I want to reach out and say Hi and hear back about how everyone is doing. I really want to know how readers are faring in the midst of the pandemic.
There is such a wide variety of how the pandemic is affecting Americans. I’m blessed that so far Arizona is not overrun with Covid-19 cases, that my family and I seem well, that the kitties seem well, and that we have food and shelter and a sunny sky.
I might get to see my granddog Riley today or tomorrow if things go well and her Mom and Dad stay far enough away from me. Isn’t she cute in her University of Oklahoma jersey?
Riley’s big sister Isabella Rose is a proud Sooner, but not a proud Tshirt wearer.
There might be a shortage of soda, beer, and seltzer coming our way. I guess we can handle that. There is always wine and vodka. And I have a soda machine for my soda water.
But the stories I’ve heard that others are enduring upset me. It’s impossible to push aside their pain and not absorb it as my own. It’s also upsetting to see that the NYC subways are still packed with people who have to go to work that way. They don’t have the luxury of holing up in their apartments and waiting it out.
We all have different coping methods. Praying is always a good one. So is self-care, like meditation, yoga, essential oils, healthy food, and kitty love. Or doggie love.
I like to keep my sense of humor as much as I can because it really does help. It boosts the immune system. But sometimes my sense of humor fails me.
We focus on the mundane tasks, as well as the tasks we have to learn to do ourselves.
On Saturday I used the hair color kit my stylist made for me and covered my roots. Well, most of my roots. Or if not most, enough . . . because I have nowhere to go anyway. My hair is very very resistant to color. It always has been. Therefore, it takes superwoman efforts to cover the gray. Over time, stylists have figured out that my hair has to be covered twice, with cap and dryer each time. Trying to just keep the color on longer and only doing it once does not work. Nobody can figure out why my hair is like this. It might be hormonal, but in what way? Anyway, I don’t have a dryer, so couldn’t do that part. And after I colored it once and showered to remove the Redken, I figured, screw it–this is good enough for now. So there are some patches of gray left. Who cares?
I had considered buying a box at Walgreens, but my daughter and daughter-in-law were horrified that I would ruin my hair. I guess they would have been shocked at the grad school years when the gardener used to color my hair with a box of Clairol. His method was not the “comb and part neatly” one used by stylists. His method was a chaotic attack from all angles that tangled my hair beyond combing. If I survived that, I can survive these gray patches.
Lots of my friends have gone gray, either over time or suddenly when they stopped coloring their hair within the last few years. But I doubt I will do so as I’m not fond of how pasty I look with “ash tones.”
Yesterday I did a supermarket pickup. They have it streamlined so I don’t have to sign anything and the employees are not allowed to accept tips. The young man put the bags in the back of my vehicle, and I just sat in my car. Of course, when I got home I exhausted myself sanitizing everything. I had ordered 3 kinds of jelly beans in the hopes that there would be at least one bag for the gardener (I hate jelly beans, by the way). He was not in luck. But I did score a big bag of russet potatoes, so I have real potatoes for the first time since before we went to Costa Rica mid-March. Last night I made latkes!!!
One smaller thing that has been weighing on my mind in the midst of all the big worries is my daughter’s wedding. She has it planned for March 2021 here in Phoenix. She’s continuing to plan it. The guest list will be about 95% out-of-towners, from New Jersey, New York, California, etc. I think one of the reasons this stresses me so much is that it forces us to look eleven months ahead and predict the relationship we will have with the virus at that point.
On another note, writing is a good focus for me, but I have not been able to do too much writing. Happily, I’ve had a lot of publications coming out this spring. Still at least four more journals before summer. I guess this year publications, rather than new poems, are my contributions to National Poetry Month.
So tell me about you.
For me, the last week has been just awful. The mother of one of my closest friends died from COVID, and her father has tested positive. The mother of another of my closest friends is in the hospital and is predicted to die of COVID sooner or later. These are all elderly people living in assisted living. I fear for my mother, but so far there are no reported cases at her facility.
That doesn’t even count all the other people who have died in our community—all elderly, all in facilities. It’s horrifying.
We continue to feel fine as do our kids and grandsons and our peers, and that is comforting. But overall, all the modes of coping I’ve used—walks, yoga, genealogy, Zoom sessions—are no longer working. I live in a small town away from any major cities, and I am fearful for my life and those I love. I can’t think beyond tomorrow, let alone a year from now.
Stay healthy and stay home, Luanne!
