This is the best I can do for you today – taken as I sit in my chair after a nearly sleepless night. I had a not so good night of sleep on Thursday night as well, so the combination of two such nights in a row has resulted in my stationary position. I have noticed that when my usual bedtime is changed for some reason, it sometimes results in sleep difficulties. And that happened both nights, simply because we were watching a movie that was longer than usual. Ah well.
The movie we watched last night was The Shape of Water, a movie that is on my top ten list. We haven’t seen it in a couple of years and Don suggested it for last night. I’m so glad he did. It is exquisite.
What else? Still reading The Sisters and I read a good chunk of it this morning. The book I ordered from Oblong Books (which has, like everything else around here, had to close temporarily) arrived. Don ordered a book from them yesterday. We want to help our local bookstores during this time. As the Governor has issued an executive order, New York State on Pause, essentially closing all non-essential services, I’ve received emails from all my favorite bookshops indicating they are closing. (A side note: in some European countries, bookshops are considered essential services. How enlightened!) Of course, this encompasses far more than bookshops, but since they hold a special place in my heart, I worry for them. Oh heck, I worry for all small business owners. Another book that Don ordered from a local bookshop arrived, but it was closing down, so Don paid now so that they have the money and will pick it up some day in the future. By the way, Governor Cuomo is my hero right now. His daily briefings are a beacon of sanity. They’re so well done. I feel fortunate to live here.
Don and I talk all the time about how surreal this is. I’m reading about the Mitford sisters and the section I am currently in is all about wartime London, when huge sacrifices were being made. If they could do it, we can do it. We’ve never really had to sacrifice in our lifetime, not like that. So it’s time to step up and do what is right. We citizens of New York State are being told to stay in our homes unless we have vital reasons to go out, just as California is doing. Frankly, that’s what we should all be doing anyway. No one is exempt.
STAY HOME
Look, it sometimes drives us crazy. And as of Sunday, restrictions are going to be even more stringent. But we’ll do it for our health and the health of everyone else on the planet. Don is getting quite creative with the food supplies we have on hand. Heck, we could live on beans and rice if we had to and we may have to do that at some point. Plenty of people currently living on this planet do just that. I’m reminded of the sacrifices my grandparents and parents made during the depression and WWII. We can do it as well. After reloading when we heard this was going to last longer than two weeks, we are doing our best right now to stay the course and, if at all possible, not go out to a grocery store for the foreseeable future. If we do, it will only be for something absolutely vital.
Happy Saturday.
Tell Don to download the Supercook App. I just read about it this morning on My Hundred Year Old Home.com Blog. She describes it as “what to cook for dinner and how to use the foods that you already have.and find thousands of recipes to make.” I tried it for our breakfast and am going to use it for our dinner meal. I eat a lot of vegetarian meals, Looks like an easy app that will make cooking a lot more interesting.
I’ll pass that on to him, Nancy. Thank you!
I’ll have to look at that app – thanks!
xo
I’ve not always kept up with your sleep issues but have you considered trying melatonin? I just recently started using it and it is so helpful. I have no trouble falling asleep, it’s getting back to sleep when I wake up frequently that was the issue. I am then so drowsy during the day. My sister suggested trying melatonin and it really is helping. I still wake up (perhaps not as frequently) but am drowsy enough to usually quickly doze off again. I don’t notice any side effects, yet anyway.
Actually, it’s far more often that I wake up during the night and can’t get back to sleep. I’ve tried it before but it’s been a long time. Thanks, Laura!
We are so blessed by our food availability in this country. We forget that there are countries that have so little food. Our church chose to pack 10000 meals for a group. They brought in the things we needed. Each table had 5 people to pack the plastic bag. Each bag got a vitamin packet, a cup of soy, a cup of rice and a couple tablespoons of dried veggies. We did assembly line style and did 10000 meals in 1 1/2 hours. This goes to schools around the world. When mixed with water is has a consistency of oatmeal and will feed 6 children. I think if we think of these children when we are eating during this time our food will be wonderful. We stocked up and will run out of things I’m sure but we will eat. Be safe and stay healthy everyone.
