12/27/2020

Update 12/27/2020

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas Day. My day was quiet and nice. Thank you to Ishy, Marcia, Sylvia, Cara, and especially Sarah and Jack for the wonderful gifts!

My Thursday group that meets in Green Square, met at Helen’s on Monday for a delightful holiday treat. She made sandwiches, and served them with eggnog, and homemade cookies for dessert. Because school was out for the holiday break, Patsy joined us too, but was not very interested in the old ladies. She politely colored in her Trolls activity book, and played games on Vicki’s phone. But just being near a 6 year old at Christmas is magical!

I went to the grocery store on Wednesday, because I was afraid selections might be picked over if I waited too long. I didn’t have that much to buy, anyway, since I was only cooking for myself. I chose a very nice filet steak (which was so thick I sliced it in two), a baked potato and roasted brussel sprouts. I wish I’d remembered to buy mushrooms, but I didn’t. And I had a nice petite sirah.

Because so many live performances were canceled because of the pandemic, the Savannah Ballet Company aired the Nutcracker Live on TV. It was all recorded in Savannah – inside a historic private residence, in the squares, and along River Street. Not only did I enjoy the dancing and the music, but I love to see it all happening in places that I recognized. I tried to take a photo of my tv screen, where the sugar plum fairy is dancing at the Westin, with River Street in the background.  

I am totally disgusted with the US Postal Service. If you did not get a card from me, it doesn’t mean I didn’t send one. I have no idea if they were delivered. The packages I sent were mailed on December 14 with 2 and 3 day delivery payments made so they would get to the destination on time. Allen’s arrived Dec 24; Ishy’s is still in a warehouse in Jacksonville FL. I had one card to me that was forwarded, but I suspect that the post office may have returned other cards that did not have my Reflection Way address on them. My mail is not being delivered until after 8 pm every day. I have been receiving daily political ads from all the clever people running for the senate in the Georgia runoff – those seem to be a priority for the USPS. I so angry about this holiday non-service. So, I hope you received a card from me, but I’ll never know.

Of course my favorite gift was from Sarah and Jack. Next summer I’ll become a great grannie. Baby Venuti is eagerly anticipated by many.  

As we move toward a New Year, I think we are all anxious to leave 2020 behind, and hope for better things in the coming year. Some things will never be the same after this horrible year. I will always be reticent to hug friends. I’m a Southerner now, and hugging is what we do – when we meet, when we part, all the time. I’ve become used to this, and I like the sentiments that are given and received by hugs. But we have had to give that up, and it may be hard to recapture. I will always be suspicious of elections.  Not only because of the conspiracy theories that are never-ending, but also because of my own experience with the post office. I do not understand how I can get a pop-up ad when only minutes ago I searched online for some product, but they can’t figure out if I’m dead or alive, or if I’ve already cast my ballot, when voting. Education has been set back years, if not decades, as teachers will have forgotten how to teach, and students will have forgotten how to learn, and harried parents who are working from home are unable to encourage their children to learn and stress the importance of education in this crazy environment. Even the way we mourn will be forever changed, as we cannot come together to express sympathy because of the 6-foot distance and the small group policies. That may change; I hope it does, as it’s an important way we care for each other. Yes, 2020 has been a terrible, horrible year, and we are forever changed because of it. As we begin a new year, I wish you all the very best: good health, happiness, and everything you need. I wish the same for all people everywhere. Go Bills!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

12/20/2020

 

Update 12/20/2020

This week, I finished everything I needed for the Christmas holiday.

Monday, I went to the post office and mailed packages to Ishy and Allen. The gifts are kinda lame, but I got that done. I also mailed cards to the granddaughters. This year, I sent them less money, but bought Toys for Tots instead, and made cards to explain. The girls were all very kind and when they read the cards, they agreed that they didn’t mind a little less for themselves and a little more for other children.

this is that card I made to send to the girls:

this is the tree at the club house with my little contributions by the arrows:

Tuesday was zoom book club. It was OK, but I’m a little disenchanted with the Pooler Page Turners. Maybe it’s the holidays, or maybe no one wanted to read short stories, but there were not many people who joined this time. I hope it gets better next year. Then, I did my cookies. I had mixed up some dough last week to put in the freezer. I sliced and baked those, and then made the Hershey kiss cookies that I love. So, I had three kinds of cookies that I packaged and had ready to take to friends.

