I think I've been very careful

[Rorey]

I've worn a mask every time I go somewhere, and I think my masks are pretty good. They're three layers thick and, because I make my own, they're well fitted. I keep my distance. Always. I've only gone to a store during the slowest times. Many times I've driven to a store, looked at the parking lot, and left.

I've got a 3 month old grandson who lives less than 10 miles from me and I haven't gotten to hold him. I haven't had a hug from a grandchild or my adult kids in "forever". The only living creature I've touched is my cat.

So now here we are. According to everything we hear, it's more dangerous than ever because our society of big babies couldn't make an adjustment this year and act like responsible humans and stay the f*ck home for Thanksgiving.

I've now gone into a complete personal stay at home lockdown. I've been getting ready, and, because so many people are idiots, the time has come when I feel I have to finally do it.

It didn't have to be this way. I just have to wonder, are the selfish people who made this situation worse ever going to change?

As far as I'm concerned, that f*cking orange loser in the WH is guilty of mass murder and he's a terrorist. What he has done in regard to Covid-19 is far, far worse than ANY of his other many criminal acts. Should he be pardoned? HELL NO!!!

(I'm sorry to sound so negative. I'm truly so thankful for everything I have and that, so far, none of my loved ones have fallen victim to this disease. So far.)

[Cha]

1. Well said, Rorey.. Righteous Rant!

the rainbow on the Horizon is Joe Biden and Kamala Harris being Inaugurating on January 20, 2021 at High Noon!

[regnaD kciN]

2. Especially since...

...even though he may be gone in six or seven weeks, the "it's an infringement on my sacred FREEEEEEEDUMB!!!" mindset he and his minions consciously and deliberately promoted will be around long after he's gone. And, once President Biden tries to take the sort of action to curb this pandemic that should have been done a full year before, those infected with this mindset will be even more determined to resist, because it will be coming from "a big-government liberal Democrat fake president." It will be a crusade to resist any slightest efforts to slow the disease.

[Rorey]

7. I have a strong opinion about what should be done about that

I mean about the orange menace currently in the WH. I can't vocalize it.

His criminal act of promoting the spread of the virus will continue after he's out.

I knew he was going to be horrible. I suspected he was going to be monster. He has surpassed my worst nightmares.

[bdamomma]

22. I knew he

was going to be bad Nov 4 2016, a Thug/con from the very beginning. You never choose a celebrity con man to be President (who had help from an adversary) You wouldn't go to a baker to have surgery would you???

[Rorey]

25. Exactly

Honestly, I've never seen the logic in thinking that experience was a bad thing.

[sheshe2]

3. hey...

I hear you.

[BigmanPigman]

4. Self isolating or quarantining if you can

is the most mature and responsible thing you can do if you are able to do it and don't have to go out to work.

[Rorey]

6. Oh, I need to make clear

I'm in no way criticizing anyone who has to go out for any legitimate reason, and there are MANY legitimate reasons. At this point, I don't have a legitimate reason to be out and about. I'm very thankful for that, and that I CAN stay home.

[FirstLight]

5. word.

I have gone back inside as well... im not leaving the house for days at a time if possible.

[MissB]

8. Dh and I rarely go anywhere

We order most stuff curbside including weekly grocery pickup.

Usually we’d buy a good cut of beef from Costco for Christmas. I’m not setting foot in there for any reason before at least February. Instead we’ve ordered a meal from a local restaurant- they’ll provide everything we need for a Christmas dinner. Win-win. I swing by and pick up the meal (which is uncooked but the sides are assembled) a few days before dinner. They tell me what time to stop by their parking lot and I pop my trunk open, so again, contactless.

And sorry, I’m buying online for Christmas. I’m hitting up Etsy (including local artisans) as much as possible as well as the local bookstore (Powells) but Amazon will get some business too. It’s awfully convenient to mail gifts from them rather than schlepping it to the post office.

We did venture out today to buy a wreath. The place was outside so it was easy to not get within 6 feet of folks.

We also swung by the dog park. We keep our masks on. It’s an open 2 acre field and while there were a lot of people there, I wasn’t within 25 feet of anyone during the entire time we were there.

I’ll drop off some home canned jam and some cookies to my nearby relatives.

