how about drinking?

NativeMainer

Good Morning, Loungettes!Happy Monday Monkey Day! Should be an interesting day at work today, being the first weekday of full, no visitors lockdown and expanded screening of oncoming staff. I bet the phone will be ringing off the hook all day. Hope I don't get put on phone duty today! Sadie remains unimpressed. She has a new puppy neighbor she's been talking to a lot and is quite happy with that development! Good things doggos can bark loud and don't need to be close to "talk"!

Another bit of advice from our great-grandparents--FRESH AIR!Opening windows/doors for 20 minutes will decrease the number of particles (including droplets with germs in them) in the air significantly. In the 1918 pandemic, people who were treated in tents or in the open air did better than people treated inside hospitals.People who are going to work should open a window if possible, or run a fan to circulate the air as quickly as possible--this hastens the drying out of droplets and often kills the bacteria and viruses in the droplets. Viruses in particularly need some moisture to survive, the drying the environment, the longer they will live and spread.

Celia--Thanks for the virtual tour link! That will be fun to look at. Not that is how to stock up for a crisis!

Jazzy--Corona virus testing will explode now that the FDA has released private labs to go ahead and do testing. What happens now is that there is a third layer of testing. When you go to a drive through test site, one of the swabs is tested a the local lab, if negative, that's the reported result.If the test is positive, it's reported as "preliminary positive" and the second swab is sent to the State CDC lab and tested.If negative at the state CDC, the report changes to "negative". If Positive, the report is "presumptive positive" and the sample is sent to a Federal CDC lab and re-tested.If that test is negative, there is a re-testing protocol, if positive, the result becomes "confirmed Positive".Now that local labs are cleared to test the official test kits from the CDC aren't required. The kits are used by a limited number of labs early on in an epidemic to be sure the testing is done consistently so results are reliable and comparable across geographic areas. I feel for your sister, she must be frantic at the thought of not being able to visit, but that is best for her and her partner. Love the hypocrisy of her telling you to stay home while she is out and about!

Minus--Will nursing homes be able to honor requests of residents to stay rather than go to the hospital? Yup. Already happens, every flu season. We monitor for symptoms, step up sanitation and hand hygiene reminders, and when one resident tests positive for flu all the other residents get put on tamiflu for protection while the sick residents are confined to their rooms, or, if there are a number of residents ill, they may be moved to one area and cared for by staff who do not provide care outside that area. We already know that we won't be able to transfer residents to the hospital just because they test positive. Transfers will only be considered when the resident is severely ill and requires intensive care level of care, IF the hospital has ICU beds available. We're prepared to keep everyone right in house. Most of our residents have chosen "Do Not Resuscitate" status, in an epidemic situation people with DNR orders do not get transferred to ICU. We can keep them just as comfortable in the nursing home as at the hospital. The biggest problem we have with the spread of the flu is from visitors that do not do hand hygiene as they should, or who insist on coming in to visit when they are sick. Being closed to visitors will be a big help in that regard. Yes, staff working in hospitals and nursing homes where the virus is present are at higher risk for catching it, but if we follow hand hygiene and other precautions consistently, like we should, we are relatively safe. COVID-19 is not requiring us to do anything very different than we already do every flu season, really. And I am taking extra care of myself, and using this as a good incentive to pay more strict attention to my own hand hygiene habits.

Librarian--Good advice to your friend! There are way more people sick with flu and pneumonia than COVID-19, and those can also kill people.And doing something is good for the spirit as well as getting people moving more, which is always a good thing with respiratory illnesses.

Janky--please be sure to rest up, a tired body has a harder time fighting offillness. Good for you for self-isolating. It must be hard, but it is so necessary to slow this thing down.

Chi--the "bread of affliction" being constipation made me laugh out loud!I suspect that food delivery business will pick up considerably in the next few weeks. At least that will help keep restaurants open.

goldie0827

NM, 3 cases at your nursing home? Fresh air, not for me. The trees around here are loaded with pollen and I'm a sneezing fool! I do have an air purifier tho. How nice that Sadie has a new neighbor, have they been officially introduced? Cute cocktail.

Jazzy, too cute on the "older" sister, telling you that you can't out.

Sandy, $6 burger sounds yumm.

Janky, perhaps a wise decision to head home early. There were some empty seats on my flight, but not half!

