PANDAMIC, ETC.

Pandemic!  Has it only been eight months ago that the word inched it's way into our everyday language?  It seems like an eternity, doesn't it?

So a few changes to our lifestyle and routines have happened here at the Salmagundi household --- To begin with in February, I was quite sick with respiratory issues and symptoms similar to what we now know as covid. The doctors at the time couldn't figure it out; was it the virus?  We're not sure, but it knocked me for a loop; and slowed me down. I finally was able to sufficiently recover in March.  Fortunately for me, my training as an only child and an original latch-key kid during the l940-1950s; I actually enjoy semi-isolation and am prepared to entertain myself in this new reality and find joy in life.  

My go-to time beyond child rearing and household chores has always been my ability to sew.  'Stay at Home' orders only enhanced that available time for me.  I have been able to make several quilts expanding my creative energy.  It has also allowed me time to expand my computer time to communicate with old friends.  And, I have spent a lot more time reading and listening to news awakening an interest in political history.  And, of course, there is always solitaire.  I learned to play several types of solitaire 75 years ago to entertain myself.  I can't deny I'm addicted still playing several games a day!!

Bob and I will quietly celebrate our 62nd wedding anniversary in a couple of weeks.  So, I'm not totally isolated. He has taken on the shopping to help protect me from unnecessary contact with the public which has been a blessing.  We've had a learning curve, but we're getting there!! I still do most of the cooking, but he has stepped up in that discipline, also. He also does all of the outside work, which I have never enjoyed anyway.  I love my beautiful view of our yard and his efforts from the big window in my sewing room. 

The kids ---- Our oldest child, Mike the math and science teacher, has had his own experience with the pandemic.  Beginning with the abrupt switch to remote teaching in the Spring; then the summer of uncertainty about how to proceed.  He, also, had his planned trip to Europe with students cancelled.  His small school district will now start the school year with a plan -- the teachers in the class room four days a week with remote video of lectures for those online, but with the kids who have elected to return to school in the classroom. They have a new, large, beautiful school building, so there is room in his classroom for 20 students including social distancing.  Of course, once a mother, always a mother; so I'm concerned about his probability of contracting the virus. Next week will be the first week of classes, and I'm anxious to hear how it goes!  Jenni, our daughter and the mother of our grandchildren, has had to endure 'empty nest syndrome' this summer.  Her oldest, Caitlin, is still at home; but only sleeps and showers there as she is super busy with her work at our local hospital conglomerate.  And, now Caitlin has added full-time college to study for her RN to her full-time job schedule.  The biggest change to all of our lives has involved our youngest grandchild -- Wyatt.  He was a senior in high school this year, which covid disrupted all of the fun activities of being a senior --- prom, fun fest, etc. He managed to graduate with honors by remote learning the last 2 months of school.  He had early-enlisted in the Navy a year ago with an entry date of 6-14-2020.  Because of the pandemic, high school graduation was moved to July 30th.  He had already left for the Navy, so even missed the graduation ceremony.  He was in two weeks quarantine and then six weeks of boot camp in Chicago, with only a couple of scripted phone calls and limited letters. They surrender their cell phones at the beginning of quarantine and only get them back when they are sent to their schooling.  He is now in school in Connecticut, enjoying a little more freedom and new challenges.  Limited communication was hard on all of us; but now we can enjoy texts, phone calls, and face-time.

We've ALL changed and grown in our own reality of life experiences.

That brings me to this blog.  I no longer really have the experiences that support this type of blog.  So, my posts will be slim or even non-existent in the future.  I plan to continue my Quilting Blog, https://qbits-salmagundi.blogspot.com/ , as a way to document my new quilts because I'm still able to sew daily.

This blog was begun in 2008 -- it's been fun and a great way to journal some of my experiences and family history.  I cherish the friends I have made, and the inspiration and knowledge they have provided.

Now that we are a Navy family again, "Bon Voyage" -- may we meet again!!!

My grandfather, Lovell Maddex, a sailor in WW1, 1918

RANDOMNESS -- CATCHING UP!

For several reasons my lifestyle blog has been neglected recently.  So, fair warning, as I try to catch up on life in the Salmagundi household; this post will be random and probably long.