On Wednesday, I took a plate of cookies to Sylvia and Charles (I miss them terribly since the COVID has made it impossible to visit for almost a year, and now I’ve moved quite a distance away) and then had another plate to take to The Creek House when I met friends for a final Wednesday evening glass of wine before the holidays.

On Thursday, Green Square was canceled. Two friends couldn’t make it, and it was cold, so we decided that we’d meet next week instead.  Instead, I went downtown to buy corks. When Kay and I were there last weekend, we wandered into The Cork Store. They sell all sorts of things made from environmentally friendly cork. There were footstools that looked like wine and champagne bottle corks. I thought about them and thought about them, and decided I wanted two to use for my “coffee” table. They are expensive, but they were perfect for what I could use them for. Now I don’t have to have my ipad, phone, book, or glasses (a disaster waiting to happen) on the floor next to my couch, and a wine glass that I’m sipping from looks great there.  

After that shopping, I met Barbara to do the Gingerbread House Trail.  We tried last week, and were disappointed, but since we both really would like to see the houses, we went again this week.  (interesting aside: I could find nothing when I googled for the Trail, but got a link from Lisa in Wales who found it on FB!).  Instead of all the houses in one hotel, the Westin, they were spread across five hotels on this side of the river.  One hotel only had one, one had two, and the other two each had five.  So the number of houses were fewer, and they all seemed to be professionally created, no Girls Scout troops or school classes this year. These are my favorites:

This is the one that won first prize (I like it, but prefer ones that have a more holiday theme): 

And there was one that was big enough to walk inside! All made of Gingerbread! The photo is of Barbara standing next to it, so you can see how big it is. Inside was all gingerbread, too. Amazing!

this is Barbara next to this big house, so you can see how really large it was:

and this is looking through the window to the interior:

 On Sunday afternoon, I went downtown to the historic Savannah Theater for the Christmas Spectacular. I met Jane and a couple of other friends. The musical was entertaining, and very nice.  

I zoomed with the Wahl family and Allen on Sunday night.  It was really nice to wish them all a Happy Christmas. I wish you all a very merry season, too.  

12/13/2020

 

Update 12/13/2020

A pretty busy week, actually, but I think it’s because of the holiday season. I’m generally not this busy.

Monday, I decided to decorate the gingerbread house. I had bought a kit last year when I could get 50% off. But, then the kit was stuck in a big box, and was moved twice. I had little hopes that it would be ok when I opened it. The frosting was a little hard to work with, but everything else seemed to be ok. I was pleased that both Hannah and Sarah (along with Jack, who doesn’t have the history of gingerbread that the girls do) also made houses.

Because I believed that street parking was free on Tuesdays and Wednesday during the holiday season, Barbara and I went downtown to wander a bit. Of course, I got a parking ticket, because it’s only free parking in the garages, not on the street. They must have taken pity on me, however, and the fine was $0. We took the water taxi across the river to the Westin Hotel to see the gingerbread house exhibit. It was not there, and they didn’t know anything about it. I thought I had read that there would be a “trail” this year with several hotels displaying a few gingerbread houses each so that crowds did not gather in one place, but the Westin was ignorant and could give us no information. We then walked to the Power Plant District to see the Christmas Markets – another waste of time as the booths are only open Thursday through Sunday. At least I got to spend some holiday time with my friend, and the parking, eventually, was free

Although I’m no longer on the Board at Bonaventure Historical Society, I was invited to help pack the fruit baskets. The Society gifts nice fruit baskets to staff at the cemetery in thanks for the help and support throughout the year. Elizabeth gathered the baskets, fruit, cellophane wrap, and everything else needed to make the baskets festive and wonderful. I have helped in past years, so she included me again. It was very nice to meet with those friends and visit while we packed baskets. 

