Pandemic Times, January 24-30

 Sunday, January 24

Doing a new thing this morning - a Zoom session for my Sunday School group.  There were 6 of us participating.  I'm glad I made the effort.  We will do it again next week.  Maybe more will join.

We had a quiet afternoon with Lady Vols BBall on TV and football playoffs (for Bill). A big flock of robins and a small flock of Starlings visited this afternoon.  Actually, there were probably more Starlings than Robins but since they gather in such enormous flocks, it only seemed small in contrast.  Starlings have an awful reputation because their great flocks can be disruptive and destructive, but individually they are quite beautiful.  The way that they swoop and turn in flight in seeming choreography is amazing to watch.

Ruby's supper, New Orleans Seafood for be and ribs for Bill.

Sunday Numbers:

Loudon County:    52 deaths; 5089 total cases; 328 active; 152 new this week; Covid is now the 2nd leading cause of death in Loudon Co
92 cumulative hospitalizations 
40.2 daily case rate (down)
14.8% pos rate (down)

TN: 708,717 total cases; 8859 deaths; 0-10 36,749; 11-20 88,929; 8 deaths in the 20 and under group

US: 2 pm NY Times
25,115,300 total cases; 167,954 new cases last week, down 31%
Maybe the holiday surge is over.  Will the vaccines kick in before the US and SA strains take over
418,373 deaths; 113,609 hospitalized

Monday, January 25

I went to bed last night anticipating a new week ahead. Last Monday, I reflected on the energy of beginning.  This week, I realize that a Sunday sabbatical is an important part of beginning Monday with fresh energ.  So I don't feel bad about a lazy Sunday, but will give thanks for the luxury of a day of rest.  When I was a working mother, I rarely experienced that luxury.  I know that it is the same for Laura and Trisha who are not in that phase of life.

An almost empty calendar greeted me this morning.  Today I will bake since the rain will confine us indoors.

I just learned that today my 2nd cousin on my mother's Farrar side, Katie Philley Johnson, died.  She lost her long fight with Covid, having been on a ventilator since Dec 2.  She was only 44 and leaves a husband and daughter and father and many dear family and friends.

Tuesday, January 26

Bill made and early run to Walmart this morning and I used the time to do the Audio Lectio for this week's scripture reading from Mark.  I wrote my reflection notes which might become this week's SS message.

The roller-coaster weather of January continues. Today, we have spring - upper 60s and sunny all day.  Kathy texted to say 'let's do something!' We decided to pick up Amanda and Ruby's $5 Tuesday sandwiches and go to Lenoir City Park for a picnic.  What fun!  Amanda fed the ducks and we all soaked up the warm sunshine.  Later, I took Amanda to softball practice, letting her drive, of course.

Amanda's gentle patience paid off

Two mallards and a coot

When I got home, we loaded the scope and camera with hopes for a good view of the eagle's nest and eagles.  We were able to zoom in on the next, but the eagles were elsewhere.  We cut our walk a little short because of time, but what a pleasure is was to be out in the wonderfully soft, fresh air!  I was not able to get a clear picture of the nest today.  Trees in front interfere with the focus and the long zoom is hard to hold still.  I did get an image of the late afternoon moon.

Moon over Copper Ridge

Back home to a final Glory Hallelujah for a wonderful day!

Wednesday, January 27

The rainy day that was predicted didn't materialize. Amanda and I went grocery shopping. She cam home with me for a bite of lunch. After, the three of us went for a walk through the campground.  Of course, the campground and day use areas are closed for the season, but we didn't let that detail deter us. Amanda did all the driving again today.

Laura got her 1st Covid vaccination today, qualifying as a spouse of a UT employee to receive end-of-day surplus. I told her 'No Fair!' but of course I'm thrilled for her.  We hear that the new Biden Administration is working to deliver more doses to the states, so our turn will eventually come.  Lack of vaccine seems to be the biggest issue in most places, rather than inadequate infrastructure.

Chicken thighs with green beans and purple-hull peas.

