The Lighter Side Cafe Monday 4/1 thru Easter Sunday 4/12

 Happy hump day everyone!

These really seem to run into one another so I had to remind myself that it was Wednesday. I never did get online yesterday because I was so busy with work duties watching zoom videos of our college president telling us about what could be in store as far as jobs and the overall health of the University. So far we are good – well as good as she can be under the circumstances – and will be home  and fully paid through May. After that it depends on the scenario of the virus and what it looks like as far as students even coming to school in the fall etc. Parents from far away might be worried and not want to send their children across the country or the world to come to our college in the fall so they’re talking about delayed opening and all kinds of possibilities. Who knows? Maybe my retirement will happen sooner than I planned. We’ll see.

 I also spent a good part of the day helping DD from afar as she worked with Chase bank for the small business paycheck protection program grant and loan. It is part of the CARES act and involved quite a bit of paperwork, forms and things that she needed help with.  The loan officer at the bank was very helpful, and I believe she had everything submitted by last night.   I’m not sure if I told all of you, but she is in the process of a painful divorce. It is definitely for the best and has been ongoing since early last summer so we are coming up on a year.  Honestly, it’s not a big surprise for any of us and she and her children will be much better and stronger going forward once she gets through this. But, what a tough time this is to have to deal with unemployment, loss of business, attorneys and being a single mom. And having an ex who is not meeting financial obligations though he has a top level, high paying job at a very successful tech company. We’re really proud of how well she is handling everything.   So, when you think about stress and its impact, say a couple prayers for my daughter and her family. It’s definitely hard to be this far away.  I can tell you more in a private email sometime if you’re interested. 

 Our son and daughter-in-law had other distressing news yesterday. Our son has been in their new home and he is self isolating to protect our daughter-in-law and the baby from any germs he may have picked up during the move when he was in contact with so many movers and others. He wore his mask and gloves but you just never know.  The new home is beautiful, but yesterday he and his beloved German Shepherd were on the deck talking to DDIL who is at her parents home for another week or so. She was telling him how she had to go and be tested for COVID-19 because she has many symptoms right now. She’s concerned because she staying with her parents and her dad has heart issues that make him vulnerable. While she was talking to him and he was standing on the deck which  which is 15 feet from the ground but properly guarded by big railings, his German Shepherd dog jumped on the couch on the deck and leapt off the deck after seeing a squirrel. They’ve only been in the house a few days so the dog is just getting familiar with his surroundings. He landed hard on his feet and collapsed.   After a trip to the vet, no broken bones were detected; however, he damaged his lungs  with bruising and is now in a veterinary hospital on oxygen. He’s a big strong young dog and it’s heartbreaking to think of him brought in on a stretcher to the hospital. The doctor told my son that his chances of recovery are pretty good if he does not have to go onto a ventilator.  He said that most dogs don’t recover if they wind up on a ventilator. So between that, DDIL’s possible Covid virus confirmation, and our DD‘s issues, we are just rolling along taking it one day at a time. Whew!  So please say a few extra prayers for Bruin the dog, our DDIL , my DS who is heartbroken and for us. I am juggling a lot of balls right now worrying about our grown children and DGKs.  You never stop worrying. Sorry to unload all of this on you my dear friends, but we all have our burdens to carry and we have a lot to be thankful for  every day. 

I  did an online meeting yesterday and no surprise I was up more than 2 pounds. I am determined to get this under control if nothing else right now. I really need to restock veggies and fruit but I am loathe to go to the store. I might try to get some canned fruits without sugar added etc. just to have some healthy things in the house that I can grab. The hello fresh meals are working out well and I am trying to get more onto more of a schedule and to drink more water.

I’ll be back soon and I’ll write some personals when I get a chance. Now I have to get crackin’ and look at my work emails to see what I might accomplished today! Good to have a diversion. Bye for now and have a good day friends.   Sorry if you see some typos – I was trying to use the microphone so that I could say a lot a little faster. Thinking of you all and your families and friends who are going through a hard time right now, too.