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Monday 10 January 2022

Notes from the island

A gift from my husband this Christmas was a huge hit. I am late to the enjoyment of weighted blankets but I love the weight and the fuzzy side of mine which feels so comfortable and cozy. I move the blanket to various locations and feel quite challenged with its heft. I am back at hand weights now to make the blanket movement easier. I am a weakling in my old age.


Since my second cataract surgery, I am able to read books again. Reading was lost to me for several years, a chore I undertook for book club but it was a huge challenge. Now I am thoroughly enjoying books I received for Christmas and time slips by in that old familiar way that a book in hand affords. I had protected myself from the immense sadness of the loss of reading. However, I will never again take for granted the comfort of a good book in hand, especially while covered in a weighted blanket.


The weather has been strange. The bay was slow to freeze, then melted back to the first range light which was strange indeed for this time of year. 





We had a week or more of pleasant weather, without much wind, so walking the boardwalk was feasible. You know it’s cold and windy again when you want to use a Covid mask as a windbreak whilst out walking. The stationary bike or the treadmill are preferable but I miss the time in nature. Our first major snow storm was this past Friday into Saturday. Our daughter sent a photo of the golden grand-dog, Georgie, after her visit outside after supper. She was not impressed!





We had a great few days with our family over New Year’s. On the Eve, we played games as we waited for midnight. Even the four year old stayed awake. The girls organized games which we played in teams, including a craft and ball toss game, among others. I organized a scavenger hunt at request of the kids but they did a great job too. Our game playing future is in good hands.


A scoff and a scuff followed. The food, a scoff, included a variety of appetizers and sparkling juices or champagne. The scuff is dancing, which for us includes Celtic and Newfoundland music. We were exhausted by the time the old year passed, in more ways than one after this past year.


Finally, my husband and I have appointments for our vaccine booster shots in the last week of January, the earliest appointments we could book. Until then, we will be hunkering down at home, other than for quick grocery trips every few weeks. There are two people in hospital on the island, one in intensive care. The number of cases, now over fifteen hundred is not indicative of how many cases of the Omicron version of Covid are here. Testing has not been able to keep up with the demand. However, so far, the 90%+ double vaccination rate has held us in good stead and most people have a mild version of Covid. The apprehension, as you well know, is not knowing if you’ll have a mild version or one to land you in intensive care or worse. These are scary times on the gentle island! We have never had such large numbers of Covid cases. Meanwhile, school is out at least until Jan.17th. As the pandemic drags on, everyone continues to make sacrifices. It is wearing on people everywhere!



                    School at home                                               


45 comments:

DJan said...

I agree, we are all so tired of covid, but it's not done with us yet. My friend John got it yesterday and he's triple vaxxed. Hope it will be a mild case. I am hunkered down, too, for awhile anyway. Love to see Georgie again! :-)

The Padre said...

Fabulous Capture Of That Poor Pup - You Nailed It - Please To "see" You're Able To Read Again - Sending Positive Vibes

Cheers

Rose said...

It us good to hear you can enjoy books again! It sounds like you had lots of fun ringing in the new year.

Anita said...

Nice pictures from your place!
I am glad you soon will be able to read again.I dont know what i would do if I could not have a book in my hands to read.Books are the best thing ever!

About covid..Yes we all have had our booster but it will only work for some several weeks then there is the fourth one..ohh I am tired of this!Here all is opening up again..We can not do anything about the omicron we just have to have it as they say(goverment) over here!

Wish you some good days !
That dog seems to have it cold!Brrr.. :)))

Boud said...

I've been masking up for outdoor walks because it keeps my face warm. Much better than dreading turning a corner into the wind. Glad to see you've adopted the same strategy.

I'm also happy that reading has returned to your life. Audio books are lovely and I use them when I'm making stuff and cooking, but an afternoon with a physical book isn't replaceable.

Linda said...

Glad your getting the booster. I felt relief after getting it but still being as careful as I can. Stay safe in these crazy times.

NGS said...

Oh, I've never thought about how much work reading would be with cataracts! Did you try audiobooks? I'm not a huge fan of audiobooks, but sometimes I'll listen to one if someone recommends the audio version over the print version. It's good to hear that surgery fixed your reading challenges!

My dog loves the snow, so I always think it's funny to see a dog looking so unhappy about it. Maybe some booties and a coat would make Georgie happier? My dog doesn't LOVE the booties, but we make her wear them when it's cold and she likes the coat because she can stay outside longer.

