The "what's On Your Mind?" Thread -2020

[segelkatt]

There is one in every crowd and now there will be even more. I stay home as much as I can and wear a mask when I have to go out, leave my shoes and jacket out in the sun and change my clothes when I get inside, wash my hands thoroughly before I do anything else. Many of my groceries go straight into the garage as I always buy big packages and then bring things inside as I need them and put them in smaller containers, that way the bug will die before I come into more contact than I absolutely have to. I am planning to live to 100 and this is one way of doing it. No, I am not paranoid and seeing the virus everywhere but so far I have managed NOT to have a cold in years and this year when I was neglectful not to get a flu shot I have not gotten that either. I must be doing something right and I am not giving this virus more opportunity than absolutely necessary to jump on me. I also spend as much time as possible outside, tending to my garden or just reading a book as I am told by my young neighbor, an RN who happens to work in the Covid Unit at the hospital and who gave me one of her masks, that this also helps to keep the virus away by not being in an enclosed space and soaking up Vitamin D from the sun itself instead. I have my windows and doors open much of the time too for the air movement, that virus is not going to have a chance to just settle down in my place. Yes, we are keeping our distance, we talk across the 6 foot palisade fence and just leave things in front of each others' doors. She loves my Chinese food!

 

[Mamanyt1953]

I actually typed this out yesterday, and was half-asleep when I did. I apparently forgot to hit "Post Reply"! OOPS!

Mamanyt2953 I believe I am the last hold-out for a cell phone. I do not want one.

I held out for a long time, but when my mom was being treated for cancer, I was traveling back and forth between Tennessee, where I lived, and my mom's home in Florida. Four days with her, three at home...900 miles on the road EVERY WEEK for MONTHS. At that point, having a cell phone made so much sense. I've had one since then. I am NOT a slave to my phone. If it rings and I'm talking with a person face-to-face, I let it ring. I can call them back. I don't interrupt a conversation to answer a text. But it is handy, and I have an emergency radio with a hand crank that will actually charge my phone for hurricane season!

I recently lost my dear Mother aged only 99 yrs. young and I'm cryin my eyes out I miss her so much. I thought she would at least live until 105 yrs.

Ah, Sweetie, I am SO sorry. I know that pain all too well.

To your mother, Fair winds and following seas, Dear Lady, fair winds and following seas.

 

[Xraystyle]

Just this whole thing is like, the public are focusing on all the wrong things. Because the latest outbreak in Seoul happened in the "foreign" district and in "gay clubs" now there's swarms of parents accusing all foreign teachers of going to clubs irresponsibly and all gay people for being virus spreaders. It's really disgusting. Like I said in a post recently, we had to sign a form saying we hadn't been to the places with the outbreak. We had to sign another one yesterday but thank goodness my school has somewhat more westernized ideas because they also made the Korean staff sign it. Lots of other places forced the foreign teachers to get tested even if they hadn't been to a club or even that area of the city, meanwhile they didn't say anything to the native staff who could've also been out. (a couple of years ago, foreign teachers finally won a legal case to stop requiring only foreign teachers to get mandatory HIV tests, which shows you what the general Korean public thinks of us)

I like living in Korea, except when this type of fanatical hate breaks out (which happens more than you might think). Because society is so homogenized, the groupthink phenomenon is amplified and it becomes easy and socially acceptable to scapegoat minorities, be it LGBTQ people, foreigners, homeless, etc. And there are very, very few people within that homogenized society who will speak up on behalf of those minorities. Like, plenty of "straight" clubs were also open that night. And, why are we blaming young people? Why not blame the business owners who chose to stay open? Why not blame the government for not actually using its authority to ensure businesses followed the mandated guidelines? Because it's a lot easier to blame a young gay guy who, along with millions of other Koreans, wanted to have fun over the holiday weekend.

IT COULD HAVE BEEN ANYONE. It could've happened anywhere. It was inevitable that it was going to happen somewhere.

