You'll love this one...!! A book club & more discussion
Off Topic Chat
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Corona Chat
@Shirley This made me laugh thanks for that. “My sister sent me this - it made me smile. Went to a new restaurant called “The Kitchen”. You have to gather all the ingredients and make your own meal. I have no clue how this place is still in business.”
I’m so tired of doing dishes. I run the darn thing almost every day. I would hate being asked “what’s for dinner” from my husband and now I have to listen to “what’s for lunch and dinner?” Sigh. I started doing protein shakes for myself so I stopped answering breakfast.
Janice wrote: "I think the box I got was no good. The wax wouldn't warm and get soft. It stayed hard and brittle. I figured that since you are supposed to warm it between your hands, it would warm against my face..."Janice I have good luck with this one.
I use it on brows and lips.
Janice wrote: "I decided that I needed to take the bull by the horns since I can't get my hair done. I'm kind of interested about what colour of grey my hair would be if I didn't get it coloured so I'm okay with ..."Oh no, I hope it wasn't too painful.
Shirley wrote: "Oh no, I hope it wasn't too painful. .."No pain. It just made me laugh.
Thanks Jannene. I'll see if the drug store has any the next time I go.
Jannene wrote: "@Shirley This made me laugh thanks for that. “My sister sent me this - it made me smile. Went to a new restaurant called “The Kitchen”. You have to gather all the ingredients and make your own me..."I hear you, Jannene. My policy is that if I cook the dinner, everyone else has to get their own breakfast and lunch. I mean, how hard is it to pour cereal in a bowl, and slap something on a piece of bread for lunch?
LOL My husband has just now realized that I have been coloring my hair for years. I thought he knew
Renee wrote: "LOL My husband has just now realized that I have been coloring my hair for years. I thought he knew"That is funny!!
Renee wrote: "LOL My husband has just now realized that I have been coloring my hair for years. I thought he knew"hilarious...
This was my head 10 weeks ago.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B8cuxpPJi...
Now the ends have turned orangish. I look like a rusted skunk.
well. I was hoping it would not come to that but I (and plenty of others) am now on furlough. I hope this does not last long.
Sorry to hear that, Esther. :(
Esther wrote: "Renee wrote: "LOL My husband has just now realized that I have been coloring my hair for years. I thought he knew"hilarious...
This was my head 10 weeks ago.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B8cuxpP..."
The picture makes it look pinkish. I think it is pretty.
This was my head 10 weeks ago.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B8cuxpP..."
I like it. You could start a new trend!
Love your hairstyle in that picture Esther. I wouldn't worry about the slight colour twinge - no one is going to see it right now! Do you still get paid whilst on furlough Esther? I know different countries have different packages.One of my friends' father was in ICU with the virus and after 14 days there he lost his battle with this wretched virus. People here are started to get a bit slack with their social distancing. Many more people going on on the roads, to nature spots and to the shops. It worries me. They say we're past the peak of things but I think we'll get another wave at this rate. I can't get my head around how all this ends.
I'm sorry to hear about your father's friend, Sarah. It is a wretched virus. :(I also don't know how we start coming back to normal, really, but I understand it will take a long time. Life won't be completely normal for a long, long time. I was reading the other day that we can't think in filling stadiums or organizing big events for at least 2 years.
Many places that have past the peak are starting to lessen the measures because people feels less scared. Still, things are getting better because of the measures, so we shouldn't rush.
I like your hair as well Esther! It looks so thick and healthy!
Sarah wrote: "Love your hairstyle in that picture Esther. I wouldn't worry about the slight colour twinge - no one is going to see it right now! Do you still get paid whilst on furlough Esther? I know different ..."so sorry for your father`s friend Sarah.
Canada has a Emergency Response Benefit. I am going to apply tomorrow am.
Janice wrote: "I like your hair as well Esther! It looks so thick and healthy!"I liked them then... now with the grey roots and the orange ends, it is not so pretty.
Sarah wrote: "Love your hairstyle in that picture Esther. I wouldn't worry about the slight colour twinge - no one is going to see it right now! Do you still get paid whilst on furlough Esther? I know different ..."Yes I think it's dangerous to become complacent, but at the same time can see how people just want to get back to their normal lives. I think we will have to get used to the fact that the way we lived pre-virus, is not the normal any more.
