Covid19 Update 4-29-20

We interrupt the Covid19 virus update to wish Willie Nelson a very happy birthday.  In case you didn't know, Willie has been the Old Man's favorite for as long as I can remember. 

I hope he's staying safe at his home in Texas during the virus outbreak. 

Covid19 Update 4-28-20

It was a busy day here at the Home Office.  I ended up working through lunch, which means I got a break and didn't do any chores.  I was still tired from yesterday's wheel barrow put-together. 

Yesterday, our Governor asked for everyone to wear a mask when they go out in public until a vaccine is being used.  Who knows how many months that will be.  We have plenty of the N95 masks here at home in our stash, but I got online today and ordered some cloth masks that have a place for the filter.  Best of all, the masks are made of fabric that has chickens on them.  We might as well be stylish.

Covid19 Update 4-27-20

This isn't really Covid19 related, but I started working an hour early today because I knew I had a job to do during my lunch break.  The Old Man and I put together a wheel barrow that we needed.  I am happy to say that he didn't yell at me, and he said when it was all put together that I was a good helper.  That's all I can ask for. 

I'm also happy to report that our handy man came by today and fixed the toilet in the big bathroom for a small fraction of what it would have cost to get a plumber out here.  

And the handy man practiced social distancing when he was here.  He had on a mask, glove and booties over his shoes.  Can't ask for much more than that.  And when he was here and I was interacting with him, I, too, had on my mask. 

Covid19 Updatge 4-26-20

Starting tomorrow, all employees at Krogers will be required to wear masks.  I think that's a great idea, since a lot of people that go to the stores don't wear one.  

Yet I talked to someone today who still doesn't think the Covid19 virus is a big deal.  I just shut up and ended the conversation without arguing with her.  

Covid19 Update 4-25-20

I think the 'Rona is affecting The Girls.  They have barely been laying eggs for the past six weeks.  But I digress.  It isn't the 'Rona; I did some research and from the looks of the chicken pen floor, they are molting again.  It's not as heavy as it was in the fall, but it's noticeable.  And when they molt, they don't lay.  Stay tuned. 

I put on my mask and gloves this morning and headed to Wal-Mart to get a wheel barrow and a few supplies.  On this trip, I'd say the mask/no mask ratio was pretty much 50/50.  But once again, people aren't social distancing.  I went out of my way up and down aisles to avoid people.  

It poured all day and night Thursday, and has been raining here at The Compound since noon.  Pandemic or not, this weather makes me want to take a nap. 

Covid19 Update 4-24-20

Today, the Old Man and I got a much needed treat: we had a visitor! It was none other than Handyman Rick.  He's a friend of ours from church, and we hired him to come and fill in the holes in the back yard and to put up a hand rail by the front porch steps.  He was conscientious and wore a mask when he came into the house to chat with us, and yes, we kept six feet from him.  

We heard about two more friends having the virus; both of them in not very good health to begin with.

The staff at church are already making plans for when they start having Sunday services again.  Being head of our security team, they asked me for my thoughts.  I told them that by the church making everyone wear masks, only letting in 50 people for the service, sanitizing the place before and after the service, taking everyone's temperature, etc., then my thoughts is that it still won't be safe.

Stay tuned. 

Covid19 Update 4-23-20

Today was another frustrating day working from home.  First of all, some reports I printed last night didn't print.  And when I was a the office this morning getting my schedules together, I tried to print them from a coworker's printer and they still didn't print. Add to that getting kicked off of the network every 15 minutes all day long and you've got one frustrated scheduler.  But as the Bible says, this too shall pass. 

Covid19 Update 4-22-20

This was my busiest day so far working from home.  I started a half hour early at 7:30, and worked through both breaks and half of my lunch break.  And I was glad to be busy.  

During supper tonight, the Old Man surprised me.  He said (and I quote) "When this is all over, I want us to go somewhere.  Maybe Gatlinburg."  I told him that in deed, when "this" is all over, we'd sure drive down there just because he wants to.  

Stay tuned. 

Covid19 Update 4-21-20

Today was the busiest day I've had so far working from home.  I had some projects to work on in addition to my regularly scheduled work.  I got on the computer at 7:30 this morning, and even worked through lunch, and didn't shut the computer down till 4:30.  But I have to say I liked being busy. 

