Friday JohnKu – AKA- TGIF

~ John W. Howell
“There is no wild animal there, Twiggy. Let’s play.”
“It never hurts to be careful.”
“Careful is another word for obsessed.”

 

It is Friday again, and time to get ready for the weekend. This week our governor announced that all businesses Can open up with 100% occupancy. In addition, facemasks are no longer mandatory.

Not sure what to make of all that. I think such a move is going to have a detrimental effect on the spread of the virus. There haven’t been enough vaccinations yet to say there is herd immunity. I believe only 7.5% of all Texans have received full protection.

I’m in priority group 1B and am now looking for a vaccine spot. I had originally thought I could wait until more of the vaccine is available. With the governor’s move, I definitely feel vulnerable. I will continue to wear a mask to my doctor visits. (The only time I go out)  The available vaccine is in short supply, and it is challenging to find a place to get a shot.

We will see how packed bars, restaurants, and people wandering around with no masks plays out. I’m betting that, in hindsight, it will be a problem.

Today’s JohnKu talks about whose responsibility it is to protect oneself from the virus. I hope you all have a safe and happy weekend.

Protection By John W, Howell © 2021

When infection risk,

Is all around you today . . .

You must protect you.

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Published by John W. Howell

I have been working in business for over forty years and now have the time to work in special areas of interest. My passion has always been to create compelling stories of fiction. I have authored six novels and am working on my Seventh. The first novel is still in manuscript form and being utilized as a door stop in the laundry room. The second is a contemporary fiction novel of 89,000 words and is complete and I am currently seeking a publisher. I also write poetry but have not had the guts to share any with anyone. The one time I read a piece to a person their only comment was, “it doesn’t rhyme.” I will continue to write and hopefully my blog, Fiction Favorites at www.johnwhowell.com will provide some entertainment and an interesting thought or two. I live in the Austin area with my wife Molly and an assortment of loving pets.

115 thoughts on “Friday JohnKu – AKA- TGIF”

  1. Even though, in UK, we have about 40% of adults vaccinated with the first jab so far, I will still wear masks until NEXT spring. Why? Because once folks are allowed to mix freely again, they’ll overdo it and another surge will happen, probably due to one or more variants getting a grip.
    Masks, distancing and hand washing is also effective against seasonal colds and flu.
    The only time I might not wear a mask will be outdoors in open spaces, during summer. 😷

    Liked by 3 people

  2. I, too, think Abbott made the wrong call, John, and I am urging my parents to remain vigilant. I understand wanting to get the economy moving, but see no reason to be foolhardy about it. 😢

    Liked by 3 people

    1. I agree Lori. I don’t understand what gets into some of the politician’s minds. I heard Abbott say 50% of seniors are now vaccinated. I have yet been able to get an appointment so there is that too. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  3. My grandmother, parents, and aunt just got their appointments for vaccines. Hopefully everyone who wants one can get them soon and we can all return to normal. I’m starting to think “normal” is a thing of the past, though.

    Liked by 3 people

  4. I hope you’re able to get your vaccine soon, John. I have my first “jab” tomorrow. With my compromised immune system, even being vaccinated, I don’t think I’ll feel much difference in my comfort level when it comes to being inside confined spaces. Time will tell, I suppose. Enjoy the weekend!

    Liked by 3 people

  5. The way things have been lately, I think normal must be seen as a relative, not an absolute concept. Perhaps, in years to come, we’ll look back on the days when we felt safe to mix, indoors and out, without precautions in the same way we now look back fondly at the days parents would send their preteens out to play with the only admonition being to be back by tea-time.

    Liked by 3 people

  6. I think such easing up is way too soon, John. Already in the UK, we’re seeing cases rising due to people who’ve had the jab no longer following the rules. Glad you’re staying careful.

    Great Haiku, John. Have a wonderful weekend 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

  7. I’m not sure what to make of the news too. Really hope things don’t explode and you can get the vaccine soon. Saw an article that some big chain stores are still making masks mandatory, so that might help.

    Liked by 2 people

  9. I had my first shot two weeks ago, and I’m scheduled for the second one in two weeks. I am still going to shelter in place and wear a mask if I absolutely have to go out (i.e., doctor’s appointment). That virus is mutating, and if people gather in crowds with no masks, it will continue to mutate. I subscribe to Higher Education Today; colleges and public health officials are concerned about another Spring Break surge. I was shocked when I saw the Texas governor’s announcement of 100% reopening.

