days_unfolding

Had a nice long sleep. Good. I'm feeling a bit more energetic.

Quick call from Mom. Auntie thinks that the weakness that she felt when she collapsed was due to the medication that she was on, which is possible. However, the doctor gave her a shot in her hip to relieve the pain but is concerned about doing the hip surgery. He said that he'd think about it over the weekend.

I have two hungry cats hanging out near me. Zara thought that I wasn't getting the hint fast enough and started circling me. Okay Zara, let me finish my smoothie. Now we're all fed and peace reigned over the land :)

Now I'm wondering about the vaccine appointment. It's a day before my big presentation, so if I have a bad reaction, that could be problematic. Hmm.

I've decided that it will be a lounge in my pajamas kind of day (now that it's 8 PM, and I still haven't gotten dressed). All I need to do is study and practice piano.

Started studying for my computer science midterm. Then I realized that I didn't soak one of my cats' litter boxes, so I went and did that. I can be bad at multitasking. Mimi is taking full advantage of my studying and has parked herself on my lap.

The Computer Science II class will be offered in the fall. Excellent. Also excellent: I can get access to my classes on my phone, so that I can check when things are due. I wouldn't watch videos on my phone though.

Finished reading my textbook. Now I need to go review some videos. After I practice piano. I also did some tidying for 25 minutes. Trump is not getting my money!

Oh, I just screwed up massively. The midterm exam for which I was studying was due on Friday! Oh hell! I thought that it was Monday! No, the exam itself says it's due on March 8th. Phew.

Watched my videos for tonight. I'm going to study Italian for a little while and then go to sleep.

Another late start. (I had problems falling asleep.) I'm going to hate myself next week.

The boots have shipped. Awesome.

Got laundry going. Napped while my clothes dried.

Our public library has closed except for curbside pickup. Things are getting scary.

Ran to get soda and milk. I wanted to get more gold spray for my star cookies, but they had only silver. I guess gold and silver stars are okay.

Talked to Mom. The hospital is talking about surgery on my uncle early next week, but their x-ray machine is out, and they need to do an x-ray first. Mom is wondering if she should go to Chicago, but she has doctor's appointments and other things to get done.

Then we discussed cookies, and Mom thought that I had a cookie press, which I don't have. So I need to look for another recipe. Found one. It's similar to the one Mom gave me, but you chill the dough in the refrigerator after rolling it out. It also suggests almond extract, so I'll get some tomorrow.

I guess that I'll wrap presents and write cards tonight. And get to sleep earlier. Also, I need to gather library books to return tomorrow.

Well, I slept a good long time. I needed it. Threw in a load of laundry. Zara is telling me that she's hungry! A quiet morning at home :)

Sheesh. Mimi used a litter box, and Zara promptly had to use the same box. Zara, Mimi doesn't want to share boxes! It's the battle of the boxes, played out in pee.

Oh hell. The US is up to 184,000 new COVID cases a day. I'm afraid to see how this plays out.

Oh yeah. The Crown's new season starts on Sunday! Awesome!

The forecast is for a wind advisory and rain. Ugh. It's getting dark in here. Need to run out and get milk, bread, and cheese.

Mimi thinks that I lie down in bed to pet and snuggle with her. I explained that the House Rules are that Mommy gets to take a nap on her day off. She's not convinced. Had a nice nap.

Ate and threw myself together. Ran to the grocery stores.

Talked to Mom. Apparently my aunt is over her snit and is talking to my mom again, so she suggested that I call her. Otherwise, the numbers on my mom's lab tests are good.

I'm more seriously pricing a Maui vacation. Airfares have gone up. Sigh.

I'm going to go to bed early but read for a while. I need to start getting up earlier for the new job.

Mower guy came and mowed. I wound up running outside in my slippers, shorts, a t-shirt, and no bra to pay him. No doubt adding to my reputation for eccentricity.

