[Josie and Kelton: They Have Employable Skills]

1 minute ago, emmawoodhouse said:

I guess I was blocked from seeing the entire article? Do we have a birthday?

Monday, June 14. 

[Alyssa and John: Lunch with Lurch]

11 hours ago, Absolom said:

They also have four young children and will likely have more.  They don't need to buy a lot of expensive furniture for the kids to trash.  Alyssa at least didn't grow up with expensive furniture and knows how her siblings treated things.

I give the married daughters a little pass on their decorating. Most of us did our own experimenting with decor. We had dorm rooms in college or first apartments that were filled with hand me downs and rejects. I remember being so proud of my couch that I bought with my own money. It was white with splotches of pastels (hello 1990s). I had it for years until I was watching 16 & Pregnant and one of the parents of the teen mom had the same couch in her run down crack house looking trailer. I knew I had to get a new couch then. 

To me it speaks to this idea that these girls go from daughter to wife, lover, homemaker, decorator, cook, and mother all in the span of a year. Most of us went through experimental phases. These girls are suddenly allowed to dress how they want, have sex, kiss, go without chaperones, pick paint color and furniture, etc. They are going to make mistakes. So long as the mistakes are with fashion and decor, I'm cool. Just don't put anyone in danger. 

[Nathan and Esther: No Longer Lonely, Still Batesing Along]

On 5/26/2021 at 9:43 PM, emmawoodhouse said:

I was just commenting on the Hair Incident. I don't recall Nathan even being around to criticize Carlin 2 years ago.

I don't recall him criticizing Josie or Carlin. However, he did say the stuff about Tori's hair plans and was rude while Michaela was shopping for her dress...calling one of the ones that she liked a Grandma dress. 

[Josie and Kelton: They Have Employable Skills]

23 hours ago, cereality said:

How do we know what Kelton thinks? Did they do an IG live on this? He talks somewhere about his mom's epidural and how it caused her amniotic fluid embolism?

Regardless while it's super sad about his mom and always will be, I hope he doesn't "deny"  his wife pain relief because of what happened to his mom a decade ago at a different hospital. Like sure talk to the drs about it and about how you're super nervous, they'll walk you thru what causes whatever his mom's condition was and how likely it is NOT caused by an epidural, and will provide you reassurances on being super safe/only having an attending anesthesiologist to do the epi/whatever you need, but ultimately it is your WIFE's decision because she's the one enduring the pain and having a person come out of her, not you. IDK something about Kelton seems controlling though. IDK why I think that but I do. Maybe it isn't so much about his control but about how she seems 1000% invested in pleasing Kelton and would prob do what he preferred even as she endured pain and actual drs. with years and years of training told her it'd be ok to get an epidural.

In Season 9 Episode 1, Josie gives birth to Willow. They were doing their couch interview about the experience. At one point Josie was struggling and passed out. She said that she woke up to Kelton crying/bawling. The nurses, etc. encouraged Josie to get an epidural, use pitocin, or have them break the water at that point because she was having such a rough time and it was lasting so long (36 hours at that point). She and Kelton (per Kelly Jo) asked for time to discuss it. Then Kelton does part of the interview and says, "The epidural was one of the scariest parts for me because that is one of the factors that actually resulted in them not being able to catch the signs that led to my mother's death." 

Gil then interviews and says that he and Mr. Balka were in the waiting room and that Mr. Balka was nervous too (presumably about the epidural), as the last labor and delivery he was at was when "his wife went to be with the lord."

I don't know if the epidural masked the symptoms for Kelton's mom. However, I can understand if that is what he was told from a young age then he probably does truly believe it. From their talking heads, it didn't sound like he had encouraged her not to get one. She spoke a few times about seeing the fear in his eyes and not wanting to add to it. I can imagine it was scary for Kelton to watch his wife be in so much pain and struggling - reportedly passing out more than once - and thinking that the suggested remedy for that was the one thing that you had been told contributed to you losing your mother. 

I know they had a doula for the last birth. I think they would have benefited from some birthing classes that discussed pain management from a scientific and logical standpoint. Kelton (and Josie) should have been in a setting to ask questions about the process before she had been in labor for 36 hours. 

[Zach and Whitney: The Constable and the Carhop]

I can confirm that UP is truly a struggling channel. Their income statements are not pretty. While the Bates are a great source of income for them and they do pay the family, it is not on the level that many reality people get paid. There are other perks they get. For example, the show will buy them phones and pay for those plans so that A) they can record some calls for the show and B) they can ask for footage/video shot on the phones. 

