Monthly Archives: November 2020

Nov29

What’s Next

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What’s Next

The clock is ticking. I’ve been in the USA for over two months now and still don’t have a clue as to where I’ll go when my 180 days are up.

I know that I am not anxious to travel. If anything I’m anxious about travel, whether it be to Canada or to Mexico.

One thing I do know is that while Covid-19 is crazy everywhere, I am also determined not to live in fear. I’m not going to seek out crowds, but I do intend to continue to do my own shopping and to go out with friends. I was also pleasantly surprised to see that the library has reopened although the book club and craft activities are still cancelled.

By nature I am an extrovert. However after all the quarantining and closures, I believe I am now leaning towards being more of an introvert. I’m not sure I’m comfortable with that.

While it is nice to have a less hectic schedule, I miss my volunteer work in Leavenworth and in Cashmere. I miss my friends and the programs at the senior center. I miss the children’s ministry at church. And virtual Thanksgiving celebrations just don’t cut it.

It’s been well over a year since I last saw my daughter and granddaughter in Kelowna. I haven’t seen my son in Winnipeg in well over three years. And I haven’t seen my family in Culiacán in a year. Duo video calls are enjoyable, but they don’t take the place of in person interaction.

In one of my recent conversations with my son, he asked me what my long term plans were. He was adamant that 180 days in the USA is not a long term plan. I disagree. For me it’s as long term as I can fathom right now.

Before Covid I kind of had a long term plan. From Mexico I was planning to go to Winnipeg to see my son. I was planning on going to Kelowna to see my daughter and my granddaughter. I was also going to take some time to find a quaint little town somewhere in Canada where I might want to settle down in a couple of years. But now all of that is on hold.

I was also planning on doing a few months in Leavenworth again before heading back to Mexico for the winter. But it now appears that I am about to experience a Washington winter instead.

There always needs to be a Plan B or C or D because the only constant in life is change.

Nov25

A Virtual Thanksgiving

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A Virtual Thanksgiving

We often associate Thanksgiving with food. Turkeys, stuffing and pumpkin pies dominate at grocery stores. Families tend to have their favorite traditional foods. When I lived in Canada, I usually served meatballs along with the turkey. Apple nut stuffing, sweet potatoes and a mushroom green bean casserole rounded out the meal, along with a Jello mold. The two main desserts were pumpkin cheesecake and apple crisp, along with a variety of dainties.

The last time I cooked a Thanksgiving dinner in Winnipeg was back in 2013 when I had returned from Mexico to have knee surgery. Kyle and Krista came over. Kimmy was living in Ontario and unfortunately wasn’t with us. Kyle teasingly complained that I had cooked way too much food but as I recall he was quite happy to take home a substantial care package. I had even baked rosemary bread that year instead of having stores bought bread rolls.

Now that food has been discussed, it brings me to a more important aspect of Thanksgiving, that being the people we share the day with. Over the years, my friends and my children’s friends often graced our table back in Canada. In Mexico I often shared Thanksgiving dinner with people who came from countries other than Canada, USA and Mexico. I cherish the memories of our friendships and relationships.

Many of us will be celebrating a virtual Thanksgiving in 2020. Designations of Code Red have drastically altered plans. But perhaps this is an opportunity to focus on the true meaning of this holiday. Think back to the early colonists who were thankful for a bountiful harvest and for their rustic homes to shelter them from the harsh elements.

I am thankful that I am alive and well. I am thankful for my family. I am thankful for my many friends who have become an important part of my extended family. I am thankful that I have found a safe haven here in Leavenworth during the pandemic.

I am also thankful for everyone who takes the time to read my blog.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Nov22

Hmmmm……..

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Hmmmm……..

The election is over but it’s not over. The virus didn’t disappear. The land borders are still closed. You can go into a store to buy weed and booze but you can’t go into a store to buy a toy for your kid.

I used to feel like I was living in the twilight zone. But that doesn’t even describe it anymore. My body is confused because I’m not in Mexico. Joints tend to stiffen up in colder climates. My brain is scrambling to adjust to a completely different lifestyle that seems to keep changing every day.

I get it. Life will never go back to what it once was. I need to adapt. But just how can I possibly adapt when change seems to be my new daily routine?

Governments are presenting us with confusing and ambiguous rules to follow. The new restrictions are being interpreted differently in every town and county in this country. It kind of reminds me of the way INM functions in different areas in Mexico.

