Category: Life

All these self-isolation orders have caused several things to occur in my daily life. Here is a shortlist of just a few things that are big changes for me.

1. Arnie had oral surgery just before this all began. Afterward, he couldn’t eat anything hard, so I was using baby rice cereal mixed with warm water and a tin of his wet food to feed him. Yesterday, I ran out of the baby rice cereal. I thought I had some, but I did not. In my old life, I would have run out and gotten more at the local grocery store. But since we are not allowed to do this, I made due. I wet his crunchy food and mixed that with his wet food and he wolfed that down. Score!
2. Jack got a flat tire on the trailer for our tractor. He is doing work on our patio and needs to move heavy square cement blocks from down in our driveway to the back door of our house. I cannot help him here because those suckers are heavy. I did offer to order whatever he needs from Amazon. He could not commit. So we wait. In our previous life, he would have driven over to the tractor shop and had them fix this pronto.
3. Getting our mail. When we moved here in 1999, we took a Box at our local Post Office. Our driveway is 600 feet long and since we couldn’t see a rural delivery box from our house, we opted for a box at the local Post Office. Each day, Monday through Saturday, we’d toss the dogs in the car, and head to the Post Office to get the mail. Now, I can look online and see what is in our local mail that day, what packages, and then choose when I go to get the mail. No dogs, no Jack, just me in my hazmat suit.
4. Every Wednesday morning at 7:45 I would leave my house and head to Weirs Beach to go to my WW Class. I would weigh-in, and then as my friends arrived and also weighed in, we would sit and talk, and eat our breakfasts. Now, I attend class online, at different times, and I don’t “see” my friends. We text or talk, but it is not at all the same. I miss the camaraderie with these wonderful women and one brave man, who occasionally joins us.None of them have seen me since a very large portion of my weight loss has occurred.
5. Likewise, I miss going shopping after class. Usually, I would see my friends at a few local shops, as we simply enjoyed being out in the world. Living in a rural community means that you don’t have big shopping areas locally and have to make do with what is available.
6. Life right now is to go nowhere unless it is an emergency. One stays in and stays home until this blasted Virus is past us. It is what it is, but I look at how much everyone’s lives have changed. I only hope that it is over soon.

I decided to go out in my front yard with Lili and make a short video of the Lake. We are very close to Ice Out on our little piece of Heaven on Earth.

It was rather an unexciting day here. I think the one car you see in my video is the only one that went by all day!

I hope you all are well and healthy.

More craziness is entering our world. My little town of 5000+ now has 4 cases of Covid-19, also know as The Corona Virus. We’d managed to escape for a long time, but with cases all around us, we knew it was just a matter of time.

We also jumped State-wide to an overall number of cases at 621. The number of deaths attributed to COVID-19 is now set at 9.

My State is not a highly populated State and these numbers, which rise exponentially each day, scare us all.

I had a video call with Amanda and the kids yesterday and that was so nice! I miss them a great deal but realize that we all must make sacrifices to come out of this thing alive.

Yesterday I decided to watch some Amazon Prime TV. I watched a Biography of Singer/Actress/comedian, Rose Marie.

Most people will know her from “The Dick Van Dyke Show”. I had no idea that she actually started her career at the age of 4 in Vaudeville Show Theaters!

She was an amazing woman and met and fell in love with a soldier who played with big bands after his discharge from the military.

They had a great love that lasted until his death. She never remarried and at the age of 93 still mourned his passing. So many things I never knew about her. It really was a good biography.

Next, I watched a show about the United Airlines Plane accident. United Airlines Flight 811 was a regularly scheduled airline flight from Los Angeles to Sydney, with intermediate stops at Honolulu and Auckland. On February 24, 1989, the Boeing 747–122 serving the flight experienced a cargo door failure in flight shortly after leaving Honolulu. The resulting explosive decompression blew out several rows of seats, resulting in the deaths of nine passengers. The aircraft returned to Honolulu, where it landed safely.

The investigation was really going nowhere when the parents of one of the Victims, Kevin and Susan Campbell investigated the cause using documents obtained from the NTSB. Mr. Campbell is a mechanical engineer who explored the causes of the cargo door problem. The Campbells’ investigation led them to conclude that the cause of the accident was not human error but rather the combination of an electrical problem and an inadequate design of the aircraft’s cargo door latching mechanism. They later presented their theory to the safety board.

The Boeing 747 was designed with an outward-hinging door, unlike a plug door that opens inward and jams against its frame as the pressure drops outside, making it impossible to accidentally open at high altitude. The outward-swinging door increases the cargo capacity, but it requires a strong locking mechanism to keep it closed. Deficiencies in the design of wide-body aircraft cargo doors were known since the early 1970s from flaws in the DC-10 cargo door. These problems were not fully addressed by the aircraft industry or the NTSB, despite the warnings and deaths from the DC-10 accidents and attempts by Boeing to solve the problems in the 1970s.

