Life in New York City These Days

@DianneN (247205)
United States
March 23, 2020 8:45am CST
This is a happy post! Our older son is working from home in his kitchen. He is very busy as a lawyer and needs quiet, especially since one of his clients is one of our banks. Lol! Our grandson, pictured on the left, is on school vacation and our granddaughter’s school is closed. So mommy must keep them quiet, educated, and out of daddy’s hair. Our daughter-in-law has created a schedule for the kids. * Studying for three hours in the morning * Arts and crafts projects for fun and for making stuffed animals to give to the needy *Fresh air and exercise in their park or on the rooftop of their Manhattan building *Video game time for our grandson and talking on the phone to all her girlfriends for our granddaughter *Reading before bedtime Our DIL talked to the mothers of figure skaters who only do online work instead of attending school, and after researching them, signed up our granddaughter. She was informed that our granddaughter would be placed in the talented and gifted program based on her testing scores and report card grades. We are extremely proud! So life is good for them. Today is also our DIL’s birthday. Her hubs baked for her, everyone made her cards, and she received our gift today.
53 people like this
51 responses
@moffittjc (118996)
• Gainesville, Florida
23 Mar 20
Life has changed for us as we know it, our world has been turned upside down, and in the midst of it all your DIL has managed to come up with a great plan that continues the sense of normalcy for the kids. And that's important. Kids need routine. They also need adults who can demonstrate coolness and calmness in the face of disaster. This entire crisis is a great educational moment for our kids (and for us too). I have been talking to my kids every day about the situation, and discussing all the emotions, fears, worries, etc. And through it all, we have found ways to inject humor into our lives, and found new ways to bond. And the one thing I keep stressing to my kids is that everything is going to be alright as long as we stick together and work together and help each other out. This is an unprecedented time for all of us. We will adapt, we will overcome, and we will bounce back stronger than ever!
9 people like this
@moffittjc (118996)
• Gainesville, Florida
23 Mar 20
@DianneN Ooh, that doesn't sound like it's going to be good over the long haul if he's working from home and the kids are stuck at home because of school closures. It's inevitable that there's going to be a blowup at some point. I hope he realizes that the kids don't want to be stuck there anymore than he does.
4 people like this
@DianneN (247205)
• United States
24 Mar 20
@moffittjc You don’t know my DIL. She is Supermom!
3 people like this
@DianneN (247205)
• United States
23 Mar 20
You stated that perfectly! On a different note, my son would have blown his top if the kids annoyed him while he works. My DIL doesn’t want that. It wouldn’t be a pretty picture.
7 people like this
@LadyDuck (461873)
• Switzerland
23 Mar 20
Happy Birthday to your DIL, she has a good program for the kids, at least they do not get bored.
5 people like this
@LadyDuck (461873)
• Switzerland
23 Mar 20
@DianneN We all need to keep busy, to avoid to overthink.
3 people like this
@DianneN (247205)
• United States
23 Mar 20
Thanks! She is a wonderful mother and very bright herself. I’m so happy to have her as my daughter in law. No, they don’t ever have time to get bored. lol
2 people like this
@DianneN (247205)
• United States
23 Mar 20
@LadyDuck I’m keeping busy doing tons of laundry.
3 people like this
@AmbiePam (86266)
• United States
23 Mar 20
I admire anyone who can make a plan and stick to it with their kids. I love hearing about how proud you are of them - whether it be your son or your grandchildren!
3 people like this
@AmbiePam (86266)
• United States
23 Mar 20
2 people like this
@DianneN (247205)
• United States
23 Mar 20
Thanks! One does what one has to do these days. It beats letting the kids run wild, whine, or play video games or watch TV all day long. I’m proud of my entire family. I wish I could scream it to the world.
3 people like this
@marguicha (216917)
• Chile
23 Mar 20
We are also trying to make the best of it all. My youngest daughter, a judge, is working frim home and sent all the people to their house to work online. That is perfect as she is not letting the help come to her house. My eldest went to live to a remote place in the mountains where my grandson os building a refuge. I´m on a self imposed quarantine. Mylot helps. And so do books and Netflix. My daughters filled my pantry and I have food for around 2 months.
