Friday, April 10

Goings On 'Round Here

There is so much going on in Life around the dood household that I am just so busy! Ha! That's not true, and I sure don't want to jinx myself!

I don't have much to write about today. I thought about listing just some news updates for Arizona that came up yesterday, but I don't know. It is just depressing in some ways.

Wow, that was twenty minutes ago. Damn Youtube vieos.

So since I have nothing today, you can move on to doing whatever you think needs doing now.

PeacE

Wednesday, April 8

Give It Away, Give It Away, Give It Away, Now!

I have never been able to stand the music from the Red Hot Chili Peppers, but this song title of theirs was just a good post title for today.

Taking it, giving it, donating it, gifting it, throwing it (away) .... I am sure there is going to be quite a bit of that going on over the course of the next few weeks.

 Reverend Mother brought it up on her blog (again, over there on the right-side ------>). Basically, she mentioned about going through the years of accumulation of items that many of have to some degree. It doesn't really matter the reason, though some are better than others: boredom, death of the person, down-sizing/moving. To share a bit personally, and I am not bitching, but RM has been saying she is going to work on it ... for years. Yes RM, I can see you shaking your head in agreement.

The need to "clean it out" has never been more seen than on a "forced" home-stay for many people. Yes, that includes my hoarder with the mostest, The Wife. Let me give you some of my crappy scenario. To start, we are still moving from one house to a new house ... for the past year basically. It has been a struggle, for me more than most (I feel). One of the biggest, time consuming issues has been "going through stuff". We had inherited the MIL's house after her death last year. Nice. It is mortgage-free, larger than our current home, The Wife's childhood home... so we decided to move there. It's only about a half mile from where we lived, bear in mind.

Have you ever tried to quickly move into a home, that still has everything that previous owner has amassed over the previous 40 + years still in it? Yeah, there is no room for your stuff, until you get their stuff out of the way. Forty plus years of it... and hoarding. It was bad... and still is a bit. The Wife would not let me help go through things to get rid of, as I wouldn't know if they had personal value to her or her brothers. I think a box marked "misc lids with no bowls" and it truly is that when opened, is a pretty good sign to get rid off. but let me back off that part of the topic.. it gets me infuriated.

Going through things. Sunday night The Wife mentioned to me that our 'bulk trash' pick up was coming up soon and we could start setting it out street-side in two weeks. She continued on that there was quite a bit this time around (meaning she got into some of the storage her Mom had, and got through the junk). She also mentioned she couldn't get much farther into the storage stuff, because she had at least 10 large garbage bags of clothes that needed to go to Goodwill. But she can't take them because they are closed, so she has to store them until stores are allowed to open again (talk about a catch-22). The good news is, even the The Wife has been able to get through things to throw away, or donate. Last night she even mentioned she had found a bit of her maternity clothes (they are so going to be out of fashion) that she is going through for a family member that is pregnant. So she is giving away stuff, too!

So, The Wife has gone through quite a bit since this all started. RM is talking about it, and trying to figure out where to start. I don't have anything to go through (I do this all the time). I'm just happy if we clear out enough space so we can get the rest of the hoarder mess from the old place here, and sell the old place.

PeacE

When It Is Too Good To Be True ...

Yesterday I mentioned about The Wife, and her sore ears from wearing a mask(s) all day. I had found on Amazon, a type of holder/adjuster. It's just a plastic strip with three different "hook" type holders on either side, that the mask 'ear loops' hold on to, rather than being placed behind each ear. Good deal! About $9 for a pack of 5, and adding in the "rush delivery" it came out to about $20, but would be here next week. No, wasn't a Prime delivery....bummer. Then late, late last night  (about midnight) I was still up and got an email from the Seller that there was an adjustment to the order. Delivery would not be made until the last week of April, and instead of like $8.99 for the rush delivery, it would be $27. I was like, "No, no, no." I emailed the Seller back to cancel my order, and not charge me. Then repeated the same message through the Amazon website as I cancelled the order. So I hope the charge doesn't go through. It may only be $20, but it is the principle. Weird part was, earlier in the evening, I was trying to pull up the order to show The Wife what I had ordered, and I couldn't pull up the product.

