A couple of grandma/grandchildren cautious shopping trips, some family baking sessions. And, my older son's 50th birthday on December 16th! Another opportunity for celebration amid a horrible year.
I plotted out my post for today, and even had a few recipes to share so everyone could get a glimpse at what's in store for our holiday table. (Okay, so I'm still going to share the recipes below.)
But before I get to those I want to tell you how, this past Monday, our family plans were derailed by a "superspreader" event in a city nearly one-hundred miles away. Unfortunately, some of those who attended the event lived in different cities around the province, so all of New Brunswick was classifed "orange" ... meaning we had to return to single family bubbles.
As a person living alone, I'm allowed to "bubble" with one family. How does a mother choose which son, which grandchildren, to include and which to exclude? It's a hard decision for any parent/grandparent, but especially hard for someone who's life is so intertwined with both families. We all live within 10 minutes of each other. After talking with both sons, we decided I'd bubble with my younger son/younger grandchildren, and we'd keep our fingers crossed that the ban would be lifted in time for a subdued Christmas Day.
I wasn't going to share the crimp in my December because I figured we've all had enough bad news and broken plans to last a lifetime. Yet, something happened at 10:45 Friday morning that changed my mind.
I got a phone call from the New Brunswick Department of Health. I was being notified of a "contact trace" for Covid exposure during scheduled routine lab work at our local hospital.
To sum up would could have been an even crappier week....
THE VIRUS DOESN'T DISCRIMINATE ... PLEASE WEAR A MASK!
Now, on to more important things. Three recipes: my daughter-in-law's favorite side dish, my favorite turkey leftovers, and my grandchildren's favorite dessert.
Until next year ... stay happy, stay healthy (please), and stay well read. Happy Holidays, no matter which you celebrate.
Nancy
What a time you've had, Nancy. So glad you canceled that appointment. And I'm sure the lab took all the precautions. Enjoy your holiday. As always, those recipes look delicious. Trying to think of something easy. May just crockpot that day. My bubble may reduce to two from five, but am hoping.
ReplyDeleteI’m so glad you cancelled your appointment! I’m sure Christmas will be as nice as you all can make it and full of video chats!
ReplyDeleteNancy, my husband was exposed by a healthcare worker at a doctor's office. They both wore masks, but she did't get close. The next day, she tested positive. Three days later, the doctor's office called us to tell us. That was nice of them. We stayed even more locked down for two weeks, but nothing happened. WHEW!
ReplyDeleteThank goodness you cancelled that lab appointment. I hope you get to be with both your sons and all your grandchildren. This has been a tough year!
ReplyDeleteOh, Nancy, for a moment there, my heart was in my throat. I was afraid you were going to say you had it! Yikes. Close call. So glad you canceled that appointment. I just learned 2 days ago that one of my sisters-in-law and her mother have contracted COVID. The kids keep trying to get us to commit to a visit, but I hesitate. Involves traveling which requires rest stops—for us if we travel or for them if they do. I'm so conflicted, but I guess we'll err on the side of caution and tell them we all need to stay put. Houston-area is also orange zone.
ReplyDeleteOh, I love those graphics. I'm so sorry your plans are being pushed around the way they are. What a year this has been.
ReplyDeleteSorry there's been such a crimp in your plans. Tough year for everyone. Better to be safe. My super careful Brother in Law was diagnosed, yet my sister is symptom free and negative.
ReplyDelete