Sunday, May 16, 2021

Sunday Check-in

DEBORAH CROMBIE: We haven't done this for a while, so I thought it was time to see how everyone out in Jungle Red land was doing. 

I am all about garden garden garden, and spending as much time outside as possible before it gets too hot here in north Texas--as in yesterday's lovely porch visit with my friend Gigi, complete with craft blackberry ginger beer and fresh mint from the garden.

Other than that, writing (yes, really...), and some wonderful post-vax firsts, like brunch and lunch out with my daughter and granddaughter, riding in a car with another person besides my hubby, getting my car washed, having friends IN THE HOUSE, and HUGS!!!! I keep telling myself I'll never take these simple things for granted again, and I don't ever remember feeling such a joy in the season.

How about you, REDs and readers? Has spring sprung? Are you feeling a bit more liberated? What is giving you joy right now in your part of the world?


80 comments:

  1. We’re appreciating the simple things, too, Debs . . . I’m feeling more liberated, knowing that I can travel around a bit. We spent a few days in Virginia with our daughter [and collected LOTS of grandbaby hugs]; now we’re planning a trip to Colorado to see our other daughter [and collect MORE grandbaby hugs] . . . .

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    1. It is so wonderful to be able to hugs the kids again. So glad you're getting to see yours, Joan!

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  2. We've having wonderful spring like weather during the week - which I am enjoying by opening up my condo while I work. But sadly, it is cooling off on the weekends, so I'm not that interested in getting out and enjoying. I am still enjoying working from home. Sounds like that will be slowly ending over the summer, so I am trying to enjoy it while I can.

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    1. We love opening our windows, although our window for it (ouch!) is short. So far we have had unusually cool and wet spring, so we are enjoying those rainy days, too.

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  3. I went to the zoo today! My eleven-year-old granddaughter called me and asked if Papaw and I would like to meet her and her mom (our daughter) at the zoo. We would and we did. So much fun. We wore masks indoors, but we had the wonderful experience of fresh air on our faces outside. Even though walking up the hills at the zoo almost got me, I persevered, and it was an amazing afternoon. Philip/Papaw and I stopped to eat on the way home at a restaurant we hadn't been to in well over a year, and we ate inside. It was an early dinner, so I didn't feel uncomfortable, as there wasn't a crowd. Here's the thing. We hadn't planned on going anywhere today, but when Izzy called, I didn't take it for granted. I jumped right in and had some fun.

    This is the first weekend in three weeks I haven't baked my chocolate cherry cake. The first weekend, my sister-in-law and her husband and their two dogs and my daughter and her family and their two dogs visited for the day. Then, my daughter and granddaughter came over for lunch, and Izzy requested the cake again. Then, my son and his girlfriend came in, and there had to be cake again. No if I'd known you were coming. I knew they were coming and I baked a cake. (Those of you youngsters, I'm referring to an old song, "If I'd Known You Were Coming, I'da Baked a Cake."

    So, what I thought would be a slow start back into the world hasn't been as slow as I'd intended. Being vaccinated makes all the difference. I couldn't do it otherwise. I don't have any trips planned, but we've talked about going to Lake Cumberland just for a weekend. It's just a few hours away, so we would drive. I'm just not ready to get on a plane yet.

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    1. Isn't it wonderful to have company? There were months when I couldn't even imagine doing such a thing.

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    2. It is indeed wonderful to have company again. Of course, that also means I had to get cleaning on my house, which I had let slide during the no-contact year.

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  4. Oh, aren't the hugs marvelous? I am writing a lot, and also planting tomatoes and lettuce and flowers. My son came for Mother's Day and we hugged and had long leisurely unmasked visit. Yesterday I went to a meeting of about ten local history advocates indoors, but we were all fully vaccinated and lowered the masks. Next week our dear friends and my son and his wife will be here, plus my favorite three year old. Such joy!

    I'm still not ready to get on an airplane or hang out with people I don't know. That can wait.

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    1. I got my veggie buckets planted back in late March but I've had to cover them many nights, so unusual for us past Easter. But I picked my first ripe cherry tomato the other day!

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    2. Edith, I'm not ready to get on an airplane either.