I know there is always talk about maybe UP pays for trips or for the weddings. I don't know the exact numbers, but I do know a few people on a professional level at UP. They tend to pay for venue fees. A part of my job, which is includes rental locations and parks that production companies like to use, is to negotiate those fees. So we'll say reality show person one is marrying reality person two. We would rent the park at $2,000. UP wants to film it. Then I tack on an additional $10,000 for UP to pay because we have to deal with crews, lighting, sound, etc. They are going to be tromping all over the grass with heavy equipment and we have to worry about security, etc. So UP comes back and says they want to film the wedding, the trip to see the location, and the rehearsal. I up the price to $15,000. UP hands over the money and now I'm less concerned with that $2,000 from the couple. In fact UP might volunteer to pay that if they can use a city parking lot for staging their equipment. 

So I doubt UP would pay for the dress or for the honeymoon...if they paid for a honeymoon, I doubt Josie or Carlin would have gone to an all inclusive location where they couldn't film. Yes, they did their supposed pre-honeymoon trips but the evidence indicates those were lied about in terms of timing. 

I think that while they look to be doing well financially, there is evidence that they aren't necessarily banking any of the money or preparing for a worst case situation. With my family in that area, they actually think such things as insurance are a waste and a sign that you don't trust God to care for you. According to a lot of people at a funeral I recently attended, that is the case for many of them. 
 

[The Duggalos: Jinger and the Holy Goalie]

42 minutes ago, GeeGolly said:

Anna and Josh visited Jing and Jer at one point. Well actually 77 weeks ago.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4lWEfKng-7/

 

If I remember correctly that was when one or more of the M-Kids wandered off and Anna was seen "not keeping it sweet" when she spoke to the younger Duggar sisters about having let them run off.

[Alyssa and John: Lunch with Lurch]

1 hour ago, Spazamanaz said:

I don't get why they would have to confess it to their wedding party. Omg. They shouldn't have to confess to anyone. Such screwed up beliefs and rules. 

What's their thoughts about it? Something about 'giving your heart away' and protecting your heart, or some nonsense like that. Well what about falling in love? Isn't that giving your heart away? So, if you're already in love, what's the harm with kissing? 

I have family that belong to the church the Bateseseses used to attend. One of my cousins had sex before marriage and got pregnant. They had to stand before the church (don't know if it was the VIPs or the whole church and ask forgiveness for it. I remember then thinking this was screwed up.

Alyssa and John didn't seem as worried or concerned about it as Zach and Whitney seemed.  

[Alyssa and John: Lunch with Lurch]

5 hours ago, IndianPaintbrush said:

I don't think Gil and Kelly are nearly as strict about courtship "rules" as people think. I've always been under the impression they allow couples to make their own rules (within limits of course). Zach & Whitney admitted they kissed before marriage too. 

Apparently, according to John and Alyssa, they kissed (loads- Alyssa) and Gil did confront/ask them about it. They confessed and had to confess it to their wedding party too. 

[Season 10 Discussion: More Bates Bating Along]

5 hours ago, sATL said:

maybe Bobby's family (or UPTv) put their foot down as to whom needed to be on the guest list... for their own health and sanity. And maybe just wanted the grands to themselves..

That's my first thought too. It was just weirdly worded and presented. I'm not sure as a writer and indy producer that I would have done it on screen that way. Even saying Bobby's parents were close so we celebrated with them and later with my family would have been an easier way to say it. It could have even been a moment to show some compassion and say that they know people have gone through a lot over the past year with losing loved ones, sickness, missing out on milestones, missing family/friends, losing businesses, getting laid off, etc. and this is minor in the scheme of things. While I don't expect the Bates to know how to answer questions in a good way, the producers should know that her wording was going to create more questions that aren't really positive.  

[Season 10 Discussion: More Bates Bating Along]

10 hours ago, andromeda331 said:

Yeah, that was boring. I wonder how many Bates ended up with Covid-19. Poor Kade that was a sad birthday. Kolter really loves frosting. The dog was cute. 

