Hump Day...

 Wanting to wish each of you a Happy New Year! I am working the next 6 days, so I might not be online much.

The end of the year is coming soon...and I for one, am looking forward to it. Just keeping it real, friends. New Year's Eve is our 33rd Wedding Anniversary. We have decided we are done with NY and will not watch the "ball" drop from NYC. Nope, done.

Wishing each of you a Happy New Year. Stay safe.

Sparky's Gift...

 Thank you all for the kind thoughts on yesterday's post. We were so busy yesterday; had multiple things going on and the weather was just plain awful; snow and sleet. And yep, I have fallen behind in answering and visiting. 

Sparky and Steve have been dear friends for multiple years. We met online so many years ago...and they even came to Alabama and spent the night. Liam just loved Steve and his love of motorcycles and cars. Steve even sent him some books about cars and planes when he was a little kid, which we still have and will keep. BTW, I highly recommend meeting your blogging friends ((grin)). Friends for life and a steady rock for us.

The package arrived weeks before Christmas, however, we decided to wait until Christmas to open it. I should have opened it before...the good Lord was nudging me to do so/to open it, but I ignored it. Inside the box was New England Cinnamon Sticky Bun Coffee, the journal, a Georgia Peach Candle (oh my gosh, it does indeed smell like a Georgia Peach) and a beautiful bracelet with a heart (unfort. I did not see that until after I had taken the photo---and I told Sparky over the phone I thought it was a key chain, LOLOLOL. We both found it funny) Unfort. my camera isn't cooperating, and this is the only photo. IF and when the other photos decide to show up in email, I shall share.

All of you have made me smile, have hope and lots of courage...truly I am/we are blessed with your outpouring of love during this difficult time. I hope each of you have a beautiful day, it looks to be another cold one here.

My 2022 Word...

 Good morning from a frigid north. We are under a winter storm advisory, nonetheless, we do have to go out and about. Thank you all for your kind comments yesterday. I have fallen behind yet again in answering the comments/emails...so sorry friends. I came home from work yesterday at 1 and I simply became a couch potato and we watched tv until 10pm. Hey, just keeping it real. grin

I wanted to share my 2022 Word...but funny thing is, the good Lord gave me a whole Bible verse:

Back story...I kept seeing this weeks before leading up to our son's death...and when he passed away suddenly, it just became so surreal...you think the Lord was telling me something back then (and he was) ...and then Sparky and her lovely hubby Steve sent a lovely Christmas Present, a journal with this saying. More on that/the present tomorrow. Indeed...and His love and grace has sustained us during this difficult time. We sure are blessed. I hope each of you have a lovely day. I will check in later with your blogs.

Sunday Salon...

Hello from Western NY. I had the craziest dream...and y'all would def. lock me up...but all is good.

Time: 6:13 am

Scene: 39* real feel is 30. It was 52 yesterday for Christmas.

Drinking: Coffee with Italian Cream

What's for dinner? Lasagna was in the oven yesterday. I put it together on Christmas Eve and let it sit overnight in the fridge. SO, leftovers.

What's on Tap for Sunday? I am working 9-1. So, that's what is going on.

--- I have Monday and Tuesday off; we have to get some financial business done in regard to my mother in-law. We also have to take my/our son's death certificate to the bank so we can access his account-I already have his password etc...just need to close the account. No probate as it's under a certain amount that NY State requires.

Pondering...how blessed we are with such wonderful caring friends especially during this difficult time. One def. finds out who their true friends are...and we are so blessed. 

---My 2022 Word. The good Lord showed me a verse...however, I wanted to talk about my 2021 word 

Gosh...the good Lord knew...didn't he? I think if I was being totally honest, he has been preparing us for 18 years (after are son had open heart surgery when he was 6) and he told us, "(paraphrasing) Count your blessings, you might have 10 years with him. This is all we can do." We had 18 years after his surgery. Yes, Lord, we are blessed. Yes, Lord, we might be hurting right now, but STAND we will. My dream, I am assured my / our son is in Heaven. I was telling my husband my dream and he goes, "Good, you got the message/dream." I'm like huh? He said not to call him crazy, but he was also assured our son is in Heaven and to keep my heart open and not be afraid about the dream...not that I was worried or afraid...I know he is in Heaven. More on my 2022 word later. Until then...