Amy, I just looked on here and saw the message I wrote first thing this morning from my phone did not appear. I am so sorry about the losses around you and the worry over your mother. When I wrote above about the pain, one of the people I was referring to is our fellow WordPress blogger Merril Smith, historian and poet, who first lost her cat to illness this week and then her mother to Covid-related complications. It’s all so horrifying. We are not in the midst of it all here in Arizona as those of you back east are. It is so hard to see beyond this. All so unknown and so much of it seems terrifying. Sending hugs, and I hope some sunshine, from Arizona. XOXO
Thanks, Luanne. My friend whose mom is in the hospital also has a dog whose time has come, but she can’t bear to put her down at this time. (The dog is old and really not having any quality of life.) So my heart breaks for her.
No clue why AZ is not yet affected, but be grateful for it. It wasn’t really affecting anyone here until two weeks ago, and then—wham—21 people died in one nursing, another 20 in another, and then it hit the people I’ve mentioned. We are doing all we can to stay safe, but it’s getting very hard to bear. Be smart and stay away from EVERYONE. xoxo
The pet situation has been pretty distressing lately, too, for so many. I think people are a bit reluctant to take them in, and then when they do, they can’t be with their animals. Just not the same kind of care, you know?
xoxo
I found my first message. The other thing I wanted to say: Arizona is not all that affected yet, but is that because it hasn’t moved toward us yet or is it because California and other western states have some herd immunity that we don’t even know? Or is it another factor? I wish I had helpful words but of course words can’t turn around what’s happening. The main thing is you and Harvey stay safe for yourselves, your kids, and your grandkids.
Living in a small town has its pluses, only a handful of confirmed cases, but the downside is a nonchalance about the pandemic. I see LOTS of people driving by, walking by, cycling by. I haven’t been in a store since March 19th. The hubs wears a painter coverall, gloves, mask when shopping for us. I call him the White Knight. He says he is the only one he sees making this much effort. Rarely does he even see masks on people. The school district is making noises about reopening. As a teacher this makes me uneasy as my system is weakened from bronchitis. Now I read how thousands of people gather to protest continued stay at home orders—no masks at all. Hubris, stupidity, selfishness—is this the what the world’s leading nation offers as an example to other countries? Pass the jellybeans over (actually make that chocolate covered almonds). Thank you for asking, and hope you and yours stay safe and well.
I can just imagine what he looks like! Isn’t it annoying to see others so carefree?! It’s the same here in Phoenix. Still lots of cars on the road. I haven’t been in a grocery store since before we went to Costa Rica, so mid February. My daughter went a couple times for us. Then we got scared about her going in there and now do curbside pickups only. When I went yesterday two women in their late 30s power walked past the supermarket shoulder to shoulder. My guess is they live in separate households. Very few people wear masks. I don’t know what to think. As we move into phase one today I am fearful of the outcome. If I had chocolate covered almonds, I would share with you as they sound so good. Luckily, I still have some M&Ms left! Keep staying safe, Pam!
The upside of not going shopping is that I am snacking less. Ironically I have gained weight. Stress creates cortisol and cortisol creates weight gain—so I hear.
I finally weighed myself. I have not lost or gained an ounce, although I used to eat too much restaurant food. Ugh, I was hoping I lost a couple pounds. Must be the cortisol.
Thankful to be able to continue with physical therapy after early February surgery. Therapists are wearing face shields and working only 4 days a week, most have been deployed to hospitals. Here in Iowa we don’t know anyone with the virus. Negotiations afoot to have “Leora’s Letters” made into an audiobook. They want me to do the Prologue and Epilogue, with this old-lady voice! Thinking on it.
I’m glad you’re going to get the PT you need, Joy! We don’t know anyone in Arizona either. I know someone whose MIL was sick in the hospital, they suspected her of Covid, so sent her to the Covid floor, then she tested negative and they got her out of that floor! Can you imagine?! Ugh. But in general, we are doing well and moving to phase 1, I think today. Are you moving to phase 1?
About the audiobook: congratulations!!!! I love that idea. Interesting about the prologue and epilogue in your voice. I am thinking I really like that idea. Has your voice changed a lot over the years? I still sound young to people on the phone, but I would rather my face looked young and my voice age! haha I think having you read those parts will really add character to the finished product. Is a female actor going to read the rest?
How exciting to hear about the audiobook, Joy. I do hope you’ll do the reading.
I am very close to the epicenter and one of the states with most cases. I’ve been doing good. I miss my old life but I’ve tried to hang on to a few (very few) routines. I can still get a Starbucks but now there is a 20 minute wait in the drive-through. That and grocery shopping are all I do. As an introvert, I’ve been surprised at how much I miss people contact. I’m fortunate that my husband and I get along so well. I’ve had a sick cat and you know what a worry that is. Vets are open but I can’t go in. They “fetch” the cat from the car and then we talk on the phone. Not my favorite way of comforting a scared cat. My step son lives in Colorado but last year bought a house in Arizona for investment. He decided to live down there until this is over as the virus is less active than in CO. Hang in there and stay safe.
