New habits that are likely permanent

[daylatedollarshort]

I am interested in finding out more about restaurant supply stores. How do you find them?

The one I go to has always been open to the public so I probably just found it by driving by. I started going there more during the pandemic because there are fewer shoppers and wide spacious aisles, good prices, quick in and out. The aisles are big enough for dollies with 40 pound boxes or what looked like half a frozen goat. I'm not sure if it was a goat but I did see a hoof.

In the Bay Area some of the other restaurant supply stores started opening up to the public when the restaurants had take out only and their business was down. There were articles on them in the news -

Do your pandemic shopping at the restaurant supply store
https://skillet.lifehacker.com/do-your-pandemic-shopping-at-the-restaurant-supply-stor-1842515213

Bay Area wholesalers open to the public
https://sf.eater.com/2020/5/11/21254810/wholesale-grocery-food-restaurant-guide

Most of the sizes are pretty large, so it works if you have a chest freezer and large fridge. Red onions were 50 cents a pound, $1.99 at my local supermarket. Feta cheese $4.50 a pound, supermarket price - $3 for 4 ounces ($9 a pound).

 

[Car-Guy]

The DW and I went out to eat today and both agreed, that dining in a restaurant "off hours" will become our new normal. We went to lunch about 3pm today and they only had one other couple in the dining room. Service was great and fast...

 

[Sue J]

Like a few other posters we are finding the grocery pickup to be a habit we will probably keep. I miss picking out my own fruit and vegetables but this works well for the time being.

I have embraced reading on the Kindle. I am a long time library user. I like to browse the new non-fiction section and pick up things I may find interesting. I also used to get magazines that I was too cheap to pay for a subscription. Now I borrow books on the Kindle and download magazines using Flipster. It took some getting used to but it works for now. My son gave me his old Kindle, it's a really old one that has a keyboard. But it still works for reading! I am getting ready to upgrade to either a Paperwhite one or maybe even blow some dough on the pricey Kindle Oasis.

This may be TMI, but I was shocked to find that by just being a little careful with my TP usage I could get a roll of TP to last a full week. I used to pull off a long length and bunch it all up. Just by being aware of usage I have gotten into the habit of using a lot less. Yes, that's a habit I will be keeping!

 

[RobbieB]

The DW and I went out to eat today and both agreed, that dining in a restaurant "off hours" will become our new normal. We went to lunch about 3pm today and they only had one other couple in the dining room. Service was great and fast...

Ya'll have dining rooms open there eh?

 

[Car-Guy]

Ya'll have dining rooms open there eh?

Yep, at 50% capacity in my county. (Restaurants in counties with under 10 CV cases, are allowed to operate at 75%.)

 

[ivinsfan]

Like a few other posters we are finding the grocery pickup to be a habit we will probably keep. I miss picking out my own fruit and vegetables but this works well for the time being.

I have embraced reading on the Kindle. I am a long time library user. I like to browse the new non-fiction section and pick up things I may find interesting. I also used to get magazines that I was too cheap to pay for a subscription. Now I borrow books on the Kindle and download magazines using Flipster. It took some getting used to but it works for now. My son gave me his old Kindle, it's a really old one that has a keyboard. But it still works for reading! I am getting ready to upgrade to either a Paperwhite one or maybe even blow some dough on the pricey Kindle Oasis.

This may be TMI, but I was shocked to find that by just being a little careful with my TP usage I could get a roll of TP to last a full week. I used to pull off a long length and bunch it all up. Just by being aware of usage I have gotten into the habit of using a lot less. Yes, that's a habit I will be keeping!

You had me until the TP on the kindle if you can limp along a little longer new versions will roll out in maybe the next 60-90 days they give smoking deals on the new ones. I have a paperwhite and love it.

 

[mystang52]

More new habits.
1. Daily bridge playing using bridgebase and zoom with college buddies around the country.

