Life in the Time of Coronavirus, 6/18/21

Coming Out of the Darkest and Strangest Days of Our Lives 

Hooray for the Vaccines 

Since I last posted, my husband and I received both of our Pfizer vaccines from Kaiser. After the first dose, I caught a slight cold that lasted for a couple of days, he felt nothing, but we both had sore arms. After the second dose, he was very tired the next day, I was fine, but we both had sore arms again. The first visit to Kaiser was quite crowded, at around 75 people in line. The second was only a line of about 10 people. Everything was well-organized, kind and easy. We were both so thankful to receive our vaccines. If we need another booster or two, we’re in. We want to live to our fullest again, to socialize, to go where we want to go and to do what we want to do, especially to travel. 

Travel Plans 

We’ve taken the plunge and booked our 40 year anniversary  trip to St. John’s in late August. We’ll be staying at one of our favorite resorts, Gallows Point. 

I’ve also booked my volunteer and fun trip to Spain in mid-October. I’ll be meeting up with at least three other friends who are Scooby volunteers. We’ll do some sightseeing and volunteer at the shelter. I’d like to bring two dogs back for adoption, but with COVID-19 restrictions, it’s looking doubtful. I’ll keep watching the airlines and restrictions. 

Daily Life 

Since we are fully vaccinated and there are looser restrictions, we’ve been out more. California just opened  up, so we don’t wear masks, unless asked.  We carry masks at all times just in case. We are still very careful and cautious, as we know IT is still out there, wreaking havoc and killing so many people. Prayers for India and Brazil, and a host of other countries who are being decimated by the virus. It has been such a tragic year plus for the World.

Peace

I wish you all peace and healing as we continue through these trying days. Blessings to all of you!

Life in the Time of Coronavirus, 3/6/21

One Year Later

Almost exactly one year ago, we decided to lock down at home because the virus was marching across the Country, and the cases were rising.  In so many ways, I feel that we were extremely naive about what actions to take. We mostly stayed at home. The CDC was still saying that we didn’t need masks (which still makes me angry). We hardly knew anything about COVID-19. Now, we know a lot, yet we still have so much to learn.

We Didn’t Start the Fire

I think that Billie Joel should write a sequel to his 1989 song to capture how much has happened so quickly over the past year. Incredible!

In brief: virus outbreak, global infections, pandemic, sickness, death, quarantines, economic downturns, jobs lost, hoarding of essential goods, hungry families, unrest due to racial unfairness, protests, political division and unrest, insurrection, anger, hatred, polarization. Yikes!

Take Heart

We have hope.  We have a new government that is working to put humanitarian issues first. We have three approved vaccines in the USA:  Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson.  We hope to receive ours within the next couple of months.

Everyday Life Is Every Day

After one year of this routine of mostly being safe at home, it will be so strange to be out in public, with a lot of other people.  Having commitments will be strange. Right now, we have very few demands on our time, free to do whatever we want. Once we can get out and be social, it will be a bit stressful.  When you think about it, we have become quite shuttered from society, and we will have to adjust over time. Since we still have to gently enter society again, it will help.

Things That I Think Will be Troublesome 

As I watch events unfold, these things are troubling to me:

- Will the vaccines have long-term effects that are yet unknown?

- How will we help globally to share our vaccines, to be fair to all?

- How will COVID-19 victims and families pay their medical bills? If they are in the ICU with such high touch care, it will surely be millions of dollars in healthcare, which they will never be able to repay. How will we help them?

- Again I ask, what happens with all of the extra garbage that we are generating, with masks, gloves, packages, plastic ware?

- What happens with the “long haulers” who have had the virus, and will likely have life-long health issues?

- Will the healthcare providers categorize COVID-19 as a pre-existing condition, which they will not cover? That would be horrendous.

- What’s our plan for vaccine boosters for variants and going forward, since this virus will probably be with us for the rest of our lives?

- What’s our plan for the next potential pandemic, so something like this doesn’t happen again? We were so ill prepared.

Happy One Year To You and Me

We did it! We made it through a global pandemic for one whole year, and all of the bullshit that went with it. Congratulations! Pat yourself on the back, keep wearing your mask, and get your vaccine when you can. Fingers crossed that things keep getting better for all of us.

Peace
I wish you peace of mind and soul during these trying times.  Please keep the faith. Hold on and hold fast. 

