Toilet paper (Covid 19 aka coronavirus discussion)

wow, I live in a small town in Wisconsin and I didn't think this virus thing would have any affect on us, but, I went shopping today at my local Walmart and not a single roll of TP was to be found! My daughter says that they aren't selling it on Amazon either. But, I could still buy kleenex and so I stocked up on that - any port in the storm!

Our Costco was cleared of ALL meat except Brisket yesterday, no frozen veggies, no water, toilet paper, kleenexes amd paper towels not to mention cleaning supplies. Hysteria

Same here in Arizona -

Nary a roll of toilet paper in my town or the neighboring town. People are such idiots! Most of the stores started limiting how much you can buy of many things because it appears some people are selling it on Craigs List and Ebay for a fortune.

People need to get some perspective. 2009 there was no media frenzie and no panic though 60 million Americans had Swine Flue and 18, 000 died from it. Cornona Virus 1000 Americans have it. 40 died (not one of whom was under 50 years of age). All this fear monging is politically motivated. The same media which buried the Swine Flu story is trying to terrorize Americans over a disease which over 98 percent of those who get it will not feel anything more than like they have a cold.

Office Depot where I work has not had any hand santizer for a week and just ran out of toiler paper and other cleaning products.. We still have some soap.

Such selfish buying in the "I Must Grab Everything " mode is totally disgusting

It is happening in some stores here in the UK also.

But the small supermarket I regularly frequent (a slightly higher class establishment and therefore slightly more expensive, I admit ) is acting quite differently as regards toilet paper supplies.

They are offering every customer "a pack of eighteen toilet rolls" at a much reduced price !!

One pack per customer, obviously, but thereby giving equal shares to all

Just absolute craziness. I'm glad to hear people are being forced to use common sense there, Mad! We are so far behind here in the US. The problem with this virus is the transmission rate. Although the seasonal flu and flus like Swine flu are awful and tens of thousands have died, the rate of transmission with this one is exponential. Although it's not clear yet, it appears that the death rate is much higher than the seasonal flu or the Swine flu. The fear is that if we aren't aggressive enough in slowing it down, it will overwhelm our health care system. There are only so many beds in the hospitals and medical professionals to provide the care. Then how do they care for the rest of the population with seasonal flu and cancer and other health problems. This is what happened in Italy where they are having to triage patients.

So far it's been people with underlying health conditions and the elderly. However, although it's not killing children yet, my friend's 8 year-old son who has asthma is at extreme risk and she has been advised to take him out of school and keep him away from large gatherings. And another friend who has an 18 year-old daughter with severe juvenile diabetes and a compromised immune system has also been so advised.

While I'm certainly not going to join the panickers, I am going to stay alert and aware because my husband and I are considered to be high risk because of our ages.

Drac, that is exactly how I feel to. I will be vigilant. Cautious. My daughter said that flights are so low right now that I can get a round-trip ticket to Florida for 48 dollars. But, I don't want to sit on a plane for 3 hours breathing in everyone's germs. i am older too, I have to be extra careful. Going to the store today, I wiped my cart off and before I even unloaded my groceries, washed my hands and sanitized. We do need to be careful.

I just watched a video of people lining up outside at Costco..wrapped around the parking lot. Same here stores have empty shelves.

Same here in Chicago. I don't go out, but my brother said Jewel and Target had no toilet paper, paper towels, or soup. I guess people are staying home to eat soup and go poop! All the schools, museums, and zoos, etc. are closed. I'm not saying this is not serious but I don't feel there is such a need for the panic that is being created. Good thing I had my brother buy me a 27 pack of toilet paper and a 6 pack of paper towels BEFORE this became an issue!

Just to be clear, I needed the toilet paper and I always get the 27 pack!

Also happening here in Canada, our area, Rockland, Orleans and Ottawa are sold out on Toilet Paper , Napkins, Hand soap, etc. These people are Idiots and selfish, thinking of Just themselves and panicking for no reason and others are doing it to take advantage to ROB people by selling it for more Money. But here in our area, the paper mills CEOs were interviewed and they have more than enough product supplies to make an abundance of toilet paper, so there is NO need to panic. A Loblaws CEO said they will Keep on top of the Toilet Paper supply and demand.

Just to show you how some people can be SO STUPID, GREEDY AND SELFISH WHEN THERE IS STATE OF EMERGENCY. Makes me Angry and disappointed......

Same here - it's "I've got mine, screw you." How about you grab a 3-pack of disposable pans and bake a cake or make a casserole for someone who is homebound and needs it. And throw in a couple rolls of TP with it.

Sad and frustrating part is that no one in US started preventative measures back in December when it was first discovered.

We have no hand sanitizer, toilet paper, masks, latex gloves or alcohol wipes. The greed is astonishing. It's putting lives at risk -- people like diabetics and cancer patients and people with immune deficiencies. My husband is in his sixth year of cancer treatment and I'm so worried about him. The virus just hit Vancouver Island and it's headed our way. Hand washing is great until you're out shopping and there's nowhere to wash hands.

We're just going to run the garden hose into the house. A little duct tape and voila, a backwoods bidet!

Just a gentle nudge, here -- this virus is already killing people at a higher rate than flu and we do need to take it seriously. It just hasn't hit North America very hard yet, but it will. Please be careful and stay healthy for yourself, for your loved ones, and for the ones who love you.

We want you to be with us for a long time yet.

Hm. Not a bad idea, actually. Hose from the sink tap? Something to ponder if the paper supply keeps getting depleted.

Hagatha, I hope your husband weathers this crisis. Making light of this disease is easy unless you are one of those people over 50 who are high-risk or you are someone with a compromised immune system like your husband. They estimate that 80% of the people who contract it will be fine, but when you are one of that 20% who will need more care or hospitalization, it's very scary. Overwhelming the health care system is the greatest fear... just look to Italy where they are triaging people over 80 to not receive emergency care. Please take care up there in Canada!

No it isn't. That's media hype. You are far more likely to die in a car crash., driving to the store to panic buy stuff. Chicago street gangs murder more people every weekend. The flu kills thousands of people every year. This virus is nothing in comparison. You should be asking who benefits from all this hysteria. its not the travel business. My cousin loses money every day. She's spending her time canceling cruises (past the 30 days cruise lines have canceled them) rather than booking them. Her family won't starve because her husband has a job, as long it doesn't close down, and they raise their own pigs, sheep and chickens, Also have bees producing honey and a large garden. Because they don[t ive in a city.

Thanks, Draclvr,

My husband has, over 5 years, had two major surgeries, as well as chemo, radiation, more radiation, and more chemo (thank you, Canadian health system!). Two years ago he was in hospital for three months following the removal of a large tumour from his sacrum (base of the spine) because of three different infections contracted after the 10-hour surgery. He has fought long and hard and with his current chemo regimen has a chance at having a few more decent years, and it would be appalling if this virus is what gets him because nobody can get basic sanitization supplies. I managed to find the very last box of alcohol wipes in this city, which means that he does have some means of sanitizing if he has to go out for any reason.

He's a stubborn old git, but I finally convinced him that he has to stay at home for the time being, barring emergencies. I remind him that summer is coming, and with it many days out in the boat having close encounters with whales. He has to stay healthy for that.

Being a stubborn old git is probably what will carry him through! The only voice I'm listening to and heeding is Dr. Anthony Fauci, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director. He says, use social distancing? I will do it. He says, shut down gatherings of more than 50 people? Done. His interviews yesterday put forth the gravity of the situation quite clearly. We either take this seriously or we go the way of Italy was his bottom line.

Please note: While we may not all see things the same way, we are all adults here so I will tolerate a civil discussion. So far so good.

This isn't Twitter or FaceBook or other social media and anything rude or hatefully bashing anothers opinion in a harsh way will be promptly deleted. Repeat offenders will be banned temporarily or permanently. I have not edited anything or deleted anything to this point, but I am just asking everyone to think hard before you post because I can see that the more the country becomes locked down that tempers will start to escalate. I thank you all for your consideration of others.

Ana

Yes, absolutely we need to stay isolated. If there's a country or province-wide shutdown, things could get bad.

I've been doing a bit of shopping over the last two days, and it's an eye-opener. Everyone is panicking and buying up case-lots of everything, and now there are no canned goods anywhere except for the most expensive soups and a few random leftover cans of tomatoes. No frozen vegetables, very few frozen fruits, almost no onions or garlic. The list goes on. Fortunately I always have large stores of pastas, sauces and dried beans and lentils, so we might be a bit carby and bored, but we won't suffer too much if we have to stay in for a while.

At least people are taking it seriously, though, and are choosing to self-isolate before things get bad here instead of waiting. The streets are empty. The only busy places are the grocery store parking lots.

I'm predicting that all of a sudden everyone will remember about their pets, and then there will be shortages of kitty litter and treats, not to mention food. Because we are ruled by our furry Ayatollah, She Who Must Be Obeyed, the Fluffy Fuhrer, (may her reign be great and victorious), I made sure that we have adequate supplies of everything cat-related except, alas, frozen Spot Prawns, which are not in season.

Walmart is all out of that and our save on foods they are all out but the bad part is the other day a guy knocked over a elderly lady and took her paper from herin Walmart but the police were called in and he got charged Costo people were lined up there from the road way right to the door another guy got caught selling it off the back of his truck what are these crazy greedy people doing .

This kind of situation seems to bring out the best in some people and the worst in others.

people are buying alot of supplies there, there was not any beef, or breads, , all the items were gone,, almost.

I wish our grocery stores here would handle things the same way. Much more civilized.

I can't understand why stores aren't limiting purchases. I mean, nobody needs ALL of the hand sanitizer, or canned tomatoes, or soups. I asked a pharmacist today about putting limits on things and he said that until they get notification from Head Office they won't do it.

Boy, the world sure changed in the blink of an eye.

And thank you for the reminder, Ana! This is a time to come together as a community of Americans and a community of the rest of the countries in the world and help each other, not hoard toilet paper or get angry with each other. This too shall pass as they say, and I think how we handle it will say a lot about us as citizens and humans. I donated a large bag of dog food, a case of canned cat food and several boxes of kitty litter to one of our local pantries which also caters to pets in need, Hagatha!

I am lucky that I have a freezer full of meats, shelves full of home canned tomatoes, pickles, potatoes and sauces in the basement, and several gallon bags of bone broth in the freezer. There was no bread today, but no biggie - I have plenty of flour and yeast and I will just bake some. We won't starve here!

Not gonna lie... I did buy 3 bottles of wine just in case!

I think some stores are rationing now (if they have anything left to ration). It seems like it just happened "all of a sudden" that the shelves were empty and nobody realized prior to that, that rationing should be required. I do hope the stores are able to restock.

Draclvr, no shame in that

What I did not like reading is that guns and ammunition were also being bought up????????????

Stopped at a couple of stores today to get some oven cleaner and a couple of other minor things. They were restocking, but with very, very few items. Definitely no paper products. Found it odd that all the chicken was gone! Plenty of pork and beef and got a nice corned beef for tomorrow.

In our land of plenty, it's so odd to see al those empty shelves. We're pretty spoiled most of the time.

I suppose if you pounded out the chicken flat enough, you could use it for... Nah....

Oh, Trail! You made me laugh out loud with that one!

The six counties surrounding the San Francisco Bay went on Shelter-in-Place orders this week, in an effort to stop the spread of the virus. Schools, libraries, sports facilities, museums, theaters, restaurants, etc, all are closed. There are about seven million people in those six counties. It has been quiet different, the half-empty roads and lack of bustle. You still can go to the grocery and can order food delivered from any vendor who does that, but you are advised to avoid contact with anyone other than those you are sequestered with in your residence. People have been told to work from home, and older folks, especially, are cautioned to stay isolated from public contact. We have laid in some food, and are still taking a daily walk as long as we stay away from other people.

We have only had a few residents who tested positive, but that signals a viable population of infection as yet diagnosed. The numbers are expected to rise before they level off.

Here in Missouri, we are getting to the same place. Our governor just announced that he is requiring all restaurants and bars to close by midnight Wednesday night except for carry-out and delivery. Schools are closed and churches are not holding services.

I saw my doctor yesterday for my annual check-up and I asked his opinion. He said, "This is real, not a hoax or the media." He said all the doctors in their system had been receiving constant updates on the epidemiology of this virus and he said because it originated as an animal to human transmission, it is rapidly evolving. A lot is unknown, but we must slow down the transmission rate or our health care systems will be overwhelmed.

Same down here in Alabama Reenie and Draclvr ... I've started working at home and they've started 'drive-thru' test centers which I think is an outstanding construct invented by the South Koreans!

It's the same in the province of Québec.

Being part of the people over 70, I stay home except for a 30 minutes walk every day depending on the weather.

I do not fell bad about this as I have multiple occupations, reading being one of them.

Chief

I was glad to see there were drive-thru tests being done in St. Louis County too. You had to be screened by phone to have certain symptoms before you could get one, but it has been going very smoothly.

Same here, Chief! I did something today to make me look forward to summer... I started about 300 tomato plant seeds!

Apparently pretty much everything is closed here in Chicago also.

Reenie, did you check out the thread on this board titled "toilet paper"?

I combined the threads since we were already discussing it.

Here in BC we're getting to that way, too. Schools are now closed, as are bars and restaurants if they can't separate their patrons adequately.

Of course on top of everything, there's a really nasty flu bug this year, which will make it much harder to separate the various winter illnesses from Coronavirus. Our hospital is already full with flu cases. It's going to be bad if our small city ends up with a wave of Coronavirus cases.

We feel very fortunate because we live right over the water and have a great and ever-changing view. Being at home is never dull, so we'll be okay.

In the Netherlands, the schools are closed, the kids are getting a list of things they have to do this week.
Most sporting clubs and events, all events >100 people are cancelled, restaurants are takeout or delivery only.
I can't work from home as i work at a laboratory for clinical chemistry, hematology and immunology. We process swabs for influenza, for covid they get sent to a bigger microbiology lab. 1 radiologist has tested positive. Luckily no patient contact but he did have contact with colleagues. At the moment they only test patients at our hospital. No positives as far as i know.