Day 25

 I am so sorry, time has slipped away...I went back to work Wednesday, and I have to say, I have the best coworkers and management ever. My 5 coworkers are the best ever. Those men are something else, I am so blessed; They have kept me busy with laughter and hourly "checkups" on my mental health (grin)---which they deny, grin (Linda! Whatcha' doing? or Are you still working on that? ---yeah, I got your number(s) grin). ANYWAYS...here we go...

This morning has been a little rough...but nonetheless, wishing each of you a Merry Christmas. My/our son left very thoughtful and beautiful gifts.

such lovely gifts...my son sure knew his mama. grin

Wishing each of you a beautiful day.

Day 23?

 Umm...Day 23? I don't know...since I skipped over 19, maybe it is 22.

Brings me back to work. My employer has been great and very understanding...and truthfully, I am not sure if I can make it thru the whole day...we shall see. Then I have to go get my haircut right after work...

grin

Day whatever also brings lovely cards and gifts...more on that another day. AND a surprise tattoo my husband got:

We have friends who own a tattoo shop and hubby went and got another tattoo to honor our son. I know most of you saw it on FB. And most of you know or understand what it means. He didn't want any color as our sons' favorite color was black.

Have a beautiful day friends.

Day 22?

 What day is this? I am so not sure...sounding like Dr. Suess (grin)--yes, I am pretty sure I skipped 19...oh well...

Brings us to the Tuesday Meme with Sugar Plum Fairies and the Christmas goodness.

1. Is your tree up? How tall... what color lights? Is there a color scheme you use?

This is from last year...and no... we don't change it/the design. Although, this year we did get in a row about the lights. Our tree is very tall, and we bought it on sale when we moved here.

2.  Got a menu for Christmas Eve and Day?

Oh boy...most of you know the pizza story...so its pizza for Christmas Eve and Lasagna for Christmas Day. I am not sure how either one of us will be ---it will be 2 weeks since Liam's death. I do know for certain; he would NOT want us to be sad.

3. When does it go up and how long does it stay up?

I believe the guys put it up right after Thanksgiving and it usually stays up until New Year's...however, I think this year, I want it down before. Hubby said Dec. 26 is the day we will start purging and get ready to move. UMM...I'll be working...so he will have to handle whatever.

4. What is your favorite Christmas memory. When do you open your gifts?

...all the Christmas's we cherished...knowing our son was on borrowed time due to his heart...and we had him for 18 years after his heart surgery...so there it is, another truth. We usually open Christmas morning...again, not sure what or how we are going to handle this year...I am right now, wanting change and some traditions to remain. I am so ready for change...not drastic like cut all my hair off and go naked (ok you can't get that thought out now, can you?)... just subtle change.

Your kindness and goodness have stunned us...truly it has...Bless you all.

Day 21

 You guys have made me smile with all your kind and thoughtful comments here. Sorry, I am falling behind in answering them. The day brings brutally cold temps to this part of NY. Maybe its Day 21? I think I skipped right over Day 19...Lordy...I'm a mess.

ANYWAYS....

Since hubby had to show me yesterday how to put gas in the SUV (grin), we stopped at Aldi. Needed rolls for the ham I was going to bake. We love their Hawaiian rolls. The only thing, we forgot to use them when it came time to eat dinner, ha. I did sneak one late last night (grin). Will use them today. There is plenty leftover.

I had a hankering for something sweet; so, bought a Strawberry Cheesecake Danish. My husband doesn't eat Danish's or coffee cake. It will take a me awhile to get thru it, LOL. But he did get a Lemon whatever.

He said it was good. I much prefer the Danish/coffeecake. I'll take his word for it.

So, that is where we are at...eating things we know we shouldn't...but you know what? IT'S OK. Both of us have dropped so much weight this past week. Grief will do that to you. I am on belt loop #6! Gosh, do I ever feel so old...oops, there is another inconvenient truth. AND ITS OK. Have yourselves a beautiful day, friends.

Day 20...

 Again, thank you for the kind words. Day 20 brings us...

