Hi CriticalMass
Happy you went to the service and hope it gave all there some inner peace.

I got that H1N1 in "09 the flu wasn't so bad for me but it left me with a sinus infection. :p

I'm sure a lot of our lives were shaped by the Spanish flu.

I looked at the apple sauce on the shelves today and thought of you.
Glad you have yours.

How about taking short power naps to prevent grouchiness?
They refresh without resting you up so much sleeping at night is hard.

WAY TO GO! for getting to treat the bunnies and getting snuggles. :D

Decided to go on a little adventure today since it's just taking precautions in my area, not a hot spot, yet.

Went into town to WallyWorld.
Did not bother with bringing my shopping list.
I know what items I need or need more of.
Just walked down each aisle seeing what's there.

Still enough cat food on the shelf but some varieties/sizes are missing.
Bought the cats some more canned pate' and 16 pound bag of cereal.

Wanted some more bismuth tablets but there are no over the counter remedies at all there.

There were plenty of items in the gardening area.
Bought some wasp attractant for the trap and some ant bait.

Now why on earth are people hoarding sour cream???
Bought a jug of almond milk.

All and every single egg was gone but there was plenty of butter.

Only the expensive fancy bottles of water available.

Paper products? Not a snow balls chance in Heck.

Alcoholic beverages were pretty picked over, but I don't drink it anyways.

Potato/tortilla chips gone, Easter candy still going strong.

Canned fruits and veggies non existent but for a few unpopular choices.

Not a single grain of rice or dried beans/legumes.
No pasta.

The tea shelves pretty picked over.

Bread/tortillas, hope you can go without.
Flour and sugar all missing.

There was some nice fresh produce, decent prices but not all the usuals available.

Plenty of baked goods from their bakery, actually too many, must not be something needing to be hoarded.

The laundry, dish washing, household cleaners, bleach, disinfectants totally wiped out.

The frozen food was well stocked.
Got some mixed veggies, ice cream and breaded chicken.

Fresh meat was being restocked as I was there so I bought 3 pounds of hamburger and a polish sausage.

Bought Jello since I was all out & they had it.

The store sections with electronics, clothes, etc. were empty of customers.

The customers in the store were like me, buying what we could find/use, making changes/substitutions and buying items to "make do" for the time being.
We were all being level headed and disgusted with the people who selfishly took ALL the things for themselves before we got to the store.

I think the Spanish flu got more attention when the book Flu was published in 1999, and then with the H1N1 outbreak that happened in 2009.

My roommate had it in '09. We had just become friends via the bunny club sometime that year. I delivered groceries to her while she was home.

My mom had told me about how her mother had a first husband who died from the Spanish flu, then my grandma met my grandpa, a returned WWI soldier. Otherwise neither my mom nor I would've existed. Strange to think about.

Church was better attended than I would've expected but there was still ample room for people to have space between.

We went to Walmart after. I found my applesauce and bananas just in case. But my tummy seems calm today. We got some lettuce and parsley and took it to the bunny house, talked awhile and snuggled bunnies.

I checked with the daughter of my older lady about sitting - thus week is still on, but extra times the following week aren't; the daughter's work trip to NYC was cancelled.

Just chilling otherwise, may nap a bit. Will really try to resist another late night though. The naps may be feeding the wacky sleep cycle, yet I don't want to not rest and then be grouchy.

In for the long haul...

Granma's Mother (my Great GrandMother) Selema was pure blood Ojibwa.
She lived in Canada and spoke French too.
My Grandma was her oldest child and then Selema also had a son.
They were all quite young.
Selema then delivered another Daughter.
And almost immediately after, she succumbed to the Spanish influenza.
My Great Grand Father gave the infant baby girl to another family to raise and he did his best to raise the other two children alone.
They lived out in the countryside with a kitchen garden and raised livestock.
They had no electricity or indoor plumbing just like everybody else back then.
Horse and wagon trips into town annually for supplies.
Granma's stories of her childhood were even better than reading Laura Ingles Wilder.

I have now owned Selema's kerosene lamps and a few other things for over 50 years.

Back in 1918 news traveled very slowly.
Sanitation and medicine were not as advanced as they are now.
Most all people today understand basic science.
Together the world can do better.
I believe in us. (((HUGS)))

Good Morning Everybody

Hi Subclinical
Thanks so much for the laundry sheet review.

Those are some very good preventative measures being taken in your areas.

Glad you got to the store and were able to get all you need.
This week I also need to do one of my regular bi-weekly shopping trips and my cart will be full.
Last time I passed on getting much, wanted to leave stock for the people who were visibly scared.

Have a most wonderful stay at home Spring break. ;D


Hi CriticalMass
You and Roommate have a peaceful time today at church.

Send your wet weather this way so you can get some outdoor sunshine and soak up that vitamin D.

About following the news...
We are all in a day by day scenario now.
So please try to limit news watching to just once a day.
Know what's happening in your area.
Watching too much news can be stressful and cause unnecessary worry. (((HUG)))

Hope you find bunny greens and get to enjoy visiting those bunnies. :D

And next up on the play list is the latest hit by the new & up coming band "Zombie Olives"!


Still not a single drop of rain here. :(
The winds have died down but now all the crap I had raked out of the yard/garden area is all back and even worse than before I raked it.
Oh well, such is life...

Thick layer of dust/dirt covers everything in the house now too.
More than enough stuff to keep me busy while I shelter here in place. ;p

Zombie Olives would be a good name for a rock band, Tillie. :D

My roommate looked online to find Baptist churches that weren't closed but had no luck, so she's going to come with me. I will feel calmer driving. A Facebook friend posted a pic of downtown last night. Looked like a ghost town.