RANDOMNESS #1 - CONVALESCENCE

On March 18, I had some surgery --- nothing too serious, but important enough to require some hospitalization and some convalescence.  I'm doing great, but still not quite up to par and laziness has set in.  I haven't sewn a stitch in 7 weeks, but I'm back to the cooking, cleaning, laundry routine.  I did manage to put out a few Easter decorations ----

VICTORIAN EGGS THAT BELONGED TO MY GREAT GRANDMOTHER

But my laziness is indicated by the clutter on the table by my recliner ----

I have managed to read nine books.  My favorite of the bunch, by far, was "Becoming Mrs. Lewis" by Patti Callahan.

RANDOMNESS #2 - WYATT
 (or as his sister says, "The golden child of the moment.")

Our two grandchildren live close.  Caitlin is 22 now, and is working hard at "adulting" and has a serious boyfriend, so we don't see her as often; but are in contact by text constantly.  Wyatt (now a junior in high school) is in and out of our house all of the time. I guess he is fond of his Papa Bob's workshop and my cooking!   
First of the month,  he was on the gold honor roll again-- that always makes a grandparent happy.  Then within days he received his letter for his letter jacket for being the Tiger mascot this past year.  This has involved appearing at a lot of athletic events and charitable high school events. 

This is the perfect activity for this outgoing, personable kid; plus he got to hang out with the cheerleaders a lot! It has been fun for us to watch him do his thing. 
Then, he took first place at the County Schools' Art Show at the Fine Arts Center for his welded sculpture.  

A week after that, he became the high school state champion in welding sculpture.  I didn't feel up to going to the award ceremony out of town, but Bob went and took my favorite picture of Wyatt on the phone to me reporting the exciting news. 

In June, he will be going to the national competition in Kentucky.

Then there was prom.  I guess I'm the official master presser of kilts for him and his friends. That took a couple of hours. In this requisite pre-prom picture, they do look pretty sharp!

 Enough for the moment about "The Golden Boy" --

RANDOMNESS #3 - EASTER

Our son, Mike, was home bearing gifts from his recent trip to Japan.  A lot of neat stuff including fancy chop sticks, boxes, fabric, and origami paper. 
The grandkids have always had an Easter egg hunt at our house, often on the day before Easter.  They are now way too old for an egg hunt, but still want one --- what is a Grammy to do?  We keep having to make it harder and harder!!  Last year, we filled the plastic eggs with coins, buried them in the ground, and they had to use the metal detector to find them.  This year, we decided it was time for a treasure hunt with clues in the eggs that told where the next egg was to be found.

The most frustrating clue for them was "Chap Stick, wherefore art thou?"  They found three chap sticks around the house before they found the egg with another chap stick hiding in the glove compartment of the car.  My favorite clue was "Man's best friend, Quack, Quack!"  It took them forever to reason this one out --- the egg was in the garage where we keep the Duck Tape.  The last of the 15 clues led them to my silver chest where they found young adult's favorite treasure -- gift cards. They had great fun -- secretly, I think Mike always enjoys it as much as the grandkids!

Then, I set up a taco bar for supper.

The best part of our Easter celebration was yet to come.  Wyatt has been seriously involved in his Christian journey the last couple of years, and decided to be baptized on Easter morning in the church we have belonged to since our own kids were young.

What more could grandparents ask for?  We have truly been blessed.

I hope you also had a joyous Easter weekend.

ENTERTAINMENT AT ITS BEST PLUS A QUILT SHOW UPDATE

Our granddaughter has been a talker and a bit of a drama queen since she was tiny -- nothing has changed!

The other afternoon, she and her boyfriend stopped by for some strawberries and cake, and stayed for three hours.  We never moved from the dining room table.  We talked and laughed and laughed some more.

Her audience was captivated.
It's always fun to connect with the younger generation!

Update on the quilt show --
The show was hung and the opening reception has passed.  Click on my quilting blog here and here for pictures, etc.  It has been a fun experience!!

VALENTINE READING PLUS MY SPECIAL HEART TUGGERS

My friend, Marsha, is my personal librarian.  She loans me books to read that she thinks I would enjoy; and she is always right about my literary preferences.  I love that she is my friend in more ways than one!!

Recently, she loaned me two books with locations in Paris.  The last time, 2011, that I was in Paris; Marsha was also there.  She was with her adult daughter, and I was with my adult son.  The 'youngsters' had us running all over with busy schedules, so we were unable to meet up at the time.  But, it is a fun thought that we were sharing so many of the same places at the same time --- just not together.

