Mother's Day in Quarantine

[DrDawkinstein]

So Mother's Day is this Sunday and we're pretty much locked inside.

 

What's everyone doing? Besides the ol "Breakfast in Bed" classics, does anyone have any good ideas for making the day special while in the middle of being sheltered-in-place?

 

(Obviously I'm getting desperate if I'm asking this group )

 

Edit: I should clarify, looking for what I can do for my wife which I'm in charge of since the kid is too young to pull her own weight around here!

Edited May 8, 2020 by DrDawkinstein

[SlimShady'sSpaceForce]

a trip to the garden store to buy flowers / plants for the yard 

 

[Seasons1992]

I spent a crap-ton on a really nice plant with flowers. My mom loves that stuff. Delivers tomorrow. 

 

And here comes something you divorced people may completely not understand: My "kids" got my ex-wife a $100 gift card for The Capital Grille. She can pick it up curbside. She works hard keeping that house (mostly) in-line, like I used to when married, and with this current situation going on, she deserves it. No hate, great relationship. 

[Gugny]

1 hour ago, DrDawkinstein said:

So Mother's Day is this Sunday and we're pretty much locked inside.

 

What's everyone doing? Besides the ol "Breakfast in Bed" classics, does anyone have any good ideas for making the day special while in the middle of being sheltered-in-place?

 

(Obviously I'm getting desperate if I'm asking this group )

 

Edit: I should clarify, looking for what I can do for my wife which I'm in charge of since the kid is too young to pull her own weight around here!

 

The quotation marks around breakfast in bed lead me to believe that it's a euphemism.

 

Guess I don't need to ask, "links or patties?"

[The Dean]

My mother is in assisted living and we are not allowed in to visit. Very sad. But only for my sister and me. Mom suffers from end stage Alzheimer's and is in a state just barely north of "vegetative". Still it would be nice to see her.

[RaoulDuke79]

18 minutes ago, Gugny said:

 

The quotation marks around breakfast in bed lead me to believe that it's a euphemism.

 

Guess I don't need to ask, "links or patties?"

Yeah.....instead of breakfast in bed I'm gonna make my wife a "tossed salad" for lunch.

[Augie]

1 hour ago, DrDawkinstein said:

So Mother's Day is this Sunday and we're pretty much locked inside.

 

What's everyone doing? Besides the ol "Breakfast in Bed" classics, does anyone have any good ideas for making the day special while in the middle of being sheltered-in-place?

 

(Obviously I'm getting desperate if I'm asking this group )

 

Edit: I should clarify, looking for what I can do for my wife which I'm in charge of since the kid is too young to pull her own weight around here!

 

I’m a bit older than you (ask @plenzmd1, he’ll tell you I’m older than everybody!), and have a little different situation. My wife always says “I’m not YOUR mother, you don’t get me anything for Mother’s Day.” I did get her her favorite flowers today, however. (Yellow roses with red tips.) What she has always wanted from our kids is a letter. She’s has them going back for years and treasures them. She doesn’t want the kids to give her something she doesn’t want or need with their hard earned money. The letters are far more “valuable” and tell the tale of our lives together. 

 

The REALLY HARD part for me is my 92 year old mother in a retirement home that is locked down. Other than taking her groceries, we have no contact and, frankly, she seems to be freaking out a bit. When I gave my wife the flowers, we both were struggling for how to bring something bright into my mom’s life. Maybe we can set her up to zoom on her iPad this weekend, which would cheer her up, but she struggles with technology, to put it mildly.   So..........?‍♂️

[Punching Bag]

I have not been out driving alone since I was told I needed to work from home except to help search for a lost dog.

 

My wife was working on the desk and I reminded her she wanted to buy more of those "rolling shelves" for my daughter and I could go buy them while Aldi's still had them in stock.  I offered to go see if they had any left in stock and she surprised me by saying "Going ahead."  It was more trouble I thought for they stacked some other types of shelves in front of them but I found four left and when I went to pay saw flowers for Mother's day so I bought some for my wife.  Usually she tells me this time of year "No need, I have many pots of flowers I can bring in house." but I guess this has changed her opinion and thanked me for flowers.  My daughter is supposed to be doing some project for Mother's Day but rarely does she keep on track to finish.

