Giving Thanks in 2020

This has been a year that has challenged us to take a close look at what we have to be grateful for - and it’s still quite a bit. While it was sad and disappointing to not gather with family, we relished the relaxed schedule and the opportunity to gather with friends who are like family.

Before we headed over to the Francos’ house, I forced everyone to dress for a photo op - and I was thrilled with the results. This series of Laura’s progressive laughter due to Danny tickling her warms my heart.

Deanna and Luis treated us to a sumptuous feast, and the beautiful weather afforded lots of sitting outside by the fire. It was truly a lovely holiday that left us feeling even more grateful.

Laura the Saint

Despite a delay due to Hurricane Zeta, the fourth graders of CKS put on their traditional All Saints Mass and project. Laura had no interest in a namesake saint, and instead chose St. Kateri Tekawitha, a Mohawk who converted to Catholicism and was extremely devout in her short life. Laura first learned about her in first grade, and she clearly made an impression! 

Halloween 2020

While there were a few differences, Halloween turned out to be one of the more normal things about this pandemic-afflicted year. Sure, trick-or-treating was primarily characterized by tables set up with treats, with few doorbells rung. But it was trick-or-treating nevertheless - on a beautiful fall night!

While Laura and Meghan trick-or-treated around Byrnwyck, Clare joined the Swim Squad at SJ’s house for a fun sleepover (complete with golf cart joyrides).

Meanwhile, Danny and The Boys spent a fun night at Cameron’s house (no costumes required; not all boys pictured).

We were grateful for a relatively normal, fun night - particularly on the heels of Hurricane Zeta’s havoc!

Zeta’s Aftermath

2020 continues its scourge. Thanks to Hurricane Zeta, we lost power for 34 hours (Laura was miserable...and miserable to be around). AND, we lost our favorite tree in the back: the cucumber magnolia! At least it fell away from the house. It also gave Tim and me a new experience in our marriage: chainsawing. About a third of the way through, Tim had to head to Home Depot for a new chainsaw, but eventually we dispatched the fallen tree to the back of the yard. 

Might need to bulk up our flashlight supplies...because no one believes 2020 is finished with us yet.

The Show Went On

One of Clare’s favorite experiences at Marist has been performing in the various theater productions. Each year she participated in a show, and each year had so much fun. We feared this might come to a screeching halt with the Covid restrictions, but thankfully the theater director and administrators got VERY creative. With two different casts, five different small plays, and online and then masked rehearsals, culminating in an outdoor production, “Unprecedented” lived up to its name - and satisfied Clare’s yearning.

She is shown here in her different roles in an extremely truncated version of Hamlet. She was also a waitress in a cute skit called “Surprise,” and overall we were very impressed with her performing skills. We are so glad that Marist is doing what it can so that the show will go on!

Pandemic Pumpkin Procurement

Unlike in years past, there was no major outing to a big pumpkin patch this year. Of course we like to blame the virus, and 2020 in general, but if we’re being honest our soccer schedule is largely to blame. With games on most weekend days, occasionally including double-headers, there hasn’t been many blocks of time. Frankly, we might just be aging out of it, too. 

Still, Laura and I wanted a pumpkin to carve! We took advantage of a half-day from school and seized the moment. We did try Home Depot first, but it seems we were a bit late to the game. So, we drove to the local Presbyterian church “patch” that we have driven past for years and found ourselves a jack-o-lantern-to-be. Stay tuned!

A Labor Day Getaway

As the days of limited movement and activity continue, our departures from routine feel extra valuable. So we were very glad that Tim took the initiative to find a house in Highlands, NC for our Labor Day weekend. 

With highs in the mid-70s and lows in the mid-50s, with no humidity, it felt like paradise! In between enjoying the house, we rented a boat on Saturday and hiked on Sunday. A great blend of fresh air and leisure.

The views were gorgeous, and Clare, Tim and I logged a fair bit of time in the screened-in porch. We also enjoyed a fire each night, but alas no photographic evidence. A lovely getaway that has us feeling refreshed and recharged!