View Full Version : COVID-19 and loneliness
I think there are three serious issues related to COVID-19: the health issue, the economic issue, and the issue of so many people isolated and lonely.
Loneliness has got to be a very serious sequelae to this situation. I can think of two family members right off the bat who are extremely isolated. Today I went to deliver Meals On Wheels and one of my clients asked me if I could stay for a while because he's lonely.
It tears my heart out.
For you guys who are in the medical profession and especially the mental health profession (Tammy).. what can people do?? My heart breaks for people who can't get access to basic human contact. I stayed 10 ft away from my MOW client and he asked me to pull up a plastic chair on his lawn so I could talk to him. My BIL is holed up in a Red Roof Inn. My brother is holed up in his apartment alone.
I am so lucky to have DH and DS here, but I am so fearful of the mental health consequences of this darned thing.
ETA: I spelled loneliness wrong in the title and there's no way to correct it.. :(
I seriously think that those of us who are single and sort of homebodies are having a much easier time with this. We are used to being by ourselves and entertaining ourselves.
I have married friends who are freaking out. Some of the extroverts are close to melting down.
At the risk of sounding unfeeling. when I felt lonely at any point in my life, it would take me a little while to realize that the quickest way to losing that feeling was to put someone else first. The lonely feel like a victim with loneliness happening to them instead of them striving to reach out to others. This will take courage and effort, yes, but so does every other accomplishment in life.
With the MOW person, to whom does he give time and attention? Is there someone he could phone to check on them every day. How can he donate his time to another? If this feels like too much of a challenge, that is his choice.
A friend asked me recently how to respond to a woman who complained of feeling lonely. This woman had all the basic necessities of a full life but wanted people to come and find her.
Cath, if you hit the advanced edit button, you should be able to make the correction that you wish, I believe.
ApatheticNoMore
3-31-20, 6:10pm
Yea as an introvert it is fairly low down on the list of importance. I see my partner. I only ever see family when standing at a distance outdoors. I have work to occupy myself with and thank heavens for that. Vast quantities of free time is not REALLY the reality. Boredom, oh yea sure, there is some of that.
I think the stressors are 1) worrying about people getting sick (of course!) 2) worrying a bit about the economic situation as well and strong internal pressure to super-perform my job to try to counter that economic worry, AS IF it was all in my power and not subject to much larger forces at this point.
And then what gets to me and my mental health to a great degree is 3) the super moral and existential importance of everything, of the mundane, the stupid, a trip to the supermarket, the most mundane of all things, is now life and death, should I go or not etc. (I don't go more than once a week), go to the bank and get quarters to do laundry or not etc.. Living on that edge of might I get sick, might I infect someone, all the time, from the most mundane of nothing, is just more mental pressure than almost one can bear. One lives in an existentialist novel. It might not be The Plague, perhaps more The Fall ... but yea. Where everything is a butterflies wing generating a hurricane on the other side of the planet. I can't hardly live with that existential and moral pressure without going a little batty. So someone my partner knew dies, he's sad about that, I don't know him, I shouldn't be, but I'm going batty in my head anyway just due to the supercharged nature of everything.
And then though maybe not high on the list is how nothing functions anymore, I have slow internet, I can't get faster anymore as everything is shut down. Can't get toilet paper for weeks, now some is reappearing, heaven forbid you need to see the doctor for something minor etc.. Everything is broken, nothing works, and it can't be fixed.
Loneliness? Hmm, not high on my worries. But I suppose a frustration is how life is on hold, from everything to the nothing mundane in the world functions anymore level, to the ... whatever life goals you were working on PUT THEM ASIDE level, because it's all on hold. Life is what happens when your hiding away from corona virus at this point. Groundhog day times 10. Oh well my rant is anyone's and everyone's at this point and it's not even real problems.
At the risk of sounding unfeeling. when I felt lonely at any point in my life, it would take me a little while to realize that the quickest way to losing that feeling was to put someone else first. The lonely feel like a victim with loneliness happening to them instead of them striving to reach out to others. This will take courage and effort, yes, but so does every other accomplishment in life.
