RCSC still has not given the order to close the rec centers. I'm convinced it's well past time. With Trump's declaration that we should meet in groups no larger than 10 people, even the righty wingnuts might finally realize this is more than a democratic hoax, or an overreaction plot to destroy the economy. Faux Snooze might even take notice. After all, it's their audience who's most vulnerable. No, stupid and deluded aren't risk factors per se. It's the age group.
We didn't need a plot to plunge us into recession. Economists with both brain and spine have been saying for months now that this is where we've been headed. Even this non-economist knows that when the stockmarket, housing market, or any market pushes way up it must, at the very least, suffer through a correction.
Or have we already forgotten the lessons of 2008?
I did my teensy part to support a local business. My craving for Chinese finally won out. Take-out only, of course, and fingers crossed. Four entrees should last us both for a while. I never tip for take-out, but this time I left a generous one, along with my hopes that they will survive these next weeks or however long by being able to remain open for take-out. That's been the bulk of their business anyway, from what I've seen over the last few years.
Hunkering down is being advocated in clusters of populations around the country, depending on who's in charge, government-wise. Reactions range from nobody-can-tell-me-what-to-do, and this-is-martial-law: arm-yourselves! to grudging compliance, to proactive willing compliance. There's always an intrepid - or desperate - reporter out interviewing the person on the street. Somehow it's never the sensible ones staying home, of course. The most touching report was from the mother of a child whose school is out for however long. Her daughter told her that now she doesn't have to fear school shooters for a few weeks.
Ouch!
Coming on top of reports of gun stores doing a brisk business, some to the point of running out of ammo: double ouch.
I heard from my daughter, just a quick phone call while waiting for that food order. Her conference she was to fly down here for over Easter has been canceled. It was expected. Still, she had planned to visit anyway. Not any more. One thing is, it's been rescheduled to next year's Easter weekend. We'll still get that visit, just postponed. The other is the increasing reports of people who have the virus being able to spread it for days before they become symptomatic. (Our government finally quit claiming that wasn't an issue. Negligent twits! And I'm being kind here. Don't know why.) She decided not to take the chance of catching it on the airplane and sharing it with us two geezers. I still plan on seeing her this summer.
Steve was finally talked into making an appointment with his doctor for something to deal effectively this time with his infection after the last antibiotic didn't do the job. Of course, he still has to live with it until Wednesday, the first open appointment.
Not helpful.
I'll drive him there, but he's on his own going into the clinic.
I'll have to remember to put the bottle of hand sanitizer in the car. It's a whole ounce, cost $2. That's cheap, ridiculous as it is. Stores are out, so on-line shopping shows how "the market" is taking advantage. After prowling eBay and other sites, not only were prices horrible, but the usually free shipping for a bottle could be as much as $30! Wipes, bleach, alcohol, same story. I gave up in disgust. If we actually stay home, there's plenty of soap for all the household uses.
If that's not annoying enough, a whole lot of eBay sellers are buying their ad placements for totally irrelevant items among those we are searching through. Really: I should want nail files because I'm hunting hand sanitizer? Are shoppers that impulsive? Stupid? OK, apparently yes, and yes.
It's not just hoarding and over pricing. The con artists are out in force too. Phony "cures" on wingnut radio are flagrant. Some are dangerous in themselves, not just in their uselessness and budget draining. I even got a phone call from some (bogus) company informing me they had gotten a prescription for me for a piece of medical equipment, and would I care to place the order now? Where do these people com from? I simply informed her I knew nothing of any such prescription, and definitely NOT!
Heard of the toilet licking challenge? OK, if you're done vomiting, listen up. Best theory I've heard is these people are all Russian - um, not bots, but disinformation specialists. They are trying to reach that segment among us who can be influenced by things like "Jackass" to do stupid things just because they think others can get away with whatever it is, so they can "prove" themselves by doing it too. Take a close look at those faces in those - uh, ads? Eastern European, all. Nothing American looking in them. Disinformation campaign to eliminate or weaken us. Crazy? You decide. Evil? Absolutely. Beyond Putin's pale? Who gave us Trump, eh?
Karma. Darwin Awards. Schadenfreude. These are terms getting lots of attention in comment sections on line. They follow the threads of discussions after people are outspokenly stupid or even malignant about not taking precautions to spread the virus, or when we find out Kushner has a brother in the company Trump has working on the test kits (follow the money, folks), or Trump's bid to buy that German company working on a vaccine, with him wishing to limit it for US only. Red states are likely to be most affected by the virus, particularly the ones who turned down expansions in Medicaid back when Obamacare had the government pay for it all. So: karma. All those Trump cronies at CPAC along with indifferent virus carriers who might now be getting sick: schadenfreude. Attribution attempts of Darwin Awards are quickly thwarted by other commenters reminding folks that those are only earned by persons who have not yet replicated their DNA in offspring. Too late.
Check out Kentucky for a moment. Moscow Mitch, in the middle of a crisis, heads home for a break so the Senate can't take any action to curb or ameliorate the effects to people or the economy. This, of course, doesn't stop him from campaigning older judges to retire, so he can continue to fill the federal benches with extremists even more than he's been quietly doing already. (What: you didn't know?) Kentucky has a huge population with coal-caused lung issues. They don't have to be miners. It's in the air everywhere. That whole population is particularly vulnerable to covid 19. Does Moscow Mitch care? It's nowhere evident. But his wife's family is making a mint with her connections in her position in the administration.
Other senators are proposing financial payouts to those hit hardest by job loss right now. While that may help, particularly those needing groceries, how about also legislating moratoriums of things like evictions and repossessions for those affected? Our electric company has announced that there will be no electricity shutoffs for the duration. Where air conditioning is a summer must-have, this equates to Minnesota keeping the winter heat on. It's survival. I've gotten emails from both my garbage and gas companies. They pledge their precautions in case of contact at our houses. The garbage company has closed its offices to customers, referring us to phone contact with apologies for delays.
Just after a quick pause to update reading emails, our club president has announced club closure at 4:00 this afternoon, until further notice. I presume that means RCSC has gotten off their a$$es and closed the rec centers. I'd already emailed her I wasn't going in for "my day" to do what Steve calls "babysitting the club." My credit union also emailed that they are going to drive-through only. Since I'm on a mail-only and direct deposit status with them, plus e-payments for bill pay, nice to know but irrelevant for now.
