Dad’s got a new woman in his Life!

Dad’s got a new woman in his Life!

Hi there,

Thanks for popping in. Went over to my parents first thing this morning with the first big food delivery for them in weeks. It was great to sit and talk with them. Haven’t seen them since before Christmas, what with the new Covid strain, the scare at work and and and ….

But both Mum and Dad have had both jabs now, and it’s been nearly 3 weeks since the second one. Also, their fridge was pretty empty, so it was time to refill the cupboards and catch up with my two oldest, dearest friends in the world.

I took Dad his Christmas present, a lovely new Alexa. Setting that up for him was funny. Trying to establish voice recognition was a scream. It was like a bad game of Simon Says, except Alexa couldn’t figure out which of us was Simon!

I was trying to get Dad to say things to Alexa, so she would recognise his voice instead of mine. I couldn’t say “Alexa” at the beginning, because then she just responded to me. So I was trying to get Dad to give a command, but add Alexa. It went like this…

Barb… “Dad, say What’s the weather like in Kent, but add – and then I whispered “ Alexa at the beginning ”

Dad.. whispering…“Alexa, what’s the weather like in Kent?”

Nothing. Too quiet.

Barb “Say it a bit louder”

Dad “WHAT’S THE WEATHER LIKE IN KENT?”

Nothing.

Barb “Don’t forget to say Alexa at the beginning”

Alexa “Sorry, I didn‘t quite catch that”

Dad “What’s the weather like in Kent Alexa?”

Nothing

Dad “Please?”

Alexa, “Sorry, I didn’t quite catch that”

At which point all three of us rolled up laughing. Yeah. Simon Says…

Finally, Dad nailed it!

Dad “Alexa, what’s the weather like in Kent ?”

Alexa “The weather in Kent UK is cold and overcast”

Dad “Yeah, I know.”

Hahahaahahaha

Hours of fun.

In the meantime Dave the sheep farmer has cooked a fabulous vegetarian meal, which I shall go share with him.

Lots of little things underpin our lives, make our lives sweeter, more palatable. Little random acts of kindness, little generous gestures, little chats, little laughs and smiles and waves. Mixed with a goodly dose of love and understanding, plus a huge splash of empathy. All those little things make up a greater, positive whole.

At first glance, it was just a crazy, lovely Sunday, with people I love. Look a little closer, and it was jam packed with goodness.

And when both Mum and Dad each came towards me with arms outstretched for a big hug and a kiss, my heart sang.

Stay safe

Love and hugs,

Barb xxx

28 thoughts on “Dad’s got a new woman in his Life!

  1. It’s so lovely to hear that your parents are well and you were able to hug each other at long last. There are no words xx

  2. How great to have a hug from your Dad and Mum!!!
    Stay save and healthy and see you tomorrow in the Shac.
    Lots of love, Trijntje Huppel

  3. That’s lovely. Glad you had a good day. Haven’t seen my Mum in the flesh this year, probably safe for me to do so now but I’ll leave it a bit longer. Speak to her on the phone and FaceTime when my sister does it. Snow today, couldn’t have gone anywhere today with, I think I would have struggled to get out of the top of our road earlier but it’s melting away now. Did some Groovi instead and cooked chicken curry which we’ve just eaten. See you in the Shac tomorrow x

  4. I’m so pleased that your mum and dad are now inoculated against this horrible virus. What a weight that must be off your shoulders. Xxx

  5. Sitting here with tears rolling down my face after reading that you managed to hug and kiss your parents today. So happy for you all. Can’t wait for my parents to have their second jab so that I can do the same, its been such a long time…….

  6. So glad in my heart for you all. At some point in the future it will be safe for us all to do that again and I can’t wait! X

  7. How wonderful for you to be able, once more to actually hug each other – I bet you had trouble letting go. I can’t wait to be able to do that to my own children and Mother. I guess I’ll just have to patient a bit longer. xxxx

  8. Such fun. I bought two echo dots for Christmas, great fun. Love saying good morning to Alexa and then she tells me an interesting fact for the day. Tell Alex to beat box, very funny and she tells jokes , so much fun 😀

  9. WOW….I think George (aged 89 only 1 jab so far) had the same trouble. He likes Alexa now (he has many names for her though!) he mainly has her play his favourite tunes – and crossword answers, which I think is cheating! Your Dad will find his own way. Hope your meal was nice.
    Love
    Maggie (Bendy Yorkite)

  10. Hi Barbara this was so lovely to read. What a lovely way to spend a Sunday surrounded by the people you love. It is nice to make the weekend’s a bit different. I do most of the cooking but at the weekend I have special breakfasts made for me. It all helps us to cope with what is going on. Enjoy your evening. Take care. Hugs xxx

  11. Glad you had a happy Sunday.
    Heavy frost in this part of Norfolk this morning, not warmed up much this afternoon. Still, warm and cosy indoors and lots of crafting done.
    Stay safe.

  12. I bet that has made you feel so much better Barbara, what I wouldn’t give to hug my parents but they’ve both been gone a good few years now. I so look forward to the day I can hug my kids and grandchildren. In the meantime I’m so grateful for what I have got especially the Shac

  13. This all sounded so familiar as my dad was the same..couldn’t get her name right and kept saying please😁 Moments to treasure so thanks for sharing x

  14. Sounds like fun had same problem with Bob and Katie setting there phones and iPads did get there voices. Glad they are both well and had there injections sending them both my love and cause you and family Dave mark and of cause Grace 😘

  15. Well we have had a laugh here, I read your blog & had to explain to OH what I was laughing at. I read out what you had written & our Alexa replied ” the weather in Solihull is cold tonight with a possible chance of more snow during the night”
    Well that set me off with the giggles again – its good to laugh though !! Glad you had a nice day with your parents, we had to help daughter plumb in her washing machine & tumble dryer via Facetime – good job we sent a box of tools in advance of the move. I wonder what task we will be doing tomorrow ?

  16. Barbara – thank you so much for sharing this with us. It sounds totally wonderful, and I can just picture your face throughout it all. To be able to meet up with your parents and make some very precious memories indeed. Richly deserved. Thank you for being you, you really are such an important and precious part of our lives. Love and virtual hugs, Gilly x

  17. Hi Barbara
    So much joy in simple gestures. I’m lucky as my mum lives with us , she has had one vaccine awaiting the second. She is still finding it difficult as she can not see any of her other children of which there are many, her grandchildren or great grandchildren. No sure if she has any great great grandchildren 😂 lost count a long time ago.
    Glad you spent a great time with your parents always a time to treasure.
    Love
    Ruth

  18. Hello Barb, so glad to hear that Mum and Dad are in fine fettle. I am sure it was absolutely hysterical with Alexa. Take care and stay safe everyone. Bx

  19. Hi Barb,
    How lovely for you to finally be able to hug your mum and dad. So pleased for you and them and it’s great that they had both of their jabs. Loved the story about setting up the Alexa too! Lovely memories for you. Love and hugs,Alison xxx

  20. Please, please, please, everyone. Even if you have had both jabs, you can still pass the virus on. So still remember :-
    MASK, SPACE, HANDS.

  21. I have forgotten what it is like to hug family. Missing mine so much. I imagine your mum and dad were in seventh heaven. Lovely for you as well. X

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