There are now 31,495,164 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the USA. There have been 565,283 deaths from the virus here as well.
VIRUS NEWS:
The U.K. coronavirus variant is now the dominant strain in the U.S., the CDC says. The B.1.1.7 variant is thought to be more contagious, and its spread adds to growing concerns that the U.S. may be on the cusp of another surge.
The number of new COVID-19 cases has plateaued at a "disturbingly high level," and the US is at risk from a new surge, Dr. Anthony Fauci warned.
The U.K. coronavirus variant is now the dominant strain in the U.S., the CDC says. The B.1.1.7 variant is thought to be more contagious, and its spread adds to growing concerns that the U.S. may be on the cusp of another surge.
The number of new COVID-19 cases has plateaued at a "disturbingly high level," and the US is at risk from a new surge, Dr. Anthony Fauci warned.
Another US COVID-19 surge may look different, experts say, particularly for younger people. Here's how.
COVID-19 hospitalizations among younger people are rising in the US -- especially in one region.
Variants:
The epidemiologist who helped to wipe out smallpox has issued a stark warning about the COVID-19 variants. “We have to have a backup plan in addition to vaccinating everybody as fast as we can,” Dr. Larry Brilliant told CNN.
The big hole in America's plan to fight COVID-19 variants. Vaccine makers are studying whether booster shots or revised vaccines will be needed to fight new strains — but they don't have an easy way to expand production.
The COVID variant from South Africa was able to ‘break through’ the Pfizer vaccine in an Israeli study.
The UK COVID variant is more transmissible, but not more severe, new studies suggest.
The UK COVID variant is more transmissible, but not more severe, new studies suggest.
Brazil's P1 coronavirus variant is mutating, and may become more dangerous.
The first known cases of the Brazilian COVID-19 variant have been detected in Clark County, Nevada.
A doctor says you should be ‘very worried’ about the Brazilian coronavirus variant. The Brazil coronavirus variant has already reached the U.S. But it could spread even more.
Nebraska has identified more variants of the coronavirus.
More young people are getting hospitalized as a 'stickier,' more infectious coronavirus strain becomes dominant.
Coronavirus variants: What viral mutants mean for the pandemic.
Vaccines:
All 50 states now have expanded or will expand COVID vaccine eligibility to everyone 16 and up
All 50 states now have expanded or will expand COVID vaccine eligibility to everyone 16 and up
Can your employer make vaccinations mandatory? Here's what an expert says.
How long will COVID vaccines protect people?
Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer and Moderna side effects: How do they compare?
FDA will evaluate Pfizer's request to allow COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 12-15 'as quickly as possible,' acting commissioner says.
Pfizer's CEO says the company can deliver 10% more doses to the U.S. by the end of May than previously agreed.
The Pfizer CEO says people 'likely' will need third COVID shot in next 12 months.
Moderna says its COVID-19 vaccine offers protection for at least 6 months.
People who got the Moderna COVID vaccine report more side effects than Pfizer recipients.
Moderna says that a booster shot against COVID-19 variants could be ready by year's end. The company's CEO hopes to have COVID booster shot for its vaccine will be ready by the fall.
Duke researchers find the Moderna vaccine is effective against two variants.
The new Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine appears safe and triggers antibodies in trial in children.
British regulators have identified 30 cases involving rare blood clot events after the use of the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine in the UK by 11.000.000 people: 0,00027%.
Government vaccine advisers say they don't foresee AstraZeneca vaccine being used in the US.
38 fully vaccinated people in Hawaii still got the coronavirus, which is slightly above the national rate.
As of last Wednesday, out of the millions who have been vaccinated, the CDC reports 5,800 COVID infections in fully vaccinated people.
A Brooklyn woman got COVID just 3 weeks after getting the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
There is a man in the hospital with COVID despite being fully vaccinated with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, his wife says.
Johnson & Johnson is "aware" of rare blood clotting cases, but says there is "no clear causal relationship" with its vaccine.
A Georgia vaccine site stopped Johnson & Johnson vaccinations after adverse reactions.
The blood clot risk is no higher in the Johnson & Johnson vaccine recipients than that of the general population, experts say.
A Federal official said that the CDC and FDA are taking the reports of blood clots and the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine 'seriously.'
CDC and FDA recommended the US pause use of Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine over blood clot concerns.
The Johnson & Johnson COVID vaccine to remain in limbo while officials seek evidence.
The CDC vaccine advisers have put off a decision on the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine.
What does it mean if you've had the Johnson & Johnson vaccine?
The Johnson & Johnson vaccine pause shouldn't stop people from being vaccinated, a doctor says.
"Please wait until you're fully vaccinated before you're traveling, before you're engaging in high-risk activities." Health experts are pleading with Americans to keep taking precautions until they are fully vaccinated.
