Sunday, January 31, 2021

Fast Five for the End of the Month

 

JULIA SPENCER-FLEMING: It’s the end of January, and what a month it’s been. 

This year’s resolutions and fresh starts look a LOT different than last year’s, 

that’s for sure. If, on January 31, 2020, you said the words, “GameStop,”

 “Robinhood,” “Qanon,” “UK variant” and “travel bans” to me, I would have 

guessed some upcoming science fiction movie. (I had literally forgotten about 

Game Stop - despite the fact that when the Sailor was 12 we went there once 

a week - until it exploded all over this week’s financial news.)


Let’s take a breath and do a check in with a Fast Five that wouldn’t have meant 

anything a year ago.



1. Silliest pandemic purchase OR Most trivial thing you’ve had delivered? 


When I heard back in March that acetaminophen was going to be in short supply

 (supply lines from overseas or something) I went to CVS and bought the largest 

container of Tylenol they had. 1000 pills. Then, worried it wasn't enough, I went 

to Rite Aid and bought a bottle of 500 pills. THEN just to be sure I went to 

Walgreens and bought another 500 pills. So now I have 2,000. I take, at the

most, two acetaminophen a day. At this rate, I have enough for the next three 

years.  

 


2. What’s the news on your vaccination?


I’m not even on the radar yet, but the Maine Millennial, who now works in health 

care, has gotten both of hers! And my dad, who lives in a continuing care facility,

has the first one. Sigh of relief.


3. Who’s the last person you saw outside your bubble?


A pair of married friends in Portland. We sat outside by their fire pit wearing hats,

parkas and blankets.


4. I recently Zoomed with… a delightful local book club. We all brought wine!


5. HBOMax or Disney +?


Disney + because I have to have my Marvel/ Star Wars fix.




HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN: 1. Silliest pandemic purchase OR Most trivial thing 

you’ve had delivered?

I’m not sure if this is trivial… But bird food. Lightbulbs. Aluminum foil. Band-Aids. 

Tylenol. Diet Pepsi. Wine. Batteries. Don’t get me started on this :-)

 


2. What’s the news on your vaccination?

Ha! Jonathan should get his now… But there is no possible way for me to get an 

appointment. The Massachusetts system is insane. I am happy to wait my turn, 

which I’m hoping will be in… March? Hoping that the system works by then. This

is incredibly frustrating. Don’t get me started.


3. Who’s the last person you saw outside your bubble?

Oh, that’s interesting! The guy that came to bring us a new dryer. I completely hid

on our third floor, and talked  to him by cell phone. Don’t get me started.


4. I recently Zoomed with…

Oh, so many people! I just interviewed Lincoln Child and Douglas Preston, that 

was fabulous! And Lee Child, And Monday Scott Turow .  AND The Back Room 

is amazing. I am happy with zoom, although sometimes I long for just a phone 

call… without make up. 


5. HBOMax or Disney +?

Well, we finally got HBO max. I think these premium services are not a splurge. 

We are saving money elsewhere! 


RHYS BOWEN:


1. Silliest pandemic purchase OR Most trivial thing you’ve had delivered?

Most trivial is definitely Wheatabix British cereal. I can only get it from Amazon!

 


2. What’s the news on your vaccination?

We’ve had our first shot and get the second on February 19. So excited!


3. Who’s the last person you saw outside your bubble?

I met a friend on her back deck last week. Sitting far apart and drinking coffee 


4. I recently Zoomed with…

Most recent was a library in Illinois, online friends across the country and my 

family every Sunday 


5. HBOMax or Disney +?

Neither. Netflix, Britbox and Prime


JENN McKINLAY


1. Silliest pandemic purchase OR Most trivial thing you’ve had delivered?


Nail polish. Since I began doing my own manicures, it felt necessary to up my 

skills with some bold colors.

 


2. What’s the news on your vaccination?


I’ll be at the end of the line, which is fine. I work at home, etc.


3. Who’s the last person you saw outside your bubble?


I have one friend who I meet for coffee every month since we’re both locked 

down pretty hard. Still, we sit outside - a perk of living in central AZ in winter.


4. I recently Zoomed with…


Family. We’ve been doing a lot of family gatherings on Zoom.


5. HBOMax or Disney +?


Disney+ for WandaVision. I’m hooked.

 

JULIA: Me, too, Jenn! After this last episode, I want to watch the first three all 

over again. 


LUCY BURDETTE


1. Silliest pandemic purchase OR Most trivial thing you’ve had delivered? I’ll see 

you that Tylenol Julia, and raise you with Quercetin, Vitamin C, and Zinc--all 

stuff we heard would keep you from getting really sick. (I heard, I should say. 

John doesn’t read this stuff…)

 


2. What’s the news on your vaccination? I’ve had the first one but only because 

our governor has changed the rules so many times that I slipped right through 

the cracks. If that hadn’t happened, I’d be getting up at 5:30 twice a week to 

try to log on for the 200 doses per week the Publix in Islamorada receives. 

Honest to god, they should have put the Reds in charge.


3. Who’s the last person you saw outside your bubble? One of Lottie’s dog 

friend’s mothers, masked and distanced. She doesn’t speak much English but 

her dog is besotted.


4. I recently Zoomed with…the Friends of the Library board, almost daily


5. HBOMax or Disney +? I think we have both? John’s the TV watcher.


DEBORAH CROMBIE:


1. Silliest pandemic purchase OR Most trivial thing you’ve had delivered?

Cocktail napkins. And I just ordered another pack of 72. I know it’s silly as we 

are certainly not having anyone over for cocktails, but I hate having a 

napkin-less sweaty glass. And I found these really cheap ones with lime 

green polka dots. I love them.

