I may start sobbing at any moment. And if I do, I’m not sure whether I’ll ever be able to stop. (The idea of being without electricity for four more days has pushed me over the edge.)
Heading to ATL tomorrow to drop daughter off at GT. Preliminary reports in the parent’s FB group show good mask compliance and a well organized, minimal contact check-in process. I will report back our observations of the campus and of the sights along the way.
Meh. Not happy that summer is wrapping up. Worried about getting the kids back to school. Enjoying the outdoors. Not happy we’re number one on some pandemic watch lists. As I said, Meh.
I’m an introvert and my wife is able to go to work twice a week, so we’re doing ok in that respect. That said, my 18 year old puppy had to be put down on Friday and everything reminds me of him, so that sucks.
I learned early-on in my days serving in state government: We place our head on the pillow peacefully at night, because we know we did it the right way.
Guys, sorry for the dual comment. My phone froze when I was editing my last one. I was about to say things are OK for me, but after reading Soccermom’s and CharlieKratos’s comments: I didn’t have the heart to do it. Their situations are heartbreaking, especially in light of the potential for more shutdowns, so my heart said “Don’t brag like that.”
Y’all may not think my saying “things are OK for me” is bragging, but you were entitled to know why I didn’t do it.
Soccermom, if you’re in the Springfield area and there’s anything I can do to help, let me know. I took my generator out to my parent’s house, but I can always go get it if need be.
Doing OK overall. Counting my blessings. I’m healthy, my grown kids are healthy, have a good home and OK financially for now. I’m being careful, wear the mask, avoid crowds, and follow good hygiene. I read more, take more walks, watch too much TV, bake too much and get a little bored sometimes. I feel for you Charlie. I lost my beloved Beagle to bladder cancer four weeks ago. I can deal with things as they come but its hard to lose our pet companions.
I am so sorry about your puppy. Everyone who has been a long time dog owner has lost at least one and it is so hard. Eighteen years is a righteous old age for a dog, but it never seems a good time to say goodbye.
Doing good. Thanks. We’ve been enjoying the cool weather out on the deck. We started watching Yellowstone and I’m glad I’m not a cowboy. Hope you are well Rich and everyone else. Stay safe.
CharleKratos, I am still getting over losing my dog in March just as I started working at home. Working at home right after the loss is incredibly hard. Prayers for you.
It takes more effort than ever to dwell on the positive and not let all the negativity bring us down.
As A.P. Carter wrote, “Keep on the sunny side.” Moment by moment.
- Dance Band on the Titanic - Tuesday, Aug 11, 20 @ 3:01 pm:
Resigning myself to the prospect of there likely being no football this fall. Big 10 is first domino to fall. Next up - No Bears.
- The Real Captain - Tuesday, Aug 11, 20 @ 3:09 pm:
Loading contacts into Hustle, sending out status emails to candidates … popping popcorn to see who Uncle Joe is going to pick to use Mike Pence to wipe the floor.
Health-wise, just fine. No school kids to worry about, fully employed working from home. All in all, good. But I see how easy it is to get sucked into the “it’s too much effort to go out” trap and isolate oneself.
The ineffectiveness of the national response to Covid gets to be more tedious every week.When it really starts to get to me, I take a break and sit out on the deck. That reminds me how fortunate I am to reside in a very comfortable minimum security compound, with none of the problems that hundreds of thousands are facing – – unemployment, bills, housing, educating kids, health, business failures, and lack of leadership to generate any real optimism.
Most grateful to have a close circle of old friends to provide mutual comfort and encouragement. Plus the occasional icy cold martini or two helps.
Hanging in there but nice that I retired last year so do not need to worry about work. The chain of lakes has some good fishing spots and the mornings on the lake are peaceful. However, the Ms is going out of her mind about what the “new” school classroom will be as she works with young special needs kids. School is starting on line next week so we will see. She will go into the classroom with her other teachers and para-pros to create videos for on-line but being young special needs kids, it will be interesting. Hope their parents support this as most didn’t last spring.
- Jose Abreu's Next Homer - Tuesday, Aug 11, 20 @ 3:25 pm:
Been in my basement in Mayfair (Chicago) since March. I was at Sox spring training when everything got shut down. Daughter is 2 years old and wife is stay at home with her so for us we’re doing ok; no hard decisions to make. Been listening to a lot of 670AM while working. Figure not going back to office this year. Office is 10 S Riverside…miss that place.