Some articles:
Schools wary of foreign teachers over possible link to Itaewon outbreak

Sacked for homosexuality? Gucci's 'reshuffle' of employees stirs controversy

And this one, after ONE study postulated that A/C could spread the virus (which DUH, but also, breathing in the same stagnant air will be okay though????)
Air-conditioned buses in Seoul to run with windows open amid virus woes

Sorry, I'll end my rant there. It's just so frustrating. I'm sure you all are dealing with the same kind of logic gaps where you are too.

 

[sweet jane flash]

I actually typed this out yesterday, and was half-asleep when I did. I apparently forgot to hit "Post Reply"! OOPS!



I held out for a long time, but when my mom was being treated for cancer, I was traveling back and forth between Tennessee, where I lived, and my mom's home in Florida. Four days with her, three at home...900 miles on the road EVERY WEEK for MONTHS. At that point, having a cell phone made so much sense. I've had one since then. I am NOT a slave to my phone. If it rings and I'm talking with a person face-to-face, I let it ring. I can call them back. I don't interrupt a conversation to answer a text. But it is handy, and I have an emergency radio with a hand crank that will actually charge my phone for hurricane season!



Ah, Sweetie, I am SO sorry. I know that pain all too well.

To your mother, Fair winds and following seas, Dear Lady, fair winds and following seas.

Mamanyt1953 thank you so much for your kind and so sweet condolence.

 

[Mia6]

It's a good idea to wear a mask; keep in mind that the danger hasn't passed, we just got tired of lockdown.

So true. Although here in Ohio, things are opening slowly, I will not yet feel safe. I saw pics of people
picketing at the State House and most of them looked like lazy losers who can't read.

 

[AbbysMom]

Any recommendations on secure poles to place a feeder?

This is my setup. The squirrels can't get to it. We did have to move it over as they were taking flying leaps from a bush onto the feeder.

 

[MoonstoneWolf]

Dr John Torres mentioned last week that heat and humidity may kill the virus. If that is true (which lately all of this is just speculation) this will be the first time I'll be glad to be in the Midwest with the high heat and high humidity.

 

[WillowMarie]

A bird feeder is such a great idea! I haven't been able to do anything like that in a while because the house sparrows have taken over.

We used to have blue jays, cardinals, and all types of northern birds but the house sparrows most likely killed them off and took their nest away. They are invasive here in North America so I haven't been able to enjoy the other birds actually native to this area.

W WillowMarie - I don't know what it's like in your area but that is something to keep in mind I guess. Sorry if that wasn't helpful.

Also, there has been a spike here in Ontario since stuff has started opening up again which I guess is expected? I'm not the least bit surprised. AND, now, when I go to the grocery store or any store in general, people aren't wearing mask anymore! It's so shocking to me. The last few times I've gone out, hardly anyone had their mask on in stores. I also saw a lady blowing her nose in the grocery store (no gloves) and the tissue was thin...

Thanks for the info <3 Wow, I didn't know they were so invasive.

Ugh, it was similar on my trips to clean out my rental. There were some places, closer to IL, that required masks, etc., but the closer I'd get to NC, some or no one else was wearing masks. There was a guy who rounded a corner and we were practically face to face a couple feet apart. He wasn't wearing a mask. He has a "whoops" expression on his face and backed up.

That would freak me out, too , especially with the lady blowing her nose.

That is also a worry of mine if I went to ND for that summer job. My therapist was trying to make me feel less anxious because he seems to be pushing me to go for it, so he finally pulled up the county website. He's like, well, I can't find anything about COVID 19 on the website.... I'm like, see!!! They aren't taking it seriously or taking precautions! But for real, it is easy to feel safe to be out and about, I had this when going to gas stations, etc. on my trip, but I agree everyone still needs to wear a mask as a precaution.

Hang in there. <3

W WillowMarie the only bird I can feed is the hummies, because although there's one type of seed feeder that spins when a squirrel gets onto it which I likely would use, my partner thinks it's mean to the squirrels...

