Finally Debt Free After 34 Years, But Still Need to Live Frugally

greenbee

Unfortunately those 'fit' kids would then pass it on to their less fit relatives. That's not the way to do it right now. Over time, yes. But not now. 
In Italy they're having to triage based on likely outcome - not just about age, but overall health. It's what happens if the epidemic peaks too soon and overwhelms the capacity of the healthcare system (and theirs is apparently the 2nd best in the world according to the WHO). It's not about lack of respect for elders, it's about having no choice but to make difficult decisions as to who to treat and must be devastating for the people making those decisions. Which is why we need to start social distancing, wash our hands and hope that we can slow the progress of the disease so that the NHS can cope. And it'll be down to us, not politicians. 
I've been on briefings about this and surrounded by data about if for the last few days. I've posted some very in-depth research on the avoidance thread if anyone wants to go into the details of the data. 

badmemory

As far as I am aware it was not about triage, which is presumably about sorting people out before treatment starts, but actually removing people from ICU after their treatment has started.  Which sounds more like euthenasia to me!

greenbee

Just be grateful you're not the one having to make that kind of decision. 

HairyHandofDartmoor

Blimey, tough decisions being made in Italy 😥. The government or WHO (or whoever) were saying that if they put draconian measures in place too soon then it could make things worse. Anway I for one am delighted that schools are staying open for now for purely selfish reasons (ie wanting to be able to pay my bills).

I am a bit concerned about going to my stepmum's party the weekend after next though as DH has diabetes and I've got asthma. I don't know if anyone who will be at the party will have come into contact with people who've been abroad or got the infection. I know for sure that nobody at school has it (at the moment) so I feel safe going to school (maybe illogically) but it's also an economic necessity at the moment. Whereas going to the party will cost us £200 in petrol, food, etc, and I feel we need to be extra frugal at the moment in case the virus causes recession which will kill DH's business, or in case my school closes. So we may decide not to go. We'll see nearer the time. 

HairyHandofDartmoor

School was good today. I was supervising tests in the morning, had a nice sunny (but windy) lunch hour and then the children were doing art all afternoon. They made an unbelievable mess 🤣 that I had to help them clear up but they had a lovely time.

I bought some half price satsumas and some bananas in the shop on the way home, but those were my only spends as I always take sandwiches with me. Just as well as 15 minutes barely gives me time to eat lunch and visit the loo, it certainly doesn't give me time to BUY lunch!

I hope everyone is having a good Thursday .

beanielou

I think you are right to consider not going to the party 
That's a lot of money to spend & as you say you could well need it for day to day living.

HairyHandofDartmoor

beanielou said:

I think you are right to consider not going to the party 
That's a lot of money to spend & as you say you could well need it for day to day living.

Thanks Beanie . It is a large proportion of our income so I am worried about spending it, although I know my dad will be disappointed if we can't go. We'd spend at least £100 on petrol and we'd need two lots of breakfasts, two evening meals and coffee, etc, on the journeys. Then a week later we need to collect DS3 so that will be more expense.
I just feel it wouldn't be sensible to haemorrhage money at the moment. 

[Deleted User]

I can understand your predicament about the party.  Is it for anything special as I'm a bit surprised someone elderly is contemplating a big event at the moment. That reads a bit funny!  I mean your Dad and Stepmum being elderly not you and DH LOL. Maybe they'll cancel it and your problem will be solved.

As for fetching your son, I've noticed  this subject comes up at the start and end of every term.  Is there any reason why he can't pay you the travel costs?  Presumably he's getting a student loan and if you were not in a position to fetch and carry him and his stuff, such as if you didn't have a car, it would cost him a heck of a lot of money to go to and fro. Not to mention the inconvenience he's being spared by his Dad tiring himself out by all that driving. If DS doesn't offer please ask him for payment.  It won't make you a bad parent!  Presumably he realises that money is tight in your household and it isn't doing him any favours letting him sail through life without pulling his weight.  He's an adult after all.

teafor2

Evening HHD I'd think about the party from both the financial and health point of view. Will you need to book a hotel? That's the bit that would worry me the most at the moment tbh, not knowing who'd been in the room and how well it had been cleaned. 

We were talking about the decisions being made in Italy and I just hope the NHS can cope and those sort of decisions don't have to be made over here. I can't imagine how you would feel if you had to make that call xx   

Seasidegal58

I hope some work comes in soon for your DH Hairy.  Such a worry for your both.

I think if you explain matters to your dad, about both the money and health aspects of attending the party, I'm sure he would see your point of view.  In view of these interesting times we're living in at the moment it might be better for him and your step-mum if the party was postponed for a bit, especially as they are elderly.