Cornell University will require vaccinations for students returning to campus in fall; expects full in-person learning.
US colleges will require students to be vaccinated, despite state policies.
More than half of rural residents have received a COVID-19 vaccine or plan to, but hesitancy remains high, analysis finds.
A nurse practitioner is using social media to help the underserved secure COVID vaccine appointments.
Fact check: How effective is the Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine? Russia's COVID-19 vaccine, Sputnik V, has been approved for use in dozens of countries, and it's also under review by the European Medicines Agency. But the vaccine remains controversial.
Nearly 40% of Marines have declined COVID-19 vaccine.
'I'm a prophet': Pastor discourages his congregation from taking vaccine.
Many Evangelicals say they won't be vaccinated against COVID-19. Some experts say distrust and misinformation have played a role.
The truth behind COVID-19 vaccines for sale on the dark web.
COVID-19 vaccinations are climbing. But familiar mistakes could lead to more misery.
A top Chinese official has admitted that his country's vaccines have low effectiveness. Hundreds of millions of them have already been distributed.
The GOP's anti-vaxx cult is meant to hurt Biden.
Fox's Tucker Carlson casually suggested to viewers that maybe the COVID-19 vaccine ‘doesn’t work and they’re simply not telling you that.’
Dr. Anthony Fauci responded to Fox News host Tucker Carlson after Carlson suggested COVID-19 vaccines are not effective.
CNN medical analyst Dr. Celine Gounder discussed the risk of undermining vaccine confidence after renowned statistician Nate Silver tweeted about vaccine hesitancy.
Masks:
Mask-wearing could prevent up to 14,000 COVID-19 deaths by August, a model predicts.
An anti-masker got a month in jail for coughing in the face of shoppers.
Politics:
Newly revealed Trump administration emails show depravity and conspiracy against the country in response to the COVID pandemic.
A Trump appointee 'bragged' about influencing CDC reports on COVID-19, a House committee says.
Florida is suing the federal government over cruise industry restrictions.
Michigan vaccine rebuff puts Biden and a top ally in a dicey political spot.
Stimulus check update: Should you expect a fourth relief payment? (Not likely...)
The new round of stimulus checks includes ‘plus-up’ payments. (I got one...thankfully.)
Families who lost loved ones to COVID-19 can now get help with funeral expenses from FEMA. The agency has launched a hotline to apply for up to $9,000 in assistance per burial.
FEMA was overwhelmed by calls on the first day to apply for COVID funeral assistance.
Representative Jim Jordan challenged Dr. Anthony Fauci on when states can end coronavirus precautions, claiming that these measures infringe on first amendment rights.
Kids and Schools:
Why are so many babies dying of COVID-19 in Brazil?
Can your unvaccinated children visit family indoors? What you should know.
COVID-19 cases spiked in Michigan, fueled by infections among kids.
Children are now playing a 'huge role' in the spread of a COVID-19 variant, an expert says.
Teachers are hitting a wall more than a year into the pandemic. Some have decided to walk away from the profession amid a growing educator shortage in the US.
What schools can do with their COVID stimulus money.
Healthcare and Medical Breakthroughs:
More nurses than usual are considering leaving the profession after COVID-19, due to a lack of support and high levels of stress.
Regeneron says its COVID-19 antibody cocktail helps prevent symptomatic COVID-19.
A new HIV vaccine with a 97% antibody response rate is in phase I human trials. It is based on the Moderna's COVID vaccine.
The Pentagon has some amazing projects that have helped combat COVID-19 and may help end pandemics forever.
Coronavirus pandemic blamed for increase in postpartum depression and anxiety in new mothers. Mental health expert says mothers need to know it’s OK to ask for help.
COVID-Related Health Complications:
34% of COVID-19 survivors received a diagnosis for a neurological or psychological condition within six months of their infection, according to a new study.
For many sufferers of long COVID, proving they are sick is a big part of the battle.
Dry mouth and COVID tongue: Coronavirus symptoms you must not ignore.
Maybe now MAGA men will get vaccinated: COVID can cause long-term impotency.
True Stories:
A COVID-19 patient received a lung transplant from living donors.
These people thrived in pandemic isolation -- and aren't ready to return to 'normal' socializing.
He's a microbiologist who has spent four years honing a specialty in infection control -- a skill set that's in short supply. But instead of working on the COVID front lines, he has been prevented from working and threatened with deportation.
Two tigers at a Virginia zoo tested positive for the coronavirus.
A "staggering" number of children have lost at least one parent to COVID-19, a model estimates.
A CNN anchor paid tribute to his mother, who died of COVID in India.
Travel:
When can we go on vacation again? This is what experts say.
California is relaxing travel restrictions, but is still discouraging visitors.
Puerto Rico has imposed $100 mask fines and heightened their police's efforts as the country grapples with aggressive tourists.
