Not very creative with the blog post title, ay? But it is raining on this Sunday afternoon and I can justify sitting here to blog for a bit.
How have you all been, what’s it like in your neck o’the woods regarding pandemic living? Here in New England, many are abiding the mask wearing in public tight quarters spaces. Our town Hall is still only open by appointment and working via e-mail, phone, etc. for the most part. Businesses are open with the restrictions many of you are familiar with. Strange times. I don’t yet feel comfortable sitting indoors in a restaurant, but we have dined at a few with outside patios.
I feel sorry for the teachers who are dealing with a mess of kids wearing masks (talk about awkward and frustrating) … and the fear some of them are feeling being so exposed if they’ve been very vigilant in their own social distancing. And I feel sorry for the youth who have been so restricted in their socialization and education experience. Parents are trying to assuage their fears, balance work and home and childcare needs, a nightmare, really. Healthcare workers are now seeing the second wave, according to my friends in that field. Every sniffle, every achy muscle day (for me that’s always, damned fibromyalgia) every scratchy sore throat brings a little thread of dread – is it the virus? The bad kind, the mild kind or the no symptom kind? .. should I quarantine? Should my husband and I be sleeping in separate beds? (hey, sometimes that’s actually appealing anyway) Jeez I wore my mask, washed my hands,…. the anxiety of it all rolls on and on…. I no longer wipe down every single surface of every item I bring home from the grocery store though, as I did initially. That got old and tedious and felt like overkill. Washing the produce and washing my hands after handling feels like it’s enough.
We’ve been getting stuff done around the farm, my daughter and her significant other love their home nextdoor and it’s a joy to see them mowing lawn, weeding garden, seeing the back door light go on at night while they let the dogs go potty. And having my daughter nearby to share the barn chores again is a huge blessing. My son is building his home on a lot at the back of our farm. I may have mentioned it’s what we do for a living, home building, so this is one area where we -get stuff done- in rapid succession and at a more reasonable price than the typical homeowner.
A glimpse of my son’s home to be – the red “barn” is his garage… the interior of the home being done slowly as materials, labor and bartering come along, the upstairs will remain unfinished until they become a young family. The goal is to have as minimal a mortgage as possible (young couple and all that goes with it).
The joy these two goat girls give us are immeasurable. They are so friendly, talking to us all the time, from a distance and right up close. Truly they are like two toddlers looking for our companionship and attention whenever we are outside.
The upcoming election – oh, man. ( here’s where you skip the next two paragraphs if you still remain a 45 supporter, I’m not looking to insult anyone) – It has taken a toll on me, watching what I believe is the slow unraveling of America as we (I? I shouldn’t speak for you) believed it to be. I’m sad for us all. I’m not a huge fan of B*den but I also recognize he’s not the slow sleezy do-nothing some would have you believe. His running mate choice was his best option in my opinion. I look forward to watching K*mala debate the deadwood P*nce. I am encouraged by some of my republican friends who are now saying there is no way in hell they would vote for Tr*mp again. One dyed in the wool republican neighbor said 45 is a trainwreck he’s ashamed he voted for and he will vote B*den come November. I’m hoping there are many many more out there like him. And yet…. there’s the uncertainty of what will happen should he lose. I doubt he’ll accept the results, no matter what they are, unless he is the winner. And there are so many nuts threatening civil war, it’s frightening. We are at a crossroads, this country… and I hope and pray and beg and plead for our collective soul to rise and rid itself of all the corruption, hate and fueled divide – especially the politicians, including the current P*TUS, who feed it relentlessly. We the people deserve better.
Yesterday it was reported the P*TUS lost his younger brother, of which he was close. I would imagine that is a very tough loss for him, and even more so now. While I despise what he’s doing to our Country, I find I have empathy regardless. Although the reason for his brother’s passing has not been revealed, I suspect he may have contracted COVID-19. When he was first reported as ill was precisely the same time the P*TUS started wearing a mask occasionally in public. I don’t know if we’ll ever know the truth of it. After having dismissed initial warnings about the virus and playing it down repeatedly for a length of time, well.. the irony and indeed the tragedy of it is what comes to mind. Of course, I’m speculating only.
