Covid booster and my body's happy place

THE SHOT

I got my first booster shot this past Friday (12/3). My first and second vaccination were in March and April (5th & 2nd), so I figured it was about time.

I didn't realize it would be quite the chore finding a place. I thought you could just walk in. Apparently this newest variant has made more people wake up, and I'm glad about that. I could have went to a Walgreens and gotten the Phizer, but chose to stick with the Moderna. So I had to go to a Kroger in Decatur, IN. The Kroger by our house, where I'd received the first two shots, had no appointments for at least 12 days. Decatur had all kinds of availability. It's only 20 miles from our house, and I could get right in.

Everything went fine. The shot was quick and easy just like the first two. I immediately went for a 5-mile run/walk afterward - hoping the movement would get things flowing thru my body. I drank a bottle of gatorade and plenty of water and felt fine Friday night. Saturday morning I had some soreness in my arm where I got the shot, and just felt a little "off." I suppose very mild flu-like symptoms. I lay around the house until mid-afternoon and finally went for my daily jog. Interestingly enough, I have felt perfectly normal ever since then. My arm even stopped hurting.

The booster caused much less arm soreness than the first two shots, and I had way less reaction.

THE HAPPY PLACE

It was so weird, because I DID NOT feel like going for a run - and wouldn't have if I wasn't doing this running streak thing - but as soon as we started out (Jane went with) I started to feel better! Within the first half mile I was back to normal. It was like my body said, "Yes, Dan, this is what we're used to from you. This is our happy place!" Kind of like a dog.... You take it for a walk now and then and it's your friend for life. 

I don't know, maybe I'm imagining things. Still, I feel like this is sort of how I am. I am most at peace when jogging. I've thought about trying to work on speed and whatnot (because I'm really slow), but then I think "why"? If this works for me, why not just enjoy it? So I think I will.

And THAT is how I made it through this day.

***

"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." - 1 Timothy 6:6-10

Covid test

I got a covid test done yesterday. I went to the Walgreens on W. Jefferson and pulled up to the drive-thru. They handed me the swab in a pouch, I twisted it around in both nostrils and gave it back, and in 40 minutes they emailed me that it was negative.

I didn't really think I had it, but I've still got this lingering runny nose and cough. I think it's probably allergies or the simple cold. Just can't seem to shake it. I just wanted to make sure. You never know.

Although, I suppose it's possible I had had it, or that it was a false negative. Either which way, they sure have come a ways with the whole testing thing. I'm not sure why they don't have more antibody testing sites though. I suppose that involves blood.

One of these days I need to get my booster. Probably in a week or so.

So, I did that. I went for a run a couple days this week. I was thinking I would again today, but it's still a bit chilly. Maybe this afternoon. We'll see. It felt good to get out when I did. My legs feel good. I'd like to try to keep up 12-15 miles per week over the winter, and maybe add in some cross training of some kind. I just hate working out at work though (or, really, any gym for that matter). I wish we still had a treadmill at home, or that I could get used to running outside in the cold. I don't know though...

Well, that's about it. I guess I am back to just a 3-hour workday on Fridays for all but one week this month. I wish it didn't have to be the first 3 hours. I was a bit rough this morning. Oh well.

***

“This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing.” -Romans 13:6

Here we go again

 

"Freedom consists not in doing what we like, but in having the right to do what we ought." - Pope John Paul II

I am masking up again at work (and other public places). We stopped having to wear them the beginning of June (though I believe it was supposed to be only vaccinated people who were no longer required). At the end of July we received new signage that masks are now "encouraged" again. It was nice while it lasted.

Even though they are "encouraged," I would guess I am one of the few staff who actually wear one. I know my unvaccinated coworker doesn't at all, and my Executive Director was in yesterday and did not wear one. One of my pet peeves is people in leadership not being examples. I figure even though I'm a peon, since I am here representing the company, it makes me look like a hypocrite to not have one on myself. But I guess that's just me.

And, I know, everyone likely already knows my stance on things. Sure, you can do what you want. I can also believe it's the anti-maskers and anti-vaxers who are responsible for this pandemic getting out of hand again.

It gets so irritating seeing and hearing people talk about their "rights." Ha! You know, I think we should all have the right to vote if we want to (but there seem to be some opposed to that); I think children should have the right to not worry about a deranged gunman coming into their school (but there seem to be some who are okay with that); and I think we should have the right to live in a healthy environment (but there seem to be some who don't care about that). 

I know no one wants to hear my drivel; and I don't want to hear yours. You go ahead and stick your gun into your pajama pants and head off to walmart with no mask and no vaccine - I can't stop you! Argh.

Oof. It just makes me sad. Regardless of how I felt about my old man, it was a terrible way to die.... and he was only one of millions in the world. So far.

People may make fun of me for wearing a mask again when they're not required, but I really do think it's the right thing to do on behalf of the most vulnerable, just like getting the vaccine is a small price to pay. And, for crying out loud, we've been required to get vaccines to attend school and travel abroad for years. Stop acting like this is so unheard of!

But, I know, I've got some bitterness in my heart about all this... so who am I to talk?

God, be merciful to me, a sinner.

***

Proverbs 21:2-3

"A person may think their own ways are right,
    but the Lord weighs the heart.

To do what is right and just
    is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice."

One year of working in the pandemic

I took this picture on 5/26/2020. It was the first day we were back open after being laid off for 10 weeks during the shutdown last year. It still looks like this a lot of days.

I have to say, I was kind of surprised when it popped up on my Facebook "memories" yesterday. In some ways it seems like way more than a year. A lot sure has happened.

It was certainly weird when we shut down. I remember the COO coming in on a random March day. So much was unknown at the time. Would we be closed for a week? A month? Forever? There were unknowns all over the world!

Ironically, I felt rather hopeful when it first happened. I thought it was a great opportunity for people to pull together, to make changes, do different things and whatnot. I thoroughly enjoyed the 10 weeks of unemployment. In fact, I even made more money being laid off than I would have working! My weekly unemployment check was almost exactly DOUBLE what my weekly paycheck was/is (thanks to the covid relief package at the time, and a seriously low-paying job).

I also seem to have so much more creative energy when I'm not tied to a job. I feel less stress. If only I could find a way to make money at it...

Of course, then came the turmoil of 2020. There was resistance to shutting down the economy; followed by resistance to masking; now turned into resistance to getting vaccinated. And the riots and ensuing racial tension. And the election. And conspiracy theories. And... It's like all the hope I had at the beginning eventually morphed into hate.

If we 'Mericans proved anything in the last year it's that we simply cannot get along!

Personally, I feel like I am a much worse individual now than I was a year ago. I struggled with opposing viewpoints, I struggled with workplace issues, I struggled with people refusing mandates, and now the vaccine. I've been terrible to people and am as demoralized and disappointed with myself as anyone now.

I suppose there are things I should be hopeful about. Just this week I started going without a mask at work (they're no longer required). I had no idea it would be a whole year later! Next week we're supposed to open back up completely in all our facilities (no social distancing). They are also lifting mask mandates and opening up other venues around town and the country. I wish I thought things could improve, but I've lost what little faith I had in people (if I ever had any). I'm sure it's only a matter of time before things get worse again.

So, there ya go. It's a milestone, I guess. I wish I had a more positive outlook and thought it could continue.

***

Psalm 121:1-2

I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
    where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
    the Maker of heaven and earth.

 

Easter (reaction to shot #2)

Another Easter has come and gone. The second in a row we've not attended a church service of any kind. Last year pretty much every place was in lockdown due to the covid pandemic. This year... well... I guess we are without a church community. .

The Feipels went to my mom's for the weekend, which was nice of them. The boy and his wife were apparently at their house in Georgia.

We intended to watch a service online. We tuned into a local church on TV, but it turns out they were showing last week's Palm Sunday service for some reason. We'll probably watch one at some point this week. 

So... we spent Easter Sunday just the two of us. We went for a walk at the Lindenwood Nature Preserve, and took a bike ride. Otherwise we lazed around the house. I finished up a book, and Jane did some food prep. At least the weather was nice - somewhere in the 70s.

As far as our 2nd Covid vaccine shot:

I got mine at 11:30 Friday morning. I basically felt fine Friday, but woke up Saturday morning with some very (VERY) mild flu-like symptoms. Maybe it was more like "brain cloud." My arm was a little sore, but not as bad as the first time. Sunday I was fine. I just laid around and read most of the day, until the NCAA Men's Final Four came on.

Jane got her shot at 11:30 Saturday morning. She had the same arm soreness, and wasn't really a ball of energy, but not bad. She had a slight headache Sunday morning, but otherwise I'd say she didn't have as much of a reaction this time as after the first shot either.

We were braced for the worst, and I'm glad it didn't happen. I think it had a lot to do with our preparation. We didn't do anything before or after the first shot. For this one we started hydrating the night before. We had Gatorade (and Gatorade-like drinks) the night before, the morning before, after the shot, and continued drinking plenty of water all weekend long. Plus we didn't drink alcohol the entire week before. I think it made a big difference. Anyway, it's nice to have that behind us. At least until the next one. 

So, a pretty uneventful (and maybe a little lonely) Easter Sunday. Life continues to just feel weird. Meh.

***

“For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.” -2 Corinthians 5:14-15

Five things friday (covid shot #2)

 

Praise the Lord, Friday has rolled around yet again! And it's even a "good" Friday, or so they say...

1. Covid Shot #2 - I just now returned from getting my second shot of the covid-19 vaccine. Once again I went to the Kroger grocery store just down the street from our house. I had the same pharmacist (who is a great shot-giver, btw!), and the same 'other guy' was there getting his as the first time. So far I'm feeling fine, but I anticipate my arm hurting again, and wouldn't be surprised if I have flu-like symptoms. I've been hydrating yesterday and today, and avoided alcohol all week just to be safe.
2. Recent Funk - I debated whether to get this shot right now or not, because I've felt kind of 'off' for a couple weeks. I feel fine today, but the week before last I was really rundown, and I'd been having trouble running. I've had a burning in my chest, like I remember from when track practice used to start every year. It wasn't that I was having trouble breathing, but I just didn't feel good. I suppose it's possible I/we got covid after the first shot (which was my fear), but I'm hoping it was weather and allergy related. Anyway, I ran this morning - only 5 mph - and felt fine. So, who knows.
   
3. Illini Saga - I know I promised a rundown of the Illini basketball season... It's still too soon. I'm not sure I've recovered from the disappointment of their second-round loss yet, and just last night I discovered Adam Miller - one of their starters from this year - has entered the transfer portal. Ugh. One of these days...
   
4. Holey Week - Holy Week this year has been one of the hollowest yet for me. It came and has almost gone without registering much at all for me. This used to be my favorite week of the year. Now, I doubt that we will even go to church Easter Sunday. I wouldn't know where it would be if we did. I do plan to watch the Y's Good Friday service online this afternoon. The speaker this year is an acquaintance I've gotten to know a little because he sometimes works out at my location. Super nice guy. Otherwise, that's about all the more passion I've had this week. Good thing it doesn't depend on me!
   
5. Writing Rest - When I changed the blog title from 'every day' to 'everyday' I didn't intend to stop writing so much. It just sort of happened. As I said earlier, I haven't felt the greatest. Honestly, though, I haven't been in the mood either. Work has been so exhausting lately - mentally, physically, and emotionally. It is such a pathetically poorly run organization with no leadership (or poor leadership) from the top down to the director over my branch (not my supervisor, but his). The amount of drama and sheer lack of respect for workers is taking a toll not only on me, but my wife and daughter as well. I guess there are really only two options: seek employment elsewhere, or pray for change. It could be this is our cross to bear, or a sign. Anyway, it's been a chore lately. Everything. I feel like all I do is go to work, try to exercise, eat and sleep. Oof.

So, there ya have it. The good, the bad, and the ugly. The rest of the day I'll be trying to stay hydrated, exercise my arm, and hope I don't get sick. Enjoy your holiday!

***

"Now Jesus was going up to Jerusalem. On the way, he took the Twelve aside and said to them, “We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!”” -Matthew 20: 17-19

 

Enough too much

How are you holding up, friends? It was about a year ago we started to realize the seriousness of the covid-19 pandemic. Places were bracing for a possible shutdown. Silly me, thinking it might be a couple of weeks. Little did we know just how much would change over the next 12 months.

And, geesh, as if that weren't enough... there was the election thing, attempted government overthrow, conspiracy theories, economic collapse (for some), church interruptions/changes, employment “hiccups”... Which doesn't even begin to touch on the 500,000+ extra lives that have been lost just this year, in just this country! 

Sometimes I wonder how we'd be doing even if covid never came 'round. Is it possible it may have actually helped some of us cope, or did it make it worse. I don't know...