Kate, I’m so sorry about the kitty. Which one is it and what’s going on? Will your vet do what you ask in terms of how to hold/shelter/handle your cat? Interesting about stepson. I was a little worried that people would do that and bring the virus here, but it doesn’t look like we had an issue with that after all. But with phase 1, will things get worse here? I am leery of it, of course. Did you notice that people tended to give this a month and then even the introverts started to get a little loopy from being locked in without people. As for me, I might never be fit for society again. Hugs for the kitty and you and stay safe!
I’ll need a course of friendship rehab after this for sure! Mollie has been diagnosed with esophageal dysfunction last September. She was doing well but it flared 2 weeks ago so she is getting an endoscopy tomorrow. As I created a timeline for the vet (a specialist we’ve never seen before) I realized both times she got really ill were 5 days after she was put on daily prednisolone which then got stopped. I don’t think it created the problem but it may have aggravated it. We’ll see what they say. The ultrasound last October showed very healthy organs but you can’t see the esophagus. This was the next step. I was reluctant because it requires anesthesia and she’s 16. Fingers crossed.
Yes, I remember this and with all the Covid news going on constantly had forgotten that this would still be an ongoing problem. Poor girl. I will keep her in my prayers, if you don’t mind. And, yes, fingers crossed. I’m so sorry you and she are going through this.
I’m hopeful by tomorrow at this time we’ll have some answers.
Kate, how is it going? do you have any news?
Yes, my Friday post has details. She’s diabetic. I’ve started her on insulin and she’s doing better although her numbers are still high. I have two other meds for her esophagus issue but I want to get the diabetes under control first. too many meds and you don’t know what’s working and what isn’t.
I just went over and looked to see if you wrote about it. Good grief. What a mess. Did she have the scope or not? And why didn’t they catch the diabetes before?
No, they said she was too old (age 16) and they are probably right. When I took her in I had 6 month old blood work (which was good) but they wanted something more recent. Her blood glucose was over 400. I don’t know how that happened. She wasn’t diabetic in September. Not anywhere near it.
Wow, that is dramatic. 😿They probably are right about her age.
I struggled with it for 6 months but it’s the only way to tell if there was a cancerous growth there. I’m going with it’s probably heartburn and oh yeah diabetes.
We had to take the dog in for her rabies shot at the beginning of April. Here in Arizona at least at our vet’s office my husband was allowed in. That fact surprised us as our oldest is going to veterinary school and has told us how most vets are making parents wait in their cars to the frustration of vet techs as they complain they know animals not makes and models of cars. I hear many are having a difficult time returning pets.
I’m in Phoenix. Where in Arizona are you? At first our vet let someone come in, but a couple of weeks ago they changed to just picking up the animal from the car at curbside. I have been lucky and haven’t needed to use them, although last night my 16 year old cat had a change of personality and went on a wild zoomie rampage and then was limping because she forgot she was 16 and hurt her leg. Fingers crossed.
Phoenix West Valley out in Avondale
Oh ok, almost neighbors haha. Just 30-40 miles! We’re in by Scottsdale.
Here it is a state thing. All the vets including the emergency ones are doing it. Very frustrating. When she was really ill two weeks ago I feared I’d have to let her go. The thought of handing her over and not being with her was very upsetting.
In addition to what I posted elsewhere, I’m also sorry you’re going through this NOW of all times.
I know the timing was really bad. New vet, scary place, all the wrong stuff.
Poor dear sweetheart.
Tough times for everyone and especially tough for those with sick relatives and friends.Everything is different and I don’t think things will ever be the same after this is over. It will be a new normal.
BTW Riley is a real cutie and Isabella is very patient to tolerate the T-shirt.
Riley is so cute. She’s half chihuahua (her size) and half several kinds of Shepherd. I think I get to see her today!!!! They are bringing her over to run in our grass patch! Izzie will probably pout for a few days!
I am worried that this chaos is going to go on in one way or another for another year or two. And terrorize us seniors and those with serious health issues.
I’m doing well. Overall not much has changed in my world as I rarely ventured far from home anyway. I have never colored my hair, and don’t plan on starting now. However I was adventurous and let my oldest cut my hair Saturday. Let’s just say I’m going to have an awkward phase for awhile but it does feel good not to have a ragged mop on the top of my head.
Haha, are you sharing photos of the hair experiment?! I understand. I am getting a scissors ready for my bangs! You are lucky not to deal with color. I’ve colored mine since I was 26 and the gray started coming in. Once my hair was accidentally “ashified” so I saw what I would look like with gray/white hair. Not a good look. Speaking of ragged mops, my son sent me a photo of what his particular hair cut looks like growing out. Pretty funny and very hard to describe. Stay safe!!!
