So, what is new in your neck of the woods?

I'm sure that you all have some stories, some frustrations, some concerns, some fears and and lots of other things on your mind. With the pandemic in full swing in basically the whole world now, it has to be affecting everyone in at least a small way. My heart goes out to those that can't work, or are laid off, and don't have some kind of social safety net to lessen the blow somewhat. Lets hope that this blog finds you all safe and sound and taking care of yourself and those that you love and care for are doing the same.

Usually I try to add some jocularity (maybe a word of the day for @Myr) but not really feeling it today.

Last night I called my dad up, as my sister was on her way over to the seniors lodge my dad resides in. He was not opening the door for homecare when they arrived and when they got the door opened, he was only wearing a towel and shaking uncontrollably. She got him dressed but he wasn't making too much sense. When I called she was still there, but had to take off but was concerned with my dad. She put me on the phone and I asked dad why he didn't open the door. He replied that he was stuck in the bathtub (he doesn't have a bathtub) and the Edmonton Oiler got slashed by the damn American and all hell has broken out on the ice. I'm sure everyone  knows there  is no hockey going on, but in addition my dad absolutely hates the Oilers . I knew right away that he is being affected by a infection and suffering from delirium. I told him that I'd call him back and immediately call 9-1-1. I told them what was going on and they immediately dispatched the fire department and an ambulance.

He wouldn't answer the phone again and my sister arrived shortly after the paramedics and firemen did. So they were concerned with the his mental state, when they asked him when he was born, he felt 1759 was correct 😮 They thought he was suffering from a urinary track infection, which he has had in the past, but didn't really want to take him to the hospital with the Covid concerns. Well, they did detect something just not right with his breathing too.

So where is this story going? After arriving at the hospital they tested everything on him and he did have the UTI, which is being treated. But they still don't know about the lungs. He has now be tested for Covid-19 and is in complete isolation in the hospital for at least the next 2-3 days awaiting the results. Sadly, no one is allowed to visit. My sister that went over has sons aged 8,11, and 13, and older sister has a bit of a cold and I am considered immunity compromised since I've had diabetes since I was 4 . So we are all hoping it is the UTI, and that he doesn't have Covid-19, as he is not in the best condition to fight infections, bacterial or viral.

Long story short, take care of your loved ones and let them know that you love them, as with this pandemic, you don't know what will happen tomorrow. And whatever you do, please take this as serious as you possibly can. Follow the best directions out there, once again maybe defer to the World Health Organization, and be safe

I have to admit, I've escaped from real life by coming here and enjoying pictures of @Valkyrie's hash brownies, @Renee Stevens' strange dreams, and @clochette's return to infancy All have been great comic relief and making me feel better about things. I've also been reading @Tiff's story that was featured on Monday and Wednesday on the blog   So for everyone contributing, on behalf of myself and all the staff, thank you .

Now as mentioned, Cia had a new Classic Feature on Monday:

Wednesday, Cia was back with the Classic Feature Excerpt:

On Thursday, @Graeme and the Author Promotion Team announced our latest addition to the Promising Authors:

Friday, Wayne dropped in to give us a couple more prompts!

Anthologies

• Author Anthology Questionnaire - Click here to participate
• Anthology 101 - New in the Anthology Forum. Everything you need to know about GA Anthologies
• 2020 Spring Anthology: The Storm - Due May 15th

Blog Opportunities

• Ask An Author: Send your questions for your favorite authors to @Carlos Hazday (no questions = no Ask An Author)

• Guess the Author: Open to all GA authors. PM @Renee Stevens to participate

The Horse Thief by Laura S. Fox *Premium*

Classic Updates:

Corners by Dabeagle

Dancing on a Star by Ronyx

Signature Updates:

Adrift by Mann Ramblings

Connor's Best by Comicality

Endings by Headstall

GFD: Blade Of Shadows by Comicality

Headstall's Reflections by Headstall

Picture Me And You by Comicality

Ranger by Carlos Hazday

tim's Bits and Pieces by Mikiesboy

Unicorn Quests by Cia

Promising Updates:

Here Kitty, Kitty by Caz Pedroso

Don't forget.... Read, Write, and REVIEW!!!