Very common question – have you been vaccinated?  Likely for some, the curiosity is audacious.  But the audacity has its purpose.  Since the trend leans toward striving to move toward a semblance of normalcy, it remains of importance that the pseudo-normalcy infers health precautions and pursuance of safety measures.  Just plain sensible and sensitive.

Admittedly, I find myself audacious – yes, because I tend to inquire of those I’d like to invite to a small gathering for a birthday celebration at home – have you been vaccinated?  Much as I desire more friends to attend, I bear in mind the wellbeing of my guests (and myself included).  But also imperative is the safety of those not yet vaccinated. Those of us who have been administered two doses of the vaccine wisely choose to be considerate of those who haven’t, specifically, not incur the possibility of carrying the virus strain to those not vaccinated (or vice versa as well).

Be it for a gathering indoors or outdoors, the audacious question pops up.

Fresh vegetables from an LA market remind me of what I need to get for the birthday celebration at home (Photo by Matt Rosenburg)

My cousin Monette’s family outing on the mountain slopes of Baao, Camarines Sur, Philippines – don’t we wish for something or more like this? (Photo by Monette Cruz Valencia)

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After our first Pfizer vaccine shot, a Mexican friend, a Japanese friend and I enjoyed a dine-out last month.  Exuberant with that experience having gone through a year of pandemic restrictions and intermittent lockdowns, we decided to schedule meals together once a month, be it at a restaurant or here at home.  Today was our follow-up eating social. Having received both doses of the vaccine, we happily take the privilege of getting together, mindful, however, of continuing to follow safety guidelines when we go out.

Today was a most relaxing respite from my friends’ lab work and my remote work, a Saturday afternoon well spent in just leisurely enjoying spaghetti, salad, garlic bread, ice cream, cookies and a mound of sweet strawberries and grapes. The conversation was most delightful.  Some  catching up after minimal social meet-ups, and a little chat about work  And of course, food as usual emerged as the favored topic while eating.

Enticing fruits leftover from a simple lunch social (Photo by lpj)

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