 


2. What’s the news on your vaccination?

Rick got us on our county list as he volunteers for the county medical core. 

He had his second one Thursday and I am due Monday, but they haven’t 

scheduled me. Biting fingernails here...


3. Who’s the last person you saw outside your bubble?

My daughter and granddaughter, across the fence last night. But we can only 

visit outside very briefly, as they are much more exposed than we are.


4. I recently Zoomed with…

My editor, on Thursday. And last Sunday a family memorial service. Which 

was really lovely, as it allowed people from all over the country to participate.


5. HBOMax or Disney +?

Neither, yet, as we have Netflix, Prime, Acorn, Britbox, Hulu. (What else would 

we do?) But I am contemplating Discovery+, for The Food Network, HGTV, 

and the new Chip and Joanna Gaines Magnolia Channel. There is a new 

season of Fixer Upper! 

 

JULIA: Debs, I think you may be the winner with lime green polka dotted 

cocktail napkins. Now it’s your turn, dear readers. Cut and paste the following 

questions and let us know how living in a science fiction movie is working out 

for you!


1. Silliest pandemic purchase OR Most trivial thing you’ve had delivered?


2. What’s the news on your vaccination?


3. Who’s the last person you saw outside your bubble?


4. I recently Zoomed with…


5. HBOMax or Disney +?

80 comments:

  1. 1. Silliest pandemic purchase OR Most trivial thing you’ve had delivered?
    Two boxes of Grapenuts.. good heavens people, why just why did my favorite cereal become a must eat breakfast treat.

    2. What’s the news on your vaccination?
    I have the same 'MIA Gov as Lucy/Roberta. Poor guy he is the Scarecrow of governors.. sorry getting down from soapbox.. I will have shot pt. 2 on 5Feb.

    3. Who’s the last person you saw outside your bubble?
    My good friend. I have to share, this person gave me a tidy sum to help me purchase my new (to me) car. Good things that happened in 2020 must be spoken aloud.

    4. I recently Zoomed with…
    My Meditation in Recovery group that helped me celebrate starting my 37th year of Sobriety.

    5. HBOMax or Disney +?
    HBOmax Doctor Who forevah!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, what is the deal with Grapenuts?

      Delete
    2. 37 years is a marvelous number, well done, Coralee!

      Delete
    3. The silliest thing I had delivered was 1000 pour over coffee filters in caseI could not get takeout coffee.

      Vaccination- I checked a couple weeks ago and there are 35,400 people ahead of me.

      Last person outside my bubble- my friend, Chip. We got Dunkin takeout coffee, rolled our car windows down on this sunny, chilly(20 degrees) day.

      Last person I video messaged- my sister in Maine.

      I have no extra channels

      Delete
  2. Greetings! Just watched SNL until they started the music at the end.

    Partial answers since I cannot recall the answers to 1 nor 3....

    Just signed up to get notified from california regarding vaccinations.

    Recently zoomed with my family on my birthday.

    Disney+, Netflix, Britbox, AcornTV and Sundance (so I can watch Discovery of Witches)

    Diana

    ReplyDelete
  3. 1. Silliest pandemic purchase OR Most trivial thing you’ve had delivered?
    Silliest purchase? A dozen canisters of coffee [as if I didn’t already have a shelf full of coffee in the pantry] . . . in my own defense, it was on sale . . . .

    2. What’s the news on your vaccination?
    Oh, do not get me started . . . we’re on a gazillion lists, but trying to get an actual appointment to be vaccinated is impossible: everyone says their appointment lists are full so check back later . . . I keep checking, but . . . .
    I vacillate between anger and worry and frustration . . . .

    3. Who’s the last person you saw outside your bubble?
    The mail lady . . . .

    4. I recently Zoomed with…
    No zooming lately :(

    5. HBOMax or Disney +?
    Disney + . . . WandaVision and Baby Yoda on The Mandalorian . . . .

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh coffee! I forgot that I actually bought a backup coffee maker —because I thought that if ours broke it would be so terrible. It’s in the basement, waiting, but I have no regrets!

      Delete
    2. If all else fails, I have a stovetop percolator so that I can make coffee on the stove . . . .

      Delete
  4. 1. Silliest pandemic purchase OR Most trivial thing you’ve had delivered?
    I really don't know what you're talking about here. Every online purchase I've made has been essential and reasonable. The Bose portable speaker is so cute and it came in turquoise. The Bluetooth, waterproof, wireless, sport earphones will come in handy if I get caught in a downpour while out running (it could happen, I could run). Of course, I did realize I had already ordered the same earphones a few months earlier, but, hey, be prepared, right?

    2. What’s the news on your vaccination? I have no news on my vaccination. The hospital here has stopped taking applications or taking names for a list until the middle of February, and then I don't know if it will be below age 70. My husband, who is currently at Ft. Leavenworth on a training simulation exercise for soldiers there, was lucky to get his first shot there. However, he is going to have to drive ten hours back out there for his 2nd shot because that will fall after he's already come home.

    3. Who’s the last person you saw outside your bubble? Well, family was my daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter on Christmas Day. Since then, I saw my hair dresser, but I won't be seeing her next week as planned because her boyfriend, whom she lives with, has COVID. I may not go back to the beauty shop until after I get my vaccine shots now. All I'm doing at present is going to the grocery once a week to pick up my pre-ordered items.

    4. I recently Zoomed with… I'm sure it was a book related zoom, but I can't think which one right now. My granddaughter and I do FaceTime, which I love.

    5. HBOMax or Disney +? I have Disney+, but I haven't used it yet. I use Netflix more than anything. I also have Amazon Prime, Acorn, and BritBox.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have fallen afoul of comfort purchases, Kathy--stuff I don't need, but makes me happy. That makes it necessary, right? I think a turquoise Bose portable speaker sounds like just the thing. Not trivial at all.

