Weekly Wrap Up - The One With a Graduation

This past Saturday afternoon we hosted Olivia's high school graduation here at the house.  It was not what we'd originally planned, but then again, nothing has been as planned the last few months.  I'm certain that Olivia enjoyed this far more than a formal affair, so it worked out ok in the end.   Dinner was crack chicken sandwiches, macaroni salad, salad, finger foods and of course a huge celebratory cake.

Sunday morning we all went to church for the first time since March.  We attended the 9am service since the later one collides with Olivia's work schedule.   It was different as all the new rules are followed, but it's at least a step in the right direction.  The day was pretty low key other than church and Olivia's work at the farm.  Dinner was barbeque chicken and left over salad.

Monday was pretty low key here.  Bella's with her dad this week, which means she doesn't arrive until after 9:15am.  I worked on laundry, Olivia worked on job searches and online applications.  My younger brother had yet another heart procedure mid-morning.  This should be the final one, and it went smoothly.  I picked up our school food mid-morning as well.  The kids are finding out why people complain about school food, grins.  But, we are enjoying the free milk, snacks and fruits even if the meals are a little lack luster.     Dinner was left overs from Saturday's celebration.

Tuesday morning Bella was a bit later, so we had time for cup of coffee number 2 before she arrived.  It was pretty hot and muggy here.  The poor AC unit ran all day; it's 20 years old and probably should be updated, but that won't happen anytime soon.   Olivia went for a long walk around the neighborhood and noted that the eerie feeling of empty streets is now meshed with an uneasiness. In the evening, the girls were able to return to their BJJ class, sort of.  Class could resume, with no contact or sparring, and it was more of an exercise class than actual jui-jitsu.  Only the instructor and my girls showed up for the class.  They spent a lot of time talking (he's the dad of two little girls ages 5 and 1).  He was sharing his concerns for his kids as they grow up in what looks like a very different world than the rest of us have experienced.  I was happy to hear how my 17 and 14 year old kids were able to speak words of life and encouragement into him, and explain about having peace on the inside, despite the crazy on the outside.    Dinner was a combination of leftovers, and some of the school food meals, I called it a "hodgepodge".

Wednesday morning arrived with a start when the phone rang shortly after 6am.  There was an emergency at the farm and Olivia and I had to bolt out the door.  We got back just a bit before Bella arrived.  The morning was spent working on housework, and applying for more jobs on line.  Olivia and I went back to the farm mid-day to tend to the animals.   We got back to finally get the confirmation from the YMCA about Olivia's summer job.  The good news is, she isn't a group leader (with 9 kids all day every day).  Instead, she's the Assistant Site Coordinator and will be helping with supplies, cleaning and filling in for counselors for breaks/lunches and helping with activities.  The bad news is the Y had one employee test positive for the virus.   Lindsey had a pretty quick turn around, with Bella leaving at 5pm and her getting to her next babysitting gig by 5:30pm.  We had a quick dinner of fried kielbasa, mashed potatoes/gravy and corn.  

Thursday morning Bella arrived on time, and Olivia headed out for her first day of training for her new position.  I dropped her off and then went to pick up groceries.  I noticed that Aldi has stopped sanitizing carts and are requiring you to use a quarter again (this had stopped during the pandemic).  They are still limiting quantities on paper products, meat, canned goods, sugar and butter.   Walmart was crowded, with probably a 50/50 ratio of people wearing masks.  Paper products were better stocked, but a lot of grocery items were still very low, or non existent.  Olivia came home late afternoon, and shortly after her arrival received a text that two more employees at the Y have tested positive.   Her staff group, and her worksite is not housed in the Y, but at a local church, so there SHOULDN'T be an issue, ahem.    The girls headed out to jiu-jitsu in the evening. We had dinner...I'm sure of it, but I'm drawing a blank on what it was.

Friday morning Olivia had to be at work at 8:30am, so we were out the door before Bella got here. I worked on laundry and research most of the day. There's not much scheduled for the afternoon or evening.  I know we're having chilidogs and cheese fries for dinner, but that's about it.

Have a good weekend!