Norwegian Cruise Line wants to start US cruises again on July 4 and has told the CDC it's willing to require all passengers and staff to be vaccinated before it sets sail.
Florida's Governor DeSantis says he can bar cruise lines' vaccine mandates. (Uh, I don't think so...)
With less than 100 days to go until the Olympic Games, already postponed a year due to the coronavirus pandemic, questions remain over how Tokyo can hold a massive sporting event and keep volunteers, athletes, officials -- and the Japanese public -- safe from COVID-19 when Japan has vaccinated less than 1% of its population. (Oops! That's a problem.)
Japan to widen coronavirus curbs, casting fresh doubt on the Olympics happening.
Knott's Berry Farm plans to reopen to guests on May 21.
Are amusement parks safe now? What you should know to lower COVID-19 risk.
Your guide to avoiding COVID-19 while staying at a hotel.
How to fly safely a year into the pandemic.
Empty middle seats on airplanes can reduce the risk of COVID-19 exposure by up to 57%, the CDC study says.
Southwest Airlines says it needs all flight attendants back at work this summer.
Vaccine Passports:
Officials in Hawaii have commented on a potential vaccine passport for travel.
Vaccine passports: Some airlines are using them, expert says these other large entities may be next.
The Hawaii Safe Travels coronavirus vaccine passport timeline has been pushed back.
Governor Ron DeSantis issued an executive order banning 'vaccine passports' in Florida.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott banned government-mandated 'vaccine passports.' Abbott's executive order prohibits state agencies, or organizations receiving state funding, from requiring proof of vaccination.
Misc:
Some Americans are acting like the pandemic is over. It's not.
Some Americans are acting like the pandemic is over. It's not.
Dr. Fauci talked about what he is comfortable doing now that he's fully vaccinated.
Here's what can help the US soon see a COVID-19 'turnaround,' Dr. Fauci says.
The Biden Administration launched a $500,000 contest to improve face mask designs.
"VAX Live: The Concert to Reunite the World" is part of a campaign to help medical workers in the world's poorest countries quickly receive COVID-19 vaccines.
Why you should get tested for COVID even if you're vaccinated.
Nova Scotia discovers grassroots success with COVID-19 rapid-test kits.
A year in, here's what we know about vitamin D for preventing COVID.
How does COVID-19 spread? The Top 5 things everyone should know by now.
Your guide to avoiding COVID-19 at church and other religious services.
How to make your gym workout less risky during the pandemic.
A youth baseball team was forced to drop out of a tournament over vaccine requirement.
The White House adapted its Easter Egg Roll tradition for the COVID-19 pandemic.
A "coronavirus hug" image has been named the World Press Photo of the Year.
Sales of toilet paper dropped 32.7% in the 12 weeks ending April 3 from the same period a year ago, according to market research firm NielsenIQ. Purchases of paper towels fell 18.3%, and multipurpose wet wipes sales are also down 15.7% versus a year ago when the pandemic began.
Right-Wing Virus Craziness/Hypocrisy:
The GOP mandated a negative COVID test for entry into its spring donor retreat in Florida.
'60 Minutes' nailed Ron DeSantis in a vaccine 'pay to play' — with program allowing the rich to fly in for shots.
Ron DeSantis, the GOP’s most hypocritical governor, got his vaccination in private.
Jerry Falwell Jr. calls on evangelicals to get vaccinated, but only so restrictions end.
Right-wing has-been rocker Ted Nugent doesn't believe 500,000+ have died of COVID.
Trump-loving pastor Rick Wiles calls for Dr. Anthony Fauci ‘to be taken to Guantanamo Bay and waterboarded.’
A Right-wing conspiracist says that COVID nasal tests take your DNA so the government can create flesh-eating zombies.
GLOBAL:A Right-wing conspiracist says that COVID nasal tests take your DNA so the government can create flesh-eating zombies.
There have been 138,890,681 confirmed cases of the virus around the world. There have been 2,985,407 deaths from the virus globally.
There have been virus lockdowns around the world as vaccine efforts stumble.
Stalled at first jab: Vaccine shortages are hitting poor countries.
The pandemic has hit a 'critical point' as Europe deaths top one million.
Slovakia offers a lesson in how rapid testing can fight COVID. One of the country’s top epidemiologists explains how population-wide use of rapid antigen tests—in combination with other measures—helped get its outbreak under control.
In India, millions are flocking to Hindu festivals in spite of the massive outbreak.
India overtakes Brazil as the country with the highest infection rate. Bangladesh ordered a shutdown as surge hits South Asia.
Brazil has completely lost control of COVID-19. And it’s going to now endanger the rest of the world. Brazil’s South American neighbors worry a COVID-19 variant will spread quickly and lead to another wave of deaths.
