The Chit Chat Chit Chat Thread

[Tony the Tigger]

My aunt in South Carolina used to read the dictionary when she was growing up. The dictionary.

I did that. And encyclopedias. And the Bible. And a book called, “Strange Stories, Amazing Facts” which was more geared towards kids - where I learned about Roanoke and googol.

 

[Tony Perkis]

Liquor stores, tobacco and weed are essential here, apparently.

Liquor stores are essential.

 

[Songbird76]

Yup, that.

And that is what I think Europeans and those from GB do not understand about the US...we have these massive wide open spaces where you can drive for hours on end. I can see it being very problematic, especially where you noted, in the Midwest, if they don't keep some stuff open. Heck, there's even been times where I've been driving in MD, especially across to Eastern MD where one of my friends lives, where I've been like, "Better stop here for gas, don't know where civilization is again..."

Plus, I think culturally as Americans, we do need it to keep some sense of normalcy in our lives. Now, if like 30% of the population were infected, I could maybe see it, but I don't think we're at that point.

I used to stop in every town we passed (3) other than Bill on my way home from college, which was 200 miles, to gas up the car and go to the bathroom. I'd gas up before I left Laramie, the next stop was in Wheatland after having gone through Sybille Canyon....there's nothing in beween there. Then take the interstate from Wheatland to Douglas...you pass Glendo, but that's a teeny tiny town and it's right next to Douglas. Then take 59 from Douglas to Wright, and the only town in between is Bill, which is really only there for the Burlington Northern trains that stop there. I noticed last time we were there that they added a hotel. But Bill is one of those places where there's like one family who lives there and runs all the businesses and anyone else is commuting. It's literally a gas station/bar, a post office, a small trailer used as a school, and another as a church. The hotel is across the highway. That's it.

Right before I did my student teaching, we had to do observations and I was put in Rock River, which is a small town near Laramie. They have a k-12 school with about 100 kids, and then because I was doing music, we also serviced the rural schools in the area. We'd take one day a week and drive around to three schools...one had 1 student, another had 5 students, and the last had 2, and these schools were 20-40 miles apart. It literally took all day to get to each school and teach for 45 minutes. In the winter, there were times when you couldn't get there at all. That's one thing that shocked my husband and his parents when they came to Wyoming...they had no concept of the distances. My in-laws flew into Denver at night (closest international airport to Laramie, Wyo.) My husband drove the 4 hours to get them and lead them to Laramie in their rental car. They told him they didn't understand what he liked about the area...there was nothing to see! It was just pitch black for 3.5 hours. Once they saw it in the daylight, they understood, but at night, when there are no towns and you can't see mountains or fields or anything, it's a whole lot of nothing. You definitely don't have that here. I miss the wide open spaces.

Just for fun, here's Bill: (notice the scale for distance...that's 50 meters)

 

[FutureCEO]

Liquor stores are essential.

The store that are considered essential is gun stores is what I don't understand. Buying one gun, that's fine but multiple guns that's insane.

We are not going to total anarchy though you wouldn't know it looking at the toilet paper aisle.


.

 

[FutureCEO]

This made me laugh I really enjoy the opportunity to look back at my wonderful country through the eyes of foreigners because we get so used to our way of life that sometimes we lose perspective.

Others have detailed some very valid reasons who takeout is essential here. But I have another point.... A lot of Americans cannot cook I watched people check out with entire carts full of canned microwaveable soup and TV dinners and nothing else. Closing takeout would encite more panic than Covid.

Plus, ordering takeout helps Americans feel like they're doing what they can to support their local communities right now. Makes us feel like we're contributing to them staying open when all this is over.

My aunt can barely boil pasta No, I'm being serious. If she ever brings anything over, it is something she can pick up from the market. She used to have family parties when I was a kid, everything would be made by someone else or store bought. She only made a tri-colored pasta dish.

Me, I made Guinness cupcakes the other day but I want to try cakes and cheesecakes one day. I'm making a binder of what recipes to try, a lot of the foreign ones look really complicated.

I haven't made anything complicated for desserts. Just easy stuff like bread pudding, whoopie pies, cupcakes, cookies. Though I did make a peanut butter pie once but it was easy.

