Hey all! It’s Ruth here. I just finished outside planting, phase one. There’s dirt and grime under my fingers but I know it’s safe. Guys? It’s so hard to feel safe right now. Here at home? With my love, our roommate and the cats? I almost always am okay. Sometimes, though? 

This is a hard time. This is a new reality. We can never go back to before and no one has ever done what we’re doing right now. I want to shout out to all of the parents home-schooling. From everything I’ve heard this is the toughest job. Bless you all for taking it on. Teachers? Bless you more! You’ve lost income, routine and stability. You are still there every day for your kids. You all are amazing!

Here at the Castle? Finally doing Lego again. I’m even reading a little. Did you all buy Erica’s book? Cause do it if you haven’t.

But this missive? It’s about me and mine and what we’re going through each and every day right now. I would love to say I have seen the best of humanity the last two months but that would be a lie.  Today, across the country, some of my co-workers are stepping out. I would never but most reading this know that about me.

What most do not know? This time has changed me forever. My employer has been there for all of us. From global to location? Whole Foods has stepped the f  k up. From Amazon Prime shopping to the solidarity we all feel while seeing too many people in our stores because three random families of four decided this would be their “outside time”. SNAP OUT OF IT!

I see some customers every day. I think I’ve picked my favorite customers, well, because I am only seeing them one or two times a month. They get it. It is not safe for people to be together right now. So many folks? Still in the store every day. For bagged popcorn or a single banana…. 

This is driving me insane. For real. And I’m horrified by the weather forecast. Tomorrow is going to be a beautiful day here in Milwaukee. I fear there will be a couple of thousand people down at the lake. Not all at once …. But much too close. 

Early projections (not the President’s because he’s a fool) predicted May 26 as a re-opening date. As someone who outsides every day because “I’m essential,” that is not going to happen even if it does. The one person in five not getting the gravitas of this situation? STAY THE FUCK AT HOME. You are going to kill someone and not in a fun, fictional way.

When we got serious about the virus and started canceling plans for the year, Jon and I were hopeful we could throw down an epic 20th Wedding Anniversary Party in October. We both still want this. If you can all do us the favor of shaming all of the people being assholes? If you all stay home? If you all wash your hands 100 times a day? Mayhaps that could still happen. Be well. Be safe.  Know that Crimespree, Jon and Ruth love you. 

Also buy Erica’s book!