Brazil's coronavirus crisis worsens as patients are 'tied to beds' and ventilated without sedatives. Hundreds of hospitals in the hard-hit country are on the verge of collapse, and many are suffering from severe medicine shortages.
Doctors Without Borders is horrified by the 'humanitarian catastrophe' of Brazil's COVID-19 response.
Behind the COVID-19 surge in Papua New Guinea.
Bhutan vaccinated 93% of the adult population in only 16 days.
India is facing a 'severe, intensive' second wave.
India confirms more than 200,000 coronavirus cases in a day.
COVID has accelerated India's millionaire exodus.
Israel is nearing herd immunity. As of Wednesday, Israel had not had more than 300 new daily cases for over a week.
China had administered 136.68 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines, just one for every ten people.
STATES:
China had administered 136.68 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines, just one for every ten people.
STATES:
Maine had 579 additional coronavirus cases and one new death reported Thursday.
Connecticut had 702 new cases and 6 deaths yesterday.
New Jersey's coronavirus public-health emergency has been extended into its 14th month.
Virginia added 1,415 new coronavirus cases yesterday.
A more contagious coronavirus variant has taken hold in Georgia.
6,762 new cases and 74 new deaths were reported in Florida on Thursday.
The COVID-19 surge in Michigan is putting some hospitals at critical capacity levels, a health care provider says. In Michigan's latest coronavirus surge, there's a new kind of patient: the younger and healthier. Michigan reported about 6,300 coronavirus cases yesterday, and 112 more deaths.
Wisconsin had over 900 cases for third day in a row reported yesterday.
Illinois reported 3,581 new coronavirus cases and 40 deaths yesterday.
Colorado added 1,500 new cases yesterday and had three additional deaths.
In Oregon, Latino groups rebuked the state’s coronavirus vaccine drive. The state saw 733 new cases and 6 deaths yesterday.
Hawaii reported 98 new coronavirus cases yesterday. There were no new deaths.
CALIFORNIA:
Detection of the coronavirus P.1 variant has been confirmed in Yolo County.
San Luis Obispo County added 21 new coronavirus cases yesterday.
Coronavirus California: Map shows which counties can, can't reopen under reopening tiers. (Hint: there are currently no counties left in the purple tier.)
California has the lowest COVID-19 positivity rate in the U.S.
California aims to 'fully reopen' its economy by June 15.
Where will we be on June 15? The end is in sight to COVID restrictions.
Nurses are concerned about California relaxing COVID restrictions too soon.
California prisons resumed in-person visits with some changes.
California has lifted capacity limits at churches. This comes after a lengthy legal battle between the state and religious leaders and a recent court ruling.
Nurses are concerned about California relaxing COVID restrictions too soon.
California prisons resumed in-person visits with some changes.
California has lifted capacity limits at churches. This comes after a lengthy legal battle between the state and religious leaders and a recent court ruling.
Governor Newsom expects all students back in classrooms by August.
300 movie screens to stay dark in California after a company shut down operations due to the impact of COVID-19.
LOCAL:
Local politicians weigh in on Governor Newsom's plans to reopen the state June 15.
Fresno County opens up vaccine eligibility, where you can get them.
LOCAL:
Local politicians weigh in on Governor Newsom's plans to reopen the state June 15.
Fresno County opens up vaccine eligibility, where you can get them.
Fresno County giving up 28,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses due to low demand in county. Fresno County is seeing only under 50% of appointment slots being filled at vaccination sites.
Officials aim to build COVID vaccine confidence among Latinos through virtual town hall. A three-part series of virtual town halls aims to quell any fears and misinformation among the Latino community that is yet to be vaccinated.
Local advocates worry that the Johnson & Johnson vaccine pause could increase skepticism among minorities.
Kings County expanded its vaccine eligibility for anyone 16+.
Adventist Health offering COVID-19 vaccine at its Central Valley offices.
California residents are traveling to Fresno County for the COVID-19 vaccine.
Fresno Unified parents purchased billboards advocating for in-person learning 5 days a week.
Thousands of Fresno Unified School District students returned to in-person learning.
Fresno Unified School District has started hybrid learning, students return to campus last week.
Some Central Unified students returned to campuses this week.
Middle school students in Merced City School District have returned to in-person learning.
Tulare County moved into the less-restrictive orange tier.
Merced County is now in the red tier after a 'data dump' skewed numbers, local officials say.
The Fresno Chaffee Zoo has reopened its Reptile House for visitors to enjoy once again.
The Fresno Chaffee Zoo has reopened its Reptile House for visitors to enjoy once again.
Central California reacts to the state allowing indoor concerts, theater performances.
A local restaurant sees light at the end of the tunnel after one week of inside dining.
A Fresno-based company is releasing a new movie as theaters reopen from the pandemic.
The Big Fresno Fair's drive-thru food event ends Sunday.
