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Quarantine Tuesday Reading Kaffeeklatsch 9/1/2020
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That's so interesting, Theresa. I also play daily scrabble with a friend I've known since grade school here on the web. Playing it in person on a park bench is even better. We have a Hungarian restaurant in my city too that my husband and I frequent. Their food and pastries are delicious. It's my way of traveling to Hungary.
I will attend a zoom wedding in October. I can't quite imagine how it will be. So glad that your celebration was so meaningful.
Without knowing it, your writing here helped my husband's button get sewn on his shorts. I'm not very good at sewing and it was a task I was putting off. After reading about your needle work, I thought to myself, "I can do this!" And it got done.
Holly R W wrote: "Without knowing it, your writing here helped my husband's button get sewn on his shorts. I'm not very good at sewing and it was a task I was putting off. After reading about your needle work, I thought to myself, "I can do this!" And it got donLove hearing that, Holly! We make simple tasks mountains to climb in our minds too often.
We last played Scrabble in 1997 ... because we found the score sheet in the box!
Love hearing about that, Theresa. I've seen quite a few 'quarantine weddings' since this is my work- and I'm so impressed how some couples have embraced the time, and rolled with it. One wedding had Bride, Groom, and Family customized facemasks, masks next to the guestbook table, a 'sanitation station'. Just about all have had lowered numbers (30-60 instead of 120-150), and many have had someone on site stream or zoom it. I've also participated in a few birthday message boards. Where friends/family compile messages and videos for someone secretly, and it gets revealed on the day of. Great idea for anytime- but especially now for when we can't see each other. For someone who has friends around the world, it's been super fun to see.
Happy September to all. I'm personally ready for boots, sweaters, apple cider, cozy blankets, and for some cooler weather. Fingers crossed for the NFL season to come through safely.
Joi wrote: "Love hearing about that, Theresa. I've seen quite a few 'quarantine weddings' since this is my work- and I'm so impressed how some couples have embraced the time, and rolled with it. One wedding ha..."I love Scrabble. Since Covid hit we try to play every weekend
I wish I was more creative. We did Mom's 70th birthday via Zoom, but really it was just a few of us who gathered and visited, more than anything. We did sing happy birthday (off-key and not even together - LOL!) and we raised glasses to Mom. I had a cake baked, decorated and delivered to her earlier in the day, so asked her to show it off while doing our zoom thing.
My husband and I have played Scrabble since before we married in 1974. We are very evenly matched. During the shutdown, we created a tournament for the 2 of us, called the “Corona Challenge”. We used to play in actual tournaments and even run them. We ran an official Scrabble club at our home for years.
Robin P wrote: "My husband and I have played Scrabble since before we married in 1974. We are very evenly matched. During the shutdown, we created a tournament for the 2 of us, called the “Corona Challenge”. We ..."
You and your husband will be way above my level of play!
Robin P wrote: "My husband and I have played Scrabble since before we married in 1974. We are very evenly matched. During the shutdown, we created a tournament for the 2 of us, called the “Corona Challenge”. ..."The only Zoom in my life is the PBT Zoom so I have nothing to add to that part of the conversation except that it sounds like a wonderful option.
My husband is not a game player but we do enjoy Mexican Train dominos and have a couple living near us that we've played with in August. I've been friends with them for 57 years, before I met my husband. That's been a joy. I also get some socializing in with my small cross-stitch group. There are 4 of us and we meet in each others house. We stopped getting together from March until July but decided that we could get back together since we are such a small group and basically stay isolated most times.
I'm real good at staying happy during this time though. I get in my kitchen to bake bread or play with a new dinner recipe or spend time in my sewing room making quilt blocks or masks for friends and family. All this while listening to a book or bopping around to some music. I guess I fit as comfortably in the introvert world as much as the extrovert one.
Yesterday I heard someone drive by my UWS of Manhattan - very deep blue and liberal -- with a megaphone shouting 'Don't Be Afraid. Vote For Trump!" Such a person would have been lynched if on foot.
