First Vaccines Arrive!

Another week has passed on the shore of Lake Superior in my hometown. We were threatened with snow on Thursday, but it seems the +8 on Wednesday was just too much, and we had a day of rain instead. The latest forecasts have us anticipated colder weather, even remaining below zero most days, so we're expecting any precipitation coming will be snow. While the infection and death rates for Covid-19 continues to rise, we have had emergency approvals of the first vaccines, and we anticipate some inoculations beginning next week. This vaccine takes two injections, some weeks apart, so, it will be some time before we see the effectiveness of the program. The supply is very limited as well, but we're thinking that by next summer the effects will be widespread. That would be a great relief! Otherwise, we remain safe within our family bubble here. Wendy continues the mudding, sanding, priming and painting program in the side entry.

Works great!

I have completed my chisel sharpening jig; it works very well. I got a double-side diamond stone, so, I do the primary bevel on the 300 side, and then adjust and make the secondary bevel on the 1000 side.

Installed at 55 Laird

The luggage racks have now reached their destination in Regina; Wendy wants me to build another set for here! I have begun planning a library chair and a flippable step stool, but I'm running low on wood that's ready to build with. I got some white oak planed at Dad's in Regina last year, but I used the last of that on the luggage racks. Apparently the 55+ centre here has a workshop with a planer, but it's not operating these days due to virus restrictions. I have begun perusing the used forums for a thickness planer—pricey! In the meantime, I've also done some baking. Keto Pumpkin Squares turned out very tasty.

Pumpkin Squares

The base is gingerbread which turned out to be an additional treat! The markets were volatile this week as rumours swirled about a possible stimulus bill coming out of the US Senate. In the end, we still have no program, and the markets took a dive, however, I remain at quota for the month so far. College football was abbreviated this week as the pandemic intervened. #22-Oklahoma State ran up the score against Baylor, but both #11-Oklahoma and #20-Texas had their games cancelled. The Jayhawks continued their winning ways this week after being promoted to #5.

Erica writes, "Liam had his first Remicade treatment on Monday. It will take a few doses before we see any effect. We pray it does! On Tuesday, he came home for Christmas.  The tree is up, but not yet decorated. And I haven’t yet made puppy chow, so we aren’t quite ready for Christmas. On Friday, Eric got news of a raise! We are thankful and blessed to have work. I have a couple of files to wrap up, then I will be on break until January. I’m looking forward to the break."

Kristian is on the learning-from-home program, as schools have closed to in-person learning until the middle of January. He and Erin completed their Christmas shopping today. Sadie got her haircut this week, while Lucy keeps shedding and doesn't need a haircut. It appears Kristian could do with a haircut himself.

Erin & Sadie

Kristian & Lucy

Travis, Joanna and crew are managing okay. We're sure glad to have them here, and have them in our bubble. It is great to be able to spend some time with them. This weekend, we're celebrating Andrew's birthday. 

And that's about it for this week.