COVID Corona Vaccine #2, Real Life Lockdown Adventures

Last Monday I received my second COVID Corona Vaccine. Just like with the first one, I went to Ariel, and the care by Kupat Cholim Leumit was great. I arrived over an hour early, and it didn't bother them at all. They took me immediately. 
 

I handed over my card, then it "went through the system," was returned to me, and I was sent to the next clerk who swiped it yet again and sent me off to a nice lady who got ready to vaccinate me.

"Is there anyone who can take my picture?" I asked, hoping the smile showed through my triple-layer mask.

Before I knew it, someone had volunteered, took my phone and snapped a few photos.  I was told that it's good to have proof of shot in case there's a computer glitch.

I hope you like this T-Shirt. It's pretty old, but the message is still relevant:

"THE LAND OF ISRAEL IS NOT FOR SALE!"

ארץ ישראל לא למכירה!

In a few days Gd willing my COVID Corona antibodies should be strong enough to keep me relatively safe.

Recent statistics here in Israel show that a very very very low percentage of those vaccinated are catching the coronavirus.

Here I am with my post shot "smiley." Apparently they ran out of the official "WE'VE BEEN VACCINATED" stickers. I was looking for one and got the 😀 instead.

If you want Gd to keep you healthy, you have to take some steps, make an effort. Gd goes for the "matching funds" principle. That's why I'm strict about masking, keeping my distance from people and get vaccinated.

I’m Not the Boss, I Just Work Here- Book Review

I’m Not the Boss, I Just Work Here by Howard Jonas in an inspiring memoir. Jonas reminds us that we don't really know what's going on in other people and that Gd's in control.

Howard Jonas has made and lost more money than most people would dare imagine, but his successful rollercoaster life has included challenges more powerful than simple money. Jonas has had to conquer clinical depression which he found more challenging than making an international fortune. 

In I’m Not the Boss, I Just Work Here, Jonas tells us how he has survived and thrived with the help of Gd despite clinical depression. Jonas doesn't waste words, and the book reads easily. Yes, I recommend it to all. 

SHEVET Iceman Beer, That Was Good!

SHEVET Iceman Beer is a good classic lager, and it tastes like a lager should. No doubt it was made with enough hops to call to a "cold spiked vegetable soup." That's how I like my beer.

Just the right amount of foamy head, perfect golden brown. SHEVET Iceman is a great classic beer when you're not looking for any unpleasant surprises. I guess I'm still traumatized by the raspberry flavored beer I had at a beer festival. It tasted like medicine hidden in sweetened artificial fruit flavored syrup. Since that nightmare, I make it clear that my beer should taste like beer.

I'll buy SHEVET Iceman again, one of the better of Israeli craft beers.

 

COVID Corona Update: Vaccinated 1 out of 2

Today was the day. I was vaccinated against COVID Corona, or whatever you want to call it.

Although I had chosen 11am for my vaccination appointment in Ariel, a time I could arrive by bus, my friend offered to drive me there. Actually two friends offered, and since I'll need a second vaccine...

As soon as we got near to the Ariel Culture Hall we could see signs all over with the Kupat Cholim Leumit (the sick/health fund I've been a member of for over fifty years) logo, an arrow and the words חיסוני קורונה CHISUNEI CORONA, CORONA VACCINATIONS all over.

I just kept following...

...and following the signs. Yes, I had to walk up the stairs. When I was finished I did notice an elevator, but I try never to go into elevators, since there's no window to open.

Upstairs there were lots of chairs, some people sitting and a few secretaries/clerical staff as you can see. They asked if I had an appointment, and I gave them my card. Then I was told to go into the next room and to show my membership card again.

Then I was assigned to two young people in a curtained off area. I made a big "ceremony" out of taking off my jackets and showing them my specially chosen T-shirt. Jerusalem "Big Blue" Lions football team shirt. I asked the two young people if they knew that there's American football in Israel. They didn't, but the guy said that he loves watching the game. Now he knows to look for us. I have a very different T-shirt planned for the next vaccination.

First the football fan sanitized my upper arm, and then I asked if they also had a photographer. He seemed enthusiastic about taking my picture, so I set up the camera on the phone and handed it over. Then the young woman painlessly jabbed my upper arm while I smiled for the camera.

Now, as the sticker says, I've been vaccinated. And in three weeks I'm supposed to return. A week after that I should be immune for about six months Gd willing. 

Thank Gd here in Israel COVID Corona is considered a national emergency, and vaccines are available for us to be vaccinated.