VIRUS NEWS:
The Trump Administration apparently bypassed the CDC scientists to publish their own 'dangerous' COVID 19 guidelines.
Despite his promise to have a vaccine available by election day, the president has now said he expects to have enough of a vaccine for every American by April. However, experts say that is not likely.
The Health and Human Services secretary says that all of the ‘Warp Speed’ vaccines will have ‘liability protection’ from lawsuits. That' reassuring...NOT!
Virus cases in the US are ticking up again after weeks of decline even though Health and Human Services official Brett Giroir says that the number of cases are dropping.
Jared Kushner predicted New York would 'suffer' with COVID 19 and 'That's their problem.'
Robert Kennedy's grandson was on Jared Kushner's COVID-19 task force and said he was asked to distort a coronavirus prediction to make the outbreak seem less bad.
Trump is trying to rewrite the history of the pandemic in the US. CNN's Daniel Dale fact checked him.
Dr. Deborah Birx is said to be contemplating resigning from the Coronavirus Task Force because she is 'distressed' by Trump's responde to the virus.
Dr. Fauci told Rand Paul 'You're not listening' when the senator again tried to put words in his mouth.
Kushner’s indifference toward COVID-19 suffering ‘flabbergasted’ meeting attendees
The CDC has reversed its controversial coronavirus guidance that said people without symptoms may not need a test.
The CDC also changed their warnings about the virus being aerosol...and then, just days later, the organization revamped them again, following Trump's agenda. Regardless of what the CDC has said, here are what scientists are really saying about the virus being airborne.
Dr. Scott Atlas, the radiologist who has become Trump's medical expert on the virus (essentially replacing true virologist, Dr. Anthony Fauci more or less) says there is no sound science on mask wearing.
Kushner’s indifference toward COVID-19 suffering ‘flabbergasted’ meeting attendees
The CDC has reversed its controversial coronavirus guidance that said people without symptoms may not need a test.
The CDC also changed their warnings about the virus being aerosol...and then, just days later, the organization revamped them again, following Trump's agenda. Regardless of what the CDC has said, here are what scientists are really saying about the virus being airborne.
Dr. Scott Atlas, the radiologist who has become Trump's medical expert on the virus (essentially replacing true virologist, Dr. Anthony Fauci more or less) says there is no sound science on mask wearing.
The Republican governor of Missouri refused to issue a mask mandate for his state. Guess who has tested positive for the virus? Yep...this idiot.
A doctor at a ‘mask optional’ clinic in Melbourne, Florida died. Post-mortem tests show he was positive for coronavirus.
A notorious COVID troll actually works for Dr. Fauci, apparently. Since he has been caught, he is 'retiring.'
Below is a CNN anchor lambasting Fox News for their endless disinforamtion about the pandemic. I posted this specifically for my brother and nephew, but it's also here for anyone who wants to see it:
There is a report that the White House stopped a plan by the United States Postal Service to mail 650 million masks to every American citizen.
Dr. Fauci has warned that the country's 'divisive state' is hurting the Covid-19 response.
A notorious COVID troll actually works for Dr. Fauci, apparently. Since he has been caught, he is 'retiring.'
Below is a CNN anchor lambasting Fox News for their endless disinforamtion about the pandemic. I posted this specifically for my brother and nephew, but it's also here for anyone who wants to see it:
Dr. Fauci has warned that the country's 'divisive state' is hurting the Covid-19 response.
A new study says that countries should meet five criteria before lifting restrictions.
An MSNBC anchor ripped into Trump rally ‘idiots’ who are making COVID-19 worse through their own ‘stupidity.’
As the coronavirus skyrocketed here in the US, so did stress and depression.
Trump says the US is doing better than Europe. That is a lie.
An MSNBC anchor ripped into Trump rally ‘idiots’ who are making COVID-19 worse through their own ‘stupidity.’
As the coronavirus skyrocketed here in the US, so did stress and depression.
Trump says the US is doing better than Europe. That is a lie.
After declining for months, US coronavirus cases are on the rise again.