A lovely act to help those in need by your church, Janet. Stay safe, Janet.
Your Governor is doing you proud. Stay strong.
I agree.
He is. Take care, Deborah.
I’ve already said like three or four times here, how much I admire Andrew Cuomo. YOU HAVE A LEADER. I’m listening to him daily now, as a voice of real authority, just like I do Dr. Fauci … and I’m out here in California never even having been to New York except for a stopover flight at JFK a zillion years ago! I now want to learn everything I can about Andrew Cuomo. I am SO impressed with how he’s handling the crisis in your state, Claudia. Do you recall much about his father, Mario? And Chris Cuomo is one of my fave anchors on CNN.
There was discussion on the TV last night about how important it would be if Trump could just be in the standing line on the dais BEHIND the speakers at the podium (in more of a supportive stance, rather than front-center) who have the true knowledge like Dr. Fauci. We need facts; not suppositions. No petty arguments on ‘live’ TV. But of course, now, knowing these press conferences have the nation’s attention, Trump wants the photo op; he wants to tell us again how smart he is; my hope being he continues to sink himself with his ridiculous statements and denials. If he’s the captain of the ship, God send me a life jacket; throw me the lifebuoy; give me something to hold on to so I don’t drown.
love the way you put it!! Me too!!!
I remember his father well. He was also the Governor of New York, though I wasn’t living here then. And he was considered a strong candidate for President but eventually he said that he didn’t want to put his family through all of that. He was incredibly charismatic and a great speaker – rather like Obama in that respect.
I think Trump is shooting himself in the foot with his behavior at these press conferences. He tries to make it about him because that’s who he is. It’s inappropriate in such a dire situation. His ignorance is on full display and the experts have to counter everything he says with the truth, which makes him look like the know-nothing he is.
Agree with everything you said, and thanks for telling me about Andrew Cuomo’s father. I can see his face in my mind. Strong family resemblances. What a family in terms of public service.
They’re good, good people, those Cuomos. xo
This is our WWII moment. I’ve thought of that often these past days. I think one reason why the kids on spring break in Florida and elsewhere don’t get it is because they not only never had to sacrifice as a collective in their lifetime but they didn’t hear the same stories we heard from our parents and grandparents about life during the war and the Depression. They “act” active and “like” and share, but they don’t vote and they think they are invulnerable. What they don’t seem to connect is that link about what they choose for themselves affects others, especially those in our age bracket and those with significant conditions. We can do this.
I find I’m not driving and saving money on gas. Not shopping much, either, though I plan to purchase a couple of certificates from my massage therapist for future birthday gifts. I’m more hesitant to purchase gift cards to other stores/restaurants because I’m not sure they will be there. Isn’t that sad? Yesterday I took chocolates to my doc appointment for the staff (boxed, unopened!). I’m trying to come up with something for my grocery people. And then I hear from blog friends who are really struggling because they are independent workers and may not qualify for unemployment in their state. It toasts our brains.
I’m sorry you’re not sleeping well, Claudia. I think lots of us are having issues with that. It may be the pattern of late night as you said, but I think all this CV19 stuff is going through our heads even when we sleep. Oh, how I love Shape of Water! That was a fine choice! So low-level today, I’m ready for a nap. (By the way, I think I’m falling in love with Andrew Cuomo and Anthony Fauci.)
Yes. For example, I wouldn’t qualify for unemployment. Don would.
I think you’re right. There’s too much in our heads right now. Take care of yourself, Jeanie.
As of yesterday, Illinois has now joined CA and NY on the quarantine. We can still go to work, doctor’s appointments and the grocery store though.
I worry for the small businesses, too. I even wonder about the big businesses that have closed – will they recover? Tim works for a liquor store in Glendale and they are now doing online orders only. At least he still has a job.
I went around my house the other day with a notebook and took inventory of the items I have in my cabinets, fridge, freezers and food storage shelving in the basement. I then made a list of meal ideas from all these products so that I don’t have to go shopping unless it’s for something like fresh produce (when we run out of it all…not just because I ran out of one thing).
I rarely watch TV or even movies, but I’m in the mood for a comedy, to I might start watching Dead to Me on Netflix.
