One Shot COVID

It was a gray sky day with rain soon to follow as we piled into the car to travel to the other side of the county. Rain started as soon as we entered the vehicle. It was one of those stay-in-the-house cozy days with the rain falling as soon as we entered the car. Today marked the end of a long wait for a COVID vaccination for my son. He was the last one in our household to be vaccinated but the journey to get a vaccine has been a long wait. 

We basically gave up on idea that my my son would receive the shot/s on Long Island when we knew the closing date on our Long Island home. On January 16th, I registered Derek for COVID vaccination in Prince William County, Virginia and today he finally received the vaccination. Here is a peek into Virginia's mass vaccination site's procedures. Derek lined up outside in the rain for a 12:30 PM shot. He first had to fill our paperwork. When admitted into the building, He had to show his proof of residency in Virginia which was scanty because of his disability status. He showed his Virginia disabled parking placard, his NYS non-driver enhanced ID card, and a piece of mail sent to the new address. After that, he waited, and was finally ushered into a large hall (basketball court). There were approximately 25 people waiting for the J&J shot. 3 lines were formed, data taken, and then another wait. The head nurse spoke to the group with a mic and then, 3 pharmacists started the vaccination procedure. Derek sat for the required 15 minute time frame and then we traveled back to our new home in the rain.  Next in line on April 1st my daughter and son-in-law will receive their first dose of the Pfizer shot. 

chilled rain falls

winter blues dampen earth-

 daffodils bring hope

©CV, 2021

☔ 

This is a combined  slice of life post for both Poetry Friday Roundup and March SOLSC! #SOL21.

Poetry Friday hosted by a wonderful poet friend, Linda Baie. This week she offers a Spring Dress Rehearsal. Check it out at TeacherDance.

Day 18 of Two Writing Teachers' March SOLSC! #SOL21, March Musings 2021

St. Patrick's Day in Virginia

Every St. Patrick's Day we wear green, celebrate with corn beef and cabbage, and enjoy the festivities surrounding the event. Several years ago my husband learned how to make corn beef and cabbage from a close friend. Even though most of my kitchen and dining room items were still in boxes (we closed on our Long Island home on Monday afternoon), we wanted to celebrate in some fashion. 

Before my husband started the cooking, he drove me to my daughter's house to grandma-sit my one-year-old granddaughter. She spiked a very high fever a few days ago leading the doctor to give her a COVID test. I was worried about her when I arrived but she not only looked so much better than the first day of the illness she was in a happy mood. I had little time during the day to do much else than watch her so it was up to my husband to cook the meal. The thought of an traditional Irish meal was tempting so at the end of the day, my daughter, husband, and two little ones followed us back to our house where all the food was ready. 

Upon arrival, we quickly set up the patio at two different tables outside. It was chilly but we made do with the weather since the dinner was delicious. The outside fireplace provided a warm glow and heat. My three and a half-year-old granddaughter was so excited that she shared the box of mini black and white cookies (better known as half-moons in Central New York)that I bought her with the family after dinner. 

What a great way to celebrate an event that has always had memories attached to it. I even got to hug my granddaughters for the first time since since COVID brought such sorrow to earth.

Day 17 March SOLSC #SOL2021, Two Writing Teachers, March Musings 2021

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New Life Begins in Virginia

We did it! We are officially Virginians. Today is our first day in our new home without having to drive back to New York. It is a full one since boxes are stacked all around us. Which ones shall I  open first? I think kitchen organization is a must. There is the organization of the new master his and her closets that is important and let me not forget the master bathroom because it took me all day to find some of the medicine bottles I needed.  I promised myself I would not stay up late and here it is 11:30 pm and I'm still writing this slice of life so I decided to use Elena Wetmore's slice of life story at Standing Tall as a mentor text for a new challenge: write a meaningful story in three words.  

officially sold house

new life begins:

sorting through belongings

thinking through mishaps

writing as cure-all

grandma duty tomorrow

- What's your 3-word story? -

Day 16 March SOLSC #SOL2021, Two Writing Teachers, March Musings 2021

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Closing Day on the Ides of March

The Ides of March are upon us. I recall many a time that I have heard the word "Beware" used when speaking about Mar h 15th. I start the day off excited, not anticipating any negativity. Perhaps closing on this date is fitting. After all, we spent a long year of delays on both my homes. 

The rise of COVID-19 did its best to add stress into the mix of buying a new home and selling one. We faced many waiting periods. At first, we waited for travel bans to be lifted so we could travel to our new construction. We waited for construction materials, furniture, and appliances to arrive. We waited for buyers to decide if our Long Island house would be their final choice. Waiting is difficult when you wish your dream to materialize immediately.

