Does it get any better than being declared #1?
Well, yes, when it is the CDC declaring that NH has more Covid Cases per capita than any other state which is quite a feat when we’re one of the top 10 smallest states in the US.
They did send us free at-home Covid tests.
We’re not hearing much from anyone except the message to get a vaccine, which is challenging because with these numbers there are more people lining up for shots before their Christmas celebrations than there are available vaccines and medical personnel to distribute them.
We’re not the ‘Live Free or Die’ state for nothing, folks!
Besides wearing a mask anywhere in public what does this Baby Boomer, whose maternal family name was ‘Sweet’, do to combat bad news – I bake.
It’s therapy, it tastes good, and I can share. All good things. 🙂
There is no gardening being done since the last of the fall chores have been completed, and winter has arrived except for the occasional day where it climbs from 20°F one day to almost 60°F the next. The plants and trees must be thinking Mother Nature should make up her mind.
The sewing machine has been humming for a few hours each day.
I finished two small bags with four zippers each, the beachy throw, and I’ve got the binding on one side of a fleece quilt.
Next, I’m on to a golf themed throw with a variety of green fabrics and a few sand traps and cups appliqued on. It will most likely require a little imagination.
I also finished the new Lee Child’s Jack Reacher book. I’ve got a Jeffrey Deaver cued up next as soon as I finish Ann Cleeves’ “The Long Call.” 💗 my library.
As we head into the second week of December with 19 days until Christmas, I hope your holiday lights are shining bright, you’ve been able to get the presents you want to give, and you’re enjoying some good holiday cheer with family and friends.
Have a good week, and keep safe. 😷
NewEnglandGardenAndThread 
Judy, you certainly are busy. Your baking looks delicious and I really like your bags – just the right size when you don’t need to fit the kitchen sink into a purse.
I haven’t stopped wearing a mask indoors unless I’m with people from my pod – in their home or mine. With the Omicron variant spreading, I wish the majority of the population would put their masks back on to keep themselves and everyone else safe.
Have a wonderful holiday season, Judy. I don’t need to tell you to be safe, so I will tell you to enjoy!
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If we lived closer, I’d bring you a plate of cookies, and you could put a pot of coffee on. 🙂 We haven’t stopped wearing masks indoors either. It is interesting here because the number of people wearing masks varies from store to store. In a fabric store, probably 50% will have masks on, library almost everyone, and almost no one wearing one in a big box store. You enjoy the holiday season as well.
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Not when you want to be #1. It sounds like you’re taking the transition to winter in stride, Judy. I hope you let the machine cool down every now and then and sip a nice winter cup of something sweet and tasty, Your projects look great. I am amazed at your production level.
Take care and stay safe. I hope winter holds back its worst until you are on the way to warmer places.
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I much prefer being outside gardening, but one can’t fight Mother Nature unless you’re going to pick up and move. I do take breaks, that’s why I’ve been finishing so many books. 🙂 YES to winter holding back its worst until the first of the year.
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The beachy throw is great. Maybe you can use it in SC! I love those small bags. So handy for so many things.
Covid rising here as well, but still so many people not masking up or even trying to social distance. News reports indicate there is plenty of vaccine to go around, but that doesn’t seem to be the case. The best we can do, at least those of us who care about our own health as well as the health of those around us, is to wear our masks, social distance, and wash our hands, wash our hands, wash our hands!
There’s only one thing better than baking. Eating all the goodies! Don’t worry about the calories, you can walk them off on the beach in SC.
Happy packing. Have a safe and uneventful trip. And I hope it’s so warm in SC you need to wear shorts! Keep safe.
Ginger
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I must admit I haven’t carried what I’d call a full-sized bag in a long time. I guess I’ve downsized everything right down to my bag. 🙂 I walk on the treadmill every day, but I’m realistic enough to know I certainly don’t walk off all the calories so I’m going with your idea that I can catch up in SC. 🙂
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I admit I laughed out loud when I saw your title. I love good sarcasm, even when the humor is a bit dark. You sure have my sympathy — and empathy. Our numbers here in Indiana are not one bit good, yet very few are masked in public places. It is hard to have a kind thought some days. Christmas baking to the rescue! Homemade cookies are #1 when it comes to comfort food, and, when shared, solid gold! As always, I am in awe of your sewing artistry. Thank you for all the inspiration — and for the (rueful) laugh!
