Thursday, March 19, 2020

Things Seem Surreal

I have always known that life can change in a heartbeat, but I have never seen it up close and personal until now.

Have you noticed the news headlines are no longer about the upcoming election or about the latest Biden gaf or the newest Bernie plan for Socialism?  Instead, it is Coronavirus everywhere.

With one stroke of our governor's pen, my son lost two jobs.  He was working pretty much full time at one restaurant and one night a week at another, both within walking distance from his apartment.  Both are closed.  He has applied for unemployment online but like most in my family, he would rather be working than not.

I live in the original downtown area of my town.  There are two neighborhood type bars and one Mom and Pop restaurant in my block, with another bar and another bar/restaurant in the next block.  Those bars have not been rowdy enough to cause me any problems living here, but now the streets are eerily quiet.  There hasn't even been any construction work going on across the street where a new building is going up, but that may be due to the rainy weather.  We shall see.

About the only activity I have seen in the street in front of my apartment has been a couple of teenage boys with their skateboards.

The cleaner I had was obtained through a county program.  I left messages concerning cancelling the service for my caseworker, but received no call back.  Finally I emailed and heard back within the hour.  It seems government workers are now working from home.

It will be interesting to see if the store shelves are restocked next week when I get my twice monthly grocery delivery.  Stores that have been open 24 hours a day are now closing overnight and reserving the first hour open in the mornings for the elderly and most vulnerable to the virus to do their shopping.  After the Great Toilet Paper Stampede, limits on the number of certain items have gone into effect.

The health clinic where I go for appointments with my regular doctor is now closed to walk-in patients and is doing online appointments only.  My appointment is not due until the middle of April, so I shall find out then if things have changed.  Personally, I would rather do an online appointment than sit in a waiting room full of sick people.

My grands are home from school.  Boston is bummed because she thinks both Prom and Graduation could be cancelled and that is a distinct possibility.  My college student grandson is home for Spring Break, but has been told that online classes are the norm for now.  I am relieved that my family is, for the most part, working from home and sheltering in place.
 
Life has changed for so many.  This may be over in a matter of weeks or it may last for months.  We just don't know.  Whatever happens, I pray you all stay safe and well.  We are all in this together.       

34 comments:

  1. The prediction from the experts is 18 months. Trump says "soon."

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    1. Linda...I don't think anybody really knows how long this will last. Prepare for the worst and hope for the best.

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  2. Vicki, thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. You are so right when you say we are ALL in this together. I really do not think we need to be comparing the opinions of the "so-called experts" to President Trump's opinion. That is a huge waste of time and a diservice to ALL. It is time to lay off of the nasty political poo and move on to constructive action. Each of us must be inconvenienced for an unknown period of time, be disappointed with cancelled events, and do things we ordinarily would never consider doing. Most importantly we must stay strong, be kind, help those who are in need and not blame those who have been put in a position of grave responsibility for our well-being. Thank you again, Vicki, for your update. I am very grateful. God is always there for us to reach out to for assistance in times of crisis. Blessing to All, CW

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    1. CW...One 'expert' has one opinion and the next one, a different opinion. Thing is - they are just opinions. Nobody knows for certain just how bad this will get or how long it will last. I am truly amazed at the number of people who will not change their routines or be inconvenienced in order to avoid the virus. They do not consider that their selfishness could cause sickness and even death in another person they infect because they would not take precautions. They don't want to give up McDonalds so they go through the drive-thru. How do they know that the person who hands them their food at the window isn't infected but has no symptoms as yet. Is that burger worth then passing the virus on to the family? So many just don't stop and think about what they are doing.

      We need to think about others and use common sense. But the bottom line is prayer. It is way past time to bring God back into all aspects of our lives. Stay safe.

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  3. I started laying in extra this and extra that as soon as I started hearing about this virus "getting out." I'm glad I did! Though we were already pretty much set, there were a few holes to fill; items in the larder that had been used, but not replaced. STAYING prepared is almost harder than GETTING prepared!

    Three of my coworkers who have long made my prepping the stuff of humor, have told me they apologize for ever having done so. I've always played into it, hoping that they'd see the seriousness woven into my own humorous comebacks. If there's a bright side to this, MILLIONS of people, including those coworkers, are seeing firsthand how thin the ice on which our society sits actually is, and that they need to be ready in the future. Earthquakes are par for the course here in the Wild, Wild, West. If this were an earthquake, those coworkers would be... how dey say in dis countedy?... SCREWED... right now, instead of just waiting in line for slim pickin' groceries...

