Daily Ooo's: Monday, March 16

[faerywings]

Everybody, with me-- *deep breath in and deeeep breath out. And again*
How is that, a little better? Now go ahead and roll your shoulders and neck a bit.
I know that I have been a bit anxious lately (cough, cough, choke- just a *little*!! hahaha!) but I know myself well enough, that if I don't get one top of that *now* I am not going to make it through in one piece. Yesterday, I began to develop a plan to keep myself on the right track. I know that some days I am going to fail miserably, but if I can keep it at some and not most days, I will be a better and stronger person.
I have my meditation app on my iPod and a silly game app on my cell phone to play instead of checking the news. Best Fiends if anyone is wondering. I am planning on focusing more time here-- scrapping and commenting. I am looking forward to getting outside, in the yard and with the dogs.

One other thing that I want to do is sort of keep a "routine" of sorts. I am not sure how I am going to make it work. I usually have places to go, appts to keep. I canceled my last 2 sessions of PT. I have the bands from last time and can do the exercises at home. I am also planning on canceling the podiatrist for next week. No point in having him look at my ankle, say yup, slowly improving and adjust the boot. I can ask him how much to tighten it on my own.

Yesterday was hmm.. Let's see. I did two loads of laundry, Cait and I finished the puzzle, I started to scrap a page. I texted my BFF- her DD is *still* going to NOLA for spring break. SMDH. I am so worried. My kids brought up a really good point yesterday about why we seem to be having an easier time accepting these restrictions- they have been immune-compromised almost all of their lives, they saw their mom and dad sick for that long too. They get the value of health and how it feels to be chronically ill. I know that I am waaaaay over-generalizing, but I do think that a lot of Millenials have that feeling of "invincibility." I know *I* did as a teen. My kids might not be expressing it but I know that they are deeply worried about Gary. There is a positive case with a professor at their school. Not one of theirs's I assume since they weren't contacted. But it feels closer to home.

We played a new game last night-- Code Names. It is a card game where you give out clues and the other player has to guess what word is being described. It took me longer to read the rules and to figure out what they actually meant than it did to play one round. I think it is going to be a good game to play when we aren't up for something raucous like Pictionary. Oregon Trail might be a little bit too on the nose to play right now. "You all die of cholera!"ound:
I have to pick up some Rxs today but will be able to get in and out of the store quickly.
Then I want to finish the scrap page and spend some time in the gallery here.

I would also like to restart our gratitude lists here, we used to do that a long time ago. Always a good time to think of something that I am grateful for.

Today I am grateful for the sun shining!

HAGD!!

 

[faerywings]

Kay- Good to hear that you were able to get all of your things taken care of aside from your car insurance. I need to pay for two registrations. I do that by mail but DMV is closed for the month and they extended inspections and DL renewals, for 2 months--registrations too I think so I might put that off just so I don't tie up that money. I won't be cleaning during all of this and while that bit of cash isn't a lot, it paid for a few weeks of groceries. Enjoy your books! I am jealous that I only have three and am 2/3 done with one of them. :scared:

Trudy- there were so many pics of the empty shelves on my local FB group page. I hope that the stores by you can restock groceries and produce soon. Stock up on your paints! That will keep you busy and sane
:rofl: That is a crazy dream!

Rae- how is B holding up with all of the chaos? Even though she might not understand the situation, I am sure that she is picking up on the underlying tension. Not to worry you, but is there a plan of care for her in case you or she needs to be quarantined?
It is too cold to be out in the yard - only in the 40's this week, but I am planning on bundling up to get fresh air. I am so happy that you have made so many critter-friends to keep you company You will have lots and lots of photos by the end of this.

Felis- Americans are the same way it seems, not good with authority. I bet lots of people will be out with their dogs for that excuse Good news for the dogs!
Thank you for thinking of me and understanding my stress levels. I am monitoring the anxiety and if I need to ask my Dr to call in an Rx with a higher dose I can do that. I am on such low doses of the anti-anxiety prescriptions that I have that as an option.
But you can see that I am trying to keep on top of it. Hugs!

::grouphug

 

[BrightEyes]

Morning, O's.... I am sitting here laughing and crying at the same time. I had mentioned to DD#2 yesterday that I didn't have anything that had my late hubby's voice on it and wished I could hear his voice once more. She said that she had a copy of us telling the stories - while the old family (silent) films from 1955-1969 were running. DH had borrowed a camera with microphone and captured it all - film and us talking about what was going on. She compressed it and sent to me via an upload/download site. I got them this morning... unfortunately the image portion didn't come through - think the compression/extracting caused the problem. But the voices came through the process okay. So I have been listening to hubby's voice and laughing and crying as I remember the day we spent recording the stories. I sent her an email asking if she would record them [uncompressed] onto DVDs and send them via snail mail to me. What a treasure it will be to have these moments from the early years of our marriage and when the kids were young. Those films are now so old and fragile and the player is so old that I can't even watch the silent films.

