Tillie, I'm glad to know you are safe. The county in which the golf course is (fortunately not my county or my school's county - we live at the corner if 4 counties) declared a state of emergency and so the golf course is closed. So, no ice cream.

Dh is rearranging the house to create a home office and help me recreate the "classroom" I used when my bio kids actually homeschooled at home. I think he is bored. He also dug up a wireless headset from somewhere that I can hopefully use for teaching. We won't be sure until I get the computer.

The next nine weeks will be an adventure.

Good Morning Everyone

Hi CriticalMass

Hi Subclinical
Yes, I really "get it".
Since 1968 when I was finally old enough to understand, I have been depressed by what the people were doing to the planet and all things on it.
With everything right now I feel a quiet sense of relief because the "noise" has finally stopped/slowed down. There is a weight that's been lifted from my psyche and soul, if only temporary.
Just wish it didn't have to come to this to do it.

WTG! for getting some weeding done!
That activity does so much more than clearing the garden beds.

Have fun with that facetime "do you want this?"
WTG! your Mom for using this time to Spring Clean!

Enjoy your fire and good luck with your quiet indoor plans for today (((HUG)))

Yes, it is great that the Governor was finally able to make Steven stop acquiring. ;D

In Nevada you can find slot machines in grocery stores, convenience stores, gas stations, etc.
The Governor also ordered all and every electronic gaming machine to be unplugged and all casinos closed so there is absolutely no gambling in the state.
So all gambling addicts are suffering too but they can't go to gamblers anonymous meetings because the meeting places are all closed.
They meet at the same place as AA and NA.
But all the legal pot shops are still open.

Gambling addiction is a big problem in Nevada.

Been enough days that we have been isolated to safely say that as of yet Steven and I are not infected.
Reno has many cases developing at this time.

Still too cold to hang out laundry or do yardwork today.
Will do some food prep and see what else I feel like doing.

Stay well Everybody (((HUG)))

Tatoulia,

I am so glad you got to see your mom!

Tillie,

It is nice if the governor to help with your acquisition problem.

While I agree that many people are probably fighting perfectly reasonable situational depression right now, I have to say that I actually feel better.

In my prepandemic world there were so many things that were wrong and horrible that I couldn't seem to do anything about, and people kept telling me that I just needed to accept them and not try so hard to find ways to change them because I couldn't fix everything and maybe I should seek treatment for depression. And I wanted to yell at them all the time - if you're not outraged, you're not paying attention.

And now we have a pandemic. And everyone agrees with me that the world is f-d up. And when people talk about feeling the way I did, other people say "well of course you are depressed, the world is f-d up." And they offer practical, functional ideas to make things better instead of saying "just accept it. That is how things are and you are making yourself crazy. Maybe you need drugs." (I mean, some people do need drugs. And some people do need mental health care because of this, and that is normal and they should get it. Even if they don't have money or insurance - see prepandemic version of f-d up. But a lot of us are just really upset for reasons.)

I did not need drugs, I needed to fix things. Just like we don't need to all get stoned, go on with our normal lives, and wait happily for people to stop getting sick and dying.

And all the people who kept telling me that I can't fix everything - and they were right - are upset and trying to change things even though they can't fix everything.

And even though this is horrible, there are specific concrete steps I can take that I know will actually make a difference. And not only are people not telling me I'm crazy, they are seeing some of the things I was seeing and talking about how they are actual problems we should try to fix.

Plus, clean water in Venice. There was no upside to the prepandemic pain.

That said - Dd is trying to get me used to the idea that I will not meet my grandson until he is maybe six months old, and yesterday I cried because I realized I will probably never see some if my seniors again (I'm crying a little again typing that.) Usually I don't cry until graduation.

So,Yesterday It got warm and I went out in the not raining and used a hand cultivator to pull all the weeds out of part of my garden beds. Today it is supposed to be cold again, so I am going to make a fire and work on my eight week teaching plan and my list of materials for family supply bags.

My mom is deep cleaning her entire house and we are planning a FaceTime call to play "do you want this".

That's so wonderful!!!!

(((((HUG)))))

So happy you got to see Mom 😀

So sweet of the concierge to help.

