Spring is beginning to take hold on Prince Edward Island but its progress feels slow when I compare it to other areas of the Northern Hemisphere and the majority of Canada. However here spring evolves on island time so we may as well relax and enjoy it. Comparison is too discouraging.
The Covid numbers on Prince Edward Island are high with thirty hospitalizations and there have been nineteen deaths thus far. The vaccination rate is 90+ percent and the vaccine is helping those infected to have mild cases. We will have the fourth doses of vaccine when we are eligible again due to our ages and health issues. We are two months past the third shot. Last week the mask mandate was extended for several weeks while other restrictions were lifted. I will continue to wear a mask into the foreseeable future when shopping regardless of the provincial guidelines. The issue now is staffing in schools and health care facilities because people are away from work with Covid even though most have mild cases. We can’t win with this virus.
I am thoroughly enjoying reading again. I am back to my favourite mystery writers thanks to the local library, reading the books written since I was last able to enjoy them. Cataract surgery has brought some old friends back into my life. In addition to mysteries I have especially enjoyed novels by Rachel Cusk, a writer whose descriptions and insights are like photographs of life, beautifully composed. She is well worth a read.
Currently the island has the highest rate of inflation in Canada. Prices have skyrocketed as they have everywhere and we decided to be smarter about what we buy. Our diet consists mainly of vegetables anyway and we have enough protein in the deep freeze to last for some time. We limit ourselves to the vegetables and fruit, either frozen or fresh which are on sale for the week and we shop selectively at the four grocery stores. Some weeks we don’t have certain items because they are so expensive, eg. avocados. We rarely have fresh tomatoes now but use the tomatoes I canned over the last few years in recipes. It’s the only way we can see to keep the grocery bill reasonable.
This past week, my husband and I changed over our snow tires for summer tires. Because we have rims on both sets of tires, we can change from winter to summer tires and the reverse by ourselves. I am the assistant during this operation and within an hour, the job is done.
My husband is working on our bikes in preparation for biking season again. My bike is in need of a major tune-up after the accident I had last October. I am nervous to ride again but plan to take it easy and try it when the trails are clear of snow. We need warmer days to melt the snow in shaded areas along the trails.
The barbecue and clothesline have been positioned for another season. So far it is too cold to use either but we live in hope. Soon…
For Ukraine
47 comments:
I love your seasonal prep: clotheslines, bikes and barbecue. You could use that as a title for your island memoir.
Hello,
I was hoping to see the end of Covid, but the numbers are going back up here too. Food and gas have gone up in price quite a bit here. I love reading the mysteries, I will check to see if I can find Rachel Cusk books. We keep the all season tires on our car. Our weather still changes daily, from cold to warm weather. Take care and stay safe. Have a happy new week!
I'm glad to learn that spring is coming even to you guys. It's about time, if you ask me. I look forward to joining you on your excursions, once they begin.
Sounds like your spring is slowly getting there! We were 65 2 days ago, now yesterday we got 4" of snow! We are hoping this whole Covid thing goes away soon, we have a trip planned to PEI this summer!
Well despite spring coming in slowly, it does sound like you are prepping to be ready for it. Glad that your surgery went well and you are able to get back into reading. Hope spring comes very soon and you are back on the bike, using the BBQ and clothesline.
i hope the covid vanishes away from your area soon dear Marie .
it feels great to know how you are excited to welcome and enjoy warmer season ahead ,i hope it arrives asap.
nervousness sounds natural but once you start riding this will disappear slowly hopefully .
oh i am so happy that you can read once again my friend ,this is inexplicable joy i admit :)
inflation is like monster familiar to us since ages and no matter who sits on the throne it gets bigger and bigger each time and not like olden time it is bound with budget anymore but we face new increase in petrol, gas and utilities every month sadly ,i particularly feel sad about people who have quite low income to bear this storm .
health ,peace and happiness to you and loved ones
Sounds like you're getting well prepared for Spring and Summer.
I'm glad you're at least able to get ready for warmer weather. We had snow flurries on Saturday, but I'm hoping that will be the last of it.
i figure that with the good weather taking it so slow here, we appreciate and enjoy it more when it does arrive.