- Grandson of Man - Tuesday, Aug 11, 20 @ 3:32 pm:
Very lucky so far. Thanks for asking Rich and hope you and yours are well. Wearing masks diligently when unable to social distance, but like so many not completely in control of the environment. It’s lovely to go outdoors in an open space to enjoy summer. Very excited that Sen. Kamala Harris is the VP nominee.
Holding up reasonably well. Summer makes staying home a bit more bearable. Fall into Winter is going to be a test of wills. Looks like we’ll be doing that without college football. Big Ten and Pac 12 both cancelled. Expect others to follow.
Doing OK at the moment but waiting to hear results if D-I-L covid test. Don’t really think she has it but her doctor wanted a test done since she’s had the cough for a while. More likely she just has bronchitis or pneumonia.
But if comes back positive, then all of us will be in quarantine since the grandkids are down every day.
Oh well … as long as I have supplies, I can just keep working on the house.
Soccermom, I hear ya. Same story here in Dolton/Riverdale area just seconds south of Chicago. At least I can hang out in my cooler basement for awhile. No A/C in car with dying transmission, so this is the summer of my discontent. Will have to find someplace to charge my laptop in this Covid wonderland also. Everybody try to stay calm in this dumpster fire of a year.
Company told me yesterday I get to work from home until February at the earliest and we just decided to have the kid do remote learning for the first semester at least. Yea!
best of luck RNUG. If these tests come back positive, stay upbeat. Get the DIL isolated and make sure you know Remdesivir is highly effective when used early. Most doctors know that now if reaches that point.
We managed to avoid storm damage (lots of tree limbs and more down here in far SW Aurora.)
I’m regretting the basement stairs, I’ve been bringing boxes up and staging them for the move. I pick up and load the U-Haul 8/25, drive dawn to dusk the 26th, and close on my new home in NH on the 27th. Fly back here a week later and try and get this place on the market.
Lots of changes in my life. I’ll miss Illinois… in some ways. The gentle beauty of rural farmland, the skyline from the Shedd, good burritos at 3AM, real hot dogs, Italian beef and sausage, good friends and family.
Went to my classroom today. It’s amazing how open it looks with desks 6 ft apart. I cannot wait to start. Nervous, excited, and a little scared, pretty much like every school year.
Just heard this on the BBC: 2 of the 4 family members of the family in New Zealand were traveling within the country while symptomatic. I just want to scream (multiple banned punctuations).
Power back on after 20 hours. Got a call from my mom’s nurse practitioner recommending hospice. Along with Ken from Aurora packing up the house for a move and regretting that there probably won’t be a last trip on the ‘L’ to Chinatown for dim sum before we leave. But I should be able to make it to Johnny’s for an Italian beef at least. Trying to figure out how to safely see family and friends before the move. But very grateful to have the choices I have.
- Ok - Tuesday, Aug 11, 20 @ 2:07 pm:
I’ve got one hand in my pocket, and the other one hailing an uber.
- Soccermom - Tuesday, Aug 11, 20 @ 2:17 pm:
I may start sobbing at any moment. And if I do, I’m not sure whether I’ll ever be able to stop. (The idea of being without electricity for four more days has pushed me over the edge.)
- Proud Sucker - Tuesday, Aug 11, 20 @ 2:18 pm:
Heading to ATL tomorrow to drop daughter off at GT. Preliminary reports in the parent’s FB group show good mask compliance and a well organized, minimal contact check-in process. I will report back our observations of the campus and of the sights along the way.
- Chicago Cynic - Tuesday, Aug 11, 20 @ 2:18 pm:
Meh. Not happy that summer is wrapping up. Worried about getting the kids back to school. Enjoying the outdoors. Not happy we’re number one on some pandemic watch lists. As I said, Meh.
- CharlieKratos - Tuesday, Aug 11, 20 @ 2:19 pm:
I’m an introvert and my wife is able to go to work twice a week, so we’re doing ok in that respect. That said, my 18 year old puppy had to be put down on Friday and everything reminds me of him, so that sucks.
- Clover - Tuesday, Aug 11, 20 @ 2:19 pm:
I learned early-on in my days serving in state government: We place our head on the pillow peacefully at night, because we know we did it the right way.
Kicking back, sipping iced tea. Waiting.
- Tynie - Tuesday, Aug 11, 20 @ 2:20 pm:
Soccermom, here’s a hug. If the COVID situation were different and I were closer, I’d give you one IRL.
