There are now 28,827,140 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the USA. There have been 520,356 deaths from the virus here as well.
VIRUS NEWS:
The US has surpassed half a million COVID-19 deaths. Dr. Anthony Fauci said the massive loss of life is “almost unbelievable.”
Biden says the U.S. will have a vaccine supply for all adults by May and he prioritized teachers.
A batch of COVID-19 vaccine were rescued by boat after heavy rains threatened the power supply at a Kentucky health facility, according to Gov. Andy Beshear.
When will the US reach herd immunity and what will it look like?
The US has surpassed half a million COVID-19 deaths. Dr. Anthony Fauci said the massive loss of life is “almost unbelievable.”
Biden says the U.S. will have a vaccine supply for all adults by May and he prioritized teachers.
Florida health officials are reluctant to release new data related to COVID-19 that contradicts Gov. DeSantis' upbeat narrative. They frequently withhold details until they are either threatened with a lawsuit or convinced the trend lines have improved.
Variants:
Two variants have merged into heavily mutated coronavirus. The UK and California variants of coronavirus appear to have combined into a heavily mutated hybrid, sparking concern that we may be entering a new phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Researchers have found a worrying new coronavirus variant in New York City.
What do we know about the Russian variant of COVID-19 and how contagious is it?
New coronavirus strain from Brazil is more contagious and more capable of re-infecting people than earlier strain, studies show.
The South African coronavirus variant has been found in Maine.
All our recent progress with COVID-19 could be wiped out by variants, the CDC director says. 'Please stay strong.'
The COVID variant could mean a brutal March for the US.
Coronavirus variants: Are they as scary as they sound?
Worried about the coronavirus variants? Here's what you need to know.
Can you be re-infected with the new variant if you have already had COVID-19 from one of the older variants?
Florida has the highest variant caseload, health experts are optimistic about COVID control.
Here’s how to beat back multiplying coronavirus variants.
Vaccines:
The CDC says that 10% of the U.S. adult population is fully vaccinated for COVID-19.
Here’s how to beat back multiplying coronavirus variants.
The CDC says that 10% of the U.S. adult population is fully vaccinated for COVID-19.
Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine gets approval from the CDC. Here's how it's different from the others.
A single Pfizer vaccine shot provides strong protection for those who've had COVID-19, UK studies suggest.
Real-world data shows Pfizer’s COVID vaccine is giving ‘very strong’ results after one dose.
Moderna, Pfizer and now Johnson & Johnson will deliver enough doses to fully vaccinate 130 million people — more than one-third of the US population — by the end of March, the pharmaceutical companies told a House subcommittee last week.
Moderna, Pfizer and now Johnson & Johnson will deliver enough doses to fully vaccinate 130 million people — more than one-third of the US population — by the end of March, the pharmaceutical companies told a House subcommittee last week.
Moderna’s vaccine is less potent against one coronavirus variant but still protective, the company says.
Novavax nears U.S. vaccine clearance.
The U.S. coronavirus vaccines aren't all the same.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the US' top infectious disease expert, urges Americans to take any of the three "highly efficacious" coronavirus vaccines now available to them and not delay getting one vaccine over another.
'The impossible is not impossible': The push to make COVID-19 vaccines at record speed.
A batch of COVID-19 vaccine were rescued by boat after heavy rains threatened the power supply at a Kentucky health facility, according to Gov. Andy Beshear.
Rural Americans in pharmacy deserts are hurting for COVID-19 vaccines.
Mammograms can pick up swelling due to the COVID-19 vaccine, causing unnecessary fear, radiologists say.
COVID-19 vaccines are here. So are new mutations. Here’s what you should know. The vaccine race against the coronavirus variants is on.
The growing evidence that the COVID-19 vaccines can reduce transmission.
The Pfizer-BioNTech shot stops the spread of COVID, an Israeli study shows.
While other developing countries compete with richer nations for a limited supply of doses, Cuba has gambled everything on producing its own vaccines. The island may be on the verge of a breakthrough and not a moment too soon.
The second COVID-19 shot is a rude reawakening for immune cells. Side effects are just a sign that protection is kicking in as it should.
People who have had COVID-19 might need only one shot of a coronavirus vaccine. Their antibody levels were 500 times higher than in people vaccinated but never infected
How to sign up for a COVID-19 vaccine in your state.
What Dr. Fauci is, and is not doing, now that he’s fully vaccinated for COVID.
The Florida official who set up a vaccine site for affluent ZIP codes and created a VIP list is under investigation, the sheriff's office says.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is facing bipartisan criticism and a call for a federal investigation after the state set up invitation-only COVID-19 vaccination clinics in at least two upscale communities.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is facing bipartisan criticism and a call for a federal investigation after the state set up invitation-only COVID-19 vaccination clinics in at least two upscale communities.
Democrats ask the FBI for an investigation into Florida's vaccine distribution; Governor DeSantis pushes back.
States shift to vaccinate those in their 50s against COVID-19 as the supply expands.
