Except for many wearing masks, our dinner in the North End last night seemed strangely normal, the coronavirus already fading into memory. Despite the chill and rain, the streets and restaurants were full — lines of people waiting patiently to order cannolis at Modern, Mike's, and Bova's, all of us celebrating the May 29 "reopening" of life by Boston and Massachusetts. Businesses no longer have capacity restrictions, and those of us who have been vaccinated don't have to wear masks.

Strange how quickly the fear and caution are disappearing, propelled by the effectiveness of the vaccines, reflected in the falling infection numbers, and the pent-up desire to break the chains that have limited social interaction for over a year. The progress dampening the virus since the vaccines were launched has been remarkable, the timing perfect for Andrea's first return to Boston since she moved to Austin and our first visit since we last saw her in August.