View Full Version : Just checking in....
happystuff
3-22-20, 8:48am
Thought it might be nice to have a little "check in" thread for folks to just pop in and just say "hi".
I'm now limiting my intake of "virus" stuff, so have been avoiding most of those related threads, but also wanted to just tell everyone hello and be safe.
Hugs to all.
I am working in an essential industry and only going to the supermarket and gas station. Looking forward to warmer weather when I can work in the yard, but snow is forecast for Monday so it will be a little while. Stay strong everyone!
Good morning happystuff doing the same only checking once a day and just keeping busy at home.
Stay well!
Yppej thank you for your work we need all you folks that are in essential jobs. But, thank also for
not wandering about too much.
Be well everyone!
SteveinMN
3-22-20, 10:02am
Good morning! Just living inside the house -- and looking forward to being able to do some yard work soon.
There. I didn't think I would ever say that. :)
catherine
3-22-20, 10:39am
I'm in heaven, frankly. Just puttering. My favorite thing to do. Just figured out how to upload my photos so my TV can do double duty as a digital photo album. I have no wall space here for my favorite photos, so this will be perfect.
My only single child is spending the shelter-in-place with us (he has a camper in our yard). Every cloud has a silver lining.
Teacher Terry
3-22-20, 11:10am
Took a walk with the dogs yesterday and that helped. Saw a family with 4 kids that we usually interact with and crossed the street waving and saying hi. Very few people out. Playing lots of board games. Both of us are sick of it. My dogs need grooming so I did some cutting so they can see and around their poop shutes:))
We're here. I'm thinking I will cut back on a lot of social media as I am finding it upsetting. Thank you, this is a good idea, happystuff.
Thanks happy stuff, This is a good idea. I made a list of people to call, some I haven't talked to in ages, just email or facebook. I'm finding it hard to get motivated to do much. There is much I COULD be doing, but haven't. I'm setting the timer for 20 minutes every time I get on the computer with the plan to do SOMETHING else- get up and move before I go back to the computer. My husband and I have tried to take a little walk every day and I'm am thoroughly enjoying all our daffodils around the yard. I am so grateful to those of you who are essential and continue on. One of our regional grocery stores has increased pay for their workers by $2 an hour! That's a responsible and wonderful business practice to me. Stay home folks.
Simplemind
3-22-20, 12:28pm
Thanks for starting this, I was thinking of doing the same. I wanted to thank everybody here for being a refuge from crazy. You are the most level headed group I belong to. We have differences of opinion on occasion but nothing like the nastiness I am seeing between the believers/stay at homes and the non-believer/going outs. Boy are people's true colors coming out in their behaviors and words. So thank you for our community of sharing and respect.
I've had a bit more on my mind during all of this due to the fact that DH had another stroke. Small but significant and it puts him in an even more compromised position. We can't get in for more scans/tests until the end of April. So...…… I'm just praying we don't have another event that involves a hospital because isn't where I want to be anytime soon.
My son was laid off from his job so he has been over (with social distance) working on our property getting the raised beds repaired and additional put in. We want to up our production for both households as well as overflow to those in need. Planning all that out has been a great stress reliever for him. I am so thankful for our yard and property because there is no sense of the world when we are out in it. Nobody told the woods there was a crisis. The daffodils I keep planting every year are in full glory. The birds, bees, squirrels, deer...… didn't get the memo so they are in abundance. We had baby hummingbirds at the feeder yesterday. We have pulled our zero gravity chairs out to take "grass naps" in the sun. We have been taking the dogs for long walks on the trails around our home. We have a list of projects that don't require going out an getting anything and we do one a day. Hubby needs a haircut and I think I'm up to the challenge but will have to use the dog clippers. I'll have to report back on that. If I mess it up he has hats and we aren't going anywhere >8)
Teacher Terry
3-22-20, 12:35pm
SM, I am so sorry to hear about your husband. A Congressman was saying that the virus is a hoax and was out with friends. So irresponsible.
catherine
3-22-20, 12:41pm
Nobody told the woods there was a crisis. The daffodils I keep planting every year are in full glory. The birds, bees, squirrels, deer...… didn't get the memo so they are in abundance.
