Friday, November 19, 2021

Sunday Post #428



So this was a good week. I posted Trust Issues Part Five and also a fun Creatures of the Night tag. You know, I see bloggers talking about masking and being careful, not going out much, and I can so relate to that, but then here in real life I see people going everywhere, no masking. It's such a disconnect. Does anyone else have this problem? It's like two different worlds. I live in a conservative area so non- masking is big here- we have signs across from the school exhorting people to unmask the kids- and I just wondered what others think.

Also, for the holidays I've seen bloggers say that they're limiting holiday gatherings if family members are not vacced- what are people doing about holidays?  

This week in walking tours I have a fabulous look at Seoul.   
       

I like the building with the synchronized lighting and the little girl at 15:32 quite pleased with herself for slapping the water. :)  

Song of the week


PULP COVER OF THE WEEK: 


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59 comments:

  1. J.P. AlexanderNovember 19, 2021 at 4:55 PM

    Linda música y genial portada. Ten un buen fin de semana

    ReplyDelete
  2. BiblioSanctumNovember 19, 2021 at 9:47 PM

    I used to feel that disconnect, but not anymore. Just sharing my experience here, but what ultimately helped was stepping away from social media and the news, which was feeding the fear and hysteria, and warping my perspective. At some point you just have to ask yourself, are you doing everything possible to protect yourself and your family? If the answer is yes, then nothing else matters because everything else is outside your control. I am just so over stressing out about shit I can't change, and honestly the moment I accepted that fact, I became a much happier person.

    Anyway, I mostly go around maskless these days, attend large gatherings and group activities, exercise at a gym, eat out at restaurants, simply enjoying life again. The reality is that the virus is here to stay forever, and things need to go back to normal. I've done what I can to take responsibility for my own wellbeing - which is all what any of us can do really - and honestly I feel far healthier these days.

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    1. GregNovember 20, 2021 at 5:21 PM

      You have a great perspective. I agree with you about doing everything you can to protect yourself, and not being able to control things. I guess for me the maskless thing is you can still spread the virus, and still catch it, and in my case I have an unvaccinated mom and I'm afraid she'll catch it. and honestly I have a problem with schools not enforcing masks. I feel like masks are a small price to pay if even some lives are saved, although I agree this thing looks like it's going to be sticking around.

      So...yeah :)

      Delete
  3. Esther @ BiteIntoBooksNovember 20, 2021 at 3:05 AM

    Most of my friends and family are vaccinated. We have health checks everywhere you go, except for grocery stores; Restaurants, sport zones, cinema, and so on.

    The kids in my classroom were tested positive last September, so in my daily life I'm not that scared.

    We do wear masks everywhere except for classrooms.

    We don't have huge Christmas gatherings anyway, so I plan to celebrate just as usual :)

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    Replies
    1. Esther @ BiteIntoBooksNovember 20, 2021 at 3:06 AM

      Oh; just fyi; The health checks and masks are a MUST by order of the Government...

      Delete
    2. GregNovember 20, 2021 at 5:27 PM

      That's interesting. I wish our gov't would mandate masks, at least for a while, although I know plenty disagree. I mean, they wear them in Asia and it doesn't seem to hurt kids' development or whatever. And I admit I've gone maskless. Although I'm wearing them now again- I think we stopped too soon- and that it's temporary?

      Everyone in my family is vaccinated except my mom, and she may be coming around. She has various reasons but wants to be able to live and go out. And I honestly thought things were getting better but I guess the last few weeks have alarmed me.

      Delete
  4. ellieNovember 20, 2021 at 5:58 AM

    Here in the Heartland it is interesting how some places so masked up..like the hospital, etc..and of course, work..but go to the grocery store or even Wal-mart and no one is masked. I have heard even kids with the nerovirus have to stay home 10 days..which is the same when you get COVID. A co-worker who was vaccinated..did get COVID and it came on like a mini-stroke along with a very bad cough. But she's already back to work.

    Thanks for the wonderful videos. Hope you have a great weekend. Thanks for your comment. All the best to your blogging❤

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    1. GregNovember 20, 2021 at 5:36 PM

      Same. You can't step foot in a hospital or some places but others... totally open. Although here in Michigan conservative areas like mine- hardly any masking- other areas (liberal) like Ann Arbor, much more masks.

      There seem to be so many vaccinated people getting Covid! I guess this vaccine prevents the worst but sadly people can still get it. And you are welcome! Thank you for commenting!

