Corona Virus Pandemic Preparedness

School are now closed for the remainder of the year here too. As of today, Pennsylvania has 21,719 confirmed cases, which according to the Johns Hopkins University Center for Systems Science and Engineering webpage, we are ranked 5th, this sh** is scary. Philadelphia County leads with the most number and they are only 2 hours away from me.

On a brighter note, my hands are covered in dye from painting eggs with my niece and her 5 year old girl, we had so much fun today and she is so excited to hunt eggs tomorrow!!!

Oh, that’s so sweet, Lori! It does my heart so much good to picture the three of you working on your eggs; one normal thing in a crazy world! I hope you all have a grand time tomorrow:-))))))).

Happy Easter!

Oh yes Lori, thank you so much for your egg story. I really needed a glimpse of normalcy in all of this!

California's strict stay at home orders/lockdown has started to pay off. It will be four weeks on Monday the 13th since our lockdown order went into effect. 4 weeks of being isolated at home has not been easy. Other than a weekly store run for essentials and taking walks, I haven't left the house. On the upside, it's working. The hospitals, although still swamped, have been able to keep up with the flow of new patients. Ventilators are plentiful, in fact, California has been loaning them out to other states in mass quantities. California has not hit it's apex as if yet, but growth has slowed down dramatically. That was the goal of the early lockdown. To slow the growth enough to help keep the hospitals/healthcare system from collapsing. I certainly hope that this is not all in vain by opening up too quickly. Yes, people need to get back to work, and I'm all for it, if it's done safely. Right now, the lockdown needs to continue because it is saving lives.

I will be working from home starting on the 13th. It will be very strange for everyone involved. That's the way it has to be right now. Stay smart to stay safe and post your updates when you can. I would love to hear how everyone is doing.

Well, beginning week seven working from home...I wouldn't mind if I was busy, but sitting in front of the computer all day with nothing to do but try to look busy is boring. I would rather be doing things around the house. The president of my company let everyone know that in the next couple of weeks, there will be salary reductions; reduced hours; title changes (I'm the lowest in the admin category so can't see that changing for me!); furloughs; lay-offs; voluntary terminations; and not so voluntary.

I hope they lay me off or furlough me. I could still get unemployment and they will continue to pay their share of my medical so that I can pay mine and not have to go on Cobra. If I could hold on until June of 2021, I could apply for Medicare and then either get my SS or get something part-time. If things pick up and I could still work from home, that would be great, but I've already made up my mind that I'm not going to commute to the city anymore.

On a brighter note, my hyacinths and daffodils that I bought from the Tipper and Squirt fundraiser have come up and are gorgeous! Thank you, Leslie. I love being home and looking out over the garden! I wish I could upload a picture of them, but still can't. I can't wait to see what the alliums do!

I have ventured out a couple of times with Sibbie. It's strange and at the same time comforting, to see everyone wearing masks and standing so far apart. Glen Cove seems to be adhering to the rules of social distancing. My husband goes out and does most of the food shopping. He must think we're going to starve to death! There is so much food in the freezer we could probable live for six months without shopping if we didn't need milk, eggs, toilet paper, and of course tonic for our gin and tonics!

I feel safe at home and hope you all do too. I'm happy to be home with my Sibbie, Gable, Cooper and Doree. Cooper is like my shadow now; I move he moves; I sit down, he's next to me. I know he feels safe with me here. Sibbie and I are so in tune with each other, she is getting quite good at reading my body language...not quite as much as Lena, but she's getting there. I know Gable feels better that I'm home. He doesn't have to worry about not being able to get out if he has to. And Doree is happy to have her dad here all the time. She only gets up when he does and then follows him around all day. Poor little thing is exhausted by 7:30 or 8:00 at night. She gets off his lap and climbs up her ramp to go to sleep in "her" chair with her heater blowing on her and sleeps a good 12 hours.

My sister did test positive for corona. She got the results back 4/8. So she's down in the basement for another two weeks. So far my mom, her husband and son have not shown any signs...unbelievable! She is lucky that she didn't have to go into the hospital, her lungs are finally opening up. She had every symptom and still wouldn't accept that it wasn't a sinus infection until they called her with the results.

So who knows how much longer this will go on. I think it will be a while until they come up with a vaccine. I never got the flu shot, but I will damn sure get this one when it's ready!