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Hey, I work on my sarcasm, it keeps me going some days. 🙂 Baking brings back all kinds of good memories, and it is one of those beginning/middle/end things that appeal to me so much, plus it’s good eating. Of course, don’t ask me what’s for dinner. 🙂
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Glad you are keeping busy. Stay safe Judy.
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I know you’re busy with your daylilies even this time of year. 🙂 You stay well too, John.
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Whatever it is you are baking I want some! And your sewing projects look great! I didn’t know there was a new Jack Reacher book! What would I do without my blogging friends to keep me updated on important stuff like that!
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Sugar cookies, cinnamon twists, and chocolate chip cranberry cookies. They all turned out good. I’d share. 🙂 Yes, Jack Reacher hot off the presses. Thank you Dover Library. 🙂
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I just put a hold on it in the Georgia library system. It says a wait of several months…. I don’t know if I can wait that long! I may have to buy it.
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Busy you are Miss Judy! And the cookies look delicious! The small bags are so great! Good for you!
I’m boosted and still wear my mask inside places. But hardly anyone does anymore. ???This Covid is gonna be around for a while. Prayers that it just goes away one day!
Enjoy the Holiday Season my friend! And enjoy a delicious Christmas Ale!
Merry Monday my friend!
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Ooh, Christmas Ale, that sounds good too. 🙂 I had frozen shoulder once several years ago. I woke up with it and about a year and a half later it just disappeared. If only Covid would do the same. In the meantime, us smarties got vaccinated and still wear masks so we can stay healthy. Onward to 2022!
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You said it all so perfectly!
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Oh, your crossbody bags looks great!! You’re keeping busy!
I’m still wearing a mask indoor shopping too. It’s about 50/50 here with those that do and those that don’t.
I’m looking forward to seeing your golf quilt. We’re supposed to get snow this week. Yeah!!
Have a great week!
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Hope it snows where your grandsons are too! We may get an inch or so, but not a lot this week. I can push that and not complain too much. 🙂
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😀 It does snow where they live too once in awhile.
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Sorry to read about your number 1 status but glad to read you’re wearing masks indoors. I still wear a mask indoors although few people here do. My husband’s gotten his booster and I get mine a week from today, which will make me happy. Then I have to get my parents in for theirs. I’m looking forward to doing some baking soon as I have the decorations up and except for the package to France, mine have been sent and arrived. No more post office except for dropping cards in the outside box! Good stuff. Stay healthy and busy, both of which I know you excel at doing.
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This is definitely a year for ‘better safe than sorry’ and for mailing packages and letters a little sooner. Although, I mailed my cards thinking it would take a week to ten days and they were delivered in three to four. I had a good chuckle that the recipients probably all thought I was a little strange for mailing them so early.
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I like to bake to relieve stress too. Unfortunately with a torn up kitchen, there will be no baking this holiday season. Sure wish I lived near you (except for your covid counts of course!).
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I would gladly share the cookies and bake you some more, but definitely wouldn’t share the other stuff. 🙂 Hope your sink comes this week. Fingers crossed.
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I’m glad you are staying busy and healthy. Love the red sails on your boat, and the leaping dolphins.
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Thank you. When we are in SC, we see dolphins go by several times a week. I also had three sailboats, two umbrellas in the sand and a sun. 🙂
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Oh, my goodness! Definitely a what-the-heck moment. Like you and the commenters here, I always wear a mask when I go into stores and pretty much don’t get together with most folks unless we can be outdoors. Those cookies look delicious, and I love those little bags.
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I’m thinking masks aren’t going anywhere any time soon so it’s good that we have them handy. The cookies turned out good, and if we lived closer I’d bring some by. 🙂
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Well that’s interesting because I swear I saw on my cable channel that it’s Michigan that’s #1….lol. Maybe mine is old news since it seems to change every day. I’m just glad we got our booster shots before kids were approved because I imagine it’s harder to get a quick appointment now. Oh well, we both have projects to keep us inside and happy – quilting and reading and baking – and plenty of time to do them all!
