Not signed in (Sign In)

Vanilla 1.1.2 is a product of Lussumo. More Information: Documentation, Community Support.

    • CommentAuthoraaa
    • CommentTimeApr 3rd 2020
     
    Welcome to a cool, rainy April. It seems like Mother Nature is playing games with us. Just when it looks like spring is really here, it turns upside down.

    I enjoyed nature so much last week, inhaling all that pollen and mold, it caught up with me. I knew I couldn't have covid-19 - unless it floats in the air - rather I diagnosed allergy induced bronchitis. Talked to my dr and she agreed to send out med if I would agree to call and get tested if it got worse. Not sure which is worse the cough or the med. I don't feel too bad but now I'm not only stuck at home, I'm stuck inside. No sun while using this med.

    Our town looks like a ghost town, everything on lockdown, yet law enforcement still has to be on duty. The jails and courts are also on lockdown so GD has to deal with new crime and clearing up old cases. Not out in public as much as she would normally. She is major crimes - mainly homicide and not a lot of that going on right now.

    DH is very content with this setup, things are just how he likes it. Had a call yesterday from a friend, her DH was diagnosed about the same time as mine. They had already moved to AL and he is now being moved to another, higher care floor. So although I sometimes feel like I can't handle it anymore, I am lucky that he is easier to handle. That's not quite the right word but I've mentioned his condition many times before. Hope everyone here I healthy.
    • CommentAuthoraaa
    • CommentTimeApr 3rd 2020
     
    Most of you know I'm not a Facebook person, but been looking more recently out of boredom. DH had a girlfriend when he was in HS that he never forgot. Her dad felt he was too old for her to date so it ended. One day, just for fun, I found her on Facebook for him. She has been living in London for 47yrs. I knew she had polio and was in an iron lung for a long time. She has had a fascinating life, overcoming medical obstacles, but now is again dealing with the aftermath as she has aged.

    Once we verified it was her, I helped DH put together an email, and she responded immediately. We found we have much in common and I feel like I have a new friend. Who knew :)
    • CommentAuthorCharlotte
    • CommentTimeApr 3rd 2020
     
    Didn't even click I was still posting in March when it was April. lol

    Sorry about the bronchitis flare up. I am thankful I don't have problems like that. I know many who do and at times their life is anything but pleasant.

    Good news about finding a new friend via Facebook. I have many on there I first met playing games in pogo but transferred to just FB after we all stopped playing. A couple are people I got to know in the 90s when I was in a Christian depression online group. Also connected up with grade school and high school classmates. One day I was thinking about it and probably 95% of my FB friends are Christians. God does bring the right people into our lives. So Facebook can be positive.

    I have 2 cans of Diet Mt Dew left so by Monday I will have to go to the store again. Many have their morning coffee - I have my morning Dew! :-)
    • CommentAuthorxox
    • CommentTimeApr 3rd 2020
     
    Considering that we had around 100 years of March no shock that you continued posting in March. Hard to believe that we made it to April.
    • CommentAuthorbhv*
    • CommentTimeApr 3rd 2020
     
    Charlotte, when Jim’s sons came for his funeral I had diet Mt Dew among other sodas and snacks. They both said “Quick, hide the Mt Dew!!!!” Apparently it makes the kids hyperactive. We adults enjoyed it though. For awhile I was hooked on that with vodka or something for afternoon cocktail. Winter I’m back to scotch and soda. Have a Soda Stream so don’t have to go out for a long time.
    • CommentAuthorCharlotte
    • CommentTimeApr 3rd 2020
     
    I would drink it in the evening but the caffeine in it keeps me awake until 2am or later. That is why I only drink it in the morning. If I ever make it to Utah they sell caffeine free diet Mt Dew - in fact most states east of the west coast sells it.
    • CommentAuthoraaa
    • CommentTimeApr 5th 2020
     
    dh got up yesterday with a temp of 100.4, not bad and no other symptoms so just had him sit in his chair all day, still the same when he went to bed. I am still 98.6 (with my kids thermometer) but within minutes of getting up I was coughing and throwing up. Maybe we do have the virus but just a very mild case? I have been wrong before, but I sill can't imagine how I could have covid-19. In fact I was feeling much better when I went to bed, but woke up coughing and throwing up. They do drive through testing in town but I sure don't feel like driving. We'll just stay down today and if tomorrow looks the same I'll talk to the dr. again. We had a note they are seeing patients again in a very limited capacity, and if you come in with symptoms you have to call first and they have special arrangements. I'd have to get a lot sicker before i'd drive in and go through all that. I don't think they have anything to give you short of serious cases - but guess it documents their positive cases.

