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hamsterjill

(15,214 posts)
Tue Aug 11, 2020, 11:22 AM Aug 2020

Just my about once a month post of "How's Everybody Holding Up"?

Difficult times. DU’ers take care of each other.

Everybody doing okay? Are we all still here? Staying in as much as we can and doing all we can to get to November to vote the scumbag out?

Tell me how you’re holding up.

41 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Just my about once a month post of "How's Everybody Holding Up"? (Original Post) hamsterjill Aug 2020 OP
Not watching so much cable news because it makes me crazy. The Velveteen Ocelot Aug 2020 #1
You've always seemed very sane and smart to me. panader0 Aug 2020 #6
Thanks for the kind words. The Velveteen Ocelot Aug 2020 #10
Hey, VO! I'm gray, too. hamsterjill Aug 2020 #12
Sorry about your sick cat and the ones you lost. The Velveteen Ocelot Aug 2020 #30
I'm okay. Your post is super sweet. spicysista Aug 2020 #2
Thanks. hamsterjill Aug 2020 #14
Bored as hell and I can't take much more of this. Initech Aug 2020 #3
It's like the movie "Ground Hog Day". hamsterjill Aug 2020 #16
Actually I feel like The Dude from the Big Lebowski: Initech Aug 2020 #20
I've never watched that movie. I need to, don't I? hamsterjill Aug 2020 #21
Yes, yes you do! Initech Aug 2020 #29
I'll make a point of finding it! hamsterjill Aug 2020 #32
I notice I'm going into depression. Not heavy, but noticable. 3Hotdogs Aug 2020 #4
I think some amount of depression is the norm right now. hamsterjill Aug 2020 #22
Tend to take the bad news philosophically, though was taken aback empedocles Aug 2020 #5
That granddaughter sounds so sweet. hamsterjill Aug 2020 #23
A busy July snowybirdie Aug 2020 #7
My, you were busy!!! hamsterjill Aug 2020 #24
We've been snowybirdie Aug 2020 #25
Finally asked my Doc for something to help me sleep. redstatebluegirl Aug 2020 #8
I know you've been having a rough time. hamsterjill Aug 2020 #26
Yes, it has been difficult. redstatebluegirl Aug 2020 #28
Oh girl! You and me both! hamsterjill Aug 2020 #33
Yes he is! redstatebluegirl Aug 2020 #34
Shaking my head sadly as I go about my daily round. Aristus Aug 2020 #9
Enjoy your time you definitely deserve it! Nt marlakay Aug 2020 #15
I appreciate you! hamsterjill Aug 2020 #27
Doing OK. Staying in touch with friends and family. Luckily, no one has contracted Covid as Arkansas Granny Aug 2020 #11
I'm ready for some cooler weather, too. hamsterjill Aug 2020 #36
My allergies have been worse this year marlakay Aug 2020 #13
I'm doing okay. hamsterjill Aug 2020 #37
I think we have talked before about my daughter marlakay Aug 2020 #40
Yes!!! We have visited before. hamsterjill Aug 2020 #41
Considering the months before samplegirl Aug 2020 #17
I got in on bits and pieces of Johnny's story. hamsterjill Aug 2020 #38
My wife and I can't visit our parents. I think that's the worst of it. hunter Aug 2020 #18
Against a sea of troubles, frankly. nolabear Aug 2020 #19
I'm about as angry and cynical as I've ever been. maxsolomon Aug 2020 #31
I'm doing fine. I am reclusive by nature, so social isolation is not a big deal for me. Midnight Writer Aug 2020 #35
I'm still standing shanti Aug 2020 #39

The Velveteen Ocelot

(115,267 posts)
1. Not watching so much cable news because it makes me crazy.
Tue Aug 11, 2020, 11:28 AM
Aug 2020

Crazy old lady who's crazier than ever. Not going anywhere, used 1-1/2 tanks of gas since February. Lost 35 lbs., hair gone gray and in pigtails like Pippi Longstocking, still living in t-shirts and sweat pants, don't wear shoes, two of my three cats passed away, garden looks like a jungle, cleaned a couple of closets, bored as hell when I'm not worrying.