I also plan not to protest this weekend. It's not for want of an audience, if yesterday is any indication. Traffic here is maintained still at usual levels. There have been fewer people doing their morning walk down the sidewalk, however. Weird. What kind of crowds do they anticipate? Then again, I guess you never know who might cough in passing.
A quick emergency trip to the store for milk, butter and eggs revealed a whole lot of empty shelves with signs saying "one only". That included milk, eggs, and butter. Naturally. Supposedly they restock overnight, but the early morning parking lot was jammed. The weird thing was the shoppers were thinned out. Had they been raptured?
Did you snicker at yesterday's post about cloud watching to combat cabin fever? Sunset was spectacular. Light pink clouds across a light blue sky, slowly darkening to purple on deep blue. I even got Steve out to share it with me. Forgot the camera, of course.
Morning news cites 90 deaths, over 4,000 cases. Sick people still can't get tested because of "qualifications." Trump says he's doing a great job. Then he states he's going, now, to put the "A Team" on to the job of fighting the virus.
What, now? Who's been doing it so far?
Oh yeah, this is Trump. I doubt that he'd recognize an A Team if it came with Mr. T loaded in gold chains.
Tuesday, March 17, 2020
Monday, March 16, 2020
Adventures In Caronavirus Land, Episode 4
Hunkering Down:
Steve and I keep reminding each other, when we come up with "I'd love some _____ from ____ restaurant, that maybe now just isn't the time. We planned for this. On the other hand, many people on the TV are promoting supporting restaurants by ordering take-out. Hmmm, the yen for fried rice, wontons, various other entrees is growing. We'll think about it.
Meanwhile, I have canceled two doctor's visits this morning over the phone. The one was for next week, but that biopsy came back negative and the $214.50 (!!!!!!!!) tube of steroidal skin creme seems to be doing the trick. The other was a follow-up with my cardiologist for another monitor. I'd been having flutters until I drastically cut back caffeine, but not a one since. The only purpose of the monitor was tracing the source of them. 7 new monitors arrived this morning and they called to offer me one, but understood when I declined in favor of somebody with active symptoms to track down.
Before Steve went back to bed this morning he called his doctor to renew a prescription that hadn't done the trick, but he didn't want to have to go in to the office. I'll get the doc's answer to that one after Steve wakes up again.
(Note: Doc says he must visit. I'm trying to convince him this is a good idea.)
I had recently filled my prescriptions, but a quick inventory of the medicine cabinet last night showed a dwindling supply of vitamin c and ibuprofin. I just reordered both on line. Too bad milk and eggs don't come home delivery - at least not that I can find. Yet. Oh yeah, butter too. I'll hoard the remaining ice cream as long as I can.
Another day for sure.
Our Canadian next-door neighbors had to change their plans to return north. They were scheduled for early April. They now leave this week. Canada has a great healthcare system, but when they come down to the USA, they have to actually buy a policy to cover any eventuality while here. Canada informed all their citizens that due to the healthcare crisis, they were cancelling all insurance out-of-country in a few days, so GET BACK HERE NOW! The bonus for us is they picked the last of their oranges and we now have a supply again. (The last of the previous supply started to spoil and I suggested Steve entertain himself by pitching them into the back yard for the critters. He did. Widely.)
Schools are shutting down in many states, including this one now. Ironically, places are "stepping up" to take care of kids while their parents are at work, either with activities or meals, while schools are closed. That's a head scratcher. Aren't those gatherings defeating the purpose?
Still waiting to hear if Sun City Rec Centers are shutting down. My Canadian neighbor heard the board was meeting this morning to discuss the matter. It seems they waited for "ball" season(s) to end first. The neighbor is into pickle ball, so that's his source.
Meanwhile the stock market continues to crash, usually after Trump says his latest lie of self-praise and responsibility denial. His imcompetence is starting to show to all but the most deluded followers now. The word is out not only that he killed the pandemic preparedness program (because, you know, Obama), but besides turning down WHO's test kits, offered free to us, in favor of having BIG PHARMA make some money off of what are not only late but only 90% accurate, he's contacted a German company working on a vaccine with an offer to buy out the company on the condition of exclusive US rights to the vaccine!
PSYCHOPATH!
Sounds like a great incentive for Germany to rush through nationalizing that company, eh?
At least the localized government leaders - governors, mayors, etc. - are showing signs of leadership. Schools, Broadway, restaurants, casinos, sports, events over (pick your number here: ______) people, all shut down. For a bit, anyway. Idiots like Nunos encourage folks to go to restaurants to support them. Saner heads suggest ordering take-out instead.
"We'll Remember In November" is taking root. Elections may or may not be canceled or postponed. AZ has their Presidential Preference election tomorrow. Additional polling places have opened for "emergency" early voting today, but you have to sign a form claiming an emergency. At least they don't make you explain why, like Minnesota used to. Fortunately, AZ has long had permanent early voting, and we've been on that list for years. Perhaps this will encourage our state legislators NOT to cut back on it as they had been trying to do.
You think? Red state Arizona?
Here's another head scratcher: the Red Cross. They are encouraging "healthy" people eligible to donate to come in. The concern for short supplies is warranted. But they state that there is no concern for blood spreading covid 19, as there is no evidence that it is spread through blood. Really? Has anybody tested it? What other viruses don't spread through blood? And how can it not be in blood, since all blood passes through the lungs? How do we even know, given insufficient testing and being contagious before being symptomatic, that these donors don't have it?
Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence.
With the shutdowns, we have one relative and one friend who just lost income. They work(ed) for a company which supplies security for large venues. No work. One can stay home with his kids to save daycare expenses, we hope. Last I heard, though, day car centers had funky rules about payment even if kids don't attend. But by all means, keep those little germ machines home and away from other little germ machines for a bit, can ya? We love them all.
Another relative drives taxi in a small town in Minnesota, and just called to say Walsh has closed down restaurants. This would be the end to his taxi business for the duration.