[plenzmd1]

I am going golfing with my buddies...best gift i give my wife is getting out of her sight.

 

Go to 340 here for another idea if you have youngings!

 

 

[OldTimeAFLGuy]

...hate to be the Negative Nellie here.....my wife died tragically in June 2015 and my mother from cancer (age 91) in Feb 2017....so it's a melancholy day for my kids to mark year 5 without Mom.....and I don't even get to see them (last time was March 8)as they continue to feel more comfortable with social distancing....all the best to the TBD brethren and hope you make a day of it friends....

[Augie]

36 minutes ago, plenzmd1 said:

I am going golfing with my buddies...best gift i give my wife is getting out of her sight.

 

Go to 340 here for another idea if you have youngings!

 

 

 

I’ll hand it to you, this is both funny....................and TRUE! 

[BringBackFergy]

Drove to East Aurora to visit Mom. Rather visit with her now (at 82) than later. 

[Just Jack]

My wife's family is thinking of doing a Mothers Day brunch at her house. There's 22 of them if they all show up. ?

[Augie]

1 hour ago, Just Jack said:

My wife's family is thinking of doing a Mothers Day brunch at her house. There's 22 of them if they all show up. ?

 

Have you considered inviting a homeless shelter to join you? Anything to get those numbers up! 

[Gray Beard]

We’re doing something next week for Mother’s Day...   
 

my daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter are quarantining themselves for 10 days. 
my wife and I are quarantining ourselves for 10 days. 
then we are driving 3 hours (no rest stops allowed) to visit them. 
 

my wife has been freaking out about not seeing our granddaughter for 2 months.

[Pine Barrens Mafia]

Sent Mom a present since we're both in lockdown hell 

[Gugny]

16 hours ago, BringBackFergy said:

Drove to East Aurora to visit Mom. Rather visit with her now (at 82) than later. 

 

Lil Gug and I will be paying my mom a visit sometime today.

 

Enough is enough.

[BringBackFergy]

2 hours ago, Gugny said:

 

Lil Gug and I will be paying my mom a visit sometime today.

 

Enough is enough.

Please send our regards and please, please, please text me the real empanada recipe. You purposefully left out a few steps. 
 

( ohhh, and give your aunt a big hug for me. )

[Mike in Horseheads]

2 hours ago, Gugny said:

 

Lil Gug and I will be paying my mom a visit sometime today.

 

Enough is enough.

Nobody said you couldn't before.

18 hours ago, BringBackFergy said:

Drove to East Aurora to visit Mom. Rather visit with her now (at 82) than later. 

Well you can shovel the snow for her..good boy.

[Hapless Bills Fan]

23 hours ago, Augie said:

 

I’m a bit older than you (ask @plenzmd1, he’ll tell you I’m older than everybody!), and have a little different situation. My wife always says “I’m not YOUR mother, you don’t get me anything for Mother’s Day.” I did get her her favorite flowers today, however. (Yellow roses with red tips.) What she has always wanted from our kids is a letter. She’s has them going back for years and treasures them. She doesn’t want the kids to give her something she doesn’t want or need with their hard earned money. The letters are far more “valuable” and tell the tale of our lives together. 

 

The REALLY HARD part for me is my 92 year old mother in a retirement home that is locked down. Other than taking her groceries, we have no contact and, frankly, she seems to be freaking out a bit. When I gave my wife the flowers, we both were struggling for how to bring something bright into my mom’s life. Maybe we can set her up to zoom on her iPad this weekend, which would cheer her up, but she struggles with technology, to put it mildly.   So..........?‍♂️

 

I'm in a very similar place with my 87 yr old mom.  Her retirement home is locked down.  We see her through the lobby glass and pantomime hugs when we bring her groceries.

 

We sent her an elaborate card, which she received and is waiting to open.  We'll call her. 

The facility itself is bringing a card and chocolate to all the ladies and serving a special meal.

That's about it.  We thought about a special trip to try to obtain a bouquet or something.  Maybe we will.