You?

panader0

(25,816 posts)
6. You've always seemed very sane and smart to me.
Tue Aug 11, 2020, 11:44 AM
Aug 2020

Congrats on the weight loss, I've gained a few.
My hair went grey long ago. T-shirts and blue jeans here.
Sorry about the cats, that's a tough loss.
I cleaned closets, weed-whacked, cut firewood, and am bored silly.
I miss playing music with my buddies twice a week.
Go shopping once a week.
But beyond all that, I'm fired up and can't wait to hand deliver my mail in ballot.
I always read your posts--respect.

The Velveteen Ocelot

(115,267 posts)
10. Thanks for the kind words.
Tue Aug 11, 2020, 11:55 AM
Aug 2020

I know how you feel about not being able to play music with your friends. I miss music a lot - I belong to a small choral group that performs mostly Renaissance music. We had to cancel all rehearsals and performances after February and we probably won't be doing anything for another year, or maybe ever.

But the prospect of getting rid of His Lardship is one of the things that keeps me going, along with my remaining cat. I mailed my primary ballot over a week ago (our primary is today) and the voters' web site said it was delivered two days later, so the USPS still seems to be alive, if not well. Just now I heard the thump-clank of the mailman putting the usual bills and ads into the mailbox on my porch. However, I'll be hand-delivering my absentee ballot as soon as I get it, just in case.

hamsterjill

(15,214 posts)
12. Hey, VO! I'm gray, too.
Tue Aug 11, 2020, 12:25 PM
Aug 2020

We’ve visited before over the cats. My rescue has lost three now since the pandemic began and we have one who is ill now. I think they sense the stress.

The current guy has pneumonia and the vet isn’t sure why. Had him at the ER on Sunday and at my regular vet yesterday morning the moment they opened. He’s home, on meds and comfortable for the time being. We recheck Thursday afternoon and sans a miracle (prayers and good thoughts appreciated!!), I expect to have to let him cross. It sucks on top of everything else. Not to mention the expense. I am tired of saying goodbyes!

But...it never ends. So we pick up, dust off, scream a little, cry a lot, and take a step forward. Sometimes only one step at a time, but no choice otherwise.

I long for a better time.

I wish you peace, calm and health. As the other reply to your post indicated, I always enjoy your contributions to DU.

Hugs.

The Velveteen Ocelot

(115,267 posts)
30. Sorry about your sick cat and the ones you lost.
Tue Aug 11, 2020, 01:43 PM
Aug 2020

I hope he gets better, or if he can't, that he passes peacefully.

Peace, calm, and health to you too, and to your rescue kitties, and to everybody else.

spicysista

(1,663 posts)
2. I'm okay. Your post is super sweet.
Tue Aug 11, 2020, 11:30 AM
Aug 2020

Holding up pretty well here in CA. Everyone I know is as determined as ever to gotv for Joe and flip the Senate! We're all doing our mental checks and loving each other (from a distance).
I hope you're well.

hamsterjill

(15,214 posts)
14. Thanks.
Tue Aug 11, 2020, 12:27 PM
Aug 2020

I am hanging in there like everyone. It helps a little, I think, for us to come together on DU and voice our issues, let off some steam, and support one another.

Stay safe!!

Initech

(99,909 posts)
3. Bored as hell and I can't take much more of this.
Tue Aug 11, 2020, 11:33 AM
Aug 2020

Literally every day since this thing started has been getting worse and worse. I'm tired of not being able to see my friends and family or go to my favorite places or do things. Or go to events like sports and concerts.

Living in a pandemic fucking blows.

hamsterjill

(15,214 posts)
16. It's like the movie "Ground Hog Day".
Tue Aug 11, 2020, 12:28 PM
Aug 2020

I rewatched it the other day and it could be my life right now. One day is the same as the next.

Hang in there! We’ve got to vote the assholes out!

hamsterjill

(15,214 posts)
21. I've never watched that movie. I need to, don't I?
Tue Aug 11, 2020, 01:17 PM
Aug 2020

I have, however, seen “Office Space” so love your screen name!