    Locally, I'm watching the mom & pop restaurants in my area invisibly collapsing. By "invisibly," I mean they're closed now, and may very well not open again if not re-opened REALLY soon. That's A LOT of people on the bread line.

    As for you and me, I'm thankful that God warned us of what was coming, and that we listened. I'm sure quite a few people are rediscovering their faith right now; another silver lining...

    Thanks again for your home-canned wisdom, Vicki. God be with you and yours.

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    1. Pete...I pretty much did what you have done - took stock and filled in the holes as best I could. Several years ago it was like someone slapped me upside the head to get my attention and told me I had better stop playing and get serious about stocking up on food and supplies. I am forever grateful for that wake-up call, for now, even if I get not one more item from the grocery store, we will be OK.

      Folks had fun mocking us who prepped. We were called everything from tin foil hat wearing conspiracy theorists to being obsessed with food. I'm thinking there are quite a few 'come to Jesus' moments happening across the land right now. And that is a good thing.

      There are several small businesses in my area that will have a rough time recovering, if they ever do. Those who now are among the unemployed are in for a bad time. Reminds me somewhat of the Depression time. I think it will get worse before it gets better. All we can do is to continue to prep whenever possible and pray - a lot.

      God bless you and yours, Pete. Stay safe and well.

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  4. I suspect these things may be overkill, but who's to say?

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    1. Gorges, my friend...we rarely disagree, but this time I don't think the steps that have been taken so far are overkill. Considering the nature of the beast, I don't think we are doing enough to slow the virus down, to say nothing of stopping it. Stay safe!

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  5. There was welcome news today about a malaria drug that seems to be effective against Covid19!

    We need to stay strong for ourselves, and for each other!

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    1. sbrgirl...Just today I heard about that drug that might work on the virus. I pray that it will. And yes, we need to stay strong, even when things look bleak. I am hopeful for our future when I hear stories of those who are taking care of their vulnerable friends and neighbors. God bless.

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  6. Like we've been told.."End Of The World As We Know It"

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    1. Maybe so, Rob...but I have hope that we will get through this and come out the other side better people than we were. Take care, my friend.

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    2. We will, the US always has and always will. If you look back in history, Something happen and our world changed. WW2..Too many lives lost, lots of advances in tech..911 again our world turned upside now. Now this. I can bet money so many deaths overseas cough CHINA cough are under reported. Iran has not said how many have pass on, but they are digging large trenches to bury their dead.

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    3. Rob...America, even in the worst of times, still has the resilience and patriotism to get through most anything. I doubt that any country is reporting the true numbers. But even so, we will make it, Take care of you and yours.

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  7. Just got Locked Down here in California. Red

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    1. Red...I just heard this evening that CA was on lockdown. I didn't catch any of the details except that essential businesses like grocery stores, gas stations, etc. would remain open. Godspeed, my friend!

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    2. Red, please keep us informed to the best of your ability/time constraints. I feel we are all going to be living under very similar circumstances. Take care and know that we are praying for your safety, CW

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    3. Vicki and CW~ Well so far so good.
      It rained here today. It's quiet outside. Reminds me of 9/11. The birds are going after bugs in the garden, and the cats are watching them. People can go out and get food, medicine,gas, ammo (which if you weren't already stocked) :( and items from Home Depot for safety and repairs. A friend just got back into town from traveling for work. I said he needed to take an inventory of everything he uses. laundry, personal care, household, staples etc. Go old school on Coffee and remember the filters. See where the holes are and fill them. I told him he needed to get a cooler and head out to the local markets and get what he could at each one. Not to be picky about brands. Also he needed to consider storage of leftovers. The saving grace for him is he is in a Critical Industry and will able to be out and about. Just be careful and don't abuse it. I'm replacing my screen doors with security doors. My contractor is doing that next weekend. Since my Husband and I are considered Seniors, right now there is no issue for work being done.

      The only real concern I have are Bad Actors, and some in the State, who are waiting in the wings here ready to misbehave. Some are totally lacking in Honor, and will view this as an opportunity to steal whatever they can.