With the MOW person, to whom does he give time and attention? Is there someone he could phone to check on them every day. How can he donate his time to another? If this feels like too much of a challenge, that is his choice.
A friend asked me recently how to respond to a woman who complained of feeling lonely. This woman had all the basic necessities of a full life but wanted people to come and find her.
Cath, if you hit the advanced edit button, you should be able to make the correction that you wish, I believe.
Thank you on the editing button!!
Regarding the topic at hand, I would ordinarily agree with you wholeheartedly, razz, but these times take human lack of interaction to another level. We can't do things. We can't get out and mix among people. We can't go to church, or an AA meeting, or even to a bar for a happy hour. Any of the pressure valves for people who ordinarily are prone to loneliness are gone.
I agree with Tradd that introverts are likely to fare better than extroverts. And I totally agree with you, razz, that in many cases, loneliness can be self-inflicted and "cured" by putting yourself out there. But I do think lonely people are going to be extra vulnerable during this health crisis.
My MOW friend is old and disabled, and "putting himself out there" is not encouraged these days, unfortunately. I think my point is, yes, loneliness has many solutions, but many of those solutions are basically taboo these days.
ETA: I spelled loneliness wrong in the title and there's no way to correct it.. :(
FIFY
Teacher Terry
3-31-20, 7:13pm
The Mow client may not have anyone to reach out to. Both my mom and FIL outlived all their friends. We are extroverts and this is hard but we have resigned ourselves to this lasting until June. I also have my husband and I talk to my kids and friends daily. I am lucky to have such a big support system.
Today does have its own challenges, I agree, with all its limitations and personal mobility issues do compound the challenges.
rosarugosa
3-31-20, 8:06pm
My sister is an RN in a Boston hospital. She lives alone. She made the decision to distance from me, DH and Mom now that there are some cases at her hospital, although we had previously decided that we were not going to distance from her. She is probably making the wiser choice, but I hate it that she works and comes home and is basically isolated. At least she has her 2 dogs. She is certainly not complaining, but it bothers me. I'm making sure to keep in close contact via phone at least.
Everybody has their own challenges. For me there is no time for loneliness. I’m working or sleeping most days. For my husband it’s a little lonely cause we cancelled an April vacation and now a June vacation - between the 2 trips we would have seen all of our kids and grandkids. He is retired so has more time to miss people.
Mostly I’m happy to wake up healthy each day. But if I had nothing to do each day it would get old pretty fast.
I taught the people at our church to use Zoom. At first there was resistance but now they're holding all their usual meetings that way.
I've been writing letters to contacts that I think might be lonely. Last week, I mailed one to an older acquaintance who has spoken of how dreadfully lonely she gets - long before the social distancing. She replied with a long, delighted email.
I've been communicating more than usual with some of my long-distance friends... people have more time without all the hustle and bustle of normal routines. That is, everyone except the health care workers - I would like to know more how to support them.
In thinking about this, I remembered how lonely I felt when I was stuck at home with a sick child and no one to talk to. I wonder if social media has helped solve that situation? Much as one might love their little ones, if you are on your own day after day with no break, it can be lonely as well. One grandmother who is usually very involved in your grandchildren's lives talks to them outside when they bike by to visit.
Simplemind
3-31-20, 9:56pm
It is very hard on us with our MOW clients right now. We are not allowed to visit. The food is to be placed on the door and we are to step back and get a visual on them for the sake of a welfare check but no visiting. I have to try to connect with my clients on trauma calls by phone. Awkward without visuals and physical presence but better than nothing. In many cases the volunteers are having a much harder time than the clients.
KnownRogue
4-1-20, 12:47am
https://youtu.be/FqxkH8HXSZY
I like the idea of "reaching out" however one is able in these times. I finally got a grocery pick-up scheduled and have added two elderly neighbors' needs onto my list. I think they were simply thrilled to get the phone call asking if they needed anything! Social distancing will be done for dropping off their items, but I think just being able to "see" someone - even from a distance - helps alleviate some of the loneliness. I hope so, anyway.
