I’ve had five COVID tests so far.
The first two were required before two different pulmonary function tests, three months apart.
The third test was after I’d had direct contact with someone. (As far as I can tell from the date of the exposure, it was my podiatrist.)
The fourth one was when I was having some really funky symptoms and, since I am high risk, didn’t want to take any chances.
And the fifth one? Well, last Tuesday I got a call from a mom in the church who told me that she and two of her daughters had just tested positive. And I had spent an hour with each of her daughters the week prior.
So off I went to the fifth test, more worried that time because of both longer exposure and double exposure. Thankfully, the test was negative but I am still required to quarantine for three more days. Crazy times to live in!
Earlier this morning, Sarah was on the radio for a few minutes with Gage who works as a producer/editor at a radio station in Fayetteville, NC. He isn’t often on the air but his boss is on vacation this week and so Gage is filling in.
One of the things his boss does from time to is to have chats with his wife on the air. He asked Gage if he would like to do a brief segment with Sarah in its place and so early this morning, Sarah was up in her room doing an interview with Gage. How fun is that?
And even more fun? You get to hear it right here! Gage is reading an advertisement at first and then the interview starts at about 1 minute. Enjoy!
(The Goldie and the Q they are referring to is the regular radio host and his wife, Suzie Q.)
Another fun piece of Gage News is that he is coming to Manteo on Thanksgiving evening. He will hang out here until Saturday morning and then we’ll all drive to Greenville where we will get to meet his parents for the first time. So we are definitely looking forward to that.
Nate and Meg and the kids are happily settling into their new home. As soon as I have some pictures, I will post them for you to see.
Here they are getting ready to sign the final papers. Big day!
And speaking of Meagan, I just happened across this photo of her with her mom, Sheri, and her sisters, Kristin and Joy. If you don’t already read Sheri’s blog, go pay it a visit. She is a wonderful writer.
Here are the four ladies with all of the kids. (Meagan has four, Joy has four and Kristin has one.) Our grandkids are so blessed to grow up with cousins on all sides.
On a recent trip, I passed through the little town of Bath, NC.
One of the things I noticed while meandering my way through town was all of the benches that were available. It was like I was being invited at every turn, “Hi there. Why don’t sit down and set a spell.” (In the south we don’t sit, we set.)
I did actually take up the invitation of two of the benches and I did set for quite a long spell.
(click on photos to see full size)
Bath is famous for having the oldest church building in the state which is St. Thomas Episcopal church, built in 1734. What’s more amazing is that it has been an active parish that entire time.
One of the favorite things I saw was this sign.
I love seeing old church buildings on my drives hither and yon, and every time I see one I immediately think, “Oh, I would love to go inside.” Since I rarely get to do that, seeing this sign made me happy.
One of the many interesting things to look at was this message carved in stone. One can’t help but wonder who those seventeen people were.
Here lyes the remains of seventeen unknown persons reinterred at this site on November 28, 2006. Their original resting place was on a high wooded knoll overlooking the southwestern bank of Bath Creek. These ballast rocks were the only markers left at the original cemetery.
A few more photos for you to enjoy.
In complicated times, it is the simple joys that undergird our hope for the future. Things like old churches, benches under trees, old and new friends, and spending time with people we love.
From the Smith family to you, we hope your Thanksgiving is filled with every good thing.
What about you?
What are your COVID experiences in recent days? Have you been tested? Are you or loved ones positive? How has this whole thing changed your Thanksgiving plans?
And speaking of holidays, I’ve been noticing that so many people have been putting up their Christmas decorations early this year. Have you done that? I’m curious as to what the reason it; I sort of understand the overall gist but am interested in your thoughts.
Happy Thanksgiving to the Smith family! So glad you have tested negative so far. We just never know how each individual person will be affected. It’s crazy. We haven’t needed to be tested, no exposure, no symptoms. But we are pretty locked down, I only leave the apt to get mail/packages down in the mail room once a week. I could write a whole book on elevator experiences during Covid. It is not pretty. I visit with my sons and family outside with masks. Only once a month or so. I am looking forward to the vaccine for us, totally on board with that.
I loved the interview with Gage and Sarah. I learned two things about your girlie. She plays video games and she speaks a lot more quickly than I pictured. They seem very at ease with each other. I sense a lot of fun with those two.
