As of last Friday, we have received both shots of Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine as part of the first wave of the >65 age group. We only traveled 8 minutes from home, and we’ve had no negative reactions. Check that milestone off the list.
Thanks go out to our NH Governor Sununu for setting up the system which has not been without some bumps along the way, C&J Bus Service for donating their station which works perfectly for a mass distribution like this, and to the NH National Guard and local EMS folks who are doing a great job administering the vaccine.
Both our shots were delivered without getting out of our car. We opened the car door, pulled up our sleeves, and the shots were administered.
Almost 100,000 NH residents have received the vaccine which is 7.3% of the population, and the supply continues to increase each week.
Have you been able to receive your vaccine or get an appointment?
Life has not dramatically changed, but a huge load was lifted off our shoulders. We’re still wearing masks, social distancing, and doing more curbside pickups than shopping trips, but it alleviates the permeating fear.
We received a card with both shots listed including date, source, and lot info which have been stored with other important papers. Before I put them away, I made a reduced copy on my printer and laminated them. We now have them handy in our wallets if anyone wants to see them.
It’s been a long year, and 2021 will not be normal either, but this is a good time to stop and thank family members who have gone out of their way to check on seniors, to pick up a few groceries, grab a library book, take a pet to a vet, or drop off a dessert – thank you. It’s also a good time to thank friends, who have made an effort to call, text, or email to check in and make sure all is well. Hearing your voice and trading laughs means the world.
It’s also a perfect time to thank the blogging community for helping us keep our sanity during this isolation. Encouragement, positive messages, chuckles – I thank you for all them.
Now, we head into March, and I for one am thinking gardening and getting outside. I finished one spring time sewing project and am working on another.
Life is good this first day of March unless my friends who did travel to SC post too many photos of those cute turtles, beautiful camellias, and their smiling faces, and I sink into a deep depression. π
Stay safe.
We opened the 65+ door a little later, but shot-1 is done and shot-2 is next week. The local CVS handled the arrangements. I, too am starting to think about projects and getting out of the house and getting dirty (sawdusty). Thanks for thanking the folks we all should thank. Take care, Judy but stay careful.
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Hooray for CT shots! Yes, dirty fingernails and sawdust sounds like a perfect recipe. That’s the secret – staying careful. π Happy Monday, Dan.
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Congrats! After 6 weeks of trying, I finally got an appointment for next week. Actually my niece’s techie son got it for me. In our state you have to contact every pharmacy/hospital/outlet that is giving them. There is no centralization so for 6 weeks I was stalking 4 sites without luck and was on 3 waiting lists. He set up a refresh and alert on his system and within 12 hours, he got me an appointment. There is something wrong with that (most seniors wouldn’t know how to do that) but at least I got one. My husband, who is older than me, got his at our local hospital but they are not yet vaccinating anyone under 75 unless you are an emergency front line worker. Now onto spring. I’ve had enough of winter for sure!
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It’s always a good thing to have a technical relative, but you are right, it shouldn’t be that difficult to start with. When we started the online process to get our first shot it was way more complicated than a lot of seniors could handle. NH had to make it simpler because there was a huge outcry. It seems to be going smoothly now. Bottom line, we just want the shots so we can move on into spring without it hanging over our heads. Hope yours goes as effortless as ours. π
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Congrats. Pam and I have shots and appointments. Moving forward.
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Terrific, and that’s right – moving forward. π
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We are still patiently waiting, but at least Maine is about to start jabbing us younguns under 70.
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Isn’t it interesting how each state started with a different age group. NH was going to start with >75 and then dropped it down to >65. I will be wishing you an appointment sooner than later. Stay well and keep weaving so the rest of us can ooh and aah. π
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Woohoo, your shots are done! What a relief for you. Love your sewing project. It screams SPRING!
I echo all your ‘thanks’.
No appointments available here yet, so no vaccine. Eventually. On the one hand the government and health officials are constantly telling us to ‘get the shot’. On the other hand they’ve made it next to impossible to do that! To set up a system that requires everyone to have a computer, and for everyone to know their way around a computer, was an accident waiting to happen.
