Got Mom’s appointment for her first vaccine. The process was a little clunky at first, but really wasn’t that difficult. It could be done by an 80 year-old. But this time it wasn’t! š
I don’t know how it’s done in other states, but we were provided a website URL. At 9:00 AM sharp, a scheduling link appeared. The only downside was because they only allow so many people to access the app at once, I got a “try later” message for about 40 minutes.
Sadly, the online form didn’t hold the information, so each “try later” (translate to me clicking over and over hoping I’d get lucky), I had to re-enter her DOB and zip code. Once traffic lightened enough for me to get in, I landed on a queue page with a timer. The wait time was about 45-minutes from that point, but the countdown timer made it simple and I knew exactly how long before I needed to pay attention.
Once I verified with my 80+ year-old Mom that she was not pregnant but did have a few other health concerns, I was offered a choice of health departments and available dates/times. I entered her mobile number, she received a text confirmation for her appointment, and that was it.
Friends with someone in ‘provider enrollment,’ said that over 55,000 Indiana seniors made appointments today. Also interesting to note — within 4 hours of opening up for appointments, Jackson County was booking into April… and within 5 hours, appointment times were no longer being taken. That’s really awesome on one hand… but sort of scary on the other if you’re an old — but not too old — person whose job isn’t considered essential. Gimme that shot!
Taken in 2015 – pre-COVID š
How severe the pandemic is in the places where people I care about are locatedā¦
Daily NEW COVID-19 cases (7 day moving average): Indiana-72.7 (up); Jackson Co ā 58.1 (up); Florida 69.1 (up significantly); Nevada ā 78.3 (up significantly)
Looks like the map is similar in number of red states/counties as last month, but it’s moved to other areas. Big difference since July 15th though, don’t you think?
My son and I had a political debate last night by phone. While we didn’t agree with one another on some of the points… after much discussion we found out that we weren’t really all that far apart on many issues.
The back and forth — the COMMUNICATION — is how we figured that out. Our conversation wasn’t an attempt to change the mind of the other. That would never work! I’m always right and he’s pretty much just like me in that regard. š
What I am suggesting is that if all you’re doing is spewing vitriol, you’re not going to change anyone’s mind that doesn’t already agree with you.
So why do it?
For example, here’s a sampling from Facebook:
“…To call out and to remove the most dangerous and visceral threat to our sovereignty: Donald Trump. A certified maniac. A cult leader who has poisoned the minds of many of our brothers and sisters. Where will you go? Straight to hell. And yes, I am talking to you, Ted Cruz and Kevin McCarthy. Good fucking riddance.“
Y’all think ole’ Ted and Kevin care or will even be made aware of this person’s opinion? You think even one person that doesn’t agree with the message will suddenly shout, “Wow! You know what? They SHOULD burn in Hell!”
How about this:
“Are you happy now, Republicans? Glad that the āpatriotsā are on āyourā side? OUR legislators are HIDING AND COVERING (supposed to be cowering?) on the chamber floor because Donald fucking Trump is a god damned baby who canāt take no for an answer. If you voted for that piece of shit, this is on you. You enabled this. Shame on youā¦..unfriend me now because I donāt want you in my life.“
Seriously, you guys. If you voted for Trump 4-years ago you’ve got blood on your hands! YOU are responsible for those who died at the US Capitol. And just as important… this person only wants to be friends with people who voted for Hilary Clinton in 2016.
Sadly, neither Dharma nor Merida understand this crazy human talk. They weren’t even alive in 2016.
On a happier note, I get to sign up my sweet mamma for her COVID-19 vaccine tomorrow morning at 9:00 AM. Tomorrow morning will probably be the only time in my life I’ll wish I was over 80 years-old. They’re offered at our county health department (new), so it should be an easy trip for all those in the “oldies but goodies” category.
TIL (Today I Learned): Johnny Cash’s brother, Jack, died when he was 14 after getting mangled by a table saw after cutting wood. Johnny, who admired his brother a lot, was heartbroken. According to his sister, Johnny helped dig Jack’s grave.
It’s said you should talk about what you know. Right? Well, I know about dogs (at least MY dogs), and I know how the RONA has changed my lifestyle. Stuck at home with two dogs doesn’t leave a whole lot to talk about other than those things.
Today I want to discuss masks and social media reactions to wearing them — but first, I want to share this cool find:
You safely store your dog via credit card in a safe, climate controlled box thing while you shop. There’s a puppy cam so you can watch your precious hound as you shop, instead of leaving them in a car where they can die in 6 short minutes.
I’m going to put this out here right now… Merida would draw CROWDS in this clear front contraption. I’m thinking about driving to Idaho, where I know these are located, just for publicity.