I have been trying to walk regularly, but it’s not easy. I was not home much this week, and generally I’ve been walking around the pond at AP. I returned to old haunts this week, and walked at Daffin, Forsyth and Lake Mayer. Daffin was boring, but Forsyth, because there were lovey holiday decorations in the park and on homes that face the park, was easier. (A funny story there: I often will volunteer to take a picture of a couple or group if they seem to be struggling with a selfie. After I offered and was accepted by two ladies, another young woman approached and asked if I would do the same for her group. I was wearing my Buffalo Bills mask, and one person in her party joked and said “I don’t know, I’m a Miami fan”. So we exchanged a few good-natured barbs, and I took the photo). At Lake Mayer, I met Roseann, and that made it easy to walk as we talked and got caught up with each others activities.

For a special treat this week, Sarah entertained with a live piano concert on FB. That was really nice to see her, and listen to her music. And I had a glimpse of Jack, as well, as he was slipping something under the tree in the background.

I have been intrigued by ads on google for microwave peanut brittle. We used to make this candy, but I haven’t done that in over 40 years. I thought that a microwave recipe would be easy. When it came right down to it, though, all the recipes warned that you would need a bowl that was safe not only for the microwave, but at extremely high temperatures. I wasn’t sure if Pyrex would meet that requirement, so I did it the old fashioned way – stovetop. I don’t have a candy thermometer, but I remembered how to test for hard crack stage, and the candy was a success. Except – what am I going to do with it? I can’t risk breaking a tooth! I boxed it up for the staff at AP.

Saturday, I spent time with Kay. We went to BC so that I could put the poinsettias on My Soldiers graves, and she could put a nice arrangement at Liam’s site. Then we went downtown. The Christmas Markets were open, and I wanted to see them. Kay humored me. I was not optimistic, because I have such great memories of the ones I’ve seen in Europe, and I felt Savannah Georgia would not do this well. I was surprised! The highlight, of course, was hot spiced wine. That was so good! This is going to be a tradition, I think, because I enjoyed it very much. We also had a nice soup and sandwich at the Little Duck diner, which is one of our favorites. What a great way to spend a Saturday.

And, finally, Merry Christmas to me! The Bills beat the Steelers in the Sunday Night Football game, and that’s the best present I could get! Since the Pittsburgh team was undefeated until last week, I did not expect Buffalo to be able to win this one. The first half was boring, and Buffalo came alive just before the half. And they kept it going. I’m so excited by this! Along with a Miami loss, the Bills are now alone at the top of the AFC East! Playoffs – here we come!

12/6/2020

Update 12/6/2020

My nutcrackers have had a tough year, as we all have! They were flooded at MP when the washer in the unit above me overflowed. I thought I had aired them out enough, but when I took them out of the boxes to get ready to display them, I found the glue that had dissolved on a couple of them – an easy fix, as I just glued them back together. Then, they had to move – TWICE. As I unpacked them, I felt I should give them the same protection we have all been using. So, I made made masks for them, and set them up socially distanced from each other. Each one is special to me for some reason – given to me by someone I love, a souvenir of a place I’ve visited, or just because I like them. I need to protect them as best I can.

I got a few lights strung around the new apartment. I don’t have as much shelf space as I did at MP, and I never was at SB for Christmas (thank goodness!). I struggled to find places to put everything. I think it looks festive, especially the colored lights on the “tree” on my porch.

On Saturday, Jane, Helen, Kay and I drove to Howfyl-Broadfield Plantation to attend their Christmas festival. It was really lame, probably because of the COVID. The Civil War re-enactors that were scheduled to be there canceled at the last minute; there was only one rebel soldier. The house was decorated, but there were no interpreters to explain anything, and the upstairs was not open. They gave us a cup of hot cider, but no cookies. No Cookies! At least I had a nice day with good friends.