Just the thought of hunkering down for the duration is already starting to push those cabin fever buttons. We won't be bored. There will be plenty of distractions. TV. Home movies on DVD. Albums full. Home library plus kindles for each. Jewelry making supplies in quantity. Phone-a-friends. Back yard bird watching. Back yard bunny watching. Front yard weed pulling / killing. Cloud watching.
In a pinch, I could even empty out the vacuum like I've been meaning to do for ... nevermind ... and vacuum the house. I could quit ignoring dust accumulations. Quit postponing gathering 2019 tax information and making sure I needn't file again this year. Run the outgoing mail to the post office drop box now that our mailman just breezed by without checking for anything, possibly to keep from any exposure and boost his on-time record.
We do have options.
Steve and I keep reminding each other, when we come up with "I'd love some _____ from ____ restaurant, that maybe now just isn't the time. We planned for this. On the other hand, many people on the TV are promoting supporting restaurants by ordering take-out. Hmmm, the yen for fried rice, wontons, various other entrees is growing. We'll think about it.
Meanwhile, I have canceled two doctor's visits this morning over the phone. The one was for next week, but that biopsy came back negative and the $214.50 (!!!!!!!!) tube of steroidal skin creme seems to be doing the trick. The other was a follow-up with my cardiologist for another monitor. I'd been having flutters until I drastically cut back caffeine, but not a one since. The only purpose of the monitor was tracing the source of them. 7 new monitors arrived this morning and they called to offer me one, but understood when I declined in favor of somebody with active symptoms to track down.
Before Steve went back to bed this morning he called his doctor to renew a prescription that hadn't done the trick, but he didn't want to have to go in to the office. I'll get the doc's answer to that one after Steve wakes up again.
(Note: Doc says he must visit. I'm trying to convince him this is a good idea.)
I had recently filled my prescriptions, but a quick inventory of the medicine cabinet last night showed a dwindling supply of vitamin c and ibuprofin. I just reordered both on line. Too bad milk and eggs don't come home delivery - at least not that I can find. Yet. Oh yeah, butter too. I'll hoard the remaining ice cream as long as I can.
Another day for sure.
Our Canadian next-door neighbors had to change their plans to return north. They were scheduled for early April. They now leave this week. Canada has a great healthcare system, but when they come down to the USA, they have to actually buy a policy to cover any eventuality while here. Canada informed all their citizens that due to the healthcare crisis, they were cancelling all insurance out-of-country in a few days, so GET BACK HERE NOW! The bonus for us is they picked the last of their oranges and we now have a supply again. (The last of the previous supply started to spoil and I suggested Steve entertain himself by pitching them into the back yard for the critters. He did. Widely.)
Schools are shutting down in many states, including this one now. Ironically, places are "stepping up" to take care of kids while their parents are at work, either with activities or meals, while schools are closed. That's a head scratcher. Aren't those gatherings defeating the purpose?
Still waiting to hear if Sun City Rec Centers are shutting down. My Canadian neighbor heard the board was meeting this morning to discuss the matter. It seems they waited for "ball" season(s) to end first. The neighbor is into pickle ball, so that's his source.
Meanwhile the stock market continues to crash, usually after Trump says his latest lie of self-praise and responsibility denial. His imcompetence is starting to show to all but the most deluded followers now. The word is out not only that he killed the pandemic preparedness program (because, you know, Obama), but besides turning down WHO's test kits, offered free to us, in favor of having BIG PHARMA make some money off of what are not only late but only 90% accurate, he's contacted a German company working on a vaccine with an offer to buy out the company on the condition of exclusive US rights to the vaccine!
PSYCHOPATH!
Sounds like a great incentive for Germany to rush through nationalizing that company, eh?
At least the localized government leaders - governors, mayors, etc. - are showing signs of leadership. Schools, Broadway, restaurants, casinos, sports, events over (pick your number here: ______) people, all shut down. For a bit, anyway. Idiots like Nunos encourage folks to go to restaurants to support them. Saner heads suggest ordering take-out instead.
"We'll Remember In November" is taking root. Elections may or may not be canceled or postponed. AZ has their Presidential Preference election tomorrow. Additional polling places have opened for "emergency" early voting today, but you have to sign a form claiming an emergency. At least they don't make you explain why, like Minnesota used to. Fortunately, AZ has long had permanent early voting, and we've been on that list for years. Perhaps this will encourage our state legislators NOT to cut back on it as they had been trying to do.
You think? Red state Arizona?
Here's another head scratcher: the Red Cross. They are encouraging "healthy" people eligible to donate to come in. The concern for short supplies is warranted. But they state that there is no concern for blood spreading covid 19, as there is no evidence that it is spread through blood. Really? Has anybody tested it? What other viruses don't spread through blood? And how can it not be in blood, since all blood passes through the lungs? How do we even know, given insufficient testing and being contagious before being symptomatic, that these donors don't have it?
Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence.
With the shutdowns, we have one relative and one friend who just lost income. They work(ed) for a company which supplies security for large venues. No work. One can stay home with his kids to save daycare expenses, we hope. Last I heard, though, day car centers had funky rules about payment even if kids don't attend. But by all means, keep those little germ machines home and away from other little germ machines for a bit, can ya? We love them all.
Another relative drives taxi in a small town in Minnesota, and just called to say Walsh has closed down restaurants. This would be the end to his taxi business for the duration.
Just the thought of hunkering down for the duration is already starting to push those cabin fever buttons. We won't be bored. There will be plenty of distractions. TV. Home movies on DVD. Albums full. Home library plus kindles for each. Jewelry making supplies in quantity. Phone-a-friends. Back yard bird watching. Back yard bunny watching. Front yard weed pulling / killing. Cloud watching.
In a pinch, I could even empty out the vacuum like I've been meaning to do for ... nevermind ... and vacuum the house. I could quit ignoring dust accumulations. Quit postponing gathering 2019 tax information and making sure I needn't file again this year. Run the outgoing mail to the post office drop box now that our mailman just breezed by without checking for anything, possibly to keep from any exposure and boost his on-time record.
We do have options.
Saturday, March 14, 2020
Meanwhile...
Do you have any idea just how hard it is to talk your way into jail?
Perhaps I'm starting with the wrong question. You are no doubt wondering why anyone might either want or need to talk their way into jail. So let's start over.