I’m having a very hard time falling asleep every night even though it’s very late (11 – 11:30) and I’m tired. I found it’s moreso on the nights where I’ve been on Facebook too much during the day. So I checked it once today and now I’m off until maybe once more this evening. I even put a timer lock on the app on my phone so if I go over a certain amount of time, it locks me out.
The only people who can work here are, I think, those that are employed in essential services. And most people have already been furloughed because their employers can’t be open. I try to limit my time on social media but I have to admit there have been a few days where I was on it much too often. Take care, Melanie.
Hi Claudia,
I certainly get your anxiety about lack of sleep. I’m there too. Maybe a nap during the day will help.
Gov Cuomo is definately the hero! He’s so calm & informative & reaassuring…not like the moron trying to run the country.
Anyway, try to have a good day. Looks like your reading piles are full of fun books!!
Best wishes, again.
Same to you, Priscilla. Are you still able to walk down to the beach?
We volunteer for the local wildlife center-picking up produce from Whole Foods that would normally be discarded; we have to go out twice a week for the animals at the center (and also we take greens to the rabbits at the humane society) to be fed.
My partner’s a pilot and, just coincidentally has not flown since the end of April. Tonight he’ll probably have to fly and I’m stocking him up on immune-boosting supplements. Personally, I think it’s ridiculous that airlines are still flying and perhaps spreading the virus around: so many decisions are political.
Our outdoor farmers’ markets here in S. FL, for example, have been shut down when it’s less likely that people would be exposed in the open air than in the corporate grocery stores. The farmers don’t have the political clout the grocery chains do. It’s sad and frustrating.
It sounds as if all on here are in good spirits, so that’s nice to see.
Claudia, I often wake and have trouble going back to sleep– not from worrying, but because my mind is stupidly active inappropriately about silly things I’ve found this technique helps me get back to sleep. I hope it may help you.
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2016/jul/15/shuffle-thoughts-sleep-oliver-burkeman
Thank you, Cara. I’ll check into that. Yes, my mind starts humming – this morning it was filled with images from The Shape of Water.
At some point in the past, there was a documentary about the Mitfords on Netflix. Hang in there.
Yes, I’ve heard that. Though, given the fact the Netflix often doesn’t carry things for too long, I wonder if it’s still there? At any rate, I want to wait until I’ve finished my books about them. Thanks, Cindy. Take care.
This idiot is really and truly a waste of skin. Now he doesn’t know why we can’t re-use masks since they are used for such a short time. He had another “plant” in the audience just now asking him what he thinks of the Washington Post, so he could blather again and scream a bit. Then was asked if he would be taking the money being put up for the hotel industry and he said everyone knew he was a hotel owner when he “got this job”. So, yes, he will make even more money. I just scream at the TV when he opens his mouth. You are so lucky to have your Gov!!! I have watched him every day to calm me. Finally,,,, a Grown Up in the room!!!!
Our little granddaughter was born early this morning. What a world she is coming into. It rocks the foundation of my soul.
Congratulations on your new granddaughter! I cannot stand to watch those “updates” from the White House. I feel we’re less informed after each one. At least here in WI we no longer have to put up with the insufferable Scott Walker.
Thanks so much, Kay. She is beautiful, if I do say so!!
I totally agree with you. And if Scottie was still here, he would just be bowing down to every word that idiot spits out. It really is disgusting. Hope you are enjoying this sunny (but quite chilly) day we are having. Better ones HAVE TO be ahead!!
It is insane when you can’t trust the White House during a crisis like this.
Congratulations! I’m so happy for you!
Oh…Congratulations! Not only to you and your husband, but to the new mom and dad, too! We just have to hope that what we are experiencing now, will pave the way for a better world tomorrow for your granddaughter! ;)
Thx, Donnamae! It is a crazy world. We are so thankful they are all doing well. The hospital isn’t allowing visitors ~which is not a bad thing ~ just a sad thing. So we will wait. Face Time is a wonderful technology. They downloaded a bunch of pics to our “frame”, too, so I can sit here and stare at that as well. Thank you for the very kind words!!