    Cool, rainy and cloudy here to day. Perfect time to get a lot of work done but just don'e have the initiative to do anything but lay on the couch :) Wonder if our life will ever return to normal - even our az normal? Talked to a couple of friends, seems like the virus hullabaloo is causing problems with their husbands with dh. Everyone is beginning to worry about getting groceries. Gd will make a grocery run today for her and us, I'll have her just leave it on the deck and I'll take care when I bring it in. Who knows, maybe this really is a scheme to get rid of all the old people, LOL. What is everyone doing who doesn't have someone helping them out? Charlotte, have you thought of having caffeine free Dew delivered through walmart or maybe amazon?
    • CommentAuthorCharlotte
    • CommentTimeApr 5th 2020
     
    Caffeine free Mt Dew - believe it or not, the local Pepsi distributor has never heard of it. I even went so far as to take in the one empty can I saved to prove to them. I guess each area has their own distributor who makes what they want -at least that is how they made it sound.

    Doesn't sound like Covid 19 - don't remember ever hearing about throwing up being a part of it. Will keep believing you just have a bug going around - could be the stress of being shut in and get to feeling better soon. Even a UTI can make you throw up in rare cases.

    Jan K mentioned in her post on another thread that now people are getting a feeling of what it is like for those of us that have been isolated with our dementia spouse. I get post on my FB page about those who are going nuts ( my word) because of the isolation think of your family and friends sitting alone at home or in a nursing home with no visitors, no outside visitors. It is right, so I am mixed on feeling sorry for people as they adjust to just each other or no contact from with others.

    When the governor announce extending the 'stay home' until May 3rd, I cried most of the day. I don't understand why I cry so much - never use. I guess since he was placed I have allowed myself to 'feel' again, to care since I am not 24/7 caregiver now - the wall to shield my emotions is down.

    Think I will go to the store tomorrow. Will try to get every thing at Winco so I don't have to go to Walmart. I really don't need much thankfully. Winco has been limiting the number of people in the store at a time for a couple weeks now, Walmart if just starting it.
    • CommentAuthorxox
    • CommentTimeApr 5th 2020
     
    I'm supposed to have a cholesterol test around now but that isn't happening.

    I bought a new oral thermometer 2-3 weeks ago, my other ones' batteries died. I've been normally getting 96.4º but hit 98.8º. I don't know if that means anything and it was after a 2 mile walk. No trouble breathing and I still have my sense of smell.
    • CommentAuthoraaa
    • CommentTimeApr 5th 2020
     
    I'm going to stick with run of the mill virus unless something else happens. Dh fees better today. I have to get a new thermometer, all I've used is my who knows how old, childs version, which is a strip you place across the forehead. We rarely have a need to take temp.

    Since my gd is limited on the days she is free to shop, I think I'm going to mask up, with gloves, and venture into walmart early one morning this week to see if I can get items she can't get on weekends. Plus I need to get away for dh for an hour or two. He wants me beside him every minute, and gets so upset with the tv, he gets the remote so screwed up and then gets angry with me. Since every program is new to him he can watch them over, and over, and over.............

    Gd is pushing for us to sell this place and buy a small house just up the street from her. It's a nice little place - but there are 7? homes along that road. She is at the very end which is good, but I don't think dh would like neighbors, even an acre apart. I don't think either of us are up to another move. Her reasoning is just open the house up and let people come in and make offers on things, but I can't do that. Too much that I can't part with yet. She can, when the time comes :) I know it's hard for them to care for us even though it's just 5 miles away -- they like to travel in their RV when they have time off together - both being in law enforcement there time isn't always their own. I might see if I can find someone who can care for the big property maybe once a month for not too much.

    Although crime was up at first now they are getting suicides, three last week on her shift. I didn't ask questions but wondered if they were older people. Talked to a friend last week about how hard this is for wives who have been used to husbands doing all the maintenance etc. Now trying to find anyone to do it is a problem.

    Paul, I usually have a temp of 96.1, it's been 98.6. Wondered if maybe that would be considered a temp for me. Read a very interesting article today saying that isn't a normal body temp anymore. That was something set way back when, forget the details now, but since the 1800s and more recently since 1960, our body temps have been dropping. Maybe due to better health care. So normal is around 96+-.... men have been dropping a quicker than women. My mind said quicker, my fingers wrote liquor -- I need a day off bad, LOL.
    • CommentAuthoraaa
    • CommentTimeApr 6th 2020
     
    Dh is still in bed, i hate to wake him because I'm already so angry I know I'll lite into him - which will only cause problems. He isn't violent and doesn't wander - other than that he hits all the az buttons. Of course, he thinks he just has a memory problem and no way could he be like the friends I talk about or things he sees on tv.

    I won't start because there is a good chance I won't ever stop. It's a pretty morning, but overcast so no real sun. So much needs to be done after winter, just general cleanup, all the mulch had to be picked up etc. The grass needs mowing, we need a load of gravel for the drive and someone needs to kill the weeds that have grown up in the drive. I think I'll order a new weed killer and a backpack sprayer, we have both but I've no idea where dh put all that stuff and neither does he. Been begging him to find the sawsall so I could cut a cabinet that he can't/won't and he doesn't even know what it is anymore. Since I don't have to wear the brace all the time anymore, he thinks my wrist is fine and as far as he's concerned he's forgotten about the surgery. Well, I said I wouldn't start but no one else to let it out with. Don't tell the kids all his problems, they think he's fine - and even if they know - they are 2000 miles away, and I think they like it like that. Two had to take care of in-laws and not excited about doing it again, one doesn't intend to take care of anyone but himself. Everyone is busy and have their own lives. I need to start looking for someone to help but with this darn lockdown another month I'm not sure what will happen.