Here in the U.K. very similar arrangements.
Being well over 70 I have to self-isolate but having lost my Husband many years ago I am used to being on my own.
Plus my youngest Daughter only lives 30 minutes away by car so she will bring whatever groceries are available and I can arrange to have necessary medications delivered.
AND I can visit Gameboomers at any time I like so my own fortunate situation is pretty positive

I wish you all safe and well in these uncertain times: here in the Isle of Man there has yet to be a recorded case, and with steps being taken on Monday to at last cancel the TT races (due at the end of May) and restrict travel on and off the Island by a 14 day self quarantine period for all arrivals (including those returning) we seem to be off to a good start. However the virus may of course already be here. Our healthcare facilities are pretty limited and UK is probably under too much pressure to help, so we are somewhat holding our breath (as my wife would say "waiting to exhale").

We had to laugh when the first reported activity of the Island's government in preparation a week or so ago was training of additional staff for the crematorium....!

We also now have drive up testing if you get a doctor approval first. We have 68 cases so far but as the testing increases they expect a lot more cases to be confirmed. Our grocery stores are now allowing those over 60 to shop in the 1st hour they open so we can shop without being exposed to as many people. Bill and I are not going out unless absolutely necessary. We live in a very small town and we are able to go for walks every day so we do get out and enjoy the fresh air. We have lots of books and puzzles to keep us busy. It might be a good time to "purge" the house and get rid of all the stuff we have accumulated over the years!

I hope all of you here at GB stay safe in this worldwide crisis.

Here in Florida we are doing the same as everyone else. Robert is still working, but he works outside by himself. I have an appointment tomorrow with my new primary care doctor. Please keep safe everyone. Danish, Eggs, Grits, Hash Browns, Bacon, Sausage, and Toast in the NC. Virtual Hugs to all.

Clearly, since I work caring for others pets, I am still working. In fact I logged almost 13 miles yesterday walking the pups. 90% of my clients are working from home,

At least you'll be wonderfully fit and you won't get cabin fever!


I haven't been feeling well over the last couple of days, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed it's just the flu. However, we were down in Victoria two and a half weeks ago, and that's when a ferry-load full of dentists returning from a Vancouver convention arrived, carrying with them the virus, so who knows? I'm not very sick, and the other half is feeling so good he's off out in the boat looking for Orca, so we should be okay.

I hope ALL of you stay well!!!

Ana, I thought some of your clients were cancelling?

My brother has gone out everyday looking for toilet paper. I suggested that maybe if he asked, they might have some in the back, so he asked at both Jewel and Target today and neither store would confirm or deny if they had any in the back room. ?? He broke down and bought some Kleenex and napkins just in case. We are okay for now but I think he is getting worried that when we really need it, he won't be able to find anything. We go through paper towels really, really fast here for several reasons, and I go through toilet paper faster than the normal person. Sorry if that is TMI

Just a quick note Im hardly on here since my hip operation ...but wishing belated birthday wishes to all and we have each other please hang in there because this too shall pass no paper easy use a clen cloth and wash it after each use or use parchment paper ...Tissue paper whatever you feel comfortable Stay strong , we will make it through Hugs to all

I've had notices from several doc offices that are closed except for emergencies; dentist has cancelled all regular cleaning appts for the next month. I've also gone online to get some items so I don't have to go to any stores. Hardest one for me was finding 'distilled' water which I need for my CPAP machine. Google directed me to one online store where I got as far as to checkout and there was no delivery dates available. Thankfully I've plenty to do so I hope to not go too crazy being home. Games, reading, Netflix and organizing home stuff.

This morning I realized that, at 66, I'm part of the 'vernerable' age group.

Remember how different the world was before 911? This will be another one for the history books for sure. Stay safe and healthy.

Over the last couple of years I've tried to stay positive, figuring the absence of military on city streets was a good thing. If National Guard is sighted, I may have eat my words.

Prayers to all as things change.

Who knew you could make your own distilled water, butterflybabe!

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Distilled-Water

Same here in Sweden, no toilet paper as far as the eye can see.

Things are pretty much normal here in Glennville. Nobody seems to be freaking out. But when I went to visit my neighbor in the nursing home, they took my temperature,and put me in a gown and gloves, and a face mask. For as light as it seemed, that gown was amazingly warm. I hope this is over soon. The shelves at the grocery store are still fully stocked.

Albert

Albert,

I thought things were normal here, too, and didn't load up on canned goods last week because the stores were well-stocked. A couple of days later I went shopping and there was almost nothing left in certain departments, notably canned goods and baking supplies, as well as all paper goods like napkins, tissues, toilet paper and paper towels. Make sure you have enough food and supplies on hand for two to three weeks, just in case. It never hurts to be prepared and if nothing happens in your area then there's no harm been done.

I hope you are ok, hagatha! Out in the fresh air on the open water is a wonderful place to be! Be well! And yes, I walk all day, every day. Rain, sleet, snow or shine! I love my job!

oldbroad, I lost 90% of my clients right now for regular scheduled walks but I have some that added hour long outings to help me and their housebound pets while they work from home.

Ana

That's good Ana!

i will be glad when we can get beef, i forgot what a burger was.

Hey Draclvr,

Funny you should mention it! Was talking to a close friend whose sister had chrones long before they knew what it was. Her Mom found that distilled water helped so she made her own. The process shown on that site is a bit more complicated from what my friend shared. Her Mom simply filled a large pot with water. Let it boil, then cool. All bad stuff sunk to the bottom and the rest was distilled. Just fill containers with it.

thanks for checking on it for me!

So, by boiling she would have eliminated any potential bacterial contamination, and some scale that's in the solution might precipitate out, but it wouldn't be distilled water.

In order to distill water, you have to boil the water, capture the steam and cool it. Then catch it as it condenses back into a liquid in a different container. That leaves the minerals that were in the water in the original container. The water that's condensed out from the steam is then considered distilled since it doesn't have any minerals left in it.

Drinking fully distilled water is ok, as long as you're getting the minerals you need on a daily basis from other sources.

TM

Yes, what Trail said. Distilled water is the condensate from the steam. But maybe simply boiling the water killed any potential bacteria and her body did better with it.

Life continues in AL, though bread and paper aisles are cleaned out. I'm keeping social distance, but that's pretty much my standard life style so no changes there.

I make our bread, so that's not a problem either.

I'm sad too at seeing folks buy up everything in the store as I'm convinced they are profiteering on it. Had to laugh out loud with the end result of those brothers in Tennessee who bought out all the hand cleaner.

Hubby had bronchitis, but not Covid. Va. son is in "self isolation" since yesterday. He's sick but he also has a brand new baby and 5 kids and no place in his house where he can truly isolate. He's waiting on test results. He does have a slight risk as he has exercise induced asthma. He is generally very healthy though, so we expect him to come through this just fine.

I do say Thank You, God, for the internet on a daily basis, but have been saying that for many years. I'm never bored...too many games, books, movies, etc. Plus the kids are out of school and hubby is working from home.

Yesterday we had to go out to take Lil Soot to the vet. There were sooooooooooo many cars on the road. :wow:

I'd be making bread but we can't find any flour in the stores!

We've got enough of everything to last two weeks except for eggs so we're good for a while, though the lack of fruit and vegetables will be an issue. I am venturing out for perishables later today because we found two small bottles of hand sanitizer in our boat so we can keep our hands clean out there.

Loony4labs, I also have lots to do at home, and I tend to be a homebody loner. Since my husband and I are best friends, too, we can just carry on happily.

We had a happy hour party with our immediate neighbours last night, on our respective balconies. Also, everyone in our neighbourhood is out gardening and walking, just keeping a distance.

It's wonderfully quiet here. All I can hear is birdsong and waves. Normally we have float planes flying back and forth delivering people and supplies to logging camps, but I guess the camps are all shut down now. Of course there aren't any commercial flights, either.

Re the 'distilled' water issue. I do not drink it. Rather I use it in the humidifier that is part of the breathing machine (CPAP) I use at night to counteract my sleep apnea. The humidifier prevents my mouth from going dry. Due to my hare-lip and cleft palate (both of which were repaired when I was a child), I do not get enough air thru my nose at night so I have to breath thru my mouth, so I wear a full face mask which covers both nose and mouth. So, for me, the simpler process is probably sufficient. However, if it came down to it, I'd probably check with my doctor. Normally this isn't an issue because the distilled water is easily found in many stores for less than a buck. To be honest, I'd rather spent the money then take time and effort to make my own, no matter the process. If things got bad enough thu, I'd do what I have to do.

I agree about the empty streets. Used to seeing that when school starts and those attending school are off the road. It's nice but also kind of eerie.

Illinois is now under a "stay at home" order also.

I just saw that news, oldbroad. California was the first, New York was next, and now Illinois.

How is this going to affect your job, Ana?

I'm still working Marian. We are considered essential workers so we are still at it!

Ana

That's very good to know, Ana - thanks!

It's still a fraction of what I'm used to, but I'm really enjoying relaxed visits with the ones I have and I don't need to watch the clock! Thanks for asking, Marian. It's a really strange time for sure.

I've been wondering how this would affect you too, Ana. So glad you are still at it!

A stay-at-home order has now been issued for New Jersey.

St. Louis County and St. Louis City were issued orders today.

Make your own hand sanitizer. Got this from the WHO website and did all the conversions. This will make a little less than 3 cups.

* 16 ounces of 99% isopropyl alcohol. Most alcohol is 70%... I used what I had, which was 70%.
* 1 Tablespoon 3% hydrogen peroxide (not for hand sanitizing, but for killing any bacteria in the solution itself)
* 1 Teaspoon 98% glycerol (to provide some moisturizer)
* Distilled or boiled cold water

Mix the first 3 ingredients in a glass or plastic container. The glycerol is very thick and viscous, so use a plastic scraper to get it all out of the measuring spoon. Add distilled or cold boiled water to make 2 3/4 cups. Stir with a wooden spoon and let it stand for 72 hours to make sure all bacteria have been neutralized.
I got the glycerol at Amazon. Ordered on Thursday and was delivered on Saturday.

Drac, Isopropyl Alcohol and hydrogen peroxide has been off the shelves for weeks here. It's impossible to get.

Same here! We had some in a cabinet already, so looked it up. Amazon has both with supplies becoming available the first week in April.

As a matter of possible interest, apparently good old fashioned soap (or any other more basic cleanser) can often be as good if not more effective than some sanitisers: we saw reference to some recent research (not in connection with the virus) which demonstrated that anti-bacterial cleansers can in some ways actually be a disadvantage in removing both good and bad bacteria from your hands, when the good bacteria could perhaps offer some protection. https://www.thetvdb.com/series/the-twinstitute/allseasons/official

You are correct, Lex. Soap and water, washing for at least 20 seconds is the most effective. I never used hand sanitizers before for the very reasons you mention. However, these are different times! We wanted some to carry with us for instance when we go to the grocery store. Once we get in the car, we can use the sanitizer. I've told hubby to use a glove to pump gas.

Lex, I never use hand sanitizer for that very reason. I don't use anti-bacterial soap either. I believe we need to boost our immune system with everyday exposures. I am, during this time, washing more often and using disposable gloves in instances that I am unable to wash immediately after. I still have clients to service and limiting my contact in homes.

washing hands is my #1 choice when available

I found a mid-size bottle of sanitizer in my car AND a package of toilet paper in the store yesterday and felt like I'd struck gold! I'd forgotten about the sanitizer. I'd bought it in January because we had a lot of flu going around at the time.

Because of my husband's illness I do take sanitizing my hands while out and about very seriously, using the sanitizer every time I get back in my car. The first thing I do when I get home is wash my hands.

The stores that remain open here have set up places to stand while in line at the cashier. Also, people are being really good about maintaining distance in stores. I've only had one person get angry with me for asking her to move farther back from me in a till lineup. She got quite miffed but was soon corrected by everyone else in the line. I guess it's really sunk in here.

Things in Australia are much the same. Shelves diminished of just about everything, national borders closed and some States also imposing self-isolation for 14 days if you enter.
Dumb behaviour was still occurring, so all non-essential venues ordered closed yesterday along with schools. Travel restrictions as well.
Thank goodness for the interweb!

We have bought surgical gloves and use those when we go to the store: they also serve as a reminder to keep hands away from face!

One of the things that made the twinstitute research particularly interesting was how much it surprised the expert to find that soap and water was preferable to an anti-bacterial sanitiser!

As for toilet paper, one of my brothers has many muslim friends who use a bowl of water and a washcloth in any event...

We've been using one of those small TSA approved spray bottles, just filled with straight alcohol. They're only 2 oz., so easy to carry in a coat pocket or purse (up right). Couple of spritzes and you're good to go.

I am once again reminding all to keep your political, conspiracy theories and other subjective points of view off of GameBoomers. Everyone is entitled to their beliefs, but these are the guidelines of this forum. If you can't keep in line with the posts here and post what is happening in your corner of the world and not preach your politics, your posts will be deleted. No exceptions. I have a zero tolerance policy.

Ana

Thank you SO much, Ana. Gameboomers is one of the places I love coming to every day to just be with my friends and talk about how we are all coping in our different ways. These are trying times and I don't want to leave here feeling like I've just watched Fox News or MSNBC.

Lex, that is something I didn't know!

So, back to my wallpaper!

Well tomorrow is the first Tuesday that Walmart is having early shopping for us older adults. Will be interesting to see how crowded it is.... or not!

The Jewel here started early shopping last Thursday I think. My brother said it was just the same. No toilet paper; same people. After Jewel, he waited for Target to open and managed to snag a pack of toilet paper. He said there was not much though.

Our stores are doing that too. Unfortunately, they are not stocking them first. We talked to the manager at our grocery store and told him they need to stock after they close at night so there is something for us to buy!

Hot water and soap has always been the medical advice I've been given as regards limiting cross infection.

So I've stuck with it

And as I'm not allowed to be "out and about" because of my age, I'll just continue down that route

But in the main, everyone should do what they feel they are best confident with, I reckon ??

I've only done hot water and soap all my life. But I'm carrying hand sanitizer when I am forced to go out. Tomorrow I'm picking up an order of fresh fruits and veggies at a local stand which they pack up and bring out to your car.

