An Amazing Race

         One off my favorite television shows is The Amazing Race.  Every year a large group of partners is chosen to race all over the world to win a million dollar prize.  The contestants follow directions to move to various countries where they must complete unusual assignments.  Along the way they face numerous road blocks and most racers are eventually eliminated.  Finally a persistent and lucky pair find their way to the finish line and win the prize.  But the rest can't pass the assignments or run out of time and miss out on the prize.  I enjoy watching the competitions and the scenes from all over the world but am glad that I'm not one of the defeated and discouraged contestants,

          I never figured that someday I would also be a contestant in such a race.  But recently I have been forced to compete in a serious version of An Amazing Race against many thousands of seniors.  The prize - a Covid vaccine shot.

          We all know the background of the race.  About a year ago Covid began to spread around the world.  Many became very sick and many seniors, especially those with preexisting conditions, died.  We isolated ourselves and gave up times with our family and friends.  We wore masks, observed social distancing and constantly washed our hands.  The days were very difficult but there was the hope of a new vaccine.

          Then after many months several vaccines were finally approved.  Plans were announced with several phases of folks who could get them.  First it was the first responders and medical employees.  This would take several months but it was appropriate.

          The second phase was to be those of us who were over 65 and those who had serious physical needs.  My wife and I were in this group and we felt that we would soon be able to get our shots.  But how wrong we were.

          Suddenly the authorities changed their mind and announced that the vaccine could be given as well to those in the second phase. The Amazing Race began.

          Word was out that appointments were available at some of the hospitals and at strange locations like Weis Markets.  Somehow a younger friend of ours got one at a Weis store.  Several were able to get them many miles away at a hospital in the Lehigh Valley .  One man was promised an appointment the end of February in Lewistown, again about a hundred miles away.

          We contacted our family doctors who sent us a statement from Penn State Health that they couldn't help us at present.  All the other places we contacted were out of appointments and out of vaccines.  We were hitting all the roadblocks in this race for a vaccine.

          Then last Tuesday my wife received a surprise notice on her LGH portal that said she was suddenly able to schedule a shot.  She quickly scheduled one for February 9 and should receive it then - if they don't again run out of vaccine.

          I then contacted my five LGH specialists who all said that they didn't know anything about these openings and couldn't help me.  I guess there has been no communication among LGH staff members, all of whom have probably received their shots.

          I also contacted the doctor who sent my wife the invitation.  We have never dealt with him in the past but it turns out that he is head of he LGH vaccine program and one of the leaders in the Lancaster County effort.  His secretary replied that she was sorry that I wasn't eligible despite the fact that I have COPD, diabetes, cancer, had five heart by-passes and am almost 80.  After more correspondence she shared that those who had been invited had been patients at the cancer center or the diabetes center of LGH.  I replied that while I had never been part of either of these centers, I am beating treated by a host of LGH specialists for these conditions.  Unfortunately that isn't enough at present.  So The Amazing Race continues.

          It is interesting that my wife qualified because every year she has an MRI and meets with a doctor from Philadelphia at the LGH cancer center to check on a growth on her pancreas.  She doesn't have cancer but her appointments there qualified her for the vaccine.  Thankfully at least she will be able to get the shots - if they have them.

          Now what is the cause of the problem.  First, the state changed the eligibility rules without any advance notice to the counties who have to administer it.  Suddenly almost 250,000 of us were now eligible with no increase in vaccine.

          The state continues to ship only portions of what has been ordered locally.  For example, LGH requested 4,500 doses this week but received less than half of that.

          And local providers must be able to provide a second shot in a month so they must watch their supplies carefully.

          Distribution by the state has unfortunately favored certain areas over others.  For example, Lehigh Valley with a population a third less than Lancaster's received more than two and a half times the number of doses than Lancaster.  I guess that is why some local seniors have been able to go to Bethlehem to get shots.  Maybe this is the Democratic governor's way of getting back at an area where Republican leadership has taken him on recently.  He did punish Lebanon County a few months ago for their challenge of his rules.  He can be nasty and full of revenge.  Who knows, maybe this is political revenge.

