B'sNukeMom I have been working from "home" for almost a month. Truth is that when my company sent us home to work, I headed to Florida to be with my husband. My husband is now working from home also. I work for a steel processor. A lot of our customers are closed but some are now open. On Mondays we have a marketing call and it was interesting to hear about the requests we're getting from customers for ventilators now.
My husband is an insurance adjustor so his company is essential also.
Yeah!!! I just saw an email from my sailor. He got his care package!!! Finally. He said he had been busy so had not opened it yet. There are a few things I am thankful for FB and that is our Ombudsman group. Others had said their pkgs had arrived so I knew to ask my sailor.
Happy Thursday afternoon! I am still going into my job at an outpatient breast center. I am the supervisor but am also doing patient care. We are only open one day a week now, but I am working to schedule staff - redeploying them in areas of the hospital that need assistance. On the one day we are open, we only perform biopsies or acute, symptomatic patients. We have postponed all screening exams and followup exams at least through May 4. The WA state Stay at Home order is in effect until that date for now.
I have a friend who is having a new home built, but residential construction is non-essential here like ProudOfK mentioned. My friend is worried, but given the circumstances, we are ALL worried about many things!
I haven't heard anything from my sailor who is on a boat, currently deployed. No news is good news, but I sure wish I was on the Ombudsman email list. My sailor wasn't proactive on that before leaving.
Stay well and chose to be be hopeful and optimistic. Prayers!
I am working from home for now but with every passing day and conference call with division leaders I am expecting to be furloughed if things do not let up by May 1. I work at a college and the rules for us change on what seems like a daily basis. I am in finance support but work with a very narrow area and I will be the first to go.
My husband owns his business and much of what his clients ask him to do is shut down. So very little income right now. Lots of calls and some prep work for when things open back up. The combo has me stressed I have to admit.
But we have our health and our kids are good too. They even still have their jobs. And we will get thought this. Not our first tough time.
Interesting the residential construction is still on in some places. Here in NY all construction is shut except.... The exceptions keep changing and that is causing much confusion. Given our northern location there is only so much time for some contractions and this is the start of it. Lots of frustration.
Talked to our sailor who is almost done with A school on Saturday. He was good. Said the restrictions were fine. I figure since he wants to be on a sub he should be ok with the limit movement- a kind of practice. I have a cuz in CA who sews and sent him masks yesterday. I hope they get there by the weekend. I also had a food package sent from a favorite shop of his. An early graduation present sort of.
I haven’t been on in a while, but I read your posts daily. Life in Wisconsin is the same as most of you. We have our”Stay at Home” orders, and it actually has not been too bad. We live in a rural area, so I can get outside daily for some walks. I do miss going to the gym, but the fitness instructor has been doing workouts on FB live, so I have been doing those as well.
I retired in December, so the stay at home thing did not hit me as hard as others. Although, my husband was still working until the virus hit. He will be home at least until May 4. Unfortunately, our sailor had his leave suspended until further notice, but he is safe and his command is taking the protocol seriously, especially since he is on a sub. We had also planned a trip to California to visit our daughter and SIL, but had to change our plans.
I am happy to hear that everyone is doing well and staying virus free. I am looking forward to the day that we can all enjoy everything this great country has to offer.
We are doing a "zoom" call on Sunday for Easter - family in Michigan, North Carolina, Georgia, Colorado, Washington and 4 locations in CA. Looking forward to "seeing" everyone.
I'm glad to hear that everyone is finding a way to get through these trials and tribulations....I'm literally to the point where I'm taking it day by day.....
N's girlfriend is graduating with her Master's next Thursday but of course the graduation is cancelled. I think we are going to get some decorations together and drive by her house and honk and wave to her - I think it will be a nice surprise for her.
NancyJo - hopefully you can do a drive by and wave at the grandlittles - I'll be it's hard on them too not being able to see you!
ShipOfDoodles - we've seen the same thing here - large gatherings of people at the parks and beaches. Then the police get called in.....it's frustrating. With that being said I hope it's ok for the 3 of us to drive by N's girlfriends house. We won't be getting out of the car and we will have our masks on.....ugh I just wish this was over already ~ sigh.
Hi all! I work in IT (information technology) for a county in Illinois but live in Wisconsin. I've been working from home since March 9th and am focused on COVID efforts all day long. The good news is that I worked from home two days per week prior to this, so not a huge change. Great news to share... my sailor's girlfriend does NOT have COVID. She just rec'd her results today. She simply has pneumonia... so a tough road still. On a side note, I have not left the house now in four weeks!
The Hammer - great news that she doesn't have COVID. Pneumonia still isn't good but so thankful it's not the virus. I hope she is feeling better soon...
Hello from Virginia!! I have been working full time at home for three weeks since they closed our building and implemented teleworking at much as possible. My husband works for the Dept of Defence Navy at Norfolk Naval Base and is still going into work but on a shift type schedule. The working from home was weird initially however I have gotten used to not having to driving 50 minutes one way into work.
Spoke to my sailor and he is in the middle of Power School. He is taking the being restricted to base in stride however did find it interesting having to make face masks out of his tshirts. He informed me the colors for the facemasks have to be Black, White or Coyote Brown so any people out there with sailors at NNPTC those are the colors they have to follow. I have ordered some black ones for him but will take a few weeks to get there.
Glad to hear all on here are doing well thru this. Keeping all the sailors, military members, first responders, and medical professionals in my thoughts and prayers as we get thru this time. Thank you everyone on here for the helpful advice and links being provided to all of us. It is greatly appreciated.
Hello from Texas! I've been back at work for 2 weeks after being quarantined for nearly 2 weeks. I've recovered from my pneumonia in my right lung. My son went from a sub to a ship and they docked at their home base but left because of the Coronavirus (my guess). He's out in the middle of the ocean somewhere hopefully safe and virus free.
I've made an appointment to get tested for Coronavirus antibodies on May 15th. I just want to know if I had it. If I did, I want to be prepared to offer my plasma donation to any family members with the same blood type who are sick. Or to anyone needing it.