Need to get out of here and run the 2 must-do errands - pay auto insurance due this week and get some gas. Will try to check back later to get caught up on how everyone is doing. CYL

 

[bcgal00]

Good morning, ladies. I was in full panic mode yesterday after we left Bailey's. We went to Walmart (again) and after checking 4 stores, no TP, tissues, eggs, bread, sugar or milk to be found. Then, when we came out of the store, we saw someone had smashed in the front side of Jen's car. The lady came over and apologized and tried to walk away. A fellow came speeding over in his car, jumped out, pulled D aside to talk to him. He was so awesome. He saw the accident, it was the kid who was driving with a learners. Mom took off the L sticker, jumped in the car and sped off, she parked a few rows over, the fellow went over in his car, watched them get out and try to go into the store, he yelled that they need to report the accident and then watched them go back to the car, pull out and park even a few rows further away again. He followed her, taking photos and then they tried to run into the store. The lady said they did nothing wrong, they were going shopping, nothing happened. He followed them into the store and started yelling that they had left the scene of an accident and needed to go back to provide insurance info. He followed them back to their car and waited for us to come out. The lady said she had never seen this man before, she was parking a few rows over and was going shopping. She had no idea who this crazy man was. She tried to lie her way out of it and then finally caved and said yes she hit Jen's car, so sorry. But then finally admitted the son was driving. WTH is wrong with people? It was already so stressful to go shopping and not being able to get food and then to have this happen. Thank goodness for the wonderful guy who took the time to help us.

So at that point, we agreed to try one more store and then go home. We had no luck with any of the essentials other than getting the last peanut butter, one kleenex and a bag of sugar. We came home, I ate a gluten free pizza and a bag of chips. I needed comfort food after all that.

So, today I will stay home, not going out into the craziness out there. I did manage to pick 10 pics to send into the BC wildlife contest but will be shocked if any of my pics get into the 10 finals bc there are about 17,000 photos sent in on IG. It was fun to look thru them and see all the amazing wildlife photos people posted. I didn't see any jay or squirrel shots so at least some of mine were original. It'll be interesting to see who wins.

I was up at 5 this morning so started watching Westworld. D never got into it so we stopped after the 3rd episode. I'm going to watch it myself as I'm interested. S3 started last night so I'll pvr that and then can watch that after I binge S1 and S2.

Chris - no plan for B is in place other than sanitizing her place a lot and monitoring how she feels, if she gets sick. She is being kept away from public places right now and only going out for walks around the neighborhood. She will be going out for her medical appts as needed but non-essential stuff is being postponed for now. We don't talk to her about what is happening in the world much, she gets confused and anxious about it but then forgets about it.

I'd better get to work now but I hope to relax tonight and maybe scrap. I didn't scrap all wkend, just couldn't get into it.

 

[bcgal00]

Good morning Kay. We cross posted. How wonderful to get that and be able to revive the memory of that day. Hope the DVD copy is better.

 

[taxed4ever]

Morning ladies... It is a beautiful sunny, but chilly day here! I had to bring in the hummingbird feeder this morning and thaw it out. Got outside with DH yesterday afternoon and got a huge bag of pine cones picked up from the back yard. Still more to do, but will do it in small increments as the back just can't take all that bending over LOL. Had an hour long face time with Heather and the boys, it will be a very long 3 weeks for them, but thankfully the weather is better and they should be able to get outside to play for a while! Talked with our son yesterday also and they have the MIL and FIL there still, everyone took the news of cancelling the trip to Africa fairly well and now with everyone being stuck in the house for a few weeks they have decided to get all the painting and other projects done in the house. Not sure what the In-Laws plans are about leaving, but guess they will have to make a decision soon. More announcements coming out this morning in about 10 minutes so will have to turn on the tv to listen to that.

Chris - Sounds like you are at least enjoying some fun with the kids and your Gary! I hope that you all manage your next few weeks with out any stress and anxiety! The grocery stores will have everything restocked soon, for heavens sake the TP is made right in Vancouver so I can't see that people will be without for very long. I am still not sure why the hoarding of TP :loco: I have stocked up on a few paints, went out yesterday and got more LOL. I should be good for a while and if not then I can always order from Micheals or Amazon. Good plan to start the gratitude list again! I am grateful that the sun is shining and I can get out for a walk today!

Kay - How wonderful that you are able to keep your Hubby's voice with you! My SIL was the same when she lost her DH, she missed hearing his voice and only had it on the phone as their message when they could not answer. How nice to have those memories come flooding back to you!

