“You look for Friday over there. I’ll look over here.”
“How will I know it’s Friday?”
“Believe me you will know.”
It is Friday again. This week has flown for me and I can’t put my finger on why. I guess the why doesn’t matter anyway. The important thing is it was a good week. Well, I have to be very honest. At my age, every week is a good one. At least I have myself convinced of that which makes life much more enjoyable.
Looks like Texas is approaching 34% of the population has received at least one shot of the COVID Vaccine. 21.2% of all Texans are fully vaccinated. This is a change of about 7% for each category since April 2nd. There are reports that estimate at least 30% of Texans do not plan to get vaccinated at all. So the so-called herd immunity level; of 70% looks iffy right now.
People will “likely” need a third shot of the Pfizer vaccine as a booster within 12 months of being fully vaccinated, Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said yesterday. Looks like the virus is here for a while.
The number of COVID cases across the US is beginning to rise given the lifting of restrictions by the states. My belief is the restrictions were lifted too early. This could be a very tense summer indeed.
Today’s JohnKu talks about the importance of a positive mental attitude. I hope you all have a safe and happy weekend.
How do you feel? By John W. Howell ©2021
Have you ever asked,
Yourself the title question . . .
What is your answer?
If your answer sounds
Like there needs some improvement . . .
Attitude is first.
Fiction Favorites 
Love the Haiku verses, John.
I have my first jab a week from today. I’m nervous of the blood clot issues but the scales balance on the benefits more than the risks as far as I can see, so I’m going to go for it.
Have a lovely weekend 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
You should go for it, Harmony. The blood clot risk is way higher with COVID than the Vaccine. Given your health challenges you need the protection. (Okay I’ll get off the box) If you are getting the two shot vaccine the clot risk is very low. The one shot J&J product is where the clot issue has shown up. Here in the US the cases of clots were minuscule as compared to total numbers. Have a great weekend. 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t know how I miss Bird Watching, since I never miss a Monday, but my week was a little off, so I apologize.
Stress lurks like a thief, me armed with gratitude combating it tooth and nail, if that makes sense. I did read about the third shot. I also read that some people fully vaccinated have gotten the virus anyway.
Really?
I try to remember how in Lincoln and Teddy’s day, there were no cures, no inoculations for most things, yet they pressed on. Teddy lost his mother to Typhoid, and Abe his son, Willie, who was only 12. At least we have science more than they did working night and day.
A sober, somber subject for a Friday. Enjoy your weekend. I sent you P.N.. Susannah
LikeLiked by 1 person
If there is anything I can do to help you with your stress battle I hope you will let me know. There were times in my life where I thought I was going to break but kept putting one foot ahead of the other and made it through. Sometimes all it takes is to toss the concern to someone and let them dribble it for a while. Sure it may come back but then you might be able to slam dunk it for the score. (Whew, sorry about the basketball metaphor) Thank you so much for the PN. Love her. Please don’t apologize for missing a blog. I love to have you come by but understand when life comes at you fast. 🌹
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good advice, and we love all metaphors…they’re a ball. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hahaha
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the caption under the photo, John. I’ve done my part in getting vaccinated, so at this point I’m not going to stress about what others do. I’ll continue to pray for good health for my family and friends. Happy Friday!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Good idea, Jill. In fact it is a great idea. Thanks for sharing. 🤗
LikeLike
That’s good that Fridays do ask & don’t reply, dear John! I wish you a great spring anti-bus week-end! 🙂 🙂 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Maria. I see that it is 17 degrees there now. That sounds like spring to me. Wishing you a happy spring weekend too. 🌷
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, unfortunately it is getting cold, dear John. Snow is to return back next week. 🙂 🙂 🙂 Thank you! At least this week-end is going to be sunny.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes I hope you enjoy it. 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
In our area, there’s no longer a mask requirement. It’s a little unnerving, but it is what it is. With worldwide military threats and conflicts within our own country, I’m daily reminded that life is a gift. You are right, John, attitude is first. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Gwen. Attitude is all we have sometimes to stay the course. 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well said. 💛
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Gwen.🌹
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad to hear that you had a good week, John. And Lucy and Twiggy found Friday!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes they did. Thank you, Liz. 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome, John.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m wondering of Moderna will do the same. Guess it could be like the flu shot.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t have any information on Moderna but I think you are right. It could be like a flu shot.