         After a major news conference held locally on Thursday, the recommendation of the chief expert was for "county residents to contact their existing health care providers to inquire about how to schedule a vaccination appointment."  Thanks for the advice - done that already with no valid or helpful advice received.

          On Tuesday we were with one of my wife's specialists who had just gotten his second shot.  He told us that he had asked his provider if his elderly mother could get a shot .  The provider called back and said that if he brings her in immediately he can give her a shot. He suddenly had some available because 40 of his vaccine appointments were "no shows" and the vaccine would quickly become useless if not used. 

          So The Amazing Race continues.  And we keep scrambling and looking.

          Oh yes, one more thing.  Nobody really knows about the real value of this "prize".  It might not even cover the new variations of Covid and those who get it may still be contagious and will need to continue with all the present recommendations anyway.  

          So the bottom line - no matter what happens in this "race" one needs to heed all the recommendations and above all, trust the Lord, not the government authorities who appear to be botching the response to Covid.

          The race continues, so be careful, be safe and trust in the Lord and keep looking up! 

Covid At Home Plus Some Other Ideas

           The following was shared by a survivor on a Covid survivor group page.  I don't know how reliable it is but  I think that it might at least be worth considering.  While we isolate ourselves, wear masks and social distance, maybe there are a few other things we can do to protect ourselves and our families from this terrible virus.

HOW TO FIGHT COVID AT HOME

          No one ever talks about how to fight Covid at home. I came down with Covid in November. I went to the hospital, running a fever of 103, a rapid heart beat, and other common symptoms that come with Covid. While I was there they treated me for the high fever, dehydration and pneumonia. 

          The doctor sent me home to fight Covid with two prescriptions -  Azithromycin 250mg and Dexamethason 6mg. When the nurse came in to discharge me, I asked her, "What can I do to help fight this at home?" She said, "Sleep on your stomach at all times with Covid. If you can't sleep on your stomach because of heath issues sleep on your side. Do not lay on your back no matter what because it smashes your lungs and that will allow fluid to set in.

          Set your clock every two hours while sleeping on your stomach, then get out of bed and walk for 15-30 minutes, no matter how tired or weak that you are. Also move your arms around frequently, it helps to open your lungs. Breathe in thru your nose, and out thru your mouth. This will help build up your lungs, plus help get rid of the Pneumonia or other fluid you may have.

          When sitting in a recliner, sit up straight - do not lay back in the recliner, again this will smash your lungs. While watching TV get up and walk during every commercial.

          Eat at least 1 - 2 eggs a day, plus bananas, avocado and asparagus. These are good for Potassium. Drink Pedialyte, Gatorade Zero, Powerade Zero & Water with Electrolytes to prevent you from becoming dehydrated. Do not drink anything cold -  have it at room temperature or  warm it up. Water with lemon, and little honey, peppermint tea, apple cider are good suggestions for getting in fluids. No milk products, or pork. Vitamin's D3, C, B, Zinc, Probiotic One-Day are good ideas. 

          Tylenol for fever. Mucinex, or Mucinex DM for drainage, plus helps the cough. Pepcid helps for cramps in your legs. One baby aspirin everyday can help prevent getting a blood clot, which can occur from low activity. "

          Drink a smoothie of blueberries, strawberries, bananas, honey, tea and a spoon or two of peanut butter. 

          We always hear of how Covid takes lives, but there isn't a lot of information out there regarding how to fight Covid. I hope this helps you or someone you know, just as it has helped me. 

           Be careful and be safe.  Covid is not something I want any of my readers to get.   Hopefully many of us will soon be able to get the vaccine.

 

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

 

1.      I was so bored. I called Jake from State Farm just to talk to someone. He asked me what I was wearing.

2.     The world has turned upside down. Old folks are sneaking out of the house, and their kids are yelling at them to stay indoors!

3.      This morning I saw a neighbor talking to her dog. It was obvious she thought her dog understood her. I came into my house and told my cat. We laughed a lot.

4.      Every few days try your jeans on just to make sure they fit. Pajamas will have you believe all is well in the kingdom.

5.      Does anyone know if we can take showers yet or should we just keep washing our hands?

6.      I never thought the comment, "I wouldn't touch him or her with a 6-foot pole" would become a national policy, but here we are!

