Probably a stupid idea for a thread, but check in if you're safe.

[hamsterjill]

Reading all of the Trump crap over Dr. Fauci has me really stressed out this morning. Fauci has, to me, been the voice of sanity and reason. If we lose him, I really fear for us as a whole.

DU’ers, let me know please how you’re doing. Can we make it to November? Are you safe? Are you well? Are you stocked up? Are you having to work outside your home? Are you as pissed as I am?

[I_UndergroundPanther]

1. I'm safe

Got anxiety and some depression
But I am holding out okay.
Taking the contamination seriously
Not going out,wearing a mask when I do go out etc. Stocked up somewhat. Got a little food cushion. Running out of Lysol spray. Going to have designated outside shoes that can be bleached.

[hamsterjill]

20. I've done the same thing as for clothing for going out.

I’ve designated one complete outfit (tshirt, jeans, washable shoes) for going out. I’m only going when absolutely and completely necessary. Upon return, taking shoes off at garage and throwing everything immediately in the washer.

Stay safe!!!

[rickyhall]

190. I'm OK

I go out once week in mask, gloves, long pants, long sleeve shirt & washable shoes. I get home, bring cold stuff to the laundry room outside to wipe down, then strip to my shorts in the laundry room, bring the cold stuff and jump in the shower. I bring the rest of my stuff in the next day. This may be overkill, but I'm 64 and my housemate is 62 with some breathing problems, so I don't care.

[hamsterjill]

202. I'm showering as well

I figure it can’t hurt. So why not!

[Maru Kitteh]

2. I'm well but not safe.

#nurselife

[hamsterjill]

22. You be safe, please.

May I offer a prayer, positive light, vibes..whatever is your choice... for your safety. And thank you for your courage and bravery.

Please take care of yourself as absolute best you can!

[hamsterjill]

23. Hey, we all have those interactions sometimes.

Sometimes I get frustrated on threads. Best to let it go and move on. There are plenty of other people to interact with on DU!!!

Take care!

[captain queeg]

39. Yeah don't let them get to you.

I know what you mean but most people here are open and similarly minded. But, there be trolls. Just don’t take their bait and if you have to you can add them to your ignore list.

[ConnorMarc]

112. Ditto

and ditto.

[LakeArenal]

4. We are the luckiest quarantine in the world

Thanks for asking.

[hamsterjill]

24. Great attitude!

Thanks for responding.

[AirmensMom]

5. Not stupid at all.

Yes, I am pissed. Thoroughly.

My husband works from home and has for several years. Not much adjustment there. I'm no longer working ... well, not for pay, anyway. There's plenty to do around here.

Except for being tired all the time (stress?), we're well so far. We have enough food and the stores are keeping up. He goes shopping once a week during the "senior hour" and wears gloves and mask.

I miss our daughter, who lives an hour away from us and is also staying home.

So we're doing fine except for the emotional stuff. The heartache that is happening around the world is gut-wrenching. The sacrifices people are having to make, the sickness, the poverty, the hungry kids ... it all makes me want to scream.

[hamsterjill]

26. Yep, the world is in one collective moan, it seems.

The emotional is the hard part. My daughter lives about thirty minutes from me. We’ve exchanged items on each other’s front porches (i.e., when one of us had something the other needed to avoid a trip to the store) and we FaceTime. But it’s not the same.

Just seeing the sheer numbers of deaths is staggering to me. I find I can handle about ten minutes of news and I just have to walk away for a while. Lots of tears in my life right now and I know I’m not the only one.

Stay safe!!!

[hamsterjill]

32. Good for you!

Glad you are safe and handling this as well as you are. Keep it up.

[LiberalLoner]

7. I'm safe

Thank you for asking!

[hamsterjill]

34. Glad you are safe!

Stay that way, and thanks for replying.

Take care!!!

[LiberalLoner]

61. You too! Glad you are safe! Wishing protection for all my DU friends!

[Eyeball_Kid]

8. There are four adults and one toddler in my household.

One adult is a health care worker. about 2 months ago, she woke up with great breathing difficulty and arrhythmia. We called paramedics for immediate attention. She developed a fever that lasted for several days, accompanied by fatigue and dry coughing. She was off work for over two weeks. Similar symptoms had developed in two other adults in the household. There STILL are no tests available for any of us to determine whether we were infected with CV-19. It's all guesswork, but we're cautiously guessing that the virus has already run through our family of healthy adults. The two older adults (late 60s, early 70s) in the household have been doing exercises for years that stress the respiratory system. We suspect that stressing the respiratory system strengthens resistance to symptoms.

But it's all guesswork because we CAN'T GET TESTED.

[hamsterjill]

35. Oh my! That's awful.

I’m so sorry. Must be horrible. Just confirming - everyone has seemingly recovered at this point? If so, I’d love to know which exercises the older adults practice.

Thank you and take care!

[lagomorph777]

9. Well but not safe, as long as COVFEFE-19 is still in the White House.

[hamsterjill]

37. Truth!!!

He’s the biggest threat! I can’t stand to hear his voice.

[mokawanis]

10. Staying at home with my wife

We have a 3 week supply of food, though I will need to go out for milk and bread before that. I'm retired and she is working from home so we're ok, other than worrying about where all this is heading with mussolini in the white house.

[hamsterjill]

48. I worry about the outcome, too.

How can we help NOT thinking about what else that orange moron and his band of enablers may do. It’s frightening because he’s crazy and can’t be trusted to listen to anyone who might know something.

Stay safe and take care!

[Polly Hennessey]

11. We are doing fine. Sunny and mild today.

Will sit out in the front yard with a book and the dogs this afternoon.

[hamsterjill]

50. Sounds lovely.

I hope you enjoy your time.

Stay safe!

[HarlanPepper]

12. Safe

And pissing off DU’s garden hobbyists by standing with a Democratic governor!

[hamsterjill]

51. Gotta take your entertainment where you can get it, right???!!!

Stay safe!

[ProfessorGAC]

13. Ok

Aside from a $5,000 plumbing problem, we're fine.
We do what we should, I got out and played golf, walking, so I'm getting some exercise without coming with 20 yards of anybody else. Except when talking in the parking lot with some of the guys I usually play golf with. But, we're still 3 to 5 paces apart.
Bright side: cleaning out the front of the garage to make room for the plumbers, I find a cassette of the Christmas carols I recorded several years ago.
Thought it forever lost!

[hamsterjill]

52. Oh man! I've been there with the plumbing!

It’s awful. I’ve been through slab leaks! The cost, the upheaval, the anxiety. All not fun.

Hang in there.

[ProfessorGAC]

115. It's Fixed

It was cast iron deposits & sludge, and just sediment in the tile.
They did a process to grind out the corrosion & hydroblasted everything.
Guys who did the work said it should be good for 15 or 20 years.
They use the borososcope camera & showed me the video. Interesting when you're trying maintain social distance. The screen is only about 5" across!
Expensive, but thorough & effective.

[hamsterjill]

124. Congratulations!!!

Always good when repairs are behind you!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

14. Me and my husband are safe!

He's staying in and I'm the one doing the occasional trip to the market. My neighbor made me a mask so I'm good when I do go out.

We have tons of books and other things to amuse ourselves with, so we're not bored.

I am pissed about possibly losing Fauci but of course, everything tRump does pisses me off. I try not to dwell on these unpleasant things although I sure am aware of them. I find that worrying about stuff makes it hard for me to get enough rest.

Thank goodness I know how to cook!

[hamsterjill]

53. I'm re-learning the cooking!

I used to make dinner every night when my daughter lived at home. Once she grew up and left, I’d pretty much stopped because of time and expense.

I’ve been re-learning how to make some of the dishes I used to make. So far, so good!!! LOL

Take care, Peggy!!

