Saturday, July 25, 2020

Mulling over many things on a Saturday.................




Here is Little Buddy at breakfast this morning, being goofy as nine year old boys tend to be.  Tammy J did not get her Little Buddy fix last week so I am giving her loads to look at today.  Funny faces, crooked smiles, missing teeth, freckles, and the best eyelashes and eyebrows in the world.  I think we can all use a bit of Little Buddy these days to brighten our weary hearts. 

I have been pondering what to do with this Little Boy when school opens.  As typical the state of Florida and our current school administrators have left most of us working parents with little choice.  We can send our darling children back to school.  We can attend online school with their assigned teacher for nine weeks but we must be in attendance during school hours.  This is not feasible for me as I work during those hours and he won't do work on his own or with the sitter.  And the third option of virtual school for 18 weeks but we can then lose our slots in our assigned school.  A bit of a threat if you ask me.  No good answers here.  I did talk to his assistant on Sunday who told me if he went back to school she would keep him safe, so that at least eases my mind a bit.  There is no riding on a bus and thankfully she is with him the whole day, still it is a tough decision to make.  The GOP can cancel their big convention in Florida because it isn't safe to be here yet parents have to send their kids to school if they work.  I am pretty upset with the way things are going.

Here in Florida we have a total of 414,511 positive cases as of yesterday, we are up 12,444 from the day before.  Our deaths are low, 5,777 because the governor does not count people who have died of pneumonia due to Covid 19 in the death totals.  I have also read three separate articles that those in prisons in Florida are not counted for positive cases or with the Florida death totals.  It is like they are in a different country and don't exist in Florida.  Just so you know the prison system is running rampant with this virus.  See why I am worried?  The numbers do not add up to a successful and safe school year.  And frankly our numbers just don't add up at all.  I wish we could just have an accurate depiction of the cases, hospital beds available and the correct death numbers so we can all make decisions based on the truth not fixed information to make our state look better. 


I continue to work on the In the Forest of the Night  cardigan.  I am at the place I was before I had to pull the whole thing apart because it was too small and too tight.  I will be separating for the back and sides in two rows.  I am still excited about this project and am keeping my fingers crossed it all goes well and fits right. 


These two yarns have been added to my stash this week.  Five of each color, from We Are Knitters.  They were 25% off if you ordered a pack of them and you could choose any color.  I have had the intense need to add yarn to my stash lately.  I feel that I will be adding even more.  It is sort of the panic I felt about toilet paper early on in the pandemic, what if I run out of yarn????????


I am mulling over the mess in what used to be known as my dining room and the even bigger mess in my garage.  This is where we are storing Mr 23 and Ms L's things until they move into their new apartment on August 6.  I love having time with them so the mess is not a big deal.  But it will be by August 6, then I will be over it, but I will miss them both as I adore them.  At least they will be much closer than Orlando!  See Bear in the background photo bombing?


Laughing at Mr 26 and Ms B as they were jumped and walked all over by three dogs this morning right after they woke up.  They are such great young people.  I am so proud of Mr 26 who literally got into it with a non mask wearing woman in Starbucks yesterday.  This woman was demanding service from the young woman behind the counter until my son stepped in.  He told her to get a mask  on or get out of the store as the store was requesting.  She talked about her, "rights" being violated by having to wear a mask and he shut her down with actual facts about the Constitution, what exactly her rights were, and how she was endangering herself and everyone else.  He told her to move out of the way and get a mask.  She ended up going to her car where she had one available, which makes this whole episode even more ridiculous, do you think she was just trying to pick a fight?  She then came in and tried to move to the front of the line but was told to go to the back by several people who were lined up behind my son.  He got a big thank you from the manager, a smile from the poor young woman behind the counter and a free coffee to boot.  Don't argue with a history major from The Ohio State University, they know their facts my friend.  There is another photo bomber in this picture, can you see Little B eating his breakfast?


Although Bear still acts like his life is over with Luna visiting he does enjoy her.  She will lie next to him quietly several times a day, even Bear can't object to this.


Still her full time playmate is Hank. He is very, very tired by the end of the day.  It is hard to entertain a 1 year old all day long!


