“Okay, Lucy. It’s Friday ruckus time.”
“Whisper Little One, Whisper.”
With all the news of social distancing and the crazy swings of the stock market, this week seemed like a never-ending stream of bad news. Well, now we are eight hours to at least some time to take it easy. You may be at home working all week, and now is the time to pitch all that and head for the patio, backyard, or even a walk around the block. If spring has not arrived in your area, then maybe it’s time to play some board games or even binge-watch something you have always wanted to see. Yeah, you could also read a book. 😁 The point is to separate your weekend self from your working self. You’ve earned it.
This week I made the decision to stop going out. I’m in the high-risk age group (At the upper end) and have underlying medical issues. I have had a compromised immune system for the last ten years and have been able to stay healthy. I learned to wash my hands and be very careful. Unfortunately, I have seen some folks totally disregard the CDC warnings, and I can no longer trust that my efforts will be enough to stay healthy.
Instead of working out at the gym, I am now riding my bike. Our daughter has decided to stop coming for Sunday dinner since she believes it too risky. I have to respect her mature attitude, but I can’t say it is a pleasant prospect. I know she will miss visiting and can’t help but be proud of her choice.
Today’s JohnKu contemplates the new realities of life. I hope you all have a great weekend and will keep yourself safe.
Reality by John W. Howell © 2020
Stay six feet apart,
No more than ten in a group . . .
Sanitize those hands.
Cover that pesky sneeze,
Don’t forget the Clorox wipes . . .
All this, too, shall pass.
Fiction Favorites 
It will pass… and the sooner the better!
Great inspirational post, John…
LikeLiked by 3 people
I hope y’all are staying safe. 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
So far, so good…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellent.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, John, all this shall pass. Every one must keep their cool.
Be well.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Or if you can’t keep your cool get the hell out. Oops. Get out to where?
LikeLike
I agree, John…this will pass. I find it comforting that things seem relatively normal here on WordPress. 🙂 Happy Friday to you and the family! ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Jill. I hope you and your family stay well too. All this must concern you. Normal here is a good thing. ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, John. I’ve been locked out of their retirement community, so no shopping with my mom today. It’s the first Friday in many years that we haven’t been together. I’ve been sending her video emails. My dad says she talks to them! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so sorry, Jill. That has to be hard. At least she is getting pleasure out of the videos. You have my prayers.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, John. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have to self-isolate due to asthma, which is playing up at the moment. Unfortunatley, my husband is self-employed, so no work means no pay. Added to that, due to the panic buying epidemic, we cannot provide for ourselves. So hubby now has to go out early tomorrow morning to try and forage. This will increase our exposure exponentially. But we cannot obtain basics unless he goes out and tries his best to get stuff. I wish folks would see what damage their fear is causing. So far, the panic and fear is having far worse effects on everyone than the actual virus.
Even my GP surgery is struggling to get medication. I had to start on steroids this week, and their dispensary is short. Luckily, I have a rescue pack at home that they gave me last summer, and I stole Prednisolone from that, and I will replace them when they can supply us from the pharmacy. It’s nigh on impossible to get simple but (for me) life-saving meds such as Sudafed or even a general generic decongestant. I have to keep my airways dry and open as much as possible so that this episode doesn’t lead to bronchitis and worse, but folks have bought up every last item it seems.
Sorry for this epic response, John. I want as many of us as possible to let people know the damage they are doing each and every time they strip the store shelves and overfill their one or two or three shopping trolleys.
Here’s hoping we can all stay safe and well and will be seeing each other around on the web on the far side of this.
Love the haiku 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
I am so sorry you are having to face shortages at this time. It is bad enough to be struggling with your lungs, but having concerns about supply puts the situation into an emergency class. I hope and pray that your condition changes for the better. I too want people to know the harm they are causing by simply being selfish. I hope your message is read by others and is passed along. We must stop the craziness and begin to embrace this new normal.
