In a previous post, I wrote about how (like most others) I have been virtually staying in touch with friends and family while sheltering in place. Two of my video conference groups have included a weekly guiding question to keep us on track. That’s right – homework!
The assignment for today’s virtual meetup was to share a series of photos that personally summarized the past seven days. This was a perfect project. This past week, Richard and I opened up our COVID bubble to visit with family. On this trip, we were able to see three of our four sons, our daughters-in-law, our grandchildren and our granddog. (Our fourth son stayed with us for the month of May. We were able to patch him in on video, and connect with my niece by phone ). We were also able to spend quality time with my parents. I did errands with my Mom, while Richard golfed with his brother. We then both caught up with his sister (Happy birthday to Sharon). Despite my worries of keeping all of my loved ones safe as we emerged from our bubble, the in-person reunions were incredible. They instantly crystalized everything/everyone for which I am most grateful.
Years ago, a sage friend stated that the meaning of life is ‘relationships.’ I couldn’t agree more.
As a bonus, I was able to stock up on a few more books. My reading supply has been running low. Oh yeah, that’s SNOW in my collage. Real snow in June!!
How were your past seven days?
Retirement Reflections 
Well, you know how my last week was! I’m glad that we were all able to share little slices of our lives with each other over Zoom. Your family looks happy and your mother looks terrific (hard to believe she is 89)… what more could you want? Relationships are definitely the meaning of life.
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Hi, Janis – I thought that you might cry “thief”. This is twice now that I stole your Guiding Question and made a post out of it. I too ❤ our Zoom chats. It it weren't for them, I'd only see you once a year…if I was lucky!
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There’s something called zoom fatigue and although it proved to be a lifeline for a bit, I personally require relationships face to face/in person for mind, body, soul health…whenever possible. And so I myself returned from a 12 day trip to the San Francisco Bay Area to see all my children, grandkids and 89 year old Mother. To say that it made me feel like a human being is an understatement. Through these months, I’ve often asked myself “what does it mean to be human?” and for me that means, YES, relationships.
Wonderful photos and so happy you got to be with family,
Susan Grace
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Hi, Susan – I’m so glad that you were able to see your children, grandchildren and mother (our moms are the same age).
Although I am a Zoom fan, I completely get that it is not for everyone. I also agree that there is nothing like in-person relationships to replenish the mind, body and spirit!
Wishing you a great week ahead!
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I have not been able to see three of my children who live in other parts of the country or my grandchildren yet but this week some non essential shops have opened and I have been able to see more of my neighbouts out and about. As soon as we were allowed to meet outside it started to rain but it is good to be able to have face to face conversations again.
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Hi, Anne – I’m sorry that you have not been able to see three of your children. Our youngest son lives in Lincoln (UK). We were delighted that he was able to travel home for the months of April and May. The long gaps of not being able to see him are a real drag.
Sending good wishes that you will be able to have face-to-face conversations with all of your children soon.
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So nice that you could be with your family. I got to see my mom a few weeks ago and two of our three children live with us. The third is at the moment visiting with gramma in Oregon and it is very good for them both. Yep, relationships!
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Hi, Janet – Thanks so much for dropping by. I’m happy to hear that you were able to see your mom too.
Cheers to relationships!
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What a wonderful week to report on! Well, except for the snow in June, but I’m sure the happy hugs made up for it.
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Hi, Joanne – Richard did want me to point out that the snow was from driving through the mountains on our way to Kelowna. Still it was rude for this time of year. 😀
Looking forward to chatting next week.
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I’ve only ever seen Kelowna in summer heat. It’s funny to think of snow 😀
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The snow was on the Connector just West of Kelowna. Still, I wore a light jacket most days in Kelowna which is highly unusual for this time of year.
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How lovely Donna to be able to have physical visits again. I do love Zoom (otherwise you and I would never see each other!) but I remember visiting my grandsons when restrictions were lifted and being greeted by them both shouting “Nan’s here!” and Ethan followed up with “Nan’s home!” such sweet music to my ears. Treasured memories for you created during the last week. xx
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Hi, Sue – I also greatly appreciate how Zoom has let us connect face-to-face, voice-to-voice. I’m not sure why we hadn’t thought of it before. It has brillantly erased the 11,000+ kms between your home and mine. Now, if it could only do something about the time difference! 😀
See you next week…with my homework done.
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We had some of our children and grandchildren here for dinner tonight. First time since the lockdown. I agree with A.G. zoom is no replacement for the real thing. Glad you had such a great week reconnecting with real hugs 🙂
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Hi, Aimer – I am so happy to read that you were able to reconnect with your children and grandchildren. There definitely is nothing better than real hugs!
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Well, as you know my week has been a lot of unpacking, reorganizing, and making my new apartment into a home (ongoing). Glad to hear and see that you got to reconnect, Donna. I am very happy to be close to my daughter again. Relationships are everything.
