Morning News

Everyday I wake up wondering what's new in the news. This morning, 4 things jumped out, in about 5 minutes of news.

          Trump questioned whether we should delay the presidential                           election.  (that angered and sort of horrified me)

         Herman Cain, who got Covid after attending the Tulsa rally, died                    this morning. (that saddened and frustrated me)

          We've reached over 150,00 deaths in the U.S. (that                                        worried me briefly. Then I worried that I'm getting numb to numbers)

           Tex. Rep. Gohmer tested positive after refusing to wear a mask on                 Capitol Hill. (that baffled and annoyed me)
​         

Good Trouble

After watching 5 minutes of stressful news, I watched the memorial service for Rep. John Lewis. After frowning at the news on my TV, I found myself smiling... at a memorial service.

Three former presidents honored the Civil Rights icon. I smiled at the stories and I cringed at the reminders of what he put himself through, in his 80 years. It took a lot of Good Trouble... over 40 arrests, to accomplish what he did.  

At the end I teared up at "We Shall Overcome" and I had to smile again at the special song, written for the memorial. "Good Trouble". 

Rest in Peace, Mr. Lewis. 

Morning Walks

Don and I are still getting out for walks.

The scenery looks pretty much the same as when we started in March. Fewer wild flowers and more leaves.

Hot!

It's a lot hotter than it was a few months ago. We need to stay hydrated.

A while back, I remember seeing wet pavement and disturbed caution tape around the water fountain. Obviously someone was more worried about dehydration than Covid.

Sign on the Fountain

This morning the caution tape was gone. There was a very important message taped onto the water fountain. I really doubt anyone will read this.

I still didn't feel tempted to drink from the fountain. I had my own water.

More Dehydration Worries

This water fountain is actually not a worry at all. It's just an odd reminder of our times. What does worry me, is thinking about future travel. I can picture it now. I will be tempted to drink nothing during many hours of car travel, in fear of restroom concerns. I wonder how many people have gotten dehydrated on day outings or at even at protests, because of this worry!

I'll think about that later.
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First Large-scale Vaccine Trial Begins

Yesterday morning, the first of 30,000 participants began getting shots, of a new possible COVID-19 vaccine. Actually, half of those will be receive a  placebo. This is exciting and worrisome and unusual!

I wonder how these participants feel as they take part in this "experiment". I'm grateful for these volunteers. My daughter's friend is one of them. 

I'm trying not to get my hopes up, but I'm glad we have a new focus! It will be a long time before we know if it's successful and then how will things proceed? This is going to take a lot of patience!

Easter

It's been 107 days since Easter. On that morning, I stopped at the Hope Tree, on a run in my neighborhood. I brought along a piece of ribbon, that I'd covered in word and I tied it to the highest branch I could find.

This is how the tree looked yesterday. It's now late July, over 100 days later. The sign is gone and the ribbons are hidden behind leaves. But we need HOPE just as much as we did in April.

Rescued Ribbon

I was glad to see my ribbon was still on the tree.

You can barely spot my white ribbon in the lower left corner of my recent photo. I was glad to see it. Some very kind hands rescued it and re-attached it back in April. (I did a sloppy tying job) That thought gives me hope.

Good-bye Rep. Lewis

The rains gushed outside our window this morning, but the skies were clear in Selma, AL.

On TV, Don and I watched the horse drawn wagon, carry Mr. Lewis's casket over the Edmund Pettus bridge. 

The wagon made a few stops along the way. Each time, the gentleman holding the reins, stood, removed his black top hat and placed it over his heart.

The horses and wagon traveled over the very bridge, where Mr. Lewis was beaten during a peaceful protest march in 1965. Red rose pedals covered the pavement, this time.

Renaming the Bridge

​I hope others join in and work to rename this bridge for John Lewis. There is no need to have the name of a KKK leader, in bold letters.

This bridge is a sad reminder of Bloody Sunday. But with a new name, it can be a hopeful symbol of progress. John Lewis marched for African American voting rights in 1965. He continued to stand up for voting rights until his final days.

