- Grandson of Man - Wednesday, Dec 16, 20 @ 8:38 am:
Trying to maintain health and sanity and keep pushing forward until the general population can get the vaccine.
Very closely following the presidential election, which has been fascinating and disturbing, with endless failed legal and political attempts to overturn the results. Our courts are shining as powerful beacons of American democracy. Thankfully, justices know that free and fair elections, burden of proof and rule of law are eternal values and should withstand autocratic attempts to subvert the will of the people.
In 1988 Madigan gave an interview to Michael Klemens. When asked “Has Gov. Thompson been around so long that his longevity has become an issue?” Madigan’s reply was “It’s an issue to the extent that maybe Thompson has become stale; maybe the people around him have lost the level of interest that’s really important for efficient government”. Madigan should take heed to his past words.
Heard yesterday from Doctor on radio that those that had Covid especially those with mild cases should get vaccinated. I had wondered if it was necessary and that the Moderns vaccine that I could bought was more effective is less effective in older adults than in younger adults and also requires two shots. I swore that it was only one shot. Anyway I believe it will all work out in end which makes me optimistic and happy. So happy holidays everyone
- Essential State Employee - Wednesday, Dec 16, 20 @ 8:52 am:
==It’s an issue to the extent that maybe Thompson has become stale==
He was never “stale” when State Fair times rolled around including late in his last term.
Have some long-hauler issues left from my bout with rona at the beginning of November. Coughing jags a couple times a day; the cough is a chord that includes a high note that sometimes sounds like a scream in my head. Exhaustion in that I feel good in the morning but am pretty much finished with the day at 5 or 6. But muscle fatigue is starting to lift, allowing me to do things like fix my hair without feeling like I’m holding a manhole cover above my head 90 seconds in.
Let’s call the anxiety a lingering effect as well. I think I mentioned a family member became symptomatic the first week of July and then the first week of November, so I’m quite
It’s snowing, not really sticking except right where the sidewalk meets the grass. I’ve made a loaf of bread and am now out of flour, but I’m not going to the store just for that.
…quite aware that natural immunity may not be as long-lasting as we’d like it to be.
So I worked a 13-hour day on Monday and a chunk of that involved an 8:30 a.m. cattle call for Consolidated Election ballot petition filers with media on the scene as well. I think we did a good job with logistics and PPE but…still.
Had my first COVID test Monday, a rapid at the health department which was negative. A person who works in my building was positive. It was truly encouraging that no one else tested positive either, so the precautions we’ve been taking for so long were effective in preventing spread.
The health department folk were wonderful. I can’t imagine being on my feet all day swabbing noses, getting all the paperwork filled out for a steady stream of people, running in and out of the trailer into the cold to give results. I am gratified I’ve been doing all I can to prevent spread of the virus to at least lessen their load a little bit, but that doesn’t touch the amount that we owe them for their dedicated service to our community.
I just moved last week, and am looking at piles of boxes that need unpacking.
One of my sibs can’t come here for the holidays, as she usually does, so I mailed her gifts yesterday. What a pain. Small post office, and so the line went outside and was very, very, very slow. Only one clerk, and it was the one who is slow as molasses and always wears her mask under her nose. But folks in line were taking the wait in stride, and being friendly and helpful to each other, which is as it should be.
My other sib can quarantine and then drive straight through to get here, so that’s all good. We normally go to friends’ one evening, and although we can’t do that, we are going to do a food exchange on their front porch. Then my sib and I will head home, and we’ll dine together via Zoom, and the sib who can’t come out will join us that way.
- FormerParatrooper - Wednesday, Dec 16, 20 @ 9:23 am:
Dog lover, I got the call last night my father has covid. The nursing home he was in had a vendor violate protocol and exposed the residents. They had been covid free until a few weeks ago. He is at the ICU now on ventilation. He has copd and dementia and no one is able to visit.
My prayers include your parents.