My Christmas ‘tree’ is up, presents all wrapped. I didnt put up a traditional tree this year, rather just lit branches and ferns anchored in one of my plants with a few ornaments and ribbons on it. Its pretty and very 2020. Ha! Next year back to the traditional with family, hopefully.
Thanksgiving is just the two of us, but son number one is dropping off turkey and lobster using contactless delivery and we will all eat together on Zoom later in the day. Ive never eaten those 2 things together before LOL.
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Lesley,
Lobster and turkey? You are puttin’ on the Ritz! How thoughtful of your son to drop it off; enjoy.
Yes, Sarah is definitely a speedy speaker; all the thoughts and ideas floating around her creative brain that just have to get out.
She introduced Gage to a favorite game from her childhood called Professor Layton that they are playing together online. They DO have a lot of fun together.
I can definitely see the book title, “Elevator Stories.” And you’re such a great writer, you would make every one of stories interesting. Wishing right along with you for a vaccine, for the numbers to go down, for this to be over. It has been so very much harder for you than it has been for me since you are staying in as much as possible. I am just picturing you right now on your first real trip after this over. What joy that will be!
Hugs to you and Sarah and a very happy Thanksgiving. (And I love your 2020 Christmas decorating idea.) 🙂
Yay for negative results but boo for 5 tests. I had to have one prior to foot surgery in June and it was no fun.
Our Thanksgiving isn’t changing much – this was the year for my brother and his family to come to his side of the family. It was a hard decision whether to go through with it or not but with my parents being 89 and 94 and not knowing if this might be their last year that they could come or not, I decided to go ahead with it. I put a lot of thought into it and prayed about it. The biggest difference is my cousin’s adult granddaughter, Bethany, is temporarily staying with me due to treatment at KU for leukemia. She spent the month of October inpatient and just started her outpatient treatment yesterday. She has to be within 30 minutes of the hospital and they live about 125 miles from KU.
I have not put any Christmas decorations up yet but will probably start decorating next week. I may not put much decoration in my spare bedroom since will be in there.
Love the benches. My hometown just completed a sidewalk project along the main highway through town. They also added benches.
Phyllis,
How nice that you can provide nearby housing for Bethany. After Sarah’s BMT, we had to stay within a few minutes of Duke for about a month so I definitely understand how important that is. Hoping she has an excellent recovery.
I hope you enjoy your Thanksgiving with the ones you love; have fun with your Christmas decor!
Well, I am currently in quarantine with my hubby. He tested positive last week. Our doctors office won’t test me since I can breathe (seriously!) and am already in quarantine. They are just too overwhelmed and taking more severe cases first. I’m sure I have it though. My symptoms have been pretty much like hubby’s except I had deep breathing issues for a few days. Much better now! He lost his smell too. Our last day in jail is Thanksgiving day and we told the kids to stay home. It will be just the two of us here. Not getting to see them all really makes me sad. I just hope that we can get together for Christmas!
Your pictures are so fun to look at!
Sarah and Gage are really cute together.
Wishing you and your family a blessed and happy Thanksgiving!
Lee Anne,
Oh my. So sorry to hear that! And I know it’s disappointing to not be able to celebrate Thanksgiving the way you are accustomed to. We’ll be eating on our own too.
Glad you’re breathing issues are resolving. Get some rest and Think Christmas! 🙂
5 tests! I wonder if that’s a record? I have had 2 tests and the last one was positive. I was really only sick for 2-3 days, but I still had to quarantine for 2 weeks. My son had to stay with me since he lives with me.
I love all of these pictures. The outside of the church isn’t at all as I pictured it when reading and seeing inside photos first. But, it is beautiful!
Happy Thanksgiving!!
Krista,
Five tests is a lot but I know there are people who have had many more. A reader named Sarah left a comment and said she has been tested WEEKLY because of where she works. That would certainly get old after a while, but a very good safe guard.
I know it must be so stressful to see a positive result come back. Glad to hear you had a mild case and your son was okay. It’s crazy how much symptoms can very–to no symptoms to very serious ones.
Glad you enjoyed the photos. It’s nice to see pictures of peace in unpeaceful times.
Yay for negative test results! I’ve been tested twice. Once due to a bunch of symptoms that lasted 3 weeks – negative. The 2nd for a medical test, also negative.