To everyone struggling, wow, who ever thought we would live through something like this. It is mind-boggling. There's so much I took for granted. I need a hair cut and color. My dog needs a trim badly. I miss going out to eat. It is so difficult to find Toilet Paper!!! I'm about to learn how to bake bread. I need to *do* something. Thanks for letting me ramble. I wish everyone the best. Prayers this nightmare ends soon.
My husband and I and our younger son, still at home, are all still working. My husband is a machinist for a company that has government contracts, and my son and I work in retail. So far we've been able to keep working, but I have to work in different departments at my store. Soon we will start screening employees at the start of shifts, and I will be helping with that. I like that I'm getting to have a little more variety at work, and thankful my company has paid leave for a few weeks if needed because of coronavirus suspicions or diagnosis.
Just wanted to add something to my earlier post. I've enjoyed reading the posts and appreciate the encouragement. Part of me wishes I could stay home without jeopardizing my job because I'm a homebody at heart. I was a stay at home mom until my boys were 8 and 9 and finally got stir-crazy and started working part-time and taking some online classes. In fact, other than the craziness this seems like normal life to me just because I don't actually have a social life and rarely even go to a restaurant or get takeout, and I'm happy the way it is. I would like to get out and take a walk through the neighborhood everyday, but haven't been able to get into that habit. It's in part because that's what my son, who's now a nuke, and I would do together, go walking or jogging. So I guess maybe I have a mental block and it makes me miss him more, or something.
Hey mama's - I just want to throw this out there....if anyone is feeling down, having a rough day, feeling alone or you just want someone to talk to, please reach out to me. You can send me a private message and I'll give you my cell # and we can talk....I don't want anyone to feel like they don't have anyone to turn to during these trying times. I'm in CA so I'm on Pacific Standard Time....
Tx Mom of Far Away Nuke - yikes! Sorry to hear you had pneumonia but glad you are on the mend. It will be interesting to see if antibodies can be used to help with the virus.
And I'm like you - almost due for a cut & color - yikes! I ordered some root touch up online today - it will be interesting to see how it works lol!
The Hammer - so great to hear the good news that your sailor's girlfriend is virus free but strength and healing to her as she recovers from pneumonia.
jes12joy. I have been in Norfolk for 3 weeks helping my pregnant, bedridden dil and caring for their 4 year old son. My son still reports to Naval Station Norfolk every day. We had a mask making party with the coyote brown tshirt....and so far our idea is working. It’s so pretty here, just wish we could go to a park, so for now, it’s the back yard and I go for a run when my grandson naps. :))))
Happy Friday! Tx Mom of Far Away Nuke, I share the fear of no TP. Haven't found any and I'm down to 2 rolls. I can always take one from work but it's like using tissue paper. ugh
Also had a nice conversation with daughters #2 & #3 who tell me it's very trendy to just go gray and let it go. I gotta admit before this is all done I might have some real healthy outgrowth and I'm frankly shocked at what I see. I mean, I knew I was gray but Yikes! I had gotten some root spray before I went to CA in March and it works pretty well. I need to think on this some more. I'm inclined to color.
B'sNuke, tell N they talking snow this weekend. LOL He should just enjoy that sunshine while he can!
I am also available if someone needs to talk. Nebraska is also Central time.
Hi all - Happy Friday - we made it through another week!
NancyJo - I just ordered some of the root spray - should get it by Wednesday - I sure hope it works lol! I'm not quite ready to just let my roots grow out!!!! Even if it is trendy lol! ugh....
I'll let N know about the snow - B&C had 70* on Wednesday and then snow yesterday in MI. Crazy weather. We've had rain ALL week. Weathermen are saying we've more than made up for our lack of rain in Jan/Feb/Mar.
Johanna - so glad you are able to help out your DIL. I'm sure that is a huge relief to her. When is her due date?
B’sNukesMom. She is due is October. She is not the best dil or wife and is overly dramatic, like her Mother. I am not a fan of people playing the victim card. There is so much more to life than complaining. I own a construction company near Boston and we are incredibly busy. My husband is trying to run it, but it is difficult...we are re a great team together! I will be flying back to Boston on the 29th. Hoping her Mother will step up, but it is doubtful. I have made and frozen 100 containers of food, with 10 different meals. They should be good for a while:))
My husband and I both work in the pharma industry, and we are both working from home (normal for me, but not for him). We are very busy, as you can imagine, since many pharma and biotech companies are working hard to research new vaccines, tests, and treatments for COVID-19. It is exciting to see so much innovation happening, but it will still take so much time before many of these new things will be available to the general public, since we need to be sure that they are safe and effective before approving and producing them.
We have, unfortunately, experienced our first COVID-19 death in my family. My mother's cousin died last weekend from double pneumonia and was confirmed to have the virus. She was 80, but very healthy, so we were a bit surprised. The sad part is that she lived in NY and most of her family is in FL, and none of us can get together for a funeral or service for her, so my mom is distressed and a bit scared, since she is only a few years younger than her cousin. She and my dad are staying safe at home, though, so I hope they will be fine.
Much love and prayers to you all on this Holy weekend, whether you celebrate Easter, or Passover, or even just the arrival of Spring here in the northern hemisphere, I hope you have a happy, safe, and blessed weekend!
Checking in from southeast Ohio. I am spending my time trying to figure out how to teach remotely in a rural school district with very unreliable internet access. We, as teachers, have been tasked with making contact with each of students weekly to insure they are doing well and to find those who need assistance of any kind, not just academically. I am alos spending time cleaning and trying to keep myself generally busy so I don't have too much time to dwell on the negatives of this change in our daily lives right now.
My sailor son is currently deployed and doing well. Heard from him this morning that they are once again being extended which quite frankly makes me feel better since they haven't been exposed to this virus and now will have a longer time of no exposure. My youngest son and my DIL sailor are staying well while she has been reduced to going in a couple of times a week for check ins. While my son typically travels for his job since most of the places he usually does service work for are closed he is staying close to their home as well.
I mostly lurk and absorb the encouragement from my emails, but am also available if someone is in need of an ear. I'm in the eastern time zone.
