out to those who can't come for to make other plans. Make sure they know you want to keep them as friends! Sometimes keeping friendships alive is harder at some stages of life than others.

Thank you for this. When I reread it, it sounds silly. But it's a big deal in my world. I feel like all these friendships I've put so much work into are dwindling away :(

How you're feeling isn't silly at all, Bonnie!! Things ARE different. I may be an introvert, but just like you, I hate change. And the last 2 years have been nothing but change. And you've lost so much. It's okay to be depressed about that and want things to be like they were. I was trying to think of ways to try to help you maybe coax some more friends back out into the light. But feeling sad about it all is totally understandable.

Another pretty day so I took a long walk. Laundry, kitchen cleaning, cooked a turkey breast for lunches rounded out the morning.

My aunt's service and burial have been scheduled for less than a week after I was supposed to head back to CA, so I am going to change my flight to leave directly from OH after the gathering rather than add another cross-country flight to the month.

Not much else happening. I should be cleaning up my garden, but don't feel like it. I'm tired of weeding it!

Good Morning All

Popping in again. Not a lot to report. My mum is staying with us for a few days as she had her first vax yesterday - no side effects so far. DH cooked a delicious Roast last night - everything on the plate was homegrown including the meat with the exception of the gravy ! A nice feeling - Roast Beef, Turnip and Beetroot mash, steamed Brocolli, carrots, purple carrots and broad beans. We are lucky.

DH and I went to look at a RAM for BIL. We are going back on Monday after work to get him, DH will then drive up to the farm and drop him off. Likely he will stay up there for a few weeks.

Our lockdown is supposed to change again on 26th October - which is when we are expected to reach targeted % of double vax. Our State of Emergency ends 23rd October and it will be interesting to see what happens when the powers are taken away. I am doubtful it will be re-instated. I think there would be even more protests if it is. People are sick of being like caged animals- humans are simply not made to be isolated. Its against every fibre of our being. I hear you Bonnie !

Liz - sounds like a lovely day/evening. Enjoy dinner

DD - You are a good daughter facilitating the visit between your mom and her friend. Hope you had a good rest

BB - I can relate to your feelings a lot. I try to look at it with the view that this will eventually all settle down and our new normal will facilitate us to go back to being social and enjoying time and experiences with those we care about. Its just sometimes hard to see the finish line x

Diane S - Boot? Oh gosh what did I miss? Did you hurt yourself? :(

Peps - You will likely be preparing for your show. Hope everything goes well

Cec - Lovely to chat yesterday. You are just a beautiful soul and we are all blessed to have you

Diane O - Sending you love xx

Hello to anyone I have missed. I had best get my butt into gear. Days just fly by. I have to collect some medication for my oldest dog from the Vet tonight on the way home. Crazy to think thats likely the highlight of my socialising......... UGGGG

S

My boy is home for the night. :) He had to visit a plant in Minneapolis to help with a test run of a new packaging product. We like his girlfriend, but its nice to see just him sometimes.

I can't think about food these days. Everything is still feeling like a scramble. I have a doctor's appointment October 18. I know fatigue is such a nebulous symptom, but I am so tired.

I wish I had more interesting tales to tell, but this is how it is these days. I know this too shall pass.