Alabama is open - sort of

I got up just after 7. I thought it was later. I brushed and swished. I started sewing two masks that were cut out on my sewing table. I checked my e-mail. Weird things happened when I used the track pad. I wondered if a mouse would work better. I washed up and got dressed. I grabbed a small jar of bamboo salt and went to see my chiropractor.
I got there a few minutes early, but the assistant called me pretty soon. She was wearing a mask, so I put mine on. I followed her to the back room and gave her my bag of stim pads. She put them on my back and connected them to her machine. She told me all the assistants wanted a mask like the one I made for the chiropractor. I laid there for 12 minutes having my back stretched. Then she put me in exam room 2. I paced around the room, waiting. When he came in, he said he got compliments on his mask. I gave him the bamboo salt. He adjusted my neck and then my spine. We talked about how none of the current situation is what it seems. Then he handed me my chart and I went to the front desk to pay.
When I got home, I changed my shirt. I wrote a check and put it in the mail. Then Sherry drove up. I got in and we went to the berry farm. It was a good thing she drove because I thought it was in the opposite direction.
When we got there, the parking lot was almost full of the cars of people picking berries. But we were there for the drive-thru. It was a short line. I handed cash to my friend and she ordered two buckets of berries. The lady put them in the trunk area. Then we proceeded to the person who collected money. After paying, we headed back to Huntsville. We stopped at a place selling plants and produce. I got a cantaloupe and some hydroponic lettuce. Then, on our way home, we were going right past S&R, so we stopped and bought elastic. I asked for white and black. He came out of the store with two hanks and charged me almost $30. I guess 20-yards of each is what people are buying.
Sherry dropped me off at home. I put the hydroponic lettuce in bowls of water. Chris had connected a mouse to my laptop. I told him my credit card had been rejected at both the chiropractor and the sewing store. He called the credit card company and they said they hadn't gotten the payment yet.
I made and ate breakfast. I tried to sit outside but it was too windy. I put the charcoal bags out to soak up some sun. I also put the red clover blossoms out because I suspected they were full of little orange mites. Then I put on headphones and listened to episode 8 of the Vaccine summit. It was about conspiracy theories and all the ways people who ask about vaccine safety are shut down, and pressured to be quiet. Merck, Pfizer, Sanofi, and Glaxosmithkline, the top 4 vaccine makers are convicted felons, paying $35 billion in penalties, damages and fines since 2009 for defrauding regulators, for falsifying science, for bribing doctors, for lying to the public and for killing lots of people.
I took a break to finish the two floral masks, and to put the final touches on an e-mail to the congregation. I sent it to Tim. Then I went for a walk around the neighborhood. I took note of where blackberry bushes were blooming. When I got back, I checked the mail. There was a notice for Chris that a stimulus check was deposited in our account. I asked him if we could donate it to a food bank, and he said yes.
I cut pieces to make 4 new masks. I started sewing while listening to another interview. I paused to make supper. Chris called his parents to tell them that we are moving. Chris promised Cecily that we would work something out for beach week. I ate the last two heart meatballs, and a large salad. I talked to Dad and Faye, both of whom seemed to be doing well. I continued working on the masks until Chris was ready to watch TV. I put the berries in the fridge, and made my magnesium drink. Then we watched the next episode of Inspector Lynley. Chris went to bed and I stayed up to blog. Since today is the last day of stay-at-home for Alabama, I checked the news. The ban was lifted as of 5pm and most businesses are able to open for a limited amount of customers. I wonder if we will have church this Sunday.
* The plant place had hanging bags of flowers. *

C, it's here!

I got up after 8. I collected all the garbage and put it in the bin out front. I bagged up all the glass bottles. It is not recycled here anymore, so I had to put them in the trash as well. I rolled the bin out to the street.
It was detox morning, so I made coffee and did lymph-moving exercises. I skipped the part where I have to do toe-touches because of my back. But after a session with the massage ball, my back did not bother me again. I finished out the morning with a mixture of tapping and meditation.
I cleaned the bathrooms and vacuumed the floors and carpets. I used basting spray to hold the covers closed on the toilet lid bolts. I cleaned the countertops and sink in the kitchen. Then I took a shower and made breakfast. I listened to episode 7 of the vaccine summit:
Nosodes stimulate immune system without the side effects of vaccines. Two doctors wrote a book called The Vaccine Friendly Plan – a compromise spacing out injections and skipping certain ones, delaying others. Vaccination is different from immunity. Forcibly vaccinating a person is battery.
Korean clinic, paid taxes, foot detox – very dark water,
home, called Beverly, Chris came home with a package from the post office. It was the vitamin c that I ordered that's been out of stock for months!
Soon after I hung up with Beverly, MaryAnn called. We talked for some time and then I prepared a salad for supper. I also ate two meatballs, cold. I looked for info on Dugway. I searched Facebook for a lady who quilts there. But I had the spelling wrong. Once I found the right spelling, I found her and send a friend request. I looked more into donating electronically to the church. It seems there is no way around the fees if the church handles it, but people can avoid the fees by using their own bank.
I made my evening drink. We watched an episode of Inspector Lynley. Chris went to bed with a book. I stayed up to blog.
* A not-so-little baby bird sits in this nest, waiting for the next meal. *

Phone calls

I got up around 8. I brushed and swished and made two cat blocks. I called Mary Ann who left a message on my phone yesterday. We talked for over an hour, and then my brother called. I don't remember exactly what he wanted, but then I had to hang up because Lars called. He is president of the congregation. He told me about the new arrangements for the safe. I told him we are moving.

I made breakfast, and ate it while reading e-mail.

I started listening to the next vaccine episode:

The CDC sells over 4 billion dollars of vaccines for which they hold patents each year. Why are they in charge of vaccine safety and the vaccine schedule? Rotovirus vaccines reduced the incidence of rotovirus but gave rise to norovirus which is more virulent and deadly. A study found that 97% of people on regulatory committees have conflicts of interest. XMRV is a mouse virus first found in prostate cancer patients. Many of our biologicals are grown on mouse cells - mouse derived therapeutics. Viral contaminants come from the cells the vaccines are grown in. Retroviruses were introduced to the human population through contaminated vaccines and blood. But the scientists who discovered that are not allowed to talk about their studies. Age of exposure to the MMR determines the risk. Older kids are less vulnerable than the younger kids.

I paused the video to sit in the sun for 20 minutes. Then I got ready for counting money. I stopped at the post office, hoping to pick up the vitamin C I ordered, but all I found was junk mail. When I got to church, I quickly handled the usual data entry. I wrote a check for next week and put it in the safe, sticking it to the inside of the door so no one can shake it out. I called Bertha to tell her I wasn't coming. We talked for quite a while. She said she looked up Dugway and it was supposed to be like a city.

I filled out a deposit slip for my account and deposited 3 checks at my bank. Then I went to the church bank to deposit the offering. I stopped at Whole Foods for sprouts and a sweet potato. When I got up to the cashier and checked out, she said my card was denied and her lane did not accept cash. The guy behind me offered to put my purchase on his card. I thought he was offering to pay, so I declined and went to the one lane that accepts cash. Later I realized he might have meant that I could pay him back in cash. Oh well. I waited a long time in line, long enough to call Chris to say my card was refused. Finally I got to pay and go home. When I arrived, Chris was talking to the credit card company, getting it all straight.

I went for a walk, noticing a wood fence that was either being demolished, or getting new fence posts. When I got back, I finished watching the vaccine episode. I heated 2 heart meatballs and made salad. For dessert, a square of chocolate. I also watched a video of two emergency doctors go through a bunch of statistics to show that it is better to go back to work, than shelter in place. They said our immune systems get weaker the longer we stay inside, so we will get sicker when the ban is lifted.