Former President Donald Trump and former first lady Melania Trump received the COVID-19 vaccine at the White House in January, a Trump adviser told CNN. It was not immediately clear which vaccine or how many doses each had received.
At 38%, Mississippi has the highest percentage of Black residents in the nation. But only 17% of those who received the COVID-19 vaccine have been identified as Black, one of the worst racial gaps in the country.
"Vaccine, vaccine, vaccine, vaccine... I'm begging of you please don't hesitate." Dolly Parton has received her first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine that she helped fund.
As COVID vaccines spread, so do underhand ways to get them. When something is precious and in short supply, sharp practice, corruption and crime may not be far away. Individuals and countries are being told they simply have to wait. Many are not willing to.
Could mixing COVID vaccines boost immune response? Combining different coronavirus shots could speed immunization campaigns — and even boost immune response.
The US needs to hold on for another 2 or 3 months without easing up on COVID-19 measures, expert says. Here's what's at stake.
Dr. Fauci cautioned against complacency as COVID infections decrease and warns that daily case level remains high.
California is now encouraging residents to ‘double mask’ to better protect from the coronavirus spread.
Texas and Mississippi are rolling back all COVID 19 precautions despite warnings.
For some Texans who've lost loved ones to the coronavirus, Governor Abbott's lifting the mask mandate is a “slap in the face.”
Businesses' bid to enforce COVID safety rules stymied by Texas governor's decision to scrap mask mandate. "This could put people in danger," a security expert says.
West Virginia’s GOP governor calls lifting mask mandates an ill-advised ‘macho thing.’ “I don’t know really what the big rush to get rid of the mask is, because these masks have saved a lot of lives,” said Governor Jim Justice.
Dr. Fauci says it's "possible" Americans will still need to wear masks in 2022 to protect against the coronavirus, even as the US may reach "a significant degree of normality" by the end of this year.
A woman used her own thong underwear as a mask after nearly being kicked out of a store.
Politics:
Biden urges patience on COVID as Republican governors go rogue on reopenings.
Biden tells Senate Democrats to stick together and quickly pass coronavirus relief.
The Senate advanced the $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief bill despite GOP opposition. Wisconsin Republican Senator Ron Johnson has vowed to delay final passage for hours by making the Senate’s clerk read the entire bill aloud.
Biden and Senate Democrats agree to limit eligibility for $1,400 checks. The Senate bill would cut off payments at $80,000 for single filers and $160,000 for joint filers.
The U.S. Treasury launched $9 billion coronavirus aid for low-income lending.
The recent Republican CPAC was an incredible super spreader event in a state that has been devastated by COVID. Republicans were willing to risk lives to let Trump speak. One year and 500,000 COVID deaths later, CPAC doesn't seem to have learned its lesson.
Gov. Kristi Noem attacked Dr. Fauci at CPAC, despite South Dakota's horrifying COVID-19 rates.
North Dakota expelled an anti-mask, anti-vaxx GOP lawmaker for alleged sexual harassment and ‘bizarre’ behavior.
Kids and Schools:
COVID-19 impacts kids from Black and Latino communities disproportionately.
Why kids are hitting the pandemic wall.
More than 12,000 coronavirus cases have been reported at California child care centers.
When will children be able to get COVID-19 vaccines?
Healthcare:
Without a nurse, a hospital bed is just a bed. During the pandemic, nursing staff have been routinely overlooked and consistently undervalued.
"I'm scared of what this is going to look like." A Texas ICU nurse said health care workers were seeing light at the end of the tunnel, but that was "shut down" when Gov. Abbott said he was lifting the state's mask mandate and businesses' capacity limits.
Everything old is new again: Repurposing drugs to treat COVID-19.
Patients who had COVID-19 reveal a new phenomenon: Bad brain fog.
Scientists inch closer to explaining the mysterious 'brain fog' symptom of COVID-19. Brain fog can lead to confusion, memory loss and difficulty thinking.
A US health agency will invest $1 billion to investigate 'long COVID.'
Does marijuana help sick recover from coronavirus? The hospital is now recruiting patients to participate in a more extensive study to explore CBD’s effect.
True Stories:
A 90-year-old Seattle woman walked six miles in the snow to get her COVID-19 vaccine.
A nurse who got COVID-19 after getting vaccinated urges others to still get the vaccine.
Teen with 'big heart' succumbed to the coronavirus.
How a Minnesota couple's longtime love story survived COVID-19.
Great apes received COVID-19 vaccines at the San Diego Zoo.
Travel:
How coronavirus vaccine is impacting Americans’ travel plans.
Jamaica is now requiring a negative coronavirus test for travelers within 3 days of the trip.
The CDC still advises against travel during the COVID-19 pandemic as spring break looms.
Misc:
The World Health Organization says the coronavirus pandemic unlikely to end this year.
The danger of a fourth wave exists.
Is a spring coronavirus surge inevitable?
Glasses-wearers are up to three times less likely to catch the coronavirus, a study suggests.