      Delete
  5. 1. Silliest pandemic purchase OR Most trivial thing you’ve had delivered?
    Gorilla Glue-bow on my glasses broke-didn't think this was a good time to get an eye exam and new glasses. Did it work? Sort of-bow glued but glue got on lenses. Can't get glue off with several products. So wearing my reserved eyeglasses which has same prescription as the gorilla glue one. Just don't like them as well.

    2. What’s the news on your vaccination?
    Appointment for first on Feb. 14

    3. Who’s the last person you saw outside your bubble?

    Grocery store check out-otherwise no one that I know
    4. I recently Zoomed with…
    Zoomed last October with condo association meeting. (my only time)

    5. HBOMax or Disney +?
    Have Netflix, Amazon Prime and Acorn

    ReplyDelete
  6. 1. Silliest pandemic purchase OR Most trivial thing you’ve had delivered?
    I'm with Kathy Reel - that sapphire gin in the pretty blue bottle was absolutely necessary! Well, I did get ten pair of colorful curly elastic shoelaces when I only needed one pair, but those are because it's hard for me to tie shoes right now - and they won't go bad, right?

    2. What’s the news on your vaccination?
    I'm with Hank. Nada, even though I'm over sixty-five. Our state is ridiculous right now. I'm hoping for March, but... "Don't get me started."

    3. Who’s the last person you saw outside your bubble?
    I handed off some sourdough starter to my lovely yoga teacher on my deck, because her teen son wants to start baking. We had a nice frigid masked chat.

    4. I recently Zoomed with…
    I attended a Palmetto SINC chapter session on short stories yesterday and started plotting a new one, and earlier in the week was Joanna Schaffhausen's launch party. Every Sunday I attend Quaker Meeting for Worship on Zoom, and this afternoon will video chat with both my sons!

    5. HBOMax or Disney +?
    Netflix is all we got, plus movies checked out from the library.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I just remembered one useless hording early on - I was afraid stores would close and we couldn't get milk, which I must have in my coffee. I still have two unopened bags of powdered milk in the pantry. But I'm ready for the apocolypse!

      Delete
    2. Edith: I hear you on that front. I have enough butter in the freezer to last me for a good long while. I'm not keen to run out of that, which I consider equal in staples value to milk for my tea!

      Delete
    3. Oooo! I am slowly working my way through the butter backlog, too. And bacon.

      Delete
    4. Edith, did you see BORGEN on Netflix?

      Diana

      Delete
    5. GIGI and AMANDA: Excess butter and bacon in the freezer are gifts to treasure. Enjoy!

      Delete
  7. 1. Silliest pandemic purchase OR Most trivial thing you’ve had delivered? -- With most things still closed, I've been taking my 4-year old twin grandkids to the local garden center - lots to look at. We've always looked forward to seeing the garden animals including a toad that croaks when you walk past. Last time it was gone! So I bought one for their upcoming birthdays.81t54JH-38L._AC_SL1500_.jpg

    2. What’s the news on your vaccination? Over 65 and ready to wait for a while here in Ohio which is OK.

    3. Who’s the last person you saw outside your bubble? Our daughter-in-law's parents - my husband is an attorney and they needed papers notarized. Sure was good to talk in person for a change.

    4. I recently Zoomed with… Our Book Club! Myself, my daughter, my sister and her daughter. We've been together as a book club since March of 2004. Mom is an emeritus member, having passed away last year.

    5. HBOMax or Disney +? We have a U-Verse subscription. I sit down each Sunday and go through the schedules for Turner Classic Movies and FX movies, and those, plus a few regular network shows and some library DVDs keep us satisfied.

    Thanks for the questions - fun to think about!

    ReplyDelete
  8. 1. Most trivial/silliest delivery: drywall tape - not because I am fixing drywall, but because I use it for artwork. Which really isn't trivial, but if you saw the pile of art supplies I've ordered since March...

    2. Accusation: I'm under 65 (barely) and no comorbidity. I am miles away from getting on anyone's list...

    3. Last person outside the bubble: Desk clerk at the hotel I stayed at while out of town on (very essential) business. Properly masked and distanced.

    4. Recently zoomed with my WW meeting. So nice to have that option now, because it means you can pretty much find a meeting 24/7/365.

    5. HBO Max for Wonder Woman, and now Babylon 5, but did pick up Disney + long enough to watch Hamilton 5-6 times 😂. May pick up again to watch Mulan.

    ReplyDelete
  9. 1. Silliest pandemic purchase OR Most trivial thing you’ve had delivered?
    3 9L bags of potting soil for my indoor garden. Normally I could walk to my local hardware store but they are closed for the lockdown. Big box stores (like Walmart) can only sell essential items, and soil is not considered essential...tell that to my plants!

    2. What’s the news on your vaccination?
    I am in PHASE 3 (general population) and with vaccine delivery delays, the new date is AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2021, so probably too late for me to go travel to Bouchercon 2021 (sigh).

    3. Who’s the last person you saw outside your bubble?
    My GROUP WALKING BUDDT (Wendy). We are limited to 5 people due to lockdown rules and only people who live alone can walk together.

    4. I recently Zoomed with…
    The Oakville Public Library event with 4 local authors, including FCF and Hank's partner, Hannah Mary McKinnon (Jan 26).

    5. HBOMax or Disney +? HBOMax is NOT available in Canada. I am waiting for end of February to try Disney+ since it will include HULU International since Hulu has also never been available in Canada.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. oh Grace, fingers crossed the vaccination pace picks up!!

      Delete
    2. ROBERTA: Vaccination availability is erratic with a big decrease right now with the 2 approved (Pfizer and Moderna) in Canada. But if some of the other vaccines get approved for use in Canada and start to get delivered, that could certainly speed up the vaccination schedules/availability.

