Pandemic Week 93: Merry Omicron Christmas!

Christmas Eve
 Christmas 2021 was not like Christmas 2020.  It was also not at pre-COVID levels yet, thanks to yet another COVID variant that wreaked havoc on holiday plans.  What was different?  Well thanks to vaccines, we were at least able to be out and about and attend Christmas Eve Mass, albeit masked.  Unfortunately, the rapid spread of Omicron also meant chaos for travelers with a shortage of COVID tests and hundreds of flight cancellations due to crew shortages.  Theresa had hoped to get together with family for the holidays, but alas it was not to be.  

Christmas was a quiet affair at home.  Anna & Theresa attended Christmas Eve mass (Anna sang in the choir).  Joe was under the weather with some sort of bug (we determined it was likely flu based on symptoms.... not that he could get an appointment or test any place).  Storm was also under the weather with an ear infection (Theresa is hoping the medicine she has left will work since the vet is closed).  We enjoyed a seafood dinner on Christmas Eve of Cioppino - an Italian seafood stew.  Christmas Day was full of packages (Grandma and Grandpa remain the real Santa Claus) and relaxing.  Grandma managed to find matching holiday pajamas for the family, including a scarf for Storm.  Anna received the requisite teenage girl items, including clothes, make-up, and accessories.  She also received one of the Lego architecture sets, which she promptly finished in an hour.  Joe got a new fishing pole and Theresa got a trailer hitch for Joe's car - a necessity for using the bike rack.  Uncle Rod & Uncle Tim even sent a gift for Joe & Theresa - adult coloring books.  Oh sure, one was of Joe Biden and the other was of pooping animals AND they didn't actually send crayons.... but it is the thought that counts.   

The weather was record warm with 68 degrees!  Theresa enjoyed a bike ride (that was something new for Christmas) and finished reading A Christmas Carol while sitting on the front porch.  Storm got to take a walk in the park.  We enjoyed some steaks for dinner, courtesy of Grandma & Grandpa and a movie in the evening.  We also got to walk the neighborhood Christmas Eve and Christmas day to enjoy the luminaries that lines the streets - a neighborhood tradition.

Merry Christmas!

How do you wrap a fishing pole?

Christmas Bike Ride





Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Swimming with the Lakevale Dolphins

Image
The Swim Gang - Leo, Aidan, Megan & Anna Tonight Anna completed her third season with the Division II Lakevale Dolphins.  It was a great season for Anna as she improved her strokes and her times and made it to the "A"team to compete at Saturday meets.  It was an educational season for Joe and Theresa, who learned the ins and outs of life as swim team parents. The neighborhood swim team is the hub of neighborhood social activity in the summer.  There are events throughout the season, including Friday night pep rallies, and Sunday night fund events that include such things as the neighborhood scavenger hunt, laser tag night, bingo night, and even a team night at the Washington Nationals game.  In between the fun is the seriousness of the swimming, and there are definitely some top notch swimmers on the team. Anna with her lollipop for getting a "personal best" time Kids are motivated by different things. Some kids love to race.  Other kids try to b...
Read more

Camp Coles Trip & June Birthdays

Image
Anna at Girl Scout Camp Anna just returned from a fun-filled week at Girl Scout camp.  This year she was old enough to go to Camp Coles Trip, which is on a bay area off of the Potomac River.  This is a water camp, so she spent her days on the bay learning to paddle board and sail along with kayaking. Girl Scout Camp is definitely roughing it.  The camp is in the woods and girls stay in platform cabins with screens.  Anna shared a cabin with 4 other girls.  Mosquito netting is very important at night.  The only electricity is at the dining hall, health center, and activity building.  The girls are also responsible each day for doing "kapers" or chores.  They take turns helping serve meals, cleaning the bathrooms, and general clean-up.  They are also responsible for keeping track of their own things and carrying their bags. Anna had a fantastic time, despite the lack of modern conveniences, and is already planning her return next year....
Read more

The End of 1st Grade

Image
Last Day of 1st Grade Pool Party Anna is officially a "rising 2nd grader."  She was quite excited to celebrate her last day of 1st grade on June 14. She learned a lot this year, including great strides on reading, addition, subtraction, and writing. Anna kept a writing journal during the school year.  Below are some excerpts: If I had a pet I would choose a dog.  I would feed him, walk him, play with him, and a dog would keep me company.  PS, i atcally want one these are the things i would do One day while I was driveing on the road a deer was in the way.  My dad honked the horn.   self-control is keping your self in control.   Peace is when you are quiet.   I can respect others by bringing over plates afer diner.    The last week of school included a field trip to Frying Pan Park, a working farm in Fairfax County.  Anna, upon recounting the details of her trip, stated that they learned how to do farm chores from...
Read more