Ginger
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I am truly amazed how each state is different and in some situations, each county. I am sincerely hoping that the vaccine finds its way to your part of the state soon and getting an appointment is not a huge hassle. Fingers crossed. π
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Judy, Florida is rolling out the vaccine pretty quickly, and efficiently. We had some bumps in the beginning but things are smooth now. Over 50% of our county’s seniors have received at least their 1st shot. Malcolm and I are among those. We will get out 2nd next week. We feel a lot more secure, but will be wearing masks for a long time to come. I am sorry that you forfeited your trip to SC this year, but it was probably for the best. Springtime has already arrived in South Florida, and we are happy little clams!
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Sounds like your rollout is going well, and congrats on your upcoming 2nd shot. I’m thrilled to know spring has arrived because that means it will start its slow move my way. π
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Congratulations!!!! My husband and I are scheduled for our first in two weeks.
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Thank you and glad you’re scheduled as well. Take care.
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Congrats! Now it’s time to enjoy spring.
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That’s right – let’s get outside ASAP or as soon as Mother Nature allows it. π
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What a relief for you both to have that out of the way! And a hearty βwell done!β To the officials who made drive up appointments possible. Wish we had that here. Weβre on two lists, but nothing yet.
Spring is in the air! Temps of 40-ish have melted most of the single dump of snow we had and itβs been sunny almost every day.
How sweet your tulip still life is! Thatβs a felt collage, right?
Speaking of blogger support, Lisa appreciated your comment on my site, and I relish our coast-to-coast network that starts in NH, moves west to PA, down to KY, back up to MI, across to CO, and ends up in CA for KC!
Enjoy your gardening planning, especially now that the days of actually getting out there are imminent!
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Yes, relief is definitely the right word. Glad your weather is warming up, and, yes, that was felt. It could have been wool, but that’s one fabric I don’t keep a supply of. I certainly could have used some coaching from you on hand stitches. π I finally got Lisa’s book the end of last week and was able to do a review over the weekend on Amazon. She did a great job, and I loved the material that they used on the cover. I hope it is a successful venture for her. Blogger support is a big part of starting a day off on a positive note, and I really can’t imagine not interacting with you and the other fine folks. Stay well until you get that call. We were even answering spam calls to make sure we didn’t miss anything important. π
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In Maine, March has come in dreary and gray, reminding those of us who live in northern New England what an ugly month it is. However, your blog was like a burst of sunshine. Wonderful that you both have had your shots. Soon, soon, life will open again. And I LOVED this: “Itβs also a perfect time to thank the blogging community for helping us keep our sanity during this isolation. Encouragement, positive messages, chuckles β I thank you for all them.”
Amen! Amen! You perfectly expressed what I have been thinking for some time. I don’t know how folks who don’t blog kept their sanity through all this.
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I don’t blog, but I read many blogs. Thank you, all, for realistic posts even if they sometimes aren’t all sunshine and roses. People who garden or sew or paint or … and also blog demonstrate an overall positive outlook, and I am grateful.
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You are welcome and thanks for stopping by. Hope you are well and getting ready to take March on as we head towards spring.
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Gray, rainy, and in the 40’s but will drop like a rock to single digits tonight. Yep, it’s March in New England. π Blogging has been a true education. I’ve met nice people with all kinds of interests from various points on the globe. I love it and appreciate each and every one of you. Reading posts and making comments has helped fill some of that void that came with isolating at home. Go bloggers, readers, and commenters – take us on into 2021. π
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So glad you got your vaccine shots! judy has her second on the 12th.
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Hi there, and hope you are doing well. I’m glad Judy is getting her second shot as I’m sure it will provide relief to her as well. I know you are looking forward to getting outside and breathing in fresh air and enjoying nature as much as I am. π
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I was just thinking I might do some pruning this week.
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Judy, so happy you received both shots with no side affects. We do have so much to be thankful for. We got our second one over two weeks ago and are so relieved. We also made copies of our cards and carry them with us. No one has asked to see them yet!
