March 16 was the first day I made entries here. That was nine months ago.

The governor had an update about how we're recovering from our fall swell. As a state, we've done a fantastic job of "flattening the curve," but had the same fall swelling that everyone did, with nearly exponential rises after school started again. We were shut-down again in November, and the new cases have since dropped. Not as fast as in the fall, but tending back to our flat levels.

Today the announcement was that with the vaccines starting, and the lessons learned, that the "dials" are being turned again, and that school changes are afoot for mid-January. And some other changes before that.

In the changes before the new year, some cautious suggestions for group gatherings included having 2-3 families, socially distanced and masked, together for the holidays, preferably outside. Outside service for some bars and restaurants is being allowed. Socially distanced and masked use of gyms will be allowed.

Starting 18 January, schools will be allowed to open for some grades with guidelines. Details to be worked out by the schools and their communities, but this could mean the kids could return to school again after winter break (and some transition time in the new year). We're still apprehensive about sending the older, but maybe with the vaccine so close, and with some of the more stringent guidelines in the classroom, it'll be a tip toward that.

Nine months in. Nine months of mostly in our house.

Everyone's healthy.