Looking Back and Forward

Seeing the procession on TV, took me back to our visit to Alabama, in 2013. Don and I crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge and thought about the marches in 1965.

Mary Ann shared memories of the day Dr. King came to her Baptist Church. He persuaded many in her tiny community, to register to vote and to join the march in Selma. Mary Ann's stories were especially powerful to hear, knowing that her last name originally belonged to the plantation owner, who once owned her enslaved relatives.
 
100 Days 100 Years

In exactly 100 days, it will be Election Day! During these months ahead, I'm going to think more about those who have struggled and worked for that right. I'll think about John Lewis and Dr. King. I'll think about Mary Ann and her family. I'll also think about those women suffragettes, who marched 100 years ago... so I could vote!

A Late Start

After a long delay, baseball started up this week. Dr. Fauci threw out the ball on opening day.

A year ago, who would have ever expected to see an image like this? It made me smile.
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Opening Day in Houston

I'm not a crazy huge fan of baseball, but I've cheered on the Houston Astros since we moved to Texas. I first saw them play at the Astrodome, 1998. I was curious to see them play, last night at Minute Maid Park.

This was the only kind of ticket that was available, for Opening Day. We watched from Section home, in Row couch.

​Empty Stadium

It was eerie to see Minute Maid Park, with no fans.

If it felt odd to me, how did it feel to the players, preparing to play? 

Reminder of the Times

It was impossible to forget about the pandemic, when we saw the empty seats and the mask-wearing players.

But it was even more powerful, watching most of the players kneel and clutch a black ribbon, before the anthem. Seeing the letters BLM, stenciled on the pitcher's mound was a powerful reminder of how many have come together in recent months, to support the Black Lives Matter movement. 

Sounds in the Stadium

It was nice to hear good old Texan, Lyle Lovett's voice singing the anthem. 

But maybe not as weird as the fake people who filled one section.
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Astros Fan Cutouts

I guess if we'd paid up, we could have had some seats in the stands, after all.

We couldn't have actually occupied those seats, but cardboard images of our faces and shoulders could have attended!

I wonder how some of the real die-hard fans reacted to the game, last night? Will more people than ever watch the shortened, 60-game season... because of boredom? Or will some refuse to watch pandemic baseball? I'm afraid I probably won't be watching much baseball this summer.

Mask Tweet

Oh my. It just wasn't that long ago that Trump refused to wear a mask. Now he's wearing one and he said in his tweet the other day, "...many people say that it is Patriotic to wear a face mask..."

He claims there is nobody more Patriotic than him. I'm sort of wondering what his definition of Patriotic is? Hmmm? I could take his last thought and replace the word Patriotic. "President Trump is a lot more ______ than everyone." I could make a list.

China Virus... Closed Consulate

And why is Trump once again, replacing the word Coronavirus, with China Virus? Is that to make him look tougher, now that he's been pushed into wearing a mask?

We've lived in the Houston area for over 2 decades. We have Chinese neighbors on our street. We eat in Chinatown and we've gotten visas at the Chinese consulate. The negative focus on China and the Chinese, is not helpful.

I saw this morning that Trump's administration has decided to close China's consulate in Houston. "It's a hot spot of Chinese spying." I'm first to admit, I don't know much about this. I do know that I care about our culturally diverse community and I'm saddened to think of how this news makes my neighbors feel.

Don and I headed out last night, with our binoculars. We wanted to spot the stunning Neowise comet, before it leaves us for 6,000 years.

We headed across the bridge near our house. It was early, but we had time to wait for dark. We had actually spotted the comet 2 nights before, from our cabin. But the sky was brighter, in our neighborhood.

We watched a little evening duck activity. We observed a few neighbors, strolling on nearby sidewalks.

We sat on a bench and waited. Funny, because we were sitting on the bench that we see from our yard. For months we've watched all the walking folks, stop to sit. We've never used the bench before. Now it gave us the perfect view of the Big Dipper.

A Surprise

We studied the sky for 30 minutes, but never spotted the comet, below the Dipper.

