Small Talk: The Prayer Closet

[crazycatlady58]

1 hour ago, GeeGolly said:

I'm so sorry @Scarlett45. Sending comfort, healing and light to you and yours.

I don't get the rolling black outs in AR and TX. Don't y'all have air conditioning on blast in the warmer months? If the grid can handle that, why can't it handle more houses cranking up the heat?

The heater unit uses more power I believe.  We are having a very drastic cold front when its 19 ° out and you put your thermostat at 70 that's a 60°  difference . Having said that they have had enough time to figure this out . I also think part of the problem is it is ALL of Texas.  That is a lot of area and people. 

Edited February 16, 2021 by crazycatlady58
Added thought

[crazycatlady58]

@Scarlett45,  hugs to everyone. Would it be a good idea to bring her dog to visit or would that be to hard on her emotionally and to confusing for the dog?

[rue721]

@Scarlett45 I am heartbroken for your godmother, what a horrible thing to be going through. How could her husband be so cruel to her right now? Honestly shocking.

Stay warm, everyone. Blackouts when the windchill is -15?! WTF?

[Scarlett45]

28 minutes ago, rue721 said:

@Scarlett45 I am heartbroken for your godmother, what a horrible thing to be going through. How could her husband be so cruel to her right now? Honestly shocking.

Stay warm, everyone. Blackouts when the windchill is -15?! WTF?

To be fair I don’t think he’s well psychologically right now either. Stress brings out the worst in people. He had hoarding tendencies when they started dating 15yrs ago, and as it turns out his ex wife (with whom he’s still friendly with socially) confessed during this weekend that the hoarding is what finally prompted her to divorce him. Which also caused him to go to AA for a bit as a condition of being able to see his kids (who were young teens at the time, now approximately my age, 35). He’s not drinking again.

But his own children are perfectly capable of seeing after his care if he lets them. I don’t think he’s well but he’s not as sick as her and she’s my priority. 

[Scarlett45]

3 hours ago, emma675 said:

Scarlett45, wow. What happened that lead to this decision? Is her marriage essentially over now?

My god mother said she was too sick to continue to fight with him, and she needed to be in a clean space, and she needed care, and she needs someone to bring her water when she asks as she’s too sick to get it herself. She tried reasoning with him over hiring someone, and with the hoarding, the filth in the home etc etc she said she was done talking and leaving. I haven’t seen the house (don’t care to, I only put up the Xmas lights in December by taking a box from right by the door) but I trust her daughter and son and law (who’ve been together over a decade) that they didn’t want her staying there with him.

Truthfully I’m not worried about her marriage. If she decides later when she’s feeling better she wants him to visit that’s her decision, but as of today she doesn’t want to see him or talk to him. When she was diagnosed she made my Mom health care POA and her daughter is executor of her will, and she has her living will etc etc all done.

 

 

1 hour ago, crazycatlady58 said:

@Scarlett45,  hugs to everyone. Would it be a good idea to bring her dog to visit or would that be to hard on her emotionally and to confusing for the dog?

 

I would have no problem bringing Cosmo to visit here wherever she is (it’s looking like a long term Airbnb a friend of mine has empty is the likely choice), but right now the weather is a shit show in chicago(omg so much snow!!)- when it’s a little better if she wants that I’ll do it. 
 

But she’s okay. She’s better than she has been in weeks. Today she said she slept better in the hotel than she has in weeks. 
 

Thank you for the words of support everyone. I’m tired but I’m happy that she’s where she wants to be. 

[ChiCricket]

21 hours ago, ChiCricket said:

I can't wait until I show my husband  all the stations I found near the little town where he grew up in Puerto Rico.

😊

He's going to love this.

 Narrator's voice :

 The husband did not, in fact , love it.

I can't believe I've been married to this old crab for more than 50 years.🙄

[Nysha]

@ChiCricket, he may not have loved it, but I do. I just went around the world sampling radio stations. It's so much fun!