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Great ‘senior’ minds think alike. π I had thoughts that we’d go for a doctor visit of some type and they’d ask so we’d at least be able to pull it out without messing around trying to find it on the calendar. It will be kind of funny if no one asks for it. π
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I’ve been to a couple of doctors and no one has asked to see it yet!
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Distribution of the vaccine is sporadic. And part of that no doubt is due to limited availability of supplies and associated equipment. We are a supply and demand economy and these things don’t come out of thin air. We are on a couple of waiting lists. And depending on design of those waiting lists it can be difficult to get on them. And not having a car or a computer can add to the difficulties. When last I checked the county fair grounds were still limited to vaccinating medical personnel. And when they got to the next phase they were going to only cover all other cities in the county except Cleveland. That gave me pause. Cleveland is running their vaccine program through the health department using several local recreation centers and alternating weekend programs between the east and west side of town. It is a call in list to get in the program. You simply call in to be put on the list. None of the check back again later for an available time slots like many of the commercial pharmacies. We called about 2 weeks ago and got our first shot this past Saturday. It was a well staffed, social distanced, and smooth running operation. We are due back in 4 weeks. And in talking to other friends their are still lots of people waiting for their opening to get on the list. It is progress. Just slow progress. The other improving thing is infection rates etc. are dropping all over the country. They are still too high. Yet they are dropping. So that in itself is a good thing. Even if every state is dealing with the program in its own way.
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It is just fascinating how each state works out a plan. It sounds like it worked for you, and that is a good thing. Here in NH, only NH residents can receive a vaccine while several NH friends are in SC for the winter and they just got on a list and received their shots. You are so right about the numbers dropping, and that is such a positive along with the number of folks lining up to be vaccinated. We all have to be patient a while longer, but it looks like we’re headed in the right direction. And to add to the plus side, it won’t be long before we’re both back in our gardens. π
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Hoorah, It is so good to hear that you both have gotten your vaccination shots. My husband and I both have had our Moderna shots through our local hospital and have just now passed the two week threshold after the second shot. No problems and now we should have a good immunity but will still take care and wear masks. I’m happy reading that others have been as lucky with no adverse reactions. We took photos of our cards to keep on our iPhones so we will always have a copy nearby. We are also going to do like you did and make laminated cards.
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A big congrats right back at you for your Moderna shots. It is a real positive to read how many in our little blogging community are vaccinated, still being careful, and feeling positive about the road ahead. Taking photos is also a good thing. I’m guessing you’ll need it for your next trip. π
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Wonderful that you have both shots! I will have my second shot next week, and I’ve been encouraged to hear that older people are mostly having minimal reactions. The process here seems to be going relatively well. I am very grateful for bloggers and others who have kept me from going under, but still I can’t help knowing that I need a vaccine against grumpiness. Your flowers are gorgeous, gorgeous!
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I am so glad you are a week away from your second shot. While you’re there, can you check on that grumpy shot? If so, find out if I can order one to be sent here. You are definitely not the only one who could benefit from one of those. π
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Well, for the moment I am not grumpy because I am sitting here laughing.
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I’m so glad neither of you had any adverse reactions to the shots!
I’ve got some yard work to do, but have been putting it off. Now that the weather looks like it’s improving I’ll have to get out and do it so the spring and summer flowers I do have look okay when they arrive.
Happy Gardening my friend! xx
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Yard work you say? Oh, I wish I was closer, I’d grab my gloves and tools and head right over. And, maybe before I got dirty you could give me a camera lesson. Now that would be a win/win. π
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And so. much. fun!!! π
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I love your uplifting post, and echo many of your thank yous. We got our second jabs last week and feel such a sense of relief. Like you, nothing will change too much in the short term but having those vaccines makes me feel like there will be an end to all of this. While both of us had sore arms, I also had a flu-like reaction starting the evening of the day we got our shots and lasting overnight. All is well now and I consider it a small price to pay.
