WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR APRIL 2020
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@margaretturk i'm so sorry for your DH's sister.
@JRsLateInLifeMom Amber, What are your 10 year plans? I think i like unrising brownies: more dense and gooey and chocolatey!
@machka9 for group presentations if i teach classes of 20 or less or masters students i let students choose if the presentations/projects are individual or collective. in bachelor's classes of more than 20 i have to have collective cause there is a serious lack of time. i generally give the same grade to all the group but when there's great disparity (not rare) i give differentiated grades. when i give the option most students prefer individual projects: easier to organize and no risk of being dragged down by the nonworkers, plus just the interest in having their own project. I wonder if it's acceptable to ask your teacher if she or he will take into consideration your part in the project when deciding your overall grade. maybe who did what is opaque. in presentations it's USUALLY clear (though sometimes one student prepares work for others to read! or someone reads a part prepared by another!).
I think you are the 1st person i've heard from that hopes COVID sticks around. Though i do have some friends who prefer not traveling/going to work. I don't have a bicycle! Ha, ha for the comics.
@exermom Michele, thank you, it sounds like some adjusting going on with everyone there. it must not be easy.
@Whidislander Rebecca, those look delicious.
@Whidislander, @JRsLateInLifeMom, and others thanks for the netflix tips. i'll check some of them out. it looks like we have MANY of the same offers here but not all the same.
@bwcetc Beth Thanks for explaining your son's major. It's nice that he's having a lesson online. What makes it hard to finish his studies? I don't know if the arts is necessarily much more risky than many other fields at present. Fields are so unpredictable. Can track writing be done at a distance?3 -
or have her2
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I'm not sure if i should go for a walk to try to get some "fresh" air and get energy back or if i should just rest, rest rest to ward of any impending unwellness.
I might not check email till monday. that's like real vacation.
not sure what today will be like.
shower, walk (or not), sit on balcony and have some applesauce and enjoy sun, do quick journal entry and sketch, maybe read. Then i don't know for the rest of the day. i'm afraid if i don't rest i might get/stay sick and if i lay around too much i won't really feel much better. Usually rather banal decisions become so serious.
Grateful:
have plenty of soap, shampoo, trashbags
continue to be paid
pleasant weather
comfy easy chair and footstool
applesauce
many supermarkets nearby
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bananasandoranges wrote: »I think you are the 1st person i've heard from that hopes COVID sticks around. Though i do have some friends who prefer not traveling/going to work. I don't have a bicycle! Ha, ha for the comics.
Really?
I think this is great! Not the people dying part ... that's not good.
But I really like:
- working from home.
- attending university from home.
- fewer cars on the road.
- being able to go out and cycle or walk to the beach in the middle of the day.
- more exercise in general.
- more time outside.
- less boredom eating ... my weight continues to drop slowly.
- less pressure to do social things like meetings with people, talking with people, etc. My calendar cleared right up as soon as the restrictions came in ... such a relief. There are still some people who want to make zoom appointments etc. with me but I'm trying to keep those to a minimum.
- space when I do venture out for some shopping.
- no one touching me! That's the worst part of having long hair ... everyone feels compelled to touch it and touch me.
- but friendlier people. People are giving each other space, while smiling and waving at each other from a distance more often.
- not being sick ... not being congested, not having sore, itchy eyes, not having a sore throat, not sneezing all the time.
- being able to plan my own day instead of having it planned for me.
- the quiet.
After being mostly home for almost 3 weeks now, I'm finally beginning to relax without the fear that tomorrow everything will return to the way it was. Thank goodness it will be a minimum of 4 more weeks (according to our government) and perhaps even as much as 2 years depending on how things go.
And the potential:
- when the government started boosting the economy toward the end of the depression, they did so by putting people to work building roads and infrastructure. I hope that starts happening soon ... wide roads with wide, sealed shoulders for cyclists and wide, easy-access sidewalks for pedestrians
- now that we know we can work from home and attend university from home, I hope people involved in technology will develop and enhance those options. I envision a move away from big buildings for work and university and a more distributed approach.
