April 2021

 April was the typical rocky mountain spring weather, (warm and wet).  Our temps were mostly in the 70's and just light showers about 2 or 3 days a week.  Not enough rain to raise our water table, but enough to green up our lawns nicely.  Dave got his 2nd Covid vaccine on April 1st, and travel restrictions were lifted, so we decided to go to Maui.  We found an open week from the 3rd of April to the 10th of April, (talk about luck of the draw).

We checked an Opal was up to date on all her shots, and Petsmart had an opening.  So, we took her over for her first-ever away from home boarding.  I was concerned about how she would do.  I requested that she get a front window suite, (so she could see out into the lobby and watch the customers come into the store kennel area).  It turned out that she adapted very well.  Everyone who saw her came up to the window and interacted with her, and she interacted back.  The staff said she was such a joy to be around.  I was worried that she wouldn't eat, but it was the least of the problems.  So, we will not have to worry about our little one going to the kennel for future visits.  Mid-way during our vacation, the staff sent us this photo, showing us that she was doing well.

Dave and I got our rapid Covid tests on Friday.  Having both gotten the vaccine, we were concerned that we would get false-positive results, but both received negative results.  We forwarded our results to the Hawaii transportation health department and boarded the airplane on Saturday morning bright and early.  As luck would have it, the plane tickets for our trip to Hawaii that was canceled last November were being held by the airline until it was safe to travel again.  All we had to do was call the airline and re-book our flight.

One of the first things we did was go out for breakfast at Kihei's.  They had these GREAT banana and macadamia pancakes and large fruit salads.  Dave and I got one of each and shared it.  You know you're in Hawaii when you start your day off with a breakfast like this.  So good, and so filling.  And it was just a few blocks from our condo.

And of course, Hawaii wouldn't be Hawaii without a trip to any ABC store.  There was one right behind our condo.  If you run out of anything, just walk over, (they're on almost every corner), and you can buy what you need.  And they're great for picking up souvenirs to take home.

Every morning, before Dave did anything else, we had to walk one block from the condo to the ocean.  Dave had to have his morning swim in the ocean and then sit on the beach and enjoy the view.  It was his favorite way to start every day.

We didn't really do anything in Maui, except relax, take it easy, and enjoy the week at a slow easy pace.

On our last day, we went to the country club for dinner.  It was a wonderful way to end a wonderful vacation.

We were seated with a view of the golf course and the mountain range.

For dinner, both Dave and I ordered the Prime Rib dinner.  It was delicious, and so filling.  We couldn't finish the whole plate.  It was cooked to perfection. 

After dinner, we were then off to the airport for our flight home.  Sometimes, I think we should sell our home and buy a little home on the island, and just bum around like this all the time.

Well, Dave finally retired!!

The Monday after our vacation, April 12th, was his official last day, and his exit interview with HR.  He went to lunch with the guys that he's worked with, and they swapped stories about the things that happened over the years.  He got a nice retirement card, and inside was a pile of gift cards to a lot of different restaurants, and a couple of VISA gift cards.  He was getting calls all day long from people that he worked with years ago at different companies congratulating him on his retirement.  He had quite the day. 

This wasn't an overnight decision.  Last year when Dave's brother, (Bruce), passed away, he did some real soul searching and decided that it was time to retire and start living and doing the things that we wanted to do.  We discussed things with our financial advisor, got things in order, and last winter he made the announcement to his boss and HR.  We are not adjusting to a new way of life - two full-time retired individuals at home together.

We are still walking 4 or 5 days every week.  

Here's hoping that our friends and family are able and willing to get the vaccine, and are staying healthy.  Now that the country is very slowly starting to get back to a new normal way of life, let's all be careful.

March 2021

 

What a difference one day, and a new month make!  Yesterday on the last day of February, we had snow on the ground, and on March 1st, we have Spring weather and the daffodil bulbs have sprouted up out of the ground.  The old saying, "March comes in like a lamb and goes out like a lion" held true this year.  The first half of the month was warm in the 60s and 70s, but no rain, and the last half was cool in the 50s, with light rains, and even a few skiffs of snow every couple of days.  We are still in a drought situation, and the governor has declared a "State of Emergency".  All residents are to cut back on their water consumption starting this month.  We also saw the start of the fire season on the 28th, earlier than previous months.  We have friends who live in Leeds, and they had to evacuate their home, as a fire came very close to their property.  Luckily, the firefighters were able to get it under control just outside of their property line.  We see on the news every night that fires are all over the state.

Dave got his vaccine shot this month.  I received my 2nd dose, and he will receive his 2nd dose on April 1st.  We both feel somewhat relaxed, knowing that 4 weeks after our 2nd dose we will be fully immunized against this horrible virus.  Our grandchild, (who lives with us), also got vaccinated on the same days as Dave, (to help protect us).