    It's still a pretty morning and if nothing else, after the animals are all taken care of I'll take a cup of coffee out to the deck.
    • CommentAuthorCharlotte
    • CommentTimeApr 6th 2020
     
    When I was going through infertility I had to take my temp every morning which averaged 97.6. It stayed there until after my hysterectomy almost 6 years ago so it now averages 98 - 98.4. I think my additional weight might be the reason.

    Went to Winco today. Was very disappointed. When I went 1 1/2 weeks ago they only let so many in at at time - one comes out one goes in. Not today - everyone was in there and all the shopping carts were being used. The checkout line went to the back, across the back and up the side of the store looping around. Took me a half hour to get to the register. I asked why they changed and they said people were complaining about waiting outside.

    But - I got my Diet Mt Dew!!!!!!!

    Majority had mask of some kind on but not me. I had to chuckle inside when I would see people with just their mouth covered or they would keep pulling their mask/scarf up. Duh! If the mask is contaminated you get it on your had which you then get on your face which defeats the purpose of the mask.

    I called to check on Art last night - the new guy could only tell me he was watching TV. I called again today and neither on duty could tell me anything except as far as they new there were no problems. I need to call in the morning because the day shift knows more. I am considering going over and have them bring him to the window so we can see each other. He may start crying when I leave but that will be their problem to deal with.
    • CommentAuthorxox
    • CommentTimeApr 6th 2020
     
    3 weeks ago at Trader Joe's it was like what you described at Winco, very busy with a 30 minute line to the cash register. One closer to me but I don't go to is closed because an employee had COVID-19.

    Last Saturday there was a line outside and we arrived shortly before opening. The sidewalk was marked every 6' to help with social distancing. No one complained, everyone kept their distance. The wind was whipping so it was nice when we rounded the first corner had had some protection. Inside felt somewhat normal. And if you brought your own shopping bags you would have to bag them yourselves outside. Since TJ provides very nice paper bags with handles I am always happy to get more of them to use as paper recycling bags.

    The mask doesn't protect the wearer that much, it is mostly to protect other people. This is important since you can be asymptomatic for 2 weeks prior and a number of people never have symptoms. I've been using a scarf but plan on getting masks.

    The window idea is good. I think about it and then think about the long drive. And I'm not sure if they would even allow me on the grounds. They sent me a nice photo of Leannah outside yesterday so I think they want the grounds available for recreation (which is people being led or being pushed in wheelchairs).
    • CommentAuthorCharlotte
    • CommentTimeApr 7th 2020
     
    So I went to check online for ordering from Walmart so I don't have to go in. I guess they only take orders for pickup two days at a time. They are all full - said to check back tomorrow morning.
    • CommentAuthorbhv*
    • CommentTimeApr 7th 2020
     
    I went to Walmart today for prescription. No lines anywhere. Most stuff in stock. Self checkout was easy even for produce. Used my card with a chip. Hardly had to touch anything. Didn’t come near anyone.
    • CommentAuthorCharlotte
    • CommentTimeApr 7th 2020
     
    I went online and ordered the supplements I am almost out. Just as well since Walmart is usually out. I will need to go in person to pick up a couple things but have a few more days before I have to.

    Finally got a hold of the director of the facility - when I call the swing aids know nothing. Guess a couple days ago he was proud of himself - he pooped the made a sculpture out of it on his nightstand!! Glad I didn't have to clean it up.

    Even though the governor just extended the stay at home to May 3rd and they figured we have peaked on April 2nd, they are talking about extending to end of May. He already closed schools for the rest of the year which has not made students or teachers very happy. My niece who teaches middle school math is not happy having to teach her 8 and 6 year old girls - would rather be teaching middle school kids!
    • CommentAuthorCharlotte
    • CommentTimeApr 9th 2020
     
    I wish someone who knows Joan would try to get her to give someone the ability to come in and delete the spam.
    • CommentAuthormyrtle*
    • CommentTimeApr 9th 2020 edited
     
    Charlotte, I've notified Joan about the spam and the last time I did so (this morning), she said she hadn't been feeling well enough to tackle it. I didn't think to offer her any help, as I'm not very computer literate.

    I'm worried about all of us, including Joan, since we're in the vulnerable age group for this virus. I'm going to be spiting mad if I get the thing after all those years of caregiving!