A Fresno moving company is helping families during the pandemic.
CREATIVITY:
CREATIVITY:
If you haven't seen it yet, there's a new Randy Rainbow video:
Someone made a new trailer for the 1973 horror classic THE EXORCIST, but re-imagined it as a romantic comedy. You can read about it and view it HERE.
Here is a COVID version of a Saturday morning classic:
Puddles Pity Party does a marvelous cover of Britney Spears' TOXIC:
Weirdness abounds in this new Chloe video, "Vaccine." What? Huh?
Here a few recent political ads:
My friend and former co-worker Sandy sent this note about her side effects following her second COVID shot:
"I was fatigued for the week, mild headache, and my arm was so painful," she said. "I developed a huge indurated lump across my upper arm. At first it was the size of a quarter, but it continued to grow. I couldn't even raise my arm for a yoga pose. It's getting better slowly. I got it the 23rd and it was my afternoon/night caring for my dad. I'm glad symptoms weren't worse. I hope this makes sense, as I'm ready to fall into a deep sleep."
My friend Janet, who I have known since we got our teaching credentials together in the 90s, sent me this birthday card along with some nifty tiki postcards from Ohio. (Tiki in Ohio? Let's GO!) THANK YOU, Janet.
Late breaking news bulletin. The tiki idol necklace turned out to be from Shookie! Golly, Shook. THANK YOU!!!
My friend Cathy in San Francisco sent a note:
"Both Travis and I have been vaccinated," she wrote. "We got Pfizer. I only had a sore arm. Here's a photo of me with my sticker! I'm fully vaccinated. Travis will be fully vaccinated this coming Monday, April 5th.
"Both Travis and I have been vaccinated," she wrote. "We got Pfizer. I only had a sore arm. Here's a photo of me with my sticker! I'm fully vaccinated. Travis will be fully vaccinated this coming Monday, April 5th.
"The City definitely has less people here. There was a big exit last year and even now. A few are moving in. Van Ness is not as congested as it used to be. There is a lot of outside dining, which I'm assuming will be permanent. We can eat inside now, but its limited. 98% of the people here wear masks. I walk over at Chrissy Field along the water 3-4 times/week. I love it!"
I also met my friend Paula in school to get our teaching credentials many moons ago. (That was career No. 1 for me, before the newspaper gig and way before I became a nurse.) She lives in Lindsay, California and she sent this note:.
I had a brief note from my friend Mark, who I had gone to nursing school with. He lives in Sonora, California:
"We've all been vaccinated here and Chad just got his second one today. YAHOO! FREEDOM! He's already talking about when we can head to Disneyland this year (when, of course, they open!)."
My friend John in Frazier Park, California texted me this shot of him getting his vaccination.
Angel in Colombia sent a brief note with photos:
"I was able to do the 15-year party (quinceanera) for my sister," he said. "It was nice. I did it for two days. We went to eat the day before and yesterday the pool My sister enjoyed her 15-year party. Andrés also went to the party and took his siblings since my sister does not have many friends."
"Me, my husband, and my 90-year-old dad, as well as extended family, are all vaccinated," she said. "Tomorrow, my 17-year-old gets his first shot and then he has chosen to return to his high school for in-person learning. My kids had chosen to remain on distance learning, as they have taken this whole pandemic very seriously and I have never had to deal with kids screaming to be let out (thankfully!). They have been amazing and super mature about all of it. My oldest did, however, opt out of his junior year of swimming, as he did feel that was not a safe endeavor yet. (See what I mean about maturity? I’m a lucky mom). Hopefully, by summer, my 15- and 13-year olds will be eligible to be vaccinated as well.
"As for work, we went back on March 8 to in-person learning. I have 17 in class from 8-11:30 daily and then 6 remained on distance learning, so I teach them from 12:30-3 daily. We are all virtual on Wednesday’s. It’s exhausting and I’d love to just have them all back and normal. Maybe by the fall. We are in desks and can’t be on the carpet, so it’s not a normal kindergarten experience at all. But I’m trying to make it as normal as possible. The kids are doing great with masks and hand washing and physical distancing in the classroom (not so much in lines), but so far we haven’t had many issues at my school."
David in Australia sent me a brief emailed birthday note:
"Happy birthday for today (well, today in Australia)," he said. "Your Aussie birthday coincides with my first day back in the office since 17 March 2020. Over a year working from home. Unbelievable."
Nick was a student nurse of mine when I was a clinical instructor for the University of Phoenix...two years ago. Since then, he has kept in contact with me as he has made his way through the nursing program. I have been figuratively holding his hand, letting him vent and ask questions even though I am not an instructor any longer--but that's okay. Earlier this week, he sent me a copy of an email he had finally received:
I don't know if this quite counts as real "mail," but I got a birthday card from my IVIG supplier. Ha! It was handwritten by Eshell, the coordinator I work with. So, that's something...
