'Tis the season..

Oh, how I wish we all could be "jolly". I'm pretty sure there are some folks out there having a joyful time in spite of the current conditions of the world. Sadly, too many are suffering from the dreadful COVID and the new variant. Not only have some contracted it even though they are vaccinated but the fear of not being safe enough in spite of the vaccines is ruining many plans for a celebratory Christmas. It's hard to eat turkey or pumpkin pie with aging parents or grandparents, perhaps with health issues, seated across from you. Impossible to eat with a mask on! My own grown children do not like to be indoors with me without a mask on or a door open. They and my grandchildren have all been very conscientious about caring for themselves and my well-being. I haven't attended any of their gatherings during the pandemic.

Unfortunately, all their caution was to no avail. In the past couple of weeks there have been two cases of several of them being exposed to COVID. My young step-great-grandson, 12 years old, even though vaccinated, was diagnosed with COVID after going to an indoor movie with my daughter and other family members. So far, none have tested positive. However, two nights ago my daughter Carajean gave a birthday dinner at her home for my granddaughter Ashlyn. There was one guest of my grandson's attending who woke up yesterday morning with symptoms and tested positive for COVID. I'm guessing another round of tests will be conducted but too late to continue with Christmas Day plans. Sadly, calls were made to out-of-town family members who would be compromised should they come. They begged off. And of course, I must stay home as well.

I cannot believe there are still millions in the United States refusing to be vaccinated. It's hard to be a forgiving soul when their ignorance may be the cause of so many deaths, when they may be carrying the virus and giving it to others - even those who are vaccinated. It's even harder to believe the number of politicians who refuse to condemn the conspiracies being circulated to those millions. Then I recall the anti-vaxxers who refuse to vaccinate their children for communicable diseases. Many believe they cause autism. I wonder how many of those little children, even babies, came down with the dreadful diseases of childhood. Diseases that had almost been eradicated. They too are victims of conspiracy theories.

Along came Trump. How much better off we would be if only he hadn't lied so much about the virus and treatments thereof. Among the millions refusing the vaccine today there are probably scores of Trump followers. I noticed in the news lately that Trump let it be known that he now has got the booster. Maybe he feared he would lose too many of his team if they died from the virus! His "boosters" booed loudly at the rally when he confessed this.

Hooray that we now have a trustworthy President who keeps this country and the good of the American people foremost in his official duties - not the GOP politicians and the lobbyists. Good things to come in 2022.

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Not to be a Grinch on this Christmas Day, there have been good things in our family to share this season, as I'm sure there must have been in yours. Granddaughter Kelly had her sixteenth birthday in November and finally talked her dad Matthew into taking her to get her learner's permit to drive. They did that this month and dad sent these photos. Kelly rode that little car like a pro and I jokingly nicknamed her the future Danicka Patrick. I hope she doesn't try that on these Austin streets and freeways!

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I am finally going to be a great-grandmother! Surprises kept on coming. Oldest granddaughter Audrey and her husband Erick are going to be parents come next April! They recently held a gender reveal party and that let everyone know they will be having a baby boy! This little one will be welcomed by a big brother, Ishan, who is Erick's son. He is already a part of our family, and most of the time I speak of him as mine, too.  Congratulations to the proud parents!

I had hoped to get this out earlier, but so many technical changes are taking place I have taken too long to write this. All of you people who are sending photos taken with your iPhones take note: many do not open or download in a manner to be used unless you are on Apple or Mac. I had a couple I could not use because the instructions to change them to .jpg were too complicated for this aging brain. I did however get the following one from my daughter Carajean. This was taken today. It is 80 degrees here in Austin at 3 pm. Christmas ain't what it used to be!

Wherever you are and however you are celebrating, I hope you are enjoying this holiday season. Due to some minor health issues I will not be joining in the fun. However, I woke during the night and turned on the TV in my bedroom. I was amazed and happy to watch Pope Francis and his Christmas Mass. It's been a good day.

Peace and love,  Marilyn                            

P.S.

And a Happy New Year!