Deb
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Hi, Deb – I’m also happy that you are live close to your daughter again. Bonus points to her for transforming you into a Vancouver Islander! 😀
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Wasn’t catching up with family after so long just the absolute BEST Donna? We saw my Mum and MIL throughout lockdown because they are both living nearby and we just sat outside and kept our distance. But seeing the kids and grandies was beyond special and I can see the joy in all your pics. I hope the covid thing disappears as quickly over there as it has here in Australia – to know there are no current cases is such a relief. x
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Hi, Leanne – For the first time since mid-March, British Columbia has gone a full week without any COVID related deaths. Our province did announce seven new cases today, none of them from Vancouver Island. Although my family meet-ups were mixed with joy and worry (many family members have underlying health conditions), the joy part was wonderful!!
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How wonderful it must have been to get together with your family! Unfortunately, our children live so far away that it is unlikely we will see them anytime soon. Thank goodness for Zoom.
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Hi, Laurie – I completely agree that Zoom (et al) have their place. When we can’t be there in person, being able to digitally see and hear our family and friends truly is the next best thing. When Richard and I Zoom with our youngest son (who lives in Lincoln, UK), we usually share a meal together. I love that!
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Yes!
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I’m loving the virtual catchups – it’s filled a gap for me and I have no idea why I hadn’t thought of it prior to this crisis. This is a great prompter too – the 7 days in pics one…although some weeks I’m sure mine would just look like 7 days worth of computer screens lol. So glad you had such lovely catchups.
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Hi, Jo – I completely agree with all of your points above. I’ve already started on my homework for Tuesday (your Wednesday). Actually, I cheated. I asked Richard to do it. Now I simply have to write it up (he dictated in point form). Looking forward to seeing you then!
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Hi Donna – very dull compared to yours … but how wonderful to be able to connect with nearly everyone again – that month with your UK son obviously made up for lost time back then, and lost time ahead … but having the other three and families plural nearby is a real bonus for one and all. Crumbs … snow! I’m sure summer will be with you soon … just enjoy being released – ours is yet to come … take care – Hilary
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Thanks, Hilary – The timing of this ‘assignment’ was perfect. This certainly was the most diverse and active week that Richard and I have had in quite some time…with the furthest distance travelled. The snow was in the mountains that we traveled through. Still, I was unamused!
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I’ve never heard anyone suggest that the meaning of life is relationships. An extrovert said that, perhaps? If that is the case then the ability to video chat would be paramount. As an introvert I’ll have to muse on the idea that the meaning of life is relationships. To me it seems like the meaning of life is to find peace and stillness. 🤷♀️
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Hi, Ally – You raise a great point. How we each answer this question on the meaning of life can be quite unique and personal to the individual. Out of curiosity, I asked this question to my friend, Google. She informed me that “the most common reply (to this question) is that immortality need not get boring.” I would have never thought of that!
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I’d have not thought that, too– but Google knows all! Who am I to question? Have a great weekend, Donna.
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I enjoyed your photos, Donna. It looks like you had a great seven days! Snow in June? I’m not sure I could handle that. Enjoy the weekend.
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Hi, Jill – Thank you for your kind comment (as usual). 😀 Richard did think that my photo of the snow was deceptive (as it was on a mountain highway). Still, I’ve travelled that same highway numerous times in June and July before and never ever remember seeing snow on the roads at that time.
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Hi Donna, your week sounds quite ‘normal.’ It must have been wonderful to get hugs from everyone. I’m not missing anyone, since our daughter is still living with us and will be until September. Her workplace is exercising an abundance of caution, which I am grateful for. The ‘thing’ that made me feel human this week was playing a round of golf with the ladies group at my club. It is still one person per golf cart, and appropriate distancing for lunch, but it still felt great to do something that was a part of my pre-covid life.
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Hi, Suzanne – Richard would totally agree with you about golf. As soon as he was able to play again (about a month ago), that made a very positive difference for him. I believe that his course is also one person per cart (although he prefers to walk), and no lunch offerings. Still, it is much better than nothing — and gives me the house to myself for a bit. Win-win!! 😀
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What a wonderful week! Family! We can’t do that yet but some of our restrictions will ease next Friday! Our annual reunion is still up in the air. Hopefully later in summer. Our numbers are right around the limit for gatherings at the moment.
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Hi, Kate – It is amazing how different places have extremely different COVID circumstances and restrictions. Vancouver Island currently has no active COVID cases. Still, that concerns me because it helps lead to complacency and can change in an instant. When I am out and about, I seldom see people wearing masks. That makes me absolutely crazy!
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It’s great that there are no cases. Enjoy! I remember those days. The good old days. We’ll have masks at Christmas I’m afraid.
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No current cases here, but that can change quickly.