Please take care of yourself and thank you for sharing your challenges. The bright spot here is you have hubby and you both can support each other. ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
The days feel like they’re bleeding into each other. I saw news reports about how some groups aren’t listening too. Rather frustrating seeing them talk about it not affecting them, so no reason to stay away. It’s very selfish. I had to go out once yesterday and it was nerve-wracking to see people crowding around in the store. Stay safe.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I think this kind of situation brings out the best and worst in people. Pictures of those dumb assed college students carrying on in groups of 200 just made my blood boil. Stay safe as well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You probably know me well enough to know rage isn’t my go-to emotion, but when I saw the clip of those college students, and the photos from South Padre, all I could think of was the attitude my dad exhibited from time to time: that they needed to be whopped upside the head with a 2×4. Yes, of course we should lower the voting age to 18. You betcha. (Of course I don’t think they’re typical — thank goodness!)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well Port Aransas was a mess and the chicken shit mayor won’t call off the carnage. Lucky for those who are forced to welcome all those happy go lucky college kids back to their community, the governor has a sense of responsability. Thanks, Linda.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I actually noticed a bunch of elderly people in some of those pictures too. Around here, people are taking their kids to the park, which is ridiculous. I remember earlier in the week, there was a message going around social media that fresh air can kill the virus. I’m guessing that’s a factor here even though it’s entirely wrong.
LikeLiked by 2 people
As long as people stay away from each other and practice good hygene this thing can be beat. Thanks, Charles.
LikeLike
A wise decision. The sooner everyone stays in, the sooner this will be over. No groups at all allowed here in Spain. Now as long as I don’t kill my husband, we’ll be OK. xo
LikeLiked by 3 people
Hahahaha. I think every couple need to put all sharp objects into a locked cabinet. Thanks, Darlene 😁 XO
LikeLiked by 2 people
Know it can be tough to stick close to home and even tougher to be separated from loved ones. My parents are in Texas, not far from you, and I am very worried about them, but there is nothing I can do but encourage them to stay in. Hug your pups and your wife and think positive. 🙏🏻
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Lori. I’m sure your parents will be fine as long as they take precautions. All you can do is ask them to promise you they will. Positive thoughts back to you. Hugs
LikeLiked by 2 people
Well stated ,,, and I hope you saw this … https://tinyurl.com/wjeeua7
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hahaha. This is great , Frank. Thank you. Did spouse arrive home from the cruise yet?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes … Safe and sound Monday afternoon … Now self quarantined … Which means me too. Glad you enjoyed Waldo.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good to hear.
LikeLike
Sounds like you’re taking sensible precautions, John. Gyms are no longer an option here, although I’ve always favored exercising at home.
I hope you can hang in and weather this storm. It will pass, in time.
Take care.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Our governor just closed all the gyms in Texas so I guess I was ahead of the curve. We will hang in there for sure. Stay well too. Thanks, Dan
LikeLiked by 2 people
Our gov just closed all non-essential business. Unclear what that means, but I won’t be getting a haircut next week.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Maybe a curbside haircut?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Maybe – I gave myself a trim when my barber took a 6-week vacation. I have plenty of hats 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hahahaha. I have a pair of horse clippers you are welcome to using.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t have that much hair. The round scissors from kindergarten would work.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hahahaha.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is a sad and disturbing time we live in. Because we’ve been out of the country my husband and I are practicing self-imposed isolation. We’re now on day eight. My daughter has recently had cancer surgery and I’m so worried that her compromised immune system will put her at risk. I’d like to be helping her out more. Also, between our time away plus the isolation time, it will be almost two months since I’ve seen my little grandson. He is ten months old now and they change so much at that age… I hope he remembers me.