Time: 7:30 am

Scene: 27*, but real feel is 16* with like 2 inches of ice on the ground. AND I AM OVER IT. Mic drop.

Drinking: My first cup of coffee. BTW, I ran out of coffee. Oh how tragic (grin). While out and about Friday, I did buy a bag of

even hubby likes it and he don't drink coffee.

What's on Tap for the Day? Well...here is a funny story from yesterday. While out and about yesterday (my better half forced me out again, grin)...I stopped at the gas station to put gas in the SUV as it was on 1/4 tank. I am such an idot--I couldn't figure out HOW to put gas in. I promptly came home and burst out crying...much to my husbands confused look...

he goes, "Linda. Its ok." Me: No, no, you always said not to leave any car below a 1/4 of a tank especially in the winter! (wail). AND let me tell you, yesterday was miserable weather wise. I was pretty mad he forced me out the house...and he had the nerve to say, "I think you perhaps you need to admit your mad at the world. For the life of me, Linda...don't be so mad. Our son is in HEAVEN, SAFE AND SOUND." 

***I'm not mad...well..maybe a little --have you ever stepped back and watched folks? How mean they are towards one another? This season is Jesus's birth...gosh the meanness...it's just something else.

Yeah...it was one of those days. Keeping it real. SO, what's on tap for the day? Hubby is going to go show me how to put gas in the SUV. I think he was amused yesterday...

Another funny story I put on FB...So long story short, I got in the SUV and the radio was playing Thunderstruck by ACDC. Kudos son...the radio NEVER plays my kind of music,  NEVER. SO, when I got home, I was telling hubby this...and he walks over to the Christmas tree and he goes, "I think the boy would be ok with giving you this." OH MY GOSH, A WRAPPED RECORD! (tear the paper off) and its ACDC GREATEST HITS with Thunderstruck on it. OHMYGOSH. Wail again...

NOT funny story...but our sweet friend Charlie Dare from Alabama (he's a former Alabama football player) called yesterday and said, "The good Lord put this on my heart. I have to sing Amazing Grace to you and Liam." WOW. FLOORED. US. Wail again.

What's for Dinner? Don't know. We have been trying to eat what's in the freezer. yesterday was one of those frozen type meals, Chicken Penne. It was pretty good actually oh and we heated up the fries from 5 Guys. We stopped there Friday and honored our son with our ritual week before Christmas meal. I am quite sure folks thought we were weird; I burst out crying...see, it happens randomly.

#1 Questions we have been getting (thought I would share):

Are you eating?

I think we are. Yes, yes we are...

Are you sleeping?

As a matter of fact, yes we are. I think the grief finally took its toll last night...and we both slept pretty well. Ever since I told the Devil to get out...I have been sleeping pretty good.

...and there is the truth my friends. Our Faith has sustained us this past week. Wishing you each a beautiful day.

Day 18

 Day 18 finds us 1 week from the death of our son. 1 week...just seems so surreal. Day 18 finds us also answering silly Saturday questions.

Saturday 9: Please Come Home for Christmas (1992)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) In this video, Jon Bon Jovi recalls decorating the tree with Cindy Crawford. They took turns wearing a Santa hat. Will anyone in your household be donning a Santa hat this season?

No, don't think so.

 

2) He sings of the salutations he's received from friends and relatives. Have you received many holiday cards this year?

Yes and sympathy cards...I have no idea how in the world I am going to answer them all. We are touched beyond belief. Thank you. 

 

3) Will you wrap many presents? Or do you prefer to use gift bags?

Presents are already wrapped. I didn't buy gift bags, but I did buy fancy boxes. 

 

4) Jon Bon Jovi says he and Frank Sinatra are distant relatives. Do you believe that musicality is a genetic gift, or that it can be taught?

Most def. a gift. I have no musical gifts.

5) Jon is such a big Star Wars fan that he wrote a carol called "R2-D2: We Wish You a Merry Christmas." There a dozen Star Wars movies. How many have you seen?

Prob. the majority of them.

6) Jon once guest-starred as Carrie's love interest in an episode of Sex and the City, the popular HBO sitcom set in New York. The new reboot, And Just Like That, also centers around NYC life. Where does your favorite TV show take place?