In the state of Georgia they allowed barbers ad bowling alleys to reopen. This is before the national government and the health advisors recommendation.Their is already speculation on what will happen if people contract the virus. Will they sue? And will the state back up businesses if they get sued.
I an sorry but my husb will just have to look a my roots. He will just have to content himself with the fact I am letting my hair grow to my shoulders.
My hair hasn't been os long in yeasrs Renee! My hubby dying it for me as I have minimal use of my right hand. That was fun! Now he fancies himself as a hair consultantant hehe It mostly came out fine but he didn't rub it in at the hairline enough so I still have grey showing.My mum isn't too well at the moment. She has a bad kidney infection and we had to get the G.P. to make to make a house call the other day. He was very concerned that he might bring Corona in with him but the alternative was unthinkable so I did a major clean after he'd left.
My Mam is quiet ill at the moment. She has bad parkinsons to contend with and it has got to the stage that she can do very little. I am finding it really hard to cope right now as I am a lot of pain. My routine pain procedures have been cancelled as out hospitals are devoted solely to Corona and emergencies. While I know that this is the way it has to be, I don't know much longer I can cope. The higher doses of painkiller are not good! They make my thinking very foggy and I keep forgetting words. I think it's good that I am confined to the house as I would be a hazard on the roads!
That's pretty amazing that your doctor made a house call, Margo! I hope that you and your mum start feeling better soon.
Margo wrote: "My hair hasn't been os long in yeasrs Renee! My hubby dying it for me as I have minimal use of my right hand. That was fun! Now he fancies himself as a hair consultantant hehe It mostly came out fi..."I hope you get a break soon.
Thanks guys. I guess it's my turn to have a negative day. I didn't intend to post all of that, it just came out in a splurge!Yes Janice, I was pretty amazed that he came out. There is a tricky step into the surgery that my mam can't make. We have been fighting for years for a heath center with proper access but it is being refused planning permission. I won't bore you all with small town politics! I was going to suggest that I drive her up and he examine her in the car - that's how worried I was :(
I'm glad he made that exception for you. It doesn't make sense that the surgery doesn't have proper access. It's okay to have a bad day. Hugs!
BTW their waiting room is closed for the duration. If you need a doctor the receptionist triages you over the phone. You either get referred for covid testing, refused covid testing, get a call from the doc or get an appointment. It's like a flow chart. If you get an appointment you phone when you get there, wait in your car till you get a call to go in. I don't know if it is being handled the same way everywhere.
Anyway, my Mam uncovered a hidden option - she hit the house call jackpot LOL
I'm not sure how it's being handled here. I haven't had a need to go see the doctor. I called to get my prescriptions refilled and he just faxed them into the pharmacy. They're probably doing something similar to maintain social distancing in the waiting room.
Janice wrote: "I'm not sure how it's being handled here. I haven't had a need to go see the doctor. I called to get my prescriptions refilled and he just faxed them into the pharmacy. They're probably doing somet..."I can tell you here that the waiting rooms are closed. I had to take my mother too the emergency room last week. She fell and broke a finger (could have been so much worst!) I spent 3 hours knitting in my car, My socks (and audiobook) got done!!!
Margo I will pray for your Mom. I know well the joys of hairstyling with painful Joints, I started wearing my hair short because it became too painful to use a blow dryer or curling iron. I had always questioned how much good the pain treatments did. I still had pain. But now that I haven't been able to attend I realize what a blessing they truly were. I too have started higher doses of pain meds. I worry because I have problems with depression. Its common for many with chronic conditions. In the past pain meds have enhanced my depression. Its just sometimes I cant take it anymore.
I will keep you and your mother in my prayers.
I would like to take a minute to remind the group, If you know someone who has problems with depression reach out to them. This is not ordinary times. Right now everyone need extra support. Those who suffer depression may need more.
I hope your mom gets better soon, Margo. You really need a break...
I hope your mum has a speedy recovery Margo.
@ Margo - Thinking about you and your mom Margo. How nice that your doctor made a house call.@Renee - Thank you for the reminder about keeping in touch with those you know who have or are still battling depression.
Also, a reminder to keep in verbal contact with your friends who are single or living alone. I take for granted that I can talk to someone because Henry talks 24/7. :) But I called a friend this weekend to check-up and she said that I was the only person she had talked to - besides her cat - in three days. Texting and Facebook are good, but nothing beats hearing caring and kindness in someone's voice. Especially now since I think we are all over this and I find myself retreating within instead of reaching out.