Chris, congratulations! What a wonderful thing, to be a mother and grandmother!
I heard a doctor on TV say to make sure we protect our newborns right now; limit the number of people who understandably want to love on her; hold her. Social distancing/physical distancing all around. And that’s hard when it’s a time of such celebration and joy … not to be scared; rather, just an abundance of caution. I can see where it’s an altered situation, when you’d all want to be around the beautiful new baby. It’s the natural impulse. (Just conjuring up that smell in my mind as I write; the unique and special smell of a new baby. Melts the heart. Precious beyond precious. I needed that soft image in my brain; so lovely.)
My second cousin was born in the middle of an earthquake in Southern California (the 1971 San Fernando earthquake) when the hospital was under auxiliary power for lighting & equipment with aftershocks happening during the complicated birth (he was a hefty 11-lb baby…his mother is over 6-ft tall) and I can assure you at age 49 today, he is hale and hearty, smart and soulful … and one of our dedicated healthcare workers.
Thank you for sharing your delightful news with Claudia and us readers of her blog; to have your announcement is to be uplifted! The world will repair for her and maybe she’ll have a hand in making it better!
Hi Claudia,
I just love your cozy little den. So perfect for reading and watching movies. Last night we wanted to laugh so we watched “Fish Called Wanda” for first time in years.
We schlepped to Costco, our first outing together since Dean stopped going to the office – my first time out since Monday. We were able to pick up what we wanted but did ask about toilet paper. The young man stocking paper towels where the TP usually is said, “they were gone right away. You need to get here early and probably have a switchblade with you.” It was good to laugh. A trail of wood palettes at the front led to freshly sanitized carts when you arrived and they marked off the floor at the check out for where to stand far enough apart. Our youngest son was horrified we went out and texted that he hoped we washed our hands when we got back. Yes and wiped everything down we bought and threw our coats into the washer as we came in the house.
Anyway, funny to hear someone you taught the art of cleanliness ask you if you remembered to wash.
K.
The young ones are counseling their elders, Kay!
We just took a drive around our neighboring towns. Didn’t get out of the car, but it sure helped to see that there is a world beyond the cottage. Take care!
Now, see, I don’t know what to do about that…the getting out in the car, staying in it, no contact with anyone. Just look out the car windows at the world. How can it not be safe? It seems safe. YOU did it?! You’re going and coming from your country home which doesn’t have a neighbor house five feet from yours (like I do; I’m being careful of my neighbor’s open windows). The virus isn’t reportedly airborne, but instead emanates from an infected person’s droplets which quickly cascade to a flat surface.
We keep thinking of ways to exercise in the yard, not go out in the car. (Our one car has already now gotten a dead battery, though, from just sitting there in the driveway, not being driven.) I can get caught up in the damaging ‘what-if’ thinking…like what if we had a car problem (we drive old junkers) while away from the house, and had to then call for a tow, figure out a way to get home which would mean uber or something…and that’s not physical distancing.
My husband is going crazy already with being home-home-home and thinks we could drive over to the beach, pack our own lunch, just sit in the car and watch the waves; and if somebody comes and parks right next to us, just move the car to another parking spot. I mean, you can’t be 100 percent safe in every single situation (although, duh, in these times, it could possibly mean your LIFE), and the experts ARE saying how important it is that we try to somehow get a change of scenery by at least just going outdoors in the local environment. I could definitely vote-yes on a drive; I’m craving the beach. But then I do the balance thing of ‘need vs want’.
It’s so hard to know what to do when there is still not a whole lot known about this killer virus. If I was a healthier person, with not all these overwhelming risk factors for complications from the virus, I’d be more bold. But then I have this other issue where my doctor is sternly warning me to not go out. Although I’m sure she means where people are; she doesn’t know my lifestyle; maybe she thinks I’m a mall shopper or something, which I’m not. (The malls are closed anyway, though!) Our one other car does have a very-good, modern filtering system with a newer air conditioner; when we had to get out during our tremendous wildfires in SoCalif a couple of years ago, we felt pretty safe inside the car when there was bad air/smoke everywhere else.
