Back to masks

[bill_schubert]

I was shopping yesterday (huge mistake — the standard was one adult with four kids and no masks — should have left but I wanted to make chili) and noted that we've moved from five percent to maybe ten percent masks in our grocery store.  This area of the country does not, I think, see the tsunami on the way.  The hospitals see it but most people are back to pre-covid activity as if nothing happened and, I assume, a lot are not vaccinated.  So back to my standard of shopping when it is safe and more empty and maybe ordering more.  I suspect that in a month things will be chaotic here.

Interestingly I've never even gotten a side glance about my mask wearing.  Or at least not one that I noticed.  For whatever reason my presence does not invite comment so my expectations that no one would  ever say anything when I'm part of the less than five percent wearing a mask were met.  No one has even glared at me.  Not that I would react.

Given the idea by susandennis I ordered stocking stuffers from a company called Aries.  They seem to be better than average and given the little time I do spend in the wild, as it were, I suspect they will last a long time.

Today is PT day so I get some new exercises.  So far, so good.  My deltoid muscle is occasionally annoyed and I get a sharp pain but not frequently.  I'm still a little weak on that side but getting better.  I'm pumping refried bean cans like an Olympic weightlifter now.  

Comments

[siglinde99.livejournal.com]

We are back to 50% capacity in many places, reduced numbers for events even in our own homes, and masks never went away. Our vaccination rates are over 90% and the province is nowhere near meeting the demand for boosters. Our rates for both cases and deaths are far lower than US rates (though we also have lower testing rates). Our numbers are skyrocketing; I don’t think it will take a month for you to reach shit show status.

[bill-schubert.livejournal.com]

I was just listening to The Daily Podcast (https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/17/podcasts/the-daily/omicron-covid-pandemic.html). It is one focused on Omicron.

You are right about the speed with which this wave is moving. I'm definitely hunkering down.

[siglinde99.livejournal.com]

Very wise!

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I've got some shopping to do today and tomorrow; I must remember to mask up. I brought several masks with me. My family will probably want me to go to church on Christmas Eve. I doubt it's a good idea (though it's one of two times a year I'm willing to be inside a church).

I'm enjoying being at my sister's house, but I've got to admit part of me wants to be back home where I have a lot more control of interactions.

[bill-schubert.livejournal.com]

I was thinking of you being that exact situation and hoping the tsunami hits after the church gathering.

[sleepybadger.livejournal.com]

Earlier this year I went to Wisconsin with Zen, and it was about 50/50 mask wearers at the grocery store. But those who weren't wearing masks definitely glared and looked upset when they looked at us. I thought... are you seriously glaring at half of the people in this place? Yeesh.

Those aries masks look nice. I have some KN95 masks but they are a teensy bit too small for me and very uncomfortable on my ears for that reason.

[bill-schubert.livejournal.com]

I was surprised at how efficient the ordering and delivery was for Aries. UPS has the order so they should be here in a couple of days. Considering the whole Christmas thing and Omicron thing I think that is pretty brisk.

I'll report on them when they get here. Kind of pricey but it seems like it would be a no brainer to just keep in the car at the ready.

Or just stay the hell away from people!!

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I had a delightful visit with my niece, one on one, today. We went shopping at The Domain. She and I were often the only ones wearing masks in the stores. I tried to keep my distance. Most stores' employees were masked thought.