Pandemic Week 91: Christmas Season with COVID

Granite Heights Winery
 The Christmas season is ramping up....and so is COVID.  Like many, we are trying to do the things we can (wearing masks in public, hand washing, booster shots, etc....) so we can go about our lives and enjoy some of the festivities that we missed last year.

One thing we were able to enjoy was Saturday's performance of The Snowman by the high school orchestra and choir.  The orchestra played the soundtrack to the movie and the choir sang the featured song.  It was a family event (and fundraiser for the music program) including crafts for the kids and a visit with Santa (played by the theater teacher).  Anna spent Friday after school helping to decorate the halls with hundreds of snowflakes, tinsel, lights, and trees (it was quite festive).  Everyone was masked, there was limited capacity in the auditorium, and social distancing with Santa, BUT it was a great performance and a good time by all.  Here are some other highlights from the week:

  • Saturday afternoon was also the day to put up the family Christmas tree.  This always involves some debate on the number of ornaments (Joe is a minimalist), which ornaments get a prominent spot on the front of the tree (Theresa's work ornaments are shuffled to the back) and how many lights go on the tree (there is always an engineering debate with Joe and Anna).  The initial challenge is putting the tree together and ensuring Joe puts the branches in the correct spot (Anna and Theresa are convinced he "can't see" as a way to get out of this unpleasant task).  The tree is up and ready for enjoyment!
  • Sunday Theresa was able to enjoy an annual holiday tradition - cookies and wine with Pauletta.  You would not think this would be a good pairing, but you can actually do a wine and cookie tasting.  It was quite delicious and a fun afternoon.  As always, Pauletta was radiating holiday spirit with her Christmas sweater, shoes and accessories, not to mention magnetic Christmas lights and antlers on her minivan.
  • Joe got a new phone.  If you are wondering why he is sending you lots of texts and emojis, it is because he has a whole new set to work with.

This is Anna's last week of school before the holiday break.  She has lots of projects to finish up this week.  She also has the holiday choir concert on Wednesday night.  Theresa also has a busy week, including some "virtual" holiday parties at the office (those are not quite the same).  Both are looking forward to the end of the week!

Cookie & Wine Pairing

 

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