7.      I need to practice physical-distancing from the refrigerator.

8.      I hope the weather is good tomorrow for my trip to the Backyard. I'm getting tired of the Living Room.

9.       Appropriate analogy. "The curve is flattening, so we can start lifting restrictions now" is like saying "The parachute has slowed our rate of descent, so we can take it off now."

10.      Never in a million years could I have imagined I would go up to a bank teller wearing a mask and asking for money.

Hopefully these comments will make you laugh a little, or at least smile.  We could all use a little humor in the midst of this pandemic.  So smile and be safe.

 

Postal Pain

          What has happened to the United States Postal Service?  The last few months their service has been spotty and very slow.  For example, it took almost two weeks for a Christmas card to get from Lewistown to Millersville.  

          Some of my granddaughter's wedding invitations mailed in State College never were delivered to folks in Lititz.

          In late November I ordered five books from David Jeremiah as Christmas presents with their promise that they would be delivered by Christmas.  But the order got stuck in a postal office in Georgia with a label created there on December 11.  Then it sat there until it was finally picked up on December 30 and promised for delivery on January 5. But it didn't make it January 5, instead it finally arrived January 11 - exactly a month after USPS received it.   So much for Christmas.  Maybe Christmas 2021!   

          I also ordered a humidifier online early in December.  My credit card was quickly charged for it with a promise to have it delivered in less than a week.  Then I watched the tracking information and for two weeks it was also being held, with a label created, waiting for USPS to pick it up.  Finally I canceled the order and bought one instead from Lowes who delivered it a day later.  Unfortunately,  yesterday on January 15, the order placed and shipped on December 14 showed up at our house.  Now I must start the process of returning it and trying to get my money back.  Thank you USPS!

          We've also had a couple of days when we received no mail.  And a few days it came when it was already dark outside.  And since our mailbox is along a street which I call the "Millersville Speedway" it is too dangerous  to go there in the dark.  One explanation that I heard is that when a carrier is out sick they have no substitutes so they double the routes for those carriers who are there.

           My son recently received notice that they owed on two accounts which were now overdue.  They received the actual bills - two days later.

          Now I'm not alone with these concerns.  I belong to an internet website called Nextdoor Digest where folks in our area contribute news, needs, complaints and other information.  A comment about the USPS recently gathered more than 145 comments on this site.  These included ... I've gone four days without mail delivery ... a package from Berwick to Lancaster took 17 days to be delivered ... a letter from Philadelphia took over a week to get here ... a letter from New Jersey took nine days to be received ... I was charged $10 as a late fee for a payment which arrived 17 days after being mailed ... it took over 18 days for Christmas presents to be delivered ... I have had real trouble getting my medicine on time.  And there were many more of the same type of complaints.  I especially pity those who get their meds by mail or get their bills by mail ... or order Christmas presents to be delivered by mail.  What has happened to USPS?

           Now I know that there are many fine postal workers who work very hard.  I am not being critical of them.  They have a very difficult job to do.  But somebody must be responsible for this mess.  A few days ago WGAL-TV tried to do a story about this problem but the USPS refused to answer their questions or let them come in.  What are they hiding - the truth?

           From what I hear there are several reasons for these problems.  First, the huge number of mail-in ballots for this election put a heavy and probably unexpected burden on the postal service.  These ballots had to be delivered on time.  I'm not sure if they all were.

          Then there was the huge increase of online orders for Christmas gifts which had to be delivered by various delivery companies.  I know that we did almost all of our purchases online to prevent having to go to stores where Covid might be spread.  I doubt if USPS was prepared for this heavy demand.

          And then there is the pandemic itself.  I imagine that scores of employees throughout the country were infected by Covid and could not work.  This certainly placed a heavy burden on the postal service and workers who remained well and available  And I imagine that during this time it was a real challenge to hire and train additional workers.

          Now my question is what will happen to delivery now that we are in a new year, past Christmas purchases, Christmas greetings and an election.  What will happen if and when the pandemic is over?