      Delete
  5. Samantha@WLABBNovember 20, 2021 at 6:24 AM

    Wore a mask, got vaccinated, sanitized, and I still got covid. I feel like everyone will get it at some point.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. GregNovember 20, 2021 at 5:37 PM

      Lots of people seem to be having that same problem! Too bad this vaccine doesn't actually PREVENT getting sick. I keep wondering if a new vaccine/ approach will arise. :)

      Delete
  6. Królowa KaroNovember 20, 2021 at 7:03 AM

    A difficult time is coming as the pandemic is gaining momentum again. I think the mask will not hurt anyone.

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    Replies
    1. GregNovember 20, 2021 at 5:37 PM

      I think it's going to be a tough winter. And I agree!

      Delete
  7. Roberta R.November 20, 2021 at 7:41 AM

    "It's such a disconnect. Does anyone else have this problem? It's like two different worlds. I live in a conservative area so non- masking is big here- we have signs across from the school exhorting people to unmask the kids- and I just wondered what others think."
    I hear you about the disconnect (also, signs exhorting people to unmask the kids?!? WTF?!?). People are so casual about masks here. They're still required if you enter a closed space, but I don't see the people in charge scolding customers for not wearing them properly. My boss doesn't wear one inside (though I do). I see people enter with their masks on their chin, and of course no one asks them to mask up (it's not my place to do so if my boss doesn't do it himself - so I just try to keep my distance...). Anyhow, I agree with Sam - everybody will probably get Covid at some point (at least until vaccines will get stronger...and unless the virus keeps getting as strong as them). It's only a matter of, how serious? At least with masks (and vaccines) we stand a chance...

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    1. GregNovember 20, 2021 at 5:40 PM

      Right! There are actually signs (and a movement) encouraging people tofight the masks, and unmask the kids. Bonkers. Masks are the same here- very loose- and honestly I stopped wearing one for a while but things are bad and I've started again.

      Delete
  8. WendyW November 20, 2021 at 8:13 AM

    I have a small family, and we're all vaccinated, so it's not really an issue with me. I'm going to Vegas for Thanksgiving, but, I'll just be hanging with friends and family. We always mask up too.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. GregNovember 20, 2021 at 5:41 PM

      It's good when everyone is vaccinated. Most of my family is too. I worry though about so many not masking and dragging this out. It's sooo contagious!

      Delete
  9. Lark November 20, 2021 at 9:19 AM

    The 'city' where I live is pretty conservative, but I actually see a lot of masks being worn at the grocery store and library here. It's at my job (an elementary school, no less!) where no one seems to care about wearing a mask. I don't get it.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. GregNovember 20, 2021 at 5:42 PM

      It's very low here but maybe it'll go the other way. I don't get the schools either. K to 6 is mandatory, the high school is optional, but it's clear the administration is pretty anti mask.

      Delete
  10. Mary KirklandNovember 20, 2021 at 10:40 AM

    I haven't seen many people in my area wearing masks. My daughter said the store she works at has a policy that you can wear a mask if you want to but don't have to and they are not allowed to ask customers to wear one. It's crazy.

    ReplyDelete
  11. QuinleyNovember 20, 2021 at 2:30 PM

    People aren't masking a lot (or at all) in my area, it's really concerning because sometimes I am somewhere (a grocery store, public place) I am the only one masking.
    -Quinley

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    Replies
    1. GregNovember 20, 2021 at 5:43 PM

      Same. I worry because people are just going around like everything is okay.

      Delete
  12. LoriNovember 20, 2021 at 4:05 PM

    I just bought a bunch of new masks. I see the disconnect, and I get the social fatigue that extroverts are experiencing. I mean, I understand that it’s a thing—I don’t actually understand it. I could happily live in an underground bunker, alone except for my animals and maybe one or two people. I need Internet, groceries, books, music and an abundance of silence. So, all the people who are going back to bars and clubs and Disney World…I mean, good on them. I’ll just be over here by myself. :)

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  13. Katherine PNovember 20, 2021 at 8:33 PM

    I've noticed that if I got to the grocery store or target during the week most people have masks on but if it's during the weekend basically no one is. I'm not quite sure what that's about. We are pretty careful and everyone I know is vaccinated and mostly working from home so we are relaxing a little. We are getting together for Thanksgiving on Thursday with my family and on Friday with my husband's and it will be nice to see everyone and then I'll go back into seclusion! Have a great week!

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  14. RecomenzarNovember 21, 2021 at 12:36 AM

    I am vaccinated here in Miami, most of it is not since they are Trump's people. Thanks for your comments on my blog
    Cheers

    ReplyDelete
  15. Teresa Isabel SilvaNovember 21, 2021 at 3:49 AM

    Gret Post!

    Have a great Sunday!

