Joyce, if you and family are so inclined, please wear N95 mask on travel home. The southern US states are now leading in active COVID cases and there’s also cold, pneumonia, RSV in circulation. Mary Trump was exposed at DNC, sadly. No fun…be careful, safe.
No, we got COVID just before the new vaccine came out. We know that the vaccines don’t always prevent COVID infection, but they minimize symptoms and chance of hospitalization or death. So we will continue to get the vaccines.
“After May of 2021, roughly 1 month after COVID-19 vaccines became widely available, the gap between Republicans and Democrats further widened, to 7.7 percentage points (95% PI, 6.0 to 9.3 percentage points) in the adjusted analysis, or a 43% difference, the authors said. The difference was seen in Florida, but was most pronounced in Ohio.”
A properly fitted N95 mask is an excellent added defense to the protection provided by getting boosted!
Jason, I'm glad that your wife won her battle with cancer. Several of my friends and one of my co-workers also had ovarian cancer. One of them had an especially tough time, but she was almost my age.
I may check out the podcast and substack. Thanks for sharing those statistics. For what it's worth, I am so VERY, VERY glad that Trump's not POTUS this time around. All the more reason to NEVER allow him within 10 miles from the White House again.
Dianne - both Docs are great sources of the latest scientific information on public health threats. They make it clear that all this information is in flux as these threats mutate. All we can do is increase our odds by following the science.
Donald, my cousin and her husband also live in NC. She's finally getting better, but said this version hit both of than a little harder than the previous strain. I forgot to ask if they had their shots.
Take care of yourselves, and get better soon! I'd send you some chicken noodle soup, but my cooking might make you feel worse!!!
Thanks, Donald! That was kind of you to say that. I had to go to the ER not too long ago due to a head injury. I was quite surprised at the small number of hospital staff who were NOT wearing masks. In fact, there was a sign where you registered that said masks were optional. But given the different medical issues people had that night, I was actually more disappointed. Not only that, but I had to weight seven (yes, seven) hours to be seen. The only seat left for me was in the adjacent hallway, where nurses and other staff were constantly walking past me and those lined up next to me. It was really bad when the evening shift walked by and the midnight people came on. They didn't all change at the same time, which might have been better.
When I was called into the little triage room where they do your weight, vitals and insert an IV needle --- just in case --- they asked me to remove my mask while they were asking me questions about how I fell. I said no, I wouldn't because the sign said "optional," and not "we don't want you to wear one at all."
Sorry for getting sidetracked it. Before I forget, did you start off having symptoms similar to the first edition of COVID? Loss of smell, etc.? I've not heard anyone say exactly what to be on the lookout for.
Makes me wonder about people we come into contact each day. Maybe I'm too paranoid, but being too paranoid is better than being too sick to have visitors if you should become hospitalized with COVID.
Diane - Our symptoms were like a bad head cold: congested, running noses and the 100.6 fever. I got Paxlovid and felt better after two doses. Mine lasted longer most likely due to Paxlovid rebound. https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/what-is-paxlovid-rebound-covid-rebound The rebound is worth it since Paxlovid increases your odds of not being hospitalized.
Dr Osterholm often talks about how surprised he is that medical professionals aren't all using properly fitted N95 masks. I always keep in mind that hospitals and doctor offices have a high concentration of sick people! 😱🤧😷
Jason, thank you for sharing this link. I'm going to check it out. Thanks!
Something tells me that the upcoming winter might prove to be a real challenge, with the new COVID, and the respiratory illness with the name I can't remember right now. People will be indoors more, meaning it will be harder to social distance --- which I still do as much as I can, but sometimes people get offended (?).
So, as I sit here at my laptop, a mosquito has been buzzing around me since I turned the computer on a short while ago. I have the fly swatter next to my chair, but I find that they're much faster than flies!