Restaurant line cooks are at the highest risk of dying from COVID, says a UCSF study.
COVID death rates are 10 times higher in countries where most adults are overweight.
Why type A blood may increase COVID-19 risk.
New FDA guidance on convalescent plasma restricts which COVID-19 patients can receive it.
The coronavirus deranges the immune system in complex and deadly ways.
A small number of people are testing positive after being fully vaccinated.
As pandemic fatigue sets in at work, employers try to help. From virtual water coolers to gift cards, business owners have been experimenting with ways to stave off burnout as the crisis drags on.
As pandemic fatigue sets in at work, employers try to help. From virtual water coolers to gift cards, business owners have been experimenting with ways to stave off burnout as the crisis drags on.
The search for animals harboring coronavirus — and why it matters.
The Covid-19 baby bust is here. Nine months after the pandemic began, birthrates began to fall in many advanced economies, early data shows.
The pandemic is helping us relearn the lost habit of walking and push away from the cult of the car.
What’s new with the COVID-19 pandemic and how can you keep swimming safely in the time of coronavirus?
The coronavirus is here to stay — here’s what that means.
The pandemic is helping us relearn the lost habit of walking and push away from the cult of the car.
What’s new with the COVID-19 pandemic and how can you keep swimming safely in the time of coronavirus?
The coronavirus is here to stay — here’s what that means.
The short-term, middle-term, and long-term future of the coronavirus.
Xavier University students in Cincinnati are testing an app that tries to read the coronavirus in your voice.
New COVID-19 database could hold the key to disease's mysteries.
Coronavirus vaccine scams are on the rise — here's how to spot them.
Dr. Fauci said that Trump let ‘terrible things’ happen after their COVID-19 disagreements. The infectious disease specialist recalled the moment he lost influence with the former president, who instead acted “like there was no outbreak.”
Dr. Fauci said that Trump let ‘terrible things’ happen after their COVID-19 disagreements. The infectious disease specialist recalled the moment he lost influence with the former president, who instead acted “like there was no outbreak.”
Dr. Fauci says that thanks to Trump, ‘I have armed agents guarding me all the time.’
Entitled THE VIEW co-host Meghan McCain wants Dr. Anthony Fauci fired because she deserves a COVID-19 vaccine now.
GLOBAL:
There have been 115,616,238 confirmed cases of the virus around the world. There have been 2,569,285 deaths from the virus globally.
Entitled THE VIEW co-host Meghan McCain wants Dr. Anthony Fauci fired because she deserves a COVID-19 vaccine now.
There have been 115,616,238 confirmed cases of the virus around the world. There have been 2,569,285 deaths from the virus globally.
Mexico’s coronavirus czar has been hospitalized over the past 5 days for COVID-19. Hugo Lopez-Gatell, the face of Mexico's pandemic response, “has drawn criticism for downplaying the need for masks and spearheading strategy of limited testing”. (Sounds familiar...)
Whole towns are refusing COVID-19 vaccines in Mexico.
Whole towns are refusing COVID-19 vaccines in Mexico.
Hospital ICUs are reaching their limits across Brazil, as health experts and state officials beg the government to impose stricter lockdown measures to reduce coronavirus transmission.
‘Catastrophe’ as Brazil hits record-high daily COVID deaths. The country’s health ministry said on Wednesday that 1,910 additional deaths and 71,704 new cases. Deaths surge as political infighting undermines effective pandemic response and vaccination roll-out falters.
Indigenous groups in Ecuador have been finding ways to trace and treat COVID-19.
Taiwan granted emergency authorization for the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.
Bhutan still only has one reported death from COVID-19.
Data shows that India's homegrown COVID-19 vaccine works — 2 months after it was approved.
Here is a rare look inside a COVID-19 ICU in Baghdad, Iraq.
The Health Ministry says the first cases of the New York coronavirus variant have been found in Israel.
Coronavirus cases are up 9% in Europe, in a significant shift.
Germany plans to extend its coronavirus lockdown to March 28.
What's behind France's AstraZeneca turnaround?
STATES:
Massachusetts reports 1,410 new COVID cases, 42 deaths on Thursday. The CDC guidelines suggest that only one county in the state should fully reopen schools.
New Jersey quietly added 11 medical conditions, including being overweight, asthma, to COVID vaccine eligibility list. The state reported 42 COVID deaths, 2,605 positive tests yesterday as the state marked 1 year since its first case.
STATES:
Massachusetts reports 1,410 new COVID cases, 42 deaths on Thursday. The CDC guidelines suggest that only one county in the state should fully reopen schools.
New Jersey quietly added 11 medical conditions, including being overweight, asthma, to COVID vaccine eligibility list. The state reported 42 COVID deaths, 2,605 positive tests yesterday as the state marked 1 year since its first case.
South Carolina's Department of Health and Environmental Control reported 819 new confirmed COVID-19 cases on Thursday and 38 new confirmed deaths with 7 new probable deaths.
