|

|

Coffee Talk 12.06.20

Well, I blinked and suddenly it’s December! I tell you, for a year that has brought one trial after another on personal, national and global levels, 2020 sure has flown. I guess it’s true what they say, time flies whether you’re having fun or not.

So, let’s see. Where did we leave off last week? I was in a lot of pain, as I recall. Last Sunday was one of my worse days with this shoulder/back pain. I was thankful to be able to get into my chiropractor on Monday, and he worked it pretty good.

I felt some better after that, but by the time I went back on Wednesday, I had pain and numbness moving down my right arm. I was getting worried that I’d done some real damage, but he knew exactly what was going on and was able to apply his active release techniques to the nerves in that arm, and he got things loosened up quite a bit.

Since then, I’d say my pain and discomfort is about 50% of what it was last weekend, but I’m still uncomfortable. I’m really looking forward to going back tomorrow and Thursday this week, and hopefully after those two sessions, I will be on the road to recovery.

I’ve been working on adjusting my work space and moving around a lot more during the day. I’m also doing a lot of my work on my laptop, which is not a longterm solution, as it’s really not good for your neck and back either. But for now, I’m hoping it’s giving me the break from my desk that I need to allow my back and shoulder to heal.

And I’m sure that’s more than you wanted to know about all that!

Unfortunately, there just isn’t a lot else to talk about. I feel like life has sort of come to a standstill. With the weather turning cold, having social gatherings outside isn’t really feasible, so we haven’t been seeing friends or going out to eat — things that were helping to break up the monotony of the summer and fall.

I feel like with the vaccine on the horizon, we are in the home stretch, and if we can just lay low and stay well, we may be able to escape this nasty Covid altogether. Wouldn’t that be nice!

So we’re all trying to tow the line, and keep our risk levels minimal, but that means a LOT of time at home without much to do, and to be honest, I’m getting bored and a bit stir crazy.

We have a long winter ahead of us, and once the “magic” of the holidays is over — what little there even is this year — I’ve got a feeling it’s going to get very dark and depressing if we don’t find a way to keep busy.

Up till now, my work has provided a great means of escape, but honestly, who cares what they wear if they are literally are going nowhere and seeing no one for the next 3 months?

But I’ll be okay. I know there’s an end in sight, and I can see the bigger picture. I’m more worried about my kids — especially the one who is at home all the time with no job or extracurricular activity as an impetus to get out of bed.

It’s hard with older kids, as there’s only so much you can do for them. Beyond that, all I know to do is pray, and cling to the knowledge that this too shall pass. I just hope we all manage to make it out relatively unscathed.

Well, that really took a turn, didn’t it? Maybe I should just ditch this post and start over.

Can you tell I’m PMSing? I always get introspective and emotional around this time. I keep hoping the change everyone talks about is on the horizon, but so far, no dice.

Of course, when that happens, I may find myself introspective and emotional all the time, so I guess I should be thankful for the time I have left when it’s only one week out of the month.

So, let’s lighten this up a bit, and then I’m going to bundle up and go for a run.

Do you have any good TV shows we can watch? We finished the most recent season of The Crown and wiped out The Queen’s Gambit in about 3 days. I highly recommend both.

We just started watching Happy Valley, which is kind of dark, but entertaining nonetheless.

Then in a moment of nostalgia… and needing a light diversion from Happy Valley… I watched Love Actually this weekend.

Good grief, I forgot how raunchy it is in parts — I was thankful the kids weren’t around — but it is also so good. I had a few good laughs, and I might have even teared up a couple of times. It was much needed. (See prior comment about the time of the month.)

I’m thinking of starting Virgin River, but I can tell Paul probably won’t be into it. It looks a little cheesy, but I’m hoping it’s still good enough to keep my interest.

Anyway, let me know if you have anything else we should try. I like to keep my shows fairly clean, but otherwise, we are open to pretty much any type of storyline. We like everything from documentaries to dramas to comedies.

On that note, I need to close this out and get myself outside for a run before church. It’s only 34 degrees, so I have to allot extra time to get bundled up. I swear, half the workout this time of year is getting in and out of my running clothes.

I hope you guys are hanging in there, keeping positive, and staying safe! Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Join The Conversation

145 Responses

  1. You HAVE to watch Virgin River. I stumbled upon season 1 and then couldn’t hardly wait until the day season 2 dropped, and then i blew through it in 3 days. It is really good! Now the very long wait for season 3….long wait!