I love to read all of the stories!! I really rather like it when my chipmunk is not showing up morning and night next to each other!! We have a local station that does a weekend segment about various things around OK. It always ends with "Is this a great state or what?" I was thinking about that this morning and I thought I would just say "Is this a great country or what?" I honestly much prefer learning the national news from you all! I am just not as good as B'sNukeMom with renaming everyone and commenting so I generally do a broad shout out. Here it goes though:
The Hammer - Thank you!
KayCee - Hugs again!! For newbie moms with single sons - before they go to the fleet - help them understand that it is perfectly okay to put your name on the Ombudsman list! If they do and you have a really good Ombudsman, you won't have to pester them as much for news, because you will get it before they do - hopefully!
Tx Mom of Far Away Nuke - Keep us updated, I am interesting in the antigen and donation possibilities for others.
Johanna - I was going to thank you for going and helping out your son and DIL - but with your second comment - I am adding a crown as well!!! Hopefully one day, she will come to appreciate what a wonderful MIL you sound like you really are. My sailor is in Norfolk as well, and I hear a lot from some of the young wives, that I have to tune out. I am glad you are able to help out though!! It means a lot to me as a grandma who can't go see her grandbaby (SIL's work restricts visitors).
Velvetenor - My condolences - I enjoyed our chat earlier!
mattsmom - My mother taught 7 - 12th grade Home Economics in a rural school district. I can not imagine her having to do school and checking on her students then, but even now with more technology. Her district and ours bussed some from 20+ miles away one way, daily. Kuddos to you and all you are doing for your kids both out of love and expectations. - I am with you on the sailor at sea. I would prefer if mine stayed out but their mission is different. They will be coming back to an entirely new way of doing things.
Nancy Jo - wash clothes or as my youngest son said early on "We always have cloth diapers!!" Yep! My husband even wrote an article back to a parenting magazine in response to cloth vs disposable and something they said - from the "Diaper dabbing DooDoo Dad." He was offended to think they would suggest men/ husbands would not change a dirty cloth diaper! - I still did most of them and even with disposables what could be safely flushed was so as not to stink things up too much!
Enough of my orneriness!! I have my RED on and my gray hairs will never be colored, this strawberry blond who had to convince her redheaded daughter that she had the hair everyone else colored theirs for decided long ago that if my husband was happy with me, so was I. Besides, he grayed before I did, but that might have had something to do with taking care of me!!
For those of you missing a loved one - I wanted to share this picture from my sister. The flowers are likely bulbs from my father and the little boy statue holding a bird was one my father bought my mother. Easter and Springtime - New Life!
Checking in from Idaho! Well, these last several weeks have certainly been crazy. We caught a break today though with some beautiful spring weather- birds chirping and beautiful flowers. I continue to work at the hospital. Two weeks ago I started a new position on the Blood and Marrow transplant team. I know how lucky I am to be working and leaving the house each day but I could stand some days off! I don't feel like I am getting things done around the house or keeping up with my youngest son's new school "norm". (Hoping he is!!)
We were able to FaceTime our Nuke last night. He started Prototype last week and seems to be enjoying the speed of it. He said the days are flying by. We would have loved to see him and have him home after power school but his cancelled liberty gave him and his roommates time to move and get all settled in. He is happy, health and safe so what else can I ask for?
Wishing everyone a Happy Easter and Happy Spring! There is a house in our neighborhood that made beautiful chalk art. I will try to post a picture of it...
Checking in from northern Wisconsin. Had to smile about everyone concerned about their roots showing, infact my devotions today was about worrying about our outward appearances. My Navy son actually was the one who would take care of this for me and he was great about it. Tried to get my hubby on board with it but what a disaster that was. Makes me miss my son even more. I wouldn't mind it so much if I could hide out in my house but with still working it really bothers me. Guess I will have to give hubby another chance at it, please pray for me, he's not working now maybe it could become a new career move, ha ha. You have a Blessed Easter, looks like snow for us.
Northwoodsmom, wear your rattiest clothes or go naked for this root touch up! I am wearing a cap to work, so the roots are not really a problem now, but, OMG, my nails!
Checking in from Mechanicsville VA: I am essential because I work in Radiology at a local hospital. Talked to my son in SC tonight: many tested but most are negative. They are trying to distance but it's difficult on a boat; all who are suspected of having the virus are being quarantined until test results are negative. He and his family are in good health, as am I. Masks, gloves, and hand washing, but, please, please, please, do not try to wear gloves all day and sanitize them because this will not help!
NonnaB - Thanks for pointing that out about the gloves! I find no comfort going to a business just because they have gloves on. They might protect their hands, but they have touched everything else and then touch my stuff.
As awkward as they are, I find the disposable food handlers gloves the best. I bought a package at Sam's for inexpensive. The box stays in my car. I put a new pair on before I get out of the car and off before getting back in. My husband thought I was being careless yesterday, but I have actually become pretty adept at removing and flipping off so I have a clean hand to unlock and open my car, with a gloved hand still able to push a cart to return and then pull off those inside out and if I can't throw away, they go on the floorboard and are thrown away in the trashcan in the garage. A pump of sanitizer now occupies my cup holder, so I then sanitize my hands.
Also, all plastics are wiped down that come in the house, fruits vegetables immediately transferred to TW containers, and plastic grocery bags are either thrown out currently or kept in garage away from other items (kind of like dealing with lice to some extent). I told my husband to quit bringing back his plastic bags he takes his lunch in at work, so only his containers come home now.
Glad to hear things are going well for your son!!!
Good morning ladies, it is a beautiful day here today. Hard to believe that they are expecting 6-9 winches of snow for tomorrow.
I know many of you already pray for our President, like him or not please keep him in your prayers. He will be making a big decision coming up about opening up our country. In my readings this morning I came across Proverbs 11:14 (For lack of guidance nations fall, but many advisors make victory sure.) Let us pray that he is guided by God and all the wonderful advisors that God has placed in front of him. Let not pride or satan get in his way of making good sound decisions. God will answered our prayers so keep it up. Love you all and God Bless you and your loved ones.