[Voltaire2]

15. As hardly anyone can get tested, hardly anyone knows if they are 'safe' right now or not.

And all of us have to have *some* contact with other people. So each contact, even if indirect, is a risk.

It isn't even known yet if having covid-19 immunizes you against re-infection. It probably does is as good as it gets.

[hamsterjill]

54. I know. It's all the unknowns.

I hear you, and it’s nerve racking. I keep hoping for a break through but nothing substantive yet.

Hang in there.

[Aristus]

16. I don't know if I'm safe or not. But I'm healthy, at least.

Still going to clinic every day. Trying to do all of my appointments over the phone. Getting space-suited up for patients who need an in-person exam to assess their complaint. Disinfecting obsessively, washing my hands frequently, changing into street clothes before going home, showering after I get there, and practicing social-distancing as often as I can.

Looking forward to this being all over...

[hamsterjill]

56. Thank you.

I know you work hard and I’m glad we have you on our side. I know your patients come first for you, and I appreciate that.

Take extra special care of yourself for us, please.

[luvs2sing]

17. Doing great as long as I don't have to leave the house.

I’m a homebody by nature, so this is a cakewalk for me. The hard part is not feeling like I can go out when I want to or have to go to the store for groceries. And going out is so anxiety producing that I avoid it. I have a must-go doctor’s appointment and bloodwork next week, and I’m already losing sleep over it.

Hubster has been working from home for the past month. I’m glad he’s here but, as the joke goes, check on your introverted friends with extroverted spouses. They are not okay.

My biggest complaint is how bad I need a haircut.

And I am royally pissed right along with you.

[LakeArenal]

40. This was posted onDU a bit ago

Here’s a tweet for you:


Elise Hu 胡昌怡
✔
@elisewho
I've reached the point in this quarantining in which I text desperate I love you/I miss you messages to my hair stylist & she's like who's number is this

[luvs2sing]

41. Love it!

There is some seriously scary shit going on on top of my head right now.

[hamsterjill]

58. Are you looking at MY hair???

Seriously. I’m usual medium golden brown and short.

I’m gray and frizzy and all over the place right now!

[luvs2sing]

72. I started growing my color out in December

and cut it really short so I would be done with the growing out process by..well..two weeks ago. Now I have half red hair, half white hair, and the cut has grown out so it stands on end in some places and lays flat in others. Frightening! My grey is going to be amazing if I ever get rid of the old color.

[northoftheborder]

83. My hair....my worst "unhappy" situation (looks awful)

Otherwise I am safe and well-stocked (hoping can buy toilet paper next grocery pick-up)

Am doing long procrastinated projects, fun ones.

[luvs2sing]

93. Yes, lots of cooking and knitting going on here.

We’ve been lucky about TP. We bought a big package about two weeks before everything shut down and didn’t even open it till three weeks ago. Every time we go to a store, we buy the smallest package they have if we can find it. So we’re staying steady on our supply.

[Backseat Driver]

104. I'm that introvert with an extrovert spouse

who believes, despite being told otherwise, that his "busyness" is manifested love for me; it's a con he uses for others' good opinion of himself. It's a long sad story that not even the courts can make me tell but one I can forgive at this age of the game if not forget.

Hubster is retired from his serial unemployment in IT and is now an "essential" convenience store/gasoline fill-up clerk to meet the current bills and repayment plans no bankruptcy could cure. He could bring the plague home any day, so religiously taking precautions??? I'm not there, so who could tell. He doesn't always do what his mouth says! In addition, he runs most of the errands because I get high anxiety about whether or not my car has been reliably fixed to be assured a round-trip. I've been "financially" quarantined for months, a beautiful self-emprisonment, so to save up to DIY fix that car, so who really knows. I whack my own hair, and the SIL whacks the Hubster's hair and the dog's nails. I did go to my daughter's place 4 miles away to help make masks for family and friends one day, but I'm safe so far and mostly spend my day on DU, surfing recipes to try, doing laundry, cooking soups, checking emails for new health docu-series I can sign up to watch, gambling for fun through Hollywood Casino (I never need to buy credits now!), commenting to my FB friends, reading books, refreshing the virus stats page on worldometer, feeding the feral ducks in our community pond outside the front door, and letting out the dogs because only a couple days were nice enough to actually go for walks. I'm wearing out my pjs and waiting for the sunshine.

After a lifetime of planning and retirement plans miserably failing, it's Plan B for me. I have no deadlines to fulfill for anyone, yes-anyone, but I've sworn never to make anyone else rich by my paid wage-slave labor ever again and am pretty content that I'm being as expensive as can be with a little help from a snip of RNA, even if it kills me/us. I do grieve for many of the families that have been martyred by my collaborative little virus bug conspirator who I never imagined. I readily pray that the filthy rich and the gop/fundie cults mourn their money and meet karma for their crimes and hypocrisy. There will be few to mourn me or my life's endeavors seeking balance, honesty, and a little romance along the journey in which I only, so far, have half-succeeded in creating two new families full of love and hard work. My prayer: Bless my little grandson's future and bless both my daughters with helpmates and loving families with sufficient resources and accomplishments to survive whatever comes next.

Oh, BTW, IMHO, it's far too early to open up the country's gathering places, work, sports, churches, and shopping! Meanwhile, scientists and tech lovers should be very careful what they wish for and/or create for profit's sake, for convenience, or for a niche few to exploit.

[marlakay]

18. Compared to others we should be great

Right before this started we decided to sell our truck and trailer because we weren’t using it, only bought trailer 2 yrs ago. Truck is older and started having problems costing us thousands which retired we can’t afford.

So getting no calls from Craigslist my husband is yelling about how many thousands we are losing and waiting till next year we will lose more.

Trying to explain to him the whole country is going broke and at least we have pension and healthcare not making him feel any better.

Its just hard to be stuck in a house with someone so negative. He tends towards that normally but I can escape the house before all this happened till he calms down.

[hamsterjill]

60. It's hard to be around negativity.

Especially when you can’t do anything about it. My sister lives on the same property as me and she’s that way. I swear I spend half of my life just trying to keep her from going off. Like you, I usually escape but that’s not possible right now.

She and I don’t live in the same house, so I can at least, escape to my own walls.

I hope you find a way to disengage for a while. Please take care.

[marlakay]

101. Thanks for understanding

I signed up for a meditation class, I have online bookclub and my kids FT chat with me so I am not completely alone. Also do dance class online.

I just feel kind of depressed today. Staying away from news and reading my book.

[hamsterjill]

142. Sounds like a good plan.

Try to enjoy yourself!

[JustAnotherGen]

19. Under tornado watch

in rural Central NJ - but other than that - peachy keen.

[Behind the Aegis]

36. Stay safe!

from a resident of Tornado Alley!

[JustAnotherGen]

113. Thanks

[hamsterjill]

62. Oh goodness. I hope it all fizzles out.

I’m in Texas and last Friday night we had a storm heading our way with golf ball size hail. It died out before getting to us and I was grateful. I know the anxiety the threat can induce.

Stay safe and take all reasonable precautions. Keep us posted, too.

[TrunKated]

92. Yikes! Me too.

But otherwise safe in Brick Township.

Reminds me. I never to call my sis.

[JustAnotherGen]

114. I have a few friends

Who live down the shore - their houses are rocking today!

[Proud Liberal Dem]

21. Safe and well at the moment

November seems like an eternity right now and I'm scared about what all might happen between now and then.

[hamsterjill]

63. I'm scared, too.

I also fear the time frame between November and January - IF we make it that far. No telling what Trump will try to do in his way out.

[Proud Liberal Dem]

68. Same too

[SheltieLover]

25. OK Here for now

Only going out every 1.5-2 weeks for necessities.