I love this. So true.. to reference the "Simple Living Dividend" thread, the biggest dividend this forum has is that we appreciate and practice simple living. I feel sorry for people who lose it over empty TP shelves. Truly.
On another note, I'm so sorry about your DH. I hope all is well until you can get good care in a month.
My extrovert/gadabout friends are already getting cabin fever.
I, on the other hand...:cool:
I have the greatest respect for those who must go to work in essential services, and impotent fury for a society that allows them to do so without protective gear.
Simplemind, I am so sorry about your husband. Sending healing thoughts your way.
We are all doing well. We're a family of introverts, so the being at home part doesn't bother us, although the resident teen would certainly rather be homebound with her friends than her parents. :D I have been doing some yardwork when the weather permits, and in another week the house will probably be cleaner than it's been in a very long time, as I work my way through, room by room. I'm working from home this coming week, but not sure what will happen after that. I need to stop reading the news so much... it's really impacting my sleep. More than that, I need my husband to stop talking to me about the news, because he's even more obsessive about it than I am.
Take care, everyone!
Essential industry here, as well - logistics in my case. IL's stay at home order began yesterday at 5pm and goes through April 7. I'll still be going into the office as it's just easier to work with my two big monitors, rather than my small laptop at home. Having two monitors is essential.
My parish' priest is adapting by recording the Sunday gospel reading and sermon to post on FaceBook on the parish's FB page. Apparently even non-FB members can watch it. Parishes in states (such as OH) without stay at home orders are doing services with priest and a minimal choir (I'm Eastern Orthodox). No more than 10 people total, per CDC guidelines. They're live streamed on YouTube. Several Orthodox monasteries are doing the same. It's Lent so hard not being in church.
Gym closed, so I'm doing weight work at home with the dumbbells I already had. Tried even low impact cardio workouts from YouTube, but even those hurt my knees. I would do the recument bike at the gym for 45 min at a time. That doesn't hurt.
Trying not to eat so much!
happystuff
3-22-20, 1:06pm
SM -Sorry to hear about your dh. I hope he does well and gets the tests he needs as soon as possible.
My thanks and prayers have been and continue to go out to all the "essential" individuals continuing to do what they are doing.
It's nice to get some simple, every day news and hellos from you all.
My house is definitely cleaner than it's been since... well, longer than I care to admit! ROFLOL. And Skyping with family has been a nice "social distancing".
Continuing to wish everyone well.
Simplemind - I'm sorry to hear about your husband's situation. Wishing you both the best.
Everything is good here, spending our days puttering, walking, watching Netflix, reading, and eating lots of oranges, which have been especially good this year. I do a regular check-in with a couple of our older neighbors and have offered to do their shopping. I have a brand new grandnephew and am a little bummed I can't go see him but am enjoying lots of pics.
Dh still goes in part of everyday for his essential tasks but is able to come home early. I have two siblings and three nieces/nephews in the medical field so I'm keeping them in my thoughts that they stay healthy and get enough rest. I'll send them a spa gift card when this is all over.
Today the sun is shining and the garden is vibrant from a good dose of rain and lots of spring growth and flowers. Life is good.
SM, so sorry to hear about your husband.
What I'm finding interesting to do is listening to online streaming radio from other countries. I regularly listen to the BBC (Radio 5 Live and Radio 4, with some World Service). I'm listening to ABC Radio from Australia right now. I also listen some to CBC Radio from Canada. It's interesting hearing the news from another country's perspective.
SM, so sorry to hear about your husband.
What I'm finding interesting to do is listening to online streaming radio from other countries. I regularly listen to the BBC (Radio 5 Live and Radio 4, with some World Service). I'm listening to ABC Radio from Australia right now. I also listen some to CBC Radio from Canada. It's interesting hearing the news from another country's perspective.
What are you learning? How do their perspectives differ from ours?
rosarugosa
3-22-20, 4:03pm
SM: Hope your husband is OK.
What are you learning? How do their perspectives differ from ours?
I've always been a news junkie. Grew up in the Detroit area watching the CBC station in Windsor, ON. It was always amazing to me growing up how much more the US was mentioned in their news, rather than the other way around. I've been listening to the BBC for 3-4 years now.