3Hotdogs

(12,197 posts)
4. I notice I'm going into depression. Not heavy, but noticable.
Tue Aug 11, 2020, 11:36 AM
Aug 2020

Good friends are moving to neighboring state. Friends since '74. Wife an I were lovers (open marriage). I will miss them.

Hiking club does one hike a week with rotating invitations. I used to go out to 4 or 5 hikes a week. I have since gained weight. I did 4 1/2 miles on Saturday without any "puffing." So endurance is still good.

Things I used to look forward to are no longer available -- day trips to Jersey shore, Central Park. Virus stopped the shore trips. Most of my Central Park friends passed away over the last few years so there is no longer reason or fun to go there.

My health remains good. 77 y.o. and never seen the ceiling of a hospital room. -- hope I never do. Rather die of a sudden heart attack on the street.

Good news: I don't know anyone to die from C-19 or even get it.

Politics: I worry. I am tired of the V.P. stuff. He should'a selected a running mate 6 weeks ago and set that person on the campaign trail. ---

hamsterjill

(15,214 posts)
22. I think some amount of depression is the norm right now.
Tue Aug 11, 2020, 01:22 PM
Aug 2020

I think it’s healthy to admit it. In my orbit of people that I know loosely but more than just by name, there have now been five deaths. A mom and a daughter (50’s and 70’s) died two hours apart. It’s sobering.

I had an old friend who I lost long before the pandemic. Ex-marine. He used to say he wanted to “drop walking”. I understand that better as each day goes by.

I hope you’ll continue to take care of yourself and if you ever want to have a jabber session, shoot me a DM once in a while. I’m sure we can find something to talk about - our agreement on the VP pick being the first possible topic.

empedocles

(15,751 posts)
5. Tend to take the bad news philosophically, though was taken aback
Tue Aug 11, 2020, 11:41 AM
Aug 2020

by the 'P.O. Execs Massacre' Feels like an overt trump act of war.

4yr old granddaughter being here is a joy. Just seeing her 'go to work, in her [tent] office in the morning. with her backpack works'.

hamsterjill

(15,214 posts)
23. That granddaughter sounds so sweet.
Tue Aug 11, 2020, 01:23 PM
Aug 2020

I don’t have any grandchildren so I have to enjoy other people’s experiences. Treasure every moment! I’ll bet she keeps you laughing...

snowybirdie

(5,190 posts)
7. A busy July
Tue Aug 11, 2020, 11:47 AM
Aug 2020

Sold northern house and gave away most old memories to my family. Became a Florida residents and trying to squeeze more stuff into my condo. Had a scare when a family member with pre existing conditions, had symptoms of virus, but ultimately tested negative.Thanked God. Rededicated ourselves to isolating to stay healthy. We can do it! Thanks for asking. Hope you are ok too.

hamsterjill

(15,214 posts)
24. My, you were busy!!!
Tue Aug 11, 2020, 01:25 PM
Aug 2020

How do you like Florida? And whereabouts did you land? An old and dear friend of mine from North Carolina moved to the area around Jacksonville a couple of years ago. He loves it.

snowybirdie

(5,190 posts)
25. We've been
Tue Aug 11, 2020, 01:30 PM
Aug 2020

Spending the winter here for years. With virus, economic and travel concerns, thought it was time to settle in one place in SW Florida. Hard decision, but things needed to change because of the virus. Glad it's done and quiet now! Thanks for asking. You stay safe!

hamsterjill

(15,214 posts)
26. I know you've been having a rough time.
Tue Aug 11, 2020, 01:31 PM
Aug 2020

I remember one of your posts. In fact, your honesty was very refreshing to me at a time when it was a bad day for me. Some days are better for me than others.

