I’m back!
We had our first dose of the vaccine yesterday morning. It went quite smoothly. Walgreens is very organized. We had already filled out the required vaccine form, brought our confirmation number, and then a technician asked the required questions and took our temperatures. After that, we sat down and waited a few minutes. After the woman sitting on my right went behind the curtain, Don was up next. All of two minutes, if that. Then me. The technician was cheery, quick, and then we were done. We waited around, as requested, for 15 minutes, and then we left.
What an enormous relief it is to have started the process! Our second dose is on the very last day of March. As far as side effects, we both felt extremely tired yesterday. Our arms are sore, but that is to be expected. We got the Pfizer vaccine, by the way.
As Don said, no more constant checking on the state site, the county site, and Walgreens. We don’t have to do that anymore!
We bought a bottle of sparkling cider to celebrate, but we were too tired to drink it, so we’ll celebrate tonight instead. Our prayer is that everyone has the chance to get their first dose as soon as possible.
It’s cold here today and will be for the next four days, then we’ll finally have warmer temperatures at the top of next week. I can’t wait!
The mail arrived yesterday afternoon and Don said I had some packages. One was a book I ordered. The other was from Germany – completely unexpected. Helga, my friend who I have mentioned here before, sent me a package. Helga and I love miniatures – she has a fabulous Beacon Hill that she’s refurbishing – we love and collect putz sheep, we love animals and gardening. We are definitely kindred spirits.
I had no idea what might be in the package.
Oh my goodness! I was stunned. Don was sort of watching me as I opened the package and when he heard me gasp, he came over to look inside the box. He couldn’t believe it either!
Helga included a Christmas card. It turns out she sent it on December 11th, but she just sent it. No tracking, insurance or anything like that. There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about sending a package overseas with no idea when it might arrive. I kind of love it.
These are German putz sheep and they’re in beautiful condition. Seven of them! They’re all vintage. I am envious of Helga’s own collection, which is quite large, and have observed that it seems easier to find them in Germany than the United States. They’re pricey here in the States, as well. Anyway, to have seven beautiful sheep from Helga is something quite wonderful.
She also included a little wooden house and a wooden Christmas tree.
Ask Don: I couldn’t stop talking about them. As you might expect, I’m already thinking of a new way to display them because the narrow mantle shelf above my desk might not be able to handle the new additions. I can’t wait for the days ahead when I can freely wander the aisles of a vintage/antique store and discover the perfect shelves for them.
I’m blessed.
I did a little ‘unboxing’ video on Instagram, if you’re interested.
Today: rest. And some work on the dollhouse. I need to get going on the bathroom floor.
Stay safe.
Happy Thursday.
Glad everything went smoothly for you and Don. I got my first dose yesterday too (a surprise when I popped into my Walgreens and the pharmacist offered me an extra dose)!
A bit of sore arm but that’s all. I got the Moderna.
Those sheep are cool! How generous of your friend!
So glad you got Dose 1, Ellen!
Thank you and stay safe!
Is that a dollhouse for your dollhouse I see? How exciting to get an unexpected gift from Germany! Glad you got your shot, too. (Mr Wizard also got his first this week. Yay!)
Hurrah for the vaccine!
Stay safe, Shanna.
So glad your vaccine experience went well. That is about how ours went. It really is a relief not to have to stress about getting an appointment. We realized yesterday that it is 2 weeks since our 2nd dose. We are fully immunized! We aren’t in a rush to go anywhere though.
The sheep…what a wonderful gift! I had never heard of these sheep til I saw them on your blog. I am fond of sheep because I am a knitter with a love of yarn. I have several sheep that hang out in my “yarn room”. No putz sheep though.
Spring is definitely on the way here in Michigan. I don’t mind the cold as much as the snow. It can’t melt fast enough!
Have a wonderful day and stay safe.
Yes, my sister is an avid knitter and has been for years. She has a lot of sheep, too. In fact, my very first putz sheep were purchased when I was working on a job in California. Some of them were for Meredith and she loves them.
Stay safe, Marilyn.
Hi,
I am so happy that you and Don received a vaccination! I have an appointment for March 12. I hope it is the J and J so I can have one and be done.
The gift from your friend Helga touched by heart and brought tears to my eyes. Her gift says so much about her and you. That friendship can cross miles and miles and and even an ocean. A lovely friendship that started with the written word and photos.
Take Care,
Kaye
Park City, UT
Are they distributing the J & J already? I’d much rather have one dose only, but hey, I’m just happy to be on the way to being fully vaccinated.
I am so touched by Helga’s gift. I can’t stop thinking about it!
Stay safe, Kaye.