- I hope for a shift away from big cities to smaller communities that have what we need within walking or cycling distance so that large groups of people don't have to gather in one spot.
- businesses will need to step up their game and stop being so complacent. They'll need to get up to date with technology ... people aren't interested in a business if there isn't a good website. Why would we waste our time going to a place if we don't know if the place has what we need? They'll need to clean! Especially restaurants and accommodations etc. They'll need to focus on delivery.
- now that we know being dirty is bad, hopefully there will be a big push to develop self-cleaning things, easy to clean environments, and to hire people to "deep clean".
- I hope a culture where it is socially acceptable to maintain some distance between us develops. Where it is not socially acceptable to touch people we don't know.
- I also hope for increased independence. We can indeed spend days by ourselves, doing our own thing, entertaining ourselves, making our own decisions. We can think for ourselves. We don't need to do everything in groups.
- I'm also hoping for advances in medicine. Right now scientists all over the world are working on a vaccine for a coronavirus. The common cold is a coronavirus, but not nearly as serious as COVID-19 of course. Perhaps if a vaccine for COVID-19 can be developed, we might also have a vaccine for the common cold! And often, along the way to finding a particular solution, other solutions are found "by accident".
- I'm interested to see what changes there will be to housing ... like sinks or 2-piece toilets right next to the front door so that people can wash when they come into a house.
- Maybe there will be more open air developments rather than closed in places ... in business and at home. There has been some evidence that good ventilation and/or being outside puts people at less risk of catching COVID-19. Maybe houses will have large back decks. Maybe decentralised offices (as mentioned earlier) will also have large decks or courtyard areas where people can meet, eat, work etc. and windows that open. Maybe malls will become more popular ... these are where streets are closed to motor vehicles and the "road" is left in open air but there are shops on either side.
- I'm curious about changes to fashion ... will hoop skirts come back in? great puffy sleeves? hats? veils?
These things need to become commonplace ... and more. I'm sure we can think of more along those lines we'd like to see.
Machka in Oz5 -
Margaret - A close sibling is a wonderful thing. So sorry for your DH at this time. I remember he has big health worries of his own, so it must be particularly hard for all of you.
It has made me remember to contact my own lovely brother. We touched base at the beginning of all this, but we are now going in to another three weeks of lockdown, so it's time for another contact. His health isn't perfect. There are two young people in the house, as well as his wife. He is normally someone who is very active helping other people through the church, so I hope he is able to stay safe.
I know it would devastate me to lose him.
HUGS to your DH and you.
Love Heather UK xxxxxxxx5 -
We've never made a successful vaccine for a coronavirus before. This is why it's so difficult
https://www.abc.net.au/news/health/2020-04-17/coronavirus-vaccine-ian-frazer/12146616
"For those pinning their hopes on a COVID-19 vaccine to return life to normal, an Australian expert in vaccine development has a reality check — it probably won't happen soon."
"It's hard to produce a successful vaccine if the virus isn't activating a strong immune response.
And if a vaccine elicits an immune response that misses the target cells, the result could potentially be worse than if no vaccine was given.
"One of the problems with corona vaccines in the past has been that when the immune response does cross over to where the virus-infected cells are it actually increases the pathology rather than reducing it," Professor Frazer said.
"So that immunisation with SARS corona vaccine caused, in animals, inflammation in the lungs which wouldn't otherwise have been there if the vaccine hadn't been given.""
M in Oz3 -
JanetO in eastern MO, yes! Do take time to see not only Seattle but the lovely Northwest! So many things to enjoy outside the cities if you are a nature-lover. We have everything from temperate rainforest (a real rarity!) to semi-desert in eastern WA and OR, and many different sorts of seacoast and beaches. There are the volcanoes - St. Helens, Rainier, Mt. Hood, Crater Lake, Mt. Shasta and Lassen! I’ve spent a goodly portion of the last 40 years exploring here when we weren’t traveling elsewhere, and haven’t come near seeing it all.
Heather, Edie’s efforts accentuate her father’s handsome face beautifully.
