What a crazy and long year. Started out pretty normal in January and
February but we began hearing stories about a new virus strain coming out of
China. At the time, we never thought it could reach us. Silly assumption on our part! We visited the Finger Lakes in New York March 1st, went to the wineries,
did some tastings and the rumors expanded while we were there of cases in
Washington state and California. Everyone was talking about it and people
became cautious. Mid March there were reports of cases in our area in
Pennsylvania and by the third week, we were under stay at home orders. You
could only leave the house for food, gas and to go to the pharmacy. Everyone
had to wear a mask and social distance. All schools began virtual classes. More
people began working from home and Zoom meetings were the new conferences. The economy
tanked and unemployment numbers were high. Many stores had to close,
restaurants were only open for take out. Toilet paper and hand sanitizer
shortage and liquor stores were closed. We stayed in, watched TV, read and
did whatever we could to pass the time. I took advantage of being stuck in and
painted all the rooms in our house to prepare it for sale. Hospitals were over
run with Covid cases, mask and gown shortages, a bad time to work in
healthcare. Since I was still per diem, I tried to work less hours to limit
exposure. We couldn't visit other relatives, drive bys were how you saw your
children and grandchildren, talking on a phone, while standing outside their
car. We missed birthdays and holidays with extended family. Isolation and depression became issues for many. In June case numbers
decreased and everything opened with limitations, wearing a mask and social
distancing outside your home became the new norm. Our grandson graduated from
high school in the midst of all this. We were able to travel to Edisto, South
Carolina for our annual beach vacation. That also was very different. Resorts could only function at 50% capacity, no amenities except the
pool and numbers were limited, you had to make a reservation to swim.
Thankfully there was plenty of beach area so you could social distance. We
were all so happy to have a vacation! By the end of summer Covid cases were on the rise again and restrictions
had to be imposed. We all knew people who had it and people who died from it.
Our hopes hinged on a Covid vaccine. Everyone was tired of the new normal. In
the midst of this we sold our home in October, marketed and sold in 3 days! So
bittersweet for us, we lived there 36 years, raised our 2 children and 2
grandchildren there, lots of memories. We temporarily moved into a near by
apartment and celebrated the holidays in small family groups. Covid numbers
are way up again and many are frustrated. In December, two vaccines were approved and frontline healthcare workers
and the elderly have been the first to receive it. As a nurse, I was fortunate
to be one of them. In spite of all this there have been so many blessings. We
as a family remain healthy, children and grandchildren have adjusted and we are all hopeful by summer Covid will be gone. My husband retired this
past year and I will retire mid January. We will be leaving Pennsylvania for
warmer weather in Florida. As you might have guessed I had a lot more time to
try out new recipes both in the instant pot and air fryer. Chicken Korma,
Swedish Meatballs, Pasta Carbonara to name a few. Check out all the food
categories for new additions, I have also been trying healthier low carb
recipes. My next cooking challenge will be the French macaron both regular and
sugar-free.
Stay safe and healthy😊