So, that ate up an hour and really was fascinating. There are about 20 more episodes that I can watch.

So that was my Saturday and now I start on Sunday. Let’s see what mischief I can get into today. Probably not too much.

It’s Saturday, right? I admit to being slightly off as far as the days of the week go. Since I no longer watch any Soap Operas (sadly All My Children went by-by a few years ago) my whole Monday through Friday thing is gone. So what do I use?

Well, the dogs are no help at all with this. They act the same seven days a week. TV is consumed with nearly 24 hours a day coverage of the Corona Virus, and since I am doing my best to block it all out, it leaves me a bit lost at times. I could use those days of the week underwear that I had as a kid. That certainly would help.

On Friday I made a big pot of Soup. I’d planned fish for Friday but will cook that tonight. Friday we had the hot, yummy soup, that warmed our chilled bones. It rained most of Friday and never got warmer than about 40 degrees.

I think I may clean my closet. It needs it again, and since I am a house captive, it’s a good time to get it done.

How are things going where you are? Here in New Hampshire as of 6 PM on Friday, we had an overall number of cases of 540. The number of deaths attributed to COVID-19 (The Corona Virus) is at 7.

I do not think this will be over soon. I think we will be in this for a while and it really makes me feel sad. I miss my family. I miss being with my grandkids. Ugh. We will get through this.

This morning Mr. Arnie woke me at 5 AM! Since he never asks to get up that early I figured I should pay attention and go and take him out. Naturally, Lili and Anneliese felt that they should keep him company, so up I got.

Now I sleep under a nice fluffy comforter, and so I never wear too much when I am in bed for the night. Consequently, as I stood in the kitchen waiting for the dogs, I was freezing.

As soon as they were all in, I gave them their breakfasts and turned on the coffee. I all but ran into the bedroom and pulled on my weekend comfy clothes.

I haven’t been sleeping well, and this early wake up isn’t going to help. I think perhaps what I need to do is take a short nap during the day.

My sister and I have been talking on Messenger Video. I can’t “Facetime” with her because I have an Android phone, but the Messenger app does a pretty good job. At least we can see each other.

My Chamomile Tea arrived yesterday in the mail, (I buy in bulk) and now I am set to stay in for a while.

Here is a great story about how people can be so nice.

I’d been told that the truck with eggs would be arriving at 11 o’clock yesterday. We needed eggs. I arrived shortly after eleven and still, no eggs. But I was told the truck would be there soon. I got the last of my groceries (The shelves had finally been restocked) and I went back to check on the eggs. Still no eggs. I kind of lurked around that area and a clerk came over and asked if I was looking for something? Yes, I told him, eggs. What kind? he asked. Well, I love the jumbo, but I will take anything. He went off and came back a few minutes later and had brought me a dozen jumbo eggs, very low key. He handed them to me and said, to hide them. They had not unloaded the truck yet and he didn’t want to start panic shopping.

I hid them under a package of turkey cutlets and headed for the door. I quickly checked out and came home! That young man will never know how much I appreciated his kindness.

We have 187 confirmed Covid-19 cases here in my little State of New Hampshire and we have had two deaths. Jack is very high risk due to his Agent Orange medical issues. He is also almost 82. I’m 61 and have had several medical problems so I know it’s a fine line for me.

We talked about it yesterday and since we have the things we need we will not be going out now until we run out of food. We both feel that it would be too risky.

I plan to order some dog food later today for the pooches and then it’s back to cleaning, crocheting and watching movies.

Stay safe, stay healthy, and as my step-son wrote to me, “Wash your hands”.

On Wednesday I decided to tackle cleaning out my pantry. I am lucky to have a fairly large one, but the other day I opened the door and a bag of instant mashed potatoes fell out! Yes, it was time to clean and organize those shelves, especially since I have more canned goods and mixes than I usually have.

I also worked on making another batch of the Chicken & Cabbage Soup. It is simmering as I write and it’s what’s for dinner on this damp Wednesday night.

I am trying very hard not to dwell on what is happening in the World. This crazy Virus is an amazing thing. I watched the BBC News today and they gave a better account of what is happening in Europe. It is not good.

Wednesday was also weigh-in day for WW. Although we do not have class, I am determined to keep up my good work. And I did. I have now lost 28 pounds! I also attended an online meeting. Not quite the same, but it is really nice.

I think tomorrow I will do something truly decadent and give myself a manicure. Despite the fact that my hands are dry from all the washing, my fingernails have grown incredibly long! Yes, time for a nice manicure and polish.

So sad to hear that Prince Charles is sick with the Virus. I hope he recovers quickly, but at the age of 71, he is no spring chicken.

How are you all doing during this time when we are supposed to be sheltering in place and not going out? Do you take any precautions when you go to the grocery or pharmacy?

