Monday, August 30, 2021

This Summer…

 

Where has this summer gone?  The days have raced by faster and faster and we are already looking at September tomorrow.  Schools have all started here but it will still feel like summer for at least another month.

So, what’s been going on here?  Earlier this month my granddaughter, Annika, spent the night with me just so we could spend some time together catching up.  Even though she is 25, we have always been close and can easily talk all night (which we did!).  Annika enjoys old movies so I introduced her to a really old one, but a classic: Arsenic and Old Lace.  This was released in 1944, stars Cary Grant and was directed by the famous Frank Capra.  It is a classic black and white comedy and one of my favorite old movies.  Many of you have probably seen this movie but if not and you like classic comedies from the 1940s, it is worth seeing!




We all had a bit of a scare several weeks ago when my 19-year-old grandson, Gavin, got sick with Covid.  This new Delta variant is all over the place here and spreading like crazy.  It’s almost worse here now than it was last year since this one is so much more contagious.  We are very grateful that although Gavin was pretty sick for a couple of weeks, he did not have to go to the hospital.  He is doing better now and has been back at work for almost two weeks.  He still doesn’t have his taste back and is not feeling his best just yet, but he’s getting there.  I am so thankful he is doing better!

I had my 69th birthday on August 9th.  (It seems impossible that I am nearly 70!)  Since Gavin had been sick and quarantined, I celebrated it late with my son Chris’ family this past Saturday.  I keep telling my kids that my favorite gift is simply to be able to spend a little time with them!  We had a wonderful dinner out and then went to Chris and Kristi’s house for cake and gifts.  I thoroughly enjoyed the time spent with Chris, Kristi, Gavin, Annika and Nick (Annika’s boyfriend).

Left to Right: Gavin, Annika, Nick, Tom, Me, Kristi

 

Kristi, Chris and me


Well, this has been my August other than some usual medical appointments and such for Tom and myself.  Except for Gavin getting sick, it has been a good month overall.  I hope all of you are well and enjoying the final days of summer.  Take good care and thank you for your friendship even though I am not the most frequent blogger!



 

60 comments:

  1. Thank you for sharing your month with us, Bonnie, and your lovely family! It must be such a relief for you all to see Gavin getting better. And you know - now that he's had it, he should largely be immune to it!
    One of O.K.'s relatives has had Covid last year, the entire family of five were sick but nobody needed to go to hospital. They said it took months before their sense of taste and smell was fully back, but that was all they had in terms of long-lasting effects.
    You look beautiful and happy in those pictures!

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    1. Thank you Meike for your sweet comment! It is really frightening to learn someone you care about has Covid isn't it? I'm glad O.K.'s relatives are doing better now. I hope you are well and enjoying the end of summer!

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  2. Lovely birthday pictures Bonnie. In a couple of months I shall be 89 - and I feel the same - where have all those years gone.

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    1. Thank you Pat. You are so right, those years seem to disappear! You do have a birthday coming up, don't you? I think it is at the end of October isn't it? You deserve a special celebration!

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  3. Hi Bonnie, thank you for sharing the family photographs. You look wonderful and so nice to see you and Tom. I am glad you were able to have such a wonderful birthday together with your family. xxx

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    1. Thank you for your kind words. Our family doesn't have a chance to get together often, but we always do on each person's birthday. There is nothing I love better than just being with them! xxx

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  4. The month has galloped past us, as has the year, how can the days be so long and then months so short.

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    1. You are so right! It doesn't even seem like we had an August this year! Thanks for stopping by Poppy!

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  5. Just passing....
    Arsenic and Old Lace is a classic...
    One film that is equal to it is...
    Kind Hearts and Coronets...Not to
    be missed...

    https://movies2watch.tv/watch-movie/watch-kind-hearts-and-coronets-hd-12344.2510003

    Arsenic and Old Lace...
    https://www.freegreatmovies.com/Free-Movie/Arsenic-and-Old-Lace/3431

    As l always say.."They don't make
    films like they used to"...! :O).