Rae - OMG!! WTH is the matter with people! I can't imagine anyone doing that, but then maybe I am a bit of a bubblehead?? How great that the man was there with his phone and refused to let her get away with it! Good on him!! I hope that you are able to get the things that you need soon, I think it should be calming down in the grocery stores soon. Hopefully the news that will be announced this morning does not throw everyone back into a panic mode again! I hope that you will still be able to to visit with B with all this craziness going on. Hope you will get back into your scrapping again

Felis - things are the same here in Canada and I feel so sorry for all the kids who do not know or understand what is going on! I asked Mason if the teachers talked to them about the reason why they are off school for so long, but he said no. Hopefully Heather and Jonah will try to explain it to them. I did not say anything further as I did not want to scare him and feel it would be better if it came from his Mom and Dad. I am sure he really won't understand or care LOL. The older kids might be more concerned though. It is nice that your Mother is going out for walks in the morning and I am sure she is enjoying not having to go to work at a job that she does not like.

Ok I best get into the shower and get busy catching up here today! I hope you all are having a nice morning and are not stressing too much over all this madness! :wave:

 

[nancyr]

good day - well it is the start of new. Our schools are closed and all of our non essential downtown stores and restaurants will be closed at 5pm today. The city council will allow for delivery or curb side pick up. The same is happening pretty much all through NJ. Now NY, NJ and CT have teamed up to do coordinated planning. What a shame there is not federal leadership. My DH is beginning his teaching online and has gotten his professors to do the same. Saw my neighbors son who is a senior this year and both he and his brother who is in college and now home are doing their online classes. Few cars out and few people out. But I am glad I have Luther to get me out. The weather is chilly but sunny. This past weekend was just a blur of getting stuff organized for the week. We did manage to get Luther to Cheesecake and it was shocking how many young non family members where out hiking. No social distancing for them. But we still stayed away from them. I cant believe people will not take this seriously.

Chris I think you are correct - we have to stay in a routine. Your kids are great role models for understanding just how bad this can get for those that are compromised. Your games always sound so fun. There must be so much laughter! I think you have it right more scrapping and more commenting. I have finally started Downton Abbey and I have 6 seasons and a movie so I am set.

Kay that is awesome your daughter was able to let you hear your husband's voice again. That is so special.

Trudy hope your Prime Minister showed more leadership that mine is doing. I am sure everyone is sick that all the vacations and schools activities are being so changed. A challenge for all.

Rae I cannot yet I can believe that there are people that just run. That poor kid if his mom had just said he was a new driver and that are insurance will talk to your insurance. Not a great example for the kid. Sorry for her kid! Sure hope the car is drivable.

Jean waving as the birds fly past and your paintings take shape.

Felis I hope things settle down for you and your family. I hope that your mom and dad are happy. Enjoy your walks.

Have a great day. I am thankful I can get out with Luther.

 

[BrightEyes]

I managed to get over and pay my auto insurance this morning and make it to the bank and fill the car with gas... Wore my medical-grade gloves and notice that many of the 'older' people out were also wearing that type of gloves. All the bank tellers were wearing gloves which made me feel better. Checked at the bread store and they were out of bread/etc but said they had a shipment coming in later today - so may do a quick run over there around 5 PM. Only have 1 loaf left in the freezer so really need 1 or 2 loaves to tide me through the next week or so. Stopped in at Big Lots [right next door] and managed to get some Musinex and some nasal decongestant spray - most drug stores, etc were completely out of them... so it was worth the stop. Most customers were trying to keep a 5'-6' space around them, thank goodness.

Once I got home, I decided to burn the files my DD#2 sent to me. Although they didn't play on the computer, I decided to see if they would play on my Blu-ray. I broke down and laughed and cried when the videos played. There is a lot of static/etc on some of them but some came through fine! I forgot that we had film of both my mom and dad, my sister and others who are gone now. They cover the years from when we were just married, all of the kids as babies up until they were all school age... and most of the places we lived until 1967. And to my delight - at the end was several minutes of my husband talking about why and when we made the videos of early years. To see him and listen to his voice was the best present I could have. It is priceless!

I am going to burn a few more copies of them... and put one in a safe place so I will always have a copy. Need to talk to the other kids and see if they all have copies of them and make them copies if they don't.

 

[scrap-genie]

Yesterday I learned my brother is in the hospital and was really glad today to get to have a nice talk with him and learn he's scheduled to go home tomorrow. He's 88 and not in the best shape, but sounds good otherwise. Our governor yesterday ordered all bars and restaurants closed except for carry out and today apparently repeatedly said if you're 65 or over to stay home. We'll still be going out for some things like groceries, bird seed and maybe some carry out. We did drive through Lake View but didn't see much in the way of birds.

Chris, I do think scrapping can be a good way to relieve some stress. You can just work with good photos or you can journal, whatever helps. Glad you liked the crocus up against the rock! Having the kids around must help you too. Your family games always sound fun too.