When Chris finished his game, we looked at a diagram of Dugway Proving Ground public areas – housing, the gym, commissary, etc. Then we watched the Bewitched movie from 2005 courtesy of Netflix DVD. It was a fun movie. Afterward, Chris made his lunch and went to bed. I took supplements, brushed, and wrote my blog post. 
*  Two cat blocks for the Monday group  *

Three more masks

I got up about 7, having been awake for some time and unable to go back to sleep. I washed up and got dressed. I took the first supplement. I read e-mail, then made more spice mix while Chris had his first telecon of the day. I watched a tapping video, and then the next episode of the vaccine summit. I did not know that Gardasil has the most aluminum of any vaccine, but I had heard it had the most side effects.

At 10 my Monday group met on Zoom. We chatted for 40 minutes and got kicked off. But it was enough time to tell them that we are moving this summer sometime. Then it was time to take a packet of Vitamin C. I was all out of packets, but then remembered I had one in a purse, so I took that. Then I made and ate breakfast. Afterward, I sat outside and read. When I came in, I saw Tim from church had called. He said church members are asking how to give online. I looked up how to donate electronically. Info pointed to them using their own bank, not ours.

I went for a walk. I went up the hill behind the neighborhood. I picked my way through the woods to find the hidden wall. I was hoping to see flowers there, but it was so heavily covered in ivy that nothing else could grow. When I got back, I took off the pants because I had been walking through poison ivy. I put on shorts. Chris told me the neighbor came by and asked for three more masks. First, I went to the post office, hoping my order of vitamin C had come in. But it hadn't. Then I called the church's bank. A lady there recommended Givelify, an app for giving to a church. I e-mailed the info to Tim.

Then I cut out pieces for three masks while listening to a video. I sewed the pieces together and turned them right side out.

I took a break for supper. I ate the last chicken leg, then made a big salad. I also had a square of chocolate with cashews. I washed my hands, finished the masks, sanitized them and put them in a baggie. I took the masks to our neighbor. I also checked the mail and found a nice card from Mary.

I talked to William for awhile. Then Chris yelled at me. He was very upset and I wondered what started it. I said nothing and left him alone for awhile. After a bit, he sat down and cued up the next episode of Inspector Lynley. We watched it together like nothing had happened. Then he went to bed and I stayed up to write this blog post.

*  The mustache mask  *

A day for digging

I got up between 7:30 and 8:30. I washed up and got dressed. I brushed and swished. I could see activity around the moving truck parked in front of Stacey's house. Soon it was gone. I started two masks. I checked e-mail.
I was getting ready to watch our church service when Chris said he was ready to shop. So I looked around and put some stuff on the grocery list. Then we went to Publix for food. We found most of what we wanted. I forgot to put sprouts on the list so we didn't get that. More people were wearing masks today, and most of them were made at home.
When we got home, I saw Faye had called so I called her back. She wanted me to order her a book on Amazon for church next week. She hadn't been reading my blog so I called her attention to Chris' new job, and that we'll be moving sometime. I made myself breakfast, and ate it while sitting in front of my laptop, participating in an e-mail meeting of the church. The president asked if anyone had questions about the new by-laws, and then we e-mailed in our votes. Afterward, I watched the pre-recorded church service. That had more info on the meeting at the end, but it didn't change anything.
I looked up Faye's book and called her to settle some details and then I ordered it. I tried to find the other thing she wanted, but had no luck. I pulled up the next episode from the vaccine summit:
Excess trivalent flu vaccine is considered hazardous waste because of the thimerosal. Acetaminophen reduces body's ability to detoxify. Never give it to someone who has just been vaccinated.
Then I watched a mask video where the maker used a pony bead to adjust the length of the elastic. Hmmm. I wondered if I could make that work for me.
The sun was out, but it was windy. I walked to the main street and crossed it. I picked a bunch of red clover and put it in a bag. When I got home, it occurred to me to go to the back of the neighborhood and dig up a certain plant that seemed like it should be a flowering bulb. So I brought a trowel and bag. When I got there, I dug one up, a young one. I also found something similar by the peony, but there was only one of it and it looked beaten. I decided to relocate it for its own safety. I also dug up a yellow wildflower and a wild lettuce plant. When I got back to the house, I planted the daffodils that were in my small pots and made room for the stuff I dug up today.
I worked on the masks. Chris cooked bacon from Publix in the oven, and roasted brussel sprouts in the bacon fat from yesterday. I made egg salad with the bacon mayonnaise. It wasn't very good until I added salt and pepper. It was a great improvement and also pointed to the probability that yesterday's bacon wasn't cured. I also had a can of soup and some other stuff.
I finished the two masks, one using strips of mustache fabric that someone gave me, and one using star fabric. I made them in the one long string style. I pulled up the song Matchmaker from Fiddler on the Roof.
When Chris was ready, we watched one episode of Inspector Lynley. They run about 90 minutes, so there is only time for one. Soon after, he went to bed. I stayed up to blog and try a pre-bed remedy for insomnia.
* bacon mayonnaise *

Stacey's last day

I got up late, I think. I had cut out half a mask last night. Today I cut out the same pattern, but in reverse. So I made a mask with symmetrical fabric print. Chris offered me a coconut oil massage and I accepted. We put towels on the bed to protect the bamboo sheets from the oil. Afterward, we each took a shower. After the shower, I oiled my scalp to stop the itch.
I listened to the latest episode from the vaccine summit. I made and ate breakfast. I sat outside and read until the rain came. I tried watching a movie called Secret Ingredients, but did not finish it because I wasn't learning anything new.
On Messenger, I texted with Myra and Gwenda, letting them know about Chris' job offer. Chris oven-roasted the bacon I bought yesterday. Then I used the fat drippings to make mayonnaise. It did not work the first time, so I had to start again with fresh egg yolks and lemon juice. But the second time, Chris poured in the first batch slowly while I whipped the yolks and juice. And then there was mayonnaise. I tried some on an arapa. It was ok but too spicy due to the cayenne pepper Chris used in making the arapas and on the bacon. I decided I will try it for egg salad tomorrow. I ate the last of the beef heart. I dipped some arapa in the chocolate wine sauce. That was really good.
The sun came out again, so I pulled weeds and trimmed around the edge of the back yard. I ate some wild strawberries that were growing there. They tasted like cardboard, but are probably nutritious.
I cut and ironed fabric for 2 more masks. I cleaned out the bobbin area with a Q-tip. Chris asked me if I wanted to go to Stacey's house to say goodbye. So we did. There was a large moving van that they had packed earlier. When we got to the door, Stacey was there with a friend. As we all chatted, Eric came in with the friend's husband and food. Although we continued talking, I realized they wanted to have supper, so we kept that in mind. Stacey hugged me, and then Chris and I left.
When we got home, I made salad for supper. I listened to an interview and read e-mail, missing most of what the interview was about. Then I finished making the masks. Chris put in a DVD of Inspector Lynley. While we watched, I threaded a shoestring into the channels of both masks. I had to use a straw to get the ends through. After the show, we dressed the bed with clean sheets. Chris went to bed and I stayed up to sip my magnesium drink and write to my blog.
* Oh, the symmetry! *