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    1. Hi Willie, I'm so glad you stopped by! I love those old classic movies. I've heard of Kind Hearts and Coronets but I don't remember if I've seen it. I'll have to look it up. Thanks for telling me about it!

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  6. Bonnie, so nice to read about your & your granddaughter Annika. I know when I left my hometown "for the big city" in 1985, the two people I kept in weekly touch with was my mom & (paternal) grandma, we were honestly best buddies. She's been gone 24 years and I still think about her everyday. That's good to read about Gavin too, and what a great picture of all of you. You have a good looking crowd. :^) PS. Sure do love Arsenic & Old Lace'

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    1. There's just something about our moms and grandmothers isn't there? I was especially close to my maternal Grandmother too. It's good that you keep your Grandmother's memory alive. I had a feeling you might also like Arsenic and Old Lace. I love those old black and white movies from the 40s! Thanks for stopping by Doug!

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  7. Happy belated birthday, Bonnie! My birthday was the 10th of August but I am 2 years older than you! Glad your grandson is feeling better. The whole year is flying by too quickly! Thanks for the post!

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    1. Thank you for the birthday wishes Ellen. And a Happy Belated Birthday to you as well! I hope you had a good one. Thank you for stopping by - I enjoy seeing you!

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  8. Covid just keeps getting worse and worse. I'm watching to see when I can get my booster. We're going to need it.

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    1. Red we have been told we can get our Covid booster shot eight months after the last Covid shot we received. So for us that will be in November. Yes, I think we will need it as you said. I don't know about Canada, but here the Delta Variant is spreading like crazy and many children and young people have caught this one. I hope you and your wife stay well, thanks for stopping by!

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  9. Happy belated birthday, Bonnie. Glad we got a new update and I am also glad Gavin is feeling better. Take care,

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    1. Thank you Mr. Shife! I hope all is well with your gang!

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  10. What a lovely month you had. I am glad that Gavin is better. The Delta variant has me scared, it seems to be making the rounds much quicker and attacking younger people.

    Happy Belated Birthday Bonnie. I am glad you got to spend it with loved ones.

    God bless.

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    1. Thank you Jackie! The Delta variant has me scared as well. They say even with the vaccination you can still catch this one but hopefully you would have a much milder case. I was very worried when Gavin had it because he was pretty sick for a couple of weeks. Our hospitals here are full of children with it and that breaks my heart.

      Take care Jackie!

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  11. That is so great that you and Annika are so close! Really special bond. Great to be with family...especially in these times. Have to appreciate it while we can as may be more isolated as delta gets worse and worse--who knows? So glad Gavin is better than he was. I hope he gets fully back to his normal self soon. love and hugs!
    Oh, and that is a great movie! ;)

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    1. Rita I agree, we need to enjoy family every chance we get! I love being with mine but with both grandkids out and on their own now it is really difficult to get us all together. And of course with Delta we don't know what to expect.

      I hope you are doing well. I know you had some appointments this week. Hopefully you can rest and relax when at home! Take care Rita!

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  12. Bonnie! That is a wonderful photo of you with Kristi and Chris - you are glowing! I am happy that you spent some good time with Annika but sorry to hear about Gavin. I hope that Gavin is doing well now. I hope that you have a lovely September with lots of things to enjoy. x

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    1. Thanks Simone, I am my happiest when with family. I have a feeling September is going to speed by as quickly as August did! Take care Simone!

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  13. Looks like you had a wonderful birthday (Congrats) with your family. I'm sure after the scare of Gavin getting Covid, it was especially sweet to have everyone together again. Wishing Gavin a full recovery--especially his sense of smell and taste. Glad the rest of your month was decent. I'm sure you, like me, are looking forward to some cooler weather. Been a beastly hot summer. Take care. Hope you and Tom continue in good health.

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    1. Yes, it was wonderful to get us all together. We had quite a scare with Gavin getting Covid so it did make our evening extra special. We still have our hot weather but hopefully it will cool down in October. Thank you for your good wishes. I hope you and your family are well and happy!