Did you know that Arizona is one of I-don't-know-how-many states that criminalize poverty? And yes, there is a story here. Rich had to pay a fine. The why of it is another story. But without a job yet, since the one he did get preceded by two days his coming down with a cold that knocked him flat, resulting in him finding out his new boss brooked no excuses whatsoever and immediately became his ex-boss, Rich was unable to pay the fine. After three court dates where he remained unable to pay, he got jail time.
There's a catch 22 here. When in jail here, one must reimburse the county for its expense in keeping you. So when you get out, with jail again having made it even less possible to pay any new fees, you get to go back to jail, where you get charged.... And around and around. There are a couple outs here, if you know somebody who knows the system and likes you enough to share the rules of the game.
Rich needed to report for voluntary surrender tonight. 8:00 PM. Sharp. Before showing up he needed a mantoux test to prove he didn't have TB. (Wonder what they do if you have it?) His test was negative. The paperwork to prove that was just one thing among many he needed to produce to get in. He needed his ID. (Obvious.) He needed a copy of the court documents showing his surrender date and time.
Well, now there was a problem. Without going into details, the event which caused him needing to pay the fine was one that got him booted out of the house. He's been living in a homeless shelter in Phoenix. Among its many many other flaws, it's theft central. His locked bike got stolen. So did his tablet. And his cell phone, the one with all the pictures and videos of his granddaughter on it. So did a bag of his clothing that the guards in the shelter locked up into storage for him. And for unknown reasons, the piece of paper giving the date and time he was to show up.
Really, why would anybody steal that? They were already in a homeless shelter, so had a bed and two squares a day, and weren't under obligation to pay back the system for those privileges, so what would that accomplish? Malice?
This evening I picked up him along with his few remaining unstolen possessions, brought them to the house for actual safekeeping, and drove him to the jail door for voluntary surrender. On time. Early, actually. He'd had to change out of his hoodie since the only sweatshirts allowed were hood-free. He was allowed his ID, paperwork, one paperback and the reading glasses he needed. He finished the candy in is pocket, a last few swigs from his water bottle, and a few puffs of nicotine, leaving them in the car.
I offered to wait. Good thing.
The doors finally opened up for him and one other man waiting, at an unhurried 8:02. Two deputies waited, everybody standing outside while they went through paperwork and possessions. Rich needed to return the case for the glasses to the car. Not allowed. Just the glasses. He had to explain how it was he arrived without the proper piece of paper. Well, could he call his public defender and get a copy?
You mean at 8:00 on a Saturday night? And that's assuming he could even remember her name and/or number since those were on paperwork he wasn't allowed to bring in with him, now stored in my house.
The deputies led the other man away, conferred, and offered to check out their faxes to see if there was a copy of what they required. Otherwise, it was going to be the boot, and a black mark against him for not complying with the court order.
Rich came back to where I waited in the car to explain what was going on. Just as he finished filling me in, the door opened again and one deputy stepped out with a sheet of paper in hand. Rich ran back, exchanged a few sentences with him, and was let in.
I'm expecting a call from him to be picked up in two weeks for a ride back to the shelter.
I'm really really hoping that's the only call I get. Right now it's hard to imagine any news before then being good news. Crap happens in jails, and he was told to expect this one to be more of a prison. Plus the indoor captive population sharing whatever microbes might be available during this uneasy time. Almost the only thing worse might be the homeless shelter population, housed in a large dorm style room with crowded bunks. Many are elderly, handicapped, and considering their economic circumstances, bereft of healthcare and loaded with preexisting conditions.
Rich actually thought jail might be a healthier place to be for the next two weeks.
Perhaps I'm starting with the wrong question. You are no doubt wondering why anyone might either want or need to talk their way into jail. So let's start over.
Did you know that Arizona is one of I-don't-know-how-many states that criminalize poverty? And yes, there is a story here. Rich had to pay a fine. The why of it is another story. But without a job yet, since the one he did get preceded by two days his coming down with a cold that knocked him flat, resulting in him finding out his new boss brooked no excuses whatsoever and immediately became his ex-boss, Rich was unable to pay the fine. After three court dates where he remained unable to pay, he got jail time.
There's a catch 22 here. When in jail here, one must reimburse the county for its expense in keeping you. So when you get out, with jail again having made it even less possible to pay any new fees, you get to go back to jail, where you get charged.... And around and around. There are a couple outs here, if you know somebody who knows the system and likes you enough to share the rules of the game.
Rich needed to report for voluntary surrender tonight. 8:00 PM. Sharp. Before showing up he needed a mantoux test to prove he didn't have TB. (Wonder what they do if you have it?) His test was negative. The paperwork to prove that was just one thing among many he needed to produce to get in. He needed his ID. (Obvious.) He needed a copy of the court documents showing his surrender date and time.
Well, now there was a problem. Without going into details, the event which caused him needing to pay the fine was one that got him booted out of the house. He's been living in a homeless shelter in Phoenix. Among its many many other flaws, it's theft central. His locked bike got stolen. So did his tablet. And his cell phone, the one with all the pictures and videos of his granddaughter on it. So did a bag of his clothing that the guards in the shelter locked up into storage for him. And for unknown reasons, the piece of paper giving the date and time he was to show up.
Really, why would anybody steal that? They were already in a homeless shelter, so had a bed and two squares a day, and weren't under obligation to pay back the system for those privileges, so what would that accomplish? Malice?
This evening I picked up him along with his few remaining unstolen possessions, brought them to the house for actual safekeeping, and drove him to the jail door for voluntary surrender. On time. Early, actually. He'd had to change out of his hoodie since the only sweatshirts allowed were hood-free. He was allowed his ID, paperwork, one paperback and the reading glasses he needed. He finished the candy in is pocket, a last few swigs from his water bottle, and a few puffs of nicotine, leaving them in the car.
I offered to wait. Good thing.
The doors finally opened up for him and one other man waiting, at an unhurried 8:02. Two deputies waited, everybody standing outside while they went through paperwork and possessions. Rich needed to return the case for the glasses to the car. Not allowed. Just the glasses. He had to explain how it was he arrived without the proper piece of paper. Well, could he call his public defender and get a copy?
You mean at 8:00 on a Saturday night? And that's assuming he could even remember her name and/or number since those were on paperwork he wasn't allowed to bring in with him, now stored in my house.