@Margo - You sure have a lot on your plate. Be kind to yourself.@Renee - Yes, these times call for extra compassion/ care for others.
Thanks guys for all the good wishes. The patient is improving today and so is my mood ;-)@Esther, your mum was lucky but a broken finger will make life a bit harder for her.
@Renee, thanks for the reminder. I have a few people in my phonebook who do suffer and I need to make the effort.
I've been skipping this thread for the past weeks because I noticed it made me too anxious and stressed to be reading about corona everywhere all the time. I haven't read it now either, so my apologies for not responding to the posts.I have a question though, which is why I'm here, for Canadian members. I have a holiday to Toronto, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and PEI planned in August. I want to stay a bit updated on measures and rules regarding corona in Canada (like social distancing, rules in public transport, restaurants and bars, closing of attractions, etc.) as that will help me decide whether to cancel the trip or whether it would still be possible and worthwhile to go. I don't have to decide until mid-July, so still have some time to see how this all develops.
Anyway, I tried to google a bit but couldn't really find what I was looking for. Is there a general website that lists all measures and restrictions? Do they apply to the whole country or should I look into each province seperately?
Hi Peggy,
I spoke to my Mum last weekend and she said that Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and PEI are still locked down. Currently, they are not letting cross boarder movements but this may change.
I have a call with Mum tonight and will ask if there is a central website you can follow.
Looks like my trip for end of June will be cancelled....
I spoke to my Mum last weekend and she said that Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and PEI are still locked down. Currently, they are not letting cross boarder movements but this may change.
I have a call with Mum tonight and will ask if there is a central website you can follow.
Looks like my trip for end of June will be cancelled....
I hate to be the bearer of bad news Peggy, but I would be looking into your travel insurance now. Get in early if you can.We're talking here, including the government, of international travel being off the cards for at least 12 months. The advice I saw today from our Chief Medical Officer was we were unlikely to see Europe and North America open their borders for at least 6 months, and Aus and NZ are going to take longer
Although they are talking tomorrow about making a safe zone between the two of us which will be great when I get forced to take leave in 3 months time. But my planned big Scandinavian travels, and Japan hikes may have to be delayed a few years it seems.
At this point Peggy, our borders are still closed and they are not anticipating reopening them any time soon. Officially, they say the end of May, but the officials are also implying that it will be much longer.Here is the Canadian Government page on Covid-19
And since you'll be in Ontario, here is Ontario's page
I have cancelled my cruise to Norway. I'm holding off on cancelling the flights until July so that I can get my air miles back. Right now, if I cancel, I would lose them.
Thanks for all the updates and links! I didn't know about Canadian borders being closed. I know it's kind of unrealistic to assume we'll be travelling, but here it's kind of week-to-week news as they say that based on science (on which they make all decisions) they can't look further than 3 weeks ahead. I didn't see anything about countries saying their borders will be closed for 6-12 months (not checking the news too often is making me ignorant, apparently), so I'm glad I know now!
We had quite a laid-back vacation planned (staying mostly in airbnb's with cooking facilities, going for walks in nature, mostly staying in small towns) so I figured that if things ease up a little, we could see if it's worthwhile to still go (despite there being obvious limitations to what we can see and do). Here, vacation parks are opening again, but mostly catering to people who seek peace and quiet, as their amenities and entertainment are still closed.
I see in Canada you also have to self-isolate for 14 days after entering the country (we don't have that here) so if that remains in effect going will be pointless. This is the kind of information I was after, as there are big differences between countries and the Netherlands seems to be one of the less strict ones.
For the plane ticket I booked directly with AirCanada and in case of cancellation I can only get a voucher that will be valid for 2 years. Car rental will also get me a voucher or a €25 cancellation fee. All accomodation except one is Airbnb, and I will get a full refund for each place if I cancel at least 2 weeks in advance. So I can leave it until mid-July to cancel everything, or I can do it sooner if I conclude from the links there's definitely 100% no way we'll be going.