As far as gardening goes, we are still getting tomatoes off our vine from last season so Iβm struggling between the idea to take it out so I can plant a new one this spring, or just let the superstar do itβs thing. Either way, Iβm happy that the days are getting longer and warmer.
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Hooray for two shots but sorry you had a bad reaction. You’re still getting tomatoes off last year’s plant? Now, that is a hoot, and I bow to your gardening skills. That is truly impressive. I don’t know if I could pull that plant out either, of course, I sit here with a house plant that is 43 years old, and I can’t bear to get rid of it. π
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Woot woot! Congrats to both of you! I”m so glad you gave shout-outs to those entities (and people) that deserve kudos for making all of this easier on citizens. It does indeed take a village. Looking forward to your future outdoor-related posts now. – Marty
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You nailed it – it is taking a village to pull it off. I’ve never had any interactions with the National Guard folks before, and I must say I am impressed. I don’t know about other states, but I’m not picturing NH being able to do a project like this without their help.
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Congrats, Judy. We’re still waiting, but we’ll make it there eventually. So glad garden season is almost here!
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Rev up your gardening engines, Eliza, we’re getting close. π I hope you get a call soon about a shot.
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Congrats on getting the shot. It has indeed been a long year and I’m looking forward to spring flowers.
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You’ll see them before me so take lots of photos. π
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Congrats on being “shot” twice! My second one is tomorrow. Grateful to Pfizer, the health care professionals, and those in charge of the mass vaccinations. Now, onward!
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Happy second shot day! We didn’t get to see Pawley’s Island this winter, but maybe you will get to enjoy it. π
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My shot is done, and so far so good. Will think of you at Pawleys. Mostly what we do there is sit on the beach and accomplish very little!!!
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Sounds like a plan to me. π
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What great news, Judy! Today’s my husband’s birthday and the best present was him getting an appointment for his first shot. My parents and I get our second on Mar. 9, which will be a red-letter day. I don’t recall if I already mentioned this story, but a couple weeks ago, my husband tried signing up and got an appointment at a high school just over an hour away. After waiting in line in the car for an hour, they refused to give him a shot, as he was less than two weeks from turning 65 and the website, which asks for your birth date, gave him an appointment. The girl apologized because their website wasn’t that good, but good grief! That’s not IT rocket science!! And since they’d given him an appointment, that meant they had a dose for him. But I didn’t feel like making a stink, so we left with bad tastes in our mouths. My experience however, was excellent.
Once I’m a few weeks past the second shot, I’ll be thinking seriously about travel to Southern California when the kids there are settled into their new place and our daughter can take a few days off while I’m there and back to Chicago to visit friends. Hurrah!
janet
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Glad your husband finally got his appointment and that you and your parents are on schedule for your second dose. The CDC computer system we used like yours I’m guessing hadn’t really been tried out on a scale like this. I hope the IT folks across the country are making adjustments or taking notes so if this, God forbid, ever happens again the system will work better. Yes, I’m guessing you will have much better visits with family and friends knowing that you’ve received both doses.
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Great to read you have had your vaccine Judy… this time next year youβll be somewhere sunny and warm! This year feels a bit more like normal life to me, cross fingers it stays that way. I completely agree about blogging friends…so nice to open my emails and find out what friends all over the world are doing. Hope you are celebrating your vaccine with coffee and cake. ππ
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I’ve learned from seeing how your beautiful country handled this pandemic. Your numbers are so much better than ours. ππ» It seems crazy, but I am in my mind already looking forward to next winter in warm country. Yes, we celebrated with coffee and cake! You know me well. π
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That’s wonderful. My Mum has been able to have her first injection and I was so happy I nearly cried. She had the same one as you and had no problems with it either. Here in England there is a longer wait for her to get the second one – up to twelve weeks.