As of August 1st, 1 out of every 5 COVID 19 cases was someone in their 20s.
In a speech to the United Nations, Trump blamed China and the World Health Organization for the outbreak.
In a speech to the United Nations, Trump blamed China and the World Health Organization for the outbreak.
A massive genetic study has shown that the coronavirus is mutating and potentially evolving amid its rapid spread across the US.
Horseshoe crabs are vital for the development of a coronavirus vaccine.
The CEO of Sanofi says it is not cutting corners on its vaccine development, despite the accelerated pace.
Trump may reject the FDA's stricter regulations for a COVID 19 vaccine.
An expert says that a coronavirus vaccine won't bring about a 'fairytale' ending to pandemic.
The percentage of Americans who say they'd get a vaccine for the virus when it becomes available is declining. Both Trump and Biden voters say they wouldn't get the vaccine this year if it did become available.
An expert says that a coronavirus vaccine won't bring about a 'fairytale' ending to pandemic.
The percentage of Americans who say they'd get a vaccine for the virus when it becomes available is declining. Both Trump and Biden voters say they wouldn't get the vaccine this year if it did become available.
Governor Andrew Cuomo of New York has said the state will review any vaccine developed for safety due to all of the political motivation that have been involved creating one.
Dr. Fauci warns that even if a vaccine is created, it will not eliminate the need for masks and other public health measures.
Canada is trying out a new gargle test for COVID 19.
A 2-month-old died from the virus in Michigan recently.
The Associated Press posted another article on how easily children spread the virus.
Parents have been knowingly sending their kids to school with the virus.
Teachers in a school district in New York have tested positive for the virus, even though students are learning remotely.
Teachers in a school district in New York have tested positive for the virus, even though students are learning remotely.
In Texas, the case numbers are rising in schools.
Southwest Idaho is starting to see large increases of the virus in schools there.
Ohio schools reported 739 new cases of the virus yesterday.
Teachers are crying and having panic attacks under the COVID 19 workload.
The first school in Ontario Canada to close due to an outbreak has switched to remote learning..
College reopenings in the US have added over 3,000 COVID 19 cases a day.
Coronavirus cases are adding up at Florida universities.
Texas college towns are being coronavirus hot spots.
With Mitch McConnell sitting on further coronavirus stimulus packages, millions of children in the country go hungry.
The first school in Ontario Canada to close due to an outbreak has switched to remote learning..
College reopenings in the US have added over 3,000 COVID 19 cases a day.
Coronavirus cases are adding up at Florida universities.
Texas college towns are being coronavirus hot spots.
Even though the Senate is sitting on a new stimulus plan, the House of Representatives is drafting another 2.4 trillion stimulus plan that would provided unemployment aid and direct payments.
The Pentagon paid off defense contractors with taxpayer funds meant to fight the coronavirus.
What would happen if the president tested positive for the virus?
Average citizens are helping a flood of newly released inmates adapt to a world gripped by Covid-19.
The pandemic is making it harder for domestic violence victims to find a place to live.
The Pentagon paid off defense contractors with taxpayer funds meant to fight the coronavirus.
What would happen if the president tested positive for the virus?
Average citizens are helping a flood of newly released inmates adapt to a world gripped by Covid-19.
The pandemic is making it harder for domestic violence victims to find a place to live.
The chances of catching the coronavirus increase with poverty, a study suggests.
China banned seafood from Indonesia as the packaging has tested positive for the coronavirus.
Parents were charged over a maskless teen party that sparked coronavirus concerns and led to an entire school having to go remote in Massachusetts.
China banned seafood from Indonesia as the packaging has tested positive for the coronavirus.
Parents were charged over a maskless teen party that sparked coronavirus concerns and led to an entire school having to go remote in Massachusetts.
Iowa fined a beef packing plant $957 (That's all??) after a huge outbreak there.
A major outbreak hit the Pacific Seafood processing plant.
A California family barbecue led to another outbreak.
A 28-year-old resident doctor died from the coronavirus after treating COVID-19 patients.