    Marche, are you OK?
    • CommentAuthorCharlotte
    • CommentTimeApr 9th 2020
     
    I looked on her FB page. March 31st she posted she was still fighting getting her leg to heal. Not sure what is going on, but doesn't sound good.
    • CommentAuthormyrtle*
    • CommentTimeApr 10th 2020
     
    In her last email, she said she was fighting an infection. It is so discouraging that we older people tend to come down with stuff like that and, with this virus running rampant, we have to worry about going to the doctor or even the hospital to get treatment.
  1.  
    Yes, myrtle, I am still kicking around. Thank you for asking. This is the sixth week I have been housebound and I think that the hermit lifestyle may become a permanent thing. Thank goodness for the dog although I think he is becoming a neurotic mess as well. He won't let me out of eyesight.
    • CommentAuthorCharlotte
    • CommentTimeApr 14th 2020
     
    Don't know about anyone else but the last few days have been really depressing. Yesterday I listened to a recording about how to avoid isolation and loneliness when caregiving. Of course, like most, they talk like every one has a circle of family and friends. I, of course, left a not very positive reply to her assumptions.
    • CommentAuthorWolf
    • CommentTimeApr 15th 2020
     
    I can feel that too. I can also see around me that everyone is feeling the tension.

    The problem is the efforts of some people to help other's doesn't go further than their own little world. Stay in touch with your parents some advise. Not going to happen.

    I'm quite sure this wave of pandemic has peaked in all advanced countries. Not in any of the 23 countries south of the Rio Grande, the Indian subcontinent, or Africa - but even in Italy and Spain with governments that can't find their way out of a wet paper bag are coming through.

    I measure all changes daily in a computer program I wrote. No one believes me so don't worry about doubting. It is, however, so and can be watched on CNN soon with Wolf Donner & Blitzen, so stay tuned.

    You and Paul and Nicky and others have spouses in homes and there is no way to not worry about that. May the fortune that has so far smiled on them in this virus continue.

    I'm afraid I can tell the future here though. It is that half baked yahoos will gallop through opening things up way too early and just have to lock down again. That's going to happen in hundreds of places unfortunately.

    Ontario is also seeing a decline and our glorious leader just announced another month of isolation. Good idea. Maybe let some of the healthcare workers catch their breath for five minutes. I have an idea. A mudwrestling match between The Donald and Governor Cuomo to see who has the authority to wear the gold hat.

    Stay safe. Open the window and scream out into the night air "we're mad as hell, and we're not going to take it anymore!" On second thought, maybe not.
    • CommentAuthorxox
    • CommentTimeApr 15th 2020
     
    "Yesterday I listened to a recording about how to avoid isolation and loneliness when caregiving." Yikes! One of the major problems many caregivers face is the loss of family and friends.Like kicking you in the face when down.

    One problem of the pandemic is that we have no vaccine for COVID-19 are are probably at least a year away. This is with a lot of effort and multiple approaches to creating a vaccine. And then you have to produce the vaccine. Thankfully Bill Gates is setting up multiple plants for different vaccines and hopefully one of the ones he is backing will work.

    We may need to have more quarantines but done in a more intelligent way. Where we test and retest people and only quarantine those who test positive and those who have been in contact with them. That, of course, means we need more tests. And better tests, we have too many false negatives right now.
    • CommentAuthoraaa
    • CommentTimeApr 15th 2020
     
    Slow down so I can jump on the band wagon. The more I read the news the more depressed I get! I've been in since Feb 1st and am reaching the end of my rope. Who was it that said tie a knot in the end and hang on?? I forget her name but I don't see any knot yet. Been thinking about seeing a therapist, since this group is the only real outlet I have but -- oh yeah, we can't go out.

    My GD had called and said she picked up some groceries for me, so come over and sit in the hot tub for awhile. Talked to dh, oh yeah, stay and enjoy yourself. Was gone 2 hrs, tried to call but he had messed his phone up again. When I got home he was like a little lost boy. I was so surprised - I guess he had totally forgotten where I had gone. Took about 2 hrs for him to be "himself" again. This being at arms length 24/7 I think is detrimental to him as he expects me to be right next to him all the time. I connected my laptop to the TV this morning so he could watch some youtube videos -- but all he wanted to do was watch Gunsmoke.

    Gd suggested printing out a large picture of myself and putting it someplace where he would always see it, and when I left I could write a little note to him where I was and how he could get hold of me, then tape it on. I actually have a type of magnetic cork board upstairs. I had planned to make something but this might be a good idea since I cannot stay arms length away forever. I would have to be put away.

    If anyone reads Quora, there has been a discussion of why do people put their elderly parents in nursing homes when they don't want to know. Wow, I didn't recognize anyone's name, but the situations could be any of us. One individual said they had kept their Mother at home till it became impossible due to her need for medical care 24/7 but it was so hard on them too, that she had made an exit plan for herself, and her husband had too because they NEvER, EVER, intend for that to happen to them.

