I might have heard on the news (I often leave the T.V. on and don't watch it) that British Columbia might have reached it's peak with the virus. If so, that's great news and would allow us to see light at the end of the tunnel. It will happen sooner or later so why not sooner?
I love my apartment but the heat is kept on way too high in the winter. I have a brand new thermostat that is supposed to let me control the temperature but it doesn't work at all and I think the wiring in this old building is the reason. I get by with keeping windows and patio door open but it hurts my conscience that I'm wasting energy. I met one of the elderly tenants in the lobby one day who was complaining her apartment wasn't warm enough so I don't think complaining about mine to the superintendant would have any effect.
I got a nice refund from my park in Florida which I'm frittering away with home delivery of many of my meals. I'm very lucky to have that money as a reserve for emergencies like this. As soon as I'm able to go outside, I plan to go for a nice long drive and get my major meal of the day at a drive-through restaurant myself, though. Shelley has convinced me I should stay out of grocery stores for another month and that's okay with Kim and Cindy who have been buying my groceries for me. Once my quantine is over, I can have them buy my groceries but I can drive to their homes and pick them up instead of having them delivered to my place. Win, win both ways!
Kim has been laid off and will only work on a call in basis so she'll be the one I bother to grocery shop for me. Cindy is still lucky enough to be working full time. Shelley is also working full time but can work half of each day at home. I'm old and retired so I can stay at home all day and only worry that the government might run out of money when it comes time for it to deposit my pension money in my bank account. I doubt very much this will happen but I bet we won't get any increases for years to come.
I've continued to post flower photos on Facebook every day and it's amazing how that lifts my spirits. It makes me feel as though there is some kind of power in our universe that provided this beauty for us to enjoy. Not religious yet but still hopeful someone or something out there cares about us.
Monday, March 30, 2020
Sunday, March 29, 2020
Quarantine Day 10
Okay...coronavirus stats for yesterday and today:
As of Saturday, March 28...U.S....117000 cases & 2000 deaths
" " Sunday, March 29................124,000 cases & 2200 deaths
As of Saturday, March 28...Canada..5500 cases & 60 deaths
" " Sunday, March 29......................5600 cases & 61 deaths
On one hand we have a prime minister in Canada (who I don't like) who has taken the right steps to protect the country. On the other hand, in the U.S., they have a president with his head in the sand who is claiming to have the virus under control and telling his flock that they'll be able to fill the churches with parishioners and prayer on Easter Sunday...2 weeks from now!
The United States is now the epicenter of the virus and, unless they get it under control, the whole damn world isn't safe.
Trump and his people have blamed the press for distorting the seriousness of the situation, calling it "fake news". I can only be grateful for the press coverage because we would never know how dangerous the virus is if we only heard reports from Trump!!
People, please watch your major news channels and behave accordingly. Those who are more worried about business and profit than human lives can't be trusted to tell the truth.
As of Saturday, March 28...U.S....117000 cases & 2000 deaths
" " Sunday, March 29................124,000 cases & 2200 deaths
As of Saturday, March 28...Canada..5500 cases & 60 deaths
" " Sunday, March 29......................5600 cases & 61 deaths
On one hand we have a prime minister in Canada (who I don't like) who has taken the right steps to protect the country. On the other hand, in the U.S., they have a president with his head in the sand who is claiming to have the virus under control and telling his flock that they'll be able to fill the churches with parishioners and prayer on Easter Sunday...2 weeks from now!
The United States is now the epicenter of the virus and, unless they get it under control, the whole damn world isn't safe.
Trump and his people have blamed the press for distorting the seriousness of the situation, calling it "fake news". I can only be grateful for the press coverage because we would never know how dangerous the virus is if we only heard reports from Trump!!
People, please watch your major news channels and behave accordingly. Those who are more worried about business and profit than human lives can't be trusted to tell the truth.
Saturday, March 28, 2020
Quarantine Day 9
I'm not posting today's stats of the coronavirus because it's becoming too depressing. No-one I know has the virus but 2 of my family have been laid off their jobs...Kim is now on a call in basis.
I can't get my mind around the families who are struggling with the reality of no more paychecks even if it's just for a short while. I remember how Dennis and I lived from paycheck to paycheck when we were young and how one week's disruption would have been disastrous for us. That almost happened one time when the business he and Don T. worked for almost burned to the ground. Luckily he was kept on as a night guard to protect the machinery so we barely had time to be frightened.
Kim says she's almost relieved to not have to go to work and to be able to remain in the safety of her house. This is one of the sad repercussions of the virus...it makes people want to stay away from others. We have slowly been becoming a society of solitary people and now it's even worse. Those who had turned their backs on socializing will dig deeper into their solitary life and maybe never want to come out again.