A chocolate heart

I got up at 7:15 and started taking supplements. I finished an episode about vaccines that was started last night. Then I watched Lies,Damn Lies, and Statistics. Although it has an inflammatory title, the speaker was rather matter-of-fact in his discussion of how the numbers are skewed by all kinds of things, like bad models, too few tests, changing guidelines for who gets counted and who doesn't.
I had breakfast inside, then sat outside and read a book to get some sun.
I made a black M*A*S*H-type mask for Kurt. I used a tomato wire all the way across the top. He wanted that to see if it kept his goggles from fogging. I also made another grape mask. I made a note on my mask tally sheet. I believe I am up to 88. Jennifer sent me a link to Lutheran World Service. They want people to pledge masks, and then to make and send in that number. I would rather make what I can, and then send them in. But they want them in bundles of 25. I guess I can do that much.
I read e-mail. I went to the post office to mail two masks to Kurt. We had one piece of junk mail. I checked the mail at home. It was all for Chris.
Chris drove me to Lowes. We selected one of the few remaining big tomato plants. He waited with it while I ran around trying to find tomato wire. I had to get someone to help me, and he did. It was somewhere I thought I had looked. Then Chris and I had to wait in line to pay for it. He took the plant to the car while I paid. No sooner had I paid, than I remembered that Faye gave me a gift card and there was still money on it.
When I got back, I talked to Faye and Dad. He said he had trouble playing the keyboard because the keys were too close together. I suggested he play in the key of B so he could use all the black keys. I asked him if he could put the keyboard on his chest to play like his accordion. He said yes, but Faye sent me a pic and it seemed a bit too big for that.
I went to Stacey's house. I could smell something wonderful from the sidewalk. Her husband was finishing the heart. He was reducing a sauce made of dark chocolate and red wine. We all chatted for awhile, then he poured the sauce over the heart, wrapped it in tinfoil in a dish and handed it to me. A chocolate heart – but it's not Valentine's Day. We talked a little longer, then I took the heart home to have for supper. It tasted great, but was a little tough, so I only ate half. Chris spooned some of the juice onto his rice. Then I made a salad and ate it at my computer.
William called. He doesn't like being stuck at home. I think he misses Wegmans.
I called Stacey and she said come over in 5 minutes. So I changed my shorts for pants, put the heart in a different dish, and wiped her dish. I took it over to her house. I told her husband how good the heart was. Then she and I went walking. I thought it might be our last walk together, but she said we could walk again tomorrow.
We quit at 8 because she had an online family game night to participate in. I went home and made myself a dessert using one square of dark chocolate, coconut flakes, blueberries and some cashews.
We played an episode of Inspector Lynly. Chris paused it when Michele called. She talked for over an hour. Then we finished the episode. Even though we have seen all the episodes before, we did not remember who-done-it. Then we cuddled for awhile and Chris went to bed. I stayed up to blog, or at least jot some notes.

So many videos to watch

I got up late, never hearing the second alarm. Chris had the bread machine pulled out, so I filled the machine with ingredients and turned it on. I put Kurt's mask in an envelope. I watched the rest of a video from yesterday, and some related videos. I saw how a Covid story from Italy used the same pic of an ICU as a story from New York. There were also videos of quiet hospitals and ambulances in New York – no evidence of the crises the media is saying is there. Also, numbers of all-cause mortality are actually lower this year than for the same time last year. Not by much, but still.
At 10 am, I took a frozen beef heart over to Stacey's house. I gave it to her husband who was pleased to take on a challenge. He said she'd be out in a minute, but she got caught up on a work call, so I went home.
I went home. I read e-mail and came across one from Kurt. I talked to him about the latest masks he asked for. I made and ate breakfast while reading e-mail. It had been raining, but the sun was peaking through. I sat in the back yard, and started reading a new book. When I came in, there was a message from Stacey. So I dressed for walking and headed out. She met me outside, and we walked in circles until the rain hit. Then we went into her house and she gave me a bag of stuff she had borrowed. She showed me her stained-glass tools. We talked some more, and when the rain let up a little, I ran home.
I made a Star Trek mask, then put it in the envelope with the first one. I took the mid-afternoon supplement, then went to the post office. I picked up the mail and mailed the envelop.
I read e-mail while watching more short videos. I put two chicken legs in a special bowl and heated them in the toaster oven. I returned to my laptop until the chicken was hot, then rescued it from the oven. I ate it while watching the last episode of Royal Pains. I was very sad that there are no more episodes to watch.
I let Chris know when I was done. I made my evening drink and then we watched two episodes of Supergirl. Chris went to bed, and I stayed up to blog and listen to a vaccine documentary. They said aluminum safety studies are done on enteral, not parenteral (injected) aluminum.

An offer he couldn't refuse

I woke up early and started composing a speech in my head about how social distancing may save a few adults lives, but crippling our economy will affect our children. All our children. For the rest of their lives. In an economic collapse, children die of malnutrition and domestic violence. But we don't have to choose between adults and children. Let's let the lower-risk people resume their place in the economic chain, and the higher-risk people can continue to self-isolate, if they choose.
Then the alarm rang. I got up to brush and swish, and wash my dishes. I jotted notes for my blog. I did my special exercises, and made coffee. I followed my usual supplement schedule. I pulled up an e-mail from Chris saying he got a job offer from Dugway in Utah and was I ready to move? Ha, no.
I listened to 5 meditations by Oprah and Deepak, and did lots of tapping. Then I cleaned the bathrooms and kitchen. I took a shower and got dressed. I turned on the box fan to dry out the bathroom.
It was a somewhat sunny day, so I sat outside and read, finishing the book. Then I came inside and made breakfast and took supplements. I finished just in time to meet Sherry at 2 but I ran into our next door neighbor and we had a short chat. I asked if she wanted to go to the strawberry farm together, but she said she already bought berries at Cosco.
I drove to the trailer park and met Sherry. We walked for almost an hour and discussed masks and Utah. We passed a patch of red clover and I picked one. The purple blossom had a nice scent to it. We made plans to go to the strawberry farm tomorrow.
When I got home, I read e-mail. I tried to call Dad, but no one answered so I left a message. I finished off two more masks, and took the mid-afternoon supplements. I cleared a bunch of e-mail, and listened to an interview. Chris came home with a package from the post office. Supplements. I opened the box and took bottles out. I flattened a bunch of boxes and put the recyclables out at the curb. He told me he had two days to make his decision.
I heated two chicken legs in the toaster oven and made a salad. I ate while I watched a documentary on Youtube called “Out of Shadows”. I paused it to try Dad again. But Stacey texted that she wanted to walk. So we went for a walk, both carrying umbrellas. I told her about Chris' offer and she told me they will move on Sunday. Sigh. Then we walked for an hour around the circle, emoting.
When I got back home, Chris had Supergirl ready to go. I made my magnesium drink. He told me he had made his decision, that he was accepting the offer. We watched two episodes, then he went to bed. I stayed up to put silver on my tooth, write my blog post, do a bit of yoga, and get ready for bed.
* The real red clover *

Shoestrings

I got up about 7:15. Chris told me my alarm had not gone off yet, but I didn't feel like going back to bed. I took my mouthguard out and sprayed it with hydrogen peroxide. I took a supplement, then brushed and swished. I started working on 6 or 7 masks: two were fitted and the rest were to be pleated. However, the pleated ones needed elastic or ties early in the process and I was undecided, so I just finished the two fitted ones. I checked my e-mail, then finished one pleated mask by using binding strips.
I bleach Grandma's collection of shoestrings. But they were not white enough. I called Cecily and she suggested vinegar, so I tried that for awhile. Then I rinsed them and squeezed lemon juice on them. I put the bucket in the sun with my fingers crossed. I found another machine foot and wondered if it would work better than the open-toe foot I am using now.
Around 11 I took a packet of vitamin C and then started making breakfast. I ate while reading e-mail, then got dressed. I went to the post office to mail two masks. When I got back, I put on shorts and read outside. It was lovely and I almost finished the book.
After a quick glance at e-mail, it was time to go. I pulled a bunch of stuff from the Tuesday box and put it in a bag, then headed out. I stopped at a $ store, where I bought a book, and several pairs of black shoelaces for masks. Then I went to church. I dropped off the blue bags that I got at the bank last Tuesday. On the computer, I credited people with the offerings they sent in last week. Then Elaine came over. I gave her the music facemask she asked for. The elastic was not tight enough, but what could I do at that point? We talked for awhile, then she left and I went to see Bertha. I gave her a small project pieced from squares she had given me months ago. We had a nice chat.
It was after 4:30 when I left. I was sorry I had cut it so close because there was traffic on the road and road construction. Between the two I was afraid I would not make it to the bank on time. But I did. After the deposit, I headed home, intending to stop at the Asian store for pumpkin seeds. However, when I realized I was passing Whole Foods, I changed my plan. They had organic ones and I picked up a container of cashews as well. Then I went home.
I took my mid-afternoon supplement, then walked for 30 minutes or so. I picked wild lettuce on the way, and put it in water when I got back. I grabbed my daily handful of nuts and sat down to join the RCMQG monthly meeting, now on Zoom. The meeting went on 'til 7, and then we just chatted together. One lady left and we continued to chat. But when I said I had to go, it seemed like everyone else decided to leave as well.
I heated a meatball and a chicken leg in the toaster oven. I ate that with carrots, then opened a can of vegetable soup. I ate while watching an episode of Royal Pains. Netflix informed me that the show would expire sometime in May. Not fair!
I ate a square of chocolate with a handful of cashews. Then Chris and I watched two episodes of Supergirl. Afterward I made my magnesium drink. Chris fixed his lunch for tomorrow and went to bed. He has an interview tomorrow. I wrote my blog post and got ready for bed.
* There are no shoestrings on this mask, but the next one will have them. *

Bacon mayonnaise?