School employees of all ages are able to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at Orlando's FEMA vaccination site. There were 6,118 new coronavirus cases reported in Florida Thursday with 120 new deaths.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania’s FEMA mass COVID-19 vaccination site draws thousands to its official opening. There were 2,577 positive cases of COVID-19 in the state yesterday. There were also 69 new deaths identified by the Pennsylvania death registry.
West Virginia reported no new COVID-19 deaths, yet did have 261 new cases yesterday.
Ohio's Governor DeWine says health orders will be removed when the state drops to 50 cases per 100,000 over 2 weeks.
Michigan opened COVID-19 vaccines to people age 50 and older.
The Indiana State Department of Health reported 962 more positive coronavirus cases and announced 32 additional confirmed COVID-19 deaths Thursday.
Alabama will lift its statewide COVID mask mandate beginning April 9.
COVID-19 UK variant cases are skyrocketing in Wisconsin. There have been 677 positive COVID-19 tests since yesterday and 12 deaths.
Minnesota family caregivers are being turned away for the COVID-19 vaccine despite being eligible. Those caring for relatives with complex needs are eligible as health workers.
Iowa is expanding its COVID-19 vaccination eligibility to those 64 or younger with medical conditions.
New Orleans will not join Louisiana in the move to the more relaxed Phase 3 coronavirus restrictions. The Louisiana Department of Health reported 530 more confirmed coronavirus cases and 13 more confirmed deaths in its noon update Thursday.
Texas' local officials blasted Gov. Greg Abbott for the "irresponsible action" of lifting coronavirus restrictions. City and county leaders urge residents in their areas to still follow recommendations from health experts and officials that call for wearing face masks in public. Texas teachers and child care workers now eligible for COVID-19 vaccine. The change in eligibility comes the day after the Biden administration urged all states to prioritize teachers. There were 2,172 new cases and 53 deaths announced Thursday in four counties in Texas.
A Utah lawmaker hospitalized with COVID says he will have to re-learn how to walk. COVID-19 vaccine eligibility is expanding Monday for Utahns 50 and older as Utah saw 611 new cases and 12 deaths yesterday.
Essential workers are frustrated as Arizona adopts a 'hybrid' vaccination approach.
New Orleans will not join Louisiana in the move to the more relaxed Phase 3 coronavirus restrictions. The Louisiana Department of Health reported 530 more confirmed coronavirus cases and 13 more confirmed deaths in its noon update Thursday.
Texas' local officials blasted Gov. Greg Abbott for the "irresponsible action" of lifting coronavirus restrictions. City and county leaders urge residents in their areas to still follow recommendations from health experts and officials that call for wearing face masks in public. Texas teachers and child care workers now eligible for COVID-19 vaccine. The change in eligibility comes the day after the Biden administration urged all states to prioritize teachers. There were 2,172 new cases and 53 deaths announced Thursday in four counties in Texas.
A Utah lawmaker hospitalized with COVID says he will have to re-learn how to walk. COVID-19 vaccine eligibility is expanding Monday for Utahns 50 and older as Utah saw 611 new cases and 12 deaths yesterday.
Essential workers are frustrated as Arizona adopts a 'hybrid' vaccination approach.
Washington state surpassed 5,000 COVID-19 deaths. The state reported 866 new coronavirus cases and 20 new deaths yesterday. Governor Inslee announced dates of when vaccine phases will move forward.
The first West Coast case of the COVID variant from Brazil has been found in Oregon. The state reported 32 new coronavirus-related deaths on Thursday. It also reported 392 presumptive and confirmed coronavirus cases.
The first West Coast case of the COVID variant from Brazil has been found in Oregon. The state reported 32 new coronavirus-related deaths on Thursday. It also reported 392 presumptive and confirmed coronavirus cases.
Hawaii reported 60 new coronavirus cases yesterday, but no new deaths. Hawaii health officials also reported 6 cases of the COVID-19 variant B.1.1.7.
CALIFORNIA:
California reported 4,959 new cases, 296 new deaths on Monday.
California reported 4,959 new cases, 296 new deaths on Monday.
The UK variant of the coronavirus has been identified in Sonoma County.
Orange County surpassed 4,000 deaths as of March 4.
When will California reach herd immunity? Maybe June, maybe never.
California set aside 40% of its vaccines for underserved communities in an effort to slow the spread of coronavirus and hasten the reopening of the economy.
'We have to be bolder': Gov. Newsom says new vaccine plan will 'make real progress' on equity.
The COVID vaccine super site at Disneyland temporarily closed to convert it to a drive-thru facility.
Coronavirus: Each county’s tier assignment and California vaccine totals on March 2.
California plans to loosen reopening tier requirements as more vaccines reach vulnerable areas.
A state agency disputes a report of botched COVID-19 vaccine shots at the Oakland Coliseum.
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced details of a new COVID-19 relief bill that would see Californians receive direct payments worth up to $600, if eligible.
Homeless people in California that were exposed to the coronavirus were put in hotels. For hospitals, the move paid off.