  2. I love Virgin River!  You should watch it!  There is a little cheese factor, but mostly feel good.  Emily in Paris is another good, but not quite as family friendly.  Glad you are feeling better!

  3. Hi and good morning!  Love your Sunday coffee chats!  If you have HBO I think you’ll like The Undoing.  It’s six episodes and it’s excellent!  Don’t know how appropriate for the kids – read about.
    Re your back and neck pain, do you think a stand/up for your monitor would work?  You can read about it as well!
    Enjoy your day!
    Diana 

    1. We don’t, but maybe we can find it another way. I do have a stand up monitor, but I got out of the habit of using it when my hip got better. I’ve been using it more, and I think it’s helping some.

  4. We started watching the “Undoing” last night and we both liked it. Nicole Kidman and a very serious Hugh Grant. I highly recommend it.  Love Actually is my all time favorite!  I am watching Virgin River on my own.  I like it also but my husband said it was too touchy-feely for him.

  5. I agree, definitely watch Virgin River.  I also liked Emily in Paris.  They’re entertaining but not something my hubby would have enjoyed.  

    Please keep the fashion posts coming.  As an “essential worker”, I’m still going to the office every day.  

    I hope you get some more relief from the pain this week and that you can find a good solution so it doesn’t pop up again.  

  6. Oh netflix…lol. our most favourite has been the Line of Duty seasons…..so good.
    Also all the Harlan Coben series…”The Stranger” is one of them.

    Had all the same thoughts this week, getting to New years will be OK with Christmas as a happy distraction but the winter is gonna be long. I work in the travel industry actually leading tours on the road and haven’t worked since March, and I would guess I’m a long ways off returning. I’m running out of productive things to keep my mind and body moving and busy.

  7. I agree – I worry about the long winter. My saving grace is that we are decluttering, donating, tossing, selling, getting ready to move May/June (we hope). Taking breaks from work (teaching on-line is more exhausting than I ever imagined), I tackle one small area at a time (today I want to deal with the entrance closet – how did I collect to many jackets? I can’t even blame you, haha, since I have had many for a long time, long before I started following you.)
    We are not going anywhere, and I am only dressing for zoom classes, but I so love reading your posts and getting ideas for shopping my closet, with maybe a purchase here and now.
    I can only imagine how all this is affecting teenagers (well, all children). My students seem tired, uninspired (some classes, like mine, have been online all semester; all classes went online the Monday of Thanksgiving week until February 1.) So, now they are all home (which is great for the holidays, but this is not how they imagined their college life.)
    I hope your shoulder problems are improving. Working on the computer all day is horrible for our bodies. My piriformis is causing me horrible pain. Hoping yoga helps (thank you! for introducing me to Adriene. I have been doing yoga with her since April. Not every day, but aiming for 4-5 times a week.)
    Loved Queen’s Gambit. I started The Crown last year, and I should go back to it. I am not sure my husband will enjoy it, but we will start it and see how far he gets. Call the Midwife is excellent. We have been watching each season when it was shown, but I think some of the previous seasons are on Netflix. Seeing history in this context is so interesting.

  8. In case you need a movie suggestion, we watched “Fisherman Friends” on Netflix with our teens this weekend. It was a good one – and based on a true story.

  9. We started Virgin River yesterday.  I wasn’t expecting my husband to like it, but he does.  He just told me we could try to fit an episode in before leaving!  

  10. Virgin River is pretty good. You’d like it…Emily in Paris is fun and you can watch it with your daughters. Selling Sunset (series)was pretty good. It’s about a selling elite real estate in LA with looking into the dynamics between females in the realty world.  High fashion as well.  Unorthodox was excellent as well as Shtisel. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisey series. 

  11. I hope you are feeling better this week- you’ve been a warrior about running!  Another movie suggestion that is family friendly is “Painted Horses”- we’ve recommended it several times and everyone has really liked it! Happy Sunday! 

  12. I haven’t seen it yet but a friend recommended Dash & Lily (sereis) on Netflix. We’ve also seen two good movies lately – The Secret: Dare to Dream and Holidate. Hope your recovery continues and you have relief soon. And please keep your posts coming! Even though I’m retired I still like to see how you put outfits together.