 

[Oldernowiser]

@ChiCricket, you are so funny! But I hear you on the crabby thing. I just figure my turn is coming soon and I plan to be a nightmare. 😈😈😈

[Nysha]

I just got an email from work saying the campus is closed until 10:00 am due to anticipated icy road conditions. The winter storm watch that was supposed to end at 4 pm today was pushed to 11 am tomorrow. 

Our city sold all but one of their snowplows about 5 years ago because we usually don't get much snow. This means when we do get some very few streets get plowed and all of the schools have issues because the buses can't get around to pick kids up.

[Zella]

2 hours ago, crazycatlady58 said:

The heater unit uses more power I believe.  We are having a very drastic cold front when its 19 ° out and you put your thermostat at 70 that's a 60°  difference . Having said that they have had enough time to figure this out . I also think part of the problem is it is ALL of Texas.  That is a lot of area and people. 

I'm not sure if it's true or not, but someone was sharing an infographic on Facebook saying that it takes about 5 times as much power to heat a house than to cool it. Not sure if it that is true or not, but I can see why everyone cranking up the heat and using space heaters and what not caused issues.

But what I don't get it, like you, is them apparently being aware of it and not doing anything until they start shutting off people's power in subzero weather without warning. That's just not okay. They've been telling us for days about this weather coming. The power companies couldn't get off their asses and string together an announcement, too?

@Scarlett45 did I read that correctly he wouldn't bring her water when she asked? I just don't even have words. 

Edited February 16, 2021 by Zella

[Love2dance]

So glad you are feeling better @BetyBee and the chair yoga is helping. Back pain is the worst. 

I’m glad your Godmother is in a safe, clean place finally, @Scarlett45. I’m sure that is such a relief. Hoping she will feel better, too.

Sending warm thoughts and snuggly hugs to all of you all over the country dealing with the unbearable cold. Brrrrrrrr. Hope you all get your power back if it is gone, and that your power stays on if you have not lost it.

[Happyfatchick]

On 2/7/2021 at 4:21 PM, Liddy52 said:

 

Ah, poooooof!!!  How could I possibly not answer that!??   I have to admit, most days I don’t have an immediate answer.  When I do, it’s a ZINGER.  But normally, like mostly people, my most cohesive and intelligent, well put replies to nonsense come during the ride home, when it’s officially TOOOO LATE.   I screwed up the pretty box up there, sorry.  

unfortunately, I am not a good person at all to rely on in this situation.  I (personally - but don’t hate me - this is strictly MEEE) won’t double mask.  I made double masks myself, when masking first became something we all needed to do.  I made mine with a filtering layer and then a cloth layer - but without the valve.  My masks ARE double masks.  NO WAY am I putting another layer on.  But let me tell you,  I always try to be in aisles where no one else is currently shopping, and I pull my mask from the top oF my nose out (just a fingertip width to gulp some air down).  Mine are absolutely suffocating - but I designed them for no air flow.  I saw those videos, of making the extra loop, want the sides to fit tight... OMG.  Masking is TORTURE for me!!  Is it claustrophobia or just ridiculousness that makes me leave without what I need rather than stay in a store, masked, one second longer???  How many times have I done that number - walked around pushing a cart for a few minutes and just LEAVE IT empty and bolt for the door - Mask restrictions are going down.  I’m not putting on two of those suckers even if Anthony Fauci shows up in my driveway with one of each dangling on his fingers.  I just CANNOT.  But I digress, and for the wrong team.  
Here’s the real answer - and it’s too bad it’s church.  Church pals are handy and generally same team-ish.  But some of us are just dumb, no matter where we hang out.  
Unfortunately, church is the one place we don’t generally feel comfortable bonking people on their little Noggins, even when they need it.  Just this one time, though, I wish you’d had a good little sentence or two planned out to say “you know... masking doesn’t keep ME safe As much as it keeps Others safe from Anything I could be projecting.  I don’t ‘think’ I have a virus to spread, but probably neither did a million people who actually DIED.  But you do you, sweetie, and maybe we’ll be on the same team On the other side.  You have a good day,, hon.  Bless your heart”.  

