Betsy's Blog

              Breaking News! I can’t believe that Dairy Queen is canceling its annual Free Cone Day! The long lines could spread COVID-19. It is another sign of the times. Today I will be standing in a long line to get my second Covid vaccine, instead of a DQ cone. I also returned to school this week to prepare for the Hybrid Model next week. The time has come to reopen the school doors to K-3 students in my school district. What is the Hybrid Model? It is a gradual return to school with ten students socially distanced in the classroom while the rest of the class is watching from home. Less than ten students will be sitting two to a table with plexiglass barriers around each of them and the teacher. Hand gel and masks will be provided to all staff. There will be a special isolated sick room for students. The school nurses will be given a $3000 bonus. No temperatures will be taken as students enter the school. Masks are required at all times, exce...

       Yesterday, a wind storm hit Las Vegas with dark clouds full of rain and wonder. Sand swirled around me and disappeared into every nook and cranny. Electricity was hiding for over three hours. Luckily, the power returned before our ice cream melted and darkness set in. It’s a wonder how many of our home gadgets depend on electricity. The smart bulbs were as confused as me, but all but two reset themselves. Luckily, we didn’t need heat or aircon...it was an in-between day. No meals without power. I have to admit it was a little scary. I appreciate the invention of electricity even more today.  This morning, we took our daily, windy walk. I don’t know why the neighborhood dogwalkers have to take over the whole sidewalk. I always cross the street when I see them coming to stay away from possible germs and over-eager dogs. No one wears a mask out walking their dogs. I shout hello from afar and hope our new neighbors don’t think I’m unfriendly. It has been a ...

  It was not the first time in my life that a shot made me cry. When I was young, I was scared of shots and almost fainted when I got a shot in my teens. Today I cried happy tears getting my first COVID 19 shot! I told the nurse this is the only time I have been happy getting a shot. The big event lasted almost three hours at a huge convention hall Las Vegas-style.  I arrived at 7:30 am on a cold, dark morning for my appointment. I wore three masks, winter gloves, and my hooded coat to protect myself from germs. I stood in line shivering until the officials came out and waved us into the huge venue. There were uniformed servicemen and women managing the large crowd. When I showed them my appointment paper, they couldn't find me on the computer. Then he realized that this part of the building was for COVID testing only. Why didn’t they put that on a sign outside? So I had to follow a crowd to the other side of the building with an even longer line. Grrr...As someone said, we ...

         Why are younger children returning to school first? It seems to be an economic-based decision. The fact is that parents need to return to work and they can’t leave their children home alone. So schools will begin to open with Grades K-3. Older students will stay at home alone and continue to attend school virtually. Teens are suffering from mental health issues and during this difficult time, but they can’t return to school yet. Districts are also canceling school sports which upsets many families. There were demonstrations at the Michigan State Capital Building yesterday to bring back school sports. How can children play sports now with all the COVID germs? Look at all the recent college basketball teams that are now in quarantine.  Another factor for schools reopening is teacher vaccinations. Two vaccinations are required, but they want to open schools before that happens. Did you read about the teacher dying of COVID in the hospital?...