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  14. Happy Birthday!! So happy you got to celebrate the way you wanted to! Thankful that Gavin has recovered from Covid...so scary:(

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    1. Thank you Connie! It was the best gift in the world to see Gavin get past Covid! He still has some lingering problems but I understand it takes a long time to truly get back to normal, even for the young. Thanks for stopping by Connie. I hope you and Far Guy are doing well!

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  15. Super Photos of a Super Family! Your family is certainly your greatest blessing Bonnie. I'm happy for you and you certainly don't show your age!

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    1. I couldn't agree with you more Charlie, my family is my greatest blessing and that includes you too! Thanks for your compliment but most days I do feel my age! Good to see you Charlie!

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  16. A very late Happy Birthday Bonnie. I loved seeing your family, and you. You have such a nice looking family. I love the names Annika and Gavin. Isn't there a good looking actor, or used to be, in the older Westerns, named Gavin? Maybe that was his last name?? Your Gavin sure is a cutie too. Glad Gavin is almost over Covid. It's so scary, isn't it? Glad too you got presents and had a happy birthday.

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    1. Thank you for your good wishes! My son and daughter-in-law wanted names that were not too common for their children and I love their names. I think there was an old west actor with that name but I can't remember who? Thanks for stopping by Henny!

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    3. There was a Gavin Packard..who was an
      Indian actor of Irish American descent!

      Your probably thinking of John Gavin..
      Who was an American actor who was the
      president of the Screen Actors Guild..
      (1971–73), and the United States Ambassador
      to Mexico (1981–86)...
      He was in..Spartacus (1960), Psycho (1960),
      and Thoroughly Modern Millie (1967)...!

      (Sorry..make a mistake on the surname...
      It's John Gavin..'NOT' Packard)

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  17. Oh! You're still a youngster, Bonnie! :)

    I'm glad Gavin is doing well now.

    Take good care...all of you.

    Spring has begun here....

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    1. Ha! I wish I felt like a youngster but I understand what you are saying. Thanks for stopping in - it's good to hear from you! Enjoy your Spring!

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  18. Our Lady of Lourdes, intercede for me and my family, cover us with your sacred mantle, I thank you in the name of the father of the child and the holy spirit amen 🙏

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  19. Happy Birthday...a bit late! Sounds like it was a good one.

    I don't think I have seen Arsenic and Old Lace but know I would like it...I love the old movies and can sit and watch almost any of them.

    It was really scary for me with the kids and Covid. Both daughters had it as well as the SIL...but only really one daughter down...She was sick at home for a bit over a week, in the hospital a week and on oxygen...She has been off work, well, I did not ask but maybe working from home now. But it hit her so hard. and NOT the Delta variant. She just has partial taste back...but says she feels pretty normal. We are going to visit tomorrow...the first time we have seen her in 2 and a half months. Roger keeps saying he wants to see them...and she felt so bad for so long and was afraid for us to come even though we have been vaccinated.

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    1. I think you would love Arsenic & Old Lace if you enjoy older movies. This one is a comedy and I'm sure you've seen Cary Grant before.

      I remember you saying your daughters and SIL had Covid. I'm sure it did scare you especially when one of them was in the hospital. I was so worried about my grandson when he had it and of course we could not go see him. He was pretty sick for two weeks and still has the loss of taste and some other after effects. Right now there are many young children in the hospital with it here and I hate to see that. You and Roger be careful and take care!

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  20. Well you don't look nearly 70 if that makes you feel any better! Looks like you had a fun birthday.

    Yes the Delta variant is dominating all covid cases in the UK too, and although we aren't in lockdown the daily deaths from this awful disease are still high each day.

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    1. Thank you Joe, those years do sneak up on you. This Delta variant does seem to be dominating the covid cases in most areas now. The disturbing thing to me is that young children are getting this one. You take care and I send by best to your family!