A coronavirus patient was blocked from boarding a Florida-bound plane in Maine.
Trump-loving former Republican official, who hated face masks, died from COVID-19.
The NFL hit three coaches and teams with large fines for not wearing face masks.
Two studies done based on early cases show that the virus can spread on airlines.
Actress Jennifer Garner had a conversation with Dr. Anthony Fauci about the virus, masks and kids in school:
Fox News recently had a Chinese virologist on that claimed to have proof that the virus was created in a lab and released purposely. It turned out that she works for a company run by Trump crony Steve Bannon. This article explains and debunks the claim.
‘We end COVID when we end Trump’s presidency’ says an ad from the Republican group The Lincoln Project.
The Dow fell 500 points on Monday due to coronavirus fears.
New York updated its travel advisory. Anyone traveling to the state from one of 35 listed states must quarantine for 14 days following arrival.
Australian airline, Quantas, is offering 7-hour sightseeing flights to nowhere. The plane just circles the continent.
A California family barbecue led to another outbreak.
A 28-year-old resident doctor died from the coronavirus after treating COVID-19 patients.
A coronavirus patient was blocked from boarding a Florida-bound plane in Maine.
Trump-loving former Republican official, who hated face masks, died from COVID-19.
The NFL hit three coaches and teams with large fines for not wearing face masks.
Two studies done based on early cases show that the virus can spread on airlines.
Actress Jennifer Garner had a conversation with Dr. Anthony Fauci about the virus, masks and kids in school:
‘We end COVID when we end Trump’s presidency’ says an ad from the Republican group The Lincoln Project.
The Dow fell 500 points on Monday due to coronavirus fears.
New York updated its travel advisory. Anyone traveling to the state from one of 35 listed states must quarantine for 14 days following arrival.
Australian airline, Quantas, is offering 7-hour sightseeing flights to nowhere. The plane just circles the continent.
United Airlines will start offering coronavirus tests to passengers for $250 each.
The CDC does NOT recommend trick-or-treating or Halloween parties this year.
Thinking about gifts for this pandemic holiday season? Here is a guide.
GLOBAL:
There have been 32,141,082 confirmed cases of the virus around the world. There have been 981,808 deaths from the virus globally.
'Pandemic fatigue' leads to a resurgence of the coronavirus in Europe, where cases have hit fresh records in France and Spain.
The CDC does NOT recommend trick-or-treating or Halloween parties this year.
Thinking about gifts for this pandemic holiday season? Here is a guide.
GLOBAL:
There have been 32,141,082 confirmed cases of the virus around the world. There have been 981,808 deaths from the virus globally.
'Pandemic fatigue' leads to a resurgence of the coronavirus in Europe, where cases have hit fresh records in France and Spain.
France has imposed new restrictions since the country has seen a surge in cases.
The UK government has imposed new coronavirus rules. The country is seeing its highest viral case numbers since mass testing started.
Israel is tightening lockdowns on synagogues as the virus skyrockets.
The UK government has imposed new coronavirus rules. The country is seeing its highest viral case numbers since mass testing started.
Israel is tightening lockdowns on synagogues as the virus skyrockets.
India reported 86,052 new cases Thursday, bringing the country's total up to 5.82 million infections.
STATES:
The virus numbers have risen in 22 states.
STATES:
The virus numbers have risen in 22 states.
New York City is threatening to close non-essential businesses again if cases keep rising there.
North Carolina now has a new coronavirus tracking app.
North Carolina now has a new coronavirus tracking app.
Georgia had 1,368 new cases and 49 deaths yesterday.
In Florida, Governor DeSantis will be lifting restrictions on bars and other businesses on October 5. The state reported 2,541 new cases and 177 deaths yesterday.
Pennsylvania had 853 new cases and 17 deaths yesterday.
Michigan reported 982 new cases on Thursday.
Indiana was up 920 new cases and 17 deaths yesterday.
Wisconsin had 2,343 new cases reported on Thursday.
Texas has surpassed California in positive coronavirus cases, and is now second only to New York. On Tuesday, the state reported 3,964 new cases and 77 deaths.
