JohnDF's Christmas GAW

Not an entry, but thanks for bringing back some Christmas spirit in this otherwise very unusual year.

I’m another one here that misses the human contact aspect of this year. Several family members have had babies during the fall and nobody can go see them. Just not the same seeing a newborn on FaceTime!
 
Very generous of you! Please count me in! I miss going to football games with my family. Its something I've done my whole life and my daughter is just getting to the age where she will enjoy it. Looking forward to cheering on my Gators with 90k fans and my family again soon!
 
JohnDF said:
Some great responses so far...
I just wanted to do something nice for my friends here on the forum, especially at this most celebrated time of year. I know sometimes I rub some people the wrong way, it's hard to interact with so many with only printed language. I always figured this forum was to discuss knives; enjoyment and disappointment alike. Sometimes what I say doesn't sit well with others and they tend to pick out the negative comments and overlook the positive ones. For this I am truly sorry.

What do I miss the most right now?
Several good things have been mentioned so far... human contact, seeing faces, movies, gatherings, etc. But there are two thiungs I miss most during these times. First, I miss my students. I am lucky that my school allows our students to attend in-person classes with social distancing, wearing of masks, and constant cleaning of all the surfaces. But because of the fear our enrollment is very low. Most of my classes only have two or three students in them. That is very sad indeed, I miss the interaction with a class full of goofy kids. Second, I miss being able to sit with my Mom in her assisted living apartment. She is 98 years old and her mind isn't as clear as it once was. I visit with her outside her window as we are not allowed to enter the building. She forgets the situation and asks me why I don't come in, asks me to fix her TV, or invites me to join her for dinner. It breaks her heart when I tell her I can't come in.

What I am looking forward to?
First, the vaccine... so we can start doing all the things we miss. I want to go to church (not on a computer), I want my classes full of crazy teens, I want to have a meal with my mom, I want to go to the movies, and I want the large hoards of people to stop invading my favorite fishing holes. I've kept a very positive attitude throughout this mess and make the most of a bad situation. I don't hide in fear but take precautions when I'm around others. I'm most looking forward to everybody being able to lose their fear and return to living their lives.
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Nice post, John. I am not in--I won one of your giveaways earlier this year, and also some others in the past. I am too lucky, so I ain't entering!
Just got off the phone with my mother. I used to take her good meals when I visited (she is in an assisted living/nursing home). Now we usually take her things she needs, but can't sit in her room. We were able to take her for a flu shot recently, though.
And I also miss not having to carry a mask. Hope this ends soon.
Have a Merry Christmas, my friend. Great giveaway!
 
Very generous, John.

My family has been extremely fortunate in that the negative impact of this pandemic on us has been relatively minor.

With that said,what I have missed most during this time has been the opportunity to interact with my students face-to-face. This “remote instruction” business is for the birds, and I very much look forward to having young people in my classroom again.
 
Awesome giveaway John! I’m in.

I miss being able to travel/ take road trips without having to worry about masks, restaurants being closed, social distancing. I love a weekend road trip, trying different restaurants and seeing new attractions. Hopefully we get back to normal soon!
 
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Not an entry, but my compliments on a very generous GAW. That slip is beautiful!

I can’t really add much to what’s been posted already. We’ve actually had it easy compared to so many others. So far most of the impact on us would come under the heading of irritants, not major problems. Like everyone else, we’re just looking forward to a return to something approaching normal life again.
 
Through rain and wind and weather
Hell bent for leather
Wishin' my Gal was by my side
All the things I'm missin'
Good vittles ,love and kissin'
Are waiting at the end of my ride
My hearts calculatin'
My true love will be waitin'
Be waitin' at the end of my ride.
 
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QUOTE - JohnDF,

"Up for grabs...
A Moore Maker Jack made by the Canal Street Coop and one of my custom pocket slips."
QUOTE

Che Bello Coltello, senore Dal Favero!!
Nice pocket slip too!! Count me in please!!
I miss crossing the border regularly to receive, and send out knives to my friends and acquaintances!!
It was a glorious trading activity - a year ago!!:eek::(
 
A kind GAW and that's vital at the moment as there's a lack of it, while people tense up and live in fear.

By nature, I'm fairly reclusive and solitary but I know of people who are feeling very lonely and afraid, they don't have my self-reliance and I know it is very terrible and troubling for them. If we are OK then we have a duty think of others who are not.

I miss the spontaneity in life and actions that this thing has destroyed.

Not an entry thanks.
 
John, I would love to join in on the chance. Very generous of you.
Others have said some of the same things I miss. To me a good firm handshake was always a sincere sign when greeting or parting ways. I miss going to the high school kids basketball games. I’m not a big drinker but I miss the occasional meet ups at a local bar with buddies to watch a ballgame and just bs. My daughters and I are constantly around each other, and I’d probably go nuts if that were not the case. I do feel sorry for those who can’t have that opportunity and hopefully it’ll change soon!!
 
Very generous. Not an entry, but a good place to vent. I've been a letter carrier for 23 years, same route. I've seen kids grow up and go to college, people retire, and unfortunately pass away. Only this year have I seen fear on people's faces when I deliver packages. Some people act as if I'm the grim reaper, coming to claim them. I'm so ready to start the new year and put this on behind me.
 
Not an entry, just a thank you for the wonderful giveaway. This will make someone very happy.
 
Great GAW! Very kind of you.

Geez, I don't even know where to start. My 86 year-old pops is 4000 miles away and he's not doing that well. I usually go visit once or twice a year and, obviously, that hasn't happened in 2020. We spoke the other day and he told me that all he wants is to see my son again before he passes. I could barely continue the conversation for a few minutes.

I love live music and would kill to see a show. The last one was February 22nd.

I teach and mentor at my university. I miss seeing the students, live, and feeling like I have some impact on their futures.

I miss restaurants, movies, and a trip to the pub to hang out with the boys. I wish my kid could play hockey as he loves it so much; at least they are allowed to practice so he gets to skate and spend time with his teammates.

In the end, though, I try to be optimistic. I am thankful for the health of my family and friends and I am glad to be able to spend more time with my wife and son.

I hope everyone has a very Happy Holiday and New Year. May 2021 be a better year than 2020!
 
A very kind gesture John, it's certainly been a rotten year hasn't it? :( I miss a lot of things, but if I had to pick one, it'd be seeing my wider circle of friends. Apart from that I miss casual physical contact, shaking hands; going to the pub; being able to travel for a decent walk or to visit another town; just going into town for a coffee or something to eat; and I'll certainly miss having a normal Christmas, for logistical reasons, I'll be on my own Christmas Day for the first time in my life, but I'll be thankful for having my pals here on The Porch :thumbsup:

Happy Christmas John, and all of you :thumbsup:
 
Well, I will be missing visiting my parents for Christmas this year. This will be the first Christmas not at their house with them. My wife is a supervising nurse and with the staff shortage we just cannot take the risk of gathering with all of my large family this year, especially since the hospitals are being hit real hard right now. I so hope the vaccine turns this around and brings some normalcy to 2021.

Best of wishes and Merry Christmas JohnDF JohnDF !
 
Merry Christmas, John, and thanks for the thoughtful giveaway. I’ll play along.

I’m thankful that COVID has impacted my little circle of the world less than most, but it has prevented seeing family and I have been saddened by all of the fear, anger, and violence. Although it has been gone for a long time it seems, I miss civil discourse and good natured disagreement. Being a Christian, I truly look forward to Christ’s return when all shall be made right.
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