It's hard to describe. Listen for yourself. And with the BBC, don't just listen to the World Service. Listen to 5 Live or Radio 4. It's news meant for within the UK.
Youtube is a fast free way to get overseas perspectives. I can get Korean, Japanese, DW (Germany), Sky, BBC, French, Canada, etc. Some are live streaming.
iris lilies
3-23-20, 8:06am
I've always been a news junkie. Grew up in the Detroit area watching the CBC station in Windsor, ON. It was always amazing to me growing up how much more the US was mentioned in their news, rather than the other way around. I've been listening to the BBC for 3-4 years now.
It's hard to describe. Listen for yourself. And with the BBC, don't just listen to the World Service. Listen to 5 Live or Radio 4. It's news meant for within the UK.
I agree, I noticed that years ago, it is amazing how often the U.S.figures in overseas news stories.
i remember Being on the isle of Arran in Scotland at the seaside cottage of DH’s auntie when I heard Jeffrey Dahmer was killed in prison.
what? Why would Scotland run this story? That is just a typical daily story.
In Switzerland
i remember sitting in his aunt’s living room watching tv and a story about the U.S. came on. I didnt understand the audio,but from the footage I was,aware of the story, and believe me it was no earth shattering piece.
We are bigger than life to the rest of the world.
We are bigger than life to the rest of the world.
I firmly believe that, beyond airplanes and iPads, one of America's biggest export industries is culture: movies, music, TV, books, and all that come with them.
I was in former East Germany six months after the Berlin Wall came down, visiting with a friend, and found the most precise way I could define Minnesota's location for our hosts was to say "near Canada". I was floored when someone responded (in German), "Oh, where Prince is from."
By our culture do they know us. :~)
happystuff
3-25-20, 7:25am
Checking in - still here. Have managed to get out most days for a walk but that has been it. Contemplating the grocery store today. Not sure.
Need to continue job hunting and will probably clean the upstairs bathroom.
Hopefully the sun will come out and lift my spirits. Hope everyone else is well.
Hope the sun comes out today for you, Happystuff. It is supposed to get a little warmer today, and that would be really nice.
We had a bit of fog here in northern IL today. Combined with sun, it was pretty diving into the office.
I’m glad I’ve got a routine. I know too many people who are just sort of hopping around aimlessly these days.
A FB invited me to a group with workout videos done by her regular instructor. Seems my speed. They’re in the U.K. so I won’t be doing any of the live ones but the videos stay up so I can do them later in the day.
happystuff
3-25-20, 9:08am
Found something that lifted my spirits and made me cry. Thought I would share:
https://youtu.be/QagzdvzzHBQ
dado potato
3-25-20, 9:42am
With patience everything is possible.
Reminded that Julian of Norwich lived through the Black Death of 1348-50.
"All shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well."
SteveinMN
3-25-20, 11:20am
it was pretty diving into the office
Got a vacation on your mind, Tradd? :D
Got a vacation on your mind, Tradd? :D
Haha. Not a vacation. I dive local/regional - quarry or the Great Lakes. I live an hour from a dive boat just outside of Chicago, so I’m on Lake Michigan frequently. Can’t wait.
SM, so sorry you're going through all those things, but nevertheless, your post was a pleasant one to read. Seems you all are making lemonade out of the lemons you've been given.
I've been sent to work from home, and finding it a bit distracting. Right now I want to go to the kitchen and start a banana chiffon cake for my daughter's birthday. She's bummed because not only is it her birthday in quarantine, her husband is in another city working, she's home with kids out of school, no gym or playgrounds open, and their anniversary is next week. I know, first world problems, but as the mom, I want to make things better.
I've been taking walks in the neighborhood, looking at the beautiful flowers in people's yards coming up in spite of COVID-19, and today, weather willing, I am going on a bike ride.
My biggest problem now is finding certain things the stores are sold out of, though I did manage to get potatoes and trash bags today at Target.
Haha. Not a vacation. I dive local/regional - quarry or the Great Lakes. I live an hour from a dive boat just outside of Chicago, so I’m on Lake Michigan frequently. Can’t wait.
