CDC Says Vaccinated People Can Gather Privately Without Masks

YAHOO!!!  

Less than an hour ago, the CDC announced that Vaccinated People can begin to gather privately without masks.  But they added some reasonable precautions to the welcome news.  Not everyone has been vaccinated, and COVID - 19 is still making people sick by the thousands.  More will die before we can get back to our new normal.

But it's a clear sign that vaccinations, along with the hand-washing, social-distancing, and wearing of masks, are helping rid us of this plague.  

A Hand-Salute to all those who went well beyond their normal roles to do whatever they did to get us this far.  

Second COVID Shot A Success

Today, February 11, 2021, marks the 11th day after our second COVID-19 shots.  If what they say is true, our vaccinations are now protecting us at an almost 100% effective rate.  That makes us a lot more comfortable.  

But we will still take the recommended precautions regarding masks, hand-washing, crowd-avoidance, etc.  There's no use pushing our good luck.

And the good part is that the whole process of getting our shots was easy, and we have not suffered any serious side effects..

Our hats are off to ALL of those who helped in any way to make it work.  Thank you.

New (Replacement) Elevator Hoist

 It's going on three years since our attic freight elevator/lift was installed in our garage by Nephew David and Brother-in-Law Allen.  All I did was design it and arrange for the parts.

Elevator Story

It has not only served us well, but it has also inspired many others to include an elevator in their home or shop.

One thing is certain: elevator parts wear out.  And the most important part, the hoist motor, has needed replacing four times as of today.  No, it was not a safety issue as much as it was a real annoyance issue.  The hoist cable has no guide to keep it rolled onto the spool in an orderly manner.  And the cable eventually gets compressed into itself, causing a gentile bump at first that eventually turns into a sort of snap.  If not fixed then it puts a serious jerk in the line that could break the cable.  

It's not fixable because the hoist is not designed to accommodate a replacement cable.  The only choice is to take it back for a replacement under the terms of the extended warranty at Harbor Freight.  And they are very good about swapping it out.  Apparently, it's a common problem among those who use the hoist motor for freight elevators and lifts.

Of course, I have to remove the heavy hoist motor from the steel beam, then hand-carry it down the dangerous pull-down attic ladder, and take it to Harbor Freight.  Then retrace my steps to install the new one.  With the previous practice I've had, it only took a little over half an hour to reinstall it.  It works perfectly and the only thing left to do is rig the block to change it to a looped cable.  That not only slows the speed of the elevator but also doubles the payload capacity.  (1,300 lbs)  I also have to splice in the extension electrical cable for the hand-held controller. (the one that comes on the hoist is only 5' long).  Then we are good for at least another year: hopefully longer.

Even with the hoist cable issue, it's still one of the best things we did here at La Maison del Poulets.

COVID-19 Vaccination - Got Our First One

 Getting vaccinated against the deadly COVID virus seems to be the most popular game in town now.  You really have to keep up with it in order to get an appointment to get the first of two shots.

My Sweetie kept up with it and was able to get an appointment because she happened to be a 'patient' at one time of the medical facility authorized to start administering vaccinations.  And she was in the 'over 75' group that they were scheduling first.  I was not a patient of the medical facility so it took more effort to register before they could schedule me, which I did online saving a great deal of time at the facility.  

But once we actually had an appointment, we felt a lot better.

I went with Judy to Ochsner Health Center in Covington and was surprised at how well organized they were.  It was quite an accomplishment considering the number of people arriving to get their shots.  

Plus, everyone, staff, and patients alike had to understand what to do.  The staff greatly simplified the process and we thank them for that. 

One of the staff asked me if I was there for the shot.  I told her I was with my wife and that my appointment wasn't for two more days.  She said, "Come on" and quickly escorted me to the appointment desk where my appointment was changed, and I was suddenly being moved along to one of many nurses administering the shots.  Within minutes we were both waiting the suggested 15 minutes before leaving.

And just like that we were done and were automatically scheduled for the second shot on January 31st.

I love it when a crisis is handled right.  At least it was at our facility.  I understand that others around the world are not so fortunate as us.  

We also appreciate the people who make it work in spite of their own exposure to an out-of-control pandemic.  

Meanwhile, we will continue to keep wearing our masks, avoiding crowds, and keeping our distance until told otherwise.

We're slowly accepting the fact that "Normal" is no longer what it used to be.

CRISIS IN MY AMERICA

Tomorrow will be a week since our Capitol was attacked, desecrated, sacked, damaged, and forever tarnished by the deliberate acts of treasonous people acting at the direction and encouragement of our president.