I've stocked up the house well enough that I don't have to go out for at least two weeks, which is good. However, we're reading projections now that British Columbia may be on the same track as Italy in terms of infection rates. Needless to say, I'm worried about my husband. He is staying in except for boating trips, but even so...

Keeping you and your husband in my thoughts and prayers hagatha. I hate cancer!

Thank you. I hate it, too. It took my younger sister at the age of 44.

My best to you and your husband Hagatha, I've been through it with several family members. Make sure you are taking care of yourself as well.

They've updated the mass gathering restrictions here, adding fines and jail time to anyone holding gatherings of 10 or more people. Luckily, our region seems to have leveled off so far, although those cities in the south and south western part of the state with higher populations aren't fairing as well. Ran into town a couple times today, many businesses were empty and traffic was substantially reduced, which is saying something considering how rural we are. Since the UK will be starting their lockdown, I would imagine that we won't be far behind, so picked up a few things to make sure we're set up for a couple weeks just in case.

Shopping this morning went well. I do believe every older adult was there... was able to find most everything... except the bread we wanted and my low carb tortilla's. They are enforcing the not more that one with the toilet paper.. we got some only by one man having more than one and we were standing next to him and we took his. Good to go for a while now. Still low on soups and canned veggies but we buy fresh so no problem there!

Do a Bing search on “covid-19 in (your state)”. One of the results is internal to Bing, and will further break it down by county. It will also list results by country for folks outside the US.

I live in a small rural town. Saturday there were no cases in my or any surrounding county. Nothing within 60 miles. I’m pretty much prepared at all times, but went to the local grocery store Sunday for one of their excellent cherry pies. There weren’t many people there, but the meat isle was wiped out. The bread section was wiped out. Rice was wiped out. There were signs all over the drinks isle saying purchases were limited to two cases. I had no idea what was going on. Then when I checked the Bing status on Monday, we had our first case. I was later told it was a clerk in one of the local 7-11 type stores, fortunately not one I ever visit. Not good.

Albert

Well, our Gov just enacted a "safer at home" order like several other states. All non-essential businesses are to be closed down for a month. Those considered essential is a fairly large list, so the impact will be somewhat mitigated.

There is also the amazing website maintained by the teenager in Seattle since December. He's been tracking the virus by country, by US state and many other statistics. He's gotten quite a bit of press.

https://ncov2019.live/data

He did a good job organizing that site, I'm assuming he's pulling his data other sources to stay updated. Johns Hopkins has been running a similar tracking site here:

https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html

While I appreciate the stores attempting to cater to seniors with special hours; they don't realize that not all seniors are up and about first thing in the morning. I'm not awake enough to drive before 10 am.

Me either, butterflybabe! Well, maybe by 9:00! But hubby is up at the crack of dawn and he has gone a couple of times.

I ventured out into the cold cruel world for the first time in 9 days today. Scored $300 of groceries including 4 bottles of wine and two boxes of facial tissues! We also have the best thing going in our little town. A fresh produce stand gets wholesale produce down in St. Louis in the morning and brings it out here about an hour west. You pull up in your vehicle, they come out and take your order, shop for you and then bring it out and load in your car. I got apples, potatoes, cucumbers, green grapes, green onions, grape tomatoes and some Cajun peanuts for about $20. Gave them a big fat tip! Their produce is head and shoulders above the grocery store too.

According to my brother, all the old people shop early in the morning. (He's one of them!) Since he does my shopping for me and I don't know what is in the stores these days, I'm having trouble figuring out what to put on my list. He wouldn't know what might be a suitable substitution and doesn't pay attention to prices sometimes, even when I write down on the list what the sale price is supposed to be. A couple of weeks ago Strawberries and Blueberries were on sale, 2 for $3.00 which I wrote on my list. He came home with a 6 oz pack of Organic Blueberries that cost me $3.99!!! But, beggars can't be choosers so they say

I encouraged my husband to use his cell phone to call if he has questions. He’s been doing our shopping and this works well for us.

We just got back from the grocery store and have enough for a couple of weeks now. The store was quite well stocked with the exception of paper towels and toilet paper, of which there was none at all. I did manage to snag some toilet paper from Amazon a week ago, so I guess now I will be on the hunt for paper towels. Happily there was bottled water this time around; the last time we were in there it was all gone.

We also managed to get home and put it all away before a really big hailstorm started, so all in all I consider this outing a success.

Yikes! That's unnerving. I spent some time just outside of Fresno and know how those storms just whip up out of nowhere.

Indeed they do, TM! The weather has been as variable here the past couple of months as it was when I was living in Denver - one day it is seventy degrees and then a few days later it's snowing. Keeps things interesting.

At least our weather has settled down. It's gloomy today, but those awful winter winds we get have finally stopped for the season. Sometimes it feels as though our house is going to blow away.

We have... wait for it... SUNSHINE today! Amazing how it lifts your mood...

Wen to the pharmacy today. What an odd experience. They weren't letting anyone into the store. Instead, they made us line up outside, 6 feet apart, and asked us to come forward one at a time. They passed the medications and the cash machine through the barred door.

The streets are empty. A couple of restaurants are open, but that won't last. There's nobody in them. The only place that's doing a roaring business is the Starbuck's drive-through, and sadly, I am not a Starbucks fan. My coffee shop, a small independent business, is shuttered.

My hairdresser just texted me asking if I wanted her to mix my hair colour and drop it on my doorstep.

Really brings home just what strange times we are living in.

Here in Rockland, Ontario, the restaurants that will last are those that can provide Take-out and or Delivery services.
I went to a Jean Coutu pharmacy and they Six Packs toilet paper and Six packs of Tissue paper, only One pack each per customer, but hey, that is Great considering other stores were out of stock. I also learned that although some of our major stores were Out of these items, if you asked at the Cash, they would get a worker bring you a pack of toilet paper.

Hey agatha I'm not a Starbucks fan neither, are there no Tim Hortons in your neck of the woods?

No, we have no Tim's here, either. I'm not a big fan, anyway.

I'm afraid I'm a transplanted Vancouver coffee snob

We get coffee from a local roaster Collectivo and they sell online.

They're way better than Starbucks, just my opinion on that. Starbucks always taste burned to me. Collectivo's coffees are rich and smooth.

I highly suggest Blue Healer for a daily drinker. I get 5lbs bags of the coarse grind delivered. If you like a richer blend, their Black and Tan is chocolaty and has great body. I'll occasionally brew up a 1/2 and 1/2 mix of the two, when I want something a little richer than the Blue Healer.


TM

I'm going to have to check Collectivo out. I've been getting coffees from Black Rifle Coffee Company. They are quite pricey, but it's supposedly a bunch of vets and they do try to do community assistance.

I buy my coffee at Costco. It's the Level Ground Ethiopian, and it's only roasted for Costco. The Level Ground website has another Ethiopian, but they tell me it isn't the same roast, and it does taste different.

Not sure if you can get it in the USA, but it's a lovely chocolatey medium roast with no bitterness.

I love my coffee. It's one of my little rituals in the morning, my Ethiopian made in a stainless steel insulated French Press.

When we are all "sheltering in place" it's the little things like a really good cup or two of coffee in the morning that make the day start off right! Hubby and I ordered take out tonight from another restaurant in our little town - prime rib dinners! They were very busy and hubby made sure to leave them a big fat tip. We broke out a couple bottles of wine here at home and had a fine dinner.

I think I've only had prime rib one time in my whole life.

As for coffee, I like flavored, and order from Flying Bean. Also drink Folgers every other pot. The only thing I could ever drink from Starbucks was the Hazelnut Frapuccino.

A great relief for us yesterday. A very good friend who is a nurse on the front lines in our local hospital tested negative for COVID-19. He is only 55, but had a heart attack several years ago, so when one of the ER doctors tested positive, he was able to get tested. They no longer have any PPE, so he was definitely exposed. Whew, because we need him!

And another great relief for us this morning! A friend brought us 12 giant rolls of toilet paper! His daughter had forgotten to uncheck the auto-ship at Amazon for a long time and she has boatloads. Who know TP would ever be a commodity valuable as gold! We were good to go for a week or two, but what a great gesture!

Our neighbourhood friends, involving six or seven houses, have agreed to help each other out if one of us experiences a shortage of anything. One thing about small-city life is that you have more of an immediate community, and this is when it becomes most important.

Absolutely true, hagatha. Our small community is rocking it!

Yup, totally agree and exactly the reason we moved out of the city into farm country, and it's a decision I don't think I'll ever regret. I was raised with a farm field right across the street as a kid, then ended up moving smack into the city since my job was geared for larger corporations. So glad that technology allows me to work from home, cuz I've got the farm fields right next door again and some great neighbors

That's not to say I didn't have some great neighbors in the city, I just like being in the country better.

I'm originally from Toronto, but moved to Vancouver to live with the Spousal Unit in '82. Vancouver is a stunning city and a foodie heaven, but it got staggeringly busy and the traffic was beyond belief by the time we moved here. No regrets, though as I age I will probably end up in Victoria, which is a lovely smallish city, and also foodie heaven.

We love Campbell River and our house on the water. My husband's health problems would have been much harder to bear in West Vancouver. Here we have a dozen friends within shouting distance.

At my work, we're doing our best. 12 icu beds, 11 with covid-19 patients. 49 patients in total at both our locations.
Several people i know have or have had the disease in varying degrees.
Toilet paper and keukenrol supplies in the store seem to be improving now most people have enough to last thru the rest of the year (seems like it).

We're supporting our restaurant by take out.. they do curb side so we don't even have to go in and they have the best ribs around... loving my ribs!!! We're going to have ribs every Friday and no I won't get tired of them :-)

Do you work in a clinical setting? This must be very stressful.

We are doing the same, WInfrey! And so far the restaurants all seem to be hopping with business. I know a couple of owners and they said people are being very generous with tips etc. and they are doing OK.

Our County Commissioner spoke to us on YouTube yesterday. He said one of the consequences of shutting everything down and people staying home has been a drastic reduction in cases of the seasonal flu! I had not thought of that but it makes sense.

Most of the time I work at a specialist workstation (hematology, bone marrow morphology or hematological flow cytology) at our second location. But I do work at the routine stations in the hospital itself, including evening and night shifts. I did a night shift last week, and it wasn't as stressful yet as there were only 2 positive patients at that time and they were evolving our strategy for dealing with the patients. There are strict rules about the flow of new patients, separating suspect patients and non/low suspect patients and sending them to the correct ward asap. Too bad we still can't test for corona at our hospital (our lab tests for Influenza A/B and RS virus). It would make the correct assignment of patients a lot quicker.

Lack of testing has been a terrible failing here in the US too. I read that they have developed a test that can give results in 15 minutes. Our agency that oversees that has given it a fast track. The medical professionals I know personally have told me that has been their biggest issue after a lack of PPE.

country music star joe diffie passed away from this virus going around. he was scheduled to perform at the kansas state fair in september

I just read that. Joe Diffie is of "Prop Me Up By the Jukebox When I Die" fame. John Prine also has it and is in critical condition.

On top of everything else, since it has been such an unusually warm winter here in Chicagoland, I've had a freak out week due to 'patio ants', first a few on my bath room sink, then worse on my kitchen counter tops. Ordered something on line last Friday; when it started in the kithen decided couldn't wait for it. Menards was closed so last night headed out at 7pm to Target and got some Raid traps. I'm told it should stop within a day or two. I know it could be something worse, don't want to name or dwell even on that positive note.

I keep my hair short and it grows fast. Hair cut will be WAY overdue by the time this is over. I have naturally curly hair and it's coming out big-time now. Whole new look by the time this over! HA!

John Has been upgraded to stable... A friend of mine is his friend...

Oh, I am soooo glad to hear that about John Prine!

I am so glad too about John Prine. Thanks for keeping us informed. I love his first albums/tapes. I have so many favorite songs of his. Linda goes to Mars is one that my brothers always sing to me - I guess they think I am ditzy. Big Old Goofy world is another favorite. Now I will be singing John Prine songs all night! I go to very few concerts but hubby and I did go to one of his concerts. Lots of fun!

The CDC may soon recommend that everyone wear masks to cut down on the contamination. Unfortunately masks are very hard to find. I came across this video of how to make a mask from a T shirt with no sewing. If you want even more protection, use a HEPA filter instead of a paper towel. There are videos on YouTube showing how to make a mask from a HEPA vacuum cleaner bag.

https://mobile.twitter.com/jeremyphoward/status/1244773317548089344

That's quite ingenious. Not sure about using a HEPA filter though, I'm thinking it might be too difficult to breath through and counter its use by drawing air in through the sides of the mask. They should advise to disinfect the mask each time you come back from using it, given the time that the coronavirus can stay viable on certain surfaces.

TM

He does say to wash the mask in soap and water each time you use it and this will destroy the virus. I'm going to find a T shirt and try this.

These "solutions" are not particularly effective in preventing the disease, although they may have some benefit in someone symptomatic spreading it. The reason medical personnel use the N95 masks - assuming they can find them - is because they are rated for entities as small as a virus. When I was trained in wearing PPE, it was all about the seal between the mask and the face. These "everyday" masks are too porous and have no seal. Masks made of cloth take porous to an even lower level. From what I'm reading, they might have some benefit if you are exhibiting symptoms and may mitigate the spread through droplets etc. But if you are symptomatic, you need to stay home anyway.

Yes, the main purpose is to keep the droplets from spreading. There is little protection for the wearer unless it is an N95 mask. A lot of people would need to wear masks to keep the spread of the virus down. This seemed to work well in South Korea and a few other countries that tried it. I am hearing medical authorities reversing their original opinions that most people should not wear masks.

John Prine off ventilator, but still fighting the disease...

John

Thank you for posting that link, Winfrey! It just made my day! Keep fighting, John Prine! I'm going to post at MM too...

That's the Way the World goes Round!!

On the subject of everyone wearing Masks, how about not thinking about everything that is in the media and think of this angle that isn't as well publicized. The number one cause of contacting the Virus is hand to face. Humans on an average touch their face 25 times an hour. Wearing the Mask for me is it reminds me when I am out not to touch my face. Not that it protects me from infection but it helps me to not touch my face. Its a whole different way of thinking that would help very much in curtailing the spread.

