Where has the Doctora been?

It has been a busy, crazy, stressful, roller coaster lately. So much has been happening that the blog took a back seat for a bit. I’ve got a little bit of breathing space now, so I’m checking back in.

“So what’s up, Doctora?” you might be asking…

Let’s start with the COVID vaccine and Mexico. Just like everywhere else in the world, vaccine availability is not consistent, nor is it without an agenda. Initially, it was looking like we might get our shots before the US figured out its distribution woes. That hope dissipated quickly. In our state in Mexico, our municipality – which houses the state capitol, and has the most seniors, and (I think) the most permanent residents (not tourists) – is the LAST area to receive vaccine. Outlying, poorer areas, and insanely rich tourist areas got all the doses when they started arriving in February. Once vaccine finally got to our municipality in April, the “timeline” said 70+ year olds first, then 60+, then 50+ and so on. They did start with the “super seniors” (70+) and 60+ groups and then it all changed. It now looks like our turn will come in June sometime – maybe. With the influx of tourists who won’t wear masks, lack of enforcement, and beach season gearing up, being unvaccinated here is a dangerous thing.

To speed up our vax schedule, we have planned a trip back to the PNW. This will be multi-functional: vaccination, clean out the garage at our house, figure out what is in storage, and pick up the other car. Planning a flight, as an unvaccinated person who has spent the last year studiously avoiding exposure situations, is stressful. Do I really want/need to do this? What is the TRUE risk level in doing this? How do I minimize the risk as much as possible? Can I be confident that when we get there we can schedule to get vaccinated? The logistics to get stuff done, which relies on us having “no contact” interactions with our renters, friends who helped us empty/organize the house, people at the storage facility, etc. keeps me up at night. Most of them are vaccinated, however we are not, and that means we are at risk. (Yes, vaccinated people can still carry/spread under some circumstances.)

Also happening, the Basha is retiring. This is WONDERFUL and scary. This is a life change that opens a new chapter, and is totally unknown. I think of it like this moment in Indiana Jones

As foreign residents, we have to watch out how long we stay in the US, or risk our expat tax status. I’m hoping that we can get done everything necessary in a reasonable amount of time to make the drive back pleasant. I want to avoid a “Cannonball Run” to the border.

All of this has been “in the works” for a few weeks and has kept me VERY occupied. A couple of happy notes – I managed to get us both scheduled vax appointments for the day after we arrive in the PNW! We have very good friends who are willing to help us figure out all of the “no contact” exchanges. Our renters are letting us drop ship some needed items to them so we will have them when we arrive.

And in Mexico, the sun is shining. The weather is amazing. The sea is enticingly blue. It is hard to stay too wound up. We are fortunate.