Month: March 2020

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STAY-AT-HOME DIARY: WEEK 3

Recovering news junkie here.  I’ve always been a person who loves the news:  two newspapers every morning, 3 different TV stations for evening news .   That’s over.  There is absolutely nothing to read, see, or hear about except  the coronavirus.  I wake up in the morning, and my iphone has numerous updates which are repeated all day long and everywhere on the internet.  By the time 6 o’clock rolls around, I’ve reached the saturation point.   What will the media do when COVID-19 is over?  Surely, there are other things going on in the world.   Stay-At- Home Diary: Week 3

Looked in the basement for a jigsaw puzzle.   Threw them away during our de cluttering project last year.  Why would we keep something that hasn’t been used for decades?  But now, we were sorry.  Asked our son to pick one up at Walmart, but they didn’t have much left.  The puzzle has 750 teensy, tiny,  flimsy pieces.  The puzzles  I remember were much more substantial. Anyway, our living room is now filled with two card tables covered with puzzle pieces.  I helped my husband find the “straight” pieces for the border, but that’s as far as it goes.  He’s on his own now, and from the looks of it, he’ll be lucky if it’s finished by Memorial Day..

Washed all the curtains downstairs.  We’re talking  10 windows here.  When were they last washed?  Not sure. It may have been a couple of years.  They’re sheer and pale blue, so they don’t show the dirt.  But I knew that they were full of dust. Started sneezing as soon as I began.  Taking down, washing, drying and re hanging took about 4 hours.  At least  we’ll remember when we washed them last.  How could you forget the coronavirus activities?

Walked in the park a couple of times, weather permitting.  Sat outside  on sunny days for a short time. .  A little ultraviolet light is good for the immune system and raises your spirits.

Gained two pounds.    We’ve tried to eat healthy; and watch our calories.  But the lack of exercise combined with nervous/bored snacking is taking its toll.  Supposedly, it’s good to be a little overweight at our age.  It helps get you through sickness.  If that’s the case, I’m well prepared.

Consuming plenty of probiotics to boost my immune system:   fruit smoothies made with kefir and yogurt.   A hearty German meal of Bratwurst and sauerkraut.   Did you know  sauerkraut is a powerful probiotic?

A bar of fragrance free Ivory Soap would help: Stay-at-home Diary Week 3
Stay-At-Home Diary: Week 3. I’d give anything for a bar of fragrance free ivory soap for all the hand washing..

Hands getting red and itchy from all the hand washing.  I’ve tried different lotions, but nothing can help when you’re washing your hands about every fifteen minutes. Scented, tinted soaps don’t help.  I’d give anything for a bar of Ivory.

Spent two hours trying to revive my husband’s kindle.  The books wouldn’t download, and I couldn’t figure out why..  Turned out he hasn’t used it for years, and it wasn’t connected to wireless.  GRR.

The novelty of staying home is wearing off for parents. The first week, everyone said it was nice to sleep late and not push themselves.  But now, they’re missing the office and their old routine.  Working from home while taking care of children is a struggle.  I hope everyone stays safe and sane.  God willing, it will soon be over.

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WHY WEAR A FACE MASK?

A couple of weeks ago, the the CDC advised us not to bother wearing surgical  face masks in public. They said it wouldn’t protect us at all from the coronavirus, and might even make things worse. Because if we touched our face while fiddling around with the mask, we would  be spreading the virus near  the mucous membranes in our mouth and nose.   I believed that.    But guess what?  I’ve changed my mind.   Why do I  wear a face mask when going to the store?

The idea began when I noticed cashiers seemed  apprehensive as I  approached the checkout.   They were unfriendly and didn’t smile.   It occurred to me that they were afraid of my standing so close and breathing on them.  It turns out that stores like Target and Kroger are addressing that fear by installing Plexiglas barriers between the customer and the cash register clerks.

Wearing a fase mask in public relieves fear of others near you
Even though a face mask doesn’t offer protection against the virus, it makes nearby people feel assured that you’re not breathing on them. . That’s why I wear a face mask.