The governor of Utah announced tougher outbreak restrictions on Tuesday. The state set a one-day new virus case record yesterday with 1,198 confirmed cases.
Washington added 509 new cases and 11 deaths yesterday.
Oregon businesses are threatening a class-action lawsuit over coronavirus restrictions. The state had its highest new case count since mid-August yesterday with 382 new cases.
The governor of Utah announced tougher outbreak restrictions on Tuesday. The state set a one-day new virus case record yesterday with 1,198 confirmed cases.
Washington added 509 new cases and 11 deaths yesterday.
Oregon businesses are threatening a class-action lawsuit over coronavirus restrictions. The state had its highest new case count since mid-August yesterday with 382 new cases.
Hawaii added 90 new cases yesterday.
CALIFORNIA:
San Francisco has the lowest COVID 19 death rate of any major US city.
CALIFORNIA:
San Francisco has the lowest COVID 19 death rate of any major US city.
There will be a mass coronavirus testing program aimed at Oakland’s Fruitvale district this weekend.
Orange County could move up a tier and have more restrictions removed as early as next week.
LOCAL:
Orange County could move up a tier and have more restrictions removed as early as next week.
LOCAL:
The pace of COVID 19 deaths have slowed in Fresno and surrounding counties.
Fresno County school districts can now apply for re-opening waivers.
Clovis Unified will vote on waivers to bring students back to classrooms.
VOTE:
"My most fervent wish is that I will not be replaced until a new president is installed," were some of the last words of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. I'm sure that won't stop Trump from ramming some crony of his through before the election... He has already publicly stated that he thinks Democrat politicians wrote her last words for her.
Right Wing zealots celebrate RBG’s death as “Move of God” to help re-elect Trump.
Supreme Court Justice, Ruth Bader Ginsburg's death, has changed the dynamic of the election, possibly in Trump's favor.
Trump wants to announce his Supreme Court pick before the first debate. He has hinted that his pick will be a woman.
Police are looking for a woman who apparently has been putting feces in the mailboxes of Trump supporters.
CREATIVITY:
Sean Penn pulled a bunch of Hollywood A-listers to do a table read of the classic 80's flick FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH for charities:
This has nothing to do with the pandemic, but here is new music by Lady Gaga:
The GoGo's covered their 80s hit, WE GOT THE BEAT remotely live for THE TODAY SHOW earlier this week:
Last month, the group debuted a new single:
Political ads are hard-hitting these days. Trump's team's ads have been lies and dishonest, trying to make Biden and Harris look bad showing stuff going on in Trump's America now. These ads use his own words and actions. There is NO need to project how unfit he is.
This is bizzare-O. Someone took a real wild-eyed preacher's insane sermons and set them to music. Whoa...
Here is another...and it is even more jaw-dropping crazy:
MAIL:
The only mail I had this week was from...a MYSTERY person.
VOTE:
Right Wing zealots celebrate RBG’s death as “Move of God” to help re-elect Trump.
Supreme Court Justice, Ruth Bader Ginsburg's death, has changed the dynamic of the election, possibly in Trump's favor.
Trump wants to announce his Supreme Court pick before the first debate. He has hinted that his pick will be a woman.
Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine says that whoever wins the election should pick the next SCOTUS justice. (She will probably cave in and do what Trump wants anyway... That's what she does.)
Senate Majority Leader, Mitch McConnell, argued that Obama could not assign a Supreme Court Justice in 2016, saying it should be left to the American people to decide based on their votes. He is totally doing just the opposite in this situation.
A fundraiser to defeat Mitch McConnell has raised $13 Million overnight following Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s death.
Senator Lindsey Graham said in 2016 that he would never vote to replace a Supreme Court Justice in an election year. Now that Ruth Bader Ginsburg has died, he supports the president's rush to fill her vacancy.
There is a long list of Senators who had very similar stances in 2016 who are changing their tunes now.
Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska says that she opposes a Supreme Court nominee vote before the election.