I might sound depressed but I don't think I am. I'm just terribly discouraged with this virus that isn't showing signs of disappearing or even slowing down. We've heard promising signs from China and Korea but even they are not virus free.
Well, 5 more days until I can go outside...if I still want to.
I can't get my mind around the families who are struggling with the reality of no more paychecks even if it's just for a short while. I remember how Dennis and I lived from paycheck to paycheck when we were young and how one week's disruption would have been disastrous for us. That almost happened one time when the business he and Don T. worked for almost burned to the ground. Luckily he was kept on as a night guard to protect the machinery so we barely had time to be frightened.
Kim says she's almost relieved to not have to go to work and to be able to remain in the safety of her house. This is one of the sad repercussions of the virus...it makes people want to stay away from others. We have slowly been becoming a society of solitary people and now it's even worse. Those who had turned their backs on socializing will dig deeper into their solitary life and maybe never want to come out again.
I might sound depressed but I don't think I am. I'm just terribly discouraged with this virus that isn't showing signs of disappearing or even slowing down. We've heard promising signs from China and Korea but even they are not virus free.
Well, 5 more days until I can go outside...if I still want to.
Friday, March 27, 2020
Quarantine Day 8
Today's Stats: Canada...5,600+ cases & 39 deaths
U.S..........85,900+ cases & 1300+deaths
I'm getting used to this stay-at-home routine and not quite as antsy to leave the safety of my apartment. Shelley advised me that I should stay inside for another month but I'm not sure I can do that. Kim and Cindy are more than willing to do my grocery shopping but they both work full time and have their own lives to live. The time it takes to do my shopping does take away from their free time and I don't like doing that to them.
I've got a few doctor, dentist, and dermatologist appointments coming up that I'm sure I can cancel and reschedule for later in the summer. My drugs can be delivered. Right now we can only fill prescriptions for 30 days rather than the 3 months I've become used to but that's no problem. A real problem would be if we couldn't get our prescriptions at all!
I got bad news from Shelley yesterday. Gunner, their rescue dog, has tumors that are most certainly cancerous. He'll remain in their home, getting all the love and care he deserves until his illness becomes too painful and then he'll be put to sleep. Gunner is a special dog/being to me because I saw from the very first moment that he was an old soul. He captures you with his beautiful eyes and you just know there is a wondrously intelligent being there. He somehow changed me...I don't really know in what way yet but I know I learned something of value from him. Beings of all kinds come into your life for a reason.
I'm sad now and need some time to think.
U.S..........85,900+ cases & 1300+deaths
I'm getting used to this stay-at-home routine and not quite as antsy to leave the safety of my apartment. Shelley advised me that I should stay inside for another month but I'm not sure I can do that. Kim and Cindy are more than willing to do my grocery shopping but they both work full time and have their own lives to live. The time it takes to do my shopping does take away from their free time and I don't like doing that to them.
I've got a few doctor, dentist, and dermatologist appointments coming up that I'm sure I can cancel and reschedule for later in the summer. My drugs can be delivered. Right now we can only fill prescriptions for 30 days rather than the 3 months I've become used to but that's no problem. A real problem would be if we couldn't get our prescriptions at all!
I got bad news from Shelley yesterday. Gunner, their rescue dog, has tumors that are most certainly cancerous. He'll remain in their home, getting all the love and care he deserves until his illness becomes too painful and then he'll be put to sleep. Gunner is a special dog/being to me because I saw from the very first moment that he was an old soul. He captures you with his beautiful eyes and you just know there is a wondrously intelligent being there. He somehow changed me...I don't really know in what way yet but I know I learned something of value from him. Beings of all kinds come into your life for a reason.
I'm sad now and need some time to think.
Thursday, March 26, 2020
Quarantine Day 7
Today's Stats: Canada...3,300+ cases, 35 dead.
U.S...........65,000+ cases, 900 dead
I don't like checking these stats every day because it's discouraging but it does help to keep the danger clearly defined and to not find my quarantine too rigid. We need to do what we have to do to get past this!
I don't have any major plans for my day except to search the car trunk for items I'm pretty sure are still in there...like my very expensive brand new bed sheets! I also can't find my melatonin and the fact that I've been up since 3 A.M. proves I'm going to need it either tonight or some night soon to help me sleep.
My apartment building consists of mainly seniors with only a few younger working people. That means we're mostly in the high risk group for contracting the virus. This whole social distancing thing makes me cringe but it is a necessary evil right now. I heard on the news that some infected people flying home are hiding their condition so they won't be held back and forbidden to fly. Where are their consciences? They have to know that their selfishness will cause illness or death to anyone they come in contact with. Not everyone is showing positive signs of kindness and caring for others!
