A year ago, Covid shut the country down. At first, it was a little disconcerting. Even though I have long-respected “germs” and viruses, and thus I had plenty of hand sanitizer, the whole mask thing was new.
But, life has been busy for me, which is a good thing. I’ve figured out the Zoom conferencing, and it works great for business and family. We seem to be getting more done. However, I have found that the whole Covid thing either makes people more efficient or less efficient. We still travel to work on-site at the University to fulfill our contracts — science research continues for us. And it’s a good field to be in, energy research. I get to work with great people (my husband and brother-in-law included) as well as some nice people at the California Energy Commission. Here is a quick video testing the pulse-detonation for mixing fuel in the production of gases within the gasification reactor – hydrogen being one of the newer ones that California is embracing: (My brother-in-law and our sub in the video)
That’s the business side of my life. And it takes up a good chunk of my time — applying for grants, fulfilling them, keeping track of all the paperwork and people. I love it.
Next, I’ve been volunteering for the Isaiah Institute. I’m currently in charge of fundraising, which is a bit out of my comfort zone, but we have many good people involved. I’m also moderating a book discussion group with my daughter for the Isaiah Institute as well. All of it is done on Zoom and working out quite well. We’ve been studying Isaiah Decoded by Avraham Gileadi. I love it.
Also, we have a family book group on Zoom with my husband’s side of the family. We first read Next Year in Havana — which is a historical fiction about Cuba. It was interesting and an easy listen (on Audible) — I learned a lot about Cuba’s history and how quickly life changed during the revolution — within days. I chose the next book, one of my favorite authors — Bill Bryson — A Walk in the Woods. He makes me laugh and learn all at the same time. I love it.
We’re also starting a family history Zoom where I will share all the research I’ve dug up on my husband’s side — such as the Metis half breed line from Canada’s Red River Settlement. I’m the gatekeeper and archiver for all the family historical stuff. My dad took lots of photos on slides, and I’m thankful that he did that. I’ve digitized hundreds. On my husband’s side, there’s not too much in the way of photos. We all did our DNA spit tests. Super interesting. I love it.
I’ve got my kids all over the states, and I will up my game on the visits — especially since I have avoided New York for a year. I’m lucky to have five kids and all they bring with them. I have two new granddaughters born this last year. And my mom turned 90 — and she is as busy as ever. Drives, walks, gardens. We all got our vaccinations, so that is going to help. Yes, for any of you anti-vaxers who think I got the mark of the beast — I am on the other side. I did all my research which I love to do — biochemistry and pharmacology were my studies in grad school, so I continue to read the scientific journals. I’m super fascinated by DNA vaccines and mRNA. Sure there are side effects, but this life is full of side effects. That’s life. I love it.
I continue to hike in the snow. Enjoy nature—Breathe the high altitude air and the low altitude air. And be thankful.
Well, I just thought I would share an update. It’s been an interesting last 12 months. I encourage you to write your own blog or book or podcast — it’s an open field. I began publishing this site in 2011. It’s a journey. Follow yours.