  13. I’m really sorry the COVID doldrums are getting to you! Here in SoCal, I work as an RN and am grateful for the ability to work and get out of the house. As far as what to watch, I’m practically screaming in my seat! Line of Duty on 1 of those British subscription channels– Britbox or Acorn. It is so gripping, you will hardly want to do anything else. Also there are: Shetland, Vera, Broadchurch, The Victim.. there are others. Also Fauda, on Netflix, is gripping within the first 5 minutes and has 3 seasons

  14. I watched Timeless on Netflix and loved it. And if you haven’t watched “Longmire” on Netflix that is really good, too. If you have Disney+ “The Right Stuff” is pretty good. I so do not miss the valleys of pms. I was a basket case that would eat everything in site for 3 days. I remember breaking out in tears at a grocery store once and I couldn’t stop them. My poor hubby was mortified and thought I’d lost it. LOL. Funny now but not then. Hang in there. Hope you have a nice relaxing Sunday and glad to hear your pain level is better after a chiro visit.

    1. Thanks for those suggestions, all new to me. And I can so relate about the breakdown in the grocery store, lol! I’m sure I’ll get through it, but I’m not looking forward to it.

  15. My husband and I LOVED “The Durrells in Corfu” on Amazon Prime! Our friends watched it on our recommendation and loved it, too. It’s about a single mom and her quirky kids who move to the Greek Island of Corfu and has comedy, drama, and breathtaking scenery! Highly recommend! We also enjoyed and binged Virgin River. I also liked The Crown and Call the Midwives.

  16. I hope that you had a good run!  It sounds like the chiropractor is getting to the root of your pain, and that by the end of this coming week, you should be feeling so much better.  I know that a lot of people don’t trust chiropractors, but in the past Larry and & I have gotten a lot of relief from one.  And we didn’t mind paying for it ourselves.  Larry doesn’t like cheesy shows either, so I haven’t even been watching the Hallmark Christmas movies that I enjoy.  During this extra crazy time, living in the country, with lots of land around, getting out riding on the four wheeler or golf cart helps in so many ways.  And we don’t have to worry about exposure.  Larry’s cancer doctor said that the verdict is still out on whether or not he will be able to take the vaccine.  He will be consulting with the cancer doctors at Emory regarding how to proceed.  In the meantime, he said for us to continue wearing a mask, staying away from non mask wearing people, and practice social distancing.  Have a blessed 2nd Sunday of Advent!

    1. Yeah, I’ve never been one to go to chiropractors, but I got this recommendation from a friend, and he is amazing. He doesn’t really crack things – he mostly uses active release. It’s amazing how he can find the exact muscle or nerve affected and work it out.

      I’m sure Larry needs to take all of the precautions. I’m glad he’s been well so far.

  17. The Chosen is amazing.Its a story of Jesus and his mirscles. The season 1 DVD is out. I cant wait for season 2.

  18. I’m right there with you with praying for our teen/college age kids. Just want them to make it through this pandemic unscathed (well, and for us to make it through too!) I bet you would like the series called Broadchurch. Look it up on Netflix. After the first few episodes it gets really hard not to binge watch! It’s soooo good! 

  19. I so related to your blog today. Until the last couple of weeks I’ve been able to get out and meet friends and extended family  outside during the nicer weather but now with the elevated virus conditions and cold weather, it’s been harder to stay positive and keep busy. I have kids similar to your ages and they’ve been in combination of hybrid and full remote learning—I agree it’s so hard with older kids and all that they are sacrificing during this very social time of their lives. With shoulder and back issues, luckily in the past, the combination of PT, chiropractor therapy and walking (not sitting too much) really helped the pain.   I would highly recommend Victoria if you liked the Crown series, the Miss Maisel series, and of course a Hallmark movie is always a relaxing and happy diversion. An old standby is the Gilmore Girls series.

  20. Thank you Jo-Lynne for your Coffee Talk posts. I look forward to reading them each Sunday. Thank you also,  for all the hard work that goes onto your daily blog posts. You always keep it real and honest, which I appreciate, and you look wonderful in all the styles you model.  Hope your shoulder/ back issue resolved soon. Not much fun when you are in constant discomfort.

  21. Yes! What are we going to do after the holidays?? Somebody Feed Phil on Netflix is a good one for the while family. He travels around the world eating local cuisine. Over the summer I subscribed to an adult craft kit thinking that my girls and I could work on it. I’m about 3 kits behind, so I have put a hold on them, but Cratejoy has any kind of subscription you could possibly want. 

