Happy New Year!

“Again, the time elapsed.”
― Carolyn Keene, The Secret of the Old Clock

Not much to say, except, "Here we go again!"

Below is what I posted last year at the beginning of 2021. While the details are different, the big picture is the same. Maybe this will be the year that we can finally let our guard down because, you know, "Hope springs eternal."

____________________________________________________

 Welcome, 2021!

In the new year, may you find the peace
of a cat sleeping in a sunbeam.

I know that a new year always brings new hopes and dreams - especially this year. Hopes of not living in constant fear of the coronavirus. Hopes of being rid of the vigilance it takes to be safe. Hopes of not hearing upsetting statistics every day. And dreams of talking to someone face to face. Dreams of being able to hug family members and friends. Dreams of taking a trip. Dreams of sitting in a restaurant.

While there is no doubt that everyone wants this pandemic that started in 2020 over, it has been remarkable in some ways. It has unified people around the entire globe. We have been united in trying to figure out the best procedures, treatments, and vaccines for the disease. Sometimes there have been disagreements on what those are, but there has been a common goal--to be rid of the devastating effects of the coronavirus. That blows my mind. Around the world, everyone is thinking about the same thing and feeling empathy for each other.  I guess you might call that the silver lining to the storm cloud of 2020.

So I'll just summarize and say, "Goodbye, 2020, and thank you for all that you taught us, and Welcome 2021, we have high hopes for you."

A Personal Vaccine Experience, Part 2

Our friend, Kris, shared her experience of when she got the first coronavirus vaccine. Recently, she got her second dose and is giving us an update about the procedure.

Can you explain the overall procedure? Did you get a reminder? Was it at the hospital again? Did they use a different arm?

When I went for my first vaccination, I was given a vaccination record card which recorded my first shot and at that time I was scheduled for my second vaccination, which was at the same location in the hospital as my first vaccination.  My coworkers got a reminder call or text or email but for some reason, I didn't.  I received it in my right arm again.

Was the National Guard involved this time?

Yes, they were.

Was there any leeway on the timing of the second shot? Could you have slid the vaccination a day or two in either direction?

I didn't ask for any leeway but I've read that a few days either way don't really make a difference.  I don't remember the article I read to give you a reference, but it did state that you didn't want to allow it to vary by weeks or months because the results of that haven't been tested and the resulting immunity couldn't be assured.

Did you have any instructions before or after the shot?

Nothing new--I had to wait for 15 minutes afterward (which allowed me to catch up with a coworker who was also getting her second dose) and to be aware of the side effects.

What, if any, reactions did you have this time? How does it compare to the first shot?

The second vaccine has the reputation of having worse reactions, but this was not my experience.  If anything, my arm was not as sore as it was the first time around.  Then again, I was more on top of taking Tylenol right away (which I would definitely recommend to anyone planning on getting the vaccine).  

Are your coworkers, who have gotten both parts of the vaccine, having a similar experience to yours?

There has been a great variety in experiences.  I received my vaccine on Thursday.  I worked with a couple of people who had theirs on Wednesday and they were doing fine.  There were at least 2 people who called in sick due to the side effects and another coworker left work mid-morning due to feeling ill.  The symptoms seem to involve fatigue and aching although some also reported having fevers.  

The thing I have found to be most interesting is that I know of two people who previously had covid and who, after getting the first vaccine, felt quite ill (fevers, aching, and fatigue).  My biggest takeaway from these experiences is to anticipate not feeling great if you have had covid and get the vaccine.  Also, be aware that even for those of us who haven't been infected, you may feel ill the day after you receive the vaccine. Everyone I have spoken with says that the symptoms go away after about a day. 

How long before you develop maximum immunity from the vaccine?

7-14 days is what I have been told.

Were you given any information about the new strains of the coronavirus and the current vaccines?

Not officially, no, but an infectious diseases physician working on the floor where I work said that he anticipates the current vaccines will still provide good protection.  He also said that the way the vaccines are made will allow them to be more easily tweaked for new strains than, say, the flu vaccine.  

I think it's too soon to know, but were you given any indication of how long immunity from this vaccine should last?

Unfortunately, no.

How does it feel to have both vaccines now? When the proper time has elapsed to realize full benefit from the shots, will you be changing any of your habits?

I feel a sense of relief, and also of urgency to have others vaccinated, especially those in the highest at-risk populations.

From what I understand, we still need to be vigilant with social distancing and mask wearing, so in the short term, I don't think my habits will change drastically.  My in-laws had their first vaccination this past Friday so I am hoping by the time spring break rolls around that we can visit them (they live 8 hours away and we haven't seen them in over a year).  My mom's vaccination was delayed until February so I want to maintain my vigilance in the hope that I can visit her at some point.  I have toyed with returning to the gym--I have always tried to avoid the busy times, even pre-covid--but I'm not sure yet about the wisdom of that idea.  

Thanks for sharing, Kris. I think this is useful information for all who are considering the vaccination. I know I found your experiences very interesting.

