Socially Distant

Schools have closed.  Stores have closed.  Businesses are taking steps to limit mingling.  The corona virus pandemic has reached the point where it's pretty damn scary.  So many Facebook posts from healthcare professionals cautioning EVERYONE to just stay home.  Take this seriously.  It's not just the elderly or folks with pre-existing health issues that are dying - it's young, previously healthy adults.  This virus is very aggressive and it can kill you - or someone you love.  So just stay home.

Casinos throughout Nevada were ordered to close for at least 30 days.  In a state where casino revenue is the 2nd highest state funding revenue source, the seriousness of the situation really resonates. 

All non-critical businesses were ordered to close as well - hair/nail salons closed, gyms closed, furniture and clothing stores closed, restaurants closed.  Gasoline and businesses that sell food are not closed - so we still have access to additional supplies if/when needed. 

This pandemic is truly getting scary. 

B. messaged me to share that he was pretty worried about some things - and his parents health was on the high end of his list.  I reminded him that we're doing what the current advice says to do:  we are sheltering in place for the most part.  He messaged again last night and was glad to hear we'd already gone out to stock up a bit more - he said he was going to 'gently urge us' to get 4 weeks of supplies on hand - and said 'I'm glad you're already ahead on that'.  He said 'Mom, I worry because you and Dad are both high risk - especially Dad'.  I confirmed we are due to our age - and both have diabetes as well.  But we're limiting contact with other people, carry antiseptic wipes with us wherever we go and for the most part are now confined to quarters.  Dad still walks most days - and I will join him on shorter afternoon walks as well. 

Today, I'm watching the snow melt.  We've had 3 inches of snow every few days recently. 

I feel kind of 'bored' but remind myself there's no reason to feel that way 'cuz it's no different than a typical, leisurely day.  I guess the 'have to stay home' vs. 'choosing to stay home' is the difference - a mind game.  I've baked pretzels and made a ginger cake.  Using up King Arthur Flour mixes that are in the garage.  Next on the baking list is shortbread cookies.

I read an article about why this virus is so dangerous.  It originally was transmitted from an animal to a human.  And in only TWO WEEKS it mutated again and became transmittable from human to human.  Our bodies do not recognize this virus at all - it is completely foreign so we have no immunity and our body doesn't know what to do.  It also aggressively attacks lung tissue which is primarily the cause of so many deaths.  It has already mutated AGAIN and there are now TWO strains of the virus....which will make a vaccine even harder to formulate. 

This is serious shit.  And it is scary.  Any thoughts I had of 'well, if I get it I'll be miserable for a few days but oh well' has been replaced with 'I don't want to be a statistic and I don't want to get it'. 

Instead of celebrating our 30th anniversary with a dinner and spa day at Atlantis, we'll be staying in.  B. says I should try to make the same cake I made when he was here for Thanksgiving - it was chocolate with a chocolate ganache-y icing and he said it was delicious.  So steaks, Caesar salad, shrimp scampi and chocolate cake with (at least) a bottle of wine. 

On a positive note, our builder sent out an email confirming that construction workers are considered essential and they don't anticipate any issues that would impact the building schedule of our new house.  We know the paint has been purchased and is in the garage.  Cabinetry is scheduled to be installed in the next week or so.  Things are moving pretty quickly and we're getting very excited! 

Stay in, stay safe, and take good care of yourself and those you love.  This is such a hard time.  I didn't even mention all the economic things that have happened - this is the worst financial crisis we've had since 2008 with the housing market crash.  This will be far worse than that impact, I'm sure.  All the casinos and restaurants that have closed are laying off a lot of staff.  Even if some staff are still being paid, they aren't working and aren't making tips - so people will be seriously impacted with 30 days of no work. 

It's going to get worse before it gets better.  Hate to say that but pretty sure it's true.