Tuesday brought a triple play of treats â temperatures in the 80s, an announcement of a local staple summer activity returning and more mask restrictions lifted. COVID-19 isnât squarely in the rear-view mirror, but itâs weâre gaining ground toward ânormalcy.â With each bit of positive news, thereâs still some apprehension. We hesitate to become too excited because we became so accustomed to the one-step-forward-two-steps-back happenings of the last year-plus. There are reasons for celebration, though, and much of this has been accomplished through concerted effort and diligence by Kentuckians under the leadership of Gov. Andy Beshear. Granted, a portion of the population has greeted his approach with grumbling and scrutiny throughout the pandemic, but ultimately his cautious, methodical strategy has paid off. He continues to push for widespread vaccination, which is obviously helping thwart the virus.