Good Morning Everybody
"Clink!"

Did get back to sleep. 🙂

We need to set our goals for April.
As difficult as March was, April will be even more trying for everyone.

Adjusting to this new "normal" we need to have plans and routines to help us just with the daily stuff of living.

So we could work on eating better, less salt, sugar, fats, etc. daily.
We could try to keep up with an exercise routine.
We could catch up on watching or reading/listening to stories.
Maybe getting into a night time routine where we are ready to sleep by a certain time.

Maybe a decluttering/cleaning plan?
Nothing too stressful, we all have enough stress right now.

When the weather is nice we should all try to get some daily exercise outdoors.
I look forward to my little garden oasis and Subclinical has her outdoor activities too.
Tatoulia has her walks. 🙂

My home needs some Spring cleaning.
No need to try to do everything at once, can space out those tasks over the weeks.

We should all do something creative.
A creative outlet is good for the brain and Spirit.

So sorry about the panic attacks, Tillie. Wish Steven would stay home and be willing to wash. That would alleviate some of it, no? Also hope for relief of Tatoulia's anxiety and SubC's concerns and those of her family.

I'm wondering if the "novelty," the initial adrenaline rush, of quarantine is fading and we're now left with our worries against a background of "the new normal." Maybe that extra adrenaline is giving us aftershocks as it were. Whatever it is, I pray it fades too and we are able to adjust.

I have to go pick up meds at Walgreens (drive thru) and 1 or 2 grocery items. When I sew those masks, I'm going to make one for myself. I know they aren't a perfect protection, but can't hurt to try.

I first need to wash fabric, and since I had put my black shirt and pants in the laundry after the first funeral, I must at least do a load of darks today or tomorrow.

Mornin Everyone
3:30am here

Hi CriticalMass
When ever I have a computer or tablet or electronic device problem
I go to Youtube.
In the search I put in key words to find what I am looking for.
Once my Roku was having this terrible droning voice doing descriptions of the videos.
I needed it to stop doing that, it was so annoying.
After several failed search attempts I put in
"shut up Roku" and it immediately brought up the video I needed.
Youtube also saved my android tablet from being thrown out the door and smashed to bits.
So many tech savvy people have made videos to help us with our technical problems and posted them on Youtube.

Well I am awake.
Every time I drift off to sleep I wake up with a panic attack.
Too many things on my mind so I got up.
Maybe in a little while I'll be so tired my sleep will be less fitful. ;p

Thanks Tillie.

I'll check in the box in my room and see if photos are there.

My newer laptop with Linux doesn't work to scan. I've been meaning to find the magic trick. I can use my roommate's Windows computer for a few items though I want to be able to do many more. So I'll have to figure out how to make my laptop and the printer play nicely. But not now.

The funeral is exactly a week after the first one. Thursday at 10:00.

Oh CriticalMass
Take some slow deep breaths.

Total frustration there.
Trying to do something while everything else is either falling on you or eluding you.

It's ok/alright (((HUG)))
With everything going on in your life right now you just reached the end of your rope.

Here! I am tossing you another rope a little longer than your last one. 😉

Be kind and forgiving to yourself.
Now is not the time to be beating yourself up for what you wanted to do in days gone by.

You have so much on your plate right now.
When is the funeral?
I know you want to go.
Meantime, take it slow & easy.
Breathe.
Slow down.
Pamper yourself, indulge in whatever activities are most relaxing for you.

(((((HUGS)))))

Having a rough day today. Maybe tomorrow will improve.

I got the idea to look for a photograph or two of my aunt to take to the funeral and share on Facebook. I was thinking it'd be in the storage unit. Also I knew there I'd find some cotton fabric to make masks for healthcare workers.

I went over to the storage unit, total social distance, no one in sight. Started sorting fabric more than I intended to but that was okay; helped refresh my memory of what's there for future quilt use. Still thinking of that idea to make blocks that I won't attempt to join into quilts until I can once again go to my sewing club or church and use big tables. First, though, I will sew masks.

So that was okay, as far as it went. Then I moved to the back depths of the unit. There reside big tubs I had deliberately put there at the very beginning - my tubs of family stuff that I figured would be more protected rather than being close to the front door and subject to more temperature and humidity fluctuations.