Today, our closing finally occurred and in a small conference room, we eagerly signed all papers officially closing on our Long Island house. After some congratulations, visits to two different banks, we said our goodbys to our neighborhood and town. I ref;ected on our Long Island life filled with joys and sorrows. I felt the excitement of a new adventure but a bit of sadness for leaving  longtime friends but Long Island is a doable ride.

closing a door

one step forward

anticipation

©CV, 2021

Just when we started to feel the relaxation of moving past another hurdle, a phone call comes in. My 14-month-old granddaughter was sent home from her day care school due to a high fever. "Could you please take care of Aurora  at our house the next couple of days?" The adventure begins before we even reach Virginia!

Day 15 March SOLSC! #SOL2021, Two Writing Teachers, March Musings 2021

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Preparing to Close

last day before the closing

scurrying to accomplish

what needs to be completed

tidying rooms to sparkle

leaving house keys for buyers

penning a warn welcome note

saying goodbys to our home

via current photographs

of memorable events

38 years of memories are tucked inside.

I took this photo to remember all the social events with dear friends and family that took place here.

I am ready to let go and begin a new life chapter!

Day 14 March SOLSC! #SOL2021, Two Writing Teachers, March Musings 2021

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Back to Long Island Again

It was a slow wake-up for us. We needed to be on the road heading back to Long Island for the closing but we overslept. I could barely keep awake as we inched closer to New York but I did notice that the weather was cooler. Would our house be ready to welcome us back?

Hello house,

you waited for us

to return.

We are ready

to make you

a welcoming sight

for new owners.

They will love you

as you grow older.

We will remember

all the memories,

the good times

and sad ones.

Homes are

safe havens

of happiness.

You were that for us.

Home is a shelter from storms-all sorts of storms. -William J. Bennett

House, be that shelter for the next family

We wish you well as we make you shine.

Day 13 of Two Writing Teachers' March SOLSC! #SOL21, March Musings 2021

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Moving Day Clutter

Whew! What a few days this has been. The team of movers pulled up to my new house in Virginia with an 18 wheeler truck yesterday on a day filled with sunshine and 76-degree weather. I feel exhausted and excited at the same time. The house is stuffed to the gills with boxes. Even though I did a good job of labeling each box with the appropriate room designated, the house is cluttered.  I have lost my phone many times and cannot find simple items. Everywhere I go there is clutter. I clean one area only to have another pile of items that would make Marie Kondo cringe. 

It is late in the day and I am sliding into Poetry Friday and today's Slice of Life for Two Writing Teachers. I decided to use a new poetry form, the lamipofri created by Kathryn Apel,Australian children's book author and poet. What is it you ask? Kat states that "It's a poetry snapshot that's quickly scribe to give people an inisht into the world around you at a given point in time-that point being the last minute as you're scrabling for a Poetry Friday poem to post. Hence the name LAst MInuite of a POetry FRIday. The trick with the .amipofri is to pause, take a moment to look around and share that moment with others."

Moving Day Clutter

Eighteen wheeler

pulled in.

Team of five

piled out.

Walkthrough began.

Parade of furniture and boxes

found their way

to designated spots.

I watched in awe.

Changed my mind

too many times.

Contemplated

how to declutter.

Too exhausted!

Marie Kondo

where are you?

I'm in need of advice.

©CV, 2021

This is a neat version after many boxes were unpacked.

This lamipofri is offered to both the Poetry Friday community hosted by the birthday gal, Heidi Mordhorst, and Two Writing Teachers March SOLSCI! #SOL21.

Day 12 of Two Writing Teachers' March SOLSC! #SOL21, March Musings 2021

Moving Team Arrives

“There is only one way to bridge the perceived gap between a person and his or her greatest dreams, and that is to begin.” ― Richie Norton

Today was the realization of a long year of planning our new home. Our moving team arrived early and worked consistently to unload box after box and each piece of furniture into my new home. It was a day to say my dream came true.

I did not have one minute to sit down and rest or write. It was a never-ending flow of my name being called out or the phone ringing. So now in the last few minutes of the day, I sit thinking of all that happened today. While it was a hectic day, I feel grateful for a time to rest and think about the beginning of a new life in Virginia.

Tomorrow I hope to send off photos of a house filled with boxes, laugh about not being able to find the salt or pepper shakers, and many more thoughts on moving. Again I say, "There is no rest for the weary". 

Tomorrow is another day to begin anew and put away a few more boxes. Stay tuned.