  22. I’m happy your shoulder issue seems to be getting better.  It’s truly no fun to have consistent aches and pains.  But be careful what you wish for – when the Change comes, you may have to deal with a host of other issues until you can stabilize everything in your body!  Lol!  If you haven’t watched Bridge of Spies yet, it’s a terrific movie based on a true story that I had never heard before.  Tom Hanks is FABULOUS in it!  And give Ford vs. Ferrari a chance too.  It’s also based on a true story.  We are racing fans (along with our youngest son) but our oldest son and his wife are not, and they watched it and LOVED it.  So you don’t need to have any interest in cars or racing to like it.  The casting is wonderful in both Bridge of Spies and Ford vs. Ferrari.  I think Paul would like both of them.  Also, our oldest son and his wife watched the new Mulan remake and said it was amazing.  There is a lot of martial arts in it so maybe you could coax Paul to watch?  I think the girls would like it too.  Our son said just don’t compare it to the animated version, which is his favorite Disney animated movie.  It is different than the animated version but he and his wife were very pleasantly surprised and pleased with it!

  23. Not a show but watch Noelle, Jingle Jangle and Godmothered to put you in the Christmas spirit.

    Have you watched Gilmore Girls it’s an oldie but so good.

    1. No – but I read Big Little Lies. I need to check into it. Paul may not like them but I can watch alone.

      I did look up The Undoing on Common Sense Media – I always check there b/c of the kids. Whatever it said, I guess I decided not to watch. Would it be okay for the kids?

  24. I highly recommend Virgin River. The episodes go by quickly and you end up wanting more. The characters are quirky – the scenery is beautiful. It’s well worth a look. 

  25. Hang in there! PMS and the transitional years to menopause are no fun and so challenging but I found such joy after! I felt like my happy 10 year old self again — no unpredictable angry feelings or emotional lows. On top of everything, I believe the timing of ‘the change’ with our children leaving the nest makes it particularly difficult and emotional. I know everyone is different, but I love who I am now in my menopause years. 

  26. I can recommend Grantchester. It’s a British show with a local detective and town vicar who team up to solve crimes in the village.

  27. Hi, we loved Longmire on Netflix, Heartland, and Band of Brothers on Amazon prime. Also. MARSHALL WITH Chadwick Bozeman!!! And My Cousin Vinny, The Firm, and The Rainmaker (oldie but goodies). When the news gets grim we watch Hallmark movies. There is a Godwinks series that tells true love stories of how people met, such as a guy who donated a liver part to a total stranger and later they fell in love. Cheesy sometimes (well, often!) But 2020 has been like no other. It goes in waves.

  28. Glad to hear that the chiro is making some headway on your pain. I, also, highly recommend Victoria on Prime. I blew through that series and cannot wait for the next season, whenever that may be. Other than that, Hallmark movies, mind you, since JULY, have gotten me through this mess. My husband even watches and he’s not a regular TV watcher. I am buying clothes because the prices are crazy good. My husband commented that this means you won’t need so much next year, right? Have a good week, JoLynne!

  29. Hi Jo-Lynne: Enjoy your blog. Keep the fashion coming !!! I am hoping there will be many parties when this over!!! I have purchased two sequin tops for the celebration!!
    I highly recommend Dash & Lily to watch with your girls! Very enjoyable. Also recommend Heart of Dixie and Virgin River.
    I am fascinated with English History and the life of kings & queens; this Series on STARZ is very good.
    the White Queen; The White Princess and The Spanish Queen
    Peace Sharon

  30. I can totally relate to where you are at.  I had reconstructive foot surgery in September which has been a frustratingly slow recovery.  It has definately affected my mindset, especially when I’m used to being very active, running around during the holidays.  Also, at 53,  my ‘change of life’ started last summer, and I miss the good old days when my emotions were just a wreck once  a month.  Not to mention the negative change with my hair and skin, and my metabolism basically coming to a stop. Ugh.  
    Anyways, if you can tolerate the darkness and violence, Ozark on Netflix was addictive.  Also, similar and addictive was Tin Star on Amazon Prime.  We got a free 3 month subscription to HBO Max and loved The Flight Attendent.

  31. My husband and I started virgin river and we both like it. Tell Paul to give it a try … not as cheesy as you would expect. 

  32. Glad that the shoulder is gradually getting better. I know if I spend a lot of time on laptop versus iPad my neck bothers me. 

