I have been good and (mostly) diligent in trying to follow all the public health protocols to keep myself and others safe from the virus — masking, distancing, vaccination.

It is discouraging and depressing that so many people have actively chosen not to take the vaccine now that it has been available for virtually anyone who wants it. And even more depressing that deaths and hospitalizations are again on the increase because of pure stupidity on the part of too many people.

I had considered going to Kroger later this morning. I decided not to, but instead put in another order for delivery. It is more expensive that way, including the delivery charge ($9.95) plus 15% tip for the shopper. But taking a Lyft so I can do my own shopping can sometimes cost even more, since the Lyft charges fluctuate and I always tip the drivers, so it’s “six of one, half dozen of the other.” I don’t mind paying for that service, as it keeps me out of public circulation and helps someone else make some money. On the other hand, of course, it means I’m not wandering the aisles filling my cart with things that aren’t on my list. 🙂

But it also means I am not walking to/from Kroger, which isn’t a good thing. I have trouble taking a walk just to be taking a walk. I need a destination or a reason to be walking somewhere. Walking to/from Kroger was just part of doing what needed to be done, but I wouldn’t walk it just to be walking. It is depressing to notice the ways that my body has changed over the years, especially since the Big Surgery. And the onset of the pandemic occurred within days of the Big Surgery, so while my recovery was moving forward, the rest of the world was closing down, so I didn’t really have much reason to be going places.

Now, having said all that, I DO generally feel better and somewhat more able than I felt a year ago, so my recovery continues, and I know I need to increase my level of activity. While I’m not walking distances, I do sometimes turn on Radio Garden and listen to music from all over. I particularly like Bollywood Punjabi radio for dancing as I work — no particular dance moves, but just moving my arms and legs and body to the music. It’s all exercise, right? (Radio Garden is amazing! http://radio.garden/listen/bollywood-punjabi-radio/NWQCPIx6)

Today I will be making yarns ready to dye, and tomorrow I’ll have a dye session.

My thumb is still hurting a bit from the trigger joint, but not as bad as before the cortisone. Last time it took a few weeks before I got my full range of motion in my thumb, so I’m trying to be patient about it. I really want to get back to the projects that have been waiting for me to be able to knit and crochet. Hard to feel like doing it when doing so makes my thumb hurt.

Onward into the day I go.