CN Central: Let's Talk

[Earth Mother 2 Angels]

((((((Hugs to All)))))) ~

funnylegs4 ~

How good to hear that you had a nice Thanksgiving.

Tonight, I will finish the leftovers from my feast of Field Roast Celebration Roast, mashed potatoes and cauliflower. As expected, it was a difficult day, but I tried to focus on the freedom Jim, Jonathan and Michael have now. I reflected on our past Thanksgiving celebrations, which was both comforting and sad. That's the thing about memories ~ they can be joyful and painful simultaneously.

Stay the course, because there is still so much, which needs to be done to level the playing field for people with disabilities. You are the future, funnylegs4.

Mary Grace ~

Your meal sounds delicious, and I know it was wonderful for you all to be together. What a treat for Kathleen to have apple soda!

All that any of us can do is the best we can do. It's incredible that you are thinking that as I am, and all of the teachers, who are up against a wall with helping their students, need to realize that is the same for them.

As a former teacher, I do understand their frustration. A bond is created in the classroom between the teacher and the students, which virtual learning cannot replicate. Children also need socialization with their peers, which COVID is preventing.

Our school district allowed students to return to campus two times a week for three hours of classes. A) COVID cases are surging, so why are you opening schools now for physical contact? These are children. They don't know how serious this is. Their masks will be off, and they'll be touching surfaces without washing their hands ... B) How much learning and interaction can actually occur meaningfully within 6 hours a week of personal contact?

For years, everything has been pointing to this ~ where the internet and social media became the norm, and real life social interaction became obsolete. What else can we consider social media to be other than contact-less connections? And the current generations are used to that ~ to seeing Grandma on FaceTime, or "distance learning" on their iPads. Most teenagers are never separated from their smart phones. In a way, we prepared for this pandemic to be connected virtually.

And, thankfully, the platforms have been provided to allow us to be connected virtually.

I'm sure your home is aglow with Christmas cheer with your lights up.

My Update

Another legal issue arose, which requires that I return to sign additional forms to the ones I signed about 2 weeks ago. It's a 15 minute appointment, and it's only a few miles from my house.

For several reasons, I decided that I wanted to drive the van and go alone. The van needs to be driven, and I need to drive, so I don't forget how to do it. I know the last part may sound silly, but I need to feel comfortable on the road. John had 6 guests for Thanksgiving dinner, so I need to social distance from him for at least a week, and being in a car isn't a good idea.

John has been wonderful about driving me everywhere, and he's always next to me to steady me when I step up or down a curb or something similar, opens doors for me, everything. Perfect gentleman always, and overprotective of me.

The thing is, I could get used to this pampering. I fear that if I depend on him too much, I will lose my independence. Or I will fear that if I don't have him with me, something might happen to me. I'm not ready nor anywhere close to being in that place yet. I know my limitations, and I am ultra careful.

Another reason is that John's availability is afternoons, and that is the time of day, when I begin to sag and drag a bit. I would prefer to do business mid morning, as I find that the authorities/officials with whom I meet may be a bit tired after lunch. I totally understand that.

So, this morning, I brought in the empty trash bins, and I fired up the van. She started immediately, engine sounds good, and I was able to back out of the driveway safely, although a van was parked in front of the house across the street from me. I consider that an obstacle, but I maneuvered around it. I drove down our main road (a hill) to the bottom, turned into a cul-de-sac, and went back up the hill to home.

It was only 5 minutes, but she drove smooth and even, brakes worked well, no alarms went off. When I saw that she has a half tank of gas in her, I thought "We could go a long way. We won't. But we could. We can't. But we could."

I love this van. She has served us so well for 22 years. I remember the few trips we took with the boys in the van, before their health declined. They loved it. They were especially fond of the TV in the back just for them. Jim would tie down their wheelchairs, then lift them out of their w/c's and put them in their custom made Captain's chairs. It was cushy.