We are still wearing our maske even though you don't have to. Spring is here but we are having a very cool spell the last two weeks. I'm ready for some sunny and warmer temps. Glad you can read again with your "new eyes". Enjoy your new week, Marie.
I'm glad you are able to read again after your successful cataract surgery.
I have just gotten back into reading "real books" again... no reason for stopping except Life just seemed to get in the way...
Stay safe, cozy and warm during this changeable time of year.
Sorry to hear about Covid numbers rising in your area.
Don't even get me started on inflation and the price of everything!!
Have a good week.
Sue
Your area's Covid experiences mirror ours. As does the rapidly escalating price of everything.
I am so glad that spring is finally making its way to you - and hope that she brings warmer temperatures with her.
Sorry to hear the COVID problem is rife on the Island, not good news. They have stopped masks here, but we will be shopping with them for some time methinks. The Dr tells us the numbers are still quite high. No word here at present about 4th vaccination. Keep safe, Diane
High prices are not good news, but I suspect that most of what you eat has to be brought in, so it's no surprise really, except that prices are going up exponentially everywhere. We are looking forward to visiting PEI again next month, expensive or not! By then winter should have surely said goodbye - for now!
Beautiful Ukrainian Representation There - Well Done
Cheers
Hi Marie,
I’m writing this comment during the one hour per day I’ve allocated to following some of my favorite blogs. Otherwise, I’m off the internet and social media for the next few weeks. I enjoy your blog posts so much … your writing is just excellent. I am so with you on masking as we go forward. They will be on me when shopping, even if I’m the only one. I strongly believe the mask has been essential in keeping me well for the last 2+ years. The photo … tribute to Ukraine … is a real beauty. Thank you for your kind and thoughtful comment on my most recent post on John’s Island. Take good care and have a fine week ahead.
John
Inflation seems to be rampant in so many places, including here. We, too, have been looking closely at our food purchases to see what we can economize on, and also thinking twice before taking the car out anywhere. It reminds me a bit of the 1980s :)
Sorry to hear about the increase in Covid cases.
It's been warm cold warm cold here. So you never know what to wear or how the weather will turn out.
If it helps any, here in Manitoba spring is also slow in taking hold. We are actually preparing for a major blizzard over the next couple of days. Could get interesting .
Regarding Covid, it is one step forward, two back.
I need to go to the grocery store and I do dread it. Our gas was just below $4 a gallon today...but it could be back over $4 tomorrow. I have saw it change 20-30-20 cents in one day.
I just read a book my daughter got me called the Snow Child...it was strange. I couldn't stop reading it once I started.
We never switch from summer tires to winter, etc., but tires still need rotated and Roger used to do that. But he is no longer able.
So very glad that you get to enjoy such a favored pastime as reading. There's nothing quite like a quite evening spent with a good book.
Glad you're back to enjoying reading, it makes such an enjoyable pastime, especially in the winter.
Shopping is a struggle figuring out what to have. Cook big and freeze saves for my one person shopping budget.
Sad covid is still around. I think y'all are right to continue with masks.
It's good to know you'll be back on the horse!
I did not realize that PEI had such a severe climate. Our snow is mostly gone but it's been very windy for over a week. It's now cold with highs less than 0
The shop of the sunflower is stunning. A beautiful tribute to Ukraine and it's people.
Spring is off to a slow start here too. We had lovely weather last week but today it is cold and we're expecting more snow later this week. Just as well I have lots of stuff to do indoors.
I've not hear of Rachel Cusk, but do enjoy mysteries so I'll have to keep an eye out for her.
Take care, stay well.
I'm so glad you're able to enjoy reading once more, Marie. Book lovers know how precious that ability is. Full marks for our health care system that puts this surgery within easy reach for everyone! I think you will soon regain confidence in your biking ability. Take it easy at first. That advice is for both your confidence and your muscles :)
you have so much to look forward to. our bikes need to be washed down, tires filled and all the necessary prep work done!! i have more to say but i would like to see if this will post!! i'll be back!!
