@SteveSoCal wrote:

I will be shocked and jealous if you can order TP for pickup. Tomorrow will be a month since I last saw it on a shelf anywhere in L..A.

How r people getting by without it? I can imagine ways...not so sanitary or perhaps "messy" ways, but still asking..

@shoptastic wrote:

@SteveSoCal wrote:

I will be shocked and jealous if you can order TP for pickup. Tomorrow will be a month since I last saw it on a shelf anywhere in L..A.

How r people getting by without it? I can imagine ways...not so sanitary or perhaps "messy" ways, but still asking..

*inserts another bidet plug*

@Tarantado wrote:

@shoptastic wrote:

@SteveSoCal wrote:

I will be shocked and jealous if you can order TP for pickup. Tomorrow will be a month since I last saw it on a shelf anywhere in L..A.

How r people getting by without it? I can imagine ways...not so sanitary or perhaps "messy" ways, but still asking..

*inserts another bidet plug*

Yeah, but for some that could cost too much.

We have a mountain of TP at our house. This is the norm and was that way before the coronavirus.

We lack napkins, however. All out.

@shoptastic wrote:

Yeah, but for some that could cost too much.

We have a mountain of TP at our house. This is the norm and was that way before the coronavirus.

We lack napkins, however. All out.

A preassembled bidet is less than $25-30.... That around the cost of a large pack of toilet paper. If you want to cut costs even further, a bidet assembly can easily be bought and installed for around $15 from basic parts at Home Depot or Lowe's....

@Tarantado wrote:

@shoptastic wrote:

Yeah, but for some that could cost too much.

We have a mountain of TP at our house. This is the norm and was that way before the coronavirus.

We lack napkins, however. All out.

A preassembled bidet is less than $25-30.... That around the cost of a large pack of toilet paper. If you want to cut costs even further, a bidet assembly can easily be bought and installed for around $15 from basic parts at Home Depot or Lowe's....

Oh, I see. I thought they were a luxury item for some reason.

@CoffeeQueen wrote:

Kroger pickup is free but they are scheduled more than a week in advance here. Tips are frowned upon. You have to go in to get things like TP so I get that from Amazon. I just ordered a box of 80 rolls lot $50 this morning. I got a lot because its getting harder instead of easier to get. I have been checking the app multiple times a day to get something that doesnt ship from China.
Walmart pickup is free with a $30 minimum. No tipping that I have ever seen. I offered a tip the first time and it was declined. Also the TP is never in stock there either. Other places like Lowes and Tractor Supply are beginning pickup service but I have no experience with it.

very helpful perspective

Big Lots in my area has Big Lots brand TP in stock. Charmin and other premium brands are out of stock. I just looked and it is available at the store about 3 miles from my house.

@shoptastic wrote:

Oh, I see. I thought they were a luxury item for some reason.

The "luxury" part is when you want say a heated tank to warm the water, heated seat, etc. which at a good deal is at a minimum $200 at the cheapest new.

Otherwise, I've really been trying to promote the benefits of a bidet because it really is affordable and in my opinion, more sanitary than just wet wipes and/or toilet paper.

From a quick search without diving for better deals that are for sure out there:

Fixed Spray Bidet: [www.amazon.com]

OR:

A Hand Sprayer: [www.amazon.com]

Both are DIY and relatively simple to install too.

@shoptastic wrote:

@Tarantado wrote:

@shoptastic wrote:

Yeah, but for some that could cost too much.

We have a mountain of TP at our house. This is the norm and was that way before the coronavirus.

We lack napkins, however. All out.

A preassembled bidet is less than $25-30.... That around the cost of a large pack of toilet paper. If you want to cut costs even further, a bidet assembly can easily be bought and installed for around $15 from basic parts at Home Depot or Lowe's....

Oh, I see. I thought they were a luxury item for some reason.

But if you want one that offers warm water (I'm spoiled from some of the high-end hotel assignments and fell in love with the Toto Washlet) it will run $400 and up.

That said, as a single male I don't use a lot of TP at home. That pack of 6 rolls that I have will last me around 2 months....

@SteveSoCal wrote:

But if you want one that offers warm water (I'm spoiled from some of the high-end hotel assignments and fell in love with the Toto Washlet) it will run $400 and up.

That said, as a single male I don't use a lot of TP at home. That pack of 6 rolls that I have will last me around 2 months....

You can always connect these cheap directly to your hot water line under your sink if it's nearby. Even if it's not nearby, you can run a tube to it. Same effect, though you may have to turn on the water on the faucet to warm up the water depending on your water heater and piping layout.

Speaking of bidets at hotels. Can't remember which hotel I was staying at here in Denver, but one of the executive rooms had an old school bidet, where it's literally a separate toilet like bowl with a faucet with spray. It was the first time I've ever seen that before, as it was a bidet completely separate from the toilet and have its own drain and everything.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/10/2020 10:27PM by Tarantado.