Nothing going on here and no cases reported in our county. Over the last few years my allergies had been nearly nil, I thought maybe I was done with them. Well, not this year, and oh how I hate allergy medicines, as they dry you up so bad. Spent several hours at the warehouse pricing things and still finding things to take. Had someone look at the truck, they were quite impressed and kept commenting on what a pretty truck it was.

CeliaC

Just laced my morning OJ with Svedka Mango Pineapple vodka - very tasty. DH bought this for me as a Christmas present, but I am not a big voidka drinker. Takes the edge off hearing of this AM's virus related news.

Jazzygirl

Hi ladies- well, I made it through getting my real ID done this morning. Camera was working and got through everything I needed to. Also had them take the driving glasses designation off my license which was confirmed by a good eye test I did. My long distance vision was corrected with my cataract surgeries last fall. So for you gals getting cataract surgeries now (and I know there are a few of you still working through that process), just remember that when you go for your next license renewal. I have temp paperwork for now, and the real license should arrive in a few weeks. Whew.

Also went to the PO and then grocery store. They have all their delis and open container areas (olive bars) closed right now, which is good. I told myself a couple weeks ago to forget about those for awhile anyways. Most of the milk was gone, I did not even look to the cleaning aisle or paper sections. People look like zombies and are walking around with stunned faces which I really saw today. Saturday everyone looked pissed off (which I think is normal here anyways). I am done with my out and about for the week.

Chi- will your son's job be okay?

Janky- I could use a good drink this morning. You should have seen the vodka tonic I poured myself on Friday evening just a few days into things hitting here in New Mexico.

NM- good advice about fresh air. Like Goldie, we have a lot of pollen right now and sneezing like crazy (oh and the looks I get and have to tell folks it's allergies). But I have been spending time outside as it's warm and spring like here. I walk every day and also doing yard work and usually open the windows in the afternoon as it warms up. Good luck today and hope the phones don't get crazy.

Goldie- our fruit trees are really beautiful but many other things are out early too. I see yellow tinged layers of pollen on the car, and other things. The periodic rain helps to keep things down.

Cami, Genny, where are you?

Ill- how are you doing today?

Yoga- tell me more about your yoga? I have been doing it for 22 years and hope to get certified to teach bc patients some day.

Janky- I hope you can get home okay when you need to. I hear some airports in the US that are only taking inbound international flights are really a mess right now. When do you head home?

Okay ladies, enough for now. Have a good week and hope everyone can have a nice St Patty's day drink tomorrow at home.

ChiSandy

Gordy's job is in jeopardy because his company depends on live entertainment and sporting events and may go under entirely. But as a fraud analyst, his skills may be in demand at other online enterprises. And he can always tutor online. Bob's patients have canceled appts. left & right now that he has closed his waiting room and requested they wait in their cars for a "you're next" text. He will still see hospital and (urgent care) Union Health patients, but no more nursing homes. Looks like semi-retirement for everyone, unless every doc with an MD or DO after their names will be pressed into service to handle this emergency.

Canceled my eye appt. for this aft.--our ophthalmologist has decided this is as good a time as any to start his retirement. The doc who bought the practice is seeing his patients, but all I really need is a refraction, which can wait. We got our refractions from our ophtho (a friend) as part of a more comprehensive exam, because since Medicare doesn't cover refractions, he doesn't bill Medicare or charge us for that part of the exam. His successor--who doesn't know us from a hole in the ground--would not be so generous. Neither of us have glaucoma or retinal problems. So I can wait till Warby Parker reopens to get refracted at one of their boutiques. Meanwhile, I can use my prescription readers as well as enlarge text on my screen.

On the fence now about keeping that ENT appt--which I've already had to cancel once and have been waiting for since early Jan.--for pulsatile tinnitus. It's probably sinus-related and won't kill me; but if it turns out to be caused by an AVM or tumor, it just might. I don't want to waste medical resources which are in short supply. What would you do?

Will go to Cellars for the burger tonight, and have a glass of whatever red they've got. Gonna be bittersweet. Everything here in IL is closed, except pharmacies & grocery stores (which have been picked clean anyway). Gonna have all my meds delivered--except alprazolam and Wellbutrin, which must be picked up in person. Even the CBD boutique is doing delivery now. (One dispensary up in Evanston is doing so for their medical patients--dunno if mine is, but anything I'd want to buy from them is long out of stock anyway).