Thursday, January 28

Weather report today is clear and cold. Yoga in the morning (3rd time this week!) and church video recording in the afternoon.  Home for an hour and then Amanda to softball. Fried rice for supper and Lady Vol BBall. (a win!).

Numbers:

TN: 717,583 total cases; 7737 deaths; 0-10 37,315; 11-20 90,015

LoCo: 5178 total cases; 57 deaths; 268 active; 95 total hospitalized
42.0 case rate; 18.1% pos rate on ave 56.7 tests/day.  (These numbers may not be under-reported according to the raw data.)

US: new cases are decreasing; 25,711,600 total cases; 430,916 deaths

Friday, January 29

Instead of staying home all day like I planned, after breakfast I went to town with Kathy for more groceries.  Sales on lamb at Aldi and ham at Food City tempted me.  Nothing special in the afternoon.  I posted this week's worship video and updated the church website with the February newsletter.  

We trimmed another dogwood limb which we hope will prevent the squirrels from robbing the feeders.  It took the smart little beasts just one day to figure out how to leap from the limb and bypass the cone we had installed a few days ago.

The lamb roast for supper was super.  I enjoy the meat and try not to think about the lamb.  There is enough left over for one or two more meals. I forgot to take a picture.

Saturday, January 30

I got my SS message sent this morning, using my notes from Tuesday morning.  We watched a movie in the afternoon- "The Dig" - very enjoyable.  UT Men's BBall in the evening, with leftover lamb for supper.  I didn't get many pictures this week.  I hope I have more opportunity next week.  Our hawk has made several appearances this week, but no photo opportunities.  The little birds at the feeders provide a lot of pleasure, but no photo opportunities.  We've had a Downy Woodpecker at the suet feeder this week, but not photo opportunities.  Maybe next week.

For some reason, Bill's garage JuJu caught my eye this week.  Thanks, Jeff.

The Jeff Smith creation might deserve a more prominent location, but he's doing his job in the garage.

Pandemic Times, January 17-23

Sunday, January 17

Sunday pancakes started our day on a sweet note.  For the past few weeks I've sent a message to my Sunday School group since we aren't meeting. After breakfast I prepared and sent that out.

We used to while away a couple of hours on Sunday reading the newspaper.  We can no longer get home delivery, so we give those hours to Sunday news shows. We watch all the major networks.  The Lady Vols had a game at 2 so there goes another 2 hours.  Then Bill had football and I read.  Thus passes another day in the life.

Ruby cooked for us again this Sunday - our favorite salmon.

Monday, January 18

Martin Luther King Day - a national holiday.  Holidays don't have the same meaning when you don't work.  I woke up thinking that I am not only a morning person, I'm a Monday person.  I've always been this way.  Monday morning presents a fresh opportunity to "get it right." I aways begin the week with great ambition to exercise, eat right, not drink much and be more mindful.  I never get it fully "right," of course, but I'm always optimistic that I will do better (whatever that means!) Mother said the same about herself up until the last months of her life.  We are always a project, in progress, never finished.

This Monday I determined, like so often before, to exercise.  I manage a yoga set and 20 minutes on the treadmill.  Goal 1 checked.  I decided to start a new sewing project.  I have a pretty piece of fabric that I bought 4 or 5 years ago to make an Easter dress. As an act of optimism and hope that I will be able to attend Easter services at Trinity, I started on the dress today.  I'm using my favorite pattern, a simple sheath.  I've made more than half a dozen dresses from this pattern over the past 20 or so years.  The pattern is so old that it cost less than $2 while today patterns cost $15 or more.

Monday Numbers:

As of this morning there have been 397,617 Covid deaths.  We are grateful that our Katie is not one of them.  She is doing a little better today.

TN:
687,751 total cases; 8430 deaths; 0-10 35,401; 11-20 86,463

Lo Co:
4955 cases; 510 active; 50 deaths; 59.7 case rate; 19.9% pos rate.  Testing is still down and vaccines are not available.

Tuesday, January 19

A 9am dental appointment got me going early, but I was home well before lunch.  I finished my dress today.  I look forward to the day that I will be able to wear it to church or anywhere.