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  21. We took a chance with covid last night. The band we play in was booked for a ceilidh, the first for 18 months, so we went along and played and it felt safe, but you really couldn't design a better covid transmission system than a ceilidh. Here's hoping.

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    1. That's exciting that your band played again! I'm sure you and your wife have missed it. I understand your concern about being in a tight group like that. I think you've said you were both vaccinated so hopefully that will make a difference for you. Thanks for stopping by!

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  22. Good that the kids are out of danger. This Covid thing is never ending.
    And yes, I am going to watch the Cary Grant movie.

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    1. Hi, I hope you enjoy the movie. Cary Grant has made many great old movies!

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  23. Belated Happy Birthday, Bonnie! Wishing you many more.
    I'm sorry to hear your grandson was ill with Covid. That would have been quite frightening until you were sure he was out of danger.
    Yes, the summer has flown by. Here it is almost autumn. The wind in the trees always has a different sound in the fall when the leaves are still on, even when the temperatures are still warm. It's a melancholic sound but I welcome the coming cooler weather. Not the snow, just the in-between part :)

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    1. Thank you Jenny and thanks for stopping by! It was frightening when Gavin had Covid and I wanted so badly to help take care of him but due to my age I stayed away. It is still hot weather here but I know Fall is coming soon especially since it is getting dark so much earlier now.

      I loved your description of the different sound in the Fall of the wind in the trees. I always notice things like that too. The way the wind feels and the trees sway along with the birds and squirrels running around getting ready for winter. Nature is pretty amazing. I hope you are doing okay Jenny! xx

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  24. Dear Bonnie i am so glad the Gavin is recovering by the grace of lord !

    despite of on and off lockdown situation regarding delta seems worrying here either though we still hear more about covid .

    your granddaughter sound like a sweet mature young lady who loves to spend time with her grandma :)
    i agree that at this age all one can want is to some quality time with all family members once in a while . Many many happy returns of the day dear friend !
    thank you for sharing the lovely family image ,i liked seeing joyous sweet faces here :) specially i am stunned with your beauty at 69 mashaallah (God willingly) ,the innocence in your smile and face is such a gift !
    wishing you and loved ones more blessings in days ahead amen!

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    1. Thank you so much Baili for your very kind thoughts and words. I appreciate your friendship! Our family is not able to all get together very often but it is always the happiest of times for me when we do. I hope you and your family are all well and happy!

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  25. Great family photos! You wrote this post in August but summer wasn’t over until day before yesterday. Our last two mornings have been downright chilly for our neck of the woods — 56 yesterday and 42 today. NOW it is autumn! Hope everyone is healthy in the coming months. We

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    1. Thanks for stopping by! This week was the first week we were able to turn our air off. I love having the windows open. It is supposed to be warm again next week but Fall is getting closer for us. It sounds like you have some wonderful weather. I love those crisp Fall days. Take care!

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  26. Hope you’re doing well my friend.

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    1. Thank you so much for asking. I am fine but I have not been online much lately. I am terribly behind on my blog but I do hope to get back to it. I hope you are well and happy!

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  27. just to drop you best wishes and Happy thanksgiving to you dear Bonnie!
    may you see many more with loved ones in years ahead amen!

    blessings!

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    1. Thank you Baili! Our Thanksgiving is still a few weeks away but it will be here before we know it. I hope you are well and enjoying your days!

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  28. Hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving and Christmas is zooming fast start screaming now !
    Hope your test went well.

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    1. We did have a good Thanksgiving, thank you. I hope you and your son did as well. Yes, Christmas will be here before we know it and I have so much to get done! I hope you are having a good weekend! Give those Gud Dugs some love from me!

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  29. Indeed, where did it go? Clouds, wind, rain, snow, etc. I try to enjoy winter but never seem to quite crack it.

    As for old films, I've a real soft spot for the Powell Pressburger films. A Matter of Life and Death, Blimp, etc. A Canterbury Tales is probably my favourite. Perhaps I should spend winter watching them all again...

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