I recently read a post that stated "2020 has been a year that has brought many things unexpectedly. Tell me one good thing that happened to you in 2020."
That post really made me think about how we can tend to get dragged down by negativity, missing all of the little things in our lives for which we should be grateful. So, I wanted to write about the "little" things that made such a difference these last few days. I will admit, though, that I almost passed on doing just that because I felt a bit guilty sharing happy moments when so many people are living in fear and upheaval. But those who truly know me, realize that I am an empathetic individual who feels for those who are suffering, and I would never downplay their turmoil.
Last evening, I realized that I really do need to focus on the positive joys in my life, as a reminder of just how blessed I am. And writing this blog lets me keep a memory alive that might otherwise be forgotten amid the stay-at-home blues. So, here goes....
On Thursday, Marty and I headed west on the Turnpike for the first time since mid-February. The first thing that I noticed was that all of the toll plazas are now automated. Large signs flashed information pertaining to the change, prior to every exit along the way. Now, we have an easy pass, so we wouldn't have been affected either way, but I really was surprised to see that all of the toll collectors have ceased. I recalled when one of my children, at a young age, stated that she wanted to grow up to be a Turnpike Toll Collector. Guess we can all be grateful that she decided to pursue a different avenue for her future.
Our travels took us to the home where I grew up, where we were able to visit my parents whom we hadn't seen since early January. We do get the opportunity to use FaceTime to keep in touch, but it's just not the same as chatting in the same room. It was fun to be back home with them and to catch up on their everyday lives. I was grateful to have this special time with them.
After a delightful afternoon, we headed to Amy's, but not before making a quick stop at Kretchmar's Bakery in Beaver, to pick up this treat for dessert.
A slice of that Boston Cream Cake was the perfected ending to a delectable meal!
On Friday, Amy was working from home, so we decided on some outdoor adventures that didn't involve having people around. At least no living ones. We headed to the area of Pittsburgh where my ancestors had emigrated: Munhall and Homestead. At St. Michael's Slovakian Cemetery, we spruced up the graves for my grandparents
and my great grandparents and family.
Marty came prepared with the appropriate tools (and his Pitt hat)
and I even asked him to trim up some of the veteran's graves that had obviously been unattended, which he was happy to do. We were finished relatively quickly, so we headed over to St. Mary's in Munhall, which was in close proximity, to visit the grave of my other grandparents.
That was obviously in good condition and required no extra care on our part. By now it was lunchtime, and conveniently enough, we were only a short distance from Fox's Diner in Munhall, so we decided to call in an order. (Please excuse my appearance....remember...I was cleaning graves.)
We were pleasantly surprised to be greeted by our nephew, the owner, upon entering for our pick up. He apparently had been forewarned when Marty ordered with an out of area phone number, and he was excited to see us, and he even gave us a very quick tour which featured the recently refurbished back room. (No worries.....we maintained social distancing and kept on those masks!)
By the way, the lunch order was quite tasty. I ordered the fish sandwich, and I can't say when I've had such a tasty piece of fish. So, if you are in the area....call in an order! Although I can't guarantee that you'll get the family tour.
On the way back to Amy's, we stopped in briefly to visit the grave of Marty's parents. Since this cemetery is part of the Pittsburgh Catholic Cemetery Association, the grounds are well maintained.
and the nearby veteran section was a sea of flags, making quite a dramatic scene.
We were fortunate to have a pleasant day to visit the cemeteries. And, it might sound odd to some, but we both enjoyed the time together caring for the graves of our loved ones. In case you might be wondering, it has been a family tradition, stemming from my Slovak background, to care for the graves of deceased family members. To some, this might seem quite odd or unusual, but to me, it was second nature, and I was grateful for the opportunity to continue this tradition.
The day got far more exciting when we picked up Amy and headed to a Lebanese Food festival (pick up only), and brought our delights to our son's house to enjoy with his family, as they lived nearby. The weather was perfect for outside dining creating a comfortable venue for enjoying a meal while being entertained by our two grandchildren who were eager to get us up to speed on life in their household.
Which, by the way, includes the antics of our new grand dog, Wesley.
That photo makes him appear much larger than what he truly is. But his slight size is quite the opposite of his enthusiasm as we watched him bound and leap around the yard with loads of energy.
Our visit was short, but I am grateful nonetheless.
On Saturday morning, Amy and Marty headed out for a bike ride along the river. As you can see, the weather was perfect!
Our home base was with Amy, who lives not far from the trail. She offers quite a delightful B&B experience.
After our delicious breakfast, we made the drive back home. It was a short visit, but we certainly didn't want to wear out our welcome! Plus, we had a lot of outdoor work at hour house calling our names. We did manage to get a lot done, but not before feeding quite a number of feisty gnats! For that, I cannot say I am grateful!
Sunday was set aside as a special day for us as I had enrolled in the Anniversary Mass Celebration with the Diocese of Allentown. This special liturgy is offered annually for those married couples who are celebrating a monumental year. Generally, it is held at the Cathedral in Allentown, but this year, it was virtual, being said by Bishop Schlert from the confines of his private chapel.
Upon enrolling, we received a program as well as a document commemorating our 40 years of marriage.
Bishop Schlert mentioned that the number of couples who registered accounted for 16, 439 years of marriage. Pretty amazing. At the end of the mass, lists of names were displayed on the screen, and the longest marriage was 73 years. Imagine that! I am grateful that this opportunity was made virtual so that Marty and I could be a part of it.
But, I'm not finished with the excitement here. You are never going to believe this, but just around Mass time, look who showed up!
Yep! It's Sneaky. I haven't seen him in ages! He headed out to the end of the pole, then did an abrupt face, and ran back down towards the deck.
Apparently he wasn't thrilled with what was on the menu, which, to be quite frank, is slim pickings.
He brought quite a laugh from me as I recalled all of his crazy antics over the years. I wondered if we'd ever see him again. Now I know.....he's lurking somewhere and I'll have to keep my eyes open. I am grateful for the entertainment that he brings.
Now for the piece de resistance...... Macarons made by a special friend, and mailed to me as a special treat! Now, I ask, who wouldn't be grateful for this?
She knows who she is and I hope she realizes just how touched Marty and I were by her thoughtfulness.
Not to mention how happy our palates were to savor them! They were the perfect ending to the day.
Finally, let me say, I am grateful for all of you who took the time to keep reading this post!
Here's hoping that it added a bit of joy to your day.
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