I keep improving my condo.

This week my two new table lamps were delivered. They’re simple but stylish.

Today I’ll have the window treatments in my bedrooms (x 2), dining room, and at the ends of the sofa installed. I think it’ll make the bedrooms and dining room much more appealing. (The old mini blinds are totally out of date.) The new top down and bottom up room darkeners should work great for sleeping and will allow a nicer view.

My new slate colored leather sofa should come next week. It’ll really change the great room’s look. I still need to upgrade the coffee and end tables in the great room and totally re-furnish my guest room. I guess I’ll never have everything finished and that’s the way I like it. New projects make the place feel fresh.

As my last post indicated, I was optimistically feeling that there was hope that the pandemic was winding down.

But today it was announced that the 2021 Evart festival has been cancelled because there’s a feeling that things won’t be sufficiently protected to allow crowds to gather. Afterall the under 65 year olds haven’t started to be vaccinated and that’ll take many months.

Maybe my friends Pat and Connie will be able to join me for games of Mexican Train Dominoes by the end of March when we’re all protected by our inoculations. I know it’s not going to be 100% but maybe close enough to risk it. We’ll read the reports.

It’s strange… You get your hopes up, and then they are dashed. I just hope we’ll gradually feel comfortable with others around us. I know this lifestyle isn’t normal.

The pandemic rules are still in place. We’re still wearing masks and we’re staying in isolation but somehow the end feels closer.

I was given my first Covid-19 vaccination on January 9th and on February 5th I’ll have the required booster (or second shot). Immunity isn’t instantaneous but a month after the second shot we should be protected. It feels different to have hope that soon we’ll be able to socialize. It’s been so long!!

I noticed Bob and Sue Bemis have just returned from their northern residence. Usually they’d be back in the fall but at least they’re here now. Maybe some others will drift back as the immunity spreads. I sure hope so!!

We have Canadian friends that are not able to cross the border. (They can fly but not drive.) Their Florida residences are just waiting for them.

I’m watching the inauguration of the 46th president, Joe Biden.

I’ve watched most of the inaugurations that have occurred in my lifetime. This is very different. There ae no huge crowds. The pandemic and the riots two weeks ago have prohibited the close gathering of people.

Pamela Harris is the FIRST WOMAN VICE PRESIDENT. She’s also the first vice president of color…. female and colored. What a change!! She grew up the child of immigrants. Often the vice president becomes the president. Wouldn’t that be something. She’s an excellent speaker. I like her!

President Trump is back in Florida. He flew out this morning on Air Force One. GOOD RIDDANCE! I’ve never felt so strongly against a politician but Trump was the wrong person to represent our country. Hopefully Biden will be a great improvement.

I had tears when “The National Anthem” and “God Bless America,” were sung. And while singing along the Garth Brooks to “Amazing Grace,” I also cried. It was an epic day!!

I don’t understand intelligent folks who wanted Trump to continue as our president. Even after the attack on the capital, they still supported him. Why? I hope they eventually agree to unite.

I won’t attack my friends who see things differently. They have a right to their feelings. I just hope Biden can convince them that he is the man for the job.

Washington D.C. was deeply wounded by the January 6th invasion by Trump supporters. Now we’re approaching Inauguration Day this Wednesday and the world is holding it’s breath. Will there be more problems.

I’m amazed that there are still Trump supporters. They’ve grown quiet but they make subtle comments that show how they feel. They still feel Trump is/was awesome. Trump himself has retreated and he has basically resigned and let Pence take over.

Joe Biden will soon be sworn in as president and hopefully life will be more tranquil. I hope that we regain the position we once held in the world scene.

I knew when Trump was elected that it was a mistake, but I hoped I was wrong. Here was my view of the 2016 election results. “My fears.”

The breaching of the Capitol building.

I’m saddened by this frightening situation. There was one fatality. But even if no one had died, the spirit of our nation was threatened. The ballots of the individual states were being presented to show that Joe Biden is our president-elect. The riot was intended to challenge Biden’s successful election.

We look bad to other countries. I’m embarrassed. Our whole system was challenged.

What I (Sharon Skaryd) learned in 2020: I learned that I can live truly alone as long as I have my dog to talk to. I discovered Zoom which is a great way to see folks at a safe distance. I learned that there are alternatives to shopping in stores (delivery and Amazon). I found that there are really only a few things you really need: a good bottle of wine and a supply of toilet paper. As a single lady, I found I’d rather be alone than with someone I’m neutral about. I found that for me throwing away leftovers is wiser than storing them in the refrigerator only to eventually toss them anyway. I discovered that TV movies repeat and repeat and repeat. I found that everyone responds differently to being isolated. It got easier for me but for many it has been really tough. A good book is a great way to relax before bedtime. I found that wearing makeup, bras, shoes, and matching attire is unimportant as long as you’re comfortable. I found that the news can be depressing so it’s better to avoid it. (What will happen will happen without my input.) I found it’s a good idea to occasionally make a list of stuff you have frozen. Review the list when you can’t think of anything for dinner, otherwise you’ll forget what’s there. Online services like banking and even online concerts are truly valuable. Talking to yourself is completely ok. When I feel I need to “get out” for fresh air, there’s nothing better for me than a nice golf cart ride. Sometimes I pick up carry-out lunch and park in an isolated spot with a book and enjoy my “picnic.” Yup, this is my list of what I learned in 2020. Make your own list. You’ll be surprised at how wise you’ve become.