HGTV House Hunters, Beach Hunters and Maine Cabin Masters. That dream of living in Maine has long sailed. We will be and looking forward to moving back to the warm, sunny climate of Central/Eastern Florida. I am actually looking forward to wearing flip flops and shorts and gladly will give up the winter gear. I am beyond ready to do so.

7) Jon met his wife, Dorothea, when they were still in high school. Do you remember who you wanted to marry when you were in high school?

I married my husband

8) At Christmastime 1992, when this song was released, toys that tied into Disney's Little Mermaid were very popular. Have you purchased toys for anyone on your gift list this year?

No. Gift cards.

9) Jon recorded "Please Come Home for Christmas" to benefit The Special Olympics. Here's your chance to plug a cause or organization that's near and dear to you.

Toys for Tots is our go too. We actually have a huge donation to make...been cleaning out our sons room/closet and I think some little boy or girl will enjoy the toys (no matter how old the toys are) and some will go to my brothers kids like the thousands and thousands of Legos.

I can't say it enough.... thank you for your kind thoughts, prayers, cards, emails, phone calls etc. The generosity has touched us beyond belief. Bless you all.

Day 17

 Thank you all for the continuing prayers. It means so much to us.

Brings us thoughts of the upcoming holiday of Jesus' birth. 

I'm not quite sure how we can handle this...just keeping it real. There is so much under the tree...I am certain though, that our son wouldn't want us to be sad. I said yesterday, "I don't think a grieving person should be watching Hallmark movies." I swear to you as plain as day I heard, "Why not, mama?" I actually did a double take, nope, wasn't hubby. He was in the other room. Gosh, I. am. losing. it. Just keeping it real, friends. Oh, did I stop watching? Nope.

Why, yes...we are...I am strong...Although, let's just keep it real, if I could hug my baby just one more time...Oh I know, he wasn't a baby...but he always will be to me.

Just s gentle reminder friends...Glory to God! God deserves the Glory, friends. Every single day, we praise God. Praise God we had 24 years with this fabulous person who seemingly never had a bad day. Hope each of you have a beautiful day, friends.

Day 16

 Day 16...

Brings us one step closer to renewal. The funeral director delivered our son home yesterday morning. I have to say, we both rested / slept easier last night. And you know what? We.are.ok. Honest. I can't say the grief is any better, the tears flow freely...but just knowing he is home now...better.

--we get outta  prison aka quarantine today.

--I have to finish Christmas cards and send out a few things. I know, NO ONE expects it. 

--next week is Christmas. How did that happen?

--we are actively working on mortgage paperwork. Timeline to move is March.

--on a funny note...our dear friends in Dunnellon, Fl; Bob and Kim. He called the other day, and he goes, "So, the RV is ready. Grab your crap and let's go. You can stay there until you figure things out." Bless him...and that is how it has been going. Friends and family calling every.single.day telling us to get going and offering whatever. 

---watched Beach Hunters last night and it was from Palm Coast. We laughed ourselves silly. Yeah, ok...where do folks come up with a million dollars? IS THAT EVEN REAL? Just saying.

for your continuing prayers...its means so much to us.

Day 15

 Thank you all for the kind thoughts, emails, snail mail, texts, IM'S, phone calls etc....they mean so much to us. Truly they do. Our son was a special young man and he loved life, period. Not many things got him down, nope...sure didn't.

Welcome to Tuesday 4 kept up for Toni Taddeo our dear friend who was taken home to God on December 14, 2019.  She would be pleased to know you all join in.

This week let's talk about your name!    

1. What name would you take if you had to change your name?

I like my name, period. So no changing it.  

2.  What is the meaning of your name.. how about your last name, do you know it's meaning?

Linda means beautiful. I know there are many versions of Conley (my married name). Conley Surname Origin Shortened form of Connolly, an anglicized form of Gaelic Ó Conghaile ‘descendant of Conghal’, a name meaning ‘hound valiant’ & The surname Conley was first found in County Offaly (Irish: Uíbh Fháilí) originally the Kingdom of Uí Failghe, located in central Ireland in the Province of Leinster, where they held a family seat from very ancient times. ----I will say they were bunch of drunkyards who got kicked out of Ireland, grin.