So glad to receive your report, Joan, and to hear that you, hubby, and the dogs have settled into a regular, safe routine. I feel pretty much the same way here. One day just kind of blends right into the next, but I’m so grateful that my husband is able to work from home. We’re still totally isolating aside from dog walks and grocery store runs, and will undoubtedly maintain this regimen for quite some time — the governor of our state notwithstanding. Imagine my surprise at learning that bowling, tattoos, massages, nail grooming, and big-screen movies are the core activities so critical to our well being that we’re to risk our communal health to allow them to be the first to rush to reopen. Wow. Hopefully the common man and woman have better sense and a stronger desire for self-preservation than that, including the owners of those businesses who want to better protect themselves and their employees.

Either way, *we’re* not going anywhere very soon. Luna loves having her dad home 24/7, and we all three are focused on making this our new normal for some time to come.

Yes, I had no idea how crucial certain services are in the state of Georgia! Who would've thought that tattoo parlors, hair and nail salons, movie theaters, and bowling were so important, as to risk so many lives. I sincerely hope that Georgians are taking it upon themselves to continue to stay at home until it is deemed safe by the scientists to emerge. That is a very surprising stage one plan for any state, particularly one that has not reached its peak yet.

I just lost a my lengthy CA update, as my Ipad froze. I am working from home, as all the schools are closed and I've been spending my days on devices, so I don't feel like typing it again right now. I will attempt again in the next day or so. Stay smart to stay safe.

Hi everyone, safe here in Toronto, Ontario.

Hubby and me are into week I don't know, 6(?) working from home. Our entire company went to work from home in about a week, all of our office across Canada are basically closed down.

This weekend we are springing my MIL from our retirement apartment and bringing her to live with us till this has past. We just think she will be safer here with us. We have basically everything delivered, and if not delivered then pickup with no contact. That seems to be working for us. We've opened the pool and once the weather is warm enough, she can enjoy the backyard, bbqs with me and hubby.

Most things are shut down here, except for essentials, like grocery, etc. Nothing frivolous is open. I have ordered clippers and will be grooming vanilla myself. First one was last weekend and she looks a bit ..um...well... cute of course, with a side of homelessness? LOL

Our family is all safe, but I've had nurse friends who have been tested (negative so far) another friend in California who they think had it in December and she is at home but still on oxygen. A friend of mine here in Canada has it, another friends FIL in a nursing home tested positive. People I work with know people who have passed away. It is scary and they learn more all the time about it. Like the blood clot issue. So I don't think it's going to be safe for awhile. I don't know what the new normal will look like, but if it is like the old normal, then it will be risky I think.

Anyway, we are doing good and just dealing with the new reality. Everyone stay safe! Love ya!!

Oh Sharlene, thanks so much for your update. I’m so relieved to know that you and Daniel are safely working from home, and I’ll bet Vanilla is loving having you around 24/7. I have to laugh hearing that you’ve bought clippers for her — I keep thinking I should arrange a video session with my hair stylist so she can coach hubby on giving me a haircut! So far, though, he says “Nah, I don’t think so.” We have a friend who’s taking her dog to a drive-through groomer. They come to the car all masked and gloved and take the dog inside while she waits, and then return it to the backseat the same way. If I could do the grooming at home, I’d prefer that, though, myself. I’m going over this morning to pick up Luna’s regular NSAID Rx from our vet, and they don’t want me to come inside even for that. I’m to call when I get there, and they’ll bring the bottle to the car.

I do understand about you bringing Daniel’s mom home. If my mom was still alive, I believe we’d be doing the same thing since she never needed any specialized care and would have done fine with us. It just would have been so hard on us all to have been separated during the quarantine. Her retirement complex has just registered its first positive case, and that would have made us so worried. These are such tough times, for sure.

Anyway, thanks so much for checking in and please continue to do so. We miss you very much!

Love, Marianne

Lol! My husband has been cutting my hair for the last couple of years and right now, I couldn't care less how it looks! After working in NYC since 2018 and seeing some of the styles, nothing he does could look worse! On the other hand, he butchered Sibbie's last year after our groomer decided she wasn't going to come to Glen Cove anymore. When I texted her the picture she wanted to know who weed-whacked her?? LOL!

So glad to see you Sharlene, and know that you'll doing well. At least as well as can be expected.

California is still on a stay at home order with very tight restrictions. Pretty much all we can do walk around our neighborhoods maintaining social distance, grocery shop, get gas ( though nobody is driving) and visit a drive thru restuarant. Restrictions are starting to ease in some parts of the state. Beaches and parks, in a few cities opened this past weekend, with many rules of course. They are still closed where I live, but are expected to be opening soon. We have been experiencing a heat wave, making the beach sound wonderful! Particularly since almost everything else is closed and people can't go into work. May as well go to the beach, yet we can't just yet.