So I don't necessarily wear a mask and gloves to protect me from getting the virus from air born droplets (although it sure can't hurt) its making sure that out of habit I don't touch my face, wipe my nose, scratch an eye itch etc. without realizing it. Everyone using Masks along with self isolation should double the stopping of the spread than just self quarantining alone...wouldn't you think?

There are a couple issues with wearing gloves. Generally, medical professionals are saying it's better to just wash your hands if you aren't trained in the proper use or if the intent is to wear them for an extended period of time (i.e. running multiple shopping errands.) They cite these issues:

~Most people don't know the proper procedure for removing medical gloves to avoid contamination
~Viruses can in some cases more readily adhere to medical gloves, so there is an increased chance of spreading the virus further and more effectively if you're using them in retail and / or other public environments
~People are re-using gloves that should be single use disposable, creating a greater hazard

On the subject of removing disposable gloves, the CDC offers a good pdf guide here: https://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/pdf/poster-how-to-remove-gloves.pdf

TM

Yes and yes some more on the use of gloves. The proper procedure for removing them is something you almost need to practice to get it right. My training in wearing and using PPE was an entire day long when I was getting my 40 hour HAZMAT certification. Single use only.

We've also started washing fruits and vegetables and packaging and quarantining anything that gets delivered from Amazon and Canada Post. I've been hearing a lot about people with compromised lungs being at high risk, and my asthma puts me in that group. This is the time of year when my asthma is at its worst, too.

Here in BC our state of emergency has been extended for another month and it looks like we'll be in self-isolation until July, now. Good thing we have our boat, and of course I can always immerse myself in a game.

Good to hear that John Prine is recovering. Not a huge fan, but some of his songs were part of my growing up years.

Same here Hagatha. Any package that's delivered gets a quick shot of Lysol and the contents as well. Any junk mail we get goes directly into the recycling bin.

From what I have read from the Virus Control experts, there is little or no worries from packages, they do not hold virus' like human contact. I know because one reputable site had a 10 Question survey on the Virus and I got 8 out 10 correct. One wrong answer was about packaging and parcels which they state as little on no danger since the virus does not attach itself on such surfaces and the other answer I got wrong one was about Pets, they state that in the Majority, pets do not carry the virus, so most of us who have pets need not to worry as originally mentioned and I answered Yes that pets are a danger of carrying the virus which of course I got a wrong answer on that one.

And if you are interested, below is a short rant from a well know Canadian comedian/host re the virus, it is a short clip:
https://www.cbc.ca/comedy/rick-s-rant-social-isolation-1.5516598

Actually, the virus can stay viable for up to 24 hours on cardboard. Considering packages bounce around with others from all over the country and / or world, I would rather err on the side of caution.

Same here, Trail... erring on the side of caution. It's just not a big deal to be careful with packages. I did just open an Amazon box, but I washed my hands after. Opened the item and washed my hands again.

Well I guess there are experts all over the world giving different opinions and advice which adds to the confusion to what is Safe and what is Not, but Draclvr re-remind all of us that the best policy is to Wash your hands whenever you touch parcels, go shopping, etc. By the way, it is also VERY Important to sanitize your Door handles to your house, these are handles that you touch on a daily basis. Of course, it wouldn't hurt to sanitize the rest of your house from time to time depending on the number of trips you take to the outside protection of your own home.

Starcom, I have a feeling when this is all over we all might be changing some of our habits! You are so correct about door handles and knobs!

You're completely right about this, and it's a mystery to me why this isn't stressed more in the media.

Well, I have already learned one thing. Don't take toilet paper for granted! I have learned to stretch my roll by at least one full day.

I saw a meme on Facebook the other day... " I used to spin that toilet paper roll like the wheel of fortune. Now I turn it like I'm cracking a safe!"

I've been a John Prine fan for almost 50 years. I am praying for him.

I still can't figure out why toilet paper was the thing people got fixated on. "It's the apocalypse! Buy up all the toilet paper you can find!" would have made a lead brick first season of The Walking Dead.

The minute I heard that one of the precautions was to not touch the face, my face started itching.

hahaha Drac. "I used to spin that toilet paper roll like the wheel of fortune. Now I turn it like I'm cracking a safe!" I now count how many squares I use! I never did that before. boy this whole thing has taught me a few things on what I took for granted before.

I could not agree with you more on that point, bad enough I have year round allergies in which I constantly touch my face but now that they are constantly talking about it, makes things worst for me, I think I will go out and buy some Boxing Gloves and wear these 24/7 except for meal times.

Now, I will be the first one to say I don't particularly want to run out of toilet paper. But jeez! The entire WORLD went nuts about toilet paper! Why toilet paper, indeed?!

Considering that it doesn't look like this situation is going to end very soon, I decided to go the bidet route. Kohler makes a manual one that doesn't require an electrical hook up and fits most of their toilets. So, that will be one of my projects this weekend.

TM

Now THAT''S a great idea!

At least in UK, we were advised that gloves and hand washing were the most important protection, but now masks are being more strongly encouraged and may even become mandatory. Quite apart from possible difficulty in finding a good one available to buy, I have the issue that most masks over nose and mouth are likely to cause my glasses to steam up, and in any event a visor offers better protection.
I have therefore adapted a clear plastic folder with a couple of stategic air holes and my glasses worn over the top: I would attach a photo to give you all a laugh but that is beyond my capabilities...!

We have a total of two cases here now, no new ones in the last week. You can only conduct business at the bank at the drive up window. Went to pay my water bill at city hall. You can now only pay at the drive up window, drop box, or online. I didn’t even know they had a drive up window. The grocery store (our one and only) has reduced operating hours. Local restaurants are still open, but take out only. Folks are being pretty good about lining up 6 feet (2 meters) apart in check out lines.

I briefly toyed with the idea of digging out my old NATO gas mask with NBC (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical, note the B part) filter cartridge. I used it once many years ago when a cat crawled under the house and died. I didn’t know it until the smell in the house got really bad. It would have been a nearly impossible job to drag kitty out without that gas mask. That idea didn’t last long. I’d rather get the virus than contribute to some Mad Max apocalyptic anxiety. On the other hand, it might be a really good idea for some medical professionals. Full face protection, all skin and eyes. Washable and reusable.

Albert

A lot of our local stores are selling online and doing a daily pickup with restricted hours. At least they can keep themselves going. We've only just managed to have a few high-end stores and restaurants open here and it would be a shame to lose them. Who knows, now, how long this will go on?

And I haven't seen a roll of toilet paper in a store for a couple of weeks now!

Mash and the Coronavirus:

The coronavirus is certainly providing the opportunity for people to get creative. Whoever put this video together did a fabulous job.....and it was good to see the old gang again!

https://youtu.be/L5CNHDeF2xA

That was great, Starcom!

There is talk here about using masks in public. But there are no masks to be found anywhere. People still need to go our for food, and prescriptions. Not sure what the plan is. I might have to adapt one of my scarves.

Too funny. It was a good show. I only wish it hadn't had that awful laugh track, but that was the norm back in the day.

And while I was watching it, I saw that someone has uploaded full episodes of Ripping Yarns, which, if you're a Python fan, as I am, would be a great way to spend a Covid-couch day. Michael Palin and Terry Jones, comic geniuses.

Thank you, Starcom !! That was so good to watch !!

We enjoyed the video, Starcom.

I just made a mask from a folded paper towel, 2 rubber bands and 2 staples. There are hundreds of plans for masks on YouTube. I also made the bigger one from a T shirt.

Would posting articles that show 22 scientists around the globe disagree with all this panic, be considered political by moderators? Or one showing there are 8 covid viruses out there. And this one is little different to the others, that the flu mutates much faster. 17 million Americans have the flu. 20,000 have died, so far. No declaration of a pandemic for that. How about articles pointing out the damage to the economy is worse than the virus?

This entire thread is political btw.

"In our age there is no such thing as 'keeping out of politics.' All issues are political issues"
-- George Orwell

They are also all religious.

Without people to create one, an economy wouldn't even exist. So keeping people alive should be the priority

Guybrush, as it has been explained to you numerous times via posts on this thread and privately, that we are requesting to keeping this thread open to comments on what is happening in your corner of the world. This is not the forum for discussing your opinion on different theories on what, why or how the government is dealing with it. I don't care if you or anyone else is in support of or against, it doesn't belong here. Take it up on social media such as Twitter or reddit, somewhere where people seem to thrive on debating everything and anything.

Your first amendment rights do not apply to Gameboomers. This is a private forum. You agreed to the rules when you signed up. If you don't like it, I can show you the door. Your choice. The mere action of you posting this question publicly after our off forum message to you, shows a complete disregard of our rules and your feelings that you are above them. You are welcome to express your opinions to me or a moderator off the forum, in a respectful manner, or if you continue to choose to publicly post your disdain for our rules, we will be forced to suspend your posting privileges. Your move.

Ana

Thank you, Ana. Gameboomers is an oasis where I can come to enjoy part of my day, not just another Facebook or Twitter argument. You have carried MaG's vision for Gameboomers forward and I, for one, would hate to see it sullied by things like this.

Well said, Ana. Like Draclvr, I love GameBoomers precisely because people can chat amicably together without it becoming confrontational or overtly political. Places like that online are very few and far between.

Agreed Ana.

Guybrush, there's no denying the global situation has an overarching political theme, which is unfortunate. Here in this place though, we are not discussing power struggles, or hypotheses on political power transfer. I'm sure you are already well acquainted with the many forums that are available to you for debate and discussion about those types of issues for which you are concerned.

Here we commiserate about our common situations and attempt to help each other through this virtual medium the best we can. Please respect that and Ana's efforts to keep this place the haven it is.

TM

Thank you, TM.

And thank you from me, too !!

Thank you Drac, Marian, Trail and Mad for your support! Greatly appreciated!

And a huge thank you to our moderators from me, too!

Ana, I approve your message.

Thank you hagatha and Pokey! Your support is truly greatly appreciated!

BrownEyedTiger, great message and you also have my vote of confidence, the world situation is critical, sad and highly emotional on everyone and thus why I LOVE this Forum, a place where you can get : Information, Support, Encouragement, and most Important "A lot of Virtual Hugs and Kiss' when needed, and oh not to forget all the wonderful members and Moderators of this Forum being on your side when one loses a loved one, or when one is sick or needs an operation, etc. It is really nice to know that you have the Support through hard times.
Keep up the Fantastic work Mods.

And don't forget great little YouTube videos like the Mash one you posted! I can go elsewhere if I'm in the mood for a political argument! Just not here.

Thank you for the words of encouragement Draclvr, much appreciated.

One thing I forgot and it has been awhile I wanted to mention this but my short memory of mine keeps forgetting........ Is... this Forum also reminds me of the old series "Cheers" and more Importantly the theme song "Where Everybody Knows Your Name" and this is the feeling I get when I step into this great forum.

For everyone, stay vigilante, safe and let us all pray that this Blasted Virus comes to an end sooner than later.

At our laboratory it's been decided that we want to help the icu with caribg for the covid patients. We can help by drawing samples of blood and running the tests that they have been running themselves (blood gas analyses that they usually measure on a device we set up for them). A colleague of mine drew the samples and I tested them tonight. We were on the emergency icu, set up in the recovery of the operating theatres. 12 patients are being cared for there. Words can't describe the feeling you get when you are there. 12 people sedated and on ventilators so that their immune systems can focus on fighting off the virus. That is the difference between the flu and covid-19. The number of new icu patients and new patients on the regular covid wards is stabilizing. People are getting better and are eithrr discharged to the regular ward or to their homes. Social distancing is working. Hopefully we will see more people get well enough to go back home.

That sounds somewhat encouraging, Jarkeld. It's interesting to get a glimpse of what is going on in the Netherlands. Thank you very much for that description, and thank you for what you are doing.

Ana, there is enough of that on social media. We all have opinions, but they do not belong here.

Jarkeld, that is disturbing, but still encouraging news. That is exactly the difference my ICU nurse neighbor has told me about here too... normally, flu does not require sedation and ventilators as COVID-19 does. Just to hear you say that the social distancing is working to stabilize the numbers makes me hopeful. If it can happen in the Netherlands, it will happen here too!

She told me one of the benefits of social distancing has been a drastic reduction in the cases of seasonal flu.

Thank you for being there to be one of those helping your fellow health care professionals!

And, Starcom, I love the Cheers analogy!

Jarkeld, I just want to say that people like you on the front lines are heroes. I mean that sincerely. You're saving lives. Thank you.


Our BC Government isn't giving us details, but we now have about 80 cases on Vancouver Island so I assume that our hospital here must be treating a few people at this point. I'm quite worried, because my husband has to go to the hospital this week for his blood test, which will determine whether he needs to go back on chemo. Naturally, there are no masks to be had, but I 'm hoping they'll give him one at the reception desk. Of course, we're hoping his numbers are okay and he can stay at home for another month. The fewer times he has to go in, the better.

Looks like a good day for boating. Apparently there are lots of small Springs around (I think you call them King Salmon in the US), though they're still mostly feeder size. You never know, though. Might get a bigger one.

Hagatha, I so hope that your husband's blood test results will be okay. Positive thoughts for both of you!

Thank you. He's beaten the odds so far. He's a tough and ornery old thing.

Fingers crossed, and flyrods at the ready. Salmon await!

"Tough and Ornery" is definitely the right way to be - and I sincerely hope all goes well.

And that hope is for both of you

[Can't keep those fly rods waiting !!!! ]

Hagatha, prayers and positive thoughts for your husband's test.

Hagatha, sending positive thoughts for your husband. Hope your trip will be completely uneventful!

Positive thoughts from us as well.

Fly fishing for salmon in the far northwest? Yeah, I'm envious.

Hagatha, sending positive thoughts for your husband and virtual for you.

hagatha, I'm sorry for not responding much, I'm juggling various jobs and pulled in different directions, but your husband has been in my thoughts and I'm sending nothing but the best! I do read everything, I just forget to reply.

Does anyone know if you can drive through other states with this stay-at-home/safe-at-home order? my hubby wants to drive through many states to move my daughter back here but we don't know if he would get a ticket if they see his out of state license. I looked on the internet but I didn't see anything about driving through states. Help?

