I feel as if I’m doing time.
Whenever I manage a modicum of peace, another cement shoe falls.
We’ve been sheltered-in-place here in the state of New York that apparently, is in quite a state with more residents coming down with the Coronavirus at the speed of light.
Our Governor, to his credit, tried everything before realizing, there was no other choice, and I respect him for it, even though I’m more uncomfortable than I’ve ever been in my own skin, wondering how we got here.
What I do know is, we’ve been greatly humbled.
I’m not religious, but do believe in a power greater than myself, and God had to do something big to get our attention, and he certainly has.
A week ago I was mewling over my library closing. Now, everything that’s not considered essential, is closed, Madison Avenue looking like an abandoned film set, stores all dark bearing the same sign…
CLOSED TEMPORARILY DUE TO COVID-19
We hang onto the word temporarily like a piece of driftwood bobbing in the water.
Two weeks ago, plastic bags were eliminated from many stores, the Upper East Side frantic, not caring there was a reason for it.
Global Warming has been one of the many things we arrogants have not taken seriously. Who cares about the polar bear sitting on an ice cube, or those tropical storms leveling homes, as long as it’s not mine. And we can’t leave out the birds, who never got the memo, but what do ya mean, no more plastic bags charging a nickel for a paper one?
We’ve taken selfishness to new heights, so what was God going to do, his children even too smug to be prepared.
Ventilators, just in case? Please, I’m too busy thinking only of me, not my fellow man who may, one day, have trouble breathing.
As I wrote to Marc (sorryless.com), it’s like the White Star Line not providing enough lifeboats on the Titanic, the balls on those men, the size of that iceberg.
Governor Cuomo said, he’s got people in China right now, searching for ventilators. Why weren’t they searching before? I know, a moot question but, hey…I’m practically under house arrest in the company of canned goods, so we do ponder what preceded these uncharted events.
At night, when I crawl into bed, I’m grateful to have gotten through another scary day. I rest, I read, I pray that the world as we’ve known it, will come back to life, as the sun rises in the east.
I promised God, who’s heard it all before, that we’ll do better and to please give us a another chance.
I’m waiting to hear back. 
SB
The medical shortages are hard to understand. Pookie has diabetes and couldn’t get the sterilized wipes for a week. Luckily, our drugstore finally got some in and held a large pack for him and others in medical need.
The hardest part for me is not being able to hug my grandchildren. The 6 and 3 yr old came over for air hugs yesterday. Wearing masks, they stood at the far end of the breezeway while we stood in the mudroom. Just seeing their little faces gave me a lift. We always give them ‘parting gifts’ of lollypops, cake, clementines, mini-muffins, etc. when they come to see us each week. Their parting gifts were left on a chair in the breezeway.
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I’m sorry Skinny. It’s all so upsetting. The world is upside down. We need to pray and hold on. Thanks for writing.
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And still, the arrogance of the human condition rears its ugly head. The #$%^@$*ing Congress can’t pull its collective head out of wherever it’s stuck to take on this serious problem without petty politics. After this is over, we need to vote all of them out. Unfortunately, Quomo hoped the feds would help. He was caught flat-footed when told to take care of his own problem. Stay strong and healthy, Susannah. We need to be here when this is over. If only to help drive out the incompetents
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Funny you should mention petty politics. I was thinking, how could they be fighting now. It’s incorrigible John. Do what’s best for the people you represent. Of all times to have such a man at the helm. We need a Roosevelt.
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Indeed.
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SB,
I think God might be a quart low himself right about now. He’s had to hire extra help for all the requests coming into his hotline. I’d like to think there is a menu for those who call. The ones who are calling to bitch about the lack of TP and hand sanitizers . . they get to listen to Bieber Muzak . . . for hours.
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It’s rough here. I’m going cold turkey off the news. My heart can’t take it. The casual grimness is just too much since doom is not an option for me. Hope, we need her. If you see her, coax her this way.
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Hope is shy by nature, which only makes her presence that much more satisfying.
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She sounds southern. Just saw her on a wraparound porch sipping a Mint Julep.
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Does she say “I do declare.” ?
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Miz Scolett, can ah take ba-becu with you?
