Tuesday, July 28, 2020

YOU WILL NEVER SEE THIS AGAIN... (I Promise and I Hope)








Straight up, 
I will tell you 
that anything like this post, today,
 will never come again.
 
 
 Talking to you now 
is not the same, 
normal, self-respecting,
 polite and loving person
 you have come 
to know me to be..
Right??




I have had it. 

 I don't like that
 it has been so darn hot,
 but I don't like it that 
summer has seemed to pass me by.
 
 Where has it gone?

I don't like that 
my internet keeps going out and 
I have to have someone
 come fix it 
(and know they probably won't 
as they have been here 
many times for
 the same problem).


I want to go to 
Home Goods and to thrift shops, 
but I can't, and 
before you say anything 
about that being a 
stupid outlook on the situation
 that we are in,
 think twice.

  Because 
I am looking 
for a fight!!





I don't go out 
to a restaurant 
because I don't trust 
that the precautions
 that I need 
will be taken.


I only go to the 
blood lab, my doc's office, and PT 
that the doc prescribed for me.

  Because I am concerned for my health,
 I will do these things,
 not just because 
I can or I want.





I see more people 
wearing masks, 
and that is what
 I have been pushing for and 
that is a really good thing.
  
On the other hand, 
just because people
 are wearing masks now, 
doesn't mean they are 
following all 
the rules.


I don't like to be the one 
that says I told you so, 
but when talk started up
 about opening the country, 
I thought it was too soon and
 no one seemed to be 
going about it 
in the right way.
 
 That is exactly what happened, and 
I can hardly restrain myself
 from calling it all
 a matter of greed.
  
I know people 
have to feed their families, 
I get it.  Don't think I don't.

 But there is a 
right way and a wrong way, 
and which one 
do you think 
our country chose?





Now, 
the talk is about sending 
our kids back to school.
 
 I know kids need an education, 
I know that there are 
a lot of them 
that don't get fed properly 
unless they are in school.
  I know they need interaction
 with their peers. 
 I know all that, I get it!
 I retired from a 
school district.

But if we jump into it
 without thorough planning, 
just like we did about 
opening up the economy,
 our kids are going to be 
on a level with guinea pigs and rats
 used for testing make-up, 
or more to the point,
 so parents can go back to work, 
which brings us right back
 to the economy.
  
And how is that working out for us?

I was very happy
 when I heard that
 CVS, Walmart and Home Depot
 were requiring masks
 of everyone who entered their stores. 

Now,
 I hear that they 
are softening that rule 
in order to not cause
 any confrontations with their customers
 who refuse to wear masks.

 What about my rights 
when I was a smoker?
  Laws were passed that
 I couldn't smoke in restaurants,
 and other public places, 
so I didn't.

 Me, as a customer, 
were denied my rights 
in order to protect others.
 
What do they think 
the mask rule is for?


When are we going to grow up and 
start acting like adults and
 not like little kids 
who want something 
just so they can have something
 that they think they are missing.

  I realize 
that there hasn't been the 
best role models 
to follow but 
an adult should be able 
to figure it out.
 
 I sure would like to know 
how many of the citizens of our country
 that are storming the beaches and
 filling up the bars and restaurants 
have had someone they love 
fallen ill or died 
due to the virus?
  
I hope not many, 
and I, myself, haven't, 
but yet I can see 
where this is all leading us,
 why can't they? 

 California 
has now surpassed New York 
as the epicenter
 of Covid-19.

Our little county, as of today,
 has 242 coronavirus cases. 
 On June 30, there were 116, 
growing to 151 by July 7 and 
182 by July 14.
 
 Fortunately,
 we have only had one death. 
 I say only..
that says something different
to the family of the deceased?





In today's paper,
 there have been at least
 four restaurants that have not obeyed 
the orders of
 closing down indoor dining. 
 They have been warned and
 after 15 days, 
if still happening,
 they will be fined $25 per day,
 doubling each day after that,
 up to a maximum of $1000 a day. 

 Evidently,
 they don't realize 
that there are a number of 
other restaurants that are 
abiding by the law.
 
