One more day of 2020...

The only good thing about there being one more day of 2020 is that December 31 is Sammy's birthday! This holiday season, we've gotten to visit with Molly, Sammy, Sarah, and Sarah's mother, Jeanette. We had a great time. The sorry side was not being able to be with Nicky and Liz. How to express how lucky we are: no one has truly suffered this horrible pandemic (Liz was lucky - so lucky!) and we're all relatively healthy (honestly, how healthy can you be at 40 pounds over weight?!?). I'm still drinking too much (well, I've cut back somewhat - not every day - but when I do drink it's too much), and because it's cold and dank, I'm not getting outside as much as I should. My goal for 2021 is that I will not only get outdoors, but out on my bike and in the world (well, at least out in Portland and maybe Oregon). As soon as we get the vaccine, Duane and I are heading out and about. Let's hope it's sooner than later. We're hoping for the great Southwest: New Mexico, close to El Paso (somewhere in New Mexico), southern California, Utah - oh let's face it - anywhere! In the meantime, I need to get on a bicycle, get outside - do something....

Post Election...Covid's not over...

So...It's the end of November. So far, we've survived Covid. Charlie hasn't gotten it...I haven't gotten it...Molly hasn't gotten it...Sam hasn't gotten it...Sarah hasn't gotten it...Nick hasn't gotten it... Liz got it! It's OK...because, she's OK. So... We're all good. A vaccine is on the horizon, and as soon as we can get it, we're getting it, by god! Anyway... a great Thanksgiving - Molly, Sam, Sarah - it was so much fun, I can't even express how fun it was. Christmas is next. We're hoping that Nick and Liz will fly up and join us for that one. Now, the real purpose of this post. What I'm thankful for with Covid... - It's suddenly OK to not leave your home. (Yeah, I know folks are bitching about not being able to go places, but, I'm OK with it!) - Streaming television shows...I've always loved veging out in front of a television, and suddenly, it's OK! - Drinking too much. (OK, maybe this hasn't been given the acceptance of other stuff - sweat pants, no make-up - but admit it - you've had too much to drink, too, the past eight months!) But, Joe Biden has been elected President! Kamala Harris is our next Vice President! I'm going out on a bike ride tomorrow (time to get back in shape because I'm certain my new President is going to ask something of me) and there's a new day dawning.

Halloween, 2020

It's Halloween, 2020. Weather - lovely in Portland, OR - relatively warm 47 degrees; full moon (Blue moon, to be exact); no rain. Do you know how rare it is to have no rain in Portland, OR on Halloween?!?... In a year of Covid-19, we had 5 - count them - 5 kids come Trick-or-Treating. Yeah, the CDC said trick or treating was not a good idea this year, but this is the event that folks decided that the CDC was right about? Masks? "Don't infringe on my rights! I shouldn't have to wear a mask!" Six feet apart? Again, don't infringe on my rights - I should be able to go wherever I want. But Halloween...little kids...collecting candy...at a safe distance...this is what people believe is the norm. OK, admittedly, I live in Portland, OR - damn liberal, antifa accepting Portland, OR ... Not the point. We're three days from the election...for history...please go vote...make this administration a one term administration. And, if you're feeling generous, turn the Senate blue, too... My liver is begging you....

Have you watched "The West Wing"?

It's October 13, 2020. Exactly three weeks from the election. I have decided to rewatch "The West Wing". It feels like a seminal moment. Donald Trump has, apparently, survived COVID-19. Good on him?!? I'm not certain that that's a good thing. Don't arrest me - I'm not advocating overthrowing the government. I digress.... Donald Trump has no idea how the government works. He's a genius - just ask him. If this country doesn't have the where-with-all to vote against him, I'm convinced that we're doomed. Go watch the entire collection of the "West Wing," - you'll find eerily familiar episodes...

Happy Anniversary!

I've been married to the love of my life today for 37 years! And, that said... The State of Oregon is on fire - literally, on fire. Jackson County is on fire (Charlie's dad has been evacuated twice in the past two days to Grants Pass). Clackamas County has evacuated 80% of the population because of two fires converging upon themselves. Lincoln County, where I have been privileged enough to spend much of my life vacationing at a dear friend/sister's cabin, is in danger of being subsumed by fire. This feels like the apocolypse! Tomorrow marks the 19th anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy. I don't know what your "god" is - allah, god, whatever...we just need to get through another year. Don't forget to VOTE! Don't let the bastards win!

Are we really safe???