We had a 4 pm Zoom church meeting and then at 5:30 a small group of us met outside the church for a bell-ringing, candle-lighting memorial for Covid victims.  The bell tolled 40 times for the 400,000 lives lost.  I'm glad that we did something.

Earlier in the afternoon, I made a new soup for the crockpot - turkey, white beans and collard greens with lots of good savory seasoning - and a pan of cornbread. Supper was waiting when I got home.  

Wednesday, January 20

Today is the Day! Inauguration Day!  

Would there be any "incident to mar the celebration? I didn't realize how much tension that worry created until the day was over and nothing negative materialized.

Kathy had cataract surgery scheduled today and I was her designated driver. After she got checked in, I went back to the car to wait.  I turned on the radio just as Biden's swearing in was beginning. I listened to the whole ceremony from that point - Biden's excellent speech, Amanda Gorman's superb poem and on through the closing prayer.  Biden's reference to "uncivil war" reminded me of a poem I wrote after visiting Manassas National Battlefield Park and Appomattox Courthouse back in 2017: An UnCivil War

Perfect timing as I was called back in to get Kathy soon after it was over.  Kathy fared very well.  We picked up some takeout and headed home.

This is the first calm sunny day we've had in a couple of weeks, so Bill and I left for our walk about 4:15.  I took my camera and he took his binoculars just in case the eagles were out.  They gave us a great show for Inauguration Day!

Thursday, January 21

January gloom has returned, but our spirits are lighter, basking in the warm glow of yesterday's events.  We don't expect a smooth ride politically, but neither do we fear chaos.  There is hope that we will be a functional democracy once again.

After breakfast, while I was processing yesterday's eagle pictures, I noticed a hawk perching on the apple tree stump.  This time he/she hung around for quite a while.  I was able to get a few decent pictures through the window glass, and to see him/her closely through the spotting scope.  I've kept the scope set up in the window for just this purpose.  Bill watched with his binoculars.  We both thrill at the beauty and power of a bird of prey, realizing that he/she is also a threat to the smaller birds.  We don't worry so much about the rodents, but we worry about the bluebirds.  The tail-bands indicate that he/she is most likely a juvenile re-shouldered hawk.

Juvenile Red-shouldered Hawk perching on the bluebird house

We had a 1 pm recording session at church and I picked up a few groceries while in town.

Claire came over for a visit and stayed almost two hours. I wish I had taken her picture, but it never occurred to me. We enjoyed our conversation.  She goes back to school tomorrow.

Pork loin chops with fried eggplant and green beans for supper.

Friday, January 22

Nothing on the agenda for today except a yoga routine.  First I had to replenish the bird feeders.  I enjoy watching the birds while I'm doing yoga.  It is very relaxing and keeps my mind from wandering.

I spent some time at my desk reflecting and writing.  As I said to Bill at breakfast - before you know it, it will be late afternoon.  And before I knew it, Bill was calling me to go for a walk.  We are thankful for the rare sunny days in January and don't want to waste them.  Our eagles were elsewhere this afternoon, but we enjoyed walking in the crisp air and sunshine.

For supper I made almond-crusted flounder with garlic potato rounds and green peas.

Saturday, January 23

We woke up to another crisp, clear January day. After breakfast was finished I fiddled around with learning more about the new church Zoom account so I could set up a Sunday School class meeting for tomorrow.  Then I worked on this blog and before I knew it, it was 1 pm.

At 3:30 we went for a walk.  One eagle on the perch today. We met Susan and Ed who had seen my FB posts and came to see the birds in person.  I have not yet grown jaded at seeing these magnificent creatures or tired of taking pictures of them.  Today I tried to get a picture of the next.  It is in the pine tree to the left and is most visible from the road across from the parking lot.  I need to learn more about the manual focus options on my new camera.  

This is the view without magnification

Long zoom (60x) really brings the bird up close.

The nest view is obscured by trees in front and will not be visible when these trees leaf out.  It can only be seen from certain angles.