I don't know the answer to your question but how many states? Like, is this going to be driving straight there and back without having to stop some place to spend the night or use a rest area? Those are the things I'd be worried about.

mbday: I don’t think there are any orders in play that prevents people from driving out of state at this point in time. I’ve heard this question asked in press conferences and haven’t heard that there are any plans to stop people with out-of-state license plates. Perhaps check with someone in the states involved. Start with the governor’s office in each state.

I can find plenty of information of this question in the UK, but nothing here. I'd have to agree with Sparkle... contact the governor's office in each state they would be driving through. Hotels etc. may not be open, so he's going to want to check on that too.

I know several folks that have made very long, cross-state drives instead of flying to take care of family business. You're fine driving like that, but it's like the others said, hospitality based businesses may be in short demand, so best to check in advance what's open along the route.

YOu can't travel to Florida, they placed a ban from out of state except for truckers.

My son is currently on a plane to California and they had a change in route and had a stop over in Dallas instead of non-stop. He said they were confronted by sheriffs and asked if they were staying. If yes, they were required to fill out a form of where they will quarantine for two weeks. If caught on the street you can be fined 1000 dollars and 180 days in jail.

You can't drive through Texas either.

Wow, thanks for the info Ana, didn't know about all of that. We've got family just outside of Dallas. Their parents were planning on visiting them, not sure if they knew about those restrictions.

Here is a current List of travel restrictions.

Ana

Wow, great information, Ana, thank you.

just seen on one of our news stations on fb that john prine passed away
https://www.kwch.com/content/news/S...noG1eOsNCVttVJxPsufEpPj4GJFMY0btaWgZzpAY

You are welcome, Drac! I found it looking for my son to be sure he wouldn't have any issues arriving in Cali (or coming home next weekend!).

I was just seeing that on FaceBook My10. Sad.

I just saw that too. He had been doing better so I hoped he would be OK. 73 is just too young!

Thanks for the good wishes everyone. Truly, it helps.

We did go boating, though it turns out there is a ban on retention of Springs until July, to help the Southern Resident Orca population recover, so we took a long ride up to Bute Inlet. Snowy peaks, porpoises, sea lions; a perfect way to get away from COVID worries.

Very sad about John Prine. That's one of the nasty things about this virus. It seems to get a second, more dangerous wind in some cases.

I've read that same thing about it getting a "second wind" and killing. Listening to an epidemiologist the other day and there is SO much about this virus they simply don't know yet. It does not behave like any of the other common corona viruses.

Today hubby is going fishing at the small lake on our 120 acre family farm property about 15 minutes away. I'm about 2/3 of the way done with weeding around the house, so we have plenty to do. Using the on-line shopping and pickup option at the local grocery store and getting everything else from Amazon or Chewy.

man oh man. He was going to Florida. That is what he was afraid of. "YOu can't travel to Florida, they placed a ban from out of state except for truckers." so, how can someone move? This thing is a nightmare for us, as I am sure it is for many people.

I've heard that, until a 'cure' is found, social distancing, in some form, will become normal during this time of year. It isn't a one time thing because it's too strong to just disappear.

The epidemiologist I was listening to the other day said this is most likely going to settle into a seasonal illness like the flu. It would be like finding a "cure" for the common cold or the seasonal flu. This one just doesn't behave like the other corona viruses. My ICU nurse neighbor said a benefit of social distancing has been a drastic reduction in seasonal flu cases.

So Costco has toilet paper again, but we still can't find any whole wheat flour anywhere, and now coffee cream seems to be in short supply - and that last one I can't do without! You can mess with just about anything else (flour implies baking, and that's work), but you can't mess with my coffee.

Guess I'll have to use whipping cream instead.

So how about some good news? A 101 year old beat the virus https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/worl...deadly-illness/ar-BB12pw0d?ocid=msedgdhp

I read that yesterday! Hope springs eternal!

I saw that, too. Amazing.

The curve is apparently flattening here in BC, though it's going to be a while before we get back to normal. We don't have a huge number of cases on the Island yet. BC Ferries are checking people for symptoms before they allow them on board, and there are fewer sailings, so the physical barrier of the ocean is probably helping us.

We're enjoying the solitude. This year we won't have an influx of visitors from Vancouver, so we'll be quite peaceful this summer.

I went grocery shopping this morning, wearing a mask, carrying sanitizing wipes and a spray bottle of alcohol with me. All I needed was a whip and an old fedora. When I got to the store, I could have sworn I heard the theme from Raiders of the Lost Ark build-up the closer I got to the store

OMG, that is so funny, Trail! Now I have that theme in my head!

I tried using a folded scarf around my face while out and about, but my glasses kept fogging up.

Our local distillery is making hand sanitizer. It smells like vodka, so I suppose that will be confusing for the police if they pull someone over...

I used to wear glasses so I can relate to the fogged effect from the mask.

Might get away with the 'vodka' hand sanitizer; not sure how much of a priority that would be right now.

Hagatha, thanks for the laugh! I'm having hard time finding humor in this situation.

A friend of mine who could be a stand up comedienne, used the drive thru to pick up a prescription refill. When the young phar rep asked 'How can I help you?', she asked for a hamburger, coke and fires. The rep was stunned, didn't know what to say. By this time the phar manager, who knew my friend and her sense of humor, started laughing and took care of my friend herself. My friend's husband was in the car, and sat there laughing his head off. She's related a few of these silly kinds of things to me to help me remember to laugh, so I stay sane during this craziness.



Another sign of the times. Had appt yest to take my pooch to get his Rabies shot. Vet called the day before to instruct on new rules. I was to wait in the vestibule for receptionist who would take the dog, then return to my car to wait for the vet to call. When I got there, the Inner office door was locked. Receptionist took my dog in back to the lab area and return to go over what would be done, and take my phone number. So we were talking to each other with the glass wall between us. Returned to my car; 5 minutes later, vet called to say all was well, then turned the call over to the receptionist who went over the charges and took down my credit card info. Once that was all done, got out of my car and walked back to the vet's to get my dog.

Have you seen this video? I laugh every time I watch it!

https://www.facebook.com/chrisenss/videos/10158092437552964/

Drac, that is hilarious! Name a horse 'Snoopy'?

Makes me doubly grateful that I got divorced before this happened.

That was great Drac. Thanks for the link.

Humor is one of the best ways to deal with cr*p like this.

I loved this one too!

https://www.facebook.com/charlieberensTV/videos/172640317060807/

My husband went to the Hospital for his monthly blood test, and he described the safety protocols as "post-apocalyptic."

(I laughed to myself, though: He's never played any of the Fallout games, so he doesn't know what a REAL post-apocalyptic hospital looks like )

YES! a true 'sconsin recipe for a Bloody Mary, that should be our state drink. I nearly fell off my seat when one of the ingredients was an ice fishing weight! Ya, dats right!

Trail, I thought of you the first time I watched it! Being from NW Iowa where ice fishing and a little Scandinavian lilt to speech is also common, the tomato beer is king!

Oh, hagatha, that is funny! How soon before he gets his test results back?

Yeah, this pretty much sums up Wisconsin's passion for the Bloody Mary and varied accouterments

https://www.foxnews.com/food-drink/milwaukee-pub-creates-50-bloody-mary-with-a-whole-fried-chicken

So is thel connection between Wisconsin and BMs a real thing?
I do like a BM. I turned 30 with bloody mary shooters and oysters to numb the experience. My next birthday is 60 and I will be happy just to get there intact

I've seen those! That's Extreme Bloody Marying!

They weren't invented here, but they were perfected Since I was a kid, places around here have had "Bloody Mary bars" or buffets. Basically a make and drink your brunch affair.

Draclvr, I'll have to remind him to call the doctor tomorrow. It usually only takes a day, but who knows, these days?

Today was my nieces birthday and with this bad viris going around and we are all staying at home so all of the family and friends decorated our cars and trucks with birthday balloons drove up to her house and we all honked our horns she was just on her balcony we all waved at her 57 horns all at the same time kind of hurts my ears but it was a joy to see the big smile .

That is very cool, Dianne! Here where I live, the police department drives by in procession for kids birthdays. They also did the EAster bunny. I think it's awesome!

In my town, there must have been a "Secret Easter Bunny" instead of a "Secret Santa" leaving bottles of wine and beer on people's porches! Several friends received the mysterious gifts. Unfortunately, we live in the country, so alas... no Secret Easter Bunny delivery for us!

People are getting very creative with coping with the corona virus lock-downs!

It's so GOOD to see how people are caring for others at this time - no matter what form it might take.
It restores one's faith in human nature

Just heard this morning the latest things to fly off the shelves are hair products---dye, beard trimmers and so on. I'm glad I let my grey grow in a couple of years ago, but I do badly need to go and get my hair trimmed, as I like to keep it short,--and that ain't likely to happen any time soon by the looks of it LOL!

Doreen

I have noticed that, Doreen! My vet can't trim the dogs nails nails and I tried to order the Dremel Dog Nail grinder and they are out of stock on Amazon and Chewy. My son in law did my pups nails for me yesterday. I can't wait another few weeks. At least business is booming for some!

Hey Ana,

My neighbor uses his regular variable speed Dremel to do his Lab's nails and it seems to work good. He just uses the barrel attachment with a medium-fine grit sanding band.

TM

Sorry, double post, but different topic


Have you guys seen John Krasinski's "Some Good News" videos he's been making? He was tired of all the doom and gloom, so decided to put together a fictional news network and report just good news. He has 3 episodes out so far, and the vids are getting really popular world wide.

Some Good News

TM

Good news! I like that! I get a periodic email from the Washington Post called The Optimist which has nothing but good news and inspiring stories. It's a welcome break.

I took 3 of our cats in to the vet last week. One is hyper thyroid and just needed bloodwork. The other two are barn cats which needed annual vaccinations and a wellness check. You pull up in front and call inside. They come out and get your pet and take it inside, then bring the pet out when they are done. Week before, we took the Bloodhound in for her annual visit and they did the same thing - came out and got her. She needed a huge cyst drained and they trimmed her nails after the vaccinations and brought her out to the truck.

Feels good to know they are all up-to-date! I've got a couple more barn cats, but catching them is hit and miss!

Trail, the regular dremel is louder and vibrates stronger and my girl is scared of it. She tends to turn into a nervous nellie around some things.
I love "good news"! We need more of that!

Drac, my vet will do all that too, but without needing to go in for essential service, they aren't permitted to accept a dog for "grooming purposes" which nail trimming falls under. If she had to get a vaccine or was ill, they could do it while she was in for that.

Yeah, I think my vet is the same and considers that "grooming," unless the long nails are causing problems.

Oh, I can understand her being a nervous nellie Ana Our pup is just getting used to the vacuum cleaner sounds. She doesn't run, but the look on her face is like, "WHAT IS THAT THING!" I'm glad she's not too scared of it, because we got one of those Bissell BarkBath dog cleaners and they can be pretty loud. Our neighbor across the street uses one on their Springers and it's nice to use between full baths as long as you comb them out first so it doesn't clog up.

Tomorrow we take our little girl in for spaying. The vet does a complimentary nail clipping while she's still under. I'm glad to find out they use the laser procedure, so her recovery should be a little easier, cuz we're still nervous. I feel bad because we're going to have to drop her off outside of the clinic due to the COVID restrictions. I hope she doesn't think we're abandoning her

Sending positive thoughts for your baby girl, Trail. After the first day when they are still drowsy, the worst I've found is keeping them quiet. They don't understand why you won't let them go for a run.
I have a Mud Daddy in my car to clean off client dogs before taking them home. It doesn't make any noise and the dogs think it's fun.

I've had the same experience with our dogs after spaying. After that first groggy day, it's all I can do to keep them quiet. I think I need to look at getting a Mud Daddy for the Bloodhound! When she goes for a 2 mile run with the neighbors on their 4-wheelers down to their farm behind us to feed the cattle, she comes in the house mud from head to foot!

I really do love it, Drac! It doesn't substitute for taking a full bath if needed, but I find it does a good job. It has a scrubber attached but it's made more for horse hooves than dogs. It's too rough for my girl!

What size do you have? The Bloodhound is ginormous, so I'm thinking the mid-sized one.

I have the second to the largest (the largest portable one). It's an 8 liter. It fits in a large dish tub and I fill up in the morning and put in the back of my SUV just in case of a leak. It lasts about 2 days of rinsing all my park run pups belly down.

That's the one I was looking at. Think I'll get one! I love the warm water idea!

Well, we're back with the pup. All is OK so far, her pre-op blood work was good and the surgery went well. We only had one incident where she had an accident in the living room shortly after we came back. The look on her face was like, "Sorry dad, I can't help it."

We boiled a chicken breast last night, made some soupy brown rice porridge with the water and blended it all real good with a little salt. She's had a couple small bowls of that and some additional water over the last few hours. Now taking another well deserved nap.

Good girl! She'll be driving you nuts by tomorrow!

Glad it all went well Trail! She should be her usual self tomorrow. Hope she sleeps well for you tonight. btw, they gave me rimadyl "for pain" for my Nugget and didn't tell me it was mostly as an anti-inflammatory. She took an extra two weeks to heal because I stopped giving it to her before the bottle was empty because she wasn't being bothered by her surgery. She got inflamed inside and then it took her twice as long to heal.

Yeah, they prescribed the same thing for us in the form of Carprofen. I wasn't sure about giving her an NSAID and did some checking on the "interwebs." Seems there's tons of horror stories around it, but even more successes. Here pain injection is going to be worn off in a few hours. I'm making sure she's got a decent base of her food first, then giving her a dose before bed. We'll make sure the doses are spaced appropriately and only give it to her with food, so hopefully that will prevent any of the potential GI side effects.

Thanks for letting me know the potential for not finishing the bottle

Carprofen is generic Rimadyl. Quite honestly, my Shepherd/border collie Mix was on Rimadyl for his arthritis for 3 years before he had bad liver tests return. When he got off it, his muscles deteriorated quickly, but his bad liver never bothered anything for his couple more years he lived. He lived to a ripe old age of 14, which is great for a 90 pound dog.
I just like the least amount of meds as possible, especially the youngins. AS they get older, you do what you have to to keep them happy.

