Boosters and Naughty Horses

 

My brother Mike and sister-in-law Mary stopped by for a few minutes yesterday afternoon. 

When I walked outside and saw Mary, I knew a photo must be taken of the two "women in plaid." 

Mary, who lives in DuPont, Wash., pre-edited my books and showed me that an editor can be both kind and helpful. 

I have always appreciated her willingness to do this time-consuming and meticulous job for me. 

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After our house burned down in 1984, I divided my life into two parts:  BF (Before Fire) and AF (after fire). 

Believe it or not, the distinction was helpful for several years as I would occasionally think of items in our house and quickly realize that many were there before the fire. 

Without going into detail, we knew right off what priceless items went in the fire---like baby books and photos, etc.  

No more need to wonder about them, but still there were some things that we seldom used or thought of that, when I'd go looking for them, my brain would eventually signal that I wasn't going to find them. 

I bring this up only because I'm thinking of a new dividing line in life this morning. Actually, it comes in increments.

Before Pandemic (BP)

During Pandemic (DP)

And, some day, we hope 

After Pandemic (AP)

There's an important subtitle to go with that list:

Before vaccinations (BV)

After vaccinations. (AV)

At this point, none of us really knows how much the latter of the above will truly impact our lives leading us from the stage of DP to AP.  

We can guess, however, that, as the program works out the kinks leading to more and more vaccinations, we could very well be on the road to AP. 

And, what a time that will be!

from "Slight Detour," Feb. 10, 2021, the morning after my second Covid vaccine injection, administered in Coeur d'Alene at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds.

It ain't over 'til it's over, and it appears that Covid still ain't over. I'm hearing about cases at the national, International, regional and local level. 

So, we, especially us in the "Golden" age, need to remain cautious and vigilant.  

I am typing this on the morning after my seventh Covid vaccination, a booster, administered yesterday afternoon by Nurse Karianne at Panhandle Health.

And, both of us are doing surprisingly well, feeling a minimal of after-effects, most notable sore arms. 

Both Bill and I received a shot of Pfizer yesterday afternoon.  It seemed prudent to go ahead and get this booster even though the new vaccine covering will soon be available. 

We are close enough to heading off on our Ireland trip that we opted to get the booster yesterday. 

We were reminiscing yesterday about the "good ol' days of the Pandemic and when we drove to Coeur d'Alene to get our first shots. 

The National Guard supplied the support system for those administering the shots.  When the guards person came to check us off the list as we stood in a long line outside Panhandle Health, we experienced a shock. 

I had not filled out the application correctly, so Bill was not on the list.  I was horrified and mad at myself for making this mistake. 

Though I know he felt great disappointment, Bill was very gracious about the situation and said he'd wait in the car for me. 

Happily, later that afternoon after arriving home, I saw a Facebook comment by Sandpoint council member Kate McAlister noting that she would be getting her vaccination through the City of Sandpoint.

Bill was serving on the City Tree committee, now defunct.  So, I told him to call and ask if volunteers for city committees could be included in the vaccination program.  He received the green light, and a couple of days later, he received his first shot of Moderna. 

Those were crazy, desperate and conflicting times. Much has changed since then with the exception of some personal attitudes.  

Our attitude has remained steadfast:  we like to travel so we'll do whatever is necessary to travel safely for us and for others.  So, we get the "jab" when it comes due. 

Yesterday's vaccination marked the last major hurdle I have faced on allowing myself to get really excited about our upcoming trip. 

I've been to the doctor and gotten an almost perfect clean bill of health, and the one concern seems to be working out favorably.  

So, we're set.  Just have to count the days, get the place ready for being gone and for Elisabeth who does such a wonderful job watching our beloveds.

On another subject, Bill told me this morning about something "weird" that he had seen last night while taking the dogs out for the last time. 

At first, he thought it might be lights up at Schweitzer, but as he came past the barn, the lights, all in a straight line, were high in the sky and looking like they were coming to the east. 

Then, they disappeared.  The show lasted long enough that he was positive that he was not "seeing things."

I told him that if there was a phenomenon like this, surely we'd see reports on Facebook. 

The first thing I did when I came to my computer was to Google "string of lights in the night sky."  

By golly, it was for sure that Bill's imagination had not gone wild. 

One news item called it "Starlink's Satellite Train."  Several items featured stories of sightings in various parts of the country. 

Nice to know that the phenomenon has been explained.  

 

In other news, Idaho's former Republican Gov. Butch Otter and more than 100 other community leaders added a significant boost to the Idaho Open Primary Initiative by publicly signing and supporting it yesterday.

Comments regarding his move below.    

“It will give reasonable, pragmatic Republicans the means to take back their party.” Bruce Newcomb, former Republican Speaker of the House #idpol 1/2

BREAKING: Former Governor Butch Otter and 115 other Republican community leaders endorse the Open Primaries Initiative, a ballot initiative that would end closed primaries and give all Idahoans—regardless of party affiliation—the right to participate in primary elections. #idpol

If you are an Idaho registered voter in Bonner County and have not yet signed a petition, you can stop by Vanderford's in downtown Sandpoint. 

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The one in the middle was naughty this morning. 

That would be CB.  I had already taken Lefty (on the right) to pasture and then came CB.  

In the mornings I do not have to latch the gate while leading them one by one----not this morning. 

After sending CB out to pasture, I simply draped the chain over the gate.  I had just about reached Lily (left) at the barnyard when I heard banging and clanging at the end of the lane. 

I turned around to see CB back out of the pasture and over inspecting the tractor. 

Remain calm, I said to myself.  And, that was a good idea.  Lily really wanted to join CB when we approached the gate to the pasture, but I emphatically sent her through the gate and chained it shut. 

Fortunately, I keep grain in a jar at the gate so I don't have to chase them down in the afternoon.  Just like that, CB came over for a bite, and he was soon back in the pasture. 

In the photo above, they had all just had a handout and were hoping for more. 

Looking like a great day ahead. 

Happy Thursday.