3. Do you think you fit your name and it's meaning?

Yes

4. Were you named after anyone or given your name for a specific reason?  How about your kids?

My mom originally named me Jennifer Lynn. She didn't know my dad had been shot down in Vietnam. Then a Priest visited, and my name was changed...practically took a congressional thing. I was named Linda Marie after the nurse who saved my dad.

As always thank you so much for joining in and making this a success. It just means the world to me.  And, remember I am always looking for topics and questions so leave a comment if you have any!

Day 14

 Thank you all for your prayers...all of you have helped us.

Brings us still grieving...however, I will say it brings renewal in our souls. Our sons obituary was listed yesterday. Although it bought great sadness, knowing he is in Heaven has bought so much comfort. Now, onwards to the renewal process...well, that is what we are choosing to call it.

We are moving to Palm Coast, FL. Not far from my folks in Ocala, not far from friends etc...we have already started the mortgage process. Change can be good. 90 days. 90 days. will be home in sunny and very warm Florida surrounded by family and friends.

Day 13

 

Brings us much thankfulness of having such lovely friends who are praying for us. Your words of comfort, emails, phone calls etc....they mean so much. My apologies for not answering each comment here...I start too and then the immense grief begins all over again and the tears won't stop.

--Death Certificate has been signed

--he will be cremated (it's something him and his dad had discussed)

--we will then take our son back home to Florida no not Alabama---although my dad has suggested we leave a little ash at Denny Byrant Stadium as that boy loved the Crimson Tide. We estimate our moving date 3-6 months. There is much to do. We will be extremely busy getting rid of things etc. We really don't need a household full of stuff.

--Grief...I never thought I would be the one suffering thru. I rather be helping someone then going thru what we are going thru...no, we are NOT angry, folks. ANGER has never entered our minds...just extreme grief.

Day 12...

 Day 12 brings us devastating news, our beloved son passed away peacefully yesterday afternoon. There are no words to describe the loss we are experiencing...the coroner said he died peacefully in his sleep. There is comfort in knowing he knew he was in the Book of Lambs. I am not quite ready to talk about this, I found him...and the loss...is just indescribable.

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers on FB. Your words have comforted us beyond anything....

Day 11

 

Brings us to a late Hodgepodge...hold on, it's going to be a bumpy ride.

1. 'Tis the season to be jolly....so are you?

No. I am not. I am full of anger at the moment. This covid has really bought out the nastiness in some folks, especially the ones who claim to love you the most. I am having a very hard time with something that my better half has done.

2. Do you trim a tree this time of year, and if so is yours all done? 

What's something in your home-closet-life that needs to be trimmed in the new year?

I am going to keep it truthful and say "stuff" has to be trimmed. I, me, Linda, have to make changes, it ain't going to be pretty.

3. Are you 'dreaming of a white Christmas'? Is that a possibility where you'll be celebrating? According to this site the top ten places in the US you can count on for a white Christmas are- North Pole Alaska, Crater Lake Oregon, Yellowstone National Park, Winthrop Washington, Aspen Colorado, Ketchum Idaho, Mt. Washington New Hampshire, Whitefish Montana, Duluth Minnesota, and the Lake Tahoe town of Truckee California

Of the snowy spots listed which would you most like to visit?

Of course, it's always a possibility.  I'd like to visit New Hampshire.

4. December 8th is National Brownie Day...will you be celebrating? How do you like your brownies-chewy or cake-like, frosted or plain, nuts or no nuts, a piece from the middle or give me the corner? As a child were you a member of a brownie troop? 

nope. didn't celebrate.

5. Share a favorite line or two from a Christmas carol or holiday tune. 

6. Insert your own random thought here.

oh boy...right now, it's not.

 

Day Whatever...

 I just want to apologize. Life has been very bad lately...long story short. The guys have contacted Covid Pneumonia. No, they are not doing better and now, I am ordered by the state of NY to Quarantine. BACK TO THE HOUSE IN WHICH THEY ARE SICK. Makes no sense.

No Lords a Leaping, just a Quarantine Order-I edited out my address.