I read Reddit a whole Lot because it gives my inner demon a place to know there are people far more snarky than myself.  I rarely respond to anything because mostly, they’re MEAN and I’m afraid to get that on me in case it sticks.  But recently someone started a sentence with “In the college where I teach at....”.  And I practically had a MORAL obligation to respond... right??  So I said “Obviously you don’t teach English”.  
which SOUNDS bad.  It does.  Sounds all kinds of bitch slappy.  Unless you know that my inner demon was pushing me to just say “Liar”.  

************

Im going to admit we’re in Florida.  We like to kayak and adventure outdoors.  We sold the mechanic shop that has been our mainstay for 16 yrs - in fact, my husband went to work in that very building when he came out of the navy and finished auto/diesel mechanic tech college in Nashville.  I forget how many total years he’s worked in that building.  I’m Every day of his working life except for the navy has been within those walls.  So we’re on vacay.  We drove our camper trailer down.  We don’t touch our neighbors, wear our masks for our infrequent visits for groceries, take our own kayaks out and put our own equipment back in our truck.  Today we paddled the Rainbow River in Dunnellen.  It was gorgeous, I loved it.  I actually have an embroidery machine with me (hoping SOOOOOO hard I wasn’t actually going to use it) and alas, I have to work tomorrow.  🙄  Full day, too.  😡

Cant complain I guess - this little job-o may turn out to be what greases the wheels!!!

BLUUUUURRRGH!!!  I typed all this out without realizing that the whole vortex thing is now an annual event.  Sooooo..... about that whole Florida thing.  JK.  I’m not really in Florida.  We are camping in at Lake Michigan.  Brrrrrr.  Freezing.  🤥🤫😉

I mean, I have to go slightly north again at some point... hopefully this junk is long gone by then.  I really am sorry for you guys - I HATE cold weather.  It makes me cranky and mean(er). 

Edited February 16, 2021 by Happyfatchick

[Love2dance]

You are REALLY up late, @Happyfatchick. 🥱😴
Maybe you could embroider on your masks “this IS a double mask!” 

Enjoy your vacation, WHEREVER you and your camper trailer are hanging. You and Mr. Happy have earned it.

[crazycatlady58]

I woke up at 4 this morning thinking " It's chilly I need to turn up the thermostat a little. " Yep electricity out. It's 68 in the living room so not bad. I cannot even go to work to warm up. I live .5 miles from the store. If I'm out they are out.

[Boston]

I got up at 4:30.. went to bed early.  I have made a decision.  I have kept all my stimulus money (for emergencies) and if the $1400 comes thru.. I am getting another cat.. I still dream about my Sam (Maine Coon rescue) and miss her .. even though she was bitchy to everyone but me.  This year has made me realize (I am single again) that i need someone to love (i haven't seen my nephews and neices for a year- i talk to them, but it is just not the same).  So this is what i'm doing for ME.  (I always worry about the vet bills if the cat has issues).  My SIL rescued a BLACK CAT.. name:  DAVID LEE.. screaming laughing over the name.. 6 months later David had kidney problems.. total cost: $5000.. and really, my brother and her make good money, but also have 3 kids, one special needs.. but they paid it.  I probably would have too.  So maybe a new cat may be in my future.

[emma675]

It's 5:30am and I think I got maybe 2 hours of sleep last night. My power is somehow still on but I kept waking up all night listening for the sounds of the faucets running, branches creaking under the weight of snow and ice, my old house cracking and popping due to the bitter cold,  etc. It's supposed to get into the 20s today but starting snowing again tonight. I don't know how people are going to last until Saturday, when it will get into the 40s. Texas is not built for this kind of sustained, brutal cold.

[Scarlett45]

7 hours ago, Zella said:

@Scarlett45 did I read that correctly he wouldn't bring her water when she asked? I just don't even have words. 