Amber! i too was infuriated by that news item. Children’s lives are being disrupted enough between changes in child care arrangements.
By the way, Amber, check into filing for injured (NOT innocent) spouse relief. You may be eligible to claim your share of the refund, since his prior tax debt is not yours.
Barbara AHMOD, your tale reminds me of the time I sat straight up in bed and shook my husband and told him, “The President didn’t invite us!” My tone was heartbroken, although I had no clue as to what President Johnson didn’t invite us to.
Rebecca, you look stunning and ready for spring! Love that we’ve been so fortunate with weather, but I’m afraid we’ll pay for it later! 🔥
Oh, Machka! Purrs and breaking waves! Two of my four favorite sounds! The other two are hard rain and wind sweeping through the evergreens! I must admit - a large Huntsman spider in my bedroom would totally obliterate any feelings of peace and serenity those sounds evoked.
Rita, you’re in a really tough bind right now. Are there any other residents left there at all? Just chatting from 8-10’ away helps me. I’m wondering if there’s a way to hunt for Zoom groups by theme, like overeating, Keto, depression, etc? I don’t see a way to do it but someone else might know. I’m involved with 3 different AA meetings on Zoom, so I’d think there would be other groups with eating focuses. And that chard looks absolutely mouth-watering!
SuziQ, what delicious-looking dish was that that you posted above your other post?
Luci! I love the mischievous expression on her face in the picture with the onesie that says no one sleeps until she says so!
Sophie, Rosie’s mom! I nearly aspirated my diet soda due to that meme! I wish it were shareable somehow!
Margaret, Im sorry to hear of your family’s loss. So many of us seem to be losing family members or friends, and yet not that many are COVID-19 related. I think so much stress has a great deal to do with it.
Peace to you all, and wellness, I hope. I gained back 1# of what I lost only to lose 1.2 today. I know the main key is in the protein, but I dislike feeling stuffed all the time. Any ideas on high calorie and protein foods that are low density?
Sharon Near Seattle3 -
Today we should gave been docking at beautiful Ålesund, the main reason I booked the cruise. It was burnt down in the early 20th century and rebuilt all in Jugendstil, or Art Noveau style. We intended to visit the museum as well as explore the streets and practice my Norwegian at lunchtime.
It would have been 5° C and cloudy.
Here is a panorama.
Nice.
Love Heather UK xxxxxxxx
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Good ride this afternoon ... on a trainer, on my trainer bicycle, with Zwift! Plus a walk on my treadmill.
Machka in Oz
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Margaret - so sorry for your loss - condolences to you and your DH.2
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Kylia - I'm so sorry to hear about your mother-in-law's diagnosis. Her denial is understandable, and I think you are wise to let her process it in her own time. May you all find the strength you need to navigate this difficult time.
Margaret - Sorry about your sister-in-law. Small comfort, but it would seem she spent her last moments doing something she enjoyed.
Machka - I don't like spiders. :noway: I've never liked spiders. I have disliked spiders with special vehemence since the day my sister and I were walking somewhere in East Africa and I had an impulse to pick up a stick and poke it into a knothole on a nearby fencepost. Over half a century later my scalp still tingles when I remember the big hairy spider that jumped out of that hole. So I applaud your mighty hunter, but also worry about him. Are cats immune to the venom of the huntsman spider?Some pics from the garden this morning.
We went out for a snowmobile excursion a few days ago, to a place located about ten miles east of town, called Jernsenga "The Iron Bedsteads". That's exactly what it is: a pair of iron bedsteads abandoned in transit decades ago. They're technically junk, but also one of our idiosyncratic local landmarks. Any attempt to remove them would cause uproar in local opinion. Too many people have fond memories of stopping by Jernsenga. Here's my husband (that lovely man :laugh:), the bedsteads, the sun, the snow, and the scenery. The footprints and snowmobile tracks in the snow give some indication of how many people stop by.
Today I'm baking walnut bread. I've been doing a lot of baking since my husband started working from home. He needs a snack now and then.
