Traditionally, Memorial Day Weekend triggers thoughts about summer getaways and/or road trips. I say “traditionally” because those thoughts have been on hold for many these past several years. But now that things have “opened up”, even shut-ins like moi have begun to think about stepping foot outside the Shire once again. Then again…have things truly opened up? I received an email from Seattle & King County Public Health this week that opened with this cautiously optimistic advisory: On May 11, 2023 the Federal Public Health Emergency Declaration for COVID-19 ended. The expiration of the emergency declaration does not mean that the pandemic is over as COVID-19 continues to circulate in our communities and people continue to die from it, especially among those at high risk. The end of emergency declaration reduces the flexibility government agencies have for some COVID-19 efforts. Some good news-according to the Seattle & King County’s “Public Health Insider” blog, vaccinations and boosters remain free across the country…for a limited time: The federal government purchased a large supply of COVID-19 vaccines that is predicted to last through the summer of 2023. COVID-19 vaccines will remain free to all people, even if they don’t have insurance, while the national vaccine supply lasts. After the federal vaccine supply runs out later this year, COVID-19 vaccines will shift to the private market. Like Buckaroo Banzai says, wherever you go-there you are. So the basic tenets remain in place: be proactive, and use common sense. Yes, I know…easier said than done,…