Trump's favorite Fox News pollster even urged holding off the selection of a new justice until after the election.
Unfortunately, presidential candidate Joe Biden said in 2016 that the president should fill a Supreme Court vacancy. That may come back to haunt him.
The GOP isn't even hiding the fact that their goal is to end Roe V Wade and the Affordable Care Act ("Obamacare") now that there is a vacancy on the Supreme Court.
Here are four ways Mitch McConnell may get stuck in his tracks in trying to ram through a new Supreme Court Justice.
Mitt Romney said he would support a vote for a new SCOTUS member, giving McConnell enough votes to proceed.
Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, says the Democrats have plenty of ammunition in their arsenal to combat the Republicans in their SCOTUS push. Another possible impeachment is apparently one of those weapons.
Senate Minority Leader, Chuck Schumer, served notice to Republicans, saying 'Noting is off the table' should they force a new justice through before the election.
Trump told his supporters that he is “counting on the federal court system” to determine a winner on election night...even before all of the votes are counted.
Even if Trump loses, he can still steal another term as president due to a loophole in the 12th Amendment in the Constitution.
Trump has seemingly threatened an executive order to keep Biden from being president.
In an attempt to win Florida, the president has pledged billions in aide to Puerto Rico for relief from Hurricane Maria -- which was three years ago.
Florida Cuban-American voters are flipping their support from Trump to Biden, stating ‘I know what a dictator looks like.’
Secret audio has surfaced that apparently has House of Representative Devin Nunes saying that protecting Trump is more important than protecting the country.
These are Trump's and Biden's healthcare plans.
According to an article in the Political Tribune, Donald Trump's supporters are turning on him over his endless lying.
The Texas GOP is suing Republican Governor Greg Abbott because he extended early voting by 6 days due to the pandemic.
Billionaire Mike Bloomberg paid off $20M in debt for 31,000 felons in Florida so they can vote in the upcoming election. The move comes just days after Florida Governor Ron DeSantis won a court victory to keep felons from voting until they had paid off fines, restitution and court fees.
Trump has promised that we would never see him again if he loses (probably because he'll be in jail or in Russia, perhaps?)
Early voting in Virginia drew a huge crowd. However, Trump supporters showed up to intimidate and block people from casting their votes.
The Trump campaign blew a billion dollars...and now is in trouble financially.
The Trump campaign is using doctored videos to spread misinformation.
Former President Obama is appealing to young adults to make a difference and get out and vote.
Younger voters are more likely to have their absentee ballots rejected for errors.
A financial company compared Trump and Biden's policies and determined that, under Biden, 7.4 million more jobs would be created than under Trump's plans.
A New Jersey cardinal says Catholics can, if good conscience, vote for Joe Biden if they like.
More than 200 retired admirals and generals, some who even served under Trump, have openly declared their support for Biden.
Donald Trump Jr is posting baseless, fact-checked claims about a rigged election, calling on supporters to be an 'army' for his Dad (i.e. militia).
Bernie Sanders is warning supporters that if Trump loses but falsely claims victory, they must be prepared for him to fight leaving the White House.
A 67-year-old Trump supporter hit a 12-year-old girl in the face and chest with a flag pole after she shouted "Biden 2020."
MONTY PYTHON's Eric Idle threatened to sue the GOP for their illegal use of the "Lumberjack Song" for one of their ads.
CREATIVITY:
Sean Penn pulled a bunch of Hollywood A-listers to do a table read of the classic 80's flick FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH for charities:
This has nothing to do with the pandemic, but here is new music by Lady Gaga:
Last month, the group debuted a new single:
Here is another great episode of "What was Trump Asked About?"
Political ads are hard-hitting these days. Trump's team's ads have been lies and dishonest, trying to make Biden and Harris look bad showing stuff going on in Trump's America now. These ads use his own words and actions. There is NO need to project how unfit he is.
This is bizzare-O. Someone took a real wild-eyed preacher's insane sermons and set them to music. Whoa...
MAIL:
The only mail I had this week was from...a MYSTERY person.
