It rained so hard, it just poured over the gutters!
The Covid Era has changed many things for Mr. FixIt and me. There have been big changes surrounding going to church and socializing and having the kids over. Those have been difficult. And, as is my tendency…I look for the silver linings and one of the best is our new bedtime routine. I’ve always excused myself to the bedroom to write while he watched his evening shows or a movie. When I’m finished writing and have my post scheduled, I chat with my son-in-law’s mom for a half hour or so to catch up. We got into that habit when she was going through chemo and radiation for breast cancer and now we feel weird if we don’t check in.
I’m usually wrapping up my conversation with Sue when Mr. FixIt comes to bed. Then, he starts pulling up funny videos that we watch for another half hour or so till we are sleepy. I love that. We watch Keeping Up Appearances, mostly. It’s an old British sitcom and we just adore the characters. Hyacinth is an overbearing matronly woman who fancies herself some kind of socialite and wishes to rise in her circles by rubbing elbows with aristocracy. Her poor husband Richard has learned long ago to nod his head and “Yes, dear” his way through life. There are a variety of other characters and subplots, but the story is just about as simple as that. It’s great fun and there’s no foul language. I do kind of cringe at some of the situations Hyacinth gets herself into, but overall…it’s just good, clean fun.
After Mr. FixIt gives me a kiss goodnight and turns off the light, I read my devotionals and drift off, maybe an hour or so later. In the wee small hours yesterday morning, I kept seeing a flash of light. I thought it might be this eye that’s been bothering me. The vitreous hasn’t finished detaching and I still get little flashes of light in it. Soon, I figured out what it was. The big, bad thunderstorm that was heading in from the south hit us with a vengeance. I watched the radar as the large bands of red marched over us and the sky opened like a waterfall.
It wasn’t long till the new security system sent me an alert. I opened the camera to find what looked like a movie filmed from behind a waterfall. We got about a half inch of rain in just an hour or so and it just obliterated any real view of the driveway. I’m still trying to figure out the best settings for recording the motion events. Most often it’s the cat or the wind or a passing car that triggers the camera to record. I’ll get the hang of it.
We have one of the tractors ready for mowing. I was under it holding a nut while Mr. FixIt tightened a bolt when I heard my stepdaughter pull in. It was a delight to sit around in the sunshine in chairs and still have a socially distanced visit. She and her fiancé dug up some forsythia and flowering quince shoots and some flowers to plant in her yard she brought my canning jars back empty. I sent some home with her…full. She brought us a bag of apples and a bag of potatoes. It feels so good to do normal things.
I’ve been reading more and more stories about re-entry after social distancing and how it’s going to be a problem for some. I’ve been talking about this for a while. I have social anxiety. When I had that little raffle camper and had to get out and about and travel through much of that winter, I found my spring adjustment to being around others was much easier. Unfortunately, with the pandemic, I couldn’t do that as well and I’m working on getting myself back out there and socialize while still remaining safe.
Social distancing really suits introverted and anxious people because nothing is expected of you. They’re the ones who found peace in the pandemic. I’m a real mix of introvert and extrovert. I love people…I love hugs and social contact…AND I love to spend time at home with Mr. FixIt and off on my own. As a matter of fact, I’m going to take a little break and head out to the farm this week for a few days. At least this time I don’t have to worry about getting quarantined out there, wondering if I was getting covid! Ahhhh, the benefits of getting vaccinated….that little bit of security you feel knowing you have antibodies now. It’s wonderful and refreshing!
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““You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 5:14-16 ESV