    Liked by 1 person

  13. I must admit, part of me was surprised by the moves by Mississippi & Texas, but part of me wasn’t. After all, many have politicized public health and welfare. Best wishes for you getting your vaccine. Crazy times – every state is different and each county in every state is different. Hang in there!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. That is part of the problem. If Gov had let the drug companies distribute the vaccine I’ll bet there would be enough fro everyone by now. Just saying. Who cares anyway. It’s Obama’s fault.

      Like

  14. Take care of yourself, John, as we all need to be doing. In our area, folks are pretty slack, even though there are requirements for masks in public. No one wears a mask around our neighborhood when outside, but we all social distance and are respectful — well, mostly. My 97-year-old neighbor loves to give me a hug if I’m within calling distance. 💗

    Liked by 1 person

  15. Twiggy is searching for Friday’s treasure! Well…a good point is that the life goes on, my dear John. It is good that everything is coming back to normal. The rest is a question of time. 🍨🍨🍨😁😊

    Liked by 1 person

  17. Huh? Seriously??!?!? 100% occupancy and no masks? I’m stunned.
    We’re only at 50% occupancy and then there are a ton of restrictions.

    Some of my older relatives have already gotten their shots, but PA is not doing a good job of rolling out the vaccine. There are plenty of vulnerable people who can’t find a time slot or a vaccine site. It’s a mess. At this point, I probably won’t be eligible until some time in the summer.

    I hope you get vaccinated soon, John. Stay safe and stay healthy!

    Liked by 1 person

  18. You are so right … YOU must take care of you. I agree … I think both Texas and Mississippi have made a grave error and will see spikes in the virus before the end of this month. Keep safe, my friend.

    Liked by 1 person

  19. That is disconcerting! I don’t blame you for being cautious and worried about the after-effects of reopening at 100% no less!
    Here? We are still a “red zone” and still working from home until April 6… while some parts of the province are zone orange and opening bit by bit. Feels like we are far from returning to some semblance of normal life.
    You keep taking care of you!

    Liked by 1 person

  20. It would be nice for us if the politicians would remember that there is a south part to our county. They have the northern part very well covered.

    Liked by 1 person

  21. Glad you are going to get a vaccination, John, even if you don’t go out much. Husband & I got our second one last week. I wished Gov. Abbot would have waited until shots would have been available to everyone, but he did not. We will see how it goes. TGIF to you.

    Liked by 1 person

  23. I 100% agree with you, John. I believe the governor’s announcement was purely a political move to try and save what’s left of his career. And, I think there will be detrimental effects. I have not received the vaccine yet. The last time I looked, the waiting list for my group was over 30,000 long with only 6,000 to 7,000 vaccines expected. Not a good outlook. Staying safe is the best option! I will continue to mask-up!

    Liked by 1 person

  25. We have the same thing with everything having opened this week, John. You can see the difference with the traffic. Wearing masks is still a legal requirement here, it is an offence not to wear one in public and you are fined.

    Liked by 1 person

  27. What is the governor of Texas thinking? I would understand it if everyone in Texas had received the vaccine but that isn’t the case. I think you’re right, this is going to backfire. Stay safe and healthy, my friend. 😀 xo

    Liked by 1 person

  29. Wow, John, that is a bit relaxed. My husband and I are still waiting for our group to be called. He just turned 61 and I’ll be 60 later this month. The first time only that we’re eager for a shot. 🙂 I haven’t kept up with the details here in CA because we’re just not ready to go out yet. And I think we’ll be wearing masks for the rest of the year, at least. I agree with you in that the effect of no masks and everything open to 100% capacity will be detrimental. Maybe we’ll be proven wrong though. Fingers crossed. Stay safe and enjoy your weekend.

    Liked by 2 people

    2. We also live in California. My wife and I are 64 and 62. For once in our lives, we’re not old enough!🤣🤣🤣

      Liked by 2 people

  32. We’re still waiting for Pennsylvania to get enough vaccines. I’m last on the list, so it could still be a while. Hoping by the summer, though. Take care of yourself, John. Good haiku!

    Liked by 1 person

  33. All of New England is shaking their heads at Texas, wondering why. I hope you get an appointment for the vaccine. It’s like winning the lottery if you get one.

    Liked by 1 person

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