LikeLike
I’m in the 21.2%, so I don’t stress too much. (I’m still careful, though.)
And this week has flown!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You noticed it fly by too? Thanks, Joan. At least I’m not alone. I’m in the 21.2% too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yesterday someone asked me if I was having a good day and as I thought about it – I had to answer that most of my days were exactly that – how could I complain?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah me too. It is nice you came to that conclusion too. Thanks for sharing, GP 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
Covid or not, I believe we need to try to live each moment with love and joy. I’m not always successful that is for sure, but it is better than living in fear, anger, and hate. I got the two Moderna vaccinations and still wear a mask when out and about.
And, love your Haiku.
Have a good weekend, John.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Karen. Love and joy go a log way in overshadowing fear, anger , and hate. I know people who live without love and joy and they are miserable folks indeed. Have a super weekend and thanks for sharing. 😁
LikeLike
To be honest, I rarely worry about how I feel — physically or emotionally. As for that Pfizer exec — his statement may mean that the virus will be with us ad nauseum, or it may have something to do with his vision of an increased profit margin. (Yes, I do have one tiny cynical bone in my body!)
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m sure there is some of the profit motive in there.Of course over time new vaccines will be developed that may have a five year or lifetime effect. In the meantime, I think we should look upon COVID shots like we do the flu shots. Have a great weekend, Linda.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The analogy to flu shots is a good one. It’s worth remembering that every year’s flu vaccine is a little different, just because of variations in the virus that seems to be circulating. We’ve learned to accept that, and we’ll learn in time to accept the complexities of this vaccine, too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree, Linda. Thanks for the comment.
LikeLike
I get my second shot tomorrow. If we need boosters, so be it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s the way I look at it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hubby and I got Pfizer, but I don’t mind getting a booster at all. Not an issue. Have a great weekend, John!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You as well, Teri. Thanks.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Won’t be the first time restrictions have been lifted too soon, John. But at least the situation is looking a bit rosier than a few months back, unless you’re in Brazil or India that is. Have a good weekend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes it is Guy. Thanks for the comment.
LikeLike
I agree with that last line. Whatever we face, our attitude has to be in the right place.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It does. Having it in the dumpster is not the way to go.
LikeLiked by 1 person
No it’s not.
LikeLiked by 1 person
😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
I swear there is almost as much controversy surrounding the vaccine as there was the election. 🙂 I’ve had my first Pfizer dose and get the second on the 29th. Love the JohnKu. It says so much. Attitude is first! Have a great weekend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Jan. I agree with you. 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
I get my second shot next Tuesday. I’m looking forward to getting it behind me, and if a booster is needed down the road, that’s just part of the package.
Happy Friday, John. Stay safe!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You as well, Mae. Best wishes on the shot.
LikeLike
I figured there would be a third shot. I get my second one next week and hoping for the best all around. I like your insightful poem. I feel like I said the same thing to my son this morning.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Best wishes, Denise.
LikeLike
Hi John, I finally got my first dose of Pfizer, and this morning heard about the possible third. But I feel a bit relieved, although I’m not ready to let the mask go even though I’m tired of wearing it. Unfortunately, with the restrictions lifted, I think there is belief by many that the virus is gone. Not even close.
Love the photo, and you’re right about knowing when Friday comes. In one more week, we will be true empty-nesters, which is exciting, but also bittersweet for all of us, including Copper, our crazy canine. So, I’m glad it’s Friday, but we’re counting down the days to when our son drives out of the driveway for his move. Sorry for the ramble. You know where my mind is.
Have a wonderful weekend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Empty nest is a good thing once you stop worrying about how he’s getting along. Best wishes, Lauren. Have a super weekend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellent duo of haiku, John. Attitude is the difference between good and evil, happy and sad, optimistic and pessimistic.
Have a fantabulous Friday!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Dale. I hope you have a great weekend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Gonna try my bestest.
LikeLiked by 2 people
😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello.