#holdfast #itwillgetbetter #buildbackbetter #staystrong

Life in the Time of Coronavirus, 1/16/21

Navigating Life in Such Uncertain Times

Welcome to the year 2021, a year of new hope for the beginning of the end of the virus, with vaccines and other measures, and for a new, more caring government that will help right so many wrongs that have been done over the past four years.  

Happy New Year?

But wait...  we are already off to a very rocky start. Thousands of people are still dying every day and the vaccine distribution system is in chaos.  The transition of leadership in our government has been a complete nightmare, with a bully who refuses to accept his defeat.  In addition, last week, we had a group of our own citizens attempt to attack and overthrow our government.  Not only that, but we have had to protect all of our capitols with military forces because of the threats of violence to come January 17-20.  I'm certain that there will be scuffles, but I pray they will be settled peacefully and quickly.

As in many other places, we have to lock down in our homes in SoCal because the virus numbers are so high, the new strains are horribly contagious, and our hospitals are overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients in the ICU's. Being at home is a comfort, but every day still feels like Groundhog day.  It feels as though we are existing, but not really living our lives as we would love to do.  We've only been out for a few Vet visits, grocery shopping trips, picking up food from local restaurants and taking an occasional drive to the Oceanside Harbor and then along the beaches.  

We observe that many in our area still do not wear masks, many restaurants are defying State guidance by still serving outside, and if you didn't know that there has been a deadly virus for over a year now, you'd never know it here because it looks to be business as usual all around us.

I don't know how you all feel about this, but frankly, it frightens me that everyone is still taking it so lightly. 

Wondering When We Will Get the Vaccine

I hope that we will get the vaccine in April or May, if this supply and logistics mess can be sorted out, but if it's later than that, we'll wait. We've waited this long, we can certainly wait a little longer.  I think that I will probably cry when I get it because I will be so relieved.

Markers

When I think about it, I haven't:

• driven our cars in four months (Darrell always drives us)
• had my hair done since July
• worn makeup or jewelry but two times in the past four months
• curled my hair to look presentable twice in the past two months
• worn shoes but maybe seven times in the past two months
• worked out -- I twisted and strained my knee seven weeks ago and am icing and bracing it

Sometimes, I feel as though I'm becoming a shut-in. Thank God for Darrell and our doggies to keep me company. Can't imagine being alone.

Sad News

Our first Spanish Galga, Bless, whom we've had for almost ten years, fell ill on Christmas Eve.  We've since learned that she has several tumors, the worst of which is one on her spleen.  She is on four medications to keep her strong and comfortable.  We aren't certain how long we have, but we'll take every day that we're given.  She is doing well so far. Still eating good, happy and pretty active.  We know that the days draw short with our precious, gentle girl. She has been such a great dog, and we love her so much. 

My Wishes for 2021

• That everyone in every country has access to and is able to give the vaccines to its citizens as soon as possible.
• That COVID-19 becomes nothing but a horrible memory to us.
• That the citizens of the U.S.A. will stop hating and fighting against each other and begin working together.
• That we'll be able to be together with our families and friends once again, to hug and kiss once again.
• That we'll be able to go out to movie theatres, shops, concerts, public gatherings, restaurants, pubs, wineries, etc, and enjoy our social lives.
• That we'll be able to travel again. Whether it's across town or across the World, I yearn to be able to safely travel, to experience other places and people. This is something I now dream about and am so glad that I've done everything that I have thus far in life.

Peace
I wish you peace of mind and soul during these trying times.  Please keep the faith. Hold on and hold fast. 

#holdfast #itwillgetbetter #buildbackbetter #staystrong

 

Life in the Time of Coronavirus, 11/24/20

Eight Months and COVID-19 Lockdown Burnout Sets In

I haven't updated my blog in a while because of COVID-19 lockdown burnout. 

There was a funny skit on Saturday Night Live a couple of weeks ago, where they created a parody commercial that showed the burnout. The cast was selling all of the exercise and hobby equipment on eBay that they had bought during the pandemic.  Truth!  While I have accomplished many good things over the past eight months, many things are sitting there waiting for me to finish, such as a very difficult jigsaw puzzle and an embroidery project.  I have lost interest in some things, and have frankly become somewhat lazy.

