General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsHow many of us live alone? I haven't sat down and talked to a real person in 3 weeks
Fortunately I have 3 dogs to keep me company.
I don't normally cook but i am managing to cook enough to stay alive. You just have to ignore how it tastes.
The man who normally cuts my lawn is super high risk so he might not be there. Just have to let it grow.
Wounded Bear
(58,662 posts)no_hypocrisy
(46,118 posts)And I'm nested.
I only leave the house to work in a grocery emporium.
polmaven
(9,463 posts)I am a cashier at a grocery store, so I am working (part time) several days a week.
leftyladyfrommo
(18,868 posts)As long as SS keeps coming I will be ok. Just need to be really careful.
RKP5637
(67,111 posts)I might have to, I would have a cat. My last one was like a 7x24 soul mate.
tblue37
(65,395 posts)RKP5637
(67,111 posts)The Velveteen Ocelot
(115,732 posts)I've talked to real people on the phone and via the Internet but haven't actually been face-to-face with any since March 14. I don't really like my own cooking but that's OK; since I'm on a diet I don't have to eat very much of it. But now I'm in the process of cleaning and sorting out some stuff I should have taken care of months ago. I have no excuse for ignoring this project anymore. When this is all over my house will be clean, and I will be thinner and grayer and probably will have a terrible case of agoraphobia.
leftyladyfrommo
(18,868 posts)But it's so dusty. I need a day when I can open up the house. Three dogs make for a lot of dust.
I don't have a TV. I found some books to read ar CVS. The library closed before I could get there.
avebury
(10,952 posts)You can subscribe to it and they will send you an emails with suggestions of free books. When you sign up you can indicate what genres that you prefer. If you don't have access to a kindle you can probably download a kindle reader for your computer or cell phone.
You would be surprised what you can find on youtube to watch for free. Another great website is watchnewslive.tv .
If you do have a cell phone there are a lot of great aps:
Old Movies
Podbean
Podcast Republic
Amazon Kindle
Worscapes
Happy Color
Mahjong
Tanuki
(14,918 posts)public domain books you can read for free. Even if you don't have a special e-book reader, you can read right from your browser.
https://www.gutenberg.org
True Blue American
(17,985 posts)My Librarian told me to stock up! All read,I broke down, signed up on the Library site. Am now reading Ebooks on my IPAD. After years of resistance I am actually enjoying it. With Internet, phone and Face Time it is not bad.
xmas74
(29,674 posts)You have a Mid Continent card? You can use it online.
Siwsan
(26,267 posts)I life in an older subdivision and there's quite a bit of space between houses which allows for much more than a 6 foot social distance.
Sherman A1
(38,958 posts)Just talking to the neighbors.
leftyladyfrommo
(18,868 posts)The guy on one side is a real freak and I just try never to see him.
I have really young kids on the other side and they could care less about an old lady.
Siwsan
(26,267 posts)I find everyone seems glad to have a change of scenery and the chance to talk to someone different.
Demovictory9
(32,457 posts)The Velveteen Ocelot
(115,732 posts)The neighbors on the other side are assholes who, a couple of summers ago, sprayed Round-Up along the property line and killed a 2' wide swath of everything growing on my side of the line, just to let me know how much they hated my landscaping (native plants, no lawn). I wish my social distance from them could be measured in miles rather than feet.
leftyladyfrommo
(18,868 posts)He doesn't like my dogs.
Something weird is going on over there. I don't think they have any utilities except water. The gas meter is gone. I never see any lights. The blinds are always down and they never come outside.
I kind of wonder if he is a vet with ptsd or something. He doesn't work.
I keep hoping they will move. They rent.
Doreen
(11,686 posts)Lulu KC
(2,566 posts)Jamastiene
(38,187 posts)Except I have two cats instead of 3 dogs. Same with the lawn. I'm gonna have to let it grow for now. I have lived alone, officially, since last March, but before that I took care of my quadriplegic aunt who became a shell of her former self in the last few years. I still need to undo all of the alterations to my home to accommodate her huge medical equipment and her needs. It was like living alone with a lot of extra responsibility and no help from anyone in the rest of the family. My aunt died last October. I have since had to cut ties with the rest of the family because of the way they tried to take the credit for taking care of her for the 30 years, all of my adult life from age 18 until last March. I gave up having a life at all the minute I was old enough to have an adult life and they tried to shove me out of the way and claim credit. They knew nothing about how to take care of my aunt. So, the Hospices and hospitals let them run their mouths, then called me to find out what really was our routine before. They knew.
