A Christmas Challenge - Yes, There's a Way Around Everything

Did you feel a bit sneaky, Kathy Streib?! We did - in fact, one of the 'moms' who came asked that we not tell her children (who didn't come) that she was not wearing a mask. She was afraid they would lecture her! At some point, mental health DOES have to be taken into consideration!

I totally agree, Raymond Henson, SRES, GRI! Hopefully this won't happen again - EVER! I know as we approach another presidential election year, many of us will be incredibly anxious, fearful this nightmare will repeat itself!

So, Endre Barath, Jr., my BFF didn't want to support it because of what she is around day-in and day-out. She has seen a LOT of deaths from this virus and is very protective of her elderly parents as well. I was going to do it with or without her blessing but, when I got it (a half-assed blessing, truth be told!), I was thrilled. 

That said, she knows I'm a logical thinker - I HAVE to understand the pathophysiology behind EVERYTHING! She knew that I was right - you simply can't argue with logic!

I will say this - back to your comment the people control - we did not advertise this for fears that you understand. At this point, I don't frankly care - it's done - but, I wasn't going to have our plans be botched by naysayers! To me, it's very sad that we live like that here in the US.

It really has, James Dray! It's been a tough one and I'm so ready for the new year - SO ready!

We had a blast - I'm so sad it's over but, it was a much needed mental health break for many family members who have been quarantining since March, Brian England. I love my home but, I can't IMAGINE never leaving it and never being around anyone else - even at a distance. SO many people have done this though. 

Happy Sunday!

Well, we figured it out out of necessity! LOL Seriously, some who were shut-in for 10 months really did need a mental health day. I think it was the best gift we could have given them, Kat Palmiotti!

Putting the onus on them worked wonders! We all knew who would and wouldn't either be able to or tolerate staying in, Wayne Martin. They were honest and didn't come or their spouses held them accountable. It worked! The week before Christmas is a tough week to stay in too - there's so much 'fun' going on in the world around us - even during the pandemic!

And, thank you for reading and for sharing it in a re-blog, Joe Jackson!

It worked very well, Rocky Dickerson! We knew it would, if only we could keep it on the down-low and explain the importance of keeping the grands safe. 

It really has been, Will Hamm! One of my friends from high school that I've kept up with had a very serious case of it and is very lucky to have survived. I know lots of locals who have tested positive but, never had any symptoms, thankfully. 

I had a bad case of it very early on (March) and cancelled our travel plans (also thankfully) as I was sicker than I've ever been. I was down for two solid weeks and I didn't improve until they gave me steriods. It's scary, no fun and no joke - for sure! 

Like you, I didn't bake cookies and breads or make candies for the masses as I typically do. I wasn't leaving my bubble to deliver fattening foods! LOL

My MIL & her sister both live alone, in different states, Carol Williams. We stopped by Ray's aunt's house on our way back from Hilton Head Island in July. We stood about 20' away and she looked absolutely dejected - not about us standing so far apart but, because she had had no social interaction, other than distancing, since March. It broke my heart. I didn't know how to 'fix' it. We tried for Thanksgiving but, some just couldn't do the bubble thing and she (and my MIL) were afraid to chance it. We were stricter with everyone for Christmas and I think everyone realized what they had cost our 'grands' back in November. They weren't willing to take any chances and everyone adhered to the 'requirements!' 

It was a process but, it was SO worth it! My MIL and her sister barely stopped crying happy tears long enough to eat. They were like children at Disney! Everyone was so happy that we were able to get them out.

We also bought them Alexas with screens (Shows) so that we can phone them any time - it's like FaceTime but, so much easier for them just to 'answer' and sit in front of the Shows to be able to see everyone.

I am confident they are going to make it to the vaccine now - they got their 'charge' on Christmas day! 

Hi George Souto! Yes, that was the mission. They were so very lonely (both of the ones that came live alone). I cannot imagine having not ventured out for 10 months! They were on a high when they left - our hearts were so full of happiness for them. I think we're on the downside now and they feel like that too! This just gave them the 'charge' they needed to make it to the vaccine and some semblance of normalcy!