I'm emotional, I know how much this meant for you to see her.

You not making your bed, me just sitting all day doing nothing are all signs of depression.
It is very understandable at this time.
EVERYBODY who is not in denial is depressed.
This is normal and to be expected.
Do not be hard on yourself, you are not being lazy or slovenly.
But we must force ourselves to do every day things like making beds and cleaning litter boxes, etc.
People's healthy diets are falling aside because many turn to comfort foods, eating too many sweets or other fattening foods, not bothering with eating veggies/fruit.
That's ok too.
I am sure many who imbibe are drinking and drugging more now too.
But we must all reign in our self comforting behavior and do what's right so we can be as healthy as we possibly can.
Most of all is we must forgive ourselves, be kind and then act like an adult, parent ourselves and do what we know we should be doing.
We will all slip again and again during this time then pick ourselves up and start all over again.
🙂

Tillie, I got to see my mom!!! I spent the better part of the evening with BF while he worked. We watched the news, wheel of fortune, jeopardy, etc. then I decided to go to CVS to check on personal products for mom (her place is supposed to send them to her but they are over a week late, so I keep checking all the stores). On the way there, I was across the street from mom's and I kept staring at her three windows. After that, I continued to walk and I saw a few residents in the cafe, and one was in a pink top and I thought, I bet that's mom! So I knocked on the window and she was having trouble seeing me do the concierge opened up the vestibule, where I stood while mom came into the lobby. She had just checked her mail and had the Frank Lloyd Wright house postcard I had sent her.

So I definitely felt better!!!!!

Tillie my house is best and tidy but I've stopped making my bed. It's been years and years and years since I've left my bed unmade (except for a blip about a week or so ago). So I have to start doing it again. I'm not doing myself any favors by suddenly skipping the one thing that gives me pleasure and peace.

Love you all. It's unusually warm tonight. I just got out of the shower and I just finished washing my hair.

Hi Tatoulia
Yeah, I'm still chuckling about that too. ;D

Glad you broke that news to BF instead of him having to see it on the news.

YEA! for your bright sunny day.
Good that your grocery shops have necessary foods stocked.

Things in a big city being quiet in the daytime are probably unnerving.
Happy you can make contact with BF to feel more connected to reality.
(((HUGS)))

Vegging out on the couch watching videos.
Cats napping beside me.
Steven in his garage with his computer and spooky cans of food. ;p

Too cold and wet to hang out laundry, kitchen is clean, house is tidy.

Keep their hands off each other's balls!! I'm laughing so hard I'm snorting!

I am surviving! I am distracted and unfocused.

Well the stores are closed and yes, Steven will need to accept that. I had to break the sad news to BF that Lord & Taylor will be closed, thought he should hear it from me.

Bright and sunny after a somewhat dank day. I went to grocery store and bought a few cans of tuna and a fresh mayo for mom. I also got her sugar for her coffee and a fresh 1/2 and 1/2. I'll drop off tmr with some other things. I don't want to go so often that they are upset with me. So I'm making her a bag.

Ok going to visit BF. I'm panicking.

Another "win" for me...

His latest ranting is that he believes all businesses being closed is BS.
That there is absolutely no reason for that and that it is not legal to do that.

I countered that it is legal and binding if the Governor declares it.
Which he has.

Then he got all sad and resigned and said
"Guess it doesn't matter anyways because no place is open anyways. :("

I believe he is going through non-acquiring withdrawals.
So he will continue to stay here and shelter at home, for now.
As long as he stays in I should be safe.

Good Morning Everybody
"Clink!"

Hi Tatoulia
Wonderful to hear from you 😀

Fantastic idea writing post cards!
Fortunate that you have that stash of interesting places.

WAY TO GO! keeping up with the daily tasks.
Miss Kitty appreciates your care.

Good to hear that work-wise things are going well for both you and BF.

Keep taking naps as needed and try getting a good night's sleep.
As long as you are staying hydrated I won't worry about your lack of appetite for now.
(((((HUG)))))

Hi Subclinical
LOL 😀
Yes, as long as they don't touch each other's balls DH should go golf so you can make ice cream.

Goats sunk up over their ankles in mud...
Yeah, that would be a problem. ;D
By the time it's safe to forage for honeysuckle there should be a nice crop of it out there.

