ND, that's so damn damn tough. But if they get furloughed, that means they might have a company to come back to, on the other side of this -- fingers crossed.

I got out to get fabric and other sewing supplies! But then I had to dig out my old sewing machine, which I think has been packed up since we moved 20 years ago! And then I had to rearrange my study so that I have a sewing table set up, which meant moving major pieces of furniture, then cleaning behind where the furniture was (and it appears A Cat did a Bad Thing there, so extra-scrubbing) and rearranging again.

So now waiting for the fabric (kitty faces! so cute!) to go through the dryer and then we can see if I remember how not to run a sewing machine needle through my finger.

Oh Drew (and Kristin!) I know how hard that was for you. I am so sorry.

KB, how awful! I'm so sorry that happened, but so glad you had the presence of mind to not respond or escalate, just let them rant and wind themselves down and move on. I can't imagine how difficult that must have been for you.

ND, I am so sorry. You've poured your heart into that business and been such a good, conscientious employer. How incredibly frustrating and sad to have to take that step.

I'm so sorry, ND.

JZ, fingers crossed for you and the family, too, my heart goes out to Matilda in particular. In the creative arts you do get turned down a whole lot, no matter how talented, so in a sense it's good practice for later attempts, particular when she gets into a different high school and finds some great teachers and opportunities.

ND, I hope you can feel in your heart that it isn't YOU who failed, it's much the same as a big earthquake or other disaster taking control of the wheel. We are all helpless to a slightly greater or slightly lesser extent in this pandemic. The worst in some ways is not knowing how this is going to be over, nor in what shape we're going to be in when it is.

But you've built a hell of a reputation in your business, and when the creative industry comes back (and it will!!!) they're going to want the best again.

Thinking VERY negative thoughts toward JZ! Hope you're OK, too, Cashmere.

That must be so hard, ND. Good luck.

My only anxiety suggestion is total avoidance via getting engaged in something else. Willa Paskin had a bunch of TV recommendations in Slate the other day, most of which are not in English, so you really have to focus, which sounds good to me.

JZ, when do you expect to get the results?

ND, I'm so so sorry. All I can say is what I told my niece: it isn't all gone; the reputation you've built and the connections you've made will last, and when it's time to bring the business back you won't be starting from scratch; the foundation is already there. Your community is strong and so are you.

Oh, ND, I'm so sorry.

sj- it is really just me and my cat- I have no ltc to entertain or worry about. My mom is feeling better and isn't leaving her house, so that is good.

Also, my hospital is actually considering the sewing thing, so I threw my two cents in. It seems more than likely the effort will actually be coordinated by a tailoring outfit in Rochester that had to shut down, but can have people work from home, but that is a good thing. Basically they will switch to producing masks with people who can sew from home.

My nursing friends tell me they have to "preserve" the masks they have and it is one per shift right now, but could become less than that.