@cindywass, @johnbishop, @merepreb,and @becsbuddy, I had to look up the "gaiter mask". At the beginning of the pandemic, I had a few hospital masks bought earlier before pandemic and saved if I needed for car excursions and also had scarves and bandanas to wear in the yard and on walks. Eventually, I ordered a tightly woven cloth mask with removable filter and additional replacement filters from Etsy. Wish I had ordered more than one mask but wanted to try it first. It is not a gaiter but what makes it so successful for me is that it is light weight and has a velcro band that fastens behind the head. It is great because you can remove the ear straps and the mask can remain around the neck.

Last Friday was a Double Whammy Day for me. After four months of strict self-isolation, no 3 1/2 week haircuts nor carryout food, I bit the bullet and as it turned out, I started the day with an overdue, unsatisfactory kidney doc visit and concluded with my 1st, since early March, haircut appt. with my longtime hair stylist. When stylist said she thought I'd deserted her, I laughed and assured her that when she saw me, she'd know she'd not been deserted.

I shampooed ahead and drove to the appointment with a wet hand towel draped over hair (like one of the Arabian Knights), wore sunglasses, mask, long sleeved blouse and slacks. I must have been quite the sight! We'd made my appt the last of her day and she knew of my virus vulnerability. I knew I'd have to uncover my face when she cut around ears and we lifted the plastic sheet over the mask which remained around my neck. I closed my eyes and was stunned Speechless when she proceeded to blow with her Mouth stray hairs around my ears and neck. Never before had she or any other stylist not used a blow dryer to whish off any stray hair. I could not get out of there fast enough!

After drops in eyes, nose, mouth, and ears, a long shampoo and shower, I made only one colossal mistake. I should have topped off the day with a verrrry stiff drink of Makers Mark or Vodka...(which has more alcohol??? smiles) Felt like 4 months of precautions blown so might as well indulge with my first carryout dinner order. My new 14 days of caution will end the day after my birthday.

In the meantime, I will continue wearing my velcro mask in public but as Becky reported, "the best mask if one that (you or others) use". May take a swig of Berringer wine before a trip to the liquor store or Best Buy but hey! Even the best laid plans....can go awry! Taking recs for a new neph and stylist; any suggestions???? Best to all.