November 9, 2020
We woke up to the momentous news of Pfizer's successful vaccine candidate. A greater than 90% success rate has been seen in their trial so far. They are in partnership with Germany's BioNTech and their trials are taking place in 4 different countries. The German husband and wife team of Turkish origin were quick to point out that they aren't funded under Operation Warp Speed. Pfizer has been promised federal funds for production after all trial criteria are met. What a great feeling to envision a Covid free future! Twinned with a post Trump era in just over 2 months, things are finally looking up.
November 12
I found myself humming and whistling a chirpy tune when I woke up and performed morning rituals. Unusual for me this year, and I realized it's due to elevated dopamine levels. Anticipating a Biden presidency and a Covid vaccine overshadows all the grimness of the moment.
The Covid situation is spiraling out of control in the US. Even in California our daily infections are trending up. Nationwide, we are seeing record breaking daily new infections. In some places hospitals are close to exceeding capacity. No help or acknowledgment from the White House. PPE promised for the anticipated winter surge isn't available.
France is in lockdown and they're seeing close to 50,000 daily new cases. Italy is struggling with high numbers too.
Trump still claiming the election was rigged and he's the real winner. Hasn't conceded. Continues to file lawsuits in states where the margin is slim. The nation's democracy being put to the test. How will this play out?
November 16
Eight months ago we went into lockdown. And right now the Covid infection rate and state of things is worse than ever in Europe and North America. Worldwide 55 million cases have been reported. The USA has now recorded over 11 million cases. Almost every state is experiencing a surge. Hospitals are in danger of running out of ICU units. Governors are reimposing restrictions such as curfews and gym and bar closures. Families are being urged not to travel over Thanksgiving. Locally, statewide and countywide numbers are returning to July and August numbers. In California currently daily new cases are between 8000 and 10,000. Daily deaths between 50 and 80. Our county is sure to return to the purple tier soon. Most depressing!
But, unlike in the spring, we now have an idea what's in store. We woke up this morning to the delightful news that another vaccine will soon be available. Moderna's candidate has demonstrated a 95% success rate in its late stage trial. It won't be available for wide distribution until spring of 2021, but at least we can see the finish line.
Meanwhile, a full week after election results were called, Trump still hasn't conceded. There's much anxiety regarding national threats and urgent domestic matters such as the pandemic and the economy. Biden and Harris aren't given access to the usual stuff to enable a smooth transition. The chaos and rot is sure to continue until January 20, 2021.
Democrats have a small chance to control the senate due to less than 50% wins in Georgia resulting in both positions going for a run off in early January. The 2 Democratic candidates are solid. Jon Osoff has impressed me with his knowledge, confidence and charm. But Georgia is a red state. Biden won the state - just barely, but the senate race is a long shot. Stacey Abrams has been phenomenal with her "get out the vote" effort. Please, please, please, Georgia!!!
With the transition to fall I've adapted my daily routine somewhat. I still go on a daily run and spend a chunk of the day on writing and reading. But I now have to do gardening chores before dinner prep. It's dark at 5:00, forcing us indoors for too many evening hours. Our meals are different. Soups and stews feature a lot. Fall vegetables appear in our CSA box - yams, butternut squash, leeks, spinach. At Trader Joe's I've been please to find Brussels sprouts on the stalk. Young, tender, they are delightful shredded and roasted.
Our weekend morning walks are more enjoyable with the cooler temps. We went into the backcountry on a new trail - the Snyder Trail which starts on Paradise Road. It was necessary to have breakfast first - carb heavy almond croissants freshly baked (bought frozen from Trader Joe's) - in order to take on the steep climb. The air was crisp - we had to layer up, but we quickly peeled off layers. At first there was plenty of shade, but then the trees disappeared and a hot sun made the climb tedious. So we had to abort our goal of going all the way up to the top where, on a few occasions, we had begun this trail, doing it in reverse - also only half the way.
Three and a half miles to start the day outdoors, immersed in nature, felt satisfying.
On Sunday, at Coal Oil Point Beach, we witnessed a king tide for the first time. The first bit of beach was covered with water. Luckily the bluffs above provided an alternative way to access the wider stretch of beach where we were able to get down to the sand. A couple walking past us enthused about cavorting dolphins, but we weren't successful in glimpsing them this time.
The pleasant weather this weekend - after a chillier than normal week - was most welcome. We were able to enjoy drinks and nibbles with our friends Anna and Petar on their deck on Saturday afternoon. It's rare for us to have physical contact with people and when we do it's like a breath of fresh air.
It's Monday and a new pandemic week has begun.
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