LIFE IS LIKE CLEANING COBWEBS IN THE CORNER

 We all go about our daily routines.

Our houses are our sanctuary right now.

Then it happens. There is a long gobby cobweb. How long has it been there you ask yourself?

Hopefully you are the first one to see it!! Grabbing your broom or duster it is gone.

Our lives have many cobwebs. We live with them. 

We do not see them. Until one day we do.

We eliminate them. We tidy up some areas of our lives.

Going through stress, hard times, grief, job loss- we often do not catch those cobwebs. Our emotions get in the way.

We have to be ready.

#cobwebsinourlives#findingthecobwebsinlife#cleaningthecobwebsinourlife#notseeingthecobwebsthenseeingthecobwebs#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

CHRISTMAS PREPARATIONS ARE SLOW MOVING

 What is next in Christmas preparations for our limited times together?

Well I certainly need to iron some tablecloths.

They make any room festive. Even if it is only for me.

#tablclothsforchristmas#gettingreadyforlimitedevents#tryingtostaypositivethroughpandemicdays#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

A FAMILY TRADITION

 Adolph love stuffoli. A sweet Christmas Italian dessert.

Posted on his blog granpalovestocook December 2012.

So Sonya decided to give it a try. She posted on her Instagram and Blog showing the steps and giving her thoughts.

House of Kerrs

I was the lucky recipient of one plate of it.

Another generation completing a dish.

#struffoli#honeybubbles#granpalovestocook#familytradition#asweetItaliandessert#sonyamakesstuffoliinafamilytradition#reflectivetghoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

V-DAY- THE VACCINE ARRIVED IN CANADA

 Although the new restrictions and lockdowns of regions has put a damper on Christmas, the arrival of the first batch of vaccines bring hope to Canada.

Despite any criticisms from the anti-vaxers it is such a positive joy for all.

Get to our elderly and healthcare providers. 

How it will roll out to the rest of us- time will tell.

But when I can be in line, I will be in line.

#vaccinetocanada#getinlineforavaccine#canadabeginsitsprocessofvaccinating#christmasduringcovid#thevaccineisthebestchristmaspresent#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS DURING COVID

 Okay depending on where one lives celebrations across Canada will vary.

Scaling back on large celebrations has been a given now for months and months.

So Christmas will be similar. 

Cooking and bringing plates of food to family groups is doable.

Masks and veranda greetings are doable.

Outdoor with warm clothes.

Even on any small get togethers, isolate for 10 days to be reassured everyone is well when near each other.

Physical distancing in the home. Still using masks if too close to any vulnerable family member.

I can't tell you that it is fun.

Zoom is okay but also a little tiring. 

Texting and emailing and posting on Instagram does keep us connected.

Those cheesy Hallmark Christmas movies have come in handy.

Doable but celebrating so limited really sucks.

Just saying.

#christmasduringcovid#celebratingdifferently#practicingpublichealthprotocols#familycelebrationsarelimitedandsmall#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#celebrationgchristmasduringcovid#tryingtobegoodandfollowingallthepublicheathprotocols

CHRISTMAS MEAL SPECIALS BRING SOME SOCIAL ISOLATION JOY

 So I wrote on Granpalovestocook about my fun in trying food specials.

The Swiss Chalet Festive special. I had the rib/chicken combo. Loved the stuffing and cranberry sauce. I also bought poutine as well as the Coconut Cream Pie. It took me a couple of days to eat everything. I had the ribs the first night and the chicken the next day for lunch.

This week I tried the Pizza Pizza Holiday at Home special A medium pizza with 3 toppings, 3 drinks and one dessert.

I also bought some cauliflower bites and 5 chicken wings. So I ate two wings, some bites and one slice of pizza. Put the other 7 slices in baggies in the freezer for eating over the next couple of months. The best was the funnel cake dessert with caramel sauce. Not bad for a pizza place.

Being home alone. Cooking alone is not fun. So ordering something fun brings some eating joy to this Senior.

Buying food that can be frozen for a meal another day also works. 

If some grandsons can visit then the pizza slices will make a nice snack.

The real dilemma is what to order next week. Or should I make some room for the big Christmas feast that is coming in 13 days.

#christmaspecials#swisschalet#pizzapizza#eatingaloneisdifficult#beingsingleandeatingalone#buyingatreathelpswiththeisolation#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

CHRISTMAS IS COMING

 I must admit I am enjoying all the hoopla of Christmas this year.

Being at home brings more time for TV and the Christmas movies.

My granddaughter has been watching my classic Christmas movies with me when she can. She is in my bubble.

I found some craft ideas to do while I watch TV. 

No baking as I have bought baked goods from Supermarket stores. Like the PC chocolate chip pie. I need to decide when to heat it up and whom with by my partner in crime!!

A cheesecake variety pack too.

Since ideas are frozen, there is no hurry to eat them now.

I like everyone's Christmas lights. My two Christmas trees bring me joy at night with their lights.

No parties. But there will be a virtual one on Monday night with the Richmond Hill Historical Society. I will tell you next week how that goes.

I am trying to find church services to attend- online of course.

So looking forward to whatever the season will bring.

Have received a couple of Christmas cards which I really enjoy. Nice messages warm my heart. People realize this is tough Christmas for us with our Empty Chair!!

How are you enjoying Christmas?

#Christmas#ChristmaswithanEmptyChair#christmaslights#watchingchristmasmovies#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro