Life in progress

Tag Archives: Covid-19


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What Day is it Anyway? Sunday, April 26th, 2020

My day today so far–10:59pm: 

I made it while it’s still the “today” in the title! Yay!

Went today and yesterday to clear some stuff out of my mother’s room in the retirement home. It’s a bit of a melancholy job, all on my own. The end of an era, and I have no one to share it with in the moment. My mother doesn’t even know I’m doing it. There’s no point telling her, because she won’t remember spending the last six years living there anyway.

I’ve made two trips back home with stuff. Her tabletops are empty and so is her closet, aside from the coats. I haven’t even really started on the 30 drawers. And no, that’s not an exaggeration. Four days to go to get it all out. *sigh*

In school news, I got an email from Alex’s teacher to say they’re not going back until the 31st of May at the earliest. By then, there will be three weeks left.

But honestly? It’s not all that bad. Nowhere near as horrifying as it would have been even a year ago, having him home all the time. We have fun, especially when we get out for walks. Now if only the weather would warm up. Here’s a photo of Alex with snowflakes in his hair, taken Friday.

But not too warm, please. I’d rather the snow than heat exhaustion.

Why I’m writing this post:

Because if you’re like me and stuck at home already, or if you’re going to be like me soon, the days of the week are going to be hell to keep track of. We have a wonderful community here on WordPress and all over the Internet as well, and I’m sure many people are feeling nervous and/or isolated. I want to make sure every one of us has somewhere to congregate and someone to talk to.

I want everyone to know that you can start discussions with each other in the comments, and if you’d like to write your own “What Day is it Anyway?” post, you can link to this one. Hashtag #WDIIA.

Let’s keep in touch!


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AtoZ/What Day is it Anyway? Friday, April 24th, 2020 – Understand?

 

My day today so far–3:06pm: 

Got up early and made it to the store. When did that become a noteworthy thing? Back in my day, a trip to Tokyo was noteworthy. Now doing groceries is an adventure. Sheesh!

Speaking of Tokyo, I checked my favourite traffic camera last week, the one pointing at the famous Shibuya crossing. So sad to see so few people there on a Saturday at 9pm. Normally you wouldn’t see the sidewalks for the people.

What it looked like when I was there, December 2015, about the same time at night:

The view from where the black cab is sitting on the right side of the traffic cam photo, looking across the intersection.

But I digress.

Now, I’m working on perfecting my dirty look to use on people who won’t move over in the aisle in the store or on the sidewalk. In the latter case, it’s the dirty look that says, “You see me dragging my child out into the middle of the street to avoid your selfish ass, right? You understand the sacrifice I’m making for you? Yes?”

No, probably not.

So yeah, that happened today too.

Good news is I’m pretty sure I’ve got the look almost down pat.

Why I’m writing this post:

Because if you’re like me and stuck at home already, or if you’re going to be like me soon, the days of the week are going to be hell to keep track of. We have a wonderful community here on WordPress and all over the Internet as well, and I’m sure many people are feeling nervous and/or isolated. I want to make sure every one of us has somewhere to congregate and someone to talk to.

I want everyone to know that you can start discussions with each other in the comments, and if you’d like to write your own “What Day is it Anyway?” post, you can link to this one. Hashtag #WDIIA.

Let’s keep in touch!


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AtoZ/What Day is it Anyway? Thursday, April 23rd, 2020 – Sincere Thanks

 

My day today so far–1:38pm: 

I totally dropped the ball on yesterday’s post. By the time I thought about doing it, which was after midnight, I decided it wasn’t worth the overwhelming effort. And in my defense, I did publish a post yesterday with Wednesday in the title, so you knew what day it was anyway, right?

I’ve spent most of my morning trying to promote my new book. Ain’t as easy as I thought it would be, even at 99 cents. You’ll find links to read the first two chapters at the end of this post.

So. Sincere thanks.

All around town I’ve been seeing red ribbons tied close to the roads. They’re to show appreciation for the frontline healthcare workers.

So very heartwarming to see. I wish I had a red ribbon to tie outside my own house. Maybe I can find something to use in my mother’s sewing stuff.

