Safe as houses

Oppenheim, Germany

The picture at left is from 2016 (see photo album) and was taken in Oppenheim, Germany. That's my long time friend Martin with Kate in the background; we're at the Oppenheim Cathedral. The photo would have been taken by Martin's partner Tina who recently shared the photo with us and asked when we'd be back to see them in Europe. It's been a long time since we've been able to travel — damn you COVID-19!

However, there is good news: Kate and I are now fully vaccinated! We received our first shots of the Pfizer vaccine during the week of April 12 and got our second shots yesterday at our local Your Independent Grocer. In a couple of weeks, when the antibodies develop, we'll be, as the English say, "Safe as houses". We are most greatful for this and do hope that others get their shot as well. We're all in this together.

We've been pretty much in some stage of lock down since March of 2020 with very little contact with others. The vaccination means we can start to think about friends and travel again. First, it's just to be able to see friends in town and share a drink in the backyard will be wonderful. Then to visit family and friends farther afield in Ontario. We're even starting to think that perhaps this winter we'll be able to return to Austin, TX. But god knows when we'll see Martin and Tina again. Hopefully, someday and soon.

But borders are still closed and vaccination rates vary wildly in the first world (and are zip in many parts of the world). It will be a while before we can confidently get on a crowded plane and fly again.

Nevertheless, we can see sunshine ahead and we are keeping our finger crossed.