Later we will get a miscellaneous item or two and see if we can find greens to take across town to the bunny shelter.

It's hard for me at nights with all this stuff happening to get off the Internet till the wee hours. Whether that's checking news, checking on friends, or looking for cat memes to lighten my mood. So another nap may happen today.

I need to call my elderly lady's daughter. She works for a childcare nonprofit so it's possible that may be closed and she'd be with her mother next week. If so, it'd be better if I didn't bring another set of germs into their home.

Things just change rapidly. It is fragmenting to my already fragmented brain. Thankful for my faith, friends, and animals, nature (supposed to get sun by Friday anyway, wet till then). Maybe I can settle into a creative project. Or something.

Take care all.

Forgot my laundry review.

I bought the TruEarth sheets from amazon because I have prime. They were shipped in a box that was too big with brown paper filler, however both would be recyclable if I didn't actually need to reuse them in my classroom to send work home.

The full, oversized top loading washer load of heavily soiled laundry came out beautifully with one strip. I put the strip in and let it dissolve (washer was about three inches deep when it was gone) before loading the laundry.

Good morning.

Tatoulia, I hope things are feeling better for you this morning. I know it is hard for you to be separated from your mom. Hopefully it will not be too long, and it is very important to keep her and all of her friends safe.

I went to my pottery class yesterday. Everyone showed up except a father and daughter pair. The father lives in an assisted living community, and the daughter was told that she can pick him up, but if she does, she cannot bring him back.

They are cleaning and cleaning the studio. There are disinfectant wipes next to every piece of equipment with a handle, the dirty towel hamper is being moved to the warehouse area every hour and replaced with an empty one, and the washing machine is running constantly. Wheels are being wiped down with disinfectant between students. Paintbrushes are being tossed into soapy water immediately after use, Everyone is asked to wash hands on arrival, doorknobs are being cleaned hourly and bathrooms 3x a day.

There were fewer people than usual and a younger crowd - but that might just be because it was Saturday. Traffic was no different than usual.

After class I went to the grocery store. I felt silly because I was doing a "stock up" shop - but it was because I don't want to have to go to the grocery store when I don't have to go out anyway - my normal spring break behavior. Also, the expensive vegetable noodles I like were on sale, I want to do some baking, and we were out of some things I normally buy in bulk. My cart was as full as it used to be when the kids lived at home.

It was not at all crowded, probably the most empty I have seen that particular store ever. Many many shelves were empty, but the only things I wanted and couldn't get were canned black beans and plain diced tomatoes. I bought pintos and tomatoes with jalapeños instead 2 cans of each. (for most dishes I add heat to tomatoes anyway.) I also had to buy name brand instead of store brand of a couple of items, and I thought about getting some canned pineapple, but didn't because the name brand was all they had and it was quite a bit more expensive.

Tomorrow or Tuesday or Wednesday I have to go to the feed store. I will buy extra there too. Then I will just be at home and at the studio for my class as long as they keep it open. Maybe a trip or two to my empty classroom. That's it - my whole three weeks! It's an introvert's dream.

CM, If you go out to Mass and the streets are empty, remind yourself that all of those people are staying home to keep other people safe. They know how much you hate driving and are keeping the roads clear for you. :)

Tatoulia, the bathroom chandelier sounds delightful. And Tillie, you inspired me - I have not had a bubble bath for a long time. Must add that to the vacation schedule!

Everyone try not to worry and look at this as our chance to stay home and nest with fewer demands on our time.

Hi CriticalMass
Good to hear from you :)

Times like these bring out people's true characters.
Many people are kind and caring and it shows.
Some others show just how cold and uncaring they are but all the good ones shine brightest.

I feel confident that the grocery store shortages will end soon.
The panic hoarders will get their homes stuffed full, spend all their money and have to leave the restocked merchandise on the shelves for the rest of us to get what we need.
The food and toilet paper industries have plenty of inventory so don't worry.

Yes, on the drive to Sunday church keep the radio off and SING like an Italian! ;D

YEA! for getting some rest this afternoon even with the chain sawing going on.

I don't think Steven will ever eat any of his canned food stash. I think he hoards not for consumption but for quantity of stuff.
He once had a very large jar of olives sitting around for years.
I held it up so he could see all those little black olives in that jar and asked him to toss it.
He said the olives looked perfectly fine to him, then I reminded him that they used to be green.
I won, he let them go! ;/

I guess they were zombie olives LOL

Checking in

Tatoulia, I hope the xanax script came; I wish I could text you some of mine... it sounds like you are doing better, I hope so. Many prayers and good thoughts and bunny hugs. You might Google techniques on how to stop an attack. I've found a few hacks that way. Like the 5 senses trick, and this article has a section on using ice packs that sounds good:

How To Stop a Panic Attack

SubC, I would love it if working from home became more of a thing in this country - I might be able to get work that'd help me climb out of the hole.

It would also be wonderful if people became more kind and reflective in this adversity. With some types, I don't hold my breath, and even good people quickly forget once a crisis passes. Still, one must have optimism.

Here is probably about the same as anywhere. Roommate and I did breakfast at McDonald's, then went to the grocery store. It was different all right. Employees not in uniform, probably called in on their day off. Pallets and pallet jacks here and there. Empty shelves and thinned out shelves.

Not easy to focus, disconcerting and disorienting especially for my first outing after Thursday. I didn't need many items though. Wish I'd remembered applesauce. I'm working on preventing tummy upset from antibiotics. I got some more probiotics, some rice - also should get bananas, for the "BRAT Diet." There may not be any bananas... I'll check tomorrow.