Speaking of cannabis, dunno if I mentioned this, but the doctor in Evanston who facilitated my getting an MMJ card passed away a couple of weeks ago. Despite yoga, pilates, gymnastics, running, cold-water swimming, and a near-vegan (pescatarian) keto lifestyle, she still got an aggressive form of gastroesophageal cancer. She had a thriving side practice doing cosmetic non-surgical procedures too. She was only in her 50s, rail-thin and gorgeous, with a thick mane of long wavy gray hair and the bluest eyes I'd ever seen.

Considering we will never outlive our wine cellar, alcohol is the one commodity (well, also the prescription wet & dry foods my cats refuse to eat) that will not be in short supply in our house.

On the bright side, we're all set for Irish coffee at home tomorrow night.

janky

Monday, Monday - glad we are home! We were fortunate to be outgoing, not incoming, at the airports - now 14 days of quarantine at home, Though married 45 years, this will be a test for sure My dd said instead of succumbing to the virus i may end up serving a life sentence for murder (just kidding)! Our grocery stores are going to open an hour early to allow seniors and others to avoid the crowds. Many companies are having their employees work from home if possible and are closing their doors to walk ins, this trickle down effect is so sad for so many.

NM - Thank you, I was kind of not thinking about the effect of fatigue on an already run down system! I have had to reschedule a multitude of upcoming appointments, but that is fine by me. You keep yourself out of harms way as much as you can!

Jazzy - I am home and glad to be here - the airports were relatively calm on the domestic side yesterday, I am glad you have your 'real' id on its way.

I am signing off now while my computer is still up and running, miss you all, stay healthy, hopeful and positive, and stay hydrated Cheers!

Jazzygirl

JCSLibrarian

I have now spent three days at home. While comfortable, I am growing irritated with DH. He never shuts up! Has to show me things on Facebook that he later shares so I get them twice. He has listened to Rush Limbaugh for years. I have purchased him a radio and earphones so he can solitary listen. Oh no! He has to share what is being said even though I beg him not to. Janky, maybe you and I can share a jail cell. I did walk this morning, completed five loads of laundry, cleaned the house with Clorox wipes and started a new book. Also chatted with my sister in Houston. Saw one friend/neighbor on the walk. We chatted from a distance. Not sure how long I can keep this up. Schools are closed. Library closed. Mayor has declared a state of emergency. Wehad the first death locally due to Coronavirus.

Tomorrow is the bone scan. When I talked with the hospital this morning, she said not to worry. Gloves and a mask would be good and to come by myself if possible. DH can wait in the car or I can drive myself. It will be nice to get out of the house even if it is for a medical reason.

Stay safe and busy if possible!

janky

JCS - I sure hear you!!! My DH is repeating everything that is being said - bad enough to hear it once, never mind 2 or more times!! He has a friend he calls, then puts on speaker phone so today I started closing the door to the room (to muffle the noise) and he was offended, UGH! I am still tired and cranky from travelling anyway...

Jazzy - that is what I am going to look like pretty darn quick

illi - how are you doing? are you able to eat and all that now? My computer doesn't stay stable long enough for me to read all the posts.

I am sending all good things to all of us, and for those of us in isolation - let's stay sane!! Cheers!

maryland

was hoping to catch up tonight but I’m just too tired. Had my injections today, bloodwork, saw the MO. Should be able to finish reading and catchup tomorrow. Going to work 2 more days this week than I’m done, too scary for me now. Sweet dreams ladies, love ya

Jazzygirl

A song for these times

CeliaC

Somewhat drinking related - Kentucky Derby has been postponed. Lots of shocked reactions here in KY.

ChiSandy

Jazzy, I'd add Dylan's "You Ain't Goin' Nowhere," Billy Idol's "Dancing With Myself," and MC Hammer's "Can't Touch This."

Tonight was the last gasp at bars & restaurants across IL. At Cellars, I had a gorgonzola burger (yeah, I ate the brioche bun), Caesar salad (no croutons, so I could eat the bun) instead of fries or slaw, and Grayson Cellars Zinfandel plus a flute of cava. Starting Friday, they will do both delivery (direct or GrubHub) and curbside pickup. Until then, I cook.

