The whole world has been shut down to deal with an unknown virus that has seemingly taken over entire lives.
And even though it is happening slowly, the world is trying to regress back to the good times when people could hug and talk and sing and shout from less than six feet away
We yearn for those Good Old Days too, but being among the Vulnerables, our world still stays shut.
And some days are tougher than others. Today was such a day.
- Bill came in from a trip to Lowes and announced he is convinced the virus will never go away because so many people refuse to wear masks. His conviction and disillusion made me feel sad.
- Then a big rain storm came to add to the gloom.
- And of course Elsa was convinced the sky was falling again.
- I spent some of the gloomy day catching up on news, and of course there was nothing very uplifting to report.
As always, in midday Bill went for our mail. But this time he came home with a package from Janet, our dear old friend in Arizona.
The box contained a greeting card that reminded us to celebrate Christmas in July!
And under the card was one of Janet’s homemade famous English fruitcakes complete with a marzipan icing and a red ribbon to celebrate the holiday. 
In addition there were two boxes of Terry’s Chocolate Oranges, an English favorite and mine too. You may have guessed that Janet is originally from England.
But talk about smiling!
Imagine our delight at receiving such a happy thoughtful gift. And the timing was perfect!
Some people are simply wonderful!
Virginia Views 
These are tough times for sure. When I talk to my mom on the phone I can tell she’s struggling because she’s on her own, and I live 5 hours away so we haven’t seen her in months 😢. However, I’m so glad to hear that you and Bill are staying safe and that the mail brought you such a delightful surprise!! Big hugs from Ontario my friend ❤️❤️.
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Some days are definitely better than others. In our state masks are mandated and I haven’t seen anyone go without one but then again, I don’t get out much. A gift on any day makes it better!
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How wonderful! Her timing was perfect. Merry Christmas! 🙂
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Merry Christmas Dor!
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What a fantastic gift!! It took you out of the doldrums to a higher plane. Janet is a marvelous friend.
After we lived in England for two years, I always made a Christmas pudding for the 25th. This year the leftover dessert got lost in the back of the refrigerator. As you know, fruitcake in any form is almost indestructible. John was delighted to have one of his favorites out of season, and he finished the last of it in June.
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Janet is a wonderful friend. She lifted your spirits in such a delightful way.
I also wrote that our Christmas pudding got lost in the back of the refrigerator this year. Fruitcakes are indestructible, so John was pleased when I found it, since it is a particular favorite of his. He finished it in June.
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Aw, I’m so glad the package arrived just when your spirits needed a lift!
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A bright spot indeed! I have been thinking we need a little Christmas in July too but have not been as motivated as Janet. She has inspired me!
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What a wonderful person and priceless friend. I hope she can come east when this is over and we can go to lunch anywhere we want!! Miss you all – very glad to hear your life is good. Love ya, Julie
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Her timing could not have been better.
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I love it when good things happen during a challenging day.
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Ditto Kathy – Ditto! 🙂
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Hi Julie! I know you remember Janet and of course, I too, hope she can come east for a visit. Seems harder as we get older though. You may just have to settle for me for lunch whenever the ugly virus decides to leave. “)
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Janet is definitely inspirational and has motivated me to make some peanut brittle to send her family before Xmas in July is over. 🙂
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Thankyou Dianna…. the goodies from Janet really did come as a sweet surprise.
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I too thought my friend had found a forgotten fruitcake but it turned out she made a new batch for all the fruitcake lovers in her life.
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Hahahaha! LOL and thanks for the Xmas in July greetings Cindy!
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You are making me smile all over again!
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I wish we had mandatory masks here. Bill would feel better about our prospects.
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Thanks for the big hugs my friend. In my previous life I was not a hugger but now, after months of isolation I would hug anyone who showed up on the doorstep! Best wishes to your Mom and I am sure she misses you so much. Our son is in California so talk about wanting to give hugs! Merry Xmas in July and love to you and Mikey!
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We have celebrated Xmas in July some years. It still doesn’t seem right when Xmas turns up in the summer. Take care.
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I didn’t think Janet’s gift was leftover, but my comment made it sound that way. John was pleased that I found the remnant of ours.
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The Xmas in July goody box from Janet was calculated to make us smile through Covid-19. I have often thought of actually putting up a tree and doing the whole summertime Xmas bit, but you are right – it just wouldn’t feel right.
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What fun! Glad you got a pick-me-up right when you needed one.
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