We finally got out to see old friends we have missed for far longer than the duration of lockdown! It was worth all the planning; we managed to get into Japan once the borders were fully opened and not requiring us to quarantine. We rented a car there instead of going on the trains, and were able to take advantage of the flexibility and safety to visit friends we haven't seen in ... well, decades! Back in our home town, we meet friends in subways, on bridges, in restaurants, on sidewalks, in graveyards, etc. We try to adhere to practical caution. Again, totally worth the precautions and logistics!
Our health has been great this year — the lessons we've learned from the past few years has helped — we have had no chapped lips or noses in cold weather and no serious respiratory ailments in years! Accepting help in managing ourselves is always an uphill climb, and so it's still a stubborn struggle with ourselves and one another. However, the success and improved comfort rate is close to 100%. Of course, we are older and creakier but no big crises, thank goodness — just ongoing repairs and maintenance!
Alas, some good friends and relative have left our mortal coil, and we miss them. Brian's mother (Lucy) and her husband (Ross) died within months of each other. Bif could not attend the funeral in New Zealand since the world was still largely in lockdown, and crossing borders is more fraught with changing and variable regulations than expected. Thankfully, Bif's sister (Liz) and family were attentive and considerate, so he felt included and connected in the process and in the mourning, with future nephew-in-law (Hamish) reading Bif's eulogy in situ on his behalf. Stateside, elder friends have been blessed with caring families so that we could not only say goodbye to our buddies, but celebrate their lives in a manner that helps us accept and appreciate death and the life before it.
As for MrJ (aka "Fatso"), he is still stressed out by Maki's company — but that's partially because he doesn't see her as often. We haven't acquired pets or new company at our homes, but brother got a new old-dog who reminds us of MrJ. Children are still cautious around Maki, but less than prior. She might be losing her touch!
Speaking of health maintenance, it's been a few years since we decided to lose weight, and we will still bore you with details on how we're doing, if prompted in any way ;) So be continue to be cautious and remember, "Hoashis are the WORST!"
A postscript: From the Oatmeal, for having sponsored a new card game. We know you saw it last year and the year before — hey, *TOOT TOOT!!* |