Vaccines and Volunteering in Tucson

 Vax to the Future.... from the Wandering Berkmans!

(yes, this was stolen from the podcast Lovett or Leave It-- thanks, guys!)

First, a shout out to the winner of last post's question-- why did we begin the last post with "Bear Down!"?  While we did receive some interesting responses (and others pointing out that this U of Arizona fight cheer was developed in a room that obviously did not include women or gay men), the first correct response was from Karen F!  Congrats! You win a Zoom call with us!! You tell us when!  

In Tucson news--Spring is in the air, and we both get our 2nd doses of the vaccine this week-- call us incredibly grateful! 

We were able to get vaccinated by volunteering at vaccine distribution sites at the hospital and convention center in town.  

Don sure does enjoy directing traffic.

I won the award for "Most Fashionable While Checking Registration"

And now we're itching to move on! Not that Tucson hasn't treated us well-- actually, with the weather we've been seeing around the country, we're hard pressed to find a better place to spend the winter months.    But now that we're vaccinated, and even though we continue to mask everywhere we go, we have to admit we're feeling we can push the boundaries a bit.

Zach just got the good news that, as a teacher, he's now eligible to get the jab (or as they say "The Fauci Ouchie") in New Mexico.  Julia will have to wait a bit for their jab as South Korea is just starting their vaccine rollout but the Covid numbers there have been so low Jules has been able to go about life (wearing a mask) with fewer restrictions than we have in the States.  

Vaccine card in hand, we're heading out to Mexico City on April 1 to see Zach and Alexis (right before they move into their new apartment!).  Then we head back to the US to finally see more family and friends in NM, OH, WI and NJ. 

Our first foray to Europe will hopefully happen in June (assuming they let us in) to see more family and friends in Denmark, the UK and France.  We hope to spend time with Julia in South Korea in December when they're on break.

We can't wait to give each and every one of you a hug in person, and, as Goldie wished so long ago, maybe have lunch together?  And if it's not in the cards this year, know we're sending virtual hugs!!  We think of you often.

In the meantime, if you have some extra time (and a ton of plastic bags) on your hands, here's a suggestion for these cold winter days  -- make PLARN and donate it to an organization near you!  PLARN is "yarn" made from plastic grocery bags-- you make the PLARN and others crochet it into sleeping mats for the homeless.  Directions here!

You always remember your first PLARN

On that note, be well, take care, mask up!  And thanks for following along!

Don and Monica