I get that children want to celebrate a birthday on their birthday, but the kid is 2. I guess the rush to have a "party" was Bobby's parents being there. However, that seemed lame with the COVID excuse. So the family gathers for Kelly Jo's birthday in late October and all of them get exposed between then and Kade's birthday in early November? Kelly Jo had her surgery in there somewhere so that was understandable, but the others? It seems a bit odd with the timeline that everyone was exposed when they don't all live in the same household. I suppose it is possible with how they don't seem to take any precautions, but that seems kind of convenient. We know Erin was sick for a while. We know Carlin had it earlier that spring/summer. But that just seems weird that nobody else could come to the party? 

[Season 10 Discussion: More Bates Bating Along]

24 minutes ago, BitterApple said:

Tonight's episode was so boring.

The only highlight was Lawson's dog, Duke. I'm wondering if Lawson is officially living on his own? I noticed he told the trainer Duke doesn't see the Bates siblings that much. 

Bobby's mother totally hates Tori. I don't think she spoke to Tori once during Kade's birthday. 

Esther looks exactly like a girl I used to work with that I couldn't stand. I'm curious to see what her deal is next week.

Seriously, that party was sad and Bobby's mom wasn't happy at all with Tori. I'm sure this isn't the life that Bobby's parents wanted for him...unclogging toilets with kids and a whiney wife. 

Interesting that they celebrated Kelly Jo's birthday (late October) as a group, then were exposed to COVID and couldn't come about a week to two weeks later for Kade's birthday that is in early November. They kind of left things hanging there. Were others infected? I'm guessing COVID ran rampant in the family.  

When was Kelly Jo's surgery? It would have probably been easier to explain her absence with that. "Mom was recovering from surgery so we decided to have a smaller celebration until it was safe to do so."  There was something sort of awkward about the way that came across.

[Tori and Bobby: Whine Time!]

8 hours ago, cereality said:

With all the couples, the wives manage the Insta and use it to create an image of themselves, their family, and to seek out free stuff etc; in certain families that husbands are fame whorish so they split the social media responsibilities (i.e. Evan) and in others the husbands have been convinced that a social media presence will help their business so they join in (i.e. Kelton -- not sure anyone with clogged pipes cares if he feeds his baby ice cream every night but hey he seems to think it matters). Tori seems on the lazier side and I don't think wants to do anything besides manage the 2 kids she has and be pregnant. So we don't see much of them. Trace posted an IG video lately of Paine Construction putting a deck onto Bobby and Tori's house and also showed Gil up in some tree in their yard cutting it down. So it appears they've bought a house -- because why would you put a deck onto a rental (unless it's a Chad/Erin situation where they keep making improvements to a rental - so if they rent maybe it's from some sweet family in town that's "friends" with G&K who says sure we'll pay to add a deck to our property or you can add a deck to our property and we'll forgive the rent for x months). My takeaway from that video wasn't at all about Bobby and Tori so much as about Chad as I thought AGAIN -- damn does he EVER do work for non family members!? Like how much income is he losing by tying himself to family jobs because you know that even if they pay, he kind of does those jobs at cost and/or with a very modest profit -- whereas with unrelated clients you could charge market rates w/o feeling bad, getting a guilt trip from your wife or Gil etc.

Whitney had a post or story where she said that Tori and Bobby got a house near them. She was walking over with the kids to let them play with the K boys. 

[Carlin and Evan: But Mostly Carlin!]

16 hours ago, Spazamanaz said:

OMG what the hell is she wearing? I couldn't describe it if I tried! Poor kid!

It was like Michaela had a seizure and the sewing machine exploded. (No, Michaela didn't sew that thing - she has better abilities than that.)

[Josie and Kelton: They Have Employable Skills]

2 hours ago, floridamom said:

If Josie & Kelton didn't wait until their wedding for that first kiss, why did the TV show give the impression that they did? So, these kids live a different life than the one their parents toot their horns about on TV? How is this honest of them? I'm glad J & K didn't wait for that but this is quite deceptive IMO.

I went back and watched their wedding portion. Josie and Kelton did not refer to it as their first kiss like some of the others have done. Josie commented that she was nervous to kiss in front of 400ish people because that was scary. In Michaela's wedding on BUB and Erin's on 19KAC, there were comments like "you may kiss the bride for the very first time." That said, these people lie like nobody's business on this show. 

So kind of like with the pants thing, I doubt we will see much mention of it on the show because in Alyssa's words it is Gil's show. The producers and crew might not have known about the kissing pre-marriage or they might not have had footage. As the no kissing rule is part of the family brand, I am doubting they would want it broadcast that another Bates (Zach being the first) broke this precious rule.

