Permits, Inspections and Bug Attire

         What is “bug attire”? you may ask.  It is when the facial mask and goggles gives one the appearance similar to that of a bug.  It may also be attire one wears for protection but is “bugged” or bothered by wearing it.  Perhaps you can see both definitions in the picture below.

         The back room is already 10 – 20 degrees warmer than the outside.  The outside temperature is not in the three digits but I’m certain the back room is – or was.  It’s mostly insulated now.  We started on Thursday after Roland got off work.  The batting contains fiber glass and so we have to wear long sleeves, long pants, hats and gloves in addition to the respirator masks and safety goggles.  I’m already hot.  I don’t need to dress in hot.  And yet I did.  

That night I threw up four times.  Roland finally told me I was done.

Friday was better.  Still felt hot and flushed.  We weren’t at it for as long on Friday as we had been on Thursday.  Yesterday morning was cooler but I was still hot in my bug attire.  I know I have always been horrible about touching my face pre-COVID – but became more aware of it when I would itch or leak or something and unable to wipe anything because of the goggles and mask – and grateful for them so I did not get fiberglass from my gloves to my face.  Catch 22 though as my face may not have felt soggy and itchy if it had not been for the protection causing the discomfort.

My hat kept falling off and I had the tube mask around my neck but decided it would work better than a hat and so had two tube scarves and changed my googles for glasses as I was not doing much work but watched Roland put up insulation on the ceiling.  It’s like working with the Energizer Bunny.  However instead of having a drum, Roland has a staple gun.

Drunk With Power

             On Monday night Roland and I watched 911.  One of the stories focused on a mother who’d been drinking while driving.  Due to her poor decision to find the bottle (or flask) more of a priority than any other human beings -  including her own child. Because he is a scared-out-of-his-mind passenger not able to communicate with his mom, he calls 911.  By the time the emergency crews arrive on the scene there is a horrific accident involving 10 – 20 cars – all because she had been disoriented behind the wheel.

            Toward the end of the show, Bobby, who is a main character in the show, goes to an AA support group and talks about how so many people think they can handle the situation of drinking and staying sober – not at all rational about what their decisions may cost others.  While he was giving his speech I thought about the mandating on mask wearing and the decision of those who are able to “remain sober” by not wearing it or ever thinking of others. 

The mask wasn’t designed to protect ourselves so much as it was designed to respect others that we may come in contact.  Even now that many have received their shots, there is a new attitude that “I have now received my shots – I no longer need to wear a mask”

WE STILL NEED TO WEAR MASKS!  The pandemic is NOT over!  There I go being a rational buzzkill.  But am I really?  Biff thinks I’m a weenie who is afraid of getting COVID.  I am NOT afraid of getting COVID.  I am appalled how torn up this nation has become. I also think Biff is too focused on having the approval and living the ways of the world than of God.  

 There were other stories that overlapped.  One was about caring for a child in child care and having that child taken away because the biological mother supposedly turned her life around – and perhaps the parent should have rights but at the same time at how many expenses of the child or others who are involved in the child’s life.  Reminded me of when I had worked for the Department of Child and Family Services and the heartbreak of it all.

I like that the show focuses on what is happening in our nation right now and keep the mandated mask as part of the storyline. Like it or not – it is a part of history.

Pandemic Continues Alongside Global Warming

 

            Randy really wants us to come to St. George – like now – which would be fine but the pandemic is far from over.  Almost half of all adults have received a vaccination shot – but there are still a high percentage that refuse.  They are too macho.  They are too proud.  They are determined NOT to let the government control them.  The same people who refuse to get flu shots or wear seat belts or have convinced themselves they are immune to any other law.

So I read this article from Yahoo.  I hope that Oregon continues with its restrictions and those that think we ought to reopen can go spend their summer in Florida and see how well that works out for them.  International Travel is still a rare occurrence.  Other countries don’t wish to let Americans in.  I don’t blame them.  Americans are spoiled and have attitude.  The entire world belongs to them and therefore we should do whatever the heck we want. No restrictions.  No consequences.  Some American attitudes make me ashamed to say that I am American.  Get over yourselves!  Think of others.