Our activities are pretty much the same. We are mostly at home, with an occasional trip to Costco or Smart and Final, and sparse visits to local outdoor restaurants and pubs here and there.  But the virus is so bad now, we are 99% locked down.  We are now hopeful, as three vaccines are very near approval.  The way things look, it could be Spring or Summer will be the soonest that we can get one, so we continue our lockdown ultra-marathon.  

Notable Events - Some Bad, Some Good

- Two weeks ago, we had to say, "Goodbye" to one of our Spanish Galgos, Sara.  We've had her for 7 1/2 years, and we miss her so much.  We still grieve for our girlie.  Her story is here.

- We owned a house in Michigan, which was my Grandparents 1910 Craftsman home, where my Brother, Bill, has lived for over 16 years. He's had health problems, and wasn't able to return to the house. He's in a care facility now and being well taken care of.  We sold the house to a friend of my Cousin, Dave, who will fix it up and sell it to another family. That house took care of a lot of our family over the years. It is a relief to have closure and to have someone make it pretty again.  

- The election is finally over! Thank God we don't have to watch any more of those political slur ads and listen to the propaganda.  I know how divided this Country has become, and it is very sad.  Perhaps we need to change our name from the, "United States of America" because we are not.  What I don't understand is the hatred, anger and disrespect for others. How did we become our worst nightmare? If we don't get our shit together, we are on a path that only continues to take us on a downward spiral to who knows what?  We needed a healer, not a divider, and thank God, we got one. Let's build back better and stop hating each other. It truly serves no purpose but to destroy us.

I Remain Hopeful

I am grateful and thankful for every blessing that I have in this life. I am hopeful that things will get better in the coming year for all of us.  Let's continue to listen to the experts and stay safe. This still isn't over for a good while.  Until next time, I wish you good health and peace.  #stayhome #staysafe #holdfast #keepthefaith #thingswillgetbetter 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Life in the Time of Coronavirus, 9/20/20

Celebrations

On 9/15/20, we celebrated our two year anniversary of living in Carlsbad. We sold our home in San Jose and bought our present lovely home in Carlsbad two years ago. Time flies when you love where you live!

On 9/13/20, we celebrated one year Gotcha for our Scooby Podenco, Levi.  Michelle at SAGE (Save A Galgo Espanol) had a flight patron who brought him to LAX so that we could pick him up and bring him to his forever home. We love our Levi!

Rekindling Relationships

We've had some very special visits with dear family and friends, as well as rekindling relationships with old friends from the past.

My Sister, Mary, and Brother-in-law, Dan, came down from the SF Bay Area to escape the fires and smoke.  Then, we had a surprise, as we received a call from my cousin, Scott, and his wife, Shelly. They attended a wedding in NorCal and drove back to Tucson via the California Coast. They stayed one night with us, while Dan and Mary were here, so we had a house full of family. It was great!

The following weekend, our niece from Chicago, Anna, and her friend, Megan, who lives in Pasadena, came to visit us. They stayed one night, and we had such a special quality time visit with them.

On another note, one of my marathon friends, from 2001, Saskia, sent out an email that her address was changing. I wrote her about catching up.  We had an almost three hour call to catch up on life. We haven't seen each other for around 13 years, and it was as though no time had passed.  We also got to visit with our husbands for a bit. It was very special, and we'll do it again soon.

It was so wonderful to see everyone and catch up!

We are Learning How to Live with Coronavirus and COVID-19

Our San Diego County has done pretty well with the virus and contagion, but there is a good chance that we will have to dial back this week because the numbers are going up again. It is sad, but it is reality, and we have to deal with it. We know what we have to do because we have already been through it. It is no longer the unknown.  People can kick and scream and act like angry, bratty children, but we have to do what is right to protect ourselves and others. We have to live with this blasted virus until there is a SAFE vaccine, which could be more likely around Summer 2021.

2020 Ba Bye

Although we have so many blessings to be thankful for, I will be very happy to see the year 2020 end. I am hopeful that 2021 will be a much better year -- a year of healing, in so many ways. God knows that we need it.

I wish you peace, love, good health and happiness, as we continue to endure one of the most difficult years of our lives. 

Life in the Time of Coronavirus, 9/2/20

Can You Believe That It's Already September?

This has truly been the strangest year of my life. The Coronavirus and COVID-19 have changed our World forever, in so many ways, both big and small.