Actually, deep down I know we won't be going anywhere (except maybe within the country) but I'm just not ready to accept it yet ;-)
I have a trip planned to the Biltmore estate. It is in North Carolina. It was the Vanderbilt's home. It is supposed to be beautiful. I have a feeling even with it not being international it will be canceled. The tour would stop at may historical sites. I will be disappointed to miss it
I would wait until the flight is cancelled, Peggy. That way, you could get a refund and not just a credit for future travel. The compensation depends on who is making the cancellation.There isn't anything official about the borders being closed past May 31st. It's the projections that are saying that it will be longer. Canada has not reached its peak yet. We are close and some provinces are opening things up.
Alberta's case numbers continue to rise every day, but this weekend public parks and camp sites were opened and people forgot all about social distancing. I guess we'll see in 2 weeks what the fall out will be.
What people don't realize is that easing of the lockdown doesn't mean the pandemic is over. It just means that there likely will be an ICU bed for you when you get sick.
Janice wrote: "I would wait until the flight is cancelled, Peggy. That way, you could get a refund and not just a credit for future travel. The compensation depends on who is making the cancellation.."That's good to know! I knew this for European airlines, but on the AirCanada website it said in the FAQ that even when your flight is cancelled by the airline, you'll get the voucher.
I should know though that airlines are not very eager to be open about these kind of things, it's the same with the airline we were supposed to fly with to Corsica last week.
That's another reason why I want to wait with cancelling, the longer you wait the 'better' it can get for yourself.
Same here, now that ICU patients and corona deaths are slowly decreasing, people are going out more and more and keep less distance. I saw a tweet of someone recently, it said something like: "The curve is flattening, we can stop social distancing = The parachute has slowed my fall, I can take it off now"
Anna's Reading Life wrote: "Hi Peggy,I spoke to my Mum last weekend and she said that Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and PEI are still locked down. Currently, they are not letting cross boarder movements but this may change.
I..."
Where were you going, Anna?
Janice wrote: "I would wait until the flight is cancelled, Peggy. That way, you could get a refund and not just a credit for future travel. The compensation depends on who is making the cancellation."Oh I 100% agree with this. You just need to be looking at this now and making informed decisions as early as you can if you need to do something on your end.
We got bitten here by travel insurance companies for example who declared at the end of Feb that anyone claiming for anything past 30 Jan should have known better, and cancelled and claimed earlier. Feeling is insurance agencies are arseholes and you should just look earlier than later.
We relaxed some lockdown things this weekend as we have low cases, and my territory was the first in the country to be covid free (not anymore as today, and my brother got tested today too) and people went proper stupid. Personally I think we have a few more waves of this thing. And you open borders you increase the chances of more waves. I love travelling and am about to be forced to take 6 weeks leave I've been saving up for travel, but you just can't open borders at this stage.
Yes, definitely better to close borders and restrict movement now for a longer time, than have big waves of this coming back again and again again.
Peggy wrote: "it said something like: "The curve is flattening, we can stop social distancing = The parachute has slowed my fall, I can take it off now""I went to the corner shops tonight, and got some spring onions and 2L of milk. We are now good for another 7 days, with the milk at home. Our restrictions are you can have another 2 adults in your house now, and their kids no matter the number. For us, my family needs 8 adults + kids, friends need the same, and Lexx's family needs an army to be able to meet. We're a long way off.
The girl in our flat goes out 5-6 times a day (I actually count) and claims she is distancing, but goes to work to print, or to hang out with friends, or to see people as "you guys can exist without others with no change to your life, but I will go crazy". I refuse to let Lexx near her and she gets upset. But I talked to my Mum, who lives 1km away, last week through the fence for an hour who started crying as she couldn't hug me. I don't care you selfish cow. That's the imprint of this disease in my memory which now haunts me. I'm sorry you couldn't go to trivia with Tracy this week, but I had to deal with a sobbing mother who couldn't touch her kid, and neither of us were sick. Sod. Off.
Rus, someone told me the other they that this pandemic didn't change people but put their true selves in evidence...
Sorry for adding to the depression Peggy. Here is a bit of good news from Ireland : We are officially starting to ease our restrictions tomorrow. We are increasing our allowed exercise zone from 2 to 5k. Wow!But seriously, we will see further, the next phase starting on the 18th May when we will be allowed to visit close family, outside the home observing social distancing. Now that IS good news.
You'll love this one...!! A book club & more
Books mentioned in this topic
Catch-22 (other topics)The Yellow Wallpaper and Other Stories (other topics)
I should wait until after lockdown and go back to the store with a full mustache and say, "It didn't work. I want my money back."
ROFL!!