There are pictures of it on my Facebook nothing on my blog yet. I told my Dad about it and he said, you know the difference between a good and bad haircut? About a week.
Haha, I love your dad’s sense of humor!!!
I have relatives who believe the stay-at-home orders are a form of tyranny. They think because they have relatively few cases of covid-19 in their state, that they should be able to move about freely. Face-palm. The fact that the elderly are so hard hit by the virus doesn’t seem to concern them. “Well, they’re going to die of something anyway.” I had to block one relative on FB because she was public about her attitude … and she’s in our age group and her husband has MS … go figure. I just don’t have time for stupid and reckless.
My heart breaks for Merril.
My mom is stuck in St. Petersburg, FL for now, living with my oldest sister. So far, so good, but everyone is antsy about when Mom can get back to NY. Usually one of my NY cousins escorts her on the flights, but I don’t think he’s going to want to come to Florida and self-quarantine for two weeks before he can even think of picking up my Mom. I keep telling everyone she usually doesn’t come home until May and it’s still April. And one year she didn’t go back to NY until June … so just sit tight and wait. Mom is fairly content where she is. She’s 96 and knows she’s going to die someday but I think she would prefer not to die from a virus. I know I would prefer that she stay safe and well for as long as possible.
Thank you for letting me rant (not that you had a choice ;)). Other than all this, we–my husband, me, the cats–are fine. We limit how much we go out and then, if in public, we pull out the face masks. I’m grateful I can work at home although, if it weren’t for deadlines, I’d be taking some time off. With my job, COVID-19 is always in the background, sometimes in the foreground. I have an underlying sense of anxiety due to my job that I’m constantly mindful of. I try to mitigate it with yoga and walks. I try. You stay safe and well! <3
Marie, I’m sorry I didn’t respond here before. I read your comment and was thinking of responses in my head as though we were talking in person but then didn’t write anything down. Think the pandemic is getting into my head. It sounds like you’re doing a good job taking care of yourself. I know your job is so closely related to the pandemic. Please stay safe in every way.
No worries about responding, Luanne. I’m totally out of sync with blogging and reading (although I’m not sure I’m fully in sync before 😉 ). Florida’s decision to take “baby steps” to reopening some businesses has only increased anxiety and apprehension, at least for me. We’re still getting hundreds of new cases every day so how is it that Florida is ready??
I have no idea. I actually think we could have some more stores open and just require them to: 1. all employees wear masks
2. all customers wear masks
3. limit # of customers inside or appt only
4. social distancing guidelines inside
5. anybody who doesn’t follow them gets fined
Then lots of places could be open, but still I think salons, restaurants, etc. should stay closed.
There is no consistency at all, and that is scary to me.
Our local co-op requires that all staff and customers wear face masks. They’ve made their aisles one way and they put up plastic sheeting at the cash registers. And it all works. It’s well-stocked with produce and other foods (I forgot to check for TP 😉 ). People were mindful of personal space, and it seemed like business as usual … except everyone adhered to safe practices. It’s not that hard. I really regret that Florida’s governor doesn’t require people to wear face masks in public. He’s such a a sycophant.
Yeah, the governors all need to set up exact rules like that for the businesses and it would work fine.
Agreed. Consistency is what we need, not chaos and confusion.
Yes, exactly.
How in the world did you get Isabella into that t-shirt? Years ago, I tried to put a collar with a bell on my cat and I thought I’d have to peel her off the ceiling. She totally freaked out! It took ten minutes to catch her after she tore around the house like a complete lunatic and then finally crawled up my bed. I felt horrible. As for the virus, I do think it’s a tough call to make, and I feel for the governors. I’m blessed to be able to work from home and still receive a paycheck. I have plenty of money in reserves, so I’m not living paycheck to paycheck. If I was one of those millions of people who’d lost their job or owned a business that had been in my family for generations, I can’t say if I were in a state, with a low number of cases, that I wouldn’t strap on a mask, keep my distance from strangers, stay away from the elderly, wash my hands and go back to work.
LOL, my daughter put her in the shirt! Oh, cats hate those bells and who can blame them? who wants to hear a tinkling bell every second, even when you adjust yourself in your sleep haha?
I know what you mean about the dilemma. There is no good answer to anything. I do know (believe) that opening up salons and spas in Georgia was just dumb. Those are the last places, along with air travel, that should be back to a new normal. But a huge number of businesses are just dying on the vine at this point. Awful, all of it.
And the gyms! Total germfest!
Eewwww.
Compared to you I have nothing. Just the same old blogging and sending out queries to agents. Talk about feeling like wasted work. My wife gave up on hair color a couple of years ago and her hair is beautiful. Sort of a gunmetal grey with highlights. Anyway still taking care of ourselves. Stay well and healthy.