The first part of this could be useful as it includes info about the types of feeders that work...

http://[URL]https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/types-of-bird-seed-a-quick-guide/

[/URL]

For plants, find out what growing zone you're in (for example Denver is zone 5), and then which veggies work in pots

Thanks for the link and the plants tip! I found a website by University of Illinois that had specific recommendations what type of carrot, lettuce, etc. would do well and what minimum size container to use. Bought a few different seeds from a website!

Graceful-Lily when my spouse takes the cockatiels cages outside to clean them the free birds will congregate at that spot and get the leftover seeds. My hummingbird feeder competes with flowers but my beautiful Cat loves to watch all birds from her window perch.

Aw, that sounds lovely!

 

[WillowMarie]

Wish me luck. Messaged a guy friend I really miss talking to, but haven't talked to in a while, asking if he'd be open to catching up. One of the last times I talked to him, I told him I really liked him.

Everyone was telling me to reach out, so I got over my anxiety and overthinking this morning and sent a message. Now to just sit back and wait. I really want to ask him how he feels about me because if he says he's not into me like that it will allow me to move on.

 

[sweet jane flash]

Thinking about starting some container gardening for vegetables. Would be outside. Anybody have any recommendations on plants and supplies to start with? There are 4 large pots here, maybe 2 gallons big each.



Also, I still have a large amount of bird seed I brought back from my rental and would like to set up a bird feeder. There are not really any good hooks or strong enough trees to have it and would love to have one outside the windows in the back yard. Either under the porch or just past the porch. Not sure if my mom would like me to put nails in any of the wood supports of the porch.

Any recommendations on secure poles to place a feeder? Or maybe material, like wire or rope, that would be strong that I could tie around or between two posts to hang the feeder?

What type of bird feeders have you all been happy with quality-wise and not too pricey? I'll be using black oil sunflower seeds.

@Furballsmom I know you love birds, if you have any input

W WillowMarie I also thought more about setting up bird feeder. May be possible to use umbrella stand for feeder pole

 

[maggiedemi]

Wish me luck. Messaged a guy friend I really miss talking to, but haven't talked to in a while, asking if he'd be open to catching up. One of the last times I talked to him, I told him I really liked him.

Good luck. That's exciting! I hope it works out. I would like to find love this year too, it's just really hard living here.

 

[Alicia88]

Had an OB appointment today. Ultrasound to check her positioning. She's measuring at 6lbs 11oz currently. And she's supposed to gain half a pound a week. 3 and a half weeks to go. That puts her over 8lbs at birth. I knew she was big!
Also went to an osteopathic medicine doctor today. I had stuff out from head to toe. Got popped back together, but he said it probably won't stick and wants to see me once a week until she's out and then within 3 days of birth and hopefully things will stay in place after that. I'm feeling a bit better but kinda stiff. I might try a hot bath later, but I can only get about half my belly under the water so they don't feel as nice as they used to.

 

[Mia6]

Had an OB appointment today. Ultrasound to check her positioning. She's measuring at 6lbs 11oz currently. And she's supposed to gain half a pound a week. 3 and a half weeks to go. That puts her over 8lbs at birth. I knew she was big!
Also went to an osteopathic medicine doctor today. I had stuff out from head to toe. Got popped back together, but he said it probably won't stick and wants to see me once a week until she's out and then within 3 days of birth and hopefully things will stay in place after that. I'm feeling a bit better but kinda stiff. I might try a hot bath later, but I can only get about half my belly under the water so they don't feel as nice as they used to.

Glad you're feeling better. Hot bath will be good for you.

 

[sweet jane flash]

Song is on my mind.

 

[MoonstoneWolf]

Singing into the cam to Treasure while I finish my coffee and he's waiting for breakfast. He may just not make it though. He hasn't ate since 8PM last night which is almost 12 hours lol

 

[Katie M]

I just had to drop more than 250 dollars for new codebooks for my certification exam. I know I absolutely need these, but . . . ouch.