LikeLiked by 2 people
The nice thing about kids is even if they don’t remember you they will become aquanted very quickly. They know who loves them and who doesn’t. All in all I think you are doing the right thing. After the isolation time is over you’ll have more peach of mind that you are nt one carrying the virus. Thanks for sharing, Lynne and hugs to you and your family.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I can’t wait for all this to pass, but your words are wise. Also, thanks for reminding me/us that we can use the weekend to relax. I feel guilty during the week if I even take 15 minutes off to read. I fill my time the same as before COVID- writing, connecting with my writing students (although not in person now), blogging, exercising (but now in my home, not the gym) and reading books to my grandkids (via Facetime, not in person). We make these necessary changes and stay connected as much as possible. I’m so thankful we have each other on the blogosphere! Take care, John.
LikeLiked by 3 people
I have to admire how you have worked out getting on with your life, Pamula. I think you will inspire others to take the same approach. Thanks for sharing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A smart decision by your daughter. As you said, this too shall pass. We just need to take the recommendations seriously and keep our spirits up. Looks like we may have a break in the rain tomorrow, so at least we can get outside and get started on the yard. Have a great weekend, John!
LikeLiked by 2 people
The yard will be a nice break. Thanks, Teri.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It seems like we are suspended in time, waiting for yet another dreadful shoe to fall. As loved ones get sick, the horror of this insidious disease becomes real. And, a constant reminder of the havoc that panic can cause is our empty grocery/drug stores. This will pass, but all I can think of doing is move into silence and pray.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Move into writing and pray. (Just a suggestion) Thanks, Gwen
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think you’re being wise, John. I’m 78, almost 79, and my children in the U.S. are concerned. I rarely went out anyway as I live 43 steps up in a building with no lift. My son suggested I give up my cleaning lady for a while as she has a large family and cleans for more than one family. I’m giving her paid leave as I’m sure she needs the money. My caregiver is doing more cleaning and I’m paying her more. My children and I keep in contact by phone and computer. My daughter is sad as she’s an actor and there’s now no work. Her husband works from home so no problem. My son works from home now. I have to put off my elective knee surgery. I’ve seen many ups and downs and we’ll get through this but I’m more concerned about others with worse problems. All the best and take care. —- Suzanne
LikeLiked by 2 people
You and I are the same age. I will be 79 in May. I think you are right. There are others who have it much worse. Thanks for sharing, Suzanne. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ll be 79 in August. 🙂 — Suzanne
LikeLiked by 1 person
Younger chick.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow! You made my day, John 😀 — Suzanne
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hahahaha. 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is such a wise line: “The point is to separate your weekend self from your working self.” For one thing, that keeps up a routine, and routine is so important now, even if we’re forced to develop new ones. My good news is that I can keep working, since hardly anyone is more isolated than a boat worker out on the docks, and I don’t think the pelicans or cormorants are threats to me (or I to them). The bad news is that I’m already losing jobs and income as people look at the market volatility and ponder where their discretionary income’s going, but at least my current work is intact.
I hate having to miss the spring wildflower season in the hill country, since a friend and I had planned a long visit and a lot of touring. But staying at her house in Kerrville isn’t a good idea for a number of reasons: she’s 90, her daughter and son-in-law live on the property, work with the public and are in and out of the house all the time, and she’s not the sort to worry about cleanliness. So, I’ll wait, like the rest of the world.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Very wise on the 90 year old, Linda. Sorry about your loss of work but like times past I’m sure those teak boards will need attention and you’ll get the okay with an uptick in the Dow. Thanks for the kind words and stay healthy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sorry about your daughter cancelling her visit, John, but Domer had to do the same thing (he was planning on arriving next week … from the Windy City, where they already have positive cases). We’ll miss him, but no sense taking unnecessary chances. Here’s hoping this thing flattens out soon, so we can go back to a panic-free existence. Doesn’t help with the market fluctuating the way it has either!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are so right, Debbie. The markets (food and financial) are crazy and so let’s hope we get a flat line case profile.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Solid advice, good John. Stay the course… All the best to you and the ladies. ♥♥♥
LikeLiked by 2 people
Same to you, Billy Ray.