Trouble is, the getting out of my old unit 3 years ago or whenever it was, got to be quite the hurry-up job, so some things got in front of those tubs, some books got put wherever "momentarily," also larger items... Then a year or so later when I had to clean out my old junker van, car stuff and tools crowded in further. And so on. It just all has gotten shuffled around, propped up - a hoarded freaking nightmare all over again.

So that was depressing, and I didn't find the photos I wanted. (They may be with a batch I'd brought here to the house, buried in my room - I'll look.) Finally, the last straw - stuff started falling over right as I was leaving. I was screaming in frustration.

Don't know how/when I'm going to get the dumb unit sorted. I may have to go back to that local clutter group to see if I could get a person or two to help. But can't do it now because of the quarantine.

Then a little while ago my laptop was disconnected to the internet and I about went mad trying to figure out what was wrong. Luckily, after I Googled a Linux forum only to be met with techie stuff way over my head, I added "Dell laptop" into my search terms, and long story short found out that there's a stupid little button on the side that shuts off the wifi card! Pushed it back to normal position, et voila' - online again. Whew!

However, before that I was screaming at the router and waking up my roommate, who, bless her, did not murder me for it. Her stuff was falling on me from the shelves, including a big old mirror which almost clonked me on the head. It really shouldn't have been stored up there, yet I can't judge her for that, because I'm 10x worse.

I'm just frazzled out, relieved about the wifi button (I put hot pink duct tape over that blasted button so it won't move), still a little angry, ashamed of yelling, sad about my junky life... all against the backdrop of the pandemic. I hope I can feel better by bedtime, which approacheth rapidly, way too rapidly.

One good thing today, though: My two bunnies are finally completely bonded and can share the playpen thus doubling the amount of playtime for each.

Hi Subclinical

Have a wonderful first day of video teaching tomorrow.

Very smart idea to make your white board.

Make sure to get to bed early (((HUG)))

Tatoulia, we are both going to gave great days tomorrow!

I haven't seen my new kitty today, but I planted spinach and kale and set up a "white board" for tomorrow. (White paper behind a plexiglass poster frame)

Good Afternoon Everyone

Hi Tatoulia
Good luck tomorrow!
You'll rock it (((HUG)))

So nice since you couldn't sleep that Mom misdialed and you two got to chat. 😀

Chicken pot pie and cranberry sauce sounds very good.

Last time I was at the store the only pasta left on the shelf was lasagna noodles.
I wanted some angel hair spaghetti, oh well.

Make sure you get the trash and recycling out before sundown. 😉

I feel the same way about my everyday jacket that I have to wear constantly during cold seasons.
But I just wash it and stow it away and I am always glad to see it again when it turns cold.
An Eddie Bower, down filled that I bought for 75 cents is hard to replace with something better.

Been puttering around doing random tasks.
Figured out what I will be eating next few days...
Flour tortillas, frijoles, queso, salsa.

Twinkles & Scooter asked to go out so I opened the door for them.
Half an hour later Scooter came back in to nap, Twinks is still out.
The wind keeps increasing as the day wears on.
Maybe tomorrow I will be able to get outside and play.

What's his face has left the property AGAIN.
Two days in a row! >:(
If he went to the grocery store without asking me if he could look for anything for me, well that's just so rude.

Now the wind is raging. 🙁
Making up a list of ALL the things I will do when there is a nice day. 🙂

SubC, congratulations on the new kitty!!! I am so excited!!!

I just had a dry run for my presentation tomorrow and it went very well. I'm pretty excited. It's a technical topic and the presenter did very, very well. So that's a big relief. Now to get ready for the next one.

I have garbage and recycling ready to go. I've had a good day at work so far. I'm washing my jacket and gloves right now. Always this time of year I want to donate my winter weekend jacket. I'll see if I can't convince myself to just wash it and put it away this time. Wait to see what next winter looks like. I don't get tired of my wool coats but the weekend wear becomes so tired for me.

I realize that how tomorrow goes is out of my hands and I'm grateful for that.

I had trouble getting to sleep last night, even with a sleeping pill. Mom called me sometimes after 11, by mistake, but we caught up and talked anyway.