I’m Canadian. But right now I’m glad I’m not in Canada. Things are just as complicated up there and I already have too many complications in my life and don’t need any more. Finding somewhere to quarantine and to live is just a tad overwhelming to me at the moment.

I had actually hoped to be in Winnipeg right now. My son turns 40 this week and I really wanted to be with him. He is deeply disappointed that he won’t be celebrating in Vegas as he had originally planned. It has also been more than ten years since I’ve been with him on his birthday.

Thanksgiving is coming up this week. Most people I know are forgoing the large family dinners and the usual travel for virtual Thanksgiving celebrations.

I for one won’t be breathing a big sigh of relief when 2020 finally ends. Who knows what lies ahead in 2021? I’m not a pessimist but right now I’m struggling to be optimistic about the future.

Focussing completely on the present seems to be the healthiest choice.

Who’s with me?

Nov18

Here We Go Again

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Here We Go Again

Washington state has been shut down….. again. The first time was back in the spring while I was still in Mexico. The governor here was recently reelected and he lost no time on imposing restrictions.

Supposedly these will be in effect for four weeks. Consequently my life group won’t be meeting and the exercise classes have been cancelled. The library had just reopened a little over a week ago and now it’s closed again, as are gyms and theaters. Bars and restaurants are closed for dine in. It’s actually very similar to what I experienced in Mexico. Only the weather is different.

The big contraversy here is the restrictions imposed on the churches. Fewer people are allowed in the building due to physical distancing and masks must be worn. However singing and a band have now been added to the no-no list. Church goers are not happy.

Thanksgiving is next week. It promises to be a very subdued celebration. Zoom will be busy that day as many families have chosen not to gather in person.

And Christmas is just around the corner………

Nov15

Winter White

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Winter White

This was the view from my bedroom window earlier in the week. There was none of that white stuff in sight.

And then came Friday the 13th. The view changed drastically.

In all honesty, it’s a beautiful picture postcard out there today. First snowfalls are always pretty. And here in Washington the mountains are an amazing backdrop unlike the flat Canadian prairies where I come from. As the temperature rises, the snowfall has changed to rainfall, washing away the snow on the ground.

My last non-Mexico winter was in Winnipeg in 2009, although I did escape to Cuba for a bit of a reprieve. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever envision spending a winter in Washington. But I am now.

Nov11

Memoirs On My Mind

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Memoirs On My Mind

On February 9th, 1977 I lost my best friend, my hero, my father. More than 43 years have gone by but in some ways it seems like yesterday.

I was so young when he died and there is so much more that I wish I knew about him. Although we were very close, because he left me so long ago, there are questions that have surfaced over the years as I have grown.

My dad never met his grandchildren. They came along years later. It’s sad that he missed out on the opportunity to be a grandparent. And it’s also sad that my children never had a loving grandfather in their lives.

One of my writing projects involves writing my memoirs for my granddaughter. Madeline is 2-1/2 now and it will be years until she will read and understand the significance of these stories. Yet it is important to me that this history be recorded. Indeed my own daughter is not aware of some of these memories.

I must admit that compiling these memories at times is overwhelming. How much information is too much information? And wow is some of it emotionally draining for someone who practices mindfulness on a daily basis to avoid unnecessary sadness and anxiety.

I had hoped to attend another memoir writing class this year while in Leavenworth. Due to Covid-19 there is no class. And as I continue to work on my memoirs, I wonder just how much Covid-19 will impact my writing. Only time will tell.

Nov8

Sitting By The Fire

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Sitting By The Fire

I was out this morning and am quite content to stay in this afternoon. It’s a dreary, rainy day and a perfect time to sit by the fire as I wait for the dryer to do its magic. Oh how I miss my lavenderia in Las Flores! It was so nice to drop off the dirty clothes in the morning and pick up neatly folded and freshly laundered clothes later in the day.

But back to the fire. Have you ever done a flame meditation? Very relaxing. And I find my mind wandering to fire pits and other fireplaces and conjuring up memories of happy times.

As a young child I have vivid recollections of cooking hot dogs over a fire. The venue was a fireplace in the rec room. I can still envision my Uncle Sam presiding to ensure that no-one burned themselves or burned the house down for that matter.

I remember campfires at Bnai Brith Camp and Camp Kinnaird in Lake of the Woods. Amazing that we never burned the woods down although sparks from the flames often attacked us.

