Thursday, July 30, 2020

Really Random Thursday, 7/30/20

Is it just me, or has July seemed like two months long?

I don't have much this week, probably because we required some rest and relaxation after art camp last week. That doesn't mean we didn't enjoy every single minute, because we did. But given COVID-19, it was a lot more activity than we have been used to!

A week and a half ago, we sadly said goodbye to Stacie as she moved back to Oregon. She has been here for seven years and is definitely part of the family. Aaron and Christa hosted a goodbye party for her the day before she left, with donuts, her favorite. This was our goodbye hug (although lucky for us, because we are in the same "bubble," we had been able to have her over for dinner before this and give her an actual hug).

That weekend, I would have ordinarily been in Minnesota for my annual quilt retreat. Thanks to the magic of Zoom, we were able to retreat together virtually on Friday night for about three hours, and then again on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. (my time). It was awesome--not nearly good as being together in person, of course, but special just the same. And we decided there was no reason we couldn't do it on a regular basis. I set up my computer on the corner of my sewing table and actually got quite a bit accomplished.
Most everything else to follow is just a collection of memes from the last couple of weeks.

Turns out, as a confirmed introvert, I actually feel the need to go out!!

From my friend, Paula:
 Noticed by Doris during lunchtime break.
My brother works for the federal reserve in Washington, DC. I asked him about this. He confirmed it--the coin shortage, that is. I  may or may not have started a swear jar...
 True.
 True again.
My friend, Molly (@tokodots) designed this. I'm considering installing it as wallpaper on my phone.
Finally, last night, Mark and I really needed a break, so we drove to Shaver Lake (about an hour away) for dinner--delicious hamburgers, out on the deck (where it almost felt "normal"). Then we took a drive around the end of the lake, found a quiet spot and read for about 45 minutes. It was just what we needed.


What have you been doing to take care of yourself?

5 comments:

05 08
Robby said... #

I felt so bad for you and your retreat buddies when I saw that wasn't happening. I love that you turned it into lemonade by discovering Zoom as a way to virtually gather more often.

Your meme game remains strong, although I have to hope that a warm welcome for 2021 might really get it off to a more optimistic start. Envying your dinner by the lake. Our summers are too touristy for me to head to a lot of great outdoor places. But fall is coming...

Shelina (formerly known as Shasta) said... #

I too am glad you were able to still have your retreat virtually. Looks like you are doing well, socializing virtually, going out in nature. I like the memes, but the one that says to get off the phone is too pretty. I would want to look at it more!

Anne / Springleaf Studios said... #

Glad you at least had a zoom retreat. I'd probably wouldn't get a thing done that way. Or even in person for that matter. I'm too easily distracted at retreats. Also glad to hear you are getting out. We've barely done anything including our weekly hiking. We could go hike but most places are really busy which means no parking and crowded trails. Not the reason we go. Soon I hope.

FlourishingPalms said... #

I'm glad you and your husband are able to interact with friends like Stacie, and be with kids and grandkids. Self care is very lonely when the only person we ever get to spend time with is our spouse. If this goes on longer - without an end in sight - I'm ready to move to be nearer family. This is getting really old. So sorry for the "woe is me." I shouldn't be reading happy blog posts! :-) But I'm glad you could meet with your best buddies through Zoom. Friendships are especially important right now. Keep hanging in there in the positive ways you are!

OPQuilt said... #

Brilliant way to do a retreat--although it's not like your usual, at least it gives you a tiny bit of a taste for spending time with some of your favorite people. I love your little travels around--you inspire me to think about going somewhere!