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Tuesday Reading Kaffeeklatsch: 3/30/2021
That's great! I can't imagine how exciting it must be to see New York City come back to life after so long being dormant. I just read an article about Miami opening back up for business and it sounds a lot less safe.
I heart in IN we will not require masks after next week, so I am concerned.
However, I am getting my first shot tomorrow so there is a light at the end of the tunnel!
My husband is fully vaccinated as is most of my family.
I will feel a lot safer when that is done.
Meli wrote: "That's great! I can't imagine how exciting it must be to see New York City come back to life after so long being dormant. I just read an article about Miami opening back up for business and it so..."
Meli - great news about vaccine! Starting today, NYC is open to vaccinate anyone over 30. Of course, the doses haven't arrived yet and the blocks of appointments have yet to open, but NYS is also still opening more large high volume vaccination sites statewide. 30% of NYS residents have been vaccinated so far.
NY still has a mask manadate and limits on occupancy, etc. You will just have to be protective of yourself and your family even if all around you are drinking the coolaid. The numbers are already increasing in states that removed restrictions. It's so sad that this has become about politics and not about safety and survival.
How wonderful for you Meli! I get my 2nd dose on the 17th (or is it the 24th???-need to check my calendar). You will feel the stress immediately leave your body when they put that needle in your arm!I spent the day with my daughter, we went to Trader Joe's and put a good influx into the economy with our our purchases of wine, fruit and chocolate.
So good to hear Theresa that NYC is coming alive-however the warning from the head of CDC yesterday makes me pause. *sigh* Will we ever get to the end of the insufferable tunnel? Natalie and I actually talked about being able to visit NYC when this is all over-She has never been, I have been 3X. How I would love to take her to Little Italy, The Met, the Guggenheim. Someday soon.....
It will be so awesome to have you visit! Museums are open...with restrictions but still mostly open. Everyone remember how we came back after 9/11, especially downtown. We are already starting to do so now.
They've tentatively announced that they are going to open WA state to 16+ starting May 1st. I cannot wait! I'll be on my road trip then, but will be looking online to get my appointment for when I get back. They are talking about moving to phase 3 of opening here but I don't really feel a sense of urgency about it. My husband and I have been doing take out at our favorite local restaurants and don't have a strong desire to eat in a restaurant.
Amazon is still WFH through June but we've started talking about what going back might be like. My manager lives out near me and so does another co-worker. My manager and I have talked about designating in person meeting days and then carpooling together with our other co-worker. I cannot wait to start going into the office, some days. :) Some things are just so much easier to do in person.
My old hometown in FL, Jacksonville, no longer has a mask mandate. That's where my whole family lives and I'm scared to even ask what my family is doing. My BFF is vaccinated and her partner finishing recovering from Covid. I've seen pictures of gatherings that my friends and family participate in there and I've never been so happy that my mom is with me in WA.
My mom and I did go clothes shopping at a local outlet mall the day she got her 2nd vaccination for the first time in well over a year. It was great!! Everyone adhered to the store limits, masks, and social distancing.
I'm planning on taking her to the Tulip Festival in the next couple of weeks.
Charlotte wrote: "Some things are just so much easier to do in person...."There is so much truth in that when it comes to work and an office.
@ Charlotte-Clothes shopping, oh I will never feel the same about it! Here the dressing rooms are still closed, and my daughter and I were talking about how marvelous it will be to go and try clothes on again and not have to return them!
I'm so happy to have both vaccinations under my belt. Hubby is getting his first this Friday, so I am happy about that.Here in the Sacramento Valley we are warming up and we are preparing our Summer garden. Tomatoes fresh from the garden are a wonderful treat.
I am taking a vacation for a couple of weeks, so I am getting to see what retirement might feel like.
Glad to see everyone here is getting to stretch their wings a bit.
We celebrated Passover this past weekend. Again, my family was separated due to pandemic precautions. Passover has traditionally been a very inclusive and fun event in our family. I look forward to next year being able to celebrate in our normal way.The weather has been warm and sunny. The grass is turning a lovely green color. Today my husband and I enjoyed walking the seashore alongside Lake Erie. We soaked in the sunlight, glimmering off of the waves. After the cold winter, this felt great.
