The Spring and Summer We Never Expected

 

Well, family and friends, it's been quite a year.  When I last posted to this blog it was late winter and we were on the very cusp of entering into a flurry of fun with all sorts of amazing plans on the horizon -- Simone's spring musical, hosting a foreign exchange student, national honor society induction, a Kentucky Derby party, an array of spring and summer trips, family visits, and holidays.  But as we all know, the fates had other plans for 2020 and on 13 March the pandemic hit and the world stopped for everyone.  Slowly but surely it became apparent that our life wasn't going to be the same again for a long time.  

There have been several times over the last few months when I considered posting, but it just never felt quite right.  However, today it occurred to me that in so much as this blog has become a sort of chronicle of Simone's life, I suppose I should include at least a nod to what might perhaps be the most life-changing part of it.  

So, here we are in September.  Despite the stresses, uncertainties, and general loneliness of the last five months, we have also managed to make the most of our new lifestyle.  The memories we have of this time will be no less precious or memorable than the ones that fill the other pages of this blog.  So, here's a brief summary of what the Dotsons have been up to (other than staying healthy!)...

First up was Tony's birthday.  A quiet evening at home with a cake we got from a grocery curbside pick up LOL!!!

Then came Easter.  It was the first major event of the quarantine period and it all still had a certain novelty about it.  Although it was just the three of us, we still had a lovely and festive Easter. 

We then watched winter turn to spring in a way that I can honestly say we've never taken the time to appreciate before.  We had so many long walks in the sun, in the rain, at all times of the day and night.  We appreciated the flowers and weather and the exercise in a deeply different way.  Simone also has become quite the biker.  Her and dad have put countless miles on their bikes this summer.

Many long days and nights at home also gave us the time to try out all sorts of new recipes.  Food, desserts, drinks -- it was a lot of fun and very very yummy.

To facilitate our culinary creativity, we joined a CSA to ensure a steady, local supply of fresh eggs, vegetables, and chicken.  And happily our very favorite local bakery has so far survived the shutdown and has provided us fantastic curbside pick ups since April.  

Knowing that we'd be home the entire summer we even decided to try our hand a growing a few of our own vegetables.  A tomato plant, peppers, parsley, mint and basil.  

Simone wasn't going to let some pandemic stop her from celebrating the 4th of July.  The three of us bbq'ed at home and even had a surprise fireworks display that we were able to see from our deck.  

Occasionally nature would surprise us too with amazing sunsets and rainbows as we took our daily walks.

And finally, like the rest of America, we accomplished quite a few house projects -- large and small, indoor and outdoor.  Simone's favorite one, however, was transitioning her playroom into her 8th grade classroom.  The last couple of weeks we have redecorated and stocked up everything she needs to start her school year virtually.  Like the so much of the last few months, it will be a challenge, we're sure.  But, we are ready to make the best of it and to keep focus on all the blessings we have rather than what we might be missing.  Stay safe all!  We'll continued to keep you posted!!