 If that isn't a sign of greed,
 I don't know what is, and
 if the citizens of this fine city 
can't understand 
what is going on around them,
 then there might not be a chance
 for a more "normal" return 
to our lives 
that they all say they want.

Two accusations of coughing were reported:
  When a woman
 asked another couple, with a baby,
 to put on a mask,
 the man followed her out of the store and 
chased her to her car 
while coughing her way, 

 In another
 a 70 year old man
 was trying to pass another couple 
on the sidewalk who were maskless.
  They wouldn't let him pass, 
used homophobic slurs and
 said they had "Carona" 
and coughed at him.

  What is happening 
to the human race? 

 Where does all 
this hatred and disrespect 
come from?
 
 And, 
you want to know why 
this upsets me so? 
Where does that leave me and 
those like me?

 Now,
 I'm taking it
 personally and 
getting selfish.





Along this rant path
 that I have taken today, 
I have been showing you 
what the garden is looking like.

  It is overgrown and 
starting to wilt and 
losing hope 
that summer will be around 
for much longer.
  Berry bushes
 are taking over the lilacs, 
the lawn is going brown, and 
the July 4th decorations
 are still in place.
 
 As I said before, 
where did it go? 

 My time
 is being taken up 
by things that seem 
out of my control and
 of that I am not a fan.
 
 Now that you have read this, 
I beg you
 not to send any comments 
that say tomorrow will be a better day.
 I already know that.
 
Don't say that I watch
 too much news and 
it has my head
 in a bad place. 
 I already know that but
 I say we need to be informed. 
 

 Don't tell me
 you feel sorry that
 I am worried or sad, 
 because if I am 
at this moment, 
that doesn't mean 
I won't get better.

Don't tell me
 that this is not the majority
 that act like this. 
 I already know that.
 
  
Maybe, just maybe, 
all these people 
that are making me crazy
 are doing so because 
they don't know the severity 
of what is going on 
or they don't want
 to know. 


 Another person in our community 
engaged a gathering of 
more than 150 persons and
 an outbreak ensued. 
His only defense 
was to say that
 "Had I known about the problems, 
I wouldn't have done it."





Where
has this loser been?


The facts are there,
 all staring us in the face, and 
even if we don't, or can't,
 choose to see them,
 they won't go away. 

 
 Maybe people need to be
 a little better informed 
about what it means
 to be a person who has 
common sense and uses it and 
what could be the outcome 
of not having or using
 any at all.

Thank you for staying with me,
 if you are staying with me.

  If you have opinions of your own 
that differ from mine and
 want to share them,
 I welcome them too.
 
Just remember, 
I warned you,
 I am looking 
for a fight! 

 I also added to
 the title of this piece,
 I Promise and I Hope. 
That covers all my bases,
 just in case.   
It does feel kind of good
 to let off steam
 once in awhile 
so that is what I have done.
 
 Now,
 let's move on
 to better days. 
 
I know those
 will come also.





Even better
 would be a 
tall glass of cool lemonade.  

Stay smart, stay well, wear your masks and 
sometimes,
 don't be afraid
 to speak
 your truth.



...Judy...



FYI:  I just wanted to tell you
 that I produced this whole post 
with the new Blogger interface. 
 As I understand it 
the old way of publishing 
will only be available 
until August 24. 
Give it a try
 before too long 
so any kinks might be worked out.
 I found it 
pretty easy to use and
 as the saying goes,
 if I can do it
 anyone can!!



Sharing today with:


and



Rep John Lewis
A remarkable man
May he rest in peace.











56 comments:

  1. Dear Judy,

    I am writing because I hear you, feel you, sending hugs to you. I am doing exactly that too - except so far I am ignoring all my medical appointments. I haven't left my house except to go on a few drives with my husband since late February. We're talking almost FIVE months.

    I understand this rant. I am trying to shut those same voices up in my head too. I just pray you can too. I want you to know you are NOT alone.
    I am here with you, and sure many more are too.

    I know this whole pandemic has divided my family into tribes now - those who are careful, and those who are not. And yes, from the "are not" category came a positive test result. Not to say "I TOLD you so" was one of the most difficult things I could have ever done- staying quiet, trying not to get fed up.

    I am sending extra prayers for you today. But know - deep in my heart - this too shall pass. Keep your faith. Keep your strength. Stay well.

    HUGS. ♥

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    1. Thanks so much, Michele. This is really a sad time for everyone, although there are those that don't seem to think so. I will shut these voices down, but truthfully, I think as far as I am concerned it will be a long time. We are not going to get a vaccine any time soon, we can't as there has to be safe guide lines, even if something is found. I will go on, doing what I have to do, and if that means staying in my house for the rest of my life, so be it. I can handle it. I will keep my strength and thank you for taking the time to put your voice to paper. I am really looking forward to what every body thinks..Stay well..xxoJudy

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  2. Feel your rant, daily... Was talking to a friend in fl screeching about this yesterday, it makes you want to cry, all the hate, stupidity and selfishness can eat at ones soul. I live near you, this area is the worst, no masks are prevalent, but we have homes elsewhere and thankfully it feels like others are more respectful of the law which pacifies me. Enjoyed visiting your blog, your posts are thoughtful and your fourth of July house is adorable.

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    1. Thank you so much. I don't know if our place on the map is any worse than others, but I'm glad to hear that you can get away to places that are more considerate. In consideration of our small population, we have too many cases and it is not being handled well if you ask me. Giving someone a pass to do better after they have broken the law does not set well with me. I am 80 years old and have lived a pretty damn good life, and if I can follow the rules than so should others..OMG, I just had another rant. Thanks for taking the time to comment. I appreciate it and am glad you enjoyed your visit. Please come back again. It isn't always like this..Stay well, xxoJudy

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    2. I found your post freshing, honest and heartfelt, but you are preaching to the choir! There is a definite division of facts, personally, I find this area, and the state of Jefferson mindset, makes it more adversarial to a more productive outcome. One day this will be in the past, but I think it will be a year plus away, it takes everyone to truly squash this until a vaccine can be introduced. Meanwhile, books and gardens are a lovely way to enjoy the sights and sounds of the world comfortably from your home ☺

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    3. Thank you again. You are most likely right. I think I am outnumbered here as to my views of the world. However, I have good friends and we all co-mingle, but I don't hold back from them nor they to me. Everyone can't think the same, but I am a little surprised at the lack of concern when it comes to some. There are different points of views but I think we should all be concerned about our fellow human beings. In that we should be united. I do have plenty of books and the garden and my family to keep me sane..Stay well..xxoJudy

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  3. Oh Judy, this year has just been awful. It has brought out the worst in many and the best in some. My little town doesn't particularly heed the warnings - many restaurants had to shut down due to COVID employee outbreaks. One reopened, but still refuses to have staff or anyone wear masks. We've had a huge festival to celebrate the end of road construction (seriously!) with zero social distancing/masks...2_weeks later we had the outbreaks at the restaurants. Like you, I could go on and on. I retired from education at the end of this school year. I fear for my teacher friends and my students as they go back to in person instruction soon. Also, Ugh! I pray this will all be over soon. Some days are harder to be positive than others. Hang in there my friend - you are not alone. Better days will come! Jane

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    1. Thank you, Jane. This is an awful year for so many reasons. I see that my town is not alone in poor judgement. I find it very hard to understand the mindset of certain people. It makes no sense to me. I think we might all be better off if we had some leadership and some exact laws to follow from the federal government. It seems to be a problem when one governor has rules and another sees it a different way. We seem to be just spreading it around, as the buck gets passed on and on. I agree, some days are harder than others but with 150,000 dead and climbing, they are becoming all bad days.. Don't worry about me, I am hanging in there. Stay well..xxoJudy

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  4. Oh, Judy...I'm with all the way...yikes where has it all gone. Today, I snuck outside to do some weeding...to add to your rant...this Spring a new neighbor put up a beehive on his property line... now this hive is less than 50 feet from my back door. IN the Front, I was weeding and suddenly I was surrounded by honey bees at least 30 buzzing all around me, and ...around my pond. I"M hyper allergic...like deathly allergic. Well, I almost had a heart attack.