Please, follow protocols. This is a simple thing to do. I understand freedom, I also understand to have freedom we must be alive to enjoy it. Personal hygiene and a mask, and if you are ill stay isolated, what’s so hard about this?
Six months after being notified by HR about the unemployment scam, my husband got a follow-up call from IDES this week. The worker was competent and courteous, but at one point asked my husband to slow down. Reason? He was writing everything down by hand because no working computer was available.
Ended up testing positive for COVID four days after working as an election judge. I’m almost certain I got it from another judge. I isolated per guidelines and thankfully felt better within a week. The upside of all this was going to be that I could donate convalescent plasma, but I’m having a heck of a time getting the blood bank to book an appointment for me. Frustrating to say the least.
- Essential State Employee - Wednesday, Dec 16, 20 @ 9:38 am:
==It’s snowing, not really sticking except right where the sidewalk meets the grass. ==
Only about less than 0.1 inch of snow in the Springfield area this morning, but many streets in the city were slick. Including all streets leading to the Capitol Complex.
Former Paratrooper and Dog Lover - so sorry to hear about your parents. Before he passed away last year, my dad was at the Vet’s Home in LaSalle and I can’t imagine how I’d feel if he were still there. Those in a position to follow guidelines owe it to those vulnerable people to do so. Haircuts and happy hours can wait.
Being honest it’s been a tough month. Christmas is alway a hard time of the year, but with the pandemic and being unable to get out with family and friends makes it 10 times worse. Lots of anxiety and depression this time of year. I’m lucky to have a good support group that keeps me in check as much as possible.
You’d think after 30 years I’d have my act together, but just doesn’t seem to be in my DNA. I still love telling everyone Merry Christmas though…
I am hitting 70 early next year. In my head I am still 50. Physically very active and have some medical issues. Several close friends have had Covid. They recovered with lingering effects. Mrs Z and I stay home a lot and limit where we go. Mother-in-law is isolated in a local nursing home that has Covid, but she does not have it. Son lives far away so we FedExed gifts and will Zoom Christmas. Daughter gets the UofI spit test 2x week. We may get together with her family briefly. Compared to others we are doing OK. Hope it stays that way and the vaccine comes soon. Mask up, do space, and wash hands. That is no guarantee but it costs nothing and takes virtually no effort.
Now working from home, using Zoom for tutoring City College students. Students range in age from late teens to adults in their fifties.
Many juggle part-time work, classes, and families. Enjoy the age range and life experience each one brings to the session. They often share stories of managing several part-time jobs just to keep their heads above water.
My deepest sympathies, I’m so terribly sorry for your loss.
My thoughts and prayers to those facing Covid-19 uncertainty, for themselves and family members as well.
- FormerParatrooper - Wednesday, Dec 16, 20 @ 11:46 am:
Thank you everyone.
My father was the man I aspired to be. I only hope I measured up to him.
Be safe, take precautions not only for you, but for those you do not know. He once told me he wanted to die the same way he came into this world, naked and screaming. Instead he went out quietly stricken by a disease someone introduced to the nursing home not following the proper protocols.
He was a Vietnam Veteran, and his ashes will be spread at the graves of my Grandparents and his favorite place on Clinton Lake in Missouri where we spent many years fishing together.
I knew the day was coming, it is still tough. Thank you for letting me express myself, and godspeed to one and all.
Struggling. Just trying to mentally make it thru Thanksgiving ( over now) and then Christmas. No large get together( and I totally agreed with that) meant I cooked the entire meal- not much experience with that. Not in the mood to shop for gifts- ordered what I had ideas for- now having to go in person for the rest- still no ideas.
However that’s all minor compared to the health concerns for family and friends. Many have pre-existing conditions. Parents are in assisted living and Covid has finally entered the building. Have a friend on a ventilator for Covid.
I just want to tell the my supposed friends who say it’s a hoax, who think wearing a mask means they are in prison, who now won’t get the vaccine to just forget they ever knew me.