    Bjxxx
    Ontem é só Memória | Facebook | Instagram | Youtube

    ReplyDelete
  16. Laurel-Rain SnowNovember 21, 2021 at 6:23 AM

    I have gone to restaurants where nobody was wearing masks, and that made me nervous. Especially crowded ones. I am stepping back a bit. My Thanksgiving will be with vaccinated friends.

    Enjoy your week!

    ReplyDelete
  17. AngelaNovember 21, 2021 at 6:38 AM

    I don't go out much, but my husband says he sees lots of people not wearing masks in stores and stuff. Our holidays will be pretty small.

    ReplyDelete
  18. shelleyrae @ book'd outNovember 21, 2021 at 6:47 AM

    I thankfully don’t have any unvaccinated family.
    Only one of my friends has fallen down the rabbit hole and we are mutually avoiding each other.
    My region currently has a 94% vaccination rate for 16+. Masks in enclosed public buildings, businesses, stores, schools etc are still govt. mandated here for anyone aged 12+ or they can be subject to large fines. I hate wearing a mask but I will until numbers are near zero, even if the mandate is dropped, for both me & my community.

    ReplyDelete
  19. InkvotaryNovember 21, 2021 at 8:06 AM

    Hi Greg, here in Germany we still have the order by law that a wearing a mask is required whenever I go into a building. No matter if it is the library or the supermarket. We are also asked by the government to disinfect our hands the moment we enter a building or restaurant and that we keep the 2 m distance to others. And yes, I also see people who don´t do as asked. I see others at the supermarket who don´t disinfect their hands, or don´t wear their mask correct. I then always ask them to put their mask on correctly. Of course, one or the other grumbles at me, but I don't care. Kids have to do every morning a rapid test at home and the schools trust that the parents sign the correct result on the paper, the kids have to take to school each day. Trust is here the key. Because if one kid has a positive test result in the morning, the parents have to call school and tell it. And masks are again mandatory for kids at school. No discussion about it. Yes, kids don´t like it, but they wear it. But what I also see is that a lot of people are tired of the pandemic, that they have gotten used to the virus and are simply not in the mood to do what is necessary (getting vaccinated) so that we can go back to normal life. But I also must say, that getting vaccinated has never been as easy here in Germany as it was in Israel, Spain or the UK. In Spain you received a text on your cell, when to go where for your first shot, and second. In Germany things got handled completely different.

    ReplyDelete
  20. R's RueNovember 21, 2021 at 8:20 AM

    Holiday will be small this year.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Beware Of The ReaderNovember 21, 2021 at 8:44 AM

    Well Greg I talked about that with a neighbor yesterday, about wearing mask and all. I told him that every blogger I talked to in the USwas pro mask and pro vaccine and was...against Trump. Either I have the blogger friends I deserve, either bloggers are educated people, open to the outside world hence making their own opinion rather than swallowing all that their family, neighbors etc are telling. That indeed gives me a disconnect with what I see from the US on TV (fight against mask and vaccine) and what I read every week on the various blogs.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Rachel @Waves of FictionNovember 21, 2021 at 9:29 AM

    We have a state mask mandate in California, so we have to mask if we're indoors, but I live in a pocket of conservatives and I always see a bunch of drama on Instagram about fighting the masking and vaccine mandates since I follow the our local feed. I'm about to unfollow it. It's annoying.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Lover Of RomanceNovember 21, 2021 at 10:05 AM

    I see a mix here in my state, I think if you are vaccinated you don't need to fear too much. Of course I have had covid and it wasn't much to worry about (personally I am more scared of driving my car haha) But I do think its important to be accountable. I only mask if I am in a closed space with lots of people around. But I am rarely in a place where I am close to people like that and I am vaccinated so I don't worry about it. I am more of a live and let live type of person. If ppl want to risk themselves, its up to them. I am OCD about my hygiene, I social distance and if thats not possible I mask. But I don't worry about other people's decisions, I don't need that stress on my mental health. I do think some people take masking too seriously, like its a virtue signaling which is not a healthy behavior either. Extremes on this issue is not healthy, I am in the moderate/middle view of it.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Jinjer-The Intrepid AngelenoNovember 21, 2021 at 11:05 AM

    I'm an L.A. girl, stuck in conservative Arkansas so, I'm masking and they are not. What can you do? Sigh.

    Luckily, the home health workers who are now coming to the house for my 94-yo mom ARE masked and both mom and I have had 2 out of 3 shots.