And So It Begins

 Welcome 2021!

In the new year, may you find the peace
of a cat sleeping in a sunbeam.

I know that a new year always brings new hopes and dreams - especially this year. Hopes of not living in constant fear of the coronavirus. Hopes of being rid of the vigilance it takes to be safe. Hopes of not hearing upsetting statistics every day. And dreams of talking to someone face to face. Dreams of being able to hug family members and friends. Dreams of taking a trip. Dreams of sitting in a restaurant.

While there is no doubt that everyone wants this pandemic that started in 2020 over, it has been remarkable in some ways. It has unified people around the entire globe. We have been united in trying to figure out the best procedures, treatments, and vaccines for the disease. Sometimes there have been disagreements on what those are, but there has been a common goal--to be rid of the devastating effects of the coronavirus. That blows my mind. Around the world everyone is thinking about the same thing and feeling empathy for each other.  I guess you might call that the silver lining to the storm cloud of 2020.

So I'll just summarize and say, "Goodbye, 2020 and thank you for all that you taught us, and Welcome 2021, we have high hopes for you."

A Lapse

Everyone is tired these days from the vigilance needed to keep COVID-19 at bay. Eight months is a long time to be on hyperalert. Even with that being said, I still get very annoyed with people who don't wear a mask around others or only pretend to wear a mask with it pulled down below their nose.

Well today, one of those annoying people was me. I had gone for my allergy shot, fully masked, and was trying to decided whether or not I was going to stop at Aldi's on the way home. We didn't really need anything, but finally decided to stop in for some bananas. Then I contemplated whether or not I'd need a cart in case I found some great deals, and whether or not I had a quarter to get one. With all of these considerations bouncing around in my head, I forgot to put my mask back on before I went into the store. There I was darting up and down the aisles with a totally naked face when I finally noticed a woman who gave me a side-ways glance. Then I realized it. I had forgotten my mask. Embarrassed that people would see me as one of "those inconsiderates," I rushed to the car and suited up.

I went back into the store hoping that I'd see some of the same people who had seen me before without a mask. I don't know if anyone noticed me without or with my mask, but I felt better with it on, not to mention that wearing it is a county and state ordinance. 

The store wasn't crowded and, as usual, I avoided people the best I could. I think it's going to be alright.

Have you ever forgotten to wear your mask when you've gone out?

This and That

or The Post in Which I Remember the Strikethrough

Time for another check-in. In summary, the more things change, the more they remain the same. As some parts of Maryland are slowly opening up, the part I live in is in lockdown until the cows come home at least another couple of weeks. It makes sense because in some rural parts of the state there are only a few cases, while the metropolitan area where I live has the highest concentration of cases and deaths, as well as climbing numbers of new cases and hospitalizations. I'm okay with staying put and continuing to go crazy at home teleworking for a little while longer. While I really want to have more freedom, I want it without worry. And that's not going to happen for some time. 

So what have we been up to? We're adding some new shows to our usual TV watching of old reruns. Actually what I mean is that we've become obsessed interested in the show The Good Place. A friend recommended it and I was able to find the first two seasons in the library before it closed. While I wouldn't exactly call it binge watching, we went through the first two seasons rather quickly. We tried to go more slowly and savor the show, but there were just too many plot twists and turns to not keep going. And then all at once there were no more DVD's to watch and I was on a frantic methodical search to find season three. 

We finally signed up for Netflix where we watched season three and it won't cost us anything IF we remember to cancel before thirty days is up. Now we're facing the biggest problem of all inconvenience of not being able to watch season four until maybe November when the whole season will be released. We can see the last few episodes which are still available in reruns, but doing that without watching the beginning of the season would ruin everything be anticlimactic. I guess we will survive find some other fun things to watch. Any recommendations?

Until next time...

Note: A few things about The Good Place. The basic premise for the show is fairly simple in that there is either The Good Place or The Bad Place you go to when you die. There are complications to this with some mistaken identities that drive the plot for the series. However, while the premise of the show may be simple, the actual details are not. If you think you might be interested in the show, start from the beginning. If you pick it up in the middle, it will seem very stupid confusing. 

BTW, Blogger is driving me crazy bothersome. Somehow I got updated to a new version and I'm having problems inserting pictures into this post. Thus, no pictures this time.

This Too Shall Pass

This Too Shall Pass

Gentle clouds

Apple blossoms

Bird warbles

It should be so easy

Warm house

Close family

Plentiful food

It should be so easy

But reassuring thoughts are fleeting.

Novel virus

Not knowing

Job loss

It is so easy

No masks

Uncertainty

No cure

It is so easy

For bleak thoughts to invade.

Deep breaths

Good books

Neighborhood walks

I will try

Friend calls

Nutritious food

Consistent sleep

I will try

Because this too shall pass.

This was what I was thinking when I woke up this morning. Unlike my mother did, I do not generally write poetry. She would be so happy that I tried. And she would, also, tell me to share it with others. So in honor of National Poetry Month, there you have it.

