Sign of the Times

Not a very exciting photo but not much choice today.  (and I hope it's historical, soon)   A friend came for lunch (I made soup) and it was so good to reconnect …she’s just passed the 1 year mark of becoming a widow and it was a very interesting discussion of her process, with lots of laughter too, but I didn’t get a good photo, too much talk. 

So you get the covid testing drive through  (walk ins too)  where H and I were early (for us) this very windy morning ..we are planning on crossing  the Canadian border on Sunday so trust it will be back in time.   (Edit it just came back -negative)  The US has just announced that our border will be open for international travel Nov 8 so all those Canadians can drive across. Finally!!  I think no covid tests required.  But yes, double vaccinated (and all the people that had 2 different vaccines are going to have to be good to come)    Lots to work out but we were reminded of all the people in jobs like this one that we so appreciate. ( and need to tell them so)  How much longer is this going to be required?    So many businesses , cleaning, restaurants and food services, delivery drivers etc. don’t have the employees they need. Either because they are not vaccinated OR they just plain don't want or need to work.    
And half the rest stops between here and the Ca border are closed as they have been vandalized and there are only a very few working at them who can’t keep up .
And the WA state Ferries are cancelling boats and entire runs because there are not enough trained “mariners” to work them.  NO training happened during covid and many mariners are old and retiring so there is a gap.    We thought it was just on the islands, no-one wants to clean or replace chains in buoys, but it’s everywhere!   Just add it to the many things that are wrong.  

I better stop.

Herb was blown away by all the birthday wishes yesterday and says thank you!   He doesn’t feel any different from the day before.