So excited for Nathan and Meagan! Can’t wait to see some pics of the new house and yard and hear of their plans to make it their own.
Gage has a great radio voice! Loved the interview, easy camaraderie, and ability to laugh with each other.
I am holding out till the day after Thanksgiving to start Christmas decorating even though I’m itching to get at it! I want to keep the holidays separate for my grandson and myself. It just seems, even years before Covid, that we are pushed to Christmas starting in October where Halloween and Christmas seem to share almost equal aisles in the stores.
Happy Thanksgiving to all the Smithies!!
Guerrina,
Yes, Gage really does have a great radio voice. For having not done much on mic work, he did an amazing job. (As did his interviewee.) 🙂
I hope you have a wonderful time decorating when Friday rolls around. I know your grandson enjoys all the fun and festivities. Christmas is so magical for kids. And even for some of us older folks!
Hi Becky, I am so happy you have been able to avoid a positive covid test. Not a nice illness. I loved the interview with Gage and Sarah. They seem to be a great couple with so many of the same interest. How nice that you have the opportunity to meet his family on Saturday. It is wonderful that Megan and Nathan will be able to move into their new home sooner than planned. The little town of Bath seems like a place i would enjoy visiting. Prayers for a blessed Thanksgiving.
Cathie,
Yes, five tests and five negatives are the kinds of numbers I love. I don’t care if I ever have another test but I’m not holding my breath on that one.
Returning wishes right back to you for a happy Thanksgiving, in whatever changed form it might take this year. Enjoy!
We’ve been careful. We do not want to get Covid because the medical facilities here are scant, and if things go badly, we have to travel an hour and a half away. Also, my husband has some underlying health conditions. Our doctor and scientist friend have been lying low. Without access to monoclonal antibodies, which hardly any of us have, the prognosis can be grim. We still have a lot of life and our children’s lives to enjoy. I can understand those who have a high risk of dying in the next year, to take chances, because why live in isolation, not seeing those one lives for a bit of extra time, but that isn’t our situation. We also do not want to risk those side effects, some of which may be long term and life threatening and shortening, and hope to hold out for a vaccine to reduce our risks.
Catherine,
You sound like us as far as being a long distance from a major medical facility. Our hospital has fewer than twenty beds so it’s a long drive to a major medical center. I can definitely relate!
I love your words “we have a lot of life and our children’s lives to enjoy.” What a great outlook on life.
Take good care; stay safe.
I’m so glad all your tests have been negative! I am currently awaiting the results of my second test. My first test was because of exposure to someone who tested positive, but thankfully I was negative. This time is for a persistent cough & congestion which is most likely the result of my dust allergy and unpacking many boxes.
Thank you for sharing the clip of Sarah on the radio. It was so fun getting to hear her and Gage…ah, to be young and in love. I hope y’all have a great meeting in Greenville.
Your pictures of Bath were, as always, spectacular. Thank you for sharing your eye and talent with us.
Wishing you and your family a very happy Thanksgiving!
Sue Ellen,
Hope you’ve gotten good results back by now. The waiting is the hardest part.
Glad you enjoyed the radio interview; it was fun for her to do and fun for us to listen to. They certainly do make a well-matched pair.
Happy Thanksgiving to you, too. Thanks for your encouragement on my photos.
That was a great interview – how fun. Well, our governor put the cabosh on my Christmas party plans, but I am having Thanksgiving at my home with our daughter and her family (son lives in Oregon). Had already purchased the food for Thanksgiving when our governor made his announcement about a crowed of 10 was permitted to meet until December 18. He has made some other “laws” as of Sunday, but as of yet have not heard what they are. I am one of those that has put up my Christmas decorations. Usually I wait until the day after Thanksgiving, but not this year. I still have some fall items up and a fall table setting for Thursday, but most of the decorations for Christmas are up. The real tree will be set up next week. I have an angel purchased about 4 years ago that my husband has set up outside, but unlit. Since we live in a townhome, they have rules about “before Thanksgiving” decorations. So it will be lit next Saturday. Praying you will still be negative in your testing. Have asked my daughter and her family to take their temps before coming on Thursday and/or to take a bite of food to see if they can taste it. Again, love your pictures.
Sharyn,
Caboshing Governors! No fun.