Pandemic Times, January 10-16

Sunday, January 10

There were no regular church activities today, but I sent an email to my Sunday School class members just to keep connected. As I was thinking about what I would say, I came across a sermon that I gave on the Sunday after Epiphany in 2014 entitled "From Epiphany to Baptism." It is posted here in my sermon links and seemed still appropriate for the day.

I went to church after all, to help Walter take down and put away Christmas decorations.  I was glad when Deb C showed up to help, too.  We had fun conversation while working, something I've been missing.

Laura had us over for a birthday celebration in the afternoon.  She and Amanda made me a wonderful coconut cake, just like mother used to make with 7-minute frosting.  The afternoon was just barely warm enough to sit outside on their new patio.

Numbers:

TN: 653,869 total cases; 7,785 deaths; 0-10 33,456; 11-20 82,374

Loudon County: 4713 cases; 659 active; 46 deaths;
    94.9 case rate; 25.4% pos rate
    16 deaths in last 15 days
    43% of all cases have occurred in the last month
    

Monday, January 11

Birthdays today: Judith, Lynne and John Carl

We had a lovely snow shower this morning, but nothing will stick because it is too warm.  I enjoyed the birds during breakfast and was able to get a couple of pictures of a magnificent hawk perching on the trunk/stump of the old apple tree.  I think it is a red-shouldered hawk, but not sure.

Even though I wasn't feeling very perky, I managed a few simples chores like laundry.  Fortunately, we had some leftover Gumbo so no cooking was required.

Kathy's persistence finally paid off as she got Wayne and herself on the county Covid vaccine list.  YEA!

Tuesday, January 12

What a difference a good night's sleep makes!  I woke up refreshed and with three goals for the day:

(1) Sourdough baking. I started the levain before bedtime and mixed the dough before breakfast.  I forgot to mix in the whole wheat flour, so it will be interesting to see what difference it makes.  The recipe only calls for 10% whole wheat.  The dough was a little softer to work and the rise was good.  The last of 4 loaves came out of the oven at 9 pm, so about 12 hours.

(2) Moving my body. I have been somewhat lethargic for the past week.  I think the national events of January 6 put me into more of a funk than I have wanted to admit.  I managed to work in my yoga routine between bread-making steps and generally was on my feet all day in the kitchen.

(3) Look for eagles. I wanted to try out my new camera on the eagles, so at 4 we went across the river with camera and tripod ready. However, the eagles did not cooperate and were nowhere to be found.

I cooked a new dish from my cast-iron cookbook - Chicken thigh with carrots and swiss chard (I subbed spinach). It was excellent - savory with a good blend of flavors. We split a baked sweet potato to complete the meal.

Wednesday, January 13

The House of Representatives spent most of the day in session and debate on the impeachment of Trump.  The one article - Incitement of Insurrection - passed with 10 Republicans joining all the Democrats in voting yea.  The events of the day were so much on my mind that I didn't focus on doing anything else, even yoga.  I finally put my response in writing and posted it as a separate blog entry and on Facebook. See "As congress debates impeachment (again)."

The morning was cold with "freezing fog" that persisted all morning, adding to my malaise. Some places had a heavy, beautiful hoar frost, but we had only a light touch.  Despite my malaise, I managed to tidy up my 'sewing room' and make one cute peace symbol mask for Claire.  I also took down and stripped the sage that was hanging to dry.  I packed it in storage jars and cleaned off the top pantry shelf to make room.  I grow and dry far more herbs than I can possibly use.  Anyone need any organically homegrown sage or rosemary or oregano or dill? I don't have much basil this year because it is an annual and I didn't buy bedding plants.

For supper, we had leftovers from last night's delicious chicken dish, served over egg noodles with green peas on the side.

News sources reported today that yesterday the US set another singe-day record for Covid deaths at more than 4,200.  Total deaths in the US are now more than 379,000.

Thursday, January 14

At 11:42 am, we finally set off on our day trip adventure to Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge in hopes of seeing flocks of Sandhill Cranes and other waterfowl.  As we loaded the RV, the temperature was hovering around 36 with 'feels like' of 30 and freezing fog.  However, the forecast is for a sunny 50 degrees by mid-afternoon.