    This neighbor was informed in May that he couldn't have bees---another neighbor had the HOA visit him in JUNE....You must have 40,000sq ft lot, per hive---10 feet from all easements and property lines, have running water available from April to November.his lot will not support 1/3 of a hive...AND< he has not one flowering anything on his property...SO>>>>>they are ALL over here. To say the
    least, I called, emailed and wailed to our County environmental health hazard team...we are unincorporated...and yikes, did I holler,
    so it seems we both had a RANT DAY...UPside, the County called me back within two hours and sent someone there to investigate as he never applied for a permit...even after being warned. I'm validated, but still terrified to go outside now, I almost passed out...and let me say---we have bees all the time and wasps, and I give them wide berth...but we are organic in our gardening and encourage pollinators...but by Jimminey (my Grandpa always said that), ...and he would have said more than that to our neighbor...!!!! HUGS>. Our community just had a double active case uptake from last week...seems kids had a bunch of parties beginning of July and the ramifications of that are what we have now...so no thrift stores again...or anything else for that matter!

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    1. Oh, Sandi, I hope you can get it straightened out with the bee keeper. That could turn into a serious problem. What is it with people? It is not so hard to follow the rules. Our street is named Race Street and believe you me, that is exactly what it is. It is a connection from a road coming off the mountain and connecting to Hwy 49 to Sacramento, so everyone uses it as a short cut. It is very narrow and allows parking on one side so there is no room for two cars to pass. It is quite a long street and all the neighbors have complained over the years about accidents waiting to happen. We finally got a meeting with the city council and what does one new neighbor, who was at the meeting and heard all the complaints do? Puts up bamboo fencing and is letting her hedge grow so you can't see around the corner when coming off one side street, which is the one we always use. Go figure? They are over running us!But their time will come..Stay well..xxoJudy

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  5. Replies
    1. Hi Martyna. I'm glad you thought it was interesting..Stay well..xxoJudy

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  6. Judy, I feel the same in so many ways. Tired that Ted and I stayed in all winter/spring now summer, while others frolicked and just keep Covid going. Tired of wishy-washy governors, mayors, etc afraid they will lose a vote it they had to stay in quarantine. I pray, I cry, but I wear my masks because I do not want the children of this nation to never get to live normally again. Stay strong and safe. Blessings, xoxo, Susie
    p.s. I usually never say anything about Gov.

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    1. Thanks so much, Susie. Isn't it sad to think that people don't either care or pay attention to what is going on around them. I thought our governor was doing a great job in the first of this, especially when it should have been taken care of at a higher level but after we became #1, I think he could do much more. I know what you are saying about never saying anything, but I am finding it very hard to put up with the lies and the problems being created because of lack of leadership and the whole hearted push for reelection. Now you know where I stand, but the more this goes on, the braver I get...Take care my friend and you and Ted stay well..xxoJudy

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  7. Hope and praying for this to be over, stay safe and healthy everyone!

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    1. Thanks so much, Natalia. I am right there with you..Stay well..xxoJudy

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  8. This is the best post I have seen all year - maybe even ever. Please DON'T let this be the last on this subject. I'm usually a very tolerant person, but I just do not understand how anyone can take this so lightly. Many other countries have beat it and still others are on their way. What is wrong with this country? Are we so selfish and greedy that we must be corrected like children? There-that's my rant. And, again I hope to hear from you SOON on this issue. You might even make a difference in your readers thinking. Sure hope so. :)

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    1. Thank you so much, Linda. This is how I feel and I put my heart and soul into it. I too, am usually tolerant, but the last three years have made me less so. It really is hard to explain to someone who does not have an open mind, and those people could, and most likely do, say the same about me, but I know deep in my soul that we are getting a really bum deal and it is only going to get worse. This could have been so much easier had it been handled right to begin with. I am so sorry and ashamed for our country. I mourn the loss of all the lives. I ask why there are those that don't care or heed the rights of all of us, but when there is nothing to look up to than that is when the weakest of us can only follow. I dont' know if anyone comes back to read what I have written. If you do, just know that you should not take this personally. We all have a right to our beliefs and I am not trying to change anyone. I just wanted to set my record straight and now you know how I feel..Stay well..xxoJudy

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  9. Loved your post!! First time I've visited but it won't be the last. I totally agree. I'm "fed up" with careless people. I just wish everyone would take others into consideration.

