Hi Nancy! Thanks for your good wishes. I'm also glad I could promote the flu vaccine by giving the example of my own hard-earned lesson of having the flu and not having gotten the shot. I hear that antipathy to vaccines sometimes arises from parents feeling judged by health care providers so I thought a situation where I was saying I don't judge myself for not getting my flu shot this year, but boy do I regret it, could be helpful. Hugs to you!
Hi Claudia. I'm glad you liked the photos! I also appreciate you seconding my reminder about flu shots. I wonder if the people (sometimes nurses!) who protest against getting a flu shot have ever had the flu? It is ghastly. I was scarily ill and kept wondering if I needed to go to the hospital. I did not in the end, but I never want to be that sick again. One injection is all is takes to keep all of us safe. Thanks for commenting!
Wonderful photos! We were in Toledo today, and like you I was marveling at the mish-mosh of architectural styles. Muslims and Jews got along so well back then—if only people nowadays could learn from their example.
And yes, we are meticulous about getting our flu shots every year. One year when it the shot was a bad match, Matt got a breakthrough infection for about 18 hours. He had to crawl to the bathroom, and I remember him saying, “I understand why people die of the flu.” Glad you’re on the mend!
Ooooooh--Toledo is special. Arthur and I spent two days there and really loved it. And yes it is impressive that everyone seemed to get along (Jews, Christians and Muslims) better then we manage it now. Perhaps it was all those narrow twisty-turny Medieval walkways and the pleasure of being in such an enlivened part of Spain. Also the amazing El Greco paintings. They were Christian, of course, but to me represented the essence of faith more than Christianity in particular. I'm glad you're having a great time!
Was this a new strain? Or one of the multi valent in the shot? I decided to try the Novavax for Covid back in October. A week after my flu shot. I had the side effect of awareness of my heart beating harder. My BP was higher and HR higher. But not panic levels. It lasted almost 12 hours.
Oh gosh, John--that sounds scary. I don't think the strain of flu I had was a new strain, or at least not an identified new strain. And I don't know why Barcelona, and all of Catalonia (the region of Spain Barcelona is in) had a heavier flu season than the rest of Spain. I suppose it could have something to do with the number of tourists who come here and bring their germs with them. It was painful to be reminded, again, that flu is no joke, and I'm very glad we have a vaccine to prevent it. Take care of yourself!
Wonderful, Theresa! As long as you are out in the world adventuring, maybe the picture heavy posts could be a regular routine….almost as a reminder that one has to balance out trying to make a difference by experiencing the world’s beauty and longevity
Hi Will. I like this idea. I had never thought about my picture newsletters that way, but you are right that we all need serenity and pleasant distraction to recharge. The world feels crazy right now. If me sending out newsletters with pictures can help the crazy feel a little more manageable, then I will do that!
Glad you are on the mend and for the vaccine shout-out!
Hi Nancy! Thanks for your good wishes. I'm also glad I could promote the flu vaccine by giving the example of my own hard-earned lesson of having the flu and not having gotten the shot. I hear that antipathy to vaccines sometimes arises from parents feeling judged by health care providers so I thought a situation where I was saying I don't judge myself for not getting my flu shot this year, but boy do I regret it, could be helpful. Hugs to you!
Agree about flu shots. I had a very mild case of flu B recently and grateful I was vaccinated in the fall. Thx for lovely photos.
Hi Claudia. I'm glad you liked the photos! I also appreciate you seconding my reminder about flu shots. I wonder if the people (sometimes nurses!) who protest against getting a flu shot have ever had the flu? It is ghastly. I was scarily ill and kept wondering if I needed to go to the hospital. I did not in the end, but I never want to be that sick again. One injection is all is takes to keep all of us safe. Thanks for commenting!
Wonderful photos! We were in Toledo today, and like you I was marveling at the mish-mosh of architectural styles. Muslims and Jews got along so well back then—if only people nowadays could learn from their example.
And yes, we are meticulous about getting our flu shots every year. One year when it the shot was a bad match, Matt got a breakthrough infection for about 18 hours. He had to crawl to the bathroom, and I remember him saying, “I understand why people die of the flu.” Glad you’re on the mend!
Ooooooh--Toledo is special. Arthur and I spent two days there and really loved it. And yes it is impressive that everyone seemed to get along (Jews, Christians and Muslims) better then we manage it now. Perhaps it was all those narrow twisty-turny Medieval walkways and the pleasure of being in such an enlivened part of Spain. Also the amazing El Greco paintings. They were Christian, of course, but to me represented the essence of faith more than Christianity in particular. I'm glad you're having a great time!
Glad you are on the mend!
Awww. Thank you so much!
Was this a new strain? Or one of the multi valent in the shot? I decided to try the Novavax for Covid back in October. A week after my flu shot. I had the side effect of awareness of my heart beating harder. My BP was higher and HR higher. But not panic levels. It lasted almost 12 hours.
Oh gosh, John--that sounds scary. I don't think the strain of flu I had was a new strain, or at least not an identified new strain. And I don't know why Barcelona, and all of Catalonia (the region of Spain Barcelona is in) had a heavier flu season than the rest of Spain. I suppose it could have something to do with the number of tourists who come here and bring their germs with them. It was painful to be reminded, again, that flu is no joke, and I'm very glad we have a vaccine to prevent it. Take care of yourself!
Wonderful, Theresa! As long as you are out in the world adventuring, maybe the picture heavy posts could be a regular routine….almost as a reminder that one has to balance out trying to make a difference by experiencing the world’s beauty and longevity
Hi Will. I like this idea. I had never thought about my picture newsletters that way, but you are right that we all need serenity and pleasant distraction to recharge. The world feels crazy right now. If me sending out newsletters with pictures can help the crazy feel a little more manageable, then I will do that!