They may make mention of it now since Josie and Kelton admitted to it on social media, but I doubt it. I think it is more likely that an US Weekly or something might ask Katie and Travis about kissing closer to their wedding, noting in the article that some of Katie's siblings have broken that rule. 

 

[Season 10 Discussion: More Bates Bating Along]

2 hours ago, sATL said:

The ladies are getting a bigger traditional brick and mortar, where you have to probably pay decent rent, to hold inventory... Is that a good business model ? There has to be a point of holding inventory isn't a good thing. Did they do any workups to see just how the foot traffic would be?  Then there is staff - as I don't see the 3 manning the store enough to provide coverage, as they have kids. 

I saw the Dollar General in the background... I hope they have better quality. Dig around some dollar generals you can find some interesting pieces - kinda like Big Lots.. I mean when you walk in the door - you not expecting to find the same as if you were at Macy's/Forever 21/Old Navy. How far away is TJMaxx/Marshall/Goodwill?etc ?  Goodwill is booming now given people had a whole year to clean out their closets and many have made other career choices.

Who exactly is their base of customer - that they are trying to steal from shopping where ? You gotta admit here - were not talking about a group who needs an extensive closet of choice.

Basic church attire, small color pallet, no pants, and easy to store as their home space is limited, are the highlight of their clothes functions.. 

Who is the head designer/buyer of this bunch ?

Speaking of which - did I see Kelli losing her ski vest signature piece? The ladies seem to love their jean jackets.. 

I can appreciate that they need more room for inventory, but a store front is probably not the smartest move. I have no access to their numbers, but are they really getting that much local traffic on their site? One out of the three owners was already suffering from COVID related effects and these people are already dreaming up more work. They really are the fundy version of the old school Kardashians. They have "employees," but somehow I doubt they are pulling in enough money to provide a living to the original three, cover renovations, provide for overhead costs of the new location, buy inventory, have near daily photo shoots (even with Taryn), and pay salaries for a few church members to keep the place going. Just the racks, hangers, mirrors, etc. would cost a fortune for a place - even if they bought used. I'm guessing they are just using the store front as a warehouse and shipping/receiving at this point. Carlin and Whitney's social media are usually them at home or going to a photoshoot.

Kelly Jo is such a meddler in her daughters' (and sons in a few cases we have seen). Questioning Travis, getting the little kids to question Travis, etc. was not unexpected but so awkward. I half expected Kelly Jo to start talking about Katie's dowry. 

So happy 20th birthday to Katie - you get to sit with your boyfriend and wrangle your younger siblings while your other younger siblings get to go ziplining. What was Kelly Jo's plan if Katie had said she wanted to zipline? 

While apparently COVID bounced around the family like pinball, did anyone see a single mask worn by the family? Yes, they were outside. But I was practically screaming at the television when they climbed the tower with their hands on the rail that they should have at least shown them with hand sanitizer. I get that Jesus protects, etc. but at least acknowledge it and realize there are impressionable people watching. I doubt anyone will use the Bates as a reason to wear a mask, but people looking for evidence that everything is fine and we shouldn't be protecting ourselves will point to segments like that as back up evidence.     

[Season 10 Discussion: More Bates Bating Along]

4 hours ago, Tikichick said:

I could not believe the Zach news.   I considered the idea his girth had become an issue, but quite frankly I think that has probably increased since he's left the department and fallen into the family trap.   As far as him not climbing within the department, he may have reached his limits if he's unable to pass promotion testing and isn't even close to the passing score and recognized he never will be.   He must have been showing some promise along the way as far as what he could handle because he did mention something about leaving meant he wouldn't lead his own SWAT team anymore.   I suspect he may have been putting in extra hours at work due to staffing shortages if colleagues were sick or quarantining and G, K & W pressed their agendas.   Stupid, stupid, stupid.   Clearly they're trying to spin it as if the dress business is so busy that they won't need that paycheck.   Stupid, stupid, stupid. 

To me Erin and Carlin, both of whom had Covid, looked different, Erin significantly so.   Both clearly had recent color jobs on their hair in matching shades -- I wonder if Katie wasn't involved.    Both looked like they've lost weight, Erin much more noticeably.   They both looked on their way to becoming a bit skeletal.   They both looked like their hair was nowhere near as full.   They both still had plenty of hair, but I think Covid may have taken a toll with both.

