Update from Grand Rapids 21 March

While the number of people being vaccinated here in Michigan is on the rise, unfortunately so are the number of people testing positive for Covid and those being hospitalized with the virus. 

In our tiny portion of the world, we are both in good health and looking forward to receiving our 2nd dose of the Pfizer version in a handful of days. 

Although still in strict lockdown in her care home, Susan's mom is now fully vaccinated and seems to be doing very well, thank you. We continue with our porch visits through glass windows but hope to get her out for a meal at our home next month.

Otherwise life continues its familiar rhythms centered on the home. But spring is here and we look forward to more outside time to be sure and may even kick off the season of sitting outside with the neighbors for a glass of wine this weekend since the temperatures are rising into the 60s.

As for eating out, we have no plans as of yet -- one of our favorite haunts closed permanently last year -- and right now we're simply enjoying eating at home. After all, Susie's homemade ice cream, not to mention her incredible pastries, have no equal anywhere near here so we've been fortunate indeed. And frankly, I love the food I prepare for us. And my wife seems to enjoy it as well, an important consideration.

Travel plans are at best vague at the moment. We are hoping for a driving trip out east to see family and friends perhaps in early May. But travel overseas is so uncertain right now. . . . We long to return to Italy and want to experience  more of southern France that we're thinking of an extended stay next winter. So much depends on who can go where, when, and how.

As for entertainment, we read and puzzle. And there's Netflix (Call My Agent, The Woods, Atypical and Never Have I Ever) as well as Amazon Prime (Seinfeld and the occasional movie) as well as HBO (Old Adventures of New Christine, Big Bang Theory) to keep us smiling. And God knows we need to get a few chuckles in before bedtime.  

So that's pretty much it from here. I hope you're staying safe, happy and at peace.

I'll leave you with a couple of images we received last May from Susan's aunt Cathy who passed away earlier this month. She was funny, witty, self-effacing and just plain great to be around.