5 people like this
@marguicha (216917)
• Chile
23 Mar 20
@DianneN Not in my country, but yes in my family and friends.
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (208289)
• Walnut Creek, California
17 Apr 20
I actually took a hike with a friend today. Staring that these walls was making me go a bit batty.
2 people like this
@DianneN (247205)
• United States
23 Mar 20
It sounds like everything is under control at your side of the world!
1 person likes this
@much2say (54009)
• Los Angeles, California
23 Mar 20
We are trying to situate a work station in our bedroom for Hubby . . . too many distractions at the kitchen here . Our schools are closed and will be for a long time. My daughter has work from her teachers - Chromebooks were sent home. My son has work packets from his teacher - but it's too easy for him - but I think they are thinking of online alternatives now. I am designing my own curriculum . . . gotta keep 'em learning - but my way this time . The rinks have tried to hang on to be open out here, but they are all finally cancelled events and closed. I know no one wants to be shut down - but in this public health crisis, they needed to. Happy birthday to your DIL! I'm sure all the family made it wonderful for her on her special day. Sounds like things are going as well as can be over there! I hope everyone can continue to make the best of the things during this difficult time. Sending love and hugs to all the family!
5 people like this
@DianneN (247205)
• United States
23 Mar 20
There isn’t much room in our son’s bedroom for a comfortable work station living in a co-op in Manhattan. I’m sure your curriculum will be beneficial to your kids. Our grandson is on private school vacation, but his school is equipped for continued education online. Our granddaughter attends NYC public schools, and the city is not equipped for online learning. The rinks have been closed for a while now and are being utilized as hospitals now. Many thanks. We are all doing the best we can. Love, virtual hugs and kisses right back to you! You, of all myLotters, are one of the best parents here. You have my trust and faith in doing what’s best for your family.
1 person likes this
@Hannihar (129980)
• Israel
23 Mar 20
@DianneN Happy birthday to your daughter-in-law. Sounds like she is doing the right thing by homeschooling the kids right now.
2 people like this
@DianneN (247205)
• United States
23 Mar 20
Thanks so much! She wants to keep their minds sharp, which others should be doing for their children, too.
1 person likes this
@Hannihar (129980)
• Israel
23 Mar 20
@DianneN You are welcome and I can see that with what you said she is doing with them she cares about their education.
1 person likes this
@DianneN (247205)
• United States
23 Mar 20
@Hannihar Thanks, Hanni. Education is one of the most important things in our family.
1 person likes this
@toniganzon (72279)
• Philippines
24 Mar 20
Happy birthday to your DIL. I pray that this will be over soon.
1 person likes this
@toniganzon (72279)
• Philippines
25 Mar 20
@DianneN Yeah but what I just hope is that the lockdown will be lifted here soon. As long as we can flatten the curve, we can already breathe.
1 person likes this
@DianneN (247205)
• United States
24 Mar 20
Thanks! I don’t see it ending soon, unfortunately.
1 person likes this
@DianneN (247205)
• United States
25 Mar 20
@toniganzon I’m not bothered by staying home. I’ve never been bored a day in my life. I’m more worried about my family in NYC.
1 person likes this
@hereandthere (45651)
• Philippines
23 Mar 20
what did hubs bake? i picture him baking while working in the kitchen. wow, your rockstar grandson still has long hair? will the online school be credited once school restarts and she can skip those subjects or even skip a grade?
1 person likes this
@DianneN (247205)
• United States
23 Mar 20
It was her hubs - my son. A birthday cake, of course! Yes, he does. Her regular public school tried having her skip a grade, but her parents wouldn’t allow it. I’m not sure how it works They did allow my rock star, ice hockey playing and tennis playing grandson to skip a grade at his private school. He has a genius IQ.
1 person likes this
• Philippines
23 Mar 20
@DianneN he'll end up with longer hair than his sister. have they ever been mistaken for twins from behind? i wonder why they let their son skip but not their daughter. if she's taking online lessons now, she might end up even more advanced and get bored.