It is not a good atmosphere for those of us with anxiety. All KS Catholic dioceses now have basically the same policy for Mass attendance being optional. I still want to go, and hope the streets aren't deserted and that I don't start THINKING too much as I drive. And I best not even take that thought any further. Pretend it's just another Sunday. But maybe not have the radio on - sing like the Italians instead... singing is good.

Tillie - please stay safe and healthy. I pray Steven doesn't bring home any germs that will harm either of you. Wish he'd ditch the scary foods, but maybe he will at least think he mustn't open them just yet because the zombies aren't right at the gate? Whatever works. Stay strong.

I had a nap this afternoon, and although the neighbor behind chose today to take chainsaw to large tree, still I managed to get needed rest. We are in a rainy stage. I'll check in tomorrow.

Ooooo lavender lotion sounds relaxing & soothing.

So nice you got in to see her twice today.

Remember anything should be wiped off before she handles it.
The virus can stay active on surfaces, even on cardboard.
Things in shops and stores are placed on shelves by people/employees and we don't know if they are free of virus.
Don't fret, just a bit of a wipe down.
This is so great that you can deliver to her whatever she needs, she will not go without! :D

That is going to be so beautiful, a chandelier in the bathroom.
Great mood lighting for bubble baths. :D

That is good news about BF's plans.
It's a relief.

WAY TO GO! for making it just in time to make that return! ;D

Watch movies that are light hearted and uplifting.
Movies that make you smile.
Get some good restful sleep on those fresh clean sheets.
(((((HUGS)))))


The wind blew a 4 foot by 4 foot tumbleweed up against the front gate where it tried to get into the yard for hours.
Then the wind shifted direction and that tumbleweed mosied on down the road.
YEA!!! ;D LOL

Tillie I loved hearing about your sunsets. I bet they are magnificent.

Thank you for the long, loving post. I am grateful that mom will be safe. She no longer has an iPad or a computer or a cell phone. She cannot see well enough to use any of those things. But we will figure it out. I take great comfort in knowing that she has an aide. She has plenty of cat food and litter, water, peanut butter and jelly. Only one loaf of bread but if I can find some tomorrow, I'll drop it off for her. Her place is encouraging family members to have two week supplies for their resident. They let me go into her apt twice today, so that was a relief.

Bf says he's not worried at all. He just heard that the university is making the kids leave-originally they were allowed to stay. So if his business drops off significantly, he will change his hours in order to give him a bit of a vacation.

I got to Lord and Taylor just in time! They've reduced their hours and I returned the undergarment.

The chandelier is very small and very pretty. It will hang in my bathroom. So pretty.

Okay I've showered, I have clean sheets, and I'm going to put on some lavender lotion before I figure out what to watch.

Thank you, Tillie, for pulling me together.

Hi Tatoulia :)

Does your Mom have a phone where you can chat face to face?
If you could see and hear her I think that would help.

It is a great relief to me that she is being sheltered in place and protected.

ROKU is the most FANTASTIC remedy for anxiety and claustrophobia.
Right now I am watching "Stand By Me" on VUDU.
Next I will watch "Misery".

The wind is raging too hard with blowing dust/dirt and tumbleweeds to go outside.

What room will the chandelier go in?
Fantastic getting it at the deeply reduced price!

That's so sweet of you to make care packages for neighbors. (((hug)))

So sad but also hopeful that BF's work is not too badly impacted.
The whole world is headed into a standstill.
But it's the only way to get a handle on the virus spread.

Hope you have your Xanax and calm down.
Eat comfort foods, I have been.
Wish all those around you would settle down too.
No need for toilet paper hoarding, no need for panic.
Right now we all just have to sit tight and wait as this all plays out.
Take all our precautions, pray and accept it is what it is.

Stop watching the news.
You already know how things are in your own home town.
The news does tend to be overly dramatic to get more views.

GET OUT AND TAKE A WALK.
Breathe the fresh outdoor air.
It is still safe to do that.

Make sure to drink plenty of water, get lots of sleep.
Make sure you get enough vitamins daily since worry tends to deplete them.

Find out if any favorite restaurants are doing takeaway/carryout meals.

Spend lots of quality time snuggled with Miss Kitty.

Turn on some music and sing out loud.
Did you listen to the quarantined people singing from their balconies in Italy?
It is magical to hear. :D

Look for every silver lining, rejoice in every flower bud and bird.
Enjoy the squirrel antics.
The sunrises and sunsets here have been like a religious experience.
OK, that's because all the dust in the air make them super colorful and majestic.

Remember that all this will pass.
These are trying times but you are strong enough to come through them.
We are all holding you tight Sweetheart.

Love, Tillie (((((HUGS)))))

CM I am so grateful to learn that you made it through the dentist appointment okay! Was thinking about you.

SubC I am eager to hear your thoughts about the laundry sheets! I ended up buying a full year's worth and I'm so glad I did! Awaiting your review!

Tillie thank you for being you. You are so great.

I had yesterday off and slept in a bit, then went to the consignment store to spend my birthday $ and I bought the chandelier I'd been eyeing. I walked around the shop and spent a great deal of time there. My two favorites were working so it was great fun. I was even texting with my artist/designer friend and she was enjoying being a small part of the process! If previously sent to get pictures of the chandelier. I was waiting for the price to go down and even though it wasn't in the final markdown, they gave it to me at that price.

I'm trying not to panic.

I'll go return the under thing at Lord and Taylor.

Yes I'm fine if they quarantine mom but boy will I miss her.

I'm having terrible anxiety. Two panic attacks today. My dr will send me a script to help me.

My house is a mess because my brain is jumbled. I am trying not to panic.