Edited to add: Doing this is actually giving ME some "motivation". I just haven't felt like doing anything the last day or so... like nothing matters. I know it is a degree of depression with all that is going on, so I'm working through it, as I know it will pass. I can't imagine adding intense loneliness to the depression, though. Prayers for everyone.
I think just being able to "see" someone - even from a distance - helps alleviate some of the loneliness. I hope so, anyway.
I think it does. Catherine, I think this is the largest problem coming out of this whole situation, and I share your concern about the impact on people's health. I am glad you are able to continue doing MOW; you are doing something about the problem.
My sister is an RN in a Boston hospital. She lives alone. She made the decision to distance from me, DH and Mom now that there are some cases at her hospital, although we had previously decided that we were not going to distance from her. She is probably making the wiser choice, but I hate it that she works and comes home and is basically isolated. At least she has her 2 dogs. She is certainly not complaining, but it bothers me. I'm making sure to keep in close contact via phone at least.
She's probably fine. I would be, in her situation. She has a phone and the Internet, and I'm sure sees more people than she wants to at work every day.
I was an only child for quite a few years, and I learned early to entertain myself, a habit which has proved invaluable. During this crisis, I am happy to be inside with sufficient food to last indefinitely, and I'm planning to convert to my credit union's bill pay system to cut down on trips to the PO. Basically, I'm the Bubble Girl.
My only fear is that some do-gooder will take heed of all those "check up on your elderly neighbors" PSAs and show up at my doorstep. I do recognize as I get older I need to get a better support system in place, since--as we all know--things happen.
Tips from a man who has 50 years of social distancing experience. I have been to Gothic a few times and when one wakes up to an awesome landscape it might take away some of the pain.
https://www.npr.org/2020/04/01/824001085/tips-from-someone-with-50-years-of-social-distancing-experience
Tips from a man who has 50 years of social distancing experience. I have been to Gothic a few times and when one wakes up to an awesome landscape it might take away some of the pain.
https://www.npr.org/2020/04/01/824001085/tips-from-someone-with-50-years-of-social-distancing-experience
Great article!! Great to get the perspective of a hermit. He has definitely figured out what works for him, and he has great advice.
I love this guy; he seems to have an outlook much like my own, though I prefer books to radio.
"Up until a week or two ago, I would listen to the news every morning so that I could start every day either totally depressed or furious. That's always a good way to start the day," he said. "Now with the whole COVID and with politics and stuff," he said he just can't anymore. So, he listens to old-time radio instead.
My older brother might be Billy Barr's twin.
iris lilies
4-1-20, 10:49am
I listen to podcasts. I have always had the radio on in our house, but I am sick and tired of virus news all day. Also, I am still successfully avoiding hearing what the Dow number is. When I’m stuck in a car with DH he insists the radio be on, but I, for the first time, appreciate the stock market report where they simply report “it’s up 200 points it is down 300 points “etc.I never have to hear the actual number. That used to annoy the heck out of me, but now I like it.
In Hermann I found that our Wi-Fi covers well out into our 1 acre yard, so that is great and I can pick up podcasts where I’m working. That makes weeding iris beds far less tedious.
Oh boy, my emotions are really in a tizzy right now. My sister just left. She came by unexpectedly, wearing a mask, but ended up taking off the mask and stayed for a couple of hours. She mentioned that her hospital currently has more staff with Covid than patients with Covid, but she is not sick (but she has not been tested). Something I had not yet mentioned here is that DH has resigned from his part-time hospital job because we are both so high risk. They actually said they would put him on their per diem list because they really like him, but they won't call him until this is over. I just don't know what to think, sort of feels like he left his job for no good reason if we are going to get plenty of risk from my sister, but I don't think I have it in me to tell her to stay away. I should add that I am crazy over my little sister, she has the biggest heart in the world, she is fairly sensitive and she is on medication for depression.
