Day 43, I Think

Days are running together more than they usually do(seems like I've said that recently too).  Being retired that happens a lot to me.  But now that we don't have the opportunity to worship at the church house with our brethren it is even more so.  Starting our week and social life is there.  

We have streaming service online and they had a glitch yesterday and they couldn't get it done, so rescheduled for 5 PM.  We were then able to switch over to the congregation where our Sons attend and worshiped online with them.  Yup, singing and everything.  Our congregation is planning on opening up for assemblies next Sunday although they will be modified in order to reduce risks.  Half the alphabet will attend in the morning and half in the evening and continue online also for those not willing to take any risks with this virus.  I assumed I would be ready to go, until 'K' shared her misgivings.  She is still not feeling comfortable with all this.  I think most of her concern, although she doesn't say it, is with my risk level.  I am on the higher end of the risk spectrum that they list having multiple risk factors.  So I reconsidered with her concerns now out there.  We won't resume assembling until we are sure.  Most of the doubt is due to the many health issues/surgeries we have had over the last 7 years.  We don't want to go back to that by taking chances we don't need to.  No, I am not afraid of catching or even dying from this China flu.  But I don't have to take chances and cause concern for my bride.  So we will continue as before.  We will venture out more once they loosen the reigns but with masks and hand sanitizer readily available.

We kept the baby for 2 nights this past week.  It was pure joy for us.  She is such a delight, even when she is crabby it's still pretty good.  She rarely gets crabby unless she isn't feeling well and even then tries to be happy.  This is without a doubt the happiest baby I have ever been around.  She is very active and keeps us on our toes.  She is extremely attached to us, but 'K' is the object of her desires without a doubt.  I harbor no illusions on who her favorite is.  I reached over and held 'K's' hand while we were watching TV while the baby was next to her.  She saw it and didn't like that one bit.  I had to let go of her hand.  She is a possessive little thing when it come to her Nani.  In fact taking her home is an issue and she starts crying when we hand her over and trying to cling to us lol.  

Been catching up on some yard work and pulling semi dead hedges (wandering Rosemary).  Still a lot I need to do but we only work at it a short while.  I cut, 'K' bags, until my back starts aching.  I did see that our chimney (it's not a real one, wood enclosing a steel pipe) has a lot of mildew and algae.  I really need to get that cleaned up along with all the oak tassels in the valleys on the roof.  I hate getting on the roof more now than I ever have.  I am considering hiring someone to pressure wash the chimney.  I can't get washer up there for the back side.  But I also am considering using the garden sprayer with JoMax and bleach to see how that works.  Not sure it will be enough, but I will probably do that before I call someone.  I still have a hard time calling someone and paying for it to be done when I could have done that in years past.  I'm too stubborn still.

Happy Trails

Isolation Day 36+/-

Nothing exciting to report on the home front.  Everything is fine here just biding our time.  Since we are both retired, there is no real change in our routines other than not being able to just pick up and go wherever whenever.  It's just the thought that we are under restrictions that tends to grate.  

I have this app on my phone called nextdoor.  I keep in touch with what is going on around us that way and can find things like repair men etc.  That's how I found the car repair guy I used last year.  It does have some draw backs that are irritating.  

Since it's social media it isn't immune to idiots and just plain stupid posts.  The most common posts are folks looking for lost dogs or seeing lost dogs out roaming.  I don't mind those at all and try to keep an eye out if I'm out.  I know how stressed I would be if my dog (if I had one now) would turn up missing.  It seems most of the really dumb posts are folks that have moved our here from in town and aren't used to the possibility of wild animals.  They tend to freak out, especially over harmless snakes.  You would think a common Garter Snake is a man eater.  It's the comments on those posts that can be hilarious to just plain stupid.  Then there are posts like this: 'Did anyone here that?'  No explanation no location (there will be several neighborhoods near you that can be included so who knows where they are).  Then there is the: "Did anyone hear those gunshots?"  Everyplace I have ever lived, I have heard gunshots.  Nothing I can do about it other than be more vigilant if it seems unusual.  Why would knowing others heard what you heard give you any peace of mind if that's why you posted.  We live near Camp Bullis, an Army training facility that has a lot of gunfire regularly.  You can regularly hear light to heavy machine gun fire.  That Camp has been there from the 1800's.  The complaints about the noise is off the charts at times.  I never really even notice it anymore.  Why in the world would you move out here if that little bit of freedom noise will bother you?  They even threaten to start a petition to get them to stop.  I just SMH.  I imagine that they will be forced to stop as this area gets more densely populated, and it is growing incredibly fast.  