However, I spotted the Space Station, gliding across the sky. (We've seen that many times before!) And we also spotted an envelope, propped up on the bridge post!

Sharing Encouragement

Words on the envelope told me to "Keep this... or put it where someone will find it."

Of course I took it! I love finding notes in bottles or balloons or "Geocache" finds! After we gave up on the comet, I took the letter home and looked up the website mentioned in the note.
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www.spreadjoy24-7.com
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Yay! Today I made my own note. Now I need to figure out a good place to leave it! What fun Pandemic Entertainment!

Escape to Sunrise Beach

We escaped again to our cabin in Sunrise Beach, TX. I always feel a little guilty.

The world feels pretty much the same in the tiny Sunrise Beach Community. We see more animals than people. It's a treat to fill the bird feeders and enjoy some entertainment. I even saw a roadrunner!

Wandering Down the Road
​

We can go on walks and count all the fawns. The deer don't seem to know there's a pandemic. 

All seemed pretty much the same, except for few signs along the road, thanking Essential Workers. How confusing this sign would have been, 6 months ago.

Extra Jobs, Along with the Perks

There are times when I wonder if it's worth it, having extra toilets to clean... and fix.

But Don seemed to actually enjoy his new job as a plumber. I was the assistant and I think I could do this myself next time. Oh the things we are learning!

Morning

Both mornings were pleasant, with the sun rising over Lake LBJ. Evening was nice too. I couldn't get a photo of the Neowise Comet, but we spotted it in the starry sky, just below the Big Dipper.

On our morning walk, the second day we saw our neighbor with his dogs. After months of tech communicating with friends and family, we were suddenly face to face (6 feet away!) with our neighbor. It felt good to talk in person. It also felt good to hear the community scoop from Frank. He said only one person in Beach has been infected with the virus. Why would we even go back to Sugar Land?

Later, I stood on the cabin deck and talked to Dad on the phone. I almost didn't want to tell him where we were. It seems so unfair that he was still trapped in his Missouri assisted living facility. But I told him where I was standing and I described the busy activity of the nearby hummingbirds and cardinals. Then he told me all the birds he could see at his feeder. 
 
Once again, I was reminded that we have lots in common these days. We are both amused by birds, in these pandemic times.

This is what greeted me on the news this morning. It's a sad day.

We knew it was coming. Rep. John Lewis has been battling cancer for a long time. But, it was a surprise when I heard that he had died last night.

Then and Now

​This masked image of Mr. Lewis, is a reminder that he has been active, even in these pandemic times.

The photo from a month ago, shows Mr. Lewis standing on the street in D.C., supporting the Black Lives Matter movement. At age 80, he was challenging discrimination and injustice, just as he has done since he was a very young man. 

Photos with Family

Only in this last decade, have I begun to read and learn more about this powerful, yet humble civil rights icon. My brother and my son, both had a chance to meet him, at separate events, a few years ago. 

Scott was volunteering at the Civil Rights Summit, in Austin. It was the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act.

​"March"

This morning, I pulled out the book that Scott bought at the the Summit. He had it autographed for a Father's Day gift.

I sat with my toast and coffee and read the story of John Lewis, starting when he was a boy. I smiled when I imagined a young John Lewis, gathering chickens on their family farm and preaching to them. There was less to smile about as the book progressed. But it was good to be reminded of what John Lewis dealt with, a half century ago.
​

June 16, 2020

I found this photo on my phone, from last month. (I have a habit of taking photos of my TV.) In June, there was talk about renaming the Pettus Bridge, where John Lewis marched with Dr. King, decades ago. ​

I hope that by this time next year, the pandemic will be in the past. I'd like to think we'll be back to our road trips and museums and gatherings with friends and family.

​I'd like to take another trip to Selma. I'm hopeful that we'll see the words,  John Lewis Bridge, when we cross!

Live Theatre

It's sad to think of all the closed theatres in the country. In May, I read that our own Alley Theatre in Houston, laid off about 100 staff members and cut its budget  by 7 million. It's mid July and things have only gotten worse.