The deputies led the other man away, conferred, and offered to check out their faxes to see if there was a copy of what they required. Otherwise, it was going to be the boot, and a black mark against him for not complying with the court order.
Rich came back to where I waited in the car to explain what was going on. Just as he finished filling me in, the door opened again and one deputy stepped out with a sheet of paper in hand. Rich ran back, exchanged a few sentences with him, and was let in.
I'm expecting a call from him to be picked up in two weeks for a ride back to the shelter.
I'm really really hoping that's the only call I get. Right now it's hard to imagine any news before then being good news. Crap happens in jails, and he was told to expect this one to be more of a prison. Plus the indoor captive population sharing whatever microbes might be available during this uneasy time. Almost the only thing worse might be the homeless shelter population, housed in a large dorm style room with crowded bunks. Many are elderly, handicapped, and considering their economic circumstances, bereft of healthcare and loaded with preexisting conditions.
Rich actually thought jail might be a healthier place to be for the next two weeks.
Thursday, March 12, 2020
Adventures In Caronavirus Land, Episode 3
Steve and I went to our local grocery store yesterday afternoon. It was time to do some stocking up. Staples. Too much of what we eat is perishable, so if things go as south as many fear, frequent grocery shopping may not be what we can or wish to do. Besides, the store sends out coupons, one of which was for $7 off a shopping trip of $70 or more. It turned out either of us could have used it. Between the two of us, we spent nearly $250.
The store was a zoo. Parking was available at the far ends of the lot and store aisles were packed. Shelves, not so much. Two things stood out. First, toilet paper was out. Discussion ensued between shopping strangers, with a lot of head scratching as to possible reasons why. Had people heard the word "flu" and decided that meant the type involving hours on the ivory throne? The fellow behind me in our long wait to check out discussed alternatives. No leaves down here exist without thorns somehow being involved. But hey, no poison ivy around either.
The easy answer is using paper towels or napkins, or baby wipes if still on the shelves (neither of us had checked out that part of the store, go figure), and disposing of them into a bag for the garbage so no worries about the sewers blocking up. It seems everything that grows down here sends masses of roots far and wide, especially into sewers which are frequently the only regular source of moisture. Fertilizer too. But mostly water. And when your sewers went in in '61, every plumber who scopes them tells you yours are hopelessly shattered and entangled with roots, but for only $______, they'd fix it right away for you. I'm sure the fix would last almost as long as they expect any of us to in this lovely seniors community.
The other surprising empty shelf space was in the soda crackers section. ???? Soda crackers? Really? Maybe it's those same people who think the coming "flu" is the intestinal variety and all they'll feel like eating is soda crackers. Hmmm. I didn't think to check if that affected the supply of chicken soup as well. I was stocking up on chili myself, which was my excuse for looking for soda crackers, and not chicken soup.
The local evening news brought another surprise last night. No, not Trump's attempt to appear competent which of course showed his concerns were financial and personal image than feeling anything for (fellow?) humans. This time the news informed us that our neighboring senior community, Sun City West, was closing down for a couple weeks starting tonight at 5PM. One day's warning for whatever was needed. Reasoning given was that 45% of their residents are over 75, and thus the most vulnerable population to covid 19. This was just one announcement among those for TV shows planning to air without audiences, basketball pausing their schedules, or sports events occurring in empty arenas... and on and on.
We figure Sun City will likely follow suit soon. As a club officer (secretary, what else?) I contacted our president to make sure she'd heard, and what did the club need to plan for in the event? She responded she'd been at a concert that evening and the audience was very sparse. Most of the concert-goers were discussing the SCW announcement of closure, and would it happen to us? As president, the governing body would contact her first, and she will be getting the club email list on a thumb drive and taking it home so she can contact us from home. I verified this morning on my way in to the club that when the centers close, absolutely nobody except employees can enter. Those little electronic discs that many of us have to open club doors will be locked out of the system, a good thing because I can forsee many of our members deciding to let themselves into the club for a little time on whatever equipment in the peace and quiet. You know, each thinking it'll be safe because nobody else would have that same idea.... Uh huh. Nobody.
Some of our members will be heading north soon. They worry about travel plans, particularly if they flew down, and particularly about returning to Canada or the UK. With our half-assed response in regards to few test kits being available, what happens on the home end for them? Forget our letting others cross our borders. Without sufficient testing, how many countries will shut us out?
Club-wise there is another complication for many. Not all of us own where we live. For those renting or leasing by the month rather than year round, rules require that once they are no longer in residence, their membership ends for all community center activities. therefore all jewelry in the store must be removed, one of the privileges they lose till next time they're down here. If they plan to head out soon, and must purge their items, will any closing announcement give them enough time to get their things? And for those who don't use email, can we contact them in time?
In all the discussions this morning in the club on the possible closing, I was -silly me - surprised at the loud voiced insisting any such thing was way over reacting. "If People want to risk coming in, they should be able to." Nevermind community protection extending beyond personal. "Nobody should be able to tell me what to do and where I can or can't go." Again, nevermind community contagion. It's never just one's self to consider. If I risk getting hurt by, say, climbing a tree (dream on!), that's one thing. I doesn't necessarily affect anybody else. A virus is like risking what may happen to others when someone gets behind the wheel drunk or on drugs. It's no longer just one person. It's even worse than that since it spreads exponentially.
We're not panicking. We are taking considered actions and thinking about sensible options. Hopefully, you are as well.
I wish to add that not all life circles around covid 19. I've not finished with purging photos yet, but those combined 20,000 are now down under 5,000. This is the 4th? 5th? purge before I transfer everything on to one machine.
I love the new herringbone wire pattern, and have been working nonstop with it, first for bracelets, and yesterday starting on earrings, pausing occasionally due to sore thumbs from pushing wires into positions. It's a hand created pattern, not tool made for the most part.
It's been raining down here, and expected to continue a few days yet. It's been lovely, except for those visitors expecting to watch spring training or some such. I had enough warning to put out a little fertilizer around plants I thought could use it. My tiny aloes are blooming, the large ones starting to push up their flowering stalks. Tiny ones bloom in orange, large, including the gift ones, yellow. None have actually died yet this time around.