As bad as it can get sometimes, alone is better, in my case. I'm not hurting as far as the dealing with the being alone stuff so much, because I am kind of used to it. It has always been on my shoulders to figure out what to do, because even when I was taking care of my aunt, it was still on me to run the household and take care of her too. Now, it's just me and the cats. I'm relieved because of that, in a way, even though I do miss my aunt. She was really the one who raised me. I despise MS though, for taking her, slowly and painfully.
Kitchari
(2,166 posts)All caregivers have my utmost respect
renate
(13,776 posts)Im so sorry. It sounds like a difficult and lonely 30 years, and then to be treated like that by your family is absolutely horrible.
I hope that you are able to bloom and blossom now that your caregiving has come to an end. It wont be easy to figure out how, because you have a 30-year delay compared with others your age, but it will be worth it. You did something so wonderful for your aunt and now you deserve joy.
Sunriser13
(612 posts)Sending a hug - please hug yourself, too...
Cirque du So-What
(25,941 posts)Nah, Im OK.
Newest Reality
(12,712 posts)No pets, friends or family. In a tent.
You get an opportunity to know yourself, which can be an ongoing process. Often, people will turn to diverse distractions in order to avoid that; things like work, entertainment, games, sex, drugs, etc. The amount of distancing from self depends on many factors, especially since we tend to be wired to be social, or so it seems.
Some people have an introverted, natural proclivity for being alone. Others have a strong avoidance factor based on past experiences, conditioning and such. However, knowing one's self, (whatever that turns out to be or not be) is an ancient practice, especially when, once you start looking, you find that it is not a tangible thing to grasp. That's when you look into what we call mind and find out what you are, or are not.
With persistence and understanding, there can be a deep, profound, clear and luminous peace within that recognition and it even changes one's views about life, existence and death. So, you could say it can be a valuable opportunity if you are willing to go all the way.
Rorey
(8,445 posts)I've been getting to know myself. Turns out I'm pretty awesome.
I had the good luck to catch my now-ex-husband cheating a little over a year and a half ago. I didn't realize how miserable I had been for so long until he was gone. On a personal level, I've never been happier.
leftyladyfrommo
(18,868 posts)Rorey
(8,445 posts)I'm kinda surprised at how much I like it. I have absolutely no interest in complicating my life again.
malaise
(269,039 posts)I'll help you make it taste delicious. It's much easier than you think.
leftyladyfrommo
(18,868 posts)a little egg steamer, a small crock pot and a small coffee maker, and a toaster .
Most things are ok steamed but meat has no flavor. I can live with no flavor. I have to eat some meat because I have trouble with severe anemia.
Fish is good and I like fish. Chicken isn't too bad. Beef and pork have no taste.
I am managing ok. But I will keep that in mind and contact you if I get desperate for something that tastes decent.
Thank you
csziggy
(34,136 posts)You can make a rub for meat, then cook it in the crock pot nearly dry. Put onion, carrot, celery, or potato (or any combo you have) underneath the meat so it is not down in it's own juices. This works for chicken, beef, and pork. I also put garlic in a lot of things.
Try these for ideas on using herbs and spices:
A Beginner's Guide to Herbs and Spices
How to Use Herbs and Spices in Cooking
One tip I have is once you begin using herbs and spices in recipes, vary the amounts. One of the most boring things about packaged and restaurant food is that it is the same every single time. Cooking your own, you can change out the flavorings, change the amounts, and make it different every time.
leftyladyfrommo
(18,868 posts)if i put the onions and potatoes on the bottom and meat on top how much water? It's a small crockpot.
I don't have spices except salt.
I bought ham hocks to fix with beans and rice. That will last a while.
I really stocked up on beans and rice. I have canned meat for sandwiches.
I am just not a cook. I did really stock up on cereal so i have that and coffee for breakfastl.
csziggy
(34,136 posts)Maybe some wine, but not much. If it is a fatty cut of meat, sometimes I don't put in any liquid.
With pork, I mostly make it for pulled pork - then I do put in some beer or red wine after rubbing the roast with seasonings.
I think you need to see about building a "library" of herbs and spices - that would make a world of difference in adding flavor. You can add a few at a time so the cost is not out of range - or look for one of the sets of spices and herbs to get started. Right now I can't find any to recommend, but I gave one last Christmas that was very nice for a great price from Costco.
Fresh herbs are best, but dried herbs are easier and cheaper.
I'm a big fan of herbs and spices - but then my husband and I owned a store that sold them so I've had access to as many varieties as I wanted for decades. I also prefer making my own blends rather than buy off the shelf so I can tailor them to my tastes.
Sunriser13
(612 posts)There are some good variety boxes for reasonable prices. There are also some really good recipes on the site.
Penzeys Spices
As a bonus, Bill Penzey is a terrific Wisconsin democrat. I recommend subscribing to his e-mails, as they offer some very good specials, with both free and sale products. Besides, his writings are really powerful, enough so that Repubs called for a boycott of his business. The attempt just gave him free advertising.
Anyway, check it out - I have no affiliation to the site, I'm just a very satisfied customer.
csziggy
(34,136 posts)At the link you posted:
If I didn't have an excellent local food co-op which sells loose herbs and spices, I'd order from Penzey's.
Sunriser13
(612 posts)Yeah, he shut it down about March 21st or so. He said it'd be about 3 weeks (from then), but I'd imagine this stay-at-home will last a bit beyond that...
Sorry!
avebury
(10,952 posts)I picked up a single burner at the Walmart neighborhood store for about 9 or 10 bucks. You might be able to find more flavorful ways to cook your meat.
I made home made fried rice yesterday. You can use your steamer to cook the rice. I use my single burner to cook 3 scrambled eggs (which are then set aside). I use a bigger pan to cook a few cup up pieces of bacon (set aside). If I can get a bag to xs shrimp I will buy a bad and thaw out some to heat up (put aside).
For the veggies, I cut up some mushrooms, onion and carrots after which I add some big bean sprouts, lettuce and a bad of frozen veggies. Once the veggies are cooked you add in the scrambled egg (it helps to keep the rice from drying out too much), bacon, shrimp (if you have it on hand) and rice and heat it up. If you have soy sauce if you have it on hand.
I live by myself and make a pretty good size batch of fried rice. I tend to add whatever veggies that I can get ahold of.
leftyladyfrommo
(18,868 posts)I ordered a coffeepot from Amazon but it won't be delivered until the end of April. So ordering is getting more difficult.
I will go to walmart early in the morning.
avebury
(10,952 posts)you can do a really mean crockpot roast in one. It is great for soups too. You can find a lot of recipes online for the different types of crockpot meals.
leftyladyfrommo
(18,868 posts)My big steamer has a slow cooker setting. But I don't want to tie it up for hours because I use it for just about everything.
I also have a lot of pasta I could cook in the slow cooker with some meat and vegetables.
csziggy
(34,136 posts)This was long before microwaves were household appliances. The frying pan was a lot easier and safer than a hot plate (these days you might want to invest in an induction hot plate and pans that will work with it).
A toaster oven is more versatile than a regular toaster and can be used as a mini oven. I even cooked a mini Thanksgiving dinner from scratch in a toaster oven - Cornish game hen over dressing with green beans cooked in a little electric hot water pot.
The iron was great for making grilled cheese sandwiches or what today is called a panini. Make the sandwich, butter the bread (today I'd spray oil on the outside), wrap in foil. Turn the iron on medium to high, put on top of the sandwich, flip the sandwich over after a few minutes, "iron" the other side. You'd have to play with the time and settings for your iron. Plus, this keeps the iron clean so you can still use it on your clothes!
All my appliance were bought from thrift stores back in the day, but they lasted me through college and a ways past graduation.