Oh, that sounds pretty. I love that shade, but I sure don’t have it under the color hahaha. Someday I will have the fuzzy white stuff, but for now it’s fuzzy brownish blonde. Good luck with the queries, John! I wonder how the agents are handling things right now. Have you heard through the grapevine if it’s a good time because they are home or a bad time because they can’t focus/worry about business, etc.?
I have not heard. If I know anything about agents no time is a good time. 😁 Stay well.
🤣🤣🤣 you are probably right!
😁
Oh, that sounds pretty. I love that shade, but I sure don’t have it under the color hahaha. Someday I will have the fuzzy white stuff, but for now it’s fuzzy brownish blonde. Good luck with the queries, John! I wonder how the agents are handling things right now. Have you heard through the grapevine if it’s a good time because they are home or a bad time because they can’t focus/worry about business, etc.?
Oh, that sounds pretty. I love that shade, but I sure don’t have it under the color hahaha. Someday I will have the fuzzy white stuff, but for now it’s fuzzy brownish blonde. Good luck with the queries, John! I wonder how the agents are handling things right now. Have you heard through the grapevine if it’s a good time because they are home or a bad time because they can’t focus/worry about business, etc.?
It seems that many people in our county have the virus, and four of my relatives have survived it. One of them actually thinks he had it back in January, catching it from his son, a teacher. They both had to visit the ER a couple of times and were given steroids as well as other medications. Another cousin had been in Las Vegas, and another on a cruise. A couple of friends had been on a cruise and after getting home, came down with it a couple of days later, which was back in late February before we were all on voluntary quarantine orders.
We are very pleasantly occupied at home. We have morning prayers, exercise, then work on household projects, write, read, and watch things on Amazon and Netflix. Thankful for them both! However, going out is extremely demanding and stressful. Masks, gloves, wipes in each hand. We try to get everything we will need so that we don’t have to go out too often. Once home, we put everything on a large sheet in the garage, wipe it all down, then we take off our own clothes while still in the garage and put them immediately into the washer, then take showers. Then we put everything away. Whew! It uses up all our energy for the day.
We had planned to travel for our 40th wedding anniversary, but no. Our plan was to go to Scotland to stay with relatives, then hop over to France. Once back home, get a couple of rescue dogs. So we are now considering when is the best time to get the dogs. Now? Will the virus die out and we can still travel? Unanswered questions for now.
Wishing you and your blog readers health and safety!
Carla, I’m sorry it took me so long to comment here. This was a wonderful update. Are your relatives all recovered now? The one who got it in January–where does he live? I was really sick at the end of December with the strangest illness–the gardener and I both–and it was after we got back from California. I keep wondering . . . .
When is your anniversary? Happy anniversary :)!!! We LOVED Scotland. So cool that there are relatives there. Are they Dave’s relatives?
Rescue dogs!!!! Yay!!! Plural, wow! That would be so wonderful. You two would enjoy it so much. Actually now is a good time because they can acclimate while you can’t travel anyway.
Thank you for this news, Carla. Wishing you health and safety, too. And lots of love!!!!
No problem, Luanne! I remember when you were sick a few months ago. I have been reading articles about the fact that family pets can get the virus and pass it along, so we will forego getting dogs for the time being, but we are eager. Our anniversary is not until July, and we hope things will improve by then. Yes, Dave’s relatives are in Edinburgh. We are still following the stay-at-home mandates, and it makes me nervous that people are going out and about more often as I fear a surge in cases and more exposure for everyone else. We’ll see what happens. Sending love to you too!
Here in the Live Free or Die state, the liquor stores and gun shops were deemed essential when the state went into lock-down several weeks ago. The gun shops immediately sold out. Who or what these people think they’re going to shoot, I do not know. The virus is now in several nursing homes, with the resulting deaths, as the cases continue to rise. I’m just taking it one day at a time.
Oh, that is so disturbing about the nursing homes. Is it getting any better, Liz? My mom’s retirement community sent them a letter today, and I get a copy of it. The theme was that even as communities go through phases of opening up, they will NOT be opening up. I think they are probably worried about lawsuits. That is what seems to motivate 75% of people today . . . . . That and the liquor and gun stores haha.
The situation hasn’t improved in the nursing homes yet, but I don’t think it’s getting worse. They have very strict measures in place now.
My mother is in a separate home in a retirement community but they are going to continue their lockdown.
Very wise.
After three weeks of doing very little — eerie mourning, I’ll call it — I again felt purposeful and joined others in SW Michigan making medimasks for healthcare workers and individuals. My little Singer has never been so busy. I feel connected to them all. I feel connected to my cousin’s daughter who wears a mask to buy my groceries, and my nephew’s daughter, a PA grateful to get masks in Detroit. I feel connected to my M.D. niece who doesn’t need a mask and suggested I take Bradley’s Kina Tonic. And my M.D. daughter, who wears the first facemask I made. And the nurse at Plainwell Pines, who when I delivered 24 there, said, “God bless you. The one I’ve been wearing’s so stained.” The **one,** Luanne. As you know, I’m no saint. It’s just a way of connecting with people doing their best in difficult times.