I will have my first shot today at a local King Kullen supermarket. I can’t wait. My husband gets his tomorrow at the same location. I have appointments for both of us at a major site on Long Island for March 16, but a nurse friend texted me yesterday about the King Kullen site opening. I’ll cancel the March 16th appointments after I make sure King Kullen is valid. It seems like things are finally moving in the right direction. I’ll be able to take a big sigh of relief finally.
So happy you’ve getting vaccinated!
Yes, we’re half way to that big sigh of relief, but we definitely felt relief yesterday.
Stay safe!
our vaccination still stands right beyond the stars…, grrh.
You always find the right words, thank you Claudia!
Helga
I hope you can get a vaccination soon, Helga. Do you have any idea when you might be vaccinated?
Thank you, thank you, my friend!!!!
Stay safe.
They (Government) say May/June, but nobody really has a clue. It’s a shame. They confirm something which mostly could not be hold. This chaos is a great theme in the medias now.
We have to wait and see.
Stay safe, Claudia
I’m so sorry!
Claudia,
I’ve said it a couple of times throughout the few years I’ve followed your blog, but I just want to say it again. Your blog brings me comfort and happiness. To sit down and read it every day is such a nice stability and constant for me. I love your honesty and integrity that shines through in your posts. So just a quick thank you from a girl in Oklahoma City who enjoys your blog. ♥♥♥
You’ve said it perfectly! I feel the same way about Claudia.
Oh, Brooke, thank you. You have no idea how much this touches my heart.
Bless you.
Stay safe, my friend!
So very happy you got the vaccine!! Walgreen’s near me did an outstanding job too. No lines! Orderly and fast. I got moderna and minor flu-like symptoms the next day which I welcomed cuz I felt like it was doing something! It’s a good start.
I definitely had somewhat of a flu, achy body thing, but I’m coming out of it now. I also had a sinus flare-up because of all the wind so that didn’t help!
Stay safe, Nora.
Those sheep are fabulous! And they look in such wonderful condition — I’m sure it’s difficult to find them always looking good these days. What a wonderful gift, a real treasure. I’m sure you’ll find a very good display spot!
And three cheers on the vaccine! Imagine the time you will have not to have to spend it online trying to book a jab! Well done! Onward!
We’ve said that over and over again today – no more spending hours online trying to book an appointment!
Thanks, Jeanie.
Stay safe.
So glad everything went smoothly yesterday. It is a relief when you know that you’re going forward as far as this virus is concerned. I think those putz sheep are so darn cute. I have found them to be a bit too pricey for myself so I admire yours! Have a great day!
They ARE pricey. That’s why I only treat myself once a year – usually around Christmas.
Thanks, April.
Stay safe.
I am so relieved for you and Don. I know how hard this has been. I’ll be so happy when we get our 2nd dose. Just a little sense of relief but still aware of the need for safety measures. I’m taking Mom to the Dentist today. She broke her bottom denture so has had to have soft food for weeks. Hoping all goes well and she can get a bottom denture by next week.
I love the Putz sheep and what a lovely addition to your collection. I miss browsing the thrift and antique stores looking for treasures. I know I’m downsizing but I still have some collections of smaller items. I’m a collector and it can’t be changed. Take care and rest.
I miss it, too. I cannot wait until I can stop in a shop and wander the aisles looking for treasures.
Thank you, Linda. Hope your mom gets relief soon!
Stay safe.
So happy to hear you’re finally on your vaccine way! Love the sheep!
Here in San Diego, it’s been a mess w/the Moderna. We’ve got then first shot done, but have been rescheduled 2 X now. Hoping the 3rd appt date is a go. I guess at least we’re 85% protected at this time.
I hope you get the second shot soon. Were they rescheduled because they didn’t have enough vaccine on hand?
Stay safe, Priscilla!
We’re really not sure what’s going on. They opened for 1 day and closed again. Oh well, my husband keeps telling me “they want to vaccinate us, be patient “. I’m trying !
xo
What a wonderful gift surprise! Those sheep are amazingly cute! And vintage!! I unexpectedly got my 1st shot yesterday (Moderna) – I had Rx pick up for yesterday and pharmacist called me and said they had a few no shows and the doses needed to be given or destroyed and did I want to get my shot? Ummm YES thank you. So me and four others who picked up their Rx after 5 PM yesterday got the doses from the no-shows ! NICE. Like you & Don, I go back the 31st. And my arm is a little sore at injection site, feel a bit tired, but I just took some tylenol . I get the same way after my annual flu shot too; always a bit ‘off’ the day after. Anyways, have a great rest of your week!