Working from home feels weird. I'm sure my students are feeling the same way about distance leaning. We are making it work. It's a enormous change and challenge for all.
Take care everyone!

Good to see you here, Sharlene, and especially good to know you and yours are doing well!
Hugs,
Leslie

Went to the grocery store this morning, wearing my mask as ordered from our Governor, and was able to purchase everything I needed! Misty and I are going to bake cupcakes on Wednesday, she loves to help with the mixing and measuring and I love having her.

Pennsylvania's numbers continue to climb with a quarter of the cases located in Philadelphia, in York where I live we have 563 confirmed, Philadelphia has 11,152! We still have a strict stay at home order, which like I mentioned before doesn't bother me too much since I'm such a homebody, however a friend of mine that just retired in March is really taking this hard. He had so many trips planned, and he is a such a social butterfly so this stay at home order is just driving him nuts.

The monarch butterfly season will be starting in June, can't wait for that, I'm ready to see those beautiful winged creatures!!!!

Is today still scheduled for cupcake baking??? You’re an inspiration to me, Lori — after reading your reply, I headed out to get cupcake supplies for myself. So I’m gonna be baking away today, too. :D:D:D:D

We’re supposed to have rain and storms this afternoon (hopefully not severe...). So I figure it’ll be cozy to turn on the oven and treat ourselves to something comforting to snack on. I know you’ll be having great fun with Misty. Luna, of course, will be my little four-legged helper ;-))).

Bon appetit!

Yes, cupcakes were baked yesterday! Misty wanted to color/paint me a picture instead of helping with the cupcakes, which I thought was fine. I had bought her a brand new pair of PJ Mask sneakers that light up (PJ Mask are her favorite cartoon characters) so she wanted to make me something to show her appreciation, isn't that just precious!!!! She ended up spending the night, we watched movies in my bed, ate popcorn, and some cupcakes! We had a ball!!!!

Hey Lori, I want to spend the night at your house! Sounds like a blast! Having a precious little one around makes everything better! Keep us posted, okay?

That does sound like great fun, Lori! I have taken Sibbie over to see my grandsons a couple of times this past week. She misses Josh terribly! I think now that the weather is getting warmer, we might go for walks with them or go watch while they ride their bikes in the school parking lot. Only Sigi goes out to do the shopping at their house and Victor usually does ours, so our exposure to the virus has been limited. The only places I go to are to get dog food and dog meds and it's curbside pickup.

I should know next week whether I still have a job. HR will be calling next Friday to let employees know if they've been laid off or furloughed. I am conflicted! On the one hand I do not want to have to go back into the city, but on the other, I would hate to be let go. I like my job, just not where it moved to...and of course there is the money issue :). But whatever will be, will be. I wouldn't mind being a more available grandma, especially if Sigi and Jess both go back to work and the schools have not opened.

We'll see!

Well, our plate that held 12 cupcakes on Wednesday is now down to holding 6, so I’d say that “baking day“ was a big success in both our houses! ;) ;) ;) ;)

Here it is.... I am feeling extremely conflicted right now. Been under a very strict stay at home order since March 16th. I have only ventured out weekly as needed for essentials, then right back home. My brain tells me stay the course. That's it's needed for now. That I am keeping myself and others safe. However, I feel like my house is closing in on me. I am used to being on the go. My routine has always started with going to work. Now that I'm working from home, I'm feeling out of balance and stressed. I am most certainly not alone with these feelings. They are probably quite common right now. I remain home for now, except for social distancing and wearing my mask when out for essentials. I know it won't be forever, but it sure feels like it sometimes.

I hear ya, Kathy! The uncertainty about the timeframe is the part that is hardest for me. We’ve been so careful so far and I don’t want to blow it all due to a momentary lapse. But I also know that we can’t live this way forever, and I’m not sure what to set as my personal criteria for being willing to risk a bit more exposure since it’ll likely be months before things truly change for the better in terms of treatment or control.

So far, the saving grace for me has been taking Luna for her walks morning and afternoon. I either just walk on the street in our neighborhood, or I drive her over to a nearby office park that has a lake and miles of largely deserted sidewalk. There are a few other people walking, too, but there’s no problem with staying far away from one another. Since it’s outside and I’m never anywhere near anybody else, I do dispense with wearing my mask most of the time. For those two walks each day, I almost feel normal again. Soon it’ll be too hot here to venture out in the afternoon, but we’ll continue our early morning walks all through the summer.

