Sunday we weren’t going to Canada. Monday I cleared the App and tried again and it worked. Carol called the test provider who finally emailed the negative test result. Immediately Carol called and emailed the family in Canada to let them know we were coming. We packed, prepared lunch for the drive and rolled out at noon, which was our original plan. Dinner with her 98 year old aunt and cousins Robbie and Marilyn in Hamilton. Overnight with Marilyn and Tuesday we drove to Toronto where we had a visit with Michael and his daughters – and grand daughter. Then off to Leslie and Harvey where we had a splendid time talking and eating. We spent the night and after breakfast we were off to Rochester, back across the border. 

It all seemed very brief, but it was a wonderful reunion with those we were able to get together with. We missed Mitch who was deep in business and Shelley – Marilyn’s daughter – who also was working. Talk about a whirlwind couple of days. 

Border crossings at the Whirlpool Rapids Bridge were really non events. The Canadian official had to wrap his head around Texas Drivers License, California plates and covid tests from Rochester NY. Then he asked the routine questions and waved us on. Returning to the US was even easier. 

We are filling our calendar with social and cultural events between now and our departure on October 13. We attended a performance of the Rochester Philharmonic last night. Everyone showed proof of vaccination and wore masks. It was the first performance in Kodak  Hall at Eastman Theater in 18 months. The conductor, Andreas Delfs,  was giving his debut performance as Music Director and the young soloist, Benjamin Beilman played Jennifer Higdon’s Violin Concerto, the standing ovation brought him back to play an encore, familiar but I don’t have the name. It was fantastic to be back in the hall and attend a great performance. On October 7 we will be back in the hall for another concert before we leave town.

In the mean time we have tickets for “Vietgone” at Geva Theater and dinner beforehand with Victor and Joyce again. There too we must show proof of vaccination and wear masks to attend. We are prepared to go through the requirements so that we and everyone else can feel safe as we re enter the world after lockdown.

In the next weeks we will be seeking our booster shots to provide us with whatever additional protection is available. Oh and high potency Flu shots as soon as they are available.