Drs Osterholm and Jetlina both recommend waiting until October at the earliest to get the flu vaccine. Dr O adds a nuance, here's my understanding of that nuance: if there have been no reports of increasing flu activity you might want to wait until November so you have stronger protection in December and January. Check out the links above!
Europe is a hotbed of covid and so is the US right now. I read the recommendation that everyone get the new covid vaccine this fall and flu shot. I just had covid when I went home to the US to a funeral in July. My daughter had also had it and then my husband got it. Now my aunt who is in the states has it. My daughter was coming from Berlin and a friend told me that her mother-in-law is a doctor there and says it was a hotbed of covid back in July when we went to the US.
Rose, I'm glad you brought this up, especially since Joyce and her husband will be in a crowded "room," around people from all over the world. I had my flu shot on Monday. They said the newest COVID shot would be available tomorrow (at my drugstore), so I'm going down there in the morning.
This looks wonderful!! Happy you got some much-needed rest and re-creation.
I’m sure your feathered flock will be pleased for your return. I know this member of your in-this-together flock looks forward to your expertise and commentary . . .
"Trump and JD Vance violate the First Rule of Holes: When you are in a hole, stop digging.
"After Trump's crude and vulgar misogynistic attack on Kamala Harris and Hillary Clinton yesterday, a smart campaign would tell its candidates to be on the best behavior. Instead, JD Vance circulated an offensive clip intended to mock Kamala Harris in advance of the CNN interview. The video clip is the excruciatingly bad answer by Miss South Carolina (in the Miss Teen USA 2007 pageant) explaining why 20% of Americans can’t locate the US on a world map.
"JD Vance posted the video of Miss South Carolina with a note saying, “I have gotten ahold [sic] of the full CNN Kamala Harris interview.” JD Vance’s post was beneath a 12-year-old boy but profoundly inappropriate from a vice-presidential candidate.
"Of course, in his haste to mock Kamala Harris, JD Vance failed to learn that Miss South Carolina is a big MAGA supporter who considered suicide over the cyberbullying that followed her disastrous answer—which JD Vance has now mocked anew.
"James Fallows responded, “Does JD Vance know that women can vote?” But it was Joyce Vance (the MSNBC commentator and law professor, not related to JD Vance) who put it best in her response:
""This is exactly what they have in store for women. Belittle us. Ridicule us. Reduce us to second class citizenship. A candidate for VP who says this should be removed, but it's precisely what Trump thinks too."
(I apologize for my lack of ability to do sophisticated formatting; the above paragraph is Joyce's quote!)
"Vance’s insult to all women everywhere followed his appearance before the IAFF firefighter’s union in Boston, where he was roundly booed on multiple occasions after asserting that Trump would be the most pro-union president ever. See CNN Politics, Video: JD Vance reacts to being booed at firefighters’ union convention. (Tim Walz appeared at the same convention two days ago to sustained applause.)"
I'm flying to Scotland on Thanksgiving -- hopefully to sit in a pub for two weeks celebrating, possibly to look at real estate. As a US/UK dual citizen with a remote legal job, it's possible I may choose to relocate if the election goes poorly. I'm so torn, though, as to whether that's an ethical act. I hope I don't need to make that call, as I love my home here on San Juan Island.
It's hopeful here, but we're all still tense. The polls can't take into account "facts not [yet] in evidence," and who knows what twists and turns await us in the next 69 days. With so much early voting happening, and so soon, even some ballots won't take all those facts into account.
And there is no logic behind anyone voting for TFG -- not women, veterans, patriots, people who work, anyone receiving any kind of government benefit (including farmers, business owners, the elderly, the poor, students, anyone who drives on the roads, anyone who works for the government), anyone who immigrated here or who cares about racial or ethnic justice, anyone who breathes or drinks water, and anyone who cares about democracy. (Did I miss anyone?) So why is anyone voting for him?
Welcome home, and yes, we're all in this together.