Talk about Karma. I took a quick look at other similar products on Amazon, and found a 5-pack from another Seller.... for the same price, and the shipping was $2 less than what I was "going" to pay per the order, on the one I cancelled. Waiting to see if they come back charging more and delaying the delivery. All other similar products were showing delivery dates of late May and into June. you can tell people are buying these like crazy with all the mask wearing going on.

A little later this morning, the youngest and I go for his cast follow-up/removal. I asked him last night if he was ready for it to be removed, and he tried to argue with me. 'The Dr. said it would 6 weeks and it has only been 4.'
'But it's your wrist, and you have skinny ones. It probably heals faster because it isn't bearing weight, like an ankle.'
'But I don't want it off yet.'
'Because then you have no excuse to do things around the house like now?'
Yeah. That shut him up. I really do hope they remove it today and pronounce him good to go.

Another early day today. I was sleeping just fine, until some fat-ass cat decided to fall off the window sill above the bed, and onto my head. Yes, Rusty (aka Crack Kitty, Dumb Cat, Fat-ass, etc.) couldn't manage to stay up there. I think he was trying to lay down so he could watch out the window, and the ledge just isn't wide enough for that load. Either way, once he woke me up, there was no going back to sleep. It was like waking up for the old job.... yeah. That early. So, today will be another long one. Maybe I can sneak a nap in this afternoon.

With this quarantine (home isolation, social distancing) going on, having Social Media available has been somewhat nice. At first the memes that I was seeing about the whole situation was funny. Until two weeks later and still seeing the exact same one, 20+ times a day, from every person you thought you liked. I started out hitting that "thumb" icon, because, hey, it was funny. then it went to "Like" just to be nice. Then the "mad emoji"....which drizzled off to just scrolling by it as fast as I can, because I know where the scrolling stops, another person has it posted. ARGH!

Anyway, it truly has been somewhat nice with social media. I have been able to "hear" from family across the States and how they are doing during this situation.Seriously, it has been nice that myself, not the rest of my immediate family, just myself, has not had anyone I know personally has been diagnosed with Covid-19. Also no one seems to be suffering from any similar signs. They all seem to be in good health. For that I am thankful to whatever Power may be (don't start RM).

With that good thought, I'll let you move on to the rest of your day. Sorry RM, I didn't get to the area of topic that I mentioned I might. Maybe I'll just save that for tomorrow....

PeacE

Tuesday, April 7

It's the Little Things

A good rest came for me last night. I was able to sleep through the hours with only one brief wake-up around mid-early morning.

I'm not much of a cereal for breakfast type person. I mean, when I was younger, I was totally down for it, but now, I don't know. Just not into it as much. Prefer a nice cooked breakfast, at a buffet, where I don't have to do clean up (don't we all). Anyways, while out at the store yesterday, came across a couple cereals I had to get to try. Now I have always been a fan of Kellogg's Frosted Flakes. you know, the one with Tony the Tiger on the box. I found a chocolate flavored, and a honey nut flavored of name-brand Frosted Flakes. I tried the chocolate this morning, and it is pretty good. It leaves the milk chocolatey, too!

Speaking of shopping, I found almost everything on my list, in only two stops. Rice, flour, pasta, Ramen, hot dogs, soda, bonus:cereal, some snack goodies. The only thing not located: paper towels. The 99cent store was out of paper goods completely. The large chain grocery was, too, pretty much. I didn't see TP, paper towels, or napkins (except sanitary ones). They had signs taped up everywhere around that area that when in stock they were limiting people to 1 pkg. per customer. A little too late for that I would think. Debated picking up some Canadian Club, but didn't. Now I wish I had.

Let the Middle Son do the driving while out shopping. Also used "his" car. It is the one we got from the MIL's passing, and has been sitting idle now for about three weeks since RM "sold" us her old van that The Wife now uses. He only has his permit (until summer probably) but I have been telling him to get out and at least start it and let it run for 5-10 minutes so the battery doesn't go bad. Either way we got it out for a drive yesterday.

Had a pork roast with potatoes and carrots last night. The Wife tried some new kind of hickory seasoning she had found, and it turned out very well! Not sure if I want that or the leftover goulash from a couple nights ago... or the baked chicken and stuffing from the night before. Decisions, decisions.

Today's craving, since I seem to have one most days.... macaroni salad. Joe over at Just An Average Joe (see that list to the right----->) mentioned it a day or so ago, and it has just stayed on my mind. I didn't see any at the grocery yesterday. I know I ain't gonna try to make it.