 

[Graceful-Lily]

I'm wondering how I am supposed to ethically own fish when Health Canada has banned medications being sold in LFS. I just barely was able to get the bacterial/fungal outbreak under control in my 40BR. Can't imagine this being so easy in the future when all medications are banned entirely. And apparently, there is only one aquatic veterinarian in my province and I'm not sure if they are even certified.

I took down my 5.5 gallon and moved Jaxon up top with the others as I do not plan on purchasing more betta fish. I'll settle with my 5 instead of having 6 like before. It's easier to maintain one aquarium instead of 2 anyway. I've cleaned everything in the 5.5G and I'll put it up as a hospital tank for when one of them gets sick again.

My vision is almost complete:
(With flash)

(Without flash)

I bought some more artificial plants recently and added it to the 40BR. I'm going to add some brown river stones of various shades and then I'll be just about done decorating. Might add some mopani wood but I'll see (don't want it to get too crowded). My mom really wants guppies so I plan on purchasing a 20BR between December this year and summer next year. I'm pretty happy with how the betta's aquarium turned out aesthetically. It's very pleasing to look at.

 

[segelkatt]

One of my doctors asked me to send a food log to him via email, all 13 pages of it. I had to call to get his email address, the person on the phone was reluctant to give it to me but then relented. So here I go to send it as an attachment which worked fine from my end. However, the next day I get a message from Microsoft Outlook that my doctor's email system refused to accept a connection from my email system. Microsoft tried several times and then gave up and send me this message. Anybody ever hear of something like that? Tomorrow I will call and ask them what the heck, I need to get this food log to my doc and their system does not cooperate. The explanation from Microsoft says this usually results from trying to connect to a service that is inactive on the remote host, in other words no server application is running. I'm not techie so I have no idea what that means.

 

[sweet jane flash]

One of my doctors asked me to send a food log to him via email, all 13 pages of it. I had to call to get his email address, the person on the phone was reluctant to give it to me but then relented. So here I go to send it as an attachment which worked fine from my end. However, the next day I get a message from Microsoft Outlook that my doctor's email system refused to accept a connection from my email system. Microsoft tried several times and then gave up and send me this message. Anybody ever hear of something like that? Tomorrow I will call and ask them what the heck, I need to get this food log to my doc and their system does not cooperate. The explanation from Microsoft says this usually results from trying to connect to a service that is inactive on the remote host, in other words no server application is running. I'm not techie so I have no idea what that means.

segelkatt wish I could help, but obviously I'm relatively new to computer, do not know Microsoft at all.

 

[WillowMarie]

I'm wondering how I am supposed to ethically own fish when Health Canada has banned medications being sold in LFS. I just barely was able to get the bacterial/fungal outbreak under control in my 40BR. Can't imagine this being so easy in the future when all medications are banned entirely. And apparently, there is only one aquatic veterinarian in my province and I'm not sure if they are even certified.

I took down my 5.5 gallon and moved Jaxon up top with the others as I do not plan on purchasing more betta fish. I'll settle with my 5 instead of having 6 like before. It's easier to maintain one aquarium instead of 2 anyway. I've cleaned everything in the 5.5G and I'll put it up as a hospital tank for when one of them gets sick again.

My vision is almost complete:
(With flash)
View attachment 334425

(Without flash)
View attachment 334426
I bought some more artificial plants recently and added it to the 40BR. I'm going to add some brown river stones of various shades and then I'll be just about done decorating. Might add some mopani wood but I'll see (don't want it to get too crowded). My mom really wants guppies so I plan on purchasing a 20BR between December this year and summer next year. I'm pretty happy with how the betta's aquarium turned out aesthetically. It's very pleasing to look at.

Neat tanks! I see at least one fish!

What is the ban you speak of? Is it a result of the virus?