Friday W's-A Whole Lot of Thoughts

 

     Happy last Friday of February 2021! 2/12ths of the way through the year practically, and  2021 seems to want to compete with the former year in  knocking the world around a bit. We're all hearty though-right! We can hold on, support each other, and keep moving towards the collective  prize of a more managed virus, or at least a more managed response, so that the pause button can be  turned off. On Fridays I like ot capture the little snippetts of my life, at this point, mostly a whole lot of thinking and not so much doing, but please come along if you'd like. 

What's top of mind: I've got a couple things top of mind. One is the launch of the Minnesota Vaccination Connector where  residents can register and be notified as they reach the priority area for the vaccine roll-outs. It doesn't take the place of other means, like through health care provider, particularly if over 65, a first responder or educator, but it's a way to help  at least create some order. I got DH connected as well as sent to all my family. We both opted into the "short notice" vaccine option, should there be extra's at a local location, we could both get there quickly. 

I'm still following the weather related crisis in Texas, and the ridiculous nature of the privatized grid. How the heck is anyone supposed to come up with thousands overnight for their utility bills? I appreciate the bloggers from that area giving real life updates. I also am filled with hope by stories of fellow human beings sharing their resources, skills, and getting through the crisis together. The government should be supporting the infrastructure and getting resources to  resolve the systemic issues, but as what usually happens, people help each other.

Where I've been: It was almost like a vacation getting out and about last weekend! We were wet and cold once home, but I felt invigorated. I kept my distance from others, as I was nursing the tail end of the cold, and I wanted to give a sort of quarantine away from others just in case it was more than a cold. 

Where I'm going: My daughter signed us up for an outdoor hike at a nature center for tomorrow night. If the weather stays warms, it could be slushy, maybe even muddy walk, but I'm looking forward to it. I'm going to talk DH into a road trip on Sunday. Well, not really, but a drive of some sort, and maybe get a take out treat and a change of scenery. 

What I'm watching: I watched a couple movies in the past week. One was a surprise, called Fishermen's Friends, based on real events of a group of Fishermen from Port Isaac (the real Port Wen of Doc Martin fame) who got a recording contract for singing sea shanties. It was sweet. I also watched a sad movie, Five Days in Maine, about  a recently widowed young man, visiting his wife's estranged mother, and how they both were processing their grief. It didn't really have an ending-the movie just sort of ended with no resolution, but I guess that is what grief is. I have not been able to watch the Stanley Tucci's Italy, but I'm not sure why. I hope it replays so I can catch up. 

What I'm reading:  I'll start and finish my book club book, Such a Fun Age, this weekend after picking it up at the library on Tuesday. I also ordered a few retirement planning books-both on planning money, but also mindset and lifestyle change. Have you read any of these?

What I'm listening to:  I'm currently streaming the public radio news, and the sad and awful abuse of US gymnasts by their team physician and coach who ignored and looked the other way. Now, with his suicide, they do not even get to have justice. It sickens me. Another news story is the news that there is some retroactive unemployment benefit change.

What I'm eating: I didn't yet try the LA Cookbook inspired lettuce-chicken wraps and fruit and pepper salsa, but have all the ingredient. Saturday perhaps? I had successful French bread, and  a loaf to go with spaghetti bolognese tonight or Sunday. The lasagna was successful and we had the leftovers last night, plus some leftover taco fillings-with enough for my lunch today. With a new month on Monday, I'll do a major shop early with restock and a general meal plan. I have no challenge for March, but would like to stay to the paper budget of $400 groceries, and $100 household etc. or $500 or less total. 

Who I'm paying attention to: This week I'm not tuned into anyone in particular other than my own family. DH's family had another  legal proceeding with the on going uncle and cabin saga, that supposedly will be resolved next week. Yeah, they've been hearing that for two years. 

What I'm planning:  I'm still plotting out little possible trips, and do have NOLA on my mind for next fall. Once the cabin saga  moves forward, and we get a calendar made for the extra cabin, we hope to plan a weekend with our friends that we were supposed to go to Vegas  with back in November. It will be a while before I feel comfortable flying. I know I am on the conservative side of precautions for Covid, where others are jetting off to Mexico, who still is letting selfish Americans cross the border that "deserve" their fun in the sun time. (Yes, I said it and my blog, so my opinion. I don't consider myself  a sheep or afraid of living, but I'd like to not get sick.)

      That's my W's for the week. We are getting closer to spring, and that makes me happy as does the later and later sunset. Play along and share the What's of your life.