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!
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
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.
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.
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 +?