          Even though much correspondence is now done electronically, mail service is still a vital need in our country.  We depend upon it for so many essential needs. Hopefully there will be some solutions without having to raise the price of stamps and services once again.  I guess we just will have to wait and see.

          Suggestions - Mail things like birthday presents/cards a week earlier than usual.  Get electronic bills rather than waiting for paper bills to arrive. Pay your bills electronically.  If possible, get your meds locally rather than in the mail.  Only order online from reputable companies such as Amazon, LL Bean, Home Depot, etc. - don't order specials offered on Facebook since they most likely come from China.  Unfortunately I had to learn that the hard way, but maybe that is a story for another blog. 

          Well the answer might be in a merger.  I hear that UPS and FedEx might merge.  The merger will be called FedUp.

What's Next?

         This has been a very difficult few weeks for Americans and especially for  Christians.  The events of this time will have an impact on our lives and those of future generations.  America will never be the same.

         During these recent days we have seen the President defeated.  His actions have helped the Democrats win two special elections and regain control of the Senate.  His accusations have stirred up protests that led to vandals breaking into the Capitol and disrupting Congress.  Who ever thought this would happen in the United States.

          Former friends and appointees have quickly begun to resign their positions and separate themselves from President Trump like rats abandoning a sinking ship.  The fallout has been rapid and worldwide.

          For four years the Democrats had done everything they could to block him and defeat him.  Now in these final days of his term they have finally won when he chose to be obstinate and make accusations about the election which he couldn't defend.  In the end he played right into their hands and now faces demands for his resignation and the threat of impeachment and prosecution.  What a sad ending!

          Five years ago I was amused when Donald Trump entered the Presidential race.  I thought it was a joke.  He had money but no political experience or political support.  I figured he had no chance of winning but his message and promises and the general dislike of his opponent propelled him to a surprise victory.

          And he surprised us by making many important changes.  His support of Christian values was amazing.  His battles against abortion were impressive.  He made impressive improvements in the economy as shown by the stock market which has reached record levels.  He led amazing agreements between Israel and middle east countries.

          One of his most important accomplishments had to do with the many conservative appointments that were made on all levels to our courts.  This was highlighted by the appointment of two conservative Supreme Court justices.  In the past our courts have acted more like law and policy makers than judges. His appointments may have reversed that.  Unfortunately the new liberal administration will make it a priority to reverse this including an attempt to expand the number of Supreme Court justices.

           I voted for him because of the contrast between his goals and those of the liberal left.  However his personality made him hard to defend and because of it many of my friends would not vote for him.  He is a real egotist and know it all.  He constantly made fun of and put down all sorts of people.  He bragged that he knew everything.  He regularly tweeted his negative comments.  And he probably lied at times.  And with this personality and his conservative actions it is no wonder that so many hated him.

           So where do we as a nation go from here?  Well President Biden and Vice President Harris are already beginning an ultra liberal approach which will begin to limit the work of churches and Christians.  Abortion will be promoted.  Anti-Biblical values will be pushed. Liberals will be placed in all important places. Big money giveaways will be common helping to destroy the economy.  Worldwide terrorism will expand. The media will continue to support and promote these efforts.

          Life as we have known it will change and never be the same again.  Will this be the end of democracy as we have known it? Possibly.  Time will tell.

           But America doesn't deserve anything else.  We kill babies and don't value life.  We promote anti-Biblical policies and have no time for God in public dealings.  Maybe God has reached the end of His patience with America and judgment is coming.

          So what do we do as Christians?  We must realize that God is in control of our lives and will never leave us.  We have His presence with us no matter what happens around us.  All that happens to us is in His control and we must rest in that.  And we need to continue as Believers and live as lights in this dark world.  And daily must trust Him and we need to remember that earth is not our home.

1.   Simply trusting every day,

Trusting through a stormy way;

Even when my faith is small,

Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Refrain:

Trusting as the moments fly,

Trusting as the days go by;

Trusting Him whate'er befall,

Trusting Jesus, that is all.

2.   Brightly doth His Spirit shine

Into this poor heart of mine;

While He leads I cannot fall;

Trusting Jesus, that is all.

3.   Singing if my way is clear,

Praying if the path be drear;

If in danger for Him call;

Trusting Jesus, that is all.