 

Here, the day will include a phone call to the Kid 744 miles away, bagels and cream cheese from the best local bagel shop, and a hanging fuschia plant (a favorite since visiting Ireland).

 

 

 

[Hapless Bills Fan]

8 hours ago, Gray Beard said:

We’re doing something next week for Mother’s Day...   
 

my daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter are quarantining themselves for 10 days. 
my wife and I are quarantining ourselves for 10 days. 
then we are driving 3 hours (no rest stops allowed) to visit them. 
 

my wife has been freaking out about not seeing our granddaughter for 2 months.

 

Question and in no way intended as snarky or critical: what changes does "quarantining yourself for 10 days" involve? 

Does it mean no shopping trips at all, even with mask/gloves?  No deliveries?  No walks in a nearby park?

What will change for you?

[Gray Beard]

3 minutes ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

Question and in no way intended as snarky or critical: what changes does "quarantining yourself for 10 days" involve? 

Does it mean no shopping trips at all, even with mask/gloves?  No deliveries?  No walks in a nearby park?

What will change for you?

We all did our grocery shopping at the beginning of the 10 days, and we are avoiding coming close to anyone as we mostly just stay home.  We only go out to do yard work or go for a walk around the neighborhood. Perhaps not the true definition of quarantining, but we’re being extra careful. 

[CowgirlsFan]

We are  staying home since we are in our late 60's. My menu will be our usual spinach salad with a side  dish of tomatoes and avocado,grilled salmon,steamed new potatoes and fresh green beans. No special dessert just  fresh fruit later.

 

In a few weeks,our son will come up from Austin and  at that time I will celebrate more.

[gobilz]

I bet Alan loves boiled eggs

[Hapless Bills Fan]

Mother's Day in the Hapless Fam

 

Get up get dressed.  Breakfast of Joy of Cooking Waffles made in a heart-shaped waffle maker, fresh sliced strawberries, whipped cream (from an aerosol can).  Mother's Day Treat: Two cups of coffee instead of the usual ration of one.

 

8 am, breakfast done.  We're sitting on the loveseat Facetiming the "Hapling".  Mother's Day cards and a gift are being opened with her watching when all of a sudden....... a mighty and repeated pealing of the doorbell is heard.  This isn't a little "ching ching" someone is going to town rotating that bell clapper thing.  They Will Be Heard.  Their Presence Will be Known.  They Shall Not Be Ignored.

 

Go to the door.  There is my 87 year old mom, standing with the storm door open and a bag full of flowers.  Mother's day flowers.  She did have a mask on,  but we did not, as we were expecting the storm door to be shut when we unlocked the interior door.  She handed over the bag,  turned to leave, and tottered off down the steps. 

 

We quickly grabbed the phone we were Facetiming with so the Hapling could wish her a Happy Mothers Day then she left.

 

Apparently, she was determined we should have flowers for Mother's Day at a price she was willing to pay.   The places with reasonable prices wouldn't deliver, and the places that would deliver had prices that she wouldn't pay.  So she got up, got dressed, and drove off to a grocery store - the vary places we've been going to, to do all her shopping so she doesn't expose herself - to buy flowers to show her appreciation of us.  

 

She couldn't decide which to buy, so she bought two bunches.  ?‍♀️

 

The flowers are beautiful, but I would rather have my mom continue healthy and well and not risk her life for flowers!!!!!!!  She is 87 and has end-stage heart failure.  She should not be out shopping!

 

Later we brought over our planned gift - we'd already mailed a card, and we brought her a packaged-up heart-shaped waffle for her to freeze then toast and enjoy whenever, and a big bouquet of spring flowers from our garden.  There were people standing outside her building, holding up signs and balloons, honking and waving to their various loved moms.

When we got home, our neighbors were having a birthday/mother's day celebration for his 90 year old mom.  They had her seated next to a gas firepit outside, protected from wind by an awning and bundled up ('50s, wind).  There was a mark on the sidewalk 6 feet away.  Various relatives, all wearing masks, came to stand on the mark to visit with her in turn, then step aside to other 6' marks and chat with each other.  They had Nothing Bundt Cakes individually wrapped mini-bundt cakes for people to either take home, or they could step aside, de-mask, and eat on paper plates right then and there (those things are Good).