Since it sounds as though efficient transmission of the virus is much lower outdoors, I suspect that’s the manner in which we may start to “re-enter” face-to-face interactions down the road. Maybe meeting up with a friend outdoors for a chat or even a picnic, but keeping ourselves on blankets or chairs that are a good distance apart. Of course, we may need bullhorns to communicate with each other, but at least we should be relatively safe! I’m not yet ready to risk even that, though. And I’m figuring that May will come and go before anything at all changes much around our house. These are tough times, for sure, and another reason why I’m so glad I can always come here to visit with my K9C family.

Wait a minute, Marianne......you made cupcakes over the weekend and yesterday you still had SIX left?! Ya'll aren't doing this confinement thing right at all! You are supposed to be cooking and eating and cooking and eating over and over and over til you can't get into any of your clothes. :D

:rolleyes: Hey Les, I made the cupcakes *late* Wednesday afternoon, and by Friday morning they were half gone. And um, there are just two left now. :o

I think I’ve got this eating, eating, eating drill pretty much perfected, because in all seriousness my pants really are all too tight and I can’t go shop for more :(. Thank goodness for sweatpants and the fact that all my video chats with friends only involve my face...!!

Well that's better! :D:p:D

EATING is about all I do!!! I did venture out yesterday and got me some flowers! I went to a locally owned farmer's market, pulled into their parking lot at 7 am, which holds maybe 6 vehicles! I was the only person there and an hour later my truck was full of flowers! It was so nice to go somewhere besides the grocery store and my Uncle Ray's house. Can't wait for the weather to stay nice so I can get those flowers outside, for right now they are in my garage, I always wait until after Mother's Day to plant flowers outside...come on nice weather!!!

Beth and I were talking yesterday about all the eating we are doing and I told her that by the time we could, I would be a WalMart person in church 'cause I won't be able to get into real clothes! :D She's gotten into sourdough bread, making her own starter and baking all these wonderful looking loaves. I'm not specializing in any area.....I cook every day which I never used to do and of course that means I have to eat what I cook since no one else is here. Thankfully I do have a small chest freezer tho and try to put at least some of those things in there for later. Cakes soaked in orange sauce freeze quite well and become a gooey delicious mess. :o:D

Major meat processing plants have been forced to close due to Coronavirus outbreaks. This has created a meat shortage. My local Wendys will not be selling hamburgers for several weeks, as they are not able to get beef. It isn't a big loss for me, as I'm not a big meat eater anyway, but who ever heard of such a thing? There is very little meat available at my local grocery stores and purchases are limited. They have just started to get a handle on paper products and now meat is next. Disenfectants, peroxide, rubbing alcohol and hand sanitizer are still really hard to find and are limited to one, when they do have it. Back to the meat shortage.....I was told today that dog food will be taking a hit. Supplies will start to run out and there will not be sufficient meat available for the plants to produce large batches. Especially hard hit will be the specialty, single protein formulas. If you have a dog needing a particular food, it would be smart to have more on hand to cover any possible shortages that may occur. You might want to pick up an extra bag if you can still find it.

I hope that everyone continuous to stay smart an as safe as possible.

Oy...I guess I should be happy that hubby bought a lot of meat.

Well, it's official, I am on furlough until possibly November. ETS will pay my whole medical, dental and vision until September, but then I'll have to pick up Cobra if I have not been taken back yet or gotten another job. At least I will have time now to enjoy redesigning the garden and spending more time with the grandkids and dogs. Gable and Cooper are both suffering with back problems right now so being home means I don't have to worry about them while at work...silver lining?

I just hope I can get on unemployment!

Oh Joan, I sure hope the unemployment payments do come through for you. But for sure, there’s indeed a silver lining for your family — I know they’ll love having you home! My Luna is so happy having her daddy home with her 24/7. Butt rubs and head scratches anytime, on demand ;-).

Also, Kathy, I hadn’t given any thought to how a meat shortage might affect pet food. But I guess a whole range of supply chain issues may alter the manufacture and contents of some foods. Here’s an article I found from a pet food professional organization that discusses what’s known about the current situation. I guess a lot probably remains unknown, though, because manufacturers are probably not yet eager to publicly disclose any problems they may be facing...

https://www.petfoodindustry.com/blog...ient-shortages

I’ve got probably a couple months of food on hand for Luna. But I feed her kibble, so I don’t want to stockpile beyond the “Best by” dates because I know that kibble can go rancid relatively quickly — especially after a bag has been opened — and that is unhealthy, too. <SIGH> Yet one more issue to be aware of and to try to plan for!