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    1. Thank you so much for visiting and I hope you will return. I wish the same..Stay well..xxoJudy

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  10. I feel your anger and frustration and sadness Judy. All of us trying so hard to follow the rules and trying to keep ourselves and our community of neighbors well can be so frustrating when we see so many self entitled people doing what they want with no regard for others wellness or safety. I just pray all the time that we will come to a better place with all of this. I try to hang onto hope to keep me sane. Big Hugs and well said. xoxo Kris

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    1. Thanks so much, Kris. Most of us just can't help from being sad about how it is all going. I just heard on the news about an 8 yr. old girl in Florida who died from the virus a few days ago. She told her mom she was tired and wanted to take a nap, and she never woke up. Her dad died from the same virus a few days earlier. People need to hear these things, maybe it will help them wake up..Stay well, my friend..xxoJudy

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  11. Judy, you already know how I feel, living in NY. It was very, very bad and we see people acting as if it's all over now since our numbers are down. And because of that they are now going back up. Everything you have stated, we've seen here...no masks, parties, crowded bars, coughing on others, it's been disheartening, especially in a state where so many have been affected and so many lives lost. I do hope for change and I get your anger. Staying home has not been easy and I have young adults at home who haven't left to socialize since March. It's been VERY hard of them but they see the ramifications, the outbreaks that occur after parties or bar hops and the friends testing positive and they don't want to deal with any of that or become part of the larger problem if possible. Please take care! ox

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    1. Thanks so much, Kim. I applaud your kids and want to thank them for what they are doing. It can't be easy. When you are young and think you are invincible it takes strength to handle something like this. That is your doing, my friend, and you should be very proud. I am so proud of Jake and Jacenda also. They do shopping for older seniors that can't go out. There are certainly a lot of good people in this world, but sadly, it only takes one bad one to become a problem..Stay well, my friend..xxoJudy

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  12. This was a great letting off of some steam. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, and know from us that you are NOT alone. Love, hugs and prayers ~ FlowerLady

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  13. Thanks so much, Lorraine, and I know I am not alone. We all have to be so careful so we can come out on the other side..Stay well..xxoJudy

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  14. I understand how the rudeness of people can make you angry. There are idiots everywhere. On both sides. This is my experience. My friend lost her son in a car accident. When they got the death certificate it said Covid as cause of death. They called the hospital to report the mistake and were told that the State of Michigan instructed them to use Covid on their death certificates. It seems the states get money from the Feds for every Covid death. I've heard a doctor in Wisconsin say the same thing. He refused. I also have a friend who works at a nursing home. They have to test their residents every week. One week they will come back as positive, the next week they will come back as negative, etc. We are not getting the truth from the media. They want to keep us in fear, because it's an election year. A group of doctors were on Facebook the other day saying there is a cure for Covid. They use it all the time. They have great success with it. But if you listen to the media they will tell you that it will kill you! Hydroxychloroquine. Facebook took down their press conference. They actually said the woman doctor from Africa was a Voodoo doctor! My point is that there outrageous things happening on both sides. I'm afraid if we can't come up with a way to respect each other, we are doomed as a society. God bless you. I only hope for your health and happiness.

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    1. Ellen, thank you for taking the time to stop by. I appreciate it.

      First, I would like to address your remark about my anger due to rudeness. It is not the rudeness that I object to, although there is that, it is the stupidity and lack of empathy that is the culprit. Then you mentioned sides. There are no sides to this issue. The virus does not take sides. It will attack anyone and everyone if given the chance. That is why the flaunting of not wearing face protection is so unbelievable.

      I'm sorry that your friend felt taken advantage of. I fact checked the statement and could only find that there is no financial benefit to having a death certificate state that a person's cause of death was directly tied to Covid-19. Other than that, I am not familiar with the procedures. There are a lot of questions about testing. Had this whole situation been given the attention from the beginning that was due it, instead of wasting time calling it a hoax among other things, we would not be in the situation we are now.

