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Tuesday, May 4, 2021

First Communion, Dr. visit, and kittens!

Saturday, May 1st, our grand daughter made her First Communion. She looked so sweet in her white dress and veil.  This was the first time DH and I actually attended a group event in a public place in over a year (I guess you would call a Church a public place?) Anyway, it seemed so strange - even though they took every precaution... seating families together one row apart... and everyone was masked (including the priests).  It felt safe... and when DH offered to take us over to Whataburger after (we hadn't used take-out in all that while either), we agreed. So in a way, it was a ground-breaking day for us.  

(And I do have to say that my tummy was not happy with that non-gluten free meal. But it was a special occasion and I don't regret it.)

This is a busy week (as pandemic weeks go) for us as we had Grand daughter's First Communion Saturday, daughter's birthday Monday, and we have 3 doctor's appointments and several errands to run in the next few days. DH has his Urologist appointment as well as a dental appointment and I have my Spine Specialist appointment.  

*Update:  Just got a call and my Spine Specialist and appointment has been rescheduled to next week as the doctor has surgery tomorrow. This is fine with me as my back is much better, but I will keep the appointment as I need to talk to him and confirm exactly what is going on.


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The mama cat and her kittens are doing fine... enjoying this spring weather (when it's not raining) and frolicking and playing all over the back yard. I have taken several pics and videos of them. They make us laugh - which is a good thing to do these days. We do have a severe weather threat and are under a tornado warning this evening. We always worry about them during this, but at the moment they are all safe on the back porch.  (You may have to click the videos twice)








and lastly... a basket full of kittens:




They sleep all over the back porch, but this is their favorite spot...


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ALSO:

I was listening to the news this morning and they had a Virologist speaking who has studied the Coronavirus for years and he was saying that it's possible that we won't ever hit herd immunity due to the fact that not everyone chooses to be vaccinated.  He considers this a bad decision as he feels that it is possible for us to be rid of the Coronavirus (just as we've been rid of other viruses and diseases), but that the only way is through vaccination... and since everyone does not choose to be vaccinated, we may have to learn to live with the virus. Asked if we would need vaccine boosters at some point... and he said yes. I think he said that studies show that the immunity doesn't last... so yes, it would have to be boostered. 

(This is 'my take' on what I heard... may not be exactly how it was said - but I found it interesting, so thought I'd share.)

And I don't push everyone to get the vaccine - as it is a personal choice. But I have to admit that I do feel more comfortable being around those that have been vaccinated.

That's my 2 cents for the day. I did make Chicken Tetrazzini with white wine this week (forgot to take a pic) - and used my gluten-free spaghetti - and it was great! Everyone liked it as much (if not better) than when made with regular or whole wheat spaghetti. (of course it could have been better also because I put in a little more white wine than I usually do...???)

Well, have a great week! Do something fun, create something new, make someone smile!

Hugs (virtual),

Rian



18 comments:

  1. How lovely to have been there for your granddaughter's first Communion. I was raised Anglican and remember that at 12 years of age, though if one is Catholic, I believe you're younger.

    The kittens are so adorable, so precious. Dear little hearts. ♥

    Best of luck with all the upcoming medical appointments you both have; I hope all goes well.

    BTW, your mention of your tummy being unhappy with the gluten-free food reminded me that this morning I cheated for the first time in 3+ weeks and had peanut butter that had honey in it. Just a bit, it was part of a protein breakfast from Starbucks, a treat. (Apple, grapes, hard-boiled eggs, mini breakfast pita with the small packet of pb.) My gosh, it was SO sweet! TOO sweet! LOL. I usually only have all-natural pb, nothing added, but I used to love this one occasionally. I have a sweet tooth, so that I found it *overly* sweet really surprised me, because I'm missing sugar in other things. I guess if the ND ever lets me have honey again, I will be halving it in any recipe I make! :-D

    Oh, and as for a possible booster, I thought it was a given, because of all the variants. I don't think Pfizer has much, or any efficacy against the variant coming out of India; I'm not sure about the other vaccines. So it's been said for quite some time that boosters will be necessary. That's fine by me, I'll roll up my sleeve for that too, provided all goes well with my 1st and 2nd vaccines!

    Take care!

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    1. Yes, Catholics do First Communion in 2nd Grade and Confirmation at 12.

      And yes, the kittens are adorable. (and you can see the video larger if you tap that little square at the bottom of the smaller video - I didn't know that?? DH told me when I was complaining that people had to see the video so small)

      Thank goodness I am allowed peanut butter on this GF diet! And although we do use 'Jiff natural PB - I do believe it contains honey - which is not a problem for me.

      As for the virus... I'm pretty sure we will all need boosters too. I do understand how some people are hesitant (I'm hesitant over any medication) - but people are dying and the vaccine is really all we've got (unless we want to remain in isolation forever).