Hamilton

Back in April, I figured Broadway and other regional theaters would open again by summer. Seems like everyone (but me) had tickets to see the touring production of Hamilton. Those shows have obviously been cancelled, but something nice happened.

Recently, it became possible to watch Hamilton from our very own couch. Ordinarily, that would sound like a lousy way to experience the award-winning musical. But, right along with about a zillion people, Don and I signed up for  "Disney Plus", so we could stream the recorded play (with original cast!) at home.  

Comic Relief

We turned off all the lights and turned the sound way up. It actually felt like we were looking up at a real stage... except that I was wearing pajama pants. 

I found myself grinning as I absorbed the incredible music.

​The rhythm and energy kept me totally delighted. No nodding off for me. I was on the edge of my... couch. In fact it was hard to sit still. If I'd been a kid, I would have gotten up and danced along.
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Although, thinking back to watching plays as a kid... I was pretty good at sitting still. I learned very young how to be reserved in my theatre seat. No foot tapping. Not whispering. It actually felt really nice to watch this production and squirm and sway and tap and laugh. And man, it felt so good to howl with laughter, at King George lll ! What comic relief!

Mix of Joy and Grief

This production was filmed about 4 years ago. No one knew then, how many people would experience Hamilton for the first time, on their TVs, during a pandemic. Feeling all the emotions of the play, was just what the doctor ordered.

For most of us, these past months have been filled with big ups and downs. It was such an escape to watch the uplifting choreography and to hear the talented voices. But it also felt good to absorb the grief and despair, in some of the wrenching scenes. We need to just feel, sometimes!

Catharsis

I learned about catharsis, when studying Greek plays in high school. I understand a lot more about the power of catharsis today. I was 7, when my sister and I played roles in a production of Oedipus Rex. It was quite an introduction to the emotions of Greek Tragedy. I didn't know the word catharsis then, but I knew I was supposed to cry.

My dad directed the play and I remember him trying to explain the story. This is how I remember it.
​
Our mother was a queen and she  killed herself. Our father (Oedipus) was so upset that he just stabbed out his eyes in grief.
​

I don't think I ever asked why our father (Oedipus) had black skin and my sister and I didn't. Funny, because that was probably a really big deal in 1964.

So I've rambled on this blog post long enough. I'll just say, I enjoyed the catharsis of Hamilton. I enjoyed the fun of being reminded of my childhood theatre memories. Strange that I will always associate Hamilton, with this pandemic period.

BP in the Morning

I try to keep an eye on my blood pressure. I've been sort of bad about checking in lately. But I this morning, before I had a sip of coffee, I got out my little Omron and crossed my fingers for decent numbers.

Well, that wasn't wise of me. The news was on and the president was  looking into my personal space, from the big TV screen! 

Good Morning Dr. Fauci
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Hmmm? I took my BP again, just a couple minutes later. Dr. Fauci was on, wearing his mask. I guess that comforted me. I dropped from 130/81 to 112/72.

What does this tell me?

Too Connected

I need to put my cell phone out of reach.

When I just take a peek, I see things like this. I don't like this little update about my county.

No Texts Either

So I'm staying away from social media and news apps. But then I got this little alert, as a text. I wasn't searching for this!

My son Scott, also got this alert on his phone in Sacramento. He's got his own issues in California, but he's still getting alerts from TX. 

I'm feeling kind of like I did back in March, when the world suddenly felt mysterious and eerie. Back then, we had so many questions and no clues about the future. 

​This is getting old.

What's This?

This made me smile.

Everyone gets it.

Disney World?

But I actually think a Coronacoaster might the new name of any of the rides in Disney World. The gigantic Florida theme park reopened this past weekend.

I admit, there's a tiny part of me that is a little jealous of the people who are hitting the theme park and enjoying small crowds. But then I picture the rides, with the wind whipping masks off faces and squealing riders, splattering the virus. 

​I'm glad I'm not there.

Masked President!