There is a dog park near my Dad's apartment. I like to take him there, so that he can get out of the house and have fun watching the dogs. He is recovering nicely from getting his teeth pulled.
Most of my family and friends will be fully vaccinated soon. I really look forward to seeing them again and not being so trapped at home. ;0)
I'm finding myself longing to visit Paris....which is like a second home for me. But so much is still closed there, as with NY. I'm not even sure my favorite little 2 star hotel is open. I've been afraid to look. I am not about to fly anywhere... but the yearnings are starting now that it has been a year.
Charlotte wrote: "They've tentatively announced that they are going to open WA state to 16+ starting May 1st. I cannot wait! I'll be on my road trip then, but will be looking online to get my appointment for when I ..."I've seen photos of the Tulip Festival. One of these days....
Good news on my end - I think I mentioned it last week, but Mom and Dad both got their first shots (Pfizer) on Saturday. And, Mom has her last cancer treatment tomorrow! (She checked with her doctor before getting the vaccine that it was ok with that last treatment so close behind.) As for me, I don't expect it will be my turn for a while yet. Summer, maybe?
And the variants keep growing here, so I hope they don't ease any restrictions anytime soon. BC just closed down some places that had been open (restaurants, gyms) due to the rising cases again. It wouldn't surprise me if we have to do that again soon, as well. (If our government even will.)
I am feeling the sense of hope ... but I believe I'll be wearing a mask in public for at least another year. I've gotten used to it, so it doesn't bother me. In fact I started double masking before I got vaccinated and have just continued that. My book clubs are starting to consider meeting in person again. One group has already begun (we're three old ladies, and all vaccinated). Another group is starting up again in May. A third group had two in-person meetings last summer when we could take advantage of one member's very large patio, we'll probably do the same again this year. Our regular meeting site isn't available (conference room at a local hospital), so we may stick with zoom for quite a long time.
Hubby and I have made our plan for the drive to our nephew's graduation in May. It will be so good to see my brothers in person once again!
@ BC- a road trip sounds so lovely, and to have family at the end of the drive, so jealous!
@BD - to your point about masks, I can't imagine not wearing one. I think I will feel super unsafe even if vaccinated because I am just so used to it. I wonder if wearing masks will lead to some Americans incorporating this into flu season even "after" COVID. It is common in Japan, South Korea, and China and I am sure many more countries. Today is my big day - first vaccine!
Scheduled my vaccines!! I'll be good to go where ever I want by May 1st. Such a relief.
Jgrace wrote: "Scheduled my vaccines!! I'll be good to go where ever I want by May 1st. Such a relief."
It feels good, doesn't it?
Coming to NYC this weekend! Will report back, but so excited!
Meli wrote: "@BD - to your point about masks, I can't imagine not wearing one. I think I will feel super unsafe even if vaccinated because I am just so used to it. I wonder if wearing masks will lead to some Am..."I am very comfortable wearing masks in public now and will for sometime.
I can say that I work in a germ factory(a preschool) and with us and the children wearing masks and having far less children, we have significantly cut down on colds and flues.
While the children do not always have their masks correctly in place, the masks do eliminate all of the mouth-nose-hands touching that preschoolers ordinarily do.
None of the teachers at our small center have had a cold or flu this winter. It has been a lesson for me in how effective the masks are.
Amy wrote: "Coming to NYC this weekend! Will report back, but so excited!"Wow! Museums are open even if no theater!
So are bookstores.
Amy wrote: "Coming to NYC this weekend! Will report back, but so excited!"Awesome! Can't wait to hear about it!
Booknblues wrote: "None of the teachers at our small center have had a cold or flu this winter. It has been a lesson for me in how effective the masks are."
The masks are certainly doing their job.
I have been the healthiest I have been in years (no colds or flu this past year, knock on wood) and I just made the connection that the mask is likely why.