I think the Chad thing in regards to Michaella's nursing graduation was simply an exhausted and over it guy spacing out and forgetting he was supposed to be on duty and on camera and the footage being used anyway because it wasn't caught during filming and they decided they needed Erin's comments at that point.    Can't believe nobody thought to dub her dialogue under some video of Michaella in training or something. 

I have a feeling that Zach probably was facing pressure at work and within his family over his schedule and other issues. He wasn't as available to film and even had to miss things like the family photo shoot. If I remember correctly, he's had to come to family events (I Love You Day) in uniform and spend a limited amount of time. That in addition to added pressures of jobs in the public sector right now can be hard. Not to mention he's the only one in that whole family with a regular job and not trying to start their own business (i.e. make their own hours). I'm sure he felt that pressure too. 

As for his size, there are plenty of officers, deputies, etc. who are even larger. About the worst that happens in such departments is that you can't pass the tests (physical parts) for promotion. 

As far as Chad is concerned, he has been pulling those annoyed expressions for a while. When she is talking about them or their children, he looks engaged. Otherwise he looks annoyed and ready to go. That said, he looked particularly displeased with the interview regarding Michaela. I have to wonder if something was said to piss him off or if it was all about Michaela. For example, did the interviewer somehow say something negative about Erin spending money and time on a music ministry degree that has thus far given her a few piano clients and some recording opportunities she paid for herself?  I doubt it, but that's always a possibility. It would have been better as a voice over, but maybe UP is starting to be like TLC with showing us some of the little details without mentioning it. 

[The Lonely Bates Club: Still Looking for Love]

Nathan and Trace have both had chaperones with their failed courtships. I can't remember which but some combo of Jackson, Warden, and Isaiah would accompany him to New York. However, he and Lawson are closing in on late 20s/30 at this point. According to social media, they are constantly traveling. It would be nearly impossible to impose those courtship rules on them.

I'm sure we will get some line about the woman in the relationship and her family dictating such rules.  

[Erin and Chad: Fifty Shades of Pink]

On 2/10/2021 at 10:46 AM, Tikichick said:

I agree.  Actually I am very worried about Michaela if Erin's struggle causes her to become bitter.

I had the same thought. When the Bringing Up Bates show first started every interview with Erin was about the miscarriage of the baby due around the same time as Bradley. For that entire first season all that was said about Erin was that she was having problems sustaining a pregnancy - like it was her identity. 

Michaela has managed to carve out some sort of identity beyond that. However, the difference with which Kelly Jo has reacted to Erin versus Michaela has been pretty jarring. With Erin there were conversations and interviews that Erin was so strong and had been through so much, etc. With Michaela it has been a oh that sucks/we'll pray for you kind of vibe. Zach has shown more compassion for his sisters than Kelly Jo or Gil ever has on the show. Maybe they are more demonstrative off screen, but on screen I do feel for the way Michaela seems pushed aside unless Kelly Jo needs something. 

[Tori and Bobby: Whine Time!]

On 1/26/2021 at 8:14 PM, cereality said:

I’m sure. I assume the Bates said no thing comes up bc he got off on the wrong foot. And now as the years go buy he sees that G&K are the lazy grifting types. G pushing off tree work to the older boys since they’ve created no full time careers and rather work for Chad here or constable shifts there. Meanwhile Kelly pushes off as much of the raising of the remaining kids to the older girls as she can get away with; Michael is expected to jump in anytime there’s any need etc.

His own family seems different. Like they don’t seem averse to hard work. Dad owns an IT business and doesn’t push the work off to his sons given that none of them are in IT; he is also raising his remaining kids at home alone and is shown cooking etc. Kelton and one of his brothers both could plumbers licenses and did the necessary apprentice work to become tradesmen before they went off to college. So clearly Kelton’s dad taught his sons to be industrious.

To say nothing of the fact that the Bates are loud, obnoxious and take over everything whether it’s wedding planning or a kids birthday. Doesn’t seem like he likes that behavior. Nor does he want his inlaws to push his quieter dad out of the way and out of his grandkids’ lives. He probably realizes if he gives his inlaws an inch, they’ll take 100 miles so he steers clear.

 

I think that Bobby and Kelton both probably assumed that if they played along with the interference from Kelly Jo on the wedding planning, etc. that they would be free to live their lives with Tori and Josie afterward - just coming by for the occasional visit. Kelton probably wound up better off than Bobby in that case, as Josie isn't particularly shown as being all that fond of all the parental and sibling togetherness. She always looks like Alyssa - showing up out of obligation and probably quick to leave after the cameras. Tori might be different off screen, but on screen she is still reliant on her siblings, mom, dad, etc. and looks miserable most of the time. In other words, Kelton's got an ally in Josie where Bobby's attention is split between trying to make Tori happy and keeping her family happy. 