On Sunday, my best friend Erich arrived from San Leandro, CA. He and I were planning to visit my family in Washington on Tuesday. Using vouchers the airlines had given us the previous year (that were about to expire) on a trip to San Diego, the two round-trip tickets ended up costing us less than one one-way ticket. Awesome!
When Erich arrived, he pointed out that there was a package for me on my front porch, tucked to the side of the door. Huh? Inside the large paper envelope from Amazon was a GeekiTikis tiki mug. Zowie! However, there was no indication of who had sent it. Is this another of my former co-worker Mike's "early retirement" gifts, perhaps? I have no idea, but THANK YOU whoever sent it!
SHIRLEY:
More and more, Shirley seemed like she was getting ready to hibernate...and it is far too early for her to do that. So...I've been putting her outside more frequently.
Last Saturday, I put her out and she actually had an adventurous day, toodling around the back yard.
She seemed to enjoy herself and stayed outside for hours. But she didn't eat.
On Sunday, I put her out again. I checked on her every now and then. I found her by the gate one time--stuck. She'd wandered off of the concrete and into the dirt planter. The ground falls away from the cement somewhat. She got stuck trying to climb back up. The front part of her shell she got up to the walkway, but her she couldn't get her arms up.
I moved her up to the concrete and she sat there for a while (catching her breath?). I thought she'd want to come in, but no. She spent several more hours out in the back yard. I don't think she ate much, if anything.
When she came in, she shunned the cardboard condo and her cardboard shack, preferring to just sick her head under a cupboard.
On Monday, I felt really awful taking her to the side yard of my mom's old house in Clovis. The renter there is going to care for her while I go and visit my mom in Washington.
I felt so guilty leaving my girly, Shirley, there. She's been in that yard before, but not in a long time. I hope she will be okay.
I miss my silly girl...
ME:
On Tuesday, I went back to my neurologist's office for my upper body nerve conduction study. It was far more painful than the lower body test that I had had the previous week. UGH! While waiting in the lobby, there was a woman who was wearing a mask, but she was a nose-cheater.
The thing about her was...she kept coughing! And then she pulled her mask down to have a conversation on the phone. WTF!?! After her phone call, she left. I guess she just wanted to spread her germs and then leave? Whatever. I'm glad I was sitting a good distance away from her...
Monday night, I took part of a sleeping pill early and then had three large gin and tonics. I needed to make sure I fell asleep early enough to get up early enough on Tuesday. I needed to get those labs drawn (that I had tried to do the previous week). I had called my insurance company and was told that I'd need to get them done at Valley Children's Hospital, even though I was no longer an employee there. That was awkward for me, but fine. Instead of $3,000 + they were going to charge me at Quest, they'd only cost me $15 at VCH. I wanted to get there before they opened to get done as soon as possible.
I got up at 5 and was at the hospital at 6:50 a.m. I was the first one at the lab and stood in line until it opened. I was invited in at 7 and was told to sign in...but before I could do that, the clerk who took my orders noted that they were not signed by the doctor...and I was sent home. Swell. They'll have to wait until after my trip ...and after I get the doctor to sign them. Grr.
When Erich arrived, he pointed out that there was a package for me on my front porch, tucked to the side of the door. Huh? Inside the large paper envelope from Amazon was a GeekiTikis tiki mug. Zowie! However, there was no indication of who had sent it. Is this another of my former co-worker Mike's "early retirement" gifts, perhaps? I have no idea, but THANK YOU whoever sent it!
SHIRLEY:
More and more, Shirley seemed like she was getting ready to hibernate...and it is far too early for her to do that. So...I've been putting her outside more frequently.
Last Saturday, I put her out and she actually had an adventurous day, toodling around the back yard.
She seemed to enjoy herself and stayed outside for hours. But she didn't eat.
On Sunday, I put her out again. I checked on her every now and then. I found her by the gate one time--stuck. She'd wandered off of the concrete and into the dirt planter. The ground falls away from the cement somewhat. She got stuck trying to climb back up. The front part of her shell she got up to the walkway, but her she couldn't get her arms up.
