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So Close But Still So Distant !!

By
Services for Real Estate Pros with RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired 104763

 

As the weather improves and the temperatures rise, tolerating social separation and “staying at home” hopefully will become more tolerable.

It’s now in the low 50’s here, and I’ve been doing yardwork. I’ve cleaned my gas grill and cooked hamburgers on it. I began raking my front yard to remove the dead grass. I’ll finish it tomorrow.

Tomorrow is expected to be sunny and hit 60’s. My lounge chair will be on my deck from tomorrow until the end of October.

I’m so excited about lounging on my deck in the sun with music playing and a good book to read. I have the kindle app on my phone and all of my e-books are synchronized on all of my kindles from Amazon.

It’s difficult to think about being separated from everyone for several more months.  May is a date I’ve heard, but I’ve also heard July! I miss my family.

It’s not difficult working from home, since this is my usual office space.  The problem is I’m not as motivated as I usually am to write posts. Maybe tomorrow will be a better day.

We had two sellers take their homes off the market until Covid-19 takes another direction. We are closing buyers. The money is not an important entity to me and neither is thinking about real estate right now. 

I miss my family. Oh, I already said that! My three and a half year old grandson, Caleb, lives two homes away from me. He stands at his backyard picket fence and clearly sees my driveway. We yell to each other. That makes my day. It’s only been weeks, but it seems like months that we’ve been separated.

My lunch buddy is my youngest son, Michael, and I miss our daily lunches and conversation during his visit. It's a very special time every day. 

Just sayin’…..

Posted by

 

 

Barbara Todaro, Great Grandmother to Caleb, Santino, Aiden and Gianni       

Todaro Team - Retired

508-918-9148

               

             Copyright © 2009 - 2021 Barbara Todaro

                               All Rights Reserved



 

Comments(26)

Grant Schneider
Performance Development Strategies - Armonk, NY
Your Coach Helping You Create Successful Outcomes

Hi Barbara Todaro - by the way the picture reminds me.  I have noticed that the last few orders for Amazon Prime have not been next day.  I guess they are affected too.

Mar 26, 2020 03:43 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Hi Barbara Todaro,

I hear you! My granddaughter has been home from NYC for 2 weeks now working from home but haven't seen her except onFace Time!Granddaughter Maggie is home from San Diego a week and haven't seen her either except on Face time.Handsome Hudson and Beautiful Beckett Face time often but I miss them!!

Mar 26, 2020 04:03 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Hi BarbaraT- I hear ya and feel for you because at least here we had warm temps (high 80's) so we can go to our park to walk. We usually have my brother and his wife over for dinner at least once a week but we'll have to wait. 

Our friends were coming in to see my brother and his band play last weekend but that will have to happen another time. 

What about having a Facetime lunch with Caleb or Michael?

Mar 26, 2020 06:30 PM
Lottie Kendall
Compass - San Francisco, CA
Helping make your real estate dreams a reality

Barbara, last Saturday our family was planning to get together in San Francisco, walk the dogs on the beach then gather at our place for a belated corned beef and cabbage feast. Instead we had a Zoom call; not the same as being in the same room, but a lot of fun nonetheless. It was great to see faces, chat amonst ourselves, etc. Give it a try!

 

Mar 26, 2020 06:55 PM
James Dray
Fathom Realty - Bentonville, AR

Morning Barbara.

We all can do with separation, except for family.  It sure makes it difficult, but it's better to be on the safe side.  This too shall pass  

Mar 27, 2020 01:42 AM
Barbara Todaro

family is tough to separate from.... I'm in a better place than most.... I'm surrounded by them....and they either drive to my house and we speak the driveway and walkway....  my granddaughter put both children, Caleb and Aiden, in the stroller and walked to my house.... I stayed by the driveway and I was on the walkway..... we had to stop Caleb from running to me.... the good weather makes  everything easier....


Stay well, James Dray 

Mar 27, 2020 04:22 AM
Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400
The Top Team @ Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803 - Plainview, NY
Long Island Condo and Home Specialists

Barbara, I know EXACTLY how you feel. I can't watch the news anymore. Aren't you lucky though to live so close to Caleb!

Mar 27, 2020 04:20 AM
Barbara Todaro

I should take a page from your book and shut it off....but I might miss something!!!!

Mar 27, 2020 05:33 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Good morning, Barbara... as we have not lived close to family in over 30 years... that part of isolation is less of a factor in my mindset. Our pollen has gotten an early start this year... so there's no way I can sit outside until this strain is finished... I'd love to be on chair on my porch reading a good book... but the agony of my allergy to this yellow pollen isn't worth it.

Mar 27, 2020 05:31 AM
Barbara Todaro

I think I'll do that at the end of the day.... I need my yardwork exercise today.... raking dead grass...

Mar 27, 2020 05:34 AM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

I think that I need to see a picture of you relaxing in your lounge chair so that I know what kind of lounge chair to have ready for your Arizona visit.

Mar 27, 2020 06:12 AM
Barbara Todaro

Brian England you'll see that today with my Fire HD10 ready to enjoy..... but I won't be in the photo.... I'm the only  one here...

Mar 27, 2020 06:34 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

I also need to do some yard work. The City workers put new mulch around the trees in front of our home on Thursday. I was suprised to see them at work.

Mar 27, 2020 07:13 AM
Barbara Todaro

I'm looking forward to my landscapers starting here so I can stop.... I rakeds; picked up sticks; cleaned off walkways and driveway; weeded.... 