When my kids were young we had a wood burning fireplace in the family room. They delighted in blackening hot dogs and toasting marshmallows. The challenge was keeping the dog away from the flames. No need to have his fur singed.

Of course there was that one time when the fireplace backed up and thick, black smoke quickly filled the house. But the fire department had those amazing fans that blew it all out in minutes.

We had a fire pit in our backyard in Oak Bluff. It was a popular place for my kids and their friends. I especially liked to sit by the fire in the fall. Once winter set in it was just too bitterly cold.

The gas fireplace soon became a favorite of mine. Flip a switch, no mess and no sparks. Instant ambience!

The featured photo in this post is an electric fireplace in the living room in Leavenworth. It doesn’t throw off heat like the gas one, but it’s instant on with the press of a button.

Sitting by the fire……..

Nov4

Something Different

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Something Different

This post is not about COVID-19 or Trump. I want to forget those for a moment and write about something completely different.

Monday night I went to a baby shower. I can’t remember the last time I went to one but I know it’s been years. It was such fun to see all the cute items for this precious new baby.

Yesterday was our exercise get together. We have now grown to five from three. My body really appreciates this as the colder weather has a tendency to stiffen up the joints.

Usually at this time of year, if I’m not already back in Mexico already, I’m shopping the summer clearance sales for clothes. Instead last week my purchases included boots, a toque, lined gloves and a cozy pullover sweater.

Although many of the trees have lost their leaves, there are still many showing off their glorious hues of red and orange. The recent rain has kept them hydrated.

While I turn to Duolingo every day and text in Spanish to some friends, I must admit I’m enjoying watching movies in English again. But I did go to my favorite Mexican restaurant last week and I always get to use my Spanish there.

I’m really enjoying my new tablet and am in the process of buying a new computer. However I became so reliant on technology is beyond me. It’s sure a different world.

And then there are the video calls. My granddaughter Madeline in Canada turns three in February and thinks her grandma lives in a phone. My grandson Juan Carlos in Culiacán is eleven and we converse in English regularly. Now if only I could convince my son in Canada to do video calls.

Today is another shopping trip to Wenatchee. More warm clothes for winter are very much needed. Somehow my usual wardrobe of capris and tank tops are not appropriate attire here in Leavenworth at this time of year.

The best part of being here is that I’m having a great time renewing friendships, meeting new people and making memories. My extended family just keeps on expanding. Life is more than good.

Nov1

To Trump Or Not To Trump

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To Trump Or Not To Trump

To Trump Or Not To Trump. That is the question. My sincerest apologies to William Shakespeare.

I am a Canadian. I am not an American citizen. Although I spend a considerable amount of time in the USA, I am a visitor here and have absolutely no affiliation with any political party in this country. I intentionally distance myself from politics.

I was here in Washington state when Trump was elected back in 2016. The atmosphere today in 2020 is significantly different from that in the last election. Families have been torn apart. Animosity between neighbors is clearly visible. Placards in yards have been vandalized and even stolen. Unwelcome graffiti with the letters BLM has arrived in town.

I have close friends who are staunch Trumpers. To them Donald Trump is a paragon of virtue. He is a true Christian because he is pro-life. He has done wonders for the economy of this country. He has a stellar reputation when it comes to international relations. He puts the citizens of this country first and foremost when deliberating policies such as healthcare and immigration. When it comes to the handling of the pandemic they are in total agreement that Covid-19 is nothing more than a mere flu bug and that is no reason to shut down an entire economy. They angrily claim that their rights have been violated when asked to wear masks or abide by restrictions in order to prevent the spread of the virus. They are also convinced that should Trump not be reelected, this country is doomed.

I also have close friends who are anti-Trumpers. They are in total opposition to what the Trumpers believe. They view Trump and his followers as a cult. They say that these followers have been brainwashed and that there are no resources available to reprogram these lost souls. They feel that Biden is the only key to unlock the door that will restore this country to the formidable world power that it once was before Trump incited the beginnings of a civil war. They want this immoral monster stopped in his tracks. They have completely lost faith and trust in their president. They are fed up with his lies and empty promises.

As I stated above, I have no political affiliation. I have merely put into written words what has been voiced to me by friends. What I do see is a nation divided as well as a dangerously high level of civil unrest. The country as a whole has been weakened and brought to its knees. Unfortunately I also see other countries in the world rejoicing that the USA has now found itself in this predicament.

Election day is almost upon us. Now more than ever before is a time for much needed prayer.