I moved her up to the concrete and she sat there for a while (catching her breath?). I thought she'd want to come in, but no. She spent several more hours out in the back yard. I don't think she ate much, if anything.
When she came in, she shunned the cardboard condo and her cardboard shack, preferring to just sick her head under a cupboard.
On Monday, I felt really awful taking her to the side yard of my mom's old house in Clovis. The renter there is going to care for her while I go and visit my mom in Washington.
I felt so guilty leaving my girly, Shirley, there. She's been in that yard before, but not in a long time. I hope she will be okay.
I miss my silly girl...
ME:
On Tuesday, I went back to my neurologist's office for my upper body nerve conduction study. It was far more painful than the lower body test that I had had the previous week. UGH! While waiting in the lobby, there was a woman who was wearing a mask, but she was a nose-cheater.
The thing about her was...she kept coughing! And then she pulled her mask down to have a conversation on the phone. WTF!?! After her phone call, she left. I guess she just wanted to spread her germs and then leave? Whatever. I'm glad I was sitting a good distance away from her...
I got up at 5 and was at the hospital at 6:50 a.m. I was the first one at the lab and stood in line until it opened. I was invited in at 7 and was told to sign in...but before I could do that, the clerk who took my orders noted that they were not signed by the doctor...and I was sent home. Swell. They'll have to wait until after my trip ...and after I get the doctor to sign them. Grr.
We got to the airport and...there was virtually no one there. Getting through security was a breeze. We got to our gate and had time for a much-needed pre-flight drink. I hate flying, so had a double Bloody Mary and some Xanax. That was followed by a second double Bloody Mary. (There might have been a third, but the bar closed at 1:30.)
Despite the bar being closed early, the flight was delayed. It apparently was a problem with the baggage compartment---something broke, so they had to mopve all of the luggage from the forward hold to the aft hold.
Plane panicker that I am, I actually LOOKED at the safety brochure. I found this emergency oxygen in the bathroom illustration amising.
Soon we were on our way...so it was time for me to take my third Xanax.
In this photo, you can see just how dirty the valley air is from the Creek Fire. Above the wing is blue sky.
If you look carefully, right below the tip of the jet is Half Dome in Yosemite...hidden by smoke.
We also flew over Lake Tahoe.
I had to run to the bathroom at one point...and they are never tall enopugh for me.
Somewhere over Oregon, it got crazy turbulent. Time for Xanax #4. Soon enough, Sea-Tac Airport came into view.
We had booked passage on the Whidbey Sea-Tac shuttle.
There were only 8 passengers total and the shuttle buses were nice and newer than the ones I was used to riding on. Everyone remained masked and socially distant.
There was, of course, one nose cheater...
Before leaving the airport, we had stopped and picked up something in the terminal at one of the many restaurants. The food area had recently been redone. Erich got himself a wrap and I got a salad. What I really wanted was some clam chowder from Ivar's, but it was no longer one of the restaurants in the airport apparently. However, in Mukilteo at the ferry terminus, there is an Ivar's. We just had enough time to score a couple of bowls of chowder. (I had clam. Erich opted for Smoked Salmon Chowder.)
The crossing to Whidbey Island is a quick one---about 15 minutes. We could have stayed on the shuttle, but we wanted to eat. So, up into the ferry we went.
It was interesting to see the virus precautions everywhere.
We quickly ate our food and it was time to head back down to the shuttle to disembark at the ferry terminus at Clinton.
Mom was there at the Coupeville shuttle stop to pick us up. She dropped us off at her house that she bought with the idea of having a place for me to move to, should I ever chose to. With my legs, it's looking more and more like I will be moving up there sooner than later.
Although there is a master suite on the main floor of the house, the building has been sectioned off and she has part of the house--with the kitchen and master suite--rented out. That's okay. We still had the entire second floor (with a separate entrance than the renters are using) at our disposal. There is a master suite up there, another bathroom and two other bedrooms. Mom had a little refrigerator, microwave, toaster oven and toaster set up for us with lots of snacks.