Reading your comment while I watch the morning sun light up the confluence of the straits of Rosario and Juan de Fuca I believe these islands will remain a haven for Reason and peaceful community. Most of the year my home is in Europe, a place where folks will also breathe easier once Kamala and Tim be elected and sworn in.
I think you may be safe on San Juan island, but I'd love to join you in Scotland. Having thought my "arganbright" maternal last name was German, I was delighted to be told (by a Scots friend), "nah, lass, it's Scots, lots of them round here". Thanksgiving in Scotland sounds delightful.
Angry grievance filled people who still think he actually fired people are the only ones voting for him.
I agree completely, about the scenery and the wildlife -- er -- the sheep! When I got home after three weeks in the highlands and islands, I was struck by two things about my return to upstate NY -- 1) the lack of sheep (though through the last several years there are many more sheep and goats in my neighborhood!) and 2) the abundance of trees in the northeastern US.
Sorry to hear about all the COVID cases, especially in the south. We've had an uptick around here but it sounds worse down there. Stay safe, everyone!
The front of our car got clipped in Scotland just pulling out far enough to see to make a right turn (like a left here). All was fine but the response was so Scottish - we got wrapped in blankets, hot chocolate and all the nurturing one could ask for. Those old roads are narrow and harrowing; congrats on navigating them without incidence!
Bonnie, I remember the roads were/probably still are so narrow that one car would need to back up to a niche so the other could pass. We’re part MacRae, related to almost everyone in village in the western highlands.
Glad you had a good time, Joyce. It’s nice to hear that you were able to take a break from what seems like a very, very busy schedule. Take good care. Appreciate the nice pics, too.
Safe travels home. Make sure chickens, dog and cat are in order than sleep off jet lag. I’m all for any Republicans who just want to vote for Harris-Walz in the election. Who knows it might lead to some of them leaving the Republican Party.
When ever I’ve been to England, GB to the purists, I had no problem crossing the road until I crossed at an intersection. Think about it for a moment. Which way was I supposed to discern traffic? Finally I just ran across the street.
When my husband and I drive in GB and we get to an intersection we chant " I'm a leftist, I'm a leftist. It does help to remember which side of the road to drive on. Let's hope that the USA is more left than right in November.
In London, and suburbs, there are frequently words painted on the road “look left” or “look right” because it is confusing to anyone who drives on the right.
Be safe coming home. You are very much needed as an important voice! Thank you for all you do. Will Scottish chickens be next in the yard? The cows are beyond cute. Best.
Joyce, if you and family are so inclined, please wear N95 mask on travel home. The southern US states are now leading in active COVID cases and there’s also cold, pneumonia, RSV in circulation. Mary Trump was exposed at DNC, sadly. No fun…be careful, safe.
Yes! Wear a mask. I live in NC and my wife and I both have COVID for the first time. And we are fully vaccinated.
I hope you both recover fully very soon.
Did you get the new one?
No, we got COVID just before the new vaccine came out. We know that the vaccines don’t always prevent COVID infection, but they minimize symptoms and chance of hospitalization or death. So we will continue to get the vaccines.
Nice to know people are actually putting their faith in science. Hope you two get well very soon.
SAME! Wife is an ovarian cancer survivor, so we have been getting boosted about every six months. Our last boosts were in March, so we were victims of the documented waning immunity that Dr Michael Osterholm and Dr Katelyn Jetelina talk about. I highly recommend Dr Osterholm’s biweekly podcast, https://www.osterholmupdate.com/podcast and Dr Jetlina’s substack https://yourlocalepidemiologist.substack.com/p/top-6-questions-answered-about-fall/
Believing in science gives us a political advantage! https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/political-party-affiliation-linked-excess-covid-deaths
“After May of 2021, roughly 1 month after COVID-19 vaccines became widely available, the gap between Republicans and Democrats further widened, to 7.7 percentage points (95% PI, 6.0 to 9.3 percentage points) in the adjusted analysis, or a 43% difference, the authors said. The difference was seen in Florida, but was most pronounced in Ohio.”