Mar 27, 2020 03:34 PM
Debb Janes
Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA
Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

I love that your priorities, Barbara. I'm with you 100%. The money will be flowing again soon. Good that the weather is lovely, that does help a lot. D  

Mar 27, 2020 07:24 AM
Barbara Todaro

today was a better day, Debb Janes EcoBroker and Bernie Stea JD .... I received a text asking me to help with a political campaign for the County Sheriff.... I agreed and will rally the troops in Franklin....  I love politics....

Mar 27, 2020 03:27 PM
Debb Janes

Good for you, Barbara. :) 

Mar 28, 2020 06:49 AM
Ginny Gorman
RI Real Estate Services ~ 401-529-7849~ RI Waterfront Real Estate - North Kingstown, RI
Homes for Sale in Southern RI and beyond

Barbara, I so hear you and miss my days with the grand babies so much.  Not worried about the monies just want all to maintain health & safeness.  Stay well!

Mar 27, 2020 08:36 AM
Barbara Todaro

you stay well, tool, Ginny Gorman ....stay home..... this will all pass..... today was a better day with the blue sky and sun plus 60's....

Mar 27, 2020 03:25 PM
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Hello Barbara, We were in the high 60's the last 3 days but now today only a high of 45

 

Mar 27, 2020 09:40 AM
Barbara Todaro

that's ours tomorrow....

Mar 27, 2020 03:24 PM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Barbara Todaro - When I got done laughing at your photograph, I sat down to read your blog post in a relaxing atmosphere. You are a great champion for all of us here on ActiveRain! 

Mar 27, 2020 10:07 AM
Barbara Todaro

No Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP compared to everyone here, I'm a whiner.... big whiner.... whine loudly..... whine often.... always repeating my whines.... I don't even think about real estate anymore... just whines....


that's a fairly clear picture from a whiner about herself....

Mar 27, 2020 10:40 AM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP

Barbara Todaro - Ah! The problem with comparisons to other humans, we are usually our worst critic and wrong about ourselves. 


Clearly, you need glasses! Perhaps, a glass of wine or two, too?


Luv ya!!!

Mar 27, 2020 10:54 AM
Barbara Todaro

I haven't had a drink in 25 years.... now would not be a good time!!    LOL.... time flies....it took me awhile to calculate that!!!

Mar 27, 2020 11:40 AM
Jerry Newman
Brown Realty, 210-789-4216, - San Antonio, TX
Texas REALTOR, San Antonio Military Relocation

Hi Barbara, I totally understand your situation with not being able to be with family especially, since they are so close to you. Our daughter stopped by last Saturday prior to all the recent restrictions to Stay Home for 14 days. Like you, I have been out in the yard raking up all the fallen leaves, and getting ready to to more yard work outside. Temperatures here are now in the 80's.

Stay Safe, and Have Faith that will all get through this soon.

Mar 27, 2020 11:50 AM
Barbara Todaro

I pray for that every day.... and I don't typically pray everyday.....  Jerry Newman 

Mar 27, 2020 11:52 AM
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

Did you unfollow me? I miss your comments daily. I have checked my end and you are still one of my first member followers, that is still Active...

It must be that new home gym 

Happy Friday and have a safe weekend Barbara Todaro 

Mar 27, 2020 11:58 AM
Barbara Todaro

I would NEVER unfollow you.... my online activity is not as organized as it use to be..... it's actually way off.... I'm soryy....if I missed your posts, it's me not you!!!! LOL

Mar 27, 2020 12:10 PM
Steve Higgins
RE/MAX Kelowna - Kelowna, BC

Hi Barbara,

Nice post. I am similar to you. I work from home and just don't have the motivation to due too much as far as real estate goes. Next week will start on yard work the weather has been chilly. I think this Covid-19 has dampened every ones spirits.

Mar 27, 2020 06:12 PM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Barbara - I can imagine you and Caleb having conversations from afar.  Hopefully playing in person and hugging will make a return in due time.  

Mar 28, 2020 07:39 AM
Gene Mundt, IL/WI Mortgage Originator - FHA/VA/Conv/Jumbo/Portfolio/Refi
NMLS #216987, IL Lic. 031.0006220, WI Licensed. APMC NMLS #175656 - New Lenox, IL
708.921.6331 - 40+ yrs experience

I sure hear you about missing family .. grandkids ... hugs, Barbara Todaro ... and I too have been struggling with blogging.  Only my challenge has been finding a topic that strikes the right "tone" for the challenges we are facing currently.  I've been trying to focus on educational content ... that seems to help motivate me and I think the timing is perfect for it.  Until we return to normal, hang in there ... and keep shouting those greetings and verbal hugs to your grandbaby ...

Gene 

Mar 28, 2020 08:47 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Like you, I've been outdoors as much as I can and spent the rest of the time on my porch, thankful that we have warmer weather. Ray and I have both talked about how unbearable it would be if the other wasn't here while we are sequestered. I can't even imagine how badly you miss your family, Barbara. 

Know that as we age, time goes even faster than ever. So, we have that advantage over the young whippersnappers - especially during this time! Whether it be May or July, we'll get there faster than anyone else! 

You have to take a picture of Caleb yelling at you across the fences - that has to be so very precious. I'd love to see it!

Hang in there!

Mar 30, 2020 02:55 AM
Barbara Todaro

you and Ray stay safe.... xxxxoooo

Mar 30, 2020 04:30 AM
Jane Chaulklin-Schott
TEAMCONNECT REALTY - (407) 394-9766 - Orlando, FL
TeamConnect Luxury Homes - Orlando, Florida, 32836

Happy Monday to you, Barbara Todaro,  I read and understood every word, sentence, paragraph.  Knowing how much you love your family and your beautiful grandchildren, I am hoping and sending prayers for you that soon you can pick up the life you currently need to put aside.  Enjoy your lounge chair and those books. 

Mar 30, 2020 07:58 AM