November 2020

November weather turned cold, as our area prepared for winter to set in.  We still have not received hardly any rain, and the whole state is in a drought state.  We are hoping the water reserves will receive enough snowfall to get us through next year, without a need to ration water.  We had temps in the 50's during the first week of November, then they steadly declined each week by 10 degrees.  A couple of days we had some small snow, but it was always less than an inch.  It was more of a reminder of what is to come.  

November is the month that Dave and I do most of our doctor and dentist visits, so we were quite busy coming and going.  Dave is still working from home.  

On the 14th, our youngest grandchild moved in with us.  So our basement is now once again occupied.  However this grandchild shows more respect for our home, (keeps the downstairs clean, doesn't burn the lights 24 hours a day, helps our upstairs - i.e.: carrying out trash, cleaning dishes after meals, etc.), and is very quiet.  It's a very long and sad story as to how this 22 year old person ended up with only a couple boxes of items for all the worldly possession one person could amass, no place to live, no means of support, and no where to turn.  Hopefully with time, and some guidance, this person will be a productive citizen and able to live out in the world someday.  Some of the stories from my grandchild, the first couple of days, broke my heart.

 On the 13th, I started a part-time seasonal job at Honey Baked Hams.  I only work 3 or 4 days a week for 4 to 6 hours.  I sit at this little cubicle, and I answer the phone - taking orders for Thanksgiving and Christmas hams and turkeys.  It's very easy work, I get to talk to some very interesting people, and I work with some interesting, (much younger) people.  When I work, I get a free lunch, (if I want). I get paid every 2 weeks - a very nice wage.  And for Thanksgiving and Christmas, I get a Honey Baked Ham, (or Turkey Breast, if I want), for FREE.  At Thanksgiving we got a 12 pound ham.  It was suggested to me by my friend, (Rosie), that I apply last year.  She worked here several years ago, and said she loved it.  I applied last year, and they called me this year to come in and fill out my paperwork.  If you have a store in your area and you're looking for some easy part time work - apply.

This year Dave and I had a vacation planned to Maui for the Thanksgiving holiday.  We were to leave the day before Thanksgiving and return the week after (Nov 25 - Dec 2).  We went and got our COVID test, (both come back negative), filled out all the health questionairs for the Hawaii Dept. of Health, had our bags all packed.  Had our days off approved by our employers.  Had a Thanksgiving meal from the Maui Safeway ordered, prepared, and ready for pickup.  Then Tuesday evening, we were watching the news about the airports and the crowds.  The CDC and NIH were suggesting that people not travel if they did not have to, and expecially the elderly.  We discussed it, and decided to cancel our plans.  We called the airlines, the resort, Safeway, and stayed home for Thanksgiving.  We had our Honey Baked Ham, I prepared sides from our panty, and the three of us had a nice dinner.  Dave and I just relaxed around the house for the week, did a few little things that needed to be done.  And enjoyed the week off.

Here's hoping your Thanksgiving was a relaxing and enjoyable as ours, even at home.  Take care, continue to wear your masks and wash your hands ofter.  Take care and stay healthy.