There's been a big drop in coronavirus testing in Santa Clara County.
Last Wednesday, San Francisco reopened some businesses and activities as it moved into the state's red tier. Restaurants and gyms were among the businesses that reopened.
San Diego extended a law requiring hotels to rehire veteran workers that were laid off during the pandemic.
Newly vaccinated Bay Area restaurant workers talk of mixed feelings.
San Luis Obispo County added 46 new coronavirus cases and three deaths yesterday.
'Absolutely reckless': California's Gov. Gavin Newsom reacted to Texas lifting its mask mandate and other restrictions.
'Absolutely reckless': California's Gov. Gavin Newsom reacted to Texas lifting its mask mandate and other restrictions.
Orange County is grappling with a wave of hate toward Asian Americans over the coronavirus.
LOCAL:
34,000 COVID-19 vaccines were sent to Central Valley last week.
34,000 COVID-19 vaccines were sent to Central Valley last week.
Vaccine effectiveness questioned with delayed second doses in Madera County.
How the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine helps rollout in Fresno County: ‘That changes the playbook.’
How the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine helps rollout in Fresno County: ‘That changes the playbook.’
New one-dose COVID vaccines are heading to the Fresno region. Here’s what we know.
Fresno County health officials hoping to follow President Biden's recent vaccine claim.
Fresno County’s coronavirus metrics continue to decline as Red Tier nears.
Local health officials are monitoring for COVID-19 variants.
Thousands of Fresno County school employees will have gotten their first COVID vaccine dose this week.
A vaccination clinic aims to give 1,000 vaccines to agricultural employees of Prima Wawona, a local company known for growing peaches, nectarines and plums.
Foster Farms employees in Merced County received COVID-19 vaccinations.
Fresno Unified Sschool District has reached a deal to allow students back for in-person learning starting April 6.
Local health officials are monitoring for COVID-19 variants.
Thousands of Fresno County school employees will have gotten their first COVID vaccine dose this week.
A vaccination clinic aims to give 1,000 vaccines to agricultural employees of Prima Wawona, a local company known for growing peaches, nectarines and plums.
Foster Farms employees in Merced County received COVID-19 vaccinations.
Fresno Unified Sschool District has reached a deal to allow students back for in-person learning starting April 6.
Fresno Unified students and teachers see hope for return on the horizon.
All youth sports, indoor and outdoor, are allowed to resume in California, an advocacy group announced.
CREATIVITY:
Here is a hilarious Kimmy Kimmel take on the Karen phenomenon, with Barbie-like Karen dolls:
Ten years ago, I participated in a project where I recorded my life for one day. Others around the world did the same thing. The results were showcased in the interesting documentary LIFE IN A DAY. This past summer, the filmmakers asked the world to film their days again for a 20th anniversary version of LIFE IN A DAY. Nothing I filmed that day made it into the final film, but it turned out to be fascinating anyway:Here is a hilarious Kimmy Kimmel take on the Karen phenomenon, with Barbie-like Karen dolls:
The LIFE IN A DAY people decided to make a short, 12 minute film featuring the people from the original movie and didn't make it into the 2020 feature. The result was LIFE IN A DAY: THEN AND NOW. As I was seen 10 years ago, I am briefly seen sitting on the toilet (at the 2:10 mark). The real delight and surprise of this project for me was the appearance of Shirley! She appears at 12:16 and slowly walks of the kitchen and into the backyard as the end credits role. Hooray! Shirley is a movie star!
For some reason, LIFE IN A DAY: NOW AND THEN is listed as being a YouTube Premium video. I'm not sure if you'll be able to see it or not. Here is a screen shot of me on the toilet from it: (O' the HORROR!)
And here is Shirley just before she starts out the door...with my name listed as one of the "directors". Ha!
And, here are a few more recent political ads:
MAIL:
Terri, in Salt Lake City, sent me a note recently:
Terri, in Salt Lake City, sent me a note recently:
"I'm sitting in the parking lot, getting ready to go in to work," she said. "But I'm checking my email first. All is well here and I'm still incredibly healthy which reminds me of that scripture, 'though I walk through the valley of death, I shall fear no evil...'. Lol.
"I'm one of those fanatics that refuses to take the COVID vaccine shot. I won't go into any lengthy explanation. But I wont take. I refuse. I haven't taken any shots...flu, antibiotics, nothing...in decades.
"I'm still loving it here in Utah and doing farm chores...even in this COLD snowy weather.
"Got to go in to work."
Rosa, in Spain, sent me this note. Oh my stars!:
"Hey, I got COVID looking after my mom," she said. "Now my dad and sister have it also. So, that's four--including me.
"How strange. Looking after my mother with Alzheimer's has been a real privilege. And so, looking after my dad after he returned from hospital--but getting COVID--is not fun.
"Look after yourself."
I checked on Rosa several days later and got this reply:
"We are okay," she said. "Very weak, but okay."
