Pandemic Diary — February 22 to 28

Monday, February 22    Deaths 2,155 (+0)  New cases  324

E had a nap in the afternoon today, which meant that she stayed up kind of late, which meant that she checked her email at 10:00 p.m., which meant that she was able to schedule a COVID shot for Friday. Consequently, she has moderated her criticism of the state and local public health authorities. The lesson here, we suppose, is that taking a nap can yield health dividends.  

Tuesday, February 23   Deaths  2.162 (+8)   New cases  528

Planning for E’s birthday is proceeding. We are meeting Andrea in Salem on Saturday. We’ll pay a visit to the clock shop, walk along the river, and, hopefully, have a piece of cake. 

Wednesday, February 24   Deaths  2,2194 (+32)   New cases  437

Packed up again and headed off to Bend. Got a take-out dinner from Hola at the Old Mill: lomo saltado, portobello quesadilla. 

Thursday, February 25   Deaths  2,2204 (+10)   New cases  553

Cross-country skiing today, a four-mile loop at Swampy Lakes. Kind of crazy weather, low clouds alternating with bright sun. Lots of strong swirling wind, including a few gusts powerful enough to push a person around. At one point, M was standing on his skis, motionless, admiring the scene, when suddenly he a got a hefty push from behind and found himself on the way down the hill. Yikes. 

Take-out dinner from Bethlyn’s Asian Fusion on Newport Avenue. Bibimbap and Thai green curry. Yum, great discovery. 

Friday, February 26   Deaths  2,206 (+2)   New cases  336

Up early so as to make it back to Corvallis in time for E’s vaccination appointment. Woke to heavy snow, which was a little worrisome, but once we got on the road conditions improved. Lots of snow in the passes, but little ice. Beautiful. Got home in plenty of time. 

So E got a shot of the Pfizer vaccine today and has an appointment in three weeks for another.  She said the process was all very organized and moved fast, with lots of volunteers and a very upbeat atmosphere. She still finds it a little difficult to believe that it has finally happened. 

Saturday, February 27   Deaths  2,208 (+2)   New cases  465

Birthday! Birthday! Birthday! We met Andrea and her giant insect balloon at the Salem Clock Shop. After locking the insect in the car, we went into the shop and walked around listening to clocks chiming. They have hundreds of wonderful clocks, including dozens of grandfathers and scores of cuckoos, both new fangled and old. E picked out something more moderate. 

When we were done clock shopping, we had a picnic lunch at the riverfront park and then walked over the slough into the Minto-Brown Natural Area. Then it was back into our cars for a short hop over to Gerry Frank’s Konditorei.

Eve started feeling a little icky later that night. Was it from yesterday’s vaccination? Or was it the Barney’s Blackout? 

Sunday, February 28   Deaths  2,208 (+0)   New cases  292

MORE BIRTHDAY!

A day after Eve’s birthday, her brother celebrated his. It was one of those birthdays ending in a zero, so the family had to do something a bit special. So there was a Zoom conference with more than a dozen attendees including one aunt and two siblings, various children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews plus cousins of all sorts. It was a chance to share stories and try to express our appreciation for his kindness and sterling character. Also shared were some wonderful old photos. Here is E’s contribution. Birthday boy is the one wearing the Hopalong Cassidy outfit. E, of course, has somehow managed to be placed in the center of things.