April 04, 2020 COVID-19- The (CARES) Act continued

The CARES Act is the largest economic relief bill in US history and will allocate $2.2 trillion in support to individuals and businesses. 

Over the next few days I’m going to try to look into each component as we continue to stay in and help “flatten the curve” 

Here’s a breakdown of how the money will be distributed.

Key Updates to the CARES Act

• Unemployment insurance provisions now include an additional $600 per week payment to each recipient for up to four months, and extend UI benefits to self-employed workers, independent contractors, and those with limited work history. The federal government will provide temporary full funding of the first week of regular unemployment for states with no waiting period and extend UI benefits for an additional 13 weeks through December 31, 2020 after state UI benefits end.
• The proposed recovery rebates will use 2019 tax returns (2018 if the taxpayer has not filed in 2019) to determine the advanced rebate amount and reconcile the rebate based on 2020 income. This means that taxpayers who receive a smaller rebate than they are eligible for based on 2020 income will receive the difference after filing a 2020 tax return, but overpayments of rebates due to a higher income in 2020 will not be clawed back.
• Employers are eligible for a 50 percent refundable payroll tax credit on wages paid up to $10,000 during the crisis. The credit would be available to employers whose businesses were disrupted due to virus shutdowns and those that had a decrease in gross receipts of 50 percent or more when compared to the same quarter last year. The credit can be claimed for employees who are retained but not currently working due to the crisis for firms with more than 100 employees, and for all employee wages for firms with 100 or fewer employees.
• Certain employer payments of student loans on behalf of employees are excluded from taxable income. Employers may contribute up to $5,250 annually toward student loans, and the payments would be excluded from an employee’s income.      There’s a lot of grumbling and negativity out there, but there has been since President Trump has been elected. No matter what he does, he’s not ever going to make everyone happy. 

Remember the old saying 

“You can please some of the people all of the time, you can please all of the people some of the time, but you can’t please all of the people all of the time”.

That’s how his whole presidency has been. He’s put America first over anything. He’s brought jobs back, he’s built the best economy ever, and he’s had to battle daily democratic and media bashing. May God bless him and keep him strong and healthy to get us through this mess. 

  I remember back in the ‘70s someone asking “What is more important, Freedom or Peace?”  

Benjamin Franklin said it best: 

  Instead of bashing our President, let’s lift him up. He truly has the weight of the world on his shoulders. He’s doing the best he can for our country. He’s trying to see past this mess, so when we do come through this we will not be destitute; America will be strong. 

Last but not least, the RECOVERED total is still higher than the death rate

Important links to keep us informed: 

https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/

Stay calm, wash your hands and pray forour world  ❤️🙏

April 03, 2020 COVID-19- The (CARES)

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (The CARES Act) is the largest economic relief bill in US history and will allocate $2.2 trillion in support to individuals and businesses affected by the pandemic and economic downturn.   

  Over the next few days I’m going to try to look into each component as we continue to stay in and help “flatten the curve” 

Here’s a breakdown of how the money will be distributed.

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP):

  This is a Small Business Administration loan that helps businesses keep their workforce employed during the Covid-19 crisis.  

This might be the most promising portion of the legislation. With its low interest rate and forgiveness potential, the PPP aims to sustain small businesses without burdening them with significant debt to pay off when the crisis has passed and, in the process, its goal is to keep people in their jobs and stem the tide of unemployment nationwide. 

  

The Paycheck Protection Program is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll even though they are not working. 

SBA will forgive loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities.

It should be noted here that all non essential businesses have been closed due to this pandemic. ie: hair & nail salons, health & beauty shops, etc. 

Also, some essential businesses (restaurants, etc) are “take out” only, so all “dine-in” employees are not needed. 

This program is a “loan” to those businesses to keep those employees paid, and business expenses paid due to their loss of income. 

  The meaning “Essential” generally applies to workers in law enforcement and public safety, food production, health care providers and emergency personnel, among others. As the pandemic continues to spread and states take tough measures to contain it, workers in other industries are being added to the list:

Workers conducting COVID-19 research and testing.