Aquaria
(1,076 posts)Are awesome. Took mine with me on a business trip when I got put on a low sodium diet. I was able to make taco meat, rice and refried beans with it. You need to use foil between the lid and pan to get rice to have a tight enough seal to turn out right during the simmer process, but thats no biggie. Ive made pasta with it, too, in a pinch.
Aquaria
(1,076 posts)Small ones can be had for around $30. Theyre not really fryers, but mini-convection ovens. The oven part can make all the difference in cooking flavorful food. I use one for burgers, steaks, chicken, salmon, pork chops and more.
I started with a small one, but then got a larger one for roasting chicken, turkey breasts, and even halves of pot roasts. Now I now use the smaller one to make veggies or reheat fast food onion rings. My husband swears by the air fryer as the best, ever, at reheating French fries and tater tots. I take his word for it since I dont eat any potato (allergy). I also use it now to re-heat the occasional takeout burger, to reduce the chance of COVID-19 infection. If I dont make something, I dont trust it, really.
malaise
(269,039 posts)leftyladyfrommo
(18,868 posts)It's a big one. You can slow cook and fix oatmeal. I usually just steam stuff. I am not picky about how things taste.
marybourg
(12,633 posts)either 6 feet apart on her patio or mine, or at the edge of my open garage. Neither of us have much other exposure to people and both of us were in the midst of important transitions that are being stymied by the virus. We each need to encourage and comfort the other.
ooky
(8,924 posts)this is a change to never see my adult children or grandkids these days. My 7 year old granddaughter and I communicate pretty much daily using Messenger, she's having a hard time with the isolation too.
I also have friendly neighbors on three sides and we shout back and forth. One of them sits on his side and me on my side and have a beer together.
AmericanCanuck
(1,102 posts)Also, the guy who mows your lawn on the outside poses no danger to you. Just pay him directly into his bank account via your bank's mobile app.
leftyladyfrommo
(18,868 posts)Last edited Sat Apr 4, 2020, 12:34 PM - Edit history (1)
I doubt he is leaving his house now. I might still hear from him. Mowing yards should be pretty safe.
I don't know how to Skype and my brother is doing good to use FB. But we call each other pretty often.
I keep in touch with my neices on FB.
AmericanCanuck
(1,102 posts)and have all your loved ones do so also. It is much better than a call - you get to see as many as 6 people on video at once and hold a get-together.
UTUSN
(70,706 posts)There are several nieces and their families in the same city, all in text/phone communication. Retired teacher, no sewing/crafts/musical instrument. Her only pursuits were Catholic mass *daily* (besides rosary, praying) and concerts, both public things gone (just on t.v.).
I joked with her that, really, the rest of the world has been forced to live *her* life.
appalachiablue
(41,143 posts)convenience store, community ctr. and plenty of folks of all ages and pets. Units are smallish but cozy, and so with music, the pc, radio, books, contacts nearby, distancing and precautions things will be ok.
PJMcK
(22,037 posts)We've kept to ourselves in our mountain house. The only people we've seen were at the supermarket.
My wife said the same thing you wrote: She hasn't sat down and talked to a real person in 3 weeks.
(wink)
spinbaby
(15,090 posts)Eight cats. I keep in touch with people by phone. My son drops off groceries. Fortunately I live in a very walkable neighborhood and can chat with neighbors at a distance.
Response to spinbaby (Reply #24)
elocs This message was self-deleted by its author.
Response to leftyladyfrommo (Original post)
elocs This message was self-deleted by its author.
Baclava
(12,047 posts)Stocked up for a month or two, and I have ordered TP and masks, on the way from China on a slow boat, should be here by the end of the month, lol
Response to Baclava (Reply #28)
elocs This message was self-deleted by its author.
Rorey
(8,445 posts)denoting or having a personality type characterized by emotional aloofness and solitary habits.
I'm definitely not emotionally aloof, but I do have solitary habits.
I learned something new today. Awesome. Thanks.
Response to Rorey (Reply #40)
elocs This message was self-deleted by its author.
