Rivers of rain

 

According to a survey from the census bureau, among the nation's 15 largest metro areas, Seattle had the highest rate of depressed adults in November. No big surprise there. Even in an ordinary year, our dark winters are a bummer, and now we're locked down once again adding insult to injury. 

This lockdown hurts, not just because of the holidays, but because we were doing well during the summer keeping infection rates comparatively low in Washington.  It feels like we're back were we started in March. Well, not exactly, the vaccine is a bright spot on the far horizon. 

Hopefully, Amanda and her friend can make it to Tonasket hospital for theirs, if the Loup Loup Pass isn't too snowy. If so, they will be the lucky ones. Over the next few weeks, it sounds like the states will receive much less vaccine than originally thought.  There are big hospitals here in Seattle that don't even have it yet. Pretty amazing that a little rural hospital got enough for most heath workers in the county.

Anyway, daily life goes on, and we're grateful for a cozy, clean home with plenty of good things to eat and drink. I complained about the weather yesterday morning, and as often happens, it turned into a lovely afternoon. Sunshine, blue skies and a pleasure getting in my 8,000 outdoor steps. Hardly anyone was out, and the people I encountered usually crossed the street a block away to avoid me. It's funny how something that once looked rude is now the polite thing to do.

We have those atmospheric rivers setting up for the weekend, which means drenching (relatively warm) rain. After that, some clear and colder days before Christmas.  I'm looking forward to a couple of outdoor social visits with my friend Nancy and our brother Dave. 

The Solstice arrives on Monday, and we turn to corner to light. It can't come soon enough.

Have a good weekend.