And just because we can never get enough Little Buddy here he is on his green machine ride on toy.  He loves this and races around my kitchen with the dogs running after him.  He pretends he is racing like in the movie Wreck it Ralph, which I believe I will be watching with him again today.  Maybe viewing 3,001?  It is his favorite and really teaches some great lessons, plus there is racing!

A big shout out to the Wall of Mom's in Portland, Seattle and now Chicago who are trying to keep protesters safe.  Never underestimate a mom! 

Stay safe my friends.

32 comments:

Ellen D. said...

Love to hear about your wonderful family and all of their adventures! It is a worry about school for fall and I wonder how it will all work out. A tough decision for parents! Hope it will work out safely for all of you! Thanks for the great post!

CJ said...

Well done Mr 26, you should be very proud of him. Hank made me laugh, looking at Luna rolling around on the ground. Bertie would take much the same stance I think, he doesn't approve of puppies, having completely forgotten that he used to be one himself. Sorry the school situation and situation in Florida generally is so tough. I am glad that Little Buddy will have his carer with him all day, at least that is something. Love the Green Machine, I can well imagine the whizzing around the kitchen. Glad you have a house full, even if you also have all the Stuff that goes with it. Have a lovely Sunday, CJ xx

Karen said...

I really feel for all the parents who are faced with school decisions this fall. I can't even imagine what it must be like for working parents, especially. Kudos to your son!!

Nance said...

The school decision is a terribly difficult one. So much to consider and weigh. I am worried about the teachers especially--they are most susceptible to the virus being older than the kids. It's a terrible dilemma.

I am proud of the Wall Of Moms. What a tremendous movement.

Betsy said...

Oh Meredith, I feel for you and the decisions you must make regarding school. Mandy is still waiting to hear about her job with the school district and in-person classes for Piper. As of now, school seems to be going on in person. Here, because our numbers are so high, we are being told that we will probably go back to Phase I. No one still knows what will happen for school.
I loved the photos of the kids and the dogs. They all look so happy and content.
I hope all will be well and you must be proud of Mr. 26.
Blessings,
Betsy

Teresa Kasner said...

Bravo to your son for stepping in and making that woman go get her mask and double bravo for his making her get to the back of the line. The NERVE of some people! I would do the very same thing. That is so neat the kids are staying with you for a while.. good bonding time. Also fun to have the dogs all there to keep you all amused. I'm sorry Florida is handling the Covid situation for political purposes instead of actually caring for people's health and lives. I have lost all respect for that party. I hope the school conundrum works out for the best. I don't envy you having to make those decisions. Love the crochet you're doing, I need to go check out the colors of that cotton yarn. Have a pleasant Sunday. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

Janice Smith said...

Thank you for the Little Buddy photos; I, too, missed seeing his adorable face in last week’s post.
Well done, Mr. 26!!! It’s good to see large companies requiring customers to don masks. Perhaps the message will finally get through to those dolts who believe they have a right to endanger others by going mask-less.
As to sending your precious little boy back to school, what an impossibly difficult decision to make. As a former educator, I fear for the safety of students, teachers, and school support staff. Having said that, I fully understand that lessons and support for children receiving special education services can only best be delivered in a school setting, not through a computer screen at home.
You have, as do parents across the country, an extremely difficult decision to make.

Caffeine Girl said...

Your son rocks!! There should be no controversy over masks! Safe is safe.

I apologize on behalf of our messed up public schools for your terrible choices. I really think that we should open elementary schools with very small bubbles and a huge focus on safety. Middle and high schools are not safe to open sadly. It is ridiculous that you can't do online school when it works for you. I don't enjoy teaching on Zoom, but it is better than dying. I actually think we should add a grade 13 for all the students affected by the virus. School is essential, but dead teachers won't help anyone. Still, students needs every year!

Araignee said...

I feel for you parents having to make such hard choices. I was very happy when the Grands school decided to have the first semester online. Daughter is back at the rink now and she says it's a struggle to get the kids to comply with the regulations. It's good that Buddy has an aide. Whenever I had a student with an aide they were always such wonderful people. I'm sure she will keep him safe but still....it's not a choice parents should have to make. The hypocrisy of our leaders is off the charts.

Dee said...

Clapping my hands for Mr. 26, but also feeling just a little bit scared (as a Mom). These days you never know how someone is going to react. But, I'm really glad he stood his ground and made great points.