I was thinking my body was afraid to get a regular cold or something and it be mistaken for COVID so my body was like "no, not getting sick at all!" but the mask preventing sickness is much more logical 😂
First time in years that I have not gotten some awful bug-knocking on wood too Meli!@JRGrace, when they stick that needle in your arm, you won't believe how emotional it is. And the tension that rolls off-it is a wonderful feeling.
@Amy, marvelous that you will be spending Passover in the city-hope there are some Rabbits walking around that will social distance dance with you!
@Joanne, I felt the same today after getting my first shot. I was in such a good mood, kinda like the last day of school / first day of summer or something.
I bought two boxes of masks right after the Tick fire in Oct. 2019. I have mild asthma and did not do well in the aftermath of smoke, ash, and terrible air quality. I continued to use those masks anytime I was using household cleaning products- big improvement with breathing issues. This past year, using masks whenever I want anywhere, even outdoors with friends, I had almost no issues with asthma. I can see a mask becoming a permanent wardrobe accessory. It's very windy today and I want to do some yard work. Where's my mask?
Everyone in NYC is talking about how this winter they had no cold, no bronchitis, no cough, no sniffles (well except allergies) and no regular flu, even where there are daycares and such open. We all agree it is not just wearing the mask, lathough that a huge part, but increased use of hand sanitizer and no one in offices or large gatherings (like theaters) spreading germs. We are all thinking we will become like so many asian countries - wear masks in public in winter.Could the cure for the common cold be that simple - mask and hand sanitizer?
Theresa wrote: "...but increased use of hand sanitizer and no one in offices or large gatherings (like theaters) spreading germs. "That is a good point!
Just got first vaccine Moderna. Woo hoo!! I'll be totally done by May. I can't wait!
The Governor in WA state just announced... EVERYONE 16 and older will be able to schedule their vaccination starting April 15th!I will be stalking those appts on the 14th and on!
Booknblues wrote: "None of the teachers at our small center have had a cold or flu this winter. It has been a lesson for me in how effective the masks are...."There has not been a single diagnosed case of the regular flu in all of Alberta this entire year!
I, too, will likely wear a mask for a while yet (of course, we still have a long way to go for vaccines here, but even after). I am certainly likely to wear one, going forward, when I have a simple cold, even.
Charlotte wrote: "The Governor in WA state just announced... EVERYONE 16 and older will be able to schedule their vaccination starting April 15th!I will be stalking those appts on the 14th and on!"
Charlotte, California is opening up the eligibility list starting tomorrow. I really didn't think I'd be allowed to make an appointment until then. I was prepared to start looking at 12:01 am. But I got an informational email this morning that suggested looking for appointments at the pharmacy that supports my prescription plan, a CVS. It was really easy with a little white lie. They asked if I had a comorbidity while assuring me that I didn't need a doctor's note to prove it. So, I said yes. That allowed me into the system to book a date. The appointment isn't until April 4th. At that point the vaccine is available to all adults.
Long story. But it might be useful if you want to beat the rush.
Jgrace wrote: "Charlotte wrote: "The Governor in WA state just announced... EVERYONE 16 and older will be able to schedule their vaccination starting April 15th!I will be stalking those appts on the 14th and on..."
I thought about doing that but they don't open the slots at the mass vaccination sites until a few days before.
The crazy thing is they have plenty of appts available right now at the pharmacies so they are booking for now, not in the future.
As we get closer I'll definitely be looking at just going ahead and scheduling.
New York Update....I have the extremely late thought of seeing if Sally or Theresa would like a bite to eat, and my son is leaving me high and dry to hang out with some friends. I have no shortage of people to hang out with in New York, but I felt this time, if the two friends I'd hoped to see weren't available, I would sit this one out and take my book and take myself out. But driving back from Hofstra to NYC, I thought to myself... Self.... Why not see if either or both of your Goodreads friends are spontaneously available? So, I guess I or we will keep you guys posted....
