7/5/2020

Weekly Update 7/5/2020

As I often do, I ignore things and hope they will take care of themselves.  And then when I can’t stand it any more, I explode.  So I had a rant to the receptionist at SB this week about maintenance, meal services and the COVID testing.  The Director called me back and after a civilized, informative discussion, I’m much calmer now. And I have a better understanding of some of the things they are facing.  

That being said, when I got a phone message on Friday that SB was going to be in lockdown because someone in the Independent living area had tested positive for the virus, I was quite upset.  I can’t even go to the mailbox without wearing a mask.  I’m not allowed to go out – to the grocery store, the pharmacy, the library, to meet friends, to walk.  I don’t know how long this will last, I’m thinking probably two weeks, but maybe more.  I was looking forward to going back to DH and giving tours – not gonna happen.  I didn’t even go out to water my plants yesterday, and I wore a mask to do that this morning although I didn’t even step off my porch.  I wouldn’t have to do this if I didn’t live in a community of vulnerable elderly people, but I made this choice and here I am.  

Before I got this phone call, I met with Kay at BC to walk.  It was hot, and we came back to SB.  She had not seen the cottage yet, and I was anxious to have her here.  She brought me a nice plant (something else for me to kill).  As soon as she left, the handyman came to finish hanging pictures on the walls and complete the shelves in my closet.  I’m glad those people were here, because I can’t have anyone come to visit for a couple of weeks.  

Friday was the scheduled day for Emily to have a graduation party. I didn’t go, of course, because Georgia is on the DO NOT ENTER list, and I don’t want to travel anyway. So, I was feeling sorry for myself because I didn’t get any cake. I have some slices of cake in my freezer, and I made a tiny bit of frosting. I wrote Congrats Emily on the cake and placed a few stars decorations from prior cupcake purchases on top. So, I didn’t get to see everyone, but I didn’t miss out on cake.

Saturday was depressing. I overate, and slept too much. I also watched the musical 1776, which is a Fourth of July tradition for me. I watched it twice.

By Sunday, I was (marginally) feeling better. Housekeeping did not come on Friday because of the holiday, and I’m not sure if they will be allowed to come clean for the next few weeks. I hope not – If I’m supposed to take all these precautions, I should think SB would be careful about having anyone, including the cleaning lady, come inside. That was actually one of the many things that Patty Gibson, the director, told me. All elder care facilities have to abide by state regulations, which change daily. They can’t even keep up with what they’re supposed to be doing, and some things make no sense. So, I did housework. At least it was activity, and had a sense of accomplishment when my bathrooms were cleaned.

I zoomed with my brother and his wife, my nephew Chris, and Ishy on Sunday night. I’m staying a little to connected, thanks to Chris who sets this all up.