I can't stand delving too deeply into the effects of the coronavirus around the world because it is too depressing. Yes, it's bringing out the best in most people but we human beings are being devastated by this virus. Crazy Trump is planning to open the U.S. borders in a few weeks to business as usual and I'm terrified of where the stats of infected and dead will be if he does.
Anyway, the sun is shining and springtime is just around the corner. None of my family or friends have the virus (I hope) and I have plenty to do in my little apartment. I can work or play as I wish. Hope is eternal.
U.S...........65,000+ cases, 900 dead
I don't like checking these stats every day because it's discouraging but it does help to keep the danger clearly defined and to not find my quarantine too rigid. We need to do what we have to do to get past this!
I don't have any major plans for my day except to search the car trunk for items I'm pretty sure are still in there...like my very expensive brand new bed sheets! I also can't find my melatonin and the fact that I've been up since 3 A.M. proves I'm going to need it either tonight or some night soon to help me sleep.
My apartment building consists of mainly seniors with only a few younger working people. That means we're mostly in the high risk group for contracting the virus. This whole social distancing thing makes me cringe but it is a necessary evil right now. I heard on the news that some infected people flying home are hiding their condition so they won't be held back and forbidden to fly. Where are their consciences? They have to know that their selfishness will cause illness or death to anyone they come in contact with. Not everyone is showing positive signs of kindness and caring for others!
I can't stand delving too deeply into the effects of the coronavirus around the world because it is too depressing. Yes, it's bringing out the best in most people but we human beings are being devastated by this virus. Crazy Trump is planning to open the U.S. borders in a few weeks to business as usual and I'm terrified of where the stats of infected and dead will be if he does.
Anyway, the sun is shining and springtime is just around the corner. None of my family or friends have the virus (I hope) and I have plenty to do in my little apartment. I can work or play as I wish. Hope is eternal.
Wednesday, March 25, 2020
Quarantine Day 6
The numbers of people infected with the coronavirus are still rising. Canada has 1/10th the population of the U.S. but our numbers are much lower percentage wise. U.S. has over 60,000 cases with 800+ dead and Canada has over 2,700 cases with 27 dead as of today. I wonder why our statistics are so much lower than the States?
I've spent way too much time playing games on the computer today and that has to stop because it dulls the mind. I did get laundry done so that's one tiny accomplishment.
I saw my neighbor out in the hall when I was coming back from the laundry room and she gave me a huge bag of frozen haddock that her sister had sent from Nova Scotia...she'd actually sent 100 lbs. and Bonnie is desperate to get rid of some of it. I'm lucky to have very nice neighbors who are friendly when we meet in the hall or on the elevator but aren't bothering you all the time. When I moved in here, one of my worries was having a too friendly neighbor with too much time on her hands and who like to visit all the time. Thank heavens that didn't happen.
The days are really dragging now and I want badly to just go out for a drive. Anything to get out of the house. At the end of the quarantine period, we'll all be free to venture out but I'm wondering what we'll find. Will it be a world full of masked faces too frightened to come closer than 6'? Will people have become even more isolated from each other than they were before the virus? One way or another, our world won't go back to what it was before because the fear of contact has been driven into our psyches. How sad.
Well, I really have to get off the computer and do something useful. I'm not motivated.
I've spent way too much time playing games on the computer today and that has to stop because it dulls the mind. I did get laundry done so that's one tiny accomplishment.
I saw my neighbor out in the hall when I was coming back from the laundry room and she gave me a huge bag of frozen haddock that her sister had sent from Nova Scotia...she'd actually sent 100 lbs. and Bonnie is desperate to get rid of some of it. I'm lucky to have very nice neighbors who are friendly when we meet in the hall or on the elevator but aren't bothering you all the time. When I moved in here, one of my worries was having a too friendly neighbor with too much time on her hands and who like to visit all the time. Thank heavens that didn't happen.
The days are really dragging now and I want badly to just go out for a drive. Anything to get out of the house. At the end of the quarantine period, we'll all be free to venture out but I'm wondering what we'll find. Will it be a world full of masked faces too frightened to come closer than 6'? Will people have become even more isolated from each other than they were before the virus? One way or another, our world won't go back to what it was before because the fear of contact has been driven into our psyches. How sad.
Well, I really have to get off the computer and do something useful. I'm not motivated.
Tuesday, March 24, 2020
Quarantine Day 5
Slept well, up early. At Least I'm not lying awake all night worrying about the new state of the world. Even the grey skies of March aren't bothering me too much...the sun pops through every once in a while.