This morning, I sat down to watch CBS Sunday Morning. It's been an enjoyable Sunday routine, for months. But before I eased into the show, I spotted this on TV. I grabbed my phone and took a crooked photo of this historic moment. ​

For the first time, President Trump allowed himself to be seen in public wearing a mask. He has refused for months and suddenly he surprised us with his new look. I so wish I could actually hear the true and honest answer, if I were to ask. "Why Mr. President, have you now decided to wear a mask?" 

Kind of Late

I wish Trump had worn a mask months earlier. He could have modeled a little cautious and courteous behavior and helped others catch on.

Our numbers might have been lower in Texas, if more people had been taking this pandemic seriously. It's nauseating to stop and think of how many people have been following Trump's lead.  

National Numbers

It seems like just yesterday, we passed 100,000 fatalities.  

Where is this really going?

​Local Issues

We first worried most for people in China, than Italy, then New York. Now the it's all so close.

And this is what's happening in Houston. We live just miles away, in Fort Bend County, where hospitals are at pre-surge levels. We are averaging about 1,000 covid tests per day, with a positivity rate of about 10%.

100 Degrees

It's that time of year when Don and I often try to get out of Texas. It's not exactly a safe time to head off on vacation, but we did get away from the Sugar Land. Yesterday we headed to our cabin and enjoyed the scenery for a few hours in the car. It was quite a bit hotter, in Sunrise Beach.

Sometimes I complain about the extra chores that come with owning this cabin. But the jobs are totally different, than our house chores. It was nice to have a change in routine. I battled some cobwebs and dust. Don had some "fun" with the mower and weed-eater. It felt good to do "chores".

Hummingbirds and Flowers

In the early morning, we went on a walk and I spotted 9 little fawns, along on our route.

I moved the jar from place to place and snapped photos. I thought about painting the rusty table. Next time.

Evening

The second evening, we were determined to sit outside.

The air was still, but we iced down bandanas in "Florida Water" and sat on the deck. Ordinarily, I'm a little shy for performing for neighbors, with our ukuleles. But, no one is around these days.

​We played for the hummingbirds!

Gas Time

In the past 10 years, Don and I have stopped about a million times at Weikel's, for gas and coffee. It's on TX 71, about halfway to our cabin. Pumping gas is pretty low risk, on the covid safety list, but using the rest room is more worrisome. Today, we stopped for gas and restroom.

There's no one in this photo, but I watched many. It was very entertaining. This is not an area where you expect to see everyone wearing masks, but they are now required in Texas!

Big Signs

​There were huge signs outside of both entrances. I was thrilled! Before I headed inside, I watched a few unmasked characters heading towards the building.

I watched a blond woman, with shorty shorts and a sparkly tank top, strut up to the sign. She paused and then fooled me, by digging in her purse for her mask. I saw a man exit his dusty truck and clomp over to the entrance. He turned around and headed back to his truck. I thought he was going to leave, but he reached for  where a paper mask and returned to the store. 

It was my turn. Once inside, I grinned behind my mask. It felt so good to see every single customer and employee, wearing a mask! The place was clean and orderly and every face was covered. I don't plan to start shopping and dining out and socializing like crazy, but this just made the world look more possible! 

We can all just do this. We don't have to make a mask decision. We don't have to worry about anyone judging us, because we all "have to". 

I am so happy. At least for now.

July Birthdays

I was the first in our family to have a pandemic birthday, in April. At that time, I really didn't think we'd all be hunkering down at home for the next family birthdays... in July.

In the first week of July, we had 3 birthdays. I kept thinking about when our family of 6 last gathered. It was October, in Sacramento. We put on tiny party hats and celebrated Heidi and Don's birthdays. Two days ago, we Zoomed and sang for Jamie, Scott and Chali's birthdays. It was wasn't quite the same as celebrating in person, but it was fun.

Together!

We have all been missing each other so much. Coronavirus is not going away quickly and none of us will be flying anywhere, soon. So, we stay connected with Zooms and texts. I love this text, sent by my son in law!

Six cell phones suddenly jumped in on an amusing text thread. We were all having fun with the fantasy of escaping the pandemic. We could safely share this double house in Oregon! Our texting was a fun escape on a quiet afternoon.