Love seeing the Little Buddy pictures and of course, the pups. The photo of Bear and Luna laying together is so sweet. Looks like Bear is telling her a story!

mamasmercantile said...

My heart is breaking when I read about Florida and the number of cases, as you know we are great fans of Florida and love to be there. I don't envy you the decisions about school. Bravo to your son for standing up to the woman not wearing a mask. It was a joy to see Little Buddy, he really does raise your spirits with his beautiful smile. Take care and stay safe.

linda said...

I was needing the Little Buddy fix too Meredith so thank you for providing so many photo's I love that cheeky little face. You must be so proud of your son, well done to him, there will always be some who won't stick to the rules and put everyone else in danger. A huge decision indeed my heart goes out to you. That kind of mess is an ok mess I would say, I still have that kind of mess up in my spare room, my youngest sons stuff is all over the place and will be for the foreseeable as he now married and lives in Qatar and I don't know what he wants to keep and what to throw away. Have a good week and stay safe. xx

Jo said...

It's such a worry for parents of school age children wondering what's best for them at this time, I'm not envious of the decisions which are having to be made and it doesn't make it any easier when true facts and figures are being hidden. Well done to Mr 26, I really can't see what the big deal is about wearing a mask to save lives.

Anonymous said...

could I love this post any more than I do?!!!
oh lordy! where to start! this post has everything. beauty. and laughter. and courage. and wisdom. and puppy love!
am I gushing enough? LOL! thank you Mere. seeing your life is wonderful.
first with the pictures of the sweetest little guy I know. what is it about the face of an innocent rascally fellow with a missing tooth and tiny freckles on his tiny nose? and those eyelashes that I can only praise with total ENVY. and have you noticed? I'm sure they clump like stars when he swims. my brother's used to do that anyway. even then my own were pitiful and lacking.
and...
don't you LOVE the name of that sweater you're making? In the Forest of the Night. it's beautiful.
and lastly... I hope Mr 23 will run for office someday. we need COURAGE like his and actual common sense in the high places that are too self serving to even think straight. oh dear. don't get me started. I've already written a book here. sorry.
stay strong! and well. and bless you and your family. xo

Anonymous said...

well it's me again. I had come back to read the part your Mr 26 played in Starbucks to my brother on the phone!
I am so proud of how he handled that woman in Starbucks.
then I realized I had thought it was Mr 23 when writing my comment.
although I think you've raised your sons to each have that kind of courage! I wish everyone could read the thoughts you've written here.

Bridget said...

Hooray for Mr 26!

I find it soooo interesting that all of these people who are discussing children and teachers going back to school are discussing it via Zoom meetings. If things are so safe, why not meet in person?

Grandmabeckyl.blogspot said...

Buddy made me smile 😃 as usual. Even though its via internet and cell phone I enjoy being with you. I enjoy all your projects. I have a few to do but finished yet. This past has been ok for me but I'm sure it will get better. I'm thankful I'm not in Portland. There was an event that was to be held close downtown but then it became virtual. Was able to watch online. School in our town to be virtual again. Christian school opening again but with less kids in class. Two shifts. I pray your life is good daily in spite of unprecedented life we're experiencing. Take care.
Becky ×------×

susan q said...

Mixed messages from the so called leadership in Washington. Barron Trump is not going to school but public schools should be open. Hmm. Good for Mr 26 for setting the misguided person in Starbucks. The White House still blaming everyone for the virus and simply cannot take responsibility for their missteps. November cannot come soon enough for me.

kathy b said...

I am so proud of your sons. ALL Of them! Lil Buddy' s all legs! Hahahahah. may be I need to watch that movie.
Standing up firmly is what all of us need to do. it is hard, but your sons' have learned ethical behavior from the start.

3 dogs is a lot. But, not impossible ! I can't talk Fireman into even one.......

love your blanket.
Just gave up on some socks. Three strikes and it is out. Too fine and too splitty. Will be good for a shawl!

Melanie said...

I just love your photos of Little Buddy; he has the most beautiful eyes and long eyelashes! And I am so proud of Mr 26 for standing up to that woman in Starbucks. That was awesome!

