Seems the wildfires up in Western Canada are spreading smoke that causes haze even here. Not really surprising, as that's the way the prevailing weather travels in this part of the prairie states.
I had been out in the hazy air unmasked yesterday, and also the day before. Guess whose nose is dripping. That is relatively common this time of year anyway for me. So I decided today that wearing a mask, even outdoors, was the better part of valor. I probably should have masked the past two days, too, but can't change history, just do better now.
Among the gifts the pandemic gave us was the freedom (and maybe courage) to not care if we felt silly or judged when preserving our health and that of others! In my neck of the woods... a mask is NO BIG DEAL, even if you're the only one wearing it! The guy who estimated my tree work two months ago wore a mask for his allergies, even being fully vaccinated against Covid-19. If you feel a mask is wise... go for it!
End of Public Service Announcement. Almost. I do have to say that I am glad we Aunties nagged my niece in NY into getting vaccinated a few months back, when she was a bit skeptical. Nag your loved ones, but gently. Not taking the vaccine, you are betting the virus won't get you before you are ready or that the virus dies out before you "get around to it". The consequences of losing this bet are too ugly to think of.
Enough! How about something more upbeat? A friend of mine is retiring this month, and she's training for Ironman, California. One of her goals is to complete a triathlon in every state of the US. Her new motto, which I told her I am totally stealing: “Adventure before Dementia!”
Gotta love it!
Now, let's all get out there and live the very best Monday, August 2nd, 2021 we can, right where we are in life's stages. After all, it's the only one we'll ever get. And life is good! Let's keep it that way, and Spark on! ✨💖🎇
I like that motto. That is quite a goal she set for herself.
ReplyDeleteI have total faith in her. This is not her first Ironman distance effort. LOVE the motto.
DeleteI’m in Florida; need I say more? I never did give up wearing masks indoors. I’m about to start limiting outings again after two vaccinated friends got Covid. Stay safe and well!
ReplyDeleteNo, you need say no more. Problem here, is since to Gov took down the "dashboard" we don't have real time numbers. He publishes numbers of cases only once a week, not interactive at all. The news outlets have to do the math and put it up. CNN was reporting today that we've had a 150% rise in cases in the past month. I think our Governor and yours are in the running for... I don't know what title we should give them. But it's not "healer in chief".
DeleteNebraska seems to be operating from the same Governor's Manual as here in Texas. The hospital systems have taken to running PSA's frequently on the severe shortage of ICU beds in their areas. Local news stations have been interviewing ICU docs and nurses plus families that have lost loved ones to the virus pleading for folks to get vaccinated and practice safety guidelines. And the spikes keep rising. Sigh.
ReplyDeleteUh, yeah. Fortunately for me, I live in "The People's Republic of..." Lincoln, where the Governor can't get his hands on our public health department. They are still publishing full statistics. Our hospitals are not (yet) overrun, and the mayor and public health director have been out warning us of our increasing danger... and consequently, you are starting to see more voluntary use of masks by folks like myself. We were the first county to put in a masking order, and the last one to lift it. Our public schools were open in person all last year, with masks required. School starts in just a couple of weeks... hoping they get their guidelines in shape by then.
DeleteUp the road a piece, where Omaha doctors are doing the same as your doctors... they are full up and opening new Covid wards again.
Do your best to keep yourself safe down there, and I'll commit to the same up here!
We had horrible haze two weeks ago from the fires. I felt it when I breathed. It felt crummy and masks helped. Good choice.
ReplyDeleteThanks. Masks do help with allergens AND smoke.
DeleteAlmost every one who has the virus, is ill, and had not been vaccinated echoes remorse for not having done so. HOPE people listen to that!
ReplyDeleteI feel blessed to be vaccinated (DH too) but am not taking any chances, either. Masking up.
The five folks that Carl was herding through the dog park yesterday are all fully vaccinated, but who knows about the rest of the people at that park? Thankfully outdoors!
DeleteVigilance pays! Be safe!
Yes you got to be careful with the smoke too.
ReplyDeleteFor some reason I am not getting your last 2 blogs to show up in my reading list. They were before but now I have to click on your page. I'm just learning this space and if you have any ideas.....Love yur blogs.
Thanks.
DeleteI am having trouble with my blog entries "lagging" getting into the Reading List! I put in a question to the Blogger Community and it seems that some latency is "normal", but we're talking 2 or three days before the blog shows up!
It used to be a few hours, but the past couple of "groups" of blogs it was 3 days, then I'm going on the third day again.
I have no control over it, and nobody has given me an answer as to what's causing the lengthy delay. It's a pain to "go hunting", and it's a pain if you're waiting for it to show up and it's been written for a while! If you're really determined, you can use the "Manage" feature of your reading list and click on the link to specific author's blog directly. Or you could bookmark my blog's page for yourself, bypassing the Reading List, but of course that's rather arrogant to think I merit that kind of special attention!
grrl, that's the main way i get to the blogspot blogs - bookmarks on my iPad
DeleteOk thanks. I thought it was something I had done. I will bookmark you. I've been reading you for a couple years, back past when your dear brother passed away. You are so optimistic and I enjoy you immensley.