True, sad that it has had to come to this to get people to slow down but the benefits to the planet are already visible.
Water in canals in Venice are clear, cities with a lot of factories are seeing clear blue skies for the first time.
And there are many other improvements that we have yet to see.

So far so good here.
Down the road neighbors have all been running up and down the road for exercise.
Mostly just the teens & preteens.

I would like everybody to do a Youtube search on
(corona virus and NSAIDS)

The snow is still on the ground and it's below 30 degrees so it won't be melting soon. 😀
My plan for today is to drink my tea, eventually get dressed.

Everybody stay well 😀

It's weird for me. I hate that people are sick and unemployed, and things have shifted just a little too far for me, but my sweet spot is still far closer to the way we are all living life now than to the way we were living it a month ago.

My daughter used to say that if I didn't have kids I would go into town once a month for supplies.

They are having the first round of layoffs at dd2's work today. She has been told that her job is safe (today anyway). She was already looking for a new job before this, but of course, no one is hiring graphic designers right now - advertising, publications, branding, invitations, and retail....

Tillie,

I will put Tylenol on my grocery list. Eventually stores will resupply.

Yes, things grow like crazy. Mostly the weeds. The only good thing about the ground being muck is that the little honeysuckles pull out of the ground easily. But I have to be careful in the woods, because sometimes the trees fall over. Right now it is not raining, but very windy, so no foraging for honeysuckle.

The goats can't go outside today - they would sink over their ankles.

Dh says he is going to play golf on Sunday if the weather is nice and the course is open, so I can make ice cream then. In his words (off color humor if you want to skip down) "we are outside, we can stay six feet apart, we each have our own set of clubs and we don't touch each other's balls."

Tatoulia,

I'm glad your job is secure.

I think your postcard outreach is lovely! I am trying to figure out how to play scrabble on FaceTime with my mom. She has a weekly scrabble game with a friend and I know she is going to miss it. It can't be online, but I think if we both have a scrabble board, and I turn all my letters face up in the box, she can draw for both of us, put my letters in a tray facing the camera, and I can say, ok, pick up tiles 1,3,5, and 6, and play them like this: and then show her on my board - I could just grab whatever letters she plays out of my face up options and we would each have the same board, but she would have to cover the little window on her screen that shows her what I am seeing, or she could see my letters. I think she could maybe teach her friend to do that too.

It is official that family material pick up day will be Thursday. I will prepare all the materials ahead, so I am still planning on Monday and maybe also Tuesday. My next adventure....

Hello everyone! Good to read your posts! We are doing this!

I dropped off a case of cat food and bread and a magazine for mom today. She sounds really good. She's enjoying the postcards I'm sending her everyday. I once bought a ziplock bag of postcards someone had collected. From all different museums, some of which I've been to. So I'm writing one a day to mom telling her how much I love her. I'm having trouble talking on the phone but I try to get a few minutes in with her.

We too had rain today! Glad you got some, Tillie, although that is unfortunate about the buds on your trees.

Cm and SubC, you are both doing so well! And I feel like you are both accomplishing so much. I hope to be able to accomplish soon. Today after work, I took my garbage out, cleaned my furry friend's litter box, then went straight to bed. I will spend time with BF tomorrow night. I know he wanted to go for a walk today but I was tired and really looking forward to my nap.

So off to bed for me. I'll see what the weekend brings. Bf has decided to stop working as much and for that I am grateful. Not grateful money-wise but grateful that he can work on some projects at home. And get some rest.

My company is financially strong and is showing solid and steady leadership. Our Boston office continues to be closed. But we are operating as business as usual and for that I am grateful.

I may try to pop in the grocery market tomorrow to see if I can find anything. I don't have much for food right now but I also do not have an appetite.

I did buy some Pepperidge Farm chessman cookies for mom. I think eventually they will put the kibosh on my dropping off things every day. But I'm trying to give her something to look forward to. Like the mail.

Oh I've been sending museum postcards to our friends' children. Today I sent one with a picture of a trolley from a museum in Maine, and I suggested they learn a song or poem about a trolley or to write a song or poem. Anything to help the parents out. These friends offered us to move I. With them during this time. I used to work with the wife and she is a gentle soul. I believe it was BF and my first wedding together. Ah we were so young!