I hope your doc will take your needs seriously and get you something to help.

redstatebluegirl

(12,264 posts)
28. Yes, it has been difficult.
Tue Aug 11, 2020, 01:34 PM
Aug 2020

She prescribed something that should be here this week if the mail pharmacy gets it to me. I really hate Trump and his minions.

hamsterjill

(15,214 posts)
33. Oh girl! You and me both!
Tue Aug 11, 2020, 02:25 PM
Aug 2020

I despise that orange piece of shit and anyone who stands with him. He’s a Russian operative if ever there has been one, and anyone who can’t see it plainly in front of their face is either refusing to see it or just plain willfully ignorant.

Aristus

(66,075 posts)
9. Shaking my head sadly as I go about my daily round.
Tue Aug 11, 2020, 11:49 AM
Aug 2020

As usual...

Three more days of clinic, then I have Friday and all of next week off. First extended time off since early April.

hamsterjill

(15,214 posts)
27. I appreciate you!
Tue Aug 11, 2020, 01:32 PM
Aug 2020

I’ve read many of your posts about your patients and I always sense compassion.

I hope you will apply that compassion to yourself for your time away. I hope you will be able to relax and refresh. To take care of everyone else, you must first take care of you.

Arkansas Granny

(31,483 posts)
11. Doing OK. Staying in touch with friends and family. Luckily, no one has contracted Covid as
Tue Aug 11, 2020, 11:59 AM
Aug 2020

of yet. Spending more time sitting on the porch birdwatching. Cutting back on listening to the news. Looking forward to cooler weather.

Hoping like hell that Trump won't be able to steal another election. We've got to get those bastards out of our lives.

hamsterjill

(15,214 posts)
36. I'm ready for some cooler weather, too.
Tue Aug 11, 2020, 03:22 PM
Aug 2020

August in Texas is no picnic. I’m sure Arkansas is pretty bad, too.

I worry about Trump stealing another one. In some ways, I feel like he’s better equipped to do it this time than he was in 2016. But when I say that around here, I’m “being negative”. All we can do is vote, take anyone we can with us to vote, and keep explaining things to the idiots who don’t get it yet.

Peace!

marlakay

(11,370 posts)
13. My allergies have been worse this year
Tue Aug 11, 2020, 12:26 PM
Aug 2020

And everytime I am on edge of sinus infection and symptoms get worse with headaches, fatigue, etc I wonder if its covid and my anxiety goes up. Right now is one of those times felt really sick yesterday but better today.

I know I have issues with anxiety so I try to give my mind things to do. Signed up for a bunch of zoom senior classes that start in Sept, bookclub and enneagram seminars once a month, those were in summer too later this month.

Try to do long walks daily. Thanks for asking, hope you are ok.

hamsterjill

(15,214 posts)
37. I'm doing okay.
Tue Aug 11, 2020, 03:27 PM
Aug 2020

Molds have been bad here and I totally understand the “do I have it” feeling. I’m in San Antonio which is a hot spot now so I am really trying to lay low.

Sounds like you have a good plan of action...with the word “action” being the operative word. I try to do things through the day that let my mind drift. I am taking a short, regular afternoon nap these days because I don’t tend to sleep more than six hours at night. So, as you say, we adjust, we work out what we can do, and we try to stay sane.

Be safe!

marlakay

(11,370 posts)
40. I think we have talked before about my daughter
Tue Aug 11, 2020, 09:36 PM
Aug 2020

Living in San Antonio. She is starting a new accounting job next week luckily they have everyone working from home and training her online. They mailed her a laptop with software uploaded.

I would worry about her but she and family are very careful. I worry about my grandsons more because they rarely leave their room. They are 13 & 15. Hard with how hot your weather is to do outside things.

hamsterjill

(15,214 posts)
41. Yes!!! We have visited before.
Tue Aug 11, 2020, 10:42 PM
Aug 2020

That sounds like a great opportunity for your daughter. My daughter works for HEB corporate and has been able to work from home for much of this. I am most grateful for that.

