Virtual Christmas

Christmas had a twist this year! I was able to share it with my son, daughter-in-law and grandson "virtually" via my laptop computer and Skype.

Skype is a program that has the capability of serving as a telephone (though the definition of phone has changed over the years) and as a video chat. I installed it on my DDIL's laptop and we've been using it since August to have family chats. It allows me to be a presence in my grandson's life between visits.

For Christmas Eve the laptops were at the ready. My DDIL set hers to give me a view of the tree and all the presents. I had the joy of watching them open their presents and they saw me open mine. From time to time their cat walked through the scene and I had to hold up "So-gent" for my grandson to see.

Other than not being able to actually reach out and touch, this was amazingly like sitting in a chair in their living room watching my grandson zoom around with delight as he opened his presents.

And I was thrilled when my son gave his wife a progressive gift. That was something I used to do ... have him follow clues or open items in sequence until the actual gift was received. For my DDIL the gift started with a babysitting certificate and ended with almost front row tickets for the Nutcracker! Seeing that was one of her family traditions and I'm delighted my son is continuing it for them.

Christmas is a blending of traditions that grow as the years pass. I know now that when I can't be with my loved ones "in person" I can be there virtually.

May you and yours have a blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year. Whatever holidays you celebrate this season we share good will toward all.

-- Joanna

The Best Things....

When sending a new acquaintance a link to my blog I realized it has been a very long time (too long!) since I have written. I really didn't intend to leave this as a downer with the thought of being unemployed.

The day after writing the previous post I received a call offering me a seasonal position at my employer. I turned in my badge August 1 and had three weeks of unpaid "vacation" before entering training for my new job. I used part of that time to go to Colorado and spend a week with my dear son, daughter-in-law and grandson. For the first time, I took Sargeant with me. He has turned out to be a terrific traveler!

My new job is a combination of what I did in the past as well as learning new things. There are things I miss, such as my former 4-10 schedule with Friday, Saturday and Sunday off. There are things I really, really like, such as interesting work and a paycheck. I'm also learning tax preparation. No matter how bad the economy, we're going to have to pay taxes!

I've taught a few classes and worked on a few projects. I've rekindled my interest in doing really good photography. My cashing out a a few shares of company stock (sell or lose them) at a market high gave me the funds to buy a Canon G10. Egotistic person that I am, I believe I purchased the first one sold in Tucson. I like firsts!

My delight this Thanksgiving was to drive to Colorado, again with Sargeant. That's my favorite holiday because it is the time to give thanks. I have so very much to be grateful for! Among my blessings is my grandson. You can see how we enjoyed sharing a laugh in the photo.

Driving home was quite an adventure and one I would have happily avoided. However, I know that it isn't the easy things that are remembered. So I shall always remember this as finding the "good weather" report turning into 8+ inches of white and fluffy. I thought I was being smart leaving at 5:30 am to drive home. It took 3 hours to get past Colorado Springs! And 18 hours total to get home. Despite that I was at work my regular time the next morning. It's been years since I've driven in snow. I'd just as soon avoid it, but I'm glad I haven't forgotten how to drive in it.