Sara lives in Fresno. I know her from my years at the newspaper (The Fresno Bee). She is a teacher now and she sent this note, photos and video:
"I'm getting ready to welcome back students this week," she said. "I'm so nervous and I keep dreaming about it. I'm literally losing sleep over it. I'm excited, but scared. I will be doing simultaneous instruction, which means I'll teach kids both online and in-person at the same time. That is what is giving me the most anxiety. I know I'll get used to it and adjust, because that is what teachers do. But I'm so stressed about it that I could puke. Please send good thoughts, juju, prayers (or whatever) my way and for all the teachers!
"The good thing is that I have had both vaccinations, and will be considered "fully vaccinated" tomorrow. That makes me feel more secure in going back. Science rocks
"Thank you, by the way, for sending me that information about my family being able to get vaccinated. My kids are still too young (unfortunately), but I was able to get my husband vaccinated. He was super hesitant, but I kept bugging him and MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! And yes, the girls will both get a vaccine when it is available.
"My own kids will remain in distance learning throughout the rest of the school year. Since they can't get a vaccine, I feel more comfortable keeping them home, since we have that option because my mom stays with them. They are doing really well in distance learning. They're both straight A students and manage their time and work well, so we are blessed in that aspect.
"Distance learning has taught them more than just content. They have learned incredible technical and life skills that, I think sometimes, as parents, we forget about. Which skills are more important in the long run - finding the volume of a rectangular prism or showing up on-time, every day to your job (in their case - class)? We can always teach ("and catch them up") on content, but life skills tend to be harder to learn the older we get. I'll get off my soapbox now.
"Other than that, we are actually planning on putting our house on the market and purchasing a new one. The hold up is finding a rental that we can live in with 3 dogs. Oh! I forgot to tell you we have three dogs now. We've had Sam for about 7 years. And the new ones we found on our daily walks around the neighborhood. They're named Jersey and Boston (Boston because of New Kids on the Block! You know me.... NKOTB Megafan!!! I'll be loving them forever!!!)."
Mom sent me this birthday greeting precisely at midnight at the start of my birthday. Click HERE to see it.
Unfortunately, while the rest of the world is trying to get back to some semblance of normalcy, my friend Mary Helen is facing some scary health issues:
"Well, I met with both the surgeon's assistant and my oncologist yesterday," she said. "All blood work and the CT scan have verified that it is time to perform the major surgery to remove as much of the cancer as possible. I have completed my pre-operation paperwork and will take my COVID test on Sunday. Wednesday the 14th of April I check in to the hospital at 6:30am. I am the first surgery of the day for Dr. Wu. I will try to reach out as soon as I can or will have my son or cousin let you know how it went."
Shirley is definitely awake. She wants to be outside all of the time--doesn't want to come in at night. That is typical for this time of year for her. (When it gets hot, she comes to the door early in the day and wants to come inside for air conditioned comfort!) One morning I found she'd woken up and gotten herself stuck under one of the snack bar stools. Poor girl. I guess she really needed to go out. I wasn't there to open the door for her, she got trapped...and she ended up just peeing where she was stuck.
I've had to hunt her down in the evenings as she sometimes hides (or seems to) to stay out all night.
I have let her stay out a few nights---when it hasn't been too cold at night. If she goes to sleep someplace where the nighttime sprinklers won't get her, I will sometimes let her stay out. She's up early these days and sunning herself all day long.
She's also eating now. Hooray! She goes to town on the grass. She's like a slow moving lawn mower.
She's drinking well, too. The other morning I found her on her water dish having a big, long drink.
My birthday was coming up. Along with turning another year older, my driver's license was also coming due. I had been renewed several times and was now required to go in for a new card and new photo (my old photo had been in use the last 12 years or so). Since that new alternate driver's license (the "Real ID") will be required for traveling by air starting in October, I opted to get that instead of a regular license. I filled out all of the paperwork online, bundled the various proofs of who I am for my visit and made an appointment for Friday the 2nd at 11:20. When I arrived, I was amazed to see the place so crowded with people and they were all outside.
I dug through my envelope looking for proof of my appointment---and dropped my cane. He noted that and asked if I was disabled. I said yes. He said that because of my handicap, I didn't need a reservation. Instead of sending me to the back of the very long line for people without reservations, I was allowed in.
Finishing those extra 15 minutes early at the DMV afforded me the opportunity to swing by Krispy Kreme before my lab appointment. I wanted to surprise my former coworkers with some Easter donuts. I have only been to Krispy Kreme a few times. I was amazed to see this huge conveyor belt filled with donuts slowly circling around. Wow!
My former co-worker Michele took some photos of the donuts after they arrived in the break room.
