Best Of

Unfortunately, Sealord is not alone in his comments about freedoms and rights and that is why the US has such a high number of cases and deaths, too many selfish people who think they are better or more entitled than anyone else and another reason other countries hate us and think we deserve our plight. So this is political, please just ignore this post if you don’t like it.
I also expect Tauck to be responsible, I just wish they would hurry up and tell me my April tour is canceled, that’s not unreasonable especially as I am doing what they ask and not calling them every five minutes.

Finally got my vaccine this morning, Pfizer. Our county has taken upon itself to decide to give the second dose at the four week interval because ‘it’s easier for them’ therefore I mentioned I was in a clinical trial since that is not how the FDA approved the vaccine.... I bet they loved me, but the nurse said I was smart to realize. I got complete different instructions to my husband about the second appointment. I was told I would get an email in three days where I could make my next appointment. I said, oh, my husband got an email to say he would get an email the week before to make an appointment, people will get confused. I was also asked to join V safe, they have me the link, it’s to report any side effects to the CDC, the official at the vaccine center said they wanted 100% of people to join it.....it was never mentioned to my husband
But hey, I got my vaccine

I got the moderna vaccine and I go back 4 weeks from today. It was very organized and well done. It did not burn or sting and tonight my arm is a little sore but in my opinion a tetanus shot or pneumonia shot is much worse.

I Get my first shot Monday at 3:45!!!!!! I am so happy!!!!

Those who feel like they get to decide what guidelines they'll follow on a Tauck tour might want to read the new Travel Well Pledge you'll be required to sign. The full document is on the website but here's a pertinent quote.

"I agree to take personal responsibility for my own health and well-being, to practice social distancing in shared spaces, and to follow the instructions of Tauck staff and their supplier partners regarding health protocols. I understand that noncompliance with these measures by myself or my traveling party will result in our party not being able to continue on this Tauck journey."

Rights always come with responsibilities. Personally I've had it with the "but my freedoms" crowd. Why? Because I need knee surgery and won't likely get it until this summer in large part because covid hospitalizations closed down elective surgeries thru Dec and Jan causing a big backlog. If, and it's a big if, our Aug/Sep tour happens I'll either have to do it with a bad knee or a just operated on one. So, someone else's freedom to socialize, ignore guidelines, etc affects my life.

While concern for Tauck is justified, it is not the family nor the company per se we should be concerned about, but all the great TD, many of whom are independent contractors with little or no benefits other that State/Federal benefits. There are a lot of talented, knowledgeable, and wonderful TD's out there with years of experience leading Tauck tours. I would hate to see them forced to leave a job that is obvious one they truly love, to find a job to put food on their table, and possibly never return to Tauck and the travel industry.

Unfortunately, there is almost nothing we can do about the state of affairs and the future, so feel powerless- quite a depressing feeling. We got our first shot, but now new, more transmissible and possibly more dangerous strains are starting to appear. It sure would be nice to get some good news for a change with no strings attached. With that, I'll try to sit back and accept the future as it comes.

Can I get an Amen?