I'm keeping to my decision to watch the news only once a day because it really is depressing to watch the numbers of infected of dead keep rising. It will be such a relief to see this virus reach it's peak and start to fall. I'm still in amazement at how we've had to close businesses and isolate most of the world population in order to bring the infection under some kind of control. I've never in my lifetime seen anything like this and we'll feel the repercussions for decades, I'm sure.
An interesting note...I'd e-mailed the insurance company saying I wasn't allowed out of the apartment for the full 14 days so how would I get a Visa receipt to send them (I have and it's been sent). Their reply was that I should disregard the government's order to stay inside for 14 days and go out to get gas for my car and pay for it with Visa. I guess I believe in obeying the law because I was shocked to have someone tell me to ignore the quarantine order.
Last night on the news, Trump spoke at large about bailing out a huge corporation like Boeing because of the financial effects of the virus...60 billion dollars...and I wondered if he has a lot of stock in that company. I would think it's more important to offer aid to the smaller businesses during this time. If too many smaller businesses go under and their employees left without jobs, that will be devastating for the economy of the United States. Boeing probably makes it's profits doing business with other countries. Any country's leader should be concentrating on their own country first.
Today I just might start my spring housecleaning. I'm not inspired but I have to live among too much dust and I can't have that. Besides, producing a little sparkle in the apartment will lift my spirits. I also still have my new bed sheets in the car and it will be nice to do laundry and make up my bed with them tomorrow.
Only 9 more days before I might be allowed to cuddle Jackson and Sylvia. I'm letting their parents decide when they'll be comfortable with that.
I'm keeping to my decision to watch the news only once a day because it really is depressing to watch the numbers of infected of dead keep rising. It will be such a relief to see this virus reach it's peak and start to fall. I'm still in amazement at how we've had to close businesses and isolate most of the world population in order to bring the infection under some kind of control. I've never in my lifetime seen anything like this and we'll feel the repercussions for decades, I'm sure.
An interesting note...I'd e-mailed the insurance company saying I wasn't allowed out of the apartment for the full 14 days so how would I get a Visa receipt to send them (I have and it's been sent). Their reply was that I should disregard the government's order to stay inside for 14 days and go out to get gas for my car and pay for it with Visa. I guess I believe in obeying the law because I was shocked to have someone tell me to ignore the quarantine order.
Last night on the news, Trump spoke at large about bailing out a huge corporation like Boeing because of the financial effects of the virus...60 billion dollars...and I wondered if he has a lot of stock in that company. I would think it's more important to offer aid to the smaller businesses during this time. If too many smaller businesses go under and their employees left without jobs, that will be devastating for the economy of the United States. Boeing probably makes it's profits doing business with other countries. Any country's leader should be concentrating on their own country first.
Today I just might start my spring housecleaning. I'm not inspired but I have to live among too much dust and I can't have that. Besides, producing a little sparkle in the apartment will lift my spirits. I also still have my new bed sheets in the car and it will be nice to do laundry and make up my bed with them tomorrow.
Only 9 more days before I might be allowed to cuddle Jackson and Sylvia. I'm letting their parents decide when they'll be comfortable with that.
Monday, March 23, 2020
Quarantine Day 4
Slept well and up at 7 A.M. my fairly usual time. I put away a few bathroom items, found no place for some, and decided to clean out the cupboard under the sink of unnecessary items...had lots and now it's nice and neat under there.
Cindy called and is bringing me a few grocery items...I get in a panic when I run short of baking potatoes, coffee and milk. She's bringing me baking potatoes and milk because I don't need coffee right now. It's kind of like having a sweet little servant where my wish is her command.
I took the trash out and also most of the empty boxes and then emptied the last of the stuff in the car trunk. I'm actually pretty organized but there is still a lot of yarn and fabric to store properly. And then there's spring cleaning that I keep ignoring while I play on the computer.
I'm in better spirits today maybe because I accomplished more than yesterday. I plan to order lunch from Swiss Chalet and put it on my credit card to get a receipt for the insurance company. I'm looking forward to chicken pot pie and fries!!
I had left a notice on the superintendant's door that my smoke detector isn't working and there is also what looks like water damage on the ceiling in the bathroom. He arrived at my door early this morning wearing a mask and saying he wasn't allowed to enter any apartments. He gave me a battery for the smoke detector which I'll have to place on top of the fridge because I can't replace the smoke detector on the ceiling. The apparent water damage can't be fixed until he's allowed inside our apartments. I'm very lucky to have such a kind and efficient superintendant in the building.
Well, back to my games!
Cindy called and is bringing me a few grocery items...I get in a panic when I run short of baking potatoes, coffee and milk. She's bringing me baking potatoes and milk because I don't need coffee right now. It's kind of like having a sweet little servant where my wish is her command.