Masks and the Public… as Told by Social Media
First, someone (maybe my favorite brother) made a post on FB regarding a study reporting that masks do not protect the wearer from COVID. He emphasized that the study also does NOT contradict evidence that masks help prevent those who have the virus from spreading it to others. This comment was worth a read…
There were many that posted in agreement. Many commented that the claims of being unable to wear a mask could be overcome… highlights about specific sick/elderly people wearing a mask, etc. Then came this:
One of the biggest surprises to me was that my cousin, Jenny, was the one “like” on this comment — indicating that she too is disappointed. Whatever.
Herein lies the problem… masks are viewed as political and the general public is supplied willy-nilly protocols.
I’m not going to brag about my IQ or data pulled from CDC or even look down my nose at anyone that doesn’t agree with me like ole’ Rachel did. I’m for sure not going to beg anyone. PERIOD.
I’m going to tell you that I’m not a scientist and although I read and watch what’s going on in my communities, states, nation and world, that doesn’t make me an expert.
Rachel up there isn’t an expert either. What’s the big freaking deal about putting on a mask? If there’s a snowball’s chance in Hell that it might help keep others safe, just wear the damn thing, ya big baby.
The number of people getting sick and/or dying with the virus is on the rise. Our hospitals are full or filling up. Until there is a clear, consistent, enforced/regulated, across the board directive, we’re going to see more of the same. ~Just my Opinion
How severe the pandemic is in the places where people I care about are locatedā¦ Daily new COVID-19 cases (7 day moving average): Indiana-93.2 (UP); Jackson Co ā 83.7 (up); Florida 31.4 (up); Nevada ā 53.7 (up)
TIL (Today I Learned): Jerry Springer was the mayor of Cincinnati from 1977 to 1978, when he resigned after he was caught soliciting a prostitute. He was only caught because the check bounced.
First, let me bring up that I’ve been looking forward to snow since it was first suggested in the forecast for southern Indiana for tomorrow. Adjusted to just rainfall, I’m pretty bummed. Dharma isn’t thrilled about rain either.
Next, Katie Masters (my sort of adopted niece) was successful in her bid for Crothersville Town Council. While young, nobody cares more than she does. She purchased my Nanny’s house from me (at a significantly reduced price, I might add) and I’m not sure that girl will EVER leave Crothersville.
And finally, every single time I go on Facebook it makes me sad/mad. Yes, both. Before I tell you why, let me throw a few statistics at you:
Worldwide, 1.47 billion people log in daily
74Ā percentĀ of US users visit daily, with just over half of those checking in multiple times per day
Facebook has 2.41 billion monthly active users and it’s the 3rd most visited website (Google is #1 and YouTube is #2)
I’m one of the daily log-in people. Scroll… scroll faster… scroll some more… DONE. Here’s what I see during these visits:
Political bullshit. (More on this in a bit.)
Hawkers. (These are my friends, mind you.) Women are the worst for joining MLM companies and use FB to push their wares. Make-up, jewelry, and smell good stuff is what I primarily see. Friends hawking crap to other friends for a buck. This is in the form of status posts AND lots and lots of live video.
Ads in general. If you go on Zappos and look at a new pair of boots, Facebook will serve that ad up to you a bajillion times. Just buy the damned boots.
Memes. How many times can the same meme be posted? Ummm… LOTS.
A few interesting posts from ‘real’ friends. Where they are… what they’re doing, etc.
Cute photos. Dogs, cats, various other critters and children/grandchildren are what I slow down for.
All that garbage and you know what I hate most? The people I respect stooping to name-calling. You don’t like the president? Fine! But if you’re over 70 and are a retired school teacher, please stop calling him a “pussy grabber” in public. For the love of all that’s holy, STOP!
Try posting cute puppy photos instead. Your blood pressure will surely go down at least 20 points and I won’t want to slap your face if I see you in the grocery store.
Because I slept till almost noon today (no. really.) what’s in my head within this first waking hour is profound.
The McKain family has been a whole lot of democrats for generations. Imagine my surprise when an older cousin posted an anti-democrat themed graphic today on Facebook. This is the very cousinthat publicly stated at a funeral, “As children, we believed we were the Kennedy family only poorer.“
The graphic shared was a photo of Saddam Hussein with the following quote, “We cannot defeat America by the sword. America must be defeated within their politics.” This was followed by, “He was telling the truth and this is exactly what the Democrats are doing by seating one Muslim at a time.“
I couldn’t find any verification via Google that the dude actually said that (doesn’t mean he didn’t), but for the sake of what I’m sharing, that isn’t what’s important.
What matters is that when a Kennedy turns against the Democrats, the entire future of the party is in trouble.
