CHRISTMAS PREPARATIONS 2020

 The whole shop early for these covid days is not a new notion for me.

I always shop early. But I am still waiting for one family's requests. 

I like to get the grandchildren what they want from a Nana.

Of course they always love money or a gift card for their favourite store.

But the two littles ones need lots of presents under the tree. 

Little presents count. Little kids like to count the number of presents they receive. So rather than one bag with several things, all the things are wrapped separately so more to open.

I decorated two trees two weeks ago. I needed something festive in the house. My outdoor lights are indoor. I put them on the front window inside so I could turn them off easier then opening and shutting the front door. 

Since I cut branches on my front bushes the lights can be seen from the road. 

My preparations are in rote mode. My heart is not in it this year. But I keep going because the end result is usually appreciated by me.

I love Christmas lights so having light in the house is good for me.

No more lit fireplace fires. So I use the fireplace to put festive candles. I can light them safely in a safe spot.

My Christmas parcels have been sent. My Christmas cards have been sent. Maybe a day or two earlier than normal. But my Christmas newsletter will bring some hope.

So I will write more on my days.

How about you? How are your preparations going? Are they festive this year to make up for the COVID crap?

#christmaspreparations#2020preparationsaredifferent#goingthroughthemotions#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

SURVIVING COVID ISOLATION FOR SINGLE PEOPLE

 I am talking about older single people. Like the seniors of the world.

Especially retired singles. If one goes to work there is some company there.

COVID rules say stay at home.

Limit social contacts.

Well you get the message.

Is it hard?

Yes- to be away from normal contacts.

No- finding ways to make it work.

8 months into this thing has made us all be a little creative.

I wrote letters in the spring to people. I made phone calls. 

So now what to do.

Well lots of Christmas cards to everyone already sent with a different newsletter. I look forward to receiving some cards too. I love the mail. It is fun to open it.

Even though I am the one who is dealing with grief, I have this need to reach out to others in a supportive way.

It helps my isolation. 

I can have physical distance and masked events with kids and grandchildren for now. 

Family arranging ways to be outside with a firepit and enclosed areas. I even bought insulated pants.

One daughter said to buy snow pants. Well they are called insulated pants for adults. I could not find women's snow pants! LOL

But anxiety and depression is huge for many living alone. So be aware for yourself and others in your life. 

Connect. Reach out. Keep in touch more than usual. 

If lonely, tell others. Listen to music a lot! It stimulates the mind and keeps one out of their head.

What are your strategies for social isolation? If having trouble, call me. Write me. Leave a comment.

#socialisolationduringcovid#findingwaystoovercomesocialisolation#findingwaystobecreativeduringcovidisolation#dealingwithgriefduringchristmas#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

I SHOPPED LOCAL-HOW ABOUT YOU?

 I am trying to support local businesses.

So yarn from Knitters Attic in Richmond Hill.

Gift cards from Polished Beauty Bar in Richmond Heights Plaza.

Flowers from Hillcrest Flowers in Hillcrest Mall.

Later I will be ordering some take out dinner.

How about you?

Are you supporting your local businesses??

#localbusiness#supportinglocalbusinesses#helpingourlocalbusinessesonepurchaseatatime#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

NANA SAYS JOIN THE KIDS IN OUTDOOR FUN DURING COVID

 So I bought some new skates. My son-in-law will have them sharpened. 

Ordered insulated purple pants for outdoors.

And a hockey helmet.

If we must do more outdoors, I want to be warm.

I do have good boots for walking in the snow.

So I think I am ready with lots of hats, scarves, mitts.

How about you? Are you ready for winter outdoor activities?

#winterwear#newskates#insulatedpurplepants#gettingreadyforoutdoorfun#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbardimambro

COVID-19 AND SOCIAL ISOLATION

 Being alone during this crisis does take its toll.

So making sure social connections of any kind are made daily.

 Phone calls. Emails. Writing a card or letter to someone. 

For me walking. Walking to get the mail.

Limiting my outings as York Region is a red zone so must be socially responsible to 

be community minded.

I have music on all day long and of course TV, computer checking and having the cellphone for texting is a good thing.

But it is hard for a mentally and physically healthy person to be isolated so how must it be for others who are not.

So everyone reach out and although physically distancing do a virtual hug, blow a kiss, stay connected with those in your life.

Be nice and friendly with all service people. A friendly hello and thank you go a long way.

COVID-19 really sucks. We have fatigue. But we want to get through it as best we can. 

#socialisolation#covidandsocialisolation#covidreallysucks#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

BARB'S GENEALOGY TIDBITS- NEW INFORMATION ON LANNI AND MATRUNDOLA LINES

 I decided to post some pictures on the Cassino Immigrant Facebook Group from a wedding in 1995.

My mother-in-law with some family members coming from Scotland for the wedding.

What a treasure trove!

People recognized the people in the picture.

And let me know they had information on the Lanni and Matrundola lines.

I have received two very comprehensive family lines on these two branches of my husband's tree.

It will take me some time to digest the information and put the new names on his tree and our charts.

I will personally acknowledge the individuals in another post or two.

It always pays to advertise.

#barb'sgenealogytidbits#lannifamilyhistory#matrundolafamilyhistory#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

LETTERS TO THE TROOPS HAVE BEEN SENT

 Since 1991 I have sent letters to where our Canadian troops are stationed and serving.

So on November 11, 2020 I addressed and sent my letters.

It was harder this year to be as cheery as I am usually.

So mentioning an empty chair at our festive tables without Adolph was needed.

Then knowing that those serving are the empty chair at their family homes is poignant.

Acknowledging how hard it is to be away from family and friends.

So we all can feel a little melancholy this time of year. But being together in it no matter where we are is okay. A good letter or happy note helps everyone.

#writethetroops#sendingsupporttothetroops#writingtootherstokeepthemhappy#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro