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Honored Contributor
Posts: 20,019
Registered: ‎08-08-2010

Re: Plans for entertaining/gathering now that


@PamfromCT wrote:

@Mominohio wrote:

@PA Mom-mom wrote:

@Mominohio  My twin brothers are turning 70 in July, so they are turning it into a family and friends reunion. Siblings and their children and grandchildren; also friends, and I think my brother's band from grad school. The siblings and friends are kinda old, so we have been vaccinated. Most of the children have been vaccinated as well. It will be outside, so I'm not seeing any roadblocks. Really looking forward to it! Now, I just have to lose that Covid 20 I gained over the last year! Smiley Frustrated


 

 

@PA Mom-mom 

 

Oh this sounds wonderful!!!!!

 

I hope it all comes together and everyone can attend! 

 

I'm still amazed at how many people are staying totally locked away, even with the vaccines completed for them. We are still keeping my mom very separate and isolated. She is 85, and wants to get her vaccine from her primary care doctor, and they don't have it yet, although they are approved and waiting. So when it comes to her, there is very little difference in the lockdown process we have used all this time. 

 

Me, husband, son and grandson all had the virus this winter (for me it was at Thanksgiving) so I stopped being so paranoid, and have been getting together with my immediate family, so far so good. I'm guessing my antibodies are on the end stage of effectiveness, still deciding if, when, and which vaccine I want to take. 

 

I, too, am looking forward to warmer weather and being outdoors with more people, at the very least. After having this, I guess it takes the edge off somewhat, and while I'm still masking in public, still going places really early to avoid crowds, and not really going places I don't need to be, I'm just done living in fear about this. I hope that numbers continue to improve, and people can get back to whatever it is they love to be doing, and with those they love to be doing it with!


@Mominohio, I have no idea of what advice you have given.

All I know is that my DD, a COVID survivor, was advised not to consider that she had immunity to the virus.  She was advised to get the vaccine, which she did.  I think she did a bit of independent research on this, as she is a scientist herself.  I am telling you this out of concern for you and your family.

Just because we are sick of this, the virus does not care.  And unfortunately, numbers of increasing, not decreasing.  Not to mention variant viruses.  Please take care.  All my best.

 


 

 

@PamfromCT 

 

I appreciate the concern! 

 

I think you might be interpreting that we aren't going to  get the vaccine, if I read your reply correctly. 

 

The jury is still out on that. My mom is mostly likely going to at some point.

 

I'm almost certain my husband won't, and I know my son won't. They are heavily in the camp of this is a real thing, but not buying into the level of danger for their particular age group/health level that the media and the medical field want us to buy into. Both were sick, but handled it very well, even worked through it. (each works in an environment where they are alone, so don't expose others)

 

I'm undecided at this point. All the research I"ve done tells me that because I tested positive for both antibodies in mid December, after being sick in late November, that I'm as good as vaccinated for several months (how many months varies based on who you ask). So I'm taking my time before deciding whether to get vaccinated, and hoping that there will be more data on each of the vaccines, their effectiveness in real life (as opposed to the trials), their side effects and if those effects vary by brand, etc. I'm hoping to hold out for more real world data, and more choice in being able to actually choose a brand. 

 

I'm looking for data on how effective antibodies from actually being ill are (and I was much more symptomatic than the rest of my family), and for how long, compared to the vaccine. I have seen reports that the more severe the case you had, the  more antibodies you have, and you are as good as vaccinated in the short term.

 

So far I have seen nothing being addressed about how long the vaccine is projected to last, and how often we will need to take it. I also am looking for data about how much more (or not) effective the vaccine is in people who carry the antibodies from having the virus. 

 

For me/us, the considerations are much deeper than the 'just get the vaccine' mantra that is coming at us from the government and the media. I really feel it is a decision to be heavily considered, and more information is needed to really make a truly informed decision. It's all too new to just jump, if you have the health/ability to wait it out a bit. I know many don't feel they have the ability to wait, based on age, lifestyle, health etc. and are doing what they think is best. I'm riding the fence right now, trying to see more data. 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 12,887
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Plans for entertaining/gathering now that

I'm hoping by Christmas, I can feel comfortable being around a bunch of family with masks off.  Don't care if Thanksgiving is a bust.  I love Christmas.

 

Just rec'd an invite to a baby shower for a niece (in law) for early next month.  I'll be two weeks out from my vaccine by then, but saw pics of the house online and only a tiny deck out back, no back yard to speak of, so it will most likely be held inside.

 

We declined the invititation to her wedding late last October.  Saw pics from the wedding, no masks at all.  No one got sick to the best of our knowledge, but it was an easy *regrets* for the both of us.

 

So if it's outside, I may attend although it's an hour and a half drive and to a place I'm not familiar with.  I'm sure an offer will be made for me to drive or ride with someone else, but I'm not comfortable doing that.  

 

If it's inside, no way.  Food, eating and drinking, no masks and inside a house, no thank you.

 

Haven't even told my husband about the invitation because I don't want him to go with me.  If I go by myself, I can leave when I want.  A luxury!