Hi Subclinical

With all the rain you get I suppose the weeds grow nicely.
In California they have goats they use to keep areas clear to help prevent wildfire.
Someone offered me 3 free pigmy goats once and I wanted them for weed eating but Steven said "no".

With things all up in the air right now you need to utilize all the resources available and weeds/honeysuckle are free.

The wild Tom Turkey that lived here used to especially enjoy dandelions.

Those raging winds blew all the buds off my Apricot tree.
Wishing you a bumper crop of fruit!
Didn't check the rhubarb last few days but have been thinking about how I'll have cobbler soon.

Hope you can find a time when your DH will be not working in the house so you can make a batch of ice cream.
Does he have headphones?

Best wishes that you find an easy enough way to do online teaching.
People make online things look easy but they are beyond my capabilities to master.
Maybe you can find someone online to walk you through some of this?

WAY TO GO! for cleaning and especially for staying in touch with family. 🙂

Relieved your friend seems to be doing better.
With things as they are right now I hope nobody gets even so much as a paper cut.

You bought ibuprofen, I have that too.
There have been some medical personnel on youtube saying that people who take acetaminophen (Tylenol) do much better than those who use ibuprofen or aspirin for virus relief, fever, aches, headache.
Something about how the ibuprofen or aspirin (NSAIDS) interfere with our body's ability to deal with virus.
Just something to keep in mind.

Stay well everyone 🙂

Tillie, I am very glad you have wet of any kind.

My daffodils are blooming too, but most of them have been beaten down by the rain. Buds on the apricot and peach, rhubarb peeping up, lilac budding and honeysuckle(invasive bush) in small leaf. Usually I curse the honeysuckle, but I think this year I will need it for the goats - for a notable part of their diet, not just treats.

I almost have enough eggs and milk to make ice cream. But dh will be working from home the next two weeks (plus tomorrow) and the ice cream maker noise irritates him, so I don't know....

Tillie, I'm glad Steven is less hostile.

CM, did you get a nap?

I spent some time today trying to figure out the online teaching thing. It is going to be hard.

Cleaned the barn a little, picked up the living space, and talked with my cousin and my dd1. Ran a load of dishes too.

My art teacher friend seemed better.

THE RAIN HAS TURNED TO SNOW! 😀

Hello 🙂

IT'S RAINING HERE!!!

It's a bit nicer in here with less dust coating things.
Kitchen is clean too.

It's Spring today but the weather is more like Winter.
Forgot to mention that I have Daffodils blooming now.
The Hyacinth bud stalks grow higher every day and the flower buds are getting big and fat.
Lilacs and Honeysuckle are looking promising.

Good Afternoon Everybody

Hi CriticalMass
Happy you will be in touch with your family members. 🙂

YEA! the exterminating was done!

Happy you had a group prayer, there will probably be many more in this time.

Good luck with the errands and with getting some take out.
Little treats like that help.

WAY TO GO! for laundry and mini decluttering tasks!
Keep it up little by little and soon it will all join together and make a HUGE difference. ;D

I could not find Twinkle's special hairball kibble anywhere so I ordered it online.
With everybody doing online shopping right now it will take a little while to get here.
But better late than never.

I have accomplished nothing today but a little dusting.
Overcast, cold & dark.

I think somebody straightened Steven out online.
His attitude has completely turned around and he is now taking this virus and sheltering in place seriously.
Still has not washed his hands and has not showered for 4 days which is where I believe his hands may get a little bit clean.

Oh well, at least he is no longer angry and hostile and trying to find a reason to leave the property.
There is no reason or place to go. 😉

We survived the termite man. We both want to nap. I'm going to call my only uncle and aunt on my mom's side this morning. He is 91-1/2. Has always been active, career as an electric lineman, plus growing soybeans and misc. on the farm land they grew up on.

Most of that they sold back in the 90s to a cousin, but my uncle still grows a few vegetables. Or did. He has rheumatoid arthritis and has slowed down. My aunt is in her 80s but as far as I know gets along well still - we have things in common like quilting and crafts.

