Hi everyone.
I've been ill for awhile (not Covid), so I took a break from posting. I'm starting to feel a bit better, so I figured I would come in and say hello.
I don't have too much to say really, but here are some random things:
1) I/we completely ignored the CDC guidance about people who have been vaccinated being able to go maskless indoors. I've been pretty much staying under lockdown as much as is practical, And when I did leave the house, I was always masked with a well fitting N95 mask and wrap around sunglasses. The N95's that I use are not the medically approved ones (ie:FDA approved), but they are NIOSH approved for non-oily particulates. I love these masks because I can get an incredibly tight fit with them, and they have the headbands instead of the ear loops. I have found that I would be able to purchase FDA approved masks, but I figured it would be best to leave those for the first responders, so I purchased a shitload of the next best thing.
2) There's been a window of time where we have both been going to the grocery store and to the big box DIY store. That is ending today. Back to Instacart and curbside pickup. I went to both of these stores very early yesterday morning, and I'd say that only 10% of the people inside were masked. Knowing how many people around here are anti-vax AND anti-mask, I am assuming that most people who are not vaccinated are not wearing a mask. My intuition is telling me this because a lot of the vaxxed individuals I know are still refusing to go maskless.
3) To those here who may doubt that there are people out there who try to intimidate those who are wearing a mask, I will share this story from yesterday. I needed to go to Home Depot for 5 bags of soil and 5 bags of mulch. The Home Depot here has an outside area for that kind of stuff, with an outside entrance a gate). I figured if I went early (but not too early...I wanted to give them time to open up the gate for the outside area), then I could get what I needed without having to go into the store proper.
When I pulled into the parking lot, the outside entrance was still closed much to my dismay. I weighed my risk about going into the store to access the outside area, and decided to go in. I had an N95 mask on, with a cheap surgical mask over it, and my Cocoon sunglasses. I grabbed a flat cart, ran in and loaded up my shit, and headed back to the register to pay. There were about 30 people in my line of sight, including the employees. Only one person had a mask on.
I noticed that this semi-toothless hygiene lacking hick looking fucker was looking at me as I walked toward him. I looked at him, then diverted my eyes. I looked at him again and he was still looking at me and smiling. I diverted my eyes again. When I looked back again, he was still looking at me.
So I said "What's up"?
He said "Heh, nice masks".
I said "Oh no, really"?
And then, no word of a lie, He went "Baaaaaah" like a sheep.
I won't post what I said back to him...but it muzzled him and made him walk away.
Please be careful out there. I think most of you intuitively knew to keep masking after the CDC guidance. Personally, I knew that the "honor system" would never work with the anti-maskers/anti-vaxxers.
Stay safe, we are in for another long journey (or more accurately, a continuation of the previous journey).
= new reply since forum marked as read
You were missed around here. Sorry that you've been sick, but happy you're doing better.
I decided not to because I figured I would just end up whining, and no one wants to hear that LOL.
Good to see you. 
... the itch has been scratched. 
(former Ohiogal here)
So good to see you’re back and I hope whatever you went through recently will be permanently in your rear view mirror.
Yeah, these idiots. I never for one second believed that the “honor system” of only non vaccinated people being required to wear masks was ever going to work, and it looks like the Delta is throwing that theory right down the toilet.
Here in Ohio barely 50% have taken the vaccine, but for months now you hardly see a mask anywhere.
I’m going to continue to mask up, avoid indoor restaurants, and crowded events. A pox on all these idiots who make fun of us. I don’t even want a mild case of Covid. Gonna try my best to avoid it altogether.
Good to see you back!
Thanks for your kind and wise words!
Good to "see" you.
I wish i was quick enough to come up with something like that!
I've always hoped that I would take the high road if having to respond to something like this...but I'm just so incredibly pissed at these people.
Thank you for the welcome back! Good to see you, niyad.
"I think most of you intuitively knew to keep masking after the CDC guidance. Personally, I knew that the "honor system" would never work with the anti-maskers/anti-vaxxers."
- says it all.
We knew. We did absolutely know not to trust anti-masking/anti-vaxing Trumper assholes who are undoubtedly the dumbest people in the world. And we kept our masks on.
So if we knew, what the hell was CDC thinking would happen? 
Glad you are feeling better.
Thanks, and good to see your name!
Glad you're feeling better - keep wearing that mask - I go nowhere without mine
and always smile when I see your name! Good for you for keeping that mask on!
Sounds like a whole different mindset than what we have here. Don't get me wrong, most of us are sane, but the ones who are not are really off the deep end.
