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Quarantine Tuesday Reading Kaffeeklatsch - 10/27/2020
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Love you guys! All of you! Theresa, spot on and I will hold that close.
Book Concierge wrote: "Here in Wisconsin we have one of the worst outbreaks of COVID and a Republican legislature that won't even schedule a session to work out any sort of plan. Instead they just sue the Governor every ..."BC, do you know why Pennsylvania and another state (I've forgotten which one) were ruled by the US Supreme Court that they had to accept mailed in ballots up to 3 days after Election Day but for WI they don't have to? Did it have to do with upholding whatever the previous state/federal judges said this close to Election Day? (That wouldn't be a bad way to go) I know Justice Kavanaugh's reasoning made no sense, as Justice Kagan pointed out.
For the person in quarantine, I would check with the League of Women Voters. In ordinary times, they or the county had people going to hospitals to help people vote who had ended up there unexpectedly. There might be a way to have someone come to the house and stay outside but pass the ballot back and forth. At least we don't have the requirement of having a ballot notarized. One or more states have that, which is ridiculous, involving more time and possibly money.
What does it say about politicians when they know the only way to win is to stop many people from voting? They claim it is to avoid fraud (which is extremely rare and doesn't even take this form) but many have been caught honestly admitting they don't want people to vote. Some of them really feel that certain voters (minorities, legal immigrants, city dwellers) aren't "real Americans", so it's ok to impede them. The Electoral College already favors rural states, as does the Senate.
Theresa wrote: In short, voter suppression is any act or failure to act that limits, prevents, subverts, restricts, impedes or in any way interferes with your right to vote or have your vote counted. ..."Thanks, Theresa! And, my god. That scares me. People standing there with guns! Automatics, too. Yikes!
Theresa wrote: "@LibraryCin - the tilt of the earth gives Europe longer days at more northern latitudes. In Paris for example, it is light far later in summer than in NYC, even though Paris farther north...."Oh, I hadn't realized that! Interesting. Thanks for that info.
Theresa wrote: "And who says you have to wait to put up those Christmas lights?
My tree will probably go up shortly after Remembrance Day. Hopefully, anyway. I tend to take it down late, too... though I think I've gotten it up later the past few years than I used to. In my house (it's just me and the cats!), the tree is required to up for at least a month! Honestly, it's usually at least mid-January before it comes down - or even later!
Joanne wrote: "The Michigan Supreme Court just shot down an action to prohibit guns in and around polling places. ..."That is crazy! Why would someone need a gun to go vote!?
LibraryCin wrote: "Joanne wrote: "The Michigan Supreme Court just shot down an action to prohibit guns in and around polling places. ..."That is crazy! Why would someone need a gun to go vote!?"
Why do any of these people need a gun, period? This is mostly a male thing - open carry especially of assault guns - and I tend to take the view it is overcompensation for other *ahem* inadequacies.
It goes hand in hand with the powerful gun lobby and the NRA. Overwhelmingly male, there are plenty of women fascinated with guns and displays of power with open carry.
I grew up in a house with guns, and family who hunted. It was a farm after all. Guns were never flaiunted, were treated with respect, kept locked up, and brought out for cleaning/oiling and appropriate use. They provided us with goose at Christmas and venison other times. They were not used to intimidate. Ever.
Gun controls. Another flashpoint.
Not meaning to change the subject...but I will anyway ;)Went to the doctor today for my wellness visit, which had to be done before year end or my insurance will start denying claims left and right. At the end of the visit, she looked me right in the eye and said "I want to see you in a month, I am telling you, one month (usually I see her every 3) because that is all the time I think we have." I just said ok and went and checked out. It took me until I got into the car for me to realize that what she was saying is that lockdown is at the most 1 month out ....
I don't believe she would have told me this, unless this is what the powers that be are telling them ( 75% of the docs in this office are residents, supervised by attendings) to tell their patients. Nice to have honesty up front, I suppose. Even though I know it is coming, having your doctor say it to your face really puts it in a very bright light.
I am praying for Wisconsin (and other states) every day.This is going to get worse, before it gets better. But it is going to get better. We are blessed to have each other!
Joanne wrote: "Not meaning to change the subject...but I will anyway ;)Went to the doctor today for my wellness visit, which had to be done before year end or my insurance will start denying claims left and rig..."
I know just what that doctor is doing and feeling. I feel an increasing anxiety to get certain things done and matters closed before Thanksgiving even though Manhattan is still in good shape. I can see lockdown borough by borough with Brooklyn leading the way.
Just like I felt in March.
Charlotte- Congratulations on the new jobAmy- sending good vibes, but trust that you have given your son a great start and he will find his way.
I too am feeling the pressure of the elections and the increasing Covid numbers. I am seriously worried about the future of our country. I too am hunkering down and becoming a hermit. I have gone very few places other than medical appointments since March and the longer all this goes on the more ok I am with it.