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  5. NO, we are feeling more restricted than ever with Ontario being in a province-wide stay-at-home lockdown since early April. Most non-essential businesses are shut down. And the lockdown restrictions have expanded this time to include outdoor recreational activities so no tennis, golfing, group walks as well as no meeting up with anyone outside your household, either indoors or outdoors.

    Although I did get my first AZ vaccine shot much earlier than expected 3 weeks ago, Ontario decided this week to stop using AZ due to the blood-clotting issue. So we're in an unknown situation of what to do next. Maybe they will give us a different vaccine for shot 2 sometime later in the summer. Right now, I am scheduled to get it on August 30, but these dates have changed a lot. Less than 3% of Ontarians are fully vaccinated so our movements are more restricted than even last year with the variants.

    On a more positive note, I did register for Bouchercon 2022 this week after cancelling this August's NOLA Bouchercon. And my reading mojo is slowly improving this month, up to reading 3 books/week.

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    1. I had no idea things ere so different there. Usually Canada is way ahead of the curve on public health. So frustrating.

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    2. Grace, a few months ago I read about experiments with mixed vaccines that were very successful. I don't doubt it. I hope you will become fully vaccinated soon and that life will return to normal in your area.

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    3. Grace, I was thinking of you yesterday after talking with a neighbor whose mother is 97 and in Canada. They are still not allowed to visit her even though all are fully vaccinated. I'm really sorry things are moving slowly for you, especially canceling outdoor activities! May it improve soon...

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    4. HALLIE: It's a vaccine supply issue since we have to import all our vaccines from Europe or the US. We had big delays getting Pfizer and Moderna shipments in winter, so the variants were causing the biggest third wave ever so we shut down. Vaccine shipments are supposed to accelerate greatly in June but the plan is to still give more people shot #1, and delay shot #2 for the rest of us, 12-16 weeks later.

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    5. LUCY: Yes, our governments are more cautious in allowing visitors to see elderly people since very few of the family members are fully vaccinated.

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    6. Grace, I was just thinking about you last night and hoping all was well with you. Reading about all the availability of vaccines here--and people refusing to get them when there are people elsewhere who would be grateful to get them--it makes me see red. Share the vaccines!! Share the science and the patents!!

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    7. Grace, I'm so glad you have at least one jab. I did know that Canada has had issues getting the vaccines, and I was wondering how you were doing. I hope things improve soon!

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    8. Grace, may you have strength to wait longer for vaccine, for outdoors. As Hank and Hannah say on FCF: “Be safe, Be kind. And we’ll see each other soon.”

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  6. The windows are open (they need to be cleaned), the air feels fresh, and I started short walking (around the building). We got official word that we are to return to the office in July, so I'm preparing myself mentally to get on the subway and be among people again.

    I'm still struggling with reading...I can't believe it takes me one week to read one book. I hope it gets better.

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    1. Glad to hear you're getting Dru--we do need you reading:)

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    2. So glad to hear you are getting better, Dru!

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    3. Dru, I'm still struggling with reading some, too. It's so frustrating.

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  7. Spring has definitely sprung here in New England. Windows are wide open and my garden is at its most beautiful... before the weeds take over. Dogwoods and cherry trees and red buds are in full bloom and tulips are in their prime, so walks through the neighborhood are a delight. I jumped the gun and brought out a tuberous begonia and a coleus, and both had a severe case of shrivel from cold night-time temperatures. I'm hoping they recover. Spring is when I want to slow down time and savor each moment.

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    1. Our antique dogwood has had a spectacular bloom this year!

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    2. Our fruit trees bloomed several weeks later than normal, due to our February extreme freeze. We lost two fairly big trees, and one of my two potted Rose of Sharon trees on my patio. Yesterday I finally gave up on it and bought a replacement.

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  8. The weather is glorious, chilly nights and warm days. It's supposed to get up to 80 next week, which is summer weather for us! The tulips are done and the lilacs are in full bloom, indescribable. The whole city smells like lilacs. We have the largest collection in the world in Highland Park, more than 2000 plants and 500 varieties, plus all sorts of other flowering trees and bushes.