After I quit work, I ran up to the post office to pay for my post office box renewal, only to find 87 people standing in line to get into the lobby of the post office; they were only letting in 4 people.  I said screw it, mainly after one kid that was with her mother was hacking uncontrollably.  Thank goodness I was a good 20 feet away from her.  And let me say that neither she nor her mother were wearing masks.  I'll just mail my post office box renewal in tomorrow.  

I stopped at Krogers after the wasted trip to the post office to get a head of lettuce and made a great score.  They had 80/20 ground beef at $2.00 a pound in 5 pound portions.  Score.  Tomorrow or Thursday I will be busy dividing it up into pound portions and browning it and freezing it. 

Another good day at The Compound. 

Covid19 Update 4-20-20

Over four weeks ago when the stimulus package was announced and it was said that people that were drawing unemployment would get an extra $600 a week, I half jokingly said I sure wouldn't mind getting laid off and drawing that much money each week.  

It didn't take long before I took that back. Each day since then I've read tons of posts on FB about people having trouble getting their weekly unemployment checks.  While at the same time, I'm positive they aren't having that much trouble getting their weekly bills.  

I'm so thankful that my company has let me work from home during this mess.  I can't stress that enough.  

Covid19 Update 4-19-20

I admit I'm nerved up over Florida allowing people to go to the beaches this weekend.  But I'm not governor.  All I can do is make sure I keep me and the Old Man Safe. 

Covid19 Update 4-18-20

We got some outdoor chores done today - mainly, doing some maintenance on the flag pole and putting on a new flag.  

The weekly trip to Krogers was interesting.  Today, I experienced no eggs, and no laundry detergent.  I didn't need either of them, but was just observing.  Today's trip showed about half of the shoppers with PPE; that surprised me.  I thought more people would be wearing them.

Other than that, it was a low key day here at The Compound.  We watched TV, played some games, ate, drank, and just enjoyed being together while both of us are healthy and happy.

Covid19 Update 4-17-20

I am very happy to report that as of 3:00 in the afternoon, I've only gotten kicked off of our network five times today! And for that, I am thankful. 

I started working a half hour early this morning because I was up long before the alarm clock went off, and I worked through lunch.  So I am going to clock out a bit early this afternoon.  

To sum up the past three weeks of working at home: for those that wish they could work from home and are jealous - don't be.  Yes, I am so thankful I can work from home to keep down the risk of me bringing the virus home to the Old Man.  But it's not the picnic that a lot believe it is.  As I've expressed on here, with the tons and tons and tons of people working from home, the networks and internet and wifi can't handle it all, and you keep getting kicked off of your network.  I've heard this repeatedly from friends working from home.  That in and of itself is enough to drive one to drink.  But I digress. 

I can't really complain about distractions and interruptions.  It's actually been more peaceful here at home than it is at the office, even with the Old Man watching TV during the day.  And the Old Man would be the first to vouch for me that I am at my kitchen table office and putting in my full 8 hours during the day.  There are many temptations to just say screw it and go sit on the couch and watch TV during the day, but I am diligent and am giving the company their 8 hours a day.  

All in all, I would rather be working in the office, but at the same time I am so thankful my company lets me work from home to keep down the risk of catching/spreading the virus.  I can't say that enough. 

Covid19 Update 4-16-20

I was up early and in the office at 6:00 this morning to get my schedules off of the printer, staple them and deliver them to the plant supervisors.  Then I was back home by 8:00 and ready to work some more.  

It was another frustrating day getting kicked off of the network.  From talking to friends who are working from home, this seems to be the norm. I'm not sure how many more times my router and modem can stand to be unplugged and plugged back in.  

Today was another first for me.  I made a delicious pot of 15 bean soup and cornbread.  The Old Man said that my Sweet Mother would be proud.  And I think she would, too.  

Like I said before, this quarantine is teaching me how to cook and bake.

Stay tuned. 

Covid19 Update 4-15-20

I put on my mask this afternoon and ventured out to go to the post office to mail my corporate income tax return.  The post office was busy - there were a few cars ahead of me in line, dropping off their income tax returns I presume.

On a happy note, I got my "check" today.  I quickly transferred it to my savings account.  Now to just wait for the Old Man's to be deposited and he'll be as happy as I was. 

The network was working a hell of a lot better today than yesterday, thank goodness.  I only got kicked off of the network 5 times today! 

Stay tuned. 

