Life is an adjustment under COVID-19 restrictions
Our world is in the grip of a deadly phenomena sweeping across countries without consideration of who it is attacking.
Unlike war, people of all nationalities are turning to one another, begging for help and humanity. I can hardly bear to watch the news knowing so many people are dying every moment without the close and loving voices and hugs from their families. I selfishly complain about its inconsiderate way of worming its way into my daily routines and causing me inconveniences but am also aware of its sinister knocking on my door just waiting for me to make that one mistake to cause me harm.
My family has limited all contact except for a select few to try to stay well. My granddaughters only see or have contact with their parents and grandparents. The other night a friend in town had a traveling birthday party for their daughter Hannah. My granddaughters were so excited to see about 30-35 cars with their friends driving by and waving and wishing Hannah a happy birthday. With schools and day care facilities closed, I am keeping my granddaughters a couple days a week. I spoil them rotten and they have me twisted around their little fingers. I am thankful it is warming up outside so they can run and play and not be confined indoors.
Usually when the oldest one gets at the house, she begins begging me to tell her stories about our family, especially their dad when he was a little boy. She will sometimes grab me and say "Tell me a story about Aunt Gail, Uncle Mike, Uncle Garry or a family pet Maguire (our boxer) or Shadow (our Dalmatian)." Her favorite stories are about our pets. Shadow was a Dalmatian puppy my son received as a Christmas gift from his Nana. The dog was precious but so hyper when he got excited, he would pee every step he made and usually on my carpet. It didn't take long before I was tiring of his puddles, scratching, and nipping ways. If he was outside with my son and his friends, it wouldn't be long before they would run and complain to me about Shadow bothering them and getting in the way. On one occasion I was outside sweeping the garage and again the kids were running Shadow off and he came scampering my way. I was shoving him away from jumping on me with the broom and trying to sweep but before long he thought it was a game and began lunging and barking at the broom and jumping up and down. Before I could say "Jiminy Cricket" he became entangled with my feet and tripped me to the floor of the garage straight on my chest and bumping my chin. All I could see was stars and could not get my breath. But that wasn't enough for him, he continued to jump around on my back and lick my face. (My granddaughters' favorite part of the story). I brushed him away several times and finally choked out, "If I ever get up from here, I'm going to boot you across this garage." She laughs and laughs at this story and occasionally she will come to me and say, "Mamaw I am going to boot you across the garage." She is always sad at the end of the story especially when I explain that after four months of torture, we sold Shadow to a local Dalmatian breeder. She will swat me on my bottom and say, "You go and get Shadow right now." And I always explain he is probably happier right where he is but not explaining this story is at least 30 years old. Shadow has definitely moved on.
It makes me happy to tell her these old stories, so she doesn't miss her friends as much. Easter was last weekend and remembering our Savior's sacrifices for us helps me to forget my inconveniences and pray for those tireless first responders and medical staff risking their lives to save others from this virus. Remember follow the guidelines: Distancing from others by six feet or more, good hand-washing practices and wear a mask if you must be close to others. STAY AT HOME AND BE SAFE!
Here's a great Southern side dish to go with baked ham perhaps for future Easter dinners.
In a large bowl, toss 6 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and ½ cup of sugar. Add 2 c shredded sharp cheddar cheese and toss and coat cheese well with flour and sugar. Add 2-20 oz cans of WELL drained pineapple chunks (reserve ¼ c of juice). In a separate bowl, crush with your hands or bottom of glass 30-40 Ritz crackers. Add to the crackers the reserved juice and 1 stick of melted butter. In a greased casserole dish, pour in the pineapple mixture, then spread on crushed cracker mixture. Bake for 30-35 mins. or until crackers are golden brown in a preheated 350-degree oven. Enjoy!