We made it! After succesfully completing 14 days of self isolation, one would be ready to go back to work. However, many of us no longer have a job so the isolation will continue. If you are reading this and you don’t have a job to go back to, I’m very, very sorry. This is not an easy time for anyone, and I think often of parents with school-aged children, trying to not only keep themselves from going stark raving mad because the kids are around all the time, but trying to home school them and/or keep them entertained. For those that work at home, the balance of trying to get it all done as well as being a parent. Tough stuff. I also think of those who have been laid off and are on endless hold on the phone, or on a website that is continually kicking you off or timing out, just to figure out the future of your finances. Or, there are people like my parents who are both almost 80. They don’t always understand why they have to stay inside, but we beg them to do so, hoping they will listen, and by staying in, keep them from getting sick.

It’s definitely one for the record books…

If you have a “stash” of wine, pick out something good for yourself tonight. A bottle you’ve been saving for a special occasion, a bottle received as a gift for a special occasion. Whatever it is, dust if off and just open it. Simple or expensive, it doesn’t matter. After you’ve opened it and poured it in your glass, Savour. Every. Single. Sip. Think about what you are smelling and tasting, what you might eat with this, and then when you might have this exact same bottle again – in a different, better time.  Think of the person who gave it to you, if it was a gift. Mostly, think of what the wine reminds you of. All good things I hope. Through all of this, I want everyone to remember that “this too, shall pass.” For those of you living in warmer climes, I envy you, for you can at least sit on your front steps, or your veranda, your deck or porch, and listen to the birds and watch the sunset. I can’t do that (yet). I won’t see blossoms or buds for another month, and the city will be mucky and slushy and dirty until that time. Enjoy the view for me.

This is what I decided to have a glass of tonight.

It’s nothing special, but for me, it reminds me of the place I get to go every year – Verona. Sadly, there will be no trip to Verona for me this year, and no exploring the lands of Prosecco before or afterwards. So I’ll have a glass, and likely even make it an Aperol Spritz…not that I can enjoy being with friends while I sip it, or sit outside in the sunshine and enjoy it, but I’ll think of all the amazing times I DID sit outside and sip one, and it was usually among friends.

Wherever you are, whether you’re alone or with a loved one, here’s to you: stay safe, and remember that we will get through this together. #andratuttobene