We can ask and ask but we can’t have again what once seemed ours for ever—the way things looked, that church alone in the fields, a bed on belfry floor, a remembered voice, a loved face. They’ve gone and you can only wait for the melancholy to pass. ”
―J.L. Carr, A Month in the Country
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As you can see, we put down the new carpet for Thanksgiving. It lightened up the room somewhat. Everyone liked its neutral tones, about which I felt merely neutral. Still, it was good to have newness underfoot, and to not have broken the bank to achieve it. I'll be happy to switch out those tired old couches in another month or two. We’ll also probably let go of that way-past-its-prime brown armchair, and have one less piece of furniture in the space. But I may choose to keep the red curtains after all. A punch of color may be welcome. We'll see.
Everyone but my cousin from Trinidad has now returned from whence they came, and we're all getting our covid tests, in Boston, in Minneapolis, in Dallas, here in New York City. Results in a day or two. Meanwhile, our son's PCR test came back negative, so all is well there. The New York Post broke a story about some municipal workers presenting fake vaccine ID cards to get around the city's vaccine mandate. I can't quite wrap my mind around this. Instead, I will continue to send up petitions that everyone remains healthy, and that those who do get infected will have only the mildest of symptoms.
Update: All our Covid tests taken today have come back negative, five of us so far. Phew. I think we're gonna be okay.
There are also breakthrough infections and yes, this is worth investigating. While I hope that your loved ones continue to be well, I also spare a thought for those with whom they may come into contact until they are tested. I wonder why they could not have had access to the same rapid test your son did...Situations such as this are why I question the rush to return to so-called normalcy and why I question what is going on with testing and vaccines and why I still mask and why I stay out of crowds and avoid gathering. You never know who has been around whom and with an even more highly transmissible O variant on the horizon, we are once again reminded that vaccines are not the end-all but simply one layer of protection. All other layers rest on personal behavior. The pandemic has not ceased simply because of vaccination.
ReplyDeleteOh, that quote is perfect. Yes, keep the red. You may see tired couches; I see a room where there has and continues to hold much love. Continued good thoughts for negative results.
ReplyDeleteWell of course people have fake vaccination cards. Because...why? Why would you go to that trouble when all you have to do is get the vaccine? I know, I know...lots of people do not want to be told what to do with THEIR OWN BODIES!
ReplyDeleteYeah. Women have been dealing with that since the dawn of time.
I love the new carpet. Very nice. And you know what I always say- Let us not be afraid of color! If you do replace your curtains, I think the new ones should be whatever color makes your heart happy.
Your living room looks so cozy and lovely. A perfect place to sit and have a nice long talk and laughs with love ones. The carpet is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteIt is sad that the virus will persist because of the ignorant ones who don't want to protect themselves or their loved ones. When did humans become so selfish? I guess it's been a very long long time. Stay safe and healthy there.
Would love to sit with you in your welcoming home and wait for the melancholy to pass. You are invited to sit here with me and listen to the winter birds through the open window during this break from stormy weather. What a gift this blogging community is.
ReplyDeleteThat old tired brown armchair just looks comfortable to me. And the new rug fits well. The red highlights picking up the curtains. I do like you coffee table.
ReplyDeleteI love your new carpet. It's beautiful. I like the colors on your blog, the blue, pink and orange fabric on the right. That fabric would make nice curtains. Just saying:)
ReplyDeleteYou must look forward to the gathering for Christmas. The entire room will buzz again. Your new rug is lovely and marks the first step in redecorating. It is sad that some individuals feel that their personal freedom outweighs others' personal safety. I do think about how and why people think this way. Whatever happened to working for the greater good for all?
ReplyDeleteI love the Rug!
ReplyDeleteWhat a comfortable space you have created! It will be busy again before you know it - with the holidays zooming up on us! Stay safe!
ReplyDeleteGood news about the tests! And I love the colour of the curtains. Rug, maybe?
ReplyDeleteSo good to know the tests came back negative!
ReplyDeleteSo pleased about the results.
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