    On another note, my county is now on full lockdown until Jan 4. My husband went to Costco for Keurig cups and he may be in line for hours. The stores will restrict entry at midnight. At least it’s only 40° not worse. We went to Arizona (Sedona area) last March and we bought heavy jackets from Columbia to take. So generally speaking, we don’t spend a lot of time standing in lines in windy 40° weather. So those coats are good thing. Bad news is a planned power outage again for winds. I look forward to reading your posts. They are a bright light in the day. 

    1. As I said to Heather, I think I would sit down and cry if we went into full lockdown again. I guess the good part is, with the holidays, there are some diversions, and maybe by January, you can open up again… right when you will need outings the most. Hang in there, and I hope your husband got his Keurig! #coffeeisnecessary

  33. I just finished Virgin River. Watched one and 2 series. Look forward to 3. Once it gets moving it is better and you won’t be able to stop. I think Paul will enjoy. Hope this coming week is better physically.

  34. Another vote for “Somebody Feed Phil”. It features Phil Rosenthal, the creator of Everybody Loves Raymond.  It’s a food/travel show, but the best part is the way he interacts with all the people he meets.  The food brings everyone together and it’s a joy to watch.

    I can relate to your worries about your kids-I have a 22 yr old who had to come home from an internship in NYC in March, graduated in May and has only been able to find part-time work. My other “child” is a sophomore in college. Not what they imagined for this time in their lives. 

  35. Jolyn, I have followed your blog for a couple of years now and have really enjoyed it. Thank you for sharing such great content, I have learned so much. Just a suggestion if you don’t already have one, is to use a vertical mouse for your computer. My daughter was greatly helped when she switched from a tradition style mouse to a vertical one. It positions your hand and wrist differently and in a more natural way for your hand, wrist, arm, and shoulder. Praying you continue to get better!

  36. Just an apology for misspelling your name in the previous comment. My good friend spells it differently and I went into my automation mode. Lol

  37. Thanks for sharing what’s going on in your world.  I have neck & shoulder pain that radiates down my right arm almost every year at this time and finally figured out that even though I work on a computer during the day for work, working on holiday photo cards and calendars puts a strain on that area.  I’ve never gone to a chiropractor but Advil and lots of yoga focused on that area usually corrects it eventually. I hope you find some relief this week!
    I have two kids the same age as two of your kids and while my senior in HS is missing on the social aspects of HS, she is busy with college applications, school work and work in a restaurant.  My college junior on the other hand just finished classes and exams and they don’t start again until February.  His winter internship fell through so I really don’t know what he’s going to do to occupy his time.  He’s naturally a homebody so doesn’t mind this all too much but I worry that he’s not making the social connections he should.  Ah well….
    Thanks for all your content.  It’s fun to see so keep it coming!  I still go to work every day so fun to try new looks. Take care!!

  38. I echo the other’s comments: we love your Coffee Talk and fashion posts; it adds a bright spot to our days.  Even if I am not getting dressed up as much, I bought some Victoria Emerson BOGO bracelets from your link.  Waiting for them to arrive ” from Santa”. I can wear them with my yoga leggings now and dress up later when life resumes to less restrictions.  Hope your shoulder/ back is on the mend. I give my vote to Line of Duty, Broachchurch and Call the Midwife like the other comments; both are British and very engaging in different ways.  If you liked Happy Valley (not very happy at all actually…..), the lead actress Sarah Lancashire is in Last Tango in Halifax which is also addicting in a less dark, moody way. Heartland is a fun, light hearted tv series filmed in the Canadian Rockies about a ranching family. Big Little Lies is an adaptation from Liane Moriarties’ book by Reese Witherspoon. It is filmed in Monterey and Carmel in NoCal; it feels like arm chair travel with a different drama.  I find that getting outside everyday, getting fresh air, sunlight and being in nature really important.  I am able to walk outside with some girlfriends.  We bundle up, bring travel mugs of hot drinks and walk for 30 – 45 minutes socially distanced apart; it helps to socialize, exercise and still be safe.  We try to have family night every Sunday: play cards or games; turn off cell phones.  It helps too.  This will be a marathon, not a sprint…… Have a blessed marathon!

    1. Lots of good suggestions, thanks! I watched Call the Midwife back in the day… after a few seasons, I tired of it. Are they still making shows?

      I love the idea of the walking with friends. I need to see if my best friends would be up to that. I miss chatting but it’s too cold to sit outside. We have gathered indoors during the pandemic, but at this point, with numbers climbing, we are really trying to avoid many inside gatherings.

  39. You might like Poldark. It’s historical fiction originally on Masterpiece Theater. Set in England, I would guess 18th century maybe. I thought it was really good. I think it was on Prime. 