@JASFLALMT wrote:

Big Lots in my area has Big Lots brand TP in stock. Charmin and other premium brands are out of stock. I just looked and it is available at the store about 3 miles from my house.

Yeah, "off-brands" can be available.

Dollar Tree - which I will not enter again during this pandemic, as their store is cramped and the associates always speak to me in close range at the check-out area - had off brand bleach.

I couldn't find bleach anywhere the week Trump shut down flights from Europe and called for a national emergency (mid-march). Lo and behold, there were various Dollar Tree off-brands of bleach. I don't think they were DT bleach, but rather from a smaller, lesser known company. Who knows.

Floss was completely out everywhere. Lo and Behold, DT had 100 packs, I believe.

There are no Big Lots near me, so not a option so much.

At the risk of sounding insufferable, we do have money in the family. So, we are very fortunate to be able to and are glad to pay more for things. I know this is not possible for many and I feel for people in those situations, who might have to brave crowded stores.

But, it's not about the money...I don't go to Walmart simply because it's crowded and my dad has a heart condition that could make COVID-19 very dangerous to him. Without the virus, I'd shop at Walmart for these things. We've simply been very picky with where we go and are willing to pay more if it may afford greater safety.

Although, things do happen and you may not be able avoid a potentially "dangerous" virus situation sometimes in life. ...Maybe your car breaks down on the road and you have to get towed or things like that...

Nobody should be so far from home that they can't call a family member to come pick them up if they break down and need to get towed. I am sure the tow companies have it handled where you don't have to get within 6 feet of the tow driver, no signature necessary (I would hope).

@JASFLALMT wrote:

Nobody should be so far from home that they can't call a family member to come pick them up if they break down and need to get towed. I am sure the tow companies have it handled where you don't have to get within 6 feet of the tow driver, no signature necessary (I would hope).

Yeah, that's been on my mind. I don't drive far.

@shoptastic wrote:

Dollar Tree - which I will not enter again during this pandemic, as their store is cramped and the associates always speak to me in close range at the check-out area - had off brand bleach.

Have you considered investing in this affordable face shield on top of the face mask you're probably already using?



[www.amazon.com]

I haven't been any further from home in the past 2 weeks that I couldn't just walk home.

@Tarantado wrote:

@shoptastic wrote:

Dollar Tree - which I will not enter again during this pandemic, as their store is cramped and the associates always speak to me in close range at the check-out area - had off brand bleach.

Have you considered investing in this affordable face shield on top of the face mask you're probably already using?



[www.amazon.com]

Good gracious! I just might!

I'd love to be staying home as much as some of you. I am the only person in my larger family system that isn't over 60 or have a preexisting condition which makes me everyone's connection to the items they desperately need. Today was grocery shopping at Costco while picking up contacts that couldn't be done online or over the phone (the wearer gets horrific migraine if they wear glasses). There have been trips out for medications not allowed for postal delivery, the hunt for distilled water (only allowed to buy one bottle at a time when I find it) for my dad's breathing machine. The curbside delivery hasn't worked well because it's scheduled out weeks in advance and there is no way of knowing what will actually be available on the day of purchase. My father says I don't need to shop for him. However he asks a family friend that's an ER nurse with a preexisting condition to go for him if I don't pick up the things he needs quickly enough. Sorry I'm just ranting it was a long day at Costco.

I'm sorry. That must be quite stressful.

wwin, you can make your own distilled water at home in a pinch. Google for instructions if you get in a bind...

I've seen people wearing face shields instead of masks. Face shields are to protect the face against splashes. I'm not sure how effective they would be against a virus.

@HonnyBrown wrote:

I've seen people wearing face shields instead of masks. Face shields are to protect the face against splashes. I'm not sure how effective they would be against a virus.

Face masks are just as effective as non-N95 masks.

I just ordered some hand-sewn face masks with a sewn in filter on Etsy. It was a set of 4 for $20 with free shipping. Here is the link if anyone wants to look. I checked out a bunch of them but this particular seller stuck out because hers have that additional layer of protection. They are not medical grade but they will offer some protection for going in and out of stores.

[www.etsy.com]

@Tarantado wrote:

@HonnyBrown wrote:

I've seen people wearing face shields instead of masks. Face shields are to protect the face against splashes. I'm not sure how effective they would be against a virus.

Face masks are just as effective as non-N95 masks.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I heard that face masks aren't very effective at protecting you from getting a virus (if you don't have it already and someone w/o a mask coughs in your direction).

HOWEVER, they are VERY effective at preventing someone who has it from spreading it to others.

That's the wrinkle I'd heard people have been sometimes misinformed about when they hear masks aren't effective. They ARE, but in a different way than people expect. With so many asymptomatic people, it's a good idea for everyone to wear one.

Initially they said not to buy face masks and wearing them was not going to keep you from getting it. I think that may have been in part because there was a shortage of masks for first responders. However, now they are saying yes, wear a mask, as it can offer some form of protection. An additionally, I plan on soaking mine in salt water and letting them dry before wearing them based on articles I have read where researchers have found that salt can neutralize viruses. It won't hurt to try it.

