A sticker surprise, a post-Halloween breakfast, and my request for advice (7 Quick Takes)

~1~

My friend Olivia recently sent me a card with a lovely, inspirational bird sticker. I was so excited to get a real piece of mail, and I loved that she included a bird. I was thinking how surprising it is that during the pandemic I’ve become a bird person, without really trying. Now, people give me bird items, and it always makes me smile—just as our pandemic pets do.

~2~

One day this week, I was driving my sons home from school, asking my usual questions that elicit one-word answers and soaking it all in, when my younger son suddenly said, “I made a new friend today.”

That really warmed my heart. In-person school is such a gift.

~3~

I’ve been under the weather this week (with a non-COVID illness), and I keep hearing my mother’s voice saying, “Sick in the fall, sick all winter.” Let’s hope that’s not true because the winter is still looming large.

Two very thoughtful colleagues sent soup, bread, and cookies for the family one day, and I was so touched. Most of our other dinners have not been memorable, except for one day when I thought to plan ahead and throw together a meal in the crockpot. Crockpot meals are such a gift to your future evening self.

John and I both loved it, and the boys will eat most things if I serve them with noodles. I used this recipe for sirloin steak and gravy and added carrots and celery about halfway through the cooking time. I highly recommend it.

~4~

One morning I was a little late getting out of bed, and when I got to the kitchen, I saw my younger son had already taken care of making his breakfast.

There was a pile of Nestle Crunch wrappers on the counter. It made me laugh.

Then I went and fed him a few more nutritious items you won’t find in a trick-or-treat bag.

But the stage had clearly been set with the Halloween candy.

~5~

Some days I think the greatest thing I do is unload and reload the dishwasher. My biggest achievement this week was clearing off the breakfast bar.

Naturally, it fills right back up over and over and over. Horizontal surfaces are magnets for everything.

But for one brief, shining moment, it was empty. The photo doesn’t really reflect that, so you just have to trust that, or appreciate the authenticity of this image.

~6~

I’m so excited that the COVID vaccine is available for children 5-11. I had seen it in the news, but when I saw the headline on our print copy of The Baltimore Sun, my eyes filled with tears of relief. I have been waiting for this day.

Yes, I’ve done my research. Yes, I’ve asked the doctors who know our 11-year-old well, and they have all enthusiastically assured us that this is the right decision. Yes, he is ready. Yes, he will tell me whether I owe him a milkshake or chicken nuggets or a dollar to spend on video games. That’s our standard deal for any shot.

He turns 12 next month, and it has been a race to see whether the vaccine would be available to him before or after his birthday. Today, I feel grateful and hopeful.

~7~

For seven years, Kelly at This Ain’t the Lyceum has hosted the 7 Quick Takes link-up with dedication, warmth, and humor. She announced this week that she has decided not to host it any longer, which I absolutely understand. All good things must come to an end. Or so I’m told. I always struggle with endings—happy as they might be.

I really enjoy posting bits and pieces of our lives here. I’m not sure my niece Elise or my friend Annie will forgive me for ending it. And then there’s Annie’s mom! And so many others! So, I’m trying to decide whether to keep Quick Taking every week, or maybe doing it a little less often, or…or…or…well…what do you think? Tell me wherever we are connected on social media or send me a note at openwindowcr@gmail.com.

For now, you can read the last round of the link-up of Quick Takes at Kelly’s blog.
Thank you to Kelly for being such a wonderful host for so long!

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