 

[Songbird76]

My oldest daughter and her family live about 6 miles from me. This is their normal routine. Her husband has a home office and works out of there and has for he last 10 years. The kids are all home schooled and the only time they leave home is to buy food, and pick up drive through. Absolutely nothing has changed for them, yet, they are whining constantly about the regulations implemented for what she considers to be nothing more then a very bad cold. I don't need to tell anyone what side of history she is on. I don't know when her common sense got switched off, but her lemming instinct has kicked in real time. Follow, don't think about it, just follow.

One of my frustrations is that so many have confused "stay at home" with "house arrest". It already is a situation where there aren't many places to even go to if you wanted to, especially anything defined as "social". And the places that are stated as OK to travel too, are the same ones that have been available since the state was closed down.

This is the distinction I don't really understand here...they keep telling us we're not on lockdown, but nothing is open except grocery stores and gas stations and a few delivery/takeout businesses. All museums and such are closed. Churches are only allowed 30 congregants and only if they are 1.5 meters apart. Anyone out in a public space with more than 2 people is subject to a fine. The fact that the only thing open is the grocery store basically puts you in a house arrest situation. Where are you going to go? Well, I guess I still have to go to work, but most people are working from home except those of us in retail-related industries. I guess it FEELS like house arrest, because even if you wanted to go out, there's nowhere to go.

 

[Songbird76]

My aunt in South Carolina used to read the dictionary when she was growing up. The dictionary.

She's quite good at Scrabble. Though I can still beat her now and then.

My mom looked at how I was on page 400 but only like 1/3 of the way through and was like, "Nope."

Yeah, I can see how they would seem daunting to a lot of people, but I LOVE a good story and I hate when I get so deeply involved and then it ends. I like long books because there's more to them...I get to enjoy them longer. And I love the historical aspect of Outlander...there's so much history and I love googling the characters to see which ones were real people and which ones are fictional, and what their contributions to our history were. I liked reading about the Jacobite uprisings and how certain people were viewed in that time period. But I really like history, so it appeals to me. Not everyone is as interested in the past as I am. I'm a huge nerd that way.

 

[Rista1313]

This is the distinction I don't really understand here...they keep telling us we're not on lockdown, but nothing is open except grocery stores and gas stations and a few delivery/takeout businesses. All museums and such are closed. Churches are only allowed 30 congregants and only if they are 1.5 meters apart. Anyone out in a public space with more than 2 people is subject to a fine. The fact that the only thing open is the grocery store basically puts you in a house arrest situation. Where are you going to go? Well, I guess I still have to go to work, but most people are working from home except those of us in retail-related industries. I guess it FEELS like house arrest, because even if you wanted to go out, there's nowhere to go.

Lockdown vs social distancing is different. We can go for walks, you don't have to stay inside the house, as long as you keep away from other people, not in your household. Hubby is having a hard time with this because he used to go play DnD a couple times a week, now his shop that he went to, will most likely close. He's very depressed about it.

 

[MinnieM123]

Liquor stores are essential.

I rarely drink, so no biggie for me.

However, chocolate is essential. I just learned the other day that my favorite candy store (local, privately owned) is OPEN for business as usual !!

 

[MinnieM123]

We are not going to total anarchy though you wouldn't know it looking at the toilet paper aisle.

Supposedly, the stores in my area are stocking TP, but I haven't seen any in about 5 weeks now! (There are paper towels, napkins, and Kleenex available, but no TP.) Truly, I cannot understand the TP phenomenon ...

 

[Goofyernmost]

This is the distinction I don't really understand here...they keep telling us we're not on lockdown, but nothing is open except grocery stores and gas stations and a few delivery/takeout businesses. All museums and such are closed. Churches are only allowed 30 congregants and only if they are 1.5 meters apart. Anyone out in a public space with more than 2 people is subject to a fine. The fact that the only thing open is the grocery store basically puts you in a house arrest situation. Where are you going to go? Well, I guess I still have to go to work, but most people are working from home except those of us in retail-related industries. I guess it FEELS like house arrest, because even if you wanted to go out, there's nowhere to go.

I agree and that is what I was unsuccessfully trying to say. They think that they have to stay in the house constantly. That wide open spaces are not attainable. I grew up hearing that the best thing for dispelling an illness is fresh air, now all of a sudden the whole world is unsafe, but staying in the limited confines of your home, where germs are pretty much captured up-close and personal is the way to go.

Now that my move is complete, I don't go into public areas other then to get food. I have to go to a number of them because those thoughtful hoarders have cleaned things out and I have to go searching for it. I am not going to buy large quantities of TP when I don't have anyplace to store it and also I would probably die naturally before I ever used it. If the government whats to really help instead of closing churches they should fine retail outlets that don't put a limited purchase numbers policy on those items that are being hoarded so everyone can get a sane amount of things they need without repeated exposure to different locations.

I'm not even close to being a religious person, but for the mental health of those that are, churches should be looked at as essential.

 

[Goofyernmost]

I rarely drink, so no biggie for me.

However, chocolate is essential. I just learned the other day that my favorite candy store (local, privately owned) is OPEN for business as usual !!

Just by coincidence, just about two months ago I bought a small bottle of Vodka. I'm not sure why except that I had purchased some tomato juice and remembered that back in my younger days I loved Bloody Mary's. That marked the first time in 30 years that I bought alcohol to bring home. It all just stopped appealing to me after what could have been a disastrous office Christmas party turned me off from booze and also seeing the results of drinking on some family members that cost them their livelihood, their families and in two cases, their lives. It just stopped being worthwhile.

 

[DryerLintFan]

This is the distinction I don't really understand here...they keep telling us we're not on lockdown, but nothing is open except grocery stores and gas stations and a few delivery/takeout businesses. All museums and such are closed. Churches are only allowed 30 congregants and only if they are 1.5 meters apart. Anyone out in a public space with more than 2 people is subject to a fine. The fact that the only thing open is the grocery store basically puts you in a house arrest situation. Where are you going to go? Well, I guess I still have to go to work, but most people are working from home except those of us in retail-related industries. I guess it FEELS like house arrest, because even if you wanted to go out, there's nowhere to go.

We go on a lot of walks around our neighborhood, and sometimes we go to the park and hike in the woods. A couple days ago, A and I found a GIGANTIC anthill about a mile from our house. We go and check on the ants when it's warm, because they don't come out of their den when the weather is a little nippy. We never would have noticed this otherwise and it's been a great source of intrigue and imagination for her.

 

[DryerLintFan]

I agree and that is what I was unsuccessfully trying to say. They think that they have to stay in the house constantly. That wide open spaces are not attainable. I grew up hearing that the best thing for dispelling an illness is fresh air, now all of a sudden the whole world is unsafe, but staying in the limited confines of your home, where germs are pretty much captured up-close and personal is the way to go.

Now that my move is complete, I don't go into public areas other then to get food. I have to go to a number of them because those thoughtful hoarders have cleaned things out and I have to go searching for it. I am not going to buy large quantities of TP when I don't have anyplace to store it and also I would probably die naturally before I ever used it. If the government whats to really help instead of closing churches they should fine retail outlets that don't put a limited purchase numbers policy on those items that are being hoarded so everyone can get a sane amount of things they need without repeated exposure to different locations.

I'm not even close to being a religious person, but for the mental health of those that are, churches should be looked at as essential.

I have coworkers that think opening their windows is going to let the virus in. Like, no.... you need fresh air. Open your windows. Turn your ceiling fans on. Get outside. You need fresh air.

 

[MinnieM123]

Just by coincidence, just about two months ago I bought a small bottle of Vodka. I'm not sure why except that I had purchased some tomato juice and remembered that back in my younger days I loved Bloody Mary's. That marked the first time in 30 years that I bought alcohol to bring home. It all just stopped appealing to me after what could have been a disastrous office Christmas party turned me off from booze and also seeing the results of drinking on some family members that cost them their livelihood, their families and in two cases, their lives. It just stopped being worthwhile.

Yes, for some people, it can be a negative experience. At least most people are responsible drinkers.