We have mom set with tons of cat litter and cat food and TP and a case of water. They are continually updating the protocols and although starting now there are visiting hours (1-4), we are not allowed to meet in the person's room, only downstairs. I am fine with the protocols on a brain level but emotionally I am very upset.

I am panicking because other people are panicking. So far BD is fine. He will probably change his hours soon unless govt makes him shut down. He's being extremely fair and kind with his neighbors and regular clientele.

Today I made bags of Kleenex and water and soap for some of my elderly neighbors.

I'm trying not to panic but everyone else is.

I hope dr really mails my script for Xanax.

We are on work from home status for the next week. Office is taking if on week-by-week basis.

I was worried BF would lose his business but he's had a good couple of days. I don't know what will happen if he has to shut for weeks on end. I told him I'll sell my place, we will buy a car and travel around.

I'm so anxious. Will put on different shoes and go for a walk.

I mailed the kids their presents today. Puzzles and grow kits and tape measures and other fun stuff. They are our friends' kids and we love them so much. They should have their packages on Monday.

I have stripped my bed but not made it. Will go to the store to return something and walk a bit.

Almost 12 noon here.

The wind is raging now.
Still not a drop of rain.

Have a corned beef cooking and already cooked some sweet potatoes.
Will have to clean the kitchen later.

Steven has just left, don't know where he's going.
Maybe trying the thrift shops???
Hope they are all closed today.
He also grocery shops about 3 or 4 times a week so maybe he'll go there too.

I took a look at his tall stack of canned foods stash just inside the entrance into the garage.
Everything expired many years ago. Plus it is exposed to extreme temperatures, heat and freezing.
But he cannot resist buying things on the "reduced for quick sale" shelves.

Hope you all are having a good day. :)

Good Morning Everybody

Hi Subclinical
Looking forward to the laundry sheet review.

As Nate would tell you...
for years I have been saying that what the world needs is the Zombie Apocalypse to straighten people out.
Get them to set their priorities right.
Yes, there will always be those who feel "every man for himself" but now we can actually see these people and know their true character.
But the majority of the people are not that way.
They are getting what they need to survive any quarantine but leaving what they don't need on the store shelves for others.
So many people, businesses and organizations have sacrificed financial gain to simply take care of our most vulnerable by shutting down, closing the doors.

I am hoping people come away from this experience with a better understanding of what they truly need and that it's not what the overhyped consumer based media has been selling them all of their lives.

I am one of those for whom the Internet is already the answer to "social isolation". I am also loving the not touching people thing.

Also, while I understand that social isolation steps will have a negative impact on the economy, I am hopeful. I am hopeful that we will learn to support families and rational self care as we experiment with paid sick leave, distance learning, and work from home arrangements. That we will actually limit ourselves to essential shopping and interactions for a while, saving lives and learning what is truly essential. That all of this economic slow down will actually have a positive environmental impact. And that when this is over we will not go roaring blindly back into madly consuming and wasting resources, but will instead focus on what we as individuals and societies actually need.

I got my new laundry sheets. I'm going to try one on a load of jeans and barn clothes today.

Hi CriticalMass

YES! thank God for the internet to keep us all connected.
I feel that communicating with real people and not getting sucked into all the news will help us greatly at this time.

YEA! for you doing well after the dental surgery and do milk it for all it's worth.
You earned it. ;)

So very sorry the bunny club is going to suffer financially.
All fundraisers too.

The stores are still getting their shipments and restocking the shelves.
So hold out going shopping as long as you can because the hoarding frenzy going on right now will slow down and we will be better able to buy what we need.

There is also online places like "chewy .com"
I ordered some tea from amazon on Tuesday and it arrived on Thursday and I don't have amazon prime fast shipping, just regular USPS.

I think going to church will be good.
So many people staying home right now.
Just no touching each other and wash your hands.
(((HUG)))

Wow, it's getting real around here...

Roommate cancelled her trip to visit family this weekend because the assisted living place, where her mom is, isn't admitting visitors.

Her workplace is also on pins and needles re fundraisers and because they work with the schools. This coming week is Spring Break for the public schools here, probably others as well.

Bunny club fundraising event this month has been canceled because the venue is closed. And we desperately need money. I'm supposed to format a flyer about our upcoming events and email it back, though it may be all or partly obsolete if more things get cancelled. Sigh. But it also has info about our situation and needs, so that is important to disseminate.

Our diocesan Bishop issued a dispensation from attending Mass - it's not cancelled like in the Archdiocese of Seattle (and maybe elsewhere, I don't know). I plan to go on Sunday though; need the peace and uplift, for sure, amidst the madness. The crowd will be thinner, and it'll be safe enough for me.

Public Library here still open.

YMCA still open for exercise so far but organized sports cancelled.

My roommate stopped by the grocery store this eve and said it was a madhouse. I wanted to go to the dollar store, grocery, and Walmart for odds and ends, but will play it by ear. Not in the mood for stress and crowds.

It all feels surreal.

Recovering well in general from yesterday, though a bit tired; there have been interruptions, loose ends stuff needing done, all these breaking news things, and irritation trying to keep the bunny club social media updates current when the Event feature on Facebook was glitching. Finally got it to work but was edging toward a meltdown.

I will have to try and deal with my desire for alone time to get stuff done in the upcoming week... that could prove challenging. Am not above playing the tired from dental surgery card, LOL.

But Thank God for the Internet. Despite the way it may feed our fears, at least we can communicate.

Everybody,
Please try to check in, do a quick drive-by whenever you are able to.

It's alright to talk about anything here.
If you are worried/concerned you can tell us.

This is a very different time than we have ever been through before.
We understand about OCD, PTSD and anxiety issues and are here for you. (((HUG)))

Those are all very good and necessary measures.