We got up about 7:30. I brushed and swished, then washed up and got dressed. I finished the two book masks. I revamped my daily supplement guide and printed out a new copy, which I taped to the wall in the kitchen. At 10 I met the Monday group on Zoom. We showed off our masks, and chatted for 40 minutes.
I parsed out my supplements for two weeks, and ordered more for next time. I was pleased to see that my preferred vitamin C was back in stock. I added two month's worth to my order. Soon after 11, I made my breakfast. I ate while reading e-mail, then got a banana and sat outside in the sun. I brought a book, too, so I was out there for over an hour.
When I came in, my vision was a little off. I sat down and read e-mail. There was an article about 15 foods gathered from the wild, and one was wasp larvae. Hmm. Another one had a suggestion for making mayonnaise out of leftover bacon grease. I wished we had some. I looked up how to turn off the touch screen on my laptop. I speculated that it was causing problems, so I disabled it. I guess time will tell if the laptop behaves better.
I took a break from reading and cut two mask rectangles. I guess I got sidetracked because that was as far as they got. I looked for my mask but could not find it. I went to the post office to mail the book masks. The clerk said 7 or 8 people had mailed masks so far today. When I got home, I searched for my mask and this time found it sitting on the patio table in the sun. I put it in my purse. I tried making a mask like the one in a 2 minute video on my Facebook page. It took me a lot longer.
I watched a couple of videos of hospital staff saying what they see at work doesn't match what the media is saying. I heated two meatballs and made a salad. When I had consumed it all, I texted Stacey who was ready to walk. So I put on my walking shoes and went over there. I spoke briefly to her husband and then we left. She and I talked as we walked for at least an hour, not realizing the time passing. I think we did 4.5 loops.
When I got home, I made my drink. We watched two episodes of Supergirl. I texted with Mary who wanted masks for her daughter. Chris went to bed and I stayed up to tie up loose ends and write to my blog.
* This is my version of the 2-minute project that I saw on Facebook. *

Red letter day: I dusted

I got up to take the first supplement. Then I realized the red clover heads were out in the rain and asked Chris to bring them in. I put them in the oven to dry out. I showered, then brushed and swished, and got dressed. I rubbed more coconut oil on the itchy spot, getting oil in my hair. I washed dishes and countertops in the kitchen. I finished listening to an interview from yesterday. Then I watched our church service on Facebook. It was distracting to have people spliced into the prayer, but it was nice to see them flashing the peace sign later.
I looked for M*A*S*H style masks for Kurt. I could not find a pattern, and from the looks, they have only one pleat. But it could be a special design or fabric for wearing while acting and speaking. I took the next rounds of supplements. Finally I started making breakfast about the time that Chris wanted to make lunch. I had to pause breakfast because the treasurer called. But his question was easily answered, thank goodness.
I finished making breakfast, then ate it while reading e-mail. William called, apparently out of boredom. I got some dusting done while he talked. Then I called Faye, who was out grocery shopping with Dad. CoVid is still under control at her hospital. The mask I made for Dad doesn't fit.
I cut out pieces for the book masks. I started sewing, but then had to call Kurt to tell him I had no more black elastic so his choices were white elastic, or black ties. He chose the ties and I found a pair of black shoestrings that should work nicely.
I parsed out practitioner supplements for the week. I planted my seed tray that was full of potting soil from yesterday. I went to Stacey's house and we walked around the circle three or four times, discussing the ramifications of economic slowdown. We only stopped because the rain came back.
When I got home, Chris pulled a pot of chicken legs from the oven. I got my mask project to a good stopping point and had two chicken legs. I also ate a can of organic soup while reading e-mail.
I watched Royal Pains, then resumed work on the book masks while Chris finished his game. Then we watched two episodes of Supergirl as I sipped my magnesium drink. Afterward, Chris went to bed with a book, and I stayed up to do a few last things.
* I didn't take any pics today, so here is one from yesterday when Kurt wanted to see what number fabric I had. *

Gone like the wind

We stayed in bed late, till the second alarm. We had some couple time, just before jumping out of bed to get dressed. Chris sent me the link to the Zoom meeting that Mike set up for 9am. I used it to sign in. But when Chris used it, he discovered that his laptop did not have a camera. So he had to sit by me and we Zoomed together. Mike and Kelly were there, James and Becca were there, Michele was there. Al and Cecily were there, and so were Marie and Carol. We had a nice chat, then Cecily left. We talked some more, and then others left until it was just Michele and I. We chatted some more and then I had to leave.
It was a little after 10:30. I got ready and took supplements. I went to meet Gabby in the parking lot. She sold me a bottle of silver hydrosol. We chatted for an hour, mostly about the economic shutdown. The parking lot seemed unusually windy. When I got home, Chris said our neighbor came over to buy a mask for his brother. I started making two masks 'cause it saves time to make them at the same time.
I took supplements, and made breakfast which I ate while reading e-mail. I put the red clover heads on a cookie sheet and set them in the sun. Then Chris and I went to Publix for groceries. Afterward, I sat outside in the sun and read. The weather had warmed up.
I was expecting a call from Stacey, but instead I talked to Kurt about the extra masks he wanted. She still hadn't called or texted, so I left my phone with Chris and mowed more of the lawn. When she texted, he came out with the phone. I texted her back and then carried the phone with me while I continued mowing. After a bit, I saw her come out my back door. She encouraged me to finish mowing, so I did.
Then we went for a walk. We went to see the flowers that will soon be blooming. We walked through the woods and saw what might be another blackberry patch. When we got back, she said we could walk again after supper.
I put some heart meatballs in the toaster oven, then made salad. When that was eaten, I took the meatballs out and ate them while listening to an interview. The speaker is a systems biologist and says this current situation is being used to transfer more wealth to the .0001 percent. I did some sewing as he talked. I paused it when William called. I think he wanted my take on a guy who says 5G caused the virus. I finished the masks and texted my neighbor that. Soon my neighbor showed up. He asked if he could get a second mask, too. I said I just happened to have made an extra. He bought both.
I looked for fabrics to match Kurt's most recent requests. I heard Chris' alarm ring and knew it would be TV time soon. Stacey texted asking if it was too late to walk. Yes. I made my evening drink. We folded laundry and watched two episodes of Supergirl, then dressed the bed with clean sheets. Chris went to bed and I stayed up to rub coconut oil and baking soda in my hair, and finish a few last things.