Tomorrow is a special day. Not only it it my husband's 65th birthday, but it is also the day when the sun goes down before it goes up. It sets at 12:33 am and rises at 1:17 am. And then it will circle constantly around the sky, never dipping below the horizon until August 25. That will also be a special day, as the sun will set twice, first at 12:10 am, rising at 1:50 am, and setting again at 12:45 pm.
/Penny, being far more domestic than usual at the
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@Lagopus
Hi Penny.
The herb between the cilantro and basil is tarragon. After reviewing my library after I planted it I found out it is a perennial. Weather permitting, rain is expected, I will be breaking up the planter to give the plants more room to stretch. All were starter plants a mere three weeks ago. Obviously all are very happy with the heat and sunshine we have been having.
I roasted some corn with the tarragon - it was delicious. I am planning on making a salsa this weekend with some of the cilantro.
Honestly I was not thinking of protecting the other plants. I was low on pots and had to make do with what was on hand.
Wishing DH a very happy birthday. What a great day to have his celebration.
Loving the landscapes. Such beauty surrounds you. Living vicariously through your posts makes me want to add to my bucket list.....the only challenge is I absolutely abhor flying.3 -
Hello everyone.
Oh, Friday. How I love you! I look forward to you all week in anticipation of the weekend ahead.
Many things to be grateful for this morning.- I awakened to another healthy day.
- It is Friday!
- Commute time savings allowed me to organize the pantry, start a load of laundry, organizing the refrigerator, and clean the power room.
- My job. I am able to continue working, collecting my salary and benefits, and look forward to the weekend.
Wishing all a great day/evening/afternoon.
Big hugs to all.
SuziQ - SFL3 -
Spiders - I love spiders. They eat other bugs and spin such artful webs. I do not like them in the house and typically catch and release before Smokey the Cat hunts and kills.2
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Sharon - The dish was a stir fry made with the left over filet mignon I spoiled myself with on Easter. I seldom eat beef and had to find a way to use up and enjoy in a different dish. I also had some mini peppers on the verge of turning and did not want to waste them. I love stir fry dishes because little meat is needed and a great dish to bulk up on vegetables or use little bits of left over vegetables.
Suggestion - beans, peanut butter, nuts, and eggs are some of my favorites.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321522#high-protein-foods-for-weight-loss
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Good morning all! Happy Friday! My new little family is working out well. Did I tell you I have a new family (again)? Little boy (2 1/2), little girl (8 mos). Mama is a nurse at the local hospital. Everyone in my family and my childcare families seem to be staying healthy (knock wood).
Kylia- Very sorry to hear about your MIL. Sending love and hugs to you and your family!
Margaret- also sorry to hear of your sister in law. Prayers for peace and comfort coming your way!
SuzyQ- I too am loving your patio garden pics and am curious about the herb between the cilantro and basil. Is it thyme? The flower looks a bit like Jewelweed to me.
Heather- I am loving your pics of the cruise that never was. lol But does posting the "would have beens" make it harder to endure the loss? or does it make you just want to go there even more?
Penny- good to hear from you! Your bedstead landmark is a hoot! Will the constant ice keep it from rusting away? Or does it warm up enough to rust or make them deteriorate a little each year?
Lisa- Your boss must be underestimating your computer abilities! Either that or she is new to zoom format and just doesn't realize what can be done on it? Most of my trainings the past year have been on Zoom; so I see powerpoints and watch videos, etc, all through these online trainings. It is a great site!
Well, on I go. Last day of the week. Hoping to get some yardwork done this weekend and get my outdoor childcare equipment set up (playhouse, picnic table, little sandbox, and water table). I also need to get May and June planned. I currently have one opening, due to another family being laid off; but hopefully they won't be off work for long with the nation/state beginning to slowly open back up.
Kids will be arriving soon, so I better scoot! ttfn xoxoxo KJ(Kelly)3 -
SuzyQ- Just saw your response on the herb! Tarragon! Not one I use often.