Oh boy, my emotions are really in a tizzy right now. My sister just left. She came by unexpectedly, wearing a mask, but ended up taking off the mask and stayed for a couple of hours. She mentioned that her hospital currently has more staff with Covid than patients with Covid, but she is not sick (but she has not been tested). Something I had not yet mentioned here is that DH has resigned from his part-time hospital job because we are both so high risk. They actually said they would put him on their per diem list because they really like him, but they won't call him until this is over. I just don't know what to think, sort of feels like he left his job for no good reason if we are going to get plenty of risk from my sister, but I don't think I have it in me to tell her to stay away. I should add that I am crazy over my little sister, she has the biggest heart in the world, she is fairly sensitive and she is on medication for depression.
Your sister has really put you both at risk. It is in your best interest than she not enter your home. Visiting outside is fine. 6 feet apart. She should know better than to put you in this dilemma if she is working in a hospital. A mask is not prevention of transmission BTW.
Oh boy, my emotions are really in a tizzy right now. My sister just left. She came by unexpectedly, wearing a mask, but ended up taking off the mask and stayed for a couple of hours.
That seems just obscene in this time. (And illegal in this state.)
Admitedly, I am an extrovert. I have taken to calling people on days I cannot go outside and do "social distancing." It is only a few weeks and I miss my gym workouts, etc. I am not very good on doing them on my own. I also enjoy the camaraderie. DH is a quiet introvert so I'm sure there will be time when I feel adrift. I need to make a list of uplifting things to do.
Teacher Terry
4-1-20, 6:22pm
Rosa, you need to only visit outside with her.
I just read a report that an infected person may be totally asymptomatic yet contagious for three days or more before the virus shows itself. Be very careful
I just read a report that an infected person may be totally asymptomatic yet contagious for three days or more before the virus shows itself. Be very careful
It's worse than that. People can be completely asymptomatic for the entire duration of their infection with the virus, and contagious most of the time :-) 30-50% of cases appear to be this way, when they've done large scale community sampling.
So, anyone could be a zombie.
The latest I saw today is that being around people is more dangerous than originally thought, and being around surfaces less dangerous than expected.
Since testing in this country is unavailable, discouraged, or sporadic, it's nearly impossible to sort out what's going on. You have only to look at countries who have fought this correctly (like S. Korea) to see what we're doing wrong.
I just read a report that an infected person may be totally asymptomatic yet contagious for three days or more before the virus shows itself. Be very careful
14 days!
I think we should put signs on our doors that say we will not be answering at this time. Then don’t answer it.
I think we should put signs on our doors that say we will not be answering at this time. Then don’t answer it.
I got some COVID-19 Quarantine signs to put up shortly.
I think we should put signs on our doors that say we will not be answering at this time. Then don’t answer it.
I used to have a front door mat that said "Go Away." I have no idea what happened to it. I've thought about getting one that reads "Come Back with a Warrant."
But "Quarantine" would probably work better.
I used to have a front door mat that said "Go Away." I have no idea what happened to it. I've thought about getting one that reads "Come Back with a Warrant."
But "Quarantine" would probably work better.
I like that..
Teacher Terry
4-2-20, 12:10pm
Our neighbor is cutting down his tree and in the process broke part of our fence. He rang the bell and then stepped back 6 feet.
I got some COVID-19 Quarantine signs to put up shortly.
Where do you get them?... or can anyone get them?
Where do you get them?... or can anyone get them?
I ordered them from Amazon a few weeks back. They may be backordered at this point.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B085WCXLTR/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Our newspaper put a STOP quarantine sign in the paper.
frugal-one
4-3-20, 11:36am
I ordered them from Amazon a few weeks back. They may be backordered at this point.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B085WCXLTR/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
There are ones that can be printed from your own printer too. Think the ones Bae mentioned would be a better deterrent.
iris lilies
4-3-20, 12:41pm
Or, there are scads of online sign companies that print your own text.
I ordered custom made “thank you Police” yard signs last year even though that sentiment is, any more, practically considered a micro aggression in my neighborhood.
I doubt you need signs telling people to stay away.
I think everyone knows that by now.
I doubt you need signs telling people to stay away.
I think everyone knows that by now.
Wait until people start getting desperate.... as time goes by.
Wait until people start getting desperate.... as time goes by.