I’m sorry to hear that you are anticipating major restrictons into Christmas. I no longer can think that far ahead. It would truly do my head in. 😦
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How were my past 7 days? Seasonal, weekly & daily demands kept my mind & body engaged. I enjoyed a picnic with my cousins after the cemetery cleanup. Grass cutting is in full swing. I’m reveling in the new growth in the vegetable and flower garden. I chased a bear away from the yard one day and from a distance, watched a sow bear with her 2 cubs another day. For the first time in months, there are activities scheduled on the calendar. My son got work in the area a month ago after 2 months without work thanks to the downturn in the oil economy exacerbated by covid19. Things are opening up.There were visits with close family and friends. So many people talk about getting their lives “back”. I can only think that we’re responsible for making a life whether there are pandemic restrictions or not.
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Hi, Mona – Your comments are always very positive, wise and thought-provoking. I thoroughly agree – we are responsible for making our life whehter there are pandemic restricitons or not. Sounds like you’ve had a very active week. I am totally jealous about the bear sightings — Richard too!
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Lovely photos Donna, thanks for sharing your past week with us – it sounds wonderful and very meaningful.
The past two weeks we’ve had our son David and daughter-in-law Jüte staying with us, from Cape Town. It was going to be only a week but they extended their stay by a week. They left midday to drive back to Cape Town today … our elder son Mike lives here in Plett in his own home so there’ve been many a breakfast and lunch on the balcony (if warm enough), a fire in the sitting room and heater when seated at the dining room table. Chats, Scrabble, walks and talks … it’s a; been very wonderful. I’m looking forward to seeing my sister soon – they have a holiday home in The Wilderness about an hour and a half drive away. Hopefully next week. Relationships, even for an introvert, is what makes like meaningful 🙂
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Leisurely chats, scrabble, walks, talks and meals with family on the balcony. This sounds absolutely PERFECT to me! 😀
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Hi Donna, So heart-warming to see you out and about visiting your family and everyone looks well. Getting new books is always great, something to look forward to as you turn the first page. My past seven days have been very good. I’m jotting down a few highlights for my upcoming post. Have a wonderful weekend!
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Hi, Natalie – Thank you for your kind comment. I look forward to reading your June highlights. Hope that all is well there.
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I met for the first time in over 3 months with ten of my writing friends. It was wonderful to see them and discuss our writing projects and critique each other’s work. Then on Friday hubby and I took his dad and stepmother out for lunch to celebrate my father-in-law’s 88th birthday. The restaurant was on the grounds of a castle overlooking a pond. It was so lovely. My first meal in a restaurant since March 7th. A very good week. Since my family is in Canada and I am in Spain, I will not be seeing them in person for a while yet. xo
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Hi, Darlene – I’m delighted to hear that you were recently able to meet with your writing group. Lunch on the grounds of a Castle sounds ideal. Happy 88th birthday to your father-in-law!
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Looks to me like you got an early start on your Thanksgiving post, Donna. 🙂 Love the photos. – Marty
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Great idea, Marty. If I got stuck, I can simply reblog!
I hope that all is well for you and Gorgeous.
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Real snow in JUNE? Crazy!! These are indeed crazy times.
I really believe part of the ‘reason’ for this season has been to help all of us focus on what really matters most in life. So glad you were able to physically be with, touch and hug – I hope – those you love most. With the exception of the son with whom you had spent time in May.
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Hi, Leslie – I must confess, the ‘real snow’ was on a mountain road. But it was still a shock for this time of year. I agree with your belief that we are now meant to focus on what matters most in life, and shed layers of stuff that no longer serve. Wishing you a great summer!
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How lovely to have reunions! We aren’t quite at that stage (though we have an “extended household” with my mum. Things can only get better. Surely?
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Absolutely, Anabel. Things will get better. That’s my belief and I am sticking to it!
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Quite right! I will take confidence from your confidence …
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How wonderful you and members of your family could finally get together, Donna. Social isolation is damaging to our very souls. One of your commenters mentioned zoom fatigue, and I get it after I heard this from students last spring. Hopefully you can continue to be out and about and continue visiting one another. I’m tickled I can get a pedicure and go back to my gym next week, and see people!
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Hi, Terri – I get the concept of ‘Zoom fatigue’ especially for people who are required to use it for work or for school. For me, it has helped my connection with friends and family all over the world. For that, I am extremely grateful. Enjoy the gym, your pedicure and most of all, seeing people again! 😀
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Donna,
Great pictures and so happy you got to be with your loved ones. Helen and I spent the last seven days traveling across the country in our RV with our son, his wife and two daughters in another RV. The experience has been amazing and the girls loved it. In both Mt Rushmore and the Badlands, the crowd was low but few wore masks. Drives me crazy too. Family is the most important thing, and family will get us through this mess. Thanks for sharing your week. Joe
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Hi, Joe – Your current travels with Helen, your son, DIL and grandchildren sound perfect! I can’t wait to read more about them!
