marking the anniversary for me

So many folks on television have had shows recently that were focused on the 1-year impact of the SARS-CoV-2 novel coronavirus on this country and the many people here - in excess of five hundred twenty-eight million as of this morning - who have died from it.

For me, 12 March 2020 is the day the pandemic became reality.

I fully intend to celebrate our nation's progress today, too, by partaking of some of the freedom afforded by my wearing a mask and traveling with alligators.

First, though, I want to mark the progress made on a personal note, including that of my family and friends.

As already noted, I received my first dose of vaccine yesterday. I estimate the Savannah VA Center inoculated roughly thirty people per hour for about eight hours, or a total of at least 200 over the course of the day, using four health professionals. I will be returning there in three weeks, as my vaccine was from Pfizer, for the second dose.

Hooray!

My friend Paul, in California, is already fully inoculated using the Moderna vaccine; his wife, Cathy, has received her first dose of Moderna this week as part of USC-Berkeley.

Hooray!

My ex, Jeff, up in Michigan, as well his Amy, received their first doses of Moderna last Friday from Walgreens drugstore and will return in four weeks for the second dose.

Hooray!

My first niece, as an educator, will receive her first dose, most likely of Moderna, on Wednesday and will be on her way to protection from death by coughing.

Hooray!

Two of mi tres amigas are now fully vaccinated, having completed their shot series a few weeks ago. Barbara, age 69, received the Moderna vaccine, whereas Sandy, a narcoleptic, received the Pfizer version.

Hooray!

Newly-wed Dawn and Chris, who must both be older than I thought, received their first doses of Moderna vaccine on February 24th, so they will be getting their second one soon. That was from the Chatham County DPH holding a vaccination session at a local church near them. (Dawn had contacted me and I'd gone there, but they were strict about the age stipulation. I had, in turn, contacted Carolyn, but she was on antibiotics and could not partake.) 

Fellow Pirate Yvonne and her eHarmony husband received their first doses from their local pharmacist about that same time. Like for Jeff and Amy, Yvonne and her man got the shots when two who had appointments failed to appear.

Hooray!

My paternal Aunt Barbara is fully vaccinated in Glennville.

Hooray!

My maternal Aunt Linda is fully vaccinated in Tallahassee, as is cousin Penny.

Hooray!

Now that mass vaccination centers are opening nationwide, and are drive-through operations, I expect others in my circle to soon have shots in arms and be safe.

Hooray!

And now, on this blessedly warm day in the 80's - hallelujah! - I need to be out in it!

Hooray!

i thank You, God.