Let's be clear...Black Lives Matter...I'm worth it...and, I'm still really nervous about the outcome of this whole "Covid-19" thing. So...again, let's be clear... Black Lives Matter...we're going to be on the right side os history. I'm a senior (ok, I'm finally embracing the senior citizen thing - not happy about it, but I'm a senior citizen) and I stand with everyone who is marching out there with "Black Lives Matter"...with "Women Matter"... with everyone who matters... Covid-19 is again emerging as a real thing. I'm watching the 2020 BET Awards Show - and honestly (Charlie is saying, "If you have to say "honestly" you're probably lying!") there's nothing more honest than these...I don't even like awards shows...but who can deny Alicia Keys?..... Stay safe, my friends....

It's been a month...

So...it's been a month since I posted. Things have relaxed. Well, let's be clear. People have relaxed (read: dropped their guard) with regard to this whole Covid-19 thing. Wear a mask? "My constitutional rights say I don't have to!" Social distance? "I don't have to!" And, as a 64-year-old (on the cusp of being in the fragile population) I'm really torn. I really want to go do stuff, but I also know that that's stupid! People are dying - there's a second wave (but, to quote Dr. Fauci, "we haven't left the first wave, yet.") I've decided to go back to the only family (Pam is going to be really mad!) is the only contact I have with the outside world. I'm going to tell Sam and Sarah they can come over and, of course, Molly can come over, but I'm thinking we need to insulate to others for awhile. Oh, BTW, Mamacita Salsa? Excellent! Go buy some! On a different, yet same vein...if they get a vaccine (or need a guinea pig for one)... I'M IN!

I love books...

I love books...No, really... I love books! I read (ok, listen to audio books)probably, ten to fifteen books a month (well, the pandemic has caused me to listen to waaaay more books than I typically would). I have a book for you, though, that is what I like to call a "read with your eyes book." "The School of Essential Ingredients," by Erica Bauermeister is the very book. Now, I've read many reviews of this book - some that say, "where's the story?," to "it jumps around too much." But trust me on this one - treat yourself and get a physical copy of this book and read it! It's a love story. It's a story about a sorcerous (not really, but you'll come to believe that Lillian really is one!). It's sad, it's happy - if you're a reader, it's everything you want in a book. And, it's a really fast read! So, even if you hate it (which, you will not!), you won't lose more than about ten hours on it. Being married to a man who loves to cook, it made me think about what it means to prepare a meal for those you truly love.

Why do you love people?

So, I started a new book today (well, full disclosure - I've had this book for over a year, just haven't gotten to it) "The School of Essential Ingredients," by Erica Baurermeister. It's a really fast read. As I put it down for the first time since starting it, it fell open to the epilogue and there was a note inserted: "Dearest Theresa, Thank you for buying this book. It warmed my heart, made me cry, and made me think. I love you so very much You mean the world to me. Yours in perpetuity, CDO." I read this note - and read it again - and then had to ask my dear one, "Did you read this book?" "Oh, I was so worried you would give it away before you found my note!" It's a lovely book - if you're reading this blog - you should read this book!

Memorial Day - and Taps....

Are you nuts, yet? It's been fully eight weeks. My only outing has been Costco! May is Oregon Wine Month and I've fully embraced that! Every Friday this month I've gone to Costco and bought wine. OK - full disclosure - I didn't buy wine today - I bought butter instead! (The receipt checker said, "Oh, you're going to be baking!") I've started back to my pee-push-ups! I'm beginning with 50-per day headed for 100-per day! I read that a push-up was the perfect exercise, so, I'm joining the movement. Finally, as the summer officially kicks off, it's time to get back on the bike. But with some caveats - I'm not riding anywhere I don't want to ride, I'm not riding any pace I don't want to ride, and I'm not riding any technique I don't want to ride! So, I may have some very solo rides, but I'm going to please myself - I'm nearly 65-years old!

I have great friends...

OIf you are lucky enough to count three people among your good friends, you are very lucky...I have more than that....

I have Molly, who is by far, my best and favorite friend...you know how Groucho Marx said, "...

a good friend will be trying to bail you out. A best friend will be in the cell next to you saying, 'Damn, that was fun'.” She's the one in the next cell. 

Pam is the friend who will be trying to figure out how to bail me out. 

Beth will be saying, "You should have known better - I'll see you in the morning." 

And, all the rest would  be saying..."Hmmm, never saw that coming

Best Mother's Day....so far...

So...the only thing that would have made this the best Mother's Day ever, was the if Nicky and Liz had been here.