      The Zoom Oakville Public Library event also include JENNIFER HILLIER, KARMA BROWN (both previously highlighted on FCF) and NATALIE JENNER. Hannah did another excellent job as moderator.

      I am signed up for tonight's THE BACK ROOM. Hope the power/Internet stays on this time!

      Delete
  10. 1. Most trivial/silliest delivery: powdered eggs. Back when the supply chain was supposed to break down. I guess I thought after society broke down I'd make scrambled eggs from powdered milk reconstituted with water made potable with purifying tablets and powdered eggs, over a fire from sticks in our yard?
    2. Vaccination. No idea. My husband might get his sometime this month because of his work--so they said at work, but then went radio silent. I have co-morbidities but am not on the Ohio schedule yet because I'm not old enough.
    3. Last person outside my bubble--next door neighbor who was delivering a package for us left at his house. We chatted very briefly from more than 12 feet away, with me in the door and him in the yard. (The package was not, I assure you, more eggs.)
    4. Last Zoom--daughter.
    5. Disney Plus--husband wanted to watch Mandalorian. Season 2 is disappointing. We did enjoy Hamilton and the movie Soul (fantastic!) and a few other programs. We also subscribed to Broadway Plus. Excellent.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jess, LOL on the powdered eggs and cooking over sticks from the yard. Did you buy the water purifying tablets?

      Delete
    2. You reminded me of my two bags of powdered milk - still unopened in the pantry!

      Delete
    3. JUDY, JESS AND EDITH's yeast, powdered eggs and milk should be combined for a virtual baking spree, lol.

      Delete
    4. So funny—I bought Parmalat—the milk that doesn’t need refrigeration. And canned tomatoes. Oh we have lots of those...

      Delete
  11. It is -13F this morning, let me tell you I’m hoping for the sun to warm me up.
    1- sorry, I can’t think of something silly or trivial that I bought
    2- here, I hoped for April or May but the arrival of doses has decreased and I don’t know what it means for my vaccination.
    3- a widowed neighbour often catch me while I’m walking to chat outside at a distance, he feels very lonely and needs this.
    4- last Zoom was a yoga class. Catching 1 Zumba and 1 Yoga class every week this winter
    5- I had no streaming services but I learned yesterday that I can subscribe 1 year free at Prime with my new IPad.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. DANIELLE: We were supposed the same but we only went down to -20C/-5F. There is only a slight windchill (-28C/-15F) instead of the frostbite warning temperature forecasted (-34C/-25F), so I am going on my group walk at 10am.
      Stay warm!

      Delete
    2. It's been cold here, windchill below zero, so our walks have been short. I need a longer walk and may do one by myself without the old pooch. Poor Kenai wants to be out. We used to walk in any weather. Sigh.

      Delete
    3. Correction: it is Apple TV I received, not Prime. I don't know yet what I can watch with it.

      Delete
    4. Danielle-Momo, my daughter and her family are crazy for the Apple TV show Ted Lasso. It sounds really fun.

      Here's the top 15 shows on Apple TV right now, with Ted Lasso close to the top:

      https://www.pastemagazine.com/tv/apple-tv-/best-apple-shows-ranked/#1-little-america

      Delete
    5. DANIELLE: I remember someone on JRW recommending the Morning Show (with Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston).

      Here is a list of original Apple+ TV shows. It is from the US so I am not sure you can get them all here.
      https://www.macworld.com/article/3245534/apple-tv-originals-release-dates-rumors-news-actors-directors.html

      Delete
  12. 1. Silliest pandemic purchase OR Most trivial thing you’ve had delivered?
    Oh my, so many to choose from. I think I'll go with the giant box of meals ready to eat. Or maybe the giant box of Sweet and Salty protein bars. Hard to say.
    2. What’s the news on your vaccination?
    We signed up with our doctor's office and even though we are both over 65, there are no dates yet. I have my fingers crossed for sooner rather than later.

    3. Who’s the last person you saw outside your bubble?
    Our next door neighbor. He very kindly plows our driveway!

    4. I recently Zoomed with…
    Alas, I have not gotten the hang of Zoom. Working on it!

    5. HBOMax or Disney +?
    Neither one - Netflix and Amazon Prime - I'm considering adding Britbox. After reading the comments, I need to look into Discovery + :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Britbox is wonderful! The Vicar of Dibley! Endeavor! A Touch of Frost! Morse! The Last Detective! Miss Marple! Need I go on?

      Delete
    2. Yes, absolutely on Britbox. I have Acorn too and can never remember what is on which...

      Delete
    3. I'm looking forward to Britbox. Amy, your list could be mine! Thanks.

      Delete
  13. 1. Silliest pandemic purchase OR Most trivial thing you’ve had delivered?
    Last March I needed to buy yeast, and who knew that would be sold out everywhere, flour, too. I found some on Amazon and thought I was buying 1 pound, which is reasonable since I bake bread 2-3 times a week. The price was ridiculous ($35) for a pound, but I bit the bullet and did it. 3 pounds arrived, making the price right but what to do with 3 pounds of yeast, (2 people in this house.) So, 2 pounds still living in freezer.

    2. What’s the news on your vaccination?
    Irwin and I are in our 70's. We heard from a friend that he and his wife had signed up so we went to that website and signed up. First appointment went like clockwork, so smooth. Second shot scheduled for next week.
    I want to commend our state government in Connecticut for an excellent rollout. They did nursing home residents and medical personnel first, then all first responders and then people over 75. Now people over 65. There has been some confusion and some finger pointing, but not like the craziness elsewhere.

