The Benedik’s + COVID 19 + Social Isolation Day 11…

Day 11…yikes.

When I woke up this morning, without even looking at the weather, I knew it was going to be a beautiful day.  Two years ago today, the Reilly girls lost our beautiful friend, Peggy.   “Peggy Sun”, as she was known,  radiated sunshine.   She would walk into a room and bring a smile to the saddest soul and she brought laughter and happiness to anyone lucky enough to know her.  It is difficult to put into words how much I loved her, how we all loved her, and how incredibly blessed we felt to be in her world.   I know she is near, and I can hear her laughter as I get into all sorts of predicaments.   Most of all, I know she is with my Pop, which is the greatest blessing of all.  Her love and friendship was a treasure.

We needed the weather to cooperate today for more than one reason.  During this time of quarantine and emergency lockdown, we had a plumber in a HAZMAT SUIT & MASK arrive at our home at 8:30am this morning.   The plumbing situation that occurred in my master bathroom two days ago, required emergency service.   So on top of our social isolation conundrum, my family room ceiling had to be cut open to replace a pipe.  Fortunately we were all able to disperse, get outside with our books and coffee, walk the dogs, and leave plenty of room for Julio to work and get the job done, in ‘isolation’… Needless to say, it will be the last time I try and fix a drain myself.

Brian and I were in the car before (when did simple rides in the car become an excursion?!), on our way to pick up takeout for dinner, when he got all serious and I knew a question was about to be asked.  (He had be remarkably calm earlier when I paid the plumber, so I was hoping we had moved past that!). His ‘serious’ question?  “Kel, do you know what I think we should do?   I think we should decide at night who gets up with the dogs in the morning, that way one us can sleep in.”   This was the big topic to discuss – my how our days have changed since we have been home.

Now that family dinners have become a daily habit again, so has the request for dessert.  My usually non-sweet eater asked me last night if I would make banana bread today, so I grabbed a favorite recipe and got that in the oven about 1/2 hour ago.   The recipe comes from one of those school fundraiser cookbooks from years ago.   I find the best recipes come from friends and family who have contributed to these books.  This one in particular warms my heart, as it is from our dear friends The Landel Family & and their late son Ben. It was no coincidence that I picked his recipe from that book today.

So as my family gathers for game night on day 11, I am so blessed.  I am grateful  for the warm aromas of Ben’s banana bread wafting through my home, the sunshine of a beautiful day, a newly replaced pipe & patched ceiling, and the distant sound of Peggy’s laughter in my mind.

Stay safe and let’s hope for some good news in the morning.  It is what it is.

xo KB