Unfortunately, the same holds true for those weeds I hit with round-up last week.
The elephant agave at the northeast corner of the house suddenly shot up a flowering stalk. It's a bit crooked. The first day I noticed it, it pushed up under the eave, so I pulled it forward, away from the house a bit, so it could clear that and grow. Grow it did, and the next thing I knew our neighbor was knocking on our door letting me know it was pushing up on the shingles.
Yep, he was right.
Except it was "shingle", singular, not "shingles."
It's about another 14" higher now, and despite curving each time it reaches the slightest impediment, it is now so hard and determined to hog its claimed space that it can't be pulled away from the roof enough to fold the shingle back down between the end of the eave and the stalk. At least it's not raining or anything.
Oh wait. That was thunder, wasn't it?
The stalk is lined with buds, a hair lighter green than the stalk. Once they open, we'll know what color they flower. The stalk is also lined with, well, maybe leaves. They are flush with the stalk, vertical for about 3 1/2", pink in the center, and about half an inch wise at their bases. You know me: photos have been taken. Perhaps a dozen so far.
This particular agave stalk produces plantlets, not seeds. This means when mature they can be removed from the stalk and planted. Note to self: this time do NOT plant them with the center under the roof. Those stalks can reach 25 feet! And no, while I did read that back just after it was planted, I was in no way inspired to dig it out and relocate it.
Have you seen those spines on that sucker?
Yikes! Worst in the yard, even more than that foothills palo verde. At least those can be pruned so must of the nasty bits are out of reach so long as you're careful. Any time I want to get close enough to the elephant agave to take a photo, I have to ver-r-r-r-ry carefully move between each blade.
So far so good.
The store was a zoo. Parking was available at the far ends of the lot and store aisles were packed. Shelves, not so much. Two things stood out. First, toilet paper was out. Discussion ensued between shopping strangers, with a lot of head scratching as to possible reasons why. Had people heard the word "flu" and decided that meant the type involving hours on the ivory throne? The fellow behind me in our long wait to check out discussed alternatives. No leaves down here exist without thorns somehow being involved. But hey, no poison ivy around either.
The easy answer is using paper towels or napkins, or baby wipes if still on the shelves (neither of us had checked out that part of the store, go figure), and disposing of them into a bag for the garbage so no worries about the sewers blocking up. It seems everything that grows down here sends masses of roots far and wide, especially into sewers which are frequently the only regular source of moisture. Fertilizer too. But mostly water. And when your sewers went in in '61, every plumber who scopes them tells you yours are hopelessly shattered and entangled with roots, but for only $______, they'd fix it right away for you. I'm sure the fix would last almost as long as they expect any of us to in this lovely seniors community.
The other surprising empty shelf space was in the soda crackers section. ???? Soda crackers? Really? Maybe it's those same people who think the coming "flu" is the intestinal variety and all they'll feel like eating is soda crackers. Hmmm. I didn't think to check if that affected the supply of chicken soup as well. I was stocking up on chili myself, which was my excuse for looking for soda crackers, and not chicken soup.
The local evening news brought another surprise last night. No, not Trump's attempt to appear competent which of course showed his concerns were financial and personal image than feeling anything for (fellow?) humans. This time the news informed us that our neighboring senior community, Sun City West, was closing down for a couple weeks starting tonight at 5PM. One day's warning for whatever was needed. Reasoning given was that 45% of their residents are over 75, and thus the most vulnerable population to covid 19. This was just one announcement among those for TV shows planning to air without audiences, basketball pausing their schedules, or sports events occurring in empty arenas... and on and on.
We figure Sun City will likely follow suit soon. As a club officer (secretary, what else?) I contacted our president to make sure she'd heard, and what did the club need to plan for in the event? She responded she'd been at a concert that evening and the audience was very sparse. Most of the concert-goers were discussing the SCW announcement of closure, and would it happen to us? As president, the governing body would contact her first, and she will be getting the club email list on a thumb drive and taking it home so she can contact us from home. I verified this morning on my way in to the club that when the centers close, absolutely nobody except employees can enter. Those little electronic discs that many of us have to open club doors will be locked out of the system, a good thing because I can forsee many of our members deciding to let themselves into the club for a little time on whatever equipment in the peace and quiet. You know, each thinking it'll be safe because nobody else would have that same idea.... Uh huh. Nobody.
Some of our members will be heading north soon. They worry about travel plans, particularly if they flew down, and particularly about returning to Canada or the UK. With our half-assed response in regards to few test kits being available, what happens on the home end for them? Forget our letting others cross our borders. Without sufficient testing, how many countries will shut us out?
Club-wise there is another complication for many. Not all of us own where we live. For those renting or leasing by the month rather than year round, rules require that once they are no longer in residence, their membership ends for all community center activities. therefore all jewelry in the store must be removed, one of the privileges they lose till next time they're down here. If they plan to head out soon, and must purge their items, will any closing announcement give them enough time to get their things? And for those who don't use email, can we contact them in time?
In all the discussions this morning in the club on the possible closing, I was -silly me - surprised at the loud voiced insisting any such thing was way over reacting. "If People want to risk coming in, they should be able to." Nevermind community protection extending beyond personal. "Nobody should be able to tell me what to do and where I can or can't go." Again, nevermind community contagion. It's never just one's self to consider. If I risk getting hurt by, say, climbing a tree (dream on!), that's one thing. I doesn't necessarily affect anybody else. A virus is like risking what may happen to others when someone gets behind the wheel drunk or on drugs. It's no longer just one person. It's even worse than that since it spreads exponentially.
We're not panicking. We are taking considered actions and thinking about sensible options. Hopefully, you are as well.
I wish to add that not all life circles around covid 19. I've not finished with purging photos yet, but those combined 20,000 are now down under 5,000. This is the 4th? 5th? purge before I transfer everything on to one machine.
I love the new herringbone wire pattern, and have been working nonstop with it, first for bracelets, and yesterday starting on earrings, pausing occasionally due to sore thumbs from pushing wires into positions. It's a hand created pattern, not tool made for the most part.