    3. Who’s the last person you saw outside your bubble?
    I had my hair cut at my stylist's new digs. He left his big salon last summer and rents one small room in another big salon. Everything was totally cleaned and the space was super easy to disinfect. We both wore masks. I will go again next month.

    4. I recently Zoomed with…
    I have a Hebrew ulpan class once a week. I also Skype and FB messenger with family. On Irwin's birthday, we had our kids buy cakes and I baked Irwin a German Chocolate cake. Then we met on Facebook messenger and on Skype so the kids could sing him happy birthday and light and blow out candles and have a celebration with us. It was very sweet and very satisfying.
    I do Zoom or FaceBook for committee meetings and join in author talks, like Jenn's last week and FCF and also The Back Room and Library events and Bookstore events, etc.

    5. HBOMax or Disney +? Neither yet. Irwin and I have Netflix and Prime. Last year, we discontinued our premium stations and he has been the one watching much more tv than I. I am reading almost all the time. I would consider Disney because of Marvel and Star Wars, but... Lots of the shows that get other people all happy are MEH to me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. JUDY: Wow, too bad you can't share the 2 pounds of yeast! Not sure whether we will have the same flour/yeast shortage as we did last spring. I bought a 10 lb of all purpose flour (double my usual size) and the bag is already half used (yikes)!

      Delete
    2. Well Grace, the first pound is just about gone so...I'll probably open the next package next month. I usually buy it by the pound from King Arthur Flour. It lasts about a year.

      Delete
  14. 1. Silliest pandemic purchase OR Most trivial thing you’ve had delivered?
    A packet of 40 very very very cheap white wash cloths when we thought toilet paper might become unavailable. Haven't opened them

    2. What’s the news on your vaccination?
    I got Moderna, had a very achy arm for a couple of days, but I hear the reaction from the second shot is a couple of days in bed.


    3. Who’s the last person you saw outside your bubble?
    The pharmacist who gave me my first vaccine last Thursday! Next one scheduled for Feb 25. I was (and still am) in the Jannsen study, but I asked to be unblinded so I'd know whether to pursue getting the vaccine from someone else. I'd had the placebo unfortunately. Jannsen told me to accept any other offer and just let them know. I'd stay in the study either way. Or I could wait and get their vaccine as soon as it got emergency approval. My neighbor who is a pharmacist called me last Thursday afternoon. He had an extra shot and offered it to me. Talk about run, don't walk!


    4. I recently Zoomed with…
    The Anaheim Library Assoc. Or something close. Catriona McPherson was the guest speaker. (DID I MENTION SHE DEDICATED HER NEWEST DANDY GILVER TO ME !!!!!)


    5. HBOMax or Disney +?
    Neither. We have Hulu, Prime, Acorn, Britbox, Netflix, network via indoor antenna, and a slew of free channels via ROKU. Haven't had cable in eons.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Congratulations on the book dedication, Ann!

      Delete
    2. Ann, wow on the book dedication. How sweet it is!!
      Also, glad you got the vaccine. We are not playing games and you shouldn't either. It is really a frightening illness and wasting vaccines is shameful. I'm glad you got the first one.

      Delete
    3. ANN: That is very cool! You must have stalked (umm I mean been a long-time ardent fan!) of Catriona to get that dedication.

      Delete
  15. 1. Silliest pandemic purchase OR Most trivial thing you’ve had delivered? a spray bottle of orchid fertilizer


    2. What’s the news on your vaccination?
    My age group is eligible February 8th, but with 2000 doses a month available for a county with 920,000 residents, it's going to be a while. We're registered with the public health department and UCincinnati Internal Medicine.

    3. Who’s the last person you saw outside your bubble?
    Until winter set in, I enjoyed patio conversations every Friday afternoon with my next door neighbor. I shout across the street to other dog walkers. I've made lots of new canine friends.

    4. I recently Zoomed with…
    On Friday I attended the Greater Cincinnati Anti-Human Trafficking Conference. Inspiring and discouraging. The SOAP Project founder, Theresa Flores, was the keynote speaker, zooming from Florida where she was organizing volunteers for Super Bowl weekend.

    5. HBOMax or Disney +?
    Our kids gave us Netflix for Christmas and I added Acorn. I think we also have Britbox included with something else. What we don't have is Peacock. NBCSN will disappear after this year and NBC is gradually shifting BPL soccer games to Peacock. It's always something.

    ReplyDelete
  16. 1. Silliest pandemic purchase OR Most trivial thing you’ve had delivered?
    a HUGE package of powdered milk way back in March (before I learned about getting up at 5:30 a.m. to find a grocery delivery slot). Can't have my coffee without milk and there is no Good Amy without coffee.
    2. What’s the news on your vaccination?
    Like Lucy, I used the 5:30 a.m. approach to finding slots (see grocery delivery above) and managed to get our first jab last Thursday, second scheduled for end of Feb. I literally feel so much lighter, like I've lost ten pounds (yeah, I wish).
    3. Who’s the last person you saw outside your bubble? My BFF, the wine delivery guy. I waved to him deliriously from an upstairs window.
    4. I recently Zoomed with…
    Our son and daughter-in-law and grandkitty in Singapore. Lovely. Sigh.
    5. HBOMax or Disney +?
    Disney+. Because Baby Yoda.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I do my online grocery shopping at 4am and always get that early slot that I want.

      Delete
    2. So agree—coffee and wine. Very critical. Xxxx

      Delete
    3. Powdered milk and wine! I get my alcohol on curbside pickup = and tip generously every time.

      Delete
    4. AMY: I am envious that you have wine deliveries. I wish they offered that service in Ottawa!

      Delete
  17. 1. Silliest pandemic purchase OR Most trivial thing you’ve had delivered?
    Hairbands for our 3-month long growth. The bands make me look like a 1940s hausfrau or Rosie the Riveter, but at least my hair is OUT of my eyes!