      I take very strong issue with your statement saying there is a cure for this horrible disease. Now, take the time to think clearly, do you really and truly know in your heart that we would have 150,000 and counting of our fellow human beings dead if that were the case?
      As far as that "voo doo" doc goes, I would imagine if you, or I said, that we could get ovarian cysts from dreaming of a demon, that term could be applied to describe us. My mother died from ovarian cancer so I strongly take offense at anything that comes out of that insane woman's mouth.

      The majority of our media reports the news that is truthful, but there will always be another side who does the opposite and that is what is known as Fake News. By using one's head they should be pretty easy to figure out which is which.

      Luckily, there are ones out there who can take our wonderful country back to where it belongs and I only hope that when that time comes, it will not be too late.

      Thanks again for your visit..Stay well..Judy

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    2. Everything I said was the truth. If I sat around all day and listened to the garbage news on TV, I'd feel like you do. The Covid death rate would be much lower if the Democrat governors hadn't put infected patients in nursing homes. Use your brain. How could they do such a thing. If they would treat patients with HCQ at the onset of the infection, many would have lived. The study they used to squash HCQ had to be thrown out. New studies, including the Henry Ford one, says it works. It's all about the money and the election. HCQ only cost 68 cents a pill. Follow the money! People need to wake and not believe everything they are being force fed by the media. I'm sorry about your mother. I'm a cancer survivor myself. God help us if Biden wins. Law and order will go out the window. Look at the chaos in those liberal cities. What a stupid shame.

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    3. First, conversations are always good to have and I'm glad you turned off Rush Limbaugh long enough so we could have this one.

      Second, to my knowledge, none of what you are saying, or have said, is truth. You do seem to be well versed in conspiracy theories, however.

      It would do me no good to tell you to pay attention to the accredited doctors and scientists when you are seeking medical information and not by any stretch of the imagination, is the President capable of extending advise, medical or otherwise, to anyone.

      It's too bad you didn't take the time to read my blog post that I put out on Tuesday, where I mentioned that no one person's words can change my mind or yours. The only way to put your agenda forward is to vote in November.

      Don't bother writing me back after this as I will not respond again. The subject is too important to play games.

      Yes, God will be helping us when Mr. Biden gets elected. I would much rather have God on my side than Putin.

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  15. I feel exactly the same way and I thank you for voicing it so well. I am living for November and what I hope and pray will bring many, many changes including a return to the respect for science and sanity.

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    1. Oh, Adrienne, I am too. I am so tired of it all and mostly, I am tired of what is not being addressed by the ones we vote in that should know better. The whole system needs to change and the only way to do that is to get the vote out in November. Everyone has got to vote and hopefully, they will be voting by mail in order to be safe..Stay well..xxoJudy

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  16. What is the new blogger interface? I have had no notice and mine looks the same! How did you know it would be different and only until August 24th? I'm in the dark I guess! If you could email me, would sure appreciate it! Marilyn

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    1. Hi Marilyn. It is not too hard to do and I have sent you an e-mail about it. If you need more help just let me know..Stay well..xxoJudy

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  17. I have ranted all day today! I feel just like you do! What is wrong with people? Have they been taught NOTHING? Do they not care about anyone other than themselves? I'm afraid the days with common courtesy are gone, along with common sense! 'Guess I'll get off my soapbox now & rest up for another day of frustration. On second thought--I'll say my prayers and ask God to send us all a better day tomorrow. Goodnight & God Bless.

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    1. Thanks so much and, please, stay on your soap box. I have taken the plunge and said way more that I usually would, but it does my soul good and I intend to keep it up. Help is needed out there..Stay well..xxoJudy

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    1. Thank you so much, Vintage Ellen (as opposed to other Ellens). Sometimes just one word says it all and then at other times we just need to keep our lips flapping!..Stay well..xxoJudy

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  19. You only said what needed to be said. I am struggling with try to quit smoking but I remember the then new no smoking rules and I followed them. This is a strange year indeed and I too am beginning to feel like I'm stranded on my own little island.

    Take care and be safe.