Oh Kathy thank you so much for mentioning the possible issues with dog food. I will get a bag of food for Henry just in case, as he's reacted badly to a couple of foods in the past. One of the local pet stores was offering home delivery so I may see if they have some food in stock.

Here we have started to re-open, which has meant that the places I walk Henry which are usually deserted are now over-run with people :-( We went for a walk in a local park and there were cyclists everywhere, and none of the were even trying to socially distance. I have to say that I've got used to staying home as OH is doing the grocery shopping after I had several really bad flus over Christmas. I think I'm going to feel a bit strange when I go into a store for the first time.

Hey everybody, it’s been a while now since we’ve had folks checking in. I hope all our family is remaining safe! One day just blends into another for me, now. Virtually nothing has changed about our routine here. Hubby and I continue to stick very close to home. Still no haircuts, no restaurant dining, no outings other than just us two & Luna. I’m actually kind of surprised that I’m mentally holding up pretty much OK — I guess that just shows how much of a hermit I really am in spirit. But the prospect of so many more days without end amidst the worsening statistics does cast a deep dark shadow. My county lists data specific down to even our zip code, and unfortunately we’re part of the new upward trend again. I had so hoped that maybe things would settle down some over the summer and give us all enough time for a bit of a break (and the chance to get that haircut!). But right now, definitely not looking so good. At least our stores are starting to regularly stock toilet paper again, so at least there’s that...

One of my few joys has been tending to my container flowers. I do feel the risk is worth it to head over to Lowe’s and Home Depot to pick through their garden shops. I so love my flowers! In that vein, Lori, here’s a question for you if you happen to read this. Hubby was just reading about growing milkweed to lure the monarchs, and I’m wondering whether that would be suitable to grow in flower boxes. Growing up in the Midwest, I saw it growing profusely wild along all the farm roads. I don’t have room for an inground garden in my yard, but I just wondered if I could grow some in boxes or containers, as well. So if you read this, just let me know.

OK, everybody, I’ll close for now. But as I say, I’d love to read some updates from you all, as well.

Do stay safe!
Marianne

Hey Marianne!

I do grow tropical milkweed in containers, common milkweed is what's native in my area and comes up every year. The tropical milkweed I started from seeds indoors because it gets too cold for that type of milkweed as it is a perennial in climates that stay warm all year long. One thing I do want to make you aware of is that when buying plants from a store that they may use pesticides which will kill the caterpillars and butterflies, even though they say they use "environmental friendly" pesticides, they are not. Members have posted on the monarch FB group I belong to that their caterpillars/butterflies have died when they ingested leaves from store bought plants so they recommend washing the leaves with a 19:1 ratio of bleach and water.

At the end of fall before the first frost I bring my tropical milkweed indoors and have very good luck with it thriving all winter long in those containers. Also with the tropical, you can start new plants from stem cuttings, I just snip off a leggy stem, throw it in some water and before you know it there are roots growing.

Still waiting for the monarchs to show up, last years journal states that on the 28th of June is when I saw the first monarch and collected eggs, so hopefully tomorrow will be the day!!!

Hello Ladies. So happy to hear that you are well. So much to report here. I have no idea where to start, so I guess I'll start at the the beginning. The last I reported California was still in a total lockdown. The virus has continued to wreck havoc on many communities, but mine was pretty much spared until recently. Enough so, that we were able to open up just a bit and I was actually able to get a haircut (with guidelines in place) a few weeks ago. That was so weird! That has all changed now. The virus is now running rampant across most of the state, including my community. I would not be able to get a haircut now. Hospitals are once again filling rapidly, including intensive care units. Our state is more prepared than it was before. We now have plenty of ventilators and PPE. So that is good! Masks are mandated for the entire state of California when out in public. Social distancing is a way of life here now. I haven't been out much, except for that one haircut and essential items. I did manage to see a friend and visit with her in her backyard, while social distancing. I am on Summer Break from work, which usually means I am flittering around everywhere. I am healthy and safe for now, but have gone a little stir crazy.

I typed out a whole lot more. My iPad froze and I lost it. Hopefully I'll have a chance to continue tomorrow. Stay safe everyone!

Well, things are opening up here too. It's a little scary, especially when we are seeing the resurgence in other states that have reopened. My daughter is back to work with all new precautions; she finally got her hair done, too; my son-in-law is working a few days off the books at the bakery; I have ventured out to the bank, but have really not gone anywhere other than the few places i had been going to.

