Trying to keep up

 

Another month has passed. The year 2021 seems to have grown wings. How did that happen, MAY? Already!

In my last post I mentioned we had made appointments for our vaccination. The first shot has been had. Absolutely painless and without after effects. Maybe just a wee bruisey feeling where the needle entered the arm. Like someone gave a friendly shoulder thump. It was gone by morning. Now we bide our time till the 4th of June. For the total protection, so to speak.

I'm still taking care, still wear my mask where it is required. Still keep distance yet feel more relaxed. So much so that I even ventured into town by bus yesterday. That was a one way trip. I walked home. Found it still a bit uncomfortable as the bus filled up more than I thought it would. The 54 minute walk home would not only be a healthier option, also a more relaxed one.

I've become quite a hermit. It wasn't hard. My interest in life doesn't lie in shopping sprees, endless lunch dates or wine afternoons. I am a home body by nature, occasionally flying the coop to do what's necessary and yes, also enjoying the company of others, walks, a catch up chat over a coffee and a visit to share time with a friend. Since corona my 'stay at home avoid people' habit has only grown stronger. For my sake and my mental well being I decided I needed to 'get out' a bit more freely. Like taking the bus into town. I needed a new cover for my phone. I had purchased one online. Silly me. Not my thing. I need to have and hold and touch and see. Subsequently I ordered a wrong type and now have two. The company I purchased from have reimbursed me AND told me I need not return the product. Bit odd, but it fits in with my thoughts on online shopping: ODD!

The 'shopping by booking a time slot' was also something I enjoyed. I realise it's not financially viable, but it sure has a charm I enjoyed. So now we, hubby and I, have entered a new phase. We have had the first vaccination injection and already enjoy some form of protection. We feel more relaxed. Although I'd appreciate if the world didn't spin faster than it already does, the 4th of June will be welcome in due course. Onward and upward to an even more relaxed feeling.

Link to a video: Enjoy this video of a shopping moment in Dordrecht. 

Appointments made.

 

What a relief. I received a message from a friend. Her birthday is 4 days after mine. It said, " All people born in the years 1953 and 1954 may ring and make an appointment for their vaccination agains Covid-19."

Despite lots of things that 'can't' happen, we were able to have a few days away in all safety and complying to all restrictions laid upon us.We had the privilege of staying in a lovely 2 bed unit friends had built on their rather long and lovely property in the province Zeeland. An absolutely stunning piece of the Netherlands waiting to be discovered and enjoyed.

Anyway, being away didn't mean we couldn't ring the National number to make an appointment to have our vaccination shot. Phone in hand and personal details all prepared I rang the number. " All the receptionists are busy at the moment, we will get to you as soon as possible." I wasn't surprised. The phone was set on speaker and I patiently waited my turn. After about 10 minutes this very friendly male voice spoke to me. I gave all the information required and mentioned that my husband was standing next to me. Was it possible he could make use of the same phone call. So helpful..of course he could. In fact the appointments would be made adjacent so we could go together on the same day, same booked time slot.

I am no lover of needles. My husband even less. Last Autumn I had my very first flu' shot. Never felt a thing and had no flu' type symptoms as a result. I am counting on the same experience. On the other hand. Hubby has a fear of needles. He is slightly concerned he may faint or at least feel rather weak kneed and passed up the opportunity for the flu' shot for that reason. So it will be interesting to see how we get on.

The relief and euphoria we felt was weird. I was very keen to have the shot but had no idea how thrilled I would be once we had a date. It gives perspective and the outlook for some more freedom to move around more safely. I won't be racing off to the shops or seek out crowded places. Not my style to start with. But at least when I am somewhere where there are a number of people I will feel safer and more relaxed. Maybe I will share the grocery task with my husband so he doesn't have to do it all the time.

The second shot is early June. That will be the icing on the cake. Maybe, just maybe I can go and visit my children still this year. Oh I so long for that moment.