I took the trash out and also most of the empty boxes and then emptied the last of the stuff in the car trunk. I'm actually pretty organized but there is still a lot of yarn and fabric to store properly. And then there's spring cleaning that I keep ignoring while I play on the computer.
I'm in better spirits today maybe because I accomplished more than yesterday. I plan to order lunch from Swiss Chalet and put it on my credit card to get a receipt for the insurance company. I'm looking forward to chicken pot pie and fries!!
I had left a notice on the superintendant's door that my smoke detector isn't working and there is also what looks like water damage on the ceiling in the bathroom. He arrived at my door early this morning wearing a mask and saying he wasn't allowed to enter any apartments. He gave me a battery for the smoke detector which I'll have to place on top of the fridge because I can't replace the smoke detector on the ceiling. The apparent water damage can't be fixed until he's allowed inside our apartments. I'm very lucky to have such a kind and efficient superintendant in the building.
Well, back to my games!
Sunday, March 22, 2020
Quarantine Day 3
Why did I think this would be easy? I don't live my normal life by being inside for so long and my discomfort is showing already. And, even when the 14 days are up, what will I find when I venture outside?
I haven't watched the news yet this morning so I don't know how much the number of cases have risen but I know they must have and that we haven't reached the peak yet. I learned on the drive back home to not listen to talk shows because that's where most of the outrageous estimates are being tossed around. I expect they'll be high but I'm also expecting that new cases here in Canada will begin to lessen very soon. I'm an optimist in this case because it scares me to think anything else.
Kim starts working only half days tomorrow, Kyle will be working with his brother-in-law, and the rest of the family (I hope) are still working full time at their jobs. Again, this could change in an instant but I holding on to my optimistic theories.
Yesterday we had about 1200 cases of coronavirus in Canada with not too many deaths. A regular flu could cause that many incidents but I know this virus is much more dangerous simply by the fact that the border is shut down and businesses are closing. I wonder how long the economy can withstand these shut downs? The stock market is in free fall.
I also wonder if the money I have in the bank is safe. Most is in GIC's but what if the bank went under? Being stuck in the apartment like this gives me too much time to lose my optimism.
So, today I'll install the new printer I bought in Florida and print out the form my insurance company sent me. It states that I didn't make any claims on the insurance while I was away and won't be doing so. They also want a credit card receipt to prove I'm home. How can I do that when I can't leave home for the next 12 days???
Time to do some housework!
I haven't watched the news yet this morning so I don't know how much the number of cases have risen but I know they must have and that we haven't reached the peak yet. I learned on the drive back home to not listen to talk shows because that's where most of the outrageous estimates are being tossed around. I expect they'll be high but I'm also expecting that new cases here in Canada will begin to lessen very soon. I'm an optimist in this case because it scares me to think anything else.
Kim starts working only half days tomorrow, Kyle will be working with his brother-in-law, and the rest of the family (I hope) are still working full time at their jobs. Again, this could change in an instant but I holding on to my optimistic theories.
Yesterday we had about 1200 cases of coronavirus in Canada with not too many deaths. A regular flu could cause that many incidents but I know this virus is much more dangerous simply by the fact that the border is shut down and businesses are closing. I wonder how long the economy can withstand these shut downs? The stock market is in free fall.
I also wonder if the money I have in the bank is safe. Most is in GIC's but what if the bank went under? Being stuck in the apartment like this gives me too much time to lose my optimism.
So, today I'll install the new printer I bought in Florida and print out the form my insurance company sent me. It states that I didn't make any claims on the insurance while I was away and won't be doing so. They also want a credit card receipt to prove I'm home. How can I do that when I can't leave home for the next 12 days???
Time to do some housework!
Friday, March 20, 2020
Back Home
After a grueling 2 day drive, and then ending it by driving an hour in the dark, I'm finally home and happy as pig in poo to be forced to self quarantine for 2 weeks. Having this much alone time is actually heaven for me except for having to rely on my family to do my grocery shopping. They're in danger of catching the virus every time they leave their homes, too.
My sweet daughters stocked the fridge and cupboards with most of the things I'll need but there will always be something else and I hear the store shelves are poorly stocked right now and probably will get even worse. I did hear a slight blurb on T.V. that we might be reaching the apex of the infestation and that would be good news. There is also news of a vaccine being tested.
If you're sitting in your home with kitchen well stocked and fresh water available from your taps and you don't have to go to a job to support yourself, life seems pretty normal. It isn't in the real world as the coronavirus hits more people every day and more deaths are happening because of it.
I continue to hope this will all be just a horrible time in history that ended as quickly as it arrived. The economy of the world will take years to recover but hopefully our lives will return to near normal in the next few months.
