National Preparedness Month

OMG, SANDERSON! I just read that you have a case of COVID-19 in Fresno County. Please be super careful, Girlfriend!

Yes; caution and preparedness, not panic.

I don't leave the house very often, and then it is usually HD or grocery store during slow hours.  I wonder if Ken and I had COVID -19 two (2) weeks ago?  Mainly fever with chills followed by sweats.  A cough after the fevers stopped.  If that was what we had, then we were lucky with the health affects and should have some immunity.  ??

Can't help but share this here:

Unless you also had difficulty breathing, you're probably fine.  The likely worst-case scenario is that you contracted the milder form of the virus, which should confer lifetime immunity to that particular strain.  

As long as you haven't had a positive test for COVID-19 or experienced more severe symptoms, I don't think it's necessary to self-quarantine or take measures beyond what's routinely recommended by CDC:  Wash your hands frequently, as directed by the CDC, avoid crowds, and cover your mouth when sneezing or coughing, preferably in your elbow.  Dispose of used Kleenex, etc. as soon as possible.  Maintain 6-7' distance from anyone coughing, sneezing, etc.  If you have a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, etc. get tested and voluntarily quarantine yourself.


Please note that I'm not a medical doctor, but do consult with same from time to time and follow the updates.  


I had a cold or mild version of the flu three + weeks ago.  It began with a mild sore throat, which resolved within two days, some mild fatigue, drippy nose, sneezing, cough, and once, my temperature "spiked" at 99.3F.  Within 5.5 days, I began to recover, and am now fine.  There was no extreme fatigue or fever, so I probably had a garden-variety cold.  I don't get out much, either, and so far there are only 21 confirmed cases in Oregon.  


My MO is to go with probablities, rather than possibilities, while keeping informed and taking appropriate precautions.  

Baker Creek Heirloom (https://www.rareseeds.com/) is shut down until at least Monday to tray to catch up on orders and restock shelves. Apparently an abnormal rush to buy seeds has overwhelmed them.

Not surprised. I read somewhere that seeds were in short supply in big box stores. I don't know this personally because I'm staying home right now.

OhioGardener wrote:Baker Creek Heirloom (https://www.rareseeds.com/) is shut down until at least Monday to tray to catch up on orders and restock shelves. Apparently an abnormal rush to buy seeds has overwhelmed them.

YIKES! Glad I ordered early. I hope they're all safe and healthy.

Victory Seeds is having trouble filling orders due to the panic buying that is taking place now, and they say it may take up to four weeks to fulfill an order for seeds.  Panic buying has taken its toll on them, too!

Victory Seeds Ordering Info

I wonder how many of those seed packets will actually be used? Once this has passed, will people still want to panic garden? Do they understand that it will be weeks or months before the plants produce?

"National Preparedness Month is an observance each September to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies that could happen at any time."

With Hurricane Ian approaching, it's time to get prepared.  Someone posted the following on a Facebook gardening page and I thought I would share.  For those in the high storm surge areas, or fast wind, get out.  For those in the shallow surge areas, or tolerable wind and rain, I thought this was good advice.  Floridians are in their "summer months" and have gardens planted.

"For those of us in Florida.. . Storm Prep Tips - Sorry folks...busy week and holiday but wanted to provide a few quick tips for riding out the storm with your garden.

Ignore banana, bamboo etc...they are made for this and might defoliate but should be fine.

PICK FRUIT - you don't want avocados or papaya flying around during the storm!

Potted large plants/trees - if you cannot bring inside or protect, lay them flat on the ground before the storm hits.

Newly planted trees - if 4ft tall or under - will probably be fine but you can try to shelter a bit. If above 4 ft tall, secure on 3 spots but do not tighten fully...allow some sway and minimize the amount of leaves that capture the wind.

Trim back plants prone to catch the wind - especially in the middle.

Remove garden ornaments, wind chimes and other small items that could become airborne.

Top off gasoline, propane and electric battery powered items. Have chain saw and other tools prepped in advance.

Write name/phone on collars of pets "just in case". Bring in all animals possible. If not possible, consider sheltering them at a vet or other secure location. Take pictures if you don't have recent ones.

Keep people, pet and any garden critter medications on hand in a cool, dry place.

Stay safe!