Day 11 of Two Writing Teachers' March SOLSC! #SOL21, March Musings 2021

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In Virginia

Yesterday was another long day of journeying onward to settle in our new home in Virginia. My daughter and son both said their goodbyes to their childhood home and felt the pangs of sadness. After all, this house was their family home. Memories were made there, tears shed, and joys celebrated. Because of COVID, there was no fanfare before stepping into the car - just a rush to clean up the house so we would not have so much to do when we return for the walkthrough and closing on Saturday. BUT there was extreme exhaustion and burning feet.

Tonight, I sit quietly in my new great room. It is open, spacious and my new sectional is so comfortable. I just turned off my fireplace as I intermittently nod off. Thanks for spending a few quiet moments with me. I needed time alone to write because the stress level is not lessening. Tomorrow the movers deliver the furniture at 7:30 AM. There's no rest for the weary this week but expectations of future joy!

Day 10of Two Writing Teachers' March SOLSC! #SOL21, March Musings 2021

Proud Member of Two Writing Teachers Community since 2015

Extending my thanks to all the slicers who have corresponded with me.

Good Night

Off to Sleep

II will catch up with reading slices

Last Look

On a mission to see her childhood home one last time before our big move, my daughter drove from Virginia for the last look. While my daughter did not realize it, she became the superhero who "saved the day". 

Why you ask? At the eleventh hour, I realized that I could not reasonably accomplish the important task of getting my house packed before the movers would arrive. There were too many interruptions and exhaustion set in. In a short time from her arrival in Long Island, Devin got the last phase of the packing organized. Without her help, my husband, son, and I would not have been able to complete the process successfully. I am glad that she had her organizational skills and fresh perspective ready to come to our aid. 

Moving  Day, March 9, 2021

Exhausted, we now turn into our Virginia home ready to unpack the car and wait for the Ethan Allen delivery truck to arrive in the morning. The following day, the movers will deliver our belongings and then we head back to Long Island for the walkthrough and closing. Then, I can have a last look and wave goodby.

More thoughts and photos will follow.

Day 9 of Two Writing Teachers' March SOLSC! #SOL21, March Musings 2021

Proud Member of Two Writing Teachers Community since 2015

Extending my thanks to all the slicers who have kept my spirits up to my moving day.

Countdown to Moving Day

Yesterday was a rough day but today starts out with bright sunshine and a smile even though I have a full day of packing, actually, my last one before the movers come. Today is a high alert day so I am off to start the day rolling with the question of the moment posed by a few friends yesterday.

"Will you get your house packed by tomorrow?" 

I fretted about this yesterday, cried at different times of the day, and went to sleep still pondering on how I could make this happen. There is no magic wand for me to wave. I just need grit and peseverence.

While there are some appointments and final tasks to do outside the house before tomorrow, I am ready to handle the day. Packing first, cleaning tonight. Then, the final sweep will occur on Saturday when I return to Long Island for the walkthrough and closing.

It always seems impossible until it is done. -Nelson Mandel

Wish me Luck!

Day 8 of Two Writing Teachers' March SOLSC! #SOL21, March Musings 2021

Proud Member of Two Writing Teachers Community since 2015

Extending my thanks to all the slicers who have keep my spirits up during these hectic first days of March.

Packing for a life move is not for the faint of heart!

Another Day of Packing

March 7, 2021

Dear Interactive Digital Notebook,

I thought I would wake up with a fresh new dose of gratitude BUT the day turned out to be another helter-skelter one. All it takes is something small to flip the switch. I thought the person who did not pick up her purchase from Friday's online auction would arrive between 10-2. She did not. I moved from room to room in the house trying to cover all bases. That did not work. I tried to center my thoughts but that did not work since multiple texts and calls kept coming in. Now it is the end of  daylight hours and I am exhausted. 

What will I do? Will I finish the rest of the packing before Tuesday's moving starts at 8:00 AM? Not sure! There's still so much to do so that when I return to Long Island next weekend, I might have to pick up the remaining pieces that need to go to Virginia,  clean some more, and throw out some more trash.

I hope you are listening. Even without saying a word, I feel better knowing that I can write down my thoughts and perhaps, look back and laugh. 

I thank my trusty computer for recording these musings about moving and send thanks out to Two Writing Teachers for the space to communicate with other slicers.

Saddened but not giving up because there are slicers who bolster me up each day during my life move.

Just Me

 End of a Long Day of Packing

Day 7 of Two Writing Teachers' March SOLSC! #SOL21, March Musings 2021

Proud Member of Two Writing Teachers Community since 2015