But...we had Molly...we had Sam...we had Sarah...what a great evening!

Finally, new stories, new laughter, new friendliness. It was terrific! Yep  - we drank too much, we ate too much, we laughed (less than enough!) and talked about stuff that wasn't the norm.

I even got  a hug from both Sam and Sarah (sorry or maybe not sorry, Jeanette!) and my evening was complete.

This will make you believe in hope...

We're watching the documentary, "Becoming," the story about Michelle Obama.

You want a king and queen? I nominate Barack and Michelle Obama. You want a queen and a queen consort? I nominate Michelle and Barack Obama. I don't care what order you put them, I'm willing to make them and their progeny American royalty (should that be "R"oyalty?) .

This woman is truly remarkable - she encourages young people, she encourages women - this documentary is wonderful! I listened to her book the moment it came out - tomorrow, I'll be listening to it again. Trust me - if you listen to it, you will believe she is your new best friend...and will want her to be your new best friend! I would love her to be Joe Biden's vice president - and I fully understand why she will/would say no...2028 is coming!

So...month two?!?

So, it's May...and we're still distancing - sort of. I've ventured out to walk in the park (Laurelhurst) and I've set a goal for myself to walk every day for 30-minutes each day (let's face it, 30-minutes is not that many - but it's more than none!). The sort of I'm referring to is many people are venturing out and not recognizing this thing is not over - I still go out with a mask in hand (don't always wear it - it's tough to do in the park, but in stores I ALWAYS wear one).

I'm still sewing masks - I have about 25 more to sew - this will bring the total to about 100 - people call me and ask, "Do you have masks I can buy?" Nope, you can't buy them, but I will happily give masks to people as long as I have fabric and elastic.

Oh, it's Cinco de Mayo - and we had a terrifically fun evening with Molly - margaritas on the deck (yeah, I drank too many), chips, salsa, guac, tacos. What a fun time! Oh, and for the record - the weather was 70 degrees, whispy clouds but beautiful.

Looking forward to tomorrow!

It's still stressful...

The world seems to be opening up...well, maybe only a little.

I'm not so good with the opening up. I get it that people want things to open up ... I know the economy can't take a shutdown of these proportions...but, what if we're wrong...

I am committing to walking in Laurelhurst Park tomorrow. I'll have a mask - if I feel I need it - I'm not yet ready to get on my bike. We shouldn't have to be this concerned. Donald Trump does not understand what the federal government is for - it's to protect all of us! I really want to be tested - have I had it, will I get it, how do we cope.

So...I'm still drinking too much - wine, gin - it's good! We'll see how long it lasts. As long as I call myself out, it's at least acknowledging I'm doing it. Oh, BTW, the COVID-20 is a real thing - not yet 20 pounds, but I'm heading hard to a 15-pound gain!

It's relaxing...is that a good thing?

So, I've had a "virtual visit" with my doctor. Suffice it to say, it was a nice chat. Her daughters are doing well - Sophia is looking at colleges and her younger daughter (Grace?) is headed for high school next year. I will be seeing Cynthia (Dr. Cynthia) later in May. (Well, all things remaining relatively stable....)

I've made about 60 masks (OK, Sarah, in all honesty, you only got about 40 of them - I sent the others to friends who needed them). I'm thinking about doing a completely different May Day. When I was a kid, May Day meant you cut flowers, delivered them to neighbors, rang the doorbell and ran! This year, I'm thinking about doing just that - but wrapping a flower in a mask with a tag that says "May Day Masks!" Happy May Day!

Charlie has gotten a contracting gig! He's working for CDK for a while - and we're reaping the benefits! The benefits are more than just the money - he really needs a distraction. He has been spending too much time reading/watching Covid news. With him working - he's distracted!

This week, I'm going to set up my bicycle trainer - I need to start moving somehow - either on the road or on the porch.  Putting it in writing - makes me commit to it.

As we enter month 2....

We started this adventure on March 20 - how do I know? That was the day I went to Costco... and we weren't yet under the directive to wear a mask in public - simply keep six feet....

So both Charlie and I have had "virtual" visits with physicians...whatever that means - "Hello, how are you...we're fine...what can I do for you...apparently nothing right now..." What that means is, we're basically healthy! We'll both be having follow-ups in May...or June, depending on how this whole thing plays out.

Still drinking ... trying to adopt the habit of no liquor after 7:00 pm PST ... so far, not so good! I think I'm going to have another gin drink ... gin and some kind of seltzer... Yep, I'll stop tomorrow!