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We dropped this morning, and you moved up. What a wonderful recognition we are involved in. Not. 🙂 Yes, I’m glad most of us got our boosters before the lines got so long. There certainly is plenty of time to work on projects because we’re back to avoiding places we don’t ‘need’ to go. Happy quilting and know that I’d love to see what you’re working on. 🙂
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Wicked numbers, eh? The very last claim to fame anyone would want. 😦
Sounds like you’re keeping busy and very productive. I like the look of those zippered bags, a good size, too. They look like wool, are they?
I’ve finished the outside decorations and got the string lights up on the front steps. We bought a very sweet little 5′ tree from our local farmer and it is mostly decorated. I’m savoring the process, taking my time to put things on.
Baking sounds good, but after the sugar rush of Thanksgiving, I’m giving it a week or so to get my glucose back down, lol. Food is such a wonderful way to celebrate (anything)!
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Our hospitals are at a breaking point, and they’re bringing FEMA in to try and help as they move patients into hospital bays. However, no one is suggesting wearing masks. Interesting for sure. Your decorating sounds wonderful and savoring traditions especially this year is the way to go. I broke down yesterday and froze about half the cookies I made so I can attempt to keep my glucose somewhere in the range it should be. 🙂
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Sorry about your Covid counts. It is so frustrating to know that so many are unvaxxed and unmasked without regard for the greater good. I love your cross body bags. I have been meaning to make a few ever since my old ones could no longer hold my larger iPhone. You, once again, have inspired me. Stay safe and enjoy your baking and sewing projects!
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Glad you liked the bags, and the size of the phone certainly affects smaller bags. I’m good with the iPhone but found I needed a smaller wallet. 🙂 Happy sewing.
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Hi Judy, certainly not a distinction you’d want, but it is pretty cold up there and people are indoors a lot. We have had more shots than I care to think about, but if they came out with a booster to the booster we’d get that too. Keep that sewing machine humming!
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We’re with you on the booster to the booster. 🙂
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Stay safe. We are about to reopen our borders in Australia and I know it is just going to lead to crazy, but all you can do is put your mask on, get vaxxed if you can and enjoy the small pleasures in life like baking
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You folks are role models for the rest of us. You have led the way in showing us how it should be done. We don’t go anywhere without a mask even when like today we were the only two in the building with them on. Stay well and enjoy your new options to be out and about.
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Oh boy, I needed that chuckle. When my hubby told me NH had reached #1, I thought he was joking. But it’s true. Then today I read an article that because of Omicron, it’s time that we all switch to N95 masks that filter out 95% of particles. Yet about 50% of shoppers and employees I see in my area remain unmasked. Scary…
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I need to see if I can order some of them. We went to Holloway today for service on our car, and we were the only two in the building with masks. It makes my head hurt trying to understand it, but at this point all we can do is what makes common sense to us. Stay well neighbor.
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Not good news on your numbers with Covid Judy & now not enough supply for those lining up to get the vaccine before Xmas … we really do live in the most frustrating times!! I think baking and reading and watching good movies is just about the best way to go…it works for me..😁 your sewing projects are wonderful, I’m envious of your talents. Best wishes and enjoy those cookies. 💕
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Our hospitals are running 30% over capacity, it’s not good here right now. Yes, staying home most of the time seems to be the prudent thing. I’m grateful for my library where they even offer a pickup service if you don’t want to go inside. A good book, hot coffee, sugar cookies, and a sewing project – all good things right now.
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Yes I’m glad we are retired..😁
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Just when you really don’t want to win a prize for something…🙄
Those zipper bags are sooo perfect. And a beautiful beach throw, too. You are incredibly creative.
The cookies look too good. Must go now and get myself some pumpkin pie. Make the most of your winter reading time!
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Pumpkin pie sounds delicious and would go perfect with a hot cup of coffee or tea. Enjoy.
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Keep safe Judy. Love your reading list.
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Hi Denzil – Hope all is well in your beautiful country of Belgium. I read so many mysteries, but I love them all and sincerely appreciate my library for providing me an opportunity to read them for free, return, and not have to store them. Take care and thanks for stopping.
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I agree about libraries, they are a godsend. Mine has recently started loaning out e-books too, which is also great.