Baclava
(12,047 posts)But on the home front I prefer self sufficient behavior, we all adapt to what works best for us, I hope
Rorey
(8,445 posts)Well stated, and that's how I am. I actually do enjoy being around others once I'm there, but there's a limit to how long I want to do that before it's time for me to go home and be with my favorite person (myself).
Decoy of Fenris
(1,954 posts)I can't wait for the next ten-year meeting where all us hermits gather up to swap stories about caves. It's all good fun, for a hermit.
Seriously. This entire affair has been 'business as usual' for me and mine and I'd be lying if I said I didn't get a chuckle about all the super-social people losing their minds. Keep rockin' on, mate! You set a wonderful example for all to follow.
wryter2000
(46,051 posts)Fortunately, I love being alone. I speak to real people on zoom at least once a week.
phylny
(8,380 posts)We were about 10 feet away from each other. It was nice.
I wish you well.
leftyladyfrommo
(18,868 posts)Last edited Sun Apr 5, 2020, 01:57 PM - Edit history (1)
But i do miss not being able to go to the library and to my customer's houses.
And watching the news on internet is so depressing.
CousinIT
(9,247 posts)I work from home so a lot of Zooming during the week, that keeps my mind busy. Also puttering in my yard and going for walks (mask on) helps me keep sane.
roamer65
(36,745 posts)Daddys home.
Lars39
(26,109 posts)They're instituting "Happy Hour" at least once a week online for everybody to chat non-work stuff.
Just trying to help everybody get thru this ok.
DarthDem
(5,255 posts)It's nice that they're there to keep you company. Maybe try Zooming or Skyping with friends, family, or groups (book club, support group, what have you) on a regular basis.
cry baby
(6,682 posts)I was a caregiver for my mom who was 92. She passed away last Saturday.
I have a wonderful little cat and my kids live nearby. My kids arent allowed in the house, though. They understand. Theyre staying in their own homes.
Im a bit of a low energy introvert, so feeling ok about staying in until its safe.
Siwsan
(26,267 posts)My mother died 5 years ago, from Alzheimer's. She was 87.
cry baby
(6,682 posts)with my mother. I cant imagine how hard it is to lose a loved one to that horrible disease.
lunasun
(21,646 posts)cry baby
(6,682 posts)tavernier
(12,392 posts)And lots of places to walk .
Send me a message if you get bored or lonely. Im always up for a good conversation.
sagetea
(1,369 posts)I was alone for 5 yrs. saw my husband 20 days a year. In that time, I learned guitar, oil painting, belly dancing, and Lakota language. Thank god for You tube!!! I also have 3 acres. with gardens and an orchard.
My daughter who had taken a year off from school, came home, now this happens!! lol!! She got accepted into grad school though (Yay!) the school is about 40 min. from the house!
I wish I could send you a care package! Even a hand written letter seems to help sometimes...I don't know why, but, it does...maybe it's nostalgia...?
At one point (in my self isolation) I got so lonely, I invited a woman I met in a motel parking lot, to come home with me....it didn't turn out so well! But, I just wanted a friend so bad!! I don't recommend that...lol!!!
sage
wendyb-NC
(3,327 posts)I have 3 cats and a Chihuahua. They keep me busy, and usually aren't argumentative. Due to Coronavirus , I kind of dread going out, but, I do go for supplies and necessities. I plan ahead and find that the stores are less crowded when the first open in the morning. I made a cloth mask on the sewing machine from some t-shirt cloth and a cotton print fabric.
I do talk with family and friends occasionally, through texts or phone call. I'm always talking with the pets, they seem to be good listeners. I know they understand me because, well yesterday morning , I wanted shower before going to the store, but didn't want my hair wet. I have no shower cap so I put a plastic bag on my head. I had a feeling I was being watched, turns out it was my tabby cat staring at me as if to say, Now what? Never a dull moment.
IADEMO2004
(5,555 posts)and they all want money to fix the roof and siding.
Surprised last fall when a caucus volunteer I was training said I was a loner. I thought I was just comfortable at home. I was always the family cook so I have that covered. Lucky I have family and friends that are musicians that keep in touch on facebook. Not the same as being with them live but better than nothing. I'm getting by OK but hope this ends soon with minimal loss of life.
mnhtnbb
(31,392 posts)in a downtown high rise apartment building.