All about the C

I got up at 7:45. Chris was already working. I brushed and swished, pulled vitamin C patches off of me. I washed up and got dressed. I combed my 'short' hair. It did not behave, which is probably why I let it grow so long in the first place.
Linda called and accepted my offer of masks. So after the call, I got started, choosing fabrics and cutting the pieces. I swished with salt water several times because of the pain in my mouth. Oddly, it is not always in the same spot. I put vitamin C on a cotton ball.
Chris was on an interview panel. I tried to sew while listening to Lizzy Albright, but he had his speakers turned up so loudly that I could not hear and sew at the same time. I took some vitamin C. I listened to chapters about Lizzy without sewing. When breakfast time came around, I ate it outside in the sunshine. When I leaned on one hand on my lawn chair, my hand went through it. I guess it has been in the sun too long. When I got up, I dragged it over to the fence for some shade.
Chris' call was over, so I put on the most recent chapter of Lizzy and resumed sewing. But it ended so I looked for more to listen to. I got a text from Elaine who wants another mask so her husband can be protected, too.
I finished three masks, and put two in an envelope. I texted Sherry that I was going to be near her RV picking red clover. Then I went to the post office. I mailed the masks, but there was no mail to pick up. Then I drove to the RV park. Sherry walked up as I parked. We talked as I picked red clover blossoms. Then she and I went walking, and talking, around the RV park and up to the main street. When we got back to my car, we each went home.
I wanted to dry my clover blossoms on a cookie sheet, but then I wouldn't have it for seed crackers. So I made a batch of seed crackers first. I forgot that the crackers needed to stay on the sheet for hours to crisp up after baking. I mowed in the back yard until I realized the battery hadn't recharged. That was odd, so I plugged it in inside.
I made a maskmaker meme and posted it on Facebook because I couldn't figure out how to download it from the meme-maker site. Then the crackers were finished so I ate some. I went out front to put dirt into little 6-packs in preparation for planting. I washed my hands, then called Dad. Faye answered so I talked to her. I guess Dad was eating because he didn't talk to me. Faye said she wished the news would stop reporting numbers all the time, and show videos of the proper ways to wash hands, or avoid cross-contamination, etc.
After the call, I asked Chris to take my picture. Someone at church is putting together a collage of members flashing the peace sign. Then made a salad, and started watching Royal Pains. Gabby called because I had texted her asking what kind of silver to get for treating an infected tooth. She offered to sell me some. After hanging up, I started eating and watching the show again. She called back, but just to set up a time to meet tomorrow to sell me some Sovereign silver. Then I finished my show.
I prepared my drink and a C swab. Chris and I watched two episodes of Supergirl. It went late because we got started late. He went to bed, and I stayed up to blog and take supplements. I also put the bag of clover heads on a table under a ceiling fan to dry out a little until tomorrow.
* Elaine's mask *

The shortcut

Last night I did some sewing on two pleated masks. I was worried that it might be the last thing I get to do for awhile. I went to bed with pains in my back.
I got up around 8, feeling much better. I brushed and swished. I fiddled with the masks, trying to get the pleats right. I tried cutting a cardboard container into strips that would pleat the mask for me. But I got frustrated. Elaine texted me saying she wanted a mask.
I ate breakfast outside in the sun. I sat in on a Zoom tapping call. I listened to several episodes of Lizzy Albright while making another mask, this time a male-sized one. When I finished it, I tried calling Elaine but she didn't pick up. I tried calling Dad, but he didn't answer either. I noticed my phone was hot. Hmm. I plugged it in to recharge.
I started mowing the lawn. Chris came out to tell me Elaine called. I went in and tried to call her but there was no answer, so I went back to mowing. Soon Chris was back, saying she called again. This time she was still on the phone. We agreed to meet at church in half an hour.
I brought my offering records and extra masks, and went to church. I corrected the omission made back in March and re-printed the reports. Then Elaine arrived. I showed her the masks. She tried on one female mask and one male mask. She thought the male mask fit the best. So she took that one and said she'd let me know if her husband needed one. As we were talking, I mentioned that my tooth hurt. She gave me some silver cough drops and said I should hold one next to that tooth and let it melt. The silver inside will help with any infection.
We parted ways and I went back to post with one of the drops nestled against my gums. It was uncomfortable. I stopped at the post office and picked up a package, then went home. I read e-mail. I got a text from Stacey about going over there to get my hair cut. But when I called, she was on the phone. I mowed some more, but the mower needed recharging. Finally, I walked around the circle once, then checked my phone. There were no messages or missed calls. I walked again, and this time she had texted me. But when I called, she was on the phone again. I ate nuts and a can of soup for supper. She sent me a text inviting me to come over just short of 7. I read some more e-mail, then got a nice comb and hair scissors and a razor, and put them in a baggie. I let my hair down and combed it. I traded my shorts for pants since the temp was going down. Then I put on a coat and went to Stacey's house.
When I walked in, her husband warned me that this could be a relationship-ending event. I assured him that no matter what happened, my hair would grow back. She had trained to be a hair-dresser long ago, but then her life changed. She had me sit on a chair in the dining area. She cut my hair as we talked. She took her time, then had me look in a mirror. We agreed it should be shorter and she cut more off. Looking in the mirror again, I liked it, and was looking forward to treating my itchy spot. She swept up the hair into a bag for me to take home. So much hair! She was afraid the change would be too much for me, but it felt great. We talked for another 45 minutes and then I went home.
I noticed significant dental pain. Now it was below the tooth I thought was infected. It had me worried. I made my magnesium drink. We watched only one episode of Supergirl because it was so late. My phone suddenly said it needed charging, so I closed all the apps and plugged it in. Then I swished with home made mouthwash, and worked on my blog post. I saw that our church wants members to send in pics of themselves flashing a peace sign. After awhile, I took my evening supplements, and put a C-soaked cotton ball in my mouth like a wad of tobacco. I finished my blog, and got ready for bed.
* My phone isn't taking pics right now, so I will post a pic tomorrow. *

Making a video

I got up and discovered it was only 7, so I laid down again until my alarm went off. Then I got up to brush and swish twice, do my special exercises, make coffee, etc. I also soaked my sprouts, which aren't doing so well. I put a cotton ball soaked in vitamin C in my cheek over a tooth that hurt. I sanitized several masks and put them in baggies.
I had a meditation morning with Oprah and Deepak, going through three of their 20 minute sessions. When I got up afterward, my back hurt in a way that was very troubling. I took shower, and did five rounds of hot/cold. I put the box fan on to dry out the bathroom. I cleaned very lightly because my back hurt. I wanted to lay down but was afraid I might not get back up. I looked at a video of an Easter service where members had recorded themselves saying 'Lord, hear our prayer” and those videos had been spliced into the prayer. Our choir director wants us (the choir) to send her such videos. Sigh.
I looked into a missing offering deposit, or rather an extra deposit that I have no record of. I washed the dishes that were in the sink.
I read outside, not sure I needed my coat, but at least I wasn't cold. When I came in, everything I looked at was red. I made breakfast, and watched a video, but can't now remember what it was about. I listened to a tapping meditation. I went to the post office to mail the last two masks. Then I put on a video about sound healing and started sewing two new masks. Chris came home from work.
I went walking with Stacey until 6:30 or so. Then I saw Beverly called, so I called her back. Afterward, I had Chris take a video of me for Jennifer before the sun set. I wanted to do it outside so no one will see what my house looks like.
I made and ate supper, then watched Royal Pains. I made two drinks: one with magnesium and one with vitamin C. I did some more sewing until Chris was ready. Then I sipped while we watched two episodes of Supergirl. I put a swab of castor oil over my tooth. Chris went to bed and I stayed up to look into the deposit error, and download the videos and choose one to send to church. Then I wrote my blog and went to bed. (If I can't get up in the morning, at least Chris will be here.)
* I don't think the video will play, but you can see what it looks like. *

Ready for more masks

I got up before the first alarm went off. I had a list of things that needed to be done and I added one more. I took my first supplement, then washed my hands and sanitized the masks I made yesterday and put them in baggies.
Then I asked Chris to bring in a box of guild books from the garage. Amanda had sent me a link to a googledocs spreadsheet. I checked the books against the spreadsheet and accounted for all but one. Also, there were patterns but they were not listed on the spreadsheet. I was afraid to add them in case I messed up what was already there. I sent pics of my hair from the front and side to Stacey. Then I read e-mail.
At 10:30 I washed up and got dressed. I got text that the lady was heading to our meeting spot. I put on my coat and got in the car. I drove to Aldi's and looked for her car, just then realizing that I did not know a Navigator from any other SUV. But we did meet, and exchanged masks for money. I went into Aldi's to see what they carry. No hair elastics and no shoestrings. I did see a man wearing a flag mask with a horse on it. I wondered if it was one I had made.
When I got back, I went by the post office, but there was no mail. When I got home, I made and ate breakfast. Then I sat outside in the sun and read my book. It was nice, but I had to cut it short. I got ready and went to the $ store where I looked at shoelaces but bought one package of hair elastic. Then I went to the church. I printed out reports from last week, then entered this week's data and printed more reports. Finally I shredded a bunch of old envelopes. From there, I went to Bertha's. We had a nice visit and she gave me more tomato wire. Sometime after 4, I left to go to the bank. I deposited the money and asked for more blue zippered bags to replace the ones that were damaged in the robbery.
When I got home, I texted Stacey and called William. He had his train mask, but didn't realize it had a nose piece in it. Anyway, we ended the conversation and I saw Stacey had texted back. I went over there to see her, and we went walking. We included the back of the neighborhood where the peony was showing buds.
When we got back, she went home for supper. I made salad for supper and put two hardboiled eggs on top. I also ate a small jar of marinated artichoke hearts. I watched one episode of Royal Pains, then worked on the masks. When Chris was ready, we watched two episodes of Supergirl. Then he went to bed, and I put my phone where I can reach it in the morning if I can't get out of bed. I posted to my blog and turned off the router before I went to bed.

