MISADVENTURES

We set out last night for the new Chinese restaurant in Norfolk. Alas, when we arrived at Asian Cuisine Express, no parking was available, & the line for the drive-thru was backed up beyond the parking lot. So we headed for the Imperial Palace at the Sunset Plaza Mall food court. Alas, there were at least a dozen people waiting in line. We ended up getting pretzel bites at Pretzel Maker. 

Speaking of food, I've developed quite a taste for egg salad sandwiches. I've been buying egg salad at Hy-Vee. [It's delicious!] Lois informs me that we are going to make our own egg salad, since it will be much cheaper.

WHAT WE'RE WATCHING

We're watching our favorite shows on CBS again, along with Heartland [on Netflix], but we also started watching the 2nd season of Virgin River on Netflix. SPOILER ALERT:  There is a river, but not everyone is a virgin.

CHURCH

We started going to church at Grace on Saturday evenings. There aren't as many people, so social distancing is more possible. We're also attending Advent services on Wednesday night; also not very many people. [We miss Advent suppers.] I'm still attending adult Bible class on Sunday mornings, & Lois is still leading her parenting class on Sunday mornings.

MASKS

Norfolk has adopted a mask mandate, which is required for all public gatherings, including churches, stores, restaurants, etc. There's a $25 fine for violations. There are still a few people who don't wear masks at church. I went to The Abbey (our Christian bookstore) to buy a baby card a few days ago. There was a sign on the door saying that masks were required. At Hy-Vee there's a sign on the door saying that masks are strongly recommended. Go figure. Here's what I find interesting. The COVID rate where mask mandates are in place doesn't seem to be any better than places where mask mandates are not in place. Hmmm.

ROAD TRIPS

Last night Lois made reservations for airline flights to California in March. We will be visiting Wanda, her oldest sister, & John, our brother-in-law, who live in Kingsbury. We're hoping to visit Yosemite & Kings Canyon National Parks. We're also hoping to visit Teresa, our niece, & her family. She also lives in Kingsbury, too. We'll also see our newest grand-nieces, Trinity & Mercy (twins), born in September.

Last night Lois showed me information about a train trip from Vancouver to Calgary, which includes the Canadian Rockies. She sold me, so I've added it to my bucket list.

WHAT I'M READING

I mentioned the other day that I started reading "The Patriots:  Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, & the Making of America." It was sounding more & more familiar. Last night I realized that it was because I've read biographies of Hamilton, Jefferson, & Adams. Lois & I also watched a mini-series about John Adams a few years back.