    I don't really go anywhere except to pick stuff up and we have no family to gather, so, hopefully we will both make it through unscathed. lol

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  25. CindyNovember 21, 2021 at 11:30 AM

    I think this year is easier than last year. Last year I feel like there were a lot more unknowns with Covid, and while it is unfortunately not gone, it has divided the country. We will be gathering with family for the holidays (as long as no one is sick), we are all vaccinated, but we have known people who have died from it, healthy people. I still wear a mask when I am in close contact with people, my health dictates that, the rest of my family does not because their immune systems are healthier. Everyone needs to do what's best for them and not worry so much what others think. There are lots of times I get looks for being the only person wearing a mask, but I don't care. I have to take care of me so I can take care of my family.

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  26. StormiNovember 21, 2021 at 11:58 AM

    I guess I would get along with your conservative town as I have rarely worn a mask. Here it's the other way around we think it's weird to see people wearing a mask into a place to eat, it's not like they can eat with it on. Yes, I live in conservative Missouri. :) The small town that I live in or the one we frequent have never been hard core on masking even last year. I just figure to each their own and you do you. We are having our family gathering as we did last year. And I am not vacinated and I know some of my family is and some isn't.

    Have a great week and happy reading!
    Stormi
    Week in Review

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  27. YvonneNovember 21, 2021 at 2:59 PM

    I live in a conservative area, too, but I do see many people with masks. OTOH, there are also many who don't wear them. I see bloggers taking it more seriously than people in "real life". It's weird.

    Happy Thanksgiving!

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  28. Shooting Stars MagNovember 21, 2021 at 4:40 PM

    I have to wear a mask where I work as it's at a school. Thankfully most people I'm around on a regular basis are vaccinated though!

    Lauren @ www.shootingstarsmag.net

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  29. Billy BurgessNovember 21, 2021 at 4:56 PM

    People don't wear masks in my area. Well, at least the ones I see in the stores don't. I receive weird looks from strangers when I wear a mask.

    ReplyDelete
  30. NorthwomanNovember 21, 2021 at 6:57 PM

    Well we do like you said. We are fully vaccinated and boosted. We stay home mostly, I get curbsaide or Instacart. When I do go out I wear a mask. I had canceled Instacart but my credit card paid for the express fee until April so I am doing it a bit. So many people have curbside now, that works just as well and you don't have the higher prices and tips as you do with Instacart. But when we go out we wear masks. Most of our trips out are to medical appts for my daughter and they require the masks and everyone is wearing them. Occasionally I was going to a grocery store or to pick up takeout and it's half / half even when the store says they require masks. For both Thanksgiving and Christmas, it will just be my daughter and I at home. But in between, we do plan to go to Florida to visit my Mom who we haven't seen for 2 years. Also my brother and some of his family, but everyone is vaccinated. We plan to visit 2 outdoor things - the zoo and a park with a bell tower. a campanile if you have heard of those. There was one on the campus of the college I attended and we had a great player during that time.

    I hope you have a great holiday and are safe and well.

    Anne - Books of My Heart This is my Sunday Post




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  31. Kathryn TNovember 21, 2021 at 8:29 PM

    Greg we have just cancelled our extended family Christmas party for mid December. We are very cautious as a family I think. My area masks up to go shopping etc but we don't have much Covid yet but expecting it soon when they open the worst part of the country up to the rest of us. So interesting to see what you are all doing.
    Some of my fellow country people are like your conservatives.

    ReplyDelete
  32. MargNovember 22, 2021 at 12:37 AM

    I find it difficult to keep up with the rules here. I think that we currently have to use them wherever it is not possible to maintain social distancing. Supermarkets, public transport and primary schools are three places where you have to, but it will change again in a couple of weeks of time.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Aj @ Read All The Things!November 22, 2021 at 5:51 AM

    I went to Target yesterday, and the only people I saw wearing masks were me, the employees, and 1 little kid. The kid's parents weren't wearing masks. I feel like masks and vaccines were always a losing battle around here. The people in my town have always made it clear that they'd rather kill their neighbor than inconvenience themselves.

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  34. SJNovember 22, 2021 at 5:53 AM

    I find that I'm just going with flow where masks are concerned. I'm vaccinated as are my hubby and kids. I wear a mask when dealing with customers at work, but not so much with co-workers unless they want me too. I wear one at places it's required but I don't know... I guess I figure it's like the flu here to stay and if I'm going to get it then I'm going to get it. I just need to do my best to keep myself and family healthy. Hope you have a great week.

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  35. Deb Nance at ReaderbuzzNovember 22, 2021 at 6:03 AM

    We gathered for an outdoor early Thanksgiving with family last weekend, and we've turned down all the big gatherings planned.

    I wear a mask when I go indoors with others.