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Re: Plans for entertaining/gathering now that

Honored Contributor
Posts: 12,889
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Plans for entertaining/gathering now that


@BunSnoop wrote:

@ID2  Wrote:

 

We've never stopped having family over! We had a private family baby shower last spring for my first grandchild. We had family here for Thanksgiving and a big bash for Christmas! We were all well....why not? We are going downstate for a big family Easter dinner on Sunday! I feel sorry for those who live their only life in fear. 

 

@ID2 , Not all of us have been as fortunate as you and have lost loved ones and friends - so that is why we "live life in fear" and also why we're not having a "big bash".




@BunSnoop - yeah.  My former boss and her family thought it was important to have a family reunion in November.  Sure, why not.  "Live your life" and all.  She got Covid and died.  Her brother got Covid and also died.  Her husband got Covid.  I don't know how he made out.  Oh and her son also got Covid, status also unknown.  Hope that family reunion was worth it. 


Why is it, when I have a 50/50 guess at something, I'm always 100% wrong?
Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 6,504
Registered: ‎05-22-2014

Re: Plans for entertaining/gathering now that

[ Edited ]

Hello @Mominohio and all,

I am sure many consider me a pain, but that’s ok.  Does not bother me.

My DH’s nephew is a doc treating COVID patients right outside a major city.  My DD got COVID early March of 2020, although she is very careful.  A research scientist for a major university.

We were blessed, no long term effects.  

But we do know three people who got COVID.  They justified behavior by saying they are “social people.”  All three were hospitalized.  Two are ok now, but the third is still on oxygen 

24/7 many weeks later.  

Strong belief that the vaccines are safe.  Bad reactions are very rare.  How many vaccines have you received in your lifetime?  Yes, there is a major push.  I don’t want to die in a COVID unit, nor want to see anyone there.  Dreadful.  And you could die alone.  And then there are “long haulers,” poor souls who have lasting effects.  

The variants are here.  Data suggests that the Pfizer vaccine protects against the UK variant - I personally have no data on others.  These variants are even easier to catch, which is why rates of infection are up in many areas.  And our Yale New Haven Hospital is seeing more and more younger people.

I remember when polio was the cause of anguish and fear.  Salk developed the vaccine, and people took it.  ?  

A health issue is not a political issue.  If folks want to risk sickness or death, their issue.  But to infect others?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 65,680
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Plans for entertaining/gathering now that

[ Edited ]

After so many months of non-stop Covid threads, I guess I was prepared to continue being inundated with them In Community Chat and Wellness. I wasn't prepared to open the Home forum and see yet another... I'm sorry I did... This was one place to come and get away from them...


In my pantry with my cupcakes...
Honored Contributor
Posts: 9,979
Registered: ‎07-28-2012

Re: Plans for entertaining/gathering now that

[ Edited ]

No plans for entertaining, inside my home or going into another's home, in the foreseeable future. Come summertime, when we can be outdoors, for the most part, we'll see. I feel like I haven't spent the last year+ to throw it all away, on a whim or urge to "get away".

 

ETA: I and my husband are both fully vaccinated, most in my family have not been, yet. That will change soon, as they are opening up the age requirements on that. 

 

I miss my family and friends like everyone else, I'm just not willing to risk their lives so I can see them. Consider me selfish, if you wish.

"To each their own, in all things".
Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 6,504
Registered: ‎05-22-2014

Re: Plans for entertaining/gathering now that


@stevieb wrote:

After so many months of non-step Covid threads, I guess I was prepared to continue being inundated with them In Community Chat and Wellness. I wasn't prepared to open the Home forum and see yet another... I'm sorry I did... This was one place to come and get away from them...


@stevieb, I understand and respect your position.  There are some threads I have no interest in myself for various reasons.

But I do think you are an intelligent person who can leave a thread when you can see what direction it is going in.  To some of us, obviously me, this is a critical matter.  And with rapidly changing facts.  When this virus infects people - and the non-vaccinated are prime targets - it mutates.  And it gets much stronger and much more dangerous.

Believe it or not, I have many other interests.  But along with some others, trying to convince and educate people is a focus. 

I sincerely wish you well and appreciate all you add to many discussions.  

 

 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 20,019
Registered: ‎08-08-2010

Re: Plans for entertaining/gathering now that


@PamfromCT wrote:

Hello @Mominohio and all,

I am sure many consider me a pain, but that’s ok.  Does not bother me.

My DH’s nephew is a doc treating COVID patients right outside a major city.  My DD got COVID early March of 2020, although she is very careful.  A research scientist for a major university.

We were blessed, no long term effects.  

But we do know three people who got COVID.  They justified behavior by saying they are “social people.”  All three were hospitalized.  Two are ok now, but the third is still on oxygen 

24/7 many weeks later.  

Strong belief that the vaccines are safe.  Bad reactions are very rare.  How many vaccines have you received in your lifetime?  Yes, there is a major push.  I don’t want to die in a COVID unit, nor want to see anyone there.  Dreadful.  And you could die alone.  And then there are “long haulers,” poor souls who have lasting effects.  