Anyway, I've been contemplating this quote from Pastor/writer/theologian Brian Zahnd recently...

"We live in an age where the amount of daily information we receive that should enrage or grieve us far exceeds our capacity to bear it. Only God can bear all the sorrows of the world. We, on the other hand, have to choose what sorrows to bear. This is complicated, but true."

 

Yeah... there is a boatload of information we receive. It's incredible. And it's not just any ol' information. There is soooo much that SHOULD enrage or grieve us. Heavy stuff... and complicated.

I don't know about you, but more and more it seems like it's just too much. There's no way we can maintain. All is lost.

Or, like Brian says, maybe we need to learn to be selective in what sorrows we choose to bear. It's not all up to us, you know. We need help. In fact, maybe admitting that is where we need to start.

One of the best bits of advise/writing/musicianship I've heard to date is still the old song 'Hold Me Jesus' from Rich Mullins. It says it all as far as I'm concerned (though I hate this canned version compared to a live, raw one). Sometimes that has to be enough...

***

1 Peter 5:6-11

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

 

My vaccine reaction so far

The wife and I both had our first dose of the Moderna vaccine for the coronavirus this past weekend. We each had the same reaction: a sore arm at the injection site. And by sore I mean SORE! It felt like someone took a baseball bat and wailed away on my arm! Fortunately it went away by the end of the weekend.

I/we didn't feel anything until several hours after the shot. I had mine at 11:30 am Friday. By Friday night it not only hurt to move my arm, but I had such a pulsing deep pain that I broke down and took an ibuprofen before bed - and I hardly EVER take any type of pain killer!

Saturday morning it felt better but was still difficult to lift my arm. By Sunday I felt almost back to normal and it didn't bother me at all. Today is perfectly fine.

Jane had her shot one day behind me, and her reaction followed the same course.

I don't know that we had any other reaction. We were both plenty tired, but it's hard to tell on a weekend if it had anything to do with the vaccine or just the week we'd had.

As we prepare for dose number two in a few weeks... I anticipate some kind of reaction again. I will likely try to hydrate as much as possible before the second shot, and continue after. I've heard they recommend Gatorade. But... who knows.

***

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” -2 Corinthians 1:3-4

I got my covid shot (#1)

I just got back from receiving my first covid vaccination shot. Jane gets hers tomorrow, and then our second ones are scheduled for April 2 & 3.

Indiana lowered eligibility to 55 this past Tuesday, and then to 50 on Wednesday. I looked at the sites Tuesday and the earliest we could get in was the end of March. A little patience paid off, because by Wednesday afternoon I was able to get us in this week - and right down the street from our house at the friendly neighborhood Kroger store!

Registering online was a piece of cake once Kroger was set up. The first day I couldn't get their site to work, but Wednesday just took about 5 minutes to register both of us for both shots.

Getting the shot was easy peasy as well. I was scheduled for 11:30. I got there around 11:25, walked up to the pharmacy counter where a lady took my insurance card, input some date on the computer, and told me to sit in chair #3 by the self-check registers. There were literally 3 folding chairs right there in front of God and everybody checking out their groceries! So I sat there until this super nice lady wheeled her cart up to me, gave me the shot, and told me to wait 15 minutes before leaving "just in case." I wasn't sure what the "just in case" was for, but after 15 minutes... I left.

By the way, the shot was painless, and I got it in my left upper arm. I have heard to expect some soreness in my arm, but so far I haven't noticed anything.

There was one other guy there getting his shot too. He had already had covid, but it was a year ago. The pharmacist said they've found that people who've had covid within 3 months of getting the shot tend to have more of a reaction to the vaccine. I'm hoping I haven't had it, or if I have, that it was a long time ago! (I don't know that I've had it, but I find it hard to believe I haven't given where I work).

Anyway, I received a 'COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card' that says I received the Moderna vaccine, and it expires 8/14/2021. It also has the date and time for my second shot.

So, there ya go! I wasn't really all that excited about getting the vaccine when I thought it was going to be later in the year. Now I'm glad I/we got it. Maybe now I can even enjoy our vacation in June! Jane would have enjoyed it LAST year when it was originally scheduled, but I just didn't feel comfortable. Things at least seem different now. Of course this is assuming neither of us die from the vaccine. ;)

***

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." -- Philippians 4:8

Opposite of advent

The Christian season of Advent is usually one of my favorite times of year. It's the four Sundays before Christmas, normally filled with a sense of anticipation and expectation; looking forward to the arrival of the Savior of the world (or the incarnation, if you will). This year, though...