Although my vice of choice is chocolate, I also figure it's probably not as expensive as liquor. So I think I've probably also saved some money as well, down through the years! (So that I could go spend it on more chocolate, that is. )

 

[MinnieM123]

We go on a lot of walks around our neighborhood, and sometimes we go to the park and hike in the woods. A couple days ago, A and I found a GIGANTIC anthill about a mile from our house. We go and check on the ants when it's warm, because they don't come out of their den when the weather is a little nippy. We never would have noticed this otherwise and it's been a great source of intrigue and imagination for her.

Just about every day, I'm out in the woods. (Luckily, there is a spacious nature area near me -- unusual in it's location, as it's located in a moderately-sized city.) Anyway, I love exploring outdoors, just like you and A!!

 

[Songbird76]

Lockdown vs social distancing is different. We can go for walks, you don't have to stay inside the house, as long as you keep away from other people, not in your household. Hubby is having a hard time with this because he used to go play DnD a couple times a week, now his shop that he went to, will most likely close. He's very depressed about it.

Well that's what they keep saying, but when people went out for some fresh air, the health minister held a press conference telling everyone how stupid it was that people went out and to stay the heck home! Only go out if absolutely necessary, such as to go to work if you really can't work from home. So they are discouraging people from leaving their homes even to go for a walk and they are telling people to do as little grocery shopping as they can. And you can get fined if you go for a walk and someone comes too close to you...even if it wasn't your fault. So no one dares to go out at all.

 

[DryerLintFan]

Well that's what they keep saying, but when people went out for some fresh air, the health minister held a press conference telling everyone how stupid it was that people went out and to stay the heck home! Only go out if absolutely necessary, such as to go to work if you really can't work from home. So they are discouraging people from leaving their homes even to go for a walk and they are telling people to do as little grocery shopping as they can. And you can get fined if you go for a walk and someone comes too close to you...even if it wasn't your fault. So no one dares to go out at all.

We've heard some personal reports out of Italy of people borrowing other people's dogs so they can go for a walk.

 

[Songbird76]

I agree and that is what I was unsuccessfully trying to say. They think that they have to stay in the house constantly. That wide open spaces are not attainable. I grew up hearing that the best thing for dispelling an illness is fresh air, now all of a sudden the whole world is unsafe, but staying in the limited confines of your home, where germs are pretty much captured up-close and personal is the way to go.

Now that my move is complete, I don't go into public areas other then to get food. I have to go to a number of them because those thoughtful hoarders have cleaned things out and I have to go searching for it. I am not going to buy large quantities of TP when I don't have anyplace to store it and also I would probably die naturally before I ever used it. If the government whats to really help instead of closing churches they should fine retail outlets that don't put a limited purchase numbers policy on those items that are being hoarded so everyone can get a sane amount of things they need without repeated exposure to different locations.

I'm not even close to being a religious person, but for the mental health of those that are, churches should be looked at as essential.

I witnessed a woman trying to buy multiple bottles of handgel this morning and the cashier told her only one per customer. To be fair, the woman was foreign and her Dutch wasn't great, so maybe she just didn't understand, but she says "Ok....I buy this too." and the cashier says "No, you can only buy one. One per customer." Then the woman says "My husband there. He can?" (not very bright....how would anyone know that's her husband if she didn't tell them? Just make him go in and buy one) But I was happy they put restrictions on it so people can't just buy the entire stock. They were really small bottles though, like travel size to fit in your purse...I think I'd have only limited it to 2, but at least they aren't letting people buy 15 of them.

 

[Songbird76]

Just by coincidence, just about two months ago I bought a small bottle of Vodka. I'm not sure why except that I had purchased some tomato juice and remembered that back in my younger days I loved Bloody Mary's. That marked the first time in 30 years that I bought alcohol to bring home. It all just stopped appealing to me after what could have been a disastrous office Christmas party turned me off from booze and also seeing the results of drinking on some family members that cost them their livelihood, their families and in two cases, their lives. It just stopped being worthwhile.

I bought a tiny bottle of white wine a few weeks ago to make au jus for french dip. That's the first alcohol I've bought in a couple of years. If I drink 5 times in a year, that's a LOT for me. I actually prefer the taste of non-alcoholic drinks. I ordered a few drinks in Disney and almost every one of them tasted like I was drinking cough syrup...I just didn't like them, so I stopped ordering them.