We are going to go to Beni Hana Friday night for Josh's 12th birthday, so that will be an adventure. It's inside dining, so hubby is a little nervous.

Glen Cove has been doing outside street dining for the last couple of weeks. From Thursday through Sunday, they close the street off from 6 - 10pm. We haven't gone yet, but Jess did with their family after spending the afternoon at Jones Beach this past Thursday and said it was fine. I noticed that the train station had about six cars parked there the other day...it's been so weird seeing it empty all these months. I used to have trouble finding a spot!

I heard from a coworker who told me that our office is leaving the WeWork on 7th Avenue and moving to another WeWork in Harlem. I doubt very much that I will be taken back now since they all know I do not do the subway! The LIRR fares have gone up and now I would have to pay more?? Then take a taxi?? NOPE! I just turned 64 and I'll be damned if I am going to kill myself doing all that traveling now, not to mention the risk of getting the virus...

My hubby is going to start going back into his office for a few clients. That will give me some time alone to get things done besides following him around and cleaning up after him...he's such a slob! Plus he thinks I'm his valet...Joan bring me my glasses; my appointment book; could you make me some tea; what's for lunch, dinner; arghhhhhh!! Go back to work!! LOL! Doree will be devastated, all she does is follow him around and sit on his lap all day while he's on the phone. She won't even eat anymore unless he's holding the dish for her...she follows him around the garden while he talks with his earpiece. The good thing is that he's spending more time taking care of the flowers and veggies, which he hasn't had time to do for the past few years. We will have a bumper crop of tomatoes, cukes , hot peppers and eggplants soon! I planted it all and I love watching them produce! And our garden looks awesome with the both of us here tending to it. I've got so many pictures, every day something new opens up. I just love all the plants I bought from the Tipper and Squirt fund raiser!

And of course, my guys are very happy to have me home. Sibbie knows instinctively when I'm getting ready to go out and makes sure I don't go without her! Cooper has been coming out to Jeremy's with us. I had hoped to get him comfortable enough to stay with Jeremy for a few days to keep him company, but that's not going to happen. He has attached himself to me and panics if I leave even to to put the garbage out. Now he wants to come in the car with me and Sibbie all the time, but just bringing him to Coram is nerve wracking. He got carsick on the way out last week, ugh! But he did better this week. He loves Jeremy, but I'm afraid that he won't be happy there. I went out to get something that I left in the car this past Friday and Jeremy said he ran to all the windows to watch me, crying the whole time. Oh well, it was worth a shot. We'll just visit every Friday. Jeremy can't go back to work until the pandemic is over because of his HIV status and he is really lonely. He's afraid to go food shopping, so Thursday I got a list from him and bought him a whole lot of stuff. He has enough to last him for few weeks now.

I wish I could bring Gable too, but with his arthritis as bad as it has gotten, I don't think he can do the stairs at Jeremy's apartment. I feel bad leaving him home, but he does get a nice, quiet, restful day, I think. He's doing good. Still drinking a lot, but manages to go all night without having to go out and pee, so the 5mg is doing something. He doesn't like being out as much as he used to, it's way too hot and humid for him...me too! We venture out when it cools down in the early morning and late afternoons. He's my big, beautiful boy and I am going to keep him as comfortable as I can.

Wow! I guess I really needed to get all this off my chest! LOL! I am happy that we on the forum are all safe! Stay well!

Love,
Joan

Hello everyone, I hope you are all safe and healthy among this continued pandemic. I am going to TRY very hard not to get political on this post, although it will be very difficult. Istead, I'm here to report on my state of California. The virus is sweeping through my state with record numbers, as it is with many other states. It is referrred to as a flare-up, or hot spot. In reality, it is a forest fire surging out of control with no end in site. California is the most populated state with more than 40,000,000 people. That is a massive amount of fuel for a raging pandemic! Hospitals in the southern part of the state have been stretched beyond capacity and ICU units are overflowing. PPE is running out, once again. Medical professionals are in short supply. All are overworked and many have fallen ill, or have tested positive for Covid. Medical staff is being sent to CA. About 150 people should be arriving soon, or have already arrived. I'm not sure of the exact number.