Plenty of tp as I saw that coming & bought 2 of Aldi's large packages a few weeks before it was a thing.

Thx for asking.

Stay safe, All!

[hamsterjill]

65. I'm okay on the TP, too, but I need to restock perishables

I’ve only gone for those a couple of times. It’s stressful, but I’ve taken all of the precautions I can think to take.

Take care of yourself!!!

[SheltieLover]

67. Thx!

That's what I'm doing.

Perishable runs only. Glad you are taking precautions & staying safe! I try to go to less endemic areas to shop & fly through store like a missile to minimize time in potentially infected store.

[intheflow]

27. I'm okay, and also not okay.

Because, let's face it, we are living through a global trauma event and our "pResident Evil" is making everything a million times worse than it has to be.

To specifically answer your questions:

Can we make it until November? We don't have any choice. Those of us who survive until then will have to vote like Wisconsin, with a million times more turnout.

Are you safe? Yes, relatively speaking. Not locked in with an abuser (which would have happened at almost any other time in my adult life), only shopping every other week, wearing my bandana mask when I have to go out in public.

Are you well? My son and I may have both had COVID-19 the second week of March, but who the fuck knows since there was no testing back then, and no testing now unless you're exhibiting symptoms or are in a known high-risk group (i.e., first responders, etc.). I was out of commission for only a few days (sore throat, extreme fatigue, muscle aches) but my son had a 105 temp for multiple days and was finally diagnosed with pneumonia (and so, with the CDC guidelines at the time, on March 12th, cleared of COVID-19 even though pneumonia is a common outcome of the disease).

Are you stocked up? Yes. In an extreme stroke of luck, I bought a 24-roll package of TP right before the panic. This is unusual, but we were expecting guests for a few days and I wanted to be sure we were stocked. We also have so. much. food. as we had bought a quarter of a cow right before this all went down, and also overstocked on staples due to our impending guests. (Who of course never visited after all.)

Are you having to work outside your home? Yes, I am. Two days a week I have to go into a closed building where I normally serve the public in a public employee job, but am now sitting in front of a computer in a cube farm with coworkers doing work I could be doing at home.

Are you as pissed as I am? ABOUT ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING TO DO WITH THIS PANDEMIC! I'm pissed at having to go into work when I can WFH, I'm pissed at how this pandemic is impacting POC the most, I'm pissed at every single response the orange fuckhead and his enablers have put forward to "help".

[hamsterjill]

69. Thanks for your reasoned response.

I agree with all you’ve said. I feel the anger most myself over the fact that I know that Trump just doesn’t give a shit about the rest of us. I can look at that bastard’s eyes and there is no soul. He would let any one of us die if he could make a nickel...and I do mean a nickel. All he thinks about is HIS profit.

[Demsrule86]

28. Family Safe and my brother is out of ICU and is expected to survive...feeling very blessed today

[hamsterjill]

70. Did your brother have Covid-19?

Sorry, I was away for a while. Please update me.

Thank you. I’m happy for your good news regardless.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

29. I'm safe. Haven't gone anywhere since March 14

and can probably make it indefinitely. But my continuing safety depends on the people who can't stay home - delivery drivers, the USPS, trash collectors, cops, firefighters, utility workers, etc., etc., etc., so I feel kind of guilty that I'm just sitting at home in relative comfort and not doing anything useful.

[LakeArenal]

44. You are doing the most useful thing you can do at the moment

Something trumpets find impossible

You’re staying home. Doing exactly what’s been asked if you.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

46. Yes, I keep reminding myself that I'm most useful being useless.

If I don't get sick I don't burden the health care system or spread the bug around. But I still feel like kind of a slob.

[LakeArenal]

55. A PATRIOTIC slob. Thanks for your sacrifice.

[hamsterjill]

71. I hear you.

I want to help in some way, but so far, I haven’t figured out a way to contribute. I’m not employed right now, so I can’t donate funds. And since I need to stay home, I can’t volunteer to help where I’d like to be able.

As you said though, we don’t need to add to the problem. So, we stay put and hope things get better soon.

Take care!!!

[bluescribbler]

47. You are doing something useful.

You are helping to slow the spread of this pandemic. That's the most useful thing you can be doing.

[Stuart G]

30. I am OK, taking it .."One Minute at a Time"

[hamsterjill]

73. I hear you!

Some days seem easier than others. As I said in the OP, today has been a hard one for me. I’m going to go get some exercise in a bit and hope that helps.

You stay safe!!!

[bluescribbler]

31. Safe and sound.

Sheltering in place with my SO.

[hamsterjill]

74. Good!

Keep doing what you’re doing! Take care!

[bluescribbler]

186. Thanks

That's the plan.

[Towlie]

33. Day #29 of total isolation.

I'm 70 and live alone in a retirement condo. I'm kind of lucky in the sense that in the past I seldom went anywhere so life hasn't changed as much for me as it has for most other people. I used to feel guilty that I was wasting my life away and needed to get out more, but I usually couldn't think of anywhere I wanted to go. So now one of the biggest changes for me is that I don't have to feel guilty anymore! I now have a legitimate excuse to stay home.

[hamsterjill]

76. I think that means that you like yourself!

Nothing wrong with that!

Stay safe.

[lunatica]

94. That's my life too

Only I’ve gotten over any quilt feelings about being a hermit. It’s simply what I need at this stage of my life. I will continue to be guilt free and if the time comes that I want to emerge I will certainly do so. I don’t have any family to worry about and the few people I care about live in other states and countries and we’re all in touch.

My life hasn’t changed. I’ve had my food delivered through Instacart for years because I have mobility issues. I filled my gas tank last August and I still have some left. I just run the engine every week or too for half an hour so the battery doesn’t drain.

I also live in a condo building that is closed. I take my garbage to the garbage room and check my mail very late in the evenings so I very rarely see anyone else. My life hasn’t changed at all.

[FM123]

38. Not a stupid idea! Thanks for asking.

We are doing well. So far, enough food and still in good health - but getting a little nervous about hurricane season that will be here in a few weeks....

[hamsterjill]

77. Weather!

Yes, the weather can be an added stresser. I’m in Texas and last Friday night we had threat of large size hail. Just went through a roof replacement a couple of years ago and just did not need that again. Thankfully, we lucked out.

Take all reasonable precautions to prepare and stay safe. Thanks for responding.

[localroger]

42. I am pretty sure I've had it and recovered

From suburban NOLA, I commute(d) into town. One of my coworkers was among the first 100 to test positive in Louisiana, got the news on March 16. Two days later as the NOLA area stay at home order was taking effect I nearly fell on the floor getting out of bed. Severe pain in my hips. I chalked it up to getting old chapter 56. But in early April the coworker came back and let us know it was him and looking back it seems likely he infected me during the week of the 10th. I looked up the symptoms and about 15% of the positives in Wuhan had no symptom other than joint pain. Aha. The pain faded during the first week of April and is gone now. Of course I got no test, they wouldn't have tested me even if I thought of it in time because you have to be half dead with a fever to get a test, but nothing else really explains what happened to me and this explains it perfectly.

I write software so the transition to working at home wasn't too hard. Boss even bought me a 4K monitor. We're essential and I've had to go in a few times to do things in person, but there are very few people working in the building now and we can keep our distance more easily than when everyone came to the shop.

[hamsterjill]

80. I bet you're right.

I think a lot of people have probably had it without being able to confirm through testing. I know one woman who had symptoms in early January that, looking back, sure fit the pattern.

I’m glad you are well now. Stay safe.

[dhol82]

43. I'm doing well in the middle of Manhattan

Streets are empty and stores are stocked. Farmer’s markets are up and running (with restrictions) several day a week.
Everybody is wearing a mask! And maintaining social distancing. At least in my area of the city.
I am fortunate to live alone but have a large support network.