At 11:00 a.m. here (9:00 p.m. in Rome) the Pope has invited everyone to pray the Rosary or join in prayer so I'm going to do that then nap. My roommate needs to get Rx cat food and her allergy shot. Then we hope to eat or at least get takeout somewhere.

I got my laundry bagged up and will be doing it asap, and starting to pick up various decluttering and organizing mini projects during this time at home. Roommate finally heard from her boss; Monday they'll have a virtual conference about what they're going to do.

Good Morning Everyone
"Clink!"

Hi CriticalMass
You should write or call your relatives anyway.
Just to let them know you are thinking of them.
Even a small "thinking of you" note would be appreciated.

WTG! getting the place ready for the exterminator.
Yucky messy mice getting into that weed preventer.
It is amazing just what rodents will eat even when we never thought of it as a food source.

Good luck with whatever you do today. 🙂

Hi Subclinical
I'm sure a lot of people's aches & pains these days are due to this constant stress.
Wishing your friend feels better soon.

I think some take out restaurants are closing because they are running low on employees.
Some food banks are running low on volunteers to get out the food.

So very sorry you are all soggy.
Same as last Spring there.
Hope your boots are holding up and your socks stay dry.

My plan for this morning is to run around in here with my dust rags and see if I can make an improvement.
The place may not look great but I am sure my allergies will be 99.9% better.

Tillie, I'm glad the senior lady called you. Helps put my mind at ease.

I am emailing with my immune compromised coworker friend every day. Yesterday she had a mild fever and a headache which worries me a bit. It could "just" be the flu, but "just" a cold put her in the hospital last year. She says it could also be the stress.

She is the other "half" (more like 80%) of the "art department" and we joked about our two week art retreat.

Tatoulia, I'm sorry you didn't get your medicine, but glad you are doing better.

CM, good luck with the termite man.

As of yesterday ddil's school is closed, ds is working from home, and Dh has a meeting this morning to roll out the new shift information - they will be two weeks working at home, two weeks in the office in two shifts that are not allowed o have contact with each other.

Dd1 is of course still going to work because it's construction. As she says "I hope my guys stay healthy, because they can't work remotely." Dd2 is also going to work because her boss is an idiot.

I didn't get my take out because the restaurant closed even for that. Which is ok. I mostly wanted to support them. I don't mind a break from restaurant food. We may get take out from the pizza place we go to every other Thursday some time soon if they are open.

I am going to do some barn/goat work this morning while there is a break in the rain (it has been raining so much. Everything is soggy soggy soggy!)

Then cleaning up the house, maybe starting some more seeds, and taking a look at my online lesson plans. Apart from the "online" - business as usual.

Dh will come straight home from work tonight as there is nowhere else for him to go.

So good to hear from you, Tatoulia! Hope the panic gets gone and doesn't return. Think of me and others who've gone through it and understand and are with you in spirit 100%.

I went to sit with my lady this afternoon. Her great granddaughter was there since the schools are closed. She's a creative, smart, funny girl and wise. We connect well. And she loves her g-grandma and of course it's mutual.

The daughter came home from her work and said they'd be closed, but staff will meet Monday morning to decide how to help their early start kids and parents remotely. So I will sit with her mom then. Don't know what thereafter.

I need to call my relatives especially the older ones. Don't want to think of worst case scenarios but don't want to miss out on a chat opportunity just in case.

The termite man is due in the morning. Roommate and I moved things around in the garage. It is only used for storage. Some mice had been eating her corn gluten weed preventer. It was nasty and stinky and I pray I don't have to worry about hantavirus AND coronavirus! Yuck.

Didn't get much done with my bedroom clutter though. Not enough time. If I can get up early might be able to make a stab at it.

Good Evening Everybody

Hi Tatoulia
I'm relieved you are adjusting (((HUG)))
All we can do is take it day by day.

YEA! for being sore from all that work out!

So nice you spent time with BF.
That pita sounds really good and refreshing.

So Sweet of you to make a care package for the cleaning Fairy.
If they don't get work it is an industry where they don't get paid.

I'm sure your doctor has a lot on his mind right now so we can forgive him forgetting things.