Look to the planning of the weddings. Bobby showed up and Tori was as absent as she could be from all that. Even when they were decorating the sanctuary, neither of them knew what it was going to be until after Kelly Jo and her crew finished (more crew than Kelly Jo). On the other hand, Josie dragged her mom along on the dress hunt and venue discussions, but she was the one calling the shots. She caved in to some of Kelly Jo's wishes, but it appeared that was just to distract her mother from things that were already in the works. 

Same with their engagements, etc. Kelly Jo was hitting up Bobby even before Tori about when was he proposing, where was the ring, etc. Kelton and Josie pushed the Bates' limits a bit. They approached Gil and Kelly Jo before Kelly Jo had a chance to start questioning and pressuring. They got permission but there was no discussion from Kelly Jo about it finally happening or it taking too long. Josie turned 18 and Kelton was ready to go. I think Kelton is creepy in the way he stuck in there with an underage girl, but I'll give him credit that he plays Gil and Kelly like a violin. Poor Bobby and Brandon (even Evan to a certain degree) probably dreaded seeing Kelly Jo coming toward them. 

[Zach and Whitney: The Constable and the Carhop]

At least in Whitney's defense, she does seem to know how to speak to her children without sounding like she is meeting them for the first time ever. Carlin is forever telling Layla that she is "so cute." It's like Carlin is speaking of one of Joy's kids who she sees 3 or 4 times a year and doesn't really know anything about at all. Whitney and Zach seem to be doing something right. Their kids are well behaved in comparison to Erin and Chad's and Alyssa and John's group. I can never make it through the videos Alyssa does with the girls screaming in the background for 99% of the time. 

Given how poorly Tori seems to interact with groups of children, I wonder if some of the storyline about Whitney sending Bradley and Kaci there was simply for the show. Or she may send them to be with Carson and Brooklyn one or two days a week. I still maintain that Whitney may eventually be the one to break through and insist that their kids get a school based education. Zach seems to want to do whatever she wants him to do and she seems to have a better grasp on what is possible versus what is not possible. Trying to teach Bradley and Kaci while she's got two in diapers and random people wandering through her backyard to work in the boutique is a set up for her to have a break down.  

I had also thought that they might not have a huge number of kids. However, the longer she stays the only daughter-in-law and the more kids the Bates girls are having, I would assume the peer pressure will be on them for a while longer. One of the other girls at the boutique will have to tap the brakes before Whitney is going to tap them. Erin's not tapping them yet and Carlin probably doesn't know where the brakes are located. 

Whatever happened in her past that she moved in with another family and was estranged from her parents probably left her with a strong need to be the perfect wife and mother. While several of the Bates girls (and others in the world) want to be perfect in pics and on Instagram, she really seems to try hard to do the things she thinks are right. Having Kelly Jo Bates as a mother-in-law has to suck for her. While we see the cracks and chasms in Kelly Jo's facade, she's still marketed and packaged as the ultimate mother. 

This would be a good one to stop with for now. Their home is a typical three bedroom, two bath (maybe 1 but thinking 2) brick, ranch. Two boys in one room and two girls in the other will be fine. More than that and Erin's going to run out of places to put letters from Hobby Lobby on the wall and self adhesive wallpaper.

[All Episodes Discussion]

I remember the one about Kayleigh but watched it again last night. Her mother's voice still grates with the breathy whisper. Still a tragic story.

[The Lonely Bates Club: Still Looking for Love]

On 10/19/2020 at 9:43 PM, MargeGunderson said:

I have family in eastern Tennessee, and their experience is that most folks there aren’t taking precautions like wearing masks and social distancing. I don’t think that salons ever shut down where they are.

They did for a bit statewide. Some of the nicer and higher price ones are still using heavy precautions. However, the shopping center locations that have high turnover and less personalized service aren't really. 

My point was that many people, including myself, are reluctant to trust someone new (with or without experience) for any close sort of encounters with service. My doctor wanted to send me for tests that I asked to postpone for now. He told me I was being overly cautious about COVID only for him to come down with it himself about three weeks later.

