Who knew that in addition to toilet paper, bottled water, and hand sanitizer, there would be a run on Little Debby Nutty Bars? I’m amazed at how elusive they’ve become. Not that a lot of items aren’t these days, but this one I didn’t see coming. Toilet paper either, for that matter. How does that make sense? It isn’t as though dysentery is on the rampage. There’s been no hurricane and no flooding, so no need to amass purified water in bottled form. Yet that too, isn’t the easiest to come by anymore. The scarcity of Dinty Moore Beef Stew was predictable, and also all things antibacterial. The strangest though, as far as I’m concerned, is the nutty bars. Walmart, Kroger, HEB, Target, they’ve all been completely out of stock for the past couple of weeks. I was starting to feel desperate, although not enough to pay upward of $50 a box on Amazon. If anyone feels differently, then that explains the shortage. Fortunately, persistence proved to pay off after all, and Walmart finally came through. I’m pleased to have my personal stockpile replenished, and will not be listing it on amazon or anywhere else, at any price!

I’m wondering, along with everyone else, when this shutdown will be over. I really feel for all those without a job as a result, and no way to get one while stuck at  home. For an introvert who works from home anyway, it’s fine. But for so many people, it isn’t. I feel terrible for my best friend, whose father was admitted to hospice last month. I don’t care how sweet medical personnel can be, it generally isn’t a complete stranger that a person wants to spend their last days on earth. My friend wasn’t allowed to see him until the hour before he died, and no way is that enough for a grieving heart.

On a positive note, the kindle version of “Ashes off Roses” will be available tomorrow, and the paperback already is. Meanwhile, “Gone in a Flash” is coming along. Jack and Charlotte are within a page or two of reaching the end of the first chapter, and starting on the second. I’ve been busy with other things the past couple of days, but the goal is to make up for it this evening. So happy reading, and I’m going to get busy writing!