So that's my Mothers Day in the Time of Covid.  Strange times, but people Will find a Way to connect.

 

 

[RaoulDuke79]

Made the bride a nice breakfast.  Took flowers to my mother in law, then took flowers to my mom. At home putting the finishing touches on dinner. All in all a great day. 

[Greybeard]

On 5/9/2020 at 3:02 PM, Gray Beard said:

We all did our grocery shopping at the beginning of the 10 days, and we are avoiding coming close to anyone as we mostly just stay home.  We only go out to do yard work or go for a walk around the neighborhood. Perhaps not the true definition of quarantining, but we’re being extra careful. 

               We've been doing the same thing with the daughter that has kids except we are on a 14 day schedule.  When we are clear, we see the Grandkids 3 or 4 days in a row, and then start over.  Today was the 4th day, shopping tomorrow.  Our other daughter's boy friend is in a must work job, so she doesn't want to be included, which lessens the family enjoyment a bit.

[LewPort71]

On 5/8/2020 at 5:00 PM, plenzmd1 said:

I am going golfing with my buddies...best gift i give my wife is getting out of her sight.

 

Go to 340 here for another idea if you have youngings!

 

 

I played golf too today. Walked 9 holes with pull cart.

My much better half took a nap and we got carry out from a mom and pop Italian place.

 

[Hardhatharry]

Looks like Mother's day went the exact same as every other one...

[Wacka]

I am my 93year old mom's primary caregiver.  We got food from a restaurant that we have taken her  to in the past for Mother's Day and for her birthday. She had "Thanksgiving on a plate"  Turkey, stuffing, potato, and carrots and cranberry sauce.   She'll have it tomorrow too.

Edited May 10, 2020 by Wacka

[Hapless Bills Fan]

On 5/9/2020 at 5:25 PM, CowgirlsFan said:

We are  staying home since we are in our late 60's. My menu will be our usual spinach salad with a side  dish of tomatoes and avocado,grilled salmon,steamed new potatoes and fresh green beans. No special dessert just  fresh fruit later.

 

In a few weeks,our son will come up from Austin and  at that time I will celebrate more.

 

That sounds fantastic.  How is Mr CGF fight against diabetes? 

I just had a fantastic grapefruit rosemary mojito (thanks @Johnny Hammersticks). 

We'll have spicy tuna with mango salsa, sweet potato, and steamed broccoli for dinner.

Somewhat concerningly, Mom reported that they didn't get dinner last night until someone called to ask what was up, and apparently also didn't get breakfast this am.  They're supposed to get a special dinner tonight and chocolate/card.  Mom thinks a lot of the workers have called in sick.

 

On 5/9/2020 at 2:02 PM, Gray Beard said:

We all did our grocery shopping at the beginning of the 10 days, and we are avoiding coming close to anyone as we mostly just stay home.  We only go out to do yard work or go for a walk around the neighborhood. Perhaps not the true definition of quarantining, but we’re being extra careful. 

 

OK, second question.  Since the longer incubation time for covid-19 is said to be 14 days (average is 5-6) how did you select 10 days?

Again, not trying to be snarky or second-guess you at all, just curious about the thought process

[Gray Beard]

8 minutes ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

OK, second question.  Since the longer incubation time for covid-19 is said to be 14 days (average is 5-6) how did you select 10 days?

Again, not trying to be snarky or second-guess you at all, just curious about the thought process

I didn’t select 10 days, circumstances got in the way.  My daughter and her husband are both working form home and they both have several online meetings later this week.  They asked if we could come and entertain our granddaughter since they aren’t sending her to daycare anymore.  The time between our last trips to the grocery store and their desire for us to visit turned out to be 10 days.  I would have felt better if we could have made it 14 days.  
 