So happy for you! You’re the second commenter who walked into her pharmacy and unexpectedly had an offer for the shot. That’s wonderful news.
Stay safe, Dawn!
Good for you on the vaccines! Such a long wait here in upstate NY. But my 86 year old mother had her 2nd shot last Saturday and she’s doing great, so my worries have lessoned…..
The sheep are adorable! I can’t wait to see how you display them….Also excited to see the progress on the doll house.
So glad your mom is protected! Hopefully, you’ll get the vaccine soon, Mamey.
Stay safe!
Glad to hear everything went well with the vaccines. And, what a great surprise with the Putz sheep! Helga’s quite the friend. Oh my…you’ll have fun finding shelves in a couple of months.
We are cleaning pockets of our home…under sinks…that kind of thing. Hope the rest of your day goes well. Stay safe! ;)
I need to do a deep cleaning but I’m too easily distracted by puzzles and books!
Thanks so much, Donna.
Stay safe!
Isn’t it a relief to get that first dose?? I could feel my shield going up as we drove home that day. I am thinking on next Fri with Dose 2, I might bring a cape to wear home to imagine those super powers. We already have booked 2 weeks after to babysit the granddaughter. Oh, I can’t wait!! Now to just get our kids ( 30’s & 40’s) vaccinated!!
I will hope by tomorrow your sore arm will have disappeared. Resting isn’t a bad thing when one thinks of the good things happening as the vaccine works. We can surely rest and read or watch a movie to make that all work!! Here’s to your newly installed super powers! Take care.
Won’t it be wonderful to be with your granddaughter and not worry about safety?
Yes, I’m happy to read. And I worked on the puzzle today – finished it!
Stay safe, Chris.
What a fabulous gift from Helga! I love those sheep too. Enjoy them!
Thank you so much, Judy!
Stay safe.
so glad re: vaccine — Mr/me are all done — had #2 last week — no problems w/either. it was such a relief for us — felt like a tremendous burden lifted off us. in Ky we have some of the most idiotic people on earth — saying all the hoopla is fake, not taking the vaccine, etc, not just young (under 50) but 80 yr old friends of my sister, who received #1 shot this week, she was joyful, she told the nurse she was so happy to receive it. hope all goes well for you all. BTW — these sheep are really great — Question — how are they made, i.e., clay, ceramics, etc. take care.
Wood and wool, for the most part.
Glad to hear you’re fully vaccinated, Linda!
Stay safe.
What a wonderful day all round. That package is fabulous, such a generous gift. I’m looking forward to seeing what you do with them.
Thank you, Fiona!
Stay safe!
Terrific feeling isn’t it. We get our second shot on Monday. We continue to be extra careful about wearing double masks, washing hands and maintaining distance. The country must get the vaccine asap. According to latest news, the Brazilian variant or mutant is deadly and aggressive. Professor at SUB said that it could turn out to be the one we should all be worried about. Apparently it has evolved very quickly. So lets hope our scientists continue developing boosters and we can get ahead of this thing. It is turning out to be a Darwinian nightmare of survival of the fittest. Hope we can outsmart this thing but will follow the science and encourage everyone to get the vaccine.
Yes, we will also continue to wear double masks and stay mostly at home.
Stay safe, Maria.
Happy to hear you and Don had the first dose of Pfizer. On Tuesday I got my second dose of Pfizer and it hit me like a rock, (chills, pain over all my joints, headache, dizziness, nausea and loss of appetite to the point I couldn’t sleep at all that night). Thankfully it only lasted one day and today I’m slowly going back to my normal self. I hope you have a better experience than me. What a beautiful and thoughtful gift you received from your friend, can’t wait to see how you will display them! Take good care of yourself, we still need to be vigilant with this sneaky virus and it’s variants.
It seems as if the side effects vary greatly. I have no idea what to expect. Glad to hear you’re feeling better, Marlene.
Stay safe!
congratulations to you, claudia and don and everyone else who’s been vaccinated … very happy for you all!
i’m in a big group (16 to 64 year olds), waiting who-knows-how-long for the vaccine … but at least it’s getting closer every day and that’s the part i try to focus on.
what a wonderful gift from helga! will be fun to see what you do with all those putz sheep.
hope you have a nice night.
kathy in iowa
Thank you, Kathy. Your time will come, probably sooner than you think.
Stay safe!
Claudia, your blog is a beacon of light in my day! Thanks for sharing. The sheep are such individuals with such different faces and expressions. I look forward to seeing how you arrange them. I know your relief at getting the vaccine. I felt so protected (but not enough to stop precautions) to know that the worst complications now might not happen.
Exactly. There is light at the end of the tunnel!
Stay safe, Leora!