I just received an email today from my friend that was in the hospital with Covid. Her description of what it was like to have this virus in the hospital basement read like a horror movie. I was sickened by the details. It's really sad to hear how overworked the medical workers are now. It sounded so frightening and lonely. My heart goes out to her. I sent her a Christmas card and a check for groceries. Thankfully, she has neighbors and family that are helping to keep her stocked up with food. Simple things like vacuuming and dusting are very hard for patients like her who are now home on oxygen. She also worries about losing power. My prayers are with her.
I made donations to a couple of charities, and wrote out checks to dancers that I thought probably could really use money to buy food. I hope it helps. Just making a delicious dinner can really lift your spirits.
Yesterday I put together a homemade pizza; it was delicious! I made the sauce the day before, so that all of the flavors and seasonings could blend together and mature. It was therapeutic to make the dough. There is something about kneading flour, oil, yeast, and water that is very grounding. I have enough dough, sauce, and cheese in the fridge to make three more pizzas. Yum!
After reading about my friend's harrowing experience, I am going to wear two masks, and have decided not converse with people who don't wear one, even outside. I just don't want to take the risk. Do you know anyone who has had Covid?
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My son and his wife have both had COVID.Matt was only really very poorly for one day and out of action for three or four.Jude was much worse and was ill for two weeks.She had tiredness that she had never experienced before.A couple of weeks later she developed severe pains in her legs.They turned out to be blood a consequence of COVID.She is fine now.My nieces husband and son have had it about six weeks ago.Wes still hasn’t got his sense of taste back.
ReplyDeleteWe are being ultra careful.You take care.
The pizza sounds yummy.
Barbarax
Hi Barbara, Thanks for reading and for commenting. Yes, blood and pain are connected. I hope your niece's husband's sense of smell returns. My friend had symptoms, too, and her sense of smell and taste came back after a couple of weeks. It makes such a difference to enjoy food!
DeleteThe lady that I walk with every morning had covid right back at the beginning of it all. She spent nearly a week in hospital on oxygen. I had a very lucky escape though think I may have had a very mild version as I certainly had a few of the symptoms
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that you and your friend recovered, Cherie. Some of the experiences that people here are having in the hospitals now are really frightening.
DeleteYou are a very thoughtful woman to help your friends. I bet they truly appreciate it. I only know a few people who have been ill with COVID, but everyone else seems to know someone who has been infected. My son's sister-in-law is an RN at a large hospital in Orange County and she is very ill with it right now. And she is only 24 years old and in excellent physical condition. Double masks sounds like a really good idea for the next few months.
ReplyDeleteHi Anita, I'm so sorry about your son's sister-in-law. It must be so scary for those working in healthcare. So many younger people are also getting infected.
DeleteHow nice of you to think of others. My brother and his wife had two of their dear friends die of COVID way back in March. My brother and his wife got it from those friends but my brother was asymptomatic and his wife was sick at home for about a week. It seems to affect people in different ways and you never know how it will affect you so it is good to be careful as you are doing.
ReplyDeleteThat's true, Ellen. It's very unpredictable. Being strong and healthy does not make a difference, unfortunately.
DeleteSadly its so commonplace now I think the challenge would be to find someone who doesn't know someone that has had it. You are a generous friend.
ReplyDeleteThanks, mm. It's the least I can do. I learn a lot by reading people's personal stories about it.
DeleteYou are a very kind friend, Stephenie.
ReplyDeleteOne of my colleagues spouse had COVID and spent 3 days in the ICU. They were one of those 'it was a hoax' people, but I'm glad their other family members were safe.
Last week I bought another box of masks. Cases are going up here, and yet I still see people how wear their masks around the neck.
Stay safe.
I've been around many residents with that attitude, Nil. I just move away from them. It's too bad that some people have to learn their lessons the hard way. Denial is intense.
DeleteThat was very kind of you to make those donations, Stephenie. This is such a difficult time for so many people. Yes, a few people I know have had Covid. Fortunately, none of them have had to be hospitalized.
ReplyDeleteYour pizzas sound delicious! I've never managed to get my sauce to taste good, but, I see that you made yours the day before to let the flavors develop! I must try doing that! Thanks for the tip!
Stay safe Stephenie. I generally wear two masks when I go out to medical appointments, etc. One can never be too careful!
Hi Bless, My pizza sauce recipe has cumin, which seems to give it a nice kick. I'm glad that your protocol is working, so that you can still see your doctors.
DeleteI'm very lucky that I don't know anyone who has had covid. I do know how hard the medical professionals have worked but also the shop staff and many others who have made our lives a little easier during this awful time.
ReplyDeleteThat's for sure, Frugal. Their shifts are so long, and the work is extremely stressful. I really hope that the vaccine makes a difference and causes a shift.
DeleteYou are very kind and thoughtful to support friends and colleagues. My son was quite poorly with Covid back in spring but has fully recovered. A friend has recovered just a couple of weeks ago. They were lucky and I am glad they both had a good outcome. I have been donating to local charities that are supporting families in need of so much that they cannot afford because they lost jobs and or were ill. Enjoy your pizzas, I can almost smell the tomato sauce, yum.
ReplyDeleteHi Christina, Every bit helps. I'm glad that your son and friend recovered well from Covid.
DeleteThat was kind of you. I do hope your friend improves in health. Do keep taking precautions. And yes, bread and pizza making is therapeutic.
ReplyDeleteIt is therapeutic, emw. I need to take a break from gluten again, though. It seems to make my joints ache, as much as I love homemade bread and pizza dough!
DeleteThe after effects of covid do not sound good. Even the younger adults have after problems. I had the-virus-from-hell 20 years ago, it took a year to recover, I fell for every virus that followed, and never really fully recovered. Now when we have even a partial lockdown - I also wear surgical gloves when having to go out. I now use the sanitiser at every buusiness door, on entering and leaving - the burns I get on my hands are worth it. Glad you are safe, Stephenie xxxx
ReplyDeleteThat's interesting, ratnamurti. I use the sanitizer everywhere, too. I know what you mean about cracked hands. I've been using homemade lotion bars on them, and that's helping. The recipe has shea butter, olive oil, beeswax, and coconut oil.
DeleteThanks for that tip, Stephenie xx
DeleteMy pleasure.
DeleteIt's still a very worrying time Stephenie. And what a lovely thing to do to sent cheques to everyone who needs a bit of help right now. You are a wonderful friend to have.
ReplyDeleteStay well x
Thanks, PP. One friend called me last night, telling me that she had received the card and check. She sounded so happy. I figure everyone can use extra groceries.
DeleteReading all these stories emphasizes to me how important it is to take care. Not only for ourselves but for others. Even the very healthy young are getting it bad. You never know. You are an amazing and caring woman!
ReplyDeleteYou are so, so kind to help those in need. Bless your heart. Stay safe.
ReplyDelete