Covid Journal, Day 148: Painting, the Post Office and August teacup

73 at 8am, extremely humid. Another hot day.

After being away from home three days in a row, today I find myself tired, my stomach upset and my head feeling stuffy and achy. I'm not used to being away, that's the truth, after the past months of being home almost every single day of the week. My poor tummy is rebelling against the unfamiliar food--sandwiches picked up at a drive-thru, too much coffee--and my head is reacting to the hot stuffy humid air. And tired--well, don't you feel that way after being out for a day or two? Maybe I'm just showing my age but it wears me out.

So I'm low-key today, pushing myself to do the usual housework and get back to painting that china cabinet. I've finished coat 3 of new paint this afternoon. I've worked a bit on ebay too, packing things for shipping. I was surprised and concerned at this message on the ebay shipping page: "USPS is experiencing significant delays across their delivery network. Please consider using other carrier options that may provide a better buyer experience."

Hunh? What other options do I have? None, I can tell you that with confidence. FedEX and UPS charge to pick up packages and their shipping rates are outrageous for the kinds of things I ship. Big volume shippers probably get great rates, but not small-time sellers like me. To use either of these services means a trip into town, or pay an exorbitant price for pickup. I am deeply concerned about what's going on with the USPS. That service is a lifeline for many rural people, especially the elderly. To see what's happening to it right now is frightening and sad.

I will be closely watching the news about the post office changes, and hoping it can hold on and remain that backbone of communication it has always been. I understand when change is necessary, but I think we'd be cutting off our noses to spite our faces if the service were to be ended.

At least I can get some peace of mind with a cup of tea. And with a pretty cup to make it taste better--well, that's what my mother always said. This month's cup is marked "Z.B. Co. Bavaria." It's simple, but a nice shape and holds more than some. I bought a set of 4 for 2 dollars, but one cracked on the way home, and I sold the other two, just keeping this one for my own use. The basket of flowers seems appropriate for this late summer month. The pretty little platter behind it was a 25-cent find, and is our morning toast plate now. We both like it, which is funny because I didn't think my husband noticed what dishes we use. Apparently he does. Pretty sweet.

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