This post was to update our recent getaway, but (as curious as some may be) that post can wait. (Here's a tease, it was within New England and we continued our castle adventures, but more on that later.)
I've read many news reports of the vaccine roll-out, but it's certainly more enlightening to read first-hand experiences. One thing was very clear in your comments — in many states and/or countries, there isn't a uniform system and, in some cases, no system at all. Kudos to the UK and the National Health System as several folks commented on having received notifications for their vaccine appointments.
Yes, we are thankful that here in NH the roll-out seems to be going well. We've talked to friends within our age group who are either scheduled for or have received a vaccine. There's no choice, it's what's available at your turn. We received the Moderna vaccine; friends had the Pfizer version. The location was the same for all.
But now, there's an additional threat to the COVID-19 vaccination effort in the U.S. — winter weather storms have affected over 100 million Americans, many thousands without power or water due to burst/frozen pipes. Texas is among the hardest hit with power outages. Some other affected states are Kentucky, West Virginia, Louisiana and Oregon. New England states have been spared this time; forecasts are calling for possible snow this weekend.
Over the past couple of days, we've been reaching out by text messages to family and friends in some of these states, especially those without power. Cell phones are so important at times like this. Friends in TX have texted back that power was out and water pipes were frozen. It really hits home when you receive personal messages like those.
Here's a helpful tip — get yourself one (or more) portable power banks which are relatively inexpensive now. Grenville and I each have a couple of these. Also, be sure to make sure they are fully charged. You never know when your cell phone could become the only method of communication.
OK, this post has rambled on long enough. If anyone you know are in a storm-affected state, we hope that they are as safe as possible or will be very soon.
21 comments:
For once, we are not in a snow covered power outage. Got lucky this time! My 81 YO mother is still waiting for the call from Drug Mart for the vaccine.I only know 3 people who’ve received it: a special Ed teacher, a college administrator, and an ICU nurse.
Good idea. We have only 1. It wouldn't help very much.
Good advice. We have a generator and have so far not had to rely on it yet this winter. I hope power is restored for everyone, and all this bitter cold suffering stops. Such a difficult time during a pandemic.
i was so happy this morning to hear from three TX bloggers that they made it through, and are ok, but left in the same straights as a hurrcane causes. empty shelves and no water. Annie said the generators froze up and did not good at all. all this on top of the pandemic. wow is all i can say. I do have a portable power pack and also have chargers that fit in 3 of my devices that can be charged in our car.
You know I thought I posted a reply on the last blog but like most of the other people in the UK who have had their vaccination I received not only Text message to book but a letter through the post. Glad you had yours
I got my first shot yesterday. I have a small personal generator, plus a bigger one for the house. But that idea of getting the extra power banks is excellent. I gave them to all my kids and friends one year as a gift. You stay safe, hugs, Edna B.
Beatrice. Hopefully, if not weather delayed, my better half and I will get our first jabs on Monday. As for the weather in Texas, we reached out to friends in Dennison, Austin and McAllen. We still haven't heard back from the couple in Dennison...not a great sign. One couple in Austin lost power but moved in with their son's family across town...and they did have power. The other Austin couple has had some power losses but their big concern is that their propane tank is nearing empty. The family in McAllen is in good shape due to pre-planning but they reported all kinds of problems for folks in that area. No heat, no power, no food... The grocery stores had to throw out all of their refrigerated/frozen foods and new supplies are delayed due to the weather. Here in East Tennessee, the storm was cut off by the Cumberland Plateau just west of us... Lots of rain but no snow and no ice... Stay Safe and Take Care, Big Daddy Dave
That's a good tip! We have several in the house but I doubt they are charged. Fingers crossed conditions improve quickly in the areas that are affected by snowstorms and extreme cold.
Very good advice. Cell phones will be lifelines for many right now.
Climate, climate - that's our real problem. We can have no control over it. Even when people who live on islands are told these islands will be swalowed by the waters - it seems like a very far, surreal possibility, and people will go on living there till the last moment.
Although we have been frozen in place for more than a week here in Ohio with more snow coming down on top of the old all the time, we haven't had a serious power outage. We had one for a few hours as a result of a car taking out a power pole. We feel terribly for the people in Texas and other places where the Green New Deal people have managed to stop reasonably priced fuel for use when the windmills are frozen. Perhaps people will think twice before they vote next time.
We've been in the deep freeze up here but we know we have to be prepared so it isn't often people lose power or, if they do, for very long. We haven't had much snow in North Dakota but other states have been dumped on who normally haven't been. The weather is changing, that's for sure.
I was told to contact public health instead of waiting for my clinic and I had an appointment right away in a matter of days for my first shot. So, unless they run out of vaccine, I get one of the two brands tomorrow! Like you--no choice. Just whichever one they have. And I don't care--LOL! :)
From time to time when it would get quite cold, my parents would keep a trickle of water going in the taps in the house. It kept the pipes from freezing up on those occasions when the power would go out.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-02-19/coronavirus-australia-live-news-vaccine-rollout-healthcare/13170014
Hi Beatrice...the above site gives info on the roll-out of the vaccine etc., here in Australia.
Take good care... :)
the more information that rolls out on the storm the more we see how serious it is.
There are some terrible stories coming out of Texas; I can only hope that things improve soon.
I need to buy a portable power bank. Thank you for the idea, Beatrice.
Stay warm and safe.
Thank you for checking up on us at this trying time. Our sons actually have these types of chargers and were so glad to have them during the outages. Hope you are staying warm.
Re the UK vaccine rollout, the NHS is organising it extremely well. I had my first shot on January 28 and I'm due for a second one in early April. I was phoned by my health centre out of the blue - they had had a cancellation and would I like a vaccination in about an hour's time? As easy as that!
They canceled shots here for a day or two but are getting back on schedule, though more snow is forecast, though not, I think, so much. I really feel for those in Texas.
this is nice that you guys and your friends are receiving vaccines dear Dorothy
i hope that weather gets better and mechanism of vaccination works smoothly
since we go for holidays and during long travels power banks are necessary so my younger son has one though we opposed him when he bought one as we thought it won't be useful as trains and vehicles provide for charging but that we witnessed that power can go without warning and excuse and powerbank is important then
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