Machka- I am not typically afraid of spiders, but seeing them in my bedroom makes me NOT want to go to sleep...lol3 -
cityjaneLondon wrote: »Margaret - A close sibling is a wonderful thing. So sorry for your DH at this time. I remember he has big health worries of his own, so it must be particularly hard for all of you.
It has made me remember to contact my own lovely brother. We touched base at the beginning of all this, but we are now going in to another three weeks of lockdown, so it's time for another contact. His health isn't perfect. There are two young people in the house, as well as his wife. He is normally someone who is very active helping other people through the church, so I hope he is able to stay safe.
I know it would devastate me to lose him.
HUGS to your DH and you.
Love Heather UK xxxxxxxx
Margaret & Heather
Add me to the list of people who will be calling their brother today. My younger brother, anyway.
My older brother is difficult.
Maybe I'll call them both anyway.
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Grateful for:
1) Yorkshire native Captain Tom Moore who, as of this morning, has raised over £18,309,510.96 for NHS Charities Together.
2) Being offered an employed position (vs contracted) with the Telehealth company I recently joined. This is the equivalent of a seasonal worker being offered a permanent position.
...
Savors:
1) The refreshing scent of Spearmint & Lemon Balm crushed between my fingers.
2) Lovely Mint Medley tea to sip this morning.
3) Ginormous delicious seedless red grapes. Made a delicious chicken breast salad with seedless red grapes for lunch today!
Karen in Virginia
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KJ,
I started experimenting with tarragon quite a few years ago. I had a jar and said, better use this up before it has to be tossed. I started using it when I roasted corn, graduated to using it in pasta sauce (gravy for the Italians), and then using it in poultry stuffing. When I have guests over they always rave about the taste and ask what I used to season.
From WebMD:
Tarragon is an herb. ... The parts of the tarragon plant that grow above the ground are used to make medicine. Tarragon is used to treat digestion problems, poor appetite, water retention, and toothache; to start menstruation; and to promote sleep. In foods and beverages, tarragon is used as a culinary herb.
I guess I better start using more of it with my sleep issues! LOL.......3 -
Karen - Call the difficult one first. The grapes look delicious!
Captain Moore is an inspiration! If I live to that not so young age I certainly hope I can to continue to inspire as he has been doing.4 -
KJ
Ahhhhh, SO glad your business has settled back down and you have a nice new little family! They sound lovely. I hope your weather cooperates so you can get your outdoor play equipment set up as planned. I hope your daughter sends new photos soon.
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Penny
Lovely photo from your snowmobile excursion to Jernsenga "The Iron Bedsteads".
Wow! I'm super impressed by your knowledge of Scientific Classification. I just had to see if Tarragon is in the Asteraceae Family. Indeed it is. This is for you:
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OK I'm going to get going on my chores etc. Not working until this afternoon, so I have a number of "puttering projects" to work on. Plus going to call or write to my brothers.
Karen in Virginia
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Machka - I don't like spiders. :noway: I've never liked spiders. I have disliked spiders with special vehemence since the day my sister and I were walking somewhere in East Africa and I had an impulse to pick up a stick and poke it into a knothole on a nearby fencepost. Over half a century later my scalp still tingles when I remember the big hairy spider that jumped out of that hole. So I applaud your mighty hunter, but also worry about him. Are cats immune to the venom of the huntsman spider?
Huntsman's aren't overly venomous, and apparently cat's skin is thick enough so that it's rare a huntsman would get a bite in.
I looked it up right away!
Then we had to take Rhody to the vet for a quick check on something else, and I asked about the huntsman spider. She figured it was OK. It's also fairly common.
I don't mind spiders ... but I prefer that they remain outside. I don't like the idea of spiders in the bedroom.
M in Oz
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@Machka9 i find the people dying side pretty major! but you make a good case for your point of view. Here in the city with 1h max going out per day for 2 months, and pressure to not even walk alone in the street (and possible danger of doing so at any time of day) and need for mask and gloves etc, has likely lead to depression, with all it's consequences for a large proportion of the population here. 2 years would presumably be very dark. I do have at least 3 friends in the city who are doing well (2 working nicely on research, 1 like you enjoying less commute and more couple time.) It doesn't seem to be the majority. People in spacious homes in country in nice couples without young kids seem to be doing the best.4
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KetoneKaren wrote: »Being offered an employed position (vs contracted) with the Telehealth company I recently joined. This is the equivalent of a seasonal worker being offered a permanent position.