Pharmacy employees who are necessary for filling prescriptions.

Workers who provide security services to hospitals and other critical industries.

Mass transit and airport workers.

Food and agricultural workers, to include those who work in grocery stores and restaurants. Many restaurants in a growing number of states are only providing delivery and takeout service only.

Energy sector employees considered critical to sustaining utilities, telecommunications and natural gas, among others. Gas station employees are included.

Mortuary and funeral service workers, including crematoriums and cemetery workers.

Employees who manufacture safety and sanitary products, medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, chemicals and food processing.

Workers who support national security commitments and the military.

Water and wastewater employees needed to manage drinking water supplies.

Bank employees needed to process transactions and payments, along with customer service workers at call centers. Payroll and certain insurance workers also apply. Some of those functions can be done remotely, as many companies are asking employees to work from home if possible.

Vendors that provide essential services or products like logistics, child care services, along with hardware and supply stores.

The news media.

Building cleaners and janitors.

Those who work in trash collection and disposal, animal shelters, certain warehouse and fulfillment centers, food banks and mail and shipping service centers. Certain charities also apply.

As you can see, I’m trying to do a lot of copy/paste in my research so I apologize for the different fonts. (I’m not real proficient with this app). 

Last but not least, the RECOVERED total is still higher than the death rate

Important links to keep us informed: 

https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/

Stay calm, wash your hands and pray for our world  ❤️🙏

April 02, 2020 COVID-19- May God Bless America

Another beautiful sunny FL day. A little cool this morning, but it’s turning out to be very nice and “springy”. 

We’re still in “lock down” due to the Coronavirus. The totals are climbing and it’s getting harder and harder to stay positive, but my babies and today’s technology are helping my sanity. 

  My little great granddaughter has been given her mamas old phone & set up on Facebook Messenger so she can video chat! It sure made my day to “see and hear” her. I know her NANA and NINI are missing her, too. Now my daughter tells me there’s an app called ZOOM, where we can all do  “video conferencing” and have a good family reunion online! 

  If you remember, I had just mentioned the other day about missing my mamas voice and here we are fixin to see & hear all of us at once!  Thank You, Lord. ☺️ 

 

  I mentioned the numbers, so I’ll post a couple of screen shots for posterity sake. I know we will make it through this mess, bigger and better than before and if not, I’ll die and go to Heaven. I have to believe that & if I’m wrong, I’ll find out. 🤷🏻‍♀️ 

Here’s some screen shots of totals US and Worldwide. 

    

As long as the middle “recovered” numbers are higher than the deaths, I am going to continue to stay positive. I will wash my hands, clean and & sanitize everything here and keep “social distancing” guidelines.  

  But, as long as I am healthy and able I will continue to run to the grocery store and buy what I can, when I can for others here that shouldn’t or couldn’t get out. I have elderly “mamas” and friends with compromised systems due to chemo and other health issues. I pray I’m not infecting them and trusting the Lord to protect me as I do my “small part”.    

   I guess it’s a good thing I didn’t go to Australia after their wild brush fires like I was planning to do. I continue to pray for those volunteers as they try to nurse and feed all the koalas, kangaroos and wombats. As this virus takes hold of every country and nation, my “caregiver” heart strings are pulling me everyday. 

   My babies are number one, and I can assure you I will be in my car on the way to them if they need me. I have other close family members that know they can call & I’ll be there for them. In the meantime, I will try to do what I can where I can. 

  But most important I will pray for our leaders to work together, put politics aside and work together in this war, for the greater good. Please pray with me, it’s not just our lives at stake, our entire world is at stake. 

🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

Stay safe, wash your hands and please pray for our country. 

March 31, 2020 COVID-19- Over 86% survive Coronavirus!

Another day in Paradise, as my daddy used to say when he called. I wish I could hear my mama’s voice again. We didn’t have iPhones, etc back then so I don’t have  any videos, no FaceTime none of those great recording tools we have today. 

