Random 5 for April 19 – Shipping, bras, cough, kindness, masks

Gallery

Posted on by

If you can be anything, be kind – I have retreated from the news because it’s detrimental to my health but I did hear one woman on TV complaining about the lockdown. She was marching in a demonstration. She cried, “I can’t get my hair or nails done!” She sounded like a petulant child denied a bowl of ice cream. Clearly she knows no one who is getting chemo or is compromised. Or any healthcare employees working their butts off. When I see that I am embarrassed that they are my species. I truly believe our governors (at least most) are doing the best they can, making adjustments as they go. Armchair quarterback is so easy especially when you don’t have all the facts or the responsibility.

A lot things don’t make sense these days – Shipping is one of them. I had to get a replacement for my tracker watch (that’s a post in itself). It was under warranty. It took 10 days to get here from two states away. A drive of 12 hours at the most. It was a watch head so they could have mailed it through the post office in an envelope quicker. I ordered shoes that came from the west coast (complete other side of the country). They came in four days. Both were delivered by the big shipping companies. Do they offer a “deliver by slow boat to China” option for replacements? Sure seems so. Why does something you really want take forever?

Is the new normal more casual? – I am wearing my fabulously comfy stretchy bras. It’s cooler here and I’m not yet wearing tee-shirts. I don’t see anyone anyway. I don’t know how I will explain to the girls that they will need to get strapped in again. It won’t be a good discussion. There is also an inch of dust on my makeup. Hope I remember how to put it on.

Full disclosure – I have a dry cough. I’ve had it since January. It only happens a few times a day and it’s a single cough. It’s not the coronavirus. I am terrified it will happen in public. In today’s climate people will not only shun me but I may get tarred, feathered and run out of town. People are getting really crazy these days. Too much time for conspiracy theories. Domestic violence is up and that’s not a good sign. More people should do puzzles.

Masks – I made an extra set of masks out of an old nightgown. (Picture tiny blue floral pattern splashed across the beloved husband’s face!) My cats are fascinated. Two of the cats have stolen and chewed on the elastic. They didn’t do that to the old one. Hmmm…I wonder if cat saliva has healing aspects. (Yes, I did wash it.)

So how was your week?

99 thoughts on “Random 5 for April 19 – Shipping, bras, cough, kindness, masks”

  1. In the beginning, this was supposed to be a two or three week lockdown. I figured I could handle that. Now, seven weeks later, I can’t believe how fast the time went by. I realize fully that I have it much easier than most, but some sense of normalcy set in to make the restrictions seem bearable. And I haven’t lost sight of the reason for all of this. What I really can’t stand are these “equations” one hears more and more – how many deaths are acceptable . . . 20,000, 50,000, 100,000 . . . as the price of our “liberties” being restored. It’s grotesque.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓

  2. Kate, I have become ruthless in unfollowing, unreading, unliking anyone that does not “Get it.” My husband and I devote 15 minutes every day on a “Stupid People” category of our conversation. I am piggy backing off your “People are weird” yet I think, “stupid” is worse than “weird.” It is disappointing when I used to think certain people were smart, and then they just “don’t get it.”

    Flashback? Did we not have a bra discussion before? I think Donna (Retirement Reflections) and I began to TMI in your comments about favourite, comfortable bras and then I had immediate Bra pop up advertisements. I do like being comfortable in my clothing.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓

  3. I’m late to this conversation so I don’t have anything insightful to add. I’ve been staying in my own happy bubble trying to ignore the outside world because it kind of freaks me out right now. In my happy bubble I can pretend everything is still ok.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓

  5. Shipping has been all over the place. I ordered something through Etsy for my daughter’s birthday, and it arrived in a minute, other things are taking weeks.
    As for stupidity …. I saw a woman holding a sign with the words Pennsylvania & People incorrectly spelled. Why did I have to notice that? Why?