A properly fitted N95 mask is an excellent added defense to the protection provided by getting boosted!
Jason, I'm glad that your wife won her battle with cancer. Several of my friends and one of my co-workers also had ovarian cancer. One of them had an especially tough time, but she was almost my age.
I may check out the podcast and substack. Thanks for sharing those statistics. For what it's worth, I am so VERY, VERY glad that Trump's not POTUS this time around. All the more reason to NEVER allow him within 10 miles from the White House again.
Dianne - both Docs are great sources of the latest scientific information on public health threats. They make it clear that all this information is in flux as these threats mutate. All we can do is increase our odds by following the science.
Donald, my cousin and her husband also live in NC. She's finally getting better, but said this version hit both of than a little harder than the previous strain. I forgot to ask if they had their shots.
Take care of yourselves, and get better soon! I'd send you some chicken noodle soup, but my cooking might make you feel worse!!!
Thanks. Hope your cousin and her husband recover quickly.
Thanks, Donald! That was kind of you to say that. I had to go to the ER not too long ago due to a head injury. I was quite surprised at the small number of hospital staff who were NOT wearing masks. In fact, there was a sign where you registered that said masks were optional. But given the different medical issues people had that night, I was actually more disappointed. Not only that, but I had to weight seven (yes, seven) hours to be seen. The only seat left for me was in the adjacent hallway, where nurses and other staff were constantly walking past me and those lined up next to me. It was really bad when the evening shift walked by and the midnight people came on. They didn't all change at the same time, which might have been better.
When I was called into the little triage room where they do your weight, vitals and insert an IV needle --- just in case --- they asked me to remove my mask while they were asking me questions about how I fell. I said no, I wouldn't because the sign said "optional," and not "we don't want you to wear one at all."
Sorry for getting sidetracked it. Before I forget, did you start off having symptoms similar to the first edition of COVID? Loss of smell, etc.? I've not heard anyone say exactly what to be on the lookout for.
Hope you two are up and about real soon.
Started with scratchy throat and congestion. I actually thought I had strep. Progressed to a derp cough plus low grade fever and achiness.
Makes me wonder about people we come into contact each day. Maybe I'm too paranoid, but being too paranoid is better than being too sick to have visitors if you should become hospitalized with COVID.
Diane - Our symptoms were like a bad head cold: congested, running noses and the 100.6 fever. I got Paxlovid and felt better after two doses. Mine lasted longer most likely due to Paxlovid rebound. https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/what-is-paxlovid-rebound-covid-rebound The rebound is worth it since Paxlovid increases your odds of not being hospitalized.
Dr Osterholm often talks about how surprised he is that medical professionals aren't all using properly fitted N95 masks. I always keep in mind that hospitals and doctor offices have a high concentration of sick people! 😱🤧😷
Jason, thank you for sharing this link. I'm going to check it out. Thanks!
Something tells me that the upcoming winter might prove to be a real challenge, with the new COVID, and the respiratory illness with the name I can't remember right now. People will be indoors more, meaning it will be harder to social distance --- which I still do as much as I can, but sometimes people get offended (?).
So, as I sit here at my laptop, a mosquito has been buzzing around me since I turned the computer on a short while ago. I have the fly swatter next to my chair, but I find that they're much faster than flies!
Jason, I forgot to ask you how far apart between the two Paxlovid shots did you have? And where can you find N95 masks? Thanks.
Absolutely very dangerous now!
That's what the nurse for my primary care doctor told me earlier this week.
BYW-The new Covid vaccine and this year’s flu vaccine are now available at Walgreens and other pharmacies.
Drs Osterholm and Jetlina both recommend waiting until October at the earliest to get the flu vaccine. Dr O adds a nuance, here's my understanding of that nuance: if there have been no reports of increasing flu activity you might want to wait until November so you have stronger protection in December and January. Check out the links above!