This and that, Part 2

Yesterday, I started an update on what we've been doing for the last few weeks. I know that I like to hear what others are doing during this non-conventional time, so I'll fill you in on what it looks like at our house.

As you may have read, we are all working from home and that is keeping us busy. Boredom has not set in yet, but the need to be out and about is getting stronger, as the restrictions get tighter and tighter. However, we have found ways to help with that.

Like many other states, Maryland is on strict stay-at-home orders expect for necessary trips for food or medicine. But we've been going out anyway for drives. We don't get out of the car and are exploring places in the neighborhood that we haven't been to before. It is a very pleasant experience as everything is in bloom right now and Ward and I get a little calm, quiet time away from the constant barrage of news of the corona virus. Even when we turn off news and social media, there are frequent comments and discussions from work about it as our organizations are trying to work within the current constraints to offer good services.

Also as usually happens in the spring, neighbors are out in their yards or taking walks. We have been doing the same and are enjoying talking to others (with proper social distancing) as well as getting some fresh air. I have met one new family this way and Ward was able to help someone living alone fix their lawn mower. Our neighborhood is, also, doing the teddy bear in the window thing for kids to look for on walks. Really everyone is enjoying it although sometimes it is hard to see them depending on how the sun is shining on the window. The first bear I put up was too dark and couldn't be seen at all. Now we have a yellow horse/burro in the window. It's fun to listen to kids, as they see it, because we are the only ones who aren't using a teddy bear.

As far as getting out to the stores, we have been out occasionally when needed while practicing the recommended protocols. Earlier in the week, I ordered something from Lowes for pickup in the store. I thought it was going to be a curbside pickup, but it was a bit more complicated than that. Luckily, there was no close contact with anyone else and all was good. Also, we ordered a push mower from Home Depot. Ours bit the dust and we can't figure out how to fix it. Ward has disliked it for years, anyway, and wanted to get a new one. The mower just arrived, so I know what we'll be doing when Ward finishes work.

We have plenty of food and I am enjoying trying to use what we have interesting ways. Last week I learned a new kitchen tip that totally fascinated me. After cooking some chicken breasts in the Instant Pot for pulled chicken sandwiches, the recipe said to use a hand mixer to shred it. It worked like a charm and was much easier than other methods I have used. That was fun!

This is long enough for now. Next up, will be an outdoor update.

Be well and stay safe. Until next time...

Not Crazy Yet

or What the Pandemic Looks Like at My House
(Pictures are from several years ago. They are random ones I found while deleting extra photos from our computer.)

You have to have been living under a rock to not be barraged with constant talk of the corona virus. Or maybe you are living under a rock at this point to get away from it all. We aren't quite there yet, so I'm going to be yet another place that will be talking about the corona virus.
 

Theo at Seneca Rocks, WV.

I think the saying  "the only thing that stays the same is change," applies here as well as elsewhere.
Many things have closed in the area including the library where I work as of Monday. While it is closed to the public, the staff are going in. I am using this time to work on my classes and programs I'm preparing for without so many interruptions. So far, it is working out well. We're closed officially for another week and a half, but we'll see, when that time comes, what the powers-that-be will do.
   

Lucy liked to play Scrabble as well as the next cat.

Ward's job is going full force at the office. He works with computers and communication, and there always seems to be a panic, so I'm not sure the current pandemic is looking any different to him. I'm hoping they will tell everyone to telework full-time soon, which he does a lot on the weekends, because I like having him home. Wally is also working with computers and his job is proceeding as normal with no teleworking yet.

I used to make felt purses. This is a display for a craft fair.

Theo works in the Costco e-commerce department that processes online orders for much of the eastern US. Everyday he comes home tired and says, "That was our biggest day yet!" They are starting to have a mandatory overtime trying to handle the avalanche of orders. Meanwhile, his college classes are scheduled to be held remotely for the next 3 weeks. I'm guessing after that ,the university will keep the campus closed for classes. For one of his classes, he has to have a webcam while he is taking his midterm, so it can proctored remotely. Things sure have changed since I was in school.

Theo made sure that we and his brother were well stocked fairly early on. We already had most of the things we needed, so we didn't have to fight anyone for toilet paper, hand sanitizer, or wipes. We have put aside food in case we have to be quarantined for a couple of weeks. In the meantime, we're eating our normal stock, and we're still going in the stores for milk, bananas, and sandpaper. However, we try to pick less busy times so it's easy to do social distancing. So far we haven't encountered any of the craziness that everyone is talking about and the rows and rows of empty shelves, but my friends have some good stories to tell.

Lilies from our previous yard.

Our extended families are well. One family member was suspiciously sick for a few days, but was not tested because he didn't meet the criteria for travel and known direct exposure. However, he is fine now and is practicing self quarantining.

We are still busy and haven't had time to get bored. For now, we aren't going too crazy.
And if we want a distraction, we just go outside and look as spring springing. :)

Until next time...