    2. What’s the news on your vaccination?
    The plan in Manitoba is by age, so Val is slated first beginning mid-March, then me in April. Let's see how our provincial plan actually rolls out. I am hopeful but NOT holding my breath...

    3. Who’s the last person you saw outside your bubble?
    Store clerks on my round of errands yesterday. I treated myself to a pop in to our local indie bookstore, now open again for in-store shopping. I was driving by and thought: They'll have magazines! And they did. So much fun to flip through them over tea once back home.

    4. I recently Zoomed with…
    My writing workshop pal to get ready for this afternoon's session with our current group of participants.

    5. HBOMax or Disney +?
    Neither here in Canada

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AMANDA: Disney+ is here in Canada but I don't think it is worth getting since they hiked the monthly price. I will do a trial version of Disney+ when they add the Star network of channels and Hulu International later on in February/March.
      https://globalnews.ca/news/7520478/disney-subscription-price-increase-canada/

      Right now, I am happy enough with Amazon Prime and Crave, and no cable TV or Netflix.

      Delete
  18. 1. Silliest pandemic purchase OR Most trivial thing you’ve had delivered?
    I was SO happy when my 6 plate hangers arrived! Yes, I washed down the wall above the buffet and hung my great-grandma’s blue willow plates.
    2. What’s the news on your vaccination?
    I’m registered at the local hospital and hoping we’ll be on schedule for the week of February 8th. They’ll give me a call to schedule an appointment.
    3. Who’s the last person you saw outside your bubble?
    I work at the local library, so this was someone who had an appointment to come in and use a computer. Even double-masked, I’m not too excited about this—you can hardly stand 6 feett away if someone is having a computer issue.
    4. I recently Zoomed with…
    I don’t Zoom. Internet availability is reserved for medical teleconferences and school classes (our internet sucks! Come on, Congress, find a way to help those of us stuck in the boonies of internet access!)
    5. HBOMax or Disney +?
    We don’t have any streaming services; see #4. Sigh.

    ReplyDelete
  19. 1. Silliest pandemic purchase OR Most trivial thing you’ve had delivered?
    Batteries. I have 50 AA and 100 AAA

    2. What’s the news on your vaccination?
    I'm in the third tier which is end of Feb/March - the minute they said 60+, I'm making an appointment

    3. Who’s the last person you saw outside your bubble?
    my friend who bought me lotto tickets

    4. I recently Zoomed with…
    an author's book launch

    5. HBOMax or Disney +?
    Both with Netflix, Hulu, Prime

    ReplyDelete
  20. Unrelated, but worth sharing is the news that Julia's Clare and Russ, made this Top Ten "most dynamic detective duos in crime fiction" list in Publisher's Weekly https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/tip-sheet/article/85415-10-most-dynamic-detective-duos-in-crime-fiction.html?fbclid=IwAR21nJGgb1FXVEV13cE2T7aq1sVYL42yKqvPENkg-xsagsepkuoRgNQ7vtE

    Saw the item on Laurie R. King's FB page. Wanted to share the happy news.

    ReplyDelete
  21. These are so wonderful! And what insights—it’s so intriguingly revealing! ! Going back to comment on a few— xxx

    ReplyDelete
  22. 1. Silliest pandemic purchase OR Most trivial thing you’ve had delivered?

    I haven't had anything delivered that I think counts as silly or trivial. If it's a grocery item, I've gotten it at the grocery store. I've had CDs and books delivered but I've done the same thing pre-pandemic so I don't know that I would count those as silly or trivial.

    2. What’s the news on your vaccination?

    Wasn't it here that the link to that New York Times site to figure out when you'd get your vaccination was posted? Anyway, I used that link and it said that there were at least 504,000 people in the county (NOT THE STATE) that I live in that were in line ahead of me. Given the slipshod way that the vaccination has been rolled out here in MA, I don't see me getting the vaccination before the initially announced April-June timeframe. And probably after that too.


    3. Who’s the last person you saw outside your bubble?

    What's the determining factor of what is your bubble? I go to work so I see my co-workers obviously and I see people when I go to the stores. I see my friend Ann every couple of weeks or so usually. We are getting lunch generally.

    4. I recently Zoomed with…

    I don't do Zoom anything. It means I've missed out on any number of book events that I might've take part in but with crappy speakers on my computer, I can barely hear anything anyway even with the volume turned up.

    5. HBOMax or Disney +?

    I don't have either of these. I just been doing a lot of rewatches of shows I love on DVD. Working on NCIS (on Season 12) and in honor of the passing of actress Mira Furlan, I have started my latest rewatch of Babylon 5, one of the greatest TV shows of all time.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. JAY: Wow, I did not know that Mira Furlan passed away...Ambassador Delann. Your post reminds me that I have Babylon 5 DVDs on my bookshelf that I have not watched in years.

      Delete
    2. Babylon 5...oh I love that show. I think that it was one of the smartest, most well plotted programs ever and the stars were amazing! I had recored all of the shows on tapes, so, those are obsolete. I've often thought of buying the DVD's.

      Which reminds me, I have spent a fortune on books and Kindle and Audible since the pandemic began. When Irwin does the taxes, he'll add that all up and then I'll "have some splainin' to do."

      Delete
    3. Grace, yes she died on January 21st. I woke up the next day to the news and I was deeply saddened. This is what I wrote on Twitter: "I don't know why this is, but I sit here with actual watering eyes this morning upon learning of the passing of actress Mira Furlan. Her expertly drawn performance helped bring the role of Ambassador Delenn to such memorable life on #Babylon5. Rest In Peace, Satai."

