The Sunday Post #256 | August 1, 2021

       

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Caffeinated Book Reviewer.
It's a chance to share news: a post to recap the past week on your blog, showcase books,
 and share what's coming up on your blog in the week ahead. 
There are now 8 COVID cases at the office (up 6 from a week ago). Since the company began offering $$ for employees to get vaccinated exactly two have taken them up on it. Two. The CEO (my boss) sent out an email Friday putting a lot of restrictions back in place. Break rooms are closed, no in-person meetings, no travel between buildings (we have three right next to each other), etc. Big steps backward.

Locally, it was recently shared that we currently have 851 COVID patients in local hospitals. Of those, 849 are unvaccinated. The other two have serious underlying medical conditions. I mean, what more do people need to hear? If they're unvaccinated you're at risk. And, unfortunately, they put others at risk. It's so discouraging to see the tide turn for the worse and to feel like we're right back where we were a year ago. 

My brother-in-law who broke his hip on the 4th of July and had to have hip replacement surgery has been having some issues and learned this week that they're going to have to re-do the surgery. He'll have to start all over with rehab and recovery. Pretty disappointing. On the plus side, on the day of surgery (probably this coming Thursday) I'll be hanging with my 13 year old niece while my sister and brother-in-law are at the hospital. I'm taking the day off and we'll have to think of something fun to do.

We made two new recipes this week and both were keepers. First up was Apple Bacon BBQ Pulled Pork from EmilyBites. It's delicious but, fair warning, it makes a lot. And next up was a Crustless Ham and Swiss Quiche from Skinnytaste. Super easy and super yummy. Perfect for a lighter weeknight dinner.

   
      Photo credit: EmilyBites.com                       Photo credit: Skinnytaste.com

This week's 80's music fix is Batdance (1989) by Prince. My younger sister is a huge Prince fan and got to see him live many years ago. A new album of material he recorded several years ago was just released and my sister is over the moon, so this pick is for her. :) 


Wednesday, July 28

Thursday, July 29

Friday, July 30

WHAT I COMPLETED IN THE LAST WEEK


WHAT I'M CURRENTLY READING

   

READING:

LISTENING:
Not a thing.





How was your week? Any new books? Any news to share?
I'd love to hear about it!

49 comments

  1. Yeah, Covid has not finished kicking our butts, sadly. I'm fully vaccinated but also mask up when I leave the house - even outside if there's a lot of people in one location.
    I'm sorry to hear your brother in law needs to re-do his surgery. Hopefully, they'll get it all right this time, and recovery will be smoother thanks to that. I'm sure you'll find something fun to do with your niece.
    I'm a huge Prince fan as well, but I refuse to buy any of the new released material, as Prince always said that a lot of those songs were not up to his normal standard, so he didn't want to share them with his fans. He sure was a perfectionist, and I was lucky enough to see him in concert several times.
    Have a wonderful week ahead, Tanya, and happy reading.

    Linda @ (un)Conventional Bookworms

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    1. Same here, Linda. I've been fully vaccinated since April but I stay at home as much as possible and when I do go out I am masked. Just seems like the smart thing to do. Too bad so many seem to disagree. *rolling my eyes*

      I know what you mean about the new Prince material. I'm torn on that. On the one hand, it's wonderful to be able to enjoy new material from a favorite artist. More of what they created. But, I can also see that maybe it wasn't something they wished to have released. How wonderful that you got to see Prince several times live! I wish I had gone when I had the chance.

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  2. My company offered $200 if you got vaccinated before the end of the summer. I was already vaxxed and invited back at that point. I think people don't understand vaccines. They don't always prevent you from getting something, but they usually keep you from dying. People get the flu shot to keep from dying from the flu. Some of those people will catch the flu, but it will be less severe than if they had not gotten the flu shot. I discussed this with my parents. They were lined up as kids to get the polio vaxx when it was new at the time, but their parents wanted them protected. There was a better chance with the vaxx than without. Sorry to hear about the BIL. I hope this new surgery goes well. Hips are tough. The skinny quiche is all me. I actually don't like the crust and leave it on my plate. So, all the best part to me there.

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    1. It makes me wonder what has changed over the years. My mom has mentioned getting the polio vaccine as a child in the 1950's, and there didn't seem to be such controversy about it then. People were thrilled at the possibly of eradicating a disease that was affecting so many children! Now there seems to be so much distrust. It's disheartening, for sure.

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  3. It's really a shame to see how cases are going up again. I just got my second shot yesterday. I am sorry to hear your brother-in-law's surgery needs to be redone, that sounds like a pain. Hopefully you can have a fun day with your niece while he's in the hospital. I hope you have a great week!

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    1. Hooray for getting your second dose! It's a good feeling to be part of the solution. :)

      I'm looking forward to spending the day with my niece. I think we'll be back-to-school shopping.