A Shame
We're heading for seven months of quarantine, trying to avoid this virus, and we still don't have adequate testing and no vaccine is in sight.  It is such a sad state of affairs for such an advanced Country, with so many resources. I've pretty much resigned myself to know that it's up to us, individually, to keep ourselves as safe as we can be.  If we get the disease, we get it and must deal with it. The Federal Government and powers that be are doing nothing to help us. We have to go it alone. God help us to survive it, as there is no help whatsoever, just denial that it exists and snake oil cures that are touted by the current regime.  I think that the herd immunity is the de facto approach in the USA. Thousands have died, and those who could help are willing to let thousands more die, before this has passed. It is shameful and disgusting. It makes me so sad to see that our Country has come to this -- not caring about anyone or anything, except greed and selfishness. Shame on us.

On a Brighter Note, We've had Visitors
My Sister, Mary, and Brother-in-law, Dan, escaped the fire zone in the San Francisco Bay Area and stayed here with us for ten days. We took a day trip to San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente. It was wonderful to see them and to spend quality time together.  We had the chance to catch up, after many months apart.  

We also had a visit from my cousins, Scott and Shelly, from Tucson. They came from a wedding in NorCal and drove down to spend the night with us. We had a delicious dinner from our favorite local Greek restaurant and talked into the midnight hours.  It was so special to have four loved ones staying here with us overnight.  Everyone left early for home and arrived safely, for which we are thankful.

Soon, we will have a visit from our niece, Anna, from Chicago, and her friend, Megan, from Pasadena.  We are so excited to see them, as it has been several years since our last visit.

Daily Life Continues
We celebrated our 39th wedding anniversary on August 29th. It seems like yesterday. We had dinner outside, by the pool at the Carlsbad Four Seasons Hotel. It was delicious and special because we were with Mary and Dan. Next year, we will either rent a house at Lake Tahoe or travel to Europe, depending on the virus.

We stay at home most of the time. We eat out once or twice each week. Sometimes, we meet up with local friends.  We enjoy each other, our dogs, our home, pool and hot tub.  We are always thankful for our lives and where we live.  It is so beautiful here. We feel blessed.

Peace
I wish you peace of mind and soul during these trying times.  Please keep the faith. Hold on and hold fast. 
Complete your Census and Vote!

#holdfast #itwillgetbetter #buildbackbetter #staystrong

Life in the Time of Coronavirus, 8/22/20

Days Become Weeks, Weeks Become Months

It has been over six months since we locked down our lives. We are used to it. We know how to be safe, to be out socially, to shop, to eat out(side), to limit visits with family and friends. It’s really not difficult, but those darned masks are so doggone hot. We will persevere because they help all of us.

The Dentist 

We both had our six month dental appointments this month. They did an excellent job. They took our temps, had us gargle with hydrogen peroxide for one minute, wore double face masks and gloves. Safety to the Nth degree.

Not Much New To Report

We’re pretty boring. I stay up late, as I always have, watching late night talk shows, sleep in, do some chores, work out, then pool and hot tub time.

The dogs keep us honest regarding feeding times twice each day. They are the most interesting and entertaining beings in our home.

Surprise! We have Visitors!

My Sister, Mary, and Brother-in-Law, Dan  live in the San Francisco Bay Area, where the fires and smoke are happening. They needed to get out, so we encouraged them to come here. They drove down and arrived this evening. It is so great to have them here, as we’ve not seen them for several months.  It is a special time in so many ways.

Appreciating the Little and Big Things

Honey bees, hummingbirds, flowers, trees, fruit, palm trees, the Pacific, great weather, beautiful views, great family and friends, fantastic place to live, financial stability, good health, best pets in the world, faith and hope. 

There are better and brighter days ahead. We will continue to stay strong in the face of the unknown. We will vote to raise up a stronger, more caring and competent government. We will stop fighting with each other and hating our differences and immigrants. We will tear down walls and build alliances that will build our amazing society that allows everyone to strive and achieve their very best. 

Vote!

Everyone deserves a chance at a better life. Their contributions are what makes America great.  We need every single soul to do this work. Put your prejudice aside and vote with your heart and soul.

Until next time, I wish you love and peace. 

#holdfast #itwillgetbetter #staystrong #buildbackbetter