It’s confusing; and you’re in for this tomorrow, Claudia, just like we are, a few days ahead of New York out here in Calif on lockdown. My governor’s written edict said, “Stay in your house.” Those exact words all over our local news. Not ‘stay home’, stay in your house. (It’s a ‘translation’ problem..[??]…) Big flash cards on the TV with the written words, to make everybody understand. But then I guess he modified the order last night about walking or jogging with physical distancing. And if you have to go take care of someone who can’t entirely take care of themselves, like a really-elderly parent (with of course all kinds of warnings about disinfecting with every step of that).
“Non-essential medical care such as eye exams, teeth cleaning, and elective procedures must be canceled or rescheduled.” (I know someone who was scheduled for gastric bypass as related to weight loss; that’s an elective; I imagine she got postponed.) Yesterday, we got an email notice that our bank has closed. Their doors are locked; you can’t go inside the bank. You can only use a walk-up window and the ATM. Good thing I didn’t need to get anything out of my safe deposit box.
The news and orders and rules just seem to change each day but of course, to use the oft-repeated phrase, “this is unprecedented”. I just want to be especially careful in this next 2 to 6 (8?) weeks although they say there’s no magic date when we’ll all feel more in the clear.
There can be no harm in driving around but staying in your car. Many of our friends drive in their cars to hiking trails and there are a lot of them around here. In our case, we didn’t talk to anyone, didn’t get out of the car, but got to see what is happening out there beyond our immediate property. I’ll definitely be outside working on my garden in a week or two and we saw others doing the same thing yesterday. I’m no danger to anyone else and there’s no danger to me while I’m working outside. But I will be more sane!
I tried to go shopping and came home with precious little. I’m one who doesn’t stockpile preferring to store my stuff at the store. This will make me much more creative with menu planning as I only have what I have. There was an interesting article in Politico.com re how this virus can change things permanently. I think you’d like it. We need to listen to folks with expertise!
(we need to elect people with expertise). Anyway, one good thing about this mess is it looks like some pollution is getting better and waterways are clearer. The planet just might be able to heal a bit if we stay home and out of its way for a while. Trying to find an upside.
We have supplies up in the office. It’s our second pantry for the time being.
Yes, the planet is getting a chance to heal, even if only a little. That is an upside.
Thanks, Deb and take care!
Good afternoon Claudia, very good to know that you are safe at home, here in my city we have six patients with suspected coronavirus, none hospitalized but monitored in their homes. But São Paulo is a big city. We are advised to stay at home despite the president himself calling the coronavirus a small flu, and he and his entourage returning from a meeting with President Trump with 22 infected.
New York has the most cases in the country, unfortunately. I’m glad to know you are safe at home as well. Take care, Edis!
Hear, hear, Claudia; excellent post as per usual.
Meant to say that I love your pops of aqua-green-blue as your continuing pleasant color theme throughout your home; the birds on the piano yesterday, picking up the blues in the ship painting; today, everything you have clustered on the cabinet (it’s your McCoy, right?). Sweetie, you’re like me; we definitely NEED more bookshelves!! You are overflowing! (But I love it; books are my decor. Every photo of your home, it’s always so inviting; cozy with such warmth; you have a friendly house.) As you said, good project coming up; when it seems safer and the right time, you CAN still go to a hardware store for shelving (at least you still can in Calif lockdown where I am).
Ah, the day ahead; gonna allow myself to go out in the sunshine of my rear yard and clean up after my kitties. Then be in this afternoon to rework some of my remaining perishable veggies (about down to nothing, but that’s okay; I’ve got frozen veggies in the freezer; also low-sodium canned; it’s all do-able; in the meantime, my wilted stuff can go in a soup just fine; so easy, just get out some veggie stock/broth and into a pot, in go the veggies, let it simmer on the stovetop for awhile; all kinds of dried herbs and seasonings can change up the flavor; even me, the non-cook, can make my soup, and it’s so nourishing to sip, hot and delish; or scatter some of those fresh veggies getting near their ‘time’ and roast them on a sheet pan in the oven; yum; they caramelize, can mash them up in a baked potato or stir them into some cooked pasta).