I do need to make something for dinner tonight. I have a second chicken pot pie that might hit the spot. And I did buy a small can of cranberry sauce.

I should've frozen some of my lasagne. next time. If I can find meat, I'll make a meat lasagne later in the week.

Good Morning Everybody
"Clink!"

Brought a smile to my face picturing you sneaking the peas and your Dad being so baffled. 😀
But honestly that is the best way to eat peas.

So maybe Mr. Kitty has taken on a companion rat exterminator apprentice.
Seems like two cats could give them a run for the money. 😉

Good luck with all your last minute school preparations (((HUG)))

No rain predicted for today.
Hoping the winds stay calm.
So far only the cats have made plans for today.

CM, I'm very sorry to hear about the things that are happening to your family.

It sounds like your aunt was ready to go, but it is always hard to lose someone.

Tillie, that is how I usually eat the peas. - while I'm working in the garden. I started when I was little. My dad grew peas and I would go out and pick the pods and eat them while they were still small. It drove Dad crazy because he couldn't figure out what was happening to the peas. All the animals he could think of would have done more damage to the vines, there weren't a bunch of dropped pods on the ground... he started watching for birds. Then, the vines got tall and he realized the peas on the top were being spared. Now he was really confused. He suspected our dog. Then one day he caught me.

I'm glad you and the kitties are safe and supplied.

I may have a new kitty. It's all black. It still runs away when I come too close (like 50 feet) but I saw it sitting at the edge of the woods only a few feet way from Mr. kitty. They were just sitting calmly and looking at each other. I hope it is eating the rats.

Tatoulia, you sound in better spirits. I'm glad.

I'm also very glad you freed yourself of responsibility for your brother before all this started!

Last day to get ready before online school!

Good Late Afternoon/Early Evening.

Kitchen is all clean, YEA!

Been watching Youtube videos and some other Roku/Netflix movies.

Looking forward to a not windy day so I can go out and play. 😀

Good Afternoon Everyone

I am just heart sick to hear what's happening to your Aunt and Uncle CriticalMass. 🙁

My sincerest condolences for the loss of your other Aunt.
So soon too. I always say when they go so fast they passed of a broken heart.
Now they are together again. ((((HUGS))))

Glad you were successful in getting shopping done.

You stay safe and be gentle with yourself and Roommate.

Hi Subclinical
Your garden/yard sound beautiful!
Plant the peas. I love standing out in a garden eating peas straight off the vines.

No fair that your Dad's step sister would fudge his eye exam.
She may think it's a kindness but it is putting him in danger.

Sorry Dh is feeling the stress so acutely right now.
There will be times when we all fall down that hole.
Only thing we can do is be kind, gentle and understanding with each other.
Accepting this new "normal" really sucks. (((HUG)))

After you finish mucking around outside, getting all gussied up could be good for both your spirits.
Also set a nice table even if the food is only beans. 😉

Hi Tatoulia
I am extremely grateful that you no longer have to deal with crazy.

You have enough on your plate already (((HUG)))

Even just putting on the music videos and dancing around does wonders for the mood and body.

Carry on with all your precautions for you and your loved ones.
You're doing very good. 😉

It sprinkled a little, very little.
There are more spots on a Dalmatian than spots of rain drops.

Day 12 of my quarantine...
Need to clean the kitchen.
Need to plan what I will make to eat next.
The sloppy joes will give me one more meal for tomorrow so I got 4 meals out of them.
Pealed and cut up my cucumber to eat.
Then only fresh I have is some tiny tangerines.
But I still have plenty of frozen and canned.
Cats are sitting pretty with all their canned food, cereal and snax.
Even enough for Jack & Cowgirl Kitty.

CM I am so sorry. What a terrible loss. I am so sorry.

I'm upset about the situation with the girls and their friends stealing and doing drugs. That is absolutely terrifying. I am so sorry.

I've been making a list of things I am grateful for and I am grateful that I don't have the stress of my brother anymore. This situation would have escalated and put me in harm's way, either by being in a situation where I'm being drained of money and resources, having my health compromised by stress and physical presence, etc. I am grateful he is standing on his own two feet.

Tillie i am very upset that there are things being carried into your home by pure ignorance and stubbornness. I am so upset by that.