  40. I just commented but forgot. We liked the Marvelous Mrs Maisel although I could have done without the language and some content.  I tend to be on the very conservative side.  How about Mad Men?  
    We all liked the movie Knives Out. 

  41. Get your hands on some absolutely hilarious “Doc Martin”. Snooty, misanthropic, city slicker, London surgeon gets posted in small town Cornwall fishing village full of crazy eccentric characters. They keep trying to end this series, but fan pressure has continually caused them to film just one more season. Very endearing and very, very funny, especially as you get to know the characters. Often also very scenic. As far as whether it’s clean, it’s pretty much so–it was a regular tv show. It’s not perfect in that way as there are occasional references to sex, but I feel like it’s pretty close to as clean as you are going to get these days.

  42. Funny how we think we’re coping with all this alright and then suddenly it just really gets us down!  I’ve been having the same struggle since I haven’t been able to see friends or family as much due to the weather being ornery!  Fortunately I’m still going to work (if I had to work from home I’d lose my mind!) but the weekends get dull and depressing.  Recently I decided to start doing some home redecorating (first painting my closet and installing a new organizer; now painting and redecorating my home office). Having big projects I’m working on really helps me keep my mind off things!  Besides when will I ever have this much time to do those projects?  As to TV shows, check out Filthy Rich with Kim Catrell.  It’s a little raunchy too but a fun guilty pleasure!  Hope y’all have a good weekend and things start looking up!

  43. We watched Love Actually last night! I’ve seen it a dozen times, but I always cry at the end. So good! I liked Virgin River- kind of like a Hallmark movie- haven’t seen the new season 2 yet. I started watching The Undoing on Friday night- very intense-will finish it tonight- I HAVE to find out “who did it!” Just started watching The Crown season 1 (can’t believe how late to the party I was on this one- I am loving it.) Have you watched the movie Rebecca yet? It’s a remake of the classic Hitchcock film staring Lily James (from Downton Abby). My husband and I really liked it.  
    So here in California we are starting a new state lockdown as of 1:00 this afternoon. All outdoor dining is closing (take-out food only), gyms, hair and nail salons etc….ALL CLOSING . ☹️😩 So many small businesses are struggling; its so sad. 
    Yesterday I ran a ton of errands and stopped at my local tailor to pick up a dress I had altered and her shop was already closed! I can’t get my dress until January 4th!! I was so upset. I also ran up to Nordstrom to do some returns and pick up an online order and it was a zoo! I guess everyone else had the same thought knowing that after today the malls will be 80% closed. 
    While teaching my online class last week, one of my students asked, “Will we ever go back to school the way it was before Covid?” I replied that I honestly don’t know when that will happen, but that yes, some day we will learn inside a classroom again. 
    As far as future posts go: I’m always looking for more cozy, comfortable items. 😊 Even home goods like cozy blankets, or kitchen items that you find are useful and helpful. 
    However, the silver lining in all this is our weather is so beautiful! It’s been in the mid-70s, sunny……perfect! California has its problems for sure, but the weather isn’t one of them! 💛☀️

  44. Glad the chiropractor is helping. Have you tried PENS/TENS treatment? That may help loosen things up a bit. Worked well for me when I had some neck and shoulder issues a few years ago.
    I work at home full-time now and rarely go out except to get groceries so I am not buying as much clothing as I used to, but I still really look forward to your posts. Someday we will be able to get out and socialize so I think of them as a reminder that better times are coming 😊

  45. JoLynne,

    Your posts are a bright spot in my day and help me keep a sense of normalcy! I’m still buying some clothes and have been using my extra time to take advantage of the great sales and update my wardrobe a bit. Someday we’ll have more places to go and I’ll be fashion ready 🙂 I have 3 teenagers myself, including one in college who’s online and at home now too, and I do think it’s harder on them. I’m thankful they’ve been doing so well through this emotionally & spiritually. I’ve been thinking that the next few months are going to be a little harder to get through too. Thankfully God is in control, and as you say this too shall pass. Thanks for all you do!

  46. I love your fashion posts AND the raw honesty in posts like this. Thank you for sharing your vulnerable – it’s so comforting and refreshing. I love Virgin River, cheesy or not, but I am a nurse practitioner so it would kind of like if the were a show about a fashion blogger. 🙂 Try it and let us know what you think! Thank you for all you do for us….i just went to a Christmas parade in an outfit you styled!