Hello - Checking in from Northern California. I work at the local hospital, in medical records, so have been continuing to work. Daughter and her boyfriend work in a restaurant, and have had their hours cut back, but still working. Hubby messed up his ankle a few months ago, and wasn't working anyway. I have worked at the hospital for 33 years, always in house. Yesterday afternoon, I brought computers home and will join those working from home. The hospital is working on sending all of our office home, at least temporarily. Sailor Son is in Guam (not on the TR, but Guam is a small island!). He was home for a bit, and I was hoping he would get stuck in Chico, but no such luck. He was quarantined in a house for 2 weeks, then sent to his ship, which itself is quarantined for about a month. His original plan was to go early, to find a place and get settled. Now, looks like that will be about May, and he will have to fit things in around his work schedule. He doesn't have his car or personal belongings, other than what he had with him when he moved - uniforms, some clothes, computer, phone, Kindle, so he played a lot of games during the two weeks he was stuck in the house there. His ship brought him meals three times a day. It's a different world right now, and I hope you are all staying as safe as possible. Have I told you how much I enjoy this group?!!! I don't post often, but read it all. :)
Northwoods mom - it is in our liturgy. There are several forms. I like the classic Rite 1:
"We beseech thee also so to rule the hearts of those who bear the authority of government in this and every land [especially ], that they may be led to wise decisions and right actions for the welfare and peace of the world."
We have sometimes used variations on this Collect for those who serve:
Heavenly Father, we commend to your gracious care and keeping all the men and women in our Armed Forces at home and abroad. Defend them day by day with your heavenly grace; strengthen them in their trials and temptations; and give them courage to face the perils that beset them; and help them to know that nothing can separate them from your love; in Jesus Christ our Lord.
And I am very fond of this Compline prayer:
Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love's sake.
Thank you so much WearsLargeHats. I will keep these prays to use, sometimes I feel like the words I use are not good enough. Thank God he knows my heart otherwise I am afraid I would sound like a babbling idiot.
submomIII - Good to hear from you! I was in the medical billing and medical records field until our 2nd daughter was born and we moved to WA for my husband's schooling. Thanks for sharing about your sailor's experiences as of late.
WearsLargeHats - Always good to hear from you. Thank you for sharing the prayers!
WearsLargeHats, thank you for sharing those beautiful prayers!
All, Easter blessings to you and your Sailors! May the Risen Lord strengthen you at this time of fear and struggle on so many levels.
Thanks to those who provided insight regarding the care packages to carriers. We heard from our son’s fiancé yesterday and she said there is not an outbreak on her carrier and she is well. Thanks be to God.
Tulip - Glad to hear that your son's fiancé's carrier is healthy and well!! Sailor's coming back into port and facing all of this for the first time is going to be an adjustment. But keeping their healthy "bubble" is also going to be a challenge. May they all stay well.
May everyone have a wonderful day - I enjoyed some early morning messages I received - thank you my friends.
Waiting anxiously
My son graduated BC on 4/10 and called saying he thought he might leave for A school on Sat. We still haven’t heard anything and wish we knew what was going on. Has anyone heard anything?
Kristen - Good Morning! The "No News is Good News" mantra continues to carry over from BC through the Nuke training Pipeline and on throughout the fleet. Old normal is having to shift to new temporary normal - yesterday was a holiday - and so many factors come into play. Even if your sailor arrived in GC (Goose Creek) yesterday, there may have been multiple things going on so you did not rec'v a call. Also, if they are transporting by bus or other means, they may be waiting until they have enough Nukes to make it worthwhile for the alternate travel. Hang Tight Sea Sister!
I hope your weekend and Easter was blessed with phone calls or text messages from your sailor!! Mine arrived back into port - so I honestly was glad we were doing online church service! Much easier to step into the other room, than exit down the church aisle to take a call from your sailor!! He is switching to night shift - which doesn't really help my youngest (currently struggling w/ social distancing) be able to Skype well with his brother - his "normal" social distancing.
Kristen - Yes, holidays are hard and especially with the way yours fell, such that you are in that limbo state between not able to call and able to call. It does get a little easier while they are at NNPTC - but then again, it honestly depends on your sailor. Many of them get busy with their study schedules, if it is their first time away from home - they are trying out their "flying away from home" wings. I will say that my sailor told me that the command was always instructing the sailors that they needed to be making contact with home, so that NNPTC was not receiving calls from family checking on their sailors.
Once your son is at GC and has a basic schedule - you can figure out what works best for you to text or call. They don't have their phones with them in class, study, or PT, so you have to "catch" them. I learned when my sailor went from PT back to his BEQ to shower and often got ahold of him then. Mine was/ is as able now, a lot more communicative than most which is why I have information shared above.
Don't hesitate to ask any questions that you have.
JayDee659
B'sNukeMom I have been working from "home" for almost a month. Truth is that when my company sent us home to work, I headed to Florida to be with my husband. My husband is now working from home also. I work for a steel processor. A lot of our customers are closed but some are now open. On Mondays we have a marketing call and it was interesting to hear about the requests we're getting from customers for ventilators now.
My husband is an insurance adjustor so his company is essential also.
Apr 9, 2020
Chipmunk
Yeah!!! I just saw an email from my sailor. He got his care package!!! Finally. He said he had been busy so had not opened it yet. There are a few things I am thankful for FB and that is our Ombudsman group. Others had said their pkgs had arrived so I knew to ask my sailor.
Apr 9, 2020
KayCee
Happy Thursday afternoon! I am still going into my job at an outpatient breast center. I am the supervisor but am also doing patient care. We are only open one day a week now, but I am working to schedule staff - redeploying them in areas of the hospital that need assistance. On the one day we are open, we only perform biopsies or acute, symptomatic patients. We have postponed all screening exams and followup exams at least through May 4. The WA state Stay at Home order is in effect until that date for now.
I have a friend who is having a new home built, but residential construction is non-essential here like ProudOfK mentioned. My friend is worried, but given the circumstances, we are ALL worried about many things!
I haven't heard anything from my sailor who is on a boat, currently deployed. No news is good news, but I sure wish I was on the Ombudsman email list. My sailor wasn't proactive on that before leaving.
