Have you noticed now that supplies are limited that you are rationing things yourself? I didn't realize how generous I was with toilet paper before. Now each event is carefully measured.
I can see how this might work but there is a small problem. Classy bidets come with a blow dryer. You are on your own with this.
If you care to air dry, a good book might be an idea while you wait. Hey, you can't go anywhere anyway. Using toilet paper to dry kind of defeats the purpose and using towels kind of give me the creeps. I'll let you work out the details. I'm for the good book and patience.
That is my hopefully helpful hack for the week.
Do you have some suggestions for conserving supplies? Not just toilet paper but everyday items that are no longer just a trip to the store away. In these times, we must think out side the box.
Seriously, every one please take care and lets get through this.
My gosh Patti, I was looking at the exact same contraption a few days ago, and wondering the same things you are. I'm just hoping the TP shortage is something we can all share a laugh over soon.
ReplyDeleteDoug,
DeleteI am sure we will laugh eventually over the toilet paper deprivation for humor is often catastrophe in retrospect.
We have lots of powdered protein powder for my diet, and lots of Quaker oats. They don't take up much room, and as long as you have water to mix, you won't go hungry.
ReplyDeleteAs far as TP goes, it brings to mind the "Seinfeld" episode, "Can you spare a square?"
Joeh,
DeleteOf course the only bad thing about the oats is that it can increase the need for TP. Ah, but it is best to keep things moving.
I missed that episode but cracked up at sparing a square:) Hope we don't get to that.
That was hilarious! But, you don't know how many times in the past I wish I had a bidet. The people in Europe have great ideas sometimes.
ReplyDeleteLatane,
DeleteSo glad you enjoyed. Ever since I saw one a friend had I have kind of wished I had sprung for one.
I always wanted a bidet and that's an instinct I should have followed!
ReplyDeleteI used to run out to the neighborhood store every time I needed the least little thing -- a loaf of bread, a bottle of vanilla, a fresh lemon -- but I have always kind of kept stocked up on what my mom called the staples. Now I am very conscious of what is a need versus what is a want. Plenty of people in the world survive on rice and beans and I can too.
Olga,
DeleteI was just like you and would make the trip to the store for one thing--though I never stopped at that one.
I understand rice and beans is a perfectly balanced meal.
I never went to the store for just one thing, but now I am. Every morning I go and buy one newspaper. Nothing else if I don't need it. So tomorrow I'll be buying the newspaper and a carton of milk. Nothing else.
DeleteI'm always glad to see a post from one of my favorite family members I've never met. That would be you, for one. Stay safe and ration those squares. We have plenty for the moment. :-)
ReplyDeleteDjan,
DeleteLike I always think all is well when I see your comment.
I think you mentioned even before all this that SG kept you WELL stocked with TP all the time. That was a great investment.
You two stay safe and well.
The book you're suggesting in the bathroom while you air-dry is the very reason why I don't borrow library books. You never know where they've been.
ReplyDeleteOne of my commenters suggested a small garden sprayer to use instead of paper. Didn't know they had portable bidet!
Jean,
DeleteThat is one reason I love my Kindle. Sadly library books are sneezed on, read while on the pot and what got me was people thought they could eat and read at the same time. Now was that spaghetti sauce or blood on that page?
I think about food all the time now. We've gone to the store twice for lentils and polenta, and they're still not available. I worry. I think we have enough TP to last a while, and hopefully this insanity won't outlast our rolls. Take care there, Patti, stay well and healthy.
ReplyDeleterobin,
DeleteIsn't it bad when your craving is unavailable? What I crave I shouldn't have but since I can't find it, I want it all the more. Sigh.
We're on day 11 ... but who's counting?!? We're going to the cupboard and dredging out some cans and boxes we bought months ago but never used, and getting creative.
ReplyDeleteTom,
DeleteAre you surprised like me at some of the things you find in the back of your cupboard? I seem to have a plethora of cake mixes (which I rarely eat) and tons of tuna. Guess we will finally get those cupboards cleaned out.