The first book, "Paris in Love" by Eloisa James is a memoir about her family's year-long sabbatical in Paris.  This book was pure delight.  I loved her take on the schools, sights, and food of Paris.

The second book, "Hidden in Paris" by Corine Gantz is a novel also about Americans living in Paris.  I would have enjoyed this book more without the cuss words and intimacy issues.  Marsha warned me, as I'm a self-professed prude.  The house in the story and the plot were interesting enough to keep me engrossed, however.
If you have ever experienced the magic and love
 of Paris, or wanted to; these two books are fun reads.

My two special heart tuggers --

Wyatt was born late in the day on February 13th, so we have always considered him our Valentine baby.  He has an 'over the top' personality.  So if anyone should turn 13 years old on Friday, the 13th; and have a middle-school Valentine dance on his birthday, this is the boy!!
His sister, Caitlin, hates that he has passed her in height just a little and is now a teenager --- he is still her little baby brother.

Happy Birthday, Wyatt and love to both of you on Valentine's Day.

I'm joining the following:
Nancherrow for Fridays Unfolded
Pieced Pastimes for Saturday Sparks
Confessions of a Plate Addict for The Scoop Tuesday
A Stroll Thru Life for Inspire Me Tuesday
Ivy and Elephants for What's It Wednesday
Have a Daily Cup for Share Your Cup Thursday

THE GARDEN, THE CUTIE, THE BEAUTY!

THE GARDEN ----

Usually by the middle of August in our dry, arid climate, our garden is looking a little weary.  We've had more rain and cool weather; so things are still looking good!

In the vegetable garden, the lettuce, beans, and peas are finished, but Bob is harvesting zucchini, tomatoes, peppers, carrots, onions, blackberries -- and the Halloween pumpkins are growing.

That's not all that's growing ---

THE CUTIE ----

That would be our grandson, Wyatt.  He has grown 3 inches this summer, and is now taller than I am.  He spent 8 weeks involved in recreation-district track and field.  I love watching him run the hurdles.  How does he do that?  I was so uncoordinated as a child!  He has also spent three mornings a week at the high school lifting weights with the big boys.  In our small community, that's a 'Rite of Passage' for boys -- all in preparation for 7th grade football.

Every Friday this summer, he has spent the day with Bob and I.  He mows the yard, helps Bob with the garden, and they do their favorite activity of putzing in the garage.

This kid also loves to cook, so this past week he and I had some kitchen time together. 

We made empanadas for lunch with a hamburger, green chile, and cheese filling.

Football practice has already started, school begins next week.

THE BEAUTY ----

a.k.a. Caitlin, our favorite (only) granddaughter.  This is her second summer working for a local rafting company.  Conditions and business for rafting have been good this summer, so she has gotten lots of hours.  I've hardly seen her.  On her one day off a week, boyfriend-time cuts into Grammy-time!

She has decided, though, that she wants me to take her senior pictures.  So, on her day off last week, we spent the whole day together.  In the morning, we went out for Photo Shoot #1; then in the afternoon, we shopped.  We have more photo shoots planned - more outfits, more locations.

This girl and the camera do play well together.

Even the out-takes were fun.  Focus, Cait, Focus!!!!

"I'm off to see the wizard!"                                         "What's that wire thingy up there?"

And, now she is a Senior in high school.

After taking care of both kids as preschoolers all day, every day way back when, and now this -- I'm having a hard time and experiencing pre-empty-nest syndrome.  It's almost worse than when my own children flew the nest.

I have to tell myself, "It's all good."

(Just don't fly away too soon.)

I'm joining the following:
It's Overflowing for Share Your Creativity
Boogie Board Cottage for Masterpiece Monday
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia for Inspire Me Monday
Coastal Charm for Show and Share Tuesday
Confessions of a Plate Addict for The Scoop Tuesday
Our Home Away From Home for Tuesdays at our Home
A Stroll Thru Life for Inspire Me Tuesday
Green Willow Pond for What We Accomplished Wednesday
Savvy Southern Style for WOW Us Wednesdays
Have a Daily Cup for Share Your Cup Thursday
Imparting Grace for Grace at Home Thursday
Nancherrow for Fridays Unfolded
Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday

KIDS, FLOUR, AND FROSTING!

We might as well inaugurate the new kitchen with kids, flour, and frosting.  It was a real mess!

 The grandkids and I made Halloween mummy cookies --

 And witches hats.