Why is the wire always gone?

Chris got up early and actually went to work for a while. I stayed in bed until after 8. I got up to brush and swish. I worked on four male masks until it was time to pin on the ties. I needed more shoestrings and only had one pair. So I finished one mask. Then it was time to take the next supplement. I also turned on my laptop and checked e-mail, looking for an interview to listen to. But Chris came home while I was looking.
I made more green mix. I spent a lot of time going through past photos looking for ones of me with short hair. I ate breakfast while reading e-mail, then read a book outside. It wasn't sunny but there was daylight. I went in when I got cold. I sat at my sewing machine and made three women's masks with elastic. Beverly called to check on me and said she has a source for elastic if I run out.
I went to the post office and mailed masks to three people. I also picked up a package and some mail. When I got back, Chris asked me how hard it was to add a nose piece to his mask and I said not hard at all if you don't care how it looks. I satin-stitched a piece of wire to the inside of Chris' mask in a minute or two. And that was all the wire that was left.
Chris and I went to Publix for the groceries we didn't get yesterday. They did not have the hair elastics I have been using, nor did we find shoe laces for ties. So we stopped at Wal-Greens. I got some laces, but no hair elastics. Then we stopped at the dollar store. Again, laces but no elastics. We went home. I checked the mailbox and found a letter for a previous resident. I marked it 'not at this address' and put it in the mail slot.
I checked my messages. Jennifer the choir director sent me a CoViD rendition of The Sound of Music. It was well done. I finished the male masks using the shoestrings as ties. Then I texted the lady to tell her that her order was ready. We made plans to meet tomorrow.
I ate the rest of the heartloaf for supper. I also made a salad. There wasn't time to watch Royal Pains, so I just read some e-mail, then made my usual nightly drink. We watched two episodes of Supergirl. Chris went to bed and I stayed up as usual.
* Not a good day for paper products. Also, all the other aisles were marked with arrows showing which direction shoppers should go. But I don't see an arrow in this aisle. *

A very rainy day

We stayed in bed through the first alarm. Chris was giving me a coconut oil massage when the second one went off. Later he took a shower. I waited until the oil on my feet soaked in before I took mine, not wanting to slip and fall.
I got dressed and brushed and swished. I pulled up the link to our Easter service, which was recorded a week ago. But for some reason it started in the middle, like it was a live broadcast. I finished the recording and then was available to shop with Chris. He told me to check the grocery list, so I did, adding hair elastics and shoestrings for masks. Then I finished parsing out supplements for the week, at which point I noticed I had forgotten to take the supper ones yesterday.
I gathered the plastic bags for recycling and we went to Publix. Of course they were closed for Easter, and I think we get surprised by this every year. So we decided to go back tomorrow, and we went home. I read e-mail, checking my blog for past years to see what we did. Two years ago we went to Kroger, and last year Chris came home with groceries and didn't say where he got them. I re-threaded my machine, then asked Chris if he wanted to go to Kroger. He did, so we did, but they closed at 2pm, 2 minutes before we got there. Then we tried Target, but they were closed too. Then we went to Fresh Market. They were open till 4 so we did some shopping, but didn't find almost half of what was on our list.
When we got home, he unpacked the bags and I washed the items. I read more e-mail, and composed a response to something on my Facebook page. I listened to an interview on candida imbalance while sewing mask pieces together and getting a head start on the order of 7.
It rained. I remembered Stacey saying she needed thread, so I went to Stacey's house with a cone of thread, a thread stand, and two kinds of wire. I sat at her kitchen table and we had a nice girlfriend-type chat. She showed me the many facemasks she had made from the scraps I gave her. She also offered to cut my hair if I gave her three pics of the kind of cut I want.
When I got home at 7, I had heart meatloaf for supper. I tried it with black pepper, then cayenne pepper, then pickled garlic, vinegar, olive oil. The pickled garlic overwhelmed it. For dessert, I ate a square of dark chocolate with 5 halves of dried jujube. They were an excellent combination.
I watched one episode of Royal Pains and ate a can of vegetable soup. Then I prepared my nightly drink while Chris finished up his game. We sat down to watch Supergirl and Chris folded laundry while I sipped. After the second episode, we dressed the bed with bamboo sheets and he went to bed. I stayed up to blog and do last-minute things.
* This is my brother-in-law *

Maskmaker, maskmaker

I am not sure when I woke up, but we stayed in bed late. I was the first to get up, and it was almost 8:30. I noticed the Air Doctor had a red light on, signifying that the filter needed to be changed. I got the spare charcoal filter from the garage. I looked up the manual online. I swept out the sensor chamber and the reusable pre-filter. I washed that, but Chris said to change the filter anyway. So I put the new one in and reset the filter light. I washed the dishes in the sink. I listened to tapping audios and checked e-mail.
I sterilized the masks that Kurt ordered and packaged them in 4 addressed envelopes, ready for the mail on Monday. I ate breakfast outside and soaked up some sun. I tried to listen to a podcast, but it quit every 10 minutes. I put the frozen meat cupcakes in a ziplock bag so I could wash the dish. I washed both dishes that came from Stacey.
I got in a text vs messaging war. Several people were communicating at the same time. When it quieted down, I went back to sewing. I finished two masks, maybe three, then set them aside. It was still sunny and tomorrow is going to be stormy, so I went walking. I took the 30 minute walk into the woods and back. When I got back, I cut out mask pieces for the next order. I talked to Faye. She was still at home. I looked through all our twist ties, hoping for some plastic coated ones to use as nose pieces. But the pickings were slim. Faye called back later to tell me she got the masks I sent.
I ate pieces of heart meatloaf for supper. I checked more e-mail. I went over to Stacey's house with her pans from yesterday. Then we went walking around the circle, talking about our recent experiences. Then she went home as did I. I moved the poinsettia under the porch roof to keep it out of the storm. I made my vitamin drink while Chris finished his game. Then we sat together and watched two episodes of Supergirl. Chris went to bed and I stayed up to see the pics Faye sent of family wearing the masks I sent.
* I made Dad an instrument mask, but I guess he liked PEACE better. *