Continue to take much care and stay safe!!

samplegirl

(11,415 posts)
17. Considering the months before
Tue Aug 11, 2020, 12:39 PM
Aug 2020

trying to care for JohnnyRingo until his long hospital stay. I’d say it’s much better that I can drive to his house or him to mine is 100% better! Even though he’s doing dialysis 3 times a week he’s alive and happy.
As for this virus... it’s depressing and watching trump do nothing is exhausting.
I know one thing when it gets to be too much I find refuge in the good people of D.U.
Sometimes just a care check is good! Thanks for asking!❤️❤️❤️

hamsterjill

(15,214 posts)
38. I got in on bits and pieces of Johnny's story.
Tue Aug 11, 2020, 03:29 PM
Aug 2020

I am glad he is doing better and grateful he has you! Both of you gotta be tougher than a boot!

Stay safe, and sending all my best to you and JR.

hunter

(38,263 posts)
18. My wife and I can't visit our parents. I think that's the worst of it.
Tue Aug 11, 2020, 12:45 PM
Aug 2020

Our parents are in their eighties and they live in rural communities. My wife is a healthcare worker who has, so far, not been infected by her patients or coworkers. But it could happen any day. Some of her coworkers have gotten sick. My wife and I don't want to bring the virus to our parents.

We have relatives who have had the virus. One was hospitalized for more than a week. No thanks. My sister had a friend and coworker who died of the virus. One of my nieces who is still recovering from the virus was joking how she was happy she didn't have to worry about it any more. My wife asked her if it was worth it and she said, "Oh GOD, NO!" She said it was worse than any cold or flu she's ever had.

What money my wife have saved by not going out to the movies and dinner, or traveling, we send to our local food bank. They are distributing four or five times more food than usual. It's crazy there. We are also helping out relatives who have been furloughed from work.

Our adult children are lucky. They can work from home. Many of their cousins have not been so lucky.

I have a nephew and a niece who are doing their university courses from home. I feel bad for them. They are both doing majors that have a lot of field work. When I was in college I loved field work. Camping out in the desert or mountains, working in the ocean, these were things that kept me in school. I met a lot of interesting people as well.

I've been hospitalized for pneumonia before so this virus scares me, possibly in a PTSD kind of way.

nolabear

(41,915 posts)
19. Against a sea of troubles, frankly.
Tue Aug 11, 2020, 12:49 PM
Aug 2020

My kids’ adoption fell through when birth parents decided to keep the baby once she was born. They paid out so much on medical bills, lawyers, etc. they may not be able to try again. Can’t be mad; it’s a complex thing, and very sad for someone in any eventuality. But we’re all very sad. And the COVID adoption rules are inSANE.

My stepmother has terminal cancer. She’s in Mississippi and we likely won’t be able to see her again. She’s in home hospice.

And Mr. Bear’s having non-lethal but scary heart issues. A fib. He’s had a bypass and we’re nervous as rabbits but they say this isn’t imminently threatening. But he’s been at the ER twice this past month and will have a procedure in a few weeks to try to help.

So it’s been miserable in many ways. But we’re in a good house, he’s working from home and making good money, the kids are healthy in spite of their ridiculous economic hit, I’m in a low residency MFA program at 65 (!) and that freak in the WH has better be gone soon. So life goes on!



maxsolomon

(32,975 posts)
31. I'm about as angry and cynical as I've ever been.
Tue Aug 11, 2020, 01:45 PM
Aug 2020

Exclusive of my niggling personal travails, I hate Trump with the heat of a 1000 suns, and I feel shame that I let his deliberate trolling have that effect on me. Which, I know, is how he wants me to feel. Hopeless.

Even if Biden is elected, I despair for America. McConnell, the Toxic Clown, and stupid stupid stupid Americans have thrown us so far in a hole it will take decades to climb out.

At which point I will be dead.

Midnight Writer

(21,540 posts)
35. I'm doing fine. I am reclusive by nature, so social isolation is not a big deal for me.
Tue Aug 11, 2020, 02:50 PM
Aug 2020

And I am lucky in that, being retired, I don't have to get out to earn a living.

But I sure feel bad for others. I grew up in a poor and large family. I can't imagine how we would have fared if this happened when i was a kid. Mom and Dad out of work, seven kids and a sick grandmother isolated in a two bedroom house? We were all good people, but I shudder to think of the tensions that would have surfaced.

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