Oh, I know you dive. I was just noting that you were diving into the office in your post.
Also my governor mandated all supermarkets set aside 1 hour per day for people over 60. The stores have been doing this the first hour of the day. They restock overnight, so good luck getting any toilet paper if you are under 60.
I just got laid off. Boss was such a witch I'm glad to be rid of her.
iris lilies
3-25-20, 8:16pm
Tradd, sorry!
ApatheticNoMore
3-25-20, 8:41pm
That sucks, maybe you were among the higher paid employees and they were just cutting costs mindlessly right now.
That sucks, maybe you were among the higher paid employees and they were just cutting costs mindlessly right now.
That’s what I suspect.
SteveinMN
3-25-20, 10:18pm
I'm sorry, Tradd. Not that it was a terrific place to work anymore, but better if leaving was of your choosing, not theirs.
Had to file for unemployment at 2am. Website kept timing out otherwise.
happystuff
3-26-20, 7:30am
Also my governor mandated all supermarkets set aside 1 hour per day for people over 60. The stores have been doing this the first hour of the day. They restock overnight, so good luck getting any toilet paper if you are under 60.
Saw this in the other thread. Again, so sorry.
i'd been with the company so long that I had good relationships with my customers. They knew about my diving, I knew about their families and hobbies. I've called the ones I liked the best and had the best relationships with. The company I was with had a very bad habit of not bothering to tell customers when someone had left the company. Always left a bad taste in my mouth. They wouldn't say anything until customers asked where so and so was? Several of these customers said I was the sole reason they stayed with that company and they are now pulling their business.
Getting rid of me is going to cost them more than what they're going to save on my salary.
Four former customers are going to be references. They asked if they could be.
Two of the former customers are forwarding my contact information to other brokers they know, and telling the other broker what they liked about me.
These are trying times for many, but some good things will come out of it.
I have a feeling you'll land on your flippers, Tradd.
These are trying times for many, but some good things will come out of it.
I have a feeling you'll land on your flippers, Tradd.
Thank you!
I just put WhatsApp on my laptop. I'd been using it on my phone, but now that I'm home, so much easier to type on laptop, rather than phone.
These are trying times for many, but some good things will come out of it.
I have a feeling you'll land on your flippers, Tradd.
Well phrased and I agree.
Tradd they are so stupid. If they kept you on the payroll the bailout would cover the cost. Some companies are now recalling laid off workers so they can get Federal dollars. Also by laying you off they will have to pay higher unemployment insurance premiums. You will land up in a better place, your gain their loss.
Tradd they are so stupid. If they kept you on the payroll the bailout would cover the cost. Some companies are now recalling laid off workers so they can get Federal dollars. Also by laying you off they will have to pay higher unemployment insurance premiums. You will land up in a better place, your gain their loss.
Stupid doesn’t even begin to describe it.
What’s a good article to see exactly what’s in the stimulus bill?
What’s a good article to see exactly what’s in the stimulus bill?
Tradd, I thought this one (https://www.ktvu.com/news/heres-whats-in-the-covid-19-stimulus-bill-and-who-qualifies-to-get-money) had enough meat on its bones -- specifics -- and doesn't spend lots of column inches on "reaction".
It's interesting to see how different friends/family/etc are coping or not coping right now. SO and I are doing ok. We're nervous, and I find it difficult to stay focused while working, even though working from home is nothing new to me at this point. But overall we're in a pretty good place compared to lots of people and we know it. I was surprised today when my retired sister expressed despair at the reality that social distancing will likely have to continue for a few months. She's as much of an introvert as I am, so it made me realize that even though I'm not being particularly focused with work, I am at least going back to it and getting stuff done, as opposed to just obsessively staring at the news/facebook/whatever.
One of the things I've been doing is picking one random person each day from my phone's contact list that I haven't been in touch with for at least a month and sending them a text to ask how they're doing. It's been a great way to get in touch with people i haven't connected with in a while, and it also keeps me focused on the positive and not worrying about stuff I can't control. If tomorrow brings bad news I'll deal with that tomorrow. There's no point in worrying about "what if"s today.