My labs (I had a magnesium level, a natriuretic peptide test, and a basic metabolic panel) were all fine
and in range...except my blood glucose. Ugh! It was high. Swell... On top of everything else going wrong with me, I do NOT need to go diabetic as well. I guess it's back to the salads... Joy.
After that, I got myself a haircut. I know that doesn't sound like much, but for me, that was a HUGE day of errands. I was exhausted afterwards.
For Easter, my friend Erich was having a very small dinner party at his house in San Leandro. All of the invited guests had been totally vaccinated. He invited me. Could I come? My first thoughts were of Shirley, of course. If I went up Saturday afternoon and came home Monday morning, that would only leave her alone for 2 days. She'd be wanting to stay out and had already spent a few nights outside. Okay. I'd come. It beat staying home alone, right?
I was asked to bring some fresh strawberries, so I stopped at one of the last "in town" fruit stands (the land the little farm is on is for sale---so this will soon be gone) to pick some up.
The trip was super quick. Of course, the first thing I did when I got home was check on my Shirley girl. She was fine.
I got a notice (that was expected) that my California disability insurance was exhausted. Oh boy... I am in a pickle. I will be getting some money once a month from a long-term insurance policy, but it's less than what I was getting from the state. I'm still hoping for social security disability (and if I get it, I have to pay back the insurance company what they've paid me!), but who knows when or if that will happen. I have a psych evaluation on the 16th (today!) as part of the social security disability process. I guess they think I am faking my illness (as if I could cause my myelin to recede at will! Ha!)?
In the middle of my infusion treatments, I got my first bill of the year from my IVIG supplier. Sure, my insurance picked up the bulk of it...but I am still stuck with a $3,000 bill. Gulp! Uh... I'll be making payments. Eventually.
I asked my nurse, Karen, how her second vaccination went. She said she didn't have it. Apparently about a week after her first one--and just after she finished my March infusions--she got really sick. She thinks the vaccine had some how flared up the dormant lyme disease she'd had in the past. Zowie! For two weeks she was exhausted, had extreme bone and joint pain. She had a metallic taste in her mouth, freezing cold hands and feet, and she said her nerve ending felt just raw. She couldn't focus or concentrate and she lost eight pounds because she had no appetite. Scary.
Last Monday, I had an appointment at my hematologist's office. It was time for my bloodletting once again. I know I've explained this before, but I don't think most people realize what this is like. The needle is huge---a 16 gauge. (Most needles used for IVs are 22 or 24 gauge, the higher the number the smaller the needle.) Just look at the bevel. You could suck a milkshake out of that puppy. It's like a harpoon!
They take 500 mls (half of a litre) each visit. Because of my medical issues, they cannot use the blood at blood banks. Instead, it is destroyed.
I had just finished my infusions on Saturday and only had Sunday to recuperate before getting my phlebotomy. Afterwards, I was just sooooo exhausted the rest of the day. Good times... (BLAH!!!)
My friend Erich came to town to celebrate my birthday. On Tuesday, we decided to attend a movie---our first walk-in flick since the pandemic began (aside from when we saw TENET in Washington last October). Although there were several things I want to see, I opted for a movie called HELD. HELD was made here in Fresno and Clovis by local filmmakers who had earlier had success with a horror film called THE GALLOWS. Since it is a smaller movie, I didn't anticipate it being around long--unlike the blockbusters like GODZILLA VS KONG and THE UNHOLY, etc.
It was great to be in a theater again. The Maya Theater is currently the only theater in the Fresno-Clovis area that is open. (The Sierra Vista in Clovis is supposed to re-open today.) Tickets are restricted to a 25% capacity, but there were very few people in the theater when we were there. I think, for our showing, there were maybe 8 or 9 people total in the auditorium.
On the way out, shameless poster hoarder that I am, I picked up this poster the theater was giving away on the way out. I've never heard of WENDY and it will probably be instantly forgotten... But if it does take off, I am thrilled to have scored the poster.
Speaking of movie posters, since HELD was made and produced right here in town, I wondered if I could score a copy of its poster as well. I looked up the production company, found their website and sent them this note a few days before going to see the film:
"Dear Tremendum Pictures,
CONGRATULATIONS! I recently saw an article about you and your locally filmed feature HELD. I am planning on seeing the film (hopefully) this coming Tuesday at the Maya Cinema in Fresno.
The reason for my note, in addition to congratulating you all, is to inquire about the movie poster. I am a collector of movie posters. I have thousands of them--literally. Although I was fortunate to get to attend a screening of THE GALLOWS and receive an autographed mini-poster from the film (signed by Mr. Lofing and Mr. T. Cluff, I believe), I still sought out and purchased a full-sized (27x40) theatrical-sized poster. I missed GALLOWS 2 altogether. It came and went in a week--while I was out of town. (I have it on BluRay, but sadly have not seen it as of yet.) I am writing to find out if it would be possible toy buy a theatrical size one sheet for HELD. Even though I have yet to see it (but plan to Tuesday), I really would love a poster to add to my collection and to show support to the local guy. If a poster is available, please just let me know how much it is (including postage) and I would be more than happy to send it your way.