Bill was out very early this morning for a dental appointment.  While he was gone, I prepared a beef stew for the crockpot so we would have a warm supper waiting.  I packed our usual picnic of salmon salad on sourdough with chips and apple slices and made a pitcher of tea.  It's been quite a while since we've taken the RV for a day trip.  The refuge is about 60 miles and takes an hour and a half.

By the time we arrived the sun was shining but a brisk breeze was blowing. Cranes were feeding by the hundreds (not thousands). In the backwater, too far to clearly identify, were numerous ducks.  I could pick out Northern Shovelers which I confirmed after I looked at the photo on my computer screen.  There was a large flock of about 40 white pelicans.  This picture below shows a few of them on the water.  We only lasted about an hour in the cold wind. 

Hiwassee viewing platform

Wind ruffled their feathers and nearly blew over my camera

Some of these are Northern Shovelers

Looking our from the ramp

A few of the hundreds of Cranes feeding. They graze like geese.

Just a few of the white pelicans on the river.

Just after we turned into Melton Hill Road, the RV odometer turned 100,000.  We've traveled about 50,000 of that.  Home at 4 pm to a supper already made.  I baked some biscuits (Mary B's frozen) to go with the stew.

Rich beef stew

Friday, January 15

John Park Taylor, my daddy, died on this day twenty years ago. 
July 11, 1928 - January 15, 2001

Twenty years ago I sat vigil overnight with him the the veterans hospital in Jackson, Mississippi.  Cindy Taylor was there all night, too. He passed not long after midnight, in the very early morning hours of January 15.  He was not a perfect man, but he loved each one of his children in his our flawed way.  He loved my mother, too, but imperfectly.  I guess he did the best he could. He took over his father's farming operation when he was just 18 because of my grandfather's illness.  He farmed that land, growing cotton, soybeans, and rice.  In the early years, he ran a small herd of Black Angus beef cattle and raised hogs for market. In later years he built catfish ponds and was in the fish business for a number of years.  The home farm, called simply "The Place" and "Blackbird Plantation" by my grandmother, was about 500 acres.  He rented or leased other farms, mainly for growing rice. Growing up on the farm was pretty idyllic, even though we were isolated about 5 miles from town with few neighbors.  We weren't anything like well-off financially, because crop farming was a precarious boom/bust business and our farm lacked the economy of scale. Nevertheless, he provided us a good living, with all of our needs met and some of our wants.

1958

1964

~1970

1972

1988

My first goal of the day was to make a quick grocery run for produce and then take care of some church business in town.  I didn't have another goal so who knows what might happen.

What's on my mind today?

(1) Katie Philley Johnson, my 2nd cousin and daughter of Jay Philley, has been battling Covid and on a ventilator since December 2.  She has taken a turn for the worse after a brief rally. She and all her family are much in my thoughts and prayers.

(2) Malone Phillips lost his battle with Covid yesterday.  He was Deborah's Clifford's nephew, her brother Guy's son and only in his 30s.

(3) Our nation's capitol, Washington DC. Images on television with military lining the streets, in battle gear and armed with long guns, reminds me more of a 3rd world city than of the seat of democracy and beacon of freedom to the world.  This is what Trump has brought us to.

I don't intend this blog to be political commentary, but this has been an unusual week.  Like many others in our country, I am struggling to make sense of his and discern my path/my role in events.

But now, I'm sitting at the table looking out and watching a downy woodpecker at the suet feeder.  That brings a sense of peace amid the chaos.

Bibimbap (Korean fried rice) for Friday night supper.  Sauteed spinach, carrots, scallions, zucchini and garlic, with beef strips and shrimp, topped with Kimchee, fried egg and Gochujang Sauce, all over sticky rice, fried in the bowl.