Mom is strangely more calm. It is apparent that she needs something or someone to worry about to keep her mind off other things. We have ensured she is supplied with good food and that we check with her every day.
I am still quilting which takes my mind off the news where I have no ability to change what is happening. I check in with Dr John Campbell's youtube daily video.
We still have tradesmen coming in to finish the last parts of our bathroom remodeling. Today is hopefully the last of the painter and electrician. Then it will only be the shower door which cannot come until the business reopens.
Husband is having the biggest problem with the whole stay at home. He is used to being out on Habitat builds or other outdoor activities every day of the week. He forces himself to exercise but both of us enjoy group exercise so much more. I cannot even have him install the bathroom shelves until all the work is done and the contract completed. Maybe I will try to get him to clean his basement storage room.
Any of my problems pale when compared to most everyone else's.
flowerseverywhere
3-27-20, 6:31am
Two sandhill cranes walk around the pond near my house daily and the baby seems to grow each day. I can see two great blue herons nests from my backyard with binoculars. One has two babies and the other has one.
Yesterday weeding the garden I saw some monarch caterpillars on the milkweed. Oh happy day. My neighbor feeds bluebirds and they are busy flying in and out.
the other day we saw a moorhen nest on a walk and they were busy shoring up the nest. When the nest sitter stood up we could see eggs.
right now I’m sitting in the screened lanai listening to some bird squawking, and an alligator roaring in the swamp behind my property. It’s the beginning of mating season and Someone is looking for love.
I think if this is only a few months that will be on the short end of the projections I’m hearing.
happystuff
3-27-20, 9:22am
flowerseverywhere - thanks so much for sharing all that. It was a very calming read.
I've been trying to pick a project a day (after official job-hunting "work", etc.). Yesterday was actually cleaning my desk... what a mess, but I managed to get it done. That cleaning led to sorting, identifying, grouping, etc. electronic wires, cords, earbuds, batteries, etc. I didn't quite get that done and will - hopefully - continue today. Amazing how many similar cords/wires I have that all connect to/do the same thing. LOL.
Two sandhill cranes walk around the pond near my house daily and the baby seems to grow each day. I can see two great blue herons nests from my backyard with binoculars. One has two babies and the other has one.
Yesterday weeding the garden I saw some monarch caterpillars on the milkweed. Oh happy day. My neighbor feeds bluebirds and they are busy flying in and out.
the other day we saw a moorhen nest on a walk and they were busy shoring up the nest. When the nest sitter stood up we could see eggs.
right now I’m sitting in the screened lanai listening to some bird squawking, and an alligator roaring in the swamp behind my property. It’s the beginning of mating season and Someone is looking for love.
Tis the season for love. Thanks for sharing. The love is apparent with the birds in my back yard and wherever I walk my dog for an hour and a half. The sun shining, my laundry is on the line and I am considering baking some apples loaves using applesauce instead of oil in the recipe https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/223602/apple-bread/.
I watched Torville and Dean win the Gold in Ice Dancing on Youtube last night and am just as amazed now as I was then at the sheer beauty of their movements with the music of Bolero.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8obUdxnTlc
We are blessed with all the visual offerings online.
iris lilies
3-27-20, 12:17pm
Tis the season for love. Thanks for sharing. The love is apparent with the birds in my back yard and wherever I walk my dog for an hour and a half. The sun shining, my laundry is on the line and I am considering baking some apples loaves using applesauce instead of oil in the recipe https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/223602/apple-bread/.
I watched Torville and Dean win the Gold in Ice Dancing on Youtube last night and am just as amazed now as I was then at the sheer beauty of their movements with the music of Bolero.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8obUdxnTlc
We are blessed with all the visual offerings online.
yes, that Torville and Dean routine is memorable.
I was once a big fan of ice skating, even going so far as to pay nearly $1,000 for a pass to the U.S. Championships held over one week in St. Louis.*
Any more, I just watch ice dancing. The singles and doubles competitions are all about landing triples and quads and that stuff is a bore to me since I can’t really tell how many turns they do in the air, and do not care. Their new emphasis on jumping beans has spoiled the artistry.
