The Difference a Year Makes

One year ago today the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic, and with that, our life of normalcy changed to a whole new world of lockdowns, masks, social distancing, closure of schools and businesses, shortages of all kinds and so much more.  We will never take hugs and being with loved ones for granted again.

A year later, COVID vaccine is helping things to gradually return to some degree of normalcy. I saw this current impression of Mona Lisa on Facebook today.  A sense of humor helps get us through difficult times, even though Leonardo da Vinci probably rolled over in his grave over such sacrilege!  The photo illustrates how much the vaccine is on everyone's mind these days. I get my second shot next Thursday.

On Tuesday I visited my favorite antique store that I hadn't been to in over a year.

Only some tea canisters/caddies caught my eye.  Upon inspection, both had noticeable chips so I left without a purchase.  Just as well, I'm not sure where I could have displayed them.

I decided to pay Cracker Barrel a visit to see if they had any St. Patrick's day items in their gift shop area.  They didn't, but I found some lovely tea-themed things.  I really liked this table/desk top teapot quartz clock.  I thought about it for my office, but resisted [so far!]. Speaking of clocks, don't forget to 'spring forward' this weekend.  Set your clocks forward one hour Saturday night before you go to bed.

A cute tea towel caught my eye and came home with me.

And the teacup lamp [below] was love at first sight.  It definitely came home with me.  With a price tag of $69.99, it was a bargain.

Here it is in its new home [my house]!

I don't have to wear a uniform at work like the servers do, so when a holiday is approaching I try to wear something in keeping with it [appropriate and conservative, of course].  I found a new St. Patrick's Day sweater to wear to work this Saturday.

Green tea has been my tea of choice for over a year now since it prohibits the formation of kidney stones.  One bout with kidney stones is enough for me!  I just received a new supply of two green teas from Harney & Sons - Citron Green and Organic Green with Citrus and Ginkgo.

Cheers!