Life goes on...as 2020 comes to an end.

 December 11, 2020

Central NY

The COVID #s have increased and my city (Liverpool) has gone to "yellow" , which means limited numbers at certain places, gyms and hair salons remain open, and masks are required everywhere. under 10 was required for Thanksgiving. Which was fine for us. Our Thanksgiving included my current household, my son's friend Conner, who is always here anyways and Mark's mom.  

This was my first turkey done at home in over 25 years. We have always gone to the casino, or had dinner at my parents home, and even when we have had it in our home it was a pre-cooked all you have to do is warm it; "Thanksgiving in a Box" deals. I think it came out okay. Diane made some yummy green bean casserole, but forgot the rolls.  Oh well, at least we were safe by Governor Cuomo's standards. 

The new positive cases has had me a little concerned, and I am limited my time away from the home. Mark's employment now has mandatory testing. He is currently tested 3x a week and has to wear a face shield over his state regulatory mask. My son continues to do online learning, my daughters friend was positive which prompted her to get a test. (We are all negative here.) 

I have continued to address any appointments and the weekly needed grocery run. I even walked the mall one afternoon with friends. Masks worn of course. 

My photography class continues to be in person, but I had my Clinical supervision course on zoom. It was three days of awful. Its so much easier to get sidetracked when you dont have the teacher looking over you. I spent most of those three days scrap booking my trip to Australia and coloring an inapprorate coloring book my friend had given me. (Pictured here please look away if you are anti-cuss)

Hey, they were fun. At any rate, I successfully was engaged in the course work and was just about to the end when I lost power. Literally the course was just about to be completed and I was kicked off the internet. Luckily I got back in as well as sent an email, just in time to say goodbye. Well its done, now I can re-submit for my certification that was previously deficient. I spoke with a classmate who made me think about returning to school to get that last bit of course work for my license. I am so on the fence about it. Do I? Don't I. Right now, with COVID I am thinking it might be best just to stay my current course. I am sure these thoughts will come up again. 

In between taking classes I have been taking some time to work on my trailer. I did the backsplash

And painted the metal shelves.Im hoping to paint the cabinets next, and actually look under the rug to see if there is any wood rot in the floor boards. I pray NOT, but my son, after some investigating thinks that there is water damage under the table. I was giving myself a goal of 1/2 hour a day to work on her, but this past week was BUSY with classes, and the week prior was SOOOO cold and snowy. I know, EXCUSES EXCUSES.

I spent time getting festive and got my two tree's up for the Holidays. I also spent several hours on Amazon ordering gifts. I am so grateful for this method of Christmas shopping. The kids send a list from Amazon and I simply put them in the cart. Done. This has also been a saver on wrapping. Historically, I am attempting to wrap everything just before the day, now, I am wrapping as the item comes in. DONE!

I just love my Disney themed tree.





Today, Mark and I went to Del Lago casino to retrieve some free play. Mark had $150 free play which he returned with $143 in cash. I was awarded 45 of that for myself. (I love when he wins and I reap the benefits. Free money is free money. He also was awarded a gift. He spun and only won the generic prize. We were hoping for a new grill. He picked out a grooming kit for himself. The other choices were not so great. Oh well free is free. 

We also headed to the local outlet mall, where we picked up a few last minute Christmas items and we each got ourselves some new sneakers. Much needed!  Later we met with Mark's mother for dinner at Santangelo's. (THIS place has the best chicken parm.) We ate well, I had some cocktails and we celebrated Hanukkah in style. I gave Diane an album of our trip to Las Vegas several years back. I think she enjoyed it. She gave us all wonderful gifts (CASH) and she also gave me some National Park quarters to add to my collection. I am currently only missing 20 quarters to make my sets complete. 

The evening was enjoyed with a little tv time and relaxation. TTFN.