The latest is all the fear that gets posted on that app is this Chinaman flu has generated.  Now that the governor is thinking about making plans to reopen things, everyone is scared it is too soon and bla bla bla.  I pass most of that garbage by as it gets me tight in the jaws at times.  Then there are those that go too far the other way claiming it's all a huge conspiracy.  I get a belly full of that pretty quick too.  Yeah, I know, I should get rid of that app but I do find it useful and entertaining.  

Hope all are well with you and yours.  Be smart, not afraid.  

Happy Trails

Isolation Day 29+/-

Things are unchanging here on this home front.  Netflix and Amazon Prime are getting a workout.  Even on those premium channels there is a lot of junk.  I don't know how many shows we have started and then quit just a few minutes in.  I need better acting and scripts to keep my attention more than a few minutes or I'm done and moving on.  My reading has stalled a little but I started again today.  It's funny that most of my reading is novels, which is almost never, and they are apocalyptic type novels.  This started well before this pandemic so I don't try to read anything into that.  I just like some action when I read and those have plenty to keep my mind going.

We are well.  We went over to my Mom's house last Friday to visit with her and take her some lunch and 'K' gives her an injection she needs once per month.  WE only visited outside on the driveway keeping our distance.  She is doing very well for someone living alone for the first time at almost 88.

We will have our youngest granddaughter for a couple nights starting today.  The condo where they live is undergoing some noisy maintenance and it is causing some issues with the baby and the dog goes nuts.  So we will get both her and the dog to relieve some of the stress while they work from home.  I'm sure it is pretty hard to concentrate with a whiny toddler, a baking dog and construction noise.  They and we have been isolated so long we feel comfortable no pathogens will be passed to either us or the baby.  I can't wait to get my hands on her.  It has been the longest stretch that we have not seen her (other than internet video chat) since she was born.  We have seen her mostly weekly keeping her overnight since the first two months she was born.  She had become a habit for us.  'K' has seen her more recently than I have.  I think it has been 6 weeks for me.  

We made a trip over to my Mom's house last Friday to visit with her and take her some lunch and 'K' gives her an injection she needs once per month.  WE only visited outside on the driveway keeping our distance.  She is doing very well for someone living alone for the first time at almost 88.

I am not sure what to think about all this still.  I am hoping President Trump will loosen the restrictions at the end of the month.  It seems our governor is contemplating something similar if not sooner.  Are we tempting fate?  I don't know.  It seems things aren't near as bad as they predicted.  How much that has to do with the measures we have taken I don't know.  If we let up too soon will it get worse?  Or are they crying wolf?  If they had spent as much time reporting about the swine flu when it came out, it may have been worse.  I don't know.  Then I read an 'internet' article that the US had gathered intelligence that says 21 million Chinese died from this Covid19.  Is that true or just more scare tactics?  They say they can tell by the number of cell phone accounts that have been cancelled in China.  Then go on to explain how that works.  Sounds pretty sketchy to me.  I think I need to spend less time looking at all this crap.

I think by May 1 most of us will be ready to get back to normal but there will be a lot of those that are scared to death and preach more gloom and doom.  I will go with my gut when it's time.  

Happy Trails

Isolation Day 22

Nothing new to report here for the most part.  I'm sure it's that way with most that are trying to stay home like the Governor and others have asked us to do.  I don't have any problem with them asking us to do this.  I know others have differing views.  My issue with those that keep imposing tighter and tighter restrictions on us to try and limit the spread of this Chinese virus is the way they have piecemealed it.  The suggested restrictions have come in varying stages over the last few weeks.  Anyone with a semblance of gray matter had to suspect that this was going to get worse before it got better.  I still don't think is as bad as it could get yet.  I keep wondering if they had started strict to begin with it would be over sooner than it appears it is going to be.  Yes, I know that would probably have gone over like a lead balloon.  Especially giving ammo to those that just want to criticize and take shots at those making the decisions.  I don't know, it's just something that has been in my mind almost from the beginning.  I know we are too spoiled as a society to make any real sacrifices early in the game.  It has to be near catastrophic for us to act.  Nothing I can get worked up about.  We have been restricting since before the gov started with theirs.  

We are doing well.  Enough of everything at this time.  I don't really know how long we could last before things start getting critical.  We made it to the grocery store last week.  We had planned to use the curbside as everyone has suggested.  However, a time slot was well pout beyond our comfort zone.  Well over a week.

It has only gotten worse for those time frames since then.  We went with masks and they were limiting number allowed inside.  We got in and got out.  I was surprised at how some folks seem oblivious to the crisis.  There were an even number with masks and without.  Those without didn't seem to care about distances either.  So we are good to go for at least several weeks.  'K' wanted me to stay home due to my high risk (she is too but not as high).  No way I am letting her go by herself in times like this.  I couldn't be sure she would be safe.  