Most of her mileage accumulated from our trips to and from the hospital, when Jim and I changed shifts at home and the hospital. When Jim felt well enough, he drove himself to/from his doctor appointments and infusions. Usually, John transported Jim, but like me, he didn't want to give up driving.

We've had a few offers to sell her through the years. Young men, who wanted to turn her into a weekend party van. I always pointed out that she has a wheelchair lift ramp and tie downs for two wheelchairs. She's not for sale. She'll be donated to someone, who needs that equipment.

And she will be donated, but for now, I can't drive John's car, because I have to go to the DMV to register it, and I am not going to do that during COVID surging.

So, when I climbed in this morning, I told her that I love her, and I know she loves me (yes, it's a machine, but we've been through a lot together). I thanked her for her service, and I patted the dashboard. "We aren't done yet."

Of course, the van across the street was still there, when I returned. It took me two tries, but I managed to get her into the driveway, without running into John's car. "We Did It!"

And, yes, all of the automobiles/vans I've owned were female. And they had names. Every one of them served me well.

To all, I send love, prayers, and positive healing energy to you and your loved ones. Be well, be safe, and be content as possible given the constraints during this difficult time. Keep searching for new ways to celebrate the holidays, and keep as many traditions in your home as you can. Remember how blessed we are to have each other, even if we can't be close physically. The best gift to give and receive this year is being healthy and safe from COVID.

Love & Light,



Rose

*Virtual Hugs Are Germ-Free!

[mg12061]

Rose, I hope you enjoyed your leftovers. We finished the last of ours last night. We took Kathleen to her brothers house it was really nice out and sunny so she sat outside while we helped him put up some outdoor lights. I'll add a picture of my acrobat husband hanging the lights LOL. Glad you were able to test out your van. I agree that driving some small distances is helpful to keep your skills up. I haven't been driving much since March, there's just no place I go really except local. So when I got on the highway a couple of times it felt so different. Glad she's still in good running condition. I can see why you name her, she's more than just a van to you for sure! She's freedom, she's been great help in some difficult times. It kept your sons safe and happy and she contains those memories of the trips you have shared with them.
It's so alarming to see the covid numbers grow. I do hope our governor will take action as he did in the spring and close things up tighter.
The teachers I know are such caring and dedicated teachers. They are kindergarten and first grade. I know they are used to making a connection that is more difficult now. One of these teachers is my best friend who i connected with because she was Kathleen's first grade teachers and she was amazing and accepted and included her so well and set an example for the teachers who followed.
Stay well stay safe and stay connected...
Mary GraceCA655844-0DB3-4CC7-94DD-933440476784.jpgA73F4625-D3A3-4676-8B00-FB6E54E19B30.jpg

[mg12061]

Rose, I hope you enjoyed your leftovers. We finished the last of ours last night. We took Kathleen to her brothers house it was really nice out and sunny so she sat outside while we helped him put up some outdoor lights. I'll add a picture of my acrobat husband hanging the lights LOL. Glad you were able to test out your van. I agree that driving some small distances is helpful to keep your skills up. I haven't been driving much since March, there's just no place I go really except local. So when I got on the highway a couple of times it felt so different. Glad she's still in good running condition. I can see why you name her, she's more than just a van to you for sure! She's freedom, she's been great help in some difficult times. It kept your sons safe and happy and she contains those memories of the trips you have shared with them.
It's so alarming to see the covid numbers grow. I do hope our governor will take action as he did in the spring and close things up tighter.
The teachers I know are such caring and dedicated teachers. They are kindergarten and first grade. I know they are used to making a connection that is more difficult now. One of these teachers is my best friend who i connected with because she was Kathleen's first grade teachers and she was amazing and accepted and included her so well and set an example for the teachers who followed.
Stay well stay safe and stay connected...
Mary Grace

[Earth Mother 2 Angels]

((((((Hugs to All)))))) ~

Mary Grace ~

My first question is: why isn't your husband on a ladder?! Oh, the many times Jim was teetering on a ledge or some precarious situation! I would beg him to come down, and he'd remind me that he was a scaffolder.