Brian and I have talked about what we would do with the school situation if we still had young kids at home. It's such a tough situation and like you said, those parents who work FT don't have much of a choice.

Hope you are having a good Sunday!

bittenbyknittin said...

I'm so sorry you have a difficult decision to make, without adequate information to boot. I didn't vote for our current governor, but may have to next time as he is doing a fine job re covid: tomorrow mandatory mask-wearing begins. You are right about LB's eyebrows and eyelashes - they are perfect!

Delighted Hands said...

Middle son who is a single parent has the same tough choices--he has to send his sons out to VPK at DayCare-which at least has had 0 cases- and school which has assured everyone of all of the safety measures.
What are parents supposed to do? The cardigan is looking good!

Christina said...

Tough decisions for you Meredith. I hope you can find a solution that works for you all. School with all the social interactions it brings is so important for children but so is their health, and that of their families. I hope the Covid numbers in Florida will soon go down. I read that there is some number fudging in the newspaper but I wasn't sure if that is correct. We've had no deaths for 10 days in Scotland, and 4 new cases diagnosed yesterday. Our first minister has decided to not ease lockdown further to safeguard a return to school in mid August. I hope it works out, we should receive guidance this week. Of course there is no guarantee that the cases will raise again... Well done Mr 26 for telling the selfish Starbucks customer what is the right thing to do!

Wishing you a good week xx

sewing green lady said...

Glad to see that you are all well there. I am sure it has been lovely having family staying with you and I do have to say your pool looks very inviting in the background there. x

karen said...

Praying Buddy is safe and healthy during the return to school. You are in a pickle and I do hope they change their minds about school. I cannot wait for the day when the pandemic is a memory!!

Neighborhood Watch said...

I feel your pain about the school situation, the COVID numbers, and the non-mask wearers. Georgia is right there with Florida. Also, my oldest son (25) came home in late February (complicated story)--and then got stuck because of the virus and was here until late June. I loved having him, but he had a lot of stuff and a lot of dogs (commitments to keep and shelter based on his prior living space). He finally found a place to live and I miss him--but don't. Haha. The pile of boxes in your dining room was so familiar!

Between Me and You said...

Gorgeous pics of your gorgeous boys (and girlfriend). Good to know they can look after themselves when needs be. I'm nervous for my grands starting school in August and so are a lot of other folks. Our Scottish Government Education Minister will make an announcement about it on Thursday. We're all standing by. My dentist rang today and cancelled my August appointment and put it back until next February! Can't quite get my head around that one! Have a good week, Mer. Much love.xxx

Crafty in the Med said...

First of all very well done to Mr 26 for standing up to that incredibly selfish woman.I would have loved to have seen it and heard him. Brill!! Her rights indeed and what about the rights of the person or people she could infect.

I am astounded by those numbers Mere... I do hope they will go down soon! As i said before how little buddy has grown so much!! Love those sweet cheeky looks. keep well Amanda x

Eileen said...

Well done by your son, thank him for me! People and their rights, crazy how when some people want something they have a 'constitutional right' to have that something, ugh!
What a difficult decision you have regarding little Buddy. I feel for you and your family. Good luck, I know your will find a good solution. Trump and the GOP have left this COVID fight on all fronts up to us ! They have proven they are incapable to lead. 99 days left to the big day, VOTE!

KSD said...

I was never one to wish my children would grow up in a hurry, but I am grateful that they are both done with all their schooling. What a horrible place parents, students and teachers have been put in.

TheAwakenedSoul said...

Good for your son. That was nice of them to give him a free coffee. The dogs look so sweet. I met a cute little boy at the lake on Sunday who looked so much like Buddy. He wears glasses, and is only two.

Jeanie said...

Well done, Mr. 26! He deserves a medal for that one. I wish I'd been there to see it -- I would have started the applause! So odd about the woman having a mask in the car -- yes, I think she did want to pick a fight or felt terribly privileged, and falsely.

Your home looks filled with love and joy. I can understand your concern about schools. I'm concerned about them in Michigan (although I have no skin in the game in terms of kids or grands in school) and we aren't in nearly the dire straits that Florida is in. I'm glad he has a person who can help keep him safe but oh, I wish he could do virtual. Still, it's a rock and hard place, isn't it. I wish you all the best of luck.