The best thing about this post was that you made me laugh, not just smile, but laugh. Thanks for that. I'm rationing toilet paper and yogurt. I'm fine with staying home, it's raining buckets so my road is washed out anyway. I'm not rationing anything else. Well, since my washingmachine is broken, I sort of ration clothes I wear, sheets, and stuff like that. Not fun, and I will deal with in when the weather gets better. Either it will be repaired or there will be a new one.
ReplyDeleteInger,
DeleteI am so happy you got a chuckle out of the post. My mission accomplished. That broken washer could be a problem. I was running out of just laundry soap and was a bit panicked. Finally found some today. Hope you get yours fixed soon.
I bought a bidet about a year or two ago .... from Amazon! It works wonderfully. Does not have a dryer so I still use a bit of TP. My son-in-law installed it and had to drill a small hole in the vanity as it attaches to plumbing under the sink. Some do have dryers but we only have one outlet in the bathroom ....
ReplyDeleteThe Awkward Widow,
DeleteOh you lucky lady. A friend introduced me to one and I have been envious ever since. I imagine that even without the dryer, you use less TP than the rest of us. Enjoy that luxury.
I think we have enough TP to last until May.
ReplyDeletegigi,
DeleteGood planning. Hope we are all able to get more by then.
Luckily, George and I do a lot of bulk purchasing and always have. We go to Sam's about 2-3 times a month--so it will be awhile before we'll buy more toilet paper and paper towels... I do think that people are "Panic Buying"... We went to Walmart REALLY EARLY in the morning this past Friday --so as to beat the crowds and even though there weren't many people there, some people's grocery carts looked like they were buying for 40 people... UNBELIEVABLE... Makes me mad that some people are so greedy --and others (who need certain items) can't get them now... Maybe (if we as a country) learn from any of this) we'll learn to be more caring/compassionate and less SELFISH... This "me-me-me" attitude will kill us all....
ReplyDeleteStay HEALTHY and SAFE.
Hugs,
Betsy
Betsy,
DeleteOh you make me miss having access to Sams. Impossible not to buy in bulk there. Glad you are set.
The selfishness is really an eye opener but then I've had people do kind things for me and I realize most of us are good.
You and George take care of eachother. Be well and safe.
Our grocery store periodically has our favorite TP on sale ($5.00 off) so my husband was in the habit of picking up an extra pack when it was on sale. So we have what seemed like plenty. But now we are entering yet another week and no TP to be found. We have not done serious searching yet, but that day will come if this weird hoarding practice continues.
ReplyDeleteOur son told me this morning he could not find any yeast. He is certain the people who grabbed it up are not bakers, but will put the hoarded yeast in the pantry only to let it die and be unusable.
Such a shame the way some people are acting. Guess we need to take Fred Roger's advice and look for the helpers.
Carolyn,
DeleteMaybe people are baking their own bread now since you can't find it in the stores. Hope that accounts for the yeast hoarding.
Luckily I have had several people being kind and thoughtful so hopefully we out number ther greedy.
The stores have TP on the shelves about 5 minutes after restocking. I just don't understand the panic button going off. The lack of food may cone to pass...that scares me more!
ReplyDeleteAnni,
DeleteWouldn't you know this is the first year I haven't put in a veggie garden. Wonder what those people are going to do with all that TP? Spread it with Mayo and eat it maybe?
Too funny! I have many books in the house, some that I don't care to read again, so I guess I could use a couple of pages if necessary. As for tp, I'm good and will be for some time yet. I collect AirMiles at my local grocery store; they often require that I have $60 in my purchase so when I'm short I'll grab either toilet paper or paper towels to take me to the limit. My kids have always laughed and said I could outfit an army troop..but of course, I'm not sharing!
ReplyDeleteI also would run out to the store if I needed something. Now my Google mini is keeping a grocery list that I'll use when I go out sometime next week.
Take care and stay well!