My sweet daughters stocked the fridge and cupboards with most of the things I'll need but there will always be something else and I hear the store shelves are poorly stocked right now and probably will get even worse. I did hear a slight blurb on T.V. that we might be reaching the apex of the infestation and that would be good news. There is also news of a vaccine being tested.
If you're sitting in your home with kitchen well stocked and fresh water available from your taps and you don't have to go to a job to support yourself, life seems pretty normal. It isn't in the real world as the coronavirus hits more people every day and more deaths are happening because of it.
I continue to hope this will all be just a horrible time in history that ended as quickly as it arrived. The economy of the world will take years to recover but hopefully our lives will return to near normal in the next few months.
Monday, March 16, 2020
New Perspective
It's becoming a little disconcerting to see the numbers of coronavirus cases doubling every few days...almost 4000 cases in the U.S. as of today but just think how many there will be 9 days from now when, and if, Cindy gets here. My growing fear is that I'll be stuck in the States but at least I'll be with Shelley in Tampa if that happens.
Then another worry is doing that 2 day drive to Canada if and when a true panic sets in among the citizens. One more worry, of course, is if Canada will completely close it's border. Once across, though, both Cindy and I will face a self imposed 14 day quarantine spent in our homes. I don't mind that at all and just crave to be back in my own country.
I talked to Sylvia yesterday and she said there aren't any certain cases of coronavirus in Nova Scotia, just 3 suspected. The numbers still seem so small but then there's Italy that has completely closed down the country, businesses as well as travel. I never thought I'd see anything like this in my lifetime.
I guess I'm more worried about the economy than the end of the world because I do believe the rate of new cases will drop off soon and just be a horrible part of history. On the other hand, the economy will take many years to recover from this. A lot of people have already been let go from their jobs and businesses simply can't afford to stay closed for long.
Kim was sick on Friday which scared the life out of me but it was just a 24 hour bug...normal and not life threatening. It did spur me to pack my car about 90% just in case I want to leave in a hurry. Val picked Faye and Marilee up to take them to Shelley's beach house for a few days but I didn't want to go. When I leave here it will be to go to Tampa and, once I'm with Shelley, I'll feel more comfortable even being in the States.
I stayed home yesterday...didn't go to the flea market as planned...and had a nice visit from Dee and Monica. Dee got a new golf cart so she came over and picked up the few things I'm giving to her before I leave. Today I'll drive up to Publix to get some bread and sandwich meat but that's all I need. The store was well stocked on Saturday morning when I was there (except for toilet paper) so it will be interesting to see if there has been any change.
These are sure strange times.
Then another worry is doing that 2 day drive to Canada if and when a true panic sets in among the citizens. One more worry, of course, is if Canada will completely close it's border. Once across, though, both Cindy and I will face a self imposed 14 day quarantine spent in our homes. I don't mind that at all and just crave to be back in my own country.
I talked to Sylvia yesterday and she said there aren't any certain cases of coronavirus in Nova Scotia, just 3 suspected. The numbers still seem so small but then there's Italy that has completely closed down the country, businesses as well as travel. I never thought I'd see anything like this in my lifetime.
I guess I'm more worried about the economy than the end of the world because I do believe the rate of new cases will drop off soon and just be a horrible part of history. On the other hand, the economy will take many years to recover from this. A lot of people have already been let go from their jobs and businesses simply can't afford to stay closed for long.
Kim was sick on Friday which scared the life out of me but it was just a 24 hour bug...normal and not life threatening. It did spur me to pack my car about 90% just in case I want to leave in a hurry. Val picked Faye and Marilee up to take them to Shelley's beach house for a few days but I didn't want to go. When I leave here it will be to go to Tampa and, once I'm with Shelley, I'll feel more comfortable even being in the States.
I stayed home yesterday...didn't go to the flea market as planned...and had a nice visit from Dee and Monica. Dee got a new golf cart so she came over and picked up the few things I'm giving to her before I leave. Today I'll drive up to Publix to get some bread and sandwich meat but that's all I need. The store was well stocked on Saturday morning when I was there (except for toilet paper) so it will be interesting to see if there has been any change.
These are sure strange times.
Thursday, March 12, 2020
My Perspective of the Coronavirus
Yes, it's probably the worst health threat to humans in a few lifetimes and it does have to be taken seriously. No doubt, many more lives will be lost due to the illness all over the world but, thankfully I guess, it will mainly be the elderly with current health problems. I'm elderly so I don't take this lightly but I truly am thankful that this very serious health threat won't decimate the young and middle aged who will have stronger immune systems.
A lot of people are in a state of panic, buying up supplies (weird that toilet paper seems to be at the top of the list for some). If I was at home, I'd probably stock up a bit on canned goods but I don't plan to change my way of life at the moment.