Covid19 Update 4-14-20

Today was the most frustrating day since I've been working from home.  I spent most of the first half of the day trying (key word) to get connected to the network.  I finally was able to get a connection, and busted a major move to get the next two days worth of scheduling work done just in case I had trouble tomorrow getting connected.

It was today when I realized what Elvis felt when he wanted to shoot out his TV's.

Stay tuned.

Covid19 Update 4-13-20

Monday was the most frustrating day so far working from home.  I got kicked off of the network at least every ten minutes.  At the end of the work day, I totally knew why Elvis Presley would shoot out his TV screens.   

Covid19 Update 4-12-20

TWIT and I are interrupting the daily Covid19 update to wish everyone a Happy Easter.  

I'm proud do say I cooked/baked everything for our Easter dinner except for the ham.  The deviled eggs and potato salad were awesome, as was the green bean casserole.  And the carrot cake was great, too.  It was my first attempt at icing a cake.  It wasn't nearly as pretty as my Sweet Mother's cakes but it sure tasted good. 

Covid19 Update 4-11-20

I channeled my inner Sweet Mother this morning: I put the cream cheese frosting on the carrot cake that the Old Man and I made yesterday.  It was no where near as pretty as cakes she would frost, but it's a start.  I think she'd be proud. 

After reading various posts on Facebook today, it seems some friends and family are ignoring the social distancing urges by our governors and are getting together today or planning to tomorrow.  Good luck with that. As for us, we are still hunkered down at The Compound.

We got a report today from our friend that tested positive a few days ago.  As far as the virus goes, he is doing well and is not on a ventilator.  But he is having problems due to his Parkinson's.  

And I got another report today that the friend of a friend of a friend here in Louisville had died from the virus.  Who knows what next week hold.

Stay tuned, and stay safe. 

Covid19 Update 4-10-20

It was another fairly busy day here at The Compound.  During today's work-from-home lunch break, we made a carrot cake for our Easter dinner.  Stay tuned - tomorrow I will try (key word) to put the cream cheese icing on it.  Wish me luck. 

Making the cake is about the most exciting thing that happened today.  And I'm kinda glad for that. 

Covid19 Update 4-9-20

Our friend was taken to the hospital today, along with 17 other residents at the facility where he was.  I just got a text from his wife, and she said the doctor called and said his vitals were good and that they didn't think he'd need a ventilator.  Prayers answered.

Working from home today was a bit stressful. The Old Man and I have had a bit too much togetherness, and we bumped heads this afternoon.  After a while, he got over it, thank goodness.

To make things worse, I kept losing my wifi signal every five minutes this morning, and I was ready to take the laptop, docking station, monitor and cords and throw them out in the garbage.  After unplugging the router and modem 2 times, I finally got a signal and was able to connect to the network.

I'm hoping for a better day tomorrow.  But all in all, I can't really complain. 

Covid19 Update 4-8-20

The shit got more real this afternoon.  Until now, I've heard of a friend of a friend of a friend that had the virus.  But this afternoon, I got a phone call from a dear friend of the family saying her husband tested positive for the virus today.  

They both are probably the biggest prayer warriors that I know.  She came to the hospital when my Sweet Mother was there almost every day and sat out in the parking lot to pray for her.  And it took them a long time to walk there, but on the Sunday afternoon that my Sweet Mother was in the hospital, they came to visit her and brought her a prayer blanket.  The next Sunday, he fell and broke his hip.  He was hospitalized and then went to rehab.  A few months later, he fell again and broke his other hip.  He was transferred from the rehab facility to another facility that is on our church property.  It is a high rise of apartments, assisted living units, a rehab floor and a hospital floor. His wife said he's had an infection for a few weeks, but it was just yesterday that they tested him and he tested positive for Covid19. 

His wife and family haven't been able to see him for a few weeks, so I know this is heartbreaking for them.  She said he's not eating or drinking, and sleeps all day.  It was an immediate flashback to what we went through with my Sweet Mother during her last days. 

So yep, the shit got real today.  

Covid19 Update 4-7-20

Working from home is still going pretty good.  Even with the TV on and with The Old Man in the house with me, there are still less distractions than if I were at the office, and I'm getting a lot done.  