My neighbor's daughter is 25 and working as an ICU nurse in our local hospital. She posted this today because she is working insane hours and by the time she can go to the store, there are no cleaning supplies or other things. She is so worried she is going to bring this home to her new baby. I had an unopened bottle of spray Chlorox cleaner and a couple of rolls of paper towels which I put on the freezer in my garage for her. Our Bloodhound adores her, so I told her to beware the giant dog which may slobber her to death!

"Someone needs to start an “Adopt a Nurse “ program where they send them cleaning supplies for their vehicles, caffeine for the long shifts and some kind of self care items. Just a suggestion.."

So, just a thought if you know a nurse or other medical professional on the front lines.

Drac, there hasn't been any cleaning supplies here since day 1. I have none and don't know anyone else who does either unless they had it before this started. My hubby found a local nail polish/ make up company that decided to make hand sanitizer since salons were closed. I was able to snag a carton for me and the few other remaining dog walkers. It's like finding a pot at the end of the rainbow! They would only allow one carton per company because they are having trouble getting alcohol deliveries. Craziness!

I know! Almost the same here. I did my grocery shopping on-line at our local grocery store last week and was able to add 1 spray bottle of cleaner and 1 pack of toilet paper to my list and was so excited to get both of them. I have a partial bottle of cleaner here, but I figured she needed it more than I did!

My step-son dug into his stash at home and found 2 big bottles of hand sanitizer that were probably 4 or 5 year old. He gave us one and I've been filling our little portable bottles for the cars from it.

It's the same here. I haven't seen a single package of sanitizing wipes or spray since this all started.

I think they do appear in the stores briefly but sell out so fast I never get to see them. We can get hand sanitizer now, but it's still limited to one per shop, and toilet paper is available sporadically. I buy one package each time I see it. Fortunately, we were pretty well stocked up on TP before this happened.

The one thing I'm worried about is the lack of availability of prescription medications. Our local pharmacy compounds my medications and they do have their own supply chain, but these are unprecedented times and there is concern that the ingredients may not be available in the coming months. Regular medications are being limited to a one-month supply.

Same here. I haven't seen TP, hand sanitizer, Chlorox, alcohol, or Lysol for weeks now. Fortunately, I'm stocked on TP. I managed to find a new product...Windex antimicrobial...last week and snagged a couple bottles. They are now also limiting frozen veggies in our stores. The fresh produce is well stocked...but if you're trying to limit store trips, you can't really stock up. Even though I have a freezer full of meat, I purchased a couple pork roasts and a pack of strip steaks since they were on sale. With the report of potential meat shortages due to the virus outbreak in the meat packing plant in SD, I decided I'd add to my supply. That's bound to be the next thing hoarded.

We still have local meat from the Comox Valley here, but it's getting expensive and I'm sure there isn't enough for all of us in the area. Fortunately I'm happy to be vegetarian when the need strikes, so it isn't too much of a hardship for me if it comes to that.

We're happily spraying our booze hand sanitizer on our door handles and in the boat. Everything smells like a distillery but we're clean.

Just before all this happened, I hired a personal trainer to help me get back into the swing of exercising; getting stiff all over. She started a Zoom account. I've had some trouble with it. I've always been able to see her but just yesterday, she was also able to see me for the first time. My audio is still not working so we talk via loudspeaker on our phones.

Got a reminder call this morning that I have an appt with my physician; just regular check-in. It will be done via Zoom. Also supposed to have my regular face-to-face appt with my sleep apnea doctor. Tried several times to call to reschedule for a virtual visit. Each time told to only call for emergencies; if need an appt, call back later because the call volume is too high. I'm fine but I think these 'visits', these check-ins are required by Medicare so they'll pay for my meds.

Is there any way to communicate on-line? My doctors have a portal where I can always message them.

Likewise, I have a Portal where I can communicate with my Doctor(s).

In case anyone is interested there's a show going for most of the day and part of the evening, featuring a number of musical performers and stars.

It's called One World: Together at Home by the Global Citizen movement. You can see it live on YouTube, but it's also streaming on many of the streaming networks like Roku, Pluto TV and others.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87-ZFjLfBAQ

Thanks, Trail_Mystic

I might watch some of it later. Tonight is Ozark on Netflix night! We are limiting ourselves to 2 episodes a week so we don't totally binge it!

\We're bingeing The Expanse. Great SF. Ozark is on my list, though.

Picking up on earlier posts about masks and fogging spectacles, I have ended up making my own mask to fit up fairly close under my eyes and the nose piece of the glasses, but open/ventilated below the chin. I was also worried about using porous material and have therefore used a clear plastic file folder + sellotape, lining it underneath with paper kitchen towel for added comfort: an added advantage is that I have been able to fit the earpieces of the glasses through it to help hold it in place, while also securing it with ties at the back.

Makes me at least feel safer when in the store and doesn't actually look too bad (in any event who cares?), although I did also devise a full face visor of the same material initially and wear the glasses over it...

The only alternative appears to be a properly fitted and therefore expensive medical quality mask assuming you can actually source one!

Well done, Lex! My step-daughter is making masks too. I think they are 4 layers and have a pocket for one of the carbon filters. She had a hard time finding elastic, but dug around in an old box and scored some there.

Everyone should be aware these porous cloth masks aren't going to stop YOU from getting something, but rather will help stop you from transmitting anything. As someone said elsewhere, "I take care of you and you take care of me!" I like that thought!

I thought these might bring out a few smiles:
Personal Protective Equipment:
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v618/Lady_Kestrel/masked_zpsgzuupdn5.png
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v618/Lady_Kestrel/sanitizer_zpskz8ll8yd.png
Home Supplies:
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v618/Lady_Kestrel/TP1_zpskdngf6s7.png
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v618/Lady_Kestrel/TP2_zpsd1youwm2.png
Opportunist:
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v618/Lady_Kestrel/TP3_zpsuxxijzzj.png

Thanks for sharing those photos LadyKestrel, really laughed especially the 1st and last one.

LadyK!

Excellent! Especially loved the last one!

My favorite was # 3.

Cards anyone?????????????

I liked the second one, too. I thought that if hand sanitizer made in Hagatha's local distillery can smell like vodka, why not complement it with a bit of Jack Daniels for your countertops?

Thank you very much, LadyKestrel, for those "made me laugh" photos !!

I was thinking the same. Ours even comes in a spray bottle, just like the picture. You could go for the snob appeal versions with $500 bottles of scotch.

We've been hearing horror stories about the lineups to get into Costco and avoided it until now because we didn't want to risk it, but had to go today because we were out of our coffee. We decided to try going at dinner time, and avoided all the lining up and frantic shopping we'd been expecting. They were only allowing about ten people in at a time, and I guess they were waiting for people to leave before letting in more. We must have arrived just at the right time because we got in right away, and there were no lineups at the till either. The shelves were completely stocked, too.

Wow, great score, hagatha! Got what you needed and no lines! Winning!

Coffee, AND toilet paper. Bales and bales of toilet paper in the store. We never did get close to running out at home. Nonetheless, I bought a pack of 40 to keep in the garage because you never know...

You know, this is a pretty small town and everyone seems to know everyone else, and so far there don't seem to be any cases of COVID here. I know that can change at any moment, but apparently we only have about 30 active cases on the whole of Vancouver Island at the moment, and I suspect most of them are in Victoria. People here have been taking the social distancing and isolating very seriously. Some non-essential stores are open but only allowing one shopper in at a time, like the local shoe store (but, you know new shoes really ARE essential, amiright? I mean, it's SHOES. ) . I really hope all of our local small businesses survive. We can't afford to lose any.

Hi LadyKestrel ,

Well they say laughter is the best medicine, I think i'm cured now.

I started to cry with all the laughing.

Thank you so much

Taintedfury, I posted a couple of hilarious videos on page 10 of this thread too!

Hi Draclvr, thanks for that, i'll go and have a look now.




Update: I had a look on page 10 but I couldn't see anything you posted?

Please let me know in case if on another page

For me, it's the third and sixth posts down on page 10, Taintedfury.

I loved the ones about the toilet paper

That last one tho, not sure I'd trust that 'masked' man no matter how much I needed the TP; looks more like a lure than an offering - might have an unwanted 'cost' to it

This isn't covid related, it just made me laugh: Groundhog Enjoying Pizza

That little guy is awesome, he's like, "Yeah, I'm eating your pizza, what you gonna do about it?" to the dogs

That's hysterical! He didn't seem to be concerned about the dogs in the least! The Quarantine Groundhog!

How cheeky was that ?? Right under their noses !! Thanks for sharing, TM

Great one TM, thanks for sharing

Love it Trail! I have raccoons that come everyday that stare in my patio door every night. They aren't afraid of my dog either.

[quote=Draclvr]For me, it's the third and sixth posts down on page 10/quote]

I originally found your videos but unfortunately I could Not View them since I do not have a Facebook account, I imagine they must have been good.

Starcom, I watched those videos and I was not logged into Facebook.

Having said that, I found one of them on YouTube, so you can view it here.

Some people can see them and some people can't. I've got no idea why. My DIL doesn't have a FB account and she could view them OK. Go figure!

Thanks Marian, great video. And Draclvr, maybe because I am not a Facebook Fan and the site knows it and it hates me and won't let me view any videos from there... Go figure that sites had feelings

Thanks for reposting Drac's video, Marian. (I couldn't get any sound for it on the Facebook page.) It's such a funny clip. I loved my late husband dearly, but when we both retired, we would have driven each other crazy if we didn't have some space between us to pursue our own activities.

That was very, very funny.

"I want a man in my life, just...not in my HOUSE."

And the SPOONS!

When I use your video links, Draclvr, on reaching the site, I'm told "Charlie is on Facebook" and that if I want to watch the videos I will have to join Facebook !!

Sorry - but No Thanks

Did you try the link that I provided above, Mad? I found the same video on YouTube - hopefully you can see that one.

For me, they are on pages 23 and 24. I'm not on Facebook but I can view them.

23 and 24, oldbroad? There are only 13 pages in this thread for me! That's kinda strange!

Heh. This is page 21 for me.

I think it has to do with people's individual settings for GameBoomers in terms of how many posts they have specified that they want to see on one page, which you can change in your Preferences in your Profile. I remember telling someone in the Hints forum to take a look at a certain page in the thread, and what I wanted them to look at wasn't on the same page for them that it was for me. Up until then I had always assumed that it was the same for everyone.

Hi Marian

Yes, I used your link, thank you.

I was just really shocked at the abrupt (and I thought rather rude) message on arriving at Facebook !!

That's correct Marian. I remember the discussion not too long ago. There is a setting under "preferences" where you can change how many posts are on a page.

You can link directly back to the original posting too. As opposed to mentioning page numbers, there's a Post# in the upper right hand of each posting that's a URL, which can be copy/pasted: https://www.gameboomers.com/forum/u...9-aka-coronavirus-discussion#Post1214791




I'm guessing that the inability to look at some Facebook vids, even if they aren't restricted, might be due to geographic region.



Well, the puppy had her (outer) stiches removed today. Here incision was starting to get irritated because of how crazy she's been getting. Tried our best to keep her calm, but even on the leash it's like walking a little hurricane. She runs forward to the extend of the leash, takes a twisting leap in the air and lands in that typical butt in the air, time to play dog pose. At first she would strain at the leash, now she uses it to her advantage like a doggy acrobat.

She's doing well though, and I can tell she's very glad that she doesn't have to wear a t-shirt to keep her away from the stiches anymore.

Hey Trail_Mystic, glad to hear your is doing well, enjoy the moments....

Again, stay safe everyone.. don't go Stir Crazy like that woman in the video, would hate to see everyone lock themselves up in a closet , then there would be No more inputs to this great forum

I would just take my tablet into the closet with me, Starcom! Luckily, my husband and I are co-existing quite well. One thing that has been a life saver is his TV headphones... he can watch his WW II documentaries and Russian sub-title movies to his heart's desire and I have blessed silence! He also reads a lot and we both have a lot to do outside with huge gardens and 10 acres to take care of.

This is page 7 for me! You can adjust how many posts you see on a page in preferences. Clearly we are all set different!

Drac, I need have hubby wear headphones, his old golf, bowling, football and basketball shows are killing me!

Trail, I'm so glad your little girl can run free again! I walk dogs like her for a living and it's a real challenge! Especially when they have mulitiples!

Stay well!

Headphones are a good way to listen to music and TV ... and this is O.K. ... everyone's taste in these venues can be different

... the ability to listen to/ hear all frequencies really impacts music

He originally got these wireless headphones because he has such a hard time hearing things in movies or shows if there is any background noise. So he had the volume turned up super loud... which really didn't help. So I got him these and now he can hear everything perfectly while I have silence. Or we can watch TV together while I have the volume at a comfortable level for me and he is listening under his headphones.

In this quarantine, it is been a life-saver!

In our house I'm the one wearing headphones for my games. of course.

We've always co-existed well anyway, having worked together on various consulting projects at home a few decades ago, so this is no real hardship.

But that video reminded me of so many of the little things that make you grind your teeth, no matter how much you love your spouse. In our house, it's cleaning up the kitchen after dinner. He "cleans up", then I go in and do the 50% that he somehow just doesn't see. It's right there on the counter in plain sight -- dishes, cutlery, a pot or two -- but apparently it's invisible to him. Selective Spousal Sight, I call it.

What a great video Draclvr

I'm getting worried about meat. I love me some meat!

I'm also without a mask. My brother found some at the gas station and bought 3 of them but he hasn't brought one up to me yet. I'm thinking they are paper, not cloth as required. I rarely go out but soon will need to go to the bank at least. I suppose I will just wrap a scarf around my face if I have to, even though I'm pretty sure I got frostbite one time because I cannot stand something over my nose and mouth. I can't breathe like that.

My friend in the neighboring state of Indiana mailed 3 cloth masks to us a week ago yesterday which we never received. I supposed they were mis-delivered or intercepted and kept by somebody else. Last night she emailed me a picture of the envelope. It was returned to her for additional postage. The post office wrote on it: "Soft (masks) material enclosed means parcel. This is a 1st class parcel not a letter. Please pay us appropriately." So my thinking somebody knew they were masks and kept them was only half correct.

on may the first i am doing FaceTime with the kidney doctor i do not know how.