• a president who still refuses to leave without making as much of a mess as he can (including potential civil war)
• a pandemic that is as out of control 10 months in as it's ever been
  
• a rushed vaccine that raises as many questions as answers
• 300,000+ dead Americans and counting
• still processing the death of my dad to covid (I will forever blame trump - he didn't cause it, but he also didn't address it with any degree of integrity)
• family adjustments
• the Exodus House closing (lack of donations)
• no social life (no hobbies, music, events, church gatherings, restaurants, or anything)
• no Christmas gatherings (including the boy not coming home - which is understandable)
• not getting paid for 24 of the last 70 work hours of the year because of holiday closing
• MY.JOB.SUCKS. 

 And a merry fucking christmas to you too!

Oof. I'm sorry. It's getting to me, and there seems no outlet for my frustration. All I do is go to work and come home, then eat, play games on my phone, watch GRIT TV, and go to bed so I can do it all over again the next day. And my work totally sucks right now (I know I already said that, but it needs emphasized a couple thousand times).

Actually, it's not even my job. While, yes, it is a total bullshit job with no meaningful value (or benefits)... My employer is who really sucks! I feel like I am being used and abused. I work at the branch more than anyone else (35 hours), and my supervisor is now there only 15 hours (at most). I am expected to answer the rest of the staff's questions and take care of day to day operations, yet I get no say in anything, have no authority, no control, can give no input... and the only person I have to talk to or who will talk to me is my supervisor who I see maybe 5 minutes a week (and I doubt he listens anyway, and, honestly, I don't even bother saying anything anymore because of it)! They won't make me full-time but want me to do all this so the full-time staff can work from home! I feel isolated, ignored, neglected, and disrespected. So, I've basically just quick caring. I would quit working there but I'm too depressed to find another job, so I guess I'll just wait until they fire me.

Yes, I know what you're thinking: it's the same everywhere. And it probably is, and I probably don't deserve a better job. It's just really frustrating. Oh, and not to mention THE ADDED STRESS OF WORKING EVERY DAY IN ONE OF THE MOST LIKELY PLACES TO CATCH COVID!!!!

Yesterday I found myself actually hoping someone would give me crap about having to wear a mask... Because I literally wanted to pound the shit out of someone! I am not a violent person, and I don't know that I've ever even punched anyone in my life, but I have this strange desire to do it now (almost all the time), and I don't necessarily like it.

Aaaaaaaanyway... sorry again for the rant. I just needed to tell someone.

I don't know if it's ironic, or totally fitting, that my daily devotions in Luke have me going through Passion week right now. It kind of is the opposite of Advent in a way. And I know they say "Sunday's coming"... I don't know if it will get here soon enough...

***

"So they arrested Jesus, took him off, and brought him into the high priest's house. Peter followed at a distance. They lit a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat around it, and Peter sat among them..." - Luke 22:54-55

 

Thanksgiving 2020

Another Thanksgiving has come and gone... albeit a little different than usual for most. 

Yes, it is still 2020, and the pandemic is still hitting us as hard as ever. So, we were encouraged to avoid large gatherings - even family gatherings. I don't know how many people actually did so, but it is still different nonetheless.

We don't normally have very large gatherings at Thanksgiving anyway. It seems I typically have to work the next day - which is the case this year too. The Feipel five came over for a late lunch, and that was about it. I was happy that my sister actually stayed with my mom through the holiday so she didn't have to be alone.

We did observe a few of our normal 'traditions': listened to Arlo Guthrie's 'Alice's Restaurant Massacre', ate turkey, watched football, and we all enjoyed the Charlie Brown Thanksgiving special (which we have on cd). This year we also started a new tradition: the hiding/finding of turkey eggs! I hid three eggs - one for each grandchild - with money inside. It was a nice day, and I figured since this year has been so screwed up, I'd try to give them a little something extra. Plus, those Easter Eggs just sit around all year with nothing to do... 

Anyway, I am at work now. I had one person in at 5:14 am, and the next at 6:30. At least I got my bosu ball workout in while standing at the front desk!