We're already having nighttime prowlers around here :-(
I want to thank you guys for your input. I had the talk with my sister, and she received it very well; the last thing in the world she wants to do is make us sick or kill us, after all. I think she has been kind of mentally downplaying the epidemic as a self-defense mechanism since she does have to go to work every day.
I tried to emphasize what we could do - see each other outside when the weather is good with appropriate distancing, talk on the phone more often, text, use FB, etc.
Any other suggestions of how to make her feel supported and loved and not so alone?
Tammy, you must have co-workers who live alone. Do you have any thoughts on this? I feel like those of us sheltering in place with our nearest and dearest have a much better deal here than those living alone. If I was working 12-hour shifts at a hospital during a pandemic, I would really want a hug at the end of the day. I feel terrible that there is nobody to give my sister a hug.
Teacher Terry
4-4-20, 6:04pm
Rosa, in general I think it’s better not to be alone but today my DH is making me irritated:)). FaceTime sounds like a good idea. My son was out of sugar so I took him some of mine. We stood 8 feet apart and talked to each other outside. It was so good to see them.
Wait until people start getting desperate.... as time goes by.
Yes, frugal-one, we are in our 60's and it has occurred to us that with food shortages, we may be murdered any day now. Or just beaten up and left to die? Since people seem to be turning on each other.
What is a stupid sign going to do to protect us?
Yes, frugal-one, we are in our 60's and it has occurred to us that with food shortages, we may be murdered any day now. Or just beaten up and left to die? Since people seem to be turning on each other.
What is a stupid sign going to do to protect us?
Well, if you place the sign at a known distance from your firing position, you can use it as a range marker.
Yes, frugal-one, we are in our 60's and it has occurred to us that with food shortages, we may be murdered any day now. Or just beaten up and left to die? Since people seem to be turning on each other.
What is a stupid sign going to do to protect us?
I'm sorry you are in such a dark place right now, Tybee. Sending you virtual hugs and good wishes, with a funny Boston accent, from the east coast.
I'm sorry you are in such a dark place right now, Tybee. Sending you virtual hugs and good wishes, with a funny Boston accent, from the east coast.
Thank you, Rosa, you are very kind.
Yes it’s nice to have my husband hand me a plate of food in the evening and hug me good by in the morning. But if I were alone then I wouldn’t worry that I’m infecting him .... it’s a toss up.
My comment about a sign had nothing to do with preventing crime. It had to do with explaining to ignorant friends and family why the door is locked and no one will be answering it.
My 80 something parents in rural Ohio had a middle aged single guy from their neighborhood call to say that he would be visiting. They said no. He argued. They argued. They won. But he’s the type that would drive over and walk right in without knocking if they didn’t lock their doors. And they often don’t lock their doors. But now they do and they’re making a sign so people aren’t offended. Asking them to call instead.
Rosa, in general I think it’s better not to be alone but today my DH is making me irritated:)). FaceTime sounds like a good idea. My son was out of sugar so I took him some of mine. We stood 8 feet apart and talked to each other outside. It was so good to see them.
How are things going with your son? I assume he made it back to the US safely and is now just counting the days?
We have now reached 14 days since getting back from Hawaii without anyone getting sick. I was especially concerned about my 87 year old MIL. Now I can breathe easier knowing that we didn’t kill her with her Christmas present.
Teacher Terry
4-4-20, 11:03pm
Yes he is off quarantine from my son’s on Friday. Can’t wait for him to move in.
happystuff
4-4-20, 11:04pm
Yes, frugal-one, we are in our 60's and it has occurred to us that with food shortages, we may be murdered any day now. Or just beaten up and left to die? Since people seem to be turning on each other.
What is a stupid sign going to do to protect us?
My thoughts don't normally go to this type of thing, but for some reason I was thinking yesterday about "if" things got this bad. I'm so sorry that this fear exists for you - and for anyone. We are also in our early 60's. I have no advice, but am sending out prayers and hugs.
Interesting, if not terribly helpful, article in this week's NY:
The History of Loneliness (https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2020/04/06/the-history-of-loneliness)
Until a century or so ago, almost no one lived alone. Now many people endure shutdowns and lockdowns on their own. How did modern life get so lonely?