It's been raining down here, and expected to continue a few days yet. It's been lovely, except for those visitors expecting to watch spring training or some such. I had enough warning to put out a little fertilizer around plants I thought could use it. My tiny aloes are blooming, the large ones starting to push up their flowering stalks. Tiny ones bloom in orange, large, including the gift ones, yellow. None have actually died yet this time around.
Unfortunately, the same holds true for those weeds I hit with round-up last week.
The elephant agave at the northeast corner of the house suddenly shot up a flowering stalk. It's a bit crooked. The first day I noticed it, it pushed up under the eave, so I pulled it forward, away from the house a bit, so it could clear that and grow. Grow it did, and the next thing I knew our neighbor was knocking on our door letting me know it was pushing up on the shingles.
Yep, he was right.
Except it was "shingle", singular, not "shingles."
It's about another 14" higher now, and despite curving each time it reaches the slightest impediment, it is now so hard and determined to hog its claimed space that it can't be pulled away from the roof enough to fold the shingle back down between the end of the eave and the stalk. At least it's not raining or anything.
Oh wait. That was thunder, wasn't it?
The stalk is lined with buds, a hair lighter green than the stalk. Once they open, we'll know what color they flower. The stalk is also lined with, well, maybe leaves. They are flush with the stalk, vertical for about 3 1/2", pink in the center, and about half an inch wise at their bases. You know me: photos have been taken. Perhaps a dozen so far.
This particular agave stalk produces plantlets, not seeds. This means when mature they can be removed from the stalk and planted. Note to self: this time do NOT plant them with the center under the roof. Those stalks can reach 25 feet! And no, while I did read that back just after it was planted, I was in no way inspired to dig it out and relocate it.
Have you seen those spines on that sucker?
Yikes! Worst in the yard, even more than that foothills palo verde. At least those can be pruned so must of the nasty bits are out of reach so long as you're careful. Any time I want to get close enough to the elephant agave to take a photo, I have to ver-r-r-r-ry carefully move between each blade.
So far so good.
Monday, March 9, 2020
Adventures In Caronavirus Land, Episode 2
Today was the club General Membership meeting. And pot luck. Always, "and pot luck." The members actually rebel should anybody have the audacity to hold the business meeting before the food is served.
Yes, that happened.
Of course, these days we have to consider the extra risks of eating communal food besides, say, ordinary salmonella or e coli. Do we actually want to expose ourselves to the new virus? After all, we are in the vulnerable age group as well as having an abundance of health issues, either ourselves or our partners. And there are a reported 5 cases in the state as of this morning. And still virtually no testing.
With that in mind, I hit the grocery store for my usual veggie tray. I almost never cook anything myself for those pot lucks. I have to trust the food handlers to follow health precautions when preparing the trays. But I decided to offer another precaution for my fellow club members. I bought a new plastic set of tongs, and once at the club, washed them in their kitchen before setting out the food.
I added a piece of tape on the handle with my initials so I'd get them back, but by the time I got to the table after the meeting, the tongs, along with all other silverware, had been gathered up for cleaning and "returning" to the kitchen supplies. I did finally find the stack and recovered mine for next time. I figure they'll be even more useful then.
Virus precautions figured in another way. The head of the line, usually starting with paper and plastic items, started instead with a giant bottle of hand sanitizer. Somebody actually found one before the crowds emptied the stores!
Concerns were on our club President's mind as well, concerning our April meeting. A rules change was proposed this meeting, and following procedure, members were given a month to weigh the issue and come to a decision before voting. But how many people would actually attend then? We need a quorum of 20 voters, and well over that number raised their hands indicating planned attendance. Likely every one but the snowbirds returning north before then.
But perhaps.... Much can change in a month.
If necessary, the vote will happen for the October meeting.
Yes, that happened.
Of course, these days we have to consider the extra risks of eating communal food besides, say, ordinary salmonella or e coli. Do we actually want to expose ourselves to the new virus? After all, we are in the vulnerable age group as well as having an abundance of health issues, either ourselves or our partners. And there are a reported 5 cases in the state as of this morning. And still virtually no testing.
With that in mind, I hit the grocery store for my usual veggie tray. I almost never cook anything myself for those pot lucks. I have to trust the food handlers to follow health precautions when preparing the trays. But I decided to offer another precaution for my fellow club members. I bought a new plastic set of tongs, and once at the club, washed them in their kitchen before setting out the food.
I added a piece of tape on the handle with my initials so I'd get them back, but by the time I got to the table after the meeting, the tongs, along with all other silverware, had been gathered up for cleaning and "returning" to the kitchen supplies. I did finally find the stack and recovered mine for next time. I figure they'll be even more useful then.
Virus precautions figured in another way. The head of the line, usually starting with paper and plastic items, started instead with a giant bottle of hand sanitizer. Somebody actually found one before the crowds emptied the stores!
Concerns were on our club President's mind as well, concerning our April meeting. A rules change was proposed this meeting, and following procedure, members were given a month to weigh the issue and come to a decision before voting. But how many people would actually attend then? We need a quorum of 20 voters, and well over that number raised their hands indicating planned attendance. Likely every one but the snowbirds returning north before then.
But perhaps.... Much can change in a month.
If necessary, the vote will happen for the October meeting.
Friday, March 6, 2020
Adventures In Coronavirus Land, Episode 1
Since this is going to be changing on a daily basis, even though I'm not going to keep posting that often, I'm going to "date mark" these postings by the world as we know it now, followed by personal status and observations.
Latest - not number counts, because who can keep up? - is it's spreading in the US, and so many times along the way to here, so much has been botched in terms of not only treatments, tests and quarantines, but also "information" from sources either in the know or having the idiot mindset that believes saving face is primary (think Trump, natch), that the "panic" is spreading.
Reason and unreason are fighting for supremacy. Some 38% of us will avoid Corona beer, as if there were any possible connection other than fear of a name, and completely disregarding the alcohol content of the beer which would squelch any contagious particles which may have attempted to squeeze their way inside the bottles before capping, might COVID 19 have even been in the country when they were capped. Seriously: how stupid are we? (Oh wait, we have Trump in office. Nevermind.)
Information from actual health sources state that 15% of those who contract it may end up in the hospital. That's assuming there will be room in the hospitals, since they've been operating on a cash-flow basis to eliminate empty beds for a couple decades now. That's what for-profit healthcare gets us.