My friend Angel in Colombia went on a bit of an adventure, which he shared with me via text, photos and video. I was absolutely delighted that he cared enough to do this:
"I am by bus, traveling to Medellin, 9 hours from where I live ," he said. "I will send you many photos of where I am so that you know.
"It is for work. So I will take the opportunity to get to know Medellin. They say it is the most beautiful city in Colombia. It is the city of eternal spring.
"Andres is traveling with me as a partner of my company. I do not know how the partner is called in the United States (legal representative of the company). Is that since I am Venezuelan, it is good that someone Colombian accompany me, because many people have Xenophobia and not everyone loves Venezuelans . So I put Andrés as legal representative before the Chamber of Commerce and that whoever hires me speaks.
"Once I get to Medellin, I'll stay at the house of a friend of Andres, because we don't have money for a hotel. Ha ha.
"We go to the interview at 10 in the morning. It is an industrial sector. Ha ha."
He sent this video when he arrived at the place he was staying:
He also sent photos throughout the day of activities he was doing:
The next day he sent this note:
"I already left the meeting," he said. "I have to work on the graphic proposal, but they said yes."
He later shared this note and photo:
"We are going back to Bucaramanga. We arrive around 9 hours and there is a lot of traffic, but the bus is empty.
"Our friends stayed in MedellÃn. But Andres and I are back because we are poor. HA HA HA HA HA. But we had an incredible time."
He also sent this video (and I think he was trying to show me a wound on his head, maybe?):
Several days later he shared this and a photo to go with it:
"I cut my hair and beard," he said.
Art, who now lives in Florida, sent me a picture for his COVID vaccination appointments. Whoo hoo!
Yesterday, I received a letter in the mailbox with some Christmas decorations on it. Zowie! I knew our postal system was screwed up, but this was crazy late. All of the way from Italy, it was a letter (with some enclosed postcards) from my friend Mauro:
"Christmas time arriving again." he said. "I wrote this letter in advance. We're in November, under COVID rules. We can go to work and shopping and few more.
"We're fine. I saw in the news that almost all world is in the same situation.
"You have a new president. Are you happy? Here in Europe we're happy for Biden. He shows more 'soft' than the old. We don't like politicians when they are also businessmen.
I attach some postcards I bought during a journey by bike, 170 km and 3,000 mt of difference in level. It was really nice, but I'm too old for this kind of trip.
"I wish you a merry Christmas and a happy new year."
Here are his postcards:
Yesterday evening, I had a text from my friend Vye. It was news I was soooooo glad/relieved to hear:
"I'm getting my first vax on Sunday," she said. "I went to Walgreens and they have weekend appointments. You have to be 65+ or have health concerns that qualify (Yes, we all meet one of these parameters). I just walked in and voila! They did ask if I had health insurance, but I don't think it's required. I also don't know which vax it is."
SHIRLEY:
Guess who finally woke up? Shirley! She was a lazy butt this year. She's usually up in mid-/late- February. This year, she slept in until yesterday, March 4th.
She's been waking up slowly. I'll peek in on her in the guest room and she'll have rearranged herself. But she has not wanted to wake up fully. So, yesterday, I deemed it time for her to get up and put her out on the lawn. She was awake enough. She sat there a while. She let me pet her head and she looked around the yard.
My friend Erich had been in town for a visit. We planned to have our friends Shookie and Vye over for a socially distanced cocktail party on Saturday. Friday night, Erich decided he wanted to run to the mall to see if he could find them some little trinkets. Oh my stars! We visited the Clovis Mall, which has never been a very success venture...but it was beyond dead. More than half (75%?) of the business spaces were empty. It was quite shocking.
The next morning, Saturday, we headed into Old Town Clovis to visit some of the antique malls there. Erich found surprises for the girls and I picked up two old tiki mugs from the old Harvey's casino in Tahoe that I was going to buy for myself--but Erich got them for me as an early birthday gift. The venture into Clovis wouldn't be worth mentioning really, except that so many people we encountered in the shops and on the street were maskless--despite the mask mandate. At one antique mall, we were greeted by four employees behind the main counter--and everyone of them was without a mask. Just shocking! Unreal...
Later that afternoon, Shookie (right) and Vye showed up for our little soiree!
Oh my stars! It was SO DAMN GOOD to see them again. Golly, I didn't realize how much I had missed them.
We had assorted munchies (I even tried to pass off the Thanksgiving dinner-flavored candy corn...as a joke, of course. Ha!) and served pear martinis.
It was a delightful time and Erich had done a spectacular job of picking out gifts for the ladies.
We were even planning a little trip together once we are passed the worst of the pandemic.
At some point last week, Erich and I made an impromptu trip back to the California gold country. I knew we'd go on some sort of excursion--and the return to the area the was the beginning of California's staking a claim for statehood turned out to be a great choice. Our first stop was in the (mostly) ghost town of Chinese Camp.
There were a few other abandoned buildings we saw...and then we headed the Chinese Camp Store & Tavern. It was a small general store that was jam-packed with grocery items for the few remaining residents of the area. There were also a lot of gift items (jewelry, gems, postcards, etc.). One of the postcards showed an old church that we had not seen. Where was that?