[hamsterjill]

81. Glad you are handling the challenges well.

Please stay safe. We all pray for New York!!!

[DFW]

45. Well, since I have the time......

Can we make it to November?
We can! As long as there is food in the stores anyway.

Are you safe?
As long as my cardiologist and my wife's oncologist say we are, then we are.

Are you well?
We think so! Ignorance is bliss if we're not.

Are you stocked up?
We didn't plunder a store for toilet paper, but have enough for another week (we think!)

Are you having to work outside your home?
I can't!! My work can only be done on location, and I can't leave Germany for the moment.


Are you as pissed as I am?
Probably, but don't worry. We don't blame you

[hamsterjill]

100. Sounds like you've got it covered!

What’s it like to be in a country with a responsible, sane leader these days????

[DFW]

147. It's better than being in a country with an insane leader

But not very reassuring that Merkel's ideal successor, Ursula von der Leyen, has been shoved out of the way, and the next chancellor will probably be one of three men, one of whom is uninspiring (Laschet), and the other two (Merz and Spahn) have serious ego problems. The CDU, like so many other parties here in Europe, can't stand that a successful, calm woman has successfully led Germany for four terms, and is determined to replace her with a less competent man. Von der Leyen is competent, smarter than any of them, and speaks fluent English. Merkel, with her poor English, has showed them all up for 14 years. They cringe at the thought of a woman equally as good taking her place, so they will get a man who is worse. Remember the "no more Clintons!" cries of 2016? Same kind of battle cry here.

[spicysista]

49. Very kind of you to ask!

We are all well and are following our governor's instructions. My husband and I are both home with our four children (a rascal of a 4 year old, 11 yr old twins, and a 13 yr old princess). We have a pretty structured home rythem, with loads of fun throughout. This home learning has been really fun, though a bit challenging at times. So, we are blessed. This morning's news about the now deceased sailor really broke me today. It hits especially hard with us. We are all one big family (the navy).

Thanks for this, hamsterjill. You are really kind. I hope you and yours are well. "It's okay to be mad. Don't stay there too long, though. " My grandmother still lives by those words. ❤💙💚💛💜

[hamsterjill]

102. Wise counsel!!!

I’m glad you are doing well. I can only imagine the planning, etc. necessary to keep the young ones occupied, but it sounds like you’re doing fine.

Keep up the good work! Thanks for your response!

[RANDYWILDMAN]

57. Having a lot of weird dreams....

But safe, hope everybody is doing ok

[dhol82]

85. Yeah, me too!

Wonder if it’s a consequence of anxiety or quarantine?
Mine have been really freaky.

[hamsterjill]

103. Probably stress related?

I’m not dreaming at all, or more likely, I’m not remembering anything when I wake.

Take care!!!

[Raine]

158. Me too, they're not bad

they're just really vivid and memorable.

[KY_EnviroGuy]

59. We have to rely on our governors to do the right thing but....

only if public pressure sees to it. We're among the lucky ones in KY although he has to battle with a Rethug legislature.

Right now, we have to keep our hopes up that our medical systems won't collapse from the shear burden and loss of personnel. Those systems need to see a reduction of cases and then have some time to recover.

I'm also very worried about our food supply chains collapsing and the Federal government and states need to double-down on protecting those workers and assets.

Someone needs to take the bull by the horns and identify industries most critical for our survival (medical, food supply, energy supply, etc.) and test and track every single worker and do what's needed to protect them.

We're walking a very fine line of danger at this time and this is not the time to relax restrictions, IMO.

My family is holding its own and fairly well stocked with basics at this time but we're all feeling more fear than anger.

KY...........

[hamsterjill]

107. You bring up some good considerations.

Can I put you in charge instead of the idiot in the White House? The lack of a reasonable plan is what stokes the fear and anger.

Trump has no plan whatsoever other than to let as many die as get the virus and can’t receive proper medical care.

[hunter]

64. My wife is a health care professional.

I work at home.

She's been working without adequate supplies of personal protective equipment. Testing is largely unavailable. Her patients are an extremely vulnerable population.

We've been self-quarantined and living as if we've been exposed to the virus since March 17.

I thought I was a homebody, even a hermit, but now I'm missing lots of little things like going to the movies, going out to eat, chatting with the people in our local hardware store whenever I had to purchase some small tool or widget, and so on.

One of our children, who lives in another city, is recovering from this virus, which he probably caught from one of his students before everything was shut down.

We usually have large family gatherings on Easter, a big deal complete with church services, but nope, not this year, which was very, very strange. Who'd have thought I'd ever miss church for all the hell I gave my mom when I was a kid? (Mostly I hated the itchy clothes, otherwise I lived in my own world wherever I was.)

My wife and I are very concerned about our octogenarian parents. They live in rural communities and generally don't drive into town more than once a week in normal times, but living in very beautiful places they did have a lot of out-of-town visitors, and many social interactions with their neighbors before this. My wife's mom loves to shop whenever she goes into town and it was difficult to impress upon here that she should only go to the grocery store, grab what she needs, and get out.

My mom told me that Died in the plague of 2020 would be a pretty cool thing to have on her tombstone. (Now you know where I get my frequently inappropriate sense of humor.)

This is hitting the young people in our extended family especially hard. Many have been furloughed. So have a few our siblings who don't have the resources to get through this comfortably and are having trouble with the incredibly overburdened unemployment benefits system. We're all sharing resources as we are able.

We have quite a few teachers in our family who are now working online but many of their students have simply vanished. I think the drive-up food lines at our local schools tell that story. So many children were living on the edge to begin with. They don't live in homes with wifi. They don't have parents who will make sure they are keeping up with school work. These children may not be living in homes where they feel safe.

Years ago I worked in a place where one or two of our hemophilia patients were dying of AIDS every week. My wife and I lost friends and colleagues to AIDS. Ronald Reagan laughed.

Oh yes, I am angry. It seems the only alternative is utter despair.

[hamsterjill]

110. Please tell your wife we all wish her wel.

We wish her safety and protection and we all send our gratitude for her work.

Your post perfectly sets forth many of the concerns that a lot of us have. There are so many different things for concern.

We do the best we can. Thanks for your reply and please take care of yourselves.

[The River]

66. Retired in Paradise

I'm high risk due to age and underlying conditions but
very low risk due to geography. Nice home, nice area,
with enough to pay the bills.
Having survived several hurricanes, 2 tornadoes, 1 earthquake,
a few floods, a forest fire, 2 cancers and 3 tours of Vietnam,
I think I'll survive this too.

[hamsterjill]

111. You are indeed lucky.

I’m happy for you. Please continue to take care of yourself.

[The River]

116. I Dwell In a Constant State of

Gratitude.
Thanks

[Wounded Bear]

75. Doing well so far...

probably need a store run soon, but basically living the life.

[hamsterjill]

119. Good deal!

Glad you are handling it all well. Be safe!

[Alacritous Crier]

78. Doing good here...

Was shocked this morning, though. Went to Food City in rural TN for a supply restock and only about 25% of customers and staff were wearing masks. These people have no idea what this is all about. Sad.

Trump's America.

[hamsterjill]

120. My experience as well.

People are not taking this seriously enough. I was outside this afternoon doing lawn work and a neighbor stopped to chat. I had to firmly remind him that I was social distancing.

[shanti]

79. Doing fine

smack dab in the middle of a hotspot, Sacramento. It's a beautiful Spring day here.

[hamsterjill]

121. May you continue to be safe.

Seattle has indeed been through tough times.

[ChazII]

82. Doing okay here in Scottsdale despite

learning that my zip code has the fourth largest virus numbers according to ABC15.com Went out shopping for veggies, fruits, and Gatorade-zero. Most people wearing masks, some wearing masks and gloves. Supply wise still doing okay and we are supposed to spike next week.