Dolsot Bibimbap

Saturday, January 16

The predicted snow showers did not materialize in our neighborhood.  We took the forecast as an excuse to linger in bed longer than usual, reading and watching news. After breakfast, I spent time transposing my journal to this online blog and adding the pictures.  That work takes a few hours each week and provides and opportunity for reflection. The events of the year so far have provided a lot of material for reflection!

Later in the afternoon, while Bill watched football, I played a computer word game. I like to think it builds or maintains mental acuity.  In reality, I think it is just escapism. No cooking today. We finished the beef stew.

Laura and family left for a couple of nights at Roan Mountain State Park and a couple of days of snowboarding at Beech Mtn, NC. We hope they don't get blown off the slopes.  We are babysitting LeRoy until Monday afternoon.

As the congress debates impeachment (again)

I see and hear all around me - on social media, in print, on broadcast media – people trying to make sense of and articulate what they think and feel about current events. As I write, the US House of Representatives is debating articles impeachment against Trump. No doubt, the impeachment will be confirmed by the end of the day. I am disheartened to hear so many speak against impeachment, to downplay the seriousness of recent events or to be unwilling to acknowledge the Trump's role in inciting insurrection. To those who will fail to impeach and convict Trump because they are afraid for their lives and their families, I say you are “giving in to the terrorists.” To those who will fail to impeach and convict Trump because they don't want to further divide the country, I say “how much more divided can we become. You are appeasers.” To those who truly believe the lies and propaganda that have been spun from this White House I say, “you have no moral compass.” To those who cynically use support for Trump to further their own political career I say, “you are not fit to govern.”

I have tried to express my deep concern that Trump is not and has never been fit to govern, that he is and has been a clear and present danger to our democracy. Unless he is held accountable in the strongest possible terms, he will continue to mislead his followers and will continue to undermine our great nation. Impeachment and conviction are the tools at hand to hold him accountable. His most devoted followers will not be reconciled, but they are not likely to be reconciled under any circumstances that resemble democratic norms.

I call on our elected leaders to do the right thing. It is never to late. 

Pandemic Times, January 3-9

Sunday, January 3

Not much going on in the Whitaker house on this first Sunday of January.  I sent a message to my Sunday School class reflecting on this week's scripture, Ecclesiastes 3:1-13.  This is the familiar "a time for everything" passage.  It is a very hopeful/helpful scripture in this transition era when so much around us is negative.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-13
1 There’s a season for everything and a time for every matter under the heavens: 2 a time for giving birth and a time for dying, a time for planting and a time for uprooting what was planted, 3 a time for killing and a time for healing, a time for tearing down and a time for building up, 4 a time for crying and a time for laughing, a time for mourning and a time for dancing, 5 a time for throwing stones and a time for gathering stones, a time for embracing and a time for avoiding embraces, 6 a time for searching and a time for losing, a time for keeping and a time for throwing away, 7 a time for tearing and a time for repairing, a time for keeping silent and a time for speaking, 8 a time for loving and a time for hating, a time for war and a time for peace. 9 What do workers gain from all their hard work? 10 I have observed the task that God has given human beings. 11 God has made everything fitting in its time, but has also placed eternity in their hearts, without enabling them to discover what God has done from beginning to end. 12 I know that there’s nothing better for them but to enjoy themselves and do what’s good while they live. 13 Moreover, this is the gift of God: that all people should eat, drink, and enjoy the results of their hard work.

We grieve our losses. They have been many this year.  Margaret has lost both a son and a sister.  Melanie has lost both a father and a mother. I lost a mother. Pastor Kristie’s mother lost her husband. We have lost several church members, including Evelyn McDaniel, Florence Evans, Helen Shipley, Hermenia Moore, and Harry Goodwin.  And those are just the most recent.  As I was cleaning off my desk to start the new year, I took a few minutes to look through the directory from our 150th celebration.  I was struck by how many friends and family we have lost. I know Olivia still grieves the loss of her brother. If I have left you out, please share.  We have been going  through a time of mourning.

