Remember the movie—Bill Murray trapped in an endless loop. February 2nd has come and gone and I can never remember if winter continues, or if spring will come sooner if the groundhog sees its shadow. Regardless, the Covid winter is here to stay.

There are reports of the four vaccine breakthrough cases in Oregon, and in New Zealand, which has been a model country in managing the pandemic, shows a rise in cases. The growing mutations of Covid-19 are worrisome, as is the current thought that the vaccine’s protection fades after 12 weeks.

I can descend further into the darkness when I read that our failed 45th president was impeached, but not convicted.

Alas, a walk along the bay in the morning’s gray light helped me to re-establish my outlook. Much of the still water was frozen. Along the wider part of the bay, 3-inch sheets of ice stacked up on top of one and other because of the action of the tide. On the edge of an open pool sat a half-dozen Canadian geese. Further out were hundreds of ducks, spending the winter here—hooded mergansers, red-breasted mergansers, buffleheads and lesser scaups. Thanks to my efforts to stay in the present, I’ve mastered their names thanks to the Merlin App.

After the cold stomp, I could see the world through my other glasses: I have received both my jabs. Reed is in the next group to get his here in Rhode Island—under 74 and over 65 years of age. Several vaccines have been invented and tested and made available in record time.

We have new leadership in Washington that follows science.

Yesterday in urgent care, I provided answers for someone worried about his ear and someone concerned about a rash. In person visits are happening again. I also checked the weight on a 3-day old infant, and witnessed the miracle of a perfectly formed being that weighed almost six pounds.

So gird your loins as Job reminded us in the Bible and plod on. Focus on the moments and savor what you have. Work for justice in the ways that you are able.

Remember, Shakespeare lived during the bubonic plague, which broke out shortly after his birth and closed theaters off and on during his career. So be creative, maybe you won’t write King Lear, but find clear eyes for seeing the world around you.

Blessings.