I was watering the garden and saw....a zucchini! I guess that the flowers got pollinated. I called Mom and told her about the zucchini. That's exciting! I'm really having a blast with my garden. And pumpkin-zucchini bread, here I come!

I've been reading about hiking the Continental Divide Trail. Too desolate for me. And the Pacific Crest Trail scares me, although it's supposed to be the easiest of the main north-south trails. You have to hike on snow though. I looked into classes on ice axe self-arrest in Illinois, which made myself laugh. Nope. I found a mountaineering class in New Hampshire, which might be worth taking if I plan to hike in the mountains. I might try part of the Appalachian Trail sometime. The part in New Hampshire and Maine scares me because it requires some "bouldering," or dexterity that I don't think that I have.

I should probably take a navigation class, but there aren't any near me either. There's one in Seattle, which would be a fun trip. And one in Colorado. Oh! REI has in-store classes. I could just trek up to Chicago!

I'm coveting a Kelty Night Owl tent. And I'm a night owl, so, it fits. It gets its name from being easy to pitch even after you're up late drinking :) Being the klutz that I am, I could use all the help that I can get.

Looking at the ghost_light friendzy linked to by susandennis. Found some interesting people there.

"White House Now Urges Use of Masks". About. Freaking. Time.

Found an insulated bag for my trip. I want to bring bagels and cream cheese in case the hotel isn't offering breakfast because of COVID-19. I also want to pick up a sandwich to eat at the State Park. (Hmm, maybe I should get some potato chips too.)

Bought some more cloth masks on etsy. When we go back to work in the fall, I'll need more (although I still think that work should provide them).

I'm looking at used computer monitors on Facebook Marketplace. I found one that I like, but don't know when I can get over to get it. I work tomorrow, and will be gone next weekend.

Threw myself together and ran errands. I got up the nerve to go into AutoZone and say that I needed windshield wipers, but I didn't know what size or how to put them on. A nice guy helped me. He was amused at the condition of my old wipers. That's okay; you can laugh at me if you're helping me.

Made the mistake of shopping hungry and got lots of stuff that I didn't really need at Aldi. Discovered that I didn't have my driver's license on me. I remembered that I had to scan it, and sure enough, it was on my printer. Glad that I discovered it before I went out of town.

Then it started raining. I got gas, but didn't put air in my tires because it was raining. Before my trip, I need to do that and (I hope) get the oil changed. Maybe I could get the oil changed before I roll out on Friday. Oh crud, Friday's a holiday due to the 4th of July holiday. Maybe I could get up early to have the oil changed this week or go over dinner?

Had a bite to eat. Got my grocery pickup from Walmart. Brought in only the perishable stuff because it's still raining.

Talked to Mom. My aunt was mulling over trying medical marijuana because she has pain, and I said, "THAT'S what she needs." Mom: "That would get her to mellow the fuck out. That household needs pot!" We riffed on that for a long time. We might have a "green" Christmas (assuming that we can get together at Christmas). Also, a guy who did landscaping for my mom asked about me, and he said that I should drink tequila to keep the virus at bay. So there you have it.

I ordered a couple of pairs of black pants because some of mine won't fit. Must assemble the FitDesk pronto.

Speaking of the FitDesk, Zara was going after the Styrofoam, which she's never done before, so I lobbed a pillow at her to get her to leave and shut the door.

Got us fed. Watched a little of the Governor's final COVID-19 briefing, but then the sound cut out, which I took as a sign that I should take a nap. Which I did.

Some local restaurants have put out outdoor seating. I have to go to one of them somewhere along the line. It would be very nice to eat in a restaurant.

When I signed up for the Coursera IT specialization, I accidentally chose a debit card with an expired expiration. I wish Coursera would remove that card. Anyway, I need to go get it fixed.

Our local public library is now offering curbside service. The books that I want to check out aren't in the local system however.

The doorknob on my bathroom door has self-destructed. Need to fix it. I suppose that I could ask the maintenance guy to fix it, but I'd rather not have to deal with him.

