Woke up this morning and immediately took my temperature. Normal, thank goodness. I have a headache, though. And I am fatigued. I don't know how i could be, since I am doing absolutely nothing, along with 330,000,000 other people in the US.
Called my friend, Lois, and we talked for over an hour. Ate corn chips and salsa, and then curled back up in bed. It is raining, and my apartment is cold.
The news is bad. Trump is tiresome. He's actually thinking of opening everything back up on Easter Sunday, against advice from medical experts. His economic advisors are for it, because they don't want the market to fall, anymore than it has. But that would mean many more people ill and dying, and hospitals being overrun. Trump won't give NY supplies that they need, because Governor Cuomo isn't kissing his ass.
I am on my second day of not taking a shower. Why bother? It's my own social distancing method. I have nothing original to say. I am getting tired of my own company, and we are only just settling in.
Tuesday, March 24, 2020
Monday, March 23, 2020
Too Close to Home
I have the sniffles, so I took my temp, and it's 99.1. I was sick just three weeks ago, and I can't believe I have another fever. Kate told me that a worrisome temp is 101. I'm going with that. I feel fine, other than my one sinus tickling.
What I am most worried about is giving it to the Whitfields and the Bakers. I was tempting fate, thinking it was ok to socialize. I've been scared straight.
I'm inside for at least two weeks, except for walking on the San Pablo Trail, which is isolated. Am I going to be able to do my laundry? Probably not, because I have to go to the laundromat for that.
I'll be able to read all of the Maisie Dobbs books that Loretta loaned me. And then there's a pile of books unread, waiting for me to have the time. Ok, now i have the time.
Thank goodness my apartment has windows.
Why can't there be enough tests for everyone to get tested? Then you could figure out who has it, quarantine and care for them, and send the rest of the people back to real life.
Why can't there be enough masks and personal protective equipment for medical people on the front lines?
This administration knew about this virus and January, and ignored it. The incompetence is breath taking. I know I have said that before, but it's the only way to describe it. I need all the breath I can get right now.
My brain is scrambled right now. What should I be doing? Probably one of the more than thirty five things on Aunt Lulu's list. I'll post it as soon as I get a copy of it.
So I probably don't have coronavirus. My brother Peter also said a fever is anything over 100. Like I said, I'm going with that, but still sheltering in place for the next two weeks.
What I am most worried about is giving it to the Whitfields and the Bakers. I was tempting fate, thinking it was ok to socialize. I've been scared straight.
I'm inside for at least two weeks, except for walking on the San Pablo Trail, which is isolated. Am I going to be able to do my laundry? Probably not, because I have to go to the laundromat for that.
I'll be able to read all of the Maisie Dobbs books that Loretta loaned me. And then there's a pile of books unread, waiting for me to have the time. Ok, now i have the time.
Thank goodness my apartment has windows.
Why can't there be enough tests for everyone to get tested? Then you could figure out who has it, quarantine and care for them, and send the rest of the people back to real life.
Why can't there be enough masks and personal protective equipment for medical people on the front lines?
This administration knew about this virus and January, and ignored it. The incompetence is breath taking. I know I have said that before, but it's the only way to describe it. I need all the breath I can get right now.
My brain is scrambled right now. What should I be doing? Probably one of the more than thirty five things on Aunt Lulu's list. I'll post it as soon as I get a copy of it.
So I probably don't have coronavirus. My brother Peter also said a fever is anything over 100. Like I said, I'm going with that, but still sheltering in place for the next two weeks.
Sunday, March 22, 2020
The Novelty is Wearing Off
It's day 9 of staying at home. The actual shelter in place order went into effect a few days ago, and really, not much of my routine has changed. Going to the grocery store is an adventure. Today, I am going to walk on the San Pablo trail, on Mare Island. It's usually isolated. I wonder if it will be today. The beaches in Marin County are shutting down, because so many people came out to the beach, it was a health hazard. I am trying to lean into seclusion, but it is really hard. Not as hard as being a medical professional or a grocery person right now.