[www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

@JASFLALMT wrote:

Initially they said not to buy face masks and wearing them was not going to keep you from getting it. I think that may have been in part because there was a shortage of masks for first responders. However, now they are saying yes, wear a mask, as it can offer some form of protection. An additionally, I plan on soaking mine in salt water and letting them dry before wearing them based on articles I have read where researchers have found that salt can neutralize viruses. It won't hurt to try it.

[www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

A big thing for me is just taking proactive steps to let other people know that I'd like to keep a safe distance.

I do wear a mask. But, I will also make eye-contact with someone talking toward me and softly throw up an arm or hand to let them know I'm keeping some space before they get too close. Sometimes I'll verbalize it: "Hi! Just keeping a safe distance here...Don't mind me." I might give a nervous laugh afterwards.

Most people immediately get it. The key for me is being alert to my surroundings and being proactive. It works well.

Only time it didn't was with those Harris Teeter employees who'd wiz right by us within inches (sometimes talking). Or, maybe a more complicated situation is when you're turning a corner. You can't see beyond it that well sometimes, so you have to be careful. Or, maybe worse, there are people coming toward you from multiple directions (back-front-sides). I think I had that happen once or twice. Thankfully, they kept some space.

So, yeah, on top of mask wearing, I am proactive in signalling (whether verbal and/or non-verbally) to others my intentions (in the hopes they'll immediately get it and keep a safe distance if they'd forgotten or been lax about it).

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/11/2020 01:20AM by shoptastic.

I haven't been anywhere in over 2 weeks except a grocery store parking lot and still am not certain that I will go anywhere in public anytime soon. But I will have my masks just in case.

Are you sure? There is no protection at the bottom of the face shield.

@Tarantado wrote:

@HonnyBrown wrote:

I've seen people wearing face shields instead of masks. Face shields are to protect the face against splashes. I'm not sure how effective they would be against a virus.

Face masks are just as effective as non-N95 masks.

I resent that I am ordered to wear a mask that will not protect others from a disease that I do not have and which simultaneously puts me at risk for contracting the disease by forcing my hands to my face even when I cannot practice proper sanitation then due to the guidelines for when to wear the masks. Someone should have tabled this mandate for awhile because it is virtually guaranteed to harm people who do not have an opportunity to harm others.

Someone should have ensured a year's supply or even a two year's of N95 masks & disposable gloves with which to don and remove the masks for all persons who would be ordered to wear masks-- BEFORE ordering people to wear the very things that can harm them. In their planning, they should have planned for us to have disposable hair covers (think, shower caps or swim caps) and included those in our head-area protective kits.

Hmmph.

@shoptastic wrote:

@Tarantado wrote:

@HonnyBrown wrote:

I've seen people wearing face shields instead of masks. Face shields are to protect the face against splashes. I'm not sure how effective they would be against a virus.

Face masks are just as effective as non-N95 masks.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I heard that face masks aren't very effective at protecting you from getting a virus (if you don't have it already and someone w/o a mask coughs in your direction).

HOWEVER, they are VERY effective at preventing someone who has it from spreading it to others.

That's the wrinkle I'd heard people have been sometimes misinformed about when they hear masks aren't effective. They ARE, but in a different way than people expect. With so many asymptomatic people, it's a good idea for everyone to wear one.

@wwin wrote:

Sorry I'm just ranting it was a long day at Costco.

I, for one, don't mind at all. I've felt very thankful for people sharing anything and everything. It keeps us engaged while trapped in isolation. Occasionally, I learn important info. or tips, so I've been thankful for that as well.

I do wish I could go out more, but I don't for family's sake. I enjoy hearing what others have been doing in their parts of the world. It's a "window" for me. So, I say "rant" all ya want! Hoping you find some relaxation for mind and body every now and then during this busy/hectic time!

@Shop-et-al wrote:

I resent that I am ordered to wear a mask that will not protect others from a disease that I do not have and which simultaneously puts me at risk for contracting the disease by forcing my hands to my face even when I cannot practice proper sanitation then due to the guidelines for when to wear the masks. Someone should have tabled this mandate for awhile because it is virtually guaranteed to harm people who do not have an opportunity to harm others.

Shopetal - how do you know you're not asymptomatic? Did you get tested for COVID-19 already?

Do keep in mind - something I had not thought about until reading it recently - that a negative test doesn't mean you aren't a carrier. You could literally have caught the virus 10 seconds or 10 minutes after you had your test performed (e.g., walking away from the test site and having someone cough near you). The test takes time to get results back. So, between actually getting tested and getting that negative result, you could have CAUGHT IT.

And, a negative test really just means you didn't have it at the time of the test, but could get it any second into the future. And if you're asymptomatic, then you could be spreading it.

In theory, if everyone is wearing masks, it's just a lot safer. Masks are better at preventing a carrier from spreading the virus than a non-carrier from contracting it. But, if everyone wears them, that does help!!!