Thank you so much."
I didn't hear back from them. So, on Tuesday before we went to the movie, I sent this second note off with a copy of our digital receipt:
"Hello again. Just so you know I was not kidding, here is my receipt for my HELD tickets for this afternoon's showing. Wishing you the best with this endeavor.
Cheers!"
When I got home, I found this note waiting for me:
"Hi Shawn, yeah we have a poster you can grab. Got a Gallows 2 as well. $20 work? If you can come grab it, that'd be great - don't have a lot of time to get to the mailbox. Thanks Shawn, appreciate the support!
- Chris and Travis"
Hmm. I was HOPING they'd give me a poster for free (and I really don't need the GALLOWS 2 poster, but...). However, I had already offered, so I sent this note:
"Yes, $20 would be great. Where would I go to get it? Thank you."
I had a response...but the poster deal began to sound more like a drug deal:
"Can you meet you at the Miss Winkles Pet Adoption Center Park area. 85 N Temperance Ave Clovis 93611. Just let us know when you’re planning to stop by
Thanks"
I understand that they don't know me and there is a pandemic going on, but really... I expected to go to some production office or something, but to meet at the Miss Winkles Pet Adoption Center park is rather bizarre-o. Still, I responded again. We had a back and forth before a time to meet was established. Now I had to come up with the $20. Ha! I had $15 and some change in my bank account and $7 in my wallet. I quickly deposited the $5 and pulled out a $20, leaving me a grand total of 44 cents. Ha!
It really did feel like some sort of illicit, clandestine drug deal (not that I've ever been in one) just to obtain some posters. Perhaps they worried that I might be (Gasp!) a poster NARC? Ha!
Only one of the two, Chris Lofing, showed up, which was fine. I knew from seeing him a few years earlier at the showing of THE GALLOWS that he was very short (tiny!) and young looking.
He wasn't wearing a mask---which I really didn't notice until we were taking a picture together (which was kind of him to do). (And he looks taller here than he really is because he is holding the camera and I am a little ways behind him.)
I had gotten COVID vaccine appointments for my mom, brother, and best friend. Mom was really anxious to get my 17-year-old nephew vaccinated. Even though Washington state started vaccinating those 16 and older on the 15th, I found an opening on the 13th and signed him up. Surely they wouldn't turn him away with only two days to go before he was eligible? Luckily they didn't refuse him and he got his vaccination! Score another one for Uncle Shawn. Anyone else need help getting an appointment? Let me know and I'll try to help.
Thursday (yesterday--the 15th) was my birthday. I had a barrage of texts and emails all day long, the first of which I saw was from my cousin Michael in Spokane:
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There was nothing major planned for my birthday. Erich and I are both broke and I have such trouble getting around. But it was a nice day none the less.
It started with a delivery from Ricki via Amazon.
There wasn't much action at the sea lion enclosure, but we did catch a pair of them swimming around.
The zoo had been a nice experience, but it left me utterly and completely exhausted. I just can't do it any more. I was so tired, Erich had to drive us home.
When I got home, there were several birthday cards awaiting me. I had cards from Sheila, Alan, Robin & Skye, Eric in Costa Mesa (who also sent an Amazon gift card. Wow! THANK YOU!), Ricki, and Erich. Golly, thank you, guys!
For dinner, we were supposed to have gone to this old school steak house near downtown, Richard's Prime Rib and Seafood. That would have been a hoot. However, I was just so wiped out from the zoo. I didn't want to go all of the way across town again. Instead, we went to Salsa's, a Mexican restaurant near here in Old Town Clovis that specializes in creative chili rellenos ...and makes so decent cocktails.
And that is it for now. Later today, I have that psych evaluation scheduled as part of my bid to get placed on disability. That will be weird. Also coming up is a get together with Erich, Shookie and Vye as well as a road trip of sorts. I'm off to take a pre-move load o' crap up to Whidbey Island in Washington. O' the joy... NOT! It will be a long, LONG trip. Wish me luck.
The next Coronavirus Diary is the LAST one. So, I hope you'll come back for one final visit.
In the mean time...
Stay SAFE! Stay HEALTHY! Stay ALIVE!
CHEERS!
CHEERS!
Comments
I am so glad to know that you like the virus blogs. They are my way of reporting what is going on in the world during the pandemic---but also a reminder that everyone's (Shirley, my friends, me...and everyone else I do not know) life is continuing despite the pandemic.
Yes, the zoo IS nice. I hadn't been in ages. They are remaking themselves into a first-rate park. I am very happy to see that. Thanks for the comment. CHEERS!