Another good measure when indoors with others is to have windows open.
Plenty of fresh moving air in enclosed areas.
Air out rooms every chance you get.

Maintain a 6 foot distance from all other people when out & about if possible.

Avoid public transportation.

My town is basically shut down.
Most all unessential places are dead.
People are self quarantining to avoid becoming infected.

There is a Naval Air Station here.
The pilots who have just flown in from Germany are self quarantining themselves.

The grocery stores will continue to sell food,
pharmacies will continue to sell drugs.
But of course there are shortages on some drugs and the darned toilet paper. ;p

Some Youtube people reporting on latest updates are nicknaming it the "Honey Badger" virus.
Mean, aggressive and just doesn't give up. :D

Unfortunately Steven NEVER washes his hands.
He takes off often to places unknown and never uses any kind of precautions.
He drags home diseases all the time. Every cold or flu.
He coughs and sneezes without covering his face.

I am constantly washing down the house with bleach and spraying disinfectant.
He is the weak link in all my precautions. :/

Update on the zombie apacolypse.

All of our libraries are closed.

The concert Dh and I had tickets for at the end of the month is cancelled.

My school will have two weeks of spring break (instead of one). We will be paid for the extra week and are expected to use it setting up distance learning for all of our classes. Distance learning will begin the week after spring break and hopefully last only a week.

I may go to the building during break or distance learning.

The class I am taking starting tomorrow is still on, and the studio will remain open, but the instructor will be videotaped and I have the option to watch my classes online, work at home, and simply drop off my items to be fired.

So, my life will change little. I will go to my classroom (needs cleaning and organizing), the studio (for in person classes and to use their equipment), and the grocery store. But I will be separated from my kids. Also I will probably not swim.

My aunt and (post chemo) uncle cancelled their visit to my mom and (heart patient) dad this weekend.

Good Morning Everybody

Hi Subclinical
Oh I so hope that boy's father follows through and does the right thing for his son.

I figured you could use more time with making items for the Spring sale.
Hope you use pottery as a creative outlet during the harder tasks of figuring out how to teach/help children from a distance.

Great to know you have a good and varied stash on hand.
Yes, some fresh ibuprofen would be good to have.
I have some cans of soup and some packages of dry noodle soup too.
My horse neigh-bor now has two tall stacks of hay when before she used to only ever have one.


Clear blue skies this morning. Weather is predicted to change later.
Supposed to be super winds, get frigid cold again and rain.
I'm sure we will get the wind and cold but not so sure about any rain. ;p

I am actually glad about the spring sale. More prep time. And I don't have particularly springy items.

But my classes I am very concerned about. Because they are very hands on and/or discussion based. A chat room style format seems like it would be a good answer to my language arts classes, but they are discussion based because the kids are non writers - many of them have disabilities that keep them from expressing their thoughts in writing at the same level they can achieve verbally. And I type slowly and spell badly.

In my life's continuing theme of joy set in darkness - I got an email from ❤️Daughter last night. My ❤️Gs's school has been failing him, and his father has finally (years too late) agreed to let him attend our program next year. I am holding my breath a little because I don't totally trust that this will happen - the father faked us out once before, but there is so much hope that my heart wants to explode. Supposedly he is dropping off a registration with fees today.

Dh and I are not doing a bunch of prepping stuff. I am (perhaps naively) not worried about feed becoming unavailable, so we have eggs and milk. I have the ability to make bread. Months worth of beans and rice because we always have months worth of beans and rice, a week of fresh veggies and fruit, plus some preserved, and plenty of toilet paper. "Social isolation" is my definition of "vacation." As in "I had a fantastic vacation - I didn't have to get in the car for a week!" He did suggest we pick up some canned soup and maybe ibuprofen that didn't expire in 2012.

I'm glad scooter is learning better mousie management skills.

Hi Subclinical
YEA!!! Baby goats to love on!!!

The Spring sale moved to June...
By then things should be a lot more settled and gatherings should be less risky.

But these rescheduling's, quarantines and banned events could be extended even further.
These are new waters for the world as a whole.

Very glad that so many students can continue their educations via the internet.

Creating distance learning plans would work for the basics but anything like ceramics and classes in labs/workshops will suffer.

That's great your library will still allow you to check out materials.
I suppose most public libraries are or will just close.

Good luck and best wishes with what all you are facing in education. (((HUG)))


Yes, mousie sleeps with the fishes...
But Scooter sometimes now fishes mousie out of the bowl for a rest before he puts him back in again a few hours later.

Hello all!

CM, I am glad everything went well for you.

Tillie, poor wet mousie. I guess the piggy just wasn't goid enough.

Tomorrow I take the baby goats to school to visit whatever children turn up.

My state has closed the public schools for the rest of march. Sil will be teaching through the Internet. Our library will let you check out materials, but is not accepting returns. There will be no fines. My spring show has been rescheduled for June.

My administration sent out an email today saying that they will meet tomorrow (last day before spring break) to decide what steps to take. I have a feeling I will lose a big chunk of my spring break to creating distance learning plans.

I just received an automated phone call from the senior center here.

Due to the vulnerability of so many members they are closing the center for the next two weeks.
They have made some very good plans for the people who depend on the center for their daily hot cooked meal.
They will have curb side pick up and for those who can't drive but rely on the little bus they will deliver to them.

I must say I am very relieved that they are taking this step before there is any emergency, just a precaution. :)

Good Late Afternoon/ Early Evening

Vacuumed around without moving everything to vacuum underneath.
Sanitized the bathroom.
Did cat stuff, swept floors.
Fixed and ate an actual meal, not just snacked.

Was wondering why I am just not doing much today, there's plenty to do.
Then remembered that yesterday I worked hours outside, got everything done.