Going to set up my bicycle trainer tomorrow...at least I'll start moving more...

It's just hair....

I know it's just hair - for god's sake, Nick shaved his head sometime earlier - I don't really recall when... But Sam shaved his head today, and it made me cry. I always thought of Nick as my boy, but Sam shaving his head made me cry! Yeah...they're both my boys....

Even as I post this I'm crying (full disclosure, I've had a couple of martinis so that might be helping to fuel the tears..) but he shaved his head....

Sam was almost two before I took him for his first haircut - he had beautiful blond curls and I couldn't bear to cut them. I listened to people ridicule me - fuck them - I loved the curls and I kept them. Finally, I decided it was time to cut them and I took him to a barber - and he hated it! He squirmed and cried - but after he had his haircut, he strutted like a boy! Even my parents said, "He's not a baby anymore - he's a boy!"

I love and adore both my boys - but the rebel, Nick, you can have a shaved head - Sammy, you need to grow back that hair!

Got a little abrupt last time...

So, last post was posted a little abruptly ....

We got our "stimulus" checks today - so at least April and May will likely be OK. Anyway....

Joe Biden will be our nominee - thank god - we'll be campaigning strongly for him and against the damn orange stain. My liver really will not survive another four years of that 13-year old (yep, I know I'm repeating myself - again).

I have about 75 face masks to complete once I get some elastic - it's scheduled to arrive in the next five days - then I have to decide if I'll make more. I'm letting Sarah decide that...I have Halloween fabric, Christmas fabric and muslin left. I'll make as many as she wants.

So, what do I want to do as soon as the quarantine lifts? I want to go get a beer...and have someone hand it to me.(Belmont Station - I'm coming!) ...I want to go out to dinner at one of my favorite restaurants (3-Doors Down - please don't fold!?!)...I want to get my hair cut (Erin - I'm coming back) and I want to get my facial hair taken care of (Shubha - I want a threading and, let's go all out, and to get a facial).  So, bottom line is, I want first world comforts back. Truthfully, I just want the mundane to return. I want to ride a bicycle and not worry if I fall off and need to go to an urgent care, I can. I want to go on a walk without worrying if I should cross the street or make sure I'm wearing a mask. I just want the everyday to come back.

More later - I have to get more gin! (Yep, still drinking too much!)

Is it stressful? Yep...it is...

What a beautiful day we had! I spent a portion of it on the porch, in the sun. I also spent a good amount of time in the basement, working on face masks for whomever Sarah will be donating for the good.

OK, it's been ten days...

I've been away for awhile...ten days, to be exact...

It's Easter - and we celebrated as we have always celebrated since the boys have been adults - we did family dinner! Well, this year family dinner consisted of Duane and I and Molly...

The weather was gorgeous! A sunny Sunday that I got to spend the better part of the day sitting on the porch, listening to an audio book and watching people (many of whom were wearing masks) walk by. Apparently, the house across the street on the corner is garnering more interest, because this weekend we saw at least three couples look at it. I'm pretty sure an offer was put on it by one couple - I'll let you know later.

I'm listening to about one book every other day (that's two books every three days!) I've decided I'm going to have to actually"read" a book next week, just so we don't go broke on Audible (although, in all honesty, I've been using the library extensively - and, yep, that's the one tax measure I'll be voting YES on in November!).

I've been baking - coconut macaroons and honey-bunny cakelets. I'm pretty certain that between the increase in eating baked goods and drinking (wine, gin, vodka, rye) I'm going to top 200 pounds by the end of this shit-show!

Well, until next time - Happy Easter - they're saying we'll likely be quarantined until the end of May...

Stay Home, Stay Safe Day 14 ...

The last time I was outside of the house (well, I've been on a couple of walks around the neighborhood as well as sitting on the porch and deck) was March 20 - that means I've had no contact with anyone other than:

• Charlie;
• Molly;
• Melissa (I've borrowed jigsaw puzzles);

So, a full two weeks and no contact. At least today, not infected with Covid-19. Not that I'm really that concerned. Should I be? Yeah - I should. But, damn it - I want the powers that be to finally take control and get the appropriate equipment and materials to the people that need them. That way, I don't have to be concerned - we'll all get the care we need, when we need it. 

Have you watched the most recent version of "War of the Worlds"? It's uncomfortably like living through this reality shit-show - but earth is attacked by extraterrestrials - call it what you will - Covid-19 is as close to an extraterrestrial as most of us will experience. Humans survived the Black Plague, this too, is survivable. 