Last Saturday was the first time I went to the drug store wearing a mask.  I was afraid I would stand out, and look kind of freakish.  But  half of the few people in that pharmacy were also wearing face masks.  I was one of the crowd!  By now, I’ve begun wearing a surgical mask to the store simply because I don’t want to spread my germs around.  I have no symptoms, but that doesn’t mean I’m not coming down with the virus.   I’m not wearing the mask to protect myself, so much as to put others at ease.  And this time, the cashier at the checkout was friendly.

Another reason to wear the face mask:  Last night’s weatherman announced we have a high pollen count. People with spring allergies might start sneezing,  but he  cautioned them not to panic. Unless they develop a fever or more serious symptoms they shouldn’t conclude that they have the coronavirus.   I am one of those people allergic to pollen.  My nose drips off and on all spring, depending on what tress are blossoming. If I go to the store with a dripping nose, it’s going to scare people to death.  Wearing the mask filters the pollen so that I don’t sneeze. Also,  no one has to worry that I’m sending droplets into the air.

I’m sure some people are laughing at my face mask.  But that’s the nice part about being over eighty.  I really don’t care.

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PATIENT PRIVACY VS. NEED TO KNOW

Having been a hospital department manager for over 25 years, I know the importance of patient privacy. It was strictly enforced when my father was in for a stroke.  I was banned from reading his chart, due to privacy laws.  This meant that people working for me could read his chart, if they were authorized, but I could not. Therefore,  they could not share any information about his condition with me.  I understood that.  However, during this coronavirus epidemic, I think we should make a distinction between patient privacy vs. need to know.

When the crisis first started,  we were told the names of some of the patients– where they worshiped, and where they lived.  Often, we heard  that they had recently been to China or some out of state convention.    Many people were  willing to self report  ( actors Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson) But now, we aren’t being told much about the patients, except their general age group. Different states are willing to share more  information than others.  The state of Washington freely reported the number of nursing home patients with the coronavirus.

My county currently has 3 active corona cases, which isn’t too bad, yet.  We’re a relatively small town (pop 60,000).  But I want to know a bit more. In such a small community, I think we have that right.

This is what I believe  the people in this county should know:  Where  were the patients  before coming down with the virus?  Did they go to the  grocery store where I shop before they  were  diagnosed?  Or to the church I attended?  Were they  college students?  If so, which college?  A snowbird returning to Indiana from another state? What state?  A  nursing home resident?  If so, which nursing home?   Did they smoke, making them more susceptible to complications?

It's important to know if we've been in the same places as COVID-19 patients.
We have to weigh the importance of Patient Privacy vs. Need to Know. You should know if you’ve recently been in the vicinity of someone with COVID-19.

I suppose the response would be that it doesn’t really make any difference.  If we’re washing hands, maintaining social distance, etc. , it’s not important whether or not we’ve been near that person or know when or where he might have contracted the disease.   But psychologically, I think it does make a difference.  If I have shopped at a different supermarket in another end of town, or haven’t attended their  Church, or visited anyone in that nursing home, I can have a little peace of mind, knowing my risk is lower.  However,  if I have been in the vicinity of the sick person, I’ll need to be extra vigilant regarding any new symptoms.  If I get a cough or cold, I  have to face the reality  that I could have contracted the virus.  And  get tested if I start feeling worse.

There’s a difference between patient privacy and the need to know. Right now, we’re being given Too Little Information as to where COVID-19 might have been swirling in the air around us.

That being said,  I think Indiana’s Governor Holcomb has done a fantastic job of managing the crisis and providing statistics.  And I’m proud of my fellow Hoosiers who have social distanced without complaint.