Everyone in California is in the same circumstance. It needs to be a country-wide thing, in order to slow the spread of the virus. In certain places, people are not taking this whole thing as seriously as they should. Florida's beaches were crowded with people all week, due to spring break. several college kids have tested positive for the virus. Governors in republican states are less likely to be telling the truth to their constituents, with the exception of Ohio Governor Mike DeWine.
Republican senator Rand Paul, who is already despicable, tested positive for the virus. The VP and his wife tested negative. Supposedly Trump tested negative, but he's such a liar that just means he tested positive. Couldn't happen to a nice guy.
Went over to the Whitfields' last night. Richard made an indian inspired dish with sweet potatoes and quinoa and whole wheat flat bread. I don't know what I would do without them right now. It is flouting the rules, but I'll go crazy in my apartment, where the ceilings are 6 1/2 ft. It gets tight in these two rooms. Still I am glad I have it.
Late night comics are doing their monologues from their homes. They are so necessary right now.
Late night comics are doing their monologues from their homes. They are so necessary right now.
Tuesday, March 17, 2020
Waiting For a Hurricane
As a country, we've been at the self quarantine thing for four days, and there's only one way to describe what it's like to be looking at weeks of solitude. It's like waiting for a hurricane. I lived in Florida for many years, and weathered a few severe ones in 2004.
A hurricane gives plenty of warning of its arrival. People have time to gather provisions and board up their houses. There's a lot of panic buying, particularly on eggs, milk, bread, and wood for covering windows. Once the preparations are complete, there's a period of waiting, as the storm behaves unpredictably. Snacks are eaten, tempers frayed, liquor consumed, all before the storm actually arrives. The storm itself can last a couple of days, followed by days or weeks of recuperating from the storm. There is a tangible beginning and end.
Not like this. Each day, more people have tested positive for the disease. There are two deaths here in California. The virus is particularly nasty for people 60 and over. Governor Newsom has recommended strongly that people over 65 stay in the house. He's saying that everyone should stay in the house.
Six counties in the Bay Area have a shelter in place notification, which is more than a strong suggestion to stay inside. In Italy, it is that way now. You can only go out for groceries or prescriptions. He said tonight that schools will probably not reopen for the year. This is serious.
Our president is not taking it seriously because he is insanely greedy, and is always figuring how this whole thing can enrich him and his family. Watching the briefings is like watching a car wreck. At first, I couldn't turn away, as horrible as it is to watch.
But now, I have a hard time watching every day, as the lies continue It's a propaganda exercise. The president says that everyone can get tested, but there aren't 330,000,000 tests available, nor is there the infrastructure to support what happens after the tests are processed. Governors are fending for themselves, and being very effective.
Now there's talk about a bail out for the Airlines, Cruise lines, Casinos, and big businesses. My chest tightens when I read about it.
There's plenty of time to examine the lies of the president. Now it's time to talk about what life is like during a pandemic.
So far, except for the loss of income, it has not inconvenienced me one bit. Self-quarantine is my default. I have been training for this moment. Aside from pangs of panic when I think beyond a day at a time, I've been ok. There's no pressure to be out in the world, except to shop for groceries or go to the laundromat.
But it is lonely. I'm excited for tomorrow because I am doing laundry and visiting Nancy. I don't feel bored, because I am riveted to twitter, for the next breaking news item. It's breathtaking. And i know it's bad for me, but this whole thing is so shocking and overwhelming. I need to know what is coming next.
Cannabis is legal in California, and I am a devotee, especially in light of all that is happening. Overall, I feel calm, except when I think about going without an income for at least six months. I am going to apply for unemployment, as will every other Californian in my place. My goal is to stay calm. Panic makes bad choices.
I wake up at 8 and stay in bed until nearly 10, scrolling through Twitter. Then I get up, and turn on the oven and heater for a bit of warmth. I make coffee and get in touch with my people.
Around 1:00 pm, I get dressed and go out. Saturday and Sunday were rainy days.