    It looks pretty outside, till you step out into the wind. We've had a freeze almost every night for a week, ice in the pots outside. I had tried to pull the mulch back over my new growth plants but with the wind, I'm not sure what I'll end up with. You know, there are a lot of projects in the house I could do -- but I'm just so depressed with the world right now, I can't even get interested in them.
    • CommentAuthoraaa
    • CommentTimeApr 15th 2020
     
    Re Covid-19. All of our free, drive thru testing centers have been closed down. The Federal funding was withdrawn. No free testing. If you think you have symptoms, you have to video or phone conference with your primary, then if they determine you need to be seen, you have to go to a special room someplace - in isolation - till someone checks you out. And, since I think it takes 4 days? to get results, you go back home and wait. Then what? Nothing for it unless you need to be hospitalized.
    • CommentAuthoraaa
    • CommentTimeApr 15th 2020
     
    Forgot - my single grandson got his stimulus check. Was a surprise to him, said it just showed up in his account, $1200. So I looked online and it said single people will receive the first wave.
    • CommentAuthorCharlotte
    • CommentTimeApr 15th 2020
     
    I have a few Facebook friends who have received theirs too. Some are upset because they did not get the $500 for their 17 & 18 year old teenagers who are still in school. I don't blame them.

    Debating whether I want to go get Taco Bell, burger or Panda Express for lunch! Panda Express gives me enough for lunch and dinner.

    I agree - I am watching less news because it is so depressing. Our governor is having his daily press conference telling about his plans of how to reopen but I don't watch because of all the other talks. Our area was stabilizing on new cases until they had somewhere like 34 people at Tyson Meats test positive. Now the new positives are increasing but they are not saying how many are connected with the outbreak at Tyson directly or indirectly. Of the 34 that have died in our Tri-City area 26 are from nursing homes. Have to keep in mind the deaths are mostly people that were diagnosed a couple weeks ago.

    Yesterday was warm, 70, and nice. Today is 66 but the winds are gusting to 35 from the north. Can see sand off in the distance and the tumbleweed is blowing back in from the field. This year has been the worst I can remember in the 7 years I have lived here for tumbleweed.
    • CommentAuthoraaa
    • CommentTimeApr 15th 2020
     
    I didn't hear anything regarding the age of dependent children, but I'm avoiding everything now. We did have probably most deaths from elderly, don't even know the current total today, but when it started 20-40's were the highest rate.
    • CommentAuthorCharlotte
    • CommentTimeApr 15th 2020
     
    the age limit for kids is 16. Doesn't make sense to me why they did not go to 18.
    • CommentAuthorxox
    • CommentTimeApr 16th 2020
     
    Doesn't make sense. I declared my 23 year old son as a dependent because he would not have benefited on his taxes but it helped me. Knowing what we know now it would have made more sense for me to have paid more taxes and for him to have gotten the $1,200 check. But nothing is perfect and I will appreciate what I get. Unfortunately I'm not a hedge fund manager because then I would have gotten tax breaks worth a lot more money.

    Since my face-to-face support group can't meet in person we did a Zoom meeting last night. It went well. We were surprised at the 30 minute mark that Zoom granted the meeting unlimited time. I guess a matter of luck and that we were a small group. We decide to switch from monthly meetings to weekly meetings. I might end up on 4 FTD/dementia Zoom meetings a week.

    I was doing work during the meeting. The nice thing about working at home when I have to work late is (1) I can have dinner at my normal time, (2) I don't have to commute home after a long night of work, and (3) I can do other things if not too busy. It was also night not having to drive 30+ minutes after my support meeting.
    • CommentAuthorCharlotte
    • CommentTimeApr 16th 2020
     
    Paul - have your son go to the site, think the IRS, and sign up. He should be able to get the $1200 for himself.
    • CommentAuthorCharlotte
    • CommentTimeApr 16th 2020
     
    The group I belong to on Facebook for spouses brings out the sadness of this isolation we are on. One woman's husband died and another is dying from the virus. Neither are/were able to be there with them as their spouse's life ended. They can't even see their bodies before burial or cremation. So sad.
  2.  
    I am still here in the Heartland--have not checked in for a few days, because I am swamped with housework, cooking, and childcare here in Ohio. (And dog and cat care.) So far so good in terms of symptoms--I am staying in except for the long walks outside with the dog and some carefully organized grocery shopping. The grocery store closest to my daughter's is the most expensive, classiest grocery store in town--and of course I would not ordinarily shop there--but every morning from 8 am to 9 am is set aside for seniors and compromised people--so that is when I go. I just chalk up the cost to the White Cliffs of Dover and the coronavirus. The normal grocery stores don't seem to have senior hours. I have not got my stimulus check yet, but my daughter got hers yesterday--a biggie, since she has the three kids 12, 11, and 9. But I keep on optimistically looking at my checking account!

    The online schooling is so-so. The kids won't do anything for me--just a lot of messing around, lying, and evasion--they love to use the school Chromebooks for socializing and game-playing. So I take over the "scut" work of the household pretty much, and my daughter--who is working from home as a Federal probation officer--uses her lunch and breaks to go over their work with them, get them with the program, and supervise their "meetings" with their teachers. She says the interface is clunky, not user friendly, and full of glitches--as even I can see. I give the teachers a lot of credit--I could not even imagine being a schoolteacher during "normal" times, much less now. My daughter has the dickens of a time getting the kids to do the schoolwork they're supposed to, but she is more effective than I am.