Thanks for your kind words!
I remember we had some fun banter
I've not changed my pandemic protocol either. Anywhere near a human & I'm in my N-95.
Good to see you! I'll give my Sheltie boy a hug from you!
Great to see you, too!
Yaaaay, a Sheltie hug! 
every precaution. It’s really the only way to go, nowadays.
We, too, are sticking close to home.
Keep being smart and doing the right thing! We'll get through!
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It's from Beau Ties of Vermont:
[link:https://www.beautiesltd.com/collections/face-coverings/products/hale-face-mask?variant=38204804432050|]
What a nice thing to say! I'm glad you are you as well!
to think of something so good like this!
Nice to see you, DFW. Hope all is well.
How have you been?
I started laughing about your needing "5 bags of soil" and dammit I know I need some myself but have just about given up taking the time to get any.
I remember last year going to a HD during the lockdowns here in PA (since they were deemed "essential" and were open) and standing in a socially-distanced line outside of the store for about 45 minutes since they were limiting how many could go in, and I was able to grab the last 2 N95 masks that they had at the time, plus I needed some mulch, a couple specific types of drill bits, and some mouse traps. I think I may have gone one more time after that to get a few plants, some fertilizer, a roll of "gutter guard" mesh that I use in the pots for my potted plants to cover the soil to keep the squirrels from digging, plus some bricks and concrete blocks (I use the blocks to help secure my patio umbrella and supplement the umbrella's 26 lb stand since the blocks are 20 lbs each). But after that, I haven't been back since.
Hope you continue to stay safe and yup, here we go with another year of this.
I've been getting stuff like that at HD, only at the curbside pickup. Have you ever tried that there? Plan to fall asleep waiting in your car lol.
I wanted to pick up some landscape block adhesive today as well, but I was too afraid to venture back into the aisles considering what happened up front by the registers!
You stay safe as well please, and thank you for your kind words
My HD is always so busy with contractors picking up stuff that it would be difficult to do curbside pickups due to the places along the curb always being filled with pickup trucks with guys getting lumber and sheetrock. Can hardly even get a cart through them to get my stuff back to the car.
I have actually ordered stuff online from them and they have delivered that way, so that option is there too!
and there is always some random giant pickup trucks or vans with pipe carriers on the roof parked there (some even double-parked), and if not those, there will be some flatbed with guys loading up boxes of appliances or toilets or something (I guess for some construction job), 
And it doesn't even matter what time I go (I usually try early in the morning and the lot is often full as soon as I show up - even if I go at 6 am when they open).
Sorry to rant.
and that your health is improving.
Seeing your name as the OP was reason enough to open the thread. I was never disappointed.
Welcome back!
in a good way, of course!
I hope you are doing well, and thank you for your kind words!
Hope things are good with you! Keep up the good fight and stay safe!
Take as many precautions as you can. There comes a point when you have to see your family. It's a calculated risk, but try to think positive.
And yes, the last 505 days (I keep track) have indeed been excruciating. People throughout history have endured much worse, but this seems like a slow, low grade torture. Nothing that we can't endure because us humans are strong, but I think this is something that permanently changes a person.
The masking rate around here started off pretty good, but now, masks have become the exception.
Have a safe and wonderful trip. I think you'll do fine. Thanks for your kind words!
I am glad you are feeling a bit better and appreciated your post.
Thank you, and good to see you!
I hope you are feeling better and taking good care!
very good to see you! I hope you are doing well!
I call 'em like I see 'em! 
religiously in public also but also never gave up masks or joined crowds outdoors. Of course, the CDC never said it was okay to drop public protective measures in low-vax areas like ours, and our own vaccinations are probably relatively low efficacy in both of us for a few reasons.
Now with the delta, we've also upgraded to N95s every time we're in a store or whatever. Sigh. That 10 days or so when we felt pretty safe and free after the second vax was nice.
On the plus side, more laggers are getting scared. And here and there are even mentions that people are blaming them. Hope that builds right along with the cases.
Some of us were wondering what happened to you. Sorry to hear that you were ill and extremely pleased that your feeling better.
I haven't taken off my mask while in public. About 2 weeks ago there was a maskless guy staring at me while I was getting groceries. I was waiting for him to make a jackhole statement but the comment never came. When they're staring, I look to see if they have a gun. It helps me prepare my first choice statement which is "Mind your own effing business, Pissant!"
So far, no body has said a word and I hope that it stays like that. Please stay safe!
Welcome home, LC!
One day at a time 
