I don’t know about you, but I’m quite happy this year is drawing to a close. We’ve had to wait many months for positive news, and from early November on, it has felt like things have been slowly improving.
The wait for reliable vaccines has been long, and it is good to see and hear there are options on the horizon, and an end to the pandemic is growing closer. A weight lifted – or is it? Brace yourselves, here come the space dragons…
Oh those conspiracy theorists are having a fine old time telling us that Bill Gates will be able to track us post-vaccine, with the aid of 5G unicorns, mini-robots, and space dragons. Bear with me, I’m warming up and a little hazy on the specifics.
Don’t worry, we all know space dragon brain beams can’t penetrate your tinfoil hat to read your thoughts. Actually, I imagine that the thoughts of conspiracy minded folks aren’t worth the attention of most space dragons, but then I’ve been brainwashed by and under the mind control of the nurse who administered the measles jab I received many years ago. Remember the inoculations you got at school? And pre-school? Well, due to those, I am, like you (if you’ve had your vaccinations and choose to believe the anti-science conspiracy nut bars) an unwitting biddable agent of evil, presumably being forced against my will to be do bad things, all because the school nurse gave me booster jabs forty-something years ago. That nurse, and her malevolent hench nurses, are part of a giant plot to, to, well, I don’t know what the plot is exactly, but it is bad. Are you saying I’ve lost the plot here? Hold on. Gathering thoughts. Adjusting tin foil hat. Vaccinations! Developed by evil medical people to rig life against you. You don’t believe me? That you don’t believe me is obvious proof you’ve been got at by vaccine wielding deep state operatives. Is that clear?!
Phew! That’s a long time, long term conspiracy to be worried about – can a tin foil hat get rusty? I’ve enjoyed writing these last few paragraphs. There’s a strange freedom in not having to stick to annoyingly inconvenient stuff like science, facts, details, evidence, responsibility or common sense.
Back to reality! We enjoyed a long beach hike the other day. Sea air and salt water will rust things, but we felt quite the opposite of that last week. Buoyed by positive vaccine news, and feeling lighter with each passing day as January 20th approaches, we almost skipped down an empty beach. Scout was going full steam ahead, determined to get to a favourite spot of hers. Sticks, snacks, logs and rocks? That’s her kind of morning, and ours too. A second breakfast and extra coffee? Yes please!
For the time we were out, the weather got brighter as the morning wore on, with low cloud and grey skies clearing, and patches of blue appearing. I wouldn’t say it was warm, but it was warm enough. Shoulders back, deep breaths, longer strides, and goodness, can’t you just feel some of the mental weight drop away for a while?
Thanks for reading. Remember, there be space dragons, so stay safe, and I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
OldPlaidCamper 
I enjoyed your fantasy riff here today, pc, your writing kept me entertained. And what a fun walk you had on the beach, letting the fresh air and free space lighten your load. Great photos of Scout, keeping us all in balance, and the glorious sea, the great equalizer. I had a great, safe outdoor adventure yesterday too, and they are exceptionally refreshing during this pandemic. Cheers to you, fun friend.
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Thanks, Jet! Yes, Scout and the sea keep us in balance. Very happy to hear you’re getting out and about safely for outdoor adventures – they’re an essential more than ever these days!
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A vaccine can rid us of Covid but there ain’t nothing to cure stupidity! Gates already tracks everybody via their “Smart” phones! I still have a flip phone and use two layers of foil!
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Two layers?! Nothing can get through that, you’ll be fine!
Agreed, there’s no cure for stupid. Sadly…
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Well said on the conspiracy theory! that second photo is outstanding and glad Scout is appearing to enjoy her exploring. Best wishes.
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Thanks, Jane! I couldn’t write what I really think about conspiracy theorists.
I hope all is well with you, and you’re navigating the increase in restrictions.
Take care!
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Covid. luckily we have few cases in my lovely state of South Australia thanks to good leadership and some good luck. But we do have our full complement of anti vaxxers tin hatters and conspiracy theorists. No amount of science fact or good luck will get rid of them. Stay Safe.
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I hope your state remains on top of the virus between now and the vaccine roll out.
Stay safe!
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I lost my aluminum foil hat a long time ago. To maintain my sanity (and protection) I now rely on hikes, nature, painting, motorcyle and husband, not necessarily in that order. Have a wonderful weekend!
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Thanks, Margaret! You could make a new foil hat, slip it on under a toque or motorcycle helmet, just in case!
Stay safe and well. I see Biden has the electoral college vote confirmed, no matter what the mango toddler thinks. Better times ahead…
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Yes indeed! Haha Mango Toddler! Better days ahead!
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This made me laugh. You are funny. Vaccines yes starting to be distributed in New Brunswick on the 15th, to a vulnerable people. I got my tin foil hat on, I am ready. Scout looks great and your photos as always pristine.
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Haha, that’s the way – wear the tin foil hat and get the vaccine. Double protection!
Stay safe and well!
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I think you are on to something
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Perfect beer choice for Scout’s wonderful photos and one has to wonder how many squirrels you chased before delving into science fiction writing?!?! I’ve discovered many new experts during the pandemic that I follow on the news and two of my must see interviews are always Bill Gates and Dr. Fauci. Another favorite podcast I’ve recently discovered is Bill Gates and Rashida Jones Ask Big Questions and after this year it’s not surprising that the title of one episode is “Why Do We Believe Lies?”. I thought Liverpool was going to take advantage of Tottenham’s mistakes and be at the top of the table for Wednesday’s match, but at least I was glad to see Everton move Chelsea down the table. Thanks for the laugh and sharing the beautiful photos!!
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Haha, thank you! I was going to include a disclaimer about having chased no squirrels during the writing…
The football was pretty decent this weekend – for an Everton fan, and it’s been a long time since those heady September days. I think Everton might avoid relegation! It’s Liverpool for the title, just pipping Spurs. And no, not been chasing squirrels before that prediction!
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Here’s hoping!
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Always hoping, Bob!
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Lots of fun here & the photos are superb. I agree, there’s no vaccine for stupidity, what what a world it could be if there was one.
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Thanks, Walt! The cloud cover and angle of sunlight made for “painterly” skies that morning. Early winter light, often pretty.
A vaccine for stupidity? Hmm, I think the nearest to that would be education? Not guaranteed, but effective enough if most of the population can get it…
Enjoy your week!
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