So many things to comment on here, Marie! Your PEI reminds me of Vancouver Island where Astrid's brother lives and with whom she FTs every other week. I can see the similarities between what you have written and what I hear from him, especially as regards the price of food. It sounds like you've got it all figured out in the best and most economical way. Astrid just changed our tires (car) last week, but at the car shop where she gets her maintenance. It's handy. Sounds lucky that you and Hubby can do it yourselves.
Anyway, whether it comes sooner or later, you know Spring comes, followed by Summer. So glad you know how to let it happen in its own time!
God have mercy on Ukraine!
That nice little spell between winter and summer, when its not so cold or hot to get out and do things is great. I did that a couple weeks ago. Mowed the yard for the first time over a week ago. With all the rain we are having it is going to be hard to get out and do that 2nd cut. Growing like mad also.
My son sent photos yesterday of himself and their dog walking in Bonshaw. Leafless, silver birches and thich snow covering the ground. It was stunning, but not my impression of the arrival of spring!
We have had our 4th booster this week and like you will continue to wear our mask, although it is no longer mandatory.
I am so sorry to read of the inflation rate. The islanders have done it so tough through Covid and the potato issues, I'm sure they were ready for a greater normality.
Its just wonderful that you are back enjoying reading. Hopefully you will soon be enjoying the fresh air and countryside from your bikes.
Hi Marie,
We are also experiencing high prices around here. Gas is just sky high. We live in hope to see the day when Covid will be in the past. I too start reading a bit more, I am reading The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey. It take place in Alaska. Will check the author your mentioned. We are getting a snow storm today here in North Dakota. Take care and wish you a happy Easter!
I'm so glad you are able to read once again. It's such a pleasant way to pass time, and learn things and be entertained.
Inflation is terrible. We are adjusting some of our spending, too. I love reading about your spring preparations. The barbecue and patio furniture have to wait for another couple of months here, too. This morning we had snow - it didn't stick, but there was a thick layer of slush on the deck.
Sorry COVID is raising its ugly head again in your area. I feel we will have another rise and I hope to get my fourth shot this week. Three people I care about have COVID and they were vaccinated. One has Parkinson's disease and is in the hospital. I am very worried about her.
I will continue to wear a mask when I am out in the public. I have not heard that the pandemic is over.
We have Spring, but also lots of Covid and more than enough price inflation. I'm glad that the cataract surgery went so well.
Here the covid cases are decreasing and life becomes almost normal again, Although the prices are increasing, especially the food prices. We live in the countryside and many friends started to cultivate a little garden.
I agree. Groceries are killing my budget. Gas prices have dropped the slightest amount, but I drive so little it is not showing as a savings in the budget. I have enjoyed reading again after my cataract surgery too. I went a long while without being able to read which is why I got so hooked on audio books. Win-Win, I guess.
I love the way you closed out your entry with the tribute to Ukraine. So sad and such a brave and resilient country.
even with all the troubles, Spring is coming....
We so need it!!!!
Happy Easter
🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸
It will be so good to have covid as a long ago memory. Stay safe. It seems that everywhere, things cost so much these days. I love the photo of the sunflower! Wishing you a happy Easter weeekend
I think the pandemic is making all of us weary at this point. I understand people wanting to get back to living normally, but it's not going to happen unless we all continue with the precautions and get vaccinated. Prices have risen here too - I think everywhere in the world has seen price increases. It's pretty shocking to see price tags now. I love your positive attitude - We all must have hope. Happy Easter!
Happy Easter!
Covid is still here but it seems like people don't care anymore...I guess we have to take the fourth dose of vaccin soon. Well, lets enjoy the springtime and the sun now, however!
Lots of love from Titti
Thanks for the author recommendation. The library here has two of her books. I have added them to my book list.
Since wearing a mask for the last 2 years, I have been remarkably healthy so I will probably continue wearing one whatever the new guidelines are.
Happy Easter!
It’s like you never know what happens next condition . I liked to read your routine for now . High cost yea it’s everywhere and no idea what to do . We are also trying to manage the finanaces according to the needs .hope life gets better for all
I haven't look at our covid rate for a while.
Coffee is on and stay safe
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