Wow 2020 was a year to be remembered but not all in a good way. Since the last post about a baby shower and a pandemic much has transpired. Covid-19 became a standard term. A monthly recap follows with a few of my favorite pictures.
March in Arizona was the very beginning of the pandemic which included an economic shutdown of society. Only essential businesses would remain open. Schools went to remote learning models and businesses had most working from home. Borders between countries closed. We stayed home and started a major spring house cleaning.
April remained much the same as March. Everything began to change. Sporting events were cancelled including The Masters. Social gatherings were cancelled...people were told to stay home except for getting groceries or medical care.
May brought the birth of Sophia Stanford Mereu. We debated but went to Boston to welcome her. It was a unique drive with hardly any traffic on the roads. Turnpike rest areas were only used for refueling and rest stop. Mask were worn and lots of hand washing and sanitizer became standard practice. We loved our newest addition to the family.
June was an almost normal month in that golf had been approved to be played during the increasingly rigid pandemic rules. We could walk or ride in separate carts and outdoor dining was approved if the 6 foot social distancing rules were followed. The saddest news in June was that cruising would be cancelled for the remainder of 2020. That meant our October cruise of the Greek island with a transatlantic conclusion was not going to happen.
July brought us back to Boston to celebrate Marco and Steve’s birthdays and see how Sophia was growing. FaceTime calls and zoom meetings had become standard by this time but being able to see family and hold Sophia was special. Our drive again was without significant traffic and minimum contact with people.
August/September/October
The country continues to suffer through medical and political crisis. We start talking of a kitchen remodel and have found a designer and approve a plan. Another road trip to Boston to check in on how quickly Sophia is growing and advancing. Air travel is still being discouraged so plans are made to celebrate Thanksgiving in Boston which will mean still another road trip. Mike isn’t happy about the change of venue for Thanksgiving but he is anxious to meet his new niece.
Thanksgiving 2020
As the world was warned not to gather for holiday festivities we drove to Boston. Our family pod has been very careful to follow all of the masking and social distancing rules and feel safe gathering. Marco and Jessica host a great meal and on Friday we turn from Thanksgiving to Christmas. Steve and I have played Santa and Mrs Claus for RCO party for a couple of years and know the costumes are available. We borrow them so that Sophia can have her first visit with Santa. Something that would not happen in the real world this year. She happily sat on Santa’s lap. So many changes since our last visit.she has developed some real personality. Sophia and Uncle Mike become best buddies.
December 2020
A new president has been elected and a vaccine for Covid has been developed and rushed through approvals. Christmas is quiet as is the New Year celebrations. No parties this year and only take out food. The hope of 2021 is that the vaccine can be delivered in a timely enough manner that it will take us out of the lockdown and travel will resume.