Schools are being closed, sporting events cancelled, large gatherings cancelled or discouraged. President Trump has done something I do approve of and that's to stop European visitors coming into the States for a while. Europe, especially Italy, has been hard hit by this virus and it makes sense to limit exposure to Americans. I don't know if Canada has taken the same steps.
People have to realize that the coronavirus is a serious threat but not the end of the world. If steps have to be taken to contain it by isolating the hardest hit countries and infected people, then this should be done. The economy is going to go haywire but it will come back. Unfortunately it might not happen soon enough to save some businesses and jobs but the most important thing is to save lives.
Cindy called me today wondering how I'm reacting to it all. I reassured her that I'm taking sensible precautions but I'm not allowing it to control my life. Until the coronavirus becomes an epidemic, I'll carry on pretty much as I always have. I'm realistically assuming that it will be a scary part of history within a few months...I hope!
A lot of people are in a state of panic, buying up supplies (weird that toilet paper seems to be at the top of the list for some). If I was at home, I'd probably stock up a bit on canned goods but I don't plan to change my way of life at the moment.
Schools are being closed, sporting events cancelled, large gatherings cancelled or discouraged. President Trump has done something I do approve of and that's to stop European visitors coming into the States for a while. Europe, especially Italy, has been hard hit by this virus and it makes sense to limit exposure to Americans. I don't know if Canada has taken the same steps.
People have to realize that the coronavirus is a serious threat but not the end of the world. If steps have to be taken to contain it by isolating the hardest hit countries and infected people, then this should be done. The economy is going to go haywire but it will come back. Unfortunately it might not happen soon enough to save some businesses and jobs but the most important thing is to save lives.
Cindy called me today wondering how I'm reacting to it all. I reassured her that I'm taking sensible precautions but I'm not allowing it to control my life. Until the coronavirus becomes an epidemic, I'll carry on pretty much as I always have. I'm realistically assuming that it will be a scary part of history within a few months...I hope!
Monday, March 09, 2020
Shelley and John's Beach House
Here are some photos of Shelley and John's new beach house. It's a townhouse in a gated complex of 8 townhouses right on Satellite Beach, Florida. This was on moving in day so there is tons of clutter.
Wednesday, March 04, 2020
Alone Time
I treasure my alone time...of course, to a certain degree, but I do like the peacefulness of being by myself. Living in a hectic world where you are surrounded by people every single day and are expected to interact with them wears me out.
There's a lot of interaction here in the park but I've made sure to exclude myself from some of it because I have to have my quiet time...just like a baby!
I can't understand how people can endure the stress of working all day and then coming home to a stressful house. I wouldn't let my children meet Dennis at the door with problems when he got home from work but to let him relax for a while before hitting him with them.
My mornings are very peaceful now that I'm a senior. I shower, make coffee and start up the computer. An hour or so of Facebook and then I play an hour or so of computer games...it's peaceful. By 10 A.M. I'm usually set up with housework or Swedish weaving until I get the urge to venture outside and meet people. I usually have some kind of projects planned so I'm never bored, just get to them at my leisure.
Spending time alone doesn't have to be a bad thing. In this fast paced world we live in, it can be a welcome blessing at times.
There's a lot of interaction here in the park but I've made sure to exclude myself from some of it because I have to have my quiet time...just like a baby!
I can't understand how people can endure the stress of working all day and then coming home to a stressful house. I wouldn't let my children meet Dennis at the door with problems when he got home from work but to let him relax for a while before hitting him with them.
My mornings are very peaceful now that I'm a senior. I shower, make coffee and start up the computer. An hour or so of Facebook and then I play an hour or so of computer games...it's peaceful. By 10 A.M. I'm usually set up with housework or Swedish weaving until I get the urge to venture outside and meet people. I usually have some kind of projects planned so I'm never bored, just get to them at my leisure.
Spending time alone doesn't have to be a bad thing. In this fast paced world we live in, it can be a welcome blessing at times.
Sunday, March 01, 2020
My Last Canada Day at the Park
Dennis and I first came to this park for the month of February, 1998. I drove down with Faye, Joyce, Larry, and Gary who spent the first 2 weeks with me. Dennis was still working so he came down for the last 2 weeks. We rented a 2 bedroom trailer right across the road from Bill and Anne who were the ones who recommended the place to us and we really enjoyed our stay.
We rented again for 3 months in 1999 after Dennis had retired and again the following year but that's when we bought our own little trailer just before heading home in April. We had come to love the park and the residents, especially.