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Love ir! Great meet up and prompts for everyone to do.
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Thanks, Antoinette – The prompts have been incredible. The prompt for my upcoming Tuesday Zoom Group has been a true challenge. I won’t give it away yet — but it definitely has me thinking! 😀
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It’s so lovely to see your family visits Donna and I can imagine it was a great feeling for you to reconnect. I agree relationships are the meaning of life!
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Thanks, Debbie – I can’t imagine my life without the deep and meaningful relationships that I have. I am immensely grateful!
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Donna, You remind me how connections mean more to us than I ever realized before our quarantine period. You are right how the in-person reunions are incredible. We did not want to let go of that first hug. ❤️ I think part of me realizes we may need to go into a second quarantine period. These moments are extra precious. I love all of the smiles in your photos. A beautiful family!xx
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Thanks, Erica – I agree that the physical absence of loved ones during our quarantine period made the reunion with them that much sweeter. This pandemic has been a great reminder never to take anything (or anyone) for granted.
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Hi Donna,
I agree that relationships are everything…so nice you felt comfortable enough to connect in person with family in close quarters. We are still too cautious to do this here. All one needs to do is to look at states that eased restrictions earlier than they should have to know that Covid is still with us. Plus, 2 of my children have been participating in the civil rights marches – and that certainly is NOT social distancing. The beer garden allowed us to visit with my brother and his daughter, my niece (who has already recovered from the virus) but we haven’t seen anyone else.
We shall see. This is tough, for sure.
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Hi, Nancy – I totally understand about being cautious. Even though Vancouver Island (currently) has no active COVID cases, I remain very careful with others. Living our lives and keeping ourselves and loved-ones safe is a definite balancing act. I’m glad that you were able to visit your brother and niece. That must have been wonderful.
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What a wonderful and happy collage of your time with family, Donna. You expressed your feelings and the preciousness of relationships really well – in photos and words. How much more we appreciate those times now, right?
My last week involved a road trip, change of scenery, lots of sweating in 90-degree weather, and meeting up with friends. Not bad for a Covid-week! 🙂
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Hi, Liesbet – Thank you so much for dropping by. Your last week sounds great to me (especially since it has been cool and drizzly here all April, May and June) Here’s hoping that some of your sweltering heat will come this way in July!
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I agree that relationships are the most important things in life. How great that you were able to see your sons. By the way, you and I have something in common – we also have four boys! Two have been home with us and one lives nearby. Our fourth is 5 hours away but he’s coming for a visit soon. Take care, and thanks so much for visiting my blog. I have been trying to balance working from home with my blog and find that I’ve been burned out using the computer so much! Things are improving now though 🙂
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Hi, Barbara – That’s so cool that you also have four sons. You are very lucky to have two of them at home, one nearby, and one still within an afternoon’s drive. I suspect that the ages of our sons are quite differet. Our sons range from 31 – 42 years old. One of our sons lives on Vancouver Island (2 hour drive). Two sons live in Vancouver (1 hour, 40 minute ferry + 1 hour drive + 30 hour drive + minumum 30 minute wait for ferry). Our youngest son curently lives in Lincoln, UK (8 hour plane ride + all the other cars, ferries, trains that go with that)!
Thanks so much for stopping by. I greatly appreciate it.
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Thank you, Donna. We are just a little behind you. Ours are 17 – 25. But we are alike in the sense that we know exactly how long it takes to get from our house to where they are! For us, older 2 it’s 25 minutes for one and 5 hours for the other. Can’t complain because you never know how far they will go!
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So true! We can’t complain at all! 😀
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WOW, snow in June!! Sounds like you’ve been doing well with keeping in touch with everyone, ah the awesomeness of technology!
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Hi, Dee – Yup,snow in June is a reality of needing to travel through moutnains to visit loved ones. And I agree, technology has been awesome at keeping everyone in touch. I hope that you are well.
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Looks like a lovely time with family. I couldn’t agree more that relationships are the meaning of life. With good books a close second. 😁
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Hi, Christie – Thanks so much for stopping by. Family, friends and a good book (or several). Sounds heavenly to me!
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Totally agree with you Donna, the meaning of life is relationships. I cannot imagine a world without family, the people I love the most, (dogs and cats included too!). I love your photo’s 🙂
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Hi, Sam – Dogs and cats are totally included! Thank you for your kind words.
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The wonders of technology! How fabulous that you were able to catch up with family like this. Though I have to admit there’s nothing like a real hug and face to face catchups. Relationships are undoubtably the meaning of life. For the moment we’re all doing the best we can aren’t we. Take care. xx
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Hi, Miriam – Thank you so much for stopping by. I am in complete agreement about relationships. Technology has been a life-saver during this challenging time. I’m glad that you are well!
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