Small Talk: The Prayer Closet

[ozziemom]

Sorry to hear about Mr. Turquoise, sad when you know something is off and doctors don’t lis. Sending positive thoughts and prayers.

[Scarlett45]

1 hour ago, Turquoise said:

Things are not going well for Mr Turquoise. He tried getting a teleappointment yesterday because he was having such fatigue when he moved around and his chest was feeling tight. Our PCP refused to set up an appointment, or order him any meds. My MIL's boyfriend ran us his pulse oximeter, and after we saw he was low & dropping I ran him to the ER last night. It was so hard to just drop him off. He has double pneumonia related to Covid, and is currently in the ICU receiving a plasma treatment. We have been texting through the night, and he said the treatments he is having so far are making him feel better, and they are taking great care of him. They will let me visit him through some sort of window later. We will gladly accept any of the prayers and good thoughts you have, to get him home sooner rather than later.

I am so sorry your husband isn’t well. He’s very lucky to have you looking out for him. Sending you all the prayers and good vibes. 

[Scarlett45]

I made brownies and ate them with my second cup of coffee. Cosmo watched. 

[louannems]

5 minutes ago, Scarlett45 said:

I made brownies and ate them with my second cup of coffee. Cosmo watched. 

Those brownies look gorgeous!  Like they could be in a fine coffee shop's case.  Is that cream cheese?

[QuinnInND]

@Scarlett45 Cosmo is so adorable. Brownies! Thank you! Off to the baking aisle! Knew I forgot something. 

[Scarlett45]

5 minutes ago, louannems said:

Those brownies look gorgeous!  Like they could be in a fine coffee shop's case.  Is that cream cheese?

Yup! Cream cheese. 
 

Thanks! The trick to a great swirl is dollop half your cream cheese and then do your swirl. Then dollop the rest and swirl again. That way you get the nice balance of swirl and more concentrated cream cheese. 

[realityfan26]

@Turquoise I'm sorry MrTurquoise had to go to the hospital. Prayers he'll be well enough to come home soon. Take care of yourself too!

[Absolom]

1 hour ago, Liddy52 said:

A while back, we all discussed what we would do once we had completed the vaccination process: vacation, eating out, visiting our families and hugging them, etc. However,  everything I am reading now indicates that it will still not be safe to do any of those things. Some of the reasons include because of the new variants that are circulating,  lack of knowledge on whether we can still be carriers of the virus, and the fact that it is not 100% effective so there is still  chance (albeit small) that you can still contract the virus.

That's what I've been told since December, to change nothing after receiving the vaccine.  The vaccine is to prevent getting severe disease and resulting hospitalization and possible death.  It relieves my mind, but isn't a pass to return to normal.  It may well do more than that and that would be a bonus, but isn't proven yet.  That's what three doctors have told me and what I've seen in some medical articles. They could be wrong, but I'm on the conservative side and will keep on as I've been.

[zoomama]

2 hours ago, emma675 said:

 

Does anyone know if a person can donate plasma after the Covid vaccine? I was wondering if a body created Covid antibodies after the vaccine that could then be donated to help others who are sick.

i checked with my brother who works with the blood bank and he says YES donate after receiving the vaccine.  he also said don't be afraid to donate even before you get the vaccine ---they are noticeably short on donors that are afraid to come in and donate. they desperately need blood and plasma. 

[Liddy52]

@Turquoise, prayers for a quick recovery for your husband. 

[Oldernowiser]

Cosmo is pretty much a hug on four legs.

[Suzn]

...

2 hours ago, Scarlett45 said:

I made brownies and ate them with my second cup of coffee. Cosmo watched. 

What a sweet boy Cosmo is!  And those brownies look yummy!    😊

[rue721]

2 hours ago, Scarlett45 said:

I made brownies and ate them with my second cup of coffee. Cosmo watched. 

Cosmo has the sweetest face! What a gentle look in his eye. That is one beloved and loving doggie.
 