[hamsterjill]

122. Wishing you well.

Sounds like people are taking it seriously in your area. Continue to stay safe!

[sarge43]

84. Safe as can be.

Hubby and I have some things going for us. Live in a low population state, NH and in the country. Our gov, a Republican, has kept on top of things. Closed the schools and non-essential businesses the end of March. He also managed to score 91,000 tons of PPEs; showed up yesterday. We have a good medical system here and so far it hasn't been hit hard.

We're stocked up fairly well -- routine weather caused power outages don'tchaknow. Whenever we have to make the weekly supply run, we glove and mask up. Hub's making masks and taking them to the local med center for distribution.

We're retired. Down side, we're both 77 and he has heart disease, me COPD. If we get nailed, it's probably adios.

We both fully intend to be at our local poll at sunup 3 Nov.

We went way beyond pissed on or about November 2016.

[hamsterjill]

123. I'll meet you virtually on November 3rd!!

Let’s vote that asshole out and start our journey back to some peace and a life again!

[sarge43]

132. A blue tsunami n/t

[hamsterjill]

141. Let's make it so!!!!

n/t

[Glorfindel]

86. Doing very well. Electricity was out here

in north Georgia for about ten hours last night and this AM. There was a tornado in a neighboring county that killed five people, but there's a mountain range (the Cohuttas) between where I live and that county. I have been going grocery shopping with my brother in law once a week, and so far so good. Thanks, hamsterjill. It's not a stupid idea at all!

[hamsterjill]

125. Oh goodness. You've been through the wringer.

I’m so sorry for the loss of life due to the tornado. Grateful you are safe. Let’s keep it that way, but there’s not much we can do about Mother Nature, right? Hopefully, it’ll be quiet weather now?

[Sloumeau]

87. Let's see now...

DU’ers, let me know please how you’re doing. I am fine, thanks.
Can we make it to November? Yep.
Are you safe? Yes.
Are you well? Yes.
Are you stocked up? Yes.
Are you having to work outside your home? Nope.
Are you as pissed as I am? My being pissed off was only the first stage. I am resolute. I am organized. I am determined. I am educated, and I am learning more. By November, I expect each one of us to be saying. "We came. We saw. We kicked his orange ass out of the White House."

[hamsterjill]

126. I like your style.

I’m going to do everything possible to kick that orange ass out of the White House.

I hope to be allowed to vote by mail. But if not, I will crawl through nails and glass if I have to in order to cast my vote for every single Democrat on the ballot.

[murielm99]

88. I don't know.

We are staying in as much as possible. My husband went out for milk, bread, eggs. Otherwise, we are well stocked.

We are both in a high risk group. I want to make it to November. I think our governor will try to cooperate to get us voting by mail. Otherwise, I will vote early, when turnout is light.

I worry about making it until November. I worry about my adult children, scattered across the map. They are all working from home.

Sometimes, I despair. Sometimes I panic.

[hamsterjill]

127. I panic sometimes.

As I said in the OP, today was a bad day for me. We do the best we can to cope, right?

Take care of yourself!

[Stonepounder]

89. We're as safe as possible and doing fine.

Neither the Mrs or me have been out of the yard in over a month. Our grandson, who lives with us, does the grocery shopping for us and understands why we don't leave the house.

I had a nasty side-effect from one of my meds. Sent an email to my PCP asking if he was the one to talk to about it and the first sentence of his reply was 'stay home'. We have a video call set up for this afternoon so we can discuss options.

Any other family members who stop by for whatever reason (and they are being great!) don't come in the house.

(I've mentioned this before, but without going into great detail I have a compromised pulmonary system already, so I pretty much figure that COVID-19 would take me out pretty quick.)

We're all Dems, so we believe our doctors over the Orange Shitgibbon and we live in KY where out Democratic Governor is doing a GREAT job!!

Thanks for asking.

[hamsterjill]

128. By this time, I hope your video chat with the doctor had resulted in some relief.

Keep us posted and stay safe!

[Stonepounder]

171. Sometimes karma just decides to have a giggle.

About 10 min before my e-visit with the Doc the problem resolved itself! The doctor was pretty sure he knew what was going on and did prescribe a new med that help to prevent a recurrence.

Turns out my issue was in no way related to any of the other meds I have been taking. I am feeling MUCH better.

[hamsterjill]

181. Glad to hear this!!!

Yep, sometimes karma wants a giggle! Glad it all worked out for you.

Be well.

[Hekate]

90. Okay for now. Hanging in there.

[hamsterjill]

129. That's me, too, pretty much.

Sometimes I’m okay; sometimes I’m bawling my eyes out. But realizing I’m so much better off than some.

I am grateful. Stay safe!

[BeckyDem]

91. Its a very sweet thread. My husband and I have been very lucky, thank you.

We have to win in November but we'll all feel somewhat stressed until Trump is gone. That's are new normal.

[hamsterjill]

130. Yes, it's going to be a long time to get to November

We have GOT to get him out. The idea of four more years of this is unimaginable...not that the idea of him at all wasn’t ever unimaginable.

Take care of yourself.

[BeckyDem]

144. You too!

[gademocrat7]

95. Thanks, hamsterjill

Spent most of last night until 3:45am hunkered down in our basement. Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes here in Georgia.
We must make it to November. Haven’t been out in 3 weeks. Groceries delivered. Retired. I am angry and disgusted. This travesty is on chump and his rethugs.

[hamsterjill]

191. Bad weather is just too much right now!

We are all dealing with so much. Bad weather is yet another concern and anxiety producer.

I hope you didn’t have damage and I’m glad you made it through.

[majdrfrtim]

96. I work in a local hospital

so I have to leave home to do so.

I am safe for the moment, I hope -- and annoyed I have no way of knowing that I'm not inadvertently infecting my loved ones, patients, or colleagues.

Some 'wartime president,' who's guaranteed we cannot identify where the 'enemy' is!!

[mindfulNJ]

106. Thank you!

People like you will get us through this...please stay safe and healthy.

[hamsterjill]

133. Oh please be safe!

I feel so grateful for hospital workers and others right now. I send love, hugs and gratitude!

Please take care of yourself.

[ananda]

97. Safe here, so far.

I will shelter in place until there is a vaccine
or a cure.

[hamsterjill]

135. I hope it comes soon!

I keep hoping that good old American ingenuity is going to kick in and find something. I am patiently waiting. Until then, stay safe!

[MarianJack]

98. My ass is OK, and...

...I have a BIG ass.

My wife is working from home and my son and his roommate/buddy are sticking close to home too. Any of us only go out when absolutely necessary. For example, I have to do a little grocery shopping on Wednesday when my check comes in. I've made a couple of masks for my wife and I from some old t-shirts.

I can't wait until November 3 so that we can kick Dolt45's "239" pound ass OUT of our White House!

As always, Donald Trump is an idiot and an ass hat.

RESIST

[hamsterjill]

136. Amen. Resist!!!

I have a big ass, too!!! LOL

[MarianJack]

148. ;-)

RESIST

[mindfulNJ]

99. Safe at home in Connecticut

We've been holed up in the house since 3/15. We are feeling fine so far. I have a photography studio that obviously will be closed for the foreseeable future. My husband is semi retired but he is able to do his part time consulting job from home. He just turned 60 so he goes out to the grocery store at 6 am when we need to.

We're worried about my daughter, son in law, and 3 year old grandson who are quarantining in Brooklyn. They are both able to work from home and have the means (for now) to keep paying the salary of their child care provider so she's also able to stay home with her daughter. They are being as safe as they can under the circumstances but seeing all the news from that city it's scary that they are caught in the middle of it.