Eileen,
DeleteGood to know you were stocked before it hit the fan. I am OK for now but who knows how long this will last.
Hope those book pages are soft:))
And DON'T flush them, sewers were not designed for alternatives. The only things you should flush are the three P's. Pee, Poop and Paper, that's TOILET paper, NOT any other kind. Plumbers are having a field day with all the blocked toilets lately.
DeleteBob and I are on day 15 and not killing each other which is great. I've never used a bidet but a little sprayed water down there might be A-OK. Our state and local governments in CO are trying without martial law to get people to stay at home, but asking nicely doesn't seem to be doing the job in major population centers. At our house, where we back to wilderness, we rarely meet anyone else on the trails which aren't readily accessible. Stay well, Patti. Practice deep breathing, get some exercise, and drink plenty of water to flush your system.
ReplyDeleteBarb,
DeleteDon't understand those who just don't get it. Had to smile at your opening line. My neighbor said her daughter halfways joked that her marriage might just end in divorce or murder if this keeps up. Some people just are use to all this togetherness. You and Bob seem to have it worked out.
Take care of eachother.
Your post has filled my mind with possibilities for a bidet. I will contemplate the options.
ReplyDeleteThis gives me time to write, which is what I like to do anyway.
Susan,
DeleteThose of us who enjoy reading and writing are having no problems with the isolation. I kind of feel sorry for those who need constant social interaction. For me phones and computers do the job.
I had to laugh about using toilet paper. I do find myself being very stingy with it now even though we probably have enough rolls to last us a month or so. I'm hoping the stores will be stocked well with it before it becomes a worry. Stay safe. This too will pass as my mother-in-law use to tell me when she was visiting!
ReplyDeleteSnickelfritz,
DeleteI am pretty sure the only stock doing well these days is the TP manufacturers. I guess you have to be first in the door when they open to get any.
Early on in this viral ordeal, of which Seattle was unfortunately ahead of the curve, someone mentioned to be sure to have a supply of toilet paper, so I grabbed an extra big pack, so we're good for now. I do think the overbuying will slow down sooner than the virus does. We'll just have to venture out in trepidation to get it and other necessities at the grocery store.
ReplyDeleteLinda,
DeleteI know, it is not only the shortage, it is the slight fear we high risk folks take just shopping. Sure will be glad when this calms down.
I'm relieved to say we do have the bidet toilets installed. We decided to do this after our travels to Japan where it's pretty standard everywhere. You do use a lot less toilet paper. I don't use the dryer thing though. Really... that would take too long.
ReplyDeleteWe bought a couple of rotisserie chickens a couple of weeks ago and I packed meal size portions in quart bags for the 3 of us. I also stocked up on frozen veggies. However... I've still run out of a few staples like almond milk so we're going to have to go out tomorrow during the senior hours. We saw a list of things a while ago that advised you on what to get... but... still... you run out.
Kay,
DeleteI know. I think I miss most the ability to just run to the store when I want to get whatever I want. Boy were we spoiled.
Today is our senior day but I went really early yesterday and there was hardly anyone there--but also no toilet paper.
Enjoy that bidet.
Our bathroom is so old we have a bidet. We never use it though. I just chuck my clothes in it when I go to bed each night. :D
ReplyDeleteJoey,
DeleteHa ha, kind of like most peoples treadmills.
I hadn't actually thought about a DIY Bidet yet. That will give me something constructive to think about while I have nothing to do.
ReplyDeleteBarbara,
DeleteNever hurts to work on a project. Let us know it you do.
Conserving supplies? smaller portions at mealtimes, using up all leftovers for the next meal, don't eat if you aren't hungry, just because it's lunchtime and whatever else might work for you.
ReplyDeleteRiver,
DeleteDoing all the above except left overs. I never have any. I cook for my self and know how much I can eat.