SubC I am really excited about your new clothes!

There are plenty of PE things on line. I'm especially enjoying the dance classes that Debbie Allen is doing on Instagram. I signed up for another three weeks of on-line yoga.

I have to dry my hair and take mom her freshly scrubbed groceries.

Sorry I've been out of the loop. We did go to Walmart yesterday for a few more groceries, roommate's allergy mitigating supplements, and I got flannel for mask making.

I think it was Friday evening that there was a situation on my mom's side of the family that I learned about on Facebook. Mom's surviving brother, 91, and wife, 84, have had their oldest son staying with them. It sounded like a good deal, like he was helping them out.

Probably so - BUT - he has two daughters who have some mental problems and substance abuse in their friends and I don't know, maybe the daughters as well. Police were called but couldn't do anything, legal technicalities.

Found out from another cousin that there has been stealing of my aunt and uncle's money and sketchy dopehead friends of those young ladies coming and going. Then yesterday morning on FB a selfie of the younger daughter in hospital with pneumonia and awaiting covid test results.

All I could do was pray and covertly support the sensible cousins trying to rectify the mess.

Then this morning, a short while after watching the livestream Mass from my church, I got a call from my cousin who lives here (Dad's side) saying my youngest aunt had passed last night. She is the one who had been in the nursing home with the one whose funeral was Thursday. She had been not eating and her body shutting down. So I guess I will be going over again this coming Thursday or so to her funeral.

I'll post more later. Everybody take care. I'm OK. This aunt I suspected would go quickly after her sister, though this was more quickly than I would've guessed. She's in a better place.

The redbuds and apple trees are blooming and Dh is mowing the grass.

I finished the first clearing of my primary garden area. My wrist says I may have worked a little too long, but I will be ready to start planting tomorrow.

First my greens, then beets, carrots, kohlrabi, leeks, parsnips, radishes, turnips, and maybe peas. Dh doesn't like peas, but I do. All that will take me at least two weeks.

Had a nice long video chat with mom today. They had their groceries bagged and delivered into their trunk yesterday. But then after they go home, dad went to the gas station and the hardware store. He shouldn't even be driving in town. He can't see. I wish they would take his license, but I think his step sister cheats for him at the dmv (she does the eye test)

I will dress up for Dh. Right now we're pretty much business as usual, but he is going to get tired of this soon. He's also depressed about having to make decisions about layoffs at his work. He doesn't think he is in danger, but he really cares about his team. I can tell because I had to make dinner the last two nights.

Hello CriticalMass

Worried about the nasty predicted storms that may be too close to you.

Stay safe, stay well (((HUG)))

Good Morning Everyone

Hi Subclinical

My desire is that all teachers keep teaching online and all the students sign up to take Summer school lessons.
This way teachers stay employed and students further their education rather than vegetate while locked down at home.
Even physical education teachers can online get the students moving.

Between 7th & 8th grade I took math in Summer school and it was fun and fast learning.
I was at 10th grade level math in just a few months.

Great you are scheduling in outdoor activities every day it doesn't rain there!
You should dress up nicely any chance you get.
Wear the pretty go to town dresses while you stay at home. 🙂

Yes any vaccine will be rationed.
I'm sure medical personnel will be at the top of the list.
They may even do a lottery as to who/when in the general population receives it.
But with drug manufacturers all over the globe making vaccine it won't take long before we all have our jabs.

My stupid English professor brother thought "how hard could it be to have chickens?"
So he got some Rhode Island Reds and was mortified by everything about them.
He soon gave them away.

Hi Tatoulia
Good luck getting all your numbers looking good.

I suppose there are a lot of strange dreams right now.
Everybody wearing gloves I think is a hopeful dream of everyone being careful and considerate toward each other.

Supposed to rain today, yeah right 😛
Steven has left the property, again.
He still has NOT washed his hands, not even once.
I never get to relax my guard and that is wearing on my nerves.

Good morning, ladies! Coffee clinks!