Five people lost their lives, leaving the stain of blood on the floor and tears in the good hearts of citizens around the world who believed in our democracy.

By now, we all know who is responsible and that our sacred Constitution provides a remedy for the president's removal from office and those who aided and abetted his attempted coup d’état to be held accountable.  

The steps of removing him from office are already underway.

But as this threat to our democracy continues to be a growing challenge, I find myself struggling with the thought that what I grew up believing in, swearing an oath to honor, protect, and defend as a Boy Scout, as a Soldier, and as a Sailor is being attacked by its own people.  I'm almost 80 but I will still fight for it to the death.  And so will others.   I know America will survive.  It has to.

Although it brings heartache and tears to many, it also serves to remind us all that America’s beautiful dream is as fragile as the sands of time, making it an easy target for those who would take it away.  We simply cannot allow that to happen.

New Years Eve

 Only a week ago we were waiting for Santa and a few toys, and now we wait for a whole new year.  A new year without all the heartache, hate, upheaval, and even an election result that won't go away.

But come tomorrow morning, we have a new year to decorate with all the things that make living in America special.  All we have to do is apply them. 

But first, we have to overcome a virus threat like none other.  And we can't defeat it without everyone's cooperation.  

By now we've all lost someone we at least know by name, and some we know in person and some who are family.  Those are the people who probably encountered someone who transmitted the virus because they were not wearing a mask.  And it grows from there.

So with the help of approved vaccines and the cooperation of all of us, we may be able to stim the tide of death that threatens us all.

Meanwhile, we can look forward to a new President and Vice President who will be taking over at the most challenging time in American history since the Civil War.  

Since we are all in this 'America Thing' together, we should help the new President's Administration fix everything that needs fixing, including our belief and support of our democratic ideals.  To do less is to contribute to the problems we must overcome before we become great again..

Right now, the best we can hope for is that 2021 will be a good year for each of us and for America.  Let's do our part to make it so.

Happy New Year.

Christmas Eve 2020

 WOW!  Christmas already!!!  

After a horrendous year, even a muted Christmas will be a blessing.  

Although the holiday is not a cure for the world's problems, most of which revolve around something we can't even see - the COVID-19 Virus, it gives us a moment to pause and try to make it a happy day the best way we can.

Even so, we can't hide from the effects resulting from the pandemic.   Each of which affects all our lives in so many ways whether we contracted the virus or not,  Death and suffering, closed businesses, an unstable economy, monumental failure of government intervention, and most of all, the loss of loved ones we could not even say goodbye to.

And it is far from over.

But today Judy and I will join her sister and husband for a very suppressed lunch, gift exchange, and brief time together.  Then we will return home.  It's definitely not what we have done in years past.  And this could be the 'new normal.'

Yes, and I will be wearing my funny Christmas Hat.  Some things never change.

Merry Christmas to all.

Judy and Leroy

COVID Update

Like everyone else in the world, we're ready for our Anti-COVID vaccinations.   And since we're in the high-risk (old age) group, we hope to be in the first wave of those receiving word to 'come get it.'

Meanwhile, Sweetie and I have been trying hard to stay away from crowds (larger than 1 or 2 people), wearing our masks when away from our house, washing our hands frequently, and just being mindful of our surroundings no matter where we are.  It has worked so far but LOTS of people are dying every day, some of whom were doing the same thing as us before they contracted COVID.  

Scary....

Even so, there was one large-gathering event that we just didn't want to miss - the annual Terra Mariae Christmas Luncheon at Keith Young's Steak House.   

A lot of thought went into planning it and, so far, that planning seems to have paid off.  We had a good crowd, yet small enough that we could have some extra breathing room if we felt the least bit uncomfortable.  

The result was a delightful gathering and delicious meal with our neighbors and friends, something we all needed.

I made a video if you would like to see what I'm talking about.  

Then we all returned to our routines of self-preservation, mostly through isolation, caution, and bewilderment that we wait patiently for it to end.

So far, so good.

Another Storm Headed Our Way - 4th Time

Just when things were calming down, Tropical Storm Zeta appeared out of nowhere and was determined to visit Covington, Louisiana, passing through New Orleans on the way.  It is projected to reach minimum hurricane status for a while but will make landfall as a tropical storm dumping lots of water.  And, of course, wind.

The last three also had us in their sights but two went west and one went east.  Zeta appears to be more determined to visit us.

So we went into hurricane mode and put away everything outside that could fly, fall, tumble, roll, get too wet, bend, break, explode.  It didn't take long.  We had three practice sessions already this season.

Tomorrow should be an exciting day.