Karen in Virginia
SuziQ - Ah, of course, tarragon. I didn't recognize yours because all the tarragon I've seen has much narrower leaves. I love tarragon! It's related to wormwood, the active ingredient in absinthe. The Artemisias are known for their ability to keep away pests. My mother-in-law had Artemisia abronatum in her garden. It was a ratty-looking little shrub with narrow pale grey-green leaves. Its Swedish vernacular name — "oldster's balm" — comes from the fact that old men going to church would wear a sprig in a buttonhole. When the sermon got boring, they would pinch the leaves, releasing a pungent scent that would help them stay awake. :laugh:
The walnut bread is out of the oven. :flowerforyou:
/Penny at the
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Hello everyone! I’m new to this thread. I’ve read some of the posts and I’m glad to see that I’m not the only one that’s struggling. I usually shy away from participating in group discussions or conversations because sometimes I feel that everyone else is always doing so much better. I’m 54 years old (55 in June) and I have battled my weight off and on for the last 30 years. Now with my children grown, the COVID-19 crisis, and stay-at-home orders in my state, I’m determined to lose weight he right way. Almost 2 months into my journey, I’ve managed to lose 13 pounds just from cutting calories alone. I home I’m not the only one who feels this way when I say “I ABSOLUTELY HATE EXERCISE OF ANY KIND”. I know this is the next step in my journey, as I’ve already plateaued.
Is there anyone here who feels the same way? If so what are some things that you’ve done, or doing to help you do it anyway? I’m 5’4, 266lbs and I have a long way to go. Help! I want to be motivated.
Angela in Alabama9 -
Karen - so pleased for you for the job, while worrying about you because you're going out to a job. Take care, my friend.
KJ - wasn't my boss, but a potential grantor. Has zero idea what I can do, thank goodness!
TL;DR - triumphs, trials and tribulations at workAnd speaking of what I do, got a call from our stalwart local United Way, and they not only awarded us our allocation to support our programs, but bumped it UP from last year, from $38,000 to $40,000. My favorites of the seven United Ways I work with across the state and the only ones who got PR cookies this year before the lockdown! Gentle bribery is a given in my world every member of the grant committee also got a box or two when they came to meet with us back in February.
Woke up with a way figured out (I hope) to smooth the hackles of the finance people, who do NOT want to disclose salaries to me or to the foundations I apply to... but the only way I can get a grantor to give us money for them is to know how much the salaries and benefits are.
Slated a meeting with the chief financial officer this morning, and will propose that once a quarter, I get a median (or average, I don't care) salary for each position or class of position that we have. So, I'd get an average for our volunteer specialists, and I'd also have them lump all the C-level folks together as well, and give me that average. I'm hoping she'll say yes. I've got five major grants on my plate now, and all are offering some form of salary support except Cisco Systems. The other three are Walmart, Wells Fargo, Blue Cross Blue Shield and the largest United Way in the state. Unfortunately, they also all support them in differing formulas and ways.
Busy day ahead, just cooling down from the elliptical, after skipping the last two days, and am running with sweat. While it wasn't prescient in any way, it was fortunate that we bought it before the lockdown--it's been a lifesaver to keep my weight at least steady, if not descending.
Speaking of which, @bananasandoranges , there are under desk ellipticals which take up little space and some of them can be used standing, as long as you have a way to support your upper body. I have one under my desk right now which, unfortunately, I tend to use as a foot stool mostly.