Yes you heard right. According to him she’s very demanding and he’s doing the best he can.  Oh and her friends are against him😒. 
 

Again- he’s in the wrong but I don’t think he’s psychologically well right now either, however she’s the sickest and is capable of dictating where she wants to be and whom she wants caring for her. 
 

I was going to drive my Mom to work today but her clinic is opening late because of the snow- so I’m going back to bed, I’ll walk Cosmo in a hour after the sun rises. 

42 minutes ago, Boston said:

I got up at 4:30.. went to bed early.  I have made a decision.  I have kept all my stimulus money (for emergencies) and if the $1400 comes thru.. I am getting another cat.. I still dream about my Sam (Maine Coon rescue) and miss her .. even though she was bitchy to everyone but me.  This year has made me realize (I am single again) that i need someone to love (i haven't seen my nephews and neices for a year- i talk to them, but it is just not the same).  So this is what i'm doing for ME.  (I always worry about the vet bills if the cat has issues).  My SIL rescued a BLACK CAT.. name:  DAVID LEE.. screaming laughing over the name.. 6 months later David had kidney problems.. total cost: $5000.. and really, my brother and her make good money, but also have 3 kids, one special needs.. but they paid it.  I probably would have too.  So maybe a new cat may be in my future.

Yay for getting a new cat if you want one. 
 

You would give a homeless kitty a very good life. Being with you would be a way better existence than a shelter. 

[ChiCricket]

⛄❄  ❄  ❄  ❄  ❄  ❄  ❄  ❄  ❄⛄

[BetyBee]

You got that right, @ChiCricket! I do like snow, but I'm sick and tired of snow and cold. I haven't been outside in days, because of my back and the freezing weather. We're getting up to 19 degrees today. Heat wave!

I did get some muscle relaxants from my doc. The pills help a little, especially so I can sleep at night. I'm still doing chair yoga and walking around to loosen things up. We'll see what today brings.

My husband & I love that radio link. I went all around the world listening to different stations and I posted the link on FB. 

@Scarlett45, I'm so glad your godmother is getting the help and the kind of space she needs. 

My heart goes out to every person dealing with rolling blackouts and unusual freezing temps. I wish I could give you all a big, warm hug!

[Scarlett45]

19 minutes ago, ChiCricket said:

⛄❄  ❄  ❄  ❄  ❄  ❄  ❄  ❄  ❄⛄

I know @ChiCricket it’s been too much! I’ve gone through 100lbs of ice melt in the last two weeks! Another 35lbs of the pet safe arrived and it’s not gonna last that long. 

[Minivanessa]

@Happyfatchick - have you tried any kind of "frame" or bracket to hold the mask away from your nose and mouth a bit?

I got these from Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B08HGZDYHY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Those are okay, but I saw these advertised and ordered them yesterday. They are in the USPS on their way to me: https://www.4ocean.com/products/4ocean-face-mask-support-frames?variant=37976782405825  They seem to be lighter and are even supposed to be top-shelf dishwasher safe. 

I'm sitting here hating how helpless I am. I have a relative in the Houston area who as of noon yesterday has no power. I think she will be okay, and if the damned streets become safer I know her son can come over to see about her. But still. I don't even want to call her because I don't think she has any way to charge her cell phone and I don't want her to drain it. It's so cold and she has some medical issues, and it's a long complicated story to explain the whole situation. I'm just trying not to over-stress myself. If I thought she were in imminent danger of harm I would call emergency services myself, but I don't think she is. Just cold and uncomfortable. Oh I know I'm not making sense. Thanks for listening. It's just that I want to go fix everything, and I can'd do jack sh*t about any of it. I'm sorry for everyone who's being slammed around by the crazy cold weather and all its harmful effects including unsafe roads and no power to keep people warm. 

Edited February 16, 2021 by Jeeves

[ginger90]

Just missed ice by a couple of degrees overnight. North of here wasn’t so lucky. Going in and out of fog was my only concern this morning.