Stella by the sea remains a respite for all of us. We each use it together and separately when free time comes up. It does my heart good to see the kids enjoy the kayaks, the grilling of burgers and hotdogs and roasting of marshmallows in the firepit with their friends (small safe gatherings are possible outdoors). I am loving my new kayak – the one that is discontinued and I bought for a bargain price. She glides through the water easily and while a little more tippy than my old steady Ruby, she’s fairly stable regardless and is more agile, lighter to carry. I have yet to come up with a name for her that feels right- but every vessel must have a proper name…… suggestions welcome. She’s red orange and yellow.
A photo I took while kayaking – some of the Thimble Islands out in the distance..
We finally laid my father to rest thanks to the kindness of dear friends who have a lovely old 1976 Egg Harbor boat. It was a small gathering, just my sister and I, my husband, my niece, and the lovely couple who took us up the Connecticut River to the mouth of the river into LI Sound – just beyond the lighthouse at Saybrook Point. Since it’s not technically legal to dump ashes there , that’s not technically what we were doing . There was the traditional burial Psalm 23 reading, we tossed white roses out into the waves along with what wasn’t really my father’s ashes in a biodegradable urn, and read the following below as well… my tears were for several reasons, but the most important one was the overwhelming knowledge in my heart that it was exactly as my father would want it – exactly where he wanted to be in the end. I felt a sincere closure for him and for me, and that is such a blessing.
Wishing us all good health and peace of mind during these trying times –
It was a rainy Sunday here as well. I adore your goats. Oh, to have a little barn on the property (and someone willing to take care of the livestock if we go away!). We spread the ashes of both my father and mother (two different locations, but some of my father’s were saved to be spread with my mother’s). I think more and more people are doing that. Your son’s house looks charming! -Jenn
It is my wish to have my ashes deposited in a similar fashion – yes definitely more people are leaning in that direction for the disposal of their remains and I think it’s a good trend, personally. Thank you for the kind words! It is indeed a charming farm house design.
Hello!
So far so good here, in the Finger Lakes area of NY, as far as Covid-19 goes. Everyone is wearing their mask and social distancing with just a bit of grumbling at our awesome Governor Andy. (Open up the gyms, open up the casinos, open up the bars, wah, wah, wah) I am glad the casinos are staying closed for now. I was developing one heckuva gambling addiction and I can say that the monkey is off my back and my eyes are open.
We don’t go out too much. Mostly just a run to a grocery store or to pick up dinner occasionally from local restaurants that need help paying the bills. We have everything we need here. A small garden, a refreshing pool, Amazon, and lots of books. Currently reading Mary Trump’s book. A real eye opener. Contrary to what the donald says, the family was/is not close at all. As a matter of fact, the donald bullied the hell out the youngest, Robert. Talk about a screwed up family…my family looks like the Cleavers compared to the trumps.
Biden was not my first choice, but, at this point, I would back Jack the Ripper. lol. I just got through watching a really old Twilight Zone (black and white) where this guy had all these mannequins that were from a closed museum that featured famous murderers…and they came to life. One of them was ole Jack the Ripper.
Kamala is sure to be an asset and I actually like how she speaks…in measured tones. Hillary was brilliant, except, she seemed to be somewhat strident when speaking, and I wish she had softened her tone just a bit. You know, the whole honey, flies and vinegar thing.
Glad that you were able to take care of laying your Dad to rest. Your sister smiles just like you. Your lighthouse pics are beautiful. Actually all your pics are beautiful.
Love the baby girl goats.
And your son’s home? Awesome! So nice to surround yourself with your loved ones. Next up? You need to build a cottage on the property for your Mom. 🙂
I read Mary’s book – what a dysfunctional family! It was very eye opening but none of it surprising, we have seen it on the national stage for many years. What they did to their son/brother was pathetic. Trump did make a slight admission regarding this not that long ago. Not a likeable person in the lot of them. Except for Freddie, who they absolutely bullied and buried.
I hope all is well with you and yours! And regarding mom – thankfully she’s just up the road in a lovely little home – the rest of our farm land is in conservation, so we can only farm it, no more development.
