Will I be fortunate enough to find toilet paper the next time I go shopping in town?
I seriously doubt it.
Methinks this mass buying/hoarding hysteria is going to last for a very long time.
People panic easily, most especially when they're relentlessly manipulated. The news media has done its best to terrify everyone and cause a tsunami of alarm.
There's a reason why I've been referring to the news media as a dangerous epidemic.
There's a reason why I've been encouraging you to remain rational and rely on your God-given intuition.
Sure, the Coronavirus is very real. It can be deadly. We should be warned and advised.
But this negative propaganda and eternal promotion of fear is detrimental.
End of lecture.
It was 75 degrees last Friday when I drove to town. A balmy, slightly overcast day, stirring with the first breath of spring. I wish I could have taken photos.
Trees were blossoming, hills and valleys were green, there were sprawling fields of yellow wildflowers.
So far, the blossoms around my house are few and unimpressive. My biggest fear happens every spring:
warm weather encourages trees to blossom, but late frosts inevitably kill them.
Cold weather is (unfortunately) predicted again this week.
I've been deeply depressed for a long time over my own health issues - which are much more disconcerting to me than a phantom virus. Now isn't the time to write about it.
We all endure our own private versions of hell. I know I'm not alone.....
There were more storms last night, but the foul weather vanished at dawn - and today was truly glorious.
Storms and gloom never last forever. Sunshine always returns - and with it comes hope.
Resurgence.
I felt renewed and optimistic today, thankful to be alive - happy to be immersed in the blessed rebirth of spring.
Shall I enthrall you with some photos?
Many of the trees are still bare, but a few timid blossoms are appearing. All of these photos were taken today (Sunday).
Facing north, toward the cow pasture
Here's the "drive" coming up to the house where I always get stuck in the mud
My favorite group of tall trees near the back porch
Kitzee (also known as Scratch) showing off on the front porch.
Bosco getting excited over some birds that are building a nest
My bedroom window in late afternoon
This evening, photos taken from the front porch
I can't remember what those trees are called with the dainty purple blooms, but they are blooming here too. They have the prettiest striking color don't they? Beautiful pictures. My neighbor was out on Friday and said the stores here are pretty much re-stocked, BUT the paper goods aisle. He said there is a list of items people can only buy two of, which is a good idea. Are they doing that down in TN? He also said the stores, especially the grocery store had their aisles marked in up and down aisles only, for one direction shopping. Said it was very calm and orderly. Meanwhile, I got an email from my farmers market that they are closed indefinitely. With the way the building is, it's impossible to honor the 6ft rule. They may do an outdoor market once it's stays warm. Meanwhile Im enjoying just days in my underwear!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI have no idea what any of the trees are around here (the only ones I recognize are the weeping willows). I was in my underwear this past warm weekend, but it's supposed to get very cold again this week. I'm hoping the blossoms will survive.
DeleteThere are no restrictions about what you can buy here in TN, which kills my hope of ever seeing toilet paper again...
Use coffee filters!!!!!!!!
DeleteOh.....and I researched that tree...it's a Eastern Redbud!
DeleteThanks for identifying the tree!
DeleteI'll never look at coffee filters the same way again.......(*smile*)
Calm photos gladly welcomed, Jon. And yes, as R.E.M. and more sonorously, Father Ray Kelly --- https://youtu.be/Mx8yD3-HWTg --- impart, you're not alone. Hold on.
ReplyDeleteThat priest's singing is truly amazing - I love the song. Thanks for the link, Geo
DeleteWhat wonderful trees, Jon. I am truly jealous of your lovely surroundings and the poetic way you describe them.
ReplyDeleteI also hate the panic that is going on. I was a long time customer of a store but was pushed out by greedy and/or panicky people. It wasn't just the one store though, it happened all over. I ended up buying stuff at top prices from Amazon. Maybe more expensive but at least I got what I wanted. Grrrr!
Valerie, I'm worried that these insane shoppers will continue their greedy buying-sprees forever. It seems like things will never return to normal. I am glad that you're able to get things that you need on Amazon - even though they're expensive.
DeleteThere are many inconveniences living out here in the wilderness, but I do love the scenery. Take care. Hugs to you and Charlie.