Thank you for not finding it strange that I name my vehicles, and they are all female! With every one of them, I went through numerous crises, as well as miles of good memories.

Understanding my concern about entering a building during this COVID surge, the person with whom I need to meet offered to walk out to the van to get my signature. It will be as contact-less as possible that way and save me getting in and out of the van twice.

I hope Gov. Cuomo and other governors will start locking down places, because after all of the travel for Thanksgiving, cases are bound to keep surging. This is life and death. We all have to suck it up and do whatever is necessary to protect us.

Imagine what it was like in England during WWII. It was horrible. Bombs being dropped on the cities, loved ones going off to fight the war never to return, rationing of food and other supplies, economic disaster, fear. Well, now COVID is a war against all of us around the globe. We must be willing to sacrifice for the greater good.

I'm a bit disappointed with our Governor too, Mary Grace. County officials seem to be making decisions. In a state this large, that is not efficient government during a pandemic.

Wear a mask, isolate as much as possible, wear gloves, wash your hands even if you wear gloves, social distance, no more big hugs (how I miss those, as we all do), no more parties and gatherings. Until we all agree to do this, this virus is not going to be controlled.

God Bless All of Our Teachers, who are not recognized as front line essential workers. When they walk into their classrooms, they are being exposed to any number of germs among their students. And that was pre-COVID. Parents are now recognizing how vital teachers are to their children's future. That is because teachers spend more time with their children every weekday than the parents spend.

COVID has turned the World upside down. We have to work together against this virus, as if we were in the middle of a World War, because we are.

When it is time for your husband to take down the Christmas lights, please ask him to use a ladder!

To All ~ my prayers, love, and healing thoughts are with you and your loved ones. Blessings upon you all, and let's not give up the fight!

Love & Light,



Rose

*Virtual Hugs Are Germ-Free!

[mg12061]

Rose, I'm thankful that you were able to do the signing more safely. It's so stressful to have to do anything that doesn't quite feel safe. I think you made a very good analogy about being at war. We certainly are right now. The difference is we have so many things to be thankful for and to keep us connected, busy, and entertained. We have plenty of supplies and can order them from our couch. There are so many ways to get extra help where needed as well.
I called my husband a "flying Wallendas" . He used a ladder for part of it but there was a large section that had bushes up against the house and the ladder just didn't fit. He was not going to give up. His first thought was to get on the roof but (luckily) the ladder wasn't long enough LOL. He's quite fit for a 60 year old. I told my son to maybe leave them up till next year!LOL.
Be well be safe!
Mary Grace

[mg12061]

Rose, I'm thankful that you were able to do the signing more safely. It's so stressful to have to do anything that doesn't quite feel safe. I think you made a very good analogy about being at war. We certainly are right now. The difference is we have so many things to be thankful for and to keep us connected, busy, and entertained. We have plenty of supplies and can order them from our couch. There are so many ways to get extra help where needed as well.
I called my husband a "flying Wallendas" . He used a ladder for part of it but there was a large section that had bushes up against the house and the ladder just didn't fit. He was not going to give up. His first thought was to get on the roof but (luckily) the ladder wasn't long enough LOL. He's quite fit for a 60 year old. I told my son to maybe leave them up till next year!LOL.
Be well be safe!
Mary Grace

[Earth Mother 2 Angels]

((((((Hugs to All)))))) ~

Mary Grace ~

I'm so sorry that I haven't responded to your post after all of this time. I do hope that the Christmas lights will come down safely without any precarious positions for your husband, who is definitely quite fit at 60 years old (as are you, Mary Grace). Your family is beautiful in every way.

Here is my latest update:

As you know, I've had computer issues for several years. My iMac is 11 years old, and I don't shut her down, because she takes a long time to reboot. John was helping me solve a problem with the pond pumps not working after heavy rainfall, and he turned off the power to the TV and the computer. That was New Year's Eve.

