Sort of.
Officially speaking, as of Sunday, May 3, in Colorado, 16,635 people tested positive, out of 81,352 actually tested. (Like many other states, you don't even GET tested unless you're in a 'danger' category, or are seriously ill. That makes actual results rather skewed.) Out of those testing positive, 2,799 people have been hospitalized. So far, 842 have died. (How does that compare to your neck of the woods?)
I could say, "Not bad..." but I wouldn't feel that way if someone we knew and loved was in that category. Thank God, the only two we knew about have since fully recovered.
As of Monday, May 4, the state went to "stay-home-safer" procedures. Which means that more businesses can open now, provided they remain stringent on safety measures and procedures. However, most are still closed, including gyms, movie theaters and restaurants (still takeout or delivery only). In one huge change, hair and tattoo salons can open. I still don't get this. Why them?? Granted, we are collectively starting to look a little shaggy around here. But tattoos???
The other weirdness: only Douglas County in the Denver metro area is allowed this slight opening of the quarantine door, due in part to lessening numbers of people testing positive. And we live in Douglas County. More stores are open, including the extremely-popular outlet mall in Castle Rock -- provided that they use social distancing, masks, minimize customer groups, etc etc. Even the library, starting June 11, will provide curbside service for books and videos on hold. (No luck on gyms or going out to eat, though.) So if you're in the Denver area -- hey, come on down to Castle Rock. Lots to do here, compared to other parts of the metro area.
But it won't matter much to us.
For one thing, we've got plenty of groceries. (And the local hair salons are reporting that they're booked solid for two weeks.) Other than some new appraisal work, I don't have much reason to venture out, except to drop off juniper branches at the county chipping outlet. (And they're only open on Saturdays.)
I am a little concerned about the meat situation. On our trip last week to Sam's Club, their huge meat coolers were nearly empty, with "Only 1 of lamb, pork and beef" signs posted. Should I try to get more? (We're hearing that Kroger -- i.e., King Soopers -- and Costco are similarly affected.)
What can we do about it, though? Our small freezer is stuffed. The fridge is only beginning to empty. There's no room for extra protein, even if I wanted to buy it.
For another, we don't have a strong need to shop for anything. We have what we need, even in basics like shampoo, detergent and such, thanks to planning ahead before the cruise. Daughter #2 and Son #1 even made sure we had enough toilet paper before they picked us up at the airport.
We, like others, are finding that the new "normal" takes some adjusting to. It's not impossible, however.
What to do next?
I think just wait -- and watch. And stay home.
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| Love this staying-home business, Mom! |
It seems clear that the stock market will twist and turn for a while -- at least until the next quarter, when things REALLY start to show. Then I'll buy...but it will be in index funds.
We don't need coats, extra clothes or footwear. (In fact, we need to get rid of some.) We need to clear out stuff from our friend's garage...but that also means staying home to get the job done. I have some writing deadlines -- ditto. The Brick has some exciting maintenance to finish up, including replacing a kitchen faucet. (Ahem.) And we still have a large juniper bush to finish pulling up and clearing out.
When the smoke clears, we may have a cleaner, more organized home -- and an emptier freezer. No garden space -- just a few pots by the fifth-wheel door -- but I still enjoy reading about it.
Thanks in part to the cruise being cancelled before we used up our budget, we don't have any outstanding debt -- something that's going to be really critical for many people in the coming months. Getting rid of debt is an important way to prepare for the recession that's inevitably coming.
No plans for extensive travel this year, either. Where would we go, when you're not supposed to travel more than 10 miles, for pleasure? All but one of my teaching/judging gigs for this year were cancelled. We really should go check on The Mama in Michigan, who has been self-isolating for months now. But... what if we accidentally took some of the virus with us?
So we stay put...and get things done.
The only thing that makes me sad: we won't be meeting up with our kids for Mother's Day. They feel it's still too dangerous. I understand this... but in spite of being able to hear their voices and getting more texts, we miss them badly. I would walk five hundred miles just to be with them.
Colorado's governor Polis is saying that May is going to be a lot like April, Covid-19 wise. And barring a little more opening up (and hopefully a haircut), I think he's probably right.
Darn it.
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