    So just one day at a time--I have my Kindle and some paperbacks, and I brought my drawing set and lesson book (which I'm keeping hidden from the kids), and I play their (my old) piano and my granddaughter's guitar. My daughter doesn't have cable TV, so I get the news on my laptop or iPhone. I am homesick like you wouldn't believe, but fingers crossed that Ohio goes back to school before the end of the school year and I can go home to New York--May 4 is a possibility. Bandit has adjusted well--he guards us all from the nefarious three cats and chases them away from his dishes and from whatever areas we are sitting in. Of course, because all three are bigger than he is, they chase him right back, hissing and swatting, as he barks and charges at them. So it's always interesting.

    I miss you all and send all good wishes for wellness, peace of mind, and whatever blessings can be garnered during this difficult time. Hugs all around!!
    • CommentAuthoraaa
    • CommentTimeApr 17th 2020
     
    Elizabeth*, we are in MO, not too far away, and all our schools, public, private, from preschool - university closed before Easter and will not open till fall. Shucks, I'm homesick and I've not been further than the mailbox, LOL. I do have an appt to neuter this male cat that took refuge in our barn after being injured in a fight. I didn't mind feeding him, then finally brought him in and treated him. I tried to find the owner as he was obviously used to people and being in a house....no luck. I would treat him, let him out and a few hours later he would show up at the door to come back in. So, still keeping him in a crate at night but letting him out during the day. Finally called the vet. She will do it the 30th, we call when we get in the parking lot, they come out and take him in, same when we come to get him. I've treated his injuries, cleared up the ear mites, wormed him and gave him flea/tick med. Now as soon as I pay another bunch of $$$ someone will probably come claim him, LOL. He's the only one in the house that gets out to roam around these days.
    • CommentAuthoraaa
    • CommentTimeApr 17th 2020
     
    Re: stimulus checks, I heard yesterday - via a neighbor - that they were coming around the same time you get your SS check. I don't get mine till the last week of the month, so IF, I get one it will probably be awhile yet. They've extended our house arrest again till I think May 4th? 6th? so no place to spend it anyway. We are fortunate we have our retirement, which still seems pretty secure.
    • CommentAuthorCharlotte
    • CommentTimeApr 17th 2020
     
    If you go to the IRS they have where you can check on your check but information for SS recipients is not available. I am assuming we will be the last which for me is fine. Those out of work need the money first - just hope they use it for necessities or paying bills and not running up big CC debt while they have been waiting. I just got my SS on Wednesday and Art's hits the 3rd. Of course I consider myself blessed in that I still have both of our SS to live on.

    If I understand the president's guidelines visiting in nursing homes which includes memory care is in the third step which is 4 weeks after your state starts to open up. If so that could be June or later depending on when my governor decides to start. We were going down in our tri-city area until they discovered a major outbreak at Tyson Meat plant of 50 or more people. People don't understand why Tyson has not shut down to do a deep cleaning. Of course not just the employees but their family, friends, and people they came in contact while walking around infected may test positive. :-(

    Yesterday I spent going through the plastic tub of pictures. I pulled out many of my daughter when she was young to send to her. Back then when you had film developed getting 2 copies of each was common. Was fun to see pictures of the camping and hiking trips, RV travels and people we met (most are dead now) plus when we would travel back and forth to Massachusetts about every 18 months.

    Elizabeth - schools here are closed until September, too. I think they should look at summer school to prepare kids for the next grade because you know many parents will not or can not teach their kids. When schools first closed in Seattle area the company that runs the K-12 online school said he could have schools/teachers set up in a week to teach online but I don't think many took him up on it.
    • CommentAuthorxox
    • CommentTimeApr 17th 2020
     
    My son went on the IRS site to enter his bank account number. It stated that if he was declared as a dependent on someone else's tax return he was not eligible for the $1,200.

    The IRS will mail checks after they have completed direct deposit entries. So if he should get a check one will eventually arrive via USPS.

    Some bad news. Singapore, which has been successful in keeping down COVID-19 transmission, has seen a spike since loosening physical distancing rules.
    • CommentAuthorCharlotte
    • CommentTimeApr 17th 2020
     
    Sorry about that Paul. Does he work besides go to college? He might want to call the IRS since he is over 16.
    • CommentAuthoraaa
    • CommentTimeApr 17th 2020
     
    Paul, you might be able to go back and amend your 2018/2019 tax returns - then he could file his own if he has income, but not sure that's worth the trouble. I did note that was one of the first requirements, even for senior citizens, that you could not be claimed as a dependent on anyone else's return.

    All of our income is direct deposit - except IRS, I always end up having to pay more - so they don't deposit any refunds for me. I do have an online account with them though so they have our information if they do decide to send a check.

    I'm sick again, I still can't believe it's covid-19, I did take medication and got better and I'll be fine then one day, like today, I feel especially tired, tonight headache, sore throat, achy joints, will feel really sick for a couple of days - but still never have had a fever. I just can't seem to shake it completely. I read if you've had it the antibodies will show up in a lab test- but also read that if you had a mild case you might not produce any antibodies. Tonight, after dealing with dh all day....there is a part of me that thinks that would be an easy way as any to go. I am just so tired of dealing with this day in and day out. Now I can't even get away for a few hours. Can't even get outside due to the cold and wind. I think I asked once before, can't remember, :) has anyone gone to a therapist to talk things through? Our primary is good but can't spend her time listening to me - over dh. I accidentally came across an AZ forum online today. Sounded just the same, spouses wondering how they are going to get through this.

