A Good First Step

Today I received my first dose of the Pfizer vaccine. On an unoccupied sixth floor of a health system office building, I joined others in the 1b group, snaking around in a socially-distanced line. After a temperature check, I was called to a numbered table to fill out some paperwork, then to another table to have someone enter my information in the computer. I wound through a hallway to reach the nurse, who asked me a couple questions and then administered the vaccine. Joining many others, I took a chair and waited for 15 minutes to see if a reaction might occur. A paramedic and crash cart stood by, just in case. The hundreds of people I observed were either my age or older or had a disability. I was in and out in less than a half hour--very efficient indeed. Vaccine #2 will happen in two weeks.

Andy and I registered with Dallas County, Baylor Scott & White Healthcare and a local non-profit organization, figuring one of them had to hit. Strangely, I heard from BSWH, but Andy didn't, even though his underlying health conditions are more serious. I was told that a big batch of vaccine was on its way, so perhaps he'll hear soon.

Covid-19 hit too close for comfort a few weeks ago. My eldest daughter, Alison and Hannah's two kids all tested positive. Fortunately, Alison had only mild symptoms but had to stay home from work for two weeks per company policy. Lena and Noah did remote learning for the same time period, and because Booker had been exposed to his mom, he also stayed home. 

Meanwhile, daily life continues to be incredibly boring. We take care of the house, watch movies, cook and read. I'm midway through a 1,000 piece puzzle of Gustav Klimt's Woman in Gold. Toby and I get out for a walk a couple times a day and I use the recumbent bike several times a week. On the weekend, we generally get together for a family meal at Hannah's, which is always nice. Once in a great while we go out for a meal but keep our distance from others. The only good news in this scenario is that we're not spending much money on eating out or entertainment!

The federal government and other organizations will be making a big push in the coming weeks to get as many Americans as possible vaccinated. This we must do to bring down the rate of infection and tragic death toll. In the meantime, wear your mask, keep your distance, wash your hands and get the vaccine as soon as you can. Our country (and the economy) needs you to do your part. 

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