Stay well and chose to be be hopeful and optimistic. Prayers!
Apr 9, 2020
New Adventures
Checking in here from Western NY.
I am working from home for now but with every passing day and conference call with division leaders I am expecting to be furloughed if things do not let up by May 1. I work at a college and the rules for us change on what seems like a daily basis. I am in finance support but work with a very narrow area and I will be the first to go.
My husband owns his business and much of what his clients ask him to do is shut down. So very little income right now. Lots of calls and some prep work for when things open back up. The combo has me stressed I have to admit.
But we have our health and our kids are good too. They even still have their jobs. And we will get thought this. Not our first tough time.
Interesting the residential construction is still on in some places. Here in NY all construction is shut except.... The exceptions keep changing and that is causing much confusion. Given our northern location there is only so much time for some contractions and this is the start of it. Lots of frustration.
Talked to our sailor who is almost done with A school on Saturday. He was good. Said the restrictions were fine. I figure since he wants to be on a sub he should be ok with the limit movement- a kind of practice. I have a cuz in CA who sews and sent him masks yesterday. I hope they get there by the weekend. I also had a food package sent from a favorite shop of his. An early graduation present sort of.
Apr 9, 2020
momc
Hi everyone
I haven’t been on in a while, but I read your posts daily. Life in Wisconsin is the same as most of you. We have our”Stay at Home” orders, and it actually has not been too bad. We live in a rural area, so I can get outside daily for some walks. I do miss going to the gym, but the fitness instructor has been doing workouts on FB live, so I have been doing those as well.
I retired in December, so the stay at home thing did not hit me as hard as others. Although, my husband was still working until the virus hit. He will be home at least until May 4. Unfortunately, our sailor had his leave suspended until further notice, but he is safe and his command is taking the protocol seriously, especially since he is on a sub. We had also planned a trip to California to visit our daughter and SIL, but had to change our plans.
I am happy to hear that everyone is doing well and staying virus free. I am looking forward to the day that we can all enjoy everything this great country has to offer.
Take care
Apr 9, 2020
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
We are doing a "zoom" call on Sunday for Easter - family in Michigan, North Carolina, Georgia, Colorado, Washington and 4 locations in CA. Looking forward to "seeing" everyone.
I'm glad to hear that everyone is finding a way to get through these trials and tribulations....I'm literally to the point where I'm taking it day by day.....
N's girlfriend is graduating with her Master's next Thursday but of course the graduation is cancelled. I think we are going to get some decorations together and drive by her house and honk and wave to her - I think it will be a nice surprise for her.
NancyJo - hopefully you can do a drive by and wave at the grandlittles - I'll be it's hard on them too not being able to see you!
ShipOfDoodles - we've seen the same thing here - large gatherings of people at the parks and beaches. Then the police get called in.....it's frustrating. With that being said I hope it's ok for the 3 of us to drive by N's girlfriends house. We won't be getting out of the car and we will have our masks on.....ugh I just wish this was over already ~ sigh.
Apr 9, 2020
The Hammer
Hi all! I work in IT (information technology) for a county in Illinois but live in Wisconsin. I've been working from home since March 9th and am focused on COVID efforts all day long. The good news is that I worked from home two days per week prior to this, so not a huge change. Great news to share... my sailor's girlfriend does NOT have COVID. She just rec'd her results today. She simply has pneumonia... so a tough road still. On a side note, I have not left the house now in four weeks!
Apr 9, 2020
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
The Hammer - great news that she doesn't have COVID. Pneumonia still isn't good but so thankful it's not the virus. I hope she is feeling better soon...
Apr 9, 2020
jes12joy
Hello from Virginia!! I have been working full time at home for three weeks since they closed our building and implemented teleworking at much as possible. My husband works for the Dept of Defence Navy at Norfolk Naval Base and is still going into work but on a shift type schedule. The working from home was weird initially however I have gotten used to not having to driving 50 minutes one way into work.
Spoke to my sailor and he is in the middle of Power School. He is taking the being restricted to base in stride however did find it interesting having to make face masks out of his tshirts. He informed me the colors for the facemasks have to be Black, White or Coyote Brown so any people out there with sailors at NNPTC those are the colors they have to follow. I have ordered some black ones for him but will take a few weeks to get there.
Glad to hear all on here are doing well thru this. Keeping all the sailors, military members, first responders, and medical professionals in my thoughts and prayers as we get thru this time. Thank you everyone on here for the helpful advice and links being provided to all of us. It is greatly appreciated.
Apr 9, 2020
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Glad to see everyone checking in and sharing how you are getting through this....keep updating us!
Remember to wear your RED tomorrow ;-D
Apr 9, 2020
Tx Mom of Far Away Nuke
Hello from Texas! I've been back at work for 2 weeks after being quarantined for nearly 2 weeks. I've recovered from my pneumonia in my right lung. My son went from a sub to a ship and they docked at their home base but left because of the Coronavirus (my guess). He's out in the middle of the ocean somewhere hopefully safe and virus free.
I've made an appointment to get tested for Coronavirus antibodies on May 15th. I just want to know if I had it. If I did, I want to be prepared to offer my plasma donation to any family members with the same blood type who are sick. Or to anyone needing it.
To everyone struggling, wow, who ever thought we would live through something like this. It is mind-boggling. There's so much I took for granted. I need a hair cut and color. My dog needs a trim badly. I miss going out to eat. It is so difficult to find Toilet Paper!!! I'm about to learn how to bake bread. I need to *do* something. Thanks for letting me ramble. I wish everyone the best. Prayers this nightmare ends soon.
Apr 9, 2020
helena2000
My husband and I and our younger son, still at home, are all still working. My husband is a machinist for a company that has government contracts, and my son and I work in retail. So far we've been able to keep working, but I have to work in different departments at my store. Soon we will start screening employees at the start of shifts, and I will be helping with that. I like that I'm getting to have a little more variety at work, and thankful my company has paid leave for a few weeks if needed because of coronavirus suspicions or diagnosis.