      On her social media was a quote from Mira herself that felt beautiful in its own sad way. "I look at the stars. It's a clear night and the Milky Way seems so near. That's where I'll be going soon. "We're all star stuff", I suddenly remember Delenn's line from Joe's script. Not a bad prospect. I am not afraid. In the meantime, let me close my eyes and sense the beauty around me. And take that breath under that dark sky full of stars. Breathe in. Breathe out. That's all."

      And so I gathered up every DVD of Babylon 5 I have. The five seasons, the pilot movie, the prequel movie, The Lost Tales, The Legend of the Rangers, the movie collections. All of them. And I'll be remembering all those absent Babylon 5 friends...in memory still bright.

      Judy, having met a bunch of the cast members at conventions served to only enhance my love of the show. I just wish I'd been able to meet all the people who have passed on before I got that opportunity.

      Delete
    4. With Jay's and Judy's recommendations, I clearly need to check out Babylon 5. Thank you.

      Delete
  23. 1. Silliest pandemic purchase OR Most trivial thing you’ve had delivered? A grabber-pole with pincers on the end to reach things on high shelves; also good for retrieving cat toys from under heavy furniture

    2. What’s the news on your vaccination? Technically, I'm eligible to get the vaccine but I think it's going to be a while. Nothing scheduled yet.

    3. Who’s the last person you saw outside your bubble? The Wegmans employee who put the groceries in my car. After months of doing my grocery shopping in-store, I've decided to move to curbside pick-up (all the talk of new viral strains and double-masking finally got to me).

    4. I recently Zoomed with… about 100 other Osher members in a class Wednesday morning. I have three classes each week so I spend a few hours a week on Zoom.

    5. HBOMax or Disney +? Disney+ which I got to watch Hamilton and kept for the National Geographic programs. I also have Curiosity Stream, Acorn and Prime.

    ReplyDelete
  24. 1. Silliest pandemic purchase OR Most trivial thing you’ve had delivered?
    A bottle of Diamine Onyx Black fountain pen ink. Because the old black ink was old, don’t you know? I haven’t used it once so far.

    2. What’s the news on your vaccination?
    Maybe in November, after I finally reach one of the injectable categories. Because this is Texas, and our government is still not sure the pandemic is real, or that vaccines really work, so why give them to people?

    3. Who’s the last person you saw outside your bubble?
    Composer Omar Thomas. (There I go again, Julia.)

    4. I recently Zoomed with…
    My colleagues at the Dallas Winds.

    5. HBOMax or Disney +?
    Neither. I have barely cracked Prime.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Roberta, for the record, my daughter the nurse who has been working with Covid patients for the past six months, said there was a recent study that said women (only, not men) who take Vitamins C, D, and A are 15% less likely to contract the virus.

    1. Silliest pandemic purchase OR Most trivial thing you’ve had delivered?
    What arrived last week: these curly pieces of plastic that wind around the trunks of young trees. They protect them from deer, mostly, but also from errant lawn and garden tools. Useful, yes, but I was shocked to find how flimsy they were for the money.

    2. What’s the news on your vaccination?
    Steve is two years older than I am, and he gets his tomorrow morning at our doctors' offices, and he has an appointment for the second shot. They contacted us both about it a week or two ago, so I expect I will get notice soon, because my age group comes up next week (I guess Margaret and I are both in this group).

    3. Who’s the last person you saw outside your bubble?
    The staff at the health food store last week. I went in to stock up on the vitamins I've been taking, per my daughter's research, and the B complex and calcium/magnesium my doctor recommends. I've shopped there for decades, but no one recognizes me with a mask. A pretty unsatisfying encounter, to be honest.

    4. I recently Zoomed with…
    My book club on Thursday night. I invited our neighbor to join us, so it was the first time I'd "seen" her in months, even though she drops books off on the porch all the time for our join venture Little Free Library.

    5. HBOMax or Disney +?
    Neither. We have Netflix, and all the many movies available on Roku, and whatever is on network TV. We have had Amazon Prime and Britbox and Acorn, but I'm taking a break from them right now until something we must watch comes up. So far, nada. I'd rather read.

    ReplyDelete
  26. I'm laughing about everyone's food stocks. You should see our guest room, which is now home to the pandemic apocalypse food storage around here! Canned tomatoes, ditto beans, chicken stock, flour brown rice, dried beans... Good thing we aren't have actual guests!

    ReplyDelete
  27. 1. Most trivial thing I have ordered Nail polish now that I do my own pedicures. I also bought a case of the coffee I like when my grocery store didn't have it for ages.
    2.Vacccination. I get my second tomorrow and my husband gets his this week also. I have to drive to a clinic 1 and ½ hours away to get it but totally worth it. I got mine through my doctor's office and my husband through the county health system which is working pretty well. I have a friend in a county to the north and she cannot find it anywhere.
    3.Last person I saw. Hard to say. I live in a condo building so occasionally see people when the elevator doors open. It's one person at a time. I get my groceries delivered. I tape money to my door as a tip. I guess the only people I have interacted with were the wonderful staff at the clinic where I go for the vaccine.
    4.Zoom history. Well I Zoom all the time, every Saturday with my husband's sister and her husband, every Sunday with my sisters, husband, and niece and nephew. Then at least once a week with a group of friends that volunteered together giving tours at the museum and once a month with friends from college, plus book group once and month and bi-monthly training from the museum staff.
    5. We have Dish in the building so we got HBOMax. We got Disney for a month to see Hamilton ( three times) and all of the old Disney cartoons we knew from childhood then gave it up. We stream a lot . The Dig is fabulous!

