Postcards

[schneefink]

I cancelled on lunch at my parents' today, and my mom said she understood and then started crying because she's having a hard time for several reasons and she really looked forward to seeing me. Human connections are important, especially when you're not supposed to go out and meet people. Fortunately, the post office should still be open tomorrow.
ETA: Info changes almost hourly, but rules are getting much stricter. I haven't seen any recommendations not to send non-essential mail yet but it seems like just a matter of time. I'll try, but no promises.

Poll #23618 Postcards

This poll is closed.
Open to: Registered Users, detailed results viewable to: All, participants: 19

View Respondents

I would like a postcard

View Answers

with a (probably bad) drawing of [please leave a comment]
0 (0.0%)

with a random choice of your favorite poems
8 (42.1%)

with a silly fandom joke
0 (0.0%)

with a recipe [please comment if restrictions apply]
4 (21.1%)

any postcard, whatever silly thing comes to mind
7 (36.8%)

with something else [please comment]
0 (0.0%)

Poll #23619 Postcards II

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Open to: Registered Users, detailed results viewable to: All, participants: 20

View Respondents

I like postcards with

View Answers

pictures of nature
14 (70.0%)

pictures of the city/buildings
13 (65.0%)

funny animal pictures
6 (30.0%)

art
14 (70.0%)

any motive
12 (60.0%)

I have no idea what kind of postcards will be available, but I'll do my best.

Poll #23620 Postcards III

This poll is closed.
Open to: Registered Users, detailed results viewable to: Just the Poll Creator, participants: 19

My address is

(also include the name you want me to address the card to.)

Comments

[extrapenguin]

Postcards! That's a genius idea. The mail's still running; might as well use it.

[schneefink]

On the one hand I don't want to make more work for people, especially now, but it's not going to make a difference to whether the post will be running (though I can imagine that postcards are low priority and will take a while to deliver.) Meanwhile, things that can cheer people up are good.

[michelel72]

I know virtual isn't at all the same as in-person, but would your mom benefit from a video call over just a voice call? (I'm presuming you were speaking with her over a voice line.) My mom would 100% not have thought it counted if she couldn't physically hug me, but I know some people find the extra visual cues to help at least a little.

The postcards are a nice idea. :)

[schneefink]

I'm definitely planning on doing that later! Not the same, but probably better than voice only. And my brother decided to drop by to get a few things he had at their place, so she got to see one of us, I'm sure that helped.

I'm usually too lazy to send a lot of mail but right now I find myself really looking forward to it. :)

[mecurtin]

This is what I was going to suggest, too! It's what I'm setting up with my parents. Also works for calls with other relatives, especially good for "Here's baby! Wave at great-auntie!"

If you are doing their tech support remotely (I live 200+miles from my parents) I can't recommend Team Viewer too much. It has saved our relationship.

[michelel72]

I love your icon!

[schneefink]

Thanks! Hopefully that won't be necessary, we've used Skype before.

[krait]

Postcards are a great idea!

[schneefink]

I thought so, but "going to the post office" is unsurprisingly not part of the list of the only things people should leave the house for. On the other hand, if I'm still going to work and to the supermarket, not going to the post office seems like a silly limit (provided it's even open, of course.) The ministry will publish a list of types of firms that have to close, so I suppose we'll see. If I can't send postcards tomorrow, I'll definitely do so as soon as I can again.

[extempore]

Verkaufen Trafiken noch Briefmarken? Die sollen ja auch offen bleiben.

[schneefink]

Trafiken sollen offen bleiben? Ja, die bei mir um die Ecke verkauft Briefmarken, und dort sollten sie auch Postkarten haben - mir ist nämlich auch eingefallen, dass ich nicht sicher weiß, ob sie in der Postfiliale überhaupt Postkarten haben... sonst brauch ich die ja nie!

[krait]

Oh, I didn't think about having to go physically to the Post Office! Oops. I was thinking 'drop postcards in a mailbox,' so you'd only have to leave the house as far as the end of the driveway (or stop by a public mailbox on your way to some other more essential errand).

[schneefink]

That would be ideal, but sadly I have neither postcards nor stamps at home ^^ I'll make sure I have some in reserve in the future.

[dine]

unless you aren't able to send international cards

but in either case, if you're interested in mail in return, please DM me with mailing info - I regularly send notes to folks outside the US, and would be happy to add you to my address book

[schneefink]

Yeah, already there is no mail service to China because of the flight restrictions, and no mail service to certain parts of Italy. I wouldn't be surprised if that list will be expanded soon.

[dr_zook]

I'm agreeing: the postcards idea is really genius! I'd be so delighted. :3

Things are going to be tough around here, too. I'm living with two people whose risk potential is really high, and I don't know when to see my wife again; she lives 300km from here. :/

[schneefink]

That sucks :( Fingers crossed for your friends and family!

[trobadora]

Would love a postcard, whenever you get the chance!

I hope your mum will be okay without in-person contact. Virtual hugs to you both!

[schneefink]

Probably either tomorrow or in a month, we'll see ^^

Thanks! I think we'll be fine. I'm just glad we have technology to connect. *hugs*

[dolorosa_12]

What a wonderful idea!

[schneefink]

Now let's hope I can actually implement it tomorrow ;)
(You didn't say, what you want on your card?)

[dolorosa_12]

Oh, sorry, I’ve answered it now. No dietary restrictions, although I can’t guarantee that shops will have every ingredient available.

[zdenka]

That's a lovely idea!

[schneefink]

Hopefully I'll actually be able to send them tomorrow ;)

[gwyn]

What a great idea! (Although if things do shut down, I totally understand.) I might try something like that too--though it makes me sad that I know there will be places that won't be able to receive them.

[schneefink]

Yeah, and I expect that all mail will arrive late - so hopefully it'll be a nice surprise whenever it does arrive :)

[sholio]

What a lovely idea! Fingers crossed the mail cooperates - though I also hope the postal workers keep themselves safe. (This is such a weird situation. All the things you would normally want to do, like going over to see people, are exactly what you can't do ...!)

I selected the drawing option but there's nothing I specifically want, and anything fandom-related or any fun silly thing you like would also be nice - I just like the idea of something personal. I can give you a prompt if it would be helpful, but I'm also happy with just giving me whatever. <3

[schneefink]

I already know what I'm going to try and draw for you :D

[sholio]

Yay!! \o/