The first big snow hit our corner of Vermont this week, and we’ve got a couple inches of fresh powder outside as I type this. It’s that time of year when it’s dark well before dinnertime and, on some days, your toes just never get warm. That had me bummed out this morning, but Tori’s squeals of joy every time she looks out the window keep reminding me that it’s almost cross-country ski season again. The bright side and all that.
So here’s what’s good in the world:
The finish line for a COVID-19 vaccine draws ever-nearer, as Pfizer announced that its vaccine is safe and 95 percent effective. The “P” at the beginning of "Pfizer,” on the other hand, is 0 percent effective.
This guy and his two boys are casually delivering 50 cords of firewood, for free, to people in need around Chittenden County, Vt. And probably getting ripped in the process, which is good because it’s not safe to go to the gym right now.
Vermont Republican Governor Phil Scott just absolutely dunked on people who defy guidance to wear masks and socially distance: “They can do what they want. But please don’t call it patriotic or pretend it’s about freedom. Real patriots serve and sacrifice for all, whether they agree with them or not.”
My friend Mr. Joe Emery got some good press this week from VTDigger for the awesome mock elections he holds every two years at the high school where he teaches. I get the privilege of moderating the debate every time, and I almost always end up wishing I could vote for those student candidates instead of some of the real ones on my ballot. Those kids give you hope, and so do teachers like Joe.
I try to steer clear of politics on here, but this just feels like genuinely apolitical good news (unless you’re in the debt collection business, in which case I revel in your bad news without apology) - President-elect Joe Biden is ready to go on national student debt relief.
What is that, five bullet points? I’m exhausted from all this optimism. Have a great week and wear a mask. (That last link is a hilarious video but has some profanity in it, be warned.)
This is another great entry, Taylor! I copied and posted Phil Scott's quote. It's hard to consider that public health has become so politicised but his quote jerks the political rug out from under the anti-mask bullshit. Thank you for another inspirational post!