When we go to the store we go early in the morning, and we get in and out as quick as possible.  When I say “we” go to the store, it’s actually my wife on our end, and my son in law on their end.  I personally haven’t been inside a store in about two months.  I realize that a chance encounter with an infected person can happen even when we are being careful, but I think the odds are in our favor since we all live in a places that have pretty low infection rates, for now.  But trust me, I’m nervous.

[unbillievable]

So I ordered Red Lobster curbside, because that's what Mom wants. Website says 15 mins.

3 hours waiting in the parking lot later, i have the food.

Then the car won't start.

Already hot and frustrated, I just leave the car there.

 

Update: It's 1030pm and I finally got the car back to the house.

Edited May 11, 2020 by unbillievable

[Chandler#81]

Daughter brought the 2 Grandies up from Miami for an overnight and Son spent the day here with us. We all sat and Portaled my 85 y/o Mom. Very nice day.

[Augie]

Mother’s Day was for many years a strange time at our house. Our older son always found a way to pick that holiday to mess up, usually in a Big Way. He got to a point where he was good (actually great!), and we could laugh about it, but it’s still a reminder in it’s own way. 

 

Today my wife and I went to my 92 year old mom’s retirement place, took flowers and pizza, some leftover food I made Saturday (always “the best I’ve ever had!”, big family joke). There is a lovely fountain area outside with beautiful arbors and plantings. We ate outside a healthy distance apart on a gorgeous day and had a great time. Had not spent that much time with her in quite a while. It won’t be a regular thing, but it will be a continuing thing to some extent.

 

When we got home we learned my son and his fiancé were returning from her parent’s lake house after about 6 weeks. They came for dinner and it was awesome to see them again! This dad may have had his best Mother’s Day ever! 

[rockpile]

Wife got up early for quiet time. I made her a simple breakfast of bacon, eggs, biscuits, and fruit (she picked the menu). No, she is not my Mom, but she is a very good Mom to our four children and ten grandchildren. I also bought her wind chimes for the deck if summer ever arrives, and a case of wine.

 

Two daughters stopped by with their children and we saw them for the first time since early March. We visited and it really made Mom's day!

 

Later we went for a walk near Lake Ontario. We ordered curb pickup and delivered a meal and a gift to her Mom. We had masks on and passed it through the door. She is in her mid 80's and active but has maintained isolation as much as possible. Before quarantine, Mom and me went to the "Y" 2-3 times a week as Silver Sneakers! 

 

Regarding flowers. Mother-in-Law received four bouquets of flowers from her son and grandchildren. While appreciated, she lamented the money spent on flowers, especially right before Mother's Day. Flowering plants for outside, and then setting a date to plant them where she wanted them may have been a better choice? IMO four bouquets is too much!

 

It was a good day! 

[MarkyMannn]

On 5/8/2020 at 2:10 PM, The Dean said:

My mother is in assisted living and we are not allowed in to visit. Very sad. But only for my sister and me. Mom suffers from end stage Alzheimer's and is in a state just barely north of "vegetative". Still it would be nice to see her.

Same situation with my FIL.  Can't visit, and he's out there in his mind.  For a while now he is back in Korea arming F86's to go up in Mig Alley.  Better to believe he is there than where he really is.  Contracted Covid too and seems to be recovering

[Fan in San Diego]

On 5/8/2020 at 11:10 AM, The Dean said:

My mother is in assisted living and we are not allowed in to visit. Very sad. But only for my sister and me. Mom suffers from end stage Alzheimer's and is in a state just barely north of "vegetative". Still it would be nice to see her.

I'm sorry hear this Dean, I'll say a prayer.

[DrDawkinstein]

Thanks to everyone for sharing, and hearts out to those that are missing their moms and families.

 

We had a decent day. Went on a family walk through a new nature preserve we found by our house, and then my wife stained the pergola (a project she's been wanting to do for a while).

 

[Gugny]

3 hours ago, DrDawkinstein said:

Thanks to everyone for sharing, and hearts out to those that are missing their moms and families.

 

We had a decent day. Went on a family walk through a new nature preserve we found by our house, and then my wife stained the pergola (a project she's been wanting to do for a while).

 

 

Dude ... you are a euphemism MACHINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Glad you had a great day!