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SOCIAL DISTANCE DIARY: WEEK 2

Drove to the Dollar Store for a few things, simply because I’m getting cabin fever.  Only three or four  customers–unsmiling, looking tired and worried. Had the feeling the cash register clerk couldn’t wait to get me out the door. But it sure felt good to be out in the real world again.  Social distance diary: Week 2

My grandpa's outhouse was often out of toilet paper. They used Sears catalog, instead
When my grandpa ran out of toilet paper on the farm, they used Sears Catalog. Social Distance Diary: Week 2

Of course, they were out of toilet paper at the Dollar Store. We have plenty, but I was going to pick up some extra. It got me wondering about what people did without tp. There are alternatives. My grandfathers farm lacked modern plumbing.  Sometimes, there was a Sears  catalog next to the wooden seat in the outhouse.  As a child, I took it in stride, even though we had modern plumbing and toilet paper in our city home.

Found an old Tai Chi CD. Now, I practice with it every day. It’s not the same without my wonderful teacher and fellow classmates, but at least I’m not getting rusty, and it’s helping to calm me down. And, it does give me a bit of exercise.

Finally located a cousin who lives in LA. She’s like a sister to my husband, and he was really upset. She wasn’t answering her phone, and her mailbox was full. We were afraid she had contracted covid-19, and maybe even died. But yesterday we got a call from Mount Cedar, Sinai hospital. She’s recovering from pneumonia—not corona. We’re feeling much relieved, and moods have improved.

Talked to all of my children this weekend. Yes, actual conversations, not texting. Their lives in this modern world are much more complicated than when I was parenting. Living in big cities, they’re always on the run, juggling jobs, driving kids here and there. They have very little time to spend on the telephone. But this weekend, they had nothing urgent, and it was nice having a relaxing conversation.  So far, they’re healthy and safe.  Hope no one gets sick.

No mass shootings this week. Empty malls, churches, schools and restaurants mean that  evil people have no targets. I hope they can’t buy more guns during the crisis.

Sunday brunch at home, since all the restaurants are closed. Tried frozen waffles for the first time. They’re amazingly easy and good. Especially combined with sausage patties. And,  sugar free syrup is only 10 calories per serving.

I’m beginning to adjust to the slower pace. The introverted part of me enjoys the solitude.  At least for a little while.

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SOCIAL DISTANCING DIARY: WEEK 1

Sunday was probably the end of normalcy in our house.  Some of our kids stopped by for brunch, but we probably won’t be seeing them in person again for awhile. Everyone’s in lockdown.  Here’s my staying home/ social distancing diary: Week 1.

Tuesday,  shopped for groceries at the new supermarket. It’s an enormous place, and the few shoppers looked grim.  No one smiled,  as we maintained our social distance. The store was  out of meat, eggs, paper goods,  water, and soft drinks.   Strangely , there was plenty of fresh produce and fruit available.  I thought people were supposed to start eating more healthy foods.

Today, I’m wearing the same clothes I wore yesterday.   Usually, I’m involved in so many activities  like card games, tai chi, swimming, walking, etc. that I often change clothes twice a day. But now, I’ve worn the same jeans and t shirt for 2 days. Why? Because , I’m not leaving the house for anything more than taking out the trash, getting the mail, and running to the store for necessities.   I’ll probably put on a clean outfit tomorrow.

Feeling lethargic.  At first, I thought I would start my spring cleaning, or initiate a new project.  But the wet, gloomy  weather and  coronavirus crisis  is sapping my energy.

Cheering up my husband, and trying to fix foods that won’t upset him.  The VA messed up  his stomach medicine, and he’s been without for over two weeks. Worry about the virus is making it worse. Called today and they said the prescription was  mailed Tuesday.  It finally arrived Thurs.  Hope it helps.

Obsessing about new cases, checking the internet.  Indiana Cases doubled in two days. Strangely, each county only reports one or two cases.  There must be more who haven’t been tested.  First case reported in my county last night.

Neighbors walking in the rain alone. Social distancing diary: Week 1
Some people are walking in the rain alone:   Social distancing diary: Week 1

Watching neighbors walking in the rain with umbrellas.  They’re probably going stir crazy.  I’d like to join them, but I might catch a cold.  Then, I’d think I had the virus.  And I probably couldn’t get tested.