[Rorey]

10. Good for you for supporting a local restaurant

I'm probably going to go to a park for a walk tomorrow because it's supposed to be a nice day. It has never been a crowded park, and it's good to get some fresh air and some sun.
i
I had wanted to go see my granddaughter next weekend. It's her second birthday. I had planned to basically quarantine for two weeks before and after, and then just do an outside visit. But I'm pretty sure she'd want a hug. She's just the sweetest little thing. So I'll sing her happy birthday over google duo.

My neighbor told me she makes a cake for her grandkids' birthdays and they blow it out virtually. I thought that was a very cute idea.

[marlakay]

27. I was worried about Powells since its a tourist

Destination as well as for locals. I live 4 1/2 hr drive south but go there every time I am in Portland.

[Arkansas Granny]

9. I can count on one hand the places I've been since March and one of those places is home.

I go to work, but I can practically isolate in my office. Much of the time, I am the only person in the building. I do all my shopping online and can have groceries delivered.

It really pisses me off to realize that because of Trump and the anti-maskers we are still having to take such extreme measures and we are still losing so many people every day. It shouldn't have been like this.

[Rorey]

13. It definitely didn't have to be like this

Many have died. Many will have life long health problems. And many have suffered financial devastation from which they won't recover.

I can't even imagine what it would feel like to own a small business that they've put their heart and soul into, only to lose it through no fault of their own. Or to lose their job through no fault of their own. Or to have to stay out of work for weeks to quarantine through no fault of their own.

[brewens]

11. I'm with you there. I'm on full lockdown. I'm scheduled for a total hip replacement Jan 11, but I

don't expect it to happen. I think elective surgeries will be shut down here by then. If not, I may cancel.

It's easier for me than most. I'm retired/disability and didn't see many people anyway. I live on my own and don't have to let anyone in. I use the Walmart grocery pick up. I had enough money to buy a small chest freezer and slam it. Also a ton of stuff in my pantry. The maskholes and their leader made all that a lot more necessary than need be.

I could go until I'm vaccinated without setting foot in a public building if I have to, and I just might.

[Rorey]

15. I hope you can get that hip replacement soon

I don't know how such a thing is "elective", but I'm sure you'd feel safer putting it off.

I feel like we're going to be in a much better place by spring. Fingers crossed.

[jimlup]

12. United Airlines shipped vacine today

so that it will be in place when the word of approval comes down. Tuesday a committee meets to allocate the vacine and decide the rules for who gets it administering them. I would guess it will be "Health Care Workers and First Responders" first. Then those over 65, then maybe they'll go down by decades. Those over 55, etc.

We have a light at the end of the tunnel. Hang on!

[Rorey]

18. At first I was thinking I'd get it as soon as I could

I just turned 66, so I think I'd be in one of the earlier groups. On the other hand, I CAN stay home so it's not nearly as urgent for me to get it as it is for essential workers and those who need to have medical procedures done, etc.

I'm thinking a lot of the MAGAts will refuse to get vaccinated, so that'll make it available for those who want it to get it sooner. I'm really worried about those MAGAts infecting those who can't get the vaccine, like kids.

[jimlup]

53. Sounds like it will be

1. Health Care Workers
2. Nursing Homes
3. First Responders
4. Pre-existing conditions

...

I'm 63 so I'll bet that when they start specifying age brackets it will be 64 and up first.

[cilla4progress]

59. Great thread.

Gradually scaling back here, as well, though I'm still working and we live far out of town for deliveries.

Struggling with 27 year old lonely daughter who wants/needs to be with on the holidays. Lives out of state.

Also - they (anti-vaxxers) will be exposing US!

This has got to be screwing with our sanity as a society, species. There will always be before the pandemic, and after.

[bdamomma]

30. But I heard

on the news they will pay people to get the shot, not being rude, I bet there will be some who will oblige. But for myself I wouldn't want to get paid to get vaccinated. I'll just have it done when the time comes.

[bucolic_frolic]

14. I want to go out and I need to go out

but I'm having a hard time making the case to do so. I need an actual job, but if I contract COVID will I ever work again? I might not get it, I might last 3 weeks. It's a conundrum. I have home gigs, but .... Get a work-at-home job! Yeah, a bit more technology. Just what I need.

