As we reviewed our blessings on Thursday, we were beginning to think that a return to “normalcy” might be around the corner with a big Christmas Party here — the first in several years.  Son Charlie has been encouraging us.  Nyel has already arranged for Pam-the-Bartending-Elf to assist. Some specialty food items have been ordered.  We’ve set the date and are considering the parameters — as in boosters required, masks optional, no hugging or smooching. (And with that last one, part of me says, “Why bother?’)

But then yesterday’s news was full of concerns about the newest Covid-19 variant — omicron.  Stock prices were falling, travel restrictions from the U.S. to South Africa and seven other countries are being put into place, and… on and on it goes.  Again.  Black Friday turned into Bleak Friday before our eyes and there wasn’t a word of advice to Sydney and Nyel Stevens concerning “to have or not to have” their gala Christmas party.

So, I put it to you.  Factor in the age and health cards — as in, with one of us almost 86 and the other wheelchair bound, how many more Christmas galas can we muster up?  And factor in the community card — as in, how much more time do we have to put off seeing friends and loved ones, especially those we see far too infrequently as it is?  But… how would any of us feel if even one person got sick after being here — even if it wasn’t a direct connection?

We are pondering.  No.  Actually we are agonizing.  We wonder who would come to Oysterville in any case?  And, we sympathize with the many others who are going through similar torments regarding their own holiday plans.

What to do?  What to do?  I hope the answer isn’t blowin’ in the wind.  We all know how that’s worked out…