Whining, Wining and Winning in the Time of Covid

Whining

Wining and Dining

Winning

All about and in the times of covid.

March 21, 2020

Day 6 of Self Isolation.

Kimberly and Jacqueline.  Jacqueline and Kimberly.  And Covid.

We are chosen sisters from over 20 years, almost 30.  Kimberly was a foreign exchange student in New Zealand.  Things weren't working out so well with her host family.  Jacqueline said, "Come live with us!"  And so their worlds were then changed.  Kimberly loved that Jacqueline's little sister watched Beetlejuice every morning.  That was one of her favorite films, too.  But then it changed to a preschool show... Not so exciting.

Over time and circumstances Jacqueline and Kimberly stayed in touch.  Lots of circumstances, lots of changes  But here we are now in the time of Covid many many years later.  Day 6 of Kimberly's self isolation having flown in from San Francisco.  Kimberly stays in her room all day, working.  But dinner time- wine and dinner al fresco!

The first night we have a Tk 2017 Pinot Noir which is oh-so-amazing.  We both take pause and happy Kimberly made it before the borders closed.  Kimberly is amongst the first set of people that have to self isolate, but it is worth it.  That first sip.  Complex, earthy.  And the amazing New Zealand cheese smoked cheddar and brie and some other yummy cheese.

Can you believe Kimberly ordered these teacups months ago, before Covid was much on the radar?  Who knew it was going to be so perfect.  No one is supposed to touch Kimberly's dirty dishes, as per New Zealand's self isolation.  Kimberly was planning on coming to New Zealand at the end of March.  It was all planned.  And then the world fell apart.  Her work became voluntary work from home.  Then work from home until the end of her planned vacation.  Kimberly immediately thought of moving up the flight date.  And did.  It worked out perfectly.  So many things led exactly to this moment for Kimberly.  Circumstances, remember?  Kimberly at this time now has New Zealand permanent residency, is living alone in the Bay Area and the thought of being alone in her apartment for months is so bleak.  Jacqueline tells her the whole family will feel better if she's there.  She leaves for New Zealand and her host family from nearly 30 years before takes her in again with open arms.

Over the years Jacqueline and Kimberly have only become closer.  And have a shared love of wine.  Kimberly is self isolated but can go outside.  Not allowed to eat in the same room of the house.  But outside?  We can eat outside.  The best time of self-isolation is the at-least 2 m apart socialization and glass of wine at dinner.