My thoughts don't normally go to this type of thing, but for some reason I was thinking yesterday about "if" things got this bad. I'm so sorry that this fear exists for you - and for anyone. We are also in our early 60's. I have no advice, but am sending out prayers and hugs.
Sending them right back, and thank you so much. Like you say, it is that the fear exists for everyone, not just for us. That is what breaks my heart.
Yes he is off quarantine from my son’s on Friday. Can’t wait for him to move in.
Hooray! That is such good news!
My grandson got to be with his father again--they are splitting lockdown now with him and he has him for two weeks.
It is so good when loved ones can be together.
Interesting, if not terribly helpful, article in this week's NY:
The History of Loneliness (https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2020/04/06/the-history-of-loneliness)
Until a century or so ago, almost no one lived alone. Now many people endure shutdowns and lockdowns on their own. How did modern life get so lonely?
Interesting article, Oddball; thank you for posting the link.
After the passing of my DH, I have chosen to be solo. Different people suggested that I try online dating but I have found that I can focus on consciously loving life, others and prayerfully thinking and loving the world itself.
I make the effort to meet and greet (with proper physical distancing, of course) others via a smile, a phone call, facetime or other communication.
I was aware of the challenges of lack of community when I moved from the property that DH and I had shared to a nearby home of my own. I chose to stay with a familiar community exchanging support with familiar friend and social networks, known contacts with businesses and professionals and the shared history of location. Moving to be with family would have meant starting to build a community all over again as family members had their own life to live with their own commitments in their own neighbourhoods.
The time may come when I need to move again to a more supportive residential setting and I am aware of that but for the foreseeable future, I will live with my little dog, cuddling/walking him every day and staying in daily touch with family and friends.
Interesting, if not terribly helpful, article in this week's NY:
The History of Loneliness (https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2020/04/06/the-history-of-loneliness)
Until a century or so ago, almost no one lived alone. Now many people endure shutdowns and lockdowns on their own. How did modern life get so lonely?
I'm sure there are some profound truths expressed ;) , but I found much of it blather:
"People who are not lonely are so terrified of loneliness that they shun the lonely, afraid that the condition might be contagious. And people who are lonely are themselves so horrified by what they are experiencing that they become secretive and self-obsessed—“it produces the sad conviction that nobody else has experienced or ever will sense what they are experiencing or have experienced,” Fromm-Reichmann
I found Bowling Alone tedious, as well. I'm glad I live in a time when the spinster aunt isn't expected to live in a relative's attic or something. Maybe I would survive under those circumstances, but likely not happily.
I took time to think about the article further and believe it is not so much about the nuclear family or capitalism but the freedom to finally explore one's possibilities in employment and travel which reduce the usual connectivity of community where one was born, lives, works and dies. I didn't see that sense of freedom considered in the article. One used to be thought unusual if one left home for adventures and opportunities afield. The one cause that was readily understood for leaving one's home was desperation like wars or famine.
I want to thank you guys for your input. I had the talk with my sister, and she received it very well; the last thing in the world she wants to do is make us sick or kill us, after all. I think she has been kind of mentally downplaying the epidemic as a self-defense mechanism since she does have to go to work every day.
I tried to emphasize what we could do - see each other outside when the weather is good with appropriate distancing, talk on the phone more often, text, use FB, etc.
Any other suggestions of how to make her feel supported and loved and not so alone?
Tammy, you must have co-workers who live alone. Do you have any thoughts on this? I feel like those of us sheltering in place with our nearest and dearest have a much better deal here than those living alone. If I was working 12-hour shifts at a hospital during a pandemic, I would really want a hug at the end of the day. I feel terrible that there is nobody to give my sister a hug.
Rosa - I've been really enjoying the Marco Polo app for this purpose, it's a fun little app and very easy to use. It's like video texting and easier because people don't have to video in real time. So for example, you could record lots of little videos for your sister throughout the day and when she gets home tired and alone, she'll have all those little messages waiting for her to cheer her up. I think of them as little video love letters. The messages are saved by default and she can re-watch them anytime. You can also do real time video.