It will strike my generation hardest. Of the estimated 3+ % who are expected to die, those will also be concentrated in my generation. I still have things I want to do, but I've been lucky enough to have really enjoyed my last few years, and am particularly happy being with Steve. So I'm not panicking - yet - but am keeping as informed as possible.
There may be a bright spot on the horizon. When this hits the lungs, even those who survive, live with permanent lung damage. Shortness of breath, limited activities, O2... and no doubt susceptibility to whatever next thing happens. OK, where's the bright spot in that, you ask? The possibility of treating patients with meds developed for AIDS patients is being investigated, and early word (rumors?) is they are in process and stop the lung damage in its tracks. We'll see. Of course, this raises the question, even if it is a dependable treatment, of both its availability and cost. Particularly in our health system. Can we afford to live? Who chooses where it gets distributed? Will we allow the cost to skyrocket just because of demand and some sociopath who sees a profit? It's happening elsewhere, if you haven't been unlucky enough to notice.
So, personal observations and reactions:
I went shopping last night at WalMart. I needed bar soap for the shower. I had Zest on my mind, as it saves water by not requiring extra rinsing. I settled for Irish Spring. No Zest on the shelf. No Dial. No anything antibacterial (hey, virus ain't bacteria folks!). My search had led me through both grocery and pharmacy departments. Grocery aisles were devoid of hand sanitizer, as expected. Empty shelves bore price tags for Lysol and similar products, bleaches, bleach wipes, anything that held hope of avoiding contagion for the shoppers. Pharmacy was also sold out of rubbing alcohol and a host of other products. I admit, this was late in the evening. Stock pallets were sprawled all over, blocking easy passage down the aisles, so maybe only the shelves were out of stock and more product was stored in the back. Maybe.
My particular searches did not take me to all the places where overheard discussions had listed experiences by relatives and friends around the country of lack of water, paper products, certain food staples, or anything else needed for everybody's assumed future quarantines. But then, Arizona has only 2 known cases right now, and both persons are in quarantine, with any known contacts monitored. Not tested yet, but monitored. Maybe next week there will be a better supply of test kits.
Maybe it'll rain here too.
I had a chat with another woman I knew from the club when I ran into her in a different part of town this morning. She, with her extended family, have planned a trip with her church to Israel for later this month. Outlay thus far, $27,000. Two of the excursions once there have been canceled. No refunds available. Air travel involves a transfer to another airline after crossing the pond, but that airline canceled, again no refund. She contacted the first airline to see if she could cancel that, just checking out options, and the only thing they offered was rebooking within 7-9 days of the scheduled trip.
The family is still trying to figure out what to do. One son suggested they go anyway, find other events for their itinerary. (Not sure about that second leg of the flight.) Then the question arose: would they be allowed to return to the US after the trip? His comment was that this country "would never leave any of us stranded in a foreign country."
Hmmm, has he paid attention to Trump? Maybe Cheetolini has a hunch about this too, eh?
Is the son talking about the Marines or something? Because I know they never leave anybody behind, but ordinary folk? Under these circumstances? Or was he just assuming they'll be let back but quarantined? She has spoken to another friend who's been quarantined after one of those cruise ships, and said conditions here were terrible. No real healthcare, not enough food or water.... The term used was "concentration camp."
So reassuring.... NOT.
On a more personal level, Steve and I are planning a major trip hitting national parks on both the way north and others on the way south this summer. So far, besides a visit with his brother's family, Monument Valley, Moab area and Arches, Yellowstone, Greeley area and Rocky Mountain, Teddy Roosevelt, Glacier, and whatever else strikes our fancy. But what will be open then? We had been thinking kind of a "last chance tour", going while health held and budget could deal, but we hadn't thought of last chance in the way it now might be.
I previously mentioned a couple of punch biopsies. I had wondered whether they might reveal something else that would make me more susceptible to anything. Luckily, results came back today. There were a long, complicated couple of words for what I have, but those were drowned out by just one: "benign." Long sigh. Anyway, the medication she put me on should do the trick for whatever it is called.
So, questions galore, answers perhaps to come. That's why I called this "Episode 1." Meanwhile, I just got introduced to a new jewelry pattern this morning....
Thursday, March 5, 2020
Blue No Matter Who
To all you folks out there who actually realize this country can barely afford Trump now, but are still squabbling over which is the best, aka ONLY, candidate to oppose him, understand that if for any reason voter turnout is suppressed or indifferent, Trump wins again!
Gulp!
ABSOLUTELY the only thing to do is turn out, bring our neighbors, relatives and friends, send in those early votes, after making SURE your registration hasn't been screwed up for whatever reason. Your vote counts! Whether it's Bernie or Biden, or against all odds, even Warren, my personal favorite, get your behinds out there and vote!
Vote Blue no matter who!!!!
In the primaries, vote for whoever it is that warms your heart. But this fall, vote your head. Don't grumble yourself away from the polls because the nominee isn't your one and only heartthrob. Your vote, along with each and everybody else's, is the one which will stop 2016 from happening again.
There will be all sorts of excuses. There always are. But this time, NO EXCUSE IS A GOOD ENOUGH EXCUSE. Unless perhaps you are dead well ahead of time.
Try not to let that happen, eh?
* * * * *
Heard from TV:
MAGA: "God gave us Trump."
Reply: "What? Did he run out of locusts?"
Gulp!
ABSOLUTELY the only thing to do is turn out, bring our neighbors, relatives and friends, send in those early votes, after making SURE your registration hasn't been screwed up for whatever reason. Your vote counts! Whether it's Bernie or Biden, or against all odds, even Warren, my personal favorite, get your behinds out there and vote!
Vote Blue no matter who!!!!
In the primaries, vote for whoever it is that warms your heart. But this fall, vote your head. Don't grumble yourself away from the polls because the nominee isn't your one and only heartthrob. Your vote, along with each and everybody else's, is the one which will stop 2016 from happening again.
There will be all sorts of excuses. There always are. But this time, NO EXCUSE IS A GOOD ENOUGH EXCUSE. Unless perhaps you are dead well ahead of time.
Try not to let that happen, eh?
* * * * *
Heard from TV:
MAGA: "God gave us Trump."
Reply: "What? Did he run out of locusts?"
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