On the way home yesterday evening I saw tourists. Quite a few on their worst behavior - no masks, zooming (and NOT Zooming) down the sidewalk faster than is safe, ambling across the street against the light. Why? the Cherry Blossom Festival is in low gear, where it's doing anything, the Park Service is restricting access to the Tidal Basin, a lot of restaurants are only providing outside dining (streateries). However, the Bloom Cam is live (not much to see today - it's gray and raining, but there are cherry blossoms).

I watched my aunt's funeral over the livestream this morning. It was pretty short -- since it's still Passover, a lot of the usual funeral and mourning rituals can't be done. So a very short service -- the rebbe said a few blessings, and then my uncle and cousin each gave a short speech, and then the rebbe said another couple blessings, and then they went to the cemetery, and they couldn't livestream the cemetery part of the service. Because of Covid, the only people who could be there were my uncle and cousin and cousin's girlfriend, and my parents and sister, and the rebbe.

Then I took a nap, and then I had to teach a class, because I hadn't been able to find anyone to cover it. It didn't go great, but I got through it. I only almost cried once.

I think I might contact the person who runs the Jewish community that I'm part of here, and see if she has any suggestions for things I can do locally. In non-Covid times, I'd go to synagogue and say Kaddish for her as soon as Passover was over, but I can't do that now, and I know there are synagogues having services online, but that's not the same.

Timelies all!

Raining here.

I'm sorry, Hil. It must be so hard not to be with your family as you all mourn your aunt.

R got her first vax shot today! I think I'm more excited than she is.

I'm sorry, Hil. I. hope you can find something local to do to remember your aunt.

Hec, I have my fingers crossed that something comes through for Matilda.

I'm having a socially distanced Easter brunch with a couple of friends. The weather should be sunny and in the 70s, so we can sit on my porch and sidewalk and chat, while being far enough away for safety. We've all had our first shots, but I'm waiting until two weeks after our second before doing anything inside. Luckily, spring in NC makes it pretty nice to hang out outside most days.

At my sister's house today. Took her for her 2nd shot today. Not as easy as my side. We were there hours. But done!

I'm sorry, Hil. It is so much harder at a distance.

Sending ~ma for all things to turn Matilda's way.

Many wishes for happiness in your new digs, JenP!

Congratulations on your new place, JenP!

I am a little ascared to try and make Mayo! But maybe tomorrow with my stick blender.

Hil, I hope your local group can help. It seems so hard to be so far away.

Thanks, all!

Sophia, I've made it successfully with a stick blender before. You can do it!