One of the things I am going to try to find today is a way for The Wife to hold her mask on at work, without using her ears. She mentions this morning that the ones the manager got (sounded like someone made for their use) the elastic for the ears is very tight and causes severe discomfort. She saw an idea using a hair piece and putting the elastics to that. I don't know how to explain it. but I said I would for other ideas she could try if this one don't work. It's all about how I give back, ya know.

Tomorrow the Youngest and I get to venture out to the orthopedic doctor. He has the follow-up on his cast for the broken wrist. I have a feeling they will be removing it (yay!) and he won't even have to worry about breaking it again in PE since school is closed. He also won't have any excuses (though he will try) as to why some of the chores aren't done.

Well, it's almost 8am, and I think I am off to "while away" the day now.

PeacE

Monday, April 6

Becoming Good Friends ... and What The Heck Is Going On Now?

It is just after 2:00am here at the d00d residence. Why the heck am I still up? I dunno. I think it is my acquaintence that has bee visiting me at night usually around 3am or so, trying to become better friends with me by showing up earlier (which I do appreciate). But the not being able to sleep is probably worse than being woke up. At least when I woke up at odd hours, I could piddle around for an hour or so, and go back to sleep. Went to bed about 12'ish and tossed/turned until 1:30 before I figured it wasn't going to happen laying in bed.

I got up and wen to the study (because it is right next to the bedroom) and figured maybe some reading through some blogs and websites would help 'tire' me out. First one I come across is the Reverend Mother's blog (hint: Reverend Mother's Musings - see the list on the right side of this page). She surprised me a bit as she had a post from earlier on Sunday. I know Life can get busy for people, and the way things are right now, I am sure many have their minds on completely different matters.... but she had posted twice in less than a week.

'This should be interesting,' I thought to myself.

For me, it was. Interesting. A little intriguing (not multi-country spy travels kind). Needless to say, it sent me on a trip. A recovery trip (no, not for alcoholics) that I don't think is going to be able to be completed. I had a couple side-stops along the way (because that always makes trips more interesting) that were nice. New 'rest areas' that may be coming to my bookmarks bar in my browser soon.... or maybe better yet ... that list of blogs I read on the right side there ------>

Tomorrow, or rather later today, I am risking Life as I know it. While the Wife and I were talking prior to bed, kind of talking about things that need to get done, etc... you know... the "you've been married for years and you know it" kind of stuff. Either way I ended up making a list of food stuff that we could use if I am able to find them. If I can find them? Yeah. From what the Wife mentioned, with all this stupid hoarding crap going on, and now the delays in delivery to stores, etc, there are a few items she has not been able to get the past couple weeks.

Here is a good one. Please leave me a comment (can be anonymous if you want) of which of these items the stores in your area (or country - whatever) is also lacking:

Flour
Pasta (any pre-made type, including Ramen noodles)
Paper towels
Rice
Milk (this one we can get, but a week or so, couldn't find any for a few days)

Those were the big ones she told me to check on since I told her I needed to go to the store (I'm on the last dregs of my under arm deodorant). I added that maybe I could check the local 99cent store as well, because I have no idea what the boys will have for lunches this week. We usually get hot dogs there for a buck a pack. That, and 3-liter sodas, snack foods, and other grocery (which The Wife said we were okay on - you know canned stuff, etc - but not the snacks 'cause the boys and me know we are out). I think I will let the Middle Son drive me up to the stores... he would like the opportunity to use that driving permit some more. Probably be getting his license early this summer... there goes my insurance rates....

Alright. Feeling a little goofy and tired, but not enough to try laying back down yet. I will move on to something else to get sleepy.

PeacE

Friday, April 3

Shall We Say Conspiracy Theory?

As Americans, we all know that the Democrats hate the Republicans, and vice-a-versa. When one party is in office, it seems all the other party does is try to make them look bad and/or oust them from the Office. For us, it's a normal way of American Life. But here is something I'm pretty sure the Democrats didn't do....

One of the larger issues going on right now is the US dealings with China. The US has set high embargoes/tax rates... China has refused to buy our exports, round and round we go. Definitely an on-going thing. Who wants this to stop? China. What's the best way to stop it? Get Trump out of office.

How do we get Trump out of office? The Dems have tried impeaching, which was a no-go. Here is just a scenario... a theory, if you will....