On Saturday, I went to the grocery store, which was very calm. Toilet paper, paper towels, hand sanitizer, and rubbing alcohol were sold out. It had the feel of Russia. The Russia where people stand in lines for food, which has happened in other locations.
I went to the Whitfields' on Sunday night. Richard and I started watching Succession. It's the perfect way to escape from the madness of reality.
Yesterday, I stayed in my pajamas all day. My next door neighbor came by, and we commiserated about the craziness. I cooked mushrooms, onions, and barley for dinner. Listened to Rachel and Lawrence. Looked for Stephen Colbert and Seth Meyers, but they're not on for however long this goes on.
So that's day 4 sheltering in place.
A hurricane gives plenty of warning of its arrival. People have time to gather provisions and board up their houses. There's a lot of panic buying, particularly on eggs, milk, bread, and wood for covering windows. Once the preparations are complete, there's a period of waiting, as the storm behaves unpredictably. Snacks are eaten, tempers frayed, liquor consumed, all before the storm actually arrives. The storm itself can last a couple of days, followed by days or weeks of recuperating from the storm. There is a tangible beginning and end.
Not like this. Each day, more people have tested positive for the disease. There are two deaths here in California. The virus is particularly nasty for people 60 and over. Governor Newsom has recommended strongly that people over 65 stay in the house. He's saying that everyone should stay in the house.
Six counties in the Bay Area have a shelter in place notification, which is more than a strong suggestion to stay inside. In Italy, it is that way now. You can only go out for groceries or prescriptions. He said tonight that schools will probably not reopen for the year. This is serious.
Our president is not taking it seriously because he is insanely greedy, and is always figuring how this whole thing can enrich him and his family. Watching the briefings is like watching a car wreck. At first, I couldn't turn away, as horrible as it is to watch.
But now, I have a hard time watching every day, as the lies continue It's a propaganda exercise. The president says that everyone can get tested, but there aren't 330,000,000 tests available, nor is there the infrastructure to support what happens after the tests are processed. Governors are fending for themselves, and being very effective.
Now there's talk about a bail out for the Airlines, Cruise lines, Casinos, and big businesses. My chest tightens when I read about it.
There's plenty of time to examine the lies of the president. Now it's time to talk about what life is like during a pandemic.
So far, except for the loss of income, it has not inconvenienced me one bit. Self-quarantine is my default. I have been training for this moment. Aside from pangs of panic when I think beyond a day at a time, I've been ok. There's no pressure to be out in the world, except to shop for groceries or go to the laundromat.
But it is lonely. I'm excited for tomorrow because I am doing laundry and visiting Nancy. I don't feel bored, because I am riveted to twitter, for the next breaking news item. It's breathtaking. And i know it's bad for me, but this whole thing is so shocking and overwhelming. I need to know what is coming next.
Cannabis is legal in California, and I am a devotee, especially in light of all that is happening. Overall, I feel calm, except when I think about going without an income for at least six months. I am going to apply for unemployment, as will every other Californian in my place. My goal is to stay calm. Panic makes bad choices.
I wake up at 8 and stay in bed until nearly 10, scrolling through Twitter. Then I get up, and turn on the oven and heater for a bit of warmth. I make coffee and get in touch with my people.
Around 1:00 pm, I get dressed and go out. Saturday and Sunday were rainy days.
On Saturday, I went to the grocery store, which was very calm. Toilet paper, paper towels, hand sanitizer, and rubbing alcohol were sold out. It had the feel of Russia. The Russia where people stand in lines for food, which has happened in other locations.
I went to the Whitfields' on Sunday night. Richard and I started watching Succession. It's the perfect way to escape from the madness of reality.
Yesterday, I stayed in my pajamas all day. My next door neighbor came by, and we commiserated about the craziness. I cooked mushrooms, onions, and barley for dinner. Listened to Rachel and Lawrence. Looked for Stephen Colbert and Seth Meyers, but they're not on for however long this goes on.
So that's day 4 sheltering in place.
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