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply ↓

  6. I sure hate hearing the whiners too and I know several people with life-threatening illnesses right now; none of them are a result of the Coronavirus. My friend’s 83-year-old husband returned home before she was out of quarantine (he spent all but two weeks since mid-February in a hospital or step-down care, the latter trip because he tested positive for Coronavirus after a home care worker detected a temperature spike resulting in an immediate trip to the hospital as he has COPD and quarantine orders for Ann Marie). A monumental 2020 for them for all the wrong reasons. Between heart attacks, cancer and dementia, those people have much to gripe about but don’t – they are already overwhelmed and can only hope they are still here after the pandemic.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply ↓

    • There is a huge difference in worrying about your health and your nails. Some people don’t get it. I am sorry for people who have lost their jobs. Our state will start reopening slowly on May 13. I will still be cautious.

      Liked by 3 people

      Reply ↓

      • Yes, some people have become small-minded and self-centered about some of the inconveniences. We have to wait until later in the month to find out when we re-open. Our Order expires on April 30th. Well, that’s not too bad, mid-month. I will be cautious too. Five Southern states open at week’s end. I heard people interviewed who are scared to return to work. I am glad I am not in that predicament – we have a lot of unemployment in our state right now.

        Like

        Reply ↓

  7. I ordered a pair of shoes that are imprinted on the material with the size I ordered, but they are two sizes too big on me. I contacted the seller through Amazon, but they told me they aren’t taking returns due to corona virus, because their warehouses are closed (yet they were able to ship them). They weren’t cheap. I’m not sure what to do from here.

    Most governors are doing the best they can, but some local authorities are pushing things too far. There is a fine line between getting nails done and getting arrested for playing catch in an empty field with your daughter (really happened). How many people do you know personally who’d compromise themselves and those they love for their nails? I don’t know any. Most of humanity is not as crazy as the media would have you believe.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply ↓

    • I agree with you that the media have overplayed some of the crazies. We are allowed outside although our parks are closed. That’s mostly because of crowds gathering and germy playground equipment. I’ve seen single walkers though and no one bothers them.

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply ↓

  9. I read a question on our neighborhood site the other day where a young girl wanted to know if there was someone who could gel nails for her and her mom. I thought it was a joke and then some young guy asked if anyone would cut his hair at home for him. Im confused most of the time. Not sure if people just don’t get it, refuse to accept it or are just ignorant. Maybe it’s a group pool. Either way, it’s disturbing.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply ↓

    • I saw a meme on Facebook for a woman advertising that she does hair and nails. She works at a mortuary and suggests people go out and they will end up there with perfect hair and nails in the coffin. If was cleverly done (I don’t do justice to it). Very eye opening. Our area has a lot of cases so it’s no joke here and most people are taking it seriously. Maybe there are areas of the country that don’t get an influx of visitors and it’s safer.

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply ↓

  10. Shipping times have gotten weird for sure – maybe because so many more people are ordering things online rather than just going to stores. I think the shipping companies are happy about it, but not quite sure how to deal with it. Yay for comfy bras! I’m the same – haven’t put on a “real” bra in weeks and not sure how I will get back to that.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓

  11. There’ve been at least a couple of women who complained on TV about not being able to go to the beauty parlor. Did you see the one who showed us her gray roots? They seem to have struck a chord with lots of people, and not in a good way. They’re the poster children for weak, selfish, and immature Americans. I wonder if they’re embarrassed yet.

    Yes, I believe the new normal will be more casual. I looked this afternoon at the styles at Nordstroms, and they seem to be just one step up from PJs and sweats.

    Where do you get your comfy bras? I can’t find any.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓

    • I buy Bali microfiber bras. They call it a crop top but it’s not outer wear. Some people sleep in them. There is no support to speak so I don’t wear under tee-shirts but it’s great around the house, when I swear sweatshirts or if I’m working in the yard and a bra digs in when I bend. Americans embarrass me with their inability to be flexible. Maybe they need to go on Survivor to pick up some skills and find out what’s important. I am truly sorry for people who lost their jobs. Manicures not so much.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply ↓

  12. My week was the same as last week was and the same as next week will be. Very low key. The highlight of my days are reading group texts from my kids as they homeschool, keep grandkids occupied, and plan the next DIY project. I told them I was sure glad we were a family of crafters and not bakers. Otherwise we would all be eating ourselves into oblivion very shortly!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓

  13. I’ve been ordering online as well. Items that previously took two days to arrive are now taking a full month. It definitely encourages me to plan ahead! 😀
    Like many others have mentioned, if this is all that I have to complain about…I’m very grateful indeed!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply ↓

    • We are lucky. This is the first time we’ve gone through something like this. I remember my mother’s stories about the rations during the war and no jobs during the depression. Compared to that, this is not so bad.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply ↓

  14. I can’t handle whiners! Drives me crazy! It is what is, make the best of it! Yes. I am longing to get togethet with my friends for lunch and coffee dates but in the meantime I have beat my husband at games, (rarely happens) went on walks with my daughter and given long massages to my son and caught up on my books to read. 😉

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓

  15. I share your fears about coughing. I had an awful; cold that began on New Year’s Eve, and I’m still coughing. At least everyone who was living here a month ago knew it was not the virus. To cover the sound of my coughing, I might have to install speakers in my face covering/scarf/gas mask.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓

  16. My husband has been buying stuff online here and there and we get packages every few days. I have no idea what’s in most of them (and often he can’t remember which is which) but we put them in quarantine for a few days before opening them. It’s like Christmas! Unfortunately, much of the stuff I really want (like yeast and flour) isn’t available. But, if this is the worst I have to put up with, I’m OK.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓

    • I picked up yeast for my brother on my last trip. I don’t know about flour though. Seems like a lot of people are cooking/baking! I put my shoe box in a 24 hour quarantine. That’s as long as I could hold out! I was careful to get the shoes out and put the box in the garage to detox.

      Like

      Reply ↓

  17. I stopped having my nails done and hair colored when I retired, and I’ve embraced the natural look. However, it’s been over two months since I had a haircut so it’s not a pretty sight. I have a Zoom call I have to be on in a couple of weeks so I’ve been trying to figure out how to fix the hair and dust off the makeup for a morning at least. 🙂 Yes, that next day shipping is more like next week if you’re lucky. We had protesters at the Capital over the weekend demanding to be set free. I think each state is going to be challenged to maintain social distancing as the weather warms. God help us all.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓

    • There are some people that refuse to be told what to do. I worked with a woman like that once. It was a challenge teaching her a new job. I don’t think next day is available anymore. It’s either normal ground or slow boat to China.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply ↓

  18. I’ve had a dry cough for years now (side effect of a medication I was put on after my mini-strokes). I have the same fears as you, Kate. One thing that works for me is to suck on a mint or chew gum when I am out. Less likely to cough then. My throat must dry up due the medication, I figure and these actions keep it moist and then I don’t cough.

    Deb

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply ↓

  19. My slides came yesterday… like pillows for my aching heels and ankles only with support, ah. SSNS has a cough that has hung on since February that we now wonder could it have been coronavirus. It was a doozy of a cough and he did have a very tight chest. But then a lot of colds and other types of virus act the same way. It would be interesting for him to be tested for antibodies. I am enjoying no hair cuts. Last cut was February 18, just two months but I keep my hair very short. It’s nice having hair covering all my cowlicks!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓

  20. I hear you about reactions to your cough. I’m thinking about how whenever I would go to the gym and get on an elliptical, within about five minutes after starting I would always sneeze. I never understood it, other than there must have been something in the air there which temporarily made a tickle in my nose. So as we talk about businesses opening again, I have to wonder how that will work in gyms, or at least my gym. Will I go back to that one sneeze? If so, how will the person next to me react? And speaking of that, will they move the machines farther away from each other? It’s a very sticky wicket.

