Covid Shots, Triumph of Reality

[Note: this is another blog based on my weekly emails to my family on the mainland.] 

1/23/21

Well, by any measure this was a good week!  The paper announced last week that Covid vaccinations would start for Group 1a, the geezers above age ** (number censored by spouse), an age lower than
some on the mainland are getting but also higher than some.  Anyway, the phone system for making reservations at our local hospital opened Tuesday at 8am for appointments beginning Thursday. I was on the phone at the magic moment, but of course the line was jammed, as it has been the rest of this week.  Even so, as we began our walk on Tuesday, I tried again at about 8:30 and pow!  A human took our info and we were scheduled for Thursday at 11am.  We arrived expecting chaos, but it was all impressively organized, with designated parking, quick check-in, a thorough briefing on the vaccine, side-effects, and instructions on how to report adverse reactions.  Then as a group of five, we went to another location for the quick jab, then we had to wait in another area for 15 minutes to make sure no geezer keeled over.  The whole thing took less than 1 hour.  It was a typically Hawaiian scene – all done outdoors or in MASH style tents, and everyone was chatting and upbeat.  The staff was friendly, considerate, and even helped when Karen and I wanted photos.  We’ve already been scheduled for the 2nd shot in three weeks.  The only reaction so far is a sore arm, equivalent to the flu vaccinations sometimes.  Well, I have noticed a sudden urge to eat a small child, to give all my money to Bill Gates, and to worship Opra Winfrey, but I’m sure those will pass, right?

More venues will open up soon, including our new Safeway store. The pharmacy told us they are ready, and even have the necessary refrigeration. The issue will be how much vaccine we can get, and lining up enough qualified staff to manage a large-volume effort like this. Remember, we have a shortage of medical personnel and infrastructure here. We’ve heard from a number of friends on the mainland (Oregon, California, Colorado, Ohio) who have either just received their first shots or are scheduled to get them shortly.  Hurray!

The other piece of good news is that Wednesday came and went. I’m not so much overjoyed as I am relieved. We will soon have competent and experienced people in charge again, rather than a stable of revolving sycophants, convicted liars and cheats, and unqualified buffoons.  I’m not a radical left-wing liberal, and I do have real issues with socialism, “wokeness” and critical race and gender theory, but the Democrats don’t have a mandate here, and I think that is a good thing.  Otherwise we’d be right back to where we were in 2016 the next time around.  Let’s keep it sane and reasonable, please!  That would be a refreshing change, wouldn’t it?

OK, had a good workout at PF on Wednesday, a day early because we didn’t want to interfere with getting our vaccinations on Thursday.  Reward lunch was a self-provided picnic at a nearby beach.  It had been cloudy up until we arrived, but just like our spirits it cleared and became sunny as we ate enjoying the view, finding ourselves breathing deep again.

Our weather this week has been cloudy, wet, and “cold.”  We got 2.2 inches of rain early in the week, and nighttime temps have been down to 63-64d.  The pool has dropped below our acceptable level, so we’ve skipped going in for several days now.  Yesterday was fairly sunny, and today looks good so far, so maybe it will gain enough for us to start using it again.  Karen is playing golf today instead of her usual Monday or Tuesday, and I’m planning on doing a short, easy hike along the shore this morning.  It’s been ages since I’ve been hiking, so it will be good to get back to it.

Enough. Hang in there. Stay warm.  Stay healthy.  We reached the light at the end of the tunnel and it was real, not a mirage......