- Tynie - Tuesday, Aug 11, 20 @ 2:31 pm:
Guys, sorry for the dual comment. My phone froze when I was editing my last one. I was about to say things are OK for me, but after reading Soccermom’s and CharlieKratos’s comments: I didn’t have the heart to do it. Their situations are heartbreaking, especially in light of the potential for more shutdowns, so my heart said “Don’t brag like that.”
Y’all may not think my saying “things are OK for me” is bragging, but you were entitled to know why I didn’t do it.
- CharlieKratos - Tuesday, Aug 11, 20 @ 2:35 pm:
Soccermom, if you’re in the Springfield area and there’s anything I can do to help, let me know. I took my generator out to my parent’s house, but I can always go get it if need be.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Aug 11, 20 @ 2:37 pm:
I’m ok. New normals and all.
Doing better than some, same as others, anxieties and fears notwithstanding.
Binging all kinds of series, like “Bloodline” right now on Netflix, really enjoyed “Perry Mason” on HBO.
At the point of forcible distractions, that’s new, less sleep, but so very lucky.
Hope y’all are well, no snark, you and yours… and to Rich, hope you’re doing good, thanks for asking us all how are things, be well.
- Sparky - Tuesday, Aug 11, 20 @ 2:43 pm:
Doing OK overall. Counting my blessings. I’m healthy, my grown kids are healthy, have a good home and OK financially for now. I’m being careful, wear the mask, avoid crowds, and follow good hygiene. I read more, take more walks, watch too much TV, bake too much and get a little bored sometimes. I feel for you Charlie. I lost my beloved Beagle to bladder cancer four weeks ago. I can deal with things as they come but its hard to lose our pet companions.
- cermak_rd - Tuesday, Aug 11, 20 @ 2:44 pm:
CharlieKratos,
I am so sorry about your puppy. Everyone who has been a long time dog owner has lost at least one and it is so hard. Eighteen years is a righteous old age for a dog, but it never seems a good time to say goodbye.
- Club J - Tuesday, Aug 11, 20 @ 2:46 pm:
Doing good. Thanks. We’ve been enjoying the cool weather out on the deck. We started watching Yellowstone and I’m glad I’m not a cowboy. Hope you are well Rich and everyone else. Stay safe.
- Dog Lover - Tuesday, Aug 11, 20 @ 2:53 pm:
CharleKratos, I am still getting over losing my dog in March just as I started working at home. Working at home right after the loss is incredibly hard. Prayers for you.
It takes more effort than ever to dwell on the positive and not let all the negativity bring us down.
As A.P. Carter wrote, “Keep on the sunny side.” Moment by moment.
- walker - Tuesday, Aug 11, 20 @ 2:57 pm:
@Ok
Nice reference
- Dance Band on the Titanic - Tuesday, Aug 11, 20 @ 3:01 pm:
Resigning myself to the prospect of there likely being no football this fall. Big 10 is first domino to fall. Next up - No Bears.
- The Real Captain - Tuesday, Aug 11, 20 @ 3:09 pm:
Loading contacts into Hustle, sending out status emails to candidates … popping popcorn to see who Uncle Joe is going to pick to use Mike Pence to wipe the floor.
- Skeptic - Tuesday, Aug 11, 20 @ 3:11 pm:
Health-wise, just fine. No school kids to worry about, fully employed working from home. All in all, good. But I see how easy it is to get sucked into the “it’s too much effort to go out” trap and isolate oneself.
- Langhorne - Tuesday, Aug 11, 20 @ 3:21 pm:
The ineffectiveness of the national response to Covid gets to be more tedious every week.When it really starts to get to me, I take a break and sit out on the deck. That reminds me how fortunate I am to reside in a very comfortable minimum security compound, with none of the problems that hundreds of thousands are facing – – unemployment, bills, housing, educating kids, health, business failures, and lack of leadership to generate any real optimism.
Most grateful to have a close circle of old friends to provide mutual comfort and encouragement. Plus the occasional icy cold martini or two helps.
- snowman1961 - Tuesday, Aug 11, 20 @ 3:23 pm:
Hanging in there but nice that I retired last year so do not need to worry about work. The chain of lakes has some good fishing spots and the mornings on the lake are peaceful. However, the Ms is going out of her mind about what the “new” school classroom will be as she works with young special needs kids. School is starting on line next week so we will see. She will go into the classroom with her other teachers and para-pros to create videos for on-line but being young special needs kids, it will be interesting. Hope their parents support this as most didn’t last spring.
- SSL - Tuesday, Aug 11, 20 @ 3:24 pm:
Doing fine. Best wishes to those struggling.