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    1. Thanks so much, Constance. I appreciate you saying all this and I really feel for you. Truthfully, you and I both know we are not alone. Quitting smoking is one of the hardest things I have ever done. I smoked for over 30 years, sometimes 2 packs a day, letting some but not all of them burn up in the ashtray. I actually was a chain smoker. My husband and my kids all told me to stop and each night when I went to bed I was so convinced that tomorrow I would stop, but, of course, I never did. My daughter even told me that if she ever had kids I would not be allowed to be around them if I was smoking. Even that didn't hold. I had a doc appointment and of course I smoked that cig on the way. When I put half of it out in the ashtray, knowing I could light up after the appt. When the doc listened to my heart, he asked me if I smoked (he was a sub for my real doc who was out of town and I had never seen him before) I told him yes, and he said to me, Hmm, that is not a good sign of things to come. I walked out of his office on October, 1989 and never smoked again. It took a stranger and not because he was a doc because my regular had told me I shouldn't smoke also, it just hit me and I have never had another cigarette. Take heart, even though it is hard to do, I am living proof that you can do it. And now, I treasure all the time I get to spend with my grandson. Please visit again, I enjoy talking to you..Stay well..xxoJudy

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  20. I stand with you. I agree with everything you said (except for wanting to get out and shop -- I really don't care about that or meeting up with others; I'm rather liking my hermit existence except when family is concerned). But I am so angry at people who aren't doing their part to help us lick this -- and especially the super idiots who cough on people, mask shame and more. My docs (multiple docs, when asked last week) said expect this to go on for at least a year, even if a vaccine comes out. So, I will make myself be used to it. But I don't think I can sum up one charitable thought for anyone who doesn't do their part to help this end; who buys into conspiracy theories, who just doesn't suck it up and do what needs to be done.

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    1. Oh, boy, Jeanie, I think I will just follow what another friend, above, said to me. Amen. I am getting better about needing to go out and buy something. I have a bad habit of when things are not right, I spend money and then they are all better!! Guess that won't work now. Yes, it is going to be quite awhile before anything changes, even longer until stupid gets smarter..Stay well..xxoJudy

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  21. I was dreading the new Blogger's interface but found it pretty easy to figure out. It's only been a day but so far I don't see any real issues I can't stand dealing with.

    Thank you for this post. I totally agree with you. We all need to tackle the hard issues from time to time. Silence and be read as agreement by too many people.

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    1. Thank you so much. I am taking on the hard issues and hope I don't step on anyone's toes in the meantime, but I have held it back long enough. It is what it is and this is me. It took me a couple of times to try the new interface as I am not a friend of technology but finally did find it pretty easy. There may be things that I can still learn but so far so good. Am glad it is working for you. Change is always hard..Stay well..xxoJudy

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  22. As a shopkeeper I hope everyone continues to wear their mask as I do. I do not have kids in school anymore but hope they figure it out before sending any child back. Nice post. Hope folks start acting like adults. Janice

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  23. Thanks so much, Janice. Do you require masks for anyone coming into your shop? I would much rather go into a shop that does just because I would feel safer. I'm not going into any shops for a long while yet, but it must be hard if you want your customers to wear masks but can't make them. People seem to feel so entitled if they don't want to wear a mask and can get rather nasty from what I have heard around here. I did hear about a 9 yr old girl dying from Covid, so it does happen and I feel badly for the teachers and staff if they come back without the proper things to make it safe for them.. Stay well..xxoJudy

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  24. I'm with you Judy. I only walk on the beach and we always choose the direction with few people.

    I tried the new blogger, but I had such difficulty that I gave up and went back to the old. August will be my month to figure it out.

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  25. Thanks so much, Carol. Good salt air is what we all need to help survive this. I tried twice also and found it difficult the first time with not seeing any reason for it. I still really don't see any reason for it (am I missing something) but did find it easier to do and was able to put out my post. I just kept clicking on things to see what they meant. I don't think it will hurt anything but just don't push "publish" until you are sure.. Good luck and stay well..xxoJudy

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  26. Yes, life is certainly different right now, I look forward to happier times.

    Hugs Diane

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    1. Thanks so much, Diane. We all look forward to better times. I certainly hope they come soon..Stay well..xxoJudy

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  27. It is so refreshing to have someone speak the truth.
    I live in Dallas and things got really bad after our governor stepped in. I turn 70 next month pretty healthy. I'm terrified of of going out.
    I am counting the days till November. I hope we can survive.
    I so enjoy your blog and the wisdom you speak.

