Thank you so much for the kind thoughts and words. My sister has had such a huge loss and as many of you said, will need family to support her as she finds a new way of life. The service is not until next Saturday, partially due to schedules of the funeral home, wanting some space after the wedding, and for any of his out of state family to make travel arrangements. Yes, the wedding is still on today, and yes, it is violating part of the guidance. While under 250 people, I am not sure the six feet rule will work so well. There most likely will be many people not joining-the brides grandmother and her uncle that lives with her, for two. I'm not sure what my oldest brother will do. He has been cancer free for nearly a year, and no longer on several of the drugs he was taking.
DD2 will go back to school for just two days of classes, and then they are closing until April 13th and moving to on-line. We loaded a bunch of her things when I picked her up. If classes do resume on the 13th, she'll just have three weeks left before the end of the semester. She figured she'll take back just what she needs and make packing after three weeks less chaotic. We can bring other things with us on Sunday as well as her car pool will be loaded on Wednesday, or Tuesday night whichever it is she ends up coming home.
I experienced the toilet paper shelf clearance for myself today. Fortunately two weeks ago at Aldi I had bought our regular big pack, but we are down to just 8 rolls. Will it last before things are restocked? Who knows, but that is something we have to think about now in life. It completely baffles me. There are the same number of people whether you are quarantined or not, using the same number of toilet breaks. Fresh food was in abundance-lovely oranges and bananas, clementine's, and avocados. Personally I'm more worried that people around me are eating right and taking care of themselves. I felt like I had a major win buying one of the two remaining three packs of non-lotioned tissues. I needed them as I have no spare boxes, but wasn't going to take both packs. Please-anyone who has gone on a stock up spree because of the COVID19 crisis, explain this to me. Are you really concerned your family will not have what it needs, or is it a game?
Since I have not really been home since Sunday, I still have normal life activities to do like laundry, sweep, mop, and dust. I'll likely work from home more days in the coming weeks and with DD2 needing to get school work done. We'll need to coordinate somewhat as we get spotty internet at times. Overall though, I'm just following normal protocal to try and keep myself and those around me healthy. How has life changed for you?
So sorry for your sister's loss. Wishing her peace and strength to cope with such a sudden loss.
ReplyDeleteWhile the wedding had a lot of preventative measures. I think it was helpful to here being with family in a special and happy occasion.
DeleteI am not leaving the house- hopefully my self imposed quarantine is no longer than 2 weeks.The state suspended all visits I make monthly as a caseworker so I will have lots of free time. Fortunately I have lots of books and rarely am ever bored. I made potato salad this morning and am going to be a lot of perusing through cookbooks and cooking. Does your sister work? After my husband died (he was just 48), I joined a grief group for awhile and I felt it was beneficial. It might be something she could profit from- I joined quickly but I had an 8 year old daughter and she went to a children's grief group at the same time. Since I'm 72, I'd have to pass on the wedding even though I'm in excellent health. My 2 California kids are thrilled to hear I am taking things seriously- I am. Stay safe.
ReplyDeleteI'll be one of the folks on the front line for my work, but trying to have my staff telework for the most part. DH talked to his mom and she is staying put, so we'll keep checking on her, and make sure she has company. She has a few neighbors she is friendly with so I see them still having coffee and maybe a card game or two.
DeleteWe lost 2 contracts this week. The 3rd new contract is likely proceeding with opt out clauses depending on how their business is doing. We are all in this together and we will not hold businesses to their contracts if they are in trouble, that is just so not right. We are not going to Mexico - Canada has asked us to refrain from leaving the country and our Prime Minister is in self isolation and his wife Sophie has the Coronavirus so in Quarantine. It's getting very real. I am ok staying home. Mom and I stocked up bigtime on Wednesday as she is high risk. I will shop for her and us from now on. As I live with someone who has IBS the fear of running out of toilet paper is real but I am only taking one package as I see them. Except I was thinking next time I will take 2 and drop one off at the food bank, people in need don't have the resources to drive all over town to maybe find some toilet paper.
ReplyDeleteIt absolutely has to be about the common good. I had some lovely posts from FB friends that have been stockpilers/couponers for years-not just because of this recent crisis. They offered up what they had-and to parents that might be struggling with no free or reduced lunches for their kids.
DeleteI don't see any evidence of panic buying as yet and fresh food is totally available, as was TP and so on when I went shopping on Thursday. Just today I got word that some of my clubs are closing down until end April but that's not exactly a hardship is it. So far I don't see any evidence of total lockdown in France where we would have to stay in our homes (that would drive me crazy) but who knows what will happen. I think we just have to realize it isn't permanent, it will end and we can get through it.
ReplyDeleteI'd just like to have a normal supply on hand, but can't figure out the frenzy of wiping shelves clear. I think lots of good walks are in order as well.