The variants are here.  Data suggests that the Pfizer vaccine protects against the UK variant - I personally have no data on others.  These variants are even easier to catch, which is why rates of infection are up in many areas.  And our Yale New Haven Hospital is seeing more and more younger people.

I remember when polio was the cause of anguish and fear.  Salk developed the vaccine, and people took it.  ?  

A health issue is not a political issue.  If folks want to risk sickness or death, their issue.  But to infect others?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



@PamfromCT wrote:

Hello @Mominohio and all,

I am sure many consider me a pain, but that’s ok.  Does not bother me.

My DH’s nephew is a doc treating COVID patients right outside a major city.  My DD got COVID early March of 2020, although she is very careful.  A research scientist for a major university.

We were blessed, no long term effects.  

But we do know three people who got COVID.  They justified behavior by saying they are “social people.”  All three were hospitalized.  Two are ok now, but the third is still on oxygen 

24/7 many weeks later.  

Strong belief that the vaccines are safe.  Bad reactions are very rare.  How many vaccines have you received in your lifetime?  Yes, there is a major push.  I don’t want to die in a COVID unit, nor want to see anyone there.  Dreadful.  And you could die alone.  And then there are “long haulers,” poor souls who have lasting effects.  

The variants are here.  Data suggests that the Pfizer vaccine protects against the UK variant - I personally have no data on others.  These variants are even easier to catch, which is why rates of infection are up in many areas.  And our Yale New Haven Hospital is seeing more and more younger people.

I remember when polio was the cause of anguish and fear.  Salk developed the vaccine, and people took it.  ?  

A health issue is not a political issue.  If folks want to risk sickness or death, their issue.  But to infect others?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

Just a heads up for those that might not know, but the polio vaccine was many many years in development, and it had some bad initial results including infecting people with the disease, and deaths. It had to be stopped, and There was a rush to rework it. 

 

Surely, science has come far from that time, but still, time is the true test of anything, and I really understand anyone saying they are on the wait and see a bit longer side of things. 

 

I personally am always suspect when pushed. And we are being pushed. I firmly believed that the push will become a shove in the coming weeks, as many places open up vaccine to younger populations, and the general public and as more vaccine becomes available. 

 

And how do I put this to keep the thread up, but some of our recent newcomers are just being assimilated into the general population, infected. In my way of thinking, it doens't jive with the crying and hand wringing of the CDC director this past week. I mean if the doom is so impending, what are we doing? Really? 

 

I'll just repeat, that I'm looking for more information. I've heard that the vaccine doesn't keep you from getting and transmitting the virus, but keeps you from getting sick enough to be hospitialized or dying. Then, another report I heard (a couple of them actually) that it does keep you from getting and spreading. So I want to know which it is. I want some answers as to how long they anticipate the vaccine staying effective for us. Haven't they been still tracking and testing those first test subjects, and what level of antibodies are they retaining? And quite frankly, I want to hear it from more than our government agencies, who I have very little faith in, because of their history of handling this durning the past year.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 20,019
Registered: ‎08-08-2010

Re: Plans for entertaining/gathering now that


@homedecor1 wrote:

@Mominohio 

 

This is a very interesting topic as I'm vaccinated (for spouse on suggestion from his pulmonary specialist) and he can't get it due to health reasons.

 

Which brings me to a "crossroads" in my life.  I have not traveled, gone many places and my "free spirit" attitude has virtually "disappeared" -- not sure why but I'm hesitant to do normal things (it's pretty crazy I've discussed with my doctor obviously many are feeling the same😮).

 

As for entertaining I just don't have the "excitement" of wanting to do gatherings, prep & more.  I've enjoyed having my 4 card friends 1x/month on my turn and it's perfect.

 

As for family I miss the everyday moments I enjoyed when I travelled home every 6-8 weeks but now I'm satisfied with seeing them on Skype everyday.  I am supposed to go home for 2 weeks for gd 8th bday but even this I'm not sure.

 

I know I've changed a lot and finding that "right time" to go back to my life as I knew it maybe harder than I thought.

 

 

 

 

 

 


@homedecor1 

 

You are one of the people foremost in my mind as I posted this thread. I recall how often you traveld back home, enjoying your family, and how you liked to entertain at home as well. I wondered how those of you who were the 'goers and doers' were feeling these days.

 

I hear you about the disappearance of the desire to go and do and be back out to the normal. I'm not afraid, I'm just not interested. I know that for myself (and I think human kind in general), I am adaptable, even if I don't really like change. Once a change has been made in my life, I tend to come on line with it and move on with the 'new normal' (sorry for those that hate the term). This has been the same. I've gotten used to so many changes in the going and doing, and I honestly don't miss it, don't long for it, don't pine for the day I can do 'it' again (whatever those things might be). I've found other ways/things to occupy my time.

 

I'm more focused on being able to get all the people in my immediate family back into one place, at one time, and not have to worry about the oldest and most fragile. The rest of it will most likely just come back slowly over they next couple of years, if at all.