I should have said also to use much less of any products such as detergents and cleaners etc. Ignore the manufacturer's recommended amounts, they base those on how soon the container is emptied so you'll have to buy more and fill their coffers. Use half or a third, even a quarter of the amount and see how long it lasts you. For years now I've been adding only one or two tablespoons of laundry detergent to my washer depending on whether it is a half or a full load, a box of detergent powder lasts forever and my clothes are just as clean. A thimbleful of dish detergent does just as well as the usual careless squirt unless I have a lot of greasy things, then I'll use a bit more. So try that so you don't have to go shopping for more all the time.
ReplyDeleteRiver,
DeleteI found that out when I noticed the size of the measuring cup for my detergent doubled. Now I just throw out the new one and use the same one I used years ago. Yep--clothes still clean.
Dear Patti, I used to be an avid bread baker, supplying not only myself but my three neighbors. That was then (10 years ago) and this is now and so I'm beginning again to bake--for myself, my brother & sister-in-law, a neighbor, and my oldest niece. She has been so helpful--going to various grocery stores to find the ingredients I'll need for different breads and cookies. Yesterday, for the first time since I moved here to Missouri, 11 years ago, I made 100% whole wheat bread--2 loaves--and gave them to my brother & sister-in-law. The one way I'm sort of conserving is that I've always eaten a sandwich every day for lunch. I'm not doing that now. Instead I'm simply--about 3x a week--eating what would go on the sandwich! Peace.
ReplyDeleteDee,
DeleteI'll bet you are really popular with your brother and his wife. Nothing like fresh baked bread and your house must smell wonderful.
Good idea about eating just the makings. I am down to that for I ate my last slice of bread this morning. We will adjust and get along just fine.
Yes, we need to stick together. I live alone so it's pretty easy to prepare food and use it for the next 3 or 4 days. One example: Using a large pkg. of dried split peas I used the crock pot and added Carrots, onions and some ham I had frozen. It made a nice dinner for at least 5 days .. add saltines, etc. (granted I am 87 and don't need to eat like you youngsters … but it's an idea)
ReplyDeleteGinnie,
DeleteThat really sounds good and easy. Hey, I could eat the same thing every day and it wouldn't bother me.
I never thought that toilet paper would become such a big issue. I have a bidet but no dryer included, I use a small towel which can easily be watched. After all, I make sure there’s no residue! Heavens above, what a subject.
ReplyDeleteI find I eat a bit less, spending so much time sitting will otherwise turn me into a ball.
Friko,
DeleteEnvy you your bidet. Bet there is a rush on them when this is over.
Me to eating less. My urge to preserve supplies has me rationing by eating smaller portions. I am actually losing weight.
>If you care to air dry, a good book might be an idea while you wait. Hey, you can't go anywhere anyway.
ReplyDeleteLove this. Thank you for the quote of the week, Patti.
Sherry,
DeleteHa ha, so glad you enjoyed it. Seems logical to me.
A family member had surgery in that sensitive body area after determining it was not a hemorrhoid but a cancerous growth and was really glad to get a bidet, heated water, to use after undergoing chemo and radiation (just got word cleared of CA). Said the bidet was a godsend after surgery and treatments. That and remembering a few years ago the challenge I faced using my right hand when I had a finger splint, I had just begun considering getting a bidet when bidets broke in the news as a solution for TP shortage. I still want a bidet but will likely wait now til all the hoopla over them dies down. I’m not up to installing one and don't want to have workman in my house presently either. Don’t have to get the most expensive one for quality function.
ReplyDeleteJoared,
DeleteMe too and will wait for the same reasons. Probably wouldn't hurt to buy some bidet stock. I am sure with this crazy shortage of TP that others have thought of it.
Nothing much changed except we are house bound for 3 weeks now. No rush on TP or other goods.
ReplyDeleteI do recall while travelling many places clean using only water jugs. I also recall post war when cut up newspaper was hung from string next to toilet or even outhouses depending our location as we moved a lot as war refugees. In 50S we got to Canada and TP appeared. Even on camp canoe trips we managed Roll of TP to use in our dug out open air spots.
Be safe.