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  4. It's scary to see cases going up again - I think here in NJ we have a pretty high vaccination rate, yet cases are going up exponentially. I'm not vaccinated yet, so I never stopped wearing a mask; hubby is vaccinated and he still wears a mask wherever he goes and is really good about disinfecting when he comes home.

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    1. I read over the weekend that my county and the two or three surrounding counties have the highest new infection rates in the country. Lovely. I feel like we're taking giant leaps backward. :(

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  5. I got a $25 Amazon gift card from my company for getting vaccinated, but of course I would've done it anyway. Just a nice little perk for getting jabbed with a needle, which I'm so terrified of, if I can do it, anyone can! The logic some of these anti-vaxxers use for not getting the shot is mind boggling. "If you give up your freedom for safety you won't have either." Whaaaaat????

    Anyway, sorry about the hip surgery re-do for your bro-in-law. That would suck.

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    1. Totally agree, Jinjer! The whole "logic" (ahem) of some of the anti-vaxxers just boggles the mind. So glad you got vaxxed and got a gift card as a bonus!

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  6. I agree with you that it's disheartening. But the good news is that vaccine work and we can feel more at ease! In Belgium, our last statistics are: 83% of people over 18 years old have had their first dose of the vaccine and 69% both doses.

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    1. 83% is amazing, Sophie! And almost 70% fully vaccinated. How wonderful. Here in FL we're at about 48% fully vaccinated. It's definitely discouraging. Especially considering the vaccine is free and readily available!

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  7. Sorry to hear cases are up and restrictions are coming back to the office. When even money won't convince people to get the vaccine, nothing will. So sad.

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    1. So right, Sam. If their minds are made up about the vaccine, money apparently will not sway them.

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  8. I can't believe only 2 people have taken advantage of that opportunity! That's crazy! And sad. :( I would want to work from home again if I were you.

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    1. Right? I guess it goes to show if people have dug their heels in about not getting vaccinated, money isn't going to change their minds. :( (And I do kind of want to go back to working from home.)

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  9. I hope the covid cases ease soon. It makes me so angry that people can't just follow the rules/get the vaccine! I hope the surgery goes well for your brother-in-law and you have a nice time with you niece.

    My Sunday Post

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    1. I feel the same, Lauren! If people would just get vaccinated we could finally get past this thing!

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  10. We haven't stopped being careful and I'm feeling like we need to be even more so again. I'm glad you are having restrictions again at work. Now that my hip isn't bad every day, I'm trying more recipes and it's fun.

    Anne - Books of My Heart This is my Sunday Post

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    1. When I have time I enjoy trying new recipes. I van get in ruts with making the same things again and again so it's fun to find new things to add to the mix.

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  11. That is so sad having to go backwards, but I'm not surprised. I was so shocked when the CDC relaxed the masking guidance a few months ago- everyone dropped them like hotcakes- and oh now we're supposed to be surprised cases are up? *rolls eyes*

    Best of luck to him on the hip re-do. that must be discouraging. Sending lots of well wishes his way.

    The Purple One !! :)

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    1. Yeah, the back and forth is confusing for everyone. (And sadly gives an amount of credence to those who distrust the CDC.)

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  12. Meanwhile we can’t get are hands on enough vaccine here for our population, though I was lucky enough to get my second dose yesterday.

    Wishing you a great reading week

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  13. Hi Tanya. Here in the UK we're over 70% fully vacinated. But then we have a free health service. It doesn't get rid of the virus but it means that the majority of us wont get servere symptoms or need hospitalation.
    If returning to strick restrictions works, then that what need to be done.
    Hope you have a good week of escapism. ;-)

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    1. Covid vaccines are completely free here, but even so, people aren't getting them. It's such a political issue in this country for some reason. Very disappointing.

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  14. i am so sorry to hear about your brother in law. mr wonderful recently found out he is arthritis in his hip and has a limp. he will be having the surgery some time in the future, but we sure aren't thinking of it any time soon. florida has set some new records for covid. the majority of cases are unvaccinated....WTH...i had gotten out for a road trip or two in the last several months and really wanted to travel to michigan and the cape to see family. i don't know if they would welcome me at this point, vaccinated or not
    sherry @ fundinmental

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    1. Thanks Sherry. I feel sorry for the guy, having to start all over with recovery again.

      We managed a short trip to SC in late June/early July but I don't see us traveling again any time soon. Things have quickly taken a turn for the worse.

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  15. I've run out of the things to say (and patience) about people and vaccines. At least at my husbands place all but one are vaccinated. That doesn't apply to contractors who might have to come in but hopefully that will stay a minimum.

    That's horrible about your BIL. I hope this surgery works.

    That quiche looks delicious.

    Karen @For What It's Worth

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    1. The quiche was definitely a keeper. I'll be making it again soon. Gotta love the quick and easy dinners!