I'm playing Duplicate Bridge on BridgeBase's (BBO) "Virtual Clubs." 4-5 days/week. It's fun, and sure beats playing against BBO robots. But I miss the in-person playing. As an aside, for years I've worn gloves while playing Bridge. I would tell my opponents that the only reason I didn't wear a mask is because it would be too much of a distraction for everyone. If we ever get back to in-person competition, I will wear a mask; at least then no one will see anything odd about it.

 

[tb001]

I make pesto from my poblano, and/or jalapeno peppers for later use in chiles, dips, salsas, scrambled eggs. Blend in food processor with EVOO and herbs, spoon into ice cube trays and freeze. Bag 'em later, rinse and repeat. May have to zap them in microwave if you need them quick.

Been doing the same with cherry tomatoes. They're not as full of water like normal size tomatoes, but I'll throw a bowl full into my cast iron skillet I use on grill. I roast them up, squish them to remove further moisture, throw in some oregano, basil, and garlic from garden with some EVOO to make a chunky paste then freeze those into IC trays. Quick and easy to throw a few in when sauteing with chicken, walleye or halibut.

That’s a great idea on the peppers! We have three serranos producing like crazy that I’m struggling to use. I found a pickled pepper recipe that I’m trying tomorrow. I’ll add that to the list.

Pellice, I’m curious how the mushrooms will hold up. Maybe since they’re already chopped and more of a paste it will be fine?

We’re doing better freezing as well, though some of that is due to more time after RE. I buy the big bags of lemons and limes at Costco and juice and freeze in cubes, so if I need juice I just pull one out. I’ll usually freeze some zest in oil at the same time. Also freeze lots of herbs and garlic pre minced in olive oil. That seems to work better than water. We don’t bother chopping ginger first—just freeze the box and break off what we need. It seems to grate better when frozen.

I’ve started making roast beef for sandwiches at home. Very good and about 1/2 the cost. Next to try is turkey and ham. DH is looking for a good deli slicer now!

We’ve also been buying the big package of salmon at Costco, having a salmon filet and then making and freezing salmon burgers.

In general we’ve been eating healthier and wasting a lot less food. We’re on track to cut our food spend significantly.

 

[GravitySucks]

I'll be wearing a mask in high contact places during flu season forever now.
I had influenza A a few years ago and a mild flu that turned into pneumonia two years ago. Both kicked my butt for multiple months. Have a good idea both were picked up at the grocery store.

 

[harllee]

I'll be wearing a mask in high contact places during flu season forever now.
I had influenza A a few years ago and a mild flu that turned into pneumonia two years ago. Both kicked my butt for multiple months. Have a good idea both were picked up at the grocery store.

Good idea. DH and I both had the influenza in winter of 2019. I was very sick and DH was so sick he was hospitalized and has some permanent hearing loss from the flu. We had stopped shaking hands, hugging others, etc after the flu. I think wearing masks during flu season is a good idea going forward forever.

 

[Teacher Terry]

Restaurants are open at 50% capacity here. We eat outside if possible.

 

[kcowan]

I now live in Canada. This outdoor dining thing is going to be over in a couple of months...

We have outdoor dining year-round - covered with heaters. Vancouver.

 

[kcowan]

One thing I have seen little mention of is live sports. I have discovered that I wasted too much time watching live sports on TV. Not the local games but former favorite teams.

I will be rationing my watching for now on. More reading instead. And with streaming, we are finding higher quality movies and series to watch too.

 

[audreyh1]

I'll be wearing a mask in high contact places during flu season forever now.
I had influenza A a few years ago and a mild flu that turned into pneumonia two years ago. Both kicked my butt for multiple months. Have a good idea both were picked up at the grocery store.

Yep, I think I’ll always wear a mask at an airport and on planes.

 

[Markola]

I like to cook but have never enjoyed handling meat. With an abundant supply of surgical gloves everywhere now, a lightbulb popped on. I think it’s a new habit!