Since then, I have spent many hours on the phone and texting with my very dear friend, who is proficient in technology. And extremely patient with me, who is not proficient at all. We finally got rid of Adobe Flash Player, hooked up the Seagate external drive, used Time Machine (thank you funnylegs4 for your guidance in 2019, the last time I backed up the computer), and saved all changes to the external drive. It only took a minute, so I guess I have not added much in a year plus to my database.

As it is clear that my computer needs to be replaced, I ordered a new iMac today. It will take a month to be delivered, so I pray that my old computer will continue working until then. John is on board to set it up for me and help me be able to hook it up to my old computer, so I can transfer data without using the external drive.

So, I am excited and nervous about getting a new computer. At least I will be current, and not 6 generations behind in technology, so I will have access to more things on the computer.

MY DREAM

Before I turn in every night, I ask Jim, Jonathan and Michael to visit me in my dreams.

I dream a LOT, and many of my dreams are confusing, with people I seem to know but don't recognize, or I wake up thinking that a certain person was in my dream, and then, I'm unsure. My dreams are always vivid, but retention of them is a problem, because I sometimes fall back to sleep and have more dreams.

Apparently, my subconscious has quite a bit to sort out.

This morning, i woke up for my nightly trip to the bathroom from a dream about Michael and Jonathan. I was with it enough to go through it in my mind, and I knew that I was with them.

We were in an unfamiliar setting, like a hotel or resort. They were walking, talking, perfectly perfect.

When I was describing this to John today, he asked me, "What were Jon's and Michael's voices like? Since they were nonverbal basically?"

But they weren't always nonverbal, so they sounded like they did, when they were verbal, but more articulate. We hugged, kissed, held hands, laughed, as if everything was perfect.

John asked if Jim was there, and I said that I felt his presence, but it was as if he wanted me to be with our boys. John laughed, "Jim was at the pub, giving you your space."

I am reassured that they are always near and watching over me. I needed that very much at this time, and they came through for me once again.

This year, I have many obstacles before me, as they weren't resolved last year thanks to COVID. As an essential worker, John is eligible for the COVID vaccine in the second tier. I will feel safer with him after he's vaccinated. As it is now, our encounters are brief, mostly outside, and we both wear masks and gloves. Then I spray everything with Lysol.

So, I'm as isolated as anyone can be. With a new computer, I will be able to connect virtually with my loved ones, where I cannot do that with my current OS.

I just want to complete my responsibilities and have all of my ducks in a row. I have to remain healthy to accomplish that goal.

The most important part of this post is: Life doesn't end, when our vessels perish. Life goes on eternally.

I love you all, and I send you healing, positive energy, and prayers to you and your loved ones.

Be well, be safe, dream, and find joy everyday.

Love & Light,



Rose

*Virtual Hugs Are Germ-Free!

[funnylegs4]

This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show Quote

((((((Hugs to All)))))) ~

Mary Grace ~

I'm so sorry that I haven't responded to your post after all of this time. I do hope that the Christmas lights will come down safely without any precarious positions for your husband, who is definitely quite fit at 60 years old (as are you, Mary Grace). Your family is beautiful in every way.

Here is my latest update:

As you know, I've had computer issues for several years. My iMac is 11 years old, and I don't shut her down, because she takes a long time to reboot. John was helping me solve a problem with the pond pumps not working after heavy rainfall, and he turned off the power to the TV and the computer. That was New Year's Eve.

Since then, I have spent many hours on the phone and texting with my very dear friend, who is proficient in technology. And extremely patient with me, who is not proficient at all. We finally got rid of Adobe Flash Player, hooked up the Seagate external drive, used Time Machine (thank you funnylegs4 for your guidance in 2019, the last time I backed up the computer), and saved all changes to the external drive. It only took a minute, so I guess I have not added much in a year plus to my database.

As it is clear that my computer needs to be replaced, I ordered a new iMac today. It will take a month to be delivered, so I pray that my old computer will continue working until then. John is on board to set it up for me and help me be able to hook it up to my old computer, so I can transfer data without using the external drive.

So, I am excited and nervous about getting a new computer. At least I will be current, and not 6 generations behind in technology, so I will have access to more things on the computer.