How About California?

A few days later, Scott sent this text. Suddenly we were imagining our group living on 10 wooded acres, in California.

Again the texts were flying. We teased about coming up with a name for our family compound. We were being playful, but you could tell the pondering was half serious. None of us anticipated the pandemic when both couples moved west, 2+ years ago. 

I doubt we will all ever live in the same home. But I absolutely love knowing that my kids and their spouses have fun fantasizing about it, even for a moment.

Miss these guys!

Communicating While Wearing Masks

I'm all for wearing masks! I'm glad Texas is requiring them. But it's harder to communicate. I find myself talking louder and using my hands more. I try harder to smile, but I'm not always sure my eyes are cooperating. It's exhausting.

It's really hard if you're trying to talk to someone with a mask AND sunglasses. Why would anyone want to talk to someone who looks as unfriendly as this guy?

Phone Communication

I talk with my dad on the phone daily. He talks on his landline. Since he doesn't have a smartphone, we talk and listen, without seeing each other. I'm used to communicating without seeing his face.

But it made me sad when we talked yesterday. He had just returned from his first real outing in 4 months. His check up went well, but he was frustrated when he saw his doctor in a mask. Dad was wearing his mask and he certainly knows the importance. But he said he couldn't recognize him and it was hard to hear his voice.

I told him I understood. We compared our recent outings, with masks.​

I told Dad that I had gone to the polls to vote. I described my encounter with a poll volunteer, who had tried to lighten the event with her humor. "I couldn't hear her well, so I asked her to repeat. I couldn't read her face, to tell if she was being funny. It was just plain awkward! I just wanted to vote and get out of there." 

I told Dad that he's had more practice talking to people in masks, than me. For 4 months, his meals have been delivered to his room at his assisted living facility, by masked staff.  

Dad told me he doesn't really talk to the staff much. He just says thanks. I told him that was crazy. He needs to enjoy these little moments each day, with others. After I questioned him more, it became more clear.  He's just not comfortable conversing with someone, when he can't see the face or hear the voice. I get it.

So that makes me sad. But I'm glad to to remind myself that my dad has pretty darn good hearing at age 91.  And thank goodness, he like the phone!

​Dad in the World

I was thrilled today, to learn that Dad's first official outing to the doctor was a success. I was also happy that he had a visit with his brother. After almost 4 months of being confined to his assisted living apartment, this was a big day.

My uncle texted this photo. Dad's eyes are closed, but I thought he looked pretty snazzy with his quarantine beard and longer hair. He looks like a professor (which he is) or a writer. My cousin and uncle are pushing for a trip to the barber.

I'm like a fretting parent. I'm not sure I'm ready for Dad to get out and be exposed! 
​
But I also feel like Dad should be able to make a decision! He's been cooped up for months. He hasn't been able to decide anything about his life for a long time. If he's feeling like he's ready to mask up for a haircut and his facility okays that, then I'll agree.

But if Dad is enjoying his scholarly appearance and he's content staying away from salons, then I hope he can make that choice. 

 

Primary Runoff

Early voting started last week in Texas. I wish we had mail-in voting, especially in pandemic times. But we don't.

​On Friday, I made a new sign for my porch and Don and I headed off for the polls.

This is just a runoff election. Is it really worth putting myself at risk? I half wondered.

But voting has become more and more important, in recent months. Actually it has always been, but some of us need a pandemic to remind us.
We arrived at the new tech center a couple miles from home.

Oops!

I forgot to check the schedule. Friday was the official July 4th holiday.

No voting on July 3. We headed home.

Sunday July 5

There were a few people lined up before the doors opened at noon. It seemed very odd to be voting on a Sunday.

I was glad to see people spaced out in line. I noticed the sign said "Mask Recommended" Hmmm? Masks are required in Texas now. 

They only let a few people in at a time. The brand new machines were easy. They even gave us Q-tips, so we didn't have to touch the screen. We were out in 5 minutes.

