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Merry Christmas!

It’s Christmas morning. The sun is shining. It’s a warm day outside. The birds are singing. And I’m sipping my coffee and a glass of eggnog. The tree is lit and I’m enjoying Christmas music from members of the Danish church today. It is giving me mixed emotions.

Joy from the beautiful music and blessings. Sadness because this is the first year in 16 years that I’m not playing the organ or piano at the church. But grateful that we have so many talented musicians – it means that I get a break every now and then. For a long time, it was just me providing music for all the services, weddings, funerals, and holiday seasons. Now I have help – and I don’t feel obligated to work through all the holiday weekends. It’s kind of nice.

This morning my sister dropped off some goodies. We hugged and I gave her some books that mum had given us when we were kids. We laughed over my Walmart Christmas pants. Yes, they’re a thing and they’re comfortable as hell. I love them. I waved to her husband. We chatted briefly before she went home. It was difficult not to tear up.

I miss my mom today. And my dad. I really wish we could see him. Maybe we can drop by later and wave to him through the window. It just breaks my heart that he will be on his own. It doesn’t seem fair that I can visit my sister and her family but he can’t.

We have a zoom call scheduled for this afternoon which helps. I just wish my dad could participate. But it is what it is. And so, therefore, eggnog at 10:30 am.

I’d like to take a moment to wish you all a Merry Christmas. I know that this year has had its challenges and it hasn’t been easy. I know some of you are at home and alone today. Trust me, I know what that feels like being single.

I just wanted to let you know that you aren’t really alone. You have people out there who care about you. I care about my readers and look forward to your comments daily and getting to know you all.

Thank you so much for being here with my this year.

Merry Christmas to all. Here’s some music for you to enjoy.

Celtic Christmas

I ate a swiss roll for breakfast. I’m fine. We’re fine. It’s fine.

So, for those that have been following my blog for a while know that I live alone – obviously, I mean, hence the name “mostly single.” I also don’t drive. I rely heavily on deliveries and my friend Wally who is a driver for my monthly supply run.

Since discovering the wonderful world of Superstore (his wife works for them), I have been enjoying a routine of carefully selecting items that fall within my budget online. Wally picks up my groceries. He drops them off. I pay him for his time and gas money.

It’s a win-win scenario for both of us. I don’t have to leave my condo except to meet him downstairs. Which by the way, it was freezing this morning. We’re supposed to get another dump of snow tonight.

And he gets a bit of extra money for the kids. It isn’t much. But it helps us both out.

If you haven’t used the PC Express website, it works like this.

First, you pick a timeslot for pick up. Normally, you can book within 24 hours. But now – you are looking at a minimum of a ten day wait to pick up your order. But have no fear. You can plan ahead and change your order until the day before.

I changed my mind daily on what was important. I decided to stock up and spend more money than usual so I have enough food for two weeks. I’m trying to avoid going out to stores if I can help it. I don’t like crowds at the best of times. Never mind in the middle of a pandemic.

Wally shows up to the store on time. He texts me. He says it took him a long time to find a parking stall. There are designated spots for pick ups. I call the store from the comfort of my bedroom.

“What’s your name?” I tell them.

“When did you place your order? I don’t have a confirmation for you.”

I tell them that I placed it last week and confirmed it last night. I just got the confirmation email that my order was ready. Oh yeah. They send out confirmation emails about your substitutions and stuff – which is a huge plus for me. I’m fussy when it comes to brands and stuff.

“We don’t have an order for you. Are you sure you are phoning the right store?”

I hold my phone away from my face and give the phone my best WTF look. I tell them calmly and politely that yes, I have the right store, the same store I order from every month – sometimes every week. I tell myself to remain calm and civil – they’re doing their best.

“We don’t have an order here for you.”

I hold the phone away further and let out a small cry of frustration. Someone else comes to the phone.

“What’s your name? What’s your confirmation number?”

A few more minutes go by. Because clearly, it was me who made the mistake.

Another person comes onto the phone.

“Oh, we have it right here. Sorry. We’ll be right out.”

Twenty minutes later – Wally texts me to say he’s on the way with my food. TWENTY minutes later.

I mean, I know we’re in the middle of a fucking pandemic. But still. Why are people are always so quick to lay blame on the consumer? Why is it always the customer’s fault? Like, I know how to place an order. I’ve done this for months.

Anyway. Okay. I’ve ranted. I’m over it. I have food for the next two weeks and basic supplies. I don’t have to leave my house (Condo) if I don’t want to.

But oh… I do. I’m bored. I’m restless.

And I ate a Swiss Roll and a bowl of Corn Pops for breakfast this morning. Does that count for dieting? I think it’s safe to say that my healthy eating has been replaced by comfort food.

Hold the phone. I’m going back for a second Swiss Roll. God help me.