Sunday, at AP, management hosted a Christmas Market. For the most part, it was skin care products and soaps. I had hoped for candles or holiday decorations, but there wasn’t anything like that. I did buy a bottle of wine, and a cup of eggnog latte, but that was it. Besides, I had NFL games to watch.

11/29

 

Update 11/29/2020

This wasn’t exactly the Thanksgiving I’d planned; I did not join friends as I’d wanted to. I’m very conscious of spreading the virus, and there was so much on the news. I’d sneezed twice every day for about a week. And when it came right down to it, I just couldn’t justify exchange a slice of turkey for taking the chance that I could be infecting good friends. I called Dave on Wednesday and explained. He was quick to agree, so we both promised to share a big meal another day. One of the NFL games was postponed, so that wasn’t exactly as I’d anticipated, either. I made myself a chicken breast, instant mashed potatoes, a bit of applesauce (instead of cranberry) and green bean casserole. I did not starve!

I did not want to go out on Friday or Saturday to face the traffic on Pooler Parkway. I also was not in the mood to try to find where all my Christmas décor is hiding. Since I don’t have a storage unit yet, all the boxes that I don’t know what to do with are all in the spare bedroom. Someplace in all that mess are nutcrackers, lights, Santas, pillows, etc. Maybe next week.

I did find my new door mat and wreath, so from the outside, it looks as if I’m ready for December. 

I want to get my cards in the mail early since my address has changed (twice) since the greetings I’d sent last year. I should know better than to trust that the post office can do this, but I’ll give it one more year. I worked all day Saturday, and I’ve got them ready. Now all I have to do is buy the stamps.

On Sunday, Kay was in Dallas visiting Adam, Erin and Andy, so I was on my own. I went to Publix and bought ingredients to make a big batch of chili while I watched the NFL games. I’ll be eating chili until May.  

11/22/2020

 

Occasional Update 11/22/2020

happy thanksgiving to all!

I zoomed a few interesting lectures and talks this week. Beginning last Saturday, I joined the Friends of Mt Hope Cemetery for a talk on headstone icons and their meanings. One image that I thought was particularly interesting was the headstone of George B Grover. The image of the cannon, and the death date of 1863, clearly indicates that he died in battle during the Civil War. But what I liked is that one wheel of the caisson is broken while the other is whole. A completed circle indicates eternity - a circle unbroken, while the part of the wheel that is missing would mean the opposite – a separation between this life and the next. I had never seen both symbols on one headstone, and if the leader had not pointed it out, I would have missed it. Just when I think I know everything, I find that I don’t.

Monday, DH held it’s harvest lecture series talk via a zoom conference. The subject was slave badges. It was well researched and very informative. Interestingly, there are no examples of slave badges from Savannah, but there is documentation in city code books that they were necessary. One explanation is that perhaps in Savannah, the documentation was not so much a metal badge that needed to be worn but papers that needed to be carried and produced when challenged.  

Tuesday was the Pooler Page Turners virtual book club meeting. This month, we were to read a book that has a connection to England and America, and also to an event that happened in November. I chose Bill Bryson’s book, Shakespeare. When looking for events, I found that the Tempest was first performed in public on Nov 1, 1611. And, Bill Bryson is an American who now lives in UK. I enjoy his writing, and thought this would be a good book to share. I don’t know if I enticed any other readers to look into books by Bryson, but I liked my choice.

The Telfair promoted it’s latest art exhibit with a pre-opening talk. It was a presentation by noted photographer Frank Stewart, who is perhaps best known for his five decades photographing jazz musicians from Miles Davis to Wynton Marsalis, but the talk included many random photos that Mr. Stewart has taken over the years, some in Savannah.

Sunday, I zoomed with family. It’s been a while since I’ve done that, but with the holiday coming up, I wanted to wish them a happy turkey day. My brother, Dave and my sister-in-law Kerry, their son Christopher, Ishy, and Allen all exchanged greetings and football analysis.