I feel like I'm in a bubble - and perhaps I am. The neighborhood is "good citizens," practicing appropriate social distancing and we really don't see what is going around in the city. I feel a little paralyzed - the immediacy around me is fine - but what about 2 - 3 miles from me? As a "progressive" city are we really figuring out the solution to this thing and doing what's right and containing it? Man, I hope so. 

On a personal note, I'm still drinking too much. It's a binge drink problem - I'm good until about dinner time and then it's who cares. Bring me wine. Maybe, tomorrow will be easier. 

Another 30-days

So...Trump finally figured out that this Coronavirus thing is real...

Nope, he didn't. He had his experts tell him that best case is 200,000 Americans would die and worst case is 2,000,000 Americans would die. You really think he was thinking about the country? Nope, again. He was seeing BODY BAGS!  And body bags is BAD optics! Yes, I know, plural with "is" is not grammatically correct!

This is a man who has NO EMPATHY or feeling for anyone other than himself (read: NARCISSIST).

He called himself a WAR president because the coronavirus is a War! But, he's merely trying to secure himself in history as a war president. He's a coward! My brothers both served in wars. He's no hero, no war president. The best thing that can happen to this country is that he is defeated in November. War presidents meet body bags - prepare yourself, Donald Trump - the body bags are coming!

lt's my mum's secret recipe....

That's one of the Geico commercials that I'm sick of...in addition ...

• Buick/GM and their "we'll give you free On-Star and three months no-payment/no finance; 
• All the drug companies: A-1-C, metastatic breast cancer, 
• Lexus - we're here for you; 

I just want normal to return. I'm still drinking more than I should - it's one thing to drink because you like the taste of the wine/beer/scotch/etc.; but I'm fearing I'm drinking to just escape. 

Tomorrow, I really have to get outside, to the park - I need to see the sun, the outdoors. My indoors has given me the opportunity to clean more rooms of the house, but I really have to get outside. 

I'm on the verge of talking to Duane about a puppy....

It's a new world? (Is it, really?)

So, it's official (as of yesterday)...the governor declared a "Stay home, stay safe," order. Sort of a mealy-mouthed quarantine. The good news: Duane and I don't really go anywhere - so, other than the grocery or other provisional locations, we're good. The bad news: you know when they say you can't go anywhere and suddenly you really, really, really need to go somewhere - anywhere?- you can't! That's OK - here's how I'm dealing:

• Clean the office. OK, so it's not quite to the "OMG! There's a hoarder living here," point. But, almost. Today, I spent about 2-hours and I'll spend another 2-hours tomorrow and probably 2-hours Thursday, also. 
• Did you know you can actually become tired of watching television? Well, you can! 
• Books - I can read with my eyes (not so many books available in the house) but I do have an almost unlimited number of books I can listen to - thank goodness. 
• Baking - I'm going to bake something later this week - Duane and I can only eat so much so I have to wait until I can foist it onto someone who is willing to visit us. 

Our illustrious president Trump (notice I did not capitalize president?) has announced he wants that in order that the economy be saved that businesses should just consider opening up again by Easter. OMG! Please, Moses, come back and dictate that the pandemic be over, "Covid-19 - depart! Begone! Make sure the economy is restored!" The man believes that to restore the economy insures that there will be a workforce to man it! At the same time, Governor Andrew Cuomo of New York states, "Pay attention, we are your future!", as New York crumbles under more and more victims of this horrible disease. 

Not to only spread bad news - Duane might be getting a contracting job! CDK may be hiring him to do some contracting work for about six months! The beauty is, as the stock market crashes (oh, yes, there was a 2000 point surge today, but let's not get too excited, yet) we may actually have a supplement to our income so we don't have to tap IRA monies to live on. This is good news! Our advantages: we own our home, we have no debt, we're healthy 64-year-olds. Americans - our own relatives - have endured worse - and we'll be fine! 

Covid-19 !?!

Anxious? Hell, yeah, I'm anxious! So, I've decided to re-boot the blog.

I went to Costco today to get what I typically get at Costco - wine, cheese, a few snack items, some tuna fish, some laundry detergent... and it was just a little weird - some folks getting two baskets full of stuff (honestly, I go about every month, and NEVER see one person there with TWO baskets for product).

I"m trying to keep everything in perspective, but I'm not certain I can. 

OMG - I'm Reese Witherspoon in Little Fires Everywhere...
OMG - white, upper-middle-class guilt is real!