THE LIGHTER SIDE CAFE SUNDAY JUNE 14TH

Good Morning, WW Friends ~

Happy Sunday!!  We woke to a very cool morning with temps in the 50's.  I would rather be cool than hot!! Since we've already had some 90's and have more on tap later this week, this weather suits me just fine.  

I was able to get in a long walk yesterday, then read for a while on the patio.  DH came home early and we went to an early supper at Red Lobster (around 4 o'clock).  The place was pretty empty, which was expected at that early hour.  We didn't want to go when it was crowded anyway.  I had been wanting shrimp (as that is one thing we have not had since we've been staying at home). They had a limited menu but one of my favorites - Shrimp Trio -was on it so that was what I had.  

Ann ~ Sorry LuLa isn't feeling better.  It will be a relief for you when your vet opens tomorrow.  You are all in my thoughts and prayers.  Hope you have a better day.

Judy ~ I am hoping you are having wonderful weather at the Cape.  If you have anything like our last couple of days, your A/C won't be a problem.  I am sure you are enjoying the time away.  Oh, BTW, I found the recipe for the Veggie Egg Cups quite easily (thanks) and I printed it so it is now in my file.

Pam ~ My DH told me that he checked on Ruby Tuesday and the whole chain didn't shut down, but they closed "some" of their locations. The website isn't updated yet, so when it is I will check where one is open?? I just hate to waste the gift card, but it is what it is.

This morning we had Breakfast Casserole with the last of the strawberries.  It was a delicious breakfast.  We came home stuffed from supper last night, so were quite hungry this morning.  I think tonight's (early) supper will be leftover pork sirloin tip roast, butternut squash and apple bake, and a green vegetable.  Another "quick and easy" meal.

I called the wife of one of DH's cousins yesterday.  We received an invitation to a 100th birthday party for DH's uncle that she and her husband are hosting next Saturday.  That plan is still puzzling me.  I have not quite wrapped my head around that concept, while DH seems okay with it.  I talked to DBIL yesterday and he was also puzzled about the plan because the assisted living where the elderly couple reside has been in lock down for months now allowing no visitors whatsoever.  I am secretly hoping we get a message that it has been cancelled or at least postponed.  Meanwhile, DBIL did mention meeting up with us and going together (which would be fine) and he and I discussed only staying a very few minutes.  I fear this is not going to sit as well with my DH.

My hair is finally growing out of control and I am definitely looking forward to getting it cut this coming Thursday.  My nails are doing fine and I am not even tempted to have my acrylics reapplied. Change seems to be the name of the game nowadays.

BBL.  Make a great day!!

Hi All ~

In rereading my previous post, I realized I was not totally clear about the upcoming 100th birthday party.  We found out it is being held at a grandson's house.  We called the hostess and found out that it will be outdoors (that was a plus).  But no mention was made of any C-19 precautions being taken. She said people could wear a mask if they wanted. But no other reassurance of any special arrangements.  DBIL was astounded that American House would let them remove the elderly couple from their facility, since they've been locked down for months now. But apparently they are?  When I talked to DBIL he had the same reservations that I did when he received the invitation.  Anyway, the hostess then said "I figure those who want to come will come, and those that don't, won't".  That's reasonable, but not very practical in this day and age. I also just found out that the son of the birthday boy has had several recent surgeries on his liver for an ongoing condition, so he is definitely health compromised.

I thought about it more this morning while DH was out running errands and did something that my first AA sponsor taught me ..... "play the tape all the way out".  I pictured us arriving, with masks on and wondering where to sit.  The birthday boy (turning 100) has diminished eyesight and both he and his wife have deteriorated hearing, such that the last few times we have seen them I have sat very close to him and talked to him so he would know who I was.  Talking to her also involves being up very close and personal.  I haven't been that close to ANYONE except my DH in months!!  I certainly cannot picture me (in this era of C-19) putting my face up against someone else's.  Then, after we wish him "Happy Birthday", what then?  We aren't going to go around hugging everyone as we may have done pre-pandemic.So we stand around and look at each other??

Then there's the issue of food. The party is from 3-6 p.m.so I am sure there will be food.  The CDC guidelines definitely recommend against serving yourself from open food with utensils shared by everyone! So what do we do there?  I saw so many red flags go up, just while playing out the tape of the potential party.  When DH got home, we sat down and had a serious conversation about it.  He was very open to hear my concerns, and as we talked his comfort level completely shifted until he no longer thought it was a good idea at all. He had some great ideas, like why didn't they do a virtual party? DBIL said they have a balcony off their apartment, where we could have gone by and stopped and chatted with them from a distance?  Anything BUT a big backyard gathering!!  In the meanwhile, DH suggested I call one of our girl cousins and see what she was doing?  Well, she said they were all going, and her sister (from Ohio) and her family.  EGADS!!  DH asked if she expressed any concern about the virus, and of course she did not.  NO ONE did!!  It's like it's all over for them.  Unfortunately, it is still very real to us.  

I have no control over what other people do, but we feel responsible for our own family (of 2) and we've decided to take a pass on it this time. I would love nothing more than to get to celebrate Uncle Don's 100th birthday - but under the circumstances I feel it would be a foolhardy choice.  I'm glad DH and I are on the same page, and that we got to fully hear each other out and come to a mutually agreeable solution.  It is unfortunate that this pandemic has interrupted our lives so much, but the fact is that it has and I fear it will continue to until we have a vaccine.  

Sue - I think you and DH have to make the decision that works for you. It's possible you could go, stay safely distanced from everyone, not eat and then leave. But, would the elderly couple even know you were there? Will other relatives respect your need for physical distance? What about a safe bathroom? I personally would have made the same choice as you. Send a lovely card and best wishes and hope and pray the birthday boy, his wife and their son all survive this party.