Love y'all,
Happy Friday,
Lisa in AR2 -
bananasandoranges wrote: »@Machka9 i find the people dying side pretty major! but you make a good case for your point of view. Here in the city with 1h max going out per day for 2 months, and pressure to not even walk alone in the street (and possible danger of doing so at any time of day) and need for mask and gloves etc, has likely lead to depression, with all it's consequences for a large proportion of the population here. 2 years would presumably be very dark. I do have at least 3 friends in the city who are doing well (2 working nicely on research, 1 like you enjoying less commute and more couple time.) It doesn't seem to be the majority. People in spacious homes in country in nice couples without young kids seem to be doing the best.
During the Great Flu of 2017, here in Tasmania we had 47 deaths and so many of us (me included) were very sick. So far, we've had 7 COVID-19 deaths, and I think we're up to 180 people diagnosed with it. Australia as a whole had 1255 deaths in 2017, compared with 65 COVID-19 deaths.
Most of the COVID-19 deaths in Tasmania, and I think, Australia in general, are related to the cruise ship the Ruby Princess. If we had refused to let that cruise ship dock, our numbers would be really low. A homicide investigation is now underway.
Note that I am well aware that COVID-19 is very contageous and we could potentially get a spike, but so far Australia is taking the precautions it should have taken during the 2017 flu. I thought then that we should have been "deep cleaning" and social distancing!! Hopefully we do that each flu season going forward.
https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Lookup/by Subject/3303.0~2017~Main Features~Deaths due to influenza~5
Down here, we're allowed to be outside 24-hours a day if we want. We are just encouraged to remain in our own council areas. Exercise and being outdoors are emphasised as good ways to keep our spirits up. So I see a lot of people out walking and cycling. Not crowds ... just a couple here, a single there, maybe a family ... but a lot more than there used to be.
If I were cycling like I was in early 2018 before my husband's accident, we'd be riding centuries (100 milers) every couple weeks! Unfortunately he's not up to that, and quite frankly, neither am I now, so we're doing shorter rides.
We are not encourage to wear gloves and masks ... in fact, if anything, we're discouraged from doing so. I wouldn't even know where to get a mask. We are, however, encouraged to keep away from each other and to wash our hands well before we go out and when we get in.
https://www.coronavirus.tas.gov.au/keeping-yourself-safe/what-you-can-do/facemasks
I kind of miss travelling, but haven't been allowed to travel for 2 years ... so what's another 2 years. I actually feel freer now than I did before the "shutdown".
This is our information site: https://www.coronavirus.tas.gov.au/
And this was the front of one of our newspapers just a little while back.
BTW - I don't think we'll be in as strict a shutdown as we are now for a full 2 years. Instead, I'm hoping that governments, manufacturers, inventors, designers, etc. will come up with things from my list of potential developments ... and more!
I think (I hope!) that gradually we'll move into a new way of doing things and that we do not return to what we knew as "normal".
I hope that all public toilets will be automatic and automatically clean themselves. I know that technology exists.
I hope that grocery stores and other stores will put up plexiglass (or whatever) barriers between the cashiers and customers and keep the barriers in place. I hope that shops will be designed so that customers have to leave spaces between each other at the tills ... or maybe we do need to go to self-checkouts, but we'd need someone there cleaning each one between uses.
You probably don't know of Consumers Distributing. I suspect that only the Canadians will remember it. I remember it! I shopped there.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Consumers_Distributing
"Consumers Distributing aimed to reduce costs for customers by stocking merchandise in a warehouse-type stocking system instead of displaying them in a costly showroom. Customers made their selections from a catalogue, filled out a form listing the items they wanted, then waited for stock staff to retrieve the items from the warehouse. The business model of Consumers Distributing has been described as "Internet shopping before the Internet"."
I kind of hope that this style of shopping, or something similar, comes back. Shops could have a strong internet presence and a Consumers Distributing in-person presence. Of course, instead of going to the store, flipping through catalogues, and filling in a form, we'd make our selections online and go to the store to pick them up.
I am excited to see the changes that could come of this pandemic ... and will be quite disappointed if nothing much materialises from it. We've been teetering on the brink of a technology revolution for years now. I'm hoping this will be the thing that pushes us over the edge. A whole new world! And one I've been dreaming about and writing little stories about since I was 8 or 9 years old.
Machka in Oz2 -
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