    Our wisteria and lilacs in the garden are vying for attention. The chickadees have moved into the wren house, and the sparrows are raising a brood in the woodpecker house. The orioles and cardinals and robins are providing local color until the goldfinches arrive later this month.

    I am walking without pain, still in the boot until I get x-rayed the first of June. I'm faithful with the PT exercises, and a couple of days ago I went mattress shopping, my first retail adventure since before the pandemic. Most people here are fully vaccinated -- or say they are -- another story. I bought a Casper mattress, and last night's sleep was pure bliss. I also am using a shower bench, and I once more feel clean. It was three months of bathing in the kitchen sink, not a pretty experience.

    Word to the wise: Stay on your feet.

    I'm plan to register for Bouchercon 2022 too. And I'm already paid up for the virtual Malice in July.

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    1. Ann, it's so good to hear all this good news. Congratulations.

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    2. ANN: Walking pain-free with da boot is good news. Keep up with the PT. And it's amazing how being able to shower properly makes you feel great.

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    3. Ann, that is all great news. And if you want to visit us when the roses are full bloom, I want to visit you in lilac time. It sounds glorious!

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    4. Ann, your good news has lifted my spirits. Continue to enjoy!

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    5. I second you, Deb: Ann's lilacs sound AMAZING!

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    6. Ann, that's such great news about walking free of pain. Hope your June doctor appointment sees you getting rid of the boot. And, the lilacs sound heavenly.

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    7. Thanks all of you but especially Grace as she’s the veteran ankle fracture here!

      All welcome to come to Rochester for the lilacs. Mid May is prime.

      I bought a hybrid Casper mattress with an adjustable base. I can’t believe I’ve waited this long!

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  9. Loving the "lusty month of May" more than usual this year, definitely. Everything is lush and green and vibrant here in Cincinnati, and that always makes me feel better and more hopeful.

    My mother was here for a week while my brother and his wife vacationed, and yesterday we had a lunch on the porch with my dear nephew and his family. They moved here from Minnesota last summer to be near family, and have not had the chance to actually do so all this time.

    And today I'm going to see my best girlfriends! Have not been with them since last January, and I can't wait.

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    1. I had "hair party" with my best girlfriends a couple of weeks ago for the first time since Valentine's Day, 2020. It was so much fun.

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    2. Glad you had the visit with you mother and the lovely lunch. Getting together again is so much fun.

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  10. Well, last Friday I went to dinner. It was only the 2nd time I've done the "outdoor dining" experience since this all started. And it was infinitely more enjoyable since I didn't get a bad sunburn this time around. Plus, I got to talk books with a kick-butt author whose work I love.

    Beyond that, I don't know that spring being sprung is all that different for me. With the rush by businesses to drop the mask requirements in such a ridiculously unsafe manner, I actually have begun feeling MORE trepidation about going into places. So I don't know that I'd say I'm feeling more liberated.

    Also, today is my unofficial first day of summer. I have to mow my lawn for the first time this year.

    Beyond that, life continues on for me much like it ever does. I wake up, I start and get through my day. I read, I write, I listen to music and I watch TV. I suppose the one thing I have to look forward to is next week when I get vaccine shot #2. But I don't think that is going to cause me to do the Snoopy Dance of Joy.

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    1. I loved our outdoor pub dinner, Jay!

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    2. Jay, our governor here in Ohio says we're doing so well that mask requirements will end on 3 June. Although businesses and individuals will still be able to decide for themselves to mask or not. My take is that infections will increase because all of the people who hate masking and refuse vaccination will be out there spreading variants around.

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    3. Jay, I love the pics of you and Edith! So glad you got to visit!

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    4. Edith, as did I!

      Flora, the idea that everything depends on the same people who have been stupid for over a year suddenly gaining even a modicum of intelligence makes me wonder about the long term survival chances for the entire human race.

      Deborah, thanks. It was great to sit and talk books with Edith (plus get my books signed!)

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  11. We are planning a visit to the kids next month and when I return, I have a lunch date planned with my dearest college friends at a restaurant. We are all fully vaccinated. That reunion is going to be so much fun!