Funny that you say that about chickens, SubC. We had a guy in the neighborhood with a super large pig. I just didn't understand it and yes he loved his pig, but I think that we can't have pets for a vanity project. My cat is my cat. I'm her mom, obv, but she's not my daughter, if that makes sense. I love hearing about your farm and your animals even though I have to scan over the sad stuff. I

I'm so glad you and your daughter and son in law had a visit, such as it were. Bf has a bag for mom today. He's washed down everything, the milk carton, scrubbed the oranges, etc. our stores are not accepting reusable bags right now and although I am upset on an environmental level, I do think it's safer right now.

Tillie I forget now what you said but as always, I enjoy visiting with you!

I'm going to do a bit of work today. It is the end of the quarter and it's important that my numbers look good.

In my dream last night, people were wearing gloves.

Lol Tillie,

We only have eight more weeks of school - who knows when my clothes will come! But the skirts are teaching skirts. The sundress is for if I ever go anywhere again, but maybe I'll just dress up for Dh.

That thing about the sizes is crazy. I just figured it was a country of origin issue. Dh gets t-shirts sometimes from work projects. He is an American small/med. when they did a joint thing with a Japanese company, he was an XL.

It's not supposed to rain again until saturday! I am tasking myself to work in the yard at least an hour every day. I will have time on school days because I will be here for lunch and no commute. Even when I work 9:30-4:30 on Wednesday, I can go right out to the garden after class.

Some of my classes are going to be cancelled after this week. I'm a little sad, but they are too hard to do online and not profitable for my school (parents pay tuition by the class) one I was keeping because another teacher needed it for her son while she taught and she had enough students to make the combination ok, and the other I think was being floated by other classes because of one of the students who wanted it (we are a non-profit, and unfortunately, donating money will get you perks. - I suppose we could look at it as a parent voluntarily paying extra to support my class....)

There is a third one I think I'm going to lose because my enrollment dropped when we went to online. Normally we would keep the class so that kids didn't have a hole in their schedule and drop the class after it and go home early, but since they are at home anyway....

So, after the first week I will, finish at 2:15 on a Friday, and have a break on Wednesday - either from 2-3:30, or the whole afternoon from 12:15 when lunch starts to 3:30. My Wednesday 3:30 class will stay though.

I suppose there is a possibility that we will return to school, but I am doubtful.

I was reading that when they do develop a vaccine it will probably be rationed at first. I hope they start with medical personnel and first responders, then grocery store employees, then teachers and child care providers. Then kids and old people.

I was planning to buy a few more chicks this spring, but apparently people are also stress buying all the chickens. I will ask my boss if I can take the school incubator home and hatch my own. I wanted to add some more variety, but it is what it is. In the fall there will probably be a lot of chickens free to a good home. Unfortunately before that there will probably be a lot of dead chickens.

Tatoulia, thank you for not buying chickens. (Seriously, people think they can raise chickens in their apartments!)

Hello Subclinical

So wonderful you had a visit today! 😀
That's great that you live where they can walk their dog out in nature, not to mention they themselves got out in the fresh air and sunshine without anybody else around.

Very glad you bought some new clothes.
Fingers crossed everything fits perfectly XXX
You need to look sharp as you video teach your classes.

Maybe that's the reason I find new items in the thrift shop.
People would rather donate to save it from the dump.

Always wondered why they didn't return them.
The sizes have always been way off from what the tag states.
Many L tags are on small clothes and even larger sizes XL are on medium clothes.

The reason for the size issue is manufacturers make up a large batch of same size clothes.
The company orders the clothes and specifies the size they want.
So the manufacturers then sew in the labels accordingly irrespective of the actual size of the items.

Today I got to talk to Dd and dsil from a large distance and watch them walk in my woods with their dog. They took the bags of baby clothes and baking pan and tomato plants that I left on the porch and left us some homemade cookies.

Today I also did some shopping. I got a "new arrivals" email from an online store I like and after talking with dh bought a dress and two skirts. That much new clothes is a very big shop for me! I picked "ship them for free they can get here whenever" they are 97-100% cotton and all have pockets. I hope I picked the right sizes. Last time I ordered from them, I ordered two sizes and returned the one that didn't fit, but I gave been reading about places just throwing returns away, and after my experience with Menards throwing the returned Christmas lights into the trash, I couldn't do that.

