Pandemic Week 80: Happy 17th Anniversary!

 September 25 marked Joe & Theresa's 17th wedding anniversary.  It was a lovely weekend, so they went for a local hike (very fitting considering that is how they first met).  That evening, they decided to dust off their shoes and go out for a nice dinner.  "Dust off the shoes" was accurate as they quite literally had to dust off their shoes.  After 80 pandemic weeks, there really has been no need to dress up to go anywhere, so some dust has accumulated.  In addition to the dusty shoes, there was some discussion about what to do if Joe wore a dress shirt as several local dry cleaners closed (it was decided it would go in the washing machine and Anna could use the opportunity to work on her ironing skills).  At last, they made it out (with their masks) to Nostros, a nice local Greek restaurant.

Another observation from the restaurant was the state of fashion.  Like everything else, the pandemic disrupted the fashion industry and everyone's decision about what is acceptable to wear in what situation.  The restaurant was a white linen place.  Customers could be seen wearing everything from cocktail dresses, to jackets to dress shirts, to shorts and ball caps to  jeans (with heels) to workout clothes.  It seems that the style is whatever you feel comfortable in.  Fortunately Joe and Theresa coordinated their level of style for the evening (no workout clothes were involved).  

It was a treat to go out and enjoy the evening (Anna was happy to have her parents gone for the evening as well).  The added bonus was stopping at a new local chocolate place, Lily's Chocolate & Coffee, on the way home for middle eastern doughnut like dessert with chocolate on it (Anna was equally happy her parents brought some home).  The evening concluded with a movie at home, Nomadland.  While a good movie, it was not exactly uplifting.  Maybe next year Joe & Theresa will be more adventurous and head to a concert.

In addition to the anniversary celebration, other highlights for the week included:

  • Homemade pizza on Friday with the last of the garden tomatoes and basil.  Mrs. Latimer joined in for dinner.  Joe also made pesto from the remaining basil.
  • Anna started her Saturday morning art class at George Mason University with a couple of her friends.  Apparently the instructor is French and very enthusiastic about teaching.  More details to come.
  • Anna kicked off the girl scout season on Sunday with her troop.  They submitted a list of activities for the year.  We will see how the voting lands.

Happy Fall!





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