Sending good wishes to everyone in this group. You guys are awesome.
I had started to venture out a bit and I was really happy and enjoying it. But, almost everyone at my favorite yarn store yesterday wasn’t wearing a mask and our numbers keep rising. My husband’s uncle passed away 2 weeks ago from COVID because he thought it was a hoax and refused to wear a mask. I know how dangerous this virus is. (I knew before but I can back it up now.) I told the people at the yarn store that I’m not coming in again since no one cares about the safety of others.
Joanne you confirmed something I'm very worried about, the possibility of closing doctor's offices again. My fiance very likely needs a pacemaker. We're seeing a specialist on November 6th. I'm hoping if they decide he does need one they can get him in quickly before any possible shut down happens. I'm really trying not to freak out about this, some days are better than others.Michigan's supreme court is ridiculous. Fortunately that is something that can also possibly be changed with the upcoming election. I agree that there is no reason anyone needs to open carry a gun to vote.
Theresa wrote: "Why do any of these people need a gun, period? ..."Very good question...
Jenni Elyse wrote: "I had started to venture out a bit and I was really happy and enjoying it. But, almost everyone at my favorite yarn store yesterday wasn’t wearing a mask and our numbers keep rising. My husband’s u...":-( I'm sorry you have to give up your store, Jenni.
LibraryCin wrote: ":-( I'm sorry you have to give up your store, Jenni."Thanks. I appreciate that.
My husband just read an article that said Walmart is pulling off all guns and ammo from their shelves just in case there is civil unrest following the election. Smart move, I say. Hopefully other stores will follow suite.
I got my 1st Shingles shot today ... since I had paid a high out-of-pocket deductible for that tiny tube of eye ointment last month, I figured I should get a move on re the shots. Shot # 2 is due Dec 28 ... hoping I can still get it done this year, so I don't face another deductible in 2021.Also, Hubby has now been diagnosed with glaucoma and he has laser eye surgery scheduled for Dec 4. He's been put off month after month after month since last March due to COVID for the confirming visit to diagnose the condition, and now he may have to get delayed again! We've already decided we're staying at home on Thanksgiving ... not wanting to risk any exposure within two weeks of his scheduled surgery.
@ Rachel - My thoughts are with you, I can't imagine the added stress that has been causing.@ Jenni - Yea... my mom has been scared to go into her favorite craft store for just that reason. We live in a bit of conservative area and there are lots of people not wearing masks. I'm worried that her yarn store may not survive all of this. And the fiber fair was cancelled this year. She's been ordering a lot of things online though lol.
I don't think we are close to lockdown status again, although we never really opened up fully. My healthcare provider has been super careful and I don't foresee them closing. They've been doing a lot of visits virtually if they can and it's been super easy to go in. I've had a bit of a scare/WTF of am I pregnant or just getting to that age... turns out neither and so I have an ultrasound scheduled to take a looksie. My doc thinks my colonoscopy may have freaked my body out. Good times.
Rachel N. wrote: "Joanne you confirmed something I'm very worried about, the possibility of closing doctor's offices again. My fiance very likely needs a pacemaker. We're seeing a specialist on November 6th. I'm hop..."Oh Rachel, I have you and your partner in my thoughts, holding tight! If your partner does need that pacemaker, I would tell him/her what I just told you my doctor said, and tell them you are worried-and get it done, because the likely hood of the lockdown lasting 4-5 months is very real. :(
What makes me sad about a new lockdown is that if/when the Orange man gets kicked out, the likelihood of a grand inauguration celebration is nil
Hallo everyone from Germany! Just sending all of you a heartfelt greeting and virtual smiles and hugs. I don' t seem to find the energy or time to comment much, but wanted to let you know I enjoy the Kaffeeklatsch nonetheless.
Here in Europe the second wave is hitting hard, it's now worse than it was in the middle of March in many countries. The difference is that it is now mostly the younger generation catching it, so it is just a matter of time before they spread it to the elderly population. And since we are approx one month ahead of you guys in the US on the Covid curve, I say prepare yourself for more restrictions coming your way like some of you are predicting.
Luckily, it isn't so bad in my country yet (Norway), but we are now restricted to not see more than 5 persons outside our household, and restaurants are starting to close down again. And I get approximately daily notifications from the office that someone has tested positive on their covid test which have been in the building (it's a large building with many companies). My company have mandatory home office unless you really need to use the office, so I haven't been there much lately luckily.
I voted. Yay! We used the ballot box . I would have preferred to vote in person but I was out numbered by other family members, who didn't want to wait in the cold. Now it's just a waiting game. On our way we saw two Trumpmobiles. But we've done our part.Amy. My heart is with you. I have lain awake countless nights worrying about my kids- still do. But now looking back I see that things have a way of working out.
