Friday, January 2, 2026

Liz, I'm so glad you liked the books. I still buy hard copies (often at thrift stores) and I give away many of them when I am done. If they were really special to me, I keep them, and these two are on my bookshelves.

CC what misery. Sore throats are probably the worst symptom in an illness. You can get some relief from fevers, body aches, coughing with medications, but it seems nothing really touches a sore throat. And you have to swallow! It's not until you have a sore throat that you realize just how much you swallow your own saliva everyday. It's kind of crazy.

One of the friends we visited yesterday is an epidemiologist, and she recommended the updated Covid shot for this variant. I already have it, and DH is getting his today at 5pm. She also recommends wearing a mask on airplanes right now. I have 2.5 hour flight to Atlanta, then over 9 hours to Rio, and then 3 hours to Porto Alegre. Not sure I could stand to do it. I've never got infected with anything on a plane that I can remember. But DS who travels a lot for work has picked it up twice in airport/plane. I had a mild cold in December, other than that, I haven't been sick since I retired. Gee, I wonder why? I'm worried I'm due for something. I'll keep taking my vitamins, washing my hands, and getting enough sleep, and hope for the best.

I'm starting my alterations, which are very minor things like shortening straps and taking a tuck in a bodice, or making a neckline just a little more demur. After years of being semi neurotic about not showing any cleavage at work, I feel uncomfortable, even in settings where it would be considered acceptable. So, I currently have 16 dresses on the bed, one more on the way from Amazon, and 4 cover ups and two sarongs. LOL, is that enough dresses?! I actually had more out, but already hung some back up. It does seem excessive, but also, 6 weeks and it's guaranteed to be HOT, and I don't wear shorts soooo. LOL, I can justify lots of excesses if I just put forth minimal effort. Clearly, I am not doing my usual carry on/backpack only. The biggest suitcase we own is out of the basement, waiting to be filled. : )

I dind't work out this morning, because I thought it might be crowded with people using acting on their New Year's resolution. I am going to go this evening. Even the most die hard are less likely to be there on a Friday night.

Sounds like you're doing all the right things! Having never had Covid, I think I convinced myself I was secretly immune. So I've never been boosted. And I haven't had the flu in a million years, so I don't get that one either. I've been sicker than this in my life, but the throat part is particularly unpleasant!

With so many viruses, it's not that you breathe it in, it's that you pick it up on your hands and transfer it to your face. Scratch an itchy nose, something in your eye, etc. If a mask reminds you to not touch your face, I think that's one reason to wear it, but otherwise, wipe down with a Clorox wipe every common surface you encounter in the airport (think of how many people sit in those waiting area chairs) and at your plane seat (the seatbelt buckle, tray table, seatback pouch, recline button, armrests...) and that's probably better than a mask. I forgot my pack of wipes and didn't do it this time. I'm out of practice flying!

I agree with CC on using wipes and being careful not to touch your face unless you have recently washed your hands. Over time got more careful about common surface touching to avoid colds and flu prior to covid. The three times I had covid were all from extended contact with someone I knew who was sneezing and coughing into the air (daughter, friend, SIL).

16 dresses does sound like a lot - I assume you will be able to wash clothes periodically?

We are going to read This Tender Land for the book club after consultation with the woman coordinating it. It was a beautifully written book so I am happy about that. Thanks again!

119.8. Downward part of my up, down cycle I guess. Appetite has been diminished with sickness.

Felt better this morning but venturing out to get our driver's licenses and new tags for the car and a short grocery shopping trip proved to do me in! Even with a nap, I feel like I could go to bed for the night.

Happy packing and altering, pot roasting, Justice walking and getting rid of razor blade throat symptoms!

Is anyone else in your family sick?

Not really. DSD was sick before Christmas but seemed symptom free during the Holiday. A little coughing for DH but nothing concerning.