Elephant's Child said...

Poor Georgie.
I love that you have been given back the joy of reading.
I have had my booster, but am still hunkered down being careful.
Take care - and have fun.

Celia said...

Great to see you can read again! And hooray for the upcoming boosters. I had covid after Christmas and so missed our big family New Year's event. Flopped at home for a couple of weeks. I am vaxxed and boosted so it was not a major event other than I slept for most of a week. Thnak the Lord for vaccines.

Anvilcloud said...

What a New Year you had. I love how you scuffed (new word to me) as a family. As for C, it's crazy here. I am being pretty careful. I double-masked today for 10 minutes or so in Shoppers. And we are back to grocery pickup.

photowannabe said...

So happy to read that you are back into reading again. The cataract surgery is wonderful when it puts you back into the thick of things.
I adore that photo of your Grand-dog. Probably puddles were made but he's so cute.
Sue

eileeninmd said...

Hello,
Lovely images of the water. The Grand-dog Georgie is adorable, but not very happy about being covered in snow. My Goldie Girl loved rolling around in the snow. Sounds like you had a fun New Years with the family. The Covid numbers are way too high right now, we trying to keep our distance from everyone right now. Have a great day and a happy new week!

Hena Tayeb said...

So wonderful that you are able to read again.
Aww Georgie is adorable.

At Home In New Zealand said...

Such a sad puppy, poor Georgie.
I'm glad you are able to enjoy your books again - especially on a cold winter's day with your snuggly blanket :)
It must be worrying to have so many covid cases around you, but, thankfully, it seems the vaccine does help prevent most people getting really ill.
Take care and stay safe,
Mxx

margi said...

It's good to hear you can enjoy reading books again. Especially in these covid times, when we are staying at home more often as usual. Georgie is so cute!

Marilyn @ MountainTopSpice said...

I've heard about weighted blankets, never have tried one, glad that it has been such a blessing for you! Glad the snowstorm didn't create too much havoc for everyone. Your New Year's celebration sounded wonderful, a blessing to celebrate with family!

David M. Gascoigne, said...

I had never heard of weighted blankets. What a sheltered life I live! Do you think this pandemic is ever going to leave us alone? Surely even pandemics can't last forever. Miriam and I have both had our booster shot, but I'm not sure they can keep on giving one more shot. Initially anti-vaccination people seemed to be of the rabid fringe only, but that seems to be changing, and more sane minds are beginning to question the efficacy or the wisdom of just pumping more serum into the body.

Red said...

You had a very good New Year's Eve celebration like in the old days.

Joanne Noragon said...

I love reading, listening or turning pages.

Ruth Hiebert said...

I am one who has never yet tried a weighted blanket. I think I might like it, but don't want to spend the money if I'm not sure. Your New Year’s Eve sounds delightful. As for Covid, I am getting a little tired of it as are most people. I have had my booster, but still am cautious when among people.

William Kendall said...

Seeing Georgie made me smile.

JudithK said...

Yes, it is....tiresome. But you have given us some fine photos, including an icy golden. Lovely dogs; never met one who didn't like me, nor one I didn't like. People dogs who love the outdoors too....Very glad you have had the cataract stuff done. I did this summer, and it was a revelation. Mine weren't as far gone as yours, I could read with mild difficulty, but as a life long avid, and I mean avid, reader, it was most welcome to have that ability back. I was so pleased to see so much detail in the world, with the RIGHT colors.

Debbie said...

new years sounds fun...we have never celebrated, even in our teens. but i love games and appetizers so maybe next year i will plan something fun!!

i am so happy for you that you can read again. i use to love reading but now my memory is a problem. i read one page, then on to the next and i can't remember what i read on the prior page. it is a bit frustrating!!

georgie is so sweet, but as you said, looking unimpressed!!

we are averaging 30,000 new cases every day, and now there is a new variant in france. i am glad i enjoy being home, but i certainly miss our routine. sad that the new normal has become our routine!! take care marie, stay safe!!

Salty Pumpkin Studio said...

Good news you are reading again!
Georgie is adorable.

Helen said...

Lovely to know that your spirits have lifted with the arrival of the New Year, time with your family and the joy of being able to read again. The scoff, I'm sure, would have been delicious and I would love to have joined in with the scuffing. I enjoyed a night of scuffing on Cape Breton Island, many years ago!