The older Grandkids and their Mom are coming by today.  They want to see us and how we are doing.  The entire visit will be outside, or so I'm told.  No hugs unfortunately.  They have checked on us a couple time via phone.  I will be good to look at someone else for a change.

Happy Trails

Day 17-I Think

Not so sure about that number of days of isolation.  I have to actually refer to a calendar and then count down from the previous post.  The days are running together.  Not sure why that is the case as I often have to ask the wife what day it is.  We had actually started a modified isolation at least a week earlier, and I took measures even earlier at 'K's' urging as I am in the high risk class.

It really doesn't matter.  Our lives have not really changed that much as we spend a lot of time at home anyway.  It's just the thought that we should stay home and not expose ourselves to others that might be sick, that we can't just get up a go  anywhere we want any time.  We have pretty much stopped using drive thrus for food.  I BBQ'ed a brisket Saturday and we have been eating that off and on.  The rest will be frozen for other times.  

We did take a short drive into the hills near us to see if there were many wildflowers.  There weren't many at all.  We have a small patch in our backyard that was as good or better than what we saw.  They are going to seed now and will get cut down in another couple weeks so they can go to drop those seeds for the next year.  More yard work is in the near future.  Once the oak pollen has lessened I'll be out trying to get the yard cut.  The oak pollen has bothered me some this year.  It usually doesn't.  

I attempted a repair on our refrigerator.  The water line that feeds the water dispenser was spraying water all over the wall every time we used it.  Took us a while to discover it.  Ordered the part and it went pretty well...until I checked for leaks.  There was a very minor leak at the hardest to reach connection of course.  I decided to reinstall that connection.  I made it worse.  Since it is at location that is very difficult to reach I strained my hand.  So it sits until my hand stops hurting.  We just don't use that dispenser.  I guess that's why that there was a water catch tray that drains into the main water tray.  If I can get it back to that very small leak I guess that will be good enough.  Until then I refill water bottles and put them back in the fridge to have cold water to drink.  I really need my cold water.  I rarely drink room temp water if ever.

It appears that most of the country is now taking this virus more seriously.  Another 30 days has been added to the isolation guidelines.  I wish they had done that sooner instead of piecemealing it week to week.  Maybe we would have been farther ahead of this thing.  Just  uninformed speculation on my part.

I hope all is well with you and yours.  I pray every day for you.

Happy Trails

Day 11 of Isolation

2 Timothy 1:7

For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

Too much time on my hands... 

I have been formulating some thoughts over the last few days of this Chinese virus that is holding much of the world hostage. It’s not the whole world, as a lot of folks don’t seem to be taking this serious.  Mostly they are the millennials and younger folks.  I have heard that a lot of these folks don’t believe it is serious since President Trump has been asking the nation to take precautions.  They say, ‘he isn’t my president.’  This is a dangerous, arrogant, ignorant and just plain stupid position.  In fact any position that doesn’t take it serious is at the least uninformed.

Social media and the news media seem to be driving a narrative of panic.  Most of it is negative and alarmist.  Some things have been positive, trying to lift up others.  There has been more of that on my feeds than the negative.  

WARNING: RANT COMING: I will probably make some enemies here. 

Then there are the ones I am a bit flummoxed by.  I generally see eye to eye with them as we have very similar views.  They believe the government is using this pandemic to get more control over all of us and is stealing our personal liberties.  In fact they believe this is all a hoax and manufactured by some sinister dark forces.  They don’t agree at all with shutting down ANYthing it seems, regardless of the danger.  They issue dire warnings and with every measure they say ‘see? I told you so.’  OK, I get it, I truly do.  But there is just a hint of conspiracy theorists here.  I mean that in the way of those that wear the tinfoil hats. No, I don’t trust big government either just for the record.  While we berate the media and those that are keeping the panic buying going, this only creates more fear on the other end.  Neither of these type posts helps calm the panic.  It truly has me concerned.

Our government was founded on the idea it was solely there to protect the citizens and conduct trade.  Yes, I realize it has gone far beyond the original intentions and continues to grow.  But, in my eyes, taking steps to protect the health of our people falls in that area, IMO.  If they have to ask you to stay home because you won’t otherwise, I understand.  But what about my rights guaranteed by the constitution, my liberty to do as I choose you may ask? 

There is the old adage, “do you have the right to yell ‘fire’ in a crowded building if there is no fire?”  If you are endangering my health by going and doing as you please thereby possibly endangering my or my loved ones health, IMO, your rights and liberty end …at 6 feet.  You have no right to do as you choose then.  If you don’t get it, then the government must step in to protect me/us.  If the government won’t I will.  Which would you prefer, Me confronting you for endangering my loved ones or the government?  I can assure you mine would be less pleasant.  They do this to prevent chaos.  What is it I am not getting?  Will these measures stay in place, is that what you are telling me?  It’s a tricky issue I know.