Apr 9, 2020
helena2000
Just wanted to add something to my earlier post. I've enjoyed reading the posts and appreciate the encouragement. Part of me wishes I could stay home without jeopardizing my job because I'm a homebody at heart. I was a stay at home mom until my boys were 8 and 9 and finally got stir-crazy and started working part-time and taking some online classes. In fact, other than the craziness this seems like normal life to me just because I don't actually have a social life and rarely even go to a restaurant or get takeout, and I'm happy the way it is. I would like to get out and take a walk through the neighborhood everyday, but haven't been able to get into that habit. It's in part because that's what my son, who's now a nuke, and I would do together, go walking or jogging. So I guess maybe I have a mental block and it makes me miss him more, or something.
Apr 9, 2020
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Hey mama's - I just want to throw this out there....if anyone is feeling down, having a rough day, feeling alone or you just want someone to talk to, please reach out to me. You can send me a private message and I'll give you my cell # and we can talk....I don't want anyone to feel like they don't have anyone to turn to during these trying times. I'm in CA so I'm on Pacific Standard Time....
Apr 9, 2020
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Tx Mom of Far Away Nuke - yikes! Sorry to hear you had pneumonia but glad you are on the mend. It will be interesting to see if antibodies can be used to help with the virus.
And I'm like you - almost due for a cut & color - yikes! I ordered some root touch up online today - it will be interesting to see how it works lol!
Apr 9, 2020
Chipmunk
I'm in OK on central time and also available!
So good to hear from everyone!!
The Hammer - so great to hear the good news that your sailor's girlfriend is virus free but strength and healing to her as she recovers from pneumonia.
Apr 9, 2020
The Hammer
Thanks B'sNukeMom and Chipmunk!
I wanted you to know that I appreciate all that you do... you guys ROCK!!!
Apr 10, 2020
Johanna
jes12joy. I have been in Norfolk for 3 weeks helping my pregnant, bedridden dil and caring for their 4 year old son. My son still reports to Naval Station Norfolk every day. We had a mask making party with the coyote brown tshirt....and so far our idea is working. It’s so pretty here, just wish we could go to a park, so for now, it’s the back yard and I go for a run when my grandson naps. :))))
Apr 10, 2020
NancyJo (NNPTC)
Happy Friday! Tx Mom of Far Away Nuke, I share the fear of no TP. Haven't found any and I'm down to 2 rolls. I can always take one from work but it's like using tissue paper. ugh
Also had a nice conversation with daughters #2 & #3 who tell me it's very trendy to just go gray and let it go. I gotta admit before this is all done I might have some real healthy outgrowth and I'm frankly shocked at what I see. I mean, I knew I was gray but Yikes! I had gotten some root spray before I went to CA in March and it works pretty well. I need to think on this some more. I'm inclined to color.
B'sNuke, tell N they talking snow this weekend. LOL He should just enjoy that sunshine while he can!
I am also available if someone needs to talk. Nebraska is also Central time.
Apr 10, 2020
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Hi all - Happy Friday - we made it through another week!
NancyJo - I just ordered some of the root spray - should get it by Wednesday - I sure hope it works lol! I'm not quite ready to just let my roots grow out!!!! Even if it is trendy lol! ugh....
I'll let N know about the snow - B&C had 70* on Wednesday and then snow yesterday in MI. Crazy weather. We've had rain ALL week. Weathermen are saying we've more than made up for our lack of rain in Jan/Feb/Mar.
Johanna - so glad you are able to help out your DIL. I'm sure that is a huge relief to her. When is her due date?
Apr 10, 2020
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Apr 10, 2020
Johanna
B’sNukesMom. She is due is October. She is not the best dil or wife and is overly dramatic, like her Mother. I am not a fan of people playing the victim card. There is so much more to life than complaining. I own a construction company near Boston and we are incredibly busy. My husband is trying to run it, but it is difficult...we are re a great team together! I will be flying back to Boston on the 29th. Hoping her Mother will step up, but it is doubtful. I have made and frozen 100 containers of food, with 10 different meals. They should be good for a while:))
Apr 10, 2020
Velvetenor
Hello all! Checking in here from NJ.
My husband and I both work in the pharma industry, and we are both working from home (normal for me, but not for him). We are very busy, as you can imagine, since many pharma and biotech companies are working hard to research new vaccines, tests, and treatments for COVID-19. It is exciting to see so much innovation happening, but it will still take so much time before many of these new things will be available to the general public, since we need to be sure that they are safe and effective before approving and producing them.
We have, unfortunately, experienced our first COVID-19 death in my family. My mother's cousin died last weekend from double pneumonia and was confirmed to have the virus. She was 80, but very healthy, so we were a bit surprised. The sad part is that she lived in NY and most of her family is in FL, and none of us can get together for a funeral or service for her, so my mom is distressed and a bit scared, since she is only a few years younger than her cousin. She and my dad are staying safe at home, though, so I hope they will be fine.
Much love and prayers to you all on this Holy weekend, whether you celebrate Easter, or Passover, or even just the arrival of Spring here in the northern hemisphere, I hope you have a happy, safe, and blessed weekend!
Apr 10, 2020
mattsmom
Checking in from southeast Ohio. I am spending my time trying to figure out how to teach remotely in a rural school district with very unreliable internet access. We, as teachers, have been tasked with making contact with each of students weekly to insure they are doing well and to find those who need assistance of any kind, not just academically. I am alos spending time cleaning and trying to keep myself generally busy so I don't have too much time to dwell on the negatives of this change in our daily lives right now.
My sailor son is currently deployed and doing well. Heard from him this morning that they are once again being extended which quite frankly makes me feel better since they haven't been exposed to this virus and now will have a longer time of no exposure. My youngest son and my DIL sailor are staying well while she has been reduced to going in a couple of times a week for check ins. While my son typically travels for his job since most of the places he usually does service work for are closed he is staying close to their home as well.
I mostly lurk and absorb the encouragement from my emails, but am also available if someone is in need of an ear. I'm in the eastern time zone.
Easter Blessings for everyone.
