That's It

 A quick update as I'm still trying (and even sometimes succeeding) at limiting my screen time.

We went by the studio yesterday and I worked on a single plate. I really should bring my plates and paints home and work on them here. The trek to the studio can be a pain sometimes, especially when it is just to paint one plate. (It's also to check up on Judi as she is alone since Paul died and the dog can only provide so much companionship.)

We wear our masks the entire time we're there, which is uncomfortable. Judi does not wear a mask. It's her place, so I don't insist or even suggest. But we also leave the door open and the fan on the entire time. Everyone is so invested in pretending the pandemic is over, but the newest statistics from Israel are concerning. The Pfizer vaccine is only 39% effective at preventing infection (which I presume also means re-infection), though still 88% at preventing hospitalization and 91% effective at preventing death. I assume some things from this information: One is that the Moderna stats are similar. The other is that, just like with all other statistical information presented, this does not reflect the incidents of long covid, where people are marked as "recovered" without taking into account that they are still without a sense of taste or smell, are dealing with blood clotting issues, are still having pulmonary problems, and so on. I also read today that re-infections are *not* being counted in the infection rate, which is alarming. And the CDC is not tracking breakthrough infections (that is, infections that occur in vaccinated people). 

The pandemic is not over, folks. Stop acting like it is.

Gray Kitty has also had a tough week. Last Thursday (or was it Wednesday?) he had to go the vet with a ruptured anal gland. Now he's in a cone collar so it can heal and he can't lick the area. He should have the cone off soon though, as things are going well. Thankfully. He hates being in the collar. It makes him very needy and frustrated. 

Okay, that's it. That's the update. Time to get away from the screen again.

Take care, everyone.