I pray for this country, our children and our future.
We just received an emergency alert in our start. It said COVID cases are rising fast and our hospitals are overwhelmed. We’re back up to our highest level of alert and we can only have 10 people in one place. They’re going to start cancelling schools and churches again, I think. It’s just a matter of time.
Jenni Elyse wrote: "My husband just read an article that said Walmart is pulling off all guns and ammo from their shelves just in case there is civil unrest following the election. Smart move, I say...."That is a good idea.
Joanne wrote: "Rachel N. wrote: "Joanne you confirmed something I'm very worried about, the possibility of closing doctor's offices again. My fiance very likely needs a pacemaker. We're seeing a specialist on Nov..."@Rachel - My older brother had to have a pacemaker put in on an emergency basis a little over a year ago. It seemed scary at the time but he was hospitalized one day, had surgery next morning, looked like crap but was smiling ear to rear because he felt so much better. Went home the next day. And still feels terrific compared to before. Many issues like his bells palsey have improved too.
In hindsight, he and my SIL believe they let the decision to get one and schedule the surgery drag on too long and should have just insisted it be done NOW. Instead it became an emergency.
Don't be afraid to sit down with your partner's doctor and insist.
Miriam wrote: "Hallo everyone from Germany! Just sending all of you a heartfelt greeting and virtual smiles and hugs. I don' t seem to find the energy or time to comment much, but wanted to let you know I enjoy t..."Good to see you, Miriam! Germany is having tough times now. I must say I am sad because I was supposed to be in Nurnburg for a few days visiting the Christmas markets this December. Alas. I have spent much time though in the past in Germany. I do worry about all there and in France and everywhere. But we are here to visit, chat, talk about anything and everything, and no judgment.
Theresa wrote: "Joanne wrote: "Rachel N. wrote: "Joanne you confirmed something I'm very worried about, the possibility of closing doctor's offices again. My fiance very likely needs a pacemaker. We're seeing a sp..."Hubby got a pacemaker in early 2019. Saw the cardiologist on Tuesday, was on the table the following week. In one day ... home the next morning. Total time from our garage to back in our garage the next morning was 22.5 hours! In his case he did NOT need the more advance pacemaker that includes a defibrillator. He had a couple of in-person visits to tweak the settings, but all this year his visits have been strictly tele-visits.
The thought of it is scarier than the reality.
I agree with Theresa ... go with him to the doctor visit. Insist that he include you as a person that can receive information (since you are not considered related at this point). Insist on an implant sooner rather than later.
LibraryCin wrote: "Jenni Elyse wrote: "My husband just read an article that said Walmart is pulling off all guns and ammo from their shelves just in case there is civil unrest following the election. Smart move, I sa..."They've rescinded that order. Apparently the basis for it was that they feared looters would overrun the stores looking for guns and ammo. Not ALL Walmarts sell guns / ammo however. I know it's where my brother in Texas gets his supplies, but I've never seen it at the Walmart here in Milwaukee county (of course, I haven't gone looking for guns/ammo either, so ....?)
Theresa wrote: "Miriam wrote: "Hallo everyone from Germany! Just sending all of you a heartfelt greeting and virtual smiles and hugs. I don' t seem to find the energy or time to comment much, but wanted to let you..."Thanks, Theresa. Yeah, the situation in Germany is getting more difficult, but this time politicians are set on keeping schools open. I do think that is a good idea, since we are still fighting with the effects of the last lockdown /digital school phase. I've even had a 9th grader say to me that he is happy he can go to school! (not normally something a 9th grader would say), even though everyone has to wear a mask and that makes it difficult for me, who teaches two foreign languages.
I also went to a very well organized cultural evening on Friday, with a musician/reciter of poetry. Everyone was keeping the appropriate distance and wearing a mask. I just noticed how much I have missed these kinds of events. We are on a semi-lockdown for November: all restaurants, bars, museums, all places of entertainment, of leisure in general (also all sports facilities, except professional sports which are pracitsed without audience), are closed except for takeout and delivery of food and drink. But shops and schools and factories etc. are open.
So, the dreaded November becomes more dreadful (right there with you Johanne) and I wonder how long we can go on living like this.
My dad was in the hospital again, and the last person sharing a room with him was tested positive for covid. However, luckily, my dad tested negative! He has to keep quarantined for two weeks, anyway, though.
I have met with some friends online yesterday , and we had a pub quiz together online. That was fun!
Nice to hear from you Miram! The event you got to attend sounds lovely-Oh how I miss those types of evenings~Stay safe
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The last Man (other topics)The Master and Margarita (other topics)
In Denmark every person with a citizenship and address in the country above the age of 18 gets a voting "slip" in the mail, with a date and place to vote (often the local schools and town halls), and that's what you use to either go there on the day or to vote early (happens at the library fx). I'm not sure what happens if you don't have an address.