Apr 10, 2020
Chipmunk
I love to read all of the stories!! I really rather like it when my chipmunk is not showing up morning and night next to each other!! We have a local station that does a weekend segment about various things around OK. It always ends with "Is this a great state or what?" I was thinking about that this morning and I thought I would just say "Is this a great country or what?" I honestly much prefer learning the national news from you all! I am just not as good as B'sNukeMom with renaming everyone and commenting so I generally do a broad shout out. Here it goes though:
The Hammer - Thank you!
KayCee - Hugs again!! For newbie moms with single sons - before they go to the fleet - help them understand that it is perfectly okay to put your name on the Ombudsman list! If they do and you have a really good Ombudsman, you won't have to pester them as much for news, because you will get it before they do - hopefully!
Tx Mom of Far Away Nuke - Keep us updated, I am interesting in the antigen and donation possibilities for others.
Johanna - I was going to thank you for going and helping out your son and DIL - but with your second comment - I am adding a crown as well!!! Hopefully one day, she will come to appreciate what a wonderful MIL you sound like you really are. My sailor is in Norfolk as well, and I hear a lot from some of the young wives, that I have to tune out. I am glad you are able to help out though!! It means a lot to me as a grandma who can't go see her grandbaby (SIL's work restricts visitors).
Velvetenor - My condolences - I enjoyed our chat earlier!
mattsmom - My mother taught 7 - 12th grade Home Economics in a rural school district. I can not imagine her having to do school and checking on her students then, but even now with more technology. Her district and ours bussed some from 20+ miles away one way, daily. Kuddos to you and all you are doing for your kids both out of love and expectations. - I am with you on the sailor at sea. I would prefer if mine stayed out but their mission is different. They will be coming back to an entirely new way of doing things.
Nancy Jo - wash clothes or as my youngest son said early on "We always have cloth diapers!!" Yep! My husband even wrote an article back to a parenting magazine in response to cloth vs disposable and something they said - from the "Diaper dabbing DooDoo Dad." He was offended to think they would suggest men/ husbands would not change a dirty cloth diaper! - I still did most of them and even with disposables what could be safely flushed was so as not to stink things up too much!
Enough of my orneriness!! I have my RED on and my gray hairs will never be colored, this strawberry blond who had to convince her redheaded daughter that she had the hair everyone else colored theirs for decided long ago that if my husband was happy with me, so was I. Besides, he grayed before I did, but that might have had something to do with taking care of me!!
Apr 10, 2020
Chipmunk
For those of you missing a loved one - I wanted to share this picture from my sister. The flowers are likely bulbs from my father and the little boy statue holding a bird was one my father bought my mother. Easter and Springtime - New Life!
Apr 10, 2020
Johanna
Chipmunk...:))))))))))
Apr 10, 2020
partnerinwine
Checking in from Idaho! Well, these last several weeks have certainly been crazy. We caught a break today though with some beautiful spring weather- birds chirping and beautiful flowers. I continue to work at the hospital. Two weeks ago I started a new position on the Blood and Marrow transplant team. I know how lucky I am to be working and leaving the house each day but I could stand some days off! I don't feel like I am getting things done around the house or keeping up with my youngest son's new school "norm". (Hoping he is!!)
We were able to FaceTime our Nuke last night. He started Prototype last week and seems to be enjoying the speed of it. He said the days are flying by. We would have loved to see him and have him home after power school but his cancelled liberty gave him and his roommates time to move and get all settled in. He is happy, health and safe so what else can I ask for?
Wishing everyone a Happy Easter and Happy Spring! There is a house in our neighborhood that made beautiful chalk art. I will try to post a picture of it...
Apr 10, 2020
partnerinwine
Apr 10, 2020
Chipmunk
partnerinwine - Beautiful! Thanks!!
Apr 10, 2020
Northwoodsmom
Checking in from northern Wisconsin. Had to smile about everyone concerned about their roots showing, infact my devotions today was about worrying about our outward appearances. My Navy son actually was the one who would take care of this for me and he was great about it. Tried to get my hubby on board with it but what a disaster that was. Makes me miss my son even more. I wouldn't mind it so much if I could hide out in my house but with still working it really bothers me. Guess I will have to give hubby another chance at it, please pray for me, he's not working now maybe it could become a new career move, ha ha. You have a Blessed Easter, looks like snow for us.
Apr 10, 2020
NonnaB
Northwoodsmom, wear your rattiest clothes or go naked for this root touch up! I am wearing a cap to work, so the roots are not really a problem now, but, OMG, my nails!
Apr 11, 2020
NonnaB
Velvetenor, sending you and your family sympathy and love.
Apr 11, 2020
NonnaB
Checking in from Mechanicsville VA: I am essential because I work in Radiology at a local hospital. Talked to my son in SC tonight: many tested but most are negative. They are trying to distance but it's difficult on a boat; all who are suspected of having the virus are being quarantined until test results are negative. He and his family are in good health, as am I. Masks, gloves, and hand washing, but, please, please, please, do not try to wear gloves all day and sanitize them because this will not help!
Apr 11, 2020
Chipmunk
NonnaB - Thanks for pointing that out about the gloves! I find no comfort going to a business just because they have gloves on. They might protect their hands, but they have touched everything else and then touch my stuff.
As awkward as they are, I find the disposable food handlers gloves the best. I bought a package at Sam's for inexpensive. The box stays in my car. I put a new pair on before I get out of the car and off before getting back in. My husband thought I was being careless yesterday, but I have actually become pretty adept at removing and flipping off so I have a clean hand to unlock and open my car, with a gloved hand still able to push a cart to return and then pull off those inside out and if I can't throw away, they go on the floorboard and are thrown away in the trashcan in the garage. A pump of sanitizer now occupies my cup holder, so I then sanitize my hands.
Also, all plastics are wiped down that come in the house, fruits vegetables immediately transferred to TW containers, and plastic grocery bags are either thrown out currently or kept in garage away from other items (kind of like dealing with lice to some extent). I told my husband to quit bringing back his plastic bags he takes his lunch in at work, so only his containers come home now.
Glad to hear things are going well for your son!!!
Apr 11, 2020
Northwoodsmom
Good morning ladies, it is a beautiful day here today. Hard to believe that they are expecting 6-9 winches of snow for tomorrow.