One of my tomato plants already has flowers. That was fast.

There's a computer without an OS on eBay with specs that I like. I don't have a great space to work on it, though, while I have my work laptop at home. It's always something. I bid on it. I've saved a bunch of articles on how to install Windows and Linux to create a dual-boot machine.

Had my Italian lesson. I'm learning to tell time in Italian.

Made Balsamic Fig Chicken with Roasted Potatoes and Mixed Greens. It was pretty good. HelloFresh is off to a good start.

I can't find Zara, but she must be here somewhere. She ate dinner.

I think that I'm going to crash and work on the FitDesk tomorrow. Maybe I'll do some of the IT class first. I also have Sunday to do stuff because I'm taking the day off.

lenine2

When was the last time you left your home? Today to drop off a rent check and do a grocery pickup.

What was the last thing you bought? Groceries

Is quarantine driving you insane or are you finally relaxed? Some of both. I'm enjoying it more than I did to begin with. Doing stuff around my place helps.

Who are you spending quarantine with? My cats

Do you have pets to keep you company? See above

What are your current responsibilities? Working and running the household

Do you have a room to yourself? Yes and no. My cats think that they own the place!

Are you exercising? I haven't been, but now I have the treadmill put together. The exercise bike is next.

Town, country, city? Small town

How’s your toilet paper supply? Okay so far. I haven't run out yet.

What’s the worst thing that you had to cancel? Not being able to travel

What’s the best thing you’ve had to cancel? My commute, as short as it is

Who do you miss the most? My mom

Do you have any new hobbies? Working on them. I bought a candle kit and an old DSLR.

What are you watching the most? Operas and Harry Potter

Are you still going to work? From home

What are you out of? Tomatoes

Have you made any changes to your hair during quarantine? My hair is doing pretty well. It's just a little floppy. I have dye for when my roots start to bug me.

Eufy beeped and started cleaning even though there's no scheduled time. I shut it off and put it back in its corner. I might be able to use it in the TV room if I pick up the cords. This place is not Eufy-proof yet.

Mimi has discovered that the desk chair is very comfortable.

Watched The Marriage of Figaro. The subtitles weren't great, so there was a lot of singing in Italian that I didn't understand. Occasionally an Italian word that I knew popped out at me. I expected to like it more than I did, although Cecilia Bartoli was a great Susanna and Renee Fleming was great as the Countess. The duets between the two of them were beautiful.

I'm up now after sleeping late. Click click and I ordered dry cat food. Love online shopping.

Time to jump back and forth between heat and A/C. It's currently 80 degrees F.

Played a fun game of "Guess where I want to eat, Mommy?" with Zara. The answer is not necessarily where she is.

The Illinois Governor has daily COVID updates, and I usually watch them. It gives an idea how the numbers are heading. We're still home for all of May though.

Had a nice nap and ate. Threw myself together and went to Dollar Tree for soda and some odds and ends. They had a sign saying that they won't serve anyone without a mask, but a guy came in after I left without one and bought something. The line at the drive-in for Dairy Queen has spilled out onto the street. People in my mobile home complex do not seem to be practicing social distancing.

I read an article about how chicken looks done before the temperature rises enough to kill bacteria, so I bought a meat thermometer. I sprung for the more expensive waterproof one.

Talked to Mom. She's doing well and is starting on the garden. My aunt and uncle are not doing well. My uncle drank two brandies on an almost empty stomach, and then couldn't get off of the toilet. My aunt had to call the paramedics. They took him to the hospital. My aunt said that she's had enough, but she doesn't want to put him in long-term care. What a mess.

I was going to put together the treadmill, but I'm yawning and running out of steam. If I go to sleep quickly, I should get a decent night's sleep and still get up early to put it together in the morning.

Had to scramble this morning to make it to my online (synchronous) class on time. It was a good class.