    I did spend the day making liquid soap - for the kitchen - and hand sanitizer as we are just about out. No flour at the store last week, today no yeast - but was able to get a loaf of sourdough bread. She also got me a 6pk of beer, not our usual kind but similar so will use that to make beer bread for us. If the covid-19 doesn't work out, I'll just eat a loaf of bread warm from the oven, smothered with butter and that will probably do me in, LOL.
    • CommentAuthorCharlotte
    • CommentTimeApr 17th 2020
     
    Sorry you can't seem to kick whatever the bug you have is. I would think as long as you have been feeling crappy your hb would start to show signs. I have read people who had but never ran a temp until right at the end.

    There have been those here who went to counseling and found it very helpful. It is finding the right one with experience counseling others in our situation that is important. My doctor keeps asking me if I want to go but I keep putting him off. Now I wish I did - if they are working - so I could have someone in person to talk to!

    Hot bread smothered with butter sounds divine. Costco use to make this multigrain bread which was still warm when we bought it. I would just break off chunks and eat on the way home. Good thing there were two loaves to a pack because half of one was gone by the time we got home. I have done that when I get french bread still warm. Just something about fresh out of the oven bread!!
    • CommentAuthorxox
    • CommentTimeApr 18th 2020
     
    Not worth amending my taxes. Between paying higher taxes and paying my accountant not worth it. He graduated last year but income was low so he only had to pay Soc Sec taxes.
    • CommentAuthoraaa
    • CommentTimeApr 19th 2020
     
    Charlotte, dh did have a fever for a few days but no other symptoms.

    My tale for the day. Went out to check propane tank. Opened the lid and was full of brush, leaves etc so just pushed it out and read the gauge. Then thought, after the fact, that looked like a nest, went around the tank and sure enough it was a nest and a little baby bird had fallen out. When I tried to pick him up he would jump off a few inches, but got him and looked inside and there was another baby deep inside. Was a large nest but a round tube hollowed out inside about the size of a tp tube. Baby was a beautiful dark teal blue so my head said bluebird. I put it back as well as I could, came inside and looked up bluebirds -- can't find anything that looked like what I saw but also couldn't find anything similar. We do have lots of Eastern Bluebirds here. As it happens, I can see the opening to the tank right outside the chair where I sit so hopefully I will catch some movement. Read that bluebirds do not mind human scent like others, but we'll see. I feel terrible about it, we have had hornets nest in there but never thought about a bird, guess it maybe does look like a bluebird house with that opening.
    • CommentAuthoraaa
    • CommentTimeApr 19th 2020
     
    No stimulus check yet - if ever - but did get my taxes and owe another $1000. I hit the roof, I do not see how I can continue to owe more and more each year. We don't ever get too much more money, and medicare etc eats up any increase in ss. Accountant told me the new exemption (last year? year before) would more than make up for our deductions. Didn't happen. Only good thing is I don't have to pay it right now, if I get a stimulus check I'll just have to send it back in taxes. I did check online but just said they had no info, not for me or dh either. Bet if I didn't send in my taxes they'd find me fast enough.
    • CommentAuthorCharlotte
    • CommentTimeApr 19th 2020
     
    Could be a bluejay. Hopefully mom will show up so you can see what an adult looks like. If you can get a picture of it, there are apps you can download to help identify them. I use one for the wild plants here in the desert.

    We have not made enough in years to have to file taxes.
    • CommentAuthorxox
    • CommentTimeApr 20th 2020
     
    No, the tax changes hit many people hard. Wealthy, it did you good. My late accountant warned me that it would cost me $1,500.
    • CommentAuthoraaa
    • CommentTimeApr 20th 2020
     
    The rich get richer and the poor get poorer. It's just my personal gripe but when we were young and making money it didn't seem so bad. Now we're old, and the taxes seem disproportionate to our income. Our neighbors, who are retired but younger than we are, evidently have quite a bit of money in stocks. She is always telling me how they get a tax refund, because they keep cows, 17 cows. Now she is complaining about the stock market, she got $28,000 dividend last quarter, but is worried she won't get that much now. Guess it's just sour grapes, but really don't need to hear that, LOL. It looks pretty outside so going to try and get out even if just to walk around. Oh, I do get to make a field trip, all the way to the pharmacy, I called for a refill and told her I'd drive in instead of having it delivered. You can't go in, just call when you get there and they bring it out.

    Son & Dil in CA called yesterday, she is vp at a college and they are closed till fall. She is working from home and they thought, as soon as they lift the stay at home order they will load up their dog and drive back here for a long visit and maybe help catch up on some things. As long as she has internet she can continue working. Would be good if they can make it happen. They come almost every year for a couple of weeks so more knowledgable about dh and his needs, they kept her parents for 13 yrs.