Just outside of Jamestown is Railtown, a California State Historic Park. I had not been since I was a kid. I remembered seeing the the roundhouse and riding an old train back in the day. We were also told that many TV shows and films had been filmed there, such as PETTICOAT JUNCTION and THE WILD, WILD WEST. (Exteriors for several TV shows and movies had also been shot in Jamestown as establishing shots.) I particularly remember having the train car used in WILD, WILD WEST and the wooden water reservoir from PETTYCOAT JUNCTION being pointed out to us.
The day we were there, the place was nearly deserted. many of the permanent displays were closed as were many of the shops.
The little mercantile/general store (which sells real groceries) was open, at least. I enjoyed a bottled sarsaparilla.
I hoped Erich wasn't too disappointed. Columbia really is a neat place to experience---when it's open. This wasn't really the day to be seeing it for the first time.
Some of the (literal) windows into the past were open, so we could see some of the historic exhibits.
While the City Hotel seemed to be shut down and undergoing repairs, the Fallon Hotel was operating (although the Fallon Theater and ice cream parlor were closed).
I managed to sneak in the closing hotel door and get a quick shot of its lobby area.
Hot diggity! There was a very cool old hearse inside.
I was glad the candy store was open. I remember it from when I was a kid. In the 5th and 6th grades, we had school trips up to the Sonora area to a learning center. There were day trips to various nearby attractions, such as caverns, a real life gold mine, and Columbia. You can imagine that the candy store was a highlight of that trip.
What I most remember about the candy store was my classmates all going ga-ga about getting giant jawbreakers. Shookie and Vye and I had just been talking about that at our cocktail party the weekend before. I asked the store clerk if the kids still did that. Apparently they still do. Ha!
Just behind the school is the town's cemetery. I could just imagine playing hide and go seek among the tombstones at lunch time back in the day. Ha!
While Samuel Clemens (aka Mark Twain) did stay on Jackass Hill from December 4, 1864 until February 25, 1865, this was not the cabin he stayed in, we learned from a plaque near the cabin. That structure has been lost to time. The current building was constructed in 1922 to commemorate the author's brief stay. It was restored in 2002.
The cabin doesn't even resemble the real cabin, of which photos were on display in nearby Angels Camp. Ha! There's a sucker born every minute...and I went to check out the fake cabin. Oh well. Somewhere near the spot, for less than three miserable winter months, Mark Twain hung out. He heard the story of the jumping frog in a saloon in Angels Camp that inspired his tale "The Jumping Frog of Calaveras County" and changed the course of his life once the story was successfully published. (It obviously ensured that this shack o' sham was erected. Ha!)
Since Angels Camp was just down the highway a bit, we gave the town a quick inspection.
There was a creek flowing through one end of town.
The Mark Twain/Jumping Frog connection were evident throughout the town
I was curious about the old movie theater that had apparently been cut up into six screens. Oh well.
While walking around Angels Camp, I'd seen a sign for the Murphys Hotel in the town of Murphys just a few miles away. It wasn't on Highway 49, but we thought that since it was close, why not check it out? At first when we drove through the town, all we saw was a couple of strip malls. Snore! It was only after we had turned around and were heading back to the 49 that we saw a small sign pointing to the downtown area. Hmm.
Wow! What a delightful surprise. The old section of Murphys was very nice. It had an upscale vibe, without seeming snooty. It was very comfortable yet classy. Erich and I were both instantly charmed.
Our time in Murphys was too brief (but we hope to return soon, possibly with Shookie and Vye around Shook's birthday in late April, perhaps). We wanted to hit one more gold mining town before heading home. We passed through the towns of San Andreas and Jackson without seeing their old sections. We had a quick drive through the delightful and quirky-looking Mukelumne Hill, but didn't stop. But we did stop in Sutter Creek.
Sutter's sawmill business went belly up after the discovery of gold. Prospectors flooded the area around the mill and his workers abandoned him to go off prospecting themselves. Sutter went looking for a place to start over and settled here...but was soon overwhelmed with prospectors and businesses popping up around him. He fled back to Sacramento.
The town grew and thrived in the gold rush era...and survives today as a charming mountain community. It was a super quick trip. And there were so many other interesting places we didn't get to see at all.
Since my CIDP diagnosis and the pandemic hitting, I have not really used my "new" (used) car much since getting it in February 2020. But on Sunday, I had my first maintenance warning flash on! Yikes!
Luckily, there was a Groupon that same day for an oil change. Ha! The clerk at the oil change place talked me through resetting the service light. It was all no big deal. I guess you just set the thing to go off every 5,000 miles or so, like an alarm clock. Ha! I wish I had known. I was a bit freaked when that popped up. Ha!