He looks like he feels very cozy and safe with you, even though he must be missing your godmother. Please think about texting her these pictures (if you haven’t already), because I’m sure she’d be so happy to see you both so happy ☺️

[Scarlett45]

2 minutes ago, rue721 said:

Cosmo has the sweetest face! What a gentle look in his eye. That is one beloved and loving doggie.
 

He looks like he feels very cozy and safe with you, even though he must be missing your godmother. Please think about texting her these pictures (if you haven’t already), because I’m sure she’d be so happy to see you both so happy ☺️

Oh yes. I text her every day. She and my mom get on the phone daily these days but I send her photos and video daily. I want her to know he’s okay. 

[rue721]

@Turquoise I’m so sorry you and your husband are going through this! Thank god you got out the oximeter when you knew something was wrong and the doctor wouldn’t listen. Your husband is lucky to have you as his advocate! Try to go easy on yourself, too — your health is important, and this is a lot of stress. 

[Scarlett45]

1 hour ago, zoomama said:

i checked with my brother who works with the blood bank and he says YES donate after receiving the vaccine.  he also said don't be afraid to donate even before you get the vaccine ---they are noticeably short on donors that are afraid to come in and donate. they desperately need blood and plasma. 

I donated this summer. My mom had surgery and I haven’t donated again.  I need to, as soon as this weather stops offending my face (so about 20 F). 
 

i promise not to high Jack the thread with Cosmo but look at he and Blake while I try to mop the floor. 

[Olliesmom]

@Turquoise , good thoughts and prayers for your husband.  I hope his recovery is quick.  Hugs.

[Westiepeach]

4 hours ago, Scarlett45 said:

I made brownies and ate them with my second cup of coffee. Cosmo watched. 

OMG. Brownies with cream cheese swirls are my absolute favorite brownies EVER. Followed by frosted brownies. No nuts, please! 

Now I want cream cheese brownies. Oh, and my Harley (Westie) says hi to Cosmo!

Edited February 6, 2021 by Westiepeach

[GeeGolly]

6 hours ago, Liddy52 said:

A while back, we all discussed what we would do once we had completed the vaccination process: vacation, eating out, visiting our families and hugging them, etc. However,  everything I am reading now indicates that it will still not be safe to do any of those things. Some of the reasons include because of the new variants that are circulating,  lack of knowledge on whether we can still be carriers of the virus, and the fact that it is not 100% effective so there is still  chance (albeit small) that you can still contract the virus. I just wondered if this has changed your plans in any way.? I had so hoped to hug my grandchildren but now I will probably not, because one of them is immuno-compromised. I m supposed to get my second dose this week, but when I called to make the appointment s previously instructed to do was pretty much told: Don't call us,  we will call you. There are extreme shortages in my area, so not sure it will happen this week. 

My understanding is nothing changes in regard to behaviors when vaxxed, until we reach herd immunity. These RNA vaccines don't fit my definition of vaccine. I always thought of all vaccines as protecting one from getting whatever disease they're vaccinated for. These vaccines apparently tell our cells to shut covid down and stop it before symptoms become severe. And like you mentioned the new variants complicate things even more.

My hope is we reach herd immunity by September/October.

I don't know about you guys, but I'm going to have to do some mental gymnastics to get comfortable going any where maskless.

[Turquoise]

I did see Mr Turquoise earlier..."window" is essentially they put you in a chair in front of the sliding glass door of the ICU room, and you talk on your phones. But we could see each other. He continues to have no fever, but is tired so I only stayed a short while. I just texted with him and he said his lunch was awful and he was hoping dinner was better. At least he feels like eating a bit. I will go back and see him tomorrow.

[QuinnInND]

17 minutes ago, Turquoise said:

I did see Mr Turquoise earlier..."window" is essentially they put you in a chair in front of the sliding glass door of the ICU room, and you talk on your phones. But we could see each other. He continues to have no fever, but is tired so I only stayed a short while. I just texted with him and he said his lunch was awful and he was hoping dinner was better. At least he feels like eating a bit. I will go back and see him tomorrow.

Glad you got to see him. Hope he continues to improve and come home soon. 