 

[hankster]

I’ve started taking long walks daily and plan to continue for as long as I can. Aside from the physical exercise, it’s just good for my mental outlook. I’m more optimistic when I get away from the news cycle and just enjoy nature.

Also, we realized we have a lot more money now since dining out and travel have been reduced. We’ve found a lot of joy in good home-prepared meals and close-to-home excursions.

 

[tmm99]

We have outdoor dining year-round - covered with heaters. Vancouver.

It will be still a bit cold, no? I was in Vancouver at the beginning of November and I cannot imagine outdoor dining would be that comfortable, but maybe you have super good heaters there. (I am near Toronto, so winter outdoor dining is out for sure.)

 

[audreyh1]

I like to cook but have never enjoyed handling meat. With an abundant supply of surgical gloves everywhere now, a lightbulb popped on. I think it’s a new habit!

Definitely! I started using disposable gloves when handling meat for the smokers - trimming, applying rubs, etc.

 

[FreeBear]

I think this pandemic has made hairdressers/barbers lose some of their customers forever.

Yep, DW does a fantastic job cutting my, and gets better each time. I’m cheap so I used to really stretch my haircuts. Now I can actually look decent. The price is right too!

 

[Andromeda]

1. Eating more homemade meals, including taking a packed lunch to work. Pre-pandemic, I bought my lunch at work almost every day and we probably had dinner delivered one night per week and went out for a meal one night per week. Since the pandemic, we've only had food from a restaurant about once a month as a treat. And I've lost (instead of gaining) the COVID-19 (pounds) and we're saving $500+ per month.

2. I hope to be able to work from home at least a couple of days a week, and that will help me keep up my exercise habit.

 

[meridiver]

I've had a short "pixie" haircut for 20 yrs. It's now grown into a full-on Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) cut. I love it. As soon as the hairdressers are open again I'm going to get it shaped but I plan to keep the length.

I've also been a gym rat for 30 yrs, but I don't see myself going back anytime soon, if ever. I've got a spinning bike at home, hills out my front door, and a set of free weights and really don't need anything else.

 

[Rambler]

I’ve been doing DW’s hair dye for the past few months, and even gave her a haircut this pas week. Much to my surprise, it turned out just fine. She won’t go back to the salon until she has a vaccine...her decision, not mine. We terminated our gym membership. We already had a treadmill, spin bike, and some weights and a bench...figure that will do. I won’t be going back to the gym...always gross anyway. I’ve been wearing a mask in the grocery for months and don’t see that changing At least until a vaccine. I’m too picky about fruits and veggies And meats to have someone shop for me (as in curbside delivery). We haven’t eaten out for 4 months, a big change for us. But, until a vaccine, we won’t be back to in store dining. We did take ou when that was a good option, but now that restaurants are open (albeit at 50% capacity) I don’t feel comfortable going to a more crowded place. It’ll have to wait for a vaccine. I’m cooking almost all of our meals, I enjoy cooking and have upped my game, learning new Sous vide, grilling, and smoking techniques. I’m anticipating getting a new Blackstone griddle shortly. I have a camp chef stove, with a griddle that covers all three burners, but want to have burners for pots and a separate griddle. It’s so hot in Phoenix right now that very little can be done outdoors, but I anticipate a lot of outdoor cooking from about September, in lieu of going out to eat. And I’m working on preparing a better outdoor kitchen setup. That won’t change because I’m enjoying it too much. I doubt we’ll fly again until we have a vaccine, but really miss our annual trip (or sometimes trips) to Hawaii. On the mainland, I’m thinking we'll drive most of the time...a lot with the rv, most likely downsized so we don’t have a towed car. Everyday stuff like hand washing and sanitizing as soon as we get back to the car from the grocery will likely not change. I will say that without even trying, we’ve been spending a heckuva lot less.