The words about your father’s burial are so poignant. I’m glad this has happened and it sounded “just right.”
Your life sounds pretty good these days, with goats and young ‘uns close at hand, Stella and sweet life. It helps, doesn’t it, to have this when the rest of the world seems to be going to hell in a hand basket. (What IS a hand basket, anyway? One with a handle?) The post office stuff has me up in arms. It’s ridiculous. And so very wrong. Don’t start me.
Covid report — Michigan is going up a bit but not badly and still relatively OK. Sort of. I’m seeing many more masks on my few ventures out and that’s a plus. I’m still disinfecting groceries but not mail (though I do leave it in the box 24 hours and since I’ve been up north so much and having it held, it’s in automatic quarantine!). In parking lots (I’m not much in stores), I do see masks up north but was disturbed last week when cousins from Colorado, DC and Florida congregated maskless, indoors and out, at the cottage next door. Needless to say, I kept my distance. I get the temptation — I want to go to my niece’s wedding on Sept. 5 too. But I’m not. I do feel I’m relatively quarantined/isolated and happily at the lake. Rick and I keep distance, more or less, as he shops and is occasionally ‘out there” but doing his best to be safe in the process. We’re sleeping in different rooms and have since March which is a killer. We’re not a full six feet apart, sometimes on the couch, or in the car, but try. We have had a couple of outdoor, distanced gatherings with the kids and another couple or a one-on-one lunch with a friend in the garage or outdoors apart. I see this continuing for me for many more months and it will be hard in winter.
Take care and hug those goats!
You know I will – good to hear from you and I’m glad you’re well!
Hello
Love the goats, they are so darn cute. Both hubby and I wish to have our ashes spread, I have not picked out a place just yet. I am worried about the election, I just hope it is not hacked or just outright cheating. You son has a beautiful place. Great collection of photos. Take care, enjoy your day! Wishing you a happy new week!
Oh, we’re all sharing the anxiety and stress these days, at least I am. Not so bad as some but its there for sure. My lifelong moderate GOP husband has completed his 180 degree turn. He is much more vocal about current politics than I am! I want the election to be over with but I’m also fearful, if you know what I mean.
Anyway, I think your kayak’s name is Ruby. She and Stella hang out together so their names ought to fit. Love the farmhouse style. My favorite architectural style.
Those goats! Man I’m in love.
It’s 8.18.20 when I’m writing this and I cannot believe that. My brain and body won’t believe it!
Love your photos and, as always, you are so cute! xxoo to you and all of yours.
Oh, so nice that your youngun is also going to be living there! Love the barn, and that is his house? Wow, so pretty!
I learned when I got back home that there has been tremendous amount of rain here. In fact, when I got home I got drenched just trying to get into the house.
Your father would have been proud, Karen, of your memorial for him.
xoxo
I feel for you, Karen, in your apprehension in what to do with your father’s ashes. I would have been very confused in your place. Crap, I hung on to my dog’s ashes for years. 😬
I’m happy to hear your son and daughter are so close to you! For me, its means a lot that I can walk blocks to see my kids and grands. And Stella, she’s the getaway I understand very well. Still, I envy you being on the ocean.
What a world we are in. I always agree with you on politics and our disgust for our current administration. Life is so hard to navigate and much harder as the school year commences. I say in a very gentle way, teachers are dealing with so much more than students wearing masks, their fear and frustration, being exposed to the virus and bringing it home. Teachers are very much like the frontline medical people only without the PPE. Very much in the forefront as wanting to bring on the opening of schools and classes, and risking people, or protesting the risks and lack of protective procedures. In a similar way, they have been thrown to the lions. I live with a family of educators. No one knows what they are in for. If a high school child is diagnosed with Covid, does the teacher go into quarantine? The classmates? The teachers and students in his other 5 classes? The teachers that his fellow teacher and educators he was in contact with? It’s frustrating, as you see, but it’s insane to me that these educators have to go out into a minefield to supposedly make our children experience “The Norm”, which is so far fetched.
Maybe I should have saved this for a blog. It’s such a crazy ass time. Take this with a grain of salt, my friend.