Stopped at Whole Foods en route home and scored some real heavy whipping cream. So tomorrow night's DOTD will be Irish coffee, made properly!

MinusTwo

Our bars and clubs have all been ordered to close. Restaurant dining is closed for the next 15 days, although you can still get take out & drive through. A local grocery store has announced seniors only from 7-8am. Apparently you'll be carded. Nice idea but I don't shop at this store because there are too many robberies in the parking lot. So tomorrow I'll try my regular Kroger and see what they have.

Lunch was a hard boiled egg. Dinner was steamed bok choy and boiled potatoes.

Edited to say - I think I have enough wine w/o having to ration that.

maryland

Good early morning ladies, been reading and am all caught up now. Had Nora and Evelyn overnight Friday, it was so much fun to see them but Evelyn is attached to me like a baby monkey holding it's mom. She wants nothing to do with her Papa, doesn't want me to go to the bathroom or take a shower. She's fine when home but insecure at my house, next time I keep them I;m going to go hideout with Nora and she'll have to adjust to being with my DH, he got her up in the morning and was changing her diaper and all was fine until I walked in the room, then papa became a leper again. Nora bumped her mouth on a dresser and lost both lose front teeth! After the shock and the blood she was pretty happy about the double payment required from the tooth fairy! DH and I had our last outing Sunday night, went to my favorite restaurant for our 18th anniversary. All restaurants were required to close at 9 that night which I thought was weird, why not just let them stay open till normal closing time but I'm not the governor. Went to MO yesterday for my shots and a sit down with her. I was supposed to work 2 days this week and 2 next week and then retired, she doesn't really want me there at all, I've decided to work Wed/Thur this week and then I'm done. I only have 4 people each day and the new lady taking over can take any extras if needed. So sad for me, 15 years there and this is how I retire, I envisioned a much different scenario. My rear end is a bit sore this ayem, they didn't warm the shots this time and it hurt a bit more going in but still not bad. WBC's are down to 2.3 and lymphocytes low but neutrophils still ok. Feeling a bit down, the appointments make it all more real, I'll feel so much better when I get the scans at month 3 and find out the treatment is working, if not she said I'd probably be looking at IV chemo and the thought of that again is really upsetting for me. And to top it off I have a dark black line under my fingernail and MO wants me to see a dermatologist, plus my B/P is high since cardiologist changed my meds, running 170's over 90's. UGH, so I'm going to hunt for a new cardiologist today and I put myself back on my old med. Okay, enough of my whining..

Lori, so glad you're home safe and sound and staying healthy. It was SO good to see you, I really enjoyed it! Sounds like you're going to make a killing at that garage sale, when are you going to have it? Guess you have to wait till this virus chit is over now, whenever that may be.

NM, Hope you're able to keep the crud out of your place, my facility has been on lock down since the beginning of last week, dining room closed this week and all staff has to check in for temps and questionaire but so far they haven't closed the hair salon, not sure if they will or not. They have closed the salon at the assisted living, no one but staff allowed in or out. Thanks for the info about airing out, maybe we should turn off our humidifier in my house? It's connected to our furnace but that rarely comes on because of my hot flashes! So glad Sadie has a new friend to talk to.

Janky, cutting the trip short sounds like a wise idea, hope you survive the 14 days with your DH, I'm in that same boat, mine called all his principals yesterday and said he won't be traveling, staying in hotel rooms and bringing something home to me is just too big of a risk. We've never been "together" quite this long of a stretch, should be interesting. Maybe you, me and JCS can all share a cell! And to top it off we've got a week of rain on the way!

Chi, I have terrible tinnitus, had it for years and it's still maddening. I got hearing aids but they don't help except they're bluetooth so I can play white noise and it helps take my mind off it. Burger sounds delicious, I love gorgonzola!

JCS, my DH likes to tell me the better way to do things that I've done all my life, I have to remind him sometimes that I survived 44 years before I married him and maybe there is more than one way to do something. Bone scan, ugh, good luck, hope it's good news!

Cami, you ok?

Celia, morning vodka not sounding like a bad idea right now.