Doing my very best to keep a positive attitude. I’m healthy and safe and so are my immediate family members. Several members of my extended family caught Covid and seemed to have light cases. They were Trumpers and anti maskers every single one. I guess maybe sometimes God does protect fools and idiots.
- thisjustinagain - Wednesday, Dec 16, 20 @ 12:53 pm:
Being single and undateable makes it easier and harder to isolate. A few friends call, but we can’t hang out together now. Holidays have always been an issue anyway, so it’s a long slog through the season of Covid and politics. to paraphrase Verlaine, “the long sobbing violins of Winter, wound my heart with a monotonous languor.”
@FormerParatrooper - My condolences and deepest sympathy.
These times we have been living in should cause all of us to reflect on those who have been impacted by this virus and be grateful that we have survived as well as we have. A friend was infected, was very sick for over 6 weeks and is still noticing some lasting effects.
This is nothing to take lightly. Be safe everyone.
My mom called me this morning. She lives by herself. Her sister, who has been battling cancer, needs to go into hospice and has 3 to 4 months to live. My mom found out someone has been fraudulently using her credit card. And she got into a car accident. Fortunately no one was hurt. Her brother died in the spring. Like so many other people, it’s been hard this year; made worse by covid. We’ll persevere. Adapt and overcome.
thankful not to be ill or have dear ones close to me ill. but terrified for the State of Illinois, especially for the frontline workers who struggle to keep space for those in need of immediate assistance because of the virus. not happy being criticized on line but happy that those who know me are well and we are ok.
Tested positive for COVID nearly 7 weeks ago. Nasty symptoms. Still tired. No sense of taste or smell. But I am so very grateful to be able to write this, unlike so many others who have yet or will never recover. Don’t be a fool - wear the mask for the sake of others. Be smart about the vaccine - what you think you know but really don’t could kill you (and others).
If they issued murder warrants for those who don’t wear masks then maybe we’d get a little bit better compliance.
- Anon E Moose - Wednesday, Dec 16, 20 @ 8:17 am:
Waiting for COVID test results :-/
- Flyin' Elvis'-Utah Chapter - Wednesday, Dec 16, 20 @ 8:34 am:
Anon E Moose-gonna be alright.
- Grandson of Man - Wednesday, Dec 16, 20 @ 8:38 am:
Trying to maintain health and sanity and keep pushing forward until the general population can get the vaccine.
Very closely following the presidential election, which has been fascinating and disturbing, with endless failed legal and political attempts to overturn the results. Our courts are shining as powerful beacons of American democracy. Thankfully, justices know that free and fair elections, burden of proof and rule of law are eternal values and should withstand autocratic attempts to subvert the will of the people.
- Looking back - Wednesday, Dec 16, 20 @ 8:42 am:
In 1988 Madigan gave an interview to Michael Klemens. When asked “Has Gov. Thompson been around so long that his longevity has become an issue?” Madigan’s reply was “It’s an issue to the extent that maybe Thompson has become stale; maybe the people around him have lost the level of interest that’s really important for efficient government”. Madigan should take heed to his past words.
- DuPage Saint - Wednesday, Dec 16, 20 @ 8:45 am:
Heard yesterday from Doctor on radio that those that had Covid especially those with mild cases should get vaccinated. I had wondered if it was necessary and that the Moderns vaccine that I could bought was more effective is less effective in older adults than in younger adults and also requires two shots. I swore that it was only one shot. Anyway I believe it will all work out in end which makes me optimistic and happy. So happy holidays everyone
- Essential State Employee - Wednesday, Dec 16, 20 @ 8:52 am:
==It’s an issue to the extent that maybe Thompson has become stale==
He was never “stale” when State Fair times rolled around including late in his last term.
- Dog Lover - Wednesday, Dec 16, 20 @ 8:52 am:
Both of my parents are in a nursing home and have Covid. It scares the you know what out of me.