I have been staying in since I returned a week early from a birthday trip on March 9. Spent a couple of days stocking up with food, library books, etc., and have only been in a store twice since then.
I have to go out to walk the dog several times/day. Used to enjoy chatting with people in the elevator or on walks. Not now. I keep my distance. Management put up signs in the elevator to remind people to observe social distancing in the elevator.
We do have a 24 hour staffed front desk in the lobby. The other day the guard sitting there spoke to me and my voice cracked from lack of use when I tried to respond!
Indykatie
(3,697 posts)I am loving having her here. Our personalities are similar (introverts) and it's a big house so we each have plenty space. Just knowing she's in the house is comforting even when I can't see her in her basement lair.
Codeine
(25,586 posts)Social interaction grates on me.
Happy Hoosier
(7,311 posts)My wife and daughter are here, and were doing okay, but each of is trying to talk to friends a few times a week using phones or computers. That helps!
SharonClark
(10,014 posts)We talk with other walkers (from a safe distance). I talk on the phone to friends and family several times a day. I've spring cleaned every cupboard, drawer, and closet. I have a ton of books. And my favorite thing, I'm trying new recipes. What I miss are concerts and theatre and random shopping and drinking wine with friends in person.
I plan to go to the grocery store for the first time in 2 weeks although I may not go and just continue with what I have on hand.
I just take it day by day and I'm grateful to be retired.
ananda
(28,866 posts)I talk to people on the phone and play online bridge.
keithbvadu2
(36,823 posts)Seen on facebook: Anyone else getting 3 weeks to the gallon?
leftyladyfrommo
(18,868 posts)by not having to drive. Of course I don't have any money coming in.
lindysalsagal
(20,692 posts)1. I already run zoom meetings: They're easy. Download free zoom and just click the link. No login.
2. PM me. I won't post emails.
3. We'll need to use real email, so, think twice
4. I absolutely promise I won't record it
5. Earbuds are a must so the sound doesn't feedback
6. I think anyone who joins must use their phone or laptop camera and not stay hidden.
7. We'll stick to screen names, exclusively
Midnight Writer
(21,768 posts)I often go for weeks at a time without interactions, save for checkout clerks at stores.
It's not that I don't like people, it's just that I find it exhausting to deal with them.
leftyladyfrommo
(18,868 posts)I am ok for a while and then I need to go home again.
hauweg
(98 posts)I'm trying to adjust after my wife of 24 years passed last month. Sometimes I walk to the grocery store to get some food, but most of the groceries is delivered and dropped at the door. No close interactions in some time besides with my cat. It's not easy to cope with the new situation.
leftyladyfrommo
(18,868 posts)I am used to being alone. I talk to myself a lot.
I have a friend who just lost his wife of 26 years. And they had a really close relationship.
He is trying to stay busy but it's just hard.
cayugafalls
(5,641 posts)Stay well.
xmas74
(29,674 posts)leftyladyfrommo
(18,868 posts)xmas74
(29,674 posts)I know my clubs in Warrensburg are running through Zoom. Our meetings are shorter, mostly just to check in.
leftyladyfrommo
(18,868 posts)I don't know anything about Skype or Zoom.
I do message people on FB. I can check in that way
xmas74
(29,674 posts)And I usually Zoom on my phone. I can check in on my break at work.
shanti
(21,675 posts)No dogs, but two old cats. I'm a good cook, so no problems there. I went shopping a week ago, after 3 weeks in, but I did talk to the cashier, lol. Other than that, I have 4 sons, a brother, and a guy friend that I talk to by phone on a regular basis, so I don't feel entirely alone. No front lawn to care for, as I had it xeriscaped a couple of years ago, but I do have a small backyard that needs some TLC. Now, if my internet goes out, I'll be in big trouble!
Stay safe and healthy!
lunatica
(53,410 posts)Im pretty much of a hermit, so my life hasnt changed. I get my groceries delivered which Ive been doing for years.