My husband is starting to become exceedingly restless ‘way too early in this new normal and I wish he could just settle down with a good book or something, but that’s not HIS norm. I am putting him to work inside the house on whatever I can think of; fortunately, some good sun today/warmer after yesterday’s cold-overcast, so he’s out there pulling weeds again out back; I know it’s hard for him to work off energy. He’s usually out in the car every day, for this or that. But we spoke again to each other about the need to resist going out if we can possibly help it, i.e. do not go to the grocery store just because we can; make do with what we have on hand (it’s what we’d planned and prepared for, so follow the plan!); as you said Don is doing, just get creative. It’s not my husband’s fave, but we do indeed have a good supply of dried beans and rice. And those two basic pantry items make a lot of food; fill you up. We’re not going to starve. (Thing is, with reduced activity, we should be equally-reducing our portions anyway.) Again, stuff is popping up all over the web, often on my home page, of how you can cook well with your pantry staples. Lots of good recipes. What items keep well. Etc.
I don’t, at this age, consider myself a fashionable person in terms of clothes (I’m more on the practical side now), but I have been a rabid follower of high-end fashion most of my life, always excited about New York Fashion Week, and I like to keep up and learn about all of New York’s fabulous fashion designers. When I read that young designer Christian Siriano (I think he lives in Manhattan) is taking this time to keep his sewers busy in their home confinement, changing from making dresses to medical masks for the healthcare workers in NYC which is being hit so hard with novel-coronavirus cases, I just wanted to throw him kisses; LOVE HIM. (He probably has stockpiles of fabrics, as it’s his business!) We’re going to see more and more of this ingenuity.
In fact, I just briefly turned on the TV … to see a news piece on what they’re doing in a suburb of Houston in Texas; and let me try to get this straight as much as I can: Drive-thru setup for cars to pick up a FREE bleach-size jug of disinfectant being manufactured on the spot, in a parking lot. Something to do with a material/substance which was used in fracking in another part of the state (Midland?), they brought down the equipment from this other part of Texas, the cars waiting for their jug of this bleach-like solution is over a mile long with a very-long wait, but it’s orderly and is all designed to help people who were caught with no/low supply of sanitizer/disinfectant.
Inspiring what people can do in times of trouble.
I don’t usually have nightmares but I sure had one last night. I think the restless nights right now could be expected because we all have so much on our minds that is rooted in fear. But, in my dream, I was helping a neighbor’s friend with loose dogs, he pleaded that I drive him somewhere because of something he needed; when we got to the destination, I’d realized I’d momentarily forgotten about physical distancing and panicked, then turned around and he’d stolen my wallet and run off.
See? To me, this is a manifestation of my bottled-up fear (well, not so bottled up; I’m expressing it; but, you know, it tends to hover, and we’ve got constant reminders from the media in their earnestness to keep us informed). I’m no expert on the subject of dreams, but I can see where when feeling threatened with this silent enemy lurking and coming for us, feeling in danger, our brains clearly aren’t at ease.
Man, after I woke up with a jolt, I couldn’t sleep for another two hours. I hope that’s a one-off dream, never to be repeated! I’m going to work harder on trying to be more relaxed at bedtime tonight; I wish I could have a cup of warm milk to induce good sleep but I’m allergic to cow’s milk. I don’t know that plant milk has the same effect. Will sort it out, though! But sometimes, lately, I just want my mommy! There’s a scene in the sweetest little movie called “13 Going on 30” (Jennifer Garner, Mark Ruffalo) where she’s bewildered & scared and needs a glass of water and a fluffy pillow, like RIGHT NOW. I can relate!
It makes sense that many of us will be seeing the ramifications of all of this in our dreams. I hope you don’t have another nightmare, however! Maybe it’s your brain’s way of sorting through all of this. Thanks, Vicki.
Sorry to hear about your sleepless nights. Laura, I believe, suggested Melatonin. I would agree. I take it every night, and it quiets my mind, so not only can I fall sleep, but, if I wake up in the middle of the night…I fall right back to sleep.
You have a fantastic governor…he should be leading this country. He’s strong, concise in his statements, and exudes confidence in the right way. There is so much uncertainty right now, and confusion. It’s hard to keep a positive attitude. But, a positive attitude we must achieve.
