I've always gone physically to stores as a last resort, even pre-pandemic, so not likely to change. Internet shopping and local store delivery are my best friends. While away from the city for the summer I have resorted to curb side pickup, but that works just dandy too.

Good news. A friend I often find politically infuriating had a post about why the heck she should wear a mask. It was asked honestly, so I answered her honestly. Her responses and back and forth were civil and friendly and she agreed with me. Then all the friends spouting bullshit and the man out to control you were responded to, but my post got the most positive responses. Anyway, I feel like I got through at least to her. (Her adult daughter hearted my response)

RIP Herman Cain. That's what going to Trump rallies will do for you.

wow.

wrt Cain

I've gone to Target - getting stuff for my new apartment - and stopped by TJ Maxx, since they're halfway between my office and my bus stop. They had some nice shirts on sale - summer-weight linen and rayon - so I treated myself. I wanted some new towels, which I got from Target (doing my bit for the economy?). I am irritated at Target - I really don't want to set up an account, but the website won't allow me to buy more than one thing at a time if I don't. boo!

In other news, if you want a change of scenery, there's Window Swap.

The guided meditation before bedtime seems to be helping ltc to calm down a bit.

That's awesome! I'm hoping it keeps up for you guys.

Target's online pickup has been great for me, and I just ordered some decor stuff from the website. I am also distressingly reliant on Amazon, though I try to support businesses at the source. Going to IKEA was super stressful for me, but it turned out to be OK, social distancing wise, and everyone was wearing masks.

Good morning, all! I am sitting here reading the news and thinking seriously about purchasing a personal firearm to protect my home from the coming insanity.

Hi, Nora!

I am also distressingly reliant on Amazon

Same. So easy. I have the guilt. At least I use the Buffista link, and hope that does something.

I can tell you that TJ Maxx and Marshalls are buying a shitload of bakeware from us. And usual levels of cookware. What they might have in stock in other departments I have no idea, I don't think they are open around here.

I know we've been shipping Belk but they aren't my account so I don't know how much they are ordering compared to previous years. We are certainly having supply shortages for some items/product categories, but not across the board. Of course, I think they did stop ordering for a while so inventory may still be in the pipeline rather than in stores.

From what I've been told, our healthy inventory status is pretty unusual, though.

Good job with your friend, Laura! One more person wearing a mask is a good thing.

I don't know how to feel about Cain. He was always such a ridiculous public figure, and I doubt his death will cause any GOP minds to change about anything.

I am sitting here reading the news and thinking seriously about purchasing a personal firearm to protect my home from the coming insanity.

I have thought about it enough to decide that it's still a bad idea for me personally (I would not be a responsible gun owner, I am pretty sure, so better I am not a gun owner at all). I have been thinking about how much work it would be to convert the attic into a living space that is at least partially concealed, though. A lot, but maybe worth it?

I am stuck in a cycle I don't know how to get out of or well I know how to get out of it I just don't have the means to get out of it right now.

It goes like this: I'm living with people who either are or who are related to people who aren't taking the pandemic seriously. I'm stressed out in general because of the living environment. I know what I need to do - move. However I don't have job security right ow and when I look at jobs to apply for , even if I could get them, the starting pay is less than what I'm making now, although depending on the benefits and the hours I might be making more but I might not. But just because there are jobs available doesn't mean I am even going to get an interview or I would be happier at said job.

But I did make an appointment to finally get my car registered and my SC drivers license which I should have done a long time ago. So that is a partial step in the right direction.

askye, all you can do is what you can do with what you've got to hand - the car registration, the driver's license, those are good steps! It's okay that it's taken this long. You can keep practicing good care for yourself; I'm sorry that other members of the household aren't respecting what's happening, and I hope that you stay as safe as you can.

Here where I live, eight businesses that I know of have announced that they won't be reopening their physical storefronts, and three of them were at least 20 years old. Two of the eight have boosted their online presences and one is retiring; the other five have been here less than four years. (Plei, Bev, the lavender farm is also closing the shop in La Conner.) The loss of tourist money, particularly from cruises stopping in Seattle, is going to see off more by November.

There was an all-hands meeting at Jim's employer this week, and one of the questions submitted was "If we're all remote for the foreseeable future, do we have to keep living in Denver?" It wasn't answered directly, but I'd be surprised to learn that other tech companies aren't being asked the same question by their employees.