We didn't do any outside chores today during my lunch break; the pollen count was off the charts and we were both having some allergy issues so we stayed inside.  Plus with storms forecasted for tonight and tomorrow night, we wanted to wait until the storms were over before we put up our new flag on the flag pole.  We'll probably do that Thursday.  But I did clean out the fridge and threw away leftovers et al that have been in there for a few weeks.  

All in all, we're still doing good, thank the Lord. 

Stay tuned, and stay safe. 

Covid19 Update 4-6-20

Work was slow today, but then again, Mondays are always slow for our department.  I worked on clearing up inventory discrepancies in my "free time." 

Before I started work at 8:00, I had already done a load of laundry.  And during my lunch break, the Old Man and I worked outside taking down the flag pole for some maintenance.

And then I had to leave and venture out to meet our church treasurer halfway so I could sign the check signature cards do he could get them to the bank before they closed today.  We practiced social distancing, in case anyone wondered.

Now it's time to get supper together.  I hope everyone had as good of a day as the Old Man and I had at The Compound.

Stay safe, and stay tuned. 

Covid19 Update 4-5-20

Once again, the Old Man and I watched our Sunday morning church service live streaming on Facebook.  And we sang along with the hymns like we've done the past few Sundays.  At least they had songs today that we knew.  But I digress.

I know my Sweet Mother didn't do housework on Sunday, but today I cleaned the big bathroom.  I don't think she or the Lord minded. 

I got a couple of texts from friends this afternoon, saying that a church in Bullitt County had a service today, and that the media was there.  I can't confirm or deny; all I can say is Andy wouldn't be happy with that.

Covid19 Update 4-4-20

I met in the back parking lot of our hood Krogers today with a few of my friends from work.  We all were parked at least 6 feet from each other, and we had a great visit.  We got some social interaction from those we aren't quarantined with, and we even laughed a few times.  I think  Gov. Andy would be proud.  And we said we'd hook up there again next Saturday morning to visit.  And the best part of our conversation was how everyone there told everyone else if they or their family needed anything in the week ahead, to not hesitate to text or call.  That's one more reason I love my work family. 

It's pretty quiet here at The Compound.  The Girls are all taken care of, and we still have plenty of food and provisions here.  Nothing much to do but read, relax, watch TV and wait till we fix supper tonight. 

Stay safe. 

Covid19 Update 4-3-20

Overall, day three of working from home went fairly well.  Once again, I had some issues with getting kicked off of the network.  But I was able to sign back on and got my work done plus a little extra.  

I ventured out this afternoon to Lowes to get a fluorescent bulb for the kitchen, and I wasn't taking any chances.  I wore a mask and gloves.  I'd guess about a third of the shoppers at Lowes were doing the same, and it was interesting to see shoppers not wearing PPE step way aside from you as you passed them -- as they should. 

We cooked again today at The Compound.  We made Grandma's old school hamburger goulash, and it was awesome.  We made a full batch so we have enough to freeze for a few meals down the road. 

As for now, we are getting ready to have a piece of the Margarita cake and watch Andy and Barney. 

Stay safe. 

Covid19 Update 4-2-20

Day 2 of working from home went well.  I didn't get knocked off of the network nearly as much as the day before, and once again, accomplished a lot.  

During the non-working part of the day, the Old Man and I made one of our favorite cakes, a Margarita cake.  Yes, in case you're wondering, it does have tequila and triple sec in it.  

Things in Louisville got more surreal yesterday when they announced that the National Guard is going to set up a hospital at the fairgrounds. 

Stay safe, my faithful readers.  

Covid19 Update 4-1-20

Today marked Day One of working from home.  Thankfully, everything worked.  I was able to print from home to the printer in our department at work, and the call forwarding worked.  Other than some issues this morning when the Old Man was on his iPad playing his bingo game that was using more bandwidth and caused me to get disconnected a few times, it all went well.  I was able to get as much work done before my lunch break than would have taken me most of the day at the office.  

I was on an "hourly" schedule - at the top of each hour, I would get up and either walk through the house or go outside and walk to the end of the driveway and back; I really missed not being able to walk out to the factory.  And I worked through my two ten-minute breaks and took those twenty minutes with my thirty-minute lunch break, and the Old Man and I were able to have a nice lunch together.  I want to add he was very conscientious - and barely talked to me at all today while I was working.  He even wanted to know if I wanted him to turn the TV off.  I told him that the TV was way less distracting than everything at the office.

I just hope Day Two goes as well as Day One.