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  12. Despite a blissfully cool and late spring in Cincinnati, the weeds are up to my knees. We'll order summer opera in the park tickets, but otherwise, continue to hunker down at home. I'm registered for an in-person Killer Nashville at the end of August. Cicada sightings in the area. It's beginning...

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  13. So glad to hear many happy spring reports! We are going to outdoor church this morning (Lottie can go too), and then we're going to a local farm to buy a few vegetable plants for the garden and flowers for our pots.

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    1. I love to think of Lottie going to church with you.

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  14. In my corner of Quebec today, the forecast is around 71F which is warm enough to have a picnic in a park with my brother for his birthday.
    I’m a little envious of you that can visit family and collect hugs. The COVID numbers are better but we were late to acquire the vaccines. Family’s members and I have received our first dose and everyone in the province should be vaccinated for the middle of June but the second dose will be distributed during the summer.
    We should receive a gradual déconfinement plan this week. For now stores are open for limited buyers at a time, restaurants can only do pickup or deliveries and we have a curfew at 9.30 PM to dissuade in house gatherings.
    However, outdoor activities are promoted and with the spring, it is very welcomed
    Have a good Sunday everyone !

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  15. Good morning and Happy Sunday!

    Getting ready for my Virtual writing class at 9am this morning.

    Despite the Center on Disease Control changes regarding the mask mandate, I CONTINUE to wear my mask because not everyone is vaccinated.

    To my surprise, some restaurants are allowing people inside. We are supposed to reopen in June. We had a long lockdown, which I thought was a good idea.

    Tomorrow I will be fully vaccinated. Though I Continue to wear a mask because you never know who is vaccinated and who is not.

    Diana

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  16. I'm ridiculously excited about going to a baby shower this afternoon. I've never been one for showers of any kind, but getting to see (and HUG) family members has me absolutely giddy!

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    1. Giddy is a great description of how it feels to get together with family and friends again, Annette. Have a great time today!

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  17. Rhys here:
    We’ve been to our house in Arizona, hugged family and friends there and now returned to California where we have walked without masks, been to the Van Gogh exhibit and are having friends to dinner, indoors! I’d love to plant new flowers but we are in drought situation here

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    1. How was the exhibit? We have tickets In August for Buffalo. Many years ago we saw something similar in France, Cezanne, and I’ve never forgot it

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  18. That sounds wonderful, everyone! We had a banner year for tulips! And the last are just coming inside. Everything is blooming like crazy, and of course the ducks are here. we went out to dinner in a restaurant,( well, outside) , for the first time, and it was really interesting. A street in a suburb nearby has been blocked off, and all the restaurants along the street moved their operations outside – – so it is very festive with twinkly lights and cherry blossoms everywhere. it was so much fun, but bottom line… Bizarre.

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  19. And the mask thing is so strange. People still wear them, including me, even though I have been fully vaccinated for months. I really think sone people who are not wearing masks are not vaccinated, and assuming everyone will think they are. It is way too scary.

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    1. Walmart now doesn't require masks. I will NOT be going inside one (not that I ever do, actually, but...). The whole thing is scary, and the main reason I don't want to fly and mingle at conventions, alas.

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    2. Target and Trader Joe's have dropped theirs too. I'll see what Trader Joe's is like this afternoon but I'm still wearing a mask.

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    3. Publix is another store that's dropped their requirements. So when the infection rates go back up, all those stores should be held criminally liable for any deaths, the rat bastards.

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    4. Edith, when I was at Left Coast Crime in San Diego just before the lockdown, I saw a few people at LCC already wearing masks.

      Totally understand not wanting to fly and mingle at conventions. Yesterday for the first time since the pandemic with the lifting of masks, I noticed a few people smoking. Yikes!

      Diana

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    5. Jay,

      Thanks for sharing about Publix. Definitely would not go there!

      Diana

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  20. This afternoon I will going into church, the actual building, with the choir and organist to record, at a distance, hymns for next Sunday's outdoor service. This will the first time for most members since the lockout.

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    1. Deana, I'm sure that will be really special for you. I have several friends who sing in choirs, and I know how hard this last year has been without that outlet.