Your doctor's office will need to show you how.

thank you very much.

They are shutting down all our off leash dog parks (which I pay for and have a permit) because the CDC issued a warning about no one being a near a dog that isn't yours. I am a very, very, very unhappy camper. Ours is a 34 acre wild field that Nugget loves to hunt and run on daily. I have a lot to say, but will bite my tongue.

oldbroad, literally everyone is making them now! My tailor is selling them for 5 dollars each and just made 100 for my husbands company. I got a local lady to make me a pawprint one matching my dog walking pouch I carry. If you need some tell me.

I do hope you can find a suitable alternative not too far away, BrownEyedTigre

I will certainly take my girl to run at other preserves and be a dog, but I shall be forced to do so illegally. I am fortunate that she is trained off leash and I'm not worried about losing her if I let her go in an open area. I just risk a hefty fine if I'm caught. There are many not in the same boat and their dogs will run away without fencing.

I'm assuming that is because some dog tested positive for the virus a couple of days ago, somewhere on the east coast I think. Also, a couple of cats tested positive.

Thanks for the offer of helping with the masks. We'll make do with the gas station ones.

Ana, I know a dog was recently diagnosed with COVID-19, but that's NUTS! I will also keep my very vocal thoughts having to with the deep end to myself.

Drac, I am wondering next if they will force us working in pet care to quit or do heaven knows what to protect the dogs and ourselves. I'm suffering from a very bad case of Tourette's (no...not literally) today so I have to go back to the naughty corner and be quiet.

oldbroad, that is exactly why.

I know what you mean! Outbursts of inappropriate language are understandable!

LOL, I'm picturing nugget looking up at you while you're spouting off to no one in particular thinking, "what's wrong with mommy today?"

Here in Tennessee

DISTRICT ATTORNEY GENERAL CRUMP DECLINES TO PROSECUTE VIOLATIONS OF THE EXECUTIVE ORDERS RELATED TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Ana, is it just that particular park or just in your area? I haven't seen or heard any announcement of the off leash dog parks being closed, though I did see that in Lake County they are closed (Googled). The weird thing is that they are opening up pet grooming again though.

Trail, Nugget is used to mom getting episodes of "venting". She will nudge me to pet her when I do. She would be a great therapy dog.

Winfrey, Illinois leaves me lots to be desired on a good day!

oldbroad, I live in DuPage county. we kept all our parks open and they all remain open except now all dog parks are closed. We pay for them per dog.

Had to share a pic of our "therapy" dog that's helping us get through this craziness: https://www.dropbox.com/s/54q34ivlzh8c64a/20200501_113654.jpg?dl=0

Aw, so sweet!

ADORABLE! My husband says too it's been nice to have the dog and even the barn cats around for company.

She sure is a little cutie, Trail.

Our cat has been a huge comfort to us over the last few years. She senses when we're down and comes for snugglies to cheer us up. I can't imagine not having a pet.

She's adorable, Trail! Can't imagine getting through this without my pup!

She is so cute Trail.

For your viewing pleasure, there are now three more videos from the woman quarantined and speaking from the closet (the funny video that Drac pointed out earlier in this thread); I will provide a YouTube link for part two here. After that, you can proceed to parts three and four.

Marian!

Excellent!

Thanks Marian! A thong

Okay, so now I'm reading about "murder hornets"!!!??? I'd rather get the virus!! UGH!!

I read that today too! We've had the Asian Hornets here and they are huge and horrid. They chase my humming birds. But I these are even bigger and badder!

OK, time for a couple funny vids from my neck of the woods. Drac, this is from the same guy who made the Wisconsin Bloody Marys

Manitowoc Minute News Report

Husbands of Target

I'm dying here!!! "Unlike Carol's husband, we're still here!" And, yes, I have been to a Testicle Festival. I did not partake of the testicle offerings even though I was assured they were delicious!

Charlie is the best!

Thanks for the laughs, Trail! Those were priceless!

Charlie's partner in crime, the stocky guy with the bigger beard and black hair is also known as the "You Betcha" guy has his own channel.

Here's his solution to needing some "alone time" during the quarantine: Dads Going for a "Walk"

And ONLY up there is the only Busch beer you can buy, Busch Light! It is one of the most awful beers ever. My husband used to drink regular Busch and had to bring his own beer with us when we visited my family in NW Iowa.

And the whole "accent" and manner of speaking - sounds like home! Great stuff!

I learned yesterday that a close friend of mine, whom I've known for 20 + years, is recovering from the virus. She works for the same college that I recently retired from. Mid-March, A few days after the college shut down and all work started being done from home, she shared she couldn't stop coughing and had a fever of 100.5; the danger limit being 100.4. She went thru the online quesionnaires from the CDC and her doc's office and was missing one symptom. Doc told her to just stay home and rest. She went on 'sick' leave from work; didn't contact students. Just checked in with her boss. She 'returned' to work after the fever subsided; not sure how long that took. The cough and exhaustion lingered. Yesterday she told me her doc finally got her tested and it came out positive.
Closest I've come to the actual 'reality' of this thing.

Ordered a few cloth face masks from Etsy. First one came today. So now I can wear something besides a cut-out strip from an old t-shirt. Who would have ever thought that facial PPE would become a necessary 'fashion' accessory??

I ordered a few from a local company with a small business making stuff like pillows with lavender etc. They started making masks. I went out today to the grocery store and a local fresh fruit and vegetable stand to get some plants. Almost everyone was wearing masks. Made me feel a lot more comfortable being out.

Yeah, there used to be a die-hard loyalty to Miller, Pabst and Blatz until Pabst and Blatz went under and SAB bought out Miller. Now they are produced again, but they are being made at the SAB/Miller breweries. Sort of like games being developed by one group and actually produced and distributed at another. People still go for them as "daily drinkers" due to the high number of folks they employ here, but some just go for what's cheapest. With all the more well known smaller breweries that have popped up like (my personal favorite) Lakefront Brewery, New Glarus Brewing and Sprecher Brewing (now owned by a couple of execs from GE and Samsung) folks tend to have different priorities when it comes to "breaking out the good stuff"

Another big beer up there back in the day was Hamms. All the bars had those moving signs... can't remember what they were called. Ah, and Schlitz... another old brand gone away. Down here in Missouri, we have lots of craft breweries and they are really great. One getting some national recognition is Urban Chestnut Brewing in St. Louis. The Schnicklefritz is excellent!

Trail, those were hysterical!

I loved the "walk."

Reminded me of when I used to sneak cigarettes around the side of the house when I was 14. As if nobody could smell it.

About 30 yrs ago, I worked for a few years as an administrative assist for the Chicago office of Heileman (Old Style) until they were bought out by Strohs during 1990s. Best paying job I ever had, and one of the few for profit companies I worked for. I thought it ironic that I don't drink yet that brand was my dad's beer.

Well, we’re up to 9 cases in my county now, but no new ones in over a week. So it looks like social distancing is working.

It looks like folks here need some entertainment. Here are some ideas. One thing about youtube is they have some really good music. This doesn’t even scratch the surface.


Paul Mauriat, Love Is Blue


The Troggs, Love is All Around



Albert

Edit: Youtube links don't work. Huhm? So do a search. Love is Blue I highly recommend.

Thank you, Albert! Always looking for new things to listen to.

We have almost 150 cases in my county in Missouri. So far all the deaths but two have been from a nursing home. There was a big front page story on this facility in the St. Louis paper this morning about how it started. It appears an ER doctor at the hospital was infected, but asymptomatic. Someone from the facility fell and broke a hip and was taken to the hospital. After his surgery, he was sent back to the nursing home and there have been 38 deaths there so far.

They said the seasonal flu has never taken so many residents over the entire 5 month flu season. Covid-19 has taken 38 in less than 6 weeks. Just heart-wrenching.

Albert, I remember those songs from when I was a teeny bopper. Someone did a version of Love is Blue with words, I recall.

There were some wonderful musical oddities around that time. Remember Richard Harris Singing MacArthur's Park? Or "Bobby Kennedy" singing Wild Thing? There are vids of both on YouTube.

Love is Blue was first sung by Vicky Leandros in the 1967 Eurovision Song contest.

Composed by Andre Popp, Lyrics by Pierre Cour

My favorite vocal version was Jeff Beck in 1968, (you have to wait a bit for the vocals to appear).

Can you tell I was working in a record store in England at the time???

Here in BC and in other parts of Canada we've moved into a different phase. We're now being asked to wear masks at all times when out in public, and it seems that some stores are even making that a requirement.

Some things have been relaxed. A few more essential types of store are now open (including the mattress store where I bought my mattress -- good thing, too, because I have to exchange it and I'm coming in right under the wire for my 100 day trial!). Small groups of up to 3 people are allowed, meaning we can at least have an afternoon get-together with a neighbor.

We're already being warned about a second wave of infection coming fairly soon, though.

The mask has been a requirement here in Illinois for all of May. They are trying to open restaurants for outdoor dining. As where you are, some other things are starting to open up a little with masks, distancing, and limited number of people.

We went out to eat for the first time in 9 weeks yesterday. We went very early before 5:00 and sat in the outside dining area. It was so nice. I watched the waitresses spray down the credit card folder they give to the diners after each use. They were also doing a lot of curbside service. The owner is a good friend and he said he is probably to keep the curb-side service because it's been such a success. I wonder how much of the sanitizing will continue too... I just don't think it's a bad idea at all. I know I'm going to be a lot more cognizant in the future. We're also being warned about a second wave coming as things open up again.

The thing is, with summer coming people don't want to follow all of these procedures anymore. There is a lot of friction and tempers are flaring. If I was not a homebody, I don't know how I would feel.

Oldbroad, both my husband and I are perfectly content to be at home and just hang out together, too.

Draclvr, I'm certain that some things we've learned and been forced to do will stick now. For instance, during flu season, why not wear a mask? I think a lot of people will. All of our stores now have plexiglass barriers. Those will stay. I'm guessing that sanitizing the debit machine will become common, too. People have started to expect it.

I wonder if the business handshake will vanish?

I have friends who are still working, and their main job was to work face to face with students. This long distance stuff, even by Zoom, it just isn't the same. Having to keep distance from people is very hard.

I agree with you hagatha; I think a lot the new changes will stick for a while. Until everyone is given a vaccine, no one will be really safe for a while.

I'm in decent health, but I don't take any chances. I'd rather be over cautious. I'm trying to balance good sense without being paranoid about it.

Perfect way to approach it, butterflybabe!

Yeah, with the easing of restrictions in our state I was glad to see one of our local big-box home improvement centers, which is always crowded has kept their mask, number of customers in store, and dedicated exit/entry points requirements active. It's good to see some common sense prevailing.

Man, I wish our local Lowe's would do that. I went there out of necessity and was horrified at the crowds, no masks anywhere and only a nod to social distancing. I won't be back!

Hey Drac, I don't know how close they are to you, but Menard's is our local place. They're home office is in WI, but they have locations in Missouri, and I think their COVID policies are universal.

We have a few Menard's in Missouri, but they are few and far between. It's the go-to home improvement place in NW Iowa and SE South Dakota where I'm from. My cousin has worked there for 25 years and she told me their policies are universal. She's had a few confrontations with people who choose to NOT read the giant sign in the front of the store as you walk in!

Our local big-box stores seem to be pretty good about maintaining proper distancing.

One thing here in BC that differs from much of Canada is that our health officials have not released infection and death figures for individual cities and towns, just for health regions. I think that's a good policy. Nobody gets overconfident, nobody starts getting slack. We know it's out there, we know there have been a couple of hundred cases on Vancouver Island, but we don't know if it's in our own backyard. Best be safe and wear the mask, wash the hands, and keep 6 feet apart.

Yeah, unfortunately there was actually a couple physical altercations between customers and employees over the mask policy. I really don't get people sometimes, well most of the time if I'm being honest

I don't either, Trail!

Thought this was rather amusing....https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZsfy8AD_S0


By the way has anybody actually run out of toilet paper??????????????

I like that copper!

I have not run out of toilet paper but notice I'm not being quite as frugal with it again.

Copper, my daughter in Fla and my sister in Arkansas both did for a short period of time.

Like oldbroad I haven't run out, but am not being quite so frugal with it. A friend posted a picture of a grocery shelf about 1/2 stocked with TP. He said, "Toilet paper is returning to its natural habitat. Nature is healing itself!"

copper, that YouTube video is very funny.

Hi, although they have relaxed somewhat the restrictions here in Ontario, some IDIOTS is Toronto crowed the beach , Our Priemier Ford was angry and so were we, Relax = does not mean Pill On like Idiots. Take it easy, baby steps, if we want to get back to NORMAL, Patience is Needed, I know it is not FUN, my wife and I have not yet been able to settle in out beautiful tiny cottage as yet but we are waiting and hopefully soon we can relax at our cottage.
So, repeat, patience, follow the distance rule and Soon we will be able to get back to Normal, at least until the NEXT......

Same here Starcom. I'm all for relaxing things and some of the restrictions have been really stupid. But we are all about following the guidelines and only went out briefly for the first time in 9 weeks Friday night. Then the idiots here crowed beaches and bars over the weekend. They are being cautioned to self-quarantine for 14 days, but they won't. My COVID ICU nurse next door said her hospital is preparing for a 2nd wave much worse than the first.

Starcom, I saw that in the news. Sheesh. Hugs crowds. Looks like it happened in Montreal, too. Haven't heard of too many crowds here in BC but it could happen any day now that the weather is glorious again. Some people just can't get their heads around it, I guess, but it puts other people at risk and it needs to be curtailed.

We have a massive deck so last night we had two couples over for a BYOBooze and food barbeque party-at-a-distance. That was the first social gathering we've had in months.

Hi hagatha, good to see the BC people are so far behaving.

Ah!!! must have felt GOOD to finally have some form of social contact, I hope you and your friends enjoyed yourselves.

Take care and stay safe all, and again, patience and one baby step at time and we will beat this..

We will indeed, Starcom! One step at a time!