You can’t imagine how proud I am of you for being such a hero with a Singer. Thank you so much for doing all this work for so many–including my mother!!!! You are so kind. She said she started your class yesterday and it made her feel so much better, like being part of a community and not so all alone. Thank you for that, too! xo
Things aren’t too bad here. I know one person who had Covid in February and survived. Not to many cases and no deaths in our county. We miss activities with friends, but have plenty to do at home. All the mention of pets reminded me I needed to start the dogs’ heart worm meds. I accidentally bought twice last year, so I didn’t have to go to the vet this year (musta been psychic). I’ve finally gotten better from the post-surgical complications, though it has taken some adjusting to my normal habits. Maybe now I can focus on something other than my health.
Isn’t it amazing that you bought the meds twice last year! hah meant to be. (not really) Sounds like things are not too bad by you. Same here for now.
Riley is ridiculous cute 😀
It’s not good here. Over 500 deaths in the state. Lots of people have been sick. Since we’re all presumptive, we only worry about infecting other people, and don’t have to detox our goods from the shops.
I colored my hair from a box for years and years. I lived next door to a cosmetologist for 3 years and she did all our hair for a song. When we moved, I couldn’t imagine taking time to go do that. That’s hours away from my kids, needed a sitter, too much work. I remember my MIL making me an appointment to get my hair cut at her salon before I delivered Moo — I felt like I was having an out of body experience. I hated the stylist and I wasn’t thrilled about the cut. I don’t think she understood curls. I trimmed it myself for years and years after that. Finally, in Georgia, I had a good run with cut and color and neighbor mommies who would barter childcare 🙂 Then back to the box and self trims here. Until, I met a new stylist, the mother of my daughter’s bestie, and she comes here to do our hair and I love her. I can’t do the gray yet, either. We talked about that. We pasty ladies maybe need a lil more light thrown on our faces. That is peculiar about your hair not taking one turn, but then, we all have our things.
There’s madness on the tv and it shows up in blips everywhere and it sometimes gets to me. Deep thought stuffs, everything from your Camus read to Rome to Stephen King’s The Stand and every bit of crazy that ever pops into my head. Worry worry worry. These are terrible times.
Very nice you made latkes 😛
I’ve thought about you a lot in all this. The presumptive case, for just one thing. One lil ole thing. Will you be trying to get an antibody test? SOOO glad you are ok.
You are one of the few people who understands me about the pasty thing. People act like that’s a small going-on, but it’s not. Why not throw some color on your face if it likes it? And, yes, my hair is peculiar. No stylist that has heard about it has ever seen the like. that’s ok, it goes along with my weird health stuff.
Guess what? I made latkes again?! And tonight I made a hashbrown casserole with these little baked eggs on top. I am having a potato fiesta!!!!!
Stay well now!!!!!!
Pretty and I are also hanging in, Luanne, but I have different hair issues. For me, not being able to get a haircut has been maddening. As much as you don’t like gray hair, I don’t like tons of hair on my head, so I have now cut my hair twice since I’ve been at home. I can’t reach behind me, so Pretty has cut the back of my hair once and needs to do it again soon. The first time I cut it I seemed to do a good job, but this second time has been a disaster. Pretty gave me a very strange look when she saw it.
So if our hair is one of our biggest problems, we should be able to survive.
P.S. Riley does look adorable!!
LOL, yes, if our hair is the only thing annoying us, we should be ok! My hair is ok now. I cut the bangs myself. Riley is just a great puppy. She came over with her mom and dad on Monday afternoon! They are training her. Well, the fiance is doing a better job as my daughter is a little too soft with her. They went swimming in our pool, but Riley wasn’t having any of that. As soon as they put her in, she would fly out of there.
That’s part terrier for sure – they hate the water! Love the land!!
I told my daughter this! You have a lot of dog info 🙂! What about Riley’s shepherd side? They like pastures? Haha
No they like to run away!!
Oh no!!!! I will tell them to watch out for that! Riley doesn’t get much chance. She lives in a 3rd floor condo, goes for walks on a leash, and then once in a blue moon comes over here to run around the yard.
Well, she should be totally safe – will have to wander in her imagination!! 🙂
Oh no!!!! I will tell them to watch out for that! Riley doesn’t get much chance. She lives in a 3rd floor condo, goes for walks on a leash, and then once in a blue moon comes over here to run around the yard.