[marypat57]

I spent a good deal of Sunday on various devices trying to get a vaccine appointment, to no avail.  I got through to the appointment site for NY state, clicked on the site closest to me that ‘supposedly’ had appointments available, entered my info, chose an appointment time, hit enter, corrected my mistakes, hit enter again, got an error response, and started again.

Then, I got the dreaded “No appointments available”.  I don’t know what else to do.  The only appointments available were at an airport that was 450 miles away or the state fairgrounds about 350 miles away.  
I live in a suburban town that has the second highest number of cases in the county.  I am over 65, and have several comorbidities.  I have tried all of the local pharmacy and urgent care chains.  I am a patient at two of the major health care  groups in the area.  One group has said they will let us know when they have vaccines and the other has said nothing.  One pharmacy chain said that they had vaccines available in CT, only 30 miles away!  However, they neglected to say that you would have to swim across Long Island Sound to get there, and once you got there, no vaccine because you were not a CT resident.

Now, back to our regular snarking...

 

 

[Scarlett45]

1 hour ago, ChiCricket said:

⛄❄  ❄  ❄  ❄  ❄  ❄  ❄  ❄  ❄⛄

Quoting you again @ChiCricket, Cosmo and I are back from our morning frolic. We went down the backstairs (which are outside) so I could use a broom to clean them off, and shovel a tiny bit around the fence door to make a way FOR my neighbor to shovel properly (he has a service and does my lawn). Here’s Cosmo next to the mound. For reference there’s about 4-5inches of show on the side walk where he’s standing, the mound next to him would be the grassy area. 

[QuinnInND]

@Scarlett45 glad your Godmother is in a hotel and out of that situation. (((hugs))) Cosmo doesn't look like he likes the snow so much. Lol

@Happyfatchick with regard to the masks. As long as you're wearing one, that's what counts. And the ones you make sound ideal and are already basically double ones. Some people are double masking and some aren't. But as long as you're wearing one, that's what matters.

Warm hugs to all who are dealing with the severe cold. Hope Texas gets the power back on to everyone soon. 

[Boston]

1 hour ago, ChiCricket said:

⛄❄  ❄  ❄  ❄  ❄  ❄  ❄  ❄  ❄⛄

"happy little clouds"

[Happyfatchick]

@Scarlett45: Cosmo has just texted me and said he adores his new life with you and thinks you’re the best mommy ever.  However, the snow has his snark up and he wants to know if I’ll come get him until April.  
Also (just to make you throw up in your mouth a little...) I’ve never bought a product called ice melt (rock salt, I assume?) In.My.Life.  Southern to the bottoms of my little Pitty Pat Feet.  I always thought the stork probably took a wrong turn - I was supposed to grow up in Florida, I’m sure of it.  
 

@marypat57 there has never been coined a worse word than “comorbidities”.  🥴

Edited February 16, 2021 by Happyfatchick

[GeeGolly]

For anyone looking for masks... 

I discovered these masks on Amazon. The masks are more structured than other masks and give your mouth and nose some breathing room. I originally ordered a 3-pack for myself and turned the black one into a RBG dissent mask for one of my kids. Because my husband has been wearing a more flimsy kind of mask, I just ordered the 5-pack of all black. The masks include a pocket for filters, although I have never used a filter. The outer layer is almost (but lighter) a denim type fabric. The two inner layers are lightweight cotton. The masks provide the much needed obstacle course for the virus to get caught in.

The double mask recommendation is to serve one of two purposes: adding another layer or making the underlying mask fit better. 

Brand: AECKS, Mocozy 3-Layer Reusable Premium Quality Cotton Fabric Protective Covers

[doodlebug]

36 minutes ago, Scarlett45 said:

Quoting you again @ChiCricket, Cosmo and I are back from our morning frolic. We went down the backstairs (which are outside) so I could use a broom to clean them off, and shovel a tiny bit around the fence door to make a way FOR my neighbor to shovel properly (he has a service and does my lawn). Here’s Cosmo next to the mound. For reference there’s about 4-5inches of show on the side walk where he’s standing, the mound next to him would be the grassy area. 