Our governor extended the stay-at-home edict until the end of May. However, "non-essential" businesses can now be open for pickup orders. Some parks and golf courses will be open if people follow social distancing. Fishing is okay for two people or less in a boat. People must wear masks in a store. I finally ordered new masks from Amazon because the ones that I ordered on Walmart's site have been stuck in limbo. The Amazon masks should get here on Saturday.

As to how I feel about this: I don't know? I'm tired of being at home but am also getting used to it. I'll be happier when I get my treadmill (currently scheduled for Monday). As for the exercise bike, I don't think that the order will ever go through, so I need to cancel the order and buy an older FitDesk model. Amazon will probably take a month to ship it. So it's out of the equation for May. Added: Crud. The FitDesk 2.0 for for users 5'3' and over ,and I'm 5'2". The 3.0 version is for users 4'10" and over. FitDesk says that they will have the 3.0 back in stock on April 24th.

I tried to call my mom to tell her about that, but the call hasn't been going through to her. My phone isn't showing a lot of cellular connection bars. Sigh.

Anyway, now it's my weekend. Mimi and Zara started it off with a major cat fight. I only live here. (Mimi is now dozing outside my office room, where I'm typing this entry.)

The Metropolitan Opera is streaming operas. I want to see at least one or two of them. (I'd do more, but most operas are long, though I suppose that they'd cut out the intermissions.) La Traviata is tomorrow. Oh! Tonight's opera is only one hour? I'll do it.

Need to study more Italian....And I want to tackle cleaning the kitchen, although I might start that tomorrow.

I've had a lazy morning, but hey, it's my weekend! Exchanged texts with mower guy, who was annoying me by continually texting yesterday. I still need to get the electric mower going, but he can do the initial mows next week after I get some money.

Zara: It's almost food time! Food, food, food! (Manic run around the place.) No one gets more joy out of food than Zara, yet she's really skinny. Go figure.

I have some overripe bananas. I should make banana bread. I think that my pancake mix has a recipe, but I might need more of it. Found the recipe, but yes, I need to pick up more mix at Aldi tomorrow.

Lightly dozed after breakfast. We had Kitty Drama at first because Zara wanted to be on the bed, and Mimi didn't want her to be on the bed. They finally worked it out with Zara on the bed. Yay Zara.

I seem to be taking pleasure in little things. A nice nap. A delicious lunch (roast beef sandwich and chips). The cats. Maybe it takes staying home to slow down and be observant.

Now I'm going to study some Italian. I remembered that I bought an Italian pronunciation class on Udemy, and it might help me. It is helping me a lot. The guy who recorded the videos is a great teacher.

I've been bouncing back and forth between cleaning and Italian. I clean until my back starts to hurt, and then I do Italian until the videos freeze up. Lather, rinse, repeat.

I found a way to get a cheap fare to Hawaii. Fly to LA using one of the national carriers, and then fly Southwest Airlines to Kona. I still need to figure out the trip back, but SCORE! Got it, fly to LAX and take the red-eye back to Chicago. It means that I'd have to fly in and out of Kona though. But it's the Get Me On the Damned Island And I'll Figure It Out fare. Wait, it matches the cheaper fares on United, but United's cheap flights have a ridiculous layover in LA. I don't want to sit in LAX for 12 hours, thank you.

Made my fettuccine with homemade alfredo sauce and OMG, is it ever good. I'll never buy bottled alfredo sauce again. And I had garlic bread. Burp :)

Don't know about the "wear a mask" guidance. That seems to be where I rebel. And I don't have any masks or anything to substitute.

Had my Italian lesson. Italian numbers (at least in the thousands) are tongue-twisters. "quatromillecinquecentottantasette": 4587.

I'm trying to get myself to sweep the kitchen floor before I go to bed. Well, sitting here doesn't help.

Okay, I ordered masks, but they'll take a while to get here. And I need to run errands tomorrow, so it will be maskless.