- Loop Lady - Wednesday, Dec 16, 20 @ 9:05 am:
My cousin was cremated yesterday after dying from COVID.
Please do everything you can to avoid contracting it.
- yinn - Wednesday, Dec 16, 20 @ 9:09 am:
Have some long-hauler issues left from my bout with rona at the beginning of November. Coughing jags a couple times a day; the cough is a chord that includes a high note that sometimes sounds like a scream in my head. Exhaustion in that I feel good in the morning but am pretty much finished with the day at 5 or 6. But muscle fatigue is starting to lift, allowing me to do things like fix my hair without feeling like I’m holding a manhole cover above my head 90 seconds in.
Let’s call the anxiety a lingering effect as well. I think I mentioned a family member became symptomatic the first week of July and then the first week of November, so I’m quite
- Cheryl44 - Wednesday, Dec 16, 20 @ 9:10 am:
Dog Lover, that’s rough. Please take care.
It’s snowing, not really sticking except right where the sidewalk meets the grass. I’ve made a loaf of bread and am now out of flour, but I’m not going to the store just for that.
- yinn - Wednesday, Dec 16, 20 @ 9:13 am:
…quite aware that natural immunity may not be as long-lasting as we’d like it to be.
So I worked a 13-hour day on Monday and a chunk of that involved an 8:30 a.m. cattle call for Consolidated Election ballot petition filers with media on the scene as well. I think we did a good job with logistics and PPE but…still.
- Earnest - Wednesday, Dec 16, 20 @ 9:13 am:
Had my first COVID test Monday, a rapid at the health department which was negative. A person who works in my building was positive. It was truly encouraging that no one else tested positive either, so the precautions we’ve been taking for so long were effective in preventing spread.
The health department folk were wonderful. I can’t imagine being on my feet all day swabbing noses, getting all the paperwork filled out for a steady stream of people, running in and out of the trailer into the cold to give results. I am gratified I’ve been doing all I can to prevent spread of the virus to at least lessen their load a little bit, but that doesn’t touch the amount that we owe them for their dedicated service to our community.
- JoanP - Wednesday, Dec 16, 20 @ 9:14 am:
I just moved last week, and am looking at piles of boxes that need unpacking.
One of my sibs can’t come here for the holidays, as she usually does, so I mailed her gifts yesterday. What a pain. Small post office, and so the line went outside and was very, very, very slow. Only one clerk, and it was the one who is slow as molasses and always wears her mask under her nose. But folks in line were taking the wait in stride, and being friendly and helpful to each other, which is as it should be.
My other sib can quarantine and then drive straight through to get here, so that’s all good. We normally go to friends’ one evening, and although we can’t do that, we are going to do a food exchange on their front porch. Then my sib and I will head home, and we’ll dine together via Zoom, and the sib who can’t come out will join us that way.
- FormerParatrooper - Wednesday, Dec 16, 20 @ 9:23 am:
Dog lover, I got the call last night my father has covid. The nursing home he was in had a vendor violate protocol and exposed the residents. They had been covid free until a few weeks ago. He is at the ICU now on ventilation. He has copd and dementia and no one is able to visit.
My prayers include your parents.
Please, follow protocols. This is a simple thing to do. I understand freedom, I also understand to have freedom we must be alive to enjoy it. Personal hygiene and a mask, and if you are ill stay isolated, what’s so hard about this?
- yinn - Wednesday, Dec 16, 20 @ 9:33 am:
Six months after being notified by HR about the unemployment scam, my husband got a follow-up call from IDES this week. The worker was competent and courteous, but at one point asked my husband to slow down. Reason? He was writing everything down by hand because no working computer was available.