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I’ve heard that after the first shot you are 50% covered so that is a good thing, but 12 weeks is a long time to wait for the second one. The second shot of Pfizer here ‘has’ to be distributed within 7 days of the 21 day target date. Maybe the countries are using different versions. Everything seems to be different from state to state here and from country to country. Best thing though is that she has had one shot and is in the system to get the second one. π
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She has had the same Pfizer vaccine, but we are breaking the guidelines. We have had a more easily spreading variant widely present and have taken a gamble that it is better to protect more of our most vulnerable people partially, hoping the first one will protect them from severe disease. Our national health service makes it easier to collect data, so we should know within a few weeks, but the initial signs are quite promising. It is perhaps easier to take a bold risk when things are really bad. I don’t envy anyone taking the decision, but can only keep my fingers crossed it will work out.
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The folks with the data have sure had to make some challenging choices. I had read that the first shot protects one up to 50% so as you said, that may save a lot of lives.
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Good for you! In 100 years those laminated vaccine cards will be collector’s items, I’m sure.
They’re about to open age 50+ here, so The Mister will be first. I reckon I’ll get mine before summer at this rate.
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Thank you for the laugh out loud moment at the collector’s items, but not so much for the fact that you are barely out of your teens. π Stay well until it is your turn.
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Congratulations on completing your vaccinations! It does bring peace of mind. Weβve had our first shots (and thanks for the reminder about the card – gotta keep that safe).
All the little kindnesses really do add up, donβt they?
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Marty is right – it is taking a village of volunteers in each area to pull this massive undertaking off and applause to each and every one of them. Glad you got your first shots and now on to the second one.
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Congratulations!! Now onto spring and planting!
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Yes, all things green and dirty fingernails. π
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Beautiful handstitched project! This is something I have never tried. Our LQS has a “wool club”, and maybe in the future, I might take a class. My quilting neighbor does a lot of wool applique work and I am always in awe. Glad you have gotten your vaccine without difficulties. Delaware has about 10% of the residents immunized, but it is a SLOW process. My hubby is still waiting on his “invitation” from the state, and I am as well. Frustrating. I hope your spring weather comes early, and you have a chance to get outdoors and enjoy the planting!
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Wool applique is truly an entire different venture. I have a friend who produces gorgeous projects, but that is her thing. It’s not my thing, and so I do one here or there but with felt so I don’t have to accumulate an entire stash of wool which is expensive. Hand stitching is also not a skill of mine, give me a sewing machine any day. π
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For all those reasons stated, this is why I have not ventured into wool applique. My friend Carole Carter does some “slow stitching” projects but honestly, hand work doesn’t excite me…except for my English paper piecing hexies when I travel. It will take a lifetime to get one quilt done.
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I am still waiting for my group to be called for vaccine.
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Hope you get a call soon. π They’re having a mass immunization clinic here this weekend where they are hoping to immunize 10,000 people. Whew, hope it works out.
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Great news that your vaccinations are complete. That must be such a relief for you. Here the roll out has begun, but we’re in group 2A so it won’t be for a while yet. Luckily there’s no community transfer here so we’re pretty safe – still taking precautions though. Your sewing project is gorgeous. Happy spring to you!
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Yes, it is a big relief to have the vaccines. Sewing has kept me somewhat sane as I wait for spring. π
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It’s wonderful news that you’ve received the vaccine, Judy, but I’m glad you are following the CDC and personal guidelines that keep you and your husband safe. I’m in the under 65 group and not sure when I’ll get the first shot, but I’m hopeful it will be before summer.
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Patience is a virtue, they keep telling us. π I definitely hope you get it before summer so you can enjoy your bike rides and maybe even talk to some folks along the way instead of trying to stay away from them. π
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CONGRATULATIONS Dear friend Judy! A cloud has been lifted! We too are fully vaccinated and we are loving every minute of it! Good idea to make smaller pictures of them for the wallet. I took pictures of them and sent them in an email to me. My son just informed me that Ohio is going 16+ starting April 1! Hallelujah… my kids are going to get vaccinated soon!
Your Spring project is beautiful! Love all your projects!
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Hooray for both doses and that the younger members of your family may be on the way to shots too. It is a great load off the shoulder even though we still have to exercise caution. Have fun!
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