I’m glad you will be able to eat with a few members of your family at least and then can look forward to transforming your house and yard for Christmas. I think we are ALL ready for some Christmas joy and cheer.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
How fun for Sarah and Gage to get to chat on the radio. It was fun listening to them. Happy to hear that Nathan and Meagan are settling in to their new home. It takes a while for sure.
I just tested yesterday for the first time, but not because I think I have it, but I am a daycare provider and the MDH wants us to test regularly now. Ugh! Although I was with my son last weekend and I’m pretty sure he has it and I took my 14 year old granddaughter with and she now has no taste or smell so they are going to take her in to be tested too. Our Thanksgiving plans are cancelled but that;s ok, I would rather be together at Christmas.
Wendy,
Ug. Sounds like your family is going through it! Hopefully, they will make a speedy recovery.
I can certainly understand wanting daycare providers to be tested. We want to keep our little ones safe!
Hope you have a restful and healthy Thanksgiving and then can start counting down till Christmas. 🙂
I’ve had one COVID test prior to the surgery on my broken arm. The only places I go are the grocery store and occasionally Costco. I keep busy crocheting grocery bags, baking, and watching to much TV. I also have been doing a lot of baking, yesterday I made cinnamon Carmel rolls and today I am going to make bread. I decorated my house for Christmas over two weeks ago and find it very cheerful. I am reading a lot as well. I am so not enjoying the weather, we’ve had to much snow very early this year. The snow has melted, but we are expecting more tonight and tomorrow.
Cindy,
Cinnamon caramel rolls sound amazing. And of course, homemade bread is always a treat. With all those good smells in the air, Christmas decorations up and a good book to read, you’re good to go!
I loved the Gage & Sarah interview! How fun and sweet was that? Great job, you two. And glad the families get to meet soon! 🙂
We have our Christmas lights up outside as do many of our neighbors. We always used to wait till after Thanksgiving to turn them on but we went early this year because A. We had a warm spell a few weeks ago and it’s a lot easier to hang lights when it’s 60 degrees instead of 20 and B. I think we are all searching for all the comfort and cheer we can find this year and glowing Christmas lights definitely do the trick!
Thankful your tests have remained negative. ❤️ Randy and I are taking our turn with the crud now and I have lost taste and smell. Can I just say how miserable it is? It is utterly, completely gone. I never realized how much of the human experience is connected to our taste and smell. It’s like Life is without definition. So I am not a happy camper–grumble, grumble. And grumble.
Sending lots of love and so thankful for the Smiths! 🥰
Love, Deb
Deb,
Yes, weren’t Gage and Sarah great together? His radio voice reminds me of Randy’s radio voice.
I can’t even imagine not being able to taste anything at all. It would be such a weird experience trying to eat and knowing what the taste is supposed to be like but then . . . nothing. Hoping and praying you both return to full health soon.
I think you early Christmas decorators might be inspiring to put ours up a little early, too. As you said, comfort and cheer is what we are all looking for.
Hugs.
funny you should ask…. I just put my Christmas decorations out this morning. Kia, my housekeeper, came today instead of Thanksgiving..I thought she’d come weds or fri…so it was a mad scramble getting stuff put away so she could get my tabletop trees down from the top shelf. if I waited two more weeks, it would be too late. so, I am now in the Christmas mode and mood.
Mrs. Pam,
Love the line “in the Christmas mode and mood.” No better place to be.
I work in a lab that is running Covid PCR tests around the clock. So we tested weekly as a precaution. I’ve been getting weekly tests since May. Thankfully they’ve all been negative!
Lovely pictures!
Sarah,
First of all, thank you for what you are doing to make a difference in the middle of this COVID season. I appreciate you!
I wouldn’t be too thrilled about having a COVID test every week but I can certainly see why it would be necessary. Thankful for the wonderfulness of the word “negative.”
So glad your tests were negative!
So far I have none covid testing done. Some of my friends have been tested in the past but they were negative. The only corona I have is sitting in my chair- a friend of mine made me a crochet corona figure. It actually helps me not to be so stressed about corona and still remember to take it serious since I am in the risk group. And to medical reasons I can not wear a mask for very long or face sheild .
I still try to go out like Starbucks but I am staying away from the city centre for now.
Katrina,
I love the idea of a crocheted corona figure. It sounds like it is definitely fulfilling its purpose in helping you to cope.
Glad you can still get to Starbucks from time to time; enjoy!