    What we’ve noticed about so many about these protests are the guns people that are displaying. I’m not sure what that means, other than to say they’re loud-and-proud about their views. – Marty

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply ↓

    • They are opening our liquor stores for curbside pick up. Not sure how a gym would work either. People are clamoring for golf courses to open and that may be doable soon. Just not quite yet. The guns are so the virus can clearly see that they will be shot if they try to infect. Since I’m not a gun person, I don’t know why you would take one to a demonstration.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply ↓

      • Just checking back to see if any word on Mollie.
        The golf courses here never closed. The streets are jammed with bored teens tearing around the neighborhood on golf carts once dad is done with his game. So weird.
        The anti-vac people are organizing and out in big numbers protesting 1. requiring virus testing ( to be cleared for work) and 2. the idea of another vaccine.
        And of course the gun crazies. Neither are helping whatever causes they think they are championing in the area of the general public 😦

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply ↓

  21. A so long for a hug! At least I still have some hair! (It may not look it’s best…but soooo) Keep your hands clean and your nails will be fine. (nothing like dirt hidden under fingernails by dark polish to make you nauseous) This is to my thinking the worst time in modern history. It is global (not just some 3rd world country) frightening, it is sad and for some it is an awakening. Those self-serving, selfish, stupid protesters wanting all restrictions lifted must not have two brain cells to rub together. I wish you, Coffee Kate, many more years to enjoy Starbucks and for all of us peace and good health.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓

  22. The whining and foot stomping about confinement is appalling. Americans haven’t had to sacrifice like folks in Europe during WWII when rationing was the norm as was children playing in bomb ruble. It’s worse than embarrassing and you’re right to avoid news stories that only exacerbate reports of these petulant spoiled adult brats.

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply ↓

      • My grandfather ( whom I never met) tended the sick family at the farm next to theirs – he said, the entire family was ill and would parish if no one helped, so he took food, nursed them after working the fields. Once home, he peeled off clothing at home outside the barn, pitched it all in a big cast iron pot his wife hadboiling over a fire. Then he wiped down completely with rubbing alcohol. Dad used to talk about it. The family lived. No one else got sick. Different races, but in the rural farming community, color didn’t matter as people were pretty much the same and did the same work and lived the same: poor dirt farmers. And everyone knew it could be them the next time that needed help.
        How the heck did that virus get that far in the backwoods was a mystery – the train ran through and maybe someone got off. It was towards the end of the virus run. But not forgotten and told in family stories. Sadly a large number of people have lived comfortable unthreatened lives up til now.
        The spoiled petulant behavior ..that’s the word, all right.
        Grow up. Have patience (a word many do not know)
        Take care, be brave and hug those nervous cats. This too shall pass ( I always hated when mom said that…and you know how you feel when you astoundedly find those words spilling out….AAArrrrrgh.) HUGS

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply ↓

  24. Living in a society where everyone excepts and usually can receive their needs “Next Day Delivery” this is certainly a test of our patience. It’s survival of the fittest. Who cares what your hair looks like, especially when you can do puzzles! I’ve completed 4 so far. 🙂 As for nails…I haven’t worn fingernail polish in fourteen years and my nails are healthier than they’ve ever been, which makes it better for puzzling. I hope things go well on Tuesday, Kate.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply ↓

  26. Yes, someone’s hair and nails are ever so much more important than increasing the viral load on health care workers like my sister. (Insert eye roll so hard the emoji gets a migraine.) What’s so frustrating about all these covidiots is that, for the first time in human history, all the information is accessible in the U.S. You can read the studies, you can read the stories, you can watch the videos. You can listen to hundreds of epidemiologists. You can see the death toll around the world.

    And yet they choose to be stupid.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓

  27. I’m in Michigan, and we have some of the most confusing lockdown orders out there. My DIL is a Police Officer, and domestic calls are UP and so are suicides. 😦 Not sure what the perfect answer is but it’s not this.

    MJ

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply ↓

  28. I sometimes wonder how long this actually would have to go on before those complaining about minor and non-essential things would get the, what’s important in life message. I’m going to rant a little bit more, 😊. The other group of people that irritates me are the ones complaining more should be happening to slow or stop the virus, but what do mean my favourite business is temporarily closed or I can’t go to the park with my friends. 😖 Can’t have it both ways people. Okay, I’m done ranting.
    The more casual and relaxed is a part of this isolation that I’m enjoying, and I do hope it works its way into life after this. A bit anyway.

