Poetic Impressions

• sorting recycling made me laugh a little.

• Parking - not a problem.

• “Social distancing” was really only a formality.

• plan only by the hour.

• ”I’m bored” means “I’m clueless”.

• Scared folks ratchet up their standard level of politics, especially those who think that someone is coming to save them.

• “Pandemicing” with someone will be a life-long bond.

• Rain on fabric always is the soundtrack for adventure.

• Squirrels digging up nuts.

Play-by-play

So we had the following things to consider this week:

1. Jake in the city - not what we wanted. He has been layed off, and was sick and now is alone (with the exception of his girlfriend) in Philly. Big concern is crime and violence start to ramp up. And then if that happens, maybe martial law, and then travel restrictions to the point we can’t get him home. We have talked him into at least visiting.

2. Morgan and Liz - Morgan is pretty concerned about the virus. She has high blood pressure, and we are not in the “young” category anymore. She is worried. Liz is fine. Classes are cancelled, but her “job” will be to finish out online, keep good grades and make it out of this weird semester/year/situation. See what comes from there.

3. Work - Everyone can work from computers…but me. I have physical work that needs to be done at clients houses. I have been taking “pre-pay” money, and we don’t want to have to write checks to give all that money back. Plus, we have a job being done now that needs to be finished. However, the homeowner is adding to the job as we go. Not a problem, but timetable is a concern. To add to this, we got the word this week that my employee, will not be getting his drivers license back anytime soon. We were hoping he would get it in a few weeks. This new wrinkle is a game changer. Now I am swamped with work…and it’s just me.

4. Supplies - because we aren’t self sufficient, someone needs to go to the stores from time to time to get supplies. These supply runs are the most likely opportunity to come in contact with the virus, as long as social distancing is being maintained while everyone is at home. Since ticks die when they bite me: I’m the most qualified and the logical choice to be the “Runner”.

As a result of all this, the following decisions were made:

• Jake came to Bloomsburg - He is staying in Liz’s now abandoned college apartment. This decision was made while he was in transit. As a result: he was NOT happy to hear this news. He thought he was coming home to visit and “be with family”. Instead, we sent him to banishment in Bloomsburg. Luckily, Bloomsburg is a lovely town, and in the light of a new day, I think Jake and his girlfriend saw the value of added caution in regard to getting the other family members sick. Both Jake and his girlfriend were in Philly working in bars. Both were sick during that time. High concentration of sickness coming to low concentration, rural area…much care must be taken. We are good now, and Jake and girlfriend will be rejoining the family on Monday. This seems agreeable to all.

• Morgan and Liz remain at the house - Before I left, I gave them refresher courses on responsible and rapid weapon usage. Shotguns are the choice for the house. Wide spread and “Point and shoot” usability make them best. The ladies are burning wood in the fire, and ready for trouble should it decide to appear. Plus, I’m only a few minute cavalry ride in, should I get the alert. God help the person who triggers the alert.

• Work remains robust - So far, I can still work. Hopefully, the governor does not pull the plug. If he would, I might have to become “outlaw”. There is no way I can infect anyone, or be infected by working alone at an empty home, while a client works. There is NO REASON to deny me a living, when I am at no risk in either direction in regard to contagion. Now, if the rain would stop, that could be cool.

• I’m at my shop: Camping - Isolated and getting to the proper mindset. Listening to Rage Against the machine, NIN and every other band I know that will get my head where it needs to be.

  I’ve stripped it down bare.

  • I have no running water.

  • My bathroom is “Amish” at best.

  • I sleep outside (night air and outdoors has been proven good for pandemic in the past).

  • I’m building solar chargers and getting work ready in the time I have.

  • No “boredom” like I keep reading about online. That “boredom” is going to be funny (in a not funny way) later.

    So few understand how this might go.

    • I ordered chickens.

    • Got my bow working property.

    • Bought ammo.

    • Got the guns sighted in accurately.

    • Started seedlings.

So many things that at worst: we have fresh food. At best…we have some food. Only regret is not buying enough booze. Some at home that I can get, but I’m using it a good bit. Swallowing it and “inhaling it” in a way that special services guys do in tropic situations to fight infection. Also, the blood thinning and attitude enhancing qualities are also useful.

I’m starting to be of the opinion that in the long run, this pandemic could produce some good results for people. More gratitude and self sufficiency to name two. Unfortunately, I think the government is going to use this opportunity to “make over” money as we understand it. We will go to a “as needed” economy. You get what you “Need” as determined centrally. You do not get what you earn or contribute.

Let’s see if I’m right. I’ve been preparing for this for years, so I’ve already been “kinda right”. Let’s see how it goes. Hope for the best: prepare for the worst.