Even though the pandemic has thrown us all for a bit of a loop, I am thankful it has been nothing but a mere inconvenience for most of us. Few people I know have ever had to endure true hardship, poverty, war, and the like. Wearing a mask and trying to avoid large groups isn't really that difficult in the grand scheme of things. 

***

“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” -Colossians 3:16

Dad's funeral

I haven't really known what to say since dad passed away. It's not that I'm overly distraught with grief or anything... he was old, his quality of life had not been great for years, the dementia took a lot out of him some time ago, so this was not unexpected. I think the worst is dying from covid. In the hospital for a week and my mom not being able to see him may or may not have been best for all concerned, but the isolation and aloneness seems kind of sad nonetheless.

Anyway, he passed away one week ago today. My mom, sister, wife, and nephew went to the funeral home the next day to make arrangements. Jane and I went with my mom, sister, Drew and Caleb for a private viewing on Friday (I didn't think he looked particularly good). The burial was Saturday.

All the immediate family were able to make it to my moms (other than Isaac's wife, who wanted to be there). Whether it was right or not for all twelve of us to be in the same house, I do not know. We certainly wrestled with it. Jane, Isaac and myself were at least able to sleep at the home of some friends who have already had covid (K & T). Fortunately the weather was pretty good for late November and we were able to be outside a lot. We did the best we could.

The service was a private graveside ceremony in my dad's hometown. It is two hours from where my parents have lived the last 60 years of their lives, but they have had a burial spot ready for years next to my grandparents. Dad had pre-planned his funeral, and while they couldn't adhere to all his wishes due to the times, they were at least able to have military rights (though it was not easy finding enough Legion members to pull it off).

It was a nice service at 1 pm on a warm-ish cloudy Saturday (maybe 45f). My uncle Morris, who is a lay speaker in the Methodist church, presided. He was plenty nervous, this being his first time, but he did an admirable job. There were maybe 50 people present. Almost everyone was family, and people mostly wore masks - even though there was waaaaaaay too much hugging going on. I tried to not let it get to me.

The service consisted of: Military rights (21 gun salute, taps, folding the flag), Uncle Morris spoke, nephew Kyle spoke on behalf of the grandkids, several other people shared memories which we all laughed about, and Drew led us in singing a couple verses of 'Amazing Grace.' It lasted about 30 minutes, and was actually quite nice. They did the military part first instead of last because a couple of their members had another service later on.

I actually didn't mind having a smaller service. For years I have dreaded how many people would likely show up at a visitation for dad. He knew so many people, and the awkwardness of having to listen to and shake hands for hours on end was near-mortifying. I thought this was more than adequate.

Anyway, everyone in my family returned to their homes on Sunday. My sister and her boys were able to stay a few more days with my mom. Jane was the trooper who was there for 11 days taking care of things that needed done.

Here is the obituary:

Merle Robert Horwedel, 88, of Buda, died on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020.

Mr. Horwedel was born on October 28, 1932 in Vermont, IL to Bernard and Leona (Aten) Horwedel. He attended college at Western Illinois University in Macomb, then served in the Army during the Korean War from 1952-1954. He completed his studies at the University of Illinois in Champaign. Upon graduation he began his career in education as Ag teacher at Buda High School. Four years later he became the first principal at Western High School in the Buda/Sheffield consolidated district and was a fixture there for many years, also serving as golf coach, assistant football coach, bus driver, and assistant superintendent before retiring in 1990.  

Merle married Ruth Ann Powell on August 11, 1957 in Rushville, IL. She survives along with their two children, Deb Horwedel McCreight of Annandale, MN, and Dan (Jane) Horwedel of Fort Wayne, IN. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Kyle and Kevin McCreight, Carrie (Drew) Feipel, and Isaac (Ricci) Horwedel, and three great-grandchildren, Anna, Bennett & Caleb Feipel.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Harold, and twin sister, Mary Edith.

Merle loved children, animals, the outdoors, and volunteering in his community. He also had many hobbies. He wrestled in college, played fast-pitch softball way too long, was an avid golfer and hunter, and trained dogs and horses. He was a charter member of the Buda Rescue Unit and Buda Jaycees, served on the fire department and American Legion in Buda, coached and umpired ball teams, taught first aid classes, hunter safety courses, and worked to support wildlife. He was a member of the Buda United Methodist Church until it closed and then Bunker Hill Church in Buda.

