I've been way, way out of my kitchen for lots of reasons ... none the least being Covid-19! But want to hear what I've been doing?? Here is what has changed since Covid-19 reared its ugly head!
I turned 60 in April. In fact, my very last social event of any sort was a birthday party thrown in my honor for my 60th birthday. It was a "Tour de Barbara" in tribute to my love of the Tour de France, and I was celebrated in grand style. I also was surprised on my actual birthday with a celebration with family and a "Jimbo's" breakfast complete with a Jimbo's cook!
2. I became a grandBee in April!! William Bishop Whitesides was born on April 6. I've had the joy and pleasure of spending some time with him and his parents which has been so much fun. And I am super grateful for FaceTime, Zoom and photos that do a great job of keeping me connected even when I can't be there!
3. I have a new daughter-in-law to be. Keenan got engaged to Kristen Batts this spring, and we have now celebrated their engagement 3 times! We met Kristen's mom just recently and are looking forward more than ever to a December 2021 wedding here in Wilmington. Kristen is a great addition to the family, and we are super happy for Keenan!
4. We did a major home renovation during this Covid mess. I am not going to give great detail but am just going to say that it was a mess getting through, but every single day that it is done I could not be a bit happier with the end result.
5. We had the great fortune of having all of our children here in spite of Covid off and on. Some stayed months - the DC escapees. Some live here now - Tucker and Martha. And some just came when they could - Keenan and Kristen. We had a multi-occasion celebration in July celebrating birthdays, engagements, moves to new towns, starts of new school programs, new babies and all of the joys of being a family. I will always treasure these times together and remember the good fortune we have had to see as much of our adult children as we have. (It helps to have a house on Wrightsville Beach that has good wifi and lots of room!!)
6. There is so much more to add, but these are the highlights (and I am sure my children will have some editorial comments to add, so I may have to make some corrections). I'll stop now and come back again later.