Speaking of which, I haven’t been back since last Friday, but I plan to go and pack some more when I’ve finished writing this and had my lunch. I should call her, too. I haven’t heard from her in a couple of days, and I’ve been too busy …

The regrets just keep piling on. What to do? My best, I suppose.

Is your community doing anything to show support for doctors and nurses? Let’s spread some positivity, shall we? 🙂

Why I’m writing this post:

Because if you’re like me and stuck at home already, or if you’re going to be like me soon, the days of the week are going to be hell to keep track of. We have a wonderful community here on WordPress and all over the Internet as well, and I’m sure many people are feeling nervous and/or isolated. I want to make sure every one of us has somewhere to congregate and someone to talk to.

I want everyone to know that you can start discussions with each other in the comments, and if you’d like to write your own “What Day is it Anyway?” post, you can link to this one. Hashtag #WDIIA.

Let’s keep in touch!

Chapter 1 of my new book, “Saddled,” is here!

And if you’ve read Chapter 1, Chapter 2 is here!


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An important article from The New York Times that may save your life

I read this article this morning. It contains a lot of valuable insight on what ER doctors are seeing in Covid-19 patients. But I thought it was missing a few important points that you might look for at home.

Here’s what I wrote on Facebook with the attached article:

 

Reading this article from The NY Times might save your life.

But …

It doesn’t tell you everything you should know.

At the end of the article, the author suggests buying a pulse oximeter (shown in the photo), but not everyone will be able to find one or afford one. As the mother of a cardiac patient who has had numerous pneumonias and RSV, I can tell you what I look for, and what triggers our trip to the ER where, 90% of the time his x-rays show that he needs to be admitted.

As the article states, Covid-19 patients tend to have low oxygen levels by the time the shortness of breath starts. Here are the ways you might be able to detect the otherwise invisible symptoms the article describes. Unless you have an underlying condition that lowers your oxygen levels every day of your life, these might help. Note: I AM NOT A DOCTOR OR A NURSE.

Blue lips, fingernail beds, and duskiness around the eyes: Are you healthy now? Look at yourself in the mirror. Check the colour of your lips and your face in general. Look at your fingernails. All the colour they should be (pink lips and fingernails if you’re Caucasian)? This is your baseline. If your oxygen levels drop, some or all of these will change. Your skin may take on a dull, shadowy tone, like dusk as the sun goes down. It does not mean panic and run to the hospital! But if it persists and you have other known symptoms of a cold, you might want to call your doctor or health unit.

Indrawing (subcostal retractions): When we can’t get enough breath into our lungs, we breath faster and deeper. As the article suggests, people aren’t detecting that they’re doing it. Indrawing is when the belly pulls in beneath the rib cage. It’s easier to detect in children, so keep an eye on your kids, too. Again, if there are any other symptoms and if it persists, especially when at rest, contact your doctor or health unit.

Tracheal tug (suprasternal retractions): Much like indrawing, this happens when we’re not getting enough air into our lungs. It affects the area just above the collar bone. As WebMD describes it, it’s “When the skin in the middle of your neck sucks in” when you breathe. My son, being a heart patient, has this all the time when he exercises. I only worry about it when: he’s not stuffed up with allergies; he’s not exercising in any capacity; AND when he’s his normal energetic self.

If any of the above are present combined with unusual fatigue or signs of a cold, I contact a doctor. I believe these are things we should all look for, after reading the article.

Again: I AM NOT A DOCTOR OR A NURSE. I’m just a mom who has nineteen and a half years of experience watching my son for signs of pneumonia every time he’s sick.

I’m only sharing these symptoms that I look for in my son because COMBINED WITH OTHER SYMPTOMS, and according to the attached article, they may help you detect Covid-19 IF YOU CAN’T GET YOUR HANDS ON A PULSE OXIMETER. If you can, rely on that.

Note also that this is not an exhaustive list of what to look for, but it might help you to detect what your body isn’t readily telling you.

Here’s the link to the article again.