Kay, how wonderful DD could provide you with his voice and eventually the whole thing (hopefully). Can easily imagine both joy and tears from it. Hope your errands got done and you can stay home.

Rae, the story of the parking lot is just maddening! You told it really well but I agree that the young driver was being taught a terrible lesson. And all that for not much at the store. This seems to be making everyone crazy. Good luck with the photo contest. No question yours are super, but you can never tell.

Trudy, ain't it the truth that backs can't take it so much any more. Having more paint is good. Your needing titanium white reminded me that mine is getting a little low too. I am so lucky to have a good art supply store nearby, but not sure I even want to go there now. My question is getting to be whether stores are even staying open. Maybe it would be better for your DS's in-laws to stay put with them, depending on how far away they live. Getting projects done might help cope too.

Nancy, getting out with Luther sounds like a good thing for you and him. How's DH liking online teaching? A friend told me it is weird doing a webinar and just talking to the wall with the only feedback in a chat window.

Felis, your mother's doing better is good whether she remembers how it was before or not. I find it easy to do my art work or scrapping at times and at others I just feel like I can't sit still long enough to concentrate. I'm lucky that mostly I can read even then.

Take care and stay well!

 

[felis]

Hello lovelies!
I learn this word here at the forum 'homebody', I'm homebody and I'm so good in that! Listening music, watch movie, just relax.
I just wondering did I should be more exciting about the gardening? For 3 days my mom cleaned up most of the flowers beds, replant some and plant seasonal seeds, all alone... umm... really it's too cold for my taste to play at the dirt. I saw online, gardeners excited by some new seed mix friendly for turtles, so lovely! I love turtles, we have a lot, but not in the fields where I am. Of course the mix with flowers for bee is always actual, especially after Ed Sheeran and her girlfriend showed it. I definitely need one of these! Oh and the bee house for which Chris inspired me few years ago needs replacement of the 'apartments'. Actually it works only as spider house, but I like them too so will fix it. It sounds as I have long list with items from gardening center, but I'm not plan visit soon, so procrastinating the whole gardening too. I'm wondering also do have plant mix friendly for hedgehogs? Previous summer no one comes, but the years before they was our very welcome visitors, so I need them back!

Yep,today I'm stick to small daily things, and ignore everything outside my fence!!! :behindsofa::thumb:


Upss, Chris, I'm on the diametrically opposite position! Something I preach all the time via my IG is when you feels like you're losing control over your emotions/live just get up and dance! Noo, no public!!!, alone in your room, get the whole energy and negative reactions out of your system by shaking your body as at the ancient peoples' rituals. Until you dropped too tired for everything.
Oh, four, five, six c'mon and get your kicks. Now you don't need a money, when you look like that, do ya honey! .
L O L one madness I cure with other LOL! But I guess relaxation is good idea too for some people (just not me I accidentally finis napping in most of my tries).
I can imagine how difficult will be for you to stay at home, but you can look on this as small vacation from all errands! Or like Trudy's family to concentrate on some procrastinated tasks at the house! Depends of what make you feels more useful/satisfied! Just keep (OK wait... ankle pains, so not dance, but at least) singing! Keep singing, there is many situation which take us breathless! No need to calculate all of our bad decisions! :tongue:

Kay, big hug my dear, such a beautiful and sentimental story, I wasn't hear for so long! Makes my heart melt!!! Hope the DVD to arrive soon so you can enjoy the full quality of this precious memory!

Rae, OMG what an awful people! Thank goodness that at least this guy was conscientious and helpful! But the car will need repair, or?

Trudy, so smart decision your son to do some useful work on the house! Hope the In-Laws will help with the children's entertainment! Do you still wondering to go visit Heather? It must be difficult to explain on kids the gravity of the situation, without to scare them.

Nancy, hahaha, you literally recount my weekend posts, the same situation!
Not people, but the teenagers don't take this seriously, because they are out of danger and bored to stay in home. It's good that temperatures dropped to banish them! Like they don't care they have parents and grandparents and they can spread the virus on them!!! What my country do is to get artists and influencers, everyone that can affect on young people is now make posts about self-isolation and hand washing at properly way. Just the idea that they smoke with these dirty hands, gross (yep, europeans mass smoke from the teenage).
Uh, my dad decide to be rebel and continue to go work. Did I'm scared? Oh yeah! Do I can change the situation? Nope, father's word is the strongest, so ... Like I'm said thousand times before, this is my karma, because I was difficult teenager :roll: !

Jean, hope your brother get better soon! Our government gave us the similar instruction too, but in Friday. At the beginning it was shock for the finances and the business of lots of people, but hey if 2 weeks isolation can save the whole summer season, it's worth to try!