Putting a Freeze Hold on Vaccination

I had been looking forward to today since this past Sunday. That's when I scheduled my COVID-19 vaccination at the Franklin County Health Department. 

Then the freezing rain came yesterday, leaving a glistening and icy cover throughout much of Kentucky and surrounding states. I had the bright idea earlier that morning of backing my car out of the garage before things got too bad and leaving it at the top of the driveway so I could pull out on the salt-treated street and be on my merry way to the health department.

But I was too late, When I backed out my car, it kept going backward—off the driveway to the backyard. I wasn't too concerned because I thought I would be able to get traction on the grass and drive up the side of the driveway. Needless to say, the grass and ground were freezing and slick. Even having my wife push the car from the rear didn't help (just kidding, she was behind the wheel while I pushed.)

Fortunately, I was able to reschedule my appointment for tomorrow afternoon. I'm hoping temps will rise to the mid-30s today and melt some of the stuff. It's probably wishful thinking since the forecast calls for a high of 30 and mostly cloudy. As I write this, it's 25 and overcast. The forecast for Friday is a high of 35 and partly sunny. 

Ever since the vaccines were announced back in November, I've been waiting for my time to face the needle. Every time I got a little sniffle, tiny cough, or some minor aches and pains, I was somewhat concerned that I could have symptoms and be the next coronavirus victim. I have friends and relatives who contracted the virus; if it happened to them, it could happen to me. 

I read this morning that about one in three Americans aren't sure they will be vaccinated. I'm telling you now that I'm in the two of three Americans category who will get the shot. I don't want to be a spreader of the potentially deadly disease that has claimed nearly 475,000 lives in the past year.

Until the next time . . .

NaNoWriMo Progress Report

We're 10 days into National Novel Writing Month and it hasn't been as smooth as I would have liked at this point.

I'm averaging 1,358 words a day; it should be 1,667 if I'm going to reach 50k by Nov. 30. I'm not concerned because I generally write in big bursts, sometimes 3,000-4,000 words a day. 

As mentioned in a previous post, I'm using a rough outline to keep me somewhat focused on the ultimate goal. I've veered off it a few times as the characters took over in places. That always happens as I delve deeper into a story.

This work-in-progress will be the fifth novel in my John Ross Boomer Lit series. The fourth book will be published on Feb. 1, 2021. The first three were Old Ways and New Days, Darkness Beyond the Light, and New Horizons (you can find them on Amazon, B&N, and other websites).  If all goes well, I hope the latest will be released in late 2021 by Wings ePress.

My biggest distraction thus far has been the election on Nov. 3. I found myself watching TV and reading news reports about the outcome of the presidential race in several states. I was relieved it finally ended five days later but it still lingers day-to-day with court threats and probably recounts. I hope it ends soon so we can get back to some degree of normalcy.

And then there is the increasing number of COVID-19 cases and deaths—in the U.S. and worldwide—and it almost becomes an overload when trying to write. At least there was some positive news this week about a possible vaccine.

At my age, I get more mentally exhausted at times. Writing is often an escape from reality, much like reading can be when getting lost in a good book. The key is finding a good balance in life. I try to do that by what I watch and read as well as daily exercise and other activities.

The happenings of the past few months, taking a lot of things into account, would make for an interesting novel. No doubt you've heard the expression, "life is stranger than fiction." Don't be surprised if some of the novels published in the coming months and years reflect these crazy times. I'm not sure if I would want them on my reading list because peace of mind isn't always 2020.

Until the next time . . .