I never thought Dennis could be happy staying for 6 months in a trailer park but he seemed to love it even more than I did. He took great pride in our little trailer and kept the grounds around it beautifully seeded with rye grass all winter. He raked at least 3-4 time a day to keep the live oak leaves from accumulating. I'm more sociable than he was and made a lot of friends very quickly but he did make close friends with the few that he came to like a lot...like Ron W. who everybody loved because he was so much fun, and Vic who played guitar and had a little group who jammed together every Monday night (Dennis played his guitar in that group).
When Dennis passed away in 2005, he assumed I'd sell the trailer because he couldn't imagine I'd be able to take care of it but I did with help from the good people in the park. I hired some but many would just show up to help if I had some sort of problem. That's how these people are and one of the reasons it's been so pleasant to spend my winters here.
And now it's 2020 and it will be my last winter in the park. The first reason was because I got so sick again when I got here (I think I catch whatever is going around and we're always in touch with large groups of people on a daily basis) but then Shelley and John bought a beautiful beach house on Satellite Beach where I can stay during the winter months. The stars have really shone down on me for the blessings I've received in my old age. I have a wonderful family and wonderful friends...who can ask for more?
We had our Canada Day dinner at the clubhouse last night and it was so much fun. Canadians and Americans alike partied together without ever a thought that we originated in different countries. It's always been like that. There were 7 at our table...3 Canadians and 4 Americans (Dee and Mitch, Norma and Charles, Bonnie and John, and little old single me). The food was excellent and the music and dancing was, too...lots of 50's and 60's songs. I'm going to miss so many people but I will be able to meet up with Dee once in a while and Norma, Randy, and Janet who live right near me back home.
I still have a month to go here at the park but hope to spend some of that with Shelley and others at her beach house. Kim arrives tomorrow for a week and Cindy will get here on the 25th so I'll see my other daughters soon! We'll celebrate Shelley's birthday on April 3rd and then Cindy and I will head home a few days after. And that will be the end of my winter in Florida until next February when Faye and I go to stay at the beach house, health and circumstances permitting!
I'm especially looking forward to seeing the babies back home who made their arrival while I've been away...my greatgrandson, Jackson, and my greatgranddaughter by marriage, Sylvia. Of course I'll also be thrilled to reunite with my greatgrandsons, Nolan and Nash, and hope they haven't grown taller than me while I was gone!
Life goes on, doesn't it?
We rented again for 3 months in 1999 after Dennis had retired and again the following year but that's when we bought our own little trailer just before heading home in April. We had come to love the park and the residents, especially.
I never thought Dennis could be happy staying for 6 months in a trailer park but he seemed to love it even more than I did. He took great pride in our little trailer and kept the grounds around it beautifully seeded with rye grass all winter. He raked at least 3-4 time a day to keep the live oak leaves from accumulating. I'm more sociable than he was and made a lot of friends very quickly but he did make close friends with the few that he came to like a lot...like Ron W. who everybody loved because he was so much fun, and Vic who played guitar and had a little group who jammed together every Monday night (Dennis played his guitar in that group).
When Dennis passed away in 2005, he assumed I'd sell the trailer because he couldn't imagine I'd be able to take care of it but I did with help from the good people in the park. I hired some but many would just show up to help if I had some sort of problem. That's how these people are and one of the reasons it's been so pleasant to spend my winters here.
And now it's 2020 and it will be my last winter in the park. The first reason was because I got so sick again when I got here (I think I catch whatever is going around and we're always in touch with large groups of people on a daily basis) but then Shelley and John bought a beautiful beach house on Satellite Beach where I can stay during the winter months. The stars have really shone down on me for the blessings I've received in my old age. I have a wonderful family and wonderful friends...who can ask for more?
We had our Canada Day dinner at the clubhouse last night and it was so much fun. Canadians and Americans alike partied together without ever a thought that we originated in different countries. It's always been like that. There were 7 at our table...3 Canadians and 4 Americans (Dee and Mitch, Norma and Charles, Bonnie and John, and little old single me). The food was excellent and the music and dancing was, too...lots of 50's and 60's songs. I'm going to miss so many people but I will be able to meet up with Dee once in a while and Norma, Randy, and Janet who live right near me back home.
I still have a month to go here at the park but hope to spend some of that with Shelley and others at her beach house. Kim arrives tomorrow for a week and Cindy will get here on the 25th so I'll see my other daughters soon! We'll celebrate Shelley's birthday on April 3rd and then Cindy and I will head home a few days after. And that will be the end of my winter in Florida until next February when Faye and I go to stay at the beach house, health and circumstances permitting!
I'm especially looking forward to seeing the babies back home who made their arrival while I've been away...my greatgrandson, Jackson, and my greatgranddaughter by marriage, Sylvia. Of course I'll also be thrilled to reunite with my greatgrandsons, Nolan and Nash, and hope they haven't grown taller than me while I was gone!
Life goes on, doesn't it?
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