My 2 friends from New Mexico were in Seattle over the weekend, flew here 1st class and returned home with COVID.
A new, highly contagious strain is circulating.
Omicron variants KP.2, KP.2.3, KP.3 and KP.3.1.1, as well as LB.1, have high prevalence in the United States.
CDC Nowcast projections estimate KP.3.1.1 to account for approximately 37% of new COVID-19 illnesses in the US.
Europe is a hotbed of covid and so is the US right now. I read the recommendation that everyone get the new covid vaccine this fall and flu shot. I just had covid when I went home to the US to a funeral in July. My daughter had also had it and then my husband got it. Now my aunt who is in the states has it. My daughter was coming from Berlin and a friend told me that her mother-in-law is a doctor there and says it was a hotbed of covid back in July when we went to the US.
Thanks for the reminder. I will be flying next week and will follow your suggestion.
Rose, I'm glad you brought this up, especially since Joyce and her husband will be in a crowded "room," around people from all over the world. I had my flu shot on Monday. They said the newest COVID shot would be available tomorrow (at my drugstore), so I'm going down there in the morning.
Thanks for thinking about ALL OF US!!!
Safe travels home!
This looks wonderful!! Happy you got some much-needed rest and re-creation.
I’m sure your feathered flock will be pleased for your return. I know this member of your in-this-together flock looks forward to your expertise and commentary . . .
Recharged for the coming fight! Sweet! We look forward to you and your #SistersInLaw leadership in the coming months.
May your trip be smooth and on time!
Even traveling home Joyce was at work! This excerpt is from Robert Hubbell's Today's Edition Newsletter https://roberthubbell.substack.com/p/cnn-interview-a-breath-of-fresh-air
"Trump and JD Vance violate the First Rule of Holes: When you are in a hole, stop digging.
"After Trump's crude and vulgar misogynistic attack on Kamala Harris and Hillary Clinton yesterday, a smart campaign would tell its candidates to be on the best behavior. Instead, JD Vance circulated an offensive clip intended to mock Kamala Harris in advance of the CNN interview. The video clip is the excruciatingly bad answer by Miss South Carolina (in the Miss Teen USA 2007 pageant) explaining why 20% of Americans can’t locate the US on a world map.
"JD Vance posted the video of Miss South Carolina with a note saying, “I have gotten ahold [sic] of the full CNN Kamala Harris interview.” JD Vance’s post was beneath a 12-year-old boy but profoundly inappropriate from a vice-presidential candidate.
"Of course, in his haste to mock Kamala Harris, JD Vance failed to learn that Miss South Carolina is a big MAGA supporter who considered suicide over the cyberbullying that followed her disastrous answer—which JD Vance has now mocked anew.
"James Fallows responded, “Does JD Vance know that women can vote?” But it was Joyce Vance (the MSNBC commentator and law professor, not related to JD Vance) who put it best in her response:
""This is exactly what they have in store for women. Belittle us. Ridicule us. Reduce us to second class citizenship. A candidate for VP who says this should be removed, but it's precisely what Trump thinks too."
(I apologize for my lack of ability to do sophisticated formatting; the above paragraph is Joyce's quote!)
"Vance’s insult to all women everywhere followed his appearance before the IAFF firefighter’s union in Boston, where he was roundly booed on multiple occasions after asserting that Trump would be the most pro-union president ever. See CNN Politics, Video: JD Vance reacts to being booed at firefighters’ union convention. (Tim Walz appeared at the same convention two days ago to sustained applause.)"
Time to Roe, Roe, Roe the Vote!
I'm flying to Scotland on Thanksgiving -- hopefully to sit in a pub for two weeks celebrating, possibly to look at real estate. As a US/UK dual citizen with a remote legal job, it's possible I may choose to relocate if the election goes poorly. I'm so torn, though, as to whether that's an ethical act. I hope I don't need to make that call, as I love my home here on San Juan Island.