MY DREAM

Before I turn in every night, I ask Jim, Jonathan and Michael to visit me in my dreams.

I dream a LOT, and many of my dreams are confusing, with people I seem to know but don't recognize, or I wake up thinking that a certain person was in my dream, and then, I'm unsure. My dreams are always vivid, but retention of them is a problem, because I sometimes fall back to sleep and have more dreams.

Apparently, my subconscious has quite a bit to sort out.

This morning, i woke up for my nightly trip to the bathroom from a dream about Michael and Jonathan. I was with it enough to go through it in my mind, and I knew that I was with them.

We were in an unfamiliar setting, like a hotel or resort. They were walking, talking, perfectly perfect.

When I was describing this to John today, he asked me, "What were Jon's and Michael's voices like? Since they were nonverbal basically?"

But they weren't always nonverbal, so they sounded like they did, when they were verbal, but more articulate. We hugged, kissed, held hands, laughed, as if everything was perfect.

John asked if Jim was there, and I said that I felt his presence, but it was as if he wanted me to be with our boys. John laughed, "Jim was at the pub, giving you your space."

I am reassured that they are always near and watching over me. I needed that very much at this time, and they came through for me once again.

This year, I have many obstacles before me, as they weren't resolved last year thanks to COVID. As an essential worker, John is eligible for the COVID vaccine in the second tier. I will feel safer with him after he's vaccinated. As it is now, our encounters are brief, mostly outside, and we both wear masks and gloves. Then I spray everything with Lysol.

So, I'm as isolated as anyone can be. With a new computer, I will be able to connect virtually with my loved ones, where I cannot do that with my current OS.

I just want to complete my responsibilities and have all of my ducks in a row. I have to remain healthy to accomplish that goal.

The most important part of this post is: Life doesn't end, when our vessels perish. Life goes on eternally.

I love you all, and I send you healing, positive energy, and prayers to you and your loved ones.

Be well, be safe, dream, and find joy everyday.

Love & Light,



Rose

*Virtual Hugs Are Germ-Free!

Hi Rose,

You're very welcome! I'm glad time machine has been so successful for you! I just got a new external drive as a holiday gift but this one will not let me reformat for Time Machine use because it's in a format called "ExFAT" that I'm not familiar with, apparently...so I changed it to storage for individual work backups. It holds video and photos and PDFs so that's all I really need at the moment. What a lovely dream of Jim and the boys.

My work is going well except: One male coworker unfortunately just got diagnosed with prostate cancer, and another female coworker just came down with COVID19 and she has a lot of conditions/disabilities. So can you pray for both of them???
No worries it's all online work so I'm NOT exposed to COVID19.

[Earth Mother 2 Angels]

(((((((Hugs to All)))))) ~

funnylegs4 ~

Of course, I am praying for your coworkers. Please update us periodically on how they are. Healing prayers, and positive energy on the way.

You might as well speak Greek to me when you tell me about external drives and ExFat. I do know what a PDF is, however. And a JPG.

I hope you continue to be strong and well, enjoying your many endeavors.

Love & Light,



Rose

*Virtual Hugs Are Germ-Free!

[funnylegs4]

This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show Quote

(((((((Hugs to All)))))) ~

funnylegs4 ~

Of course, I am praying for your coworkers. Please update us periodically on how they are. Healing prayers, and positive energy on the way.

You might as well speak Greek to me when you tell me about external drives and ExFat. I do know what a PDF is, however. And a JPG.

I hope you continue to be strong and well, enjoying your many endeavors.

Love & Light,



Rose

*Virtual Hugs Are Germ-Free!

Hi Rose,
Thanks so so much for the prayers! In your defense I have no clue what "ExFAT" is either! At least the external drive works LOL. Update on the male with prostate cancer is that his prognosis is very good and he's on radiation for the tumor. The female with COVID19 is exhausted and says her muscles feel very weak but she feels a bit better on each day that passes. :) Keep praying for them? Please?