Jazzy, I got my last pilates class in on Saturday, was all hyped up to start doing yoga again along with swimming and pilates as soon as I retired and the fitness center closed yesterday.. best laid plans and all that. Guess I'll start some online classes. Teaching bc patients would be nice, it's such great therapy, the only thing that can keep my mind in the moment.

Ill, hope you're doing ok.

Well, Happy St Patrick's Day everyone, stay safe!

maryland

illimae

Hi all, I’m ok but still not eating much. I seem to do ok with very small bites of toast and bread/cheese combos but not much else. Unfortunately, I’m now back to daily nausea and vomiting despite anti-nausea meds, it’s exhausting.

maryland

goldie0827

Janky and JCS, you both have me cracking up. I have pretty much been with my DH 24/7 for 20 years! Surprised I'm not in prison!

JCS, good luck with your scan today. Is it the nuclear bone?

Janky, time for a new puter?

Celia, my step DD is a free lance photographer out of CA, she goes to the races all the time and is wondering what will happen with the triple crown races.

Sandy, great song titles as well. Enjoy that properly made Irish Coffee tonight.

Minus, not much of a lunch and dinner. Are you a vegitarian?

Mary, little Evelyn loves her nana. I forgot what Nora calls you....oh wait, it's Ya Ya, right? Good idea to hide out with Nora. I saw her toothless pic. Sorry about feeling down, shake it off girl. Ask about Verzenio, if you can take that? And maybe you can call ahead for your next Faslodex so they can take it out of the fridge? No planned dates for the sale, still hauling chit up there! But we did sell the truck! And waiting til all this BS is cleared up, altho there are no cases in our county as of yet. Glad you DH is staying home. That picture of Nora and Evelyn remind me of one I have with my kids. I'll get and post it after this one, as it's on mese phone.

BabyGirl, you poor thing, you just can't catch a break. What about baby food? I know some of it not so good, but just an idea.

Lucky O'wacky signing off...

goldie0827

Picture removed

janky

Top o' the morning to you from Jolly O'Goofy (kind of suits me).

goldie - 24/7 for 20 years - you have earned a 'gold star' for sure, though I imagine if you start out working, being together you eventually figure out how to give each other space. A new computer was the first thing we were going to shop for on our return home, now in isolation for 13 more days, so that has to wait...

illimae - I feel so sad for you as nausea and vomiting are never easy to deal with, hopefully you are able to find something palatable that stays down like ice cream or homemade pudding/custard.

minus - I have enough wine for the duration, am going to need someone to do a beer run though!

JCS - wishing great results from the bone scan, I postponed my PET scan till April.

chi - that gorgonzola burger would suit me right now! I guess many will be doing take out, or pick up at the curb style dining for the next while. Enjoy your proper Irish coffee today!

Happy St Patrick Day NM & Sadie, jazz, cami, celia and everyone else. Cheers!

Jazzygirl

Hi friends- happy St Patty's day from Bubbly McMuffin, lol. Sounds like everyone is coping day to day right now, but so many of us are used to this. As much as I think back to some other times in my life when things were turned upside down, I do think it gave me some life skills to figure things out faster.

I have had a couple good things in the works for new gigs in 2020, including as of last week but do expect things may delay or come off the table with potential clients. So working on ways to maximize my cash flow right now and checked with my accountant on something you all may be interested in (but you should do the same with your own accountants too).

As you know, the deadline for filing your 2019 return is coming up in April. If you decide on an extension, you accrue penalties and interest unless you can prove some hardship reason. He said "hard to know what they would need for that right now." I had heard that they may be extending filing and related payments due into later in the year (like October). So we are going to wait a couple weeks to hear what the plan is there before we decide what to do.

Gotta run. Hope your day is filled with the luck of the Irish!

CeliaC

All - The AICPA has been advocating on behalf of taxpayers. As a member, I received the following info in an email:

Based upon our conversations, we anticipate that Treasury and the IRS will announce this week an extension of the April 15th deadline by as much as 90 days, and a waiver of penalties and interest for most taxpayers. We will continue to keep you updated as we receive more information. You can also visit our AICPA Coronavirus Resource Center for frequent updates and resources to help you manage clients' needs and your business at this time.

At a presidential update earlier today, extensions & waiver of penalties & interest for those who owe seem to be in the pipeline. They also were encouraging taxpayers who are due a refund to file.