Amazing how a bit of steer manure and a little water can do magic!
Almost immediately things greened up and grew.
:D

Kept going out and admiring things and seeing what new has popped up out of the ground.

Big (((((HUG))))) CriticalMass :D


Hope you are napping right now.

Badger is standing by ready to jump in and attack.

What a relief this is all behind you now. ;D

Hi all, I'm back home!

Everything went really well. My roommate has the afternoon off. We dropped off the Rx's then she wanted to get me settled so will go back when they are ready.

I cleared the couch for today's napping. Such a relief to have this over. It felt like I wasn't "out" completely this time. Different from previous times - like little fragments of semi awareness yet no discomfort or distress. They were all very caring and professional and reassuring.

I felt numb that side of my face, even earlobes and scalp! Crazy. But it is receding. A little pins and needles in my tongue. Probably a cool pack will feel nice in awhile.

Actually wanting to be more active than probably I should. Could be a tinge of euphoria from the happy juice. But I promise to be good and not overdo. Roommate might call in the Badger if I don't obey.

Iced tea clinks, with no straw, just sips.

Good Morning Everybody

CriticalMass
We are all with you in spirit :D

Hi Subclinical
HOO HOO :D

Sorry the firings didn't all turn out gorgeous.
Turning the worst one into a lesson is making some sweet lemonade.

Targeted advertising for me always misses the mark too.

It is for the best if your folks don't fly until the virus threat is over.
Self quarantining, avoiding gatherings and travel seems the best way to go these days.

YEA! for Spring break!!!
Maybe you and your DH could agree to work/be in separate areas to help reduce stress?
I know and understand, I hate when Steven is underfoot and in my way too.
(((HUG)))


Beautiful warm day here today. Clear blue sky with no chance of any rain. :(
But tomorrow through Saturday we have a wind advisory.
That means that if I dust today I will just be wasting my time.
Twinkles killed a precious little birdie for no good reason so he is on restriction and grounded until I get over it.
Scooter was a good boy but mousie is still turning up in the water bowl.
Idiot animal. :/
Plan for today is to sanitize the bathroom and vacuum the carpet.

Good morning. I am resting but must get busy soon.

I ordered the tru earth strips and will report back. I am still annoyed that it took me so long to find out about these things. Clearly the online targeted advertising us not working, because I just get ads for crap I don't want.

CM, good luck today! I am thinking of you!

This morning I must get ready for all of my classes the next two days so that everything will flow smoothly. Next week is our spring break. I have a few students who are starting spring break early because of covid 19. There is a family quarantined in the nearby town where my sil teaches. My parents are probably cancelling their trip to visit me in a few weeks because my dad should not be on a plane. Dh is taking next week off. I kind of wish he wouldn't - I don't feel like I can just do whatever I want when he is home. We don't share space well.

Picked up three more things at the studio yesterday. None of them came out the way I wanted. I will probably put one in the spring sale, one is ok, and the third was ruined in the glazing, but I may use it as an example in my class.

The owl who has been hooting at me got quiet, so it must be time to get with my day.

Good Evening

Hi CriticalMass
Working on being as healthy as possible is a wonderful thing.
A good place to start is with the diet and making sure you are getting all the vitamins and minerals with the food you eat can be enjoyable.
Learning to make new dishes, simple with fresh unadulterated ingredients.

After you recover from this extraction will be plenty soon enough for you to regroup and start working on all your plans. (((HUG)))


Hi Tatoulia
Should Mom be quarantined it will be for the best.
So upsetting what has been happening in Washington state nursing homes.
Keeping the most vulnerable isolated and in their homes with only the most necessary visitors/helpers coming in is the best way to go.

YEA!!! WAY TO GO!!! new water heater is all in!!! :D
You worried about the old one for way too long.

Glad your work is working to help keep you all healthy.
This pandemic is something we all must take seriously. :(


Today I did a lot of yardwork.
I am all caught up now, everything is ready for Spring out there.
Just ate a bowl of oatmeal with raisins and craisins.
Just now going on 6pm and in a little bit I'll take a shower and get ready for bed.
I am tired and my back hurts. :p

You can be assured I'll be thinking of you Tmr, CM And yes, the infection is disrupting your thoughts.

My new water heater is in and working. I very much liked the company. They wore booties over their shoes and were quiet and hardworking. Very very pleased.

We did it! This has been bothering me since 2017. I worry about it leaking and now we have this done. What a relief.

Our work remains open but I'm not sure for how long. Tillie, so far the virus hasn't infiltrated my mother's place and I pray that it doesn't. I hated to cancel my birthday there Friday night but I truly had no choice.

I have to go in tomorrow. We have our quarterly department meeting. It has been scaled back considerably and no one is traveling to it. They've issued stern travel restrictions. Those of us who work in offices are to go to our home offfice. Those who are mobile workers are to stay put. They also changed the hours and have it down to 2 hours only. My presentation was cut but I don't get nervous about public speaking so it doesn't affect me one way or the other.

Okay I snuck in a little laundry and I did dip out to the grocery store. I bought a few cans of cat food. And a four pack of TP for mom. I'll drop these things off in a bit. I'm having dinner with a friend tonight.

Wish I was accomplishing as much as SubC, especially with tomorrow's deadline looming.

Hope Tillie is onto something about the infection being a drag on my system and maybe getting it gone will clear some brain fog. I'd like that. And being hopefully past the Daylight Savings jet lag by the time I recover.

I'm thinking I need to tighten up overall on my diet a bit and be more faithful to supplements, probiotics, and exercise. The UTI in the fall, another recent "unmentionable" infection, and now the tooth, all tell me my immunity could use some TLC.