From: commcarehq-noreply-production@dimagi.com

Sent: Thursday, December 9, 2021 8:14 PM

Subject: SECURE: Health information Re: Quarantine

 

STATE OF NEW YORK

COUNTY OF STEUBEN: DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

In the Matter of

The Quarantine of LINDA CONLEY

PUBLIC HEALTH DIRECTOR’S ORDER

Pursuant to Public Health Law, Article 21, and 10 NYCRR §2.29, the Steuben County Public Health Department and  its Public Health Director are required to protect the public from the danger of communicable diseases.

        It has been determined that you have recently arrived from a state designated pursuant to New York State Executive Order 205 OR may have been exposed to a person with COVID-19, a communicable disease that has the potential to adversely affect your health and the health of the public. Therefore, the STEUBEN COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT is requesting that you quarantine yourself to protect your health and the health of others by avoiding public spaces and private social gatherings and staying home from work. Regularly washing your hands in soap for 20 seconds, avoiding touching your eyes and mouth, and keeping high-traffic surfaces clean and disinfected will reduce the risk of exposure to others.

        New York State identified Essential Employees are to abide by the most recent guidance titled, “Protocols for Essential Personnel to Return to Work Following COVID-19 Exposure or Infection.”

        New York State identified Non-Essential Employees are to abide by the most recent guidance titled, “Interim Guidance for Public and Private Employees Returning to Work Following COVID-19 Exposure or Infection.”

        New York State identified Healthcare Personnel are to abide by the most recent guidance titled, “Revised Protocols for Personnel in Healthcare and Other Direct Care Settings to Return to Work Following COVID-19 Exposure or Infection.”

       QUARANTINE REQUIREMENTS:

        You are requested to remain in quarantine at, HORNELL, NY, 14843, consistent with recent CDC guidance, for (10) ten days without a testing requirement if no symptoms have been reported during those (10) ten days;

        -you must continue daily symptom monitoring through Day 14; and

        -if any symptoms develop (up to Day 14), you should immediately self-isolate and contact the Steuben County Public Health or your healthcare provider to report this change in clinical status and determine if you should seek testing before having contact with the public.

The STEUBEN COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT has determined that the date of exposure was 2021-12-06 and you must remain in quarantine through 2021-12-16, provided you do not develop symptoms as noted above.  We understand that this may cause significant inconvenience to you; however, it is very important for the protection of your own health and that of others that you abide by this request for quarantine. Please read this agreement carefully.

You or your legal guardian may contact a STEUBEN COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT representative at:  (607) 664-2438 to request assistance in complying, seeking relief from, clarification of, or further explanation of the conditions contained in any part of this agreement.

        Failure to comply with this request may result in the issuance of a Public Health Director Order pursuant to Public Health Law §2100, or a Court Order of commitment pursuant to Public Health Law §2120 for your involuntary commitment enforced by the STEUBEN COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT and/or law enforcement officials. Willful breach of a Court Order may be considered contempt of Court and may result in criminal prosecution. In the event of a Public Health Director Order or Court Order, you are entitled to the following forms of Due Process:

        Right to adequate Notice (a written order)

        Right to a hearing

        Right to counsel (will be provided if indigent)

        Right to appeal the final decision

        The expectation is that you will self-quarantine pursuant to the above-described parameters. A 911 premise warning will be utilized, which notifies emergency workers to contact the STEUBEN COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT before entering this location.

        Failure to follow these guidelines or to voluntarily remain in quarantine may result in placement in involuntary quarantine or committal to a facility where you may be quarantined against your wishes, pursuant to Public Health Law §2120 and 10 NYCRR §2.29.

        We appreciate your willingness to comply with our guidance while we attempt to limit public exposure to potential COVID-19 cases.

       

DATED: 2021-12-09

BATH, NEW YORK

DARLENE SMITH

PUBLIC HEALTH DIRECTOR

COUNTY OF STEUBEN

This email address is used for sending messages only. Please do not reply. No one will actively be monitoring the inbox.

Day 4

 Thank you all for the kind comments.

For some odd reason, my video of Sirus Radio from yesterday is not loading off my phone. We have Sirus in our SUV and it has been quite nice to listen to Christmas music. So, how about some music from You Tube?

I hope each of you have a lovely day. smiles