*What I learned from that experience was that the big ticket price just secures you a seat near the ice for the Friday night and Saturday night competitions, televised with every seat full. All of the practices which are open to the public, as well as the junior and novice competitions, are poorly attended and anybody can sit anywhere.
We are so grateful to be able to get by when many will have hard times. Grocery shopping has been a big frustration and we are getting low on certain things since we didn't hoard like so many. Tried the online order store pickup option and only got a fraction of the items. I am starting to see that DH may unravel if this goes on too long. Our house is pretty shipshape so not a lot he can find to do and not allowed to go out and shoot photos as he likes to do. His mom is sequestered in assisted living and complains daily so that really gets to him. Plans were to put the house up for sale and move back to TX but all that is on indefinite hold.
My church is doing a virtual coffee hour on Sunday via Zoom. Priest asked us to make sure we were “decent.” :laff:
I think I just worked about 150-180 hours in 12 days. Impossible to count cause I was on call, taking middle of the night calls, doing conference calls and payroll on the weekend ... basically either working or sleeping for 12 days.
I have never done that much work in 12 days before.
I am off until Monday morning. Woo hoo!
And I’m still healthy. I’m so lucky to be healthy.
Tammy, glad to hear you can get some rest now!
Teacher Terry
3-27-20, 10:02pm
Wow Tammy I cannot even imagine.
Funny thing is, I still like what I do.
flowerseverywhere
3-28-20, 5:52am
My nature happening yesterday:
weeding the back garden there was a monarch caterpillar. I hope there is enough milkweed to sustain it.
there was a very noisy bird night before last, it sounded like a pterodactyl in Jurassic Park. It kept a lot of the neighborhood up with its screeching. It turned it to be a Limpkin and by mid day there was a bird answering it. It was not out screeching last night so I think it might have found its mate so all is good.
but as I was outside yesterday repotting my out of control African Violets a big black snake suddenly went whizzing by, chased by a mockingbird. The bird was flying and swooping down to peck at the snake. I’m guessing it has a nest somewhere and the snake was looking for breakfast. Snakes give me the creeps but these are harmless beneficial snakes.
the mockingbirds crack us up with their song variety. We have lots of them and they have such a variety of calls. I’ve heard them sound like numerous birds, such as jays, cardinals, red wing blackbirds and once even a cat meowing.
Thanks, Flowers. I had to check what a limpkin is:
Looking like something between a crane and a rail, this odd wading bird has no close relatives. It is widespread in the American tropics, but enters our area only in Florida and southern Georgia -- only where it can satisfy its dietary requirement for a certain fresh-water snail. Mostly solitary, Limpkins may be overlooked as they stalk about in marshes and swamps; they draw attention with their piercing banshee wails, often heard at dawn or at night.
https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/limpkin
My church is doing a virtual coffee hour on Sunday via Zoom. Priest asked us to make sure we were “decent.” :laff:
Just going to mention that Zoom's iPhone app (if not others; hard to believe they're doing this only on iOs) collects a lot of information about meeting participants (https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/k7e599/zoom-ios-app-sends-data-to-facebook-even-if-you-dont-have-a-facebook-account) and sends it on to Facebook's booming advertising empire -- even if you don't have a Facebook account. So, yeah, be sure you're at least "decent" if you choose to join.
Just going to mention that Zoom's iPhone app (if not others; hard to believe they're doing this only on iOs) collects a lot of information about meeting participants (https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/k7e599/zoom-ios-app-sends-data-to-facebook-even-if-you-dont-have-a-facebook-account) and sends it on to Facebook's booming advertising empire -- even if you don't have a Facebook account. So, yeah, be sure you're at least "decent" if you choose to join.
Wow.. Thanks for the info!!! I use Zoom for professional purposes. We had a family Google Hangout the other night--is that "safer"?
happystuff
3-28-20, 9:29am
Good to know about Zoom - thanks. Our temple has been using that for morning prayers. We get a fresh link every day, so I'm curious how/what is actually "saved".
For family, we have been using Skype. Probably just as good/bad as the rest of them.
Stay safe and healthy, everyone!
