Robert and the New School Year

I should have posted this three weeks ago, but, as they say, better late than never! 

Robert recovered from COVID just in time to start school on August 26. It was a big day. Last school year he was home-schooled, because of COVID. I can't say enough about what a marvelous job Kelsey did, keeping him interested and on-or-above grade level. From my perspective, I think it was the most productive school year he's ever had.

The plan all along, however, was to return to in-person schooling when the pandemic allowed it. But a change was in order - a move from Robert's old school, Mayde Creek, to a private school that would provide a more challenging and motivating environment. So, Robert began sixth grade this year at Memorial Private School. Here is his first-day-of-school picture.

Everything is new and different. One obvious difference, as seen in this photo, is that the students at Memorial Private wear uniforms. The school identifies itself as a "strong values, low stress, high outcomes" learning environment. We're hoping that it turns out to be a perfect fit for Robert. So far, he seems to be happy there.

Dan, Robert and I continue to meet together once a week, via Skype, for what I call "Grandma's Bookclub." During our time together we discuss a portion of the book that we are all reading. I've found this to be such a joy! We've talked about so many different topics that probably would never have come up if we hadn't been reading about them. So far we've read the following books: Artemis Fowl, by Eoin Colfer; Where the Red Fern Grows, by Wilson Rawls; The Mysterious Benedict Society, by Trenton Lee Stewart; The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey, by Trenton Lee Stewart and Diane Sudyka; Pax, by Sara Pennypacker and Jon Klassen; and Allies, by Alan Gratz. For this first month of the school year, we are taking a break, still talking on Skype once a week, but not reading a new book. However, beginning in November we will resume our reading. We haven't yet selected our next book.

Finally ... An Evening Out

Between rising COVID numbers and Dan's various health issues of late, our activities have been mostly  limited to life within the four walls of our house. But last night was a reminder of the good things in life that we've been missing. 

We are season ticket holders for the performances of the Temple Symphony Orchestra. Because of COVID, most of the performances this season will not be with the full orchestra (although I'm hoping the Christmas concert will be). The first concert, featuring a string quartet, was scheduled for September 11. It was canceled due to a shoulder injury that prohibited the cellist from performing. Therefore, last evening's concert, featuring Daniel Hsu, 2017 Bronze Medal winner of the Van Cliburn piano competition, was the first to be held. Despite Dan's continuing struggle following his recent day-surgery, we felt the NEED for a night of excellent live music. 

Sadly, but predictably, the auditorium at the Performing Arts Center of the University of Mary Hardin Baylor was not even close to full. So many are still hesitant to be in a crowded situation. The pianist expressed his joy over being able to perform for a live audience, at last. And we, the audience, were blessed, as well, to experience a live performance once again. Mr. Hsu was, indeed, a gifted pianist.

Anticipation! Waiting for the performance

So many empty seats in what would have been a packed house two years ago

 

 

Beautiful, Inside and Out

Kelsey sent me a picture of Clara (September 25), all ready for her first school dance. I'm very proud of her, for so many reasons!

 

Coronavirus (Covid-19) Update October 5

It's been a long time since I updated our COVID-19 status, and a lot has transpired.

After Governor Abbott opened everything up in Texas, the "Delta variant" of the virus hit Bell County with a vengeance. Although most of the serious cases were in unvaccinated people, fully-vaccinated people have also been at risk from this variant. Hospitals once again were reaching capacity, and deaths climbed. 

In August some of our own family, namely Chirs, Kelsey, Clara and Robert, were sufferers of COVID-19. Chris came down with it first, and had it the worst; he was given a monoclonal antibody infusion, for which we were grateful. Kelsey and Robert were next, and, finally, Clara. Sadly, Clara had to miss the first week or so of the new school year as she recovered. We are blessed that everyone has recovered, and none were hospitalized, but Chris did take quite a long time to regain his strength.

Primarily because Dan has been dealing with a "mean" and lingering infection recently (not COVID-related), and will be having a minor day-surgery tomorrow, we have chosen to avoid contact with crowds once again. We have returned to live-streamed church services for the time being. Hopefully, after Dan's procedure tomorrow, we can think about getting out more. 

Things are improving, locally, and today's newspaper reports that local hospitalizations due to COVID-19 have continued to fall, dropping to 12.84% of hospital beds taken up by COVID patients.

COVID has not only caused sickness and death, but is at the center of a lot of public contention. On one extreme are those who feel that everyone should be required by the government to be vaccinated; on the other extreme are the so-called "anti-vaxxers" who believe the vaccine is dangerous and possibly even a government conspiracy scheme. In the middle are those who believe the decision should be left to the individual. Here is a Mallard Fillmore cartoon that was in today's (October 5, 2021) local newspaper, The Temple Daily Telegram. (I tend to be in the Mallard Fillmore camp on this issue.)

For those who took the first two-dose series of Pfizer vaccine, and who are 65 years and older, a booster shot is now available and is being recommended, six months following one's second vaccination. Dan and I have not yet gotten that, although we have recently passed that six-month date. I will be seeing our doctor, in about a month, for a previously scheduled appointment, and will ask her what she recommends.