      Everyone be safe, healthy and in God's Safekeeping. Red

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    4. Thank you so much for the update, Red...Glad to hear you are able to get the necessary stuff taken care of. I think you are spot on about the Bad Actors. I believe it will get worse before it gets any better. God help us all.

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  8. Hmm. There are times when I wish Justice could be meted out for such GROSS MISCONDUCT!
    https://townhall.com/tipsheet/katiepavlich/2020/03/20/the-world-health-org-covered-for-china-after-direct-warnings-of-wuhan-virus-spread-n2565366

    Red

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    1. Red...One has to wonder just how many deaths they will be responsible for when all is said and done. The aforementioned snake pit works for me.

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  9. Daughter laid off last Friday because virus scare slowed business down to a crawl. Will start Monday a night job six nights per week. Please ask God to give her stamina. She has Lyme disease so is compromised.
    I may have to go to my home state to care for daughter,s godmother who has had a rod installed where she broke her femur.
    Please pray for her, too so that recovery will be quick. Many thanks
    Deb j h

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    1. Deb~ Stay safe, healthy and trust that small voice. Improved health for your daughter and a safe recovery to the Godmother. Red

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    2. What Red said, deb...Prayers ongoing for you and yours.

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  10. Prayers sent up, Deb, for your family. And I also want to add that I truly appreciate everyone in Vicki's little community. It is very helpful to know that others care. Thank you All. Cw

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    1. We all help each other, CW...That's what it really is all about, isn't it.

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  11. Surreal is the word.
    It's silly I suppose, but am repeating the phrase: "Wash your hands and say your prayers 'cause Jesus and germs are everywhere" -- at least it helps me smile. God is not surprised by any of this and still in control. The hymn "It is Well" is a comfort.

    God bless us - everyone!

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    1. Jean...There is nothing silly about repeating words that bring peace and comfort and a smile. We can take all the precautions in the world, but in the end, God's got this. "It is Well With My Soul" is what truly matters. Thank you for the reminder.

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  12. Hi Vicki...I've been reading your blog for several years now...at first I began to think about what you were writing about prepping..Your blog started me thinking seriously about it...Sadly, I don't do canning, but over the last few years, as I shopped I always picked up "extras", things with long shelf life, I cooked soups and casseroles, I froze leftovers...You always helped me to keep "thinking ahead and be prepared"...I am a 76 yr. old widow, living alone but in a small rural town where people always watch out for each other...but just must say "Thank you, Vicki, so much"! Your blog writings enabled me to be prepared for this time right now...I am safe, secure and have plenty of food, other essentials and water for at least 2 months...if not for your blog, I never would have awakened and gotten to this point of safety....Thank you so much!

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    1. lynney62...Thank you so very much for your kind words. I am humbled. Sometimes my blog posts are just for fun, for even at times like these, we need a little humor to keep from going crazy. Other times, as you know, a rant will appear. But mostly, all I have ever wanted to do here was to let others know that even in circumstances like ours, we can get prepared for whatever life tosses at us. Not everyone is in a place where we can raise a huge garden or keep milk and meat animals. Not everyone is able to can food. But we can do exactly what you have done. You are miles ahead of those who will soon be wondering where their next meal will be coming from, and I applaud you and your efforts. Small towns are the very best, where folks know everyone and care about one another and I am so very glad you are in a place like that. Stay safe and keep well. And let us know from time to time how you are doing. After all, we are all in this together. God bless.

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  13. Tore apart my Country Living grain mill and cleaned it. We then took turns grinding white wheat into flour.It was not only exercise but the outcome was something edible in the next batch of bread. Received my last order of Red Mill today. They are out of stock on almost everything according to their site. Lord please let the grains grow even if planted late. Be kind with the weather so this planet can be fruitful. This will keep those who covet power at bay until You remind them that You are the One in charge. Red

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    1. I am echoing your prayer, Red...especially the part about keeping those who covet power at bay, although I seriously doubt they will ever figure out who is really in charge. I was surprised to see both sugar and flour on sale when the grocery sale ad came out today. There were only a couple of bags of each left a few days ago. I will be adding both to my upcoming grocery order. I took a look at the Red Mill website and they really are cleaned out, aren't they! I wonder if this is the 'new normal.'

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    2. https://www.janiesmill.com/

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