This is the view from the master suite on the second floor the morning after we arrived. The house is in such a great location. You can see all of the way down the street to the pier on Penn Cove below. Orcas are frequently spotted in the cove and it's just a nice view in general.
That Wednesday morning, in addition to snacks and cooking gadgets, Mom had left us two small pumpkins and jack-o-lantern carving kits. Ha!
We took it pretty easy on Wednesday. (I slept until noon!!! Thank you, Xanax.) The island is on Stage 3 of Washington's 4-stage virus tier for reopening. That meant things like restaurants and movie theaters could reopen with limited seating. Neither Erich or I had been to a walk-in movie in ages. The new movie TENET was playing, but the theater was only allowing a 25% capacity in to see it. I got tickets online for the 5pm showing and we headed to Oak Harbor (the next town north) to see it. We stopped for a quick bite at a nearby Wendy's for dinner. Zowie! Dining was allowed there, albeit distanced.
We got to the the theater and...it was locked up tight with no signs of life inside. Huh? We waited and waited. Another group of people showed up to see the movie also. They, too, had gotten tickets on line. There was a note for delivery drivers, asking them to make their deliveries at a nearby brewery. There was also a phone number on it. I gave it a call and got a voice mail. I left a message, but didn't know if I'd get a call back or not. But then, just minutes later, the doors were opened and a guy came out. The theater, it turns out, is closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays during the pandemic. They had just switched to the online ticket selling system and were having trouble making allowances for the closed days on the system. Fortunately they gave us a rain check for the next week. I also scored a movie poster (for the recent Disney flick ONWARD) as well. Yippie!
On Thursday morning, after opening the blinds, I crawled back into bed and was messing on my phone. I decided to take a picture from my spot in bed. Apologies for the mess, but from where I was sitting, you can see the water. Just amazing after years in land-locked Clovis.
Mom had told us about a new coffee shop nearby that was housed in what used to be a liquor store back when liquor was only allowed to be sold in special liquor stores. The building is right on Main Street and had been empty for years. Because of COVID 19, they had created an outdoor patio area on the former parking lot. However, it had been a blustery night and the umbrellas had been taken inside. However, like the Wendy's the night before, we were pleasantly surprised that dining was allowed inside now.
It was a cute place and it served decent coffee and quick breakfast items. I would go back.
As we walked back (Yes, WALKED. In was leery about doing it with my bad legs. However, ever since I started using a cane, I find I am far more stable and can go farther distances), I caught sight of the cove again and snapped a photo. Sometimes it just seems so picturesque.
Erich went for a walk and I went (driving her truck) to visit my mother. Her house is a constant work in progress, it seems. But she has done an amazing job on it, really. When she got it, there was no front porch. It now has one and looks so much better than it did.
Behind the main house is a smaller bungalow-type guest house. My mom actually has been living in it while she works on the main house (and "my" house and a third house she has on the island). She is in the process of moving to the main house so she can rent out the guest house.
She's been making the yard cute and it has come a long way from what it was at one time.
Later, after meeting up with Erich at the house again, we decided to check out downtown Coupeville. I chanced walking it with my cane again...and did okay. After stopping at the post office, we walked by the cool, old gas station in town.
The visitor center is housed in an old fire station. The upstairs has been transformed into two vacation rentals.
The real reason for the trek into town was to stop at Kapaw's Iskreme, a must anytime you visit Coupeville. The building is, incidentally, housed in the original building where Seattle's Best Coffee started out.
A single (in either a cone or cup...which is how I had it) gets you three small scoops...and you can have different flavors. I had pineapple coconut, coffee almond fudge, and Wolf Tracks (a combination of chocolate, nuts, and peanut butter cups). I will be back before I leave, I am sure...
We enjoyed our ice cream at a table near the pier.
We stopped in a card shop briefly...then headed back up the road towards home. It's been a much-needed and relaxing trip so far...
Stay SAFE! Stay HEALTHY! Stay ALIVE!
CHEERS!
Continue to the next part HERE.
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