CeliaC

Update in re: Taxes

Most Americans can get a three-month reprieve to pay their income taxes for 2019, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Tuesday in a press conference.

The IRS will postpone the April 15 tax deadline by 90 days for millions of individuals who owe $1 million or less and corporations that owe $10 million or less, he said.

To be sure, Americans still have to meet the April 15 deadline if they are expecting a refund or are requesting a six-month extension, but they can defer payment for up to 90 days beyond that. (Added by me - Take special note of this if you expect a refund or need an extension!)

"We encourage those Americans who can file their taxes to continue to file their taxes on April 15 because for many Americans, you will get tax refunds and we don't want you to lose out on those tax refunds," Mnuchin said. "We want you to make sure you get them."

ChiSandy

Our CPA e-files for us, so we're going to fax him our worksheet, 1099s, W-2s/4s, etc. and wait for him to send us the e-file auth. for us to e-sign & return to him. We will likely owe a bundle again. Till the pandemic happened, we had such robust investment gains that they'd have more than covered the check(s) we'll need to write. But now that bite's gonna hurt a lot more.

Day one of house arrest (well, except for outdoor walks). All appts. scheduled for March & April have been canceled/rescheduled: ophthalmologist, ENT, vet. Pretty sure my derm will call to move my mid-May appt. to at least late June as well.

Bob voted this morning--polling place was deserted, as opposed to the early voting site on Sun., which was too crowded for him to be comfortable. There is enough lead time for all states to put absentee voting systems in place for all voters, in time for the remaining primaries and the general election. (So much for caucuses, which are unwieldy and archaic; and state conventions, which smack of the ol' "smoke-filled room." I've participated in both).

DOTD will be Irish coffee, of course. But I dunno when Bob'll get home--by that time it could be March 18, and too close to bedtime for me to have alcohol w/o setting off GERD.

Jazzygirl

Todays quiche creation

ChiSandy

Silly Mc Cheese checking in here.

Today, my ENT's office called again, and further postponed my appt. (which yesterday they moved from 3/19 to 4/30) to 6/22. I mentioned what I have isn't plain tinnitus but pulsatile & positional (and unilateral at that) and asked if it could be due to something serious (which everything I've read said there's a good chance it might). "Maybe," answered the nurse honestly after an awkward pause. But the unsaid subtext was that even if it's an AVM or a tumor which would cause a stroke, they're not gonna waste a precious ICU bed on an asthmatic 69-yr-old cancer survivor when they could give it to an otherwise healthy young COVID-19 patient with their whole life ahead of them (and likely a family to raise).

Ilona, so sorry to hear you're having nausea again. Hope you can eat a wider variety of foods soon.

Cami, you there?

ChiSandy

Slainte:

I made this by muddling together in a 9-oz. mug 1 jigger Irish whiskey (turned out to be Bushmill's, not Jameson, and for me only an ounce) and 2 tsp. Swerve erythritol brown sugar replacement. (Bob said that was fine by him as I couldn't find the actual brown sugar lurking in the back of my spice cabinet). Then I brewed up a "lungo" (long) Nespresso capsule (decaf for me), and topped it with hand-whipped unsweetened heavy cream. So I actually was diet-compliant. (And Happy was glad to lick the bowl & beaters). I wince when I think of those bars that just pour a jigger of Irish Cream into stale black coffee, squirt in Reddi-Wip (or generic foodservice brand), and top with a drizzle of green creme de menthe or a sprinkle of green sugar.

I first tasted Irish coffee at its alleged first American landing place: the Buena Vista Tavern off Ghirardelli Sq. in S.F., whose proprietor brought over its claimed Irish inventor over from the boat terminal (that became Shannon Airport). Some in Ireland claim it was a Dublin pub that invented it. Some say it was the NYT's Clementine Paddelford who first served it in the U.S. But the Buena Vista was the place that brought it to Americans' attention, and it serves it as its specialty year-round, on an "assembly line" of as many as a dozen glasses at a time. I'm surprised to learn that the BV uses white sugar cubes (all recipes I've seen specify Demerara--aka light brown--sugar) and sweetened cream.

Jazzygirl

Ill- I am sending you much love and prayers to feel better again. Sorry things have slipped back for you

Cami- are you okay?

camillegal