Cosmo has the most adorable, loving doggie face!

[Scarlett45]

26 minutes ago, QuinnInND said:

@Scarlett45 glad your Godmother is in a hotel and out of that situation. (((hugs))) Cosmo doesn't look like he likes the snow so much. Lol

No no he was very happy. That was at the end of the walk and he was tired. He was a little scared before I cleared off the stairs- he couldn’t see how to get down! But after that he was fine. 

 

5 minutes ago, Happyfatchick said:

 

@Scarlett45: Cosmo has just texted me and said he adores his new life with you and thinks you’re the best mommy ever.  However, the snow has his snark up and he wants to know if I’ll come get him until April.  
Also (just to make you throw up in your mouth a little...) I’ve never bought a product called ice melt (rock salt, I assume?) In.My.Life.  Southern to the bottoms of my little Pitty Pat Feet.  I always thought the stork probably took a wrong turn - I was supposed to grow up in Florida, I’m sure of it.  
 

 

Rock salt is ice melt, but not all ice melt is salt. Rock salt is actually awful for vegetation, concrete and animal paws BUT it’s the cheapest way to melt ice effectively. I would always keep a little bit of pet safe ice melt for the side walk inconsideration of the dogs in the neighborhood and use rock salt most pathways, but with Cosmo I wanted to use the pet safe options ONLY, but even with my planning I RAN OUT and had to go to Home Depot and buy 100lbs of the last thing they had. 
 

I know Cosmo will be okay, but I like to be prepared. 

[GeeGolly]

Here's a pic, in case anyone is interested. 

[Mindthinkr]

I feel like the odd man out. It was 68* at 9:30 am and the sun is shining. I’m not gloating because I know my turn will come during hurricane season. It’s not a matter of if I have to evacuate. It’s a matter of how many times and the storms seem to be getting worse every year. So I’m sending some of my weather to any of you that need and and prayers that spring comes sooner than later. Now watch it snow next week (rare for us) lol. 

[Scarlett45]

I want to take a moment and express gratitude- it’s cold and it’s snowy, but I’ve always had a warm safe home, I’ve always had a very warm coat, winter boots & other winter accessories and I’ve never had to worry about whether to buy winter gear or meet another basic need. 
 

I am grateful. 

3 minutes ago, Mindthinkr said:

I feel like the odd man out. It was 68* at 9:30 am and the sun is shining. I’m not gloating because I know my turn will come during hurricane season. It’s not a matter of if I have to evacuate. It’s a matter of how many times and the storms seem to be getting worse every year. So I’m sending some of my weather to any of you that need and and prayers that spring comes sooner than later. Now watch it snow next week (rare for us) lol. 

Where are you @Mindthinkr?

[doodlebug]

On 2/14/2021 at 9:41 AM, QuinnInND said:

Happy Valentines day, everyone!  

@ChiCricket don't worry about being crabby and venting. We all need to do that once in a while.

On the subject of names, I knew a Dr once whose last name was Coffin. 

 

 

The link is broken.  😞

A friend from medical school is Dr. Paine.  I knew an orthopedic resident named Dr. Bohn, pronounced like 'bone'.  I also worked with a very fine doctor, now retired, who was  indeed Dr. Dick.  Luckily, he in no way resembled his name.

[SunnyBeBe]

It’s so sad to read the accounts of what some of you are going through. I’m sending warm wishes and saying prayers for you all.  So far, I’ve been lucky.  After the deep freeze a few days ago, we had warm up and thunder last night!  More rain, of course.  A tornado killed 3 near the NC coast.  And, tomorrow night another ice storm!   What’s going on?

[Mindthinkr]

11 minutes ago, Scarlett45 said:

Where are you @Mindthinkr?

North Carolina...where you see Jim Cantore reporting from when there is a hurricane. 