We pray that 2021 will bring us a time and opportunity for dancing.  I try to remember the words of the Apostle Paul from 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18 Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Sunday Numbers:

US: NY Times, 2 pm

280,000+ new cases since yesterday; 20,560,300+ total cases; 351,068 total deaths

TN:  608,297 total cases; 7,025 total deaths; 0-10  31,042; 11-20  77,059

Loudon County: 4354 cases; 41 deaths; 90.4 case rate; 30.7 pos rate; 605 active cases

    test volume is way down due to the holidays

Monday, January 4

Today marks the real beginning of 2021 for me.  The first days were "holidays", but Monday is a "beginning" day. When I opened my Ipad early this morning (Bill was still snoozing), I found a new mail meditation to which I subscribed a few days back.  This is from Fr. Richard Rohr and the Center of Action and Contemplation.  I now have a new opportunity for reflection and spiritual growth, a new beginning. (https://cac.org/category/daily-meditations/).

Despite the sense of new beginning, the day has been much like any other.  I continued cleaning my desk, walked a mile on the treadmill, and finally finished the collards, peas and cornbread.  Claire came over to do some dusting. While cleaning my desk, I found a little poem that I wrote some time earlier.  I posted it separately on this blog - "A Choreography of Marriage."

We were hoping to go for a walk at 4, but we lost the sun and a breeze picked up so we stayed in, except for Bill's quick trip to town to the drugstore and to pick up our grocery order.

At mid-day today, the US exceeded 350,000 Covid deaths.  More than 4 million doses of vaccine have been administered so far - much less than promised.

Loudon County  - 4368 total cases; 42 deaths; only 49 tests recorded.

Tuesday, January 5

Riding on a breeze

Hugging the low horizon

January gloom

The morning gloom lifted and the sun peeked through but the temperature never got above the mid-40s and the breeze continued.  I spend several hours on the new church website and worked in a yoga session in the afternoon.

Hamburger steaks, green beans, mashed potatoes and gravy provided a warm comforting meal on a chilly day.  We are waiting on election results from Georgia but don't expect to know the outcome until tomorrow (or later.)

Numbers:

US, 2 pm: 20,953,900+ cases; 355,524 deaths; countless people who are/will be permanently debilitated from the after effects of Covid.

TN: 617,649 total cases; 7267 total deaths; 20.85% pos rate

        0-10  31,474; 11-20  78,029

Loudon County: 4408 total cases; 531 active; 42 deaths; 86.7 case rate; 29.6% pos rate; only 44 tests today

    I am concerned about the low number of Covid tests in the county in the last 7 days.

Wednesday, January 6

Epiphany - My 69th Birthday!

I knew that today would not be a usual birthday celebration day because of coronavirus.  We planned to order out for supper and I had a bottle of Proseco chilling.  Facebook brought me many birthday wishes from friends and family, far and near.  A great political gift was the confirmed with of one of the Georgia Democratic senate candidates and the probable win for the other.  Imagine! Joe Biden will have a Democratic senate by the slimmest margin and maintain control of the house. I have worked and hoped for this outcome.

I was surprised by a birthday call from Lynne M. We haven't talked in a long time and it was great to catch up.  Later, while talking to Anna, news of events in Washington DC began.  We interrupted our news watching for a Zoom birthday call from David and family who sang a great rendition of Happy Birthday.  Of course, Laura called, too, on her way home from work.  We will go to her house on the weekend for cake.

Now for the news we were glued to all afternoon and evening.  This was the day that the Congress convened to count and ratify the electoral college votes from the states.  The process was underway and proceeding as expected.  Some Republicans objected to accepting the Arizona electoral votes, so the senate and house adjourned to their respective chambers to debate and vote.  The outcome was a foregone conclusion because the Republicans did not have enough votes in either house to sustain their objections, although more than half of the house Republicans supported the ploy.  In the meantime, Trump had held a rally just before Congress opened today where he and his cronies incited the crowd to march on capital and make their objection "with strength." He told them that he would be leading them. (He went back to the White House instead.) What happened was unprecedented in American history.  An angry mob (well-organized) marched down Pennsylvania Avenue, stormed and invaded the capitol building, forced senators and congressmen/women to seek protective shelter.  Their rampage was barely resisted by capitol police who were obviously overwhelmed.  Their self-proclaimed goal was insurrection, revolution, installing Trump for another four years.  Anarchists, terrorists, white supremacists, "Proud Bois" roamed the halls and offices, vandalizing at will.  This went on for several hours as we watched in horrified fascination.  It was not until nightfall that police reinforcements and National Guard were in place and began clearing the capitol building and grounds.  Before we went to bed, the Congress had reconvened and resumed their business.