Even though I am 55 and my state is only allowing those 65 and older to get their COVID vaccinations (unless they are healthcare workers), I have been checking sites trying to schedule myself an appointment. My hematologist told me that I would need to get one a week before my IVIG infusion. I get IVIG next week. That left this week---or I'd have to wait until April. Well, I am a nurse...even if I am not working. I thought I might try to fudge it a bit and try to get one. Amazingly, one day I was able to schedule myself for shot at the fairgrounds last Tuesday.
For some reason, I was under the impression that the vaccination center at the fairgrounds was a drive through thing. It was not. I had to park and walk. Oh dear...
There really wasn't any signage directing me where to go. I just sort of started heading south.
I headed for the closest building to me. Luckily, the side I was nearest was also the way in.
The guy at the door checked off my name and I was ushered into the building. I was told to head to the next building for my vaccination. Clearly they were expecting hordes of people. In addition to the three guys at the three entrances, there were several tables set up inside with people waiting to sign people in and there was room for a huge crowd in the space. Weird.
After being directed to the next building, again I was stunned to see how many people were NOT there in line, despite there being a place holder spot every six feet.
I approached a bit of a line, but it moved along quickly.
At the door to the next building, there were people checking your health status and reservation time, before directing you on to another short line before a series of tables.
The tables where being run by registrars. I was asked if my name and birthdate were correct. They were. I asked if he wanted proof of my profession (I had my expired nursing license card, a screen capture of the online proof of a valid license, and the Board of Registered Nursing website ready. I also had my ID from the hospital jammed in my pocket--just in case). Nope. He didn't care about any of that. No proof that I was a nurse was needed.
I was then directed to another short line on one side of the building. There was a similar line on the other side of the room.
This was the final line before I'd get my shot. It, too, moved quickly.
There were about 10 or 12 little booth set up (on each side of the building) where shots were being given.
Oh my stars...so much walking for Mr. C.I.D.P. Ha!
Inside this last building, we had to just sit for a minimum of 15 minutes to make sure we were not going to have any bad reactions to the vaccination.
When I was finished (and preparing for the long, long walk back to my car), I was delighted to see that vintage signage from Fresno's past had been set up around the Paul Paul Theatre. How cool. The Mars Drive-In sign (to the right of the DiCicco's one) was a real surprise. I think there was also a Lester Burger sign (visible below the Speed Equipment sign) and, not pictured, the top cupola from the old court house was also there. Zowie! Very cool. But how did I react to the vaccine? Except for a sore shoulder, I was totally fine.
I'm still continuing with physical therapy. I snapped this shot of myself when everyone was still at lunch one day.
Ali is my therapist sometimes. Last Wednesday, as she came out to greet me and start my therapy, her boyfriend Sean (aka Officer Smith) showed up to bring her a fancy coffee from Dutch Bros. coffee. I had been there on her birthday this past December when he came in and surprised her with a coffee and other things. I told him that he was scoring bonus boyfriend points for his efforts. Good for Ali. I got a picture of them.
Stay SAFE! Stay HEALTHY! Stay ALIVE!
CHEERS!
The Chinese Store display was also open.
Not that we wanted to do it, but the gold panning business was shut down for the day.
I don't recall ever visiting the livery stable before, but we went to check it out.
The old two-story school house is just a little ways outside of town on a hill. When I'd been there with Nedra in October, it was undergoing restoration. The project seemed to have been finished finally.
A peek in a rear window showed the classroom set up as it might have been in the late 1800s or very early 1900s.
I sat on a bench-shaped grave while Erich took a walk through the cemetery. And then it was back in the car and off for further exploration of the region.
As we rode along Highway 49, I spied a sign indicating a turn off that led to Mark Twain's cabin. Zowie! We had to stop and check it out.
We spotted a champagne bar and decided to check it out. We each enjoyed a champagne flight on the patio. I had an international flight, with wine from France, Spain and Italy. Erich had a completely French flight, featuring wines exclusive to the Champagne region of France, I believe. Oo la la!
Sutter Creek was founded by the man who first discovered gold (along with James Marshall) and started the gold rush himself, John Sutter. The gold was not discovered at Sutter Creek. Instead, it was discovered at Sutter's Mill on the American River in Coloma, further north.
Soon it was my turn and I got my first vaccination (Pfizer). (And, of course, I filmed it...)
Then, I was directed to leave the building and follow the signs to the next.
That's about it. I got my mom a vaccination appointment up in Washington for the 11th--thank goodness. Erich has been home for almost a week. He texted yesterday saying he thinks he has an appointment for a vaccine shot through Kaiser. Vye has hers scheduled. He is just waiting for conformation. My nurse Karen and her husband are getting their vaccinations tomorrow. Phew! I am so glad people in my world are getting their shots. I don't want to lose any more people than we already have.
My next shipment of IVIG arrives sometime today with my next series of treatments scheduled next week. Joy... I also have a dental appointment and an appointment with the tax lady coming up. Fun. fun. fun... (NOT!)
Happy Daylight Savings Time (the 14th) and St. Patrick's Day (the 17th).
Stay SAFE! Stay HEALTHY! Stay ALIVE!
CHEERS!
Continue to the next part HERE!
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