Tatoulia, I have water but thanks for thinking about me! ;) Very sweet of you. Enjoy your hot water when you get it.

It is kind of noticeably eerie here too with the coronavirus concern. Fewer people out and about. The Bishop had issued guidelines for churches like no shaking hands at Mass, etc.

Sitting with my older lady this afternoon, then must hit it hard with preparations for tomorrow. Feeling less fearful now that the focus is on practical tasks. Although given the abovementioned brain fog and the last couple of weeks' organizational fruitbasket upset, I'm sluggish and apathetic and vague, unfocused.

And my clutter is not as tamed as I'd hoped for several weeks now. I am so easily sidetracked. But if things aren't perfect, the tooth will still get taken care of, and life here manageable with workarounds, so... whatever.

It's supposed to be rainy here more often than not according to the 7 day forecast. Would be lovely if when I feel better we have nice sunny days. One can hope.

My surgery time is 12:30 p.m. tomorrow. Will check in asap when back home. Thanks again for all the support.

Thanks for the laundry sheet review. :D

Yes, you not having running water does effect CriticalMass' water consumption. LOL :D

It is very smart to have a modest stash of necessities like cat food and TP with things as they are right now.
I didn't need to buy any cat food or TP yesterday because I have "enough" in the pantry already to see us through the next few weeks.
This is not hoarding, it's being prudent in these uncertain times.
But eye opening how some people have taken it to extremes. :o

Also limiting our contact in certain situations.
Not attending meetings/gatherings if we have a cough or sniffles, washing hands, no hand shakes, hugs or cheek kissing.

Yesterday I noticed too that there were a lot fewer people in the grocery store and I was the only one in the thrift shop.

For the time being I will not be going to the senior center.
Too many frail elderly with obvious health issues and some of them go there for their only hot cooked meal of the day.
The little bus picks them up at their homes and takes them home again.
With me going around town I stand more of a chance of giving them a virus.

The sheets are EarthBreeze and even the scented ones have no scent. They clean very well. That said, they are made in China and had I noticed that, I likely would've bought TruEarth as I believe that they are manufactured in Canada.

I like them very, very much. They clean very well. No issues.

Thank you for the birthday wishes!!

Cm you got this. You are smart to cut back in quilting. You are doing a terrific job and we are standing by your side. Breathe. Normally I'd say drink a lot of water but all my water is turned off here with the installation so I cannot use the bathroom and somehow that affects my advice to you??!!??

I set out hand wipes at the sinks for the workers and me.


Yay SubC. How sweet about your students. You are making a difference in their lives and they are certainly enriching yours.

Tillie it's madness on the hoarding. I refuse. I will say that every time I go to the store, I pick up a few extra cat food cans. I have two little mouths to feed. I was going to buy water but BF got a case for mom and he ordered seltzer for me (my drug of choice).

I am not going to revive my hoarding mentality. I'm going to be smart and just add a can or two of kitty food each day. Will leave slack in the system for others to access these necessities!

I've stopped shaking hands and hugging and honestly, it's a relief. I tap feet.

Office is making some changes too. They haven't pulled the plug on us going into the office yet. But changes nonetheless. Travel, attendance at meetings, etc. we are required to bring home our laptops every night, even the people who normally do not work from home. Just in case there's an announcement.

I noticed on my way home last night how little traffic there was. Not congested. Normally it's hard to cross the street.

I hope the new water heater is delivered soon. Kitty is the more anxious of the two of us. These workers are professional and kind. I can't do any laundry with them here so I probably won't change my sheets today. The water is only off for my apartment. But navigating around my narrow hallway and the workers will just delay things unnecessarily.

Good Morning Everyone

WOW!!! Subclinical
That sure was a LOT you did in a day.
WTG!
And you also got in swimming, I am very impressed. :D
YEA! for the rat trapping and wishing you many more successes with that.
So Sweet that the boys will be trying their hand at pottery because you will be teaching them. (((hug)))

Good luck with all your plans for today.


Hi Tatoulia
Goodbye old water heater.
Fingers crossed the replacement is an easy installation. XXX

Yes, about the laundry detergent sheets...
How have they performed over time?
Are you happy with their cleaning results?
No overwhelming scent or chemical induced sneezing/itching?
What is the brand?
I hate the plastic bottle waste nowadays.
Used to be powder in a cardboard box.


Plan today is to do a bit of yardwork.
But first I have laundry to hang out on the line.

Old water heater out! Awaiting the new one! Now I'll read posts!

I'm doing it! Taking a big weight off of my shoulders!

Good morning!

Happy late birthday Tatoulia and good wishes for CM Tomorrow if I don?t make it back before you go.

Tatoulia, if you don't mind, and still like them, will you tell me again the name of your detergent sheets?

I did really well yesterday, but I am tired this morning.

Yesterday - yoga, fed dh breakfast and packed his lunch, milked goat (getting back into that routine is a little hard) refilled slip bottles and found some project instructions for class, took out the compost, packed my swim and school stuff, got gasoline and dropped trash, paid mortgage at bank, stopped by library to discover that somehow they had put my hold slip in a COMPLETELY wrong book, got to school on time, unloaded the kiln, found my missing story online and printed it out. taught three classes, organized my desk at the end of the day, swam with dd, picked up some essentials at the grocery store and dropped plastic bags, put most of the groceries away, unloaded the dishwasher and put most of the dirty dishes in it, emailed parents, set two rat traps (I caught one), and remembered all my meds ("just" vitamins, but treating anemia and hopefully preventing blindness, so important vitamins) WHEW!

Today is just as full, but fewer individual things and more classes.