I’m glad you are well. As for me, I’m eating more tuna than usual as the little humans won’t leave and I have NO privacy so I’m eating more out of stress. My cousin, who lives at Koneko cat cafe in NYC says they need donations to stay afloat so I am sending him money and prayers. I worry about the homeless felines out there with no bypassers to feed them. The world is crazy and I just want it back to normal. I need a tuna treat. Later.
I hope you are getting all the tuna that you want. But you are right, we do need to keep the other cats in mind. What is happening with them? We just don’t know! Although I see in Facebook groups that some of the cats being found on the streets are in worse shape (maybe more fighting or illness) than usual. And dogs being abandoned. The good news is that cats and dogs are flying out of our shelter right now! We are not keeping very many at the shelter because the volunteers can’t go in and there isn’t enough staff to handle too many, but as soon as a new batch is brought in and then “released” as adoptable (all fixed up), people come in and adopt within days, for the most part. Keep your human safe and you stay safe, too, dear.
You are an angel. Stay safe as well. I will keep all the animals in my prayers.
Me too!!!!!
I’m pleased you are doing well, Luanne. I am lucky – my roots are the same colour as the rest of my hair. Jackie had got in 7 Easter eggs which we haven’t touched. She also bought a selection of chocolate biscuit bars for Aaron but since he has been social distancing king he hasn’t accepted his usual refreshments – The Had Gardener is working her way through them.
We are fine
Haha, you are so lucky, Derrick! With sweets and chocolates we are all doing pretty well! M&Ms forever!
Love Riley and Isabella and their clothing styles. What good sports they are! I appreciate the update, too. It’s good to see how others are doing during this time. I sat down to write this morning because I woke up with the voice of the muse whispering in my ear. So, I’ve written a tiny bit today. I’m working on an essay for an anthology, but right now it’s mostly bits and pieces, flotsam and jetsam. Not much different from my everyday writing to be honest. Glad you got those potatoes! I’ve been worried about how I would mail them to you;)
I agree 100% about the humor. It does strengthen the immune system. I try not to get angry with things I can’t control, but sometimes I have to let some steam out usually on facebook, as you may have noticed hahaha! But I don’t rant and I try not to say the f-word unless I’m really, really, really fed up. I have roots, too. Mine are mostly brown with a few strings of grey intertwined. I can’t complain about that, though. I should probably work on brushing my hair first. I think my pigtails might transform into dreadlocks pretty soon. Baby steps… 🙂
I love your use of the f-bomb. It’s very needed at times. And these are definitely those times!!!! So glad you are doing some writing!!! I am looking at my publications since Kin Types, wondering if I should start putting another book together. I am find some words that pop up repeatedly: heart, wing, light, sky, stuff like that.
Speaking of potatoes, I am eating them almost every day hahaha. My comfort food.
Tomorrow I need to cook with something else. Even I am getting sick of them (just for now).
Stay safe and stay cool hahaha.
😂🤬😘
Hey Luanne! Glad to see you’re ok. Here John & I are fine, even though it’s starting to feel cabin feverish! We go out for little walks. He does the grocery shopping with mask & gloves. I just do the short walks. I’m never ever bored, so much to read, post, comment, watch (great TV) etc. etc. Plus lots of Annie-petting on my lap. The days fly by. I miss SHOPPING, even going food shopping, you know? But so happy to avoid this scourge.
Quebec is very hard hit, the worst province in Canada for infections and deaths. Partly due to the large number of nursing homes and elderly. VERY bad situation there. One home had 31 deaths in a very short time, residents and staff!!! Lack of enough PPE. Staff quitting cuz sick or scared. Now the premier has sent in trained military people to take up the slack, plus ‘retired’ nurses etc. etc. Hospitals are okay, tho they were extremely backed up a few weeks ago.
I spit in COVID’s eye by ordering 3 (!) tops from one of those Chinese places, online, you see their ads all the time, especially on Instagram! Taking a chance, but I’m just desperate for something NEW. Y’know? And… purty. 😀 Thankful to be well though!!!
My daughter Kathryn has, would you believe, strep throat! She got antibiotic med today. She had a virtual doctor visit with her doc, Kath shone a light down her own throat while holding the phone video up to her face, and the doc could see inflamed tonsils with white streaks!! Diagnosis strep – not Covid-related. (Besides which, Kathryn hasn’t been out since March 15 – like the rest of us!
That’s it for now! Stay well!! xoxox
Good to hear you are well, Luanne.
I hope you are well, Jennie! Such a trying time!
I am well. Yes, it is a really trying time.
I’ve not dyed my hair in years, I just leave it grey/white and at the back, its original dark brown (with some white). The last time I had my hair dyed, I got a rash from the new dye that was used and that put me off having it done professionally, and afterwards I used a few impermanent ones that stained my pillow at night! So… nothing now!