A heart-y dish

I got up early to use the bathroom, and could not go back to sleep. Chris got up early, as in before his alarm went off. I gave him a reason to come back to bed. But eventually his alarm did go off, and he went to work – at the diningroom table. I tried to sleep but couldn't, so I got up, too, and started my day early.
I brushed and swished. I listened to an interview while trying a new kind of mask. I watched a video – it was made with H600, which doesn't ravel so she did not turn it inside out. I tried to adapt the pattern to fabric which has to be made inside out and then turned.
MaryAnn called and we had a nice chat. She clued me in to the concept of sexual harassment in the workplace: husband working from home, flirting with his wife. Ha! I worked on the mask some more, lost the mask, then found it and finished it and tried it on. Not impressed with the results for the amount of work it took.
I listened to a noon call for daily tappings. It was not as interesting as I had hoped. But they;ll go on every day until sometime in May. I was glad when it was over because I wanted to go out and sit in the sun. I made breakfast and took it with me. I discovered that contrary to looks, it was quite chilly. So I put on a coat and ate breakfast in the sun. Chris said the weather was going to be bad on Sunday.
I listened to another interview, but it bothered Chris so I stopped it and turned to the chapters of Lizzy Albright . I worked on pleated facemasks until long after the audios ended. I thought I would finish in time to get them to the post office before it closed, but then I realized I was one short and had to make a 9th,. That put me over time.
I texted with Faye. Her ICU is still not overflowing into the OR. Chris called his parents and we talked to them for a bit. They said the number of Covid patients in Virginia is peaking and expected to decline.
I went to the post office and came back with a couple pieces of junk mail. Then I went for a walk. I cut it a bit short, rustled up a seam ripper and went over to Stacey's house. Her husband had made a meatloaf and meat cupcakes out of the heart. It smelled divine! She helped me carry it all home. Chris declined to have any because it was Good Friday, a day when Catholics eat fish. I ate enough for both of us.
I watched the Good Friday service online, waiting for Stacey to text, wanting to go for a walk. But she didn't. I watched one episode of Royal Pains. Suddenly I started to feel sick. I mixed up my usual magnesium and vitamin C. I put C on a cotton ball too, and stuck it in one nostril. I also swished with salt water because my teeth hurt. Then I sipped my drink while we watched two episodes of Supergirl. I got really tired, so when it was over, I typed up my blog, stuck a couple of Vitamin C patches on me and went to bed.
* The crunchy bits are the best! *

Who would break into a church?

I got up at 8. I started a new batch of sprouts, because the previous ones aren't growing and they smell bad. I checked e-mail and meditated. I worked on face masks. I got a call that the church office and safe were broken into (but they didn't take the food pantry stuff or the toilet paper). I started a loaf of bread for Chris. I took protein and hydrogen supplements, then finished three pleated masks. I wondered what kind to make next.
I pulled some dull fabrics for Stacey. I made and ate breakfast. I read outside for a short while. I talked to Kurt, then pulled more fabrics. I put the three masks into two envelops and went to post office to mail. Postage was not as bad as I thought. I took more fabric pics and mailed them to Kurt. I cut out a pattern for a new kind of mask, but then couldn't remember how to sew it. Jeanne called to say she canceled her check, assuming it got stolen.
I ate a packet of tuna, and made a salad for supper. Then I took some fabric over to Stacey's house. We went walking. We finished just before 7. I ate seed crackers and checked e-mail until my tapping buddy skyped me. We talked for over an hour. We agreed to take a break during the lockdown because we have differing views on the coronavirus.
Chris and I watched two episodes of Supergirl. I checked my messages and saw that Gabby's friend want to order masks. We texted back and forth, finalizing an order for 7 masks. Then I wrote my blog post and got ready for bed.
* This is me wearing a pleated mask. The pleats take a long time. There must be a faster way. *

Varieties of masks for the family

I got up before 7:30, quite certain I had missed the alarm. I took supplements. I put a new set of bamboo sheets in the washer along with the bags I planned to use as filters. I brushed and swished, and made coffee. I did exercises – all the usual Coffee morning activities including tapping and meditation. Then I vacuumed, cleaned, and mopped floors.
I took a shower, then sat outside and read. I made and ate breakfast. In response to Kurt's comments, I printed a different mask pattern. But then I thought it was too big. I made two more masks, trying out alternate ways of construction. I zigzagged wire into the noses. I sanitized 8 of them and put them in a ziplock bag, then ran to the post office to mail them before it closed. The postal employees did not have masks so I gave them each one.
When I got home, I watched a face mask video by a health practitioner. She tried 4 different homemade masks and fit-tested them at the hospital. She identified one mask that passed the test, albeit with a piece of medical tape. It was made with Halyard H600, which is used for instrument covers. I printed the pattern so I could try it in fabric.
I discovered that Stacey had texted me about walking. I put a heart in a bag and took it over to Stacey's house. Her husband was eager to accept it. He asked when I wanted it, then took it away. She and I went walking around the neighborhood. We only finished when we thought the rain was about to hit. And it did. Soon after I got inside, the rain fell hard. I heated the last of the heart in a pot. I ate the last half of sweet potato, and then ate the heart with rice. I called Faye. She said her OR is expecting 5 people from ICU with Covid and that there is an article on the guy in her church that is soon to get off a respirator. Then I looked at things of Faye's facebook page.
I finished a tapping audio, then made my vitamin drink. Chris and I watched two episodes of Supergirl. Chris went to bed and I listened to a report on the source of the coronavirus. Then I took my last supplement and got ready for bed.
* This is a new pattern that I haven't seen before. *

The price of gas has tanked

I got up at 8:15. I brushed and swished. I rinsed my sprouts. I finished Patrick's face mask. I checked my e-mail, then took a shower and got dressed. William called. I asked if he and Karen needed face masks. He said they had it covered, but when I mentioned train fabric, he said I could make one.
I had all my face masks in two baggies. I took them to the Korean clinic. I let Dr. Grace choose the face masks she wanted. They were for her daughter and son-in-law so I let her pay for them. She then showed me a piece of mail that she was concerned about. I saw no reason for her to sign the papers for opting out, so she ripped them up. Then they seemed to be ready to leave the store, so I left first. I went to a $ store and got more head band elastic.
When I got back, I made and ate breakfast. I texted with Kurt, who wanted more facemasks, probably for other people. I cut out two blue facemasks. Chris moved some boxes in the sewing room so I could get my denim box, but when I went through it, none of it was soft enough. I also found my QOV bag, which means more patriotic fabrics.
Michele called her dad, but he was on a telecon at the time. So instead of calling me, she waited. Afterward, either she called him or he called her. Anyway, she was having symptoms and wanted to know what to do. Chris didn't think she had IT. I suggested she gargle with vinegar diluted with water, and then get out in the sun.
On the way to church, I stopped at a big $ store. I looked all around, but they had no hairbands like the ones I have been using. I didn't see any shoestrings either. Then I went to church to record the offering. I did that, but the internet was out, so I could not send the reports to the copy machine to print out. I called the president, and agreed to send him a screen shot of the report and print later.
When I finished, I visited Bertha, who lives right around the corner. We had a nice chat and she gave me some garden wire for nose pieces, and a pattern for a mask that uses it. After an hour, I left to go to the bank. I deposited the offering, then headed back to base. I stopped for gas and was surprised to pay only $1.55 per gallon.
When I got home, I texted with Kurt. I e-mailed the screen shot to the president, and printed more forms. I put on my walking shoes and accompanied Stacey around the block 3.5 times. Then she went home for dinner. I did the same, having beef heart, half a sweet potato and the rest of the grocery store sprouts.
I listened to one chapter of Lizzy Albright, then watched one episode of Royal Pains. Chris and I watched two episodes of Supergirl. He went to bed and I didn't. Too many things to take care of before going to bed.