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Our selection of e-books is not as large as regular books, but they sure are easy to pickup and return 🙂
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Covid seems to be the ‘gift’ that keeps on giving 🙁 Masks are still a requirement in indoor public places here, but our numbers in Ontario have been climbing again with the cold weather, and activities moving indoors. Quite frankly, I wear a mask even in outdoor public spaces. Why anyone would choose to be cavalier about their health baffles me.
Up to now I’ve been feeling rather safe within my small bubble of family and very close friends, but I recently had a realization that I was deluding myself. My risk is not just restricted to that small circle of people I’m exposed to, but to every single person THEY’VE been exposed to in the previous 2 weeks … especially if they have school aged grandchildren.
Stay safe, Judy, and enjoy those cookies!
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Yes, you described it perfectly, and it something you can visualize like a giant family tree. The more people you see the bigger the circle becomes, and even though you trust those initial people, you have no idea who or where they have been. Masks and cookies, they’re for me. 🙂 Good to hear from you and know that you are hanging in there like the rest of us. Stay warm and don’t send us any of your extra cold weather. 🙂
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Cookies look so tasty, Judy!
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They are pretty darn good. 🙂
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Make sure your post the golf throw. I would love to see it.
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I will do that. 🙂
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Michigan is an embarrassment as well. We didn’t receive any free covid tests but we do sell those exact ones at the pharmacy!
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Same here. We hit another high today. You’re the perfect person to tell this to in case you have a thought on it. After receiving these, we received a text asking us to test all members of the family every three days and send the results in. Why? I’m keeping them for when we need them.
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It must be some type of strategy to attempt to stop the spread by getting positive test results early before people go out and spread it unknowingly. It is a little weird though and if they wanted you do it that often, they need to send out a LOT more tests.
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Oh dear, that’s not good news. I hope you’re able to stay safe and well. It must be tempting to barricade yourselves in your home and not go out or see anybody. At least you have some fun projects to keep busy with.
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I chuckled, but it’s true. It’s ugly out there. There was a press conference today that FEMA is sending in people to work in the emergency rooms, we’ve hired medical personnel from other states, and we’ve called out the National Guard for our long-term care facilities. Bad news. We’re fully vaccinated, still wear our masks, and avoid large gatherings. Staying safe is a goal. You keep well too.
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I know this probably doesn’t make you feel better, but Massachusetts is also #1 in the opposite direction and yet we have a VERY high rate of new infections. True most of these infections are either very minimal symptoms — or none at all — but still, there is a lot of breakthrough. We have been baking too. French bread, apple cake, and rye bread. And a lot of pictures of Blue Jays, Grackles (those are some mean looking birds!) and a whole lot of Tufted Titmouses.
Keep well, keep safe and maybe, someday, we can rejoin the world. I live in hope.
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It’s ugly out there right now. Glad you and yours are well and busy in the kitchen. Fresh home-made bread is a true gift, and it sounds like you certainly have lots of activity right outside your windows. Yes, hope is good.
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I must say it’s touching and at some point funny (especially when i tried to connect the title to the body and got the sarcasm). But most of all, it’s a pity what Covid-19 has done to places around the world. Here in Africa, it’s no better, especially with our low standards of living, and not even an eighth of the population vaccinated. Life has become tough, even to just put bread on the table is just by God’s grace. Notwithstanding, we’re so grateful to still be found alive and fighting this life. We grieve together.
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Thank you for your sincere comment about what our global community is experiencing and your nation in particular. Sarcasm bubbles to the surface because we here in the US do have the tools to defeat this viral enemy but so many resist for a variety of personal and political reasons. Our hospitals right now are at a breaking point and outside help is being brought in. 85% of those hospitalized are individuals who have chosen to not be vaccinated, most people are tired of wearing masks, and so it continues to ravage our communities. I pray both your country and mine will survive this, and we definitely grieve together. Stay well, and thank you for stopping by.
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Thanks for your kind words, dear. Stay safe too. 💖💕
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I really loved this post. Stay safe woman.
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Thank you for commenting. You and yours stay well too so we can all hope for a happy and healthy 2022!
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Thanks. This has been the worst year of my life. I am expecting improvements. Ha
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