I know many of you already pray for our President, like him or not please keep him in your prayers. He will be making a big decision coming up about opening up our country. In my readings this morning I came across Proverbs 11:14 (For lack of guidance nations fall, but many advisors make victory sure.) Let us pray that he is guided by God and all the wonderful advisors that God has placed in front of him. Let not pride or satan get in his way of making good sound decisions. God will answered our prayers so keep it up. Love you all and God Bless you and your loved ones.
Apr 11, 2020
submomIII
Hello - Checking in from Northern California. I work at the local hospital, in medical records, so have been continuing to work. Daughter and her boyfriend work in a restaurant, and have had their hours cut back, but still working. Hubby messed up his ankle a few months ago, and wasn't working anyway. I have worked at the hospital for 33 years, always in house. Yesterday afternoon, I brought computers home and will join those working from home. The hospital is working on sending all of our office home, at least temporarily. Sailor Son is in Guam (not on the TR, but Guam is a small island!). He was home for a bit, and I was hoping he would get stuck in Chico, but no such luck. He was quarantined in a house for 2 weeks, then sent to his ship, which itself is quarantined for about a month. His original plan was to go early, to find a place and get settled. Now, looks like that will be about May, and he will have to fit things in around his work schedule. He doesn't have his car or personal belongings, other than what he had with him when he moved - uniforms, some clothes, computer, phone, Kindle, so he played a lot of games during the two weeks he was stuck in the house there. His ship brought him meals three times a day. It's a different world right now, and I hope you are all staying as safe as possible. Have I told you how much I enjoy this group?!!! I don't post often, but read it all. :)
Apr 11, 2020
WearsLargeHats
Northwoods mom - it is in our liturgy. There are several forms. I like the classic Rite 1:
"We beseech thee also so to rule the hearts of those who bear
the authority of government in this and every land [especially
], that they may be led to wise decisions and right
actions for the welfare and peace of the world."
We have sometimes used variations on this Collect for those who serve:
Heavenly Father,
we commend to your gracious care and keeping
all the men and women in our Armed Forces at home and abroad.
Defend them day by day with your heavenly grace;
strengthen them in their trials and temptations;
and give them courage to face the perils that beset them;
and help them to know that nothing can separate them from your love;
in Jesus Christ our Lord.
And I am very fond of this Compline prayer:
Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or
weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who
sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless
the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the
joyous; and all for your love's sake.
Apr 11, 2020
Northwoodsmom
Thank you so much WearsLargeHats. I will keep these prays to use, sometimes I feel like the words I use are not good enough. Thank God he knows my heart otherwise I am afraid I would sound like a babbling idiot.
Apr 11, 2020
WearsLargeHats
Northwoodsmom, I sent you a message.
Apr 11, 2020
Chipmunk
submomIII - Good to hear from you! I was in the medical billing and medical records field until our 2nd daughter was born and we moved to WA for my husband's schooling. Thanks for sharing about your sailor's experiences as of late.
WearsLargeHats - Always good to hear from you. Thank you for sharing the prayers!
Apr 11, 2020
Tulip
All, Easter blessings to you and your Sailors! May the Risen Lord strengthen you at this time of fear and struggle on so many levels.
Thanks to those who provided insight regarding the care packages to carriers. We heard from our son’s fiancé yesterday and she said there is not an outbreak on her carrier and she is well. Thanks be to God.
Apr 12, 2020
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Apr 12, 2020
Chipmunk
Tulip - Glad to hear that your son's fiancé's carrier is healthy and well!! Sailor's coming back into port and facing all of this for the first time is going to be an adjustment. But keeping their healthy "bubble" is also going to be a challenge. May they all stay well.
May everyone have a wonderful day - I enjoyed some early morning messages I received - thank you my friends.
B'sNukeMom - Christ the Lord is Risen Indeed!!
Apr 12, 2020
Kristen
My son graduated BC on 4/10 and called saying he thought he might leave for A school on Sat. We still haven’t heard anything and wish we knew what was going on. Has anyone heard anything?
Apr 13, 2020
Chipmunk
Kristen - Good Morning! The "No News is Good News" mantra continues to carry over from BC through the Nuke training Pipeline and on throughout the fleet. Old normal is having to shift to new temporary normal - yesterday was a holiday - and so many factors come into play. Even if your sailor arrived in GC (Goose Creek) yesterday, there may have been multiple things going on so you did not rec'v a call. Also, if they are transporting by bus or other means, they may be waiting until they have enough Nukes to make it worthwhile for the alternate travel. Hang Tight Sea Sister!
Apr 13, 2020
Chipmunk
Good Morning SuzyPWarrior and everyone else!!
I hope your weekend and Easter was blessed with phone calls or text messages from your sailor!! Mine arrived back into port - so I honestly was glad we were doing online church service! Much easier to step into the other room, than exit down the church aisle to take a call from your sailor!! He is switching to night shift - which doesn't really help my youngest (currently struggling w/ social distancing) be able to Skype well with his brother - his "normal" social distancing.
Apr 13, 2020
Kristen
Apr 13, 2020
Chipmunk
Kristen - Yes, holidays are hard and especially with the way yours fell, such that you are in that limbo state between not able to call and able to call. It does get a little easier while they are at NNPTC - but then again, it honestly depends on your sailor. Many of them get busy with their study schedules, if it is their first time away from home - they are trying out their "flying away from home" wings. I will say that my sailor told me that the command was always instructing the sailors that they needed to be making contact with home, so that NNPTC was not receiving calls from family checking on their sailors.
Once your son is at GC and has a basic schedule - you can figure out what works best for you to text or call. They don't have their phones with them in class, study, or PT, so you have to "catch" them. I learned when my sailor went from PT back to his BEQ to shower and often got ahold of him then. Mine was/ is as able now, a lot more communicative than most which is why I have information shared above.
Don't hesitate to ask any questions that you have.
Apr 13, 2020
Chipmunk
NNPTC - Naval Nuclear Power Training Command
GC - Goose Creek, South Carolina
BEQ - Bachelor Enlisted Quarters - Single Females are also considered Bachelors according to my son.
Apr 13, 2020