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AtoZ/What Day is it Anyway? Tuesday, April 21st, 2020 – Rest

 

My day today so far–11:59pm: 

There will be rest for the wicked!!

Of that I am both sure and determined to make true.

Soon.

I spent yet another day editing, but good news! I’m finished!

Which means maybe tomorrow I can get caught up on a few things I’ve been putting off. Like packing my mother’s stuff.

I posted the first chapter of the new book on my fiction blog. If you’re curious about what I’ve been working on, click here.

I get the feeling that when this month is over and the book is released, my mother’s room at the retirement home is empty, the A to Z Challenge is finished, and we’re all still stuck at home, I’m going to miss being so busy. Life is so frenzied right now, I barely have time to think.

Enjoy every minute, my friends. Especially if you have your family close.

Why I’m writing this post:

Because if you’re like me and stuck at home already, or if you’re going to be like me soon, the days of the week are going to be hell to keep track of. We have a wonderful community here on WordPress and all over the Internet as well, and I’m sure many people are feeling nervous and/or isolated. I want to make sure every one of us has somewhere to congregate and someone to talk to.

I want everyone to know that you can start discussions with each other in the comments, and if you’d like to write your own “What Day is it Anyway?” post, you can link to this one. Hashtag #WDIIA.

Let’s keep in touch!


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AtoZ/What Day is it Anyway? Monday, April 20th, 2020 – Quite

 

My day today so far–11:59pm: 

I’m quite miffed at myself for failing to get a post written on the day it was supposed to be posted, yet again. Not as much for having failed myself, but for having failed you. I’m sorry. (Which is partially an ingrained Canadian thing.)

Alex and I went for a walk this afternoon. Aside from that, all I did was worked on my editing. Almost done. I swear I’m going to take a couple of days off when all this is finished.

Except I’m still going to have to pack my mother’s room at the home. It’s been three days of slogging away at my computer and nothing else done.

So stressful.

But you know what’s not stressful?

A cloudless blue sky.

Why I’m writing this post:

Because if you’re like me and stuck at home already, or if you’re going to be like me soon, the days of the week are going to be hell to keep track of. We have a wonderful community here on WordPress and all over the Internet as well, and I’m sure many people are feeling nervous and/or isolated. I want to make sure every one of us has somewhere to congregate and someone to talk to.

I want everyone to know that you can start discussions with each other in the comments, and if you’d like to write your own “What Day is it Anyway?” post, you can link to this one. Hashtag #WDIIA.

Let’s keep in touch!


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What Day is it Anyway? Sunday, April 19th, 2020

My day today so far–11:59pm: 

Day two of not changing out of my pajamas.

I’m beginning to wonder if I need more pajamas.

I did a thing, though.

It’s a book.

A funny book.

A romance book.

Get it here.

The price goes up April 28th.

Thank you. 🙂

Back to your regularly scheduled posts tomorrow.

Why I’m writing this post:

Because if you’re like me and stuck at home already, or if you’re going to be like me soon, the days of the week are going to be hell to keep track of. We have a wonderful community here on WordPress and all over the Internet as well, and I’m sure many people are feeling nervous and/or isolated. I want to make sure every one of us has somewhere to congregate and someone to talk to.

I want everyone to know that you can start discussions with each other in the comments, and if you’d like to write your own “What Day is it Anyway?” post, you can link to this one. Hashtag #WDIIA.

Let’s keep in touch!


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AtoZ/What Day is it Anyway? Friday, April 17th, 2020 – Oh, Right

 

My day today so far–10:57pm: 

Oh, right. I’m supposed to write a post for AtoZ and my own WDIIA thing. In my own defense, it’s been a day. A tiring day. You know the kind.

Alex and I managed to get out for a walk this afternoon. We went past the little library, and the roll of toilet paper was either still there, or someone has been restocking it.

I spent another hour and a half in my mother’s room at the retirement home. Made another small dent in the packing. She has SO much fabric and half-done sewing and quilting projects that I don’t know what to do with. I suppose I should give most of it away, but this is a terrible time to try to do it. The home is going to store the big stuff until the lockdown is finished, so I don’t have to worry about carrying that out of there by myself.