My husband's parents have just recently moved into assisted living and are on lockdown...it's been difficult because we haven't been able to help them though the transition.

All in all...we are very very fortunate considering what some people are living through at the moment.

I wish everyone the best<3

AND THANK YOU to ALL you essential workers...we can never repay you for the sacrifices you are making every day!

[hamsterjill]

137. That's generous of your daughter and son-in-law

To continue to pay their childcare provider so that she can, in turn, tend to her own child.

Yes, it’s hard without being able to be with family, isn’t it?

I echo your thanks to the essential workers. They are the ones allowing ME to be safe and I will be forever in their debt.

[mindfulNJ]

218. Yes it is..

but I am thankful everyday for FaceTime!

Stay well

[cagefreesoylentgreen]

105. Still here

My job is with the county government and still deemed essential. But I’m keeping my fingers crossed because 1) 100+ part timers got laid off in my department and 2) I’m a probationary rather than a permanent employee. I have 3 more months to go, and then being laid off or fired will be more difficult.

My crazy neighbor who lives on the street behind mine shot his guns off again last night. He does this every two or three weeks at random times of night. I don’t usually fuss over it much because I’m on H Street (Las Vegans know what that is), but now he’s done it twice in a week. That’s a little more worrying.

[hamsterjill]

138. Sheesh! Can the police do anything about the neighbor.

Is he a Trumper clutching his guns?

Stay safe!

[cagefreesoylentgreen]

162. I'm sure the cops have been out

Not sure if they’ve pinpointed which house it is. It’s always a three round burst and then nothing else for weeks. Except this last week.

I’d seriously be surprised if anyone in this neighborhood was a Trumper though.

[Butterflylady]

108. Yes, very safe here. My kids are guarding me.

Just got back from Penn State Hershey med center. Had a Pet Scan. I was greeted by RN asked if I had an appointment, said yes so I was told to go to a table where I was given a green wrist ban once they checked me to make sure I had no fever. Everybody had a mask on. Usually the hospital is booming with people all over the place, but not today. They are really taking extra precautions.

[hamsterjill]

139. Hope all is well.

Sending hugs and well wishes.

Stay safe!

[Siwsan]

109. Safe in mid-Michigan

Going a little stir-crazy, but I'm safe.

[hamsterjill]

140. Stir crazy is to be expected I think.

Hang in there!

[Solly Mack]

117. Two humans w/ three dogs & one kitten overlord.

We keep them fed and entertained - so far, so good.

Scary moments when I washed all the toys but we diverted disaster by giving them old socks for play. I needed to toss the old socks anyway. Don't tell them.

It got ugly when we hid the toilet paper. Kitten was not amused.

I took to not placing TP on the holder and instead keeping it inside a container she can't get into - yet.

As long as we continue to cater to their whims we should be OK.

Life as usual, really.

Oh, yeah. Pissed doesn't quite say it for me. A cold, seething anger permeates my body. People are dying on the altar of Trump's ignorance and ego.

[hamsterjill]

150. I'm into cat rescue heavily.

I spat/neuter anything that crosses my path as I live in a city with idiots and overpopulation.

I feel your pain!!! LOL

Sounds like you’ve outsmarted the overlord for the time being at least.

Good luck!!!

[Solly Mack]

163. The kitten I found in my yard, in the front brambles

Only a few hours old, sunburn, and no mother in sight. I heard her cries from the back of my house and I live on 3.5 acres. I gave it a few minutes, hoping a mother cat would show up but the kitten was already in a bad way - not to mention all the usual predators.

I grabbed her up, brought her in, and then wondered aloud, "What have I done?".

I made her a warm bed, got her a fuzzy toy, while my husband went to buy supplies.

I didn't sleep for the first few days. Hourly feedings, burping, bathroom. Her napping and me getting ready for the next hour. My husband helped during his off days.

But, and the vet was impressed, she was purring by her 4th day. Loudly purring. Vet said we were doing an outstanding job if she's already purring. I was so relieved.

I was in constant fear I'd do something wrong.

She's 6 months old now and rules the roost.

[hamsterjill]

165. I love to hear stories like this.

Thanks for taking action and saving her!

I’ve done the bottle feeding and in fact, the syringe feeding on ones too young to have a reflex for a bottle. It is hard work and emotionally draining. But so rewarding to know your helping!!

[demigoddess]

205. those are the best kind. We got a cat from a couple who

were afraid of it. First night, he wraps himself around my daughter's back.(she has scoliosis and it is uncomfortable) and then he would walk with me to protect me from big, really big dogs. He beat up a dog just once in all the years we had him. But he always went and played a game with my daughter, he liked to make her laugh. Somehow he knew that she was retarded and in pain so he was especially sweet to her.

[Demonaut]

118. NO ONE IS SAFE WITH THIS ADMINISTRATION AT THE HELM

SORRY about the caps

[hamsterjill]

151. No worries. I understand completely.

And you’re absolutely right unfortunately.

[mvd]

131. So far so good with not getting Coronavirus

Haven’t handled the effects it has caused society well, however. Had financial stress and this adds to it. Trying to stay home but not possible as much as I would like.

I think Montgomery County PA and the state are stabilizing a bit, but we can’t let our guard down. The governors must ignore The Moron if he tries to open things up by decree. I never want to hear social distancing again, but not much choice.

Thanks for asking and wishing you well!

[hamsterjill]

152. It's scary to have to go out.

I’ve had a couple of times where I had to go out. No choice in the matter. I’ve taken all the precautions that I know of, but there’s still a lot of anxiety.

Take care of yourself!!!

[Vinca]

134. We're fine so far, although the forced finishing of home improvement projects isn't fun.

I swear it's all a plot to get me to sand drywall.

[hamsterjill]

153. Can you come to my house when you're finished?

I’ve got a list....

Take care of yourself!

[ironflange]

143. We're good so far

It helps to have Justin in charge and not Dumb Donald.

[hamsterjill]

217. Sanity, right?

Yeah, we are no longer used to sanity and/or complete sentences!!! You are lucky to have Justin!

Take care!

[LuckyCharms]

145. Thank you for this post. Doing well.

Hitting the bong.

Staying home.

Working to the point of physical exhaustion on home projects.

Crying about 3 times a day.

One big panic attack. several smaller ones.

To calm down, I think of what people throughout history have gone through, and tell myself that I can handle this.

Telephone appointment with a long time doc today. His words (we've known each other a long time): keep your fucking head down, eat well, drink a lot of water, don't go near ANYONE, follow the science and don't listen to anything else.

[hamsterjill]

154. Good advice from your doc.

With all of the crap being spewed, it’s hard to not be confused. Science and facts! You can’t go wrong.

Stay safe!

[LuckyCharms]

157. You as well. I wish you good health.

[hamsterjill]

164. Thank you!

n/t

[betsuni]

146. My husband just told me that an employee at his office had the classic coronavirus

symptoms. Did she immediately quarantine herself? Call the office to let them know? No. SHE WENT TO THE OFFICE TO TELL THEM.



So now I can worry about that.

[hamsterjill]

155. Oh shit! Sounds like a Trumper.

I know a woman who I think may have had the virus in January. Very ill and insisted on coming to the office. Martyrdom? It’s absurd.

Wishing you protection from idiots and all the best.

[MustLoveBeagles]

149. I'm hanging in there

Can we make it to November?

Yes if we're careful. I want the pleasure of voting for Joe and kicking Captain Trumps to the curb.

Are you safe?

Yes

Are you well?

So far, so good

Are you stocked up?

We'll probably have to go to the store next week for staples.

Are you having to work outside your home?

No thank goodness. Neither is my husband.

Are you as pissed as I am?

Hell yes

[hamsterjill]

166. Stay safe and continue to do well!

And go ahead and stay angry, too. Let’s get this asshole out and start the return to sanity!!!