DeleteWe are working from home for at least the next month (required) & the kids are now out of school for at least a month. Our employer was incredibly generous, giving all employees two weeks to flex their schedules as much as possible/needed to work & support families. And, if that's not possible (small kids, etc), two weeks of additional paid leave on top of our current leave policies. They are expecting to add additional support, once they know how this intersects with the govt bill to provide support to parents who are at home with kids who have no school.
ReplyDeleteWe feel very lucky. We will likely head (drive) to our vacation house, which is close to our family. My parents can help out with the kids as well. We know how tremendously lucky we are right now to have the financial resources to ride this out, an incredibly generous and thoughtful employer, and other places we can go to get help from family. We will be increasing our donations this month, because few people are in this position right now.
Being with your family will really help I am sure. I too feel very fortunate that I have options, though I'm not part of a call center coverage (calls and e-mails) so will likely be in the office, but so many others will not. We're maximizing IT support.
DeleteSam,
ReplyDeleteI am very sorry about your family's loss. I wish I was able to help. All I can do is encourage you as you help your sister. Know you have a woman in the PNW who is cheering you on.
Thanks, Meg. I think she feels and knows she has support.
DeleteThe Virus: Our Governor has ordered k-12 schools have been shut down until 4/27. We have received a variance from the governor in terms of attendance requirements. The state will not implement online learning as mandatory so as to be equitable. (We can't assume everybody has access to technology, and the libraries have closed as of today also.)
ReplyDeleteAs for the college, next week is finals week, online for all but necessary practicals, then spring break, which has been extended one extra week, through 4/11. The first week back, all classes that are able will be an online platform. The second week they should return to normal.
I understand the stocking up, but I have always tried to be prepared. Remember, I live on a no ferry island--all it would take is a car accident to compromise our bridge, and the residents who live here would be left with one smallish grocery store, who also depends on the bridge for supplies. I always like to have an unopened Costco sized case on standby, but on Wednesday, when we went to our regularly scheduled Costco run, there was none to be found. I decided when I was at our smallish store that I would buy two 24 roll packs, simply because they had it available.
My husband is older, but no immunocompromised, so we are not that concerned. Still, if I can avoid being sick by simply staying home, then that is what I shall do. I think people wanted to get out while they knew the number of cases was relatively low, knowing that the number would only increase as time went on. Why not stock up then, so you can stay home for the next month? In any case, that would be my train of thought.
4/27! Wow, that's a long time. For DD2, through April 13th but they will reevaluate. Your living situation on an island is a bit different than people in my community wiping out shelves, so totally understand planning as a way of life because of conditions beyond your control like bridges being out vs. panic and hoarding. I'm sorry, but those same people I assume are buying way more than just being prepared are still out and about doing the fun things in life. Maybe I'm wrong, but when I see that someone who cannot afford to stockpile can't get their basic needs met, something is wrong.
DeleteYou're not wrong--if you don't need it, won't use it, don't buy it. It's not as if tp and the like are being offered on loss leader. Fun fact: When I started my stockpiling years ago I learned loss leader/clearance/coupon etiquette (Thank you, LDS church, for this seminar). If it's a store sale, take only what you need, do not clear the shelves, as another sale will come within the regular schedule. If it's clearance, or closeout (ie: Rite Aid 75% off post-Christmas) you are free to clear shelves, but it's considered good form to ask anybody looking at the same area if they want some of what you are getting before you do so.
DeleteI don't understand people: Why can't I find a 4 lb bag of sugar at $3.49/each, but when it's loss leader at $1.79, there's loads to be found! Who taught these people home economics?!?
Well I can mail you toilet paper if it gets too scary. Give you sister an extra hug for me.
ReplyDeleteI know I can count on my friends! My sister is getting lots of virtual hugs and I think she is feeling them.
DeleteOh Sam,, you've had such a big loss. My heart goes out to you. I'm so sorry about your BIL.
ReplyDeleteWe have about the same amount of tp as you do, but I'm not worried about that. We'll be fine and find something for that purpose.
In the meantime, take good care of yourself.
I'd never have imagined that buying a super big ack once a month, with usually 2-3 rolls to spare by the next purchase, would leave me thinking I am short! Thanks for your kind words. Big families bring so many blessings, but along with so many blessings can be that many more people that we lose.
DeleteSam, I am so sorry for your sister's loss, and all that your family has been going through. I hope the wedding was lovely and brought joy to all. Peace to you and yours in this difficult time.
ReplyDeleteIt was a lovely wedding, and I think my sister felt like she was able to celebrate, while getting the support she needs.
DeleteI am home today, which allows me to read blogs/get caught up...
ReplyDeleteIn times of loss I have learned all words are lame and useless although we want to say something. I am glad to see you are surrounded by Love here.
I too struggle with the right words, if there even are right words. Feeling the support is best, and that we do.
Deletejust catching up today. I'm so sorry!!!
ReplyDeleteIt has been a sad time, but the joy of the wedding was a huge lift.
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