I called the hospital today to try to talk to my mum. The nurse said she’s been very tired all day. She put me through to the room, but my mother didn’t pick up.

I’ll try to do better tomorrow with the blogging thing.

Stay safe and healthy, my friends.

Why I’m writing this post:

Because if you’re like me and stuck at home already, or if you’re going to be like me soon, the days of the week are going to be hell to keep track of. We have a wonderful community here on WordPress and all over the Internet as well, and I’m sure many people are feeling nervous and/or isolated. I want to make sure every one of us has somewhere to congregate and someone to talk to.

I want everyone to know that you can start discussions with each other in the comments, and if you’d like to write your own “What Day is it Anyway?” post, you can link to this one. Hashtag #WDIIA.

Let’s keep in touch!


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AtoZ/What Day is it Anyway? Thursday, April 16th, 2020 – Nixed

 

My day today so far–8:10pm: 

Another day without a walk. But I did get to the grocery store. The only thing they were out of today was large bags of dog food. Oh, and dog treats too–no rawhide or any of that stuff. But that’s okay–even if I’m gaining weight, it doesn’t mean Winston needs to too.

While I was at my mother’s retirement home, standing in the middle of the room with two boxes to pack up years’ worth of stuff, I got a call to say they’re not moving her to the nursing home after all. The province of Ontario decided to close new admissions to all nursing homes, so she’s got to stay put in the hospital for the time being. Which, in a way, is good. She won’t be stuck in isolation in a place she doesn’t recognize at all. At least in the hospital she has a roommate and nurses coming in regularly.

So I made a very small dent in the packing of her room in the two hours I was there.

One thing I found that I’d rather not have?

She had a banana in her coat pocket.

And she hasn’t worn her coat since the 22nd of March.

Why I’m writing this post:

Because if you’re like me and stuck at home already, or if you’re going to be like me soon, the days of the week are going to be hell to keep track of. We have a wonderful community here on WordPress and all over the Internet as well, and I’m sure many people are feeling nervous and/or isolated. I want to make sure every one of us has somewhere to congregate and someone to talk to.

I want everyone to know that you can start discussions with each other in the comments, and if you’d like to write your own “What Day is it Anyway?” post, you can link to this one. Hashtag #WDIIA.

Let’s keep in touch!


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AtoZ/What Day is it Anyway? Wednesday, April 15th, 2020 – Mother

 

My day today so far–7:35pm: 

Again, not much going on except working on my manuscript. I’ll be happy to have my book finished so I have time to go out for long walks again.

However, I’m not going to manage much of anything like that tomorrow–neither editing nor walking–because I have to go clean out my mother’s room at the retirement home. I have until the end of the month. I received an email from the administrator, someone we’ve known for how long? Five, six years? To say any time you want to come by and get her stuff, you can come alone. We’ll have someone help you get the large items out. That was it. No, “We’ll miss your mom,” or “Thanks for all the memories.” No. Get your stuff. They’re reducing her rent by the cost of the extra services like dispensing her pills and doing her laundry, but we’re still paying for all the food she won’t eat for the entire month of April.

So yeah, I have that to do.

She has a placement in a nursing home, so she’ll be leaving the hospital on Friday morning. Which is good since they have Covid-19 patients just down the hall. I just hope they treat her well at this new place. I doubt she’ll be happy, however. She’ll have to be isolated for 14 days. And she won’t understand what’s going on.

Yesterday:

There was no yesterday, but here’s a picture I took last October of the sun setting on over the lake.

Why I’m writing this post:

Because if you’re like me and stuck at home already, or if you’re going to be like me soon, the days of the week are going to be hell to keep track of. We have a wonderful community here on WordPress and all over the Internet as well, and I’m sure many people are feeling nervous and/or isolated. I want to make sure every one of us has somewhere to congregate and someone to talk to.

I want everyone to know that you can start discussions with each other in the comments, and if you’d like to write your own “What Day is it Anyway?” post, you can link to this one. Hashtag #WDIIA.

Let’s keep in touch!