LikeLike
Hello.
LikeLike
Yes. My friend. How are you?
LikeLike
We only have the J&J vaccine in SA and only 290 000 people have been vaccinated. Now there is a huge controversy over the vaccine and I had heard the programme had been stopped. No idea whether this is true or not, but I do know that vaccines are not in my imminent future.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Goodness. I hope you sty well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Illinois has seen increases in our COVID cases (and hospitalizations), too. It’s frightening, frankly. I can see a lot of mistakes in a lot of places, but nobody has put me in charge! I hope we can get to the point where the vaccines are effective long-term … and that the doubters will be more willing to roll up their sleeves!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree, Debbie. I hope you have a great weekend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I feel “dreary” along with the weather, even though I know we needed the rain in our part of Texas…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes we do. Here have a margarita. 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was great; thanks, John!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Always good on a dreary day. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
We can’t control many things but we can usually control our attitude if we really try. Yes – “attitude first!” If I have been expecting that we would need booster shots, like getting a flu shot every year. I can live with that. Have a good weekend, John.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Jo. I think you are right. Have a great weekend.😁
LikeLike
You’re absolutely right, John, attitude is everything. If I didn’t have a positive attitude on life I don’t know where I’d be. I finally got my first dose of the Pfizer vaccine. I’ll be getting the second dose next month, and I guess the booster a year from now. Some people here in Florida seem to be reluctant about getting the vaccine, and the fact that Johnson & Johnson pulled their vaccine makes the situation worse. Oh well. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t know why people are reluctant. Let’s hope we can get enough immunity to cover them too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your Haiku is perfect.
Nebraskans are timidly moving towards the vaccination talk. We are hearing of more and more opportunities to receive it.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I can imagine the great Midwest moving slowly toward vaccinations. Anything government is something to be careful about accepting. (Don’t blame them) 😁
LikeLike
Always trying to keep my positive mojo going out here in California, John. I like your attitude. Too many blessings in my life to feel sad or depressed. We booked plane tickets to see our son in Montana in May and then for Minnesota for a Springer Family reunion in June.
LikeLiked by 2 people
See my optimism doesn’t extend to airplane travel. Not yet anyway. Those are two events worth waiting for though. Thanks for sharing, Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi John. Glad you had a good week. Mine went fast too and now I’m about to get ready to go to work (it’s my Saturday to work at the library). Your JohnKu is a good reminder to check the attitude. That’s the driver. Have a good weekend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Barbara. Stay safe. 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
The perfect reminder to be positive, John. For me that takes constant effort… and I might succeed 1% of the time. LOL. Trying is important too, I guess. Hugs on the wing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Always keep trying. Hugs
LikeLike
YES! It’s all in the attitude. Just ask anyone who has lived through WWII, polio, measles, scarlet fever, the Cold War… the list is long, but the attitude makes it all very small.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Showed up in 1941 to most of what you listed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Exactly! I’m vaccinated and careful (not ready to fly yet), and most days are pretty good. I won’t let the news give me fear.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You have too much going on to be afraid. 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re right! 😀
LikeLike
Way late for your weekly recap. I doubt if Ohio will reach the 70% threshold. Sigh …. Thanks for the double JohnKu.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We will need to be careful for a long time. Have a super week.
LikeLike
I vaguely recollect reading an Asimov sci-fi novel many many years back in which there is a second sun that rises every 2000 years or so and humanity gets wiped out. Not because it rains solar winds or triggers catastrophic earthquakes, but because they lose their mind when they encounter the strange phenomenon. It seems to me everyone is over-reacting, some to the perceived threat and others to the lack of it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It could be that the world is overreacting, but every time folks decide to ignore the threat people die. Maybe nature thinks we have way too many people to sustain the planet. The virus is one way to take that problem off the list. Have a great week.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not much better here in Canada, at the moment, vaccines are slow to roll out and cases are rising. I guess all we can do is hope for the best and keep our attitudes as positive as we can. Great Tanka, John.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes and stay away from everyone. 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sorry, I meant Haiku
LikeLike
Sorry, I meant Haiku.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad cause you scared me there for a second.
LikeLiked by 1 person