I now wear a mask (I reuse it which is probably not good, but better than nothing) and I wear disposable rubber gloves. When I come home I take my clothing off in the basement and wash them. And then go upstairs and either shower or scrub down. Yeah, I am a little paranoid.

But, that being said, I felt a bit lighter today. I’m encouraged that with the great minds that we have working on finding a vaccine or cure, there is hope.

Maribeth

I was reading through the news the other day and some young reporter said something like, “Do any of you know anyone who has the Corona Virus?” “See, it’s not such a big deal.”

Well, let me tell you a story about my family. Back at the turn of the century, My grandfather and his family emigrated from Germany to Boston. They had sponsors and jobs waiting for them when they arrived.

My grandfather, Frederick, is the little boy seated on the bench. Next to him is his younger sister, Katchen.

They moved in down the street from my grandmother’s family, and in no time at all, Grandma Honey, (Whose name was Mary) became best friends with Katchen. During their youth, my grandfather who was one year older said he fell in love with my grandmother.  They married shortly after they both finished college.

Katchen met and married a wonderful man named Raymond.

The young couples spent a lot of time together. Soon Katchen’s husband was called to war and left his young wife Home with her family, and pregnant with their first baby.

She was so beautiful and the sweetest and kindest woman one could hope to know. So said, my grandmother.

Then, the Spanish Flu Pandemic hit in the winter of 1918-1919. The family attempted to keep Katchen in isolation, but the young couple made a fateful decision. Raymond snuck in to see his wife.

*A note was written by my grandmother as she recalled that terrible time.*
My grandparents were devastated, to lose Katchen like that, as well as her baby. Decades later, my grandmother still wept telling the story.

Raymond and Katchen didn’t think she would catch the Flu from him and die. They did not listen to the older folks who begged people to avoid each other. The Spanish Flu spread like wildfire.

Raymond’s life was ruined, and he never recovered from what he had done to his beloved wife.

Wikki Writes: “The Spanish flu, also known as the 1918 flu pandemic, was an unusually deadly influenza pandemic. Lasting from January 1918 to December 1920, it infected 500 million people—about a quarter of the world’s population at the time. The death toll is estimated to have been anywhere from 17 million to 50 million, and possibly as high as 100 million, (675000 people alone died in the  USA) making it one of the deadliest epidemics in human history.“

So yes. I have known someone who died in a Pandemic. She died at the tender age of 21. My mother never got to meet her father’s sister. I never got to know my Great Aunt Katchen. And yet, I do know her a little. Her death made me value life, but also respectful of illness.

So please people, this is a serious Pandemic illness. No one is immune to it.

So the next time someone asks if you know of anyone who died in a Pandemic you can say, “My friend’s Great Aunt died, as well as her baby.”

The virus does not care who you are. Young or old, it will get you.

Stay healthy, stay safe, follow the rules. We can get through this!

Friday was the busiest day of the week for me. I woke to pouring rain and wind. The skies were dark and it did nothing to improve my feeling of Friday the 13th doom!
I’d gotten ready early and had a light breakfast as I really didn’t have much of an appetite. After making Jack some breakfast I headed out. I had a few items left to buy and the Highlander needed gas. So just after 10 o’clock, I was on the road.
Oddly enough, there was not a lot of traffic. I thought maybe people weren’t panicking and not rushing to the stores. Wrong! The parking lots at Bj’s and the grocery stores were full. I had decided to hit the grocery store on the way back, but I did need three things at BJ’s as well as gasoline. BJ’s was crazy busy, and even the gas line was long. People at BJ’s were a little snippy as I could see the tension on their faces.
I’d built in plenty of time, so I got my items (PAM Spray, Table Pepper and of course the gas in the car and a 5-gallon gas tank), and then I headed off to Mandy and Matt’s with some items I got for them this week.
I was able to see the two of them and drop off their things before heading to my Glaucoma doctor’s appointment.
I arrived, tried to keep my distance from other people and wore medical gloves the entire time. I admit I am a germaphobe and right now I am a little bit on edge. I found myself staring at people and listening for a cough or a nose blow!
The good news is, my pressures were down to 19 in each eye. The doctor was very pleased. The drops are working and I will stay on them until I return in June. Then I hope they will still be working and I can stay on them.
I hopped into the car and headed home. I wanted to get some Eggplant and check for Enlightened Ice Cream Bars at Market Basket. I had 8 items and yet the express lane was so jammed I went to a regular checkout. Good thing. I actually beat the Express Checkout by quite a bit.
I got into the car, and headed home, finally. I was talking to my friend Carol from WW and I told her how weary I was feeling. In the last week, I have tried to get all the things I needed in the event that the Virus causes us to become Hermits in our own home. I can safely say I did a great job and we have plenty of food in the fridge, freezer, and pantry to last for well over a month.
It’s after dinner now and I’m getting ready to crawl into bed. I have accomplished all I needed to and we will be just fine.