Ron and I have been “sheltering in place” since our return from an idyllic week at the Ibero Star Resort, Montego Bay, Jamaica on March 9th. It was in that week that we got a head start on our “pandemic pounds” and the country began to experience early cases of COVID-19. A planned June trip to London, Greece and Spain to visit my ex-pat son and his family was cancelled and we hunkered down as the number of cases began to rise in Nassau County. SKYPE became a way to connect to family and friends. The comfort of “lounge wear” (read sweat pants) was our new normal and, on the rare excursions to Publix, CVS or Harris Teeter, I would splash out and even put on a bra!
On-line shopping was convenient for an array of masks and occasional books; we joined a wine club. All of a sudden we have subscriptions to Netflix, Amazon Prime TV, Apple TV, Brit Box and you name it. Ron still plays golf three times a week with his two best friends, teeing off at 7:30 am, each solo in a golf cart and socializing only at a distance and through a mask. My yearly dental checkup was fraught with fear, but I got through it. Ron still ventures out to the gym, but has agreed to cancel my membership, since I’ve embraced being a recluse and spend time cooking and eating and eating and eating.
In mid-October, as the Amelia Island weather was stuck on summer mode, I put out a fall wreath of the twisted grapevine variety decorated with a few sprigs of berries and pine cones. The autumn colored plaid bow looked wilted and drab; the whole effect was sad rather than hopeful. Three small perfect pumpkins sat patiently next to the welcome mat, but were never carved. As our Thanksgiving for two and cyber Black Friday meld into the unremarkable archive of 2020, we ponder whether we will drag our pre-decorated small tree out of storage. I swapped out the vine wreath for one I had found at JoAnn’s last year made of very realistic plastic evergreen. I had adorned it with gold glass balls, gold clip on partridges and dotted it with holly sprigs. Replacing AA batteries proved that the small white lights could still bring a bit of cheer woven through the wreath. That and a pair of hastily purchased Poinsettias for our front steps assuaged the feeling that I was letting down the side, as the rest of our neighborhood went all out, blanketing their boxwoods and porches with lights and decorations.
Despite my holiday reluctance, I know we have much for which to be thankful! We are so fortunate to live on our magical Amelia Island. We are especially grateful that no one in our immediate circle of family and friends has fallen ill. As we watch national news featuring long food lines, statistics of record-breaking unemployment and rising deaths from COVID, we hardly recognize our beloved America! However, with the promise of a vaccine and a chance to heal from the collateral damage of the pandemic, things will be better for all in the New Year. So, I am sure you join us in looking forward to a smooth transition to 2021.
Hi Molly, Mike and I are living in Michigan again. What does the future hold for us??? We don't know, but we're closer to family and enjoying our new grandson. Happy Holidays and much love!