The Grand Muster and the Wuhan Virus

[Pitspitr]

                                    3-21-2020

Ladies and gentlemen of the GAF,

Given that much of our membership and participants in the annual Grand Muster fit in the "high risk" categories with regard to the Chinese Virus, I felt I should make a statement about the impact of that virus on the Grand Muster.

I have reached out to several health care professionals about prudent steps that can be taken to protect Grand Muster participants. What I have been told is that most viruses dislike warm weather, sunshine and fresh air, and that projections appear to indicate that by early May we may be past the peak of infection. Limiting the size of gatherings is a best practice

We already limit the number of participants and the Grand Muster is held during warm weather in fresh air under the sun! So with all that in mind, here is what I plan; we will continue to prepare for holding the Grand Muster as usual. If it eventually becomes apparent that we must cancel the GM this year, I will make the decision by June 1. This way folks will have time to cancel any reservations they have made without penalties. If a registered participant falls ill or is just plain too concerned about the possibility of contracting COVID-19 to attend, I will refund their registration or apply it to 2021, their choice.

Removing financial concerns related to cancelations should encourage participants to just stay home if they are sick and thus keep our membership safer.

If you have any other questions relating to the Grand Muster, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.

[smoke]

Thank you for not making a knee jerk reaction and canceling but instead are evaluating the situation. 

[RattlesnakeJack]

Eminently reasonable approach, Sir!  I am sure you will keep us posted regarding any new developments.

[Delmonico]

I'm going to add I am pretty sure I and going to be able to make it this year, will probably need help loading and unloading, but I  know that is not a problem.

I am almost healed up and getting my strength back, due to the virus my rehab is canceled but looks like warmer weather this week and the granddaughter and I are going to go walking Riley this week and wife's car is fixed so she can go on a rescue mission if I walk to far, was not sure she could drive the beast do to her problems.

For those who didn't know, we lost our beloved black lab Rowdy right after the Muster last year.  We had decided to find and older black rescue in the fall but somehow 3 days later had a 8 week old brown rescue lab puppy from Oklahoma set to be delivered to us in Kansas in two weeks.

The whole thing is a best left to a campfire tale and will convince you there is a God and he loves dogs.  He is a sweet heart but will tell you off if need be and is the king of stink eye.

My friend who pulled him from the shelter has 2 labs and his first night with Norton he told him he didn't want to come in and go to bed.😂

[Gripmaker]

Excellent proclamation, Sir!  I realize this is still serious business but I, for one, have seen the elephant once and he isn't that scary. Of course if you have a good relationship with Jesus, it helps. I am planning to be at the Muster again this year and hopefully able to shoot. There is no healthier place in Nebraska than perched atop the hill enjoying the bright virus-killing sunshine and warm air (and some HOT air). I am praying, for us all, the promises found in Isaiah 54:17 that "...no weapon formed against you will prosper..." and Psalm 91:9-10 that "Because thou hast made the Lord...thy habitation; there shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling." Remember, your real dwelling place is you, not some building.
   See you all at the Muster.
LTC Montgomery Little , GAF Senior Chaplain and spiritual meddler.

[cpt dan blodgett]

walk 1/3 what ya think you can come back drink some water or iced tea maybe and go out again turning around before you are too tired. 

[Delmonico]

I made 1/2 mile yesterday the first time, 2/3 the second and going to go for the full mile in a bit. 

If I have to the wife will come with a quick call, leg muscles are the real problem right now.

Will drink a tonic water to prevent leg cramps, worked when I worked retail.

When I can do 2 miles dog and I are headed to the dog training area of a local wildlife management area.

[1961MJS]

Hi Del, good you're getting better.  I have a friend who swears by pickle juice for cramps. It does work when we get done walking is mutts.  I've commonly taken an aspirin before I walk a long way.

Later

[Delmonico]

Too much sodium in pickle juice and I'm on blood thinners so no aspirin.

Made my mile today, in 20 minutes, walked back in the door, BP was 148 over 81 and heart rate was 102.  Gave it 5 minutes, and it was 101 over 71 and hr was 88. 

Pretty good for an old phart of 63 with rebuilt plumbing. 

[Duck Creek]

Del,
My heartiest congratulations on your mile walk performance. Hoping you stick with exercise regimen in spite of having your rehab cancelled. I?m a firm believer in what the rehab folks are preaching.
I had a double bypass surgery this last September to correct a congenital heart defect. Started the therapy in late October and I was able to finish before Coronavirus became a concern. Exercise has made a tremendous difference in my physical abilities since the surgery.
Wishing you a continued strong recovery.
Duck Creek

[Delmonico]

I won't be able to get back to cooking if I don't, got a bird dog to train also.

[Dusty Tagalon]

A more interesting covid map to look at, John Hopkins, https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/us-map
then click confirmed by population beneath it.
Locally pressure increasing, my department has been tasked for 150 hours a week for screening entrance into hospital, I have volunteered as Entrance Monitor into the Covid Clinic. I figured it is actually the safest place, head to foot in ppe, about 1 patient per hour, with a screener between me & the patient.
Dusty

[Pitspitr]

So I see that the Health Dept. folks have extended the DHM for our county until May 31. This still doesn't change my plans for the Grand Muster. I will make a hard and fast decision June 1.

[cpt dan blodgett]

That seems to be a good plan.  I expect if you go ahead my decision to attend will be based on my perceived threat getting there.  Pretty sure none of us will make the trip it there is a better than even chance of catching the Commie Death Flu en-route.  Will be watching the news and COVID maps as the time draws near. 

Sadly even stopping and staying at my son's house in Grand Junction is problematic as he is working on the Covid ward and could bring the damn virus home to share while we are there.

[Gripmaker]

General,  Do we have a comprehensive list of who has already signed on for the Muster?

[Mogorilla]

I have not sent in my form as I am waiting on a GAF member number, but if the creeks do not rise, I believe Wooly Dan and I are planning on attending.

[Pitspitr]

Hi Mo
Go ahead and send it in. Consider yourself enlisted I'll take care of the Membership number later.
And Yes, I've received Wooly Dan's entry.

[Mogorilla]

Thanks!  Registration in mail today.  Checks made to GAF?

[Pitspitr]

Yes, that would be fine

[1961MJS]

Hi Jerry

Has you bank ever taken a check to you addresses to General Pitspitr?  Just curious.  Got the patches, thanks.

Later