[emma675]

19 minutes ago, Turquoise said:

I did see Mr Turquoise earlier..."window" is essentially they put you in a chair in front of the sliding glass door of the ICU room, and you talk on your phones. But we could see each other. He continues to have no fever, but is tired so I only stayed a short while. I just texted with him and he said his lunch was awful and he was hoping dinner was better. At least he feels like eating a bit. I will go back and see him tomorrow.

I'm glad you got to see him. I've often noticed when patients start complaining about things it means they are starting to feel better. Hopefully he gets to come home soon.

[andromeda331]

I'm sorry @Turquoise I hope your husband has a speedy recovery.

[Scarlett45]

1 hour ago, Turquoise said:

I did see Mr Turquoise earlier..."window" is essentially they put you in a chair in front of the sliding glass door of the ICU room, and you talk on your phones. But we could see each other. He continues to have no fever, but is tired so I only stayed a short while. I just texted with him and he said his lunch was awful and he was hoping dinner was better. At least he feels like eating a bit. I will go back and see him tomorrow.

I’m glad you got to see him. His critique of the food is a good sign. 

[Oldernowiser]

5 hours ago, Scarlett45 said:

i promise not to high Jack the thread with Cosmo but look at he and Blake while I try to mop the floor. 

They’re going to end up snuggle buddies eventually...the signs are there!

[sixlets]

@Turquoise, I'm so sorry to hear about your husband.  I hope he continues to improve.  You will be in my thoughts.

Thank you all SO damn much for the love & support.  I truly can feel it!  As our vet so lovingly put it, "she's just bitchy enough that she will outlive all of us out of spite".  It was determined that she a buildup of tartar on one of her teeth, which is what caused the abscess.  After doing a twilight sedation and a closer exam, it turned out she needed that tooth pulled.  We were able to have that done in the office today, so she came home with us.  We have a few rules to follow for the week with a follow-up exam scheduled for next Saturday.  It looks like she went ten rounds with her sister and lost, but otherwise, she seems to be feeling better.  Thank you all again, and I know Millie appreciates it too! 

[Scarlett45]

7 minutes ago, sixlets said:

@Turquoise, I'm so sorry to hear about your husband.  I hope he continues to improve.  You will be in my thoughts.

Thank you all SO damn much for the love & support.  I truly can feel it!  As our vet so lovingly put it, "she's just bitchy enough that she will outlive all of us out of spite".  It was determined that she a buildup of tartar on one of her teeth, which is what caused the abscess.  After doing a twilight sedation and a closer exam, it turned out she needed that tooth pulled.  We were able to have that done in the office today, so she came home with us.  We have a few rules to follow for the week with a follow-up exam scheduled for next Saturday.  It looks like she went ten rounds with her sister and lost, but otherwise, she seems to be feeling better.  Thank you all again, and I know Millie appreciates it too! 

I’m so glad she’s gonna be okay!

[CherryMalotte]

Having good thoughts for your husband Turquoise - and yup, when they start bitching it's a good sign they are getting their energy back.

I was out doing a grocery run with the husband today (BRRRRRRR!!! Very cold!)  and while getting our beasties their canned food was a couple who were going over the merits of kitten food, what would would he like, and so forth.  It made me laugh so I asked if they were new cat parents and they were, they have a kitten that was born from feral mama - he was bottle fed for a bit by a friend when he was abandoned, then they adopted him.  They were such a nice couple, and the cat food comparison talk was funny.  They were obviously very much in love with their little guy.  

Lately I've dreamed of kittens....

 

[Oldernowiser]

1 hour ago, sixlets said:

@Turquoise, I'm so sorry to hear about your husband.  I hope he continues to improve.  You will be in my thoughts.

Thank you all SO damn much for the love & support.  I truly can feel it!  As our vet so lovingly put it, "she's just bitchy enough that she will outlive all of us out of spite".  It was determined that she a buildup of tartar on one of her teeth, which is what caused the abscess.  After doing a twilight sedation and a closer exam, it turned out she needed that tooth pulled.  We were able to have that done in the office today, so she came home with us.  We have a few rules to follow for the week with a follow-up exam scheduled for next Saturday.  It looks like she went ten rounds with her sister and lost, but otherwise, she seems to be feeling better.  Thank you all again, and I know Millie appreciates it too! 

