It’s tax day in America, but due to the pandemic, the deadline this year has been extended to July 15 giving people more time to file their returns -- a welcome reprieve in a bittersweet way. But for us, we’re well-trained by our tax preparer who books our annual appointment in January.
Yesterday’s sunny weather lifted everyone’s spirit following weeks of on-and-off rain. Temps must have reached the upper 70s or so and it appears next week’s forecast is for precipitation-free days. During yesterday’s walk, I saw Chris, a local professional dog walker who is now providing her much-needed service to assist healthcare workers with their pets so that they can work the frontlines.
So, the Covid-19 antibody tests everyone’s been excited about will take longer for implementation. I will never understand why the Federal Drug Administration allowed for loosening restrictions prior to the agency’s final approval -- that move resulted in many faulty tests on the market. In the words of Dr. Fauci and Dr. Birx, antibody tests are key to determining “…how quickly and safely society can reopen.”
The other night, Louie brought out the pots and pans again. He thawed frozen beef short ribs, opened up a YouTube recipe and proceeded to make a heavenly stew with carrots, celery, garlic, onions, red wine, bay leaves and other herbs that cooked in the oven for two hours. His favorite “tricks of the trade” are the Le Creuset pots his Aunt Magdalena gave to him. Julia Childs is smiling down on Louie.
As we were doing the 7pm Cheer last evening, I noticed a woman walking mid-way down the street. I did not recognize her, and she wasn’t clapping. Suddenly, she put her hands together along with the neighbors. When she reached us, she smiled, “I’ve never been part of something like this before!” My neighbor Teresa had explained it all to her. I invited Paula to join us any time.