Even my oldest who lost his first wife, whose daughter was initially admitted to the hospital with COVID – who continues to visit the hospital as often as her mom – refuses to get his shot.  Great example for your daughter, Biff.  Nice to know where your priorities are.

We’re told that airfares have gone up to outrageous prices and I think are at full capacity now.  Fires have started already and it’s only April.  We use the heater and A/C in the same day.  What’s up with that.  If COVID doesn’t kill us, global warming will.

 Oh, and now they are now mentioning an increase in allergies and a new plus to the mask.  Roland had pointed out what we're breathing in as our cars continue to lose their shine. Pleasant thoughts. 

What a Difference

           When the stay-at-home order was given in March, there was a great number of people who did stay home but there were many who had the attitude that “I still have freedom . . . nobody tells me what to do . . .” and have contributed to American stupidity ever since.

I don’t like Walmart for many reasons but Roland just so happens to have a Walmart card and Roseburg has a Walmart and so we have been there numerous times – though I have not accompanied him as often as Jenna who wanted to go to Roseburg last and I wanted to stay home with Bonnie (the dog) but Roland had me go and Jenna stay.

Because there was no iodized salt offered at Costco, Roland wanted to stop by Walmart first to get some.  The last time we had gone to Walmart there was a line of people waiting for consumers to exit the store and were allowed so many at a time (depending on the amount leaving) maintaining a social distancing.  Everybody required to wear masks.

Now it’s every man for himself, masks are optional.  And evidently a client can clean a shelf off of product and it doesn’t seem to matter how much is being hordered.  (We purchased 24 cans of salt which pretty much wiped out the inventory on the floor).  Wal-Mart caters to Pharisees.

We then went to Costco to purchase other bulk items such as toilet paper and paper towels.  Everyone was social distancing.  Everyone was wearing masks.  That’s how it should be.  We should still be on a stay-at-home order because our moving to phases one and two were not gradual enough.  At least I am in Oregon and not in Florida right now.  There’s a state with many problems.  Is their governor good friends with Donald Trump?   Is he trying to outshine his criminal mind?  It’s as though the leadership (or lack thereof) in the state is experiencing PMS.

We had wanted to purchase three large packages of toilet paper but were allowed only one.  Costco knows that there is still a pandemic.  I like Costco.  Don’t like Walmart.  Chewed Roland out this morning and said I don’t ever want him going to Walmart again.  Not during the pandemic.  He has made the decision not to attend church and I guarantee you that the Church is being so much more careful than Walmart and we have a lot more room than we did on the airplaine going to New York (which was a careless thing on our part – I don’t ever want to fly again even when the pandemic is over.  I do not like being squashed! 

Thank you Costco for sticking by your guns. 

Virtual Hugs Just Don’t Cut It

         It was the third week of Church for the ward I’m in.  My sister Kayla said her ward had returned last month – or possibly in July.  She said that the members will attend every other week in order to allow social distancing.  I think that’s great that there are that many in attendance as the last time I had gone to her ward the attendance seemed even less than what this ward has been – a lot of empty pews and much social distancing – even before it was a thing.

         Wearing a mask can be bothersome, but it’s not a tremendous sacrifice on my part nor am I too proud to wear one.  I appreciate surgeons and dentists wearing masks, all the frontline workers required to wear a mask all day.  Surely if they can do it for 4 – 10 hour shifts, a few minutes to a few hours shouldn’t be a big deal for me.  The mask is not the problem.  It’s not being able to connect in the way that we did pre-COVID.  It’s a learning curve, I suppose.  Finding things that we may have been unaware of or had taken for granted.  I want to be to be fed but also assist in feeding  - which I do not.  It feels lonely like I am observing through plated glass and cannot break my way through.  But it isn’t meant for me to break through and I’m just having a hard time accepting it.

         We did have a testimony meeting today which was nice.  I enjoy hearing from those in the congregation – especially as it has been almost seven months since our last testimony meeting.  Most talked about having opportunities and finding peace within the turmoil or stopping to appreciate what strengths were learned from the trials that we’ve had.

         One sister came up to me after the meeting.  The sparkle in my eye was obviously not there and she was concerned.  I just don’t care for the distance that’s been created.  I had smiled a couple of times during the meeting.  Apparently it hadn’t reached or remained in my eyes.  I did pray that I would be spiritually fed and to a degree I was but still left feeling hungry as I had two weeks prior.  As of now I think Jenna and I will do just every other week.

