Today is April 15, always known as Tax Day, and in my previous post I promised myself, at the outset of making masks, that I would finish the tax forms and clear that stuff off my couch, finally. Well, it is still there ... I had to buy an updated computer with Windows 10 to handle the Turbo Tax disk, which is challenging me at every turn ... but the federal and state deadlines have been pushed ahead to July, and my procrastinating self is taking full advantage of that gift of time.
At the end of today, I will have reached the count 200 masks made. Quilters' Quarters has given away well over $1,000 worth (at cost... or $2000+ at retail) of quilt quality fabrics, and dozens of yards of donated elastic. People needing these supplies call me or reach out on Facebook, and I cut and package their order and tape them to the storm door of the shop, accomplishing this transfer of goods without physical contact. One mask maker is part of a larger group, and she comes by to pick up full or partial bolts of fabric.
Individual folks needing masks (or fabric for masks) use the same process to receive them. Though I ask them not to donate money, several have, and I will put that money aside to buy more elastics ... and will share most of those dollars with the schools that are providing bagged breakfast and lunch 'to go' for students at home ... paying it forward.
The paperwork for taxes remains on the couch ... the dining room table is a cutting station, the sewing room is a mask production area, and the washer and dryer in the back room have been kept busy with yards of fabric. Sadly, one of the panes of glass in the roof of the attached greenhouse blew out of its place during the windy night and shattered on the patio, where it remains until I have time to go sweep it up. I tried calling a glass repairer but had no answer, probably because of the small business shut down. I left him a phone message, and I will put a bucket under the hole to catch any rainwater (or snow?) I will pray that chipmunks, squirrels and birds don't find the hole before I can find someone to patch it ... as it's about ten feet above ground level it is definitely not something I can patch myself, though I have done so with many lower old panes of glass... clear packing tape is my tool of choice, as most panes can be fitted back together ... but not this one.
If you are making masks, or headbands with buttons to hold mask elastics away from the wearer's ears, or surgical caps ... call and I'll cut for you and leave it in a bag on the door with your first name, for pick up. We are just this week entering the 'surge' of Covid-19, and cities like Salem, Massachusetts are requiring citizens to wear masks when out in public, so I don't think this need will diminish for quite a while. Some say we may not see a virus-ending vaccine until 2022 ... maybe not effective treatments before 2021 ...
Stay at home when you can ... appreciate those who go to work every day to keep us all safe ... to help those in need ... to keep food on the shelves, and other essential goods in our community.
Be well, wash your hands, call your family and friends. We can do this.
~Terry
