First Post-Vaccination Weekend
Florida opened up vaccinations for all adults on April 5th, and I made an appointment at the Orange County Convention Center for 9:15 A.M. the very same day. They had a drive-thru system so you didn’t even have to get out of your car. The first shot went great, with the only side-effect being a sore arm for a few hours after.
My second appointment was three weeks later on the 26th. Same deal - in & out. The minimal side-effects included waves of minimal body aches and slight waves of hopefulness, with an eagerness to get back to normal life.
Vaccination Card with my masks, mostly for future reference
With my final shot on April 26th, I had two more weeks until I was officially fully clear to re-enter society. That was May 10th, a Monday, so it didn’t count. My 37th birthday was on the 11th and I practiced/drank with the band. Wednesday through Friday were mostly work but that was okay because I had big plans for the weekend.
That Saturday we rented a pontoon boat on Crystal River. Actually more of a bay with some inlets and springs. They also had manatees - a lot of manatees. We cruised along at no-wake speeds and got to swim next to a few sea cows.
After returning the boat, we had a few drinks at the marina bar and made the two-hour drive back to Orlando. Back home the choices were either passing out way too early or powering through until a respectable hour, so I went over to some friends’ apartment for an impromptu dog photoshoot.
After a little magic hour with Elmer the Frenchie, it was back home for a full night’s rest before an early brunch show at the Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center.
We played a solid hour and thirty set (every song we know!), loaded out, and headed over to a bud’s birthday party. Friends hanging out like pre-pandemic times, burgers on the grill, beers being shotgunned, and picture-perfect weather. What more could you ask for?
To top off the entire weekend, my best bud finally invited me over to meet his newborn daughter. Great end to a great weekend which marks the end of my susceptibility to this whole dang mess. I can only hope everyone comes out of this pandemic with a new appreciation for life like I am.