So yes I do understand how you feel. Isolation is the sane option. Vaccines are still months away for the masses.

[Rorey]

23. I honestly think we're going to get it sooner than we thought

It seems like things are moving along quickly. I'm hopeful that we'll be emerging from this nightmare sooner that was first predicted.

[MerryBlooms]

16. We protect ourselves and the people we love,

that's all we can do. I am a home health worker, so I've been working with my two clients throughout and taking care of my sister. Our mobile park was hit by the Almeda fire and my cat was trapped here in our home during the fire. He experienced unbelievable trauma and has his voice back, but is still suffering and panics with every loud noise, emergency alert, etc... I was able to get him after three days with the help of two police officers who were absolute angels that day. We were displaced for over a month. There are piles of scrap metal, concrete and all sorts of debris now. I didn't miss a day of work because my clients need me and they are part of my family now. I watched the fires burn around us and my other co-workers and I had a plan to evacuate our folks if needed. I don't do anything that's not essential when I'm not working- grocery and pharmacy, that's it.

I'm not resentful... I'm not angry, I don't know what I am. I know I'm somewhat depressed, but now that President Biden will be in charge and will have a national mandate. My sights are set on spring and hopes of seeing my friends and family. Take care.

[Rorey]

20. Ohhhh, your poor kitty

I hope he's over it soon, but cats are pretty sensitive creatures.

Yeah, that's kind of me too, although I admit to having anger toward trump and his followers. I'm VERY happy and relieved to know there's a light at the end of the tunnel.

[MerryBlooms]

26. My cat who was here during the fire is my 25 lb Lilac Point Balinese Siamese.

He's a blue eyed beauty and very sensitive and super expressive. He's a momma's boy and waits at the door with my Manx for me to come home from work. That day, I didn't come home from work, the roads were blocked and the police wouldn't let me through to get him. He heard the constant smoke alarms, explosions of propane tanks, ammunition, sirens, etc... He is just now able to sleep in my room with me. My room is at the front of the house where he saw the glow of fire and heard explosions across the street. I saw one video of the one engine company in our park in front of our house pumping water from the creek, because the hydrants had no pressure. That's what saved our end of the street, being so close to the creek. I accidentally set off the smoke alarm last month and omg, he tore down the hall and hid under my bed for hours. My Manx followed him and stayed with him under the bed for a while. I laid on the floor with him... He needs time.

I have guilt because I couldn't get home that day. I was at the other end of our valley at work. The fire swept in so quickly, the firefighters couldn't fight much. I am so grateful they could save about a third of our park. I knew somehow my Harry was okay, I just knew. I refused to look for him at the injured animal lists like my one sister was doing. I kept telling her he wasn't there and to just stop. I finally just left the room and refused to talk to her. I knew he was okay, I don't know, I just knew. He's my miracle baby. There were over 150 folks in our park who were trapped at work and couldn't get back so save their pets, so their beloved furry family members died in the fire, as did one human. A lot of mourning here. It seems like ages ago, but it was just September 8th.

[Rorey]

32. I'm so glad he made it through the fire

Sounds absolutely terrifying.

[MerryBlooms]

44. He's getting better, but he needs time.

I've sterilized everything in my room so the scents of the fire are gone. I washed one of my quilts and then slept with it, put it in my glider rocker in my room for him. He's now willing to sleep in my room. Before that, he just sat at my door and meowed. I slept on the couch with them. It's a slow process. The glass company is finally coming Friday (all repair shops are backed up) to replace the cracked outer windows on my room and my craft room. That was our only damage, besides some superficial bubbling in our paint from the heat from the homes burning across the street. We were So fortunate. The one neighbor catty-corner, everything on both side of her burned, her place is fine, all alone. The scenes in our park are unbelievable.

[Rorey]

50. He can probably smell things you can't

And that smoke smell is hard to eradicate.

What a scary thing for you and your pets!!! To me, fire is just about the scariest thing there is.

[MerryBlooms]

52. Oh, absolutely. My other cat who was evacuated acts like nothing happened...

My Harry is getting better. He's super happy I put our tree up a couple days ago. The Manx scrubs him every night, which is so sweet and comforting for all three of us. These two fuzzy mugs have been a life saver for me, and there's nothing I wouldn't do for them. I love the purring and sweet nuzzling next to me... All is right with the world when my furbags are happy.