Looks Like We Dodged Another Hurricane

 Once again the early forecasts said Hurricane Delta was headed straight to the New Orleans area.  And could possibly grow to a Category 5.  So once again, the New Orleans area started preparing for another disaster, possibly as bad as Hurricane Katrina.

                                                We are just outside the orange into the yellow

But once again (for the third time this season) the projected path changed.  This time moving more toward the Southwest Louisiana coast.  Yes, the same area that was hit by Hurricane Laura six weeks ago.

We consider ourselves fortunate, of course, but our joy is stained with tears for those who will suffer again.

Even so, we're expecting lots of rain and some pretty strong wind gusts.  We'll know more tomorrow just how much, if any, damage there is.  I'm sure it will be minor compared to thousands of others in Delta's path.

A Wonderful Popcorn Story

On February 26, 2018, I ordered a Popcorn Machine for the Coop, which wasn’t even built yet.  I thought, rightfully so, that it would help introduce us to the new community we were now a part of.  It helped and now we have multiple neighbors claiming that we make the best popcorn anywhere, although some said they can’t have the salt, and some said they have to suck the kernels instead of chewing them.  Old people will find a way if they want popcorn LOL…

We kept the machine in the garage for a while as we grew accustomed to making popcorn for ourselves and neighbors who happened by.  This is the one we chose, mostly because it would fit into the Coop Cabinet I had planned to store it in.

We use it frequently, always making a full batch of popcorn.   We often bag the leftovers (usually a gallon bag full) to put in the mailbox for the mailman.  He loves it. 

 For the past year, I’ve had to deal with the cooker’s ceiling getting rusty.  It got to the point where I have to turn the machine upside down so I can scrub the rusty sheet metal with a stainless steel scrubber and wipe it very clean before I can cook popcorn.  Then, after the popcorn is cooked and the machine is cooled down I have to turn it upside down again and scrub the panel, wipe it clean, and apply a coat of cooking oil.  Other than that, the machine works flawlessly.

 Obviously, the cooking oil does nothing to stop the rust because within a few days there will be more rust particles all over the kettle top and the floor of the cooker.  Of course it would all have to be cleaned of rust again before I could cook another batch. 

As you can imagine, it was getting to the point of annoying the hell out of me.  I figured the warranty had long run out.  So I went on the manufacturer’s website to see if they had any idea on how to remedy the rust problem.  They wrote back asking for photos of the rust, the model #, a copy of the receipt, etc.  So I went to work taking photos of the rusty area first.  But this time I forgot to remove the door before I flipped the machine.  You guessed it – millions of pieces of tempered glass all over the floor of the Coop.  But, undeterred, and determined to get the photos and model # information, I continued with my picture taking.

Then I went looking for the receipt.  I had all of the purchase information in a file folder along with the manual and even a $10 gift card.  Imagine my surprise to find two receipts - one for the purchase price of the machine through Amazon.com and the other for a 4 year extended warranty policy for only $8.  I had completely forgotten about the extended warranty policy.  

So I eagerly read through it hoping for a miracle.  But the more I read the more I was convinced that they would not honor a claim for normal cosmetic rust, and definitely not for clumsy fingers.’  Having no realistic claim I instead wrote my letter to the manufacturer and explained that I’m almost 80 years old, live in an over 55 community where friends and neighbors enjoy my popcorn.  I was much too old to even attempt to disassemble the machine in order to replace the rusty panel.  All I was seeking was advice as to what I could do about the rust.  Surely someone else had experienced the same problem and there may be an easy solution.

I also added a PS to my email explaining that during my efforts to get a photo of the rust I dropped the glass door.  And I would need a price for purchasing a new door.

Well, shortly after I sent the requested information, they wrote back saying a new machine was being shipped to me.  Yes… I don’t even have to pay the shipping or return this one.  In a few days, I will have two popcorn machines, albeit one is now without a door and leaks rust from the ceiling.

Judy suggested that if the replacement door is too expensive, I could just go to Home Depot and have them to cut a piece of acrylic to replace the broken glass.  The glass never actually gets past ‘warm’ during the two or three minutes the popcorn is cooking, so acrylic will work just fine. 

Now I’m trying to figure out what is causing just that particular metal to rust.  I’ve come to the conclusion that the moisture is from condensation.  If I can clean the metal down to bare metal again, it may be possible for me to paint it with a high-temperature paint or coating that would stop the rust.  And if it worked on the old one, I could do the same on the new one before the rust even gets started.  Pro-active popcorn rust preventive maintenance, if you will. 

I’m just thrilled that they provide way more customer service than I expected.  Once my new machine is in place and working, I will write a glowing comment on Amazon and on their own web site. 