  I guess I’ll need to work on something like that for my babies. 🤔🤔🤔🤔

Covid-19 numbers are going up. Numberof people testing positive, number of deaths, number of survivors. Terms of the day “flatten the curve”, “social distancing”, “self quarantine”, “wash your hands”, “don’t touch your face”, “stay inside”. 

  

  As the testing increases and the doctors, scientists and statisticians analyze the data, we see we haven’t reached the “peak” in some states, yet some states are at the “apex”. (Terms for all the charts) So confusing, so scary if you let it overload your mind. 

Focus on the good, the simple pleasures in life that we’re all too busy to see. 

Here’s a pic of my backyard view 

Here’s a pic of my sweet great granddaughter with a butterfly on her

Which reminded me of the one that landed on my hat when we were in Alaska 

  It’s getting harder to see the empty streets, grocery store shelves, restaurants but I am still going to be positive and thankful.

  I trust the Lord will get us through. Perhaps He brought this on worldwide to wake us up and make us see we are all in this together. 

Stay calm, wash your hands and pray forour World 

March 30, 2020 COVID-19 - Our President has declared WAR on the Coronavirus!

Wow! I don’t care what anyone says, but under good leadership, the US knows how to come together! 

  The Army Corps of Engineers can put up makeshift hospitals in no time!  

  Samaritan’s Purse (Franklin Graham’s Ministry) has set up makeshift hospitals in Central Park in NY!   

  The USNS has sent hospital ships, the “Comfort” to NY & the “Mercy” to CA in record time!  

  Our President, under guidance and council from his Task Force has extended self quarantine for an additional two weeks, to April 30. 

Multiple US Companies such as Proctor & Gamble, MyPillow, Honeywell, Raytheon, Ford, GE and numerous others have voluntarily chosen to re-tool and produce medicines, testing, personal protective equipment (PPE) and other medical supplies. Ventilators, hospital beds, etc  

  Over 1 million people have been tested, more testing than any country around theworld. And, now a new test has been developed that will give results in minutes instead of days !   

  Face mask sanitizing machines have been developed, approved & being made for distribution.  

  Although our numbers are rising due to more testing, death rates are much lower than other countries. And more importantly, over 86% have survived.  

  This Worldwide Pandemic has affected over 151 countries. Had our President not closed down our borders back in January, we could’ve had over 2 million dead by now, based on the current data. 

  Scientists are developing vaccines, medical researchers are working on cures. Survivors are checked for antibodies.  As Greg Gutfeld said:

“The sick can make us healthy & the healthy can make us sick” 

  It’s a scary time, but it’s also an awesome time. Like after 9/11 when our country came together, we are now “Alone Together”. 

  Of course, there’s still political idiots and negative people; but I am a positive person. I know what I’ve already survived in my life, and as long as my babies are well, I am not afraid. 

I am blessed and I am thankful. 
  Stay calm, always look for the positive, wash your hands, but more important, PRAY FOR OUR WORLD. 

March 29, 2020 COVID-19 update

Another day in Paradise! Paradise Oaks RV Resort in Bushnell, FL that is. 

It’s sunny, upper 80’s, and a gentle breeze, can't ask for more, until you watch the news.   

   Since our US Task Force and wonderful American ingenuity have kicked in,  a new testing process has been developed. This is great news, except now the numbers are going up and people are freaking out. When all this started, everyone hit the stores & wiped  out the shelves of toilet paper!?!?   Don’t ask me why, since this is a respiratory virus, but I quit trying to figure people out after Trump won the last election and the hate started.  

  My babies are home safe, the weather here is beautiful, I have wonderful friends, and I know we will get through this, so I will not freak out with them. 

  The states of WA, CA & NY have the highest rates. Since they are the epicenter of travel (FL will be next) and the highest homeless rates, dense populations, etc. it’s no wonder.   

  One thing through all this is the separation of powers in each state, specifically the Mayor vs Governor vs President. The separation of State vs Federal powers. Even at this time, when we should be coming together as ONE NATION, there is still finger pointing, and the media is still stirring up ridicule and hate. May God please help us. 