DeleteAw, thanks, DebeDebe, glad you'll be able to find me, even when Blogger has "issues"!
DeleteTaking no chances here either! I like the comment "Adventure before Dementia"! Your friend is a wise woman!
ReplyDeleteYes, I rather like it, too! Made me smile! ✨🎇
Deletegoing to be taking care of my one month grandson while mom works ohyes masks are required,
ReplyDeleteSmart! Protect that precious little one by protecting yourself. Vaccine PLUS masking when in public! And the list of usual healthy practices like hand washing and disinfecting... which you'd do for infant care anyway!
DeleteThat motto suits you well!
ReplyDelete😁 I certainly thought so!
DeleteGrandsons and I masked the other day when the air quality was really poor, and smelly! Much better today, though still moderate!! I do wish all of those I love would get immunized. It's a real challenge knowing that they could get quite ill. Daughter's MIL was sick for 2 weeks and is just now seeing daylight...if only...
ReplyDeleteHugs & prayers, my friends. And a few prayerful nudges... God, if you can spare a few cycles, will you help Penny's loved ones "see the light"? Vaccination rates are ticking up as people become aware... only now...
DeleteSorry about your air quality, but agree even without that, these variants warrant masking. I certainly am not in a hurry to get Long Covid, even if my vaccination might prevent death!
ReplyDeleteAnd I really like that motto. 😁
I am happy to report your posts are showing up with almost no lag on my Wordpress list. So whatever the problem is, it seems to be only with Blogger lists. Not sure that helps with the diagnosis, but I thought I’d mention it. 💜
I might have to go create a WordPress account just for the Reading List... but right now am feeling the crunch of time to review more of my old blogs on Spark. Projects!
DeleteI hear ya. Still working on populating all the links over here: http://tinyurl.com/4a-healthy-bmi-index
DeleteThe smoke fills the air here, too. Like you, my sinuses pay the price. Even the allergy meds are not working so hot. As far as Covid and the variant goes, the next county over, sends an update every Monday. These were the numbers today: an increase of 199 cases in the past week and 379 cases in the past 2 weeks. When I read these numbers, it sends me into a rant, not that it does any good.
ReplyDeleteThe entire family, far and wide, is vaccinated, including our 13 year old DGD who lives with us. Last year it was home schooling for her (retired teacher here). In late May, I told her principal that she would be returning to in-class learning this month. Now, with the increase in numbers, I'm not so sure. Our little school is K-8, but even during the height of the pandemic, they did not require the students to mask-up. People are required to be vaccinated for small pox, measles, polio, and a myriad of other horrible diseases, but refuse to be vaccinated for Covid. I just don't get it! Instead of offering lottery incentives, maybe fines and penalties is a better choice. Enough of this!!!
Your friend sounds amazing. What a great attitude. The motto is words by which to live.
I also have to comment on your mask. Did you by chance buy it from Beau/ties? They have unique masks, and other items, that are made by workers in Vermont.
Here the web address: https://www.beautiesltd.com
I am NOT affiliated in anyway. I just really like their masks.
Thanks for the info about the emojis.
So on that note I'll close. Happy Monday! Hugs
That particular mask was from Target. I'll have to investigate Beau/ties... sounds like the kind of thing I might be interested in... if we're going to be in masks for another year or more, especially! I have 8 of various prints of that style, which I like best, also six with ear loops for quick trips into the grocery store or whatever, and I still have three that a friend of mine who is a whiz with fabrics made WAY back in March 2020 so I wouldn't have to use scarves when I went walking. Plus a packet of single use masks that my cleaning lady left me.
DeleteRanting, unfortunately, doesn't seem to convince some folks, but... sometimes it helps us blow off steam. I'm the choir, here, preacher.
May you have a good Tuesday ahead, after a good night's sleep!
“Adventure before Dementia!” I LOVE it !!!
ReplyDeleteHubby has gotten to where he wears his mask a lot ... mowing the yard, sanding the wooden beam in the kitchen, when we go on a walk outdoors and the wind is blowing around alllll the yuck in the air.
🦋
Yes, I was surprised that the guys that cleaned my duct work did NOT mask, considering how much "guck" they deal with in their job!
DeleteWinds have shifted here over the past couple of days and despite being far closer to the fires than are, we'd been spared the smoke until recently. Yesterday, we had our first unhealthy air quality readings of the year. Hadn't seen any shadows for nearly 48 hours; but, am seeing some now.
ReplyDeleteHave to agree with you that the consequences of losing the bet you've described? Far too ugly. And, for someone like myself that *cannot* get vaccinated it is downright scary.
We have very high vaccination rates 81.3% partial / 75.2% fully in our county and yet, our infection rate and hospitalization rate have returned to the December 2020 / January 2021 levels. Truly, sobering and humbling.
~ JEANKNEE
Sobering and humbling, for sure. So live carefully. Believe it or not, I actually ordered some N-95 grade masks for myself, for indoor use. But the cloth one is fine to protect from the smoke in the outdoor air.
Delete