It's kind of like those safe sex lessons that they used to make us go through in the 80s/90s. I may trust you, but I also have to trust everyone you've been around daily. Some people have no problem with that and are in a better position to risk it. Others aren't. Many salon owners (and other businesses) are a little reluctant to hire people right now who are new. A great selling feature of some places in the industry is to sell that trust factor. It's the same people you've used and known and we are here to serve you with these new safety procedures.  

[Zach and Whitney: The Constable and the Carhop]

On 8/16/2020 at 11:08 AM, Chicklet said:

But they don't know WHICH godly young man she will marry too soon and procreate with before she should. 

Hence the wondering what God has in store for them. 

Given the over the top courtship proposals and engagements, I'm guessing that a large part of what the lord has in store is what location these girls will get to go to someday to become chattel. 

[The Lonely Bates Club: Still Looking for Love]

2 hours ago, 3 is enough said:

With Covid it may be difficult for Katie to find a job.  I am guessing most salons are still playing catch up and the stylists want as many bookings as possible. Probably not the time for a new stylist to add to the competition.  Also not sure what the restrictions are like in Tennessee, but even if they are fairly lax with the apparent second wave more people will be postponing hair appointments, and there are a lot who simply can't afford it right now.

I wear my hair pretty short and go about every other month to get my hair cut and styled. That said, I haven't been since February. I have a compromised immune system and my parents are both cancer patients. I don't want to pass them something accidentally. However, I'm also applying for new jobs and interviewing. I have been curling my hair to avoid going to the stylist, but that only does so much. Eventually I'm going to break down and go. When I do, I'll be headed back to my regular stylist and not a new one. I don't want to have to go through the process of having to tell someone new what I want. I want a quick visit and the same style I normally get. In and out. No drama or risk. 

[Erin and Chad: Fifty Shades of Pink]

12 hours ago, emmawoodhouse said:

Erin hasn't posted on SM for quite a while. It could have been a more severe case with longer recovery time? And the kids could have easily been asymptomatic. Given that we know family members got it, but Kelly has never divulged who, leads me to believe it's adults with their own social media. 

We'll see how long it takes for Erin to come clean. 

I don't doubt that Erin and Chad were among those infected. I just don't think this post had that ring to it. Her post would have been more positive if it was just about COVID and less journey/trial related. While the kids would have probably been asymptomatic, I think she would have included them in the pic to say they were facing COVID as a family, etc. There would have been thank yous and shout outs to parents, siblings, or just Chad for how they helped. They would have messages thanking Michaela for cooking and/or childcare. They would thank Lawson for cutting the grass, etc. You would have had one of Erin's patented messages about how wonderful it is to be a part of a big family. Even if it was a severe case (hard to believe all the rest of the family would have stayed quiet on that), they would be thanking G-d and Jesus for protecting them. 

Erin has a very specific style with her postings. Things are usually very positive with her and all part of G-d's plan. With their way of thinking, they would not see COVID as a bad thing to be overly dramatic about and worry after it was over. They would see that as "joyous" that they survived and would want to be an "encouragement" to others. Given that they did one of the FB live events before one of the later episodes, I think they would have mentioned it then even if it was just to say they were a bit under the weather and would try to answer questions as they could. 

I would assume it is the adult children who also contracted it. From Carson's birthday pics and other such things, we know they weren't really social distancing over the summer. From the messaging on the show, it was clear that they were only following directives and didn't do anything to further protect themselves. Once the governor lifted the most restrictive bans, they were planning get togethers and parties. Never mind that multiple members of the family could be considered higher risk than others or were more at risk to pass it along. Even Gil and Kelly Jo were traveling to places like Montana (probably by plane) for vacation. 

They gave it lip service on the show, but look at how Erin was about Tori's impending labor and delivery. She made mention several times that the governor might shut down the state. However, she never directly said or even considered that maybe they should limit exposure because the situation was getting worse. It was laying all of that at the governor's discretion. She was saying she didn't know what they would do if they couldn't all work together in the storage unit, but they didn't show her or Carlin actually attempting to work remotely in answering emails or ordering more product. She decorated the nursery for Tori and Michaela provided a meal, but what about after the birth? Did Erin drop off freezer meals? The show indicated that Addallee and Katie babysat for Kade. Did Erin offer to have him over with her kids to watch? That might have been a safer scenario than Katie coming into Tori's apartment when Katie was at that point rushing to finish cosmetology hours before the school closed to in person sessions. I'm assuming they didn't just say, "nice new baby...bye."