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  28. Thank you so much, Renate. I appreciate your words and thoughts. This has already become old news. Everyday there is something more horrid than the day before. You know, I am not always happy with our governor and I keep track of what is happening in other states as well. Sometimes, though, I have to say that I feel sorry for most of the governors. This was handled so poorly and leaving it all up to individual states, with "only backup" (his words not mine) from the feds is very poor planning and only leaves an opening so that he could say "it wasn't my fault". I am very afraid for the election. If Biden doesn't blow him away where there could be no room for questions, I don't think he will leave gracefully. BUT, if he doesn't leave before Jan 20, than guess who will automatically take over. The stake through his heart, Nancy Pelosi. Two months ago, I would never have said all this, but I have to say, a person can only take so much..Stay well and take care..xxoJudy

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  29. Hi Judy! You have expressed the problem very well. So exasperating! Thank you for your kind comment on MY post. I just wanted to answer your question about a thumbnail. It is simply the small pictures that appear on your blog sidebar (on the right) along with the name of blogs that you follow. You may notice that some blogs show a picture along with the name of the blog, and some do not. With the new format, that little picture (thumbnail) no longer appears. I noticed that your last post did not display a picture with it on the sidebar cue. Only the name of your blog. I like seeing the little pics!

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    1. Thanks so much, Jacqueline. I answered you on your post. I like seeing the little pics too, some of mine show and some just have descriptions and name of blog. I guess we will all figure it out in time..Stay well..xxoJudy

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  30. Judy,
    I honestly do not know what to say.....It is for all the reasons that you stated that I am glad that Joe is no longer working part time in his retirement. Things are getting very toxic out there especially in retail places. I have not eaten in restaurants for years as listening to every Tom, Dick and Harry's conversation and watching unruly children run wild does not appeal to me..We have done Take Out for years so nothing in that respect has changed for us..I am trying to not buy much of anything for the house unless needed so I do not feel the urge to go out shopping anywhere. In fact, I have not left this house since July 12th and have no desire to do so no matter how much of a hermit that Joe calls me. BUT this is how I was before all this happened.As I have mentioned before, my family and I have chosen not to watch national news and only local news. Here in Pa., our numbers are doing really well eve though our Governor is being put on the slab for his strict restrictions. However, our numbers show that those restrictions are working but people refuse to see that. I waited for 42 years to be able to retire ad spend time doing what I want to do...I admit that some of what I would like to do is restricted but I am not going to let it rob me of my joy and happiness during my retirement which I waited so long for. And because of this, I remain on a good state of mental health as does my family. I realize that what has worked quite well for us during this time is not for everyone and is not what everyone agrees with. BUT it works for us and that is really all that is important to me...
    I too have been using the new Blogger Interface and I like it....
    Hugs
    Deb

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  31. Deb, Thank you so much and you really don't have to say anything. I know that you and I don't always agree on every little thing but that is as it should be as I consider you my friend. I had a whole thing typed to you and just like that it disappeared so I will try again. I do miss buying things. Just little things, I never spend much money but it is like therapy for me. But, we enjoy our home and really don't miss not leaving it that much. What I do miss is not seeing my kids to any extent. Tami and Tim both work in the public every day so when we meet them to pick up our groceries, we are all masked and keep our distance. They are very conscious of what could happen and I respect that. Our grandson, Jake, working for Kaiser, is having to travel some to other Kaiser hospitals. He works right along with the docs and nurses, he has to suit up, but he loves his work so is happy to do it. Can you imagine only 6 people on a flight from San Francisco to Los Angeles? The govt is getting money to somebody! His girlfriend, Jacenda, was almost ready to receive her masters in nursing when the coronavirus hit. Now she is doing testing just to get her time in but she doesn't feel she is learning much. The sad part is that she has paid for all that schooling and will not get any of it back. We talk on the phone and that is good, but a great big hug would be better and I do worry about them all. I'm so glad that you and your family are all well and enjoying your retirement..Take care, my friend, and stay well..xxoJudy

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Your comments are so special to me...Judy