This post is going to look wacky because I opened Blogger today and everything has changed - new and improved, no doubt!! One of the glitches in the new program is that I'm not able to get the text to wrap around photos. I'm not the only once as when I looked for help, many others were asking the same questions. Hopefully, it will be resolved before next time!
May 1 was also to be the day that Alex, my friend Reyna's son, graduated from college. Needless to say, the ceremony was postponed...and hopefully, reschedule for sometime in August. In any case, I was invited to a graduation party for him on April 9. Actually, it was Reyna's birthday, Alex's birthday and graduation, and Suzanne's 1st birthday - all within 3 days of each other!! I felt a lot of trepidation about being around so many people, but by and large, the kids stayed outside and Reyna, Richard, her sister and her husband, and I stayed in the kitchen. They were really a polite group of young people.....not loud, not rowdy. At least two have been accepted into dental school, one in Kentucky. One young lady, I had met at the Lowcountry Immigration Coalition. She had opened a Go Fund Me account to help her go with her school to do charity work in Peru. Unfortunately, that too was cancelled due to the pandemic. It was very encouraging to meet these young people and I certainly wish them all the best.
Last night I had Chris, Lynn, Tom, and Bogey over for wine and munchies. We maintained social distancing but, even so, it felt normal.....maybe not for Chris because she isn't accustomed to having two dogs playing, frolicking, playing with squeaky toys, howling, etc. It does take a little getting used to! It was fun.
Zoom connections have also picked up. This week I had a meeting with Lowcountry Coalition Against Hate, as well as a precinct meeting. I think folks are feeling that we should be doing something, but so far no one seems wanting to get out into large groups. That's fine with me. I'm sure you've seen the idiocy of folks showing up at government offices brandishing guns (no masks!) and trying to intimidate officials. I'm waiting for a spike in deaths in about a week and am just lying low until I feel good and ready to go out. Even then, it will be very measured.
I have continued my online grocery ordering experimentation. My first attempt with Instacart had a 3-day delay. As things ramped up, that extended to 5 days, which required more planning that I wanted to do. So, last weekend I placed a pickup order from Sam's and Kroger's. Much to my surprise, I was able to pick up both orders the next day! Both processes were well organized and easy. Though my closest Kroger doesn't offer the pick-up service, the one on Buckwalter is only 4 miles away. I like it well enough that I might continue it after the pandemic!
As I write, I'm watching the Historic Black Colleges and Universities Class of 2020 Celebration on Twitter. President Obama is to speak, which will be a great treat! There is also going to be a graduation program tonight on major networks, also featuring President Obama (little donnie will hate that!). Imagine complete sentences, thoughtful dialogue, courtesy, all those positive qualities we took for granted. I'm going to savor it while I can. If it turns out to be the same program, I'll watch it twice!
On a sad note, I was told by Ann W that Lois Law Marsh had a stroke and was in hospital for about 10 days, which does not sound good. If I am correct, her mobility was only minimally affected but her speech was more so. She's home now and I'm sure she will be getting therapy. I'm sending healing vibes her way.
Below is one of Rosie's walking routes. For a while, I've been trying to obtain the name of the bush shown (Rhonda T, you might be able to confirm this). It grows into huge bushes throughout our neighborhood and smells wonderful. I was told once that it was a Jasmine, but I wasn't convinced since I think of jasmine growing on vines. When a second person told me, I Googled it and I think that is correct. With the great weather we are having, they add to the joy of being outside.
The lagoon along our usual route has acquired a second alligator. The older one usually suns on the far side of the lagoon, but now this one has taken to lying between the lagoon and the pathway. Even if he isn't there, I'm wondering where he is! I'm happy to take a different path, but convincing Rosie is a different story. We have been enjoying the nice weather and this morning we were out over an hour and ran into many of our buds, both two-legged and four-legged. Rosie stops with anyone who will pet her and most people do! I even came home with five 500 piece jigsaw puzzles! Another neighbor had already given be two 1000 piece puzzles, but I think I need to stick with the 500s until I get the knack. Yes, I did finally complete the first puzzle! Proof below.
This is just Rosie with her bunny.
I loved the matching ears!
Keeping you all in my thoughts. I hope you are safe and well. Take care and be in touch.