That is heart breaking to read Valerie. Im not sure where you live or if you are a senior, but if you are, check your stores online for special shopping hours, or if your store delivers. Your comment really made me sad. Hope you take care.
DeleteValerie is a very sweet senior who lives in the United Kingdom. She writes terrific stories - and has a cat named Charlie.
DeleteGorgeous sunset! Are the pink blooms from crabapple trees?
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't be stressed about the virus, except that my daughter and her husband both work in the hospital and it's an absolute shit show right now. The lack of personal protective gear is appalling. As my daughter says, they are sacrificial lambs right now.
I honestly don't know what any of the trees are around here, but I don't think the pink blossoms are from crabapple trees.
DeleteI admire your daughter and her husband for their work at the hospital - - but it really is extremely perilous and hectic nowadays. I truly wish them well.
Jon, I totally agree with your comments about the news media which can sometimes cause more panic/hysteria than needed especially now. Yes, people need to be informed and take precautions against this very deadly virus but also to as you said act in a rational manner and take all precautions they can for themselves, loved ones and friends too. Yes, I do read and listen to the news updates, once a day in the morning when I check on several news sources online vs. relying on only one. Many say the same things, sometimes in a different way. Thanks for showing that spring is arriving in your area, not so much here, but hopefully soon after 2 days of rain.
ReplyDeleteI've heard so very many conflicting things on the news that I honestly don't know what to believe. Sometimes I think it's largely exaggeration - - and yet I fear that the virus can be extremely dangerous. Like you, I listen to several different news sources, but everything is similar. I'm actually tired of hearing all these "experts".
DeleteI'm glad that you've been able to get outside. It's a relaxing and healthy thing to do. Take care.
Love everything about this post! Well, except your health issues. I'm not going to pry; instead lift a prayer (or several) … and assure you, you're in the hearts of many.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you enjoyed this post, Myra. I try to be upbeat but it isn't always easy. I have several health issues (which I'll probably eventually write about). All I'll say is that I'm falling apart nearly 20 years sooner than my parents did - and it ain't pretty.
DeleteMe, again! I meant to say, your last two photos remind me of the backdrop of Les Miserables' final scene (the play) .. when the back-lit cast marches forward over the hill Goosebumps.
ReplyDeleteThose two photos certainly are dramatic. I sometimes worry that all my photos are starting to look too much alike - - but I love taking photos around here. It's become one of my obsessions.
DeleteIt is really so pretty there! Sorry your health issues are so bad. That wears on a person, I know. I hope you find TP! Stay safe when you're out and about (whether you want to hear it or not). :)
ReplyDeleteIt's supposed to be in the low 30s at night later this week and I'm really hoping the cold won't kill the blossoms. The weather is so erratic.
DeleteI plan to go shopping again next week and I really do worry about going out in public. So far no one has the virus in this area - - but that could change in an instant.
Stay safe - - hugs to you and Annie.
It's good to hear you sounding a bit optimistic, in spite of what's happening these days. It's kinda hard to feel down when nature is putting on such a beautiful show. It's been warm here, and stuff's in bloom everywhere, which means pollen is also everywhere. It looks like our gum tree took a dump on my car. It's good the virus hasn't made it to your neck of the woods yet. Georgia's number of cases has exploded in recent days, and it's eerie to see makeshift tents set up outside of our hospitals to handle the overflow. Almost as eerie as seeing so many empty shelves in the grocery store. But this, too, shall pass. I hope your medical issues do, too. Take care.
ReplyDeleteThe recent wonderfully warm weather put me in a good mood - despite all the chaos around us. Unfortunately the temperature dropped drastically this week and it's presently pouring rain. It's going to be in the 30s tonight and I'm really hoping (with fingers crossed) that it won't kill the blossoms.
DeleteWith all of our own personal problems, the threat of this virus makes things far worse. I do hope it will pass soon...Big Hugs.
If you want a wee smile, check out my blog post prior to the one about night blindness. I wrote a goofy poem about people who are hoarding t.p. I think you might like it. :)
DeleteSusan, your poem is not only hilarious - it's also brilliant. And SO true!!! I have no idea how I missed it. Thanks for the laughs! (God knows I need them)
DeleteWe ALL need 'em! I'm glad ya liked it. :)
Delete