Registration started. I had a really sweet moment yesterday. Three of my boys in my English class, whom I have really loved teaching this year, announced that they are signed up for my ceramics class next year. Two of them have never taken art before and one was in my class once when he was little. My heart is happy that I will still see them every week.

Good Afternoon Everybody

Hi CriticalMass
So happy they get you in Thursday!!! :D
Very relieved it will all be over soon.
Even a low-grade infection in a tooth can and does affect the whole system.
Just like any low-grade infection anywhere in the body does.
Imagine us here ALL holding your hand through the whole deal. (((HUG)))

By the weekend you will be able to manage all those critters.
Remember gentle swishing warm mild salt water rinses especially after eating.
Don't suck on a straw, use a spoon or just sip it up.
It's ok to not brush teeth for a day then keep away from the area.

I'm positive your scattered thoughts and feelings will straighten out once this is over.
Bringing order out of chaos.


Well...
Went to WallyWorld with my shopping list.
It was fascinating what the locals have been hoarding.
So many empty spaces on the shelves.
Fortunately for me everything on my list was in stock.
The TP and bottled water aisles were empty.
The fresh meats were scant & picked over.
No isopropyl alcohol or hand sanitizer.
Canned stews & chili well picked over, no shelf stable milks.
Bet the dollar store is out of even more things.
It was fun to see in person what I have been seeing on news articles on Youtube. ;D

Anyways, stopped by the thrift shops and had a lovely time talking to folks.
Everybody everywhere I went was in GREAT spirits, smiling, talking, laughing.

Yesterday afternoon the Navy jet pilots were drawing huge circles in the sky. Lots & lots of circles all over the sky.
My own personal Blue Angel air show.

Happy Belated Birthday, Tatoulia!

I'm in the Land of Jumbled Thoughts and can't seem to find the airport to leave.

It's because I was already confused from the whirlwind of last week then with the computer glitches, DST clock change (I do like the longer evenings once I adjust), jet lag from crummy sleep, backlog of undone things (and I can't even remember what comes first of the lot, either, there are just so many) nagging at my mind.

Then today I get a text from the gal with the holy hour before mine asking can I sub. So I have to reorder my day. It's not that I mind doing that for her, and she has reciprocated when I've needed someone. It's just that it's a week I would've preferred predictability in, because...

I have an appointment for this Thursday to have the tooth extraction, and there's a lot to do to prepare.

So I decided to skip quilting this morning, which makes me sad. But I can't see trying to fit in too much. I have to take the dog out in the afternoon so roommate and I can go to the bank and the grocery store tonight, and I'd rather simplify and just make one trip to the church and back.

Tomorrow will be the "down to the wire" preparations.

I'm ultimately glad this is going to get over with soon, though, for several reasons. One, there is infection, so let's get that gone before it gets worse and goes into the bone. Two, the other times they had were booked two weeks out and during the week I'm elder-sitting extra times. Three, a Thursday works better around my regular Wednesdays of sitting; I should be recuperated enough for the following Wednesday.

My roommate is going out of town this weekend but I think I can manage with the kitties and bunnies okay by Saturday.

I'm kind of nervous, so prayers and positive thoughts welcome. It's feeling more real. But I'll sure be glad to have it behind me.

Good Morning Everyone

Hi Tatoulia
Yes, finding good buys for others with their money is always more fun!
Hope your walk into work was enjoyable.

Did everyone see that big beautiful full moon?
It's still on my western horizon.

Made up my mind last night that this morning I will go get groceries.
My allergies are acting up terribly so I hope nobody thinks I'm contagious. ;P

On schedule! Just wanted to mention that the four pair of shoes were bought with other people's money so it was twice as fun! Plus I really love shopping bargains for other people.

Checking in really quickly. Have a plan to leave here at 8:30 and walking to work; will put me at the office at 9:10. Wish me luck!

Good Afternoon :)

OK, changed the clock on the stove.
My laptop automatically changes all on it's own.
For the livingroom clock I put a small pink post-it note on it that reads "ADD 1".
Might change the car clock if I remember to next time I get in it.

Nice sunny day but a bit chilly.
Still haven't done much of anything about house cleaning except to continuously wash/wipe down knobs, light switches, faucets and counter tops, etc.

Good Morning Everyone
"Clink!"

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Tatoulia :D
Sounds like you had a good day.
Vegging out being a couch potato, shopping for shoes and a nice dinner out.

Very wise of you to cancel the party at this time.
The fewer outside contacts, the better for all involved. (((HUG)))

Sounds like chocolate covered strawberries worked better than a muffin.

I am happy your home is still clean from the last cleaning and that Mom's place is still better than it was, even if it annoys her. ;)


Been watching a little bit of the virus related news on Youtube.
Picking and choosing what articles I want to see.
I find it hysterical that toilet paper is being hoarded.
A woman had a cart overflowing with TP and was fighting with another woman who just wanted one of her packs.
Many shops are now rationing how many packs a person can buy.
Fascinating how the fear of a pandemic can turn some people into hoarders when if they did not hoard there would still be plenty of resources for everyone.

Yes, I do have a back up TP stash. I always keep more on hand.
But not an unreasonable amount. Same with facial tissues. A few extra boxes on a top shelf in the pantry.

Nate and Mrs. Nate live just outside Seattle.
They are in their 30s, basically healthy.
They are intelligent and educated and know how to take care, so I'm am not worrying about them.

When Steven presented to the hospital ER for his heart attack they tested him for flu but he doesn't know what virus he was tested for. He was negative.
He is at high risk should he get this Covid19.
He never washes his hands or covers his face when coughing/sneezing.
He is a Petri dish of bad news. :p

Another slim chance of rain here today.
I have no plans. Will get back to yardwork later this week.
Really need to dust and vacuum and all that.