1 person likes this
@DianneN (247205)
• United States
23 Mar 20
@hereandthere Hair length isn’t an issue. However, being tall, lanky, and handsome, he has been asked to model in magazines and TV commercials. They wanted him to cut his hair, but he refused. It’s his M.O. No one has ever thought he was a girl or his sister’s twin. He towers over her now. They let him skip because he was bored and mastered the curriculum. He knew more than the teachers. He is also in a private school for the talented and gifted, which is fine for him.
1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (97279)
• Marion, Ohio
23 Mar 20
Sounds like they are doing good. Happy birthday to her.
1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (97279)
• Marion, Ohio
23 Mar 20
@DianneN They have been raised right and it shows. But they are being kept busy which helps also.
1 person likes this
@DianneN (247205)
• United States
23 Mar 20
@wolfgirl569 Kids need to be kept busy in appropriate ways. Did you notice I never mentioned TV? lol
1 person likes this
@DianneN (247205)
• United States
23 Mar 20
They are and hope it lasts. At least the kids are respectful of our son’s work. Thanks!
1 person likes this
@lovebuglena (43267)
• Staten Island, New York
24 Mar 20
Why is your son working in the kitchen? I'd think the kitchen would be a high traffic area right now with everyone going to the fridge or pantry often and thus be distracting.
2 people like this
@DianneN (247205)
• United States
24 Mar 20
His kitchen is set up in an unusual way. He’s tucked away from the refrigerator. He does take breaks to eat with his family.
1 person likes this
@DianneN (247205)
• United States
25 Mar 20
@lovebuglena Thanks! He worked with an architect and they had his co-op gutted and redesigned. Too bad it took over 18 months, but they’re in and very happy there.
1 person likes this
@lovebuglena (43267)
• Staten Island, New York
25 Mar 20
@DianneN Oh, that's nice. Wish I could see the layout.
1 person likes this
@kobesbuddy (75604)
• East Tawas, Michigan
23 Mar 20
'Happy Birthday, to your amazing DIL!' Living all day long in one environment is hard workWe found that out after 5 longgggg days, with Jay being quarantined:( I'm glad the children are doing good, they are beautiful! You have every right in the world, to be proud of them:)
1 person likes this
@DianneN (247205)
• United States
23 Mar 20
Many, many thanks! I haven’t been on much, so didn’t know Jay was quarantined! Why????
1 person likes this
@DianneN (247205)
• United States
23 Mar 20
@kobesbuddy Wow! Well thank the Lord he received a good bill of health and is feeling okay to do a job that no one else can! (Laughing)
1 person likes this
@kobesbuddy (75604)
• East Tawas, Michigan
23 Mar 20
@DianneN Last Wednesday, Jay called in sick(seldom). His reason, 'I woke up last night, short of breath.' Everything seemed O.K. until his boss called back. Sue's boss said, no way can Jay return to work he must be quarantined for 14 days. Friday, his doctor gave him a clean bill of health(over the phone). All his tests and lab work came back 'good.' Early Monday morning Jay receives a text, 'can you please come to work? I can't find anyone to do your route!' LOL
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (160245)
• United States
23 Mar 20
Happy Birthday to your daughter-in-law. I'm glad she has created a schedule for the children. Kids need a routine and a schedule to be happy and disciplined. Good to see you here. Take care.
2 people like this
@DianneN (247205)
• United States
23 Mar 20
Thanks so much for all your kind words. We just spent an hour with our younger son on FaceTime. He told us all about that little French girl he has been seeing.
2 people like this
@DianneN (247205)
• United States
24 Mar 20
@LindaOHio A couple of months. He really likes her, but says he already told her that he’s not interested in marriage or children. She agreed, but who knows?
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (160245)
• United States
23 Mar 20
@DianneN How long has he been dating her? I wonder if this could be THE ONE?
2 people like this
@arunima25 (86091)
• Bangalore, India
23 Mar 20
It's good to get some good news from New York. All these last few days, we have been getting all scary news. My daughters have also made a similar kind of schedule to keep them busy Many wishes for your daughter in law. And your grandchildren as usual need a good applause for their work. Your granddaughter definitely makes you all proud.
1 person likes this
@DianneN (247205)
• United States
23 Mar 20
New York has been hit quite hard with the you know what, so we feel better about what they are doing. Your daughters are bright young girls to know what to do to keep themselves busy. Thanks so much!
