Well here we are, 52 weeks into the Pandemic and we are still stuck in real (not virtual) lockdown, but at least with our loved ones. It still seems like a prison of sorts but we are beginning to formulate plans to break out of here and drive somewhere! Two more weeks until our second COVID vaccination and then we will feel more comfortable, especially if we can see other elderly who have also received their vaccinations.
For a birthday celebration this week we offer congratulations to Dell Sennentz, who past the 74th milestone on March 1. Of course so did the State of Nebraska, but Dell is still younger. We zoomed last Friday with Tom and Kevin in Tucson and we are looking forward to seeing them when we can again travel, although they are so young (early retirement you know,) that they will have to quarantine for two weeks prior to our arrival unless they also can get vaccinated. Just sayin.
The weather here in Omaha has been amazing this past week. Lows in the 25º - 35º range at night and sunny days in the upper 50º to 65º range. This has allowed us to sit on the front porch for our cocktail hour for a few evenings. We get to see the neighbors walking by and assure them we are not dead yet! Most enjoyable to see other signs of life and to have some impromptu conversations, even if at a truly social distance.
Our basement redo project is moving along. All the electrical work was completed last weekend and the drywall delivery guys showed up on Wednesday to load in 25 sheets of drywall. They were young and fit, so making thirteen trips from their truck into the basement with heavy double sheets of drywall didn’t phase them. Our contractor Dave showed up on Thursday and turned our somewhat small water damage hole into a whole wall of exposed studs and insulation in preparation for adding some outlets in the family room and repairing the water damage from our burst water pipe. It appears we are going to be in a constant state of construction for the next few weeks.
On another front, Abigail’s clothes dryer gave up the good fight this past week. These were inherited with her house purchase seven years ago, so it wasn’t a great surprise. She pored over the various offerings and, after Deb made a reconnoiter trip to Nebraska Furniture Mart, a new matched pair is on the way, scheduled for delivery today. Of course, that meant that we had to haul a load of laundry home here to wash, dry and fold this week, but what else are mothers for, if not laundry duty?
Due to the heavy schedule of moving furniture into the garage, taking down an entire wall of display, television and sound set, and finding a place to safely place it all, our gourmet meals took a hit. Some Hot Dogs, Costco rotisserie chicken, and a quick Hash and eggs meal about did it. Although we did get a chance to try a recipe from our friend Glenda - a
Sesame-Hoisin Sauce Salmon. We paired this with some red beans & rice and a glass of red shiraz. Although the rice looks a little messy, the flavors were lovely and all was absolutely delicious, a new addition to the regular repertoire for sure.
We got so busy setting up a replacement temporary TV for the family room that we spaced off our biweekly Zoom cocktail with Dell and Karen in Phoenix. After a questioning phone call from them, we agreed to set it up for tonight. All this work is getting to us it seems. We will have to slow down in the next week.
That’s all for this issue. Please continue to wash your hands, maintain social distance, wear your masks, and get your vaccinations scheduled. If we get to come your way, we want to be able to sit in the same room with you and toast a good life!
