Using maternal energy for good!
Nicole and Brad joined us for Thanksgiving on our redwood deck. Separated by 10 feet, we sat at bistro tables in the oak grove. We just installed lanterns, string lights, and electricity so we could have our buffet warmers, heaters, and music. Instead of hosting a party for 15-40 people where we’re running around and leading activities, we got to talk and enjoy ourselves.
The post Thanksgiving outdoors on our redwood deck appeared first on Merit Educational Consultants.
Our house has always been the party house. We have hosted all holiday parties, birthday parties, meetings – any reason to get together. I love to cook and entertain. So I’ve had to rethink how to socialize with family and friends in a safe and responsible way. At first, it seemed cumbersome, but as months pass, I realized that I can do this. Here are my tips on Socially Responsible Gatherings.
Where:
I just built a redwood deck and 3 bistro tables with 2 chairs per table. I also remodeled my kitchen deck with 2 bistro tables with 2 chairs per table. The tables are set 6 feet apart. Being outdoors is much safer than indoors.
When:
Rather than dinners with late-night activities, I’m planning afternoon gatherings when we can be outside.
Who:
Instead of having 25-50 people, I am inviting just one or two couples. While it’s fun to have huge bashes, it’s also fun to talk to a few friends and really catch up on our lives, politics, and our families. Besides, it’s easier to manage 2-4 people than 25-50. I’ll just need to have more Socially Responsible Gatherings to see all of my friends and family!
Masks:
Everyone will wear masks except while eating. That means that they’ll wear masks as they serve themselves, walk to the bathroom, and while talking at their bistro tables. If everyone wears a mask, we show respect for one another and we keep our germs (and viruses) to ourselves.
Hand Sanitizer:
Have a bottle of hand sanitizer at every table and any location where guests may visit. This reduces the risk of spreading viruses.
Meals:
I’m planning individual servings that don’t require sharing serving spoons. Burritos, tacos, shish kabobs, wraps, and sushi maki are all easy to grab – and they don’t require serving utensils. No more taco bars or buffet-style dining. Guests serve themselves using their utensils one at a time. When the first guest is done getting their food, the next guest goes up so only one person at a time is near the food. Good social distancing.
Plates and Utensils:
Everyone brings their own plates, utensils, drinking containers, napkins, and whatever they’re drinking. At the end of the meal, guests put their dishes and utensils in their cloth bags and put them in their cars. That way I won’t be touching their dinnerware and placing them in my dishwasher. I won’t worry about a bunch of people in my kitchen touching the faucet, fridge, cabinets, and everything.
Bathroom:
By having sanitizing wipes in the restroom, guests can wipe the toilet handle, toilet seat, door knob, and any surface they touch as they exit the bathroom and head back to the deck.
Clean up:
When guests are ready to leave, they’ll take their dinnerware and trash/recycling with them. I’ll take the serving trays up to the kitchen for washing and storing. Then I’ll disinfect the chairs, tables, serving area, railings, bathroom, and areas where guests may have visited in the house.
While this is a different way to party, we can still have fun. We can catch up, play games, and enjoy each other’s company. Before the event, I send a Socially Responsible Gathering Guidelines to guests so they understand the new protocol and will feel reassured that they’ll be safe. Check out my tips to create your Socially Responsible Gatherings.
The post Tips of Socially Responsible Gatherings appeared first on Merit Educational Consultants.
Our house has always been the party house. We have hosted all holiday parties, birthday parties, meetings – any reason to get together. I love to cook and entertain. So I’ve had to rethink how to socialize with family and friends in a safe and responsible way. At first, it seemed cumbersome, but as months pass, I realized that I can do this. Here are my tips on Socially Responsible Gatherings.
Where:
I just built a redwood deck and 3 bistro tables with 2 chairs per table. I also remodeled my kitchen deck with 2 bistro tables with 2 chairs per table. The tables are set 6 feet apart. Being outdoors is much safer than indoors.
When:
Rather than dinners with late-night activities, I’m planning afternoon gatherings when we can be outside.
Who:
Instead of having 25-50 people, I am inviting just one or two couples. While it’s fun to have huge bashes, it’s also fun to talk to a few friends and really catch up on our lives, politics, and our families. Besides, it’s easier to manage 2-4 people than 25-50. I’ll just need to have more Socially Responsible Gatherings to see all of my friends and family!
Masks:
Everyone will wear masks except while eating. That means that they’ll wear masks as they serve themselves, walk to the bathroom, and while talking at their bistro tables. If everyone wears a mask, we show respect for one another and we keep our germs (and viruses) to ourselves.
Hand Sanitizer:
Have a bottle of hand sanitizer at every table and any location where guests may visit. This reduces the risk of spreading viruses.