LikeLike
Isn’t it interesting how the simplest things mean the most in times like these?
Stay safe, John.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Stay safe yourself, Marc.
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
🥃
LikeLiked by 1 person
Salud!
LikeLiked by 1 person
😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Don’t forget the Clorox wipes, IF you can find any. 🙂 Stay safe, John, and we will survive this thing in spite of all the panic!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Clorox wipes have been a staple in our house for years. Thanks, Jan
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, it shall pass. Stay safe, John.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Stay safe as well, Denise.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Phew! I hope it passes quickly. I’m happy you decided to self-quarantine, John. Your daughter’s decision is wise, although, I understand how you feel. I decided not to visit my mom for a while, as well. She’s in that age group, plus, she’s a lung cancer survivor and has C.O.P.D.. My husband is still working so I can’t chance getting it from him and then taking it to my mom. Although, my husband is taking every precaution to stay healthy, like you had mentioned, there are still those who are not heeding the suggestions of the CDC, Department of Health or WHO. Continue taking good care of yourself and have a safe, fun and happy weekend! ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Vashti. Take care of you and yours as well
LikeLiked by 1 person
Will do. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad you have chosen to stay home and safe. Sure, it’s a bummer you can’t see your daughter but I am glad she is putting you first. I guess I’m lucky that my boys are home with me and we are actually taking the time to eat as a family every night (was a rarity BC).
Now’s the time we can take to do those things we always put aside!
Keep on keepin’ on!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Good points, Dale. Thanks. 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Take good care of yourself. If it’s warm enough, maybe your daughter can set up on the far side of the patio door. You can eat together without being physically together. Does clinking beer glasses work if there is glass between you?
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hahaha. I think that clink would work. We are heavy into Face Time. We could do a Face Time dinner. I think it will all be okay. Thanks for the suggestion. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Take care of yourself, John. You’re right, though, this WILL pass.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. Take care of yourself too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad you’re staying safe, John. Happy ruckusing with Twiggy and Lucy!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. Liz. Stay well also.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So far, so good . . . .
LikeLiked by 1 person
😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad you and those connected to you are being cautious.
That’s what I keep reminding myself John — this too shall pass. Although I’m intrigued to consider what our “new normal” might be when this is over. Hopefully some real progress with companies allowing tele-working, and other good things. Hugs on the wing.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I hope so too. My daughter works for a large dinosaur financial firm and they refused to allow employess work from home. Finally the CEO was shamed by bad PR to grant those who could, to work at home.Maybe it will stick.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Bike riding is great, John. Can’t beat low impact cardio. Let’s hope things improve soon.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We can hope for sure.
LikeLike
Yes, this too shall pass. John, you can still have a Friday dinner- a cyber dinner. We had one last night with our good friends. Best three hours ever. I will post it tomorrow. Stay well!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds fun. Thanks, Jennie.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is! Best to you, John.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Where Genres Collide Traci Kenworth YA Author & Book Blogger for all Genres as well as craft books and commented:
Hugs. Stay safe, John.
LikeLike
Thank you, Traci.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I find myself in a similar situation as you (age) and find I’m missing my family more than ever. My siblings and I are concerned about our still-living late 80’s parents so we’ve started scheduling regular Zoom video calls to make sure they are well and to update one another on the news. Mostly we ask each other “what day is it?” because they all seem to be the same. Stay safe, stay home, and keep smiling. It’s how we’ll all get through this disaster. Ear rubs for the pupsters.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Monika. Stay safe as well. A treat for yours. Sounds like your parents are doing okay. We do miss out daughter’s visit for a weekly dinner on Sunday. Face time just isn’t the same. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
No, I agree FaceTime isn’t the same but the Zoom app is far more interactive for multiple uprights spread across the country. We even had most of the grands and great-grands on a call last week. Now that was a hoot that boosted all of our spirits.
LikeLike