  47. Here’s one more vote for Virgin River. My husband really enjoyed it too, and as some others have said, we finished the whole second season in about 3 evenings. I think you’ll enjoy it. 

  48. If you haven’t watched it yet, try the “Outlander” series.  They are also books, think there are 8 of them and she is working on number 9.  Lots of history, love stories, drama and suspense. Think you can get it on Netflix or for sure on the Starz channel. 

    1. Oh, boy. I read the books! At least the first 5 or 6. I didn’t know she was still writing them! I’m not sure I want the visuals in my head – some of it was pretty rough. But it was a really good read. She’s an excellent writer.

  49. Hi Jolynne-I know fashion and blogging is your job but have you thought about taking a week or so off? I want you to get better! Maybe chiropractor care and some rest would be healing.

    1. Thanks, Debbie. This time of year, there are a lot of contracts to fulfill and gift guides to compile. I think with the chiro and changes to my workstation, I’ll be okay. But I could take some time off in January. The problem is, I love my job, and I don’t really know what to do with myself when I’m not working, haha! I’ll probably want the diversion of blogging during that cold, dark month. But I won’t have to put in the hours I have been lately.

  50. We just finished Virgin River. I would say it definitely is on the Hallmark side, but we still liked it. Have you ever watched The Good Wife? Definitely lots of very quirky characters, and although it is technically a legal drama, there are a lot of very funny moments. For your shoulder pain, do you ever try pain patches? A company in Japan makes one called Salonpas. Walmart carries them. I need hip surgery and find them very helpful.

  51. I enjoyed Virgin River, but don’t think my husband would like it.  Since you liked The Crown, you will probably also like Victoria.  Call the Midwives and Poldark are both good!  Also, you should watch Unorthodox.  It’s just a short, one season show (I think it’s even fewer episodes than The Queen’s Gambit which was excellent as well) and it’s so interesting and binge worthy!  My 22 year old daughter loved it too and I actually think my husband would like it.    Oldies but goodies:  Friday Night Lights, Gilmore Girls, Office, Parks & Rec, and The Middle (a totally clean, family friendly show that’s very funny).  Also, Life in Pieces is hilarious!  It’s on Amazon Prime and is just 20 minute episodes (Tom Hanks’ son is in it).  Not sure you’d want to watch it as a family because it has a lot of innuendos.  Knives Out is a fun movie that your whole family will really enjoy!!  For a great Christmas movie, watch Klaus.  It’s an animated movie that came out last year.  It is such a heartwarming, feel good family Christmas movie.  My whole family enjoyed it (including my husband, teenage son and young adult son and daughter).  It starts off a bit slow, but it really is good.

  52. I have shoulder issues too. I sleep with a bottle of aspercreem next to my bed. Can’t live without it. If you take pain meds, be sure it’s Tylenol and not Advil, as that may cause stomach bleed

    1. Thanks, trying not to take pain meds but I did take a couple Aleve at one point. I already live on Aleve for the week around my cycle, so I try not to take NAISDs at other times unless I have to.

  53. Also Hell on Wheels (historical) my husband loved it…. The Americans and Turn ( first spy’s in America), are all good shows. We are AVID quality TV watchers and have seen everything that others have mentioned. 

  54. Every one of us out here knows EXACTLY what you are feeling. Truly.
    I’ve been in since March, and told myself to expect all these feelings…and realize I won’t be with the kids for the holidays, but honestly there are times after a Zoom meeting w/family that I can’t stop crying. Then I give myself another good talking to and “carry on”. Thank goodness my husband is here with me.
    We are actually planning New Year’s Eve for 2. I always wanted to host a party of all Hors D’oeuvres we love or want to try..so that will be it for us this year. And look forward to 2021.
    How about turn back the clock, old school “Game night” or “Movie Night” with your kids(they feel the same things we are feeling-hard for them too)
    I look forward to your blog, and especially Coffee Talk it helps me get through my week, so thanks. Virgin River is pretty good too. (sorry about the extensive chatter here) be well.
    We will get through this!

  55. Thrillers

    Girl/haji Half in Japanese half in English. Japanese detective goes to the United Kingdom to hunt down his gangster brother. Excellent characters that you will find compelling. Amazing story line 

    The Tunnel A body is left halfway between England and France in the middle of the Chunnel. Warm friendly male Brit detective  has to work with cold probably autistic  beautiful female French detective. Tense drama with occasional laugh out loud moments. 