The most disturbing scene of the afternoon was seeing the right-wing extreme radicals caring "Jesus" flags.  These acts could not be further from "What Would Jesus Do?"  After some reflection, I have hope for the future because throughout the fall and through this horrid day, our democratic institutions have held strong.  This was symbolized best by the quick reconvening of Congress which worked through the night to complete the count and ratify Joe Biden as President-Elect of the United States of America.

In the fall, the state elections went without major incident and every state certified the results of fair and free elections, even though we know that there is voter suppression in many Republican controlled states with large minority populations.  The courts, mostly with conservative and Trump appointed judges, affirmed the validity of the election processes.  The military affirmed their neutrality in election matters.  The press, the 4th estate, remained active and independent.

Altogether, our democratic institutions did not waver in the face of a "would-be" coup, a self-declared insurrection and revolution.  The saddest thing is that the perpetrators consider themselves "patriots" because they do not recognize non-whites or liberals as real Americans. 

On top of the trauma of the day's news, Ruby Tuesday did not come through with our streak dinners.  We had petros instead (chili, served over fritos, topped with grated cheddar cheese).  I did not fail to fully enjoy my Prosecco.

What a Birthday!

Thursday, January 7

We woke up to the aftermath of yesterday's events.  I'm still feeling the trauma.  We got moving slowly.  A church recording session was scheduled for 1 pm. While in town, I had some bank business, including paying the property taxes on our land in Pontotoc County.  I didn't have the spirit to accomplish anything else.

I was so caught up in the event of yesterday, that I didn't report one of the bright spots - the arrival of my new camera, a birthday gift from Bill.  It is a Panasonic DC-FZ80, an update from the one I've used for years.  The best feature is the 60x optical long zoon.  I use it mainly for birds and outdoor/nature pictures.  It is also a very good video cam.

For supper, I fried some chicken thighs and made cream gravy to go with the leftover mashed potatoes and green beans.

Numbers:

US: 21.5+ million total cases; 363,119 total deaths; more than 4000 deaths since yesterday  - a grim new record.

TN: 634,237 total cases, 9000+ new since yesterday; 7492 total deaths; 0-10 32,310' 11-20 79.936

Loudon County: 4566 total cases; 548 deaths; 86 hospitalized; 94.1 case rate; 85 new cases yesterday; 28.4% pos rate; # tests still down

The county health departments is almost impossible to reach for getting an appointment for vaccine for those in the 75+ age group.  Kathy has been trying without success all week to get an appointment for Wayne.

Friday, January 8

Schools all around the area closed for snow today.  There was as much as 1.5 inches with 15 miles but we were blessed with a cold, dizzle for most of the day.  Seems the closures were an over-reaction in some cases.  We hovered in the mid-30s all day.  Bill and I were glad that we didn't have to go out.  My "productivity" hovered just above freezing as well.  We didn't even get the Christmas tree taken down.  Maybe tomorrow.  

For supper, I settled for left-over fried chicken and added braised spinach, rice and gravy.  I had promised Bill fried eggplant, but my eggplant was not good.  

This was the 2nd day of more than 4000 Covid deaths nationally. The holiday effect is kicking in.

Saturday, January 9

The weather remains gloomy, but my funk seems to be lifting.  After breakfast, we finally got the tree and garland down and packed away.  We will wait for some help to get the boxes into the attic.  The afternoon was given to TV sports, UT Vol Men's Basketball (they won) and Pro Football (who cares!).

Chicken and Andouille Sausage Gumbo for supper, served over rice with crusty sourdough toast.