In addition to going to meetings in my “office”, I met friends Beth, Beverly and Jackie, whom I haven’t seen in a year, and Kay at a restaurant near the airport in Pooler. It was great to see them all after such a long time, and they came back to to visit my new home after dinner. They all pronounced the new place wonderful, and all expressed how nice it was that I can now be happy in the place I live. And, I enjoyed some of the tastiest pasta I’ve every had – I nearly licked the dish.

So, while we are all still in semi-solation, I’m not exactly hibernating!

I have been trying to get out and walk daily. I was out a few times this week. Mostly I walk around the “pond” here at AP, but that can get boring, and I’m afraid of dags – there are a lot (and BIG ones) here. But I am trying to return to some of the good habits I had before I was a prisoner at SB.

Friday, a Food Truck came to AP. I needed to have a ticket from the office to get a meal, and I assumed that was so that they could count the number of meals serviced and the vendors would know if it was worth a trip way out here to bring their truck. But, no! Imagine my surprise when I tried to pay for my meal, and was told that all I needed was the ticket, and that management would pick up the cost! I had a wonderful mac and cheese with pulled pork dinner. I hope this truck will come back! 

11/15/2020

 

Occasional Update 11/15/2020

OK, I’m a certified idiot. AT AP, when a package is delivered, it is placed in locker at the mail center. I receive an email with a code that I can enter at the kiosk, and when I do that, the locker that has my package springs open and I can retrieve it. Sounds like a simple plan, no? Well, I can’t tell you how long it took me, and I finally needed to get help from the rental representative in the club house. I hope I’ll do better next time!

My package was a standing towel holder that I needed for my bathroom since towel racks are few and wall space to hang one that would be convenient as I step out of the shower is non-existent. So I wanted a standing one. Another thing this shower lacks are grab bars and a seat. The grab bars can wait a while, but I can no longer bend over to wash my ankles and feet, so I need to prop them on a stool to get that accomplished. I found what I wanted at Bed Bath & Beyond. Now all the puzzle pieces for the bathroom are together.

I had an opportunity to take a tour at Laurel Grove North Cemetery with Don on Monday. It was an offer I could not refuse. Don even took us inside a mausoleum. I could have done without that, but how many chances do I get? On the photo I took of Silence, the statue that watches over the Confederate soldier plot, I was saddened to see that there had been red paint sprayed on it, and it wasn’t completely removed, and that the finger she holds to lips, in fact, the whole hand, is gone. It’s recent vandalism with the trend to rewrite history.

a photo from 2016 - you can see her hand

this week - hand is gone and there is still remnants of the red paint

Still in search of a few items to make the new apartment “just right”, I went shopping on Wednesday. I live very close to the Tanger outlets, and wanted to see if I could find anything there. I began at the Hobby Lobby, but found nothing. Next door to that is a Home Goods. I’ve had good luck at that store in the past, but only found a mattress pad for the bed in the guest room there. (I need all new stuff for that bed: the old mattress bad was so bad I needed to toss it, the sheets have never fit right and I don’t like them, and somehow I lost the comforter that was in that room). Next I went to a store that Kay said might have some things I would like, and it really did! It’s called At Home, and it has lots of cheap home décor items. Right now, of course – like all stores – it has a lot of Christmas stuff. But I found a small autumn tree, another chair and carpet for the porch, all the bedding for the guest room, and even a fly swatter (try to find one of those!). The chair is very similar to the rocker and table I already have - not an exact match, but close enough. I’ll have to find matching seat pads to make them look like twins, but that’s for another day, too. 

Wednesday evening I drove back to Wilmington Island to meet with the group for drinks at Paula Deen’s Creekside. On Thursday, Jane and Helen came out to visit my new apartment. Vicki couldn’t join us because Patsy had been exposed to COVID at school (it turned out to be a false alarm, but everyone panicked). So, I’m getting out and going places and doing things. And not feeling that I’m endangering myself or others.

Friday, I went to the pool. It’s been so long, I almost forgot how much I liked swimming. The water was a little cool, so I wasn’t in for long, but it really felt wonderful!  

I found this. It's interesting, probably because it's all around Columbia Square, and DH is seen in the video.  I thought it might be interesting to share.