    Charlotte, I'm not that familiar with Washington but can't imagine a desert, especially tumbleweeds. Is it like Oregon? The coastal side cool and damp and the inland side much drier? I'll end this on a positive note -- we are all alive and at least sane enough to operate a computer, LOL I thought I needed a new laptop but talked to a grandson last night and he said I just need to put a new battery in this one and even though they say you can't, you can. Sent me a link to order one for $60 and said when it comes call him and he'll walk me through it. Used to work for apple so guess he knows what he's doing.

    Stay safe everyone and let's remember even though we are dealing with one of the worst things to hit mankind (at least I think so) God is still in his Heaven. I need to keep that foremost in my mind.
    • CommentAuthorCharlotte
    • CommentTimeApr 20th 2020
     
    They are making tablets and phones now so you can't replace the batteries on them. My last computer I did replace the battery - took great care to make sure I got the right one. Well, after getting it found out from paperwork it was not. I complained and they refunded my money. I kept it in but would only keep charged about 2 hours which was fine because I never unplug mine unless going on a trip.

    If you go to google earth you can 'travel the state'. Oregon and Washington are divided by the Cascade Mt range. On the west side is the green wet side that most people think of the states as. East side is desert. West side runs mostly democrat - east side mostly republican. But, because the west side has the greatest population they run the state even though most of their decisions are not good for the east side. Right now the battle is the environmentalist want to remove dams from the Snake River supposedly to help the salmon run and the Orcas in Puget Sound. They don't care about the electricity and irrigation removing dams would take away. It is interesting they have developed a 'salmon cannon' that will shoot salmon through a tube over the dams. Google it - it is fascinating and much cheaper and better for everyone than removing dams. Yet the 'remove all dams' people will not even consider something like that. Where I live 3 rivers come together: Snake River and Yakima River meet the Columbia River. Yes, we are desert but there is a lot of agriculture in Eastern Washington (more than Oregon) including: orchards (apple, cherry, peach, apricot, pears), berries, vineyards, wheat and other grains, potatoes, corn, and other veggies, etc. - all depending on the irrigation from the three rivers. Eastern Oregon doesn't grow as much because they are considered 'high desert' where the weather is not as good for growing but they do grow a lot of alfalfa, mint, wheat, etc. In the midst of all our irrigated land is still plenty of desert land where the tumbleweed grows. In the spring like now, if we have enough spring rains, the wildflowers can be abundant. We didn't have a lot here so they are just starting to bloom but up in the hills they are abundant from what is being posted on Facebook.

    Anytime you want to travel, google earth is a good way. I traveled the canals of Venice, saw the great pyramids, then travel roads in the US. I use to use it when we were traveling to check roads out because I hate freeways. Because you are on road level, it even shows all the elevation changes.
    • CommentAuthoraaa
    • CommentTimeApr 21st 2020
     
    Interesting. I know about the divide in Oregon, we used to spend a lot of time up there. My kids live in Boring, OR. I'm not quite sure where that is. Just across the river from Washington she said before, and was about an hour from Portland. Don't remember the town where they lived - but son works from home so works anyplace he wants to. They bought a home and 5 acres not long ago in Boring and dil said it's just a few miles from where they used to live so assume it's still up near the border. My sil used to live in the nw corner of Idaho (?) and we would go shopping in Washington. I am so tired tonight, I may have these names all mixed up. Been unpacking and putting away all the boxes that got put up there when we had to move downstairs. What a job, so much little stuff - mainly my art supplies - that has to be sorted. I think I've messed it all up looking for something at one time or another. Like most people I'm familiar with the coastal areas rather than the inland.

    Politically, we are similar. Our end of the state is republican but east and north are the most heavily populated so the state goes democrat.

    I've used Google Earth a few times. I never used to spend much time on the computer - more now than I ever did. I think the isolation is a good idea, but I am so tired of not being able to go get things I needs.

    Bad news is we still have no stimulus checks and when I check it just says no info. Good news is my little birds are still alive, I sure hope they make it. I've asked the propane co to wait to make the delivery.

    Dh is getting so deaf, he has tinnitus so always wants sound on to cover the ringing in his ears. He can't hear me talking, unless I'm right in front of him, and isn't very nice when I try to talk across the room :) Seems like it's gotten a lot worse very fast. I'll be glad when I can take him in to the dr again. Our insurance only pays about $600 total towards specific hearing aids -- and I know nothing about them. I do know he's tried cheap things but always takes them out and loses them, so I hesitate to spend a lot of money on real ones. He loses everything everyday, it's a treasure hunt every night. NOT. Thanks for the info on Washington, enjoyed it.
    • CommentAuthorCharlotte
    • CommentTimeApr 21st 2020
     
    Marsh, who use to be on here, bought one of those things advertised to hear people at a distance for his wife to wear at church. Worked out great. There is that one now advertised on TV you can buy at Walmart for $700 or something for a pair that recharges - no batteries. You have probably seen the commercial where the guy keeps asking his son what he said.

    Boring is southeast of Portland toward Mt Hood. Lot of jokes about it because of the name.