Three times is the charm

I got up around 8:30. I took the first supplement, then brushed and swished. I could smell the pork that Chris had roasting in the oven. I put cans of coconut milk on the stove top to warm up so I could shake them up. I checked e-mail. Chris sent me an e-mail attachment saying the garrison is requiring all personnel to wear face masks in public.
I participated in a Zoom session with some of the Monday quilters. Chris said Zoom was a potential risk, so I read about the risks, then followed the link. It lasted about 45 minutes. It was good to seem them again. I worked more on masks, including one for me. Chris had to go to the passport office. He left without a face mask.
I made and ate breakfast, then resumed sewing. So I was perfectly placed to see the next termite swarm in the windowsill in front of my machine. I took a pic, then got out the vacuum. After sweeping them up, I sewed intermittently, pausing to catch the stragglers. Chris called Housing. They wanted to send someone to investigate, but the pest control people insisted that we leave the house while they examine everything. Chris refused.
I asked the people next door if they wanted face masks and they said yes. So I sent a pic of the completed ones. They sent it back with the two they wanted circled. One was promised to Kurt's friend, but I could make another, so I took over the two they had circled. They wanted to pay but I refused. When I got back, I saw a maintenance truck parked in front of our house. I cleared my sewing area as best I could. A man came to the door to caulk all the termite tunnels so they could not swarm in again. He was not wearing a face mask and had the sniffles. I offered him a mask, and after he left, I used the wand to sanitize my sewing area and anything he might have touched.
I made several more masks, to replace the one they picked, and to try a different method. The replacement one did not work out for some reason. I fiddled and fiddled with it. Finally I decided to use the one that was a different method. I also tried putting a wire inside the nose of mine. Chris said it was too stiff and it might not wash well. I sanitized the chosen 4 and put them in a baggie. I put Michele's in an envelope with a card (since a regular envelop was too small). Then I went to the post office and mailed them both. I put a check beside the names of people whose mask I have made.
When I got back, I asked Chris to break off an aloe branch. I scooped out the insides and put them in a container in the fridge. I went for a walk around the circle. I put some heart in a dish. I got a text from Stacey saying she was ready to walk. I ate what was in the dish, then took her potholder and went to Stacey's house. Her husband and I discussed the possibility of heart meatloaf. He seemed intrigued. Stacey and I went to a $store. We wore our facemasks. I found the headbands I needed in shades of brown. After we checked out, we sat in her car and talked. She was reluctant to go home again so soon.
When we got back, I tried some of the pork Chris had cooked. It was good. I also used up the last of last week's greens for a salad. I read some e-mail, then watched an episode of Royal Pains. Then Chris called up Netflix and we watched two episodes of Super Girl. Afterward, he went to bed and I stayed up to take supplements and get ready for sleep.
* They must like me. *

Palm Sunday

I got up at 8:30. I brushed and swished. I made up practitioner supplements for a week. I checked e-mail. After I took the 'catch' supplements, we went to Publix for groceries. I forgot to take the empty bags from last week for recycling.
When we got back, Chris took the food from the bags and I washed the cans and boxes. Then I sat at my laptop and watched the Palm Sunday service that our worship team created yesterday. This time I was able to follow the bulletin attachment while watching the video. I waved one of the palm branches that Stacey gave me yesterday.
I whipped up a batch of seed crackers. For breakfast, I sat outside and read. It was a very sunny day. When I came in, I listened to the next chapter of Lizzy Albright. I made a list of who wanted what kind of print for their mask. I rooted in the fabric room for more choices. I made a couple of masks. One was for Dad, so I made the elastic to go around his head so it would not interfere with his hearing aid. But I had trouble sewing over the ends of it. Finally I had to finish it off by hand.
I trimmed part of the yard that the trimmer can't reach. I finished one blue mask and took a pic. Then Chris and I went for a walk. Usually he turns down such invitations, but today he accepted. We walked all around the neighborhood and he identified some flowers for me.
When we got back, I made two weeks worth of my supplements. Then Chris cooked the yucca root which we got at Publix. I ate a piece of the heart, then put some of the juice on some mashed yucca. It was very good! I finished two more star masks. I watched an episode of Royal Pains on my laptop. Then we watched the last episode of Locke and Key. I made my vitamin drink, and we decided to try the first episode of Super Girl. That was ok. Afterward, Chris went to bed and I stayed up to dot the i's and cross the t's.
* Seems like I made more than this. *

More sewing

We slept late. I got up first, having heard my 8:30 alarm go off in the other room. I cut out the large white center of a blue dust ruffle. I don't think it had ever been used, and the white part was the same material as the reusable bags I have been buying. I put the large white part and one of the masks in the washing machine set for hot water. I brushed and swished. I started a new batch of sprouts. Chris gave me a coconut oil massage, then put the sheets in the wash. We took a shower, and got dressed. I checked my e-mail. When the white center came out of the dryer, I folded it into fourths and cut a bunch of mask pieces.
I listened to a link that my massage therapist sent me. It was a doctor talking about the virus and how it is a false alarm because the testing has an 80 percent false positive rate. Afterward, I made and ate breakfast. I went outside to read for half an hour in the sun, but stayed for a whole hour. I heard Chris talking to his parents. They want masks too. Then he called Michele. She wants one with stars on it. So I worked on some of the masks that I had fabric for.
I called Faye to see if her hospital was overrun with CoVid, but she said no. I asked if she wanted a mask and she said yes. She also wants one for each of Dad's caregivers. And several for Kevin, but I don't think he'll wear them. I pulled fabrics from my stash as I talked to her.
Stacey texted me about walking so I put on my shoes. I met her outside and she gave me two palm branches from Jennifer. We went walking. She told me they had taped services for all of holy week just this afternoon. We looked for the terraced spot in the woods to see what might be blooming. But it was full of ivy, both English and poison. We carefully picked our way out and will not go back.
When we got back, she went home and I rummaged around in our kitchen until I found a pot. I carried it over to her house. Her husband had smoked the heart and then put it in a slow cooker with bacon, garlic, onions, and mushrooms. It was not a strong smell, but it was a good one. He gave me a potholder so I could carry it home in the hot pot. She was sitting at her kitchen table making pleated masks using scrunchies.
I put the pot on the stove and got a knife to slice a piece off. I sat at the table and savored every bite. The smoky smell reminded me of Grandpa's smoke house. I then ate a sweet potato. I wanted more heart, but I was full. I checked e-mail again. My therapist sent another link. I sewed more masks.
While Chris finished his game, I made vitamin water. Then we watched Locke and Key on Netflix. Afterward, we dressed the bed with fresh sheets. Chris went to bed and I stayed up to blog.

The sample is in the mail

I ignored my 7:30 alarm and stayed in bed. It had been a long night and I woke up way too early, not able to go back to sleep. I think I did sleep after that. But then I heard the 8:30 alarm go off. So I made myself get up. However it was only 10 after 8. I don't know how that happened. Anyway, I was up, so I brushed and swished, etc. I put on two vitamin c patches. I contacted the place I bought the lab kit from. They sent me a form and I printed it out. I threw it in the Fedex bag and closed it. I re-read the instructions and realized the original box should be in the bag. Sigh.
At 11:30 I made and ate breakfast. I put on my suit and laid outside in the sun, reading, for half an hour. I put on the next chapter of Lizzy Albright, and finished a mask I started earlier. I made the third mask for Kurt and sterilized it. I readied the lab sample for shipment. It was tough because the packing tape kept ripping lengthwise.
Kurt texted me, asking me to model one of the facemasks I made him. So I did and sent him a pic. Then he wanted to see one with ties. But I had already made them all with elastic. I put Kurt's masks in a baggie, and took the package with me. I went to Walgreens to drop off the Fedex bag. I stopped by the dollar store to pick up more red bags on the way to the post office. There I put Kurt's masks in a flat rate mailer and sent it on its way.
When I got back, I took my midafternoon supplements. Kurt must have shared the mask pic with a co-worker because he wrote back to say she wanted some too. I pulled fabrics and took pics so she could choose what she liked. We texted back and forth with Kurt as the intermediary. But I never did find out her final choice.
I cracked both coconuts, drank the water inside, and scraped the meat out with a spoon. Stacey texted me about walking and about wanting to make facemasks. I brought a box of remnants over to Stacey's house. Her husband told me he had completed stage one of the heart's preparation, but he wouldn't tell me what it was. Then she and I walked around the circle at least three times, talking all the way. Not all of our chat was about CoViD.
When we parted ways, I went home. I peeled a hard boiled egg and ate it. Then I made a big salad with half of the greens that were left. I sat down at my laptop to eat. I read e-mail and listened to one or two tapping videos. I called Dad and we had a nice little chat. He agreed he should have a mask, too.
I made my vitamin drink and we watched two episodes of Locke and Key. We got into a heated discussion, but it turned out well. He went to bed and I stayed up to blog.
* It's a little big because it is man-sized. *