Glad you can deliver things to your Mom.
She is right where she needs to be and has everything she needs and a whole lot of what she wants.
So good that you did all that work cleaning her place even though she has probably undone the closet by now. 😉

Did the general house cleaning today.
Nothing extra.
Have had to spend most all my time re-cleaning up after he re-contaminated everything.
If he would just wash his fricking hands!

Took a shower this evening, washed my hair and washed one load of clothes.

Checking in. Going to shower and go to bed. Hung out with BF tonight and when I left he just hugged me a lot and I appreciated that. Dropped off some personal products for mom together with a bag of hard candies and a couple of cans of pineapple rings.

Praying for you, Tillie.

Cleaner did a nice job on my house. Only one cleaner came. I paid her in cash instead of a check and I also made her a care package of a gallon of water, a roll of paper towels and a roll of TP. I didn't have her change my bed but she made it up so nicely. I did change the pillow cases.

I had online yoga last night. Oh my goodness that is so difficult. Then tonight Debbie Allen (remember her from Fane) did an online dance class on Instagram. So I'm sure all over.

BF made me a feta and cucumber pita sandwich tonight. So tasty.

Cm it appears you've been sewing. I'm sorry I can only skim the posts. I'm so pleased for you!

SubC I'm sorry I don't know what you are doing right now but I'm thinking of you.

I'm adjusting. My dr didn't send the script and that's okay. I've gotten myself together.

The lady from the senior center called me today.
They are calling all members to see if we are alright and if we are in need of food or toilet paper.
Also to remind everyone that every day we can drive up and they will hand us a boxed up meal.

Said that should any problem arise to call them and they will do their best to assist.

Really eases my mind about how people will fare in the county. 🙂

(((((HUG)))))
Thanks CriticalMass 🙂

Praying, Tillie

I was just subjected to the most ignorant rank.
To spare you the whole tirade I will keep it brief.

Steven screamed and yelled that ALL AND EVERYTHING being done is stupid because this is just a simple "cold".
That everybody is acting like a-holes believing in any of this crap.

That nobody is dyeing from this "cold".

I tried my best to educate him but he just yelled louder to drown me out.

Pray for me...

Thank you Subclinical!
What perfect logic that is. 😀

As of noon today
ALL non essential businesses in the state of Nevada are closed down.
Gas stations and grocery stores will remain open.
Restaurants that now only do take out can still operate.
As well as all the usual essential places.

The desert is huge and nary a soul to see for miles.
The land is breathtakingly beautiful so enjoy it. 😀

Maybe the body odor is deliberate. If you smell bad, nobody will get within six feet of you, so you stay healthy.

Good Morning Everyone

Hi CriticalMass
YEA! for sewing Barbie dresses!
Yes, take your time enjoying the sewing project and not push for quantity.

It is complicated right now to make plans, set schedules.
But the most important thing is that none of us get exposed and carry the virus to the most vulnerable.
Day by day is really the only thing that we know for sure when trying to make any plans.

"we can use it as an opportunity to strengthen faith, hope, and kindness. ¢½¢½¢½"
There is your silver lining under this cloud. ;D

Hi Subclinical

"Where ever two or more of you are gathered together in my name, there is where you will find me."
Or something close to that is what Jesus is supposed to have said.
Sorry, forced to attend Southern Baptist bible school as a kid. ;p

YEA! your class was still on Saturday!

It is a relief that there is no place to have to go and nobody will be coming by.
Only obligations are those we have to ourselves.

I experienced those "blue laws" when I visited Houston. Everybody just planned around them, no biggie.
Hope you get your take out supper tonight.

Have a wonderful day! 😀

I am used to staying home with no visitors for two to three weeks at a time.
Only forcing myself to venture out when the food supply is low.
Mostly it was cat food that I absolutely had to buy.
As long as I have potable water, tea, honey and almond milk I am happy.
And yesterday my honey was restocked at the store.
Got some hairball treatment goop for Twinkles too, gave him one dose and he has stopped his retching already.
They also had restocked my bismuth chewables and accidently I exclaimed out loud "bless you!"

While I was in the store I noticed there were quite a few people shopping who had extreme body odor.
Usually there may be one but never before so many.
(?)