A Tuesday

It is unfortunate that the storms in Iowa were so severe.  Our nice weather today was due to that outburst of weather.

Today Dennis and I voted.  It seems like a slim turnout, but time will tell.  It was the most diverse group of people we have been around since February.  Oh yes, all masks were in place.

I don’t do many trips to our local grocery store.  My pantry tides us over very well.  It is the milk, bread and fruit that brings me to shop locally.  As it turned out there were quite a few people my age and older that were out and about today.  I can imagine the store being right across from the polling location may have had something to do with it.  

As I was going isle by isle, it was difficult to keep a good pace going.  Many familiar people were out and about and wanted to visit.  Perhaps they felt the need to visit as they, like Dennis and I, have not been out and about socially to any extent.  Those that I met today in the grocery store do live alone.  Perhaps any chance meeting in a store allows them to feel some type of connection.  The polling place didn’t give anyone more than . . . hi and goodbye and there is the door.

What I can tell you about this time since February is that what I miss the most is the touching and talking.  I am a hugger.  When I run into friends, going up to them and giving them a hug is my first instinct.  Now immediately what comes to mind is “Don’t touch them.”  I can get my dose of hugging and touching via Dennis.  Because of Dennis, during stretches of the day, I can be alone and not feel lonely.  Isn’t that sad that many older people that live alone do feel isolated.  Today, though we all wore masks, the hunger in their eyes told the rest of the story.  I know.  I, along with most Americans, have been sold a bill of goods during this time, but just as many, don’t realize that.  So . . . I make sure I don’t make anyone feel uncomfortable . . . I don’t hug.

It was a relatively quiet day.  Minding my “Ps and Qs” until the next round of energy returns.  What I did get accomplished today is to change out all parts of Dennis’ CPAP machine that have a sell by date.  Actually it is the parts that are to be changed out about every thirty days.  It is the hose, the filters, the gasket and today even the chin strap was swapped out.  Not so much by the number of days, it is telling by the noise of the air leaks via the machine during the night when parts need to be changed out.  He can’t hear it. It does effect his rest as the leaking of the air effects the timing of the burst of air that he needs from the machine when he stops breathing due to the irregular heartbeat that he has 24/7.  It is called AFib.  I can hear it and it also effects my rest.

I think my energy will return sometime later this week as I will be getting an order from Amazon.  I have six packages of Murphy Oil Wipes coming my way, postage free.  The care and cleaning of the woodwork in our home is going to continue.  I ordered them.  Checking different places in Mankato, not all stores carry the wipes.  They do carry the large containers of liquid to mix with water.  Where I am at with the condition of hands, shoulders and neck, doesn’t necessarily mean I can go at it for long periods of time. The convenience of using the wipes allows me to do the work a bit at a time when the body allows it.  Sweet!  My motto: working smarter rather than harder.

Tomorrow is hump day!  Have a great evening.