So, here’s today’s numbers: 

Worldwide cases:

US Cases 

Most of the US totals are in NY, but that doesn’t lessen the impact. 

  Thank God, the Presidents Task Force, headed by Vice President Mike Pence, along with all our top doctors and scientists are working on the best cures and providing the needed supplies to all areas. The President has opened up so many doors working with businesses to help keep ablebodied people working, and re-tooling factories to make needed supplies. He lifted the number of hours rule for truckers, his previous changes for the right to try new medicines has allowed the doctors to try new meds in the hopes of finding a cure. He’s worked tirelessly cutting red tape allowing businesses to use their genius to work together for the greater good. And, he’s been trying to work with the House and Senate to provide funds to people out of work, to businesses who’ve closed so they can keep paying their employees, to industries that can adjust and keep people working. He’s trying to do everything he can to keep our country healthy and alive.   

  Auto industry’s are making ventilators using their car ventilation system knowledge. Clothing manufacturers are making much needed face masks, specifically the N95 surgical masks used for contagious disease protection. Grocery stores are trying to keep their shelves stocked and their employees safe as they work directly with the public. Truckers are working extra trying to haul much needed supplies to all of us. And, so much more. 

  Thank God our economy was so good before this happened or we would be a totally devastated country like so many others. Italy & China have been totally locked down and lost thousands of lives. 

  

  With all the negative, there is so much positive. People are checking in with their shut ins; churches are using “Live” videos to provide hope and love to their congregations; musicians are posting encouraging videos, live concerts and uplifting messages; museums and parks are posting live tours and educational videos; schools have been closed, but have opened up “online” classes; parents are spending more time with their kids. 

    There’s good and bad in all of that, but I’m trying to focus on the good.     My babies are healthy and safe; and so am I. So, I will continue to try and help where I can and share a smile and an “air hug”.     I’m late posting this, so I’ll close for now.     Stay safe, wash your hands and pray for our World. 

 

March 28, 2020 The beginning of the Corona virus (aka COVID-19)

It’s getting real, so I thought I’d start writing my daily blog again. Previously, I only wrote when we traveled to document the great adventures Mr Charley & I were on; but now we’re all self quarantining  and “social distancing” due to this worldwide pandemic. Hence, my first writing of this chapter in our lives in 2020, for posterity sake. 

First, a little background: 

What is Corona Virus (aka COVID-19) you ask? 

What does COVID-19 stand for?     In COVID-19, 'CO' stands for 'corona,' 'VI' for 'virus,' and 'D' for disease. Formerly, this disease was referred to as “2019 novel coronavirus” or “2019-nCoV”. There are many types of human coronaviruses including some that commonly cause mild upper-respiratory tract illnesses.  

What are the symptoms of the coronavirus disease? 

  The most common symptoms are fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, and even death. The period within which the symptoms would appear is 2-14 days. 

   Who is most at risk for the coronavirus disease?

    People of all ages can be infected by the new coronavirus (2019-nCoV). Older people, and people with pre-existing medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease) appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the virus.   

  WHO advises people of all ages to take steps to protect themselves from the virus, for example by following good hand hygiene and good respiratory hygiene.

HOW IT SPREADS:

  Coronavirus disease spreads primarily through contact with an infected person when they cough or sneeze. It also spreads when a person touches a surface or object that has the virus on it, then touches their eyes, nose, or mouth. 

  

   There’s currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

But, they are working on it! 

World Cases 3/22/2020

US Cases 3/22/2020

World Cases 3/27/2020

US Cases 3/37/2020

Mr Charley, “the girls” and I are fine. Safe in my RV in FL, surrounded by friends, with well stocked pantry & freezer. 

Our babies in SC & NC are well. Although, we miss them dearly. I especially miss my girls since we were supposed to having our “girls weekend” celebrating my baby girl, Melanie’s birthday. 

Stay healthy everyone. 

Wash your hands and pray for our World.