We took a short drive in the country…but, never talked to another soul. It was nice to get out and see a different view. Hardly anyone was out in the small towns, but in the state park, there were lots of hikers out there. The sun is out today, so that makes all the difference! ;)
We don’t have any on hand, and of course, I can’t get out to get some, but the next time we make a grocery run, I’ll add it to the list.
We did the same thing! Took a short drive, never got out of the car, but just needed to see more than our property. Take care, Donna.
You are so right…..we can do this. My dad was in the British army during WWII and captured at Dunkirk. He was held in prison camps for 4 years!! Broke his jaw and ankle. It was beyond tough. My mom grew up in Belgium and my Grandmother owned a little market. Yes they had food but my Grandmother worked with the Belgium underground and hid British and American soldiers from the Germans. Keep in mind, at that time, Belgium was occupied by Germany. Granny was in her early 60’s. We can all stay home and protect each other.
Wow. That sounds like something out of a book. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. You must be so proud of your parents and grandmother. You’ve given Claudia’s readers a good reminder with this story of your family. For us in this epidemic who are still healthy and virus-negative, being at home and following the orders is no hardship; merely a little inconvenience for most retirees (although of course we all feel badly for those, older and younger, now out of work; worrying about income and their immediate & long-term future). Sure, I had some medical appointments set up with specialists where I’d been waiting as much as five months to see the doctors and I had to postpone those visits in coordination/advice from my primary-care physician, but it’ll all resume eventually. I feel lucky in that regard; I’m not like a patient who has to have chemo right now; or dialysis. Or who’s back & forth to her doctor and the lab and her pharmacy because she’s right in the middle of infertility treatment and has to count on the changing signals from her body (which waits for no one and nothing). A thousand examples. Nobody otherwise is asking that much of us; it’s to protect others but also ourselves!
What an amazing story, Patty. Thank you so much for sharing it with us. We CAN do this. Your family shows us just what good people are capable of doing and surviving. Take care!
Claudia – Major appreciation for your STAY HOME message. You performed a vital service
in a kindly manner. Thank you.
Churches in Chgo. ringing bells 5 times a day to remind everyone to pray, private citizens making protective masks for front line personnel, distilleries switching to making hand
sanitizers…….surely we’re seeing a crisis bring out the best in people and that will prove a
blessing.
Stay safe, stay well.
Love that about Chicago, R., I hadn’t heard that. Yes, we’re seeing goodness and compassion in abundance. We need that. Take care, R.
Hi! Wanted to know, did you read The Shape of Water too? I am interested but, should I watch the movie or read the book? I would normally just read the book, it’s always better, but the movie was a box office success. Interested to hear your thoughts.
I am in Ohio and our governor has been awesome! ( I have completely shut out The Orange Idiot since the day he said it was a hoax.) I am happy to have such a good man leading us. His daily updates are comforting to watch. They cover a variety of subjects, provide important and helpful information and are morale boosting. It’s like watching one of the morning talk shows. One segment the other day was the governor’s wife talking about activities to do with your kids and grandkids. On Friday he asked us to fly our state or American flags to show we are defiant to this virus. Yesterday he showed pictures people sent of their kids showing their handmade flags and people flying their flags. Kids are so cute! You should check it out on YouTube! Some is Ohio specific but everyone can get a lot out of it.
I have been happily staying in the house since I quit working in November so, in that sense, nothing is different here. However, my husband works in a grocery store. Through all of this, no matter how long it lasts, we will never have the sense of safety others will have staying in their homes. We will be in continuous danger of getting it. That part is really hard. I have to block out the fear that I could lose my husband just because of his job.
Please stay safe, listen to your awesome governor and be grateful every day. Thank you for your wonderful blog! A bright spot in dark days for many!
I love what your Governor is doing! Bravo!
No, I haven’t read the book and I am usually the same as you – I want to read the book first. But I will tell you from my heart that this movie is superb in every way; magical, wondrous, and life-affirming. I think it’s a masterpiece.
I understand your worries right now. Please take care, Kimberly!