I’m so happy for you, @sixlets. Yep, I had an 18-year-old cat who literally overnight developed a hole in his face from an infected tooth. Oh and he never stopped eating...just pawed at his face occasionally. A HOLE. I’m a former vet tech...I felt like the worst pet owner in the world. Couldn’t believe it could happen that fast. Tooth was extracted,  antibiotics went in, and he had a good life for another two years.

My very best to Millie and you...

[Jeanne222]

3 hours ago, CherryMalotte said:

Having good thoughts for your husband Turquoise - and yup, when they start bitching it's a good sign they are getting their energy back.

I was out doing a grocery run with the husband today (BRRRRRRR!!! Very cold!)  and while getting our beasties their canned food was a couple who were going over the merits of kitten food, what would would he like, and so forth.  It made me laugh so I asked if they were new cat parents and they were, they have a kitten that was born from feral mama - he was bottle fed for a bit by a friend when he was abandoned, then they adopted him.  They were such a nice couple, and the cat food comparison talk was funny.  They were obviously very much in love with their little guy.  

Lately I've dreamed of kittens....

 

My daughter had a tragedy last Summer.  She wasn't doing well at all.   Her daughter, my granddaughter, has two young  kitty rescues that we have all fallen in love with.

So daughter adopted a rescue Cat.  That kitty has given my daughter so much love and is healing her in ways no human could possibly be able to do!

So now we are cat people!  She sends me a 2 minute video of kitty and his antics each day!  Btw I never knew cats could play 'go fetch'!  Lol. But then again why not!

Edited February 7, 2021 by Jeanne222

[Love2dance]

I’m so glad you and your husband were able to see each other and he is getting his appetite back, @Turquoise. I really hope he can come home soon. You were so wise to take him to the ER when his oxygen was dropping. 
 

Good news, @sixlets that your kitty Millie is doing better and with the tooth gone, should heal quickly. So happy for you!

I have had one inoculation, @Liddy52, but my understanding is that after the second one, we are more protected from a severe case of Covid and hospitalization, but can possibly still infect others. I’m thinking the only ones to even consider hugging are those who are at least two weeks out from being vaccinated too. But I’m not sure that is true, either. I will certainly be less afraid to go out, maybe eat at a well distanced outdoor restaurant, but will continue to wear a mask, distance, and be indoors with other people as little as possible.  I really want to hug my kids and grandkids, but will probably have to wait until they are vaccinated. I’m so happy we are finally seeing at least some hope for a post Covid future.

[Absolom]

17 hours ago, GeeGolly said:

My understanding is nothing changes in regard to behaviors when vaxxed, until we reach herd immunity. These RNA vaccines don't fit my definition of vaccine. I always thought of all vaccines as protecting one from getting whatever disease they're vaccinated for. These vaccines apparently tell our cells to shut covid down and stop it before symptoms become severe. And like you mentioned the new variants complicate things even more.

My hope is we reach herd immunity by September/October.

I don't know about you guys, but I'm going to have to do some mental gymnastics to get comfortable going any where maskless.

This article is interesting about how we may deal with things as COVID becomes endemic rather than pandemic.  It's becoming more and more likely that we'll have this virus with us forever.  

https://www.wsj.com/articles/as-vaccines-raise-hope-cold-reality-dawns-covid-19-is-likely-here-to-stay-11612693803

According to things I'm reading this morning, we may want to get comfortable with the face masks.  France is suffering a HUGE vaccination rejection rate.  Many parts of the world won't even have many vaccinations available until next year.  Mutations are potentially going to require all of us getting vaccinated now to get a booster for the new strains.  No one knows how long the vaccination protection will last and if/when we'll need boosters.  I'm glad I found cute child size surgical masks for the grandkids.  I've even found a company making pretty varied color multipaks of KF-94s.  

[BetyBee]

I listen to infection specialists and scientists quite often and from what I hear, we may never get back to reality 2019. But the positive side is that in some ways things will be better. Perhaps because most of us will take sanitation and droplet spreading more seriously, we'll be more cautious in our public encounters. I think we'll be in masks for at least all of this year and who knows how long after, with all of the mutations cropping up? I think that eventually we may be immunized against Covid mutations on a yearly basis, like many of us are now for Flu. Maybe theaters and concerts will be filled again, but with many wearing masks. Perhaps masks will even improve. We as a people are still learning about this virus. I still believe that as we are immunized, we will be more comfortable visiting family (my family and I will be masked) and friends, but at least we'll be visiting people! We will adjust to the new reality. I believe it. I have to believe it, because I want human contact so badly! 

ETA: There will also be accurate, rapid, inexpensive testing that is easily available, around which people can make safer plans.

Edited February 7, 2021 by BetyBee
Absolom's link reminded me of more frequent testing

[crazycatlady58]

39 minutes ago, Absolom said:

This article is interesting about how we may deal with things as COVID becomes endemic rather than pandemic.  It's becoming more and more likely that we'll have this virus with us forever.  

https://www.wsj.com/articles/as-vaccines-raise-hope-cold-reality-dawns-covid-19-is-likely-here-to-stay-11612693803

According to things I'm reading this morning, we may want to get comfortable with the face masks.  France is suffering a HUGE vaccination rejection rate.  Many parts of the world won't even have many vaccinations available until next year.  Mutations are potentially going to require all of us getting vaccinated now to get a booster for the new strains.  No one knows how long the vaccination protection will last and if/when we'll need boosters.  I'm glad I found cute child size surgical masks for the grandkids.  I've even found a company making pretty varied color multipaks of KF-94s.  

Can you post a link?

[Absolom]

 

4 minutes ago, crazycatlady58 said:

Can you post a link?

I did, but here it is again.

https://www.wsj.com/articles/as-vaccines-raise-hope-cold-reality-dawns-covid-19-is-likely-here-to-stay-11612693803

[crazycatlady58]

29 minutes ago, Absolom said:

 

I did, but here it is again.

https://www.wsj.com/articles/as-vaccines-raise-hope-

Sorry I was not clear I was wanting to know where to find the colorful masks. Also sorry about the wonky post. I tried to correct myself and did a bad job.

Just now, crazycatlady58 said:

 

 

Edited February 7, 2021 by crazycatlady58

[Oldernowiser]

Back in the day both Mr. Wiser and I traveled internationally for work quite a bit. In every Asian country we ever visited mask wearing in public was the norm, especially in airports and on mass transit.

 I know I’m never getting on a plane without a mask again, especially as the only time I ever had viral bronchitis was after a long flight sitting next to two coughing, hacking carriers. I was sick as a dog less than eight hours after that flight...that virus moved FAST and I was sick for a week. I gained a whole new respect for microbes.

[GeeGolly]

I believe our normal will be fairly close to 2019. In 1919 we had less knowledge and less technology, but after 2 years things were looking pretty good. 

 

 

[Mindthinkr]

Has anyone seen Fatima on Netflix? I watched it yesterday. There isn’t much more story than the old black and white movie they did about it decades ago, but it kept me riveted. 

[Absolom]

2 hours ago, crazycatlady58 said:

Sorry I was not clear I was wanting to know where to find the colorful masks. Also sorry about the wonky post. I tried to correct myself and did a bad job.

LOL  I'm sorry.  

Multicolored surgical masks: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B08GKT9XB3/?coliid=IQAE2LV7ANNUN&colid=25JSSLBUIWY4K&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

KN95 (consider the risks)

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B08Q8HKCTW/?coliid=I1UGMI8RUAAA4X&colid=25JSSLBUIWY4K&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

All pink:

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07D29TGYB/?coliid=IX33G34BDM3T0&colid=25JSSLBUIWY4K&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

I bought these child size ones for granddaughter, but they're currently out of stock:

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B08DP3LLXD/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Edited February 7, 2021 by Absolom

[Mindthinkr]

11 minutes ago, Absolom said:

KN95 (consider the risks)

What do you mean by that? Risks? 

[emma675]

This spoke to me this morning. In just a few weeks, I will have worked from home for a year. It's crazy how much 2020 changed everything. 

Absolom, what did you mean when you said "consider the risks" about KN95 masks? 

[Jeanne222]

The last couple of Winters I had something I'll call the coughing flu!  It was terrible and a couple trips to the doctor, shots and meds.  Yes I had had the flu shot!

This Winter I've been pretty well.  So there is always that Silver Lining!

Masks, hand washing and social distancing do work.

 

[Zella]

Bringing this over from the Seewald thread to respond to @Suzn,

Quote

I love that!  Do you have any peridot jewelry?

I had some when I was a teenager! I don't really wear any jewelry now, but I should probably remedy that. Do you have any? 

[Absolom]

KN95s are Chinese standard and are not considered medical mask grade in the US.  So far I've had good luck with the ones I've bought and they've been more comfortable than N95s.  However, there are counterfeits and I just want you to know I haven't bought these masks so I'm not saying they're good ones.  

Edited February 7, 2021 by Absolom

[Suzn]

4 minutes ago, Zella said:

Bringing this over from the Seewald thread to respond to @Suzn,

I had some when I was a teenager! I don't really wear any jewelry now, but I should probably remedy that. Do you have any? 

I should have asked my question in Small Talk, which I realized as soon as I posted.

Yes, I have peridot, but I'm a jewelry lover anyway.  I have a fairly large solitaire peridot ring and a necklace with the stone set to move with your heartbeat so it twinkles.  Peridot is not hugely popular but a decent quality stone is very pretty.

[Jeanne222]

Just now, Suzn said:

I should have asked my question in Small Talk, which I realized as soon as I posted.

Yes, I have peridot, but I'm a jewelry lover anyway.  I have a fairly large solitaire peridot ring and a necklace with the stone set to move with your heartbeat so it twinkles.  Peridot is not hugely popular but a decent quality stone is very pretty.

I have a lovely Peridot bracelet.  My plan is to give it to one of my granddaughters.  Or maybe my daughter born on St. Patrick's day!

[emma675]

49 minutes ago, Absolom said:

KN95s are Chinese standard and are not considered medical mask grade.  So far I've had good luck with the ones I've bought and they've been more comfortable than N95s.  However, there are counterfeits and I just want you to know I haven't bought these masks so I'm not saying they're good ones.  

Interesting! I did not know this, so that's good to understand. I actually did buy some KN95 masks on Amazon, so I need to look into those. I like that they sit off your face a bit so you don't have damp cloth or fabric right against your skin, but I also want to make sure they are safe. 

crazycatlady58, ooohhh, what are the water and the candle tests?

Edited February 7, 2021 by emma675d

[crazycatlady58]

16 minutes ago, emma675 said:

Interesting! I did not know this, so that's good to understand. I actually did buy some KN95 masks on Amazon, so I need to look into those. I like that they sit off your face a bit so you don't have damp cloth or fabric right against your skin, but I also want to make sure they are safe. 

I bought some kn95 from Amazon.  I did the water test and the candle test they " passed" both. I decided just to use that brand. I cannot get the perfect mask so I will try not to worry about it. You read so many different things that sometimes it feels whatever you do is wrong. 

[Turquoise]

Just got back from my visit...we had some good news/bad news...
The good: he's doing well enough to be moved from the ICU
The bad: they're putting him on the Covid floor. No visitors until he's discharged. His ICU nurse (an absolute doll) said the infectious disease team insists on putting everyone who has been positive on that floor, even if they're past the infectious window now. 
So it was hard to leave. He looked forward to my visit every day, and I did too. I cried the whole way home. So hopefully I can keep his spirits up via phone and he continues to improve, so we don't have to be apart for long. The ICU nurse told me to call her personally if his spirits start to lag, and she was going to go up to the floor and tell him to snap out of it. Like I said, she's an absolute doll.