[MustLoveBeagles]

172. I'll try

On Wednesday I have to venture out and pick up more meds and donate blood. Other than that I'll be staying home. I intend to be around in Nov to vote that ass out of office. If Captain Trumps wasn't killing so many with his negligence and spite I probably wouldn't be so angry. I try not the think of it too much. Bingewatching on Roku and Sling keeps me sane most of the time.

Thanks for wishing me well. I want you everyone else here to stay safe.

[dewsgirl]

156. I'm safe and pissed.

[hamsterjill]

167. I understand.

I can’t look at him or hear his voice. I try not to hate anyone, but we all have our limits.

Take care of yourself!

[Raine]

159. Doing OK, I've been in except to get food 😏

since the middle of March. I was really scared and worried about getting sick but having Newsom as Governor has calmed me down. Newsom has things under control and flattened the curve so now I'm pretty calm but starting to go a bit stir crazy.

[hamsterjill]

168. Newsom is doing a great job.

I’m in Texas and Greg Abbott is going to help Trump get us all killed.

Stay safe!!!

[Hortensis]

160. Very nice and interesting thread, Hamsterjill. Thanks.

Husband and I are among the retireds who have a very pleasant easy life with little disruption, despite a very real risk of dying if this thing gets to us. Our children take good care of themselves and our grands so we don't have to worry. Some plans have been canceled, but we have a marsh to fish in, patio for relaxing, friends a wave or call away, and plenty of books.

We're very grateful as we watch reports in comfort of how extremely different it is for so many others. We're glad to know most here are doing similarly well and touched by the very poignant descriptions of those who aren't.

Stay well all.

[hamsterjill]

169. Thanks.

I’ve been touched by so many of the responses in this thread. I am grateful to have my fellow DU’ers to share this nightmare with.

Be well!

[a la izquierda]

161. I'm physically fine.

Mentally not so much. My partner lives in England and I haven’t seen him since December. My mom turns 65 this week and I can’t see her. My poor students are struggling (university students). I’m stressed and tired.

[hamsterjill]

170. I hear you.

It’s maddening, isn’t it? The emotional roller coaster is the hardest part. I pull myself together and then fall completely to pieces. Lather. Rinse. Repeat.

Keep hanging in there and take care of yourself.

[a la izquierda]

182. I'm currently filling out law school applications

And flat hunting. I’ve decided to make a career shift at 42. In the middle of a pandemic.
Someone needs to protect human rights for women.

Thanks for an interesting OP.

[Lady Freedom Returns]

173. You really want to know?

It's a f***** up mess.

[hamsterjill]

174. Yep and getting more so as each day passes.

I saw snippets only of his little “press conference” today. He’s losing it entirely. He is off his meds and off his rocker.

[scrabblequeen40]

175. Scared shitless.

I can't wait until November. I hope enough of us survive to kick this orange anus out.

[hamsterjill]

177. We gotta take care of one another

We’ve got to get his ass OUT!!!

Be well!!!

[OhZone]

176. Doing good except it was like a hurricane -

down here at the Jersey Shore.

[hamsterjill]

178. I heard there was bad weather.

Stay safe! We don’t need any more bad added to the already terrible state of things.

[dawg day]

179. The turnout in Wisconsin is a good sign!

Wisconsin is one of the states we have to win, and the Dems there sure seem motivated. They came out in force during a pandemic to vote in a race for.... JUDGE. (It wasn't even close.)

Imagine how enthusiastic they'll be when they get to vote against Trump.

[hamsterjill]

192. Yes, I agree.

I thank the people of Wisconsin for their fortitude and bravery. I hope each was safe from the virus even though they were forced into an impossible choice.

[Desert grandma]

180. We are staying home and feeling fine.

Here in NM we haven't seen the surge yet. I agree, we have to make it till November. My son works at the only Trauma 1 public hospital here and told me they are in full preparation mode. Right now they have 200 unoccupied beds, I think we have less than 20 hospitalized here in Albuquerque. We are retired, so we have no need to leave the house. At the most, we are making only 1 grocery store run per week.

[hamsterjill]

193. I'm glad NM is prepping and ahead of the game.

Stay safe!

[SmartVoter22]

183. Survived 2 cancers, a heart attack and now a pandemic!

I am fine, using the same protections I needed during chemo, when I had no immunity to anything.
So my daily lifestyle hasn't changed much.
I have very close family and friends who check in daily and run most errands.

When I do go to a store, I am bundled; heavy hat, gloves, mask (black ones so that's scary) and I still have that cancer "Skeletor" look; gaunt, skinny, sunken eyes...so that scares the crap out of people and I usually can shop in peace and have a nice safe area around me.

Am I using my illness, in a nefarious way? Hell yes.
I will need it for the second wave of the virus, the fall elections ( which the insane conspiratorial GOPs will see as the end time), so I am looking forward to a summer of fun, frolic and frightening every MAGA hatted knucklehead I can find.

[hamsterjill]

195. You are one tough and determined Democrat!

I wish I had half of your moxie! Keep it up. We need moxie right now!

Take care of yourself!

[Marrah_Goodman]

184. I'm safe just outside Boston

Three of us here are all doing well. Being extremely careful because we all have pr-existing conditions. Only my bf goes out of the house to pick up essentials. None of us are working. I am here instead of my home because my roomates both work for walmart and are still working. And yes, I am pissed at the malice, lack of compassion,ignorance, arragence and spinelessness coming from DC.

[hamsterjill]

196. I'm in San Antonio

Doing pretty much the same as you. Staying in unless absolutely necessary.

Take care of yourself!

[0nirevets]

185. Doing well, safe and sound. Thanks for this.

Great to see so many compassionate DU'ers reaching out in a time of such heart crushing madness. How any thinking person could ever again in their lifetime vote for any Repub is beyond comprehension.

Be safe, my friends. We have a job to do come November.

[hamsterjill]

197. Thanks!

Yes, the DU’ers always remind me of what’s good in the world! Like you, I don’t see how anyone with any sense can condone what Trump, et al are doing to this country. We’ll fix it in November!

Stay safe and take care!

[Buckeye_Democrat]

187. Doing great!

I don’t usually have this much freedom in my life.

I’m not free to socialize as I desire, but I have far more freedom overall from not going to work and being subjected to the whims of bosses.

[hamsterjill]

198. I can understand

Except for the lack of income, I could get used to not having to be subjected to the whims if bosses. I’ve endured some bad ones of late and it sounds like you have, too.

Take care.

[mopinko]

188. i'm as busy as a one-armed paper hanger.

was already having a busy and productive spring here on my little urban farm.
turns out people are turning to gardening in big numbers.

i do a seedling sale every year, but this year i added an earlier sale for cold weather plants. i had to shake things up, and turned it into a slow rolling sale on the honor system so i can help my neighbors keep their brains.

this started as a passion, but now it is a mission.

lucky duck, i am.

[hamsterjill]

199. Now I know who to ask my gardening questions!

Thank you. I’m just beginning in the gardening thing although I’ve done plants and lawn things.

I’m starting with bell peppers trying to grow from seeds. So far, not much luck but I’m not sure I’ve given it enough time.

Take care!

[mopinko]

203. peppers are the worst.

sketchy suckers they are. picky too.
get a seed mat. they need bottom heat.
i find they need to dry out at some point. i try to keep them wet for at least a week, maybe 2. then dry them out, then drench again for a few days. drying out and rewetting cracks the cuticle. usually up in a couple days from that.

and you probably need more light than you think.

[hamsterjill]

207. Just my luck to start with something difficult!!!

Thanks for the input. I’m going to try your method.

[mopinko]

210. lots of info in the gardening forum. several pinned threads.