We do see everyone individually as we shout from a distance, but it was nice to have a small group in one spot. We're all very good friends here in the neighbourhood.

I like that kind of neighborhood, hagatha!

I feel sorry for our pup. She's gotten big enough now that she could safely socialize and even rough-house with the larger dogs around the neighborhood, but we're all practicing social distancing with our pets as well. There's a couple down the road with a golden who we keep running into on walks. The lab is really well behaved and just starts to wag her tail when she see Rukia who responds in kind. Now when we pass their house and she's outside they exchange a light "ruf!", stare at each other for a bit and we're on our way. I can tell the lab would be a really good play date for Rukia.

Poor pup. She'll be so excited when she can finally meet some other dogs, though.

I've always felt bad for my cat. I think she would love to meet some other cats (my last cat taught me that some of them are very sociable with each other), but right now one is all we can handle . She's an indoor who goes for walks outside on a leash, but when she sees another cat through the window she goes nuts, pounding on the glass and meowing. She had one cat friend once, when we were staying in a house back in Vancouver for John's first surgery. He was a big ginger who came over whenever he heard me out with my girl and behaved himself very politely given that she couldn't exactly play like a free-range cat. They also used to gaze at each other through the window. Sort of like a feline Romeo and Juliet.

anybody who order from amazons, because of this, the orders are on hold, Due to COVID-19, many Amazon orders won’t be delivered for a month,Amazon taught us to rely on fast delivery. In coronavirus era, it can’t keep up,Is Amazon Suspending Shipments? The Company's New Policy Only Affects Warehouse Orders
Amazon is making a slight adjustment to help people impacted by COVID-19.

I haven't had any issues with Amazon's delivery times throughout this whole period of Coronavirus lockdown. There have been a few things I ordered where I have had to wait a few extra days, but I have also received orders the next day. All in all the difference in delivery time has been quite minimal.

I agree with you, Marian. It all depends on what you’re ordering. There’s clear information re: items that may be delivered at a later date. And if something is currently unavailable, this is also clearly noted. We’ve experienced very few times when an order wasn’t delivered promptly, or at least within a reasonable amount of time. Things may have been slowed down at the beginning of the lockdowns, but I don’t see any unreasonable delays right now. Of course, some items are in still in short supply. But that’s a supply chain issue, not Amazon’s fault.

First world,problem. 🙄

Some deliveries were halted due to rioting and looting here in Chicago, including from Amazon. Maybe something like this is happening where you are family?

i am still waiting on Wayees Miniatures Soda Bottles Dollhouse Accessories Mini Food Wine Bottles for Dolls LPS and LOL Dolls Art Crafting Decoration Kitchen Birthday Cake Topper Prop Christmas Ornament (Pack of 12), and NWFashion Miniature Drinks Bottle (26pcs Mix), from amazon, which i am not worry about, my hubby is waiting for a packages.

family shared info re: possible shipment delays due to the virus suggesting that Amazon can’t keep up. It appears to me that she copied and pasted part of her post. If delays are due to rioting in certain areas, still not Amazon’s fault. But maybe I misunderstood the problem?

Yes, I'm sure it's what you said Sparkle. Supply chains etc. Businesses being closed or not at full capacity, including Amazon. None of it Amazon's fault.

Also, there's a distinction to be made between ordering from Amazon itself and ordering through the Amazon Marketplace from a third-party seller. The latter can often take much longer than Amazon proper due to different shipping methods. Maybe family's orders are all from Amazon and not from the Marketplace, but it's worth mentioning just in case.

Exactly. Some ship direct from Amazon and some ship from a business and some ship from a person. The company I used to work for sold to Amazon who then shipped direct but also sold through Amazon so the orders went to Amazon but were shipped by the company I worked for.

after the barbie doll pizza party that when i bought them.

If this is one of the things you ordered, I see an extraordinarily long wait time to receive it. If I order it today, it is telling me that it will arrive between June 29th and July 21st. This is also an order from a Marketplace seller and not directly from an Amazon warehouse.

that is true, and you guys are right.

LOL, Marian I followed your link just for kicks and this was in the suggested purchases

https://www.amazon.com/Luckycivia-S...W1CKJS7/ref=psdc_166145011_t2_B0817NYY6C

Apparently someone's birthday falls during spring break

i ordered it on 05/13/20, as the other, trail, that was not it, ana gave me the links.pizza party

Yes, what Sparkle and oldbroad said. I have have virtually zero problems with Amazon deliveries. Maybe it's taking 5 days instead of 2, the I'm OK with that. But a couple of third party sellers have indicated long shipping times as it appears family got. No fault of Amazon.

That's pretty funny, Trail!

trail are you going to buy it, you guys are right.

Trail

Um, no. I'm not really into Barbies. Just thought the one laying face down in the cake was funny.

Trail,

i think it is funny for adults, but not teenagers, after watching judge mablean and judge judy, i watch some of their cases, that will make you sick, teenage drinking.

Family, Regarding your comments "Amazon taught us to rely on fast delivery".

Amazon and any other delivery service are doing a vast amount of deliveries because of Covid 19.

Now they have to practice social distancing whilst doing this.........putting themselves at risk while they work, so please give these people a break, they are doing us all a favour working at all in these difficult times.

So if your parcel is a little or a lot late, be kind, give them your thanks, not your complaints!


P.S. To Trail, I thought a little puddle of icing vomit was required...

Oh, copper! I love it... that would be the finishing touch!

thank you copper very much, i will.

Barfie's Birthday Booze-up.

Hagatha, you are too funny! Barfie, eh! Love it!

i think it is funny for adults, but not teenagers, after watching judge mablean and judge judy, i watch some of their cases, that will make you sick, teenage drinking, sorry i posted it, it was stupid, never again.

Why? We are all laughing at Barbie passed out on a cake with empty bottles! No one said anything at any time about under age drinking. We are all adults here and finding amusement in a drunk Barbie is just funny.

drac on judge mablean, a 17 internet date aa 28 year, and another 17 had a wild party and she was pass out, on jjudge judy another 17 lie to a ski lodge guy and said it would only be 2 people and she threww a wildd party, do you think those are funny.

family, as I said NO ONE is talking about under-age drinking except you. We are adults laughing at a DOLL laying on a cake!

family, the cake is merely an example of what could be done with the miniature bottles. There’s no reason to believe it somehow jokes about or encourages underage drinking. Do you see it that way because the doll looks like a Barbie doll and you see Barbie as a teenager? Many people think of Barbie as a young woman. Think about all the different variations of Barbie.

sorry guys, sparkle you are right.

family, if you go to the Mattel Barbie site and look for Career Barbies, you’ll see many grown-up Barbies.

thank you very much.

Even if Barbie is portrayed as an adult, seems to me the target audience that plays with the doll/s are younger, in grammar school perhaps up to jr high.

The idea of a drunk Barbie is a real turnoff for me. I just can't find humor in it at all. Call me old-fashioned, but anything having to do with heavy drinking usually leads to other problems.

The cake is not a Barbie product, nor should it be presumed that the cake was made for a young person’s party. It was likely made for an adult party. I come from a family with an alcoholic father and I don’t find the cake offensive at all.

I personally believe we all need to retain a sense of humor in these crazy times. While we can't please everyone, I will not censor any attempts to humor if done within GB guidelines.

Some of the crazy toilet paper memes and videos have been my saving grace during the lockdown! A good laugh is healing.

Even if it is in remarkably poor taste.

EDIT: Though I'd add that I am referring to myself, of course. I am known for off-colour humour at times.

i agree with sparkle, but my humor is golden girls, the love boat, happy days, the andy griffth show, family fued, gilllian island, manniqan,the money pit, splash, hotel transvinna 1-3, father of the bride, 1-2, overboard, gomer pyle, judge greg mathis, it may be funny,, but it is not funny to me, sorry., and munsters, and munster go home.

But some of the rest of us do find it humorous, so you shouldn't judge us if we do. To each his own.

So, back to the subject of this post, the Covid-19 discussion. Where I live in my small town, they are opening things up slowly, but surely. We even went out to eat at a couple of our favorite local restaurants. We felt quite comfortable because the employees were all wearing masks and you even had to ask for salt and pepper because they wipe them down after each use and keep them up front. Same with the menus, they are wiped down after each use. Until there is a vaccine and more testing, these kind of precautions make us feel safe, so we will be eating out every week again. We tipped heavily when we were getting curbside pickup, but for each wait staff at the restaurants, my husband has been giving them a $20.

Have to say it feels pretty good to have even a little bit of normalcy back!

drac i do noot judge you.

Draclvr,

It looks as though things are slowly opening up here, too. We've only had one case on Vancouver Island in the last couple of weeks, so we've been very successful here. Most restaurants are only open for takeout here, but some will allow a few people in at a time. I hope everyone's business survived, but there must have been some casualties.

I've noticed an increase in water traffic as well, though we miss seeing the cruise ships. They come right past our house every summer, but not this year, I guess.


We're still going to stay mostly isolated, except for our neighbours. I'm asthmatic and John is back on treatment, so we'll err on the side of caution. It's no great hardship. We really like the isolation.

when i went to the foot and head doctor, they took my Temperature, and piccadilly is open, as sonny, both dine in, and takeout, williaamson bros bbq does crub side as marietta diner, cracker barrel does takeout.

I chanced a visit to Courtenay yesterday to grab a TV from Costco and to get a stand from a local furniture store, just opened after the long closure. The salesperson in the store knew of one case of COVID in a local retirement home. It was jumped on immediately and spread no further, not even another case in the same home.

We've had a wonderful leader through this crisis in the person of one Dr. Bonnie Henry, who has gently guided BC from the start and is the reason our numbers are where they are. She updates us every day with kindness and calm. Our local shoe designer, John Fluevog, designed a shoe for her. She's our local hero.

How wonderful to have such a wonderful leader in Dr. Henry! Has to make you feel much calmer and safer.

Things that make me laugh; talking with friends, some TV shows and my dog. Otherwise, I'm having a hard time finding much humor in the current situation, between the virus and protests, all else is stupid, crazy and sad. I watch the news just to get an idea of what's happening, and that's all I can handle. I was more interested in impeachment process than this.

I'm still not comfortable going to stores or restaurants, but I am moving to get a few projects done around my home. Getting bids for two of them and searching for what I want for 2 others. The lay out of my home allows for easy social distancing. Getting any, and possibly all of these, done before the fall will definitely lighten my mood.

Now that doctor's are seeing patients again, getting some other minor stuff taken care of. Nothing big, just maintenance.

I'm just very happy to be retired!!

We treated ourselves to burgers and fries at one of the local drive-in's here. They're the oldest A&W in the state, started in 1931 and make the best freakin' burgers, fries and onion rings I've had in a long while. Their root beer is the old recipe, we always get an extra half-gallon to take home cuz it's awesome!

Now I need a long walk to work off all that goodness.

Oh, wow, Trail... Our old A & W closed about 20 years ago and I still miss it! I don't drink soda, but their root beer is the best. A cold root beer float on a hot summer evening is something I remember so well.

Butterflybabe, I'm with you on the retirement thing. It makes all of our current troubles so much easier to bear. We also have a house that is open enough to have the odd neighbour drop by for a drink. Our living room allows for 8 feet distance. Our very sociable cat does not respect distancing, but then again, she is a cat, and does not need to follow arbitrary rules laid down by her companion Monkeys.

But we also know that there have been no cases on Vancouver Island for a couple of weeks. Everyone is still being very careful here with masks and distancing, though I worry very much about what will happen to all those people who are out protesting in the streets of Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal and everywhere else people are protesting for equal rights. We are in a world of turmoil.

The way my home is laid out; when you walk in you can see just about every room from the front door; about 15 feet from garage door to other end of the house. When I need to walk and don't feel like going out, I pace that length back and forth for a while; making the turns helps my balance issues.

Hagatha, I agree about concerns over domino effect from the protests. There had already been warnings about the virus getting nasty again in the fall, and the recent crowding events may cause another surge even before then. I don't mean to be negative but I can't picture Stage 4 of society returning to 'norm' until next year.

The one thing about this whole mess that makes me laugh is that I was about to push myself to go out and meet some new people, maybe someone nice enough to date, and got stopped in my tracks. Bummer

I can't imagine dating after all these years. I'm so glad I don't have to.

Hagatha, looking for companionship after 30 years of marriage is a real trip I learned the hard way to stay away from the match-making websites. Although I've heard of others who've had luck with them, all I met were scammers.

We had a few days of nice enough weather that I left windows open to enjoy the cooler, fresh air. AC back on today. Temps climbing back up to 80s with 90 expected for Fri. Good ole' Summer

butterflybabe - I know some people who have used those sites with success but I would never try one. I saw your post and newsclip with the trouble you had.

I'm afraid to open my windows anymore. A couple of weeks ago when I went to open the one above my kitchen sink, there was an enormous bee in there on the inside part of the screen. I detest and despise bees (and most other bugs too) and if I had opened the window and that bee started flying around my house I probably would have had a heart attack!

oldbroad - I don't blame you about the bee, I'd a done the same! Problem I had earlier is under control. Keep my kitchen counters as clean and empty as possible. Terro ant baits on the floor under the cabinets. Thank goodness virus conditions didn't prevent me from getting help those things! Re the dating scam - newsclip only covered a small part of what happened and what I learned. Jason Knowles from NBC channel 7 (Chicago) investigative team talked to me for half hour and part of it shown on a segment. Lots of reporters wanted to talk to me but my story was pre-empted by other woman who actually lost money. Tho I didn't take time to look thru them, there are online articles about watching out for those scammers (catfishing) during the virus. Now that people are home more, those sites are really busy.

I'm going to have to close this thread because it's way over our usual thread limit. Can I get some feedback if you'd all like another one started to carry on?

This won't answer your question but I'm curious. Why is there a thread limit?

I like to see how people are faring through all of this. So my vote is to continue.

It uses up a lot of bandwidth to open a thread. The longer the thread, the more bandwidth we use. Unfortunately, there is no income generated on the site so it's all funded by MaG. I kept thinking this thread would die on it's own so I kept waiting.

We've moved to a new thread here.

Hagatha's vote was good enough for me!

Ana