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  2. the anti-vaxers will never vaccinate, it is a fact so we will never reach the goals we need to with COVID. my son is a pharmacist with so much knowledge about this vaccine and all vaccines. he encouraged me to get it, without any reservation!!

    i have not made chicken tetrazzini in so many years, i agree, the more wine the better...and lot's of mushrooms!!

    i answered your question on my blog: the eggs are/were sparrow eggs, i have watched them come and go for weeks. i am not exaggerating when i say that we took the nest down every day. we have tried several solutions to "keep them out", so far, nothing has worked. we placed the nest and eggs in the VegTrugs and moved it closer to the exact spot where they built the nest. the next day, the eggs were gone. it's so sad....

    we have replaced the fabric to the awning twice because of holes from the birds, $ 1,400.00 each time. we have tried the solutions from the awning people, none worked. i have googled it again to see if they have any new products!!

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    1. We really like the chicken tetrazzini, but I can't do the mushrooms - allergic. Actually the raw ones give me an instant migraine... and I just won't take a chance with the cooked ones. But if I could, I would use them too.

      That is so sad about the eggs. You would think they would learn after the first few nests disappeared. I'm not sure what would work, but perhaps putting up something noisy (like a mobile) close to where they usually make a nest might deter them?

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    2. good suggestion, but no, i have one having from the awning. we have also put plastic spikes in the awning, they love them and they actually hold the nest in place better. we have tried everything the awning company suggested!!

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  3. I am reconciled to getting a booster shot every year when I get my flu shot. It's something I think we will be happy to have available. And I love the cat basket! :-)

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    1. Yes, I agree, DJan... we get the flu shot every year, so why not? And the kittens love that basket. But they're getting big and all 4 barely fit. Did you know you can make the videos bigger by clicking on the little square on the bottom right? You probably did... I didn't.

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  4. I agree with DJan, a booster is likely to be needed and I certainly don't have a problem with that. If only people would get over their fears but I saw a photo from years ago of people protesting the mandatory smallpox vaccinations. That disease was eventually eradicated, hopefully this one will be too.

    Good luck with all your medical appointments.

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    1. Thanks, Mae. I'm not sure people will ever get over their fears, but if some companies or schools or airlines end up requiring a covid vaccination, that might help some who are hesitant make the decision.

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  5. Love that basket of kittens. That just makes your heart smile. I'm with Djan about getting a yearly shot for Covid. We do for the flu with no problem. Just wish more would get the shot so we could feel more comfortable out and about.

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    1. You would think that by now we are used to getting vaccinations. I think "trust" is the main issue these days.

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  6. It is good to get out! The kittens are sweet.

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    1. It was good to get out... but seemed strange too. I think that after over a year (and possibly more) in somewhat isolation, it will take a while for us to be comfortable again around people. Family (and possibly friends although I haven't done this yet) I find easier to accept back into my circle, but others may take a while.

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  7. We went out to dinner (outside) last weekend and there was a large party on the deck celebrating a first communion. It took me back to my own and then to my children. It is a special day and how nice that you could all celebrate together.

    I wish everyone would get the vaccine, because without doing so, this virus lives on. However, like you, I never suggest to others what they should do. When they start vaccinating children 12+ soon, there will only be two in my family who will not be covered. One is a baby.

    Watching kittens is so delightful and you have some cute ones there. Do you know what you will do with them when there mom is done with them (abut 8 weeks)? I miss having kittens around, but yet, I don't miss catching them and finding them homes.

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    1. We haven't done eating out again yet (although we tried take-out for the first time after the First Communion). But we probably will soon - at least outside eating on a patio or something.

      As for the kittens, we will do what we've done these last few years, watch them grow up and gradually go off on their own (occasionally coming back to visit or eat in the yard). They are over 8 weeks now and their mom is still hovering and they are still hanging together. We shall see.

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    2. My granddaughter would think she was in heaven if she could see baskets of kittens on her porch.
      I can understand some hesitation about having the vaccine -- is it safe, does it work, what are the side effects -- but when it dips into paranoia about microchips, we've got a problem.
      I had a bad reaction to my second shot but I would not refuse a booster. The reaction lasted a few hours, COVID lasts longer, death longer still. At my age, I know death is inevitable but I don't have to invite it in for tea all the same.

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  8. Sorry, but I do not think the vaccine is a personal choice. Some people cannot take it for health reasons and that is why the rest of us must! I cannot believe we have society that refuses something so simple and of little inconvenience when the alterative is serious illness if not death and the spread to those who are immune compromised.

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    1. Tabor, one couldn't refuse it if it wasn't a choice... but I agree possibly it shouldn't be... but I gave up on going with "shoulds and shouldn't" for adults a long time ago. And I agree that something so simple (even like masks) can be refused when people's lives are at stake.

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