Changing Situations

So our personal situation has changed since the last post about how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting our lives.  Apologies to my descendants that I'm not doing well documenting everything in real time.

Thursday at work had several meetings to discuss allowing us to work remote.  While they had been letting people with special circumstances request the ability to work remote, the teams were unified that if everyone didn't have the option, they didn't want to be singled out and request it.  Then it came to light that one of my employees was exposed to someone who was exhibiting some symptoms and a second person in my immediate area also was home exhibiting some symptoms.  Nothing confirmed - it might just have been the regular flu, but out of abundance of caution, they allowed us to make the choice to work remote.

My entire team did so and worked remote starting on Friday.  That day was packed with meetings and emails as we kept hearing about state after state being on lockdown.  This will be affecting our customers and of course, cash flow.  How we manage through this will be critical.  Being in credit & collections and trying to make sure companies pay you is hard enough when the world isn't on fire.

Additionally, Eileen's work has suspended basic operations for the next month except for key individuals.  She has been designated one, so keeps working for now.  Fortunately, we've been eliminating debt in the past few years, so financially we should be all right - but a lot of people won't.  There is a government stimulus check coming, but it might be too late.

Social media is full of panic - from stories about martial law to empty grocery shelves.  People are starting to share stories of how it is hitting home because they know someone who has died from this.   Grocery store shelves are empty and you cannot request online pickup dates or order items from Amazon as they are marking things out of stock.

I'm checking in more with family via FaceTime.  We did go out yesterday to try to find some meat - went to the Amish market and was able to get some things.  Yeast is another items that is running low - too many people making their own bread now, apparently.

Today is a new day, and I wonder what new craziness awaits us.

Aunt Vera's Diary - March 20th

In the summer of 2019, I was able to photograph the entries in the diary of my maternal great-aunt, Vera (Haley) Stuber.  The entries cover the years from 1968-1971 time frame and provide an interesting view of her daily activities. Items in brackets are my notes for further research.

Stuber, Vera Delphene (Haley). "Journal." MS. Fort Recovery, Ohio, 1968-1971. Privately held by Juanita (LeMaster) Steigerwalt, [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE,] Muncie, Indiana, 2020.

1968 - March 20th - Wednesday

Attended prayer meeting.  Real warm today but say rain tonight.

1969 - March 20th - Thursday

Clarence got coal and worked at church.  I did some ironing & mending.  Mopped & waxed kitchen.  Attended revival at Leona's church.

1970 - March 20th - Friday

Did some cleaning today.

1971 - March 20th - Saturday

Baked cake.  Attended fish fry at the Fire Dept. in eve, then on to Youth Revival at our church.

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Vera Delphene (Haley) Stuber was born 10 March 1890 in Jay County, Indiana, daughter of Eli Weldon & Cora Belle (Metzner) Haley.  She married 14 February 1915 in Jay County, Indiana to Clarence Leroy Stuber.  Vera died 17 June 1987 in Portland, Jay County, Indiana. Clarence was born 4 February 1891 in Jay County, Indiana, son of Henry and Margaret (Metzger) Stuber.  Clarence died 20 May 1981 in Portland, Jay County, Indiana.  They had no surviving children. 

Living Through Historic Times

The entire world seems upside down right now and we are definitely living in some interesting times.  The COVID-19 virus is beginning to spread in the U.S. and it seems all consuming in the news. All of the genealogy groups are reminding people to write about what is happening in their lives to document for future generations.  

What this reminds me of is the turmoil of what happened after the 9/11 attacks, except for the closures.  In 2001, they told you to keep doing your normal routine - shop, eat, etc. - don' t let the terrorists win.  In 2020, the enemy is an unseen virus and the economy is shutting down as businesses are beginning to be ordered shut down.

Back in 2001, I didn't write anything down for future generations - and to date, I've been lax about telling what has been going on here.

The grandkids' school is out and may be done for the year.  Both Eileen & I have been working - and worrying about who has brought the exposure into our workplace.  Her work has implemented some flex schedules for her.  My workplace has not allowed us to work remote, even though we have the ability to do so.  Frustration and confusion with that situation continues.

Social media is full of stories of folks whose work has either been closed, having them work remote or they are being self-quarantined.  Saw a Facebook post yesterday of a distant cousin which stated they were sick and described their conditions.  That made me realize we are going to watch this unfold in real time on Facebook, Twitter, etc. as it spreads.

Fortunately, Indiana hasn't had it as bad yet - but it will come.  Watching the COVID-19 Task Force urge people to stay home and then seeing reports of young people (even in my family) take trips and act like it is not going to be a big deal makes me want to shake my head.

Early in our marriage, Eileen & I were visiting a cemetery where some of her family is buried and we noticed all of the people who died around the 1918-19 time period.  She wondered what was going on during that time, and we talked about the Spanish Flu epidemic.  I fear we are getting ready to see a repeat of that situation here soon.

The panic buying of items such as toilet paper has put a strain on supply for the grocery stores.  We have tried to find alternative arrangements as the normal pickup at WalMart locally is unavailable.  We are not suffering any shortages at home.  I feel I peaked too early a few years ago with all of my canning.  Back then, I looked like a prepper - those who stocked up then are looking right now.

Saw a news article warning people not to pull money out of the bank and wondered why they are trying to warn us not to?  Obviously, they are afraid of a run on the banks.  Glad our financial situation has been good and our elimination of debt through the years will reap reward.

At work I'm dealing with trying to manage a team of people who have high anxiety over the situation.  Every news report brings another round of fear.  The governor called out the National Guard, closed restaurants to dine in customers, etc.  The havoc this is beginning to cause to the economy will be brutal.

The younger folks weren't adults during 9/11 and don't have any idea how quickly life as we know it in this country can change in an instant.