This all leads me to current restrictions. The entire state has been under the following restrictions for several weeks now. They are a closure of bars, movie theaters, family enertainment, card rooms, zoos and museums. 80% of the state, which include 33 counties (so far) are on the governor's watch. My county is smack dab in the middle of that list. It is a list that you don't want to be on, because that means that the covid cases in your area are rising rapidly. New restrictions for these area go into effect at Midnight (tonight). They are a closure of all indoor dining, barber shops, hair salons, fitness centers, churches and worship centers, offices for non critcal sectors, personal care services and indoor malls. Basically, most indoor businesses that meet the essential guidelines will remain open. The rest will be closed. Outside businesses will remain open for now. If these restrictions don't work to slow the spread of the virus, another total shutdown will be imminent.

There has been a lot of pressure for schools to fully open country wide. Again, I will try to stay away from the politics and just report. The two largest school districts in California are in Los Angeles and San Diego. The have thousands of students to prepare for. The have announced that they will be returning next month via full time distance learning for the time being. Stating safety concerns for staff and students. In California, each individual district will make the determination as to the best way to serve their students. There is not a blanketed state order. I work in a small district. As of now, we are hoping to return to on-site learning. Just what that involves is still being worked out. Of course, that will likely change if Covid cases continue to rise substantially.

As for me, as of now, I'm doing okay, but hate being trapped at home all the time. So much uncertainty is uncomfortable for me. The pandemic rages on. Stay safe my dear family and let us all know how you are doing.

Hi Kathy, and thanks so much for your update although of course I wish the news was better. One day continues to blend into another for me here. We stay in the house except for dog walking, grocery & takeout food runs, flower buying to swap out the dead plants in my windowbox, and brief errands that can’t be avoided. Here in Georgia, we’re experiencing a rapid escalation in cases, as well. I may have mentioned that my neighbor on one side is a respiratory therapist — she’s back to collecting “hazard pay” due to the number of emergency hours and intubations that she has to perform. My neighbor on the other side became ill a couple of weeks ago, and he and an adult daughter have both tested positive. Clearly our suburban “arc” is finally also joining in the uptick in cases that has been plaguing intown Atlanta. So my social distancing rules are being reinforced in my mind daily — aside from hubby, I simply don’t allow myself to come closer than six feet to anybody, anytime. Even chatting for five minutes in my neighborhood. And I wear masks religiously when I’m out and likely to interact with others.

With that in mind, I was stunned this morning to awaken to the news that our governor has now officially forbidden city and county officials from issuing local mask mandates, even in areas where cases are exploding. Actually issued a formal regulation yesterday to that effect. Anybody tempted to move to Georgia right now? No, I didn’t think so. And...I’ll just leave it at that.

I am not sleeping well, undoubtably due to generalized anxiety as to whether/when an end will be in sight. But having said that, I continue to recognize how lucky I am that we have a comfortable home within which to cocoon, and that hubby can continue to work from here. I really have little to complain about, other than dearly missing personal contact with family and friends (and still no haircut!).

Stay well, everybody!

Yes Marianne, I did see your govenor's directive regarding masks, on CNN this morning. Yes, nation wide. What does that tell you? CA is experiencing massive surges, but I think I will stay where I am. We have a state wide mask mandate here. I really have a hard time breathing through them. I feel claustrophobic and lightheaded when I wear one, but I do religiously wear one EVERY TIME I venture out for anything. So many concerns right now. School possibly re-opening, wearing a mask all day, etc. I'm not a kid anymore. I have dad to care for. I could re-tire and not return to work, but I'd hate to go out before I'm ready due to COVID fear. It has been said that students are less vulnerable, don't catch it as easy, and recover faster, with many of them asymptomatic. What about the teachers, aids, cafeteria workers, bus drivers, custodians, all of the adults? What if they have vulnerable family members at home? So many worries. I don't know what to do.

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Originally Posted by labblab

With that in mind, I was stunned this morning to awaken to the news that our governor has now officially forbidden city and county officials from issuing local mask mandates, even in areas where cases are exploding. Actually issued a formal regulation yesterday to that effect. Anybody tempted to move to Georgia right now? No, I didn’t think so. And...I’ll just leave it at that!

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Gosh Kathy, I’d be so conflicted, too, if I were you. I’d really be tossing and turning at night!!

The thing that seems especially scary to me is how much the researchers still don’t know re: potential lasting invisible effects from this virus. I know the consensus is that younger kids don’t seem as vulnerable to catching it or falling visibly ill. But you’re right — what about all the adult teachers and service providers? Plus, I just saw an article yesterday that was speculating about possible lasting brain or pulmonary changes in even outwardly asymptomatic kids. Soooooo many question marks about this blasted illness!!