Once again we had another cruise vacation canceled.  This has become the norm for us.  We schedule and pay for a vacation and it is canceled due to the virus restrictions.

The first of the month, Dave and I started walking for 20 minutes around the neighborhood, 4 or 5 days every week.  We are hoping to get some fresh air, lose some weight, and feel a little better mentally and physically.

Our grandchild started working at Wallaby's Australian BBQ restaurant and loves it.  It's only part-time, prep cook and catering, but it's turned out to be a very good fit, and quite the morale booster, at a good wage.  It's a local Utah company with 3 locations.  Keeping our fingers crossed that this is the start of getting back on the path to recovery.

Dave and I are starting to venture out just a little bit, one day a week, (mostly to the grocery store or to pick up dinner from a local restaurant close by).  For the most part, we are still sheltering in place and wearing masks, (which we believe has helped us avoid the virus.).  We are worried about some of our friends who have decided not to be vaccinated for whatever their reason might be.  We hope they've made the right choice and stay healthy, and don't judge us for limiting our visits, and stay away from them.  We are hoping all our friends stay healthy and this virus dies out this coming year.  Stay well, friends and family.

February 2021

 Februrary was once again a rather warm and dry month.  We had a few days where we got just a light dusting of snow.  

Then on February 16th, we finally got some snow.  It wasn't much, but it was a start.  And for the first time in 2 years, Dave started up the snowblower, and cleared the sidewalk.  The rest of the month, we got a few more dustings.  This was finally our winter.  We are still lacking the much needed water for this summer. Hopefully, we'll have enough to water our yards and gardens.

For Valentine's Day, Dave got me a lovely arrangement of flowers.  The were huge, and really lightened up the house.  And the roses had a wonderful smell.  He never forgets a birthday or holiday.

 On the 25th, I my scheduled date arrived for my first COVID vaccine shot.  It was at the Mountain America Center in Sandy, Ut.  It was very organized and the flow pattern was excellent.

 My scheduled time was 11:45, so I masked up and arrived.  There was no wait time. My temp was taken - no fever.  I ws directed to the questionaire table.  I answered all the questions.  Given my ID card and directed to the nurse's table.

I sat down, was again asked a few questions. rolled up my sleeve.  Given my 1st shot.  It ws done so quickly, that it was over before I new the needle was in.  My ID card was stamped, and I was then dirrected to the waiting room for 15 minutes to make sure I didn't have any reactions.  While I was there, a date for my 2nd shot in 3 weeks was made.  I was then out the door.  

It was the easiest mass inocuation I probably would ever witness.  Maybe there is finally hope for beating this virus.

This month we also discovered that 3 more families directly across the street from us had the COVID virus in their families.  One family was a young couple with 4 childred, one family was a husband and wife about our age, and one family was young with young children and the grandparents also in the home.  The whole housholds were infected  - so sad.  Luckily, they all recovered, but are dealing with differet underlying symptoms.

Dave and I are still "Sheltering at home", and going out very little.  Dave will finally be eligible for his vaccine next month.

We were scheduled for a 3 week cruise the middle of this month.  But, due to the virus, the cruise industry is still not sailing out of the U.S. ports - so another vacation was cancelled.  We were given a refund on our money, and we are now looking to 2021 for a new cruise.  This is the 4th cruise cancelled, but better a canceled cruise, than catching the virus.

Our grandchild still has not found new employment, but hopefully that will change soon.

Here's hoping our frinds and family continue to stay safe and healthy this coming year.

January 2021

A New Year, and a new start.  January was still a dry and warm month.  We had just a couple of days where we got only a dusting of snow.  We are starting to get worried about the water situation for for 2021. 

Like most of the nation, we sat in horror, as we watched the nation's capital building being desecrated, and looted by the riots of January 7th.  And like most of the nation, we were grateful that the law enforcements were able to identify and charge the majority of those involved.  Such a horrible act to witness on one of our most precious national building.

Dave and I didn't do anything, but "shelter at home", and continue to follow the Covid guidelines.  According to our new governor's guidelines, we should be getting our vaccines next month.  Governor Cox is agressively rolling out the vaccines to Utahans.  We are hoping he will be a strong leader for our state and continue to help get us back on our feet.  He seems to be moving us in the right direction.  

One evening towards the end of the month, our friend, (Dave Argyle - the friend who invited us to the movie last month), came over for dinner.  The 3 of us had a great evening, laughing, sharing stories, and just relaxing around the table. 

Unfortunately, our grandchild lost the Denny's job, and is now looking for new employment.  Hopefully, it won't be long before a new job opens up.