Before they told us we would be getting a new machine, we actually wrote on the Zip-Lok bag of popcorn we left in the mailbox for the mailman, “Last Bag of Popcorn – Machine broke.”  He will be thrilled when he learns that we are back in business.  So will we.  

I just thought it was a really great story that needed sharing. 

 

Hurricane Sally - Missed Us By This Much

The first time we heard about what would become Hurricane Sally, was early on when it was pretty much just a little rain that we should keep an eye on.  

It wasn't long before it was growing and starting to create a path in our general direction.  Then it had its cross-hairs directly on top of us.  And it was still growing.

Like everyone else along the Louisiana coast, we started to worry.  After all, just a few weeks before, Hurricane Laura was dead-set on hitting us, but took a westerly turn at the last minute and destroyed a large area of SW Louisiana.  Now Sally was apparently going to take out Southeast Louisiana, including New Orleans.

Then while our preparations were still being made, Sally decided to turn east away from us.  By the time she came ashore in Alabama, she was no longer a threat at all to us.  But she damaged and destroyed a lot of communities along her new route.  

On the map, she missed us only by an inch.  And once again, we were spared by what can only be attributed to our good luck.

Double Whammy Not So Bad (For us)

Talk about the luck of the Irish, once again we avoided being struck head-on by a powerful storm, Marco.  It moved to the west of us before landfall.  

And this morning it is becoming increasingly likely that Hurricane Laura will land well to the west of us.  

I'm sure we will get some really wet rain for a day or two, but that's about it.  

So what to do during a 'no-show-hurricane' after we took all the necessary 'securing and shoring-up' steps?  Build something is one option.  The other option is to pressure wash the driveway.  Or just sit back and wait for the official 'all clear' signal.  I'll need more rum for that.

Even though we lucked out on this scare, there's always another one trying to form up and deliver its message that we didn't do enough.

But for now, no more worrying about Marco and Laura (but keep a good eye on Laura).

Double Whammy

The next time someone asks me when was the last time two hurricanes were in the Gulf of Mexico at the same time, I can tell them it was in August of 2020.  And I was there.

Their names: Hurricane Laura and Hurricane Marco.  Both are just tropical storms now but expected to become Category 1 Hurricanes before landfall.

 The last time there were two at the same time was in the 1930's.  Yes, it's a rare event.

Even as I write, both storms are headed toward the Louisiana coastline with the projected landfall somewhere between New Orleans and Morgan City starting tomorrow  

We live just north of New Orleans across Lake Pontchartrain and a few miles inland.   We are on high ground and do not plan to evacuate.  Even so, we'll be keeping an eye and an ear on the news.

Sciatica Nerve

The Sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body. It begins from nerve roots in the spinal cord in the low back and extends through the buttock area to send nerve endings down the lower limb.

Symptoms: Pain

That being said, if you've ever experienced it, you know you in for a painful few days.

Well, it snuck up on me once again.  It happened when I either reached, turned, bent over, twisted around, lifted something, set something down, belched, farted, or even sang the National Anthem.  When?  I don't know!  I seemed to have forgotten what I was doing to that point when I couldn't do anything but look for something to brace myself while I figured out what to do next.  The pain was excruciating.  And familiar.  I felt like cussing.

I finally collected myself enough to sit down and try to relax every muscle that suddenly went into "Cringe Mode."  Even when I tried to consciously make every muscle relax, some didn't want to.  They seemed to be fearful of what might happen to them if they relaxed, at least for the time being.  

Gradually, over a period of several minutes, I was resigning myself to the annoying fact that I had just strained my sciatic nerve once again and the best thing to do right then was nothing.  

As I sat in my recliner, in severe pain, I began to think of what I did to strain myself, and my sciatic nerve. My memory was blank.  It's funny how your mind simply won't answer your questions about what you were doing minutes ago.  No matter, it's done and no amount of recollection is going to fix it.  The focus now was to get through it as quickly and painlessly as possible.

So I took a hot shower and let the hot water hit the spots that hurt most.  It seemed to help if only for a moment or two.  

Two Tylenol tablets this time instead of just one.  Oh yeah - and apply some of that CBD salve I've been saving for situations like this.  Then to bed and eventually, glorious sleep.  

Three hours later, the pain was back.  Go vertical, slowly, gently, and apply more CBD salve.  Sit up a few minutes while the CBD takes effect.

Repeat.  

And so on until today - three days later.  I feel a lot better.  The pain is still there but doesn't dominate my mind.  I can actually think and do things, as long as they don't involve bending, turning, or lifting.  Tonight I should sleep soundly with the help of my two Tylenol tablets and my CBD salve.  (Note to file: buy more CBD Salve).

