Officially Part of the Herd

 After several false starts, I finally received my COVID-19 vaccination today. Icy and snowy conditions prevented me from three previous appointments at the Franklin County Health Department. 

Today the sun was shining on me, literally and figuratively.

Wearing vaccination badge

As of Feb. 22, I'm one of 44 million Americans who have received at least the first shot; 19 million have been injected with two shots, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

It's a relief to be vaccinated although I still have to wait another 28 days for my second shot. I know of people who have had the disease and a few who did not survive. 

So far, more than 500,000 Americans, including more than 4,600 in my native Kentucky, have lost their lives from the effects of the novel coronavirus. That's more than the total of those U.S. citizens who died in World War I, World War II, the Korean Conflict, and the Vietnam War. Those are staggering numbers to comprehend.

It's a shame that the ineptitude of our government the past year didn't do more to educate our citizens about the disease and the simple ways to prevent the spread. It has been estimated the 40 percent of those lives (200k) could have been prevented if proper and prudent action had been taken. 

I haven't felt any side effects from the vaccine. I understand that those in my age group may suffer fewer problems because of a declining immune response. I'm guessing that is good. The only thing I noticed was my daily nap where I slept 90 minutes rather than my usual 45. 

Check out this article from AARP if you have questions and concerns about the vaccine. If we're going to lick this 21st century scourge, we need to work together and that includes getting vaccinated, wearing masks, and maintaining a safe social distancing until we'out of the woods with the herd immunity. 

I'm proud to be part of the herd.

Until the next time . . .

Hello 2021

We finally made it to 2021!

It doesn't feel any different from the last day of 2020 except for a sense that life will return to some semblance of normal. It may take a while, some experts say in the fall, but at least that's a ray of light after enduring the dark days of the past year.

I hope there will be incremental improvements in the coming months as more and more people get vaccinated. It will be incumbent on everyone to wear a mask and practice personal hygiene such as regular washing of hands. I admit I have my doubts about this because of the selfish attitude of a few who feel it infringes on their personal freedom. Aren't they infringing on the freedom of others by spreading the lethal coronavirus? 

But I digress. 

It'll be nice to see people returning to sporting events . . . weddings . . . family reunions . . . religious services . . . picnics . . . shopping areas . . . birthday parties . . .

On a sadder note, being able to show final respects at funeral homes and cemeteries for loved ones who have died. Perhaps visiting those on their deathbeds in hospitals and nursing homes to let them know you love them and to provide comfort with a final farewell so they don't depart this Earth alone. 

I stopped making New Year's resolutions a long time ago. However, I have goals I want to achieve over the course of time, but they don't have to begin on Jan. 1.

Here are a few odds and ends: 

• 
  On the Goodreads 2021 Reading Challenge, I plan to read 24 books this year. My goal was 18 last year and I read 31. (Feel free to friend and/or follow me.)
• I have a large shed that is loaded with stuff, some more than 50 years old. Since the Smithsonian is unlikely to be interested in any of the hidden treasures, I hope to get it cleaned out (much to the delight of my wife). My sons should appreciate it as well since they won't be burdened with sorting through it off if I kick the bucket. The decluttering of the house, especially my study, is an ongoing and neverending project.
• I want to have my next novel in the John Ross Boomer Lit series ready for publication in late 2021. The fourth installment, Make Room for Family, will be released on Feb. 1.
• I want to reconnect with old friends and relatives because life has an undisclosed expiration date. It's a two-way street so let me know if you want to see me.
• I'd like to make some progress on cataloging and editing my photos (it's become computer clutter).

I hope the coming months are filled with joy and happiness to everyone! And if you encounter obstacles along the way, don't forget that you overcame a lot in 2020.

Until the next time . . .

Show Some Respect and Keep Your Distance

I've been out several times during the pandemic, going to the pharmacy, supermarket, hardware store, or a restaurant's drive-thru or curbside service. 

I always wear a mask. And I try to maintain a safe distance from others when I'm inside a store. Even in my neighborhood, when I take my dogs for a short walk, I keep a respectful space from others that I encounter.

One thing I've noticed in stores is that most people wear a mask and try to maintain the six-foot safe distance from others. But there are a few out who are defiant of these simple measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

I've read and seen on TV and social media that these poor souls feel that it's an infringement of their freedom. Does that freedom include the right to spread germs and endanger the lives of others? 

That's utterly stupid. And, in my opinion, they look stupid in businesses and other public places by not wearing a mask. They stand out like clueless clowns.

When I encounter those ingrates in stores, I don't say a word because I sense they will become unhinged and begin to cry about these "unjust" these safety measures on their shallow lives. They spew enough bombastic rhetoric as it is without compounding it with spraying COVID-19 into the air.  

But I do try to make eye contact, if possible, and go in a different direction. I avoid them, pardon the expression, like the plague. If they're trying to make a statement about their right to spread a silent disease, then I'm doing the same by steering clear of them. And I hope they notice. 

It's a matter of respect. Those who refuse to wear a mask don't respect or care about the well-being of others.  And I refuse to show the unmasked blockheads any respect.

For those who need a refresher on how to protect yourself and others during the pandemic, check out the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's guidelines by clicking here.

In the meantime, stay healthy and safe.

Until the next time . . .