SteveinMN
3-28-20, 12:45pm
We had a family Google Hangout the other night--is that "safer"?
Yes and no. If you've already bought into the Google ecosystem (gmail email address, using Google for Web searches, Google Home device at home, etc.) then Hangouts doesn't give Google much new about you. Me, living in a non-Google world (I even shut off their Javascript and cookies in one of my browsers), I wouldn't want to use it. But I'm weird that way.
The old saying is, "If there's no cost for the product, then you are the product." It's almost unavoidable these days at some level, but, like COVID-19, I can choose to lower my exposure. Or I can understand what I'm giving up in exchange for "free" and choose to make the deal anyway. But you should at least be able to make your decision based on having all the facts. That's been a long-running battle in the digital world and it's far from over.
I finally downloaded Marco Polo so I can video with my niece and brand new grandnephew - he's just a week old. Privacy concerns have been put aside for now in the interest of other things. I have to say that I really like the app. I wish they would just sell subscriptions for it instead of giving it as "free" with us as the product, as Steve mentioned.
Just going to mention that Zoom's iPhone app (if not others; hard to believe they're doing this only on iOS) collects a lot of information about meeting participants (https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/k7e599/zoom-ios-app-sends-data-to-facebook-even-if-you-dont-have-a-facebook-account) and sends it on to Facebook's booming advertising empire
And, now, there's a new version of Zoom for iOS (https://www.theverge.com/2020/3/28/21197967/zoom-ios-app-code-tracking-facebook) that does not ship information off to Facebook:
the company says it was made aware “that the Facebook SDK was collecting device information unnecessary for us to provide our services,”
The app was updated Friday in the App Store. It wouldn't hurt people using other versions (Android, etc.) to see if there's an update for them, either.
Resume work today and I hope to get out for a bit of a walk.
It's finally sunny a bit. We had a very windy and rainy weekend.
I think you Midwesterners sent us the bad weather, but it seems to be brightening up a bit. I had about 3 hours of work today. I then listened to an hour of my new self-mastery program (awesome: google Mark Divine). We'll have left over home-made chicken noodle soup and left-over steak for dinner. Played dozens of times a text video of my GD<1 playing with a wooden rattle I brought her from Japan.
Dreaming of bright sunny weather to work on the garden.
Soon if the weather does not improve I will be running out of things to do on the weekend. My library will not offer curbside pickup and I will run out of books. I do not like reading e-books. I am completing games and can't download more as the internet lines are so overwhelmed by traffic. Of course there are things I could do like declutter they just are not floating my boat right now.
Soon if the weather does not improve I will be running out of things to do on the weekend. My library will not offer curbside pickup and I will run out of books. I do not like reading e-books. I am completing games and can't download more as the internet lines are so overwhelmed by traffic. Of course there are things I could do like declutter they just are not floating my boat right now.
Yppej, are you open to buying books? If so, check out Target if there is one near you. I've found they have an interesting selection.
No, I am a cheapskate but thanks anyways.
KnownRogue
3-30-20, 7:23pm
Soon if the weather does not improve I will be running out of things to do on the weekend. My library will not offer curbside pickup and I will run out of books. I do not like reading e-books. I am completing games and can't download more as the internet lines are so overwhelmed by traffic. Of course there are things I could do like declutter they just are not floating my boat right now.
I got so bored I started writing a book. Its sooo awful lol. But a few hand scrawled paragraphs a night takes a while.
Not much has changed around here. Trying to stay connected with family and friends, getting out for a walk every non-rainy day, and trying to get motivated to do... anything. Would love to start some project, but doing so would mean spending money and with income now limited, not sure if that is the smart way to go.
Thanks for the post, Happystuff. My life is similar. I focus on phoning a few friends each day and then carry on. I have been housebound for over a week except for my daily
1 1/2 hours walk with my dog. Each week I do a batch of sprouts. This week is mung beans which will be lovely in stir-fries.
This morning I am starting some bread and I may make a loaf of apple quick bread to bake at the same time.
I decided that today with the sunshine, I will start the limited outdoor pruning and cleanup of my yard. The pick-up of garden waste starts next week.