We’re okay (so far), healthwise – no covid, thankfully. And I try to avoid the news as much as I can to try to retain what sanity I have. Our lockdown is still going on, and we’re getting deliveries of most of the things we need.
The world is in terrible state at the moment, I hope it will get back to some semblance of normal soon, but I doubt if the eventual ‘normal’ will be anything like it was before. Somehow, though, I think the world may end up being a better place, particularly because of how much better most people are now being with each other: increased kindness and it goes such a long way.
Hugs, hope you stay well. x
For my family things are still fairly positive Luanne. We don’t know anyone who’s had the virus, we’re working from home and making sure my elderly mother in law stays shielded. There are still queues for supermarkets and some shortages – we can get toilet paper and long life milk now, but the shelves are empty of flour and pasta. There was a rush on soda here at one point I think because people were drinking more! This week I heard someone in my organisation had died from the virus – I didn’t know him, but that is the closest to home it has come so far. Stay well!
Luanne,
I’m glad you are doing well. My husband and I are fine, as is the rest of our family. I have a lot to be grateful for — including that I’m not going gray! (My mother and grandmother didn’t go gray either . . . they just got Alzheimer’s. I think I’d rather have the gray.)
I couldn’t buy Diet Coke cans on my last trip to the grocery, but they still had bottles, so I can make do. Life these days is all about making do. So far, so good.
Theresa
I want to read all the comments but then I’d never get one written. I’ve only read halfway down so far. There is a lot here. My son lives in Show Low and he was worried that snow birds would be on their way up and bring more of the virus with them but I’m thinking the heat and the sun you have slows it down. The virus seems to like cold and wet like here in the PNW. I have a good friend in assisted living in Phoenix and she is having a hard time with this shutdown and not seeing ANYONE.
I cope by walking a couple of miles up hill and back down at least 5 days a week even if it’s raining a little. The rest of the time, I will quilt, read blogs, write my morning pages and night time journal as well as my gratitude journal.(one line only). I have probably gained 10 pounds because every trip to the grocery store involves getting goodies to eat or bake. Used up all the leftover marshmallows from Christmas time. Today will be more weed pulling as soon as the ground dries enough to kneel on it.
As for hair color, I can’t tell you how many women I have talked into going natural. Even my mother. It softened her appearance so much she found it easier to make new friends. She became more ‘approachable’ without the harsh look. When your hair grays, so do your eyes and skin. Coloring the hair puts you out of balance and harmony. Soften the colors you wear just a bit and the gray will not be the first thing anyone notices. I’ve had quite a bit of training on this subject. Now I need to work on my own daughter who has stopped coloring her hair since working from home. Does she listen to her mother?? ;( It’s hard when you are gray younger and still working.
The dog and cat are cute with their shirts on but the cat looks like she’s plotting against whoever did this to her. Someone will pay. 😉 It’s time to get outside and work now. Walk is done and so is breakfast. I need to live to be 108 to get everything on my list done so I’m keeping my distance but visiting my neighbors as I walk. They talk to me from the other side of the street or their porches. I do masks and gloves on the few occasions I go to the grocery store. My daughter does most of the shopping. Hang in there, it’s going to be over soon, I hope.
I keep staring at this box of hair color I ordered wondering if I will ever have the courage to try it out, even though, like you, I have used Clairol in my distant past. I’m grateful things have calmed down enough in our house to give me the time to worry about hair color, and I look forward to the boredom others have reported. 🙂
Can you ask your stylist for a kit she puts together? You could pick it up from her porch or something if she can order it online. Or maybe just give you the info so you can order it online–and directions. Haha re the boredom. I will never have that, I am quite sure. Sadly for you, some of your nonboredom has been because of your husband’s surgery and troubles afterward. I hope he’s doing great by now.
He is doing great, thank you. Walking down the street outside (the middle of the street because, you know, it’s empty)
Wonderful to hear!
I haven’t gone insane. I have been utilizing my free days since last couple days. I started learning programming, painting, and trying new genre of music, and not to forget…… created my blog today! yay!!
I am glad you are still sane! You are being so productive, which is a wonderful way to keep sane, isn’t it?! And CONGRATS on the new blog! Yay is right! I will go check it out.
Oh, Luanne. Let your hair grow out. You will be so surprised at how beautiful it is. I wear my hair long so it took me about four years to get it fully grown out. I have never regretted it and I get compliments all the time (back when I could go out and mix with friends!). The coloring upkeep is so intense. This is a great time to experiment. If you don’t like it – well you can go back to coloring. But if your experience is anything like mine, you will revel in the convenience and beauty of the new you.
I can tell from your pic that you look cute with your hair! I would not look good haha. But for now while I am not seeing anybody I really don’t care what my hair looks like haha! Thank you for your insights!