Five years have passed and Caitlin's hair is still not under control in the kitchen -- please, call the kitchen police!  Oh my.

Left - Halloween 2008             Right - Halloween 2013

Such concentration!

Have you made a mess in the kitchen with your favorite goblins  lately?

I'm joining the following parties:

Creative Home Expressions for The Creative Home and Garden Hop Sunday

Dwellings-The Heart of your Home for Amaze Me Monday

The Dedicated House for Make It Pretty Monday

Cedar Hill Ranch for The Scoop Tuesday

Cozy Little House for Tweak it Tuesday

Ivy and Elephants for What's It Wednesday

The Vintage Farmhouse for Creative Things Thursday

Have a Daily Cup for Share Your Cup Thursday

Common Ground for Be Inspired Friday

DIY Vintage Chic for Friday's Five Features

A GIRL AND HER SHOES AND SOCKS

My favorite granddaughter turns 16 years old this week.

Her love affair with shoes started at a young age -- especially those with some bling!

Her mother hates to shop, so I've been the designated shopper for this cutie pie over the years.  But, I about lost the title last year when she and I came home with these sparkly high heels.  The family just about decided that Caitlin and I couldn't be trusted to shop for shoes.  She was so excited as we picked out her first homecoming dress, then these shoes.  I couldn't resist.

It's not just the fancy shoes that tickle her.  Her sock wardrobe is beyond belief.  Even a pair of plain grey Keds are paired with hot pink socks.

 Purple socks are a necessity to jazz up your running shoes at a 5K race.

And, plaid shoes are perfect for any occasion.

Last week, the family agreed we could go shopping for some happy 16th birthday shoes.  Caitlin told me on the way to the city that she thought some black pumps would look fabulous with skinny jeans.  I knew then what we were going to come home with -- it was out of my control!

When you are tall anyway, 6" heels puts you easily over 6 feet.  Being short myself, I don't know how anyone walks up in that rarefied air anyway.  But, she does it like she has done it for years.   We'll see if the family ever lets us go shoe shopping again.

Where have the years gone?  I pine for the day I bought these cute, little Mary Janes.  Check out those socks with the hint of red tights.  I wonder where she learned how to choose her shoes and socks?

Happy Birthday,  Caitlin.  May you always walk strong and tall!

HOME AGAIN AND A FUN BIRTHDAY

We are back from our 3000-mile, 10-day road trip just in time to celebrate our granddaughter's 15th birthday. She was so excited when she was 4 (picture on the left) as I made her a Dorothy dress, that she sat on my lap practically the whole time that I was sewing it. The picture on the left was taken this Fall as she started high school. She still loves to dress up, and will be going to her first homecoming dance this next weekend. She has a new dress, but this time with HIGH-heeled sparkly shoes.

Happy Birthday, sweet Caitlin!

We had a great trip heading south out of Colorado into New Mexico, then east into Texas. Our first stop was a visit with Bob's cousin and wife in Bandera, Texas. Now, I know what they mean when they say west Texas is dry this year. The cotton plants are struggling, and everything is brown. My heart goes out to all of those farmers and ranchers.

We made a quick stop in Fredericksburg at the German bakery for a sweet German pretzel. Yum - it was every bit as good as the ones I had in Germany this summer.

The next destination was Bastrop, Texas, the home of the horrible wild fires this summer. It is so sad to see homes with just the rock fireplaces left standing. I believe 1700 homes were burned. I talked with one mother whose family of five had been displaced and was living at the same motel we were in. She was upbeat, thankful they had jobs, and excited about the new home they are designing.

Bastrop would be our home for three nights, as we traveled back and forth each day to Round Top and Warrenton for the huge antique extravaganza.

Five years ago, we had been to the antique week, but it has grown even more. Next post will be about what we saw and the things we bought. Stay tuned!

READY FOR FALL!

Our pumpkin patch has gone crazy this year. Even though it isn't even the first of September they are almost ready. Does this mean we will have an early Fall and Winter?
The little decorative pumpkins seem to be ready, also.

The beginning of the school year also signals Fall to me. My grandkids are ready - they start on Monday.

Wyatt will be in the 4th grade, and Caitlin starts high school (oh, my!).

I've been rather negligent in taking pictures of them this summer so Caitlin and I decided it was time for a 'photo shoot' down at the river to celebrate the beginning of her high school years.

Where have the years gone?

I'm joining Susan at A Southern Daydreamer for Outdoor Wednesday.