    Bodyguard.  Political drama starring Richard Madden who is believed to be the actor who will play the next James Bond. A tense drama centering on terrorist threats. Madden plays a damaged agent assigned to protect a politician

    Lighter stuff  ( probably more for you then Paul) 

    Being Erica. Time travel elements but NOT  science fiction. What happens if you could go back and relive your greatest regrets. 

    Schitt’s Creek
     Watch the first episode and the last few of season one. Then skip,to the stellar season 2 and beyond. Once you get past the early silly episodes this becomes the warmest, sweetest and best show ever. 

    I have tons more. 

  56. Looks like you’ve gotten many wonderful suggestions for further binging, I’ve written down some to check into myself. I have to add one to the mix, that I always suggest to people. It’s called Offspring and is on Netflix I believe. It’s 7 seasons. It’s a little like Parenthood, but in Australia and is a bit more quirky, but also romantic, funny, sad, all the feels. Love, love, loved it! Glad to hear you’re getting somewhere with your shoulder. I have a sore one too, probably as a result of moving my mother twice this year (March to independent living, June to memory care). It’s getting better slowly and I have some exercises I need to start doing but I know the stress of my job has not helped. We have 1/2 staff in due to those out with Covid and it’s been quite a strain on the workplace. I just have to remind myself to take breaks and try to relax. Good luck!

  57. Have you watched the Monk series? It is really good as well as death in paradise and they are both pretty clean.  (I’m not crazy about the character of Monk’s first assistant in the first 2 1/2 series though). Prayer is powerful.  Here is what one of the leaders of my church recently shared: “Prayer will lift us and draw us together as individuals, as families, as a church, and as a world. Prayer will influence scientists and help them toward discoveries of vaccines and medications that will end this pandemic. Prayer will comfort those who have lost a loved one. It will guide us in knowing what to do for our own personal protection.“ 

  58. It’s older and you may have already seen it, but my husband and I are watching Poldark on Prime and it’s sooooo good!! My husband likes it as much as I do. Virgin River is a huge disappointment to me – I’ve read the entire books series and the Netflix show is terrible imo. Read the books! There are 20.

  59. I’m glad you can be honest and your blog isn’t always like reading someone’s Christmas letter where they never share the hard feelings etc. I sure hope your shoulder heals soon for you. I think everyone is bored with how long this has lasted. I just have to remain thankful I still have remained covid free, but still I go through the lows of this way we have to live right now. It is going to be a long Winter.  I have to stay in the Word and pray. Enjoy your new week to come. 

  60. I just got a whole bunch of new ideas on what to watch. I have been sent home remote for the 3rd time this year the week before Thanksgiving, thus the house is quiet with my son at school and my husband working. So to break up the quietness, I have my iPad next to me watching shows I know he won’t watch. My faves you may like: Poldark, Call the Midwife, Unorthodox (very informative), Heartland, and I always watch The Great British Baking Show – which my husband hates. Others I watch which you may find iffy are Dead to Me (with Christina Applegate), Cable Girls, Grand Hotel, Ozark (has a good bit of cussing), Sneaky Pete (has a good bit of cussing), and Victoria. I also started watching Jamestown on PBS and even my husband watches bits of it. Looking forward to All Creatures Great and Small starting on PBS in January.

    I am glad the chiropractor is helping. I was just telling my husband the other day I needed to make an appointment, my back feels like it needs a good snap, crackle, and pop.

  61. Hi Jo-Lynne,

    Which sweater is that you’re wearing in the image for this post? Might be older but I really like it. Thanks!

  62. I honestly love this post.  So happy to actually hear a blogger say who cares what they wear when you won’t be going out or seeing anyone for three months.  Cheers to you for the best blog post of 2020.  It is not easy to get out of my pj’s when the starts going down at noon here in Indiana.  

  63. Paul won’t like Virgin River.  It is only one step up from a Hallmark movie, BUT I liked it. I like the people in it.   Watch it when you are bored and alone.  My 16 yr old complains when I have it on.  The Undoing on HBO was good.  It was good to watch Hugh Grant in a serious role for a change.  Other than that, I ask myself why my Comcast bill is so high, because there isn’t anything ever on tv.

    1. Okay, yeah. I tried to watch it last night and I couldn’t even get through the first episode. Way too contrived. Also, the doctor is the same guy from Hart of Dixie, playing the almost exact same role, and that really sealed the deal for me. But I do like that main actress – wasn’t she in This Is Us?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Search
Close this search box.