- Dysfunction Junction - Wednesday, Dec 16, 20 @ 9:37 am:
Ended up testing positive for COVID four days after working as an election judge. I’m almost certain I got it from another judge. I isolated per guidelines and thankfully felt better within a week. The upside of all this was going to be that I could donate convalescent plasma, but I’m having a heck of a time getting the blood bank to book an appointment for me. Frustrating to say the least.
- Essential State Employee - Wednesday, Dec 16, 20 @ 9:38 am:
==It’s snowing, not really sticking except right where the sidewalk meets the grass. ==
Only about less than 0.1 inch of snow in the Springfield area this morning, but many streets in the city were slick. Including all streets leading to the Capitol Complex.
- Dysfunction Junction - Wednesday, Dec 16, 20 @ 9:43 am:
Former Paratrooper and Dog Lover - so sorry to hear about your parents. Before he passed away last year, my dad was at the Vet’s Home in LaSalle and I can’t imagine how I’d feel if he were still there. Those in a position to follow guidelines owe it to those vulnerable people to do so. Haircuts and happy hours can wait.
- Club J - Wednesday, Dec 16, 20 @ 9:45 am:
Being honest it’s been a tough month. Christmas is alway a hard time of the year, but with the pandemic and being unable to get out with family and friends makes it 10 times worse. Lots of anxiety and depression this time of year. I’m lucky to have a good support group that keeps me in check as much as possible.
You’d think after 30 years I’d have my act together, but just doesn’t seem to be in my DNA. I still love telling everyone Merry Christmas though…
- zatoichi - Wednesday, Dec 16, 20 @ 9:59 am:
I am hitting 70 early next year. In my head I am still 50. Physically very active and have some medical issues. Several close friends have had Covid. They recovered with lingering effects. Mrs Z and I stay home a lot and limit where we go. Mother-in-law is isolated in a local nursing home that has Covid, but she does not have it. Son lives far away so we FedExed gifts and will Zoom Christmas. Daughter gets the UofI spit test 2x week. We may get together with her family briefly. Compared to others we are doing OK. Hope it stays that way and the vaccine comes soon. Mask up, do space, and wash hands. That is no guarantee but it costs nothing and takes virtually no effort.
- Rudy’s teeth - Wednesday, Dec 16, 20 @ 11:05 am:
Now working from home, using Zoom for tutoring City College students. Students range in age from late teens to adults in their fifties.
Many juggle part-time work, classes, and families. Enjoy the age range and life experience each one brings to the session. They often share stories of managing several part-time jobs just to keep their heads above water.
Count your blessings.
- @misterjayem - Wednesday, Dec 16, 20 @ 11:21 am:
My best friend and brother-from-another-mother is getting his covid vaccine at 5:55pm tomorrow.
(He’s at the front of the line because he’s been on the front line since February.)
– MrJM
- FormerParatrooper - Wednesday, Dec 16, 20 @ 11:27 am:
My Father has passed.
He was a good man, did his best to raise two sons. He will be missed.
- Dotnonymous - Wednesday, Dec 16, 20 @ 11:33 am:
The ominus chronic nature of COVID19 has yet to be fully appreciated or elucidated.
- Dog Lover - Wednesday, Dec 16, 20 @ 11:33 am:
FormerParatrooper I’m so sorry. Prayers going up for you and your family.
- Dotnonymous - Wednesday, Dec 16, 20 @ 11:36 am:
I’m sorry for your loss, FormerParatrooper
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Dec 16, 20 @ 11:36 am:
- FormerParatrooper -
My deepest sympathies, I’m so terribly sorry for your loss.
My thoughts and prayers to those facing Covid-19 uncertainty, for themselves and family members as well.
- FormerParatrooper - Wednesday, Dec 16, 20 @ 11:46 am:
Thank you everyone.
My father was the man I aspired to be. I only hope I measured up to him.
Be safe, take precautions not only for you, but for those you do not know. He once told me he wanted to die the same way he came into this world, naked and screaming. Instead he went out quietly stricken by a disease someone introduced to the nursing home not following the proper protocols.