Retired Knitter said...

Yes, I agree. We are all tired of it. But our feelings change nothing. Only our actions make a difference. And I remind myself frequently that not doing all the precautions, no matter how tiring, only hurts me and my loved ones if I bring a virus home to them. Stay well.

Tabor said...

Stay safe, Our Omicron is crazy here.

peppylady (Dora) said...

It been year since I been on scavenger hunt.
Coffee is on and stay safe

Liz Hinds said...

What a fabulous New Year's Eve! Sounds wonderful.

One grandson had covid before Christmas and is still poorly with it. His dad has it now as does another grandson (other family) WE are keeping well away. Stay safe.

Liz Hinds said...

I forgot to say, George sends sympathy to Georgie. 'Cruel mummies,' he is muttering.

Bill said...

You are right, Georgie is not impressed. Great news about being able to read again Glad the surgery was a success.

Polly said...

ahhh dear Georgie :-) I used to take my mask off after leaving shops etc, but if the weather is cold I keep it on as a face warmer! I'm glad you can enjoy books again, I would hate not being able to read a good book.

Pam said...

Oh my, that look upon that babes face, thinking that she was not at all pleased. Burr that ice looks CoLd!

Lorrie said...

Scuff and Scoff are two new terms to me. Glad you enjoyed being with family on New Year's Eve.

Reading brings such enjoyment to life and I am glad that you are able to take part in that once again.

Ginnie Hart said...

There is so much to comment on in this post, Marie, from your climate/weather changes, your weighted blanket, being able to read books again, your New Year's celebration with the kids...the games, the food, etc. AND COVID! Everything continues to be overshadowed by THAT. We're all weary of it. We're wondering if our trip to Croatia in April needs to be postponed again, the 3rd year in a row? These are strange times. It does make appreciating what we have (and what we HAD) mean so much more. God have mercy.

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

It really is a blessing to be able to read...books and blogs! Looks cold there! Stay warm! Hugs, Diane

Lea said...

Though it is not as cold here as it is there, a weighted blanket and a good book sounds great!

HWIT BLOGG said...

Good news that you are reading again! I LOVE books! January is rolling on, I got my vaccine booster nr 3 and went ill again! I'm so tired of it...
Love from Titti

Sandy said...

Glad you were able to get your boosters. We did ours a couple of months ago and felt relieved to get them. We are still being careful and not gathering in groups and only socializing with people whom we know have also been careful and vaccinated. Such crazy times. Nice to have the treadmill when you can't get safely outside. Did you listen to audio books during the time you couldn't read? I find I actually prefer that and listen to books while I'm doing other things.

Marie Smith said...

Sandy,

I don’t have the attention span for audiobooks. It’s book in hand for me.or nothing.

Black Knight said...

Glad you can read again. Reading good books is a very interesting hobby. I also love books!
Georgie is adorable.
Here cold and windy but not snowy. The last snow was in February 2018.
In Italy covid is a big problem, the situation is not good at all.
Have a good Sunday.

Catarina said...

Weighted blankets... I was not aware of their existence. I just did a little research.

I am very happy to hear that you are reading again. That's wonderful! I'm sure you were (and will continue to be) an avid reader.

: )

Linda P. said...

I loved reading your blog post, learning some new terms. I did know about weighted blankets, though. I agree that they're wonderful, but I've learned not to counting on the heating controls working more than one winter season. I will be seeing my ophthalmologist this week for needed eye tests. It may be time for me, too, and I'm so glad to hear about your experience. Poor Georgie. Our dogs here in Central Texas don't get much experience with snow, but during the Texas freeze last February, our Great Pyr mix was finally in her element, plowing her nose into the snow and flinging it, leaping around as if she were a puppy and not a more sedate four-year-old.

Goldendaze-Ginnie said...

Sounds like a fun evening. As I write this from North Carolina we have just been inundated with snow and much ice. The picture of the dog you posted looks like our animals here ... all covered with ice, etc. It's VERY unusual for our area to have weather like this ...

Barbara said...

I know what you mean about being able to read again. I've gotten into the habit of audiobooks so much that it is hard to break. However, when I do read a book I always remember how very much I love doing it. I haven't tried a weighted blanket. I think I would like it but worry about spending the money then not liking it. I guess I could buy one off Amazon since almost everything is returnable.