All joking aside -- and btw, you only hear people driving by with megaphones during parades -- I do think it is a small hopeful sign that all is not perceived as going Giant Cheeto's way in the election because you just never ever see people coming out like that promoting a republican candidate in this part of NYC. It struck me as very simlar to the efforts the democrats were making in 2016 for Hilary. Remember also that he has almost no support in NYC - republicans here voted for Kasich in 2016. We knew Orange Man for the con artist he is -- and no one listened.
But who knows. I try to keep optimistic but have some seriously bad days of anxiety and fear over it all. Then I watch a movie or read and get past it again.
Unbelievable. I get these news feeds on my phone and last night it was an article from NY Magazine about Trump's endorsement and incitement of violence to promote his cause which is of course himself. Its sickening and I had to take anti anxiety meds to go to sleep.
I've tried to stop reading the news. It just stress me out. I'm frustrated because there is all of the supposition and talk but it's not going to matter until Nov and we all vote. So until then, I'm going to take a step away.I didn't get the one of the jobs that I wanted that I interviewed for, but I don't think anyone got it, they decided to go a different direction. I haven't heard back on the other one. I've decided to hire a career coach and put a real effort into my job search and finding the right job.
I ask my gastroenterologist if it made since to have a colonoscopy due to my years of symptoms and my current ones. He doesn't think I have cancer, but he does think it will be a good idea to have one to see if he can find anything that is causing all of my discomfort. I posed my question because of the loss of Chadwick Boseman and I hope maybe it'll drive more people to not ignore their symptoms and talk to their doctors.
On top of it, I must have brushed against something that has caused me to have an allergic reaction and my arm and ankles are covered in hives.
Tomorrow will be a better day and next week will be a better week!
I have no words.Trump's complete and total disrespect and downright derision of those who have served our nation just leaves me speechless.
My husband is a disabled Vietnam veteran. Last week we buried his best friend - who also served in Vietnam and was wounded. Harry actually saved Dick's life when his tanks came to the infantry's aid during a dicey mission.
Six weeks after that event, Harry's unit was ambushed. The armored personnel carrier in which Harry was riding was bombed and caught fire. Harry suffered burns, was med-evacuated to a field hospital and received a Purple Heart. Two weeks later, Richard stepped on a land mine. He was med-evacuated to a field hospital where he underwent the first of several major surgeries. When he awoke the next morning, groggy and in pain, he realized there was someone sitting next to his bedside. It was Harry.
The triage nurse who interviewed Richard when he arrived at the hospital remembered she had interviewed another Wisconsin guy a couple of weeks previously. She went to Harry and asked him, "Do you happen to know a Lt. Bxxxx from Wisconsin?" Harry, despite his own painful burns, had spent the entire night sitting at Dick's bedside waiting for him to wake up.
These are the men Trump calls "losers" and "suckers."
I am frightened for our country.
Book Concierge wrote: "I have no words.Trump's complete and total disrespect and downright derision of those who have served our nation just leaves me speechless.
.."
I am sitting here absolutely stunned at this story, and at the same time not because this is something he has said before, during the 2016 campaign and even since, when talking of John McCain, John Kerry, others. He has been consistent.
Appalling as what this article reveals about 45...and it is appalling - perhaps now those who need to listen, will do so, including the elected senate still covering for and supporting him.
Here is a link to the article we are talking about:
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/...
Independent confirmations are rolling in as the night progresses, many from within the military itself. There has been a misperception that because 45 is in love with the power spectacle of the military parade, that makes him a supporter of the military, vets, and their families. Nothing could be farther from the truth and has always been so.
My family does not see itself as a military family, but yet we are. My brother served 4 years in the army in 1960s. My SIL spent decades overseing daycare centers on US army bases in Germany and her ex and their children all served. Many of my uncles served in WWII and Korea, cousins served in the past and currently. I would hazard to guess that if you peek into the vast majority of American families, you find similar military connections. It is part of what comprises citzenship, just as voting does.
Our president does not support the single body of Americans who protect us in the world. And that is going to keep me up at night until he is out of The White House.
Charlotte wrote: "I've tried to stop reading the news. It just stress me out. I'm frustrated because there is all of the supposition and talk but it's not going to matter until Nov and we all vote. So until then, I'..."I would definitely take advantage of your out-of-work time to get that colonscopy. Sometimes there are small problems that can be easily fixed, and you'll have peace of mind.