    ReplyDelete
  28. !. Most trivial thing delivered. . . a giant box from Ikea showed up two days ago addressed to my granddaughter. She had ordered a plastic laundry basket. On sale for $7! Free shipping! The box could house a small family. It was filled with paper "snakes" to cushion the laundry basket.
    2. My shot #2 is scheduled for Feb 9. Frank's is about a week later. Both scheduled through our respective health providers. And THEY contacted us!
    3. Last person I saw outside my bubble? The waiter at the outdoor patio last night. It's dog friendly and we stopped with Jack for wine and snacks.
    4. Zoom-free zone here.
    5. HBOMax or Disney+? Neither. We have lots of other stuff!

    ReplyDelete
  29. 1. Silliest pandemic purchase OR Most trivial thing you’ve had delivered? I have been trying a meal program, trying to eat at least one sensible meal a day. I can take them to work. Problem is disposing to the packing material and I'm not exactly following my own plan. I've tried it for 5 weeks and will discontinue the program next week. Still disposing of food because I don't use it in a timely manner is a waste of resources.


    2. What’s the news on your vaccination? Just had my second vaccine on Monday. Like the Maine Millennial, I've had my vaccines due to my employment. I had a bit of a sore arm but that was it. Others I work with had temps, aches, pains and other flu like symptoms after their second dose. Julia's Tylenol is going to come in handy for so many.


    3. Who’s the last person you saw outside your bubble? The clerk at the store yesterday evening, before that the choir members during distanced, masked outdoor choir rehearsal and my fellow Altar Guild team member in the morning, we are masked, she is doubled and I have KN95s. Saturday is my usual day out in the world day, outside of work and those people don't change.


    4. I recently Zoomed with… last Sunday's church service.


    5. HBOMax or Disney +? Neither - I think I have Netflix but rarely use it. I'm usually reading while the TV is on, it's background noise to as a counterpoint for my tinnitus.

    ReplyDelete
  30. 1. Silliest pandemic purchase OR Most trivial thing you’ve had delivered?

    A half dozen pool noodles. Hey, I needed them!

    2. What’s the news on your vaccination?

    I am doing the thing of banging on the Publix website Roberta/Lucy described. No luck yet, but so many of my friends have succeeded I am ever hopeful.

    3. Who’s the last person you saw outside your bubble?

    Dinner outside last night with an old college friend and his wife. We have gotten pretty good at the logistics of outdoor entertaining--two bowls of salad, vegetables,etc at the opposite ends of our long dining table.

    4. I recently Zoomed with…

    A wonderful group of Maine writer/bookie friends who have kept us sane through throughout.

    5. HBOMax or Disney +?

    We have everything in the world but I still recently had to consent to watching things with subtitles because we are running out of content.

    ReplyDelete
  31. 1. Don't know. My shopping habits really haven't changed that much over the last year.

    2. Don't know. I figured I'm months away, so I'm not even trying to find out at this point. Don't have the time/energy to figure it out anyway. Hours on line or on the phone? I have a day job to worry about.

    3. Define bubble. I don't have a large group I would hang out with in normal times. My church is having outdoor services every couple of weeks, so I am still seeing people there as well.

    4. I pretty much only zoom with my small group from church, so they are my answer. I talk on the phone with my family quite regularly.

    5. Disney+. I'm a huge DisNerd, so I think the only real surprise is that it took me until the first of this year to sign up. Loving WandaVision and just finished the first season of The Mandalorian. (I know, I know.) I did watch Soul the first weekend I had the service, so yes, I have watched something Disney to go with the Star Wars and Marvel stuff I've watched. (Disney owns them, but they aren't Disney. See previous comment about being a DisNerd.)

    ReplyDelete
  32. Great questions!

    1. Silliest pandemic purchase OR Most trivial thing you’ve had delivered?

    Command hooks. Super trivial, but I’m spending a lot of time organizing, and I needed some, and I couldn’t get them via curbside pick up for some weird reason. (Maybe everyone is organizing?)

    2. What’s the news on your vaccination?
    Eligible, but getting an appointment requires a lit of patience, which we are exercising. I’m okay letting, teachers (also in our eligibilty group) be vaccinated before I am, so I’m hoping they’re having better luck navigating the system.

    3. Who’s the last person you saw outside your bubble?
    Had a socially distanced, outdoor visit with a cousin this week. Lovely.

    4. I recently Zoomed with…
    My book club. Everything I do has moved to Zoom.

    5. HBOMax or Disney +?
    Disney+, which I got for the grandsons who can no longer visit. I’m keeping it as a sign of faith that better days are ahead. Personally, I’m with Deb on Discovery+. 🧑🏻‍🦳



    ReplyDelete
  33. 1. Silliest pandemic purchase OR Most trivial thing you’ve had delivered?
    Most trivial: The potato chips that my grocery store never seems to have (Miss Vickies Carmelized Onion)

    2. What’s the news on your vaccination?
    My husband got his first and his second was supposed to be last week but was delayed to this week. He is an essential caregiver for his mom who is in a retirement home attached to a long term care home. I have no idea when I will be allowed to get it. But as soon as I can, I will. I'm more worried about my parents across the country who are 80+ and far too social for my comfort and don't have any dates for vaccination yet.

    3. Who’s the last person you saw outside your bubble?
    My best friend, who lives in a nearby city. We met about once a month on the grass under the trees on her condo grounds, sitting a good ten feet apart. Until it got too cold. Last visit was October.

    4. I recently Zoomed with…
    My best friend who lives in a nearby city and is still working

    5. HBOMax or Disney +? Neither, I don't watch TV except for the 6pm news which my husband wants to watch together while we eat dinner. We have cable, but I don't know what package. Don't even have Netflix, although I have a free subscription to Apple TV due to a new iPod I bought in early 2020 and it just got unexpectedly extended for six months. I think I've watch four episodes of some British show on adoption and nothing else.

    ReplyDelete