I want to start some seeds for some balloon flowers that I saved from last year. I also want to make some mini-pots out of newspaper for seeds that I need to buy. I did buy the potting soil last week when I was out.
My kitchen cupboards need to be deep cleaned.
OK, now I have made myself a list of things to do.
I ventured out to a little nearby grocery yesterday and decided afterwards that it will be my last trip out. Shelves were empty and it was way more crowded than it should have been. I have placed an order with Instacart but don't have high hopes that most of the list will be fulfilled. I am seeing that we will get less picky about what we order as the days move on. I have sewn up some masks which I have to say look more protective than many I see wearing. Wish I could go buy gardening and landscaping supplies but will have to get creative with what we have on hand. I am making seed starter pots out of toilet paper tubes. On the cooking front, I found some yeast in the cabinet so will try some no-knead bread since we have run out of store bought bread. Another snowstorm on the way...blechh!
iris lilies
4-2-20, 10:46am
So far our grocery store has been fine. I mean there’s not the exact brand of bread I like, and of course there is no toilet paper and they are limiting water. But that is a minor stuff.
I mainly go there for fresh stuff.
Pinky you are having snow?! Ack! We are having a lovely spring weather.
ApatheticNoMore
4-2-20, 10:46am
It's basically impossible to order to grocery delivery here AND impossible to order grocery pick up AS WELL, it's been overwhelmed, no available slots. Every single grocery chain? Not sure, they don't all offer it of course, but many of the big players. There is food at the stores though. Maybe the delivery and pick-up situation improves I don't know.
Everyone should not have been using this, healthy younger people should have left it for those with conditions that leave them vulnerable and those over 60 at least, that's why I'm looking into it, for my mom not me.
We have two "supermarkets" on the island. They have had their usual stock of "just what you need"--no where near the variety of a major supermarket but way more than a convenience store, and the prices are somewhere in-between.
One of the stores just transitioned to curbside only.
The other, closer to me, is still open and I think they are starting to struggle stocking shelves, but I was still able to spend $100 on basics. I have enough meals for at least a week. If I had ventured to a major supermarket or to Costco, I'm sure I would have spent far less, but I'm happy to have a local store that still has a decent enough choice.
I've given up on Safeway for the moment, but Amazon/Whole Foods delivered satisfactorily. I'm good for now.
I did a grocery store pickup yesterday and it actually went well. Some things were no longer available, but I was able to shop for myself and two elderly neighbors. I also ran out today to Home Depot garden shop and picked up 6 bags of soil. There were not many people around at all and it was a quick in and out. If the sun stays out and the wind dies down, I may venture outside for some yard work.
Happy news! I may have a place to go diving! :D. A friend has access to a small lake via a coworker’s dock. My dive shop is doing stuff in the dotes by appt. I’ve emailed them to see if I can get tanks filled.
My father's stepsister and her husband have been hospitalized with coronavirus. They live in Washington state.
Went to pick up some pre-orderd and prepaid items at 3:30pm, usually a quiet time at the large grocery store. People were lined up outside spaced 6 feet apart according to markings on the concrete. A security guard let people in as the same number came out. I was able to pick up my items at the customer service desk, in and out. There are so many staff wiping things down, maintaining spacing.... Grocery stores markup is not very high in %age margin, I have been told. With all these additional costs, the price of groceries has to go up. I pity anyone doing a weekly grocery run these days.
When I stopped in at the drug store for mailing some fabric masks to family, I also picked up some fresh milk. One young woman was having a complete meltdown being told that she could have only one bag of milk. Senior management was called in to deal with her. I felt for her frustration and the stress on the staff as well. Interesting times!
I decided I needed a treat so stopped and bought a burger to go with my tomato and pepper salad at home. Clementine for dessert and hot tea to drink. Perfect treat.
Bag of milk. ;). Very Canadian! 3 liters?
Pinky you are having snow?!
Beautiful last few days but more snow and cold this coming weekend. Down to 17 so not cleaning up yard too much just yet. Glad we got groceries today.
Bag of milk. ;). Very Canadian! 3 liters?
4 litres in 3 bags inside one bag.:D
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