Book Concierge wrote: "I have no words.Trump's complete and total disrespect and downright derision of those who have served our nation just leaves me speechless.
My husband is a disabled Vietnam veteran. Last week we..."
I'm sorry that you lost your friend. He and your husband are both heroes. Trump has no conception of what that means. A society needs people to serve others and risk their lives when necessary. Our politicians are supposed to serve the people, not the other way around. Biden gets that. Trump doesn't even pretend.
Like everyone else, my stomach turns and aches over this disrespect and sheer hate that spurts from The Orange man. I have not read the article, but I saw a segment on it this morning on MSNBC. I had to walk away before my stress and blood pressure ruined my whole day.
Quick note - Do not take any silly personality tests online. You'll be surprised just how much information is already available on you. I highly recommend this book to understand more about elections today, including how micro-targeting really works, and a lot more. Targeted: My Inside Story of Cambridge Analytica and How Trump and Facebook Broke Democracy.
It might be some time before I finish it or write a review. I'm very distracted by family issues right now.
My mom is sick (it doesn't seem to be covid related), and I was up most of the night with her. I'm afraid to bring her to the hospital after our last two experiences, especially if I can't be there. When she gets scared, she has difficulty breathing. She can't communicate well and most er staff are clueless when it comes to trachs, especially the kind she has. I wish we had a doctor who made house calls.
NancyJ - wishing you well with your Mom.
NancyJ wrote: "My mom is sick (it doesn't seem to be covid related), and I was up most of the night with her. I'm afraid to bring her to the hospital after our last two experiences, especially if I can't be there. When she gets scared, she has..."I hope your mom is okay. In July my healthy 44 year old stepson started getting headaches. They thought it might be Covid but his test was negative. His friend found him unconscious on the floor July 27, where he had been for a couple of days. He was in ICU on a ventilator for four weeks. He was scheduled for brain surgery but then got pneumonia. He eventually recovered and by then, the brain bleed had stopped so he no longer needed surgery.
He's been transferred to a long term care facility, is still unconscious, has a feeding tube, and they are going to try to wean him off the vent this week. This is so stressful for my husband and it's even worse because he can't see him due to covid policies. We struggle to figure out his bills, are trying to save his house, and because he lost his job in March, he also lost his health insurance. Even if he eventually fully recovers, his financial future is not certain.
2020 has been a horrible year for so many.
Nancy and Oliver-my thoughts are with you both.
Inviting people to commit voter fraud? I mean really. There are just no words for how he manages to top himself daily.There was some talk about having a live fact checker during the debates. I would like there to be actual clips of him saying the crap that he says. So that every time he says the opposite they could just play the damn clip. Let that eat into Joe’s time.
I wanna wish everyone and their mothers and their husbands and all of those grieving and feeling ill and worried to have all blessings during this really challenging time. May we soon see healing and transformation.
Nancy and Lynda ... my prayers are with you and your families. I know it's difficult, but do your best to take care of yourselves as well as those you love.
Lynda - I am so very sorry for what you and your family are enduring. It is a terribly hard journey you are all on. Sending positivity, hugs and prayers.
Amy wrote: "Inviting people to commit voter fraud? I mean really. There are just no words for how he manages to top himself daily.There was some talk about having a live fact checker during the debates. I wo..."
Seriously great idea - MSNBC did live fact checking every night of the Republican National Convention, and it was a rapid fire marathon on the last night during his ridiculous speech -- one I did not watch btw. so missed the MSNBC marathon of fact checking.
And given the debates are not fre-form - they are questions prepared by moderator - they could have all the contradictory tapes on the respective topic ready to go at the flick of a key.
I got a mani/pedi for the first time since February! My fingers and toes are sooooo happy! With the permanent closing of my favorite nail salon, I decided to try one near my apartment that opened a couple of years ago - it's really clean and light and I was very pleased with how they handled it all. I wasn't so pleased with the clientele who spent their entire time there on their phones - we all heard way too much about how much she doesn't like her sons girlfriend, how she misses shopping in malls, etc. Next time I need to take earphones with me. Thought I'd share this from Gov. Cuomo's COVID newsletter today:
A new online graphic novel collection shares personal stories of the COVID pandemic. The COVID Chronicles is a collection of personal stories made in partnership with Upshot Studios, depicting how many cope with the pandemic. From frontline workers to individuals who fought off the virus, these visual stories portray the unique ways the virus has affected us all.
https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion...