[bdamomma]

36. oh my

just reading your post about your ordeal must have been heart breaking. I'm so sorry you had to go through that horrible pain and anguish. I'm glad for you and your cat. And hope your kitty knows that she is loved and is safe. My best to the both of you.

[MerryBlooms]

46. He's getting better. It will be a long process.

Every day when I brush him, I tell him what a brave boy he is, how proud I am and how it's all okay now and I love him. He loves brush time. I also run movie time every night on my Kindle for him. Usually Midsomer Murders or Agatha Christie. He is finally coming in for the usual snuggle and movie time, then has been sleeping on my quilt in our glider. He's still spooked by unusual sounds- lots of those because the park has changed so much. He will be okay... We all are adjusting.

[birdographer]

17. This Is Us

We are doing the same and as pissed as you. We hate Walmart, but they have curbside pickup for shopping (we are in a small town, they are the only ones doing this). We have decided that going to our local grocery store requires such lengthy dodging of trumper maskless morons that we spend more than an hour for a trip that should take half that time. So we order as much as possible from Walmart and it cuts our in-public grocery store visits down to maybe 10 minutes (we want to pick out our own produce and we don't like Walmart chicken). I think we are down to those 10 minutes away from the house a week. If masks were required, and that was enforced, maybe our county wouldn't be such high risk.

It's Donald and his idiot followers making this so hard for us. And nothing will happen to him because of it. So I'm just as mad.

[Rorey]

21. I'm lucky to be in Colorado

We do have a mask mandate, and I'm in a city where it seems that most people adhere to it.

Of course there's always the random idiot here and there who won't wear a mask. And nothing happens to them. Grrrr.

[Demonaut]

19. it's all true, many of here agree with your statements, we do what we

have to do, mask when we must, use sanitizer frequently, keep our distance, we keep society together

[Rorey]

24. Can you imagine what it would be like if NONE of us did those things?

Our health care system would completely shut down.

[Escurumbele]

28. You are 100% correct, he needs to be tried for intent, he was not negligent, it was on purpose.

He is responsible for so many deaths because, in his own words, "he wanted to play it down", he lied to the country. Yes, he has committed mass murder.

[bdamomma]

39. I agree

tRump is a mass murderer, committing genocide on Americans. He knew all about it and didn't do anything. I almost wish the ICC would confirm he committed crimes against humanity. Cause he did.

[Native]

29. And then there are all those families who have to work & have to have their kids in daycare/school

They don't have the luxury to isolate or fully protect themselves. I live for the day when I can watch our murderer-in-chief do his perp walk.

[tavernier]

31. You make me feel guilty now.

I live in the tropics and I visit with my four closest friends twice a wee. We sit outdoors six feet apart, but none of us go hardly anywhere but occasionally grocery store or to a restaurant outdoors on the beach where everyone wears masks. Ppl in this community are very pro mask and distancing, so we feel pretty safe we also observe the rules. I realize we are very fortunate to have weather that allows us to do these things. But now I feel guilty reading your post.

[Rorey]

33. Don't feel guilty! You're doing nothing wrong!

If you're able to safely interact with friends, then of course you should. It would serve no purpose for you to deny yourself a safe interaction.

We get some very nice days here too, and I had actually thought about going up to see my granddaughter on her birthday next weekend if the weather was nice enough to be outside. But she's a little hugger, and her mom works in a retail store, so I had to accept that it wasn't a good idea.

We'll have some kick-ass celebrations when this is over.

[c-rational]

34. Well said, and I do not find it negative at all. Just the facts.

[yaesu]

35. I'm going out in public once a week, shipping & groceries. Still running into nutjob antimaskers

I'm no longer going to one of my fav stores because they took the mask signs down but plenty of competition. I drive 20 miles out of the way to mail packages because its a nice, new roomy office where the local one is from the 20's & isn't much bigger than a walk in closet.

[SlogginThroughIt]

37. Wait. Hang on a second.

Quarantine for two weeks if you aren’t already there. Have the baby and his family quarantine and go see that baby!!!

