03/24/2020, Tuesday

After I mailed four boxes of masks and supplies to my beloved DS,DD and DN I tried to reorder my dining room /fabrication station. I'm gearing up for the next batch, waiting for feedback/design modifications (ear loops v. tie and pleats v. no pleats). I have pillaged fabric (sheets, cloth napkins) and some fabric I previously purchased for a Roman shade project that never happened. I ordered some new fabric from Amazon a bit ago, which is due this weekend. I am in need of 1/8" elastic and shoe laces. DC is crocheting me some strands as well. It makes me feel calmer to take action.

I AM NOT calm that Trump has apparently fired Fauchi, the only voice of reason in the bunch. My weight loss has slowed, but still trending down. I almost feel guilty eating when so many can't. Reading all of your posts, and will put together a more personalized one later.

Weight 124.2, WW Bluepoints 13.

I don't know how you have the energy (and dexterity) to sew so many masks. I'm glad it makes you feel calmer though.

I guess I feel sort of calm because I am just going with the flow. Perhaps if DH were still alive or I was still working I would be more anxious. It may just be my inner protection kicking in because I can't cope with sustained anxiety. The only time I felt that way over an extended period was this past early winter when DH was degrading so fast and there was nothing anyone could do. And it was a horrible feeling: It gave me a real appreciation for what some people deal with on a regular basis.

I sure hope Fauci hasn't been fired. He has been the intelligent voice of reason. This hinting at reopening some things in a week really blows my mind. And when the mention of some drugs that might work was made nationwide instead of through medical channels, it was guaranteed that there would be an immediate shortage. I have heard from a couple of pharmacists that it is now on back order.

On the local front, 2 blinds and windows were washed yesterday. The plan is 2 more today. I won Rummy one day and lost yesterday.

Stay safe and healthy!

Cloudy day, possible rain. DH and I were joking what will we do today on our first day of vacation today? We could go for a walk or ... We could go for a walk. Sadly looks like rain. I'm drinking chai latte, surfing the web. Will get on with the day shortly.

Diane, my cousin who is a labor delivery nurse texted she gets one mask a day. Thank you for being a one woman mask factory.

Weight: 159.8

DD-your poor mother! Any updates? That must be really scary

Peps-how wonderful and weird technology can be. I'm with you on not actively dieting. Your menu sounds so delicious. I too made chili this week. Those pancakes sound intriguing. Rich loves stroganoff and it's a very easy dish with leftover roast. (and only slightly more difficult with beef stew meat). I make it in the instant pot so only one dish to clean! Productivity definitely helps me feel happier. But this unknown feeling has me living on edge just waiting...for what?!

Diane S.-goulash sounds good to me too. Comfort foods, sweets and carbs definitely good for the soul...but I worry about my waistline!

Shirl-sorry you had trouble sleeping but glad you finally got pain under control. HOpefully DH will be a better nurse!

Diane O.-I'm sure the hospitals will be very thankful for your skilled sewing and generous heart!

Liz-I think I'm with you. Being home at least has made me a little less panicky. They announced school closures through the end of the year. If I were working and kids going to school, I'd be pretty upset with what to do. Also since losing my grandmother, the person I'm most concerned about in this situation I guess I don't have to worry about. My parents are technically in the vulnerable age group but they are pretty healthy overall.

DD-oooh chai latte. I have some concentrate. Might help myself to that later.

I think I've become a strong coffee person, sadly. I did buy a cuisinart coffeemaker for my larger gatherings. It leaves so much to be desired. I wanted to try Pep's suggestion but I just inherited my grandmother's old pot. It grinds beans. I guess I'll only use it for company. Actually I'm beginning to think I"m spoiled and will need to save my pennies (ahem hundreds) for a jura someday. Which anniversary is the coffee bean one?!

I am about to try a new strategy and stop trying to have control or second guess. I honestly don't know what or who to believe. I'm just going to try and go with the flow and have faith. I think I may have to stop reading articles, maybe even social distance from social media. I had not heard that Trump fired Fauci. But apparently half of Americans approve of his handling of coronavirus. Yours truly is one of them.

Last night was a delicious stroganoff and we watched "Come September" with Rock Hudson, Sandra Dee, Bobby Darrin. It was a nice escape.

This morning was rainy but it's shaping up to be a nice day. Hopefully we'll dry out mud and kiddos can play outside. Looks as though temps might hit mid-80s on Thursday. Wonder if I can convince DH to heat the pool!!

Productive morning with ham and bean soup in the instant pot for lunch and salsa verde chicken in the crockpot for dinner. We'll have chicken tacos with some shredded cabbage and maybe a side of corn for dinner. One thing is for sure: my husband is very lucky to have married someone who loves to cook

Yes your husband is a lucky man to be married to you!

Half of Americans approved of Trump or Fauci's handling of the outbreak?

I am worried after hearing the president's press conference yesterday when he strongly hinted that in a few weeks he wants to put a stop to the social distancing and put America back to work. I'm afraid he is too focused on the almighty dollar instead of the suppression of the virus. The head of the US Federal Reserve and the US Treasury have already said we are in a position to be ready to bail out the economy with very little effort, so Mr. Trump's insistence on sending people back to work is utterly baffling.

Also, I have a former student - a 23 year old - fighting COVID19. He is a college student and works part time in a healthcare facility in a neighboring county. He most likely came in contact with the virus at work. He has bilateral pneumonia. More and more younger people are getting really sick. They may not be dying, but they are getting really sick! Please tell your step kids to be safe.

https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/24/politics/trump-approval-ratin g-coronavirus/index.html

You're very sweet to worry about SK's.

This is honestly DSS's dream. Maybe the only way he was going to (finally) graduate college!! He kept threatening to drop the classes and never get the degree he says is the most expensive firewood. (hrrrumph--if anyone is lighting a fire with his degree it'll be me and DH!!! But I digress) He is computer science, taking mostly online classes anyway, can easily do his computer programming job remotely and he's a huuuuge gamer. I'm fairly certain this "social distancing" was on his vision board 20/20.

But you're right to worry about DSD. She was bound and determined to go out for St. Patty's as it was her first since turning 21. I was not impressed. I happily called to tell her that the mayor shut everything down at 5pm on St. Pat's.

Because the germs only come out after 5:00 pm?

WTAF?

Y'know what? I'm done with the warnings. People are either critical thinkers or they're not. You really can't fix stupid.

If idiots were just putting their lives at risk, I'd say it's the biggest ******g Darwin Award competition of all time, cheer 'em on, and buy tickets for the award ceremony.

But that's not how Mother Nature designed this science experiment.

Pull up a chair. Pop a beer. The show's just about to start.

Maybe there was some confusion.

The shutdown of all bars, dine-in restaurants, gyms, etc. began at 5pm last Tuesday, March 17th (St. Pat's)--but it is still in place and has been that way ever since. 5pm was just significant because that's when it took effect and it happened under the wire before partiers for St. Pat's

LOL! I knew what you meant.