    ReplyDelete
  36. The Fantasy PrincessNovember 22, 2021 at 6:25 AM

    It seems like no one around here wears a mask but I still do. I also continue to stay home as much as possible. My family doesn't get together for the holidays anymore so it will just be me and my parents like any other day. Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Tanya @ Girl Plus BooksNovember 22, 2021 at 6:57 AM

    I totally feel the disconnect. Even fully vaccinated (plus a booster shot now), I am still quite cautious about possible exposure. I keep my distance, I wear a mask any time I have to go into a store, and we don't eat in restaurants. But when I do have to go out it's obvious I'm in the minority. Maybe 10% are masked... if that.

    As for Thanksgiving, I have hosted the last couple years. Last year it was just me, my husband, and my mother. This year everyone is gathering but all must be vaccinated. It's the price of admission. I'm waiting to hear if my sister's MIL is vaxxed. If she's not, she can't come here. I have no problem standing my ground on this one.

    ReplyDelete
  38. KarenNovember 22, 2021 at 8:57 AM

    It's weird. I live between two areas - one moderate/leaning conservative and they tend to wear masks but pull them down once inside or argue. but then I have very liberal Portland, OR, Vancouver WA on the other side and most small restaurants (not the chains) require vax and masking and everyone is fine with it.

    I'm getting my booster next week. I go places but try to stay outside but it's been 8 months since my 2nd and Kevin is vaca - more people are out so...

    Karen @For What It's Worth

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  39. Kathy MartinNovember 22, 2021 at 9:18 AM

    I'm still not going out much except to the grocery store. It looks like about half the people are masked where I shop. I will wear mine for a while yet as cases in my county are still rising. Come see my week here. Happy reading!

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  40. Suzanne @ The Bookish LibraNovember 22, 2021 at 4:52 PM

    Same disconnect here. My husband and I went to Home Depot last night and the only ones wearing masks were us, the store employees, and an one elder couple. Everyone else mask-free and not distancing even though we still have plenty of COVID cases around here.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Emma at Words And Peace / France Book ToursNovember 22, 2021 at 6:45 PM

    I'm curious about After the Rain. Makes me think of the excellent scifi by Stephen Baxter called Flood. Highly recommended.
    I live in a Chicago suburb. Since the beginning of Covid, I haven't been back to a grocery store yet. Obviously to no other shop either. I only go to church, and we ALL wear a mask. And yes, I am fully vaccinated (not the booster yet, but soon).

    ReplyDelete
  42. the bookwormNovember 23, 2021 at 5:03 AM

    I know, it's strange how some people act like there is no virus or like wearing a simple mask is going against their rights. It's definitely been an eye opener for me with close friends and family in seeing who decided to get vaxxed and who is against it. Those anti vax signs crack me up, one of my neighbors has a huge sign that says Joe Biden is not my President. ha!

    After seeing the ambience clips on your blog I have them playing in the background often now at home on my tv while I read.

    Happy Thanksgiving this week!

    ReplyDelete
  43. jessicabookwormNovember 23, 2021 at 9:22 AM

    Glad to hear you have a good, productive blogging week, Greg. However I am sorry to hear you are little worried/confused about the mask situation where you are. I must admit I don't wear a mask anymore, accept for medical settings, but then I have my two jabs, so has everyone I know and so has the vast majority of people in the UK. At the end of the day you need to do what you are comfortable with.

    Take care and happy reading. 🙂

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  44. BlodeueddNovember 23, 2021 at 12:40 PM

    NOn masked people are scary, like wtf, just wear a mask. But people are starting to drop them now

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  45. Louise HNovember 23, 2021 at 1:35 PM

    We are all vaccinated to the hilt - and booster-ed too - so are planning on getting together as a family. Masks are not compulsory at the moment in the UK (other than in medical settings) but I'm hoping they make them compulsory everywhere soon as numbers are going up in the rest of Europe and we always seem to be a week or two behind.

    ReplyDelete
  46. S. J. Pajonas (spajonas)November 23, 2021 at 3:08 PM

    I feel you on the disconnect. I have a lot of that here too, though there's still a lot of masking and I shop in stores while masked. I think I will for at least a few more months.

    ReplyDelete
  47. La La in the LibraryNovember 25, 2021 at 6:48 PM

    Again, I went to one of the YouTube links and forgot to come back! 😏

    I love the cover for After the Rain..👏👏👏

    We are still masking and distancing. I don't leave the house unless it's to walk around the neighborhood, I don't go inside anywhere. I keep forgetting to ask Sebastian about whether the customers in Big Lots are still masking at all. Last time I asked it was only about 50% and I'm sure it's worse now. 😒

    I hope you had a great week, and a happy Thanksgiving! 🥧✨

    ReplyDelete

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