He had an influence on many people during his life, and always had a smile and a bit of wisdom to share. He believed in family, community, and helping out wherever and however he could. Merle will be missed, but he lived life well and full.

Due to precautions regarding the coronavirus pandemic, private funeral services will be held with military rights in Vermont, IL, with his brother-in-law Morris McClelland officiating.

Memorials or donations may be made to Bunker Hill Church or the Buda American Legion. Online condolences may be sent to www.grant-johnsonfh.com.

***

(Matthew 6:9-13)

Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come;
thy will be done;
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation;
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
the power and the glory,
for ever and ever.
Amen.

 

Dad has passed

My dad finally passed away yesterday afternoon. He had been in the hospital with covid for right at one week. From everything I've heard it was peaceful enough, and I am relieved the struggle is over not only for him, but for my mom too. I can't imagine how difficult this last year has been trying to deal with the quarantine and not being able to be together.

I am still working. I was working when I found out, actually. I'm kind of glad, because it helped keep me busy. I will head that way tonight. My part so far has been trying to put together an obituary. I worked on that this morning, and it was good for me. It allowed me to think back through the years and realize what a great person my dad actually was. Sure, he might not have been what I wanted for a father. I always felt he was better at being everyone's principal than he was at being my dad, but maybe it's just because I'm too hard to please.

Anyway, I am glad it's finally over. I suppose the next few days will be a bit challenging at times, but it will be good to see everyone. I just hope we can maintain some semblance of sanity and social distancing - especially given the cause of his death. I don't want my mom to end up in the same boat.

So, I'm feeling okay. He lived a full and purposeful life, touched a lot of people, and did a lot of good. Good for him.

***

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
² He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
³ He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.

⁴ Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

⁵ You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
⁶ Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord

Forever.

 

Trip to atlanta

We used the extended Labor Day weekend to go see Isaac and Ricci in Atlanta, GA. We were long overdue for a visit and fortunately we had good weather and a good trip all around.

THE TRAVEL
We left Fort Wayne Friday morning at 8:30 and drove the route through Indy, Louisville, Nashville, and Chattanooga. It is just over 650 miles. We made good time until Chattanooga (which always seems to happen). It ended up taking us around 10 1/2 hours, which only included bathroom stops and one gas stop at Bowling Green (exit 28 by the Corvette Museum). We sat in traffic for at least 1/2 hour around Chattanooga and then it was stop-and-go. It's just a terrible place to try to get through. Other than a little bit of rain around Nashville, it was pretty uneventful though.

We came back Monday on the same route, leaving Atlanta at 8 am and arriving home at 6 pm. We would have made it in 9 1/2 hours except there was a wreck or something just south of Indianapolis and we had to sit for 20+ minutes.

We made peanut butter & jelly sandwiches for both trips. That not only cuts down on travel time, but saves eating some terrible fast food as well.

We also took the 2011 Ford Escape even though it has more miles than the Honda. It just rides so much better, plus it has Sirrius satellite radio.

THE VISIT
We had a nice time mostly hanging out at Isaac & Ricci's with their dogs Crosby and Tig. They have a really cool little house along Ponce de Leon Avenue just a mile or so off I-285 on the east side of the city. It's very easy to get to.

Our room (the guest room/laundry), while connected to the house, has a separate entrance out onto the shared back porch. The restroom is just inside the door in the main house. It's not large but kind of nice. We/they spend a lot of time on the back porch, and there is a fenced in back yard so the dogs can just hang on the porch and run around by themselves.

Both days we were there we had a good (late) breakfast and supper and didn't really eat lunch. We also went on a hike at two different parks and stopped at a different little brewery/bar afterward each day.

We had a few rousing games of dominoes, and Sunday night watched the movie Ford vs. Ferrari. We also got to see where Ricci's "classroom" is this semester. The private school she teaches at took a unique approach to addressing in-person classes. There are two groups of students who meet in this person's back yard (pictured). Ricci's middle school class is in the tent, and another grade is under the carport. Other classes meet in the backyards of other parents and kind souls who allowed the school to use their space. I think they are still assessing what to do once the weather gets a little cooler, but in the meantime I think this is great (and I imagine the kids love it)!