Have not looked at them yet, but I think they could be interesting.
Olivermagnus wrote: "NancyJ wrote: "My mom is sick (it doesn't seem to be covid related), and I was up most of the night with her. I'm afraid to bring her to the hospital after our last two experiences, especially if I..."Oh Lynda that's awful. It's so hard when you can't be there to advocate for him in person, or talk to him (he might hear you), or play his favorite music.
I would try to get him on medicaid asap, and maybe other assistance. Maybe a social worker in the hospital or a special advisor in a health insurance company could help you. They normally give you just 2 months to sign up for aha health insurance after losing coverage. But they were really flexible about the timing this year due to covid.
I always knew I'd end up taking care of my mother, but you don't expect it with your kids. I'm so sorry.
My kids think they're invincible and will never get sick. One son said he wasn't renewing his health insurance because of the cost. Imo it's really cheap and I offered to pay for it, but he rolls his eyes at me (I can hear it over the phone). This, and his refusal to vote drive me nuts. He loves to get me riled up, so I never know for sure when he's serious. Did I mention, this is the kid that goes skydiving every year for his birthday? (I guess risk taking is not a genetic trait, or he was switched at birth.)
Lynda and Nancy, I am so sorry to hear about your troubles. This is such a horrible time to be going through physical crisis. I can't imagine the pain you are feeling.
Lynda - I echo Nancy on getting your stepson on Medicaid ASAP. Even if ge had health insurance tbis is the action to take. These types of long term illnesses are financially overwhelming even if you have superb private insurance.I also recommend consulting and eldercare attorney who are experts in advising families going through these times, including applications for Medicaid, the house situation, etc.
NancyJ and Theresa......Thanks for the Medicaid advice. We are working on it now, but our biggest hurdle is that he remains unconscious so my husband can't get a power of attorney. We are trying to get a statement from his doctor verifying that he is unable to respond. That might work. Thanks for your good thoughts, everyone. I appreciate them.
Lynda and Nancy, I'm thinking of you too and hoping that things will turn around for your loved ones.
Charlotte wrote: "I've tried to stop reading the news. It just stress me out. I'm frustrated because there is all of the supposition and talk but it's not going to matter until Nov and we all vote. So until then, I'..."I wish you well on your job hunt and the other matters you wrote about.
Lynda and Nancy I'm so sorry to hear of the health problems both of your families are experiencing. Small in comparison but my fiance is going to start PT for back problems he's having. I'm hopefully going to be discharged from PT this week after going for a year and a half for my shoulder problems but it looks like I'm not done going there since my fiance can't drive.
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/21/t-.... We played socially distanced Scrabble on a park bench in Riverside Park looking over the Hudson River, under a shady tree with cool breezes wafting. We found ourselves sipping vodka tonics with lime masquerading as bottles of water, finishing our game, reminiscing about games past (we first played in 1973...with same board and tiles), and watching the sun setting. We closed the joint on an awesome birthday celebration.
Monday night I attended my first virtual celebration of a marriage. It was amazing. Held on Zoom, it was one of the most intimate, enjoyable and emotional wedding celebrations I have ever attended. The ceremony was the day before...a very private backyard family ceremony. On Zoom were people from as far away as Israel. All those 'testimonials' it is popular to video during the reception for the bride and groom to look at some time later? They were all delivered to them directly live...there were tears, laughs, funny stories. There were prayers and songs. We all danced the hora. Toasts abounded, including a septagenarian singing the toast from Hamilton...names changed of course ... groom is a musician, bride in theater. Over the weekend the best man, who is a caterer, did a Zoom teaching all wedding guests how to make the poached salmon wedding meal he prepared for the bride and groom. He was also the master of ceremonies on the Zoom celebration.
Anyone who says you cannot create a beautiful and memorable celebration on Zoom is wrong. Or a memorable socially distanced party.