4.   Trusting Him while life shall last,

Trusting Him till earth be past;

Till within the jasper wall,

Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Gone And Not Missed!

My New 2020 Vehicle

          So long 2020!  We thought you would never end.  But finally you did, leaving us with many memories, disappointments and continuing problems.  But will 2021 be any different?

         I minded the isolation in 2020.  We followed all the suggested guidelines for dealing with Covid.  We isolated ourselves from family, friends and church.  We didn't go anywhere except for medical needs and for online shopping.

          But 2020 was also a difficult year physically for me.  In March they closed my pulmonary rehab sessions.  This was a blow since with my back problems that was the only exercise I was able to get.  Then there were unexpected surgeries and procedures.  And as the months went by I became more physically  handicapped and am now unable to walk without help or do any physical labor around our house.  I can't believe how all of this happened so quickly.  You know that someday you might face such problems, but you are never ready when it happens, especially so suddenly to you.

          Now while I wish that things didn't go this way, I'm not complaining.  God has been so good and has provided for us in so many ways. He has not forgotten us or given up on us.  In the Bible He has given so many promises to provide for us as we age and He is keeping them.

          I do find it very difficult to share my needs with others, except for the Lord.  I find it very hard to ask for help.  But as I  look back over 2020 I am amazed at how God has provided the help which we needed.

          My oldest grandson found that his job was eliminated when the pandemic struck.  As a result he has been available to cut our grass all summer.  He has also helped clean up our leaves, take out our AC, change light bulbs, carry boxes and do a host of things for us around the house that we no longer can do.  While I pray that he may soon find another job, we will really miss his help when this happens.

          Our newspaper delivery person always throws the paper somewhere around the end of our drive, requiring us to walk for it and then search for it.  A dear friend who lives a block away walks by our house each morning and brings the paper to our front door.  What a special, helpful gesture that is and I am thankful for his kindness.

         The weeds in our many flower beds grow so quickly.  We've reached the point where we either weed the beds or forget the flowers.  Thankfully the Lord has provided a neighbor who with a friend works on flower gardens.  We have been able to pay her to work on our flower beds and they have been more beautiful than they have been in years.

          Every summer I would spend hours trimming and caring for our many bushes and flowers.  In 2019 we hired a firm to come and do this work for us but it cost us a small fortune.  Thankfully this year the Lord provided us with a contact who does this work on the side.  Twice we hired him and he did an outstanding job.  He even took care of some outside building needs that we didn't really know we had.  And his charge was a fraction of what the commercial firm had charged and his work was much better.

          Winter has always provided us with challenges.  I used to be able to use our snowblower to clear our large drive and sidewalks but recent heart and physical problems have made this job too risky for either my wife or I to do.  Then the Lord provided us with some unusually kind and mature young men as neighbors who have now taken care of most of this for us.  What an answer to prayer they have been.

          Now much of all of this "outside" work has cost us some money.  But we thank the Lord that while we have now lived on a fixed pension for 18 years, He has provided us with the resources to cover these charges and tips.

          After our kitchen fire we found that we needed to hire a restoration firm to clean up the mess left behind.  They did an exceptional, thorough job.  And our insurance contact was wonderful and so helpful, covering all but $500 of the bills.  We thank the Lord for their work and this provision.

          We've also learned to use online ordering curbside pickup for our food, online purchase of home and some medical supplies and streaming church services.  Now I know these are available for anyone to use, but we are especially thankful that we can use them.

          The scriptures tell us to be thankful in everything. - even in 2020.  And I try to be because the Lord does care and provide for us, even when we grow old and helpless.  Thank you Lord for your provision.

          "Even to your old age, I shall be the same.  And even to your graying (and bald) years I  shall bear you!  I have done it and I shall carry you.  And I shall bear you, and I will deliver you."   Isaiah 46:4.

          "I have ben young and now am old; and yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken nor his seed begging bread."   Psalm 37:25.

          "And even when I am old and gray, O God, do not forsake me until I declare Thy strength to this generation, Thy power to all who are to come."   Psalm 71:18.

          On to 2021!  Maybe this will be the year that the Lord comes!