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You got your Southern belle down!
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Sort’a
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I’m thinking this is all of us being sent to our rooms until we listen to what we are being told. Yeah, it’s hard to be forced to stay home, other than taking a walk for fresh air and exercise, being sure to stay away from others doing the same… We don’t like to be told what to do and we certainly don’t like restrictions. Too bad, so sad. Unlike all previous plagues, we have way more ability to communicate with each other via our cell phones, Skype, Facetime or whatever. We can feel a lot less isolated by talking face to face miles apart.
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I love what you wrote. Love the sent to our room image. Yeah, we’re pissed off alright, never having anything remotely like this happen. Civil Liberties be damned. Stay off the news. I’m finding missing the blow-by-blow helps. Hug Zeke for me.
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I just can’t watch the blow-by-blow. And yes, we are pissed. But we really are going to have to let go of the anger and abide. The sooner the better. Zeke gave you a kiss.
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He’s such a heart throb.
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He really is. Looking a little ragged lately as he desperately needs a good grooming but hey, we girls can’t resist one who’s a little rough around the edges…
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Ah! You do have a bit worse than we have it here, and it is very difficult for all of the outdoorsy types here to deal with what we DO have. I, too, read a bit from Cuomo (sp?) last night and I admire him for what he said and did…I could, maybe, here the word “future president” from him (I know, he didn’t say it, but…).
I will write what I am going through now with Mom. And FB and I will, most likely, be at odds for awhile or many of my casual friends, anyway. I kind a called them out on spreading virus rumors. I was very tire of all that. Really? Can’t we just all get along and not spread rumors just to feel good we said that?
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I’m hearing from people that before this, had already left me for dead. That missing in action group, the now you see them, now you don’t girls. I want so much to write and say…IT TOOK A PLAGUE FOR YOU TO ASK HOW I AM??? But Connecticut stepped in and took my trigger finger off the SEND button. Humor Kindred, keep it going.
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Have to,,,it’s the only thing I know real Well. As I have told people, “OI don’t have a virus. I ran my Norton Scan and it said, ‘No viruses.'”
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Keep your sense of humor.
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described it purdy good, you have! 🙂
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Purdy is purdy word. 🙂
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Glad you didn’t slam-bang…down on my slang!
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Why would I do that. This is America after all, at least last time I looked.
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STILL IS…YOWSA!
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Thank God.
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Suggested: instead of blaming God—thank God it isn’t as bad here as it is in say…Italy! God is still good and loves us—but how much have we been ignoring Him-? Just a thought 😀 Those who love God are especially loved by God and cared for—using even times like this to help them grow in faith and maturity, like a loving Heavenly father–or any earthly father-would want for children he loved!
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You must remember God isn’t looked upon by the masses quite that way. I’m an urban believer myself, and am constantly in conference with him, especially now, and yes, looking at the test tube half full rather than empty helps, but a honed skill.
To quote Anne Lamott, finding great comfort in it…GOD BATS LAST. So, we still have a few innings to play. I appreciate you writing.
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He does…but also acts as a coach at every base we reach—and waits for us at Home! 😀 Whether we want to listen or not! 😀 Perhaps more will come to know Him if exposed to His love.
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I’m clearly more urban that you in the God department, but as they say…they’re are no atheists in a foxhole.
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uRBAN-? IS THAT ANOTHER CODE WORD FOR LIBERAL THEOLOGICALLY? 😀
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Urban to me means, not traditional. Something that’s slang based rather than properly spoken or thought of. Dancin to the beat of your drum where it’s all okay, if that’s what works for you.
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Ah! We so-called traditionalists rarely follow the crowd, either!
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Never did much like crowds.
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TOO NOISY.
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Blink and there’s a new wrinkle. I replied earlier but I think in all the pandemonium it was shredded. I’ve finished a Clementine and heading for la-la land. This day is put to rest and several really wonderful events took place.
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It happens. I get complaints. Some woman stopped speaking to me because she said I deleted her from my blog. Of course I didn’t, but once in a while, if you’re a long time follower, wordpress for whatever reason, deletes and you need to reup. Anyway…a Clementine sounds good.
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