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  16. I'm frustrated with the unvaccinated folks too. I don't understand the mentality of not doing anything to protect yourself and your loved ones. I'm so sorry to hear about your brother-in-law. I hope it goes better the second time around so that he can finally recover and move on.

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    1. Same here, Suzanne. If you're (apparently) not concerned about yourself, how about those around you? Your spouse, your kids, your coworkers? It just doesn't make sense.

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  17. Our state isn't even reporting cases, but our hospitals are bursting. My husband's company makes everyone who isn't vaccinated wear a mask or lose their job. I worry about my grandkids and my daughter who is nursing and unable to get vaccinated.

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    1. It's so disheartening. It's so easy to get the vaccine. My company will will pay you for the time to go get it. And allow sick days if you have any side effects. And still people refuse to take care of others. *sigh*

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  18. Only 2?!?!? That's just insane to even think! People love money, you'd think they'd jump on that deal!

    I also hope you're enjoying Grace and Glory!

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    1. Isn't that crazy?! I know they were expecting a lot more to jump at the offer... but only two.

      And I'm loving Grace and Glory! I'm wishing I had more time to read because I don't want to put it down!

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  19. I don't understand why so many people are refusing to be vaccinated. It is becoming clear that this will never be over. It makes me really sad to think of all the people being put at risk. I am sorry to hear that your brother in law has to redo his surgery. I remember that Batdance song!

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    1. I agree, Carole. I was telling my husband last night, it really does feel like this won't end. Not at this rate. I'm getting concerned that this is how it's going to be for a much longer haul than I ever imagined.

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  20. That is horrible about your work situation! If I wasn't already vaccinated, I would totally do it if my work would give me money. LOL Covid cases are starting to go up around me, and it does make me nervous because even before Covid, I had blood clots in my lungs and I'm just worried that might come back if I got it again. I really wish that more people would just get vaccinated and help those around them. Sigh.

    I hope you have a great day with your niece this week. Sorry to hear your brother in law has to have surgery all over again though. That's tough!

    Lauren
    www.shootingstarsmag.net

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    1. Right? But apparently not even $$ will get those people to budge on their stance. I will never understand it. And you're right, if they're not going to do it for themselves, at least consider those around you.

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  21. So sorry to hear about your BIL. My uncle had to go through that at the end of last year and is still having troubles. I hope you have a fun day with your niece, though! And you're reading Grace and Glory! I can't wait to get my hands on it!

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    1. Yes, I feel so bad for him. Hopefully this surgery and recuperation will go much better. Sorry that your uncle is still having problems!

      I'm totally love Grace and Glory!!

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    2. Thanks! So happy to hear you're loving Grace and Glory!!

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  22. I'm so sorry about the increase in Covid cases. It is the same here, unfortunately. I am fully vaccinated, but my daughter is too young to get hers, and she starts school next week, so I'm getting nervous. We wear our masks and use hand sanitizer everywhere we go, so I hope she's good at that during school. I hope people smarten up and get vaccinated.

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    1. I hope so, too, Cheryl! And fingers crossed that your daughter's school is a safe space and is smart about masks and distancing.

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  23. The whole anti-vaccine issue is troubling. I think a lot of people will have to get vaccinated because their job will require it. I know Disney is requiring it. Our hospital is sort of requiring it. Now if you don't get vaccinated you will have to be tested for Covid twice a week at an outside facility, so in the fine print their not making it mandatory, but it's going to be a pain in the ass if you don't get the vaccine. I'm all for that.

    Sorry to hear about your brother-in-law. Didn't you say he's pretty young, too? Hopefully, he recovers quickly. Have fun with your niece!

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    1. I applaud employers who require staff to be vaccinated. People are so up in arms about "their rights" that they are losing sight of common sense and the greater good.

      Yep, my brother-in-law is only 53, but the fall he took was a bad one (fell over a retaining wall and onto the rocks below). His 2nd surgery was yesterday and it seemed to go well so hopefully the worst is behind him.

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  24. WOW Tanya. Just wow. I don't understand how people can behave like this and then look themselves in the mirror. And I will be honest, my heart mostly breaks for those two vaccinated folks in the ICU, because guess who did this to them? All the fools who won't get vaccinated! And what worries me most is kids, who aren't choosing to not be vaccinated, but CAN'T be. So every day, half the damn country decides my kids' lives are worth risking because of this nonsense. I am so over it, and so ANGRY. Also, I hope everything goes well for your brother-in-law, sorry to hear he is having issues.

    On a lighter note, both meals sound (and look!) delicious! Hope you enjoy your day with your niece, too!

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    1. Yep, and what's further enraging me are these people who willingly refuse to get vaccinated, then (naturally) get Covid, and then strain precious resources that are already stretched thin. Hospitals, medical supplies, PPE, the safety of the healthcare workers... they have to put their own lives on the line because these fools couldn't be bothered to get the freaking shot. It's so, so selfish.

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