First and foremost I believe in the scripture above with every fiber of my being.  So that is able to keep me grounded and unafraid.  It is out of my hands other than the things I am able to do for myself and loved ones.

Being fearful and worrying does no one any good.  Fear only adds to the anxiety.  If it is a fear that is rational, something you can do about it, it’s in your hands to control it.  If it is something you can’t control, what good does it do to worry about it?  It only makes you more stressed and also affects those around you.  Firstly, keep it off social media.  Your fears being posted makes others more fearful and on and on.  Can you see what I’m saying?

Here is what concerns me.  As Americans, we have always risen to the challenge of any disaster.  Whether it is weather disaster, a war, a pandemic, 9/11, you name it, we have always responded strongly and come together as Americans.  In the past we, and especially our ancestors, all sacrificed something for the good of others, our country.  We would do without so others could have.  Now we have people hoarding everything because of their ‘me first attitude’ and being full of irrational fear.  Causing others to suffer and do without.  Also, in those times we weren’t Democrats, not Republicans, not black, not white, not brown, but Americans.  That is the thing that has made us the greatest country in the world.  We came together to defeat the threat, as Americans.  Somehow this time seems different to me.  The Democrats are playing politics with the major financial relief bill by adding their agenda of things they can’t get passed on their own merit.  This is reprehensible.  (I am not saying this bill is good for the country either.  I have concerns it will make our economy worse, but I’m not an economist.  Again, it is something I have no control over.)  Politics over the good of the whole country, their agenda being their primary goal is the worst.  Holding America hostage on top of the virus holding us hostage, it’s political blackmail.  If those that have voted them in office don’t reverse that, I have little to no hope we will ever come together again as a nation of Americans.  This is not a time for Us vs. Them.

Admittedly our country has for the most part abandoned God.  Now it is fashionable to be an atheist or agnostic.  I do know that the providence of God works in our lives.  Will he continue to bless us so richly if we have abandoned him as a country like we have?  All we have to do is look at his word, to see the answer.  Most of the Old Testament is a lesson on what happened to a nation that abandoned Him.  Does he work that way today?  I can’t answer that and wouldn’t be so bold to speak for Him.  Am I saying that this virus is a result of us and the world turning away from Him?  I truly don’t know.  Is it possible?  I would never try to put limits on His power.  I would never presume to say my thoughts are like His thoughts.  I can only hold onto my Faith and believe in the things he said we can know. 

Come on America, we are better than this, and were before, and can be again.  It’s in our hands, but mostly His, if we trust and believe in Him.  I pray for each of you and all of America and the world several times a day for His blessings to be on us all.

Day 6 of Isolation

Saturday.  We are doing well.  I have had some sort of allergy thing off and on all week.  The oak pollen is very heavy and we have tons of oak trees here and they are yellow with pollen and it hasn't even peaked yet.  When this first started I kinda wondered if I might be getting something more serious.  That was mainly due to all the Chinese virus news.  If I had that, I would be full blown by now, and this comes and goes so I know it's some unidentified allergy.  

We have been going to drive thrus for some meals.  That was a planned thing to help preserve our stores longer since we have no idea how long this will last.  We have decided to stop that now.  Most all the drive through places around here are manned by kids.  My experience tells me they are not as reliable as adults in sanitation.  So we are now almost totally homebound.  We go out for short walks but the weather hasn't been cooperating lately.  We may take a drive or two next week as we can avoid the public and still get out.

Our family get together for Son #2's birthday is still on.  'K' had some reservations about going a couple days ago, which got my attention.  She had been less concerned than I about catching something.  Her concern got my attention.  We watched the Governor and President on Wednesday and things seemed much more tense.  That is when we decided to stay home from the party.  We called the Daughter in Law and let her know and she expressed relief.  She was worried about us coming and getting something.  

I have been reading some of the several books I have waiting for me.  That is something I have not been able to do over the last year.  My attention span has been very short in that regard.  Glad to see it has improved.

Our congregation has now cancelled all assemblies.  They will live stream a full worship service, announcements, prayer, singing, sermon and communion for our members.  There will be a few men that will handle all of that.  Looking forward to that.  

I've seen a few rants by folks expressing their displeasure with the Governor saying that he is trampling our liberty guaranteed by the constitution.  OK, but how does your rant help the situation?  I have my own opinions and will keep those to myself.  I do suggest that if you are anyway PO'ed about the current state of affairs, check yourself before you rant.  Will it help others or make others worry or get PO'ed too?  What does that serve?  Think before you speak applies here especially now.  

My prayers are for those ill with this scourge and our country as we face the unknown.

Happy Trails