Thank you friends who have contacted me via the blog, email, Facebook, etc.
2020 has been a challenging year of all of us. Our family travel plans have been cancelled, hopefully to be rescheduled in the future.
Most of my afternoon tea experiences have been during travels the past few years.
I discovered in 2013, that avoiding gluten in my diet made my life, my health and comfort, so much better. The average, small local tea room does not cater to gluten free afternoon tea due to the added work and cost involved. I understand that, but there are ways to simplify.
Grand hotels offering both traditional and gluten free afternoon teas during travels have been, for the most part, excellent experiences for our family.
In addition to not having afternoon teas to blog about, I have been having technical difficulties downloading photos to my computer. I admit, I am lacking in technical skills.
During the pandemic our family has remained busy.
Currently, I am the treasurer of our DAR Chapter, and I'm the Public Relations chair along with other responsibilities. I write the monthly chapter newsletter, DAR newspaper articles for our small town paper, and maintain the chapter Facebook Group. I have read loads of books since March 11, as probably most of you have. March 11 was my birthday and the day the governor of Kentucky declared a State of Emergency. That 2020 date is very memorable to me.
Austin, for those of you who have asked, transitioned to all online classes at Transylvania University in Lexington. The transition was not easy for a university without any prior online classes. He came home and has been living at our farm just 8 miles from our home. Not being with family has been the most difficult part of this pandemic, as all of you know.
Our wonderful 94 year old across-the-street neighbor of 32 years moved to Virginia to as assisted living facility last fall. She wanted Glenn to buy her house, and he did. Sadly, she has since passed away. The house has been a great retirement project for Glenn, as he is completely renovating it. Quite a change for a man who worked behind a desk for forty years. It has been a life-saver for him because he has dept busy, and it requires no travel. :-)
The other blogging issue I want to address is the enormous amount of spam comments I receive. Most of those are from international countries and are ridiculous! This didn't happen when I began blogging in 2008.
To my friends and blog followers, I miss you all and wish you the best!
Its so nice to see your post, Linda and know that your family is staying safe during the covid. Between your charity duties, Glenn's remodeling project and Austin looking after the farm it sounds like everyone is keeping very busy.
ReplyDeleteI do miss your posts and photos. With CA being shut down again and not doing any entertaining during this time I am trying to make a special tea time for myself each day.
Martha
I'm so sorry about the spam! I wish people would use their talents and efforts for good instead of annoyance. Hang in there, hopefully you'll be traveling again before long.
ReplyDeleteWelcome back!!! I've missed you!!! LOL!!!! Every morning, I make my first cup of tea for the day and sit down at the computer to read what my "favorite people" have to say, and not having your blog is like missing a friend! :>)
ReplyDeleteSorry about the spam...have heard from a number of people having the same problem. It's sad that stuff like that is out there. Wonder if there is any way to stop it?
Raising my cup of tea to you...Welcome back!!
I'm so glad for this update, Linda! I was thinking of you just today and wondering how you've been coping with no summer travel. I think the fact that Glenn is renovating the home across the street is brilliant, although I'm of course sorry about your neighbor. I still can't quite wrap my mind around all the ways this pandemic has affected literally everyone. Glad you're all busy and well!
ReplyDeleteThe reason I moderate my blog is the spam. It seems to go in waves. Thanks for the update. I wondered how you all were doing. Glad you are keeping busy.
ReplyDelete