Vaccination #2! – February 13, 2021

The day dawned with unexpected snow falling again. That was worrisome, since this afternoon was our scheduled second Covid vaccination in Washington (Missouri), across the Missouri River on twisting, hilly country roads. Weedy thought we should all stay in bed for the day.

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The birds were delightful, as always.

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We left for Washington with plenty of time to spare. The snow had stopped and the roads were clear. We went to the grocery store for a few things. The store was crazy busy, and being Franklin County, there were numerous maskless idiots ignoring the signs on the door saying masks were required. I guess Valentine’s Day contributed to the crowds.

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We still had plenty of time, so we had a romantic lunch in the car with a drive though St. Louis Bread Company feast.

Then, we explored Washington a little bit (perhaps I had overestimated the time we needed). Finally, we spent some time in the parking lot at the vaccination site, where I saw a very cold and miserable robin.

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We were still quite early, but went in, and were welcomed, and sped through the process. No problems. We waited the prescribed fifteen minutes after the jabs and were home before our scheduled vaccination time! On the way home, along Highway T, we saw a magnificent bald eagle. I am usually very particular about trying to use pictures taken on the day of my blog, but I couldn’t stop on the highway to get a picture. Instead, here is a picture of a bald eagle that I got along Highway M, quite near here, in 2019. They are such big, glorious birds! It’s always a thrill to see one.

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At home, the horses were quite content in the field. I had given them some extra hay before we left, and they were warm and happy. Although the temperatures were very cold (5 degrees Fahrenheit = -15 Celsius), there was no wind, and even some sunshine later in the day.

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Meanwhile, Tom Morris enjoys the warm tack room, while Marmalade refuses to use the heat lamp warmed bed. He and Licorice seem fine despite the cold. They are enjoying canned food morning and night.

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While I tended to afternoon chores, Harry worked in the studio.

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At night check this evening, the sky was spectacularly clear in the crackling cold. We are so fortunate to have a life that forces us to engage with the world under all conditions. Some days, I feel overwhelmed, most days I just feel incredibly lucky.

Finally, here is Nancy herself in Montana, reminding me that this Missouri cold weather is nothing!

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Stay safe, stay well, stay warm. Peace.