Meals:
I’m planning individual servings that don’t require sharing serving spoons. Burritos, tacos, shish kabobs, wraps, and sushi maki are all easy to grab – and they don’t require serving utensils. No more taco bars or buffet-style dining. Guests serve themselves using their utensils one at a time. When the first guest is done getting their food, the next guest goes up so only one person at a time is near the food. Good social distancing.
Plates and Utensils:
Everyone brings their own plates, utensils, drinking containers, napkins, and whatever they’re drinking. At the end of the meal, guests put their dishes and utensils in their cloth bags and put them in their cars. That way I won’t be touching their dinnerware and placing them in my dishwasher. I won’t worry about a bunch of people in my kitchen touching the faucet, fridge, cabinets, and everything.
Bathroom:
By having sanitizing wipes in the restroom, guests can wipe the toilet handle, toilet seat, door knob, and any surface they touch as they exit the bathroom and head back to the deck.
Clean up:
When guests are ready to leave, they’ll take their dinnerware and trash/recycling with them. I’ll take the serving trays up to the kitchen for washing and storing. Then I’ll disinfect the chairs, tables, serving area, railings, bathroom, and areas where guests may have visited in the house.
While this is a different way to party, we can still have fun. We can catch up, play games, and enjoy each other’s company. Before the event, I send a Socially Responsible Gathering Guidelines to guests so they understand the new protocol and will feel reassured that they’ll be safe. Check out my tips to create your Socially Responsible Gatherings.
The post Tips for Socially Responsible Gatherings appeared first on Merit Educational Consultants.
Just finished building a redwood deck in our oak grove so that we can socialize at 6 feet apart. Anything we do in our home means that we’re breaking that 6-foot distancing rule – sitting around the dining room table, cooking together, walking down hallways, and simply opening the front door. So I built a redwood deck about 150 feet from the house so guests could meet us there. With 2 entrances, it makes it safe to come and go. I’ve ordered 2 bistro tables and chairs so one couple could sit at one table while we sit at another. We can separate the tables but we can face each other at a safe distance. We’re among the old oak trees where it’s cool and refreshing, even on the hottest days.
Wearing masks and gloves, I bought the redwood and had plenty of help carrying the wood down to the oak grove. Nicole and Brad helped me cut, carry, and assemble the skirtframe (and 60 lb bags of cement). They even tried to dig post holes using an 8” auger, but the sandstone made it impossible to penetrate. Our maintenance guy later jackhammered the post holes and Mario set the posts. Rob helped me cut and place the joists. I rented a framing gun and compressor, and learned how to use a handy tool to straighten crooked boards as I framed the deck. Mario helped me install guardrails, posts, and benches. I’m putting the second coat of sealer on today. Thanks to a team of willing volunteers, the deck is done!
I’m excited about socializing in a safe way, while enjoying the views and a new space. Ready for guests in 2 weeks!
The post My new normal socializing venue: new redwood deck! appeared first on Merit Educational Consultants.
While the idea of being “quarantined” sounds stressful – conjuring up visions of claustrophobia – it may be just the relief we all need. We’re busy with work or school, childcare or homework, and traffic and over-scheduled activities. Racing around town and juggling commitments just wipes us out and we become vulnerable to all kinds of sicknesses.
So the new chant “Stay at Home” may be just what we all need. Take this opportunity to protect yourselves and your loved ones by cancelling social gatherings and events for the next 2 months. Take this time for YOU and rejuvenate. When you’re not stressed out, your body will better ward off illnesses so you can optimize your chances of not getting COVID-19.
I look forward to doing projects around my home and property now that I’m staying put. Here are some things you can do to improve your life and get a jump start on all those little things that you’ve put off for too long.
1. Connect with family and friends using Google Hangouts or Skype (online)
2. Spring clean your home
3. Plant veggie seeds to get your spring garden started
4. Put together your Go-Bag
5. Start your genealogy research by reaching out to family via email, text, or hangouts.
6. Set up free exercise/yoga schedule and do this in your living room
7. Binge watch your favorite episodes or discover new shows
8. Sit in on webinars and participate in Q&As
9. Dust off those books that you’ve wanted to read
10. Take online classes to expand your mind (or get college credit)
11. Find your “to-do” lists
12. Purge your junk (get rid of stuff you don’t use or need)
13. Weed your gardens
14. Limb branches 100 feet from your house to prevent fires
15. Move firewood and wooden furniture at least 5 feet away from your house
16. Give yourself a facial or do your nails
17. Work on your taxes
18. Meal prep and freeze for later
Regardless of your age or health, stay at home and avoid going to places where you’ll interface with people. If you’re over 60, you may get COVID-19 and die. If you’re under 60, you may carry the coronavirus (and get sick) and even worse — infect your parents, grandparents, or loved ones and they can die. Either way, STAY AT HOME! Relax and work on your to-do lists! You’ll also reduce your gas mileage and CO2, and you won’t be wasting your precious time in traffic.
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