We are all experiencing the effects of Covid-19 whether it is by government declarations and restrictions, or worse, self or those close to us, falling ill. It truly is not a laughing matter. Let's start with some basics...

1. The time from development of symptoms to death has been between 6 and 41 days, with the most common being 14 days. - taken from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019%E2%80%9320_coronavirus_pandemic

That's from the start of symptoms to the death of the person. So everyone is obviously going to react in different ways, based on age, health, other issues, etc. So could be as long as 31 days (or more) or less than 6 ... and this is if the symptoms are noticed. There is the timeline for the virus of being noticed, to death.

2. Health authorities in Wuhan, the capital of Hubei province, China, reported a cluster of pneumonia cases of unknown cause on 31 December 2019,[295] and an investigation was launched in early January 2020.[296] The cases mostly had links to the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market and so the virus is thought to have a zoonotic origin.[297] The virus that caused the outbreak is known as SARS-CoV-2, a newly discovered virus closely related to bat coronaviruses,[298] pangolin coronaviruses,[299] and SARS-CoV.[300]
The earliest known person with symptoms was later discovered to have fallen ill on 1 December 2019, and that person did not have visible connections with the later wet market cluster.[301][302] Of the early cluster of cases reported in December 2019, two-thirds were found to have a link with the market.[303][304][305] On 13 March 2020, an unverified report from the South China Morning Post suggested that a case traced back to 17 November 2019, in a 55-year-old from Hubei province, may have been the first.[306][307] - taken from  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019%E2%80%9320_coronavirus_pandemic

So now the out break started around December 1st ... then an UNVERIFIED report that the first case may have been Nov 17th. Now we now the 6-41 day time frame... so if they were contagious, just how far did it get spread?
We are at Nov. 17th now, as they supposed first case. I know news reports in my town say it has been averaging up to 14 days for symptoms... so what was 14 days before the 17th of Nov?

3. The 2019 Military World Games, officially known as the 7th CISM Military World Games and commonly known as Wuhan 2019, was held from October 18–27, 2019 in WuhanHubeiChina.[2][3] 
The 7th Military World Games was the first international military multi-sport event to be held in China and also it was the largest military sports event ever to be held in China, with nearly 10,000 athletes from over 100 countries competing in 27 sports.[4][5] 

Wow.... Military Games in Wuhan, China... about two weeks before the unverified first case on Nov. 17th ... which led to 31 reported cases from early to late December.
China doesn't like Trump in office. China wants Trump out of office so they can re-negotiate the trade deal and get the upper hand again.

What if.... China releases a man-made SARS-type virus unknowingly among members of the Military games?
What if ... those "infected" went home and spread it, unknowingly, to others?
What if ... China did it to their own athletes, to throw off suspicion?
Will this "World Virus Epidemic" make Trump look bad in how he handles it in the US enough to cause him a loss of office in the next election later this year?
I know. Too much time on my hands of late. But weirdly enough, it all fits in a weird way... like most conspiracy theories. This is something my buddy and I were talking about over the last week. Sometimes, the facts are just there, whether they are seen and believed or not. Make up your own mind.

PeacE

Thursday, April 2

Forced Stay-At-Home Day: What is Today?

It has been almost three weeks since the Gov. asked for the stay-at-home, and honestly, some of these day just seem to run together. I know it is Thursday, April 2, 2020, but it 'feels' more like a Tuesday in late March.

Nothing exciting happened yesterday. So special April Fools pranks were played at our house. Saw some social media posts that people tried, but didn't catch me on. Except one. Saw it lat teh night before actually. It was branded as a local news station with a pic of the Gov and a headline of "Gov. Ducey Places Ban On All Alcoholic Drinks Starting April 3rd" .... Yeah, I clicked it to read the article, and it comes with something like "You got pranked". But it truly scared me for a moment. I responded to the friend that posted it, that it was good, and he got me. Saw the same several times from others throughout the day yesterday.

Got the boys situated to start the online stuff the schools are doing. Though getting the youngest awake even at 9:30AM is a job in itself. It's almost 10 and I have been to his room twice, and his brother hollered at him once as well. I don't know how they can sleep so much... I never got to when I was their age. Guess we need to change some stuff around here.

Going to do some yard work today. At least it gets me outside the house.

PeacE