I feel grateful that voting was so easy for us. I have to remind myself that for many, there are bus rides involved and hours standing in line. There are troublesome issues that make it impossibly difficult. Fall elections are just over 100 days away. I need to start thinking more about this.

...as other 4ths

In yesterday's post, I talked about the odd feel to this holiday. Independence Day 2020, will not go down as my all time favorite July 4th.

That's why I've been just going back in time, a lot.  ​

I've been thinking about my grandmother, who was born on the 4th of July 1898. I loved celebrating Daw! I still love putting out her Uncle Sam doll each year. This year, I added my own whimsical dolls to the decor. I love all these sweet characters.

Food!
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Don and I stayed away from national news and started focussing on food yesterday. I pulled out all the corny red, white and blue tableware. I refuse to ignore any holidays.

We had 2 days of feasting. Fried chicken and cake yesterday. Hotdogs and peanuts and summer fruits, today! 

Playtime

We dressed in parade-worthy colors and cranked up some John Phillips Sousa marches.

Neither one of us can march and juggle at the same time, but our skills are improving!

Pool & Games

Don and I have spent many a July 4th around the pool, in the past 22 years. No kiddos playing volleyball this year, but Don and I put on our suits and dipped in and out.

We nibbled and drank and played some Yahtzee, before Don lit up the grill.

​Fireworks

Usually we can see our community fireworks from the yard, but they were cancelled this year. So, we turned on the TV and watched national celebrations starting in the east.

We kept our focus on the fireworks and the musical artists, who performed from their homes. (I can't believe I'm almost used to this weird, distanced televised entertainment!) Don and I  didn't watch the White House coverage. We heard later that the president assured the country that "99% of COVID-19 cases are harmless." Hmmm.

Full Buck Moon

We had no fireworks in our area, but there was a gorgeous full buck moon in the sky! I returned to the yard a number of times to look and listen. At one point, I could hear some distant fireworks and I actually saw a few quick splashes of color, thanks to a few neighbor kids. 

Mostly it was quiet and I was happy for the dogs, who are stressing less this year. But then I worried when the sound of sirens began to fill the eerie night. I learned a short while later that a house in our neighborhood community was on fire. Oh dear...

Right now I'm thinking about July 4, 2021. What will it be like? Very different, I hope.

​

 
Independence Day 2020

We've had a number of holidays during this pandemic. All have felt odd and changed, by pandemic isolation. But I've decorated for every holiday and I try to enjoy.
 
​I don't mind celebrating at home. We usually do. I don't mind that the fireworks are cancelled. Because I understand why.

I do mind knowing that tonight, our president will be greeting crowds at Mount Rushmore for a celebration and that S. Dakota's governor, isn't requiring   masks or social distancing.

These reminders of the division in our country are disturbing on this holiday. Oh well. We'll just be staying at home with all our red, white and blue decor. I'm very grateful that I was born in this country. But I am not celebrating my country's leadership at the moment.

Happy Birthday Daw!

This weekend, I'm celebrating my grandmother, who would have been 124 on this 4th of July. Her birthday is tomorrow and I've already made a cake. It's just as funny looking as the one in this photo!

My decorations and my cheers are for Daw! How fun our celebrations used to be!

Yikes. I haven't done anything in the red zone yet, but I've had my hair cut. That's in the Medium/High zone. Fingers are crossed that I show no symptoms. It's been over a week.

I'm not tempted by any of the red zone activities, but I'm itching to travel. Where is "staying in a hotel" on this list? 

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Summer Records

When I was a kid, I loved the idea of breaking records. I especially loved breaking records in the summer, when the days were long.  

How many minutes can I stand on my head? How long can I stay underwater? How many poems can I write in a day? (they were 4-liners) And how many fish can I catch compared to my siblings?

Records in 2020

I don't like the kinds of records that the U.S. is breaking. I'm also getting tired of the records my own state is breaking.  

Texas set a daily record of 8,076 new covid cases, yesterday. That's more than double the numbers, from two weeks ago. Yesterday in the Houston area, 2,142 cases were reported.

Texas is a state that likes to brag. This is not a fun thing to brag about.