Is it safe to come out now?
This whole Covid-19 Pandemic can just stop at anytime now, can't it?
It's been a little over a year since I posted here and I've been so preoccupied with so many things I literally forgot I had this blog thing...
Where to start:
- I got a new position at my job, so I'm no longer on the Service Desk, and while I'm sad I've left a good many friends behind with my new job, I moved my desk one aisle over...for all of two weeks before COVID-19 shut...it...down! I've been working from home, which I'm fortunately able to do, but I miss the camaraderie and the ability to nag my coworkers for questions on the fly. Zoom has been an amazing videoconferencing tool but Zoom Fatigue is real and I can attest to it. While working from home saves on the gas expenses, it also can be costly when you don't use your car for so long the battery dies and needs replacing.
- The plumbing plague from a year ago has not reared its ugly head further. We're still feeling the effects of it, however, in our quest to pay off the costs...
- Comet NEOWISE made a visit through here in the Summer and I was fortunate enough to get a photo of it that got featured on Channel 10 here in Knoxville. I took the picture on Jes' birthday and it was one of probably 1000 pics I literally took that morning and the best one I got from the trip. A slight trip through Photoshop Express made it really turn out amazing:
Comet NEOWISE It turned out so well I had it blown up into an 18x24 and got it framed in a barnwood/distressed wood frame. I just felt it was the best type frame for the photo:
- I've traveled to Myrtle Beach twice, once after Christmas and again last month for my 22nd wedding anniversary. We were blessed with great weather and great accommodations both times. Just Jes and I were on these trips. We spent the majority of our time beachcombing for sharks teeth and seashells.
- I've developed tendonitis in my shoulder. Currently undergoing physical therapy twice a week in order to prevent Frozen Shoulder from happening. I'm still not sure how it happened, but at first I thought it was a slight soreness that got worse while on our Myrtle Beach trip. As soon as I came back I went to the doctor who determined it was tendonitis. Hopefully it will heal sooner rather than the 1 year they gave me!
- Both of my daughters are starting college at UT Knoxville. Lauren finally took the plunge and enrolled and Amber graduated L&N STEM and went right in to UT, both have been taking mostly online courses and are hoping to get more on-campus classes once COVID-19 ends. So far they are doing well, and adjusting to college better than expected.
- I have probably made more treks up to Clingman's Dome this year than in previous years. While the Comet and COVID were a part of a few trips up, I've also gone up to watch SpaceX launch a Starlink batch from the Dome one morning! The pictures didn't turn out well, but hopefully I will have plenty of opportunities to see many more as they continue to send up Starlink satellites. I've been to the parking area probably over a dozen times this year, but not to the Dome itself except once. The reason was most of my journeys were at night. Other times were to catch a sunrise. It could make for some exhausting days, but capturing moments like this were worth it:
A sunrise from the Dome Nothing better! - In case you've not noticed, I've ramped up my interest in photography. I've snapped a lot of pics during the pandemic, but most have been less than stellar. I'm still a rank amateur. I've been asked for my Instagram from some others I've run into when snapping the Comet, but I haven't posted a lot of my pics (yet!). Here's a few of my favorites:
- And finally...on top of a Pandemic that's cancelled sports, forced many companies like mine to work from home more, created a fashion statement with masks, and has altered the way we look at the world and how we go about our daily lives, there's also going to be a Presidential election in less than two weeks.No matter who you prefer to be in the Oval Office, go out and vote! Both of my daughters will be participating in their first election this year. Vote early, vote often!
Until next time, whenever that is...