1 person likes this
@DianneN (247205)
• United States
24 Mar 20
@arunima25 The same is happening all over our country. I agree that there are many who are not taking this seriously and are putting more and more people in danger.
1 person likes this
@arunima25 (86091)
• Bangalore, India
23 Mar 20
@DianneN It has shown a sudden spike. And I feel if our people don't take lockdown seriously we might be heading towards that way. Hope people get the seriousness before it's too late.
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203449)
• Nashville, Tennessee
23 Mar 20
They both look happy. Thanks for the smiles.
2 people like this
@DianneN (247205)
• United States
23 Mar 20
Thanks! They have not been a nuisance to our poor son, who is as busy as every. Thank goodness for my DIL to have come up with a terrific plan.
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203449)
• Nashville, Tennessee
23 Mar 20
@DianneN That is great.
1 person likes this
@rappeter13 (8608)
• Romania
23 Mar 20
You seem to have a wonderful family! Your DIL has a lot of organizing skills, which I admire. She could send me some skills
1 person likes this
• Romania
23 Mar 20
@DianneN Oh, so I have to sign up and stay in line?
1 person likes this
@DianneN (247205)
• United States
24 Mar 20
@rappeter13 Yes! Me first!
1 person likes this
@DianneN (247205)
• United States
23 Mar 20
She really is a marvel. There is nothing she can’t do. She should send me some skills before sending any to you!
1 person likes this
@simone10 (54189)
• Louisville, Kentucky
24 Mar 20
It sounds like your daughter-in-law is on top of it. Congratulations to your granddaughter!
1 person likes this
@simone10 (54189)
• Louisville, Kentucky
26 Mar 20
@DianneN You have a great family.
1 person likes this
@DianneN (247205)
• United States
24 Mar 20
My DIL is a true Supermom! Thanks so much. She is a bright and talented little girl.
1 person likes this
@DianneN (247205)
• United States
26 Mar 20
@simone10 I do, thanks.
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (208289)
• Walnut Creek, California
16 Apr 20
They both look "ready for action." What beverage is that? It's making me thirsty.
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (208289)
• Walnut Creek, California
17 Apr 20
@DianneN Can they lend me a bit of their energy?
1 person likes this
@DianneN (247205)
• United States
16 Apr 20
Ready for action? They barely stop moving. It looks like fruit to me.
1 person likes this
@just4him (310131)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
24 Mar 20
That's so awesome she has a schedule that works for everyone. Happy Birthday to her. I'm glad your son can work at home. What happens if he needs to be in court? That's awesome about your granddaughter. I know you're a very proud and happy grandma.
1 person likes this
@DianneN (247205)
• United States
26 Mar 20
1 person likes this
@DianneN (247205)
• United States
25 Mar 20
Her schedule is working out so well. She is truly a Supermom! My son is a corporate attorney and doesn’t need to go to court, thank goodness. Thanks so much!
1 person likes this
@just4him (310131)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
25 Mar 20
@DianneN That's good he doesn't need to go to court. I'm glad her schedule is working out great. You're welcome.
1 person likes this
@Elizaby (6901)
• Pensacola, Florida
23 Mar 20
Glad to see your daughter-in-law is working to keep the kids buy. Hopefully it wont be too long before your granddaughter can get back to her ice skating practices.(and the grandson Hockey)
1 person likes this
@DianneN (247205)
• United States
23 Mar 20
Thanks for that. We know it will be a long time before that happens. The rinks are now being used as hospitals.
1 person likes this
@DianneN (247205)
• United States
24 Mar 20
@Elizaby Yes, so many. This is the season.
@Elizaby (6901)
• Pensacola, Florida
24 Mar 20
@DianneN Were there any more skating events she was hoping to complete in
1 person likes this
@resukill22 (25052)
• Las Pinas City, Philippines
24 Mar 20
They're so pretty
1 person likes this
@DianneN (247205)
• United States
24 Mar 20
Thanks so much. I miss them like crazy.
1 person likes this
@DianneN (247205)
• United States
24 Mar 20
1 person likes this
@resukill22 (25052)
• Las Pinas City, Philippines
24 Mar 20
@DianneN your welcome
1 person likes this