- Jose Abreu's Next Homer - Tuesday, Aug 11, 20 @ 3:25 pm:
Been in my basement in Mayfair (Chicago) since March. I was at Sox spring training when everything got shut down. Daughter is 2 years old and wife is stay at home with her so for us we’re doing ok; no hard decisions to make. Been listening to a lot of 670AM while working. Figure not going back to office this year. Office is 10 S Riverside…miss that place.
- Grandson of Man - Tuesday, Aug 11, 20 @ 3:32 pm:
Very lucky so far. Thanks for asking Rich and hope you and yours are well. Wearing masks diligently when unable to social distance, but like so many not completely in control of the environment. It’s lovely to go outdoors in an open space to enjoy summer. Very excited that Sen. Kamala Harris is the VP nominee.
- Pundent - Tuesday, Aug 11, 20 @ 3:34 pm:
Holding up reasonably well. Summer makes staying home a bit more bearable. Fall into Winter is going to be a test of wills. Looks like we’ll be doing that without college football. Big Ten and Pac 12 both cancelled. Expect others to follow.
- Candy Dogood - Tuesday, Aug 11, 20 @ 3:40 pm:
I’m excited for the opportunity to participate in the Biden Administration’s Selina Meyer Veep Tribute LARP.
- RNUG - Tuesday, Aug 11, 20 @ 4:02 pm:
Doing OK at the moment but waiting to hear results if D-I-L covid test. Don’t really think she has it but her doctor wanted a test done since she’s had the cough for a while. More likely she just has bronchitis or pneumonia.
But if comes back positive, then all of us will be in quarantine since the grandkids are down every day.
Oh well … as long as I have supplies, I can just keep working on the house.
- revvedup - Tuesday, Aug 11, 20 @ 4:13 pm:
Soccermom, I hear ya. Same story here in Dolton/Riverdale area just seconds south of Chicago. At least I can hang out in my cooler basement for awhile. No A/C in car with dying transmission, so this is the summer of my discontent. Will have to find someplace to charge my laptop in this Covid wonderland also. Everybody try to stay calm in this dumpster fire of a year.
- Consultant101 - Tuesday, Aug 11, 20 @ 4:17 pm:
Company told me yesterday I get to work from home until February at the earliest and we just decided to have the kid do remote learning for the first semester at least. Yea!
- Blue Dog Dem - Tuesday, Aug 11, 20 @ 4:17 pm:
best of luck RNUG. If these tests come back positive, stay upbeat. Get the DIL isolated and make sure you know Remdesivir is highly effective when used early. Most doctors know that now if reaches that point.
- Ducky LaMoore - Tuesday, Aug 11, 20 @ 4:55 pm:
Literally shed a tear at Biden’s vp choice. Can it be next year already?
- Ken_in_Aurora - Tuesday, Aug 11, 20 @ 5:07 pm:
Doing good, but tired.
We managed to avoid storm damage (lots of tree limbs and more down here in far SW Aurora.)
I’m regretting the basement stairs, I’ve been bringing boxes up and staging them for the move. I pick up and load the U-Haul 8/25, drive dawn to dusk the 26th, and close on my new home in NH on the 27th. Fly back here a week later and try and get this place on the market.
Lots of changes in my life. I’ll miss Illinois… in some ways. The gentle beauty of rural farmland, the skyline from the Shedd, good burritos at 3AM, real hot dogs, Italian beef and sausage, good friends and family.
- Pylorus - Tuesday, Aug 11, 20 @ 6:06 pm:
Went to my classroom today. It’s amazing how open it looks with desks 6 ft apart. I cannot wait to start. Nervous, excited, and a little scared, pretty much like every school year.
- Just a Citizen - Tuesday, Aug 11, 20 @ 6:59 pm:
Cleaning up storm damage.
- Lynn S. - Tuesday, Aug 11, 20 @ 9:11 pm:
Just heard this on the BBC: 2 of the 4 family members of the family in New Zealand were traveling within the country while symptomatic. I just want to scream (multiple banned punctuations).
- AnnieH - Tuesday, Aug 11, 20 @ 10:32 pm:
Power back on after 20 hours. Got a call from my mom’s nurse practitioner recommending hospice. Along with Ken from Aurora packing up the house for a move and regretting that there probably won’t be a last trip on the ‘L’ to Chinatown for dim sum before we leave. But I should be able to make it to Johnny’s for an Italian beef at least. Trying to figure out how to safely see family and friends before the move. But very grateful to have the choices I have.