Amy and I had a spontaneous drinks and dinner date Saturday night in NYC! I lured her to the UWS and Nice Matin where we sat outside under one of those heaters so prevalent in French cafes and had a wonderful time meeting for the first time ever! We had such a good time!
I tried to upload the photo taken of us there but it would just not load into this comment. You can find it under my photos on my profile page. I'll play around later to see if I can get it here.
So sorry I missed you guys. You can definitely count me in next time you're meeting up in NYC.
Am I right that this wouldn't have happened before Covid? It is one of the few positive things in this last year, the connections between people who only knew each other briefly online.
Let's see if I can get your photo...
Book Concierge wrote: "Let's see if I can get your photo..."
You did it! Great picture.
Theresa wrote: "Amy and I had a spontaneous drinks and dinner date Saturday night in NYC! I lured her to the UWS and Nice Matin where we sat outside under one of those heaters so prevalent in French cafes and had ..."YAY! It's always fun to meet online friends in person! :-)
ETA: I love the photo!
Thanks BC! I can't figure out what went wrong - I had uploaded photos before....
Sallys wrote: "So sorry I missed you guys. You can definitely count me in next time you're meeting up in NYC."We did talk about you, Sally, and how we hope you can join us in future! Next time for sure!
Robin P wrote: "Am I right that this wouldn't have happened before Covid? It is one of the few positive things in this last year, the connections between people who only knew each other briefly online."Amy and I would have met eventually from offline chats. But I do think the Zoom meetups and Kaffeeklatch have made it easier to do, even faster, as we all feel we know each other better. Both those things only happened because of COVID.
Theresa is spot on! My son just took over the driving and is driving us back. So maybe I get some chapters in. Two more schools to check out.
Amy wrote: "Theresa is spot on! My son just took over the driving and is driving us back. So maybe I get some chapters in. Two more schools to check out."So cool that you and Theresa were able to meet up in person! Hopefully more of that will be happening as we get our vaccinations.
Lovely photo! We'll definitely make it happen in the future!
It was Easter Sunday in the Park with Cosmopolitans. My friend Elzby and I got slightly buzzed watching the hawks and squirrels, greeting a couple of robins, and gossiping about and solving the world's problems. Some spring flowers and a long sunset were icing on the cake. We spent 4 hours on a park bench drinking, eating, and talking, and enjoyed every second. Such a perfect end to a perfect weekend.
Sounds like you had wonderful Easter week-end.
I was able to get my first vaccination shot!!They are opening more and more places. I'm a bit confused as to whether I'm eligible or not, but I answered the questions and the site said I was eligible, so I made an appt and was vaccinated on Sat. My husband is getting vaccinated today. Yay!!!
Wonderful news Charlotte! I get my second on the 17th, and I am already trying to decide what the first thing I will do ten days later-Hopefully the weather will be good and we can go somewhere (outside) for breakfast! I love going out for breakfast
Breakfast is the best and my FAVORITE meal! I get my 2nd on May 1st. I think one of my first things might be going into downtown Seattle and actually seeing where my office and desk is!
The very first thing is the day after my 2nd shot we'll be starting our drive to Wisconsin to pick up our pup. I do feel a bit better about taking this trip know that we'll both at least be partially protected.
I know we are all still not really 'out' yet, but it is time to start looking forward and gradually ease back into doing things outside the home again, safely and carefully. I had to laugh when I read a FB comment by someone describing herself as now being a feral cat who will have to gradually be tamed! I get it, totally.
I had errands to run in the Columbia University area which is the neighborhood adjacent to where I live. Streets were busy, everything (that wasn't vacant) was open, and most exciting of all, there were small groups of students walking and talking. It's been a year since there have been groups of students to be seen. Columbia partially reopened this spring for inperson classes, and with the warm sunny weather, you see the evidence of that. The neighborhood is finally awakening again. There is a very high degree of masks and social distancing too, and people are observing the occupancy limits on stores without complaint.
I know that elsewhere - in NYC and US - people are not being as careful and observant. But when I see young people being so considerate and careful, makes me feel as if we really have rounded the curve. Spring has sprung this year!