Matt's Journal

This list will grow.

We took a walk past the zoo. It’s closed; the giraffes were absent and their doors shut. Fairytale Town and Funderland: closed. We saw one hobo nearby, but otherwise the area was empty. The family text stream shows life going on with Martha and family returning from Tulane. There are plenty of jokes and funny memes.

The two boys next store are home-schooling with their Dad. One of them gave me a birthday present (sweet) and a long chat with both neighbors ensued. I was able to stop the Kearns’ sprinkler from leaking — just by turning it on and off again.

No masses until further notice. The Dallas Diocese took advantage of the situation:

California’s on it – they have one of the highest counts of stricken people (being a large state; NY has a high count too).

Even the President has chimed in. Late, but better than never. A golden opportunity for he and his administration to show themselves competent and good for the country.

I have a couple of interview opportunities for articles going, but may not be able to do them in a coffeehouse. We will figure it out as we go.

Panic buying continues. The food coop had a long line out front this afternoon, as they’ve limited the store to 50 people at a time. Other stores reduced their hours – Raley’s, Safeway. Smart & Final was clogged with goods as the workers shelved; shoppers and workers mingled without incident. A nice lady let me in with my bottle of distilled water. Most of the water was gone.

The YMCA: closed. City libraries: closed. Rebuilding Together (I volunteer there) suspended their operations. SCC, of course, is closed (though operating virtually).

The family text string is going strong.

“We’re all going to be legendary ping pong players by the end of all this” – Judi

“When you work from home happy hour starts at 5:31!” – Betsi

“I’m just drinking tap water or water from my fridge dispenser” – Anne

“Readers Digest has puzzles at the back of the book that I seldom do but times they are a changing!” – Janet

“Mom, how’s your pantry and fridge inventories? Let us know if we can help” – Luke

“True, mama…they’ll catch up” – Mark, to Mom, about stores being out of supplies due to panic buying.