Here's hoping you and your family are doing well, and staying healthy.  Happy and Healthy New Year.

December 2020

December was a rather warm and dry month, where we live.  We had a couple of small snow showers, but it was usually less than a couple inches of snow, and it was melted off by noon.

Dave and I are still "sheltering at home", but the covid is starting to hit closer to home for us.  Our neighbor across the street came down with the virus this month, and a dear friend of my for many years lost her husband the first part of the month.  We also discovered that Dave's son and my son also contracted the virus, but recovered.  I also discoverd that quite a few of my nieces and nephews also came down with the virus, but like most young people, recovered rather quickly, without problems.

A dear friend of mine, who lives around the corner, stopped by and left me with an Amaryliss bulb.  It quickly sprouted and produced 6 large red blooms, which lasted all month long.  It was quite a cheerful addtion to our house.

Our grandchild landed a job at Denny's and after one week as a trainee, was quickly waiting on tables and earning a good amount of tips, (and a boost to the confidence level as well).  Dave stopped by a couple of times for breakfast, while I was at work at Honey Baked Hams.

I put up our Christmas tree the first weekend in December.  Opal immediately thought that it was there for her enjoyment.  The lights were quite an attraction that she simply could not ignore.

For Hanukkah this year, I made a challuah bread and topped it with a homemade "Everything Bagel" topping.  It was quite a hit, and enjoyed by everyone who stopped by the house.  I made enough of the topping to use on other things, (i.e.:  noodles, toast, etc.).

The week of the 20th, Jared and Martin stopped by for a couple of days to visit.  They were traveling from San Diego, (where Martin had be working as a visiting ICU nurse) to their home in Minneapolis.  Dave and the two of them stoppey by Denny's to have breakfast, and see our grandchild, while I was at work at Honey Baked Ham.  They took up way too much time in the booth, talking and laughing, but rewarded with a handsome tip.

Dave is always happy when Jared can find the time to come visit.  But, they needed to get on the road to try to beat a snowstorm that was moving in on their route, and would be settling in by the time they hit home.

On News Year's Eve,  a friend invitied Dave and I to join him and his family to a movie theatre to see a showing of "Wonder Woman 1984", (he had received a gift from one of his daughters of a family pass for admittance of up to 20 people for the showing).  We went to a 6:30 PM showing and had a great time, (there were only about 50 people in the whole theatre, and we all enjoyed the show and got home by 9:00.

I finished up at Honey Baked at the end of December,  It was an experience!  I made an OK wage, got 2 hams and 1 turkey breast.  The manager said I was the best seasonal phone person they had ever hired, and they definately wanted me back for the Easter season.  I'll have to think about that.

Dave and I are doing our best to stay healthy, and are waiting for our turn to get the vaccine.  It looks like I would be eligible for mine in mid February.  Here's hoping all our family and friends can stay healthy and strong and can beat this beast.  Let's hope 2021 will be much better than 2020 was.

 

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.

October 2020

October started out warm and sunny, which was a real blessing.  It allowed us to continue getting the yard and garden cleaned up and ready for winter.  But, the 2nd Sunday of the month the weather changed drastically.  

We woke up to bitter cold temps and rain, then on Monday the rain turned to snow. I spent most of the time working on putting my butternut squash in the freezer, and making soups.   It was a full week of cold weather before it finally warmed back up to Autumn like weather, (back up to the 70's).   

Once the temps finally got warm, Dave and I managed to make a trip down to the Green River area, and we stopped by one of our favorite melon stands to buy several melons, (the last of the season's).  We got a Crenshaw, a honeydew, a spaghetti squash, and a cantelope, (for a friend in our neighborhood).  The prices were marked down, but the flavor of each melon was still as wonderful as ever.  We wished we had brought more home to enjoy.  We always enjoyed Vetere's Melons.  They have the best in the state, and they are genuine Green River Melons.

Our local farmer's markets were winding down by the middle of the month, and everyone was getting ready to shift over to the "Winter Farmer's Market".  I so enjoy the sights, smells, and buying fresh items that I didn't plant, from the farmer's markets. Now it's all gone until next summer.

Our return of warm Autumn weather didn't last too long.  We got another snow storm the last week of the month, and more bitter cold temps, (in the 20's during the day and teens at night).  Dave did manage to the couple of windows that needed some caulking completed and touched up the paint around them.  And the concrete outside that needed to have some caulking, he got done just before the weather got cold.  We got the tall decorative grasses cut down and the patio furniture covered over.  So, I guess we're ready for winter.  The prediction is for a drier and warmer November.   

Dave is still working from home, and we are still practicing "Sheltering at Home".  We are still not going out much, and wearing masks everywhere we go.  

Here's hoping our friends and family all stay healthy, and things get better quickly.