It's hopeful here, but we're all still tense. The polls can't take into account "facts not [yet] in evidence," and who knows what twists and turns await us in the next 69 days. With so much early voting happening, and so soon, even some ballots won't take all those facts into account.
And there is no logic behind anyone voting for TFG -- not women, veterans, patriots, people who work, anyone receiving any kind of government benefit (including farmers, business owners, the elderly, the poor, students, anyone who drives on the roads, anyone who works for the government), anyone who immigrated here or who cares about racial or ethnic justice, anyone who breathes or drinks water, and anyone who cares about democracy. (Did I miss anyone?) So why is anyone voting for him?
Welcome home, and yes, we're all in this together.
Reading your comment while I watch the morning sun light up the confluence of the straits of Rosario and Juan de Fuca I believe these islands will remain a haven for Reason and peaceful community. Most of the year my home is in Europe, a place where folks will also breathe easier once Kamala and Tim be elected and sworn in.
PS : I find Jess Piper's Substack to be enlightening about rural voters an red states, and how it is that they elect people like Trump.
I think you may be safe on San Juan island, but I'd love to join you in Scotland. Having thought my "arganbright" maternal last name was German, I was delighted to be told (by a Scots friend), "nah, lass, it's Scots, lots of them round here". Thanksgiving in Scotland sounds delightful.
Angry grievance filled people who still think he actually fired people are the only ones voting for him.
Hope you enjoyed Scotland as much as I have! The Highlands are among the most beautiful places I've ever been. And yes, love the sheep.
I agree completely, about the scenery and the wildlife -- er -- the sheep! When I got home after three weeks in the highlands and islands, I was struck by two things about my return to upstate NY -- 1) the lack of sheep (though through the last several years there are many more sheep and goats in my neighborhood!) and 2) the abundance of trees in the northeastern US.
Sorry to hear about all the COVID cases, especially in the south. We've had an uptick around here but it sounds worse down there. Stay safe, everyone!
The front of our car got clipped in Scotland just pulling out far enough to see to make a right turn (like a left here). All was fine but the response was so Scottish - we got wrapped in blankets, hot chocolate and all the nurturing one could ask for. Those old roads are narrow and harrowing; congrats on navigating them without incidence!
Bonnie, I remember the roads were/probably still are so narrow that one car would need to back up to a niche so the other could pass. We’re part MacRae, related to almost everyone in village in the western highlands.
Glad you had a good time, Joyce. It’s nice to hear that you were able to take a break from what seems like a very, very busy schedule. Take good care. Appreciate the nice pics, too.
Safe travels home. Make sure chickens, dog and cat are in order than sleep off jet lag. I’m all for any Republicans who just want to vote for Harris-Walz in the election. Who knows it might lead to some of them leaving the Republican Party.
When ever I’ve been to England, GB to the purists, I had no problem crossing the road until I crossed at an intersection. Think about it for a moment. Which way was I supposed to discern traffic? Finally I just ran across the street.
When my husband and I drive in GB and we get to an intersection we chant " I'm a leftist, I'm a leftist. It does help to remember which side of the road to drive on. Let's hope that the USA is more left than right in November.
I like that.
Same here! Can you imagine hiding in the back seat and overhearing that conversation?
In London, and suburbs, there are frequently words painted on the road “look left” or “look right” because it is confusing to anyone who drives on the right.
Thanks for the views of the Scottish countryside. Safe travels home.
I love every word you write; and thank you for spending your precious moments in Scotland writing more. And…love your pix.
Safe travels home.
What a wonderful place to be. I love places with free-roaming sheep. Thanks for sharing.
Hope your flight is low-turbulence and restful and you land to sunrise, then sleep to the next sunrise. Wake refreshed, and tell us your stories.
Be safe coming home. You are very much needed as an important voice! Thank you for all you do. Will Scottish chickens be next in the yard? The cows are beyond cute. Best.
Sleep well, long days ahead!!