Don't plan tomorrow until tomorrow.  

History Repeats Itself Again And Again

This is an interesting article that confirms the need for and emphasis on science when addressing medical challenges, especially at the pandemic level.

You may not have heard of some of these historic epidemic events but you can understand why listening to and following the advice offered by Dr. Fauchi and other medical science experts will give you a much better chance of surviving a crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Science and Pandemics

And So It Continues

I just saw where there's a possible third new coronavirus coming on fast in China.  I'm not surprised, but I'm not fully convinced that it's the truth either.  With all that's going on in China, I'm not sure they can handle another crisis.

But neither can the United States where COVID-19 is still uncontrolled in most states.  

And this was also announced today: "The US on Thursday surpassed 4 million officially recorded Covid-19 cases -- and a quarter of that count came in just the last 15 days."  

At that rate, there will be another million recorded cases two weeks from now.  Or more...

We are just two individuals among the millions of Americans who are trying our best to stay as far away from people, places, and things that might expose us to the virus.  Or, that we unknowingly expose to others.  

My doctor visit today was just routine check-up but I very much appreciated the fact that every staff member was wearing their masks and repeatedly washing/cleaning their hands or equipment.  Yet they found a way to be professional and attentive to me, the patient.  

Even the waiting patients were wearing their masks and maintaining their distance.  There was no complaining at all.  That's an indication that we've accepted the fact that we all have to do what's right if we plan to survive this pandemic. 

So Far, So Good...

Yes.... So far, so good...

We are still among the untested for COVID-19, and we are not experiencing any of the more popular symptoms that would give us reason to worry or visit our doctor.  We will assume we are not victims of it - yet.

We try to keep abreast of the latest news, alerts, and protective steps regarding COVID-19 while being wary of the source or intent or even the truthfulness of the information.  Even the latest news and advice is questionable these days.  It's the least we can do while the virus is still out of control.

Also, given there are confusing data coming from you know where, and no real plan to even slow down the daily records of new cases,  our plan of keeping ourselves as far away as possible from people, places and things that could be a threat to us seems to be working.

We realize that our ages and health place us squarely in the high-risk category for not only getting the virus but also dying from it.

Meanwhile, we read where many other countries are also suffering from major problems with the virus.  But at the same time, some countries, including a few third-world countries, have at least slowed it down to a more manageable level.  That's wonderful for them but disheartening for us to hear when we in the United States of America are being told by our leaders that it's under control and that we are 'light years' ahead of everyone else with our medical capability and response

And therein lies the reason we stay away from any and all threats.

I just wanted to go on record as to why you don't see us in public as often as we use to be.

Cardiologist Report

First, the bad news - "You (meaning me) could lose some weight." 

"And knock a few points off your (meaning me) cholesterol."

"And wear your compression stockings."  (Mine are full of runs and holes at the moment)

Next, his reply to my response to the question about my exercise program - "I would rather see you (meaning me) doing regular exercises instead of digging holes for planting huge trees."

On the other hand, "You (meaning me) are doing well.  No fluid problems in the legs and the heart is strong,"

But, "I (meaning my doctor) would like to run a couple of ultrasound tests just to make sure."

And just like that, it was over and we headed for home via a lunch stop at Saltgrass Steak House.  We both ordered salads.

Guess what's for dinner tonight... Nothing. 

The Plot Thickens

We humans are accustomed to dealing with threats of all kinds, including many that we create ourselves. 

Most of the time we get some sort of break between them, but not always. 

Such is the case now.  And I say "now" because things are seemingly happening faster than usual.

It was only a few months ago that we heard that some very large areas of Earth were being 'plagued' once again with locusts after their17 years of hibernation.  Entire crops in some countries were wiped out in a single day. 

At about the same time, the Chinese introduced us to a new coronavirus that was later dubbed, COVID-19.  Within a few short weeks, the entire world was irreversibly changed as people began to distance themselves from each other for fear of contracting the virus.  It still continues to decimate the economy, infect millions, and kill thousands of people with no end in sight.

Earthquakes and fires, political instability, and riots seemed to take advantage of the chaos.  And now we have a growing danger of a tropical disturbance in Central America turning into a major storm that could grow into a hurricane.  We will know more in a couple of days.

Meanwhile, on a smaller, more personal scale, we discovered a poisonous water moccasin right where Judy was trimming shrubs.  It's the first actual snake 'threat' we've had since moving here almost three years ago. 

About the only thing left to add more challenges to us is for some idiot to start a war.