Early Christmas Present

 Well, on Friday, Jason and I both got an early Christmas present.....

A COVID Vaccine!

We feel very fortunate to be among the first wave of recipients.   Neither of us had any side effects, and I thought it was even less painful than the flu vaccine.

I have to say, we both felt pretty emotional about getting it.   Life has really turned upside down in the past 9 months.   It feels like (maybe) the beginning of the end.

Now, here's to hoping that distribution will continue quickly so everyone can get protected soon, and *perhaps* things can return to normal.

Covid Chanukkah

 Well we are officially at Chanukkah.   And this year, the family celebration was virtual.   Eileen dropped off some of her famous chanukah cookies.   Jason made some latkes and we zoomed together to open presents.

Certainly not the same.  

We spent the weekend at the cabin.   Jason and I got some new cross-country ski gear for Christmas for each other, so we decided to open it up early and test out the skis, as we got a foot of fresh snow.   We got out in the road before they plowed and had a lot of fun!   So excited to get more into this winter sport.  We need to find some hand-me down ones for the kids so they can join in too.   

Alaina did spend time outside and built this pretty cool snowman:

In other news, I have a slot to get the COVID vaccine next Friday!   Our hospital is one of the first ones in the area to distribute it, so I feel very lucky.  So, perhaps 2021 will bring an end to these virtual holidays!   Fingers Crossed.

 

Jason Turns 43

 Well Saturday was Jason's 43rd Birthday.   Hard to believe that 3 years ago we had a big party and nobody was wearing a mask, lol!   This year was much more low key.   We spent the day up in Tahoe at the cabin.   Although we had about a foot of snow on the ground the weather was mild in the low 40s.  

We took advantage of this and and went out on a trek to cut down a Christmas tree for the cabin.   For $10, we got a permit to cut down any tree in a designated national forest area.   We got a beauty!   And with a little furniture rearrangement, it fit just great in the cabin.

We cooked a nice meal at home for dinner (no crab, as crab season has been delayed again this year), and I brought a cake.   Since we couldn't transport an ice cream cake, Jason asked for a sour cream coffee cake.   So that is what I made for him.   

  

Even though it was a quiet birthday, it was some good family time.