Libraries closed.  Reading a Kindle book that isn’t very good but it’s something to do.  Instead of skimming our two newspapers in the morning, we’re reading every single story in great detail.

Playing bridge online.  I can only do this for about an hour before I get bored.

Trying to avoid nervous eating, afraid to step on the scale.  It would just depress me.  I’ll listen to my meditation app, instead.

It’s been a gloomy week.  But when the sun comes out, I’ll take a walk in the park.  By myself.

And thank heaven for the internet!

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DAFFODILS BRING HOPE TO DARK DAYS

The world came to a stop this week. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, many  people lost their jobs.  Almost everything that makes life interesting is closed.  Restaurants, libraries, theaters and concerts, to name a few.  The streets are deserted. The only  way to  socialize with other humans in the outside world is at the grocery store or pharmacy.  We try to keep our spirits up, but the uncertainty is nerve wracking. When will it all end? And yet, today, I looked out the window and my heart soared at  the first signs of spring.  Blooming daffodils bring hope to these dark days of quarantine.

In these dark times of the coronavirus epidemic, blooming daffodils are a sign of hope
In this frightening time of the coronavirus outbreak, blooming daffodils bring hope to dark days.

Daffodils are a special gift from nature.  Just when we’ve tired of winter’s barren landscape,  the friendly little flowers appear on a warm, sunny day in March.  Yes, it may get cold again. It may even snow again. But the daffodils will tough it out and remind us that better days are coming.

I Wandered Lonely As A Cloud, was written in 1804 by William Wordsworth:

I wandered lonely as a Cloud
That floats on high o’er Vales and Hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,

A host of golden Daffodils;
Beside the Lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

Continuous as the stars that shine
And twinkle on the Milky Way,
They stretched in never-ending line
Along the margin of a bay:
Ten thousand saw I at a glance,
Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.

The waves beside them danced, but they
Out-did the sparkling waves in glee:—
A Poet could not but be gay
In such a jocund company:
I gazed—and gazed—but little thought
What wealth the shew to me had brought:

For oft when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude,
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the Daffodils.

Daffodils are a sign of hope and rebirth.  Like the dark days of winter, the coronavirus epidemic won’t last forever.  This great nation will endure and prosper.

 

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IS AGE SIXTY-FIVE THE NEW EIGHTY?

After listening to the Democratic presidential debate last night, my mind was in a muddle. I couldn’t really tell what message  Biden and Sanders were trying to convey.  It  sounded like a couple of angry old guys in a shouting contest.  But just before we went to bed, I heard on the news that someone said all people over age sixty five should stay home during this coronavirus outbreak.   I’ll find out today who said that, but it has me wondering: Is  age sixty five the new eighty?

Should healthy people stay isolated just because their over sixty five?
Should healthy seniors be told to stay at home during the crisis? Is age sixty-five the new eighty?

Most sixty-five year olds I know are pretty healthy.  Thanks to modern healthcare, the fitness movement, and plant based diets,  these newly retired folks are In much better shape than our parents were. It seems like a bit of overkill to me.   Retirees are the ones people fall back on to help out in a crisis—whether it’s babysitting,emergency housing , or other calamities that befall working people.

The recommendation is mostly based on the fact that seniors are most apt to die if they get sick with the coronavirus.  But there’s a slight flaw in that statistic.  It’s mostly the elderly who live in crowded nursing homes  who have died.  They don’t get out at all.  They’re stuck in stuffy, stinky, crowded places where staffers are too busy to wash their hands as often as they should. And the air doesn’t move very fast in those little rooms.

Naturally, anyone who’s at risk should stay at home during the coronavirus outbreak.   But not everyone over age sixty-five has heart disease,  kidney failure, diabetes, or other serious health problems.

So what’s a healthy senior to do?  Should we wear hats to disguise gray hair, and sunglasses to hide our wrinkles. Shall we be arrested for going to the grocery store for a bottle of milk? Is sixty five really the new eighty?

And by the way.  What were those two old politicians doing out in public last night?  Both Biden and Sanders are over sixty five.