While I wait for the mail (we have been picking it up with gloved hands and letting it sit in the garage for 3-4 days before opening), thought I’d broach the topic of Mom’s Day.

Sure, we might be living differently this year and maybe hitting pause for now on sending out cards. I mean, I want to support the Post Office. I’ve ordered no less than 4 books of stamps recently, but keeping my 90 year old mom safe while she opens hers is a four or five step process (at least) during this pandemic.

Also, those big family brunches or dinners, whether out at a restaurant or at my sister’s house, are off the table. (Mother’s Day has traditionally been one of the busiest days of the whole entire year in the restaurant industry.)

When Anna Jarvis started campaigning to establish a national holiday to celebrate mothers here in the US in the early 1900’s, after the death of her own beloved momma, she could never have predicted that in 2020, many of us would be visiting our moms through a window.

But, even with social distancing, gifting flowers is still a winning and welcome option.

Someone sent my mom an arrangement recently (no contact delivery, naturally) and she was ecstatic!

Now, back in the day, Anna Jarvis picked the white carnation, which symbolizes pure love, innocence and good luck, as the official flower of MD because they were her mom’s favorite.

If you aren’t a fan of going that route, your local florist of choice can guide you — over the phone of course —in a different direction.

In addition, if you’re unfamiliar with the story of Miss Jarvis, it’s a worthwhile distraction during isolation for sure. (She actually ended up trying to have the holiday “canceled,” believe it or not.)

Some local florists I’ve patronized in the past who are now offering online or phone ordering and curbside pickup include Jephry on Broadway in Providence, Santilli on Budlong in Cranston, and Frey in Providence.

And, oh la la, literally just announced by email a few minutes ago, Wicked Tulips is rolling out order and pick-up starting this weekend. They had previously introduced it on a limited basis, only to those who are subscribed to their private Facebook Page as sort of a test run. You’ll want to click over to their site for complete details and restrictions.

That’s all for now.

Stay safe and stay well,

Patty J