He was a Vietnam Veteran, and his ashes will be spread at the graves of my Grandparents and his favorite place on Clinton Lake in Missouri where we spent many years fishing together.
I knew the day was coming, it is still tough. Thank you for letting me express myself, and godspeed to one and all.
- Club J - Wednesday, Dec 16, 20 @ 12:00 pm:
FormerParatrooper
Sorry for your loss…. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
- thiughts matter - Wednesday, Dec 16, 20 @ 12:31 pm:
Struggling. Just trying to mentally make it thru Thanksgiving ( over now) and then Christmas. No large get together( and I totally agreed with that) meant I cooked the entire meal- not much experience with that. Not in the mood to shop for gifts- ordered what I had ideas for- now having to go in person for the rest- still no ideas.
However that’s all minor compared to the health concerns for family and friends. Many have pre-existing conditions. Parents are in assisted living and Covid has finally entered the building. Have a friend on a ventilator for Covid.
I just want to tell the my supposed friends who say it’s a hoax, who think wearing a mask means they are in prison, who now won’t get the vaccine to just forget they ever knew me.
- Manchester - Wednesday, Dec 16, 20 @ 12:40 pm:
Doing my very best to keep a positive attitude. I’m healthy and safe and so are my immediate family members. Several members of my extended family caught Covid and seemed to have light cases. They were Trumpers and anti maskers every single one. I guess maybe sometimes God does protect fools and idiots.
- thisjustinagain - Wednesday, Dec 16, 20 @ 12:53 pm:
Being single and undateable makes it easier and harder to isolate. A few friends call, but we can’t hang out together now. Holidays have always been an issue anyway, so it’s a long slog through the season of Covid and politics. to paraphrase Verlaine, “the long sobbing violins of Winter, wound my heart with a monotonous languor.”
- illini - Wednesday, Dec 16, 20 @ 12:57 pm:
@FormerParatrooper - My condolences and deepest sympathy.
These times we have been living in should cause all of us to reflect on those who have been impacted by this virus and be grateful that we have survived as well as we have. A friend was infected, was very sick for over 6 weeks and is still noticing some lasting effects.
This is nothing to take lightly. Be safe everyone.
- Loop Ladt - Wednesday, Dec 16, 20 @ 12:59 pm:
To everyone on this feed mourning a family member,
we must honor the dead by continuing to mask up,
social distance, and be vigilant…stay strong!
- Steve Polite - Wednesday, Dec 16, 20 @ 1:00 pm:
My mom called me this morning. She lives by herself. Her sister, who has been battling cancer, needs to go into hospice and has 3 to 4 months to live. My mom found out someone has been fraudulently using her credit card. And she got into a car accident. Fortunately no one was hurt. Her brother died in the spring. Like so many other people, it’s been hard this year; made worse by covid. We’ll persevere. Adapt and overcome.
- Amalia - Wednesday, Dec 16, 20 @ 1:08 pm:
thankful not to be ill or have dear ones close to me ill. but terrified for the State of Illinois, especially for the frontline workers who struggle to keep space for those in need of immediate assistance because of the virus. not happy being criticized on line but happy that those who know me are well and we are ok.
- Dysfunction Junction - Wednesday, Dec 16, 20 @ 1:43 pm:
Former Paratrooper, I’m so sorry to hear that. Your dad sounds like quite a man. So do you. Bless you both.
- Joe Schmoe - Wednesday, Dec 16, 20 @ 2:05 pm:
Tested positive for COVID nearly 7 weeks ago. Nasty symptoms. Still tired. No sense of taste or smell. But I am so very grateful to be able to write this, unlike so many others who have yet or will never recover. Don’t be a fool - wear the mask for the sake of others. Be smart about the vaccine - what you think you know but really don’t could kill you (and others).
If they issued murder warrants for those who don’t wear masks then maybe we’d get a little bit better compliance.