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  21. I had a wonderful day yesterday, going to the garden center with Deb and beginning to collect new plants for my patio plant stand. Everything on it died in the February deep freeze, but now I can see a few blooms (and lots of potting) in my future.

    After the garden center I enjoyed that blackberry ginger beer on Debs' lovely front porch, then went out to dinner with a friend for the first time in more than a year. Her favorite Italian place had reopened, and we ate indoors because there weren't too many people in the room. It felt perfectly safe, and we laughed until tears came to our eyes.

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    1. Question: I've read about ginger beer in any number of books, but have never had it. I'm not a beer drinker, so am wondering how this compares to regular beers. The blackberry version looks delicious!

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    2. Flora, ginger beer is kind of like gingerale, but not so sweet. And usually does not have alcohol in it.

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    3. Yes, Flora, ginger beer is not alcoholic. It is usually very ginger-y and not nearly as sweet as big brand ginger ale. Here's a link to our local craft distiller, just for fun. https://www.socogingerbeer.com/
      They sell at the farmer's market, using returnable bottles. The blackberry is a big seasonal favorite.

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    4. Thank you, Karen and Deborah--sounds like something I'll be trying in the near future!

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    5. I loved your pic on FB yesterday, Gigi, of Debs' front porch!

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    6. She didn't get many of the flowers, though!

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  22. I finished mulching the huge flowerbed by the driveway, then splurged on new cushions for my garden swing, ordered new webbing for my glider chair, and spent time searching for fabric to make a new canopy for my swing--it sits within the flowerbed and has become my favorite place to spend time outdoors. A fountain, walkway, and bird feeders will be added as well this year.

    My older sister and I are fully vaccinated and hope to make a roadtrip to Florida sometime in the near future to visit our youngest brother. I am still cautious about going places locally and haven't eaten out, but am planning to attend an outdoor party to celebrate an older nephew's marriage (very small wedding was held in December).

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  23. I'm still in wait-and-see mode on my flower beds. I'm in no hurry to "fix" anything. I thought we'd be on a road trip by now but I postponed it. Frank has been having issues with really tight muscles. Getting up in the morning has been painful and he hobbles around like Amos McCoy. But he saw a PT and has been doing the exercises religiously. He's talking about a 3 or 4 day trip to get away. Granddaughter turns 21 on Tuesday. We'll be dining at Brennans, cousin to the one in New Orleans. That seems to be our special event restaurant. It is sultry outside this weekend in anticipation of the rainy week to come. Like rain every single day. Granddaughter finishes her school term Thursday, flies home to Ohio the next day, gets her first covid shot the following day.
    We'll see her again in ten weeks for her final 10-week term and graduation. Gosh, it's been both a fast and a long two years!

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    1. Rainy here all week, too, Pat. In fact it looks like twilight out my porch windows right now. Brennan's, what fun! The New Orleans Brennan's was a highlight of my childhood visits. My dad loved it.

      My daughter and I have floated the idea of taking a one day road trip to Houston in June, in between our June birthdays, to see the Hockney exhibition. And stay one night at the Zaza:-)

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    2. And congrats to your granddaughter!

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  24. Spring is coming along up here on the Canadian prairie. In Manitoba, it is soooooo dry that it's been called an official drought. Very scary given how grass fires and forest fires can get started in such dry soil.

    Nonetheless, in my garden, things are poking up and, with a bit of judicious watering, the native violets and some lamium is blooming with tiny flowers. Other than that, the perennials are making their presence known in many different shades of green -- which I just love seeing. Slow it may be up here, but spring is definitely coming along.

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    1. I love hearing about different parts of Canada, Amanda. Do you normally get summer rains?

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  25. Fully vaccinated and mostly gardening. I might be able to have lunch with my cousins this week. They will only eat outside. I will continue to wear masks when I'm in public because I know from one of my former co-workers on Facebook that she not only doesn't believe in the vaccines but doesn't believe in wearing masks. How can someone say wearing masks is unhealthy? Surgical teams wear masks for hours long operations. They're not keeling over or having problems. I hope businesses still require masks because some people won't get the vaccine. Those people make it hard for the rest of us, especially people with health problems who really can't get the vaccine.
    Happy Spring. Stay safe and well.

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