We are the epicenter. I live fairly close to the nursing home. From what I understand things are still not good there in terms of staffing and prevention. More people were hospitalized over the weekend.

In the community there is a run on toilet paper and disinfection tools. Local facebook groups are helpful in finding things but you have to weed through the assholes and the clueless. My husband was in the store yesterday and while talking to the checker the guy behind him was leaving for a trip to Italy next week and had no idea the situation there. There are still lots of comparisons to the Flu but on the whole most folks are curtailing their outside activities.

We went out for a short drive yesterday. It was so beautiful and I had to get out. I felt staying in my car was fairly safe. We stopped into one of our local Dumpling joints because who doesn't want Dumplings....We took out but the owner said things were really slow. Service workers are getting layed off.

I've been sick for three weeks. I don't have all the symptoms of Covid 19. I'm up and functioning but not going out. I'm struggling with paranoia and anger

My husband works for the school district and we are over 60. They have not closed the schools yet and teachers are getting really alarmed. Class size is really down as many parents have decided to keep their kiddies home. That's what I would be doing if mine were still in school. Needless to say I am pissed! My husband is perpetually optimistic and although he is aware of the risk he keeps going to work. He says he is washing his hands but he works with littles in an environment that requires close contact. Did I say I was Pissed.

What's going on by you and how are you doing?



On a positive note, Bill Gates is arranging home testing availability which may be ready in a few weeks. If you fit the criteria a kit will be delivered to you, picked up and taken to the lab. This will be so wonderful!

The University of Washington is increasing their testing capabilities on a daily basis. They are now offering drive through testing for their medical staff only at this point.

I'm glad Jay Inslee is in charge. Things may not be perfect in the response...Hindsight is 20/20

My daughter just texted me and said she couldn't get an Amazon/Whole Foods Delivery in Redmond WA. No Deliveries available. She is working at home but will venture out to see what she can get at the Safeway.

I must admit, I was a little snarky about all the folks rushing to the Costcos and clearing the shelves.

Update 3/2 12:24 pm. It's now up to 6 dead in WA. With 18 people affected. There aren't many folks tested so we probably have many many more. The University of WA is reporting that it may have been in the community for well over a month. We are seeing more closures for decontamination efforts but IMO without testing that is just a noble but fruitless effort. It just takes one person to come in and spread the virus on surfaces again.




It was just reported that another person from the nursing home died today...So now that's two deaths here. In addition the confirmed cases county wide now is up to 10. I am not personally afraid. I am taking every precaution possible and am not putting myself in situations where I'm exposed to large amounts of people. Our Amazon Prime deliveries are backed up two days...So if you want to order delivery you need to think ahead. My family doesn't need to self quarantine at this point so we are still walking the dog and doing quick trips to the store. Costco was pretty much a mess yesterday. We weren't there, but heard it was a zoo and the stock was dwindling fast. Restaurants are empty and the facebook local groups are seeing lots more posting.

For the most part, I feel like the local news and government has been really good about providing information and education without un necessary fear mongering.

I'm telling you this because Kirkland really could be your town, your community. We are a fairly affluent community outside of Seattle. Our population is pretty much families who want to benefit from our beautiful lake, parks and excellent schools. It's not if anymore- it is when this will impact your community.

Please wash your hands, sanitize your hard surfaces like door knobs, and don't go out if you are feeling sick.

Amy Klobuchur will be his running mate. You all can stop your speculation.

Just sayin.....

Lindsey???? Mitch????

Who else has heard these conversations? Whose been listening in?

You would think his cronies and goons would be alarmed by this...

Where's the outrage?

The media needs to start asking the questions....What about your calls with the President...are you confident they were secure?

Will the Russians, the North Koreans or the Chinese post them on You Tube?

https://twitter.com/i/status/1182769645809475584

I need to plan my week. Will these hearings be televised?

I was blessed to have had second row seats at his last concert in Seattle. Truly one of the best experiences of my life.

One thing I have been wondering about and have yet to see addressed is; what happens to the money currently being contributed by employers to purchase health care for employees. I would think that this money if added to an employees paychecks would be a win win for both employers and workers. It would cut administrative costs, reduce issues in labor negotiations for those with union shops and increase pay for workers. It's complicated of course as I think it's unlikely that we can require companies to hand back these funds to employees. I know when I was working the cost of my employers share for my insurance was around $500 bucks a month. That's a good chunk of change to put in peoples pockets.

Not a day goes by now that I'm not silently screaming multiple times every time I pay attention to the current state of our countries affairs. I find it have had to curtail my news intake as my body just can't take the anger and anxiety I feel every time Trumps face or voice appears. Feeling enraged is fricken exhausting. I'm trying to find other distractions but the news junkie in me keeps going back in for that fix even though it sickens me. My public school teachers taught me in the sixties that a good citizen is an informed citizen and old habits die hard. I send what money I can to blue candidate, call and write my Congressional offices and feel like I talk to others about these criminals in the White House incessantly. I am coping the best I can by watching Korean Dramas and being mindful to pay attention to other things. I no longer can keep the news on in the background or in the car. We are living in strange and dangerous times....and it just sucks.

How are you all doing?