 

[Freedom56]

I contacted my doctor at UCLA regarding my annual physical and there was something interesting in his response.

"As for as our clinic we do screen everyone for a temperature and questions regarding 5 different symptoms before one is are allowed to enter our Family Health Center. All of our staff are wear protective equipment and physical distance is practice in the clinic which means very small number in waiting areas get through the door. If we do need to send someone for a COVID diagnostic tests (not the antibodies which mean nothing since you can catch this disease more than once ), moreover, and most importantly diagnostic tests are done in UCLA lab with results available 24 hours or less.

As for you , we might want to do a video visit as that would save you a drive. If that would work for you we would order the regular blood tests etc at one of the UCLA labs near you home and then we could then schedule the tele, unless something was wrong with some of the screening test. You would need to take your blood pressure and report your weight If you have a problem that needs to be examined, or want to come in , it will take a longer wait . "

So much for long term immunity.

 

[tmm99]

I contacted my doctor at UCLA regarding my annual physical and there was something interesting in his response.

"As for as our clinic we do screen everyone for a temperature and questions regarding 5 different symptoms before one is are allowed to enter our Family Health Center. All of our staff are wear protective equipment and physical distance is practice in the clinic which means very small number in waiting areas get through the door. If we do need to send someone for a COVID diagnostic tests (not the antibodies which mean nothing since you can catch this disease more than once ), moreover, and most importantly diagnostic tests are done in UCLA lab with results available 24 hours or less.

As for you , we might want to do a video visit as that would save you a drive. If that would work for you we would order the regular blood tests etc at one of the UCLA labs near you home and then we could then schedule the tele, unless something was wrong with some of the screening test. You would need to take your blood pressure and report your weight If you have a problem that needs to be examined, or want to come in , it will take a longer wait . "

So much for long term immunity.

I read that the antibody level goes down fairly quickly and the test may not detect it, but T cells may respond much more quickly to COVID-19 the second time around. I think that's what some doctors (all doctors? I don't know) are trying to do with the vaccine.

 

[tmm99]

I’ve been doing DW’s hair dye for the past few months, and even gave her a haircut this pas week. Much to my surprise, it turned out just fine. She won’t go back to the salon until she has a vaccine...her decision, not mine. We terminated our gym membership. We already had a treadmill, spin bike, and some weights and a bench...figure that will do. I won’t be going back to the gym...always gross anyway. I’ve been wearing a mask in the grocery for months and don’t see that changing At least until a vaccine. I’m too picky about fruits and veggies And meats to have someone shop for me (as in curbside delivery). We haven’t eaten out for 4 months, a big change for us. But, until a vaccine, we won’t be back to in store dining. We did take ou when that was a good option, but now that restaurants are open (albeit at 50% capacity) I don’t feel comfortable going to a more crowded place. It’ll have to wait for a vaccine. I’m cooking almost all of our meals, I enjoy cooking and have upped my game, learning new Sous vide, grilling, and smoking techniques. I’m anticipating getting a new Blackstone griddle shortly. I have a camp chef stove, with a griddle that covers all three burners, but want to have burners for pots and a separate griddle. It’s so hot in Phoenix right now that very little can be done outdoors, but I anticipate a lot of outdoor cooking from about September, in lieu of going out to eat. And I’m working on preparing a better outdoor kitchen setup. That won’t change because I’m enjoying it too much. I doubt we’ll fly again until we have a vaccine, but really miss our annual trip (or sometimes trips) to Hawaii. On the mainland, I’m thinking we'll drive most of the time...a lot with the rv, most likely downsized so we don’t have a towed car. Everyday stuff like hand washing and sanitizing as soon as we get back to the car from the grocery will likely not change. I will say that without even trying, we’ve been spending a heckuva lot less.

Wow, so you do the grocery shopping, cook, aiming to be a gourmet chef, and cut and colour your wife's hair? (And it sounds like you do a fine job with your wife's hair!)