Tag: COVID 19

Categories
Memoirs

Funerals are Weird

Maybe no one has dared to utter those words, at least in print or publicly, but there they are.  Don’t you agree?  Here in the U.S., we have certain customs we follow when someone dies.  I’m sure they all, like Christmas traditions, have their origins and seem reasonable to most, but nowadays you have to wonder.  Should the usual traditions and customs be followed during a pandemic?

Because they’re not.  Many are not holding traditional funerals; many are holding memorial services, and many times the service is held weeks or even months after the death.  Fewer people are attending funeral services these days, for fear of catching or spreading the coronavirus, and those who do attend wear masks.

My father-in-law recently passed away, and my mother-in-law honored his wishes by having him cremated, but she decided at the last minute to donate his body to science, in hopes that research into dementia like his could help someone in the future.  An honorable and noble decision, in my opinion.  She filled out the proper paperwork, the university picked up the remains, and ashes may be returned to her when the work at the university medical school is complete.  

So there was no need for a casket, no need for viewing, no need for graveside service, no need for interment.   Most of the immediate family attended the simple memorial service with a handful of friends and relatives, and there were two speakers and a couple of songs, and the service was over.

Family received the guests and then convened at my mother-in-law’s home where we visited for awhile and then left.  It was odd.  No food was brought to the house, no food was served after the service, and no flowers were delivered.

Still, I believe my father-in-law was honored, and my mother-in-law was provided closure after months and months of caregiving.  This pared-down version of a funeral seemed to make more sense to me.  Maybe the traditions of visitation, viewing the body in a casket, and going to the cemetery help to provide closure for many, but this simple memorial service was a good substitute.  

Goodbye, Jerry. We love you. May you rest in peace with God.


Have you attended a funeral or memorial service during the pandemic?  Please share your experience.  I would love to hear about it.

XOXO

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Categories
holidays

The Fourth of July Canceled?

I was dismayed to find that many of the fireworks displays in my area had been canceled due to concerns about the spread of COVID-19.  Not that I would attend the big ones in the towns around here, but I at least would have had that option.  I realize that our nation’s birthday happens with or without fireworks, but it just doesn’t seem the same without them.

I had settled down with hubby in front of the TV to watch Macy’s Fourth of July celebration when I heard a big boom outside.  We have some neighbors who have been known to shoot off fireworks during holidays, but the trees usually cover them up.  Still, I had to investigate.  I sprang from my chair with Stella the Boston terrier on my heels.  We had to see what was going on.

To my utter surprise and delight, my next door neighbors were shooting off those big fireworks like the cities do!  I texted my mother who lives next door on the other side and she picked me up in my dad’s golf cart so we could drive across the road to watch the fireworks.

It wasn’t a big public event and there weren’t scores of people sitting on blankets or tailgating, but there were fireworks and we got to see them.  What could be better than having big fireworks at your next door neighbors?  I didn’t even have to bring a covered dish or dessert.

So, thank you, Turner family, for rescuing Independence Day for our quiet country neighborhood.  I’m sticking my tongue out at you, COVID 19.  You tried but you didn’t stop it.  

Maybe 2021 will be different, but I wouldn’t give anything for the lessons 2020 has taught me thus far.  That sounds like good material for another blog post.

I hope you had a safe and happy Fourth of July without a visit from the unwelcome coronavirus.  Here’s to the Red, White, and Blue!

XOXO

 





Categories
home decor

Talk Show Hosting from Home: Decor Ideas

Talk show hosts such as Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel have been hosting their shows from their homes.  I have found these glimpses into their homes and the homes of their guests very interesting.  

Have you noticed the rustic bohemian look of Jimmy Fallon’s home? The kitchen contains what looks like open cabinets made of old wood, while the office/playroom has antique cubbies filled with small antiques, antique toys, and even has an enclosed slide like the ones at McDonald’s Playland that goes from one floor down to the next.  
His interviews with other celebrities have given us a glimpse into their homes as well. 
Arnold Schwarzenegger appeared in a room with a scaled down tank in front of a large TV.  And look at the beams on the ceiling!  That gallery wall is impressive as well.
Kate Hudson appeared in a dark room with wood paneled walls, open shelving, and traditional chairs, probably an office.
 
Ben Stiller spoke from a bright neutrally decorated room with neutral furniture and open shelving with black-framed pieces.  It looks like a music room, actually.  
 
Ryan Reynolds appeared in a room with rustic wood planked walls, a gallery-look art display, and two different style lamps, very masculine, probably his man cave.
 
LL Cool J appeared in front of a cool gallery wall of various portraits and emblems.  Behind him is a shelf with a cool TIki-looking jar, a New York graphic sign, and letters spelling COSMIC.
This report may have totally put you to sleep but I thought it was interesting to see where these celebrities came from.  Admittedly, some may have filmed their segments in other places besides their homes, but if you go to the NBC Tonight Show page you can see a lot more celebrities behind the scenes in their own personal spaces.  Seeing their personal spaces tells me a lot more about them than anything they could say or do.  Don’t you agree?
 
Unbeknownst to me until today, there is a couple who rates the rooms people are in when they Skype or Zoom.  Their comments are original and a bit snarky.  You can check them out here:  https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/2020/05/18/room-rater-twitter-feed-giving-us-snarky-life-during-quarantine/5218545002/
Here in Texas we are beginning to venture out, keeping social distancing and sanitizing guidelines, of course.  Masks are also strongly advised.  It’s been nice to get out again.  I hope you are safe and well.  
Who is your favorite celebrity?  Maybe we will see them from their own homes on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon!
XOXO
Categories
COVID 19

Why I’m Thankful During the Pandemic

Thankful?  Am I nuts?  Probably.  But what’s the alternative?  Sitting at home wringing my hands crying “Woe is me?”  I choose not to do that.  I choose to count my blessings and be thankful for the good things. 

  • My family is well.  It may change tomorrow or even later on today, but as of now, they are well.  Hubby, kids, their spouses, grandkids, my parents, hubby’s parents, my brother and sisters and their families, nieces and nephews–all well so far.
  • We have what we need.  We are still able to get enough food and supplies to survive, praying the grocery stores and other essential businesses stay open.
  • My children and their spouses are able to work from home.  There hasn’t been a loss of income.  I know many other families are not so fortunate, and my heart goes out to them, as well as prayers for them.
  •  Most families I know are drawing closer while having to stay at home.
  •  People are finding creative ways to keep in touch.
  •  I’m getting more housecleaning done.
  •  I’m getting some home projects done that I have been putting off.
  •  I’m getting more writing done.
  •  It may seem like forever, but this too shall pass.  Please, God, let it hurry up!
That’s about all I can come up with.  I’m sure there are many more blessings that have failed to come to mind.  I’m trying not to dwell on missing my grandkids. What about you?  How are you coping?  Are you thankful for the good things?  Stay safe, y’all.
XOXO