Back six months ago, who’d have dreamed where we’re finding ourselves now?!?! Although right around the first of the year, I remember seeing a tiny little article about this weird new “flu” that had been seen in a few patients in China. I even thought “Hmmmmmmm...” at the time. But never, ever did I imagine where that story would lead :-(((((((.

I have been home since March 13. We did not return to site after spring break. Instead, we ended up doing the distance learning thing for the rest of the school year. So, I did work, but I worked from home and am very grateful that I was paid up until summer break. I have been at home for four months already, only venturing out when absolutely necessary for supplies, or my sanity. It is pretty sad that the highlights of my week revolve around senior hours at Walmart or Costco. In another month, I am expected to return to on-site learning. Covid cases are running rampant here right now and it’s so much worse than when we originally went out in March. I desperately want to see my kids again. I have missed them terribly. I miss my friends and social interaction, which is weird because I’m not really all that social. So yes, I am concerned about returning to the school site in the midst of this pandemic. I know of several staff members who are updating their wills and trusts this summer. Who would’ve thought that teachers and staff would be afraid to return to work. Afraid for their own safety and the safety of their family members. Afraid that their students will get sick and take it home to their families. To their parents and grandparents, many of which live in multi generational families. Yes, the best place for students to learn is at school from teachers who truly love them and fight for them every day. Right now, who
is fighting for all of the dedicated adults who lovingly serve our children day after day, year after year? I hope someone is because I am truly scared and know others are too.

It is really scary. Jess is frantic that they are talking about the kids going back to school here in Glen Cove. There's no way they can keep a kid like Alex social distancing and God forbid he brings it home. Sigi is the same age as me, 64! Even though Josh can fight off viruses, who knows if this will be the one that he can't. They are both back at work, Jess at a cardiologist office and Sigi in a bakery, both pretty risky, but they have to make a living. They do family things together, bike riding around Glen Cove, movie nights at home, a few get togethers with one family they are very close with. We see them often, I babysit on days that Sigi gets called in to work the same days that Jess works. Outdoor places are opening up so we may start going on adventures again...we'll see. Josh and I like to drive around and look at houses. Seeing people with masks used to be so weird, but now it looks so normal. I hate wearing them, their hot, my glasses fog up and I feel like I can't breathe. As soon as I get out of the store, off it comes!

I really only go food shopping, to the pet stores, vets, farm, and Hicks for plants. I just started going to an outdoor market the last couple of Saturdays and enjoy it. Our own veggies are getting bigger, and I have a neighbor who keeps us stocked with lettuce, cucumbers and pretty soon tomatoes.

I'm still on furlough and the pandemic insurance ends next week...not going to be able to pay all my bills with just the unemployment money. The thought of looking for another job just does not appeal to me at all. The dogs are so used to me being home that it will confuse the crap out of them, plus I don't want to start over. My only hope is that I will be hired back remotely. We'll see...

I'm taking Sibbie and Cooper out to Coram to visit with Jeremy today, that should be fun. I wish I could take Gable too, but I think the long ride and steep stairs at his house will be too much for him. He can have a nice peaceful day here with the house to himself.

Well, there is a new mandate regarding schools released from Governor Newsom, dated July 17, 2020. Previously, school reopenings in CA were up to the individual school districts to decide how to best serve their community. That has changed. School districts may open for on-site learning ONLY after their county has been off the govenor's watch list for 14 straight days. The criteria for the watch list involves several criteria. Some are rate of new positives, hospital capacity/ICU beds available, number of weekly outbreaks, etc. The number of outbreaks allowed in one week per county is 7. My county had 23 recorded outbreaks in one 7 day period. Needless to say, we remain on the governor's watchlist for the foreseeable future. So, even though my little city remains low as far as COVID numbers, we are considered part of the county for the purpose of reopening. My small school district had been planning to re-open. It is possible for superintendents to apply for a waiver for reopening from the Department of Public Heath to consider. That is the only way a district, in a county on the watch list, might be able to open. All counties on the watch list, and those who have not been off of it for 14 straight day MUST start the school year on Distance Learning. That amounts to about 80% of the state, as of now. New counties are being added to the watchlist every few days. What does that mean for me? There is still time to get off the watchlist in time for an August 19th reopening. That is not looking likely at this point. I do want to go back. I think that most people do. However, I need to feel that it is safe to do so. So for now, it's a wait and see approach for many.

There is not enough money in existence nor threats strong enough nor reasons compelling enough to cause me to go back to work in a school setting nor send my child back to a school setting. Period. Full stop. To do either or both is asinine in my book.