         I’m supposed to meet with the missionaries which I guess is every other Wednesday prior to or right after the Book of Mormon class. Jenna had been attending with the secretary for the Young Women’s.  But YW is now the same day as Book of Mormon.  It used to be the same day as Relief Society but we no longer have activities and will meet once a month for lessons.  It will in mornings so our older sisters can participate.  Many cannot see to drive in the darkness. I can’t see to drive in the dark. 

        I look forward to General Conference next week and hope my heart is more open than it has been.  I have been so wrapped up in emotions toward the direction the country has gone.  I struggle with thoughts I had when I had learned about this revelation in primary now turned into a reality that I’m really not happy to be a part of. 

    When Jesus spoke in parables those who had the spirit with them were able to find the message that spoke to them.  The Pharisees, so set in their ways, did not recognize truth.  I am overwhelmed by how many Pharisees I encounter today.  I am shocked and I am saddened and have come to learn that I really don't know these people.  I pray that the members may be blessed as they prepare to vote in the elections that they will be open to whatever direction that God may lead us and may we always rely on him.

The Cost of Freedom

What is freedom?  Ask a 100 people and you may get a 100 answers.  Some people may have provided a different answer last year in regards with how they may answer today.

It’s the 4^th of July, our nations holiday.  It was my late daughter-in-law’s favorite holiday.  I think of that each year since she died. 

Our nation’s white holiday – though I had never viewed it that way before until after my husband and I saw this yesterday on CBS This Morning. Wow.

I had always believed I have an appreciation and understanding of black history.  I am familiar with Fredrick Douglas, Harriett Tubman, Ruby Bridges and Martin Luther King, Jr.  I am familiar with the works of Phyllis Wheatley, Paul Dunbar and Langston Hughes.  I love Langston Hughes.  I’ve had a few black friends over the years that I have never labeled as my “black friends” except for the purpose of this post.  

 As I realize my knowledge of black history and appreciation of their strengths I have noticed many of my own ignorance’s during this bizarre historical year. I don't know what it's like to be pulled over or be discriminated against because of my race.  I don't know what it's like to be watched as though I'm viewed as a potential threat.  And yet have found intolerance of others’ ignorance – which isn’t right.  I suppose each of us have some degree of ignorance – whether it’s race, religion, law enforcement, government . . .

Not too long ago I read this post by Darin Simpson.  I have since read some of his other posts and find I agree with many of his thoughts.  

I don’t view the flag the same as I used to as our country is so torn and the nationalists or Republicans are waving the same flag as the Democrats who are called mask-wearing sheep – though I don’t think everyone who claims to be a Democrat is wearing a mask, nor do I believe all Repulicans are rebelling as though they are all experiencing PMS.

I have freedoms and should be able to smoke wherever I want.  

    And what about the freedoms of the non-smoker? 

I have freedoms and not have to wear a seat-belt when I drive. 

    The seat belt is there to insure your safety should you get into an accident.  I know of more cases where a seat-belt was credited for saving a life than doing harm

I have freedoms and shouldn’t have to vaccinate my child in order to send him to public school.

    Again it’s a safety issue.  I do know of cases where the vaccine has had a negative effect.  There are pros and cons to every issue.  Someone thinks they are gaining a freedom while someone else may view it as costing a freedom.

So it is with the mask wearers and non-supportive mask wearers.  The argument is that we wear as mask to protect other people vs. wearing a mask will make me sick.  Sure – if you wear the same mask all the time.  Infection of false news travels can faster on social media than does the contaminants of COVID19. Wash.  Dispose.  Change the mask more constantly than you change your underwear. 

There’s argument that the government is become a dictatorship to take our freedoms away.  Trump doesn’t wear a mask.  And yet I see him as the Hitler and all his bully followers as Nazis. 

My flag continues to fly in my yard.  It is dull and very faded.  I see it as a symbolic image of this country.  I will take it down in September.  I don’t know when or if it will ever get replaced.  I see more positive feedback and concern than I do the nationalists – but as the direction of our future is uncertain, so is the future of replacing my flag.