Here's a youtube video on the app explaining what it does and how it works; if you have any questions feel free to message me:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQ6e_983jXQ
And thank your sister for the rest of us! We are grateful for her service.
rosarugosa
4-5-20, 12:47pm
Thanks, Geila. I will check it out!
Teacher Terry
4-5-20, 12:48pm
That’s great news Tybee.
Yes, frugal-one, we are in our 60's and it has occurred to us that with food shortages, we may be murdered any day now. Or just beaten up and left to die? Since people seem to be turning on each other.
What is a stupid sign going to do to protect us?
Make them think twice about entering by possibly catching the virus ????? Or it may do nothing at all?? YLMV haha
We had our first Quaker meeting via zoom today, with our regular meeting getting together on Zoom instead of at the meeting house.
It definitely helps.
Yes, frugal-one, we are in our 60's and it has occurred to us that with food shortages, we may be murdered any day now. Or just beaten up and left to die? Since people seem to be turning on each other.
What is a stupid sign going to do to protect us?
Do you really believe that?
The thought never crossed my mind.
Do you really believe that?
The thought never crossed my mind.
I am glad for you!
I am glad for you!
I wonder if that's a common concern.
I wonder if that's a common concern.
Why do you think the gun sales have skyrocketed?
iris lilies
4-5-20, 4:38pm
I wonder if that's a common concern.
Any disaster is good for gun sales. My brother and I had this recent conversation:
him: If you need to borrow gloves, antiseptic, or guns let us know (he thinks poorly of our urban ‘hood”)
me: dude, thanks for the offer but I am counting on you for a respirator (he is a respiratory therapist although currently has some kind of management job in a hospital)
Why do you think the gun sales have skyrocketed?
I hadn't given it much thought--they've gone up before ("oh no--the black guy's gonna take our guns!") probably on rumors started by the NRA. I just figured it was something like that. Not a concern of mine.
I think people are worried about protecting their food and toilet paper should things get scarce. There have been some burglaries going on with empty businesses. Somebody in a neighborhood group was complaining because somebody was trying to break into her house and the police refused to arrest saying (she says) they won't take anybody into custody for that currently due to C19. I would somewhat question that but I also know several of our officers are ill with symptoms as well as a few in the fire department. Buy hey, the shootings seem to be down a bit...
Killing someone over toilet paper? If it came to that, I'd stand on my porch and lob TP and beans at the rascals like Trump lobbed paper towels in Puerto Rico.
Then I'd tell them to take a bunch of other stuff I could do without, since donation centers are closed for the duration.
This TP thing is hilarious. Honestly, if Armageddon came, I'd have a long list of things I'd want stockpiled before TP. I'm not saying it isn't a great convenience, and I suppose a necessity, but there are substitutes. Just like before disposable diapers we actually used cloth ones (horrors!).
Of course, I can afford to be smug. My subscription case of 52 rolls from Who Gives A Crap just arrived today.
Who Give a Crop is that name real? Good for a chuckle this morning.
Who Give a Crop is that name real? Good for a chuckle this morning.
Yes. I love this company. It's an Australian company, and they give 50% of their profits to sanitation initiatives in 3rd world countries. Their North American shipments come out of San Francisco, I think.
https://au.whogivesacrap.org
dado potato
4-11-20, 1:55pm
I have been using the telephone to reach out to somebody each day. I made call #26 about 11:30 this morning.
Sometimes I get an answering machine, but I have a pretty smooth message about "Just wondering how you (or "you guys") are doin'... I hope you're well, we are fine here." These calls usually produce some positive chit-chat, and a promise to reach out again in the future.
There may also be ways to become part of a group effort, while remaining at a distance.
For example tonight (4/11/2020) starting at 8PM Central Time, there will be a window-sing of "Lean On Me". All humanity is invited to safely light a candle or shine a light, and raise our voices in song, "to share love and gratitude for our health care workers." The invitation originated at 88Nine Radio Milwaukee.
http://radiomilwaukee.org/event/sponsored/window-sing-along-april-11
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