There are things you cannot miss and there are ways to remove the risk.

[Rorey]

40. I've seen him, just haven't held him

It'll be ok. I mean, sometimes I get a little teary, but I do know that he is showered with love.

I've got six grandchildren, and had the opportunity to spend a lot of time with the others because I was their main child care when they were little. For awhile I feared that I wouldn't get to bond with this little guy like I did with the others, but I know it's going to be okay. When we're all feeling safer, I'll spend a lot of time with all of them. I know they'd feel extreme guilt if I got sick, and my son really can't completely work from home. He's in an essential field.

The people in the family I feel the worst about are my daughter-in-law's grandmothers. They're both in their 80s. One has continued to interact with friends in her retirement complex, but the other one is pretty isolated. I know the family has gone over and visited outside, and they keep in touch by phone, but it still has to be very tough for her.

[JudyM]

43. Check this out... something you can jerryrig to hold him

Such a touching photo...

[Rorey]

48. That is very touching!

My littlest grandson is old enough to recognize people now at three months, so I think something like that would be pretty scary for him.

[SlogginThroughIt]

49. As long as you are doing alright.

Those early days go quick right?

[Rorey]

51. Time really does fly.

I was thinking about it, and realized that with this guy's older brother, who is now four, I really didn't hold him a whole lot until he was three months old when his mom went back to work. Then I literally held him almost the entire time I was taking care of him until he was big enough to start crawling. I got to watch him about 25 hours a week, and loved every second. We built an incredible bond, as I also did with the other grandchildren.

It's kind of cool that they're spread out in age so I got to have individual time with each when they were babies. This being a grandma thing is the best thing ever.

[Acornsouth]

38. Dont feel to bad for these anti-maskers...

The covid will hit them hard and knock some sense into their thick skulls, or kill them....either way, there will be less of them as this disease finds them and their anti mask family's …. and consumes them...

[Rorey]

41. I don't feel sorry for them

Just for the innocent people to whom they pass it, as well as the health care workers who have to take care of them.

[MontanaMama]

42. Here's a hug from me to you, Rorey.

It’s not much but it is all I can offer. Is there any way you and your family can quarantine long enough so you can see your baby grandson? These are insanely difficult days. The isolation is taking a serious toll on so many of us. I don’t know about you, but I’m finding that the isolation is getting harder with time, not easier. AND, I’m an introvert. I feel very anxious...I miss the hugs of family and good friends.

[Rorey]

45. Not really, but I have seen him. Just haven't held him.

I have no problem quarantining, and my daughter-in-law hardly gets out at all, but for my son, it would be very tough. He's had to quarantine a couple of times because people at his work tested positive. He got tested last week and it was negative.

It's just pretty complicated. It's going to be okay. Thank you for your kind thoughts, and the hug. I'm really pretty much an introvert too, but this has been going on a long time and is a real test.

We'll be okay. We really will.

[Joinfortmill]

47. I'm with you. Stay safe.

[lillypaddle]

54. Righteous indeed!

[kag]

55. Thank you from a fellow Coloradan!

My husband and I have worked hard to cut down our contacts. I was in tears for days when I had to tell my extended family in Texas that I wouldn't be able to see them for the holidays, or at all until the pandemic ends. At this point we see almost no one for any length of time.

And I keep seeing the news of all of the death and sickness because others just don't give a shit! I can't tell you how angry it makes me.

I want everyone at DU to know that I, for one, appreciate all of the sacrifice. I'm sure that like me, you wish you could do more, but I'm convinced that this is one case where less is definitely better.

Take care everyone!

[Rorey]

57. I just saw on the news

They're saying that everyone who wants the vaccine will be able to get it by June, and some will be getting it before the end of December.

I'm thinking we should all have one helluva 4th of July this year. Fingers crossed.

[RobertDevereaux]

56. 100% agreed.

[BobTheSubgenius]

58. You have every right to feel however you feel.

There are a lot of things on both sides of the ledger, have always been and will always be throughout our lives. The push-and-pull of them is just The Way Things Work.

Virtually everyone in the world should have some resentment towards Il Douche, but mostly `fellow Americans.` Hate him and curse him, if you want. He has more than earned it.