I suppose the biggest excitement was at the brewery we went to Sunday. It is mostly outdoors and there was a guy with a tent set up where he was selling food. He had a big pot of oil where he had been deep-frying tenderloins, fries and things, and at one point I looked over and said, "I think his fire is a little out of control." Pretty soon it was shooting up into the tent and he was frantically moving things around. Isaac ran over and started helping him, then a couple more of us went over. We moved the tent, the jugs of oil, gas cylinder and tables out of the way. Someone brought out a fire extinguisher but it was the wrong kind and only made the flames worse. Finally another customer grabbed a big metal lid and got it over the pot that had flames shooting from it. Eventually things settled down. It was quite the spectacle for a few minutes though. It was also a very cool place.

The only meal we had "out" was Sunday night at a place called The Marlay House down the street. It has a nice location in downtown Decatur and we were able to sit outside. I wish I could remember the names of the two breweries we went to. Both were little places not far from where they live.

THE REST
That's really about all there is to tell. It was a nice and quiet trip and visit. We weren't able to make the trip at all last year so it was good to get back. Personally, I can't decide if I prefer to drive or fly. They both take longer than I would like overall. I like the speed of a plane, but it's nicer trying to pack when we take our own vehicle. If I could learn to relax more it's not a terrible drive... other than the hills, the traffic, weather unknowns, and whatnot.

In northern Georgia we happened across this stupid billboard. Ugh. I literally HATE things like this. Why are people so stupid? I feel stupider just for having seen it, let alone sharing it here...

Anyway, I'm glad we got to go and now it's back to reality. I am not as tired today as I was afraid I would be. I wasn't looking forward to working my 10-hour day following a 10-hour car trip, but at least I get to sleep in tomorrow.

***

Psalm 121

 I look up to the mountains—
    does my help come from there?
My help comes from the Lord,
    who made heaven and earth!

He will not let you stumble;
    the one who watches over you will not slumber.
Indeed, he who watches over Israel
    never slumbers or sleeps.

The Lord himself watches over you!
    The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade.
The sun will not harm you by day,
    nor the moon at night.

The Lord keeps you from all harm
    and watches over your life.
The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go,
    both now and forever.

Weekend visit home

We made a trip back home this weekend. Nothing special, but we were probably overdue for a visit with my mom. We try to go every four to six weeks, but it may have been a little longer this time. Fortunately there was a little excitement in the old hometown Saturday morning!

At the end of the alley from my parent's house stood this two-story structure that has been vacant for almost as long as I can remember. The local fire department burned it down for practice. It was quite spectacular. Friends and neighbors from all over town came and watched. There were firemen and women scattered about. They even set up a tent for beer drinking afterward!

So, from about 8-10 am we hung around the burning house and watched and listened to town folk. Not a single one with a mask on, mind you. And some having no awareness or respect for social distancing either. One of my mom's neighbors even shook my hand.

Of course my mom didn't tell us until after we arrived that their county is currently a 'hot spot' for the coronavirus. I think their positivity rate is something like 14%. You'd never know it from talking to people though. We got carry-out at a restaurant/bar Saturday night and not a single employee in the little joint wore a face covering of any kind.

Anyway... after the fire Saturday I did some cleaning in my mom's garage, took some old tools before she gave them to the neighbors, and Jane tried to help my mom get a grip on her finances. We went to the nursing home to see my dad in the afternoon. He didn't actually seem too bad. I think he's better mentally than he had been at home for the past ten years or so. He is now completely confined to a wheelchair, but he did at least know who I was.

Other than that we didn't do much. We visited with one of Jane's brothers for a bit Saturday night, got to watch some NBA playoff action on mom's cable TV, and ate a lot of bread products. It was rather relaxing and uneventful.

The trip both there and back took longer than usual though. On the way there we went through the Gary-Joliet section right during rush hour, so it was slow going for a while. On the way home it was even worse. There was road construction plus a couple accidents. What should have taken us 4 1/4 hours took 5 1/2. Ugh. Then we had to stop at the store to get groceries and get things ready for the work week once we got home. I'm feeling pretty wiped out this morning.

It was nice to get away though. However I've had about all the busy-body small-town gossip I can handle for awhile. Some things never change.

**These were my two favorite pics from the fire. The top one pretty descriptive of the neighborhood; the bottom one a good glimpse of the architecture of the old house.

***

2 Corinthians 5:1
"For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands."