BS: Pandemic: a sense of community

Subject: RE: BS: Pandemic: a sense of community
From: keberoxu
Date: 28 Apr 20 - 12:46 PM

I attended a face-mask-making workshop the other day,
based on the New York Times mask pattern,
and made my very own face-mask.
Washable and everything.

First time in years that I have been near a sewing machine!

Subject: RE: BS: Pandemic: a sense of community
From: keberoxu
Date: 26 Apr 20 - 01:59 PM

And Mudcat's mighty Max
has had another birthday --
and, against all odds,
the Mudcat was here to congratulate him.

Subject: RE: BS: Pandemic: a sense of community
From: keberoxu
Date: 25 Apr 20 - 08:05 PM

Well, when this thread was started,
I bore witness to snow falling.

Earlier this past week there was snow falling
on one of those days
when the weather could not make up its mind
if it was spring already, or still winter.
The snow seemed to melt before it hit the green grass,
as it's warmer now than it was in my earlier post.

Now the buds on the tree branches are opening,
with tiny pale green --
the Germans would say
"zartes Grün,"   tender green --
baby leaves opening in clusters.

Subject: RE: BS: Pandemic: a sense of community
From: Senoufou
Date: 25 Apr 20 - 03:12 PM

Our village has a Facebook site, and some of the things on there are so funny. A naughty pig has escaped from one of the farms, and is seen around the village, helping him/herself to people's flowers and grazing on new wheat/barley in various fields. 'Spot the pig' is the Game of the Month.
But the best was a short video of an old white mare who hangs her tail over the top bar of a gate and scratches her bum backwards and forwards. Everyone knows this horse, and she's a real character.
These silly little things are cheering us all up during the Lockdown.

Subject: RE: BS: Pandemic: a sense of community
From: Mrrzy
Date: 25 Apr 20 - 01:42 AM

There was something on my local 11 o'clock news about people making noise at 7! Not my neighborhood but still.

And I read an article where a nurse said they greatly appreciated the appreciation unless you could be doing something concrete like making ppes.

Subject: RE: BS: Pandemic: a sense of community
From: mg
Date: 25 Apr 20 - 12:02 AM

uplifting. yale and rutgers have come up with saliva tests that i think are about to be released. other labs coming up with saliva tests. can be taken at home. saves medical personnel exposure and expense. as good or better than nasal swab. i think will be available commercially. there are huge labs processing all these genealogy kits so maybe they will jump in. i think paying for a test is an alternative for many people and will get the job done faster enabling return to work..or companies can pay.

Subject: RE: BS: Pandemic: a sense of community
From: keberoxu
Date: 22 Apr 20 - 02:07 PM

There will sadly be a lot more statistics and figures
before it's all said and done.

I don't have anything uplifting to volunteer today.
Thinking of you all.

Subject: RE: BS: Pandemic: a sense of community
From: Helen
Date: 19 Apr 20 - 04:01 PM

Sorry, I'll have to brush up on my maths. I should have said

"According to this page, the USA accounts for approximately one third of the total world cases and one QUARTER of world deaths."

Subject: RE: BS: Pandemic: a sense of community
From: Helen
Date: 18 Apr 20 - 02:21 PM

According to this page, the USA accounts for approximately one third of the total world cases and world deaths. The measures per million population helps to make useful comparisons.

COVID-19 Coronavirus Pandemic

Country, Other        Total Cases        New Cases        Total Deaths        New Deaths        Total Recovered        Active Cases        Serious, Critical        Tot Cases/1M pop        Deaths/1M pop        Total Tests        Tests/1M pop
World         2,306,639         +57,776         158,826         +4,681         590,386         1,557,427         55,189         296         20.4                 
USA         726,861         +17,126         38,200         +1,046         63,955         624,706         13,544         2,196         115         3,661,500         11,062
Spain         191,726         +887         20,043         +41         74,797         96,886         7,371         4,101         429         930,230         19,896
Italy         175,925         +3,491         23,227         +482         44,927         107,771         2,733         2,910         384         1,305,833         21,598
France         147,969                 19,323         +642         35,983         92,663         5,833         2,267         296         463,662         7,103
Germany         142,797         +1,400         4,416         +64         85,400         52,981         2,922         1,704         53         1,728,357         20,629
UK         114,217         +5,525         15,464         +888         N/A         98,409         1,559         1,682         228         460,437         6,783

[The above is just the first few countries on the list.]

If you want to measure the consequences of political decisions, this spreadsheet is a good starting point. If you click on the hyperlink for a specific country it shows more detailed data and also charts. The deaths on the U.S. charts are still going almost straight up. Compare that with Australia and we have flattened the curve by socially isolating and other measures. We also have a health system designed to look after everyone, not just the wealthy. It's not perfect but it seems to be effective.

Subject: RE: BS: Pandemic: a sense of community
From: Donuel
Date: 18 Apr 20 - 07:57 AM

On a personal side of the pandemic feels like regular life but intensified by the virus. Mostly I feel angry at what seems like intentional mistakes by politicians. I prefer to be armed by facts than be persuaded by idiots. Prince Albert II of Monoco tested poitive the same as Roger McCall of 164th street so its an equal opportunity deal.
Its not an Armageddon yet, that would take a third simultaneous global disaster.

Subject: RE: BS: Pandemic: a sense of community
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 Apr 20 - 11:01 AM

I've made baked goods each week and given a few next door, across the street, and to my ex who lives a couple of miles from here. Yesterday was cinnamon rolls, and they were a huge hit. In the past I've made bread (a regular loaf amount of dough baked in smaller-than-usual loaf pans to share around), dinner rolls (with olive oil, garlic powder, and oregano for an Italian seasoning aroma), and baking powder biscuits.

I figure baked goods, hot from the oven, handled with tongs and popped into a clean plastic or paper bag and delivered immediately (by my wearing vinyl gloves) is pretty safe. We're sticking with hot foods for this kind of exchange.

My across-the-street-neighbor (three total in that household) has COPD and various arthritic or other pain sources so she has been isolated in the house for the past three years. But prior to this her daughter and other family members could visit. The baked goods have become a happy part of the week, so I'm glad to keep this up.

I bet cornbread would be a big hit with them for the next round.

Subject: RE: BS: Pandemic: a sense of community
From: Mrrzy
Date: 15 Apr 20 - 10:08 AM

Great to hear Senoufou, elle a des forces!

Meanwhile the Clapping thread got closed so I am posting here that it looks like I succeeded in getting a neighborhood bunch to agree to make noise for all essential workers at 7 tonight. Our local weekly said they'd tweet about it but did not put anything in this week's paper...

Subject: RE: BS: Pandemic: a sense of community
From: keberoxu
Date: 14 Apr 20 - 02:32 PM

Look who is wearing a facemask now.

Subject: RE: BS: Pandemic: a sense of community
From: Senoufou
Date: 13 Apr 20 - 03:41 PM

Thank you Helen. She's a strong personality, but she did say she was missing her two daughters, and going to Church for Easter. But of course, all contact between family members/congregations etc are forbidden.
At least she can now sleep, and she's caught up on all the lost hours when she was gasping for air!

Subject: RE: BS: Pandemic: a sense of community
From: Helen
Date: 13 Apr 20 - 03:24 PM

Eliza, that is excellent news about your sister. Onwards and upwards from here, I hope.

Subject: RE: BS: Pandemic: a sense of community
From: Senoufou
Date: 13 Apr 20 - 02:20 PM

Thank you so much keberoxu. Yes, she was tested positive for Coronavirus, but once her 'obs' had come up to a good enough standard, they let her go home, because there's an urgent need for hospital beds. She must of course self-isolate for weeks (as must we all!)
I spoke to her on Saturday evening, and she was croaky and rather feeble, but glad to be home with Mela her rescue cat. The lady vicar has continued to support her by leaving delicious meals and soup at her door - she's been an absolute star!

Subject: RE: BS: Pandemic: a sense of community
From: keberoxu
Date: 13 Apr 20 - 01:58 PM

Eliza/Senoufou, the hospital DID test your sister, finally, yes?
Results confirmed coronavirus?

True that she is home now?
If true, what wonderful news.

Subject: RE: BS: Pandemic: a sense of community
From: Senoufou
Date: 07 Apr 20 - 03:29 AM

The phone rang yesterday evening, and...it was my sister!! She'd taken her mobile phone in the ambulance with her, and the re-charger, so she could talk from her hospital bed. I'm afraid I burst into tears (silly old fool) but it was magical to hear her voice. Bit gaspy and croaky, but she sounded upbeat.
Her oxygen levels are okay, but other obs weren't (sodium, glucose etc) so she's now on a drip. The doctor-in-charge said they're looking at possibly the 16th of April to let her out.
SO many of the staff there were trained by her. One pompous doc came to her bedside and she said, "My! You're no longer the skinny, timid little junior I knew years ago!" He stared at her, then roared with laughter. She'd recognised him from twenty years ago!

Subject: RE: BS: Pandemic: a sense of community
From: Donuel
Date: 06 Apr 20 - 08:35 PM

Coming together while practicing social distancing sounds kinky to me.

Subject: RE: BS: Pandemic: a sense of community
From: keberoxu
Date: 06 Apr 20 - 07:33 PM

Now, there is the best possible outcome --
on the ventilator temporarily,
getting sufficient health and strength
to come back OFF the ventilator.
Wonderful news.

Subject: RE: BS: Pandemic: a sense of community
From: Helen
Date: 06 Apr 20 - 03:55 AM

That is excellent news, Eliza. She's on the mend, I hope.

Subject: RE: BS: Pandemic: a sense of community
From: Senoufou
Date: 06 Apr 20 - 02:40 AM

hee hee Jim, you lecher!
Our postlady is lovely too, but she still hasn't delivered the cheque for a million pounds which we're hoping will arrive any day now.
Update on my sis:-
Her oxygen levels and obs are all back to normal, so she's off the ventilator and was moved onto another ward. But two old geriatric blokes were on there too, and they kept singing, shouting and swearing all night long, so she couldn't sleep. Luckily, her ex-colleagues got her a better spot near a window overlooking the river Tay, and she managed to get some sleep.
The doctors reckon she's well over the worst now, and will probably let her go home within the next few days.
Husband and I actually did the Mapuka together (a sight to see believe me!)

Subject: RE: BS: Pandemic: a sense of community
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 05 Apr 20 - 08:25 AM

Good luck Sen - we're still lucky to know only one person effected personally, Mike Rosen
We have been touched by the neighbourly support of people around here - the phone has rung several times with offers of help if in trouble and open offers of shopping haven't stopped
A few days a neighbour who I swear is older than us rang to see if we were managing - an different circumstances I might have regarded it differently - not now
We really must look after one another
The only thing I really miss is our lovely postlady refuses to kiss me (but she always has) :-)
Jim

Subject: RE: BS: Pandemic: a sense of community
From: Donuel
Date: 05 Apr 20 - 08:14 AM

Senofou, Do not end your self isolation too soon.
Here in the USA this is an age of favoring the economy over the life spans of people, by the businessman/fascist tactics of the new conservatives, it is actually neccessary to remind everyone that living IS AGING!

While the wealthy ruling class repeat and insist that "the cure must not be worse than the problem", YOU MUST NOT give in to the nonsense that your survival is unimportant compared to doing business.

With enough repetition/hypnosis people can be lured to the cliffs like lemmings. Its happened before. It sounds like it will happen again.
You may not need to be reminded that aging is living but the young are more easily indoctrinated than you. Stay secluded.

Subject: RE: BS: Pandemic: a sense of community
From: Senoufou
Date: 05 Apr 20 - 02:22 AM

It's so comforting to read all your kind words. Thank you again.

I don't know about the testing keberoxu, but I'd say no, as she's just been self-caring at home for nearly three weeks. However the symptoms have been classic ones. She thought she may have caught it playing bridge in her numerous Bridge Club sessions.

We thought she was nearly over it until this latest deterioration. Thank the Lord her neighbours and the lady vicar were attentive and kept in contact with her.
People can be so kind and caring (like everyone on Mudcat!)

Subject: RE: BS: Pandemic: a sense of community
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Apr 20 - 08:58 PM

Eliza, we are holding your hand in this virtual space, hoping all turns out well for your sister and family.

Subject: RE: BS: Pandemic: a sense of community
From: keberoxu
Date: 04 Apr 20 - 06:52 PM

Ah, Eliza, your sister is enduring the entire coronavirus drama.
All the more reason, now she is in hospital,
to hope that she pulls through and recovers.

As a physician and anaesthetist herself,
her testimony will carry even more emphasis and weight
as a COVID-19 survivor.
Which reminds me:
testing?
They will test at hospital, surely, however
was she tested before at all?

Subject: RE: BS: Pandemic: a sense of community
From: Senoufou
Date: 04 Apr 20 - 04:54 PM

Sybil has updated us, and sis is now on a ventilator and doing a little bit better. Ironically, she's in the same hospital where up until her retirement she was a consultant anaesthetist. She helped to train many of the ICU staff, and some of them will still be working there.
We feel she's far better off there than trying to struggle on all alone in her house.
Husband has managed to contact his brother in Paris (a 'clandestine sans papiers'!) and he's very well. Also spoke to some of his immediate family in Abidjan, and they're alright too.
I can't keep contacting poor Sybil, but no doubt she'll keep us informed.
Thank you for your support, it means such a lot. x

Subject: RE: BS: Pandemic: a sense of community
From: fat B****rd
Date: 04 Apr 20 - 01:41 PM

Love and hugs, Eliza x
Charlie

Subject: RE: BS: Pandemic: a sense of community
From: Helen
Date: 04 Apr 20 - 01:14 PM

Senoufou, I'm hoping and praying that your sister is all right. Look after yourself, Helen

Subject: RE: BS: Pandemic: a sense of community
From: Senoufou
Date: 04 Apr 20 - 10:20 AM

Oh Lord, we've just heard from my niece Sybil that her mum (my sister) has been rushed off to hospital in an ambulance about fifteen minutes ago. Her breathing deteriorated, and the neighbours phoned something called the Coronavirus Hub. We're just praying she can be saved by being put on a ventilator. I'm in bits.

Subject: RE: BS: Pandemic: a sense of community
From: Helen
Date: 03 Apr 20 - 04:53 PM

That's funny, Senoufou. Tissue-salem, LOL!!

Subject: RE: BS: Pandemic: a sense of community
From: keberoxu
Date: 03 Apr 20 - 04:02 PM

How the US's jazz musicians are closing ranks
as COVID-19 claims some of the oldest ones.

"It's very scary to see some of these people go"

Subject: RE: BS: Pandemic: a sense of community
From: Senoufou
Date: 03 Apr 20 - 10:31 AM

I just have to share these lyrics (from my newspaper today):-

And did those feet in modern times
Walk into England's superstores?
And did they take all toilet rolls,
Yet still they came and wanted more.
They did not think, they did not care
Of those without and bottoms bare.
And was Tissue-salem builded there
Among those empty barren shelves?

Bring back my rolls of quilted joy.
Bring back my rolls of triple-ply.
Bring back the ten score packs you took,
And I won't even ask you why.
For in my fight I shall not fail,
Nor will I use the Daily Mail,
But I'll rebuild Tissue-salem
In England's greedy, selfish land. (Paul White, Bushey, Herts)

Subject: RE: BS: Pandemic: a sense of community
From: gillymor
Date: 03 Apr 20 - 09:29 AM

Thank you, Jon Meachem.

Subject: RE: BS: Pandemic: a sense of WHICH community
From: Donuel
Date: 03 Apr 20 - 08:37 AM

Charlie, day 14? We too are dealing day by day. We have a 'partisan' pandemic. The enlightenment is on trial. Our central response is not coherent. I forsee a day when I can not count the days.

I see us unable to count all the days. When will we be realisticly dealing with the many phases of the pandemic? How long will it really last??
about 36 months

I see us fighting the unrealistic people more than the virus, for the entire time. :^[

My game show president can't fire his way out of this one, although he still does so by firing the Captain of the nuclear aircraft carrier. The Captain let it be known his ship is crippled by Covid 19.

Subject: RE: BS: Pandemic: a sense of community
From: fat B****rd
Date: 03 Apr 20 - 05:48 AM

Good to hear, Eliza.
My neighbours and I went out and clapped and banged pots last night. like many in the UK, if it wasn't for the motive it would be great fun !
Take care everybody.
Charlie (Day 14 of lockdown)

Subject: RE: BS: Pandemic: a sense of community
From: Senoufou
Date: 03 Apr 20 - 04:20 AM

We're so relieved - my sister has sent a brief email to say she's still at home, still weak but has at last managed to sleep for many hours. The lady vicar has been bringing all sorts of little treats to leave on her doorstep (iced melon, soup and also paracetamol) and making sure her physical condition is not too serious.
The people in our village are pulling together admirably.
This virus has brought out the best in most communities.

Subject: RE: BS: Pandemic: a sense of community
From: keberoxu
Date: 02 Apr 20 - 04:41 PM

Still waiting, also, for the outcome for
American musician/songwriter John Prine.
Fiona Prine, his wife, first received positive test results, herself,
for coronavirus;
she then self-quarantined and her health is better.
But John Prine, more vulnerable because of chronic health issues,
had to get much worse before he was hospitalized.
He is stable, but still fighting for his life.
It is Fiona Prine who now keeps everyone updated
on her husband's condition.

Subject: RE: BS: Pandemic: a sense of community
From: Senoufou
Date: 02 Apr 20 - 03:24 PM

Thank you so much keberoxu. We still haven't heard anything, and we're considering getting in touch with her daughter, my niece. However,if things are now serious (or worse than that) we're hesitating to trouble her.
All my husband's family in Africa are concerned too (my sister has helped so many of them over the years and they think of her as their much-loved benefactress) but as yet we have no more news to give.

Subject: RE: BS: Pandemic: a sense of community
From: keberoxu
Date: 01 Apr 20 - 01:21 PM

Thinking of Eliza/Senoufou
regarding her sister's health.
Supportive thoughts during the anguish of
an unknown outcome.

Subject: RE: BS: Pandemic: a sense of community
From: keberoxu
Date: 29 Mar 20 - 06:09 PM

How many musicians will die of this?
See the Obit thread in the music section:
country music singer Joe Diffie
(songwriter as well??)

Subject: RE: BS: Pandemic: a sense of community
From: leeneia
Date: 28 Mar 20 - 09:42 PM

I believe you are right. Unusual birds spotted in our urban neighborhood recently:

barred owl (heard, not seen)
flicker
Carolina wren

Subject: RE: BS: Pandemic: a sense of community
From: Black belt caterpillar wrestler
Date: 27 Mar 20 - 05:06 PM

I had to go out to post one of my card model kits today and noticed that people were crossing the street to maximise the distance between them, whilst smiling and nodding to show good will.
Perhaps I will have a surge in sales as folks look for new hobbies:)

One thing that we have noticed the last couple of days is how few aircraft are going over, just like when Iceland decided to clear its throat. We have been gardening in the bright weather as we are surrounded by fields, but there are footpaths alongside two of the garden boundaries and there are far more walkers than normal (ie. some when there are usually none).

There seem to be more birds about than normal including a goldcrest today, and I've not seen one of those for years.

One of our locals has started a what's app group in case anyone has an emergency. There are twenty-odd properties on our lane but most are about a field apart. We hardly ever see anyone who lives here except to wave as we pass in cars on our single track lane. Perhaps we will have more community afterwards.

Keep safe,

Robin

Subject: RE: BS: Pandemic: a sense of community
From: Donuel
Date: 27 Mar 20 - 04:39 PM

With a few exceptions we are all becoming the dali lama

Subject: RE: BS: Pandemic: a sense of community
From: Helen
Date: 27 Mar 20 - 04:28 PM

My Teddy started life as a boy, except that I took him to the dentist and he asked what the Teddy's name was. I said Bob, and he said, "That's my name!" so after some thought at home I promptly changed my Teddy's gender to female and her name to Tessie.

She sits in my sitting room in her two piece cerise coloured outfit surveying my world.

Subject: RE: BS: Pandemic: a sense of community
From: Helen
Date: 27 Mar 20 - 04:23 PM

A few months ago I saw an old friend for the first time in years. We know each through the music session group because her husband played music with us sometimes. We exchanged phone numbers and she said she would like to come to our session group when she could and that she would try to learn an instrument.

For various reasons she hasn't made it to more than a couple of sessions but last week she asked via email whether I knew of anyone who could lend her a different type of instrument which she thinks she might be able to play because her late husband had begun to teach her many years ago.

One of the other members of our session group brought along an instrument he had and said that she could borrow it to see whether it suits her and if so, she can have it.

Our mutual friend couldn't make it to the session that week so I contacted her and arranged for her to pick up the instrument from my place. She stopped her car out the front and we had a lovely chat through the car window so that she wouldn't have to unload her wheelchair, and also so that we would be able to keep a proper, safe distance due to the virus.

I'm constantly amazed by the generosity of people. And the resilience.

I just don't know whether we can work out an alternate arrangement for the sessions so that we can still play music together while maintaining the required social distance. It will be strange not have sessions twice a week. I think we might have to bite the bullet and work out how to use video contact on our computers and each play in the safety of our own homes. That might be a steep learning curve for people who have been blissfully unaware so far of all that technology.

Subject: RE: BS: Pandemic: a sense of community
From: Senoufou
Date: 27 Mar 20 - 03:52 PM

Thank you Helen.
My teddy is very old. I was given him when I was 2. When I was six, I knitted him a little pair of knickers in pink wool (the only colour my mother had to spare at the time) My sister trimmed his fur with nail scissors when she was six (she's younger than me) but he's presentable, and the knickers are a bit faded but still in one piece.
Even now I think of him as 'alive' and every morning I sit him in our front window so he can see out and watch goings-on.
I'm quite mad, I know.

Subject: RE: BS: Pandemic: a sense of community
From: Helen
Date: 27 Mar 20 - 03:44 PM

mg, that's good news about your brother. And Eliza, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your sister.

There is a neighbourhood feel-good story here about putting a teddy bear somewhere on the outside of your home or in a window so that little kids walking around outside can go teddy-spotting when they are getting some fresh air and exercise with their parents. Obviously the kids shouldn't be able to touch the teddy bears for hygiene reasons.

Thanks everyone for your appreciation for this positive, uplifting thread.

Subject: RE: BS: Pandemic: a sense of community
From: Senoufou
Date: 27 Mar 20 - 01:35 PM

Thank you so much Charlie.