[highplainsdem]

189. Doing well, hamsterjill! Thanks for this thread. I'm much more worried about others than about

myself. I'm comfortable at home, stocked on everything I need, and even have the blood type (O) that's supposed to help against COVID-19.

I'm praying that scientists and doctors can find an effective treatment and perfect a vaccine asap.

[hamsterjill]

200. May your prayers be answered!

This thread really did turn out to be something, didn’t it? So many posts of caring and compassion. That’s why I love DU.

Like you, I worry about others. And like you, I say prayers.

Take care!

[democrattotheend]

194. I'm doing ok for now

Might have a mild case of the virus but doing ok. Just some coughing and throat congestion so far. Cuomo says 80% of us are going to get this thing in some form, so I might as well get it over with.

[hamsterjill]

201. Please take care.

I’m seeing a lot of emphasis on doing the lung exercises now and not laying down all the time.

I hope you are staying as comfortable as possible, taking sensible steps to care for yourself, and I wish you a speedy recovery. Let us know how you’re doing, okay?

[woodsprite]

204. Our quarentine is holding up well so far. Four of us in the house.

We have a decent amount of food, probably enough for 2 wks. May need some additional veggies, but I'll try getting those from Instacart. I do have to go out to the pharmacy to pick up my diabetes meds and hubby's BP meds. I will don mask and gloves for that. We've ventured out about 1x/wk since we hunkered down on March 13th. At least another month to go.

I know it's a slight risk, but we are allowing our son to have a driveway date with his girlfriend (they're 20 and 21). I'd rather that than have him go over and spend the day at her family's house. They plan on watching movies on his laptop and having pizza delivered to our driveway.

I don't know whether I'm insane to let them do that and not even venture into the house, or if I'd be insane to let her leave her shoes in the garage, come into the kitchen, wash her hands and they could sit at the kitchen table. The whole thing is driving me nuts! That is by far the hardest part of all this. I'll be happy if that is the most difficult thing I have to deal with over the next year - 18mo.

All of us will have a birthday during this quarantine. Mine was last night, the kids and hubby's are coming up in a couple of weeks.

[hamsterjill]

208. Happy Belated Birthday!

Yeah, that’s a hard question as to your son and his date. For me, I think you’re making the right decision as to the driveway.

[cate94]

206. This will be a long answer.

We moved in mid-December, but we do the Christmas entertaining for both sides of the family. Starting one week after the move we had a total of five parties, which included some world travelers.
Mid January we hopped in the car and travelled three days to get to California. We drive in order to bring the dog. On our road trip, I got incredibly sick. I remember actually thinking that whatever it was could kill me. Such a weird thing to think. I was sick about four weeks and topped it all off by getting a sinus infection. I have asthma, which is typically mild but always gets worse during, and a few weeks after, I’ve been sick. This time it hasn’t resolved.

A few weeks later I started getting sick again, I called the county and asked to be tested. Fortunately I tested negative. I’ll never be sure about my January adventure though.

We are currently safe, but we need to get back to Illinois because of my wife’s work. She had been flying back and forth until the staying in place recommendation. We will be driving back in ten days. I’d prefer if we could wait longer. We have enough food to last us until we leave.

I’m pissed anxious and depressed. We have an overpriced house on the market that will probably not sell for years- I to tried warn her when it went on the market. Republicans always ruin the economy I knew it would happen. I’m 63 and I’m sick of all of this shit. Oh, and I’m drinking too much. I swear we are going to make it to November though.

[CaptainTruth]

209. Ok here in FL!

[lillypaddle]

211. I need to wash my hair LOL

Otherwise, I'm fine. Just had a tequila delivery made here. Trying to decide on spending the extra money to order groceries delivered. And how about you? Other than being pissed, are YOU okay?

[marble falls]

212. We're going to make it by doing all the right thinga nd not listening to Donnie Two Scoops ...

we've been in much worse situations with outcomes that would have topped the worst this one has offered us to now.

Hang on, be safe and get as mad as hell. Trump has seeded the whirlwinds and we are going to serve it up to him cold as hell.

[nilesobek]

213. Everything was pretty ok until March 12th.

Got this weird sickness that I'm over now but lasted a month.

Coughed so hard I fractured my #9 rib. Was just sent the X-ray report, and, of course, they found other things wrong too.

Regular job cancelled up the street, night job closed.

No bank account so I've given up on stimulus help. Zero Hour in 60 days. I'm going to have to start taking big chances soon.

Now that I'm injured I'm not confident that I'm smart enough to make a living without using my strong back.

It's a real Debbie Downer around here. Sorry.

Ah but the sky is bluer, the air and water cleaner and I saw a Red 🦊 Fox chasing cats on a tin roof yesterday. I'm tryin to cope.

[cate94]

214. That's scary.

I’m sure you are smarter than you think. Broken ribs are horrible. Hope it heals quickly.

[No Vested Interest]

215. Old widow lady safe in SW Ohio.

Have only left the house 3 times since March 9 - to the druggist and a grocery stop. I miss Sunday mass and seeing life beyond my vistas.

Daughter brings me some fresh food once or twice a week, and the pantry and freezer have stocked well enough.
Haven't seen adult son for at least a month; his work involves public contact and he was feeling rather poorly for about 2 weeks.
It wouldn't surprise me if he had the virus, but the urgent care he visited said his symptoms weren't bad enough for him to be tested.

Another daughter lives in a long-term care facility and, of course, they're in lock-down , so I can't see her. She's very emotionally needy and my life mission at this age is to give her psychological support and get her to appropriate doctors, and defend her as necessary. At this time our only visits are by phone. Her facility is planning a Zoom connection once per week; I'll need other daughter's help with that, as my desk-top doesn't have camera or microphone.

I have several "underlying conditions", as they say, and probably wouldn't survive, if they even felt I was worth saving due to age. Live on my own, and enjoy watching wildlife in my back yard, reading news and stuff on computer, and watching TV. Sleep late and get up late. Very little social interaction besides family. I hadn't planned on dying in pain & suffering, struggling to breathe. Had hoped to just fade away some time in the future.

[Baclava]

216. OMG I had a near disaster day turn miraculous! I have a story, in FL

I went to get some drive thru breakfast real early to beat the lines and got it but my drivers side power window just quit! Froze in open/down position. Nothing I tried worked to get it back up, other window worked, so not a fuse

Looked online to troubleshoot when I got home but not a simple repair if I wanted to replace lift motor myself, warnings about powerful springs, amputation hazard warnings, WTF? THOUGHT I WAS SCREWED.

Called Autozone parts store when they opened, they had the motor, took a chance and bought it , did a curbside pickup and they tossed it in my open window, lol

Found only garage I trusted open a few minutes later and they said bring it on over, get to it when they could, thought oh noes, well, I trusted them, maybe will get done today, hoping...

More miraculous happenings, called a buddy to come pick me up and he did, dropped me off at home and said I'd call him when they called me.

Wonder of wonders, 2 hr's later they called, its fixed, buddy picked me up, got to shop and more luck, was right part, they fixed it no prob, OMG OMG OMG, THANK YOU GUYS!

A truly wonderful end, I feel so lucky, you can't go anywhere/do anything without a working drivers window!!! Yay essential services!

Im like new again, what a deal

The End

[hamsterjill]

219. Glad it all worked out!

With all of the pandemic stress, other things sure can compound quickly. I’m glad you got this resolved with relative ease. I know going through it was not fun.

Hang in there!

[Baclava]

220. Thanks, forgot the worst part, it had started to rain! Just a few sprinkles, but sky was dark

No room in my garage to park, it could have been bad if things didnt fall into place the way they did, so thankful.

I had no idea if auto repair places were even open, or even if they would/could fix it, had lots of horror stories racing around my head, yikes

No panic, no panic, no panic!