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply ↓

    • I too hope some of the lessons learned stay with us. My only response on people’s reactions is that “people be crazy.” There is a lot of hypocrisy. People who are against any social programs are the first in line for handouts. I’ve heard great stories of people who don’t need the government subsidy donating it to organizations that help people who need the help. As for clothing, I’ll do my best to be presentable but I sure like comfy.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply ↓

  29. There were definitely more people out today and they seemed to be getting closer together. We have wonderful weather for April and I saw my first ducklings on the pond in the park. There seem to be less people coughing which I think must be a good sign. We also have toilet paper and hand sanitizer in the shops but still no flour. We have been warned to not start planning a summer holiday.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓

    • We have had a colder than usual April. I don’t know if that’s nature’s way of keeping us in or a fluke. Things are flattening here but there are still a lot of new cases everyday. Flattening is good but people are still dying. We have tp. Not sure about flour because I didn’t need it yet. Paper products are still not in the usual full supply but there is some.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply ↓

  30. I agree, I try to stay active each day. I’ve been taking walks around the block, but yesterday there were a few more people doing the same thing because it was such a nice day. I kept crossing the street to avoid them or they were doing the same to avoid me. I found it stressful and was glad to get home and spend time in the backyard.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply ↓

  33. Things are weird still around here but becoming predictible like the lack of TP or Tylenol or Hand sanitizer in ANY store. Patience is a virtue but I’m runnng out of virtue (now there’s a confession!). Seems there are two BIG groups of people these days: The “I’m not wearing a mask and I don’t care if standing RIGHT next to someone in a line or aisle bothers THEM” and the “militant double-maskers with the bag full of hand wipes they use every time they touch ANYTHING”. I’m somewhere in between. I do what’s recommended. I’m more comfortable in many ways – have forgotten about my out of control hair for instance and what I’m wearing most days. I agree that most governors are doing a good job of tailoring things to their constituency – every state is not a cookie cutter of the next. Let’s just hope one day soon when we say things are back to normal that they actually ARE some sort of normal! LOL Stay safe…….

    Hugs (safe ones), Pam

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply ↓

    • The mandatory masks just went into effect in stores locally so I haven’t seen the militant non-maskers yet. Part of a person’s reaction may be their personal experiences. If you know people who would be dead if they got it, you are more patient with the precautions. If your don’t know anyone like that, you think this is a bad cold or that the people who die are old anyway. We’ve had some young healthy people die here. I’m a middle of the road person. I do the recommended with maybe a dash extra of wash down once I’m home but I’m also not fearful. I’ve been walking to get rid of my anxiety (because of not only the virus but a sick cat!) and that’s been very helpful. I don’t wear a mask when I walk because I don’t see people. I think it’s important for people to find a way to release their frustrations through some physical exercise that works for them. That wards off the crazies.

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply ↓

      • Since people are staying home, it looks like EVERYONE is out walking )kids and dogs) annoying crowds but we are lucky most people are taking care to cross back and forth across street from sidewalk to side walks.
        Last week more people were wearing masks, we are just about the only ones on dog walks wearing them now – but it’s so darn hot and I’m getting red heat rash(?) or red splotches and I get hot and my nose starts running from pine and assorted pollen. People probably thing we are sick ones. So either it has to get better or I have to stop going out. Try to tell that to Molly who is so depressed not being able to play with or greet her friends. Aaaarrrgh.
        The odd thing is this little town has one of the highest numbers of cases in this county (outside the big metro giant). It appears to be leveling off, but yesterday a business associate died from it – frail and older to start with but he’d been managing.
        I’d go walk in one of the open now state parks ( you have to get permits and limited number can go in.) The one at the beach/wetlands would be lovely and restful…but you have to wear a mask and it’s so darn hot!
        Take care.

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply ↓

        • In a way we are fortunate. This has been a cold April (after a warmer than usual winter). The masks are not only claustrophobic but I’m finding that I depend on lip reading to supplement my less than fabulous hearing. We got the news that we will start to slowly open May 13 and they are starting to relax some regs. Masks, social distancing and you can’t go into non-essential stores still stand, but more are allowed to do curbside pickups, construction can resume and a few other things. We’ve had many deaths here but most (not all) are in the nursing homes. Fingers crossed. Can’t imagine wearing a mask when it’s hot!

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply ↓

Don't be shy, I'd love to hear what you're thinking!