[Ohiopirate02]

9 minutes ago, Mindthinkr said:

I feel like the odd man out. It was 68* at 9:30 am and the sun is shining. I’m not gloating because I know my turn will come during hurricane season. It’s not a matter of if I have to evacuate. It’s a matter of how many times and the storms seem to be getting worse every year. So I’m sending some of my weather to any of you that need and and prayers that spring comes sooner than later. Now watch it snow next week (rare for us) lol. 

Has it been rainy where you are?  I am finally seeing the sun after 3 days of rain.  We had thunderstorms that rolled through last night.  We have had so much rain that the rivers are currently rising.  Haven't hit flood stage just yet, but if the rain continues...

[SunnyBeBe]

17 minutes ago, Mindthinkr said:

I feel like the odd man out. It was 68* at 9:30 am and the sun is shining. I’m not gloating because I know my turn will come during hurricane season. It’s not a matter of if I have to evacuate. It’s a matter of how many times and the storms seem to be getting worse every year. So I’m sending some of my weather to any of you that need and and prayers that spring comes sooner than later. Now watch it snow next week (rare for us) lol. 

Hey there, Was wondering about you.  I saw story of the tornado touch down last night.  

[Mindthinkr]

We had thunder and lightning last night and it has been a dreary week. That damp cold that chills your bones. That’s why I’m so delighted that it is nice weather today. Tomorrow it will be crap again. 

Just now, SunnyBeBe said:

Hey there, Was wondering about you.  I saw story of the tornado touch down last night.  

It hit in southern Brunswick County in SC. 

[Mindthinkr]

P.S. It’s weird here today. The birds are feeding, but the Titmouse's are drinking from the hummingbird feeder. 

[SunnyBeBe]

It’s 50 degrees now, sunny and clear. I think it’s the calm before the next ice storm though.   

[BetyBee]

34 minutes ago, GeeGolly said:

Here's a pic, in case anyone is interested. 

I bought some of those too and I really like them!

[Minivanessa]

@GeeGolly - thanks so much for the mask info. I've just ordered some of those. My issue with masks is - the ear loops. I prefer the kind that loops around each ear vs. the back of the head. Something about my head shape makes it hard for the latter to stay in place.

But. I have a big head! Seriously, when shopping for eyeglasses I learned just how wide my face is; you'll find me shopping over at the "wide" end of the women's frames. In the past year I've tried some masks that although they will loop around my ears, will start hurting if worn very long because they fit so tightly behind my ears. The only ones that don't hurt are the disposable papery masks, and a black fabric mask that I found at Walmart, made by Hanes. But that one, if layered over a disposable mask, is uncomfortably tight around the ears. 🙁  

I have high hopes for the masks you told us about, because the ear loops are adjustable and they look extra-long. That looks very promising! 

Just as I was writing this I got a phone call from my relative in Houston. Her power came back on about 3am so she's warmed up, her phone is all charged, and she's had something to eat. Yay! Fingers crossed that she stays warm today. 

[Absolom]

I'm in California and it's raining again.  I'm so sorry folks that it will be hitting across the rest of the country in a day or three probably as ice and snow. I was contemplating going out today, but I think staying in sounds much better.

[Mindthinkr]

My daughter’s SIL called her to tell her that a place had openings for the Moderna vaccine. My child called me and Hallelujah I have an appointment to get mine on Friday. I feel like I’m on cloud nine even though I’m a wuss when it comes to getting jabs. It’s a hour away, but that’s nothing considering that there’s none to be had in my county. I hope that anyone else who needs theirs has the same luck today. 

[Zella]

It was supposed to be -7 here last night, but it actually hit -15. I was huddled up in my blankets and layers and had the space heater on after leaving it off the rest of the day, and when I woke up around 6, I was still kind of cold. The Chihuahua was also not pleased and was trying to burrow deeper into the bedding, so we snuggled together and fell back asleep. When I woke up a second time, he seemed unusually still, and I nearly lost my mind, so I started trying to check that he was breathing. He then opened one eye and gave me the biggest "fuck you" glare I've ever gotten from him before he rolled back over to sleep some more. He's now barking at falling snow. 😂

My power company told us that they were ordered by SPP to start doing rolling blackouts today, but they were trying to work with larger businesses to shut off their power rather than residential power. I don't really understand that because almost all of the larger businesses I can think of are within town limits and, thus, not with my power company, which services the rural areas. In any event, my power is still on, so I'm not going to question it. It's also supposed to crawl into the teens, which will be positively balmy after the highs have been floating around 0. 

42 minutes ago, Jeeves said:

But. I have a big head! Seriously, when shopping for eyeglasses I learned just how wide my face is; you'll find me shopping over at the "wide" end of the women's frames. In the past year I've tried some masks that although they will loop around my ears, will start hurting if worn very long because they fit so tightly behind my ears.

I have this issue, too. Even before I put on a lot of weight (which didn't help), I just have a super broad face. I inherited my dad's block head. LOL It's hard for me to find sunglasses or eyeglasses that fit, and I had a damnable time with homemade masks. Some of the ones I got from the Arkansas Library Association would have worked if I didn't have a nose. I've been able to stock up on medical-style masks at Sams, and I just roll with those. 

Edited February 16, 2021 by Zella

[QuinnInND]

So good news! I finally got an appointment for my first covid shot, and we're going back to in person learning here shortly. Both are welcome news! 

[Oldernowiser]

5 hours ago, Boston said:

I got up at 4:30.. went to bed early.  I have made a decision.  I have kept all my stimulus money (for emergencies) and if the $1400 comes thru.. I am getting another cat.. I still dream about my Sam (Maine Coon rescue) and miss her .. even though she was bitchy to everyone but me.  This year has made me realize (I am single again) that i need someone to love (i haven't seen my nephews and neices for a year- i talk to them, but it is just not the same).  So this is what i'm doing for ME.  (I always worry about the vet bills if the cat has issues).  My SIL rescued a BLACK CAT.. name:  DAVID LEE.. screaming laughing over the name.. 6 months later David had kidney problems.. total cost: $5000.. and really, my brother and her make good money, but also have 3 kids, one special needs.. but they paid it.  I probably would have too.  So maybe a new cat may be in my future.

 

I’m delighted to think you might get a new kitty...there are so many cats and not enough good homes. Your concern about big vet bills is conscientious of you. You might want to look into pet insurance? I had it for my Golden Retriever for his first five years mostly to help cover costs if he had hip, elbow or knee dysplasia or a seizure disorder, which are not uncommon in his breed and can show up later in life, no matter how good the breeder is. It cost $25 a month and he’s a big boy. It didn’t cover routine stuff and it would only cover 80% or something like that over the deductible, but at the time, it was good to know. I had exactly one claim in those five years when Mr. G ate a metal carabiner (not kidding...worse, he threw it up somewhere along the line when my back was turned so we never did find it) and they paid the claim promptly. I would think insurance for a kitty would be less?

Just a thought. Hey, everybody needs something to love, right?

[Minivanessa]

@Boston - good for you and best of luck with your kitty adoption plan. @Oldernowiser - interesting about the pet insurance. I regretted not getting it for my Shih Tzu when I first got him. The last few years of his life were expensive (vet bills, medicine, etc.).

I am sort of thinking about. maybe possibly getting a cat, but I think I would want a kitten because I want to have a cat that will tolerate wearing a harness and can go out and about on a leash. This is all idle thinking right now, because there are many factors that weigh against my adopting another pet (cat or dog). But it occurred to me to ask if anyone has thoughts or experiences about cats who can be trained/acclimated to get out and about for walks etc. 

[Absolom]

I trained six cats to leash walk.  I tried and failed with another one.  You're right to start early with kittens.  Remember though that no matter how early you start some cats are simply opposed.  For that one failure, I used a pet stroller.  So two cats