Hi Tatoulia 🙂

So happy you are feeling all better! (((((HUG)))))

Thank you BF for taking such good care of our Tatoulia and Mom (((((HUG)))))

You and Kitty have a good nap. 😉

Good Afternoon 🙂

Still cloudy, windy and cold.
Still not a single rain drop here, but the mountain is getting slammed, again. ;p

Did some online researching about things around my county.
So far very few cases.
But the article did not go into detail if the people had traveled to Reno recently or not.
For many people driving to Reno for shopping in malls and larger stores is a very common thing.
Plus most all doctor, lab, clinics are there and the large hospital.

So relieved Steven had his heart attack before this all started up.
I told him if he's sent there again I will not come pick him up at that hospital.

The small county hospital has set up triage tents for Justin Case.

Not traveling around the area, I had no idea if the majority of people were obeying the stay home order but looks like most everyone is. 🙂

The cats are being big nags.
Staring at me.
Meowing at me.
Wanting all my attention from the moment my eyes opened this morning.

SubC I can picture your new classroom! Great job!! So we now have three concerts to the laundry sheets! Yay! I love them so much.

I am feeling absolutely fine. I took a walk today with mask and gloves on. Very few people out and there was solid compliance with social distancing

Bf had to drop off tummy meds for mom last night. She is much better today.

I'm having a late lunch which will be followed by a nap.

Kitty is well and happy.

Good Morning Everyone
"Clink!"

Hi Subclinical
Good idea as ways to repurpose the plastic jugs we currently own.
I do like the spout feature on mine.

YEA!!! that the feed store is still in operation!
It is an important business.

The little baby must be getting enough milk.
Wishing him all the best.

Sounds like your online classroom is coming along nicely.
So glad you are able to teach from home and the kids are able to attend school from home.

Have a wonderful visit today! 😀

Today is cold, windy, cloudy with a chance of rain.
Will continue to putter mindlessly indoors.
;D

Tillie, I hope the laundry sheets do catch on.

I have decided to save my last two plastic laundry jugs for Justin. They would be very good for carrying hand washing water in the car, and if this ever ends, they will make good weights to secure the corners of my show tent.

I found more baby clothes yesterday. I showed Dd on FaceTime and she and dsil are coming out to get them. They are going to come today but stay out of the house and just walk the dog in the woods. Walking the dog in their neighborhood is stressful for Dd. Too many people. I will put the two bags of clothes on the porch. Also the bread pan I am giving dsil. He has been baking all of their bread and needs a second pan.

I am also rearranging my house for remote teaching. I took the leaves out of the dining table and moved it to the side of the porch. That will be a staging area for my classes. I am going to move the old formica topped kitchen table out there as my project demo table. The little side table I use for serving dishes will become a stand for my "white board" - an old poster frame with plain paper inside.

I called the feed store yesterday. The manager will get my order on the truck on Monday night and I will pick it up at 4:00 Tuesday.

The little white buckling is doing ok so far.

Good Evening
10:00pm I should go to sleep.

We each bought a different brand of laundry sheets and we are all satisfied with them.

Used to be powder detergent packaged in cardboard boxes.
That stuff was harsh and contained trisodium phosphate (aka TSP).
It wrecked havoc on the environment.

After the water was polluted and the frogs all became deformed and the fish started to change their sex, they changed the formula.

Then they started making liquid laundry detergent that comes in large plastic jugs.
For a while they made concentrated refills so we could refill the plastic jugs.
The refill concentrate came in a waxed carton.
It was a good idea but unfortunately did not catch on.

I would like the future to be responsibly sourced ecologically responsible laundry sheets that come in recyclable cardboard boxes.

We vote with our pocketbooks.

Stay well everyone

Good Afternoon Everyone

Glad you and Miss Kitty have a beautiful day.

How are you feeling?
How is your appetite?
(((HUG)))

Hi Subclinical
I tried to get TruEarth but they were not available and I was low on laundry detergent and knew what I had would not last much longer.

OK, laundry is dry, brought in, folded and put away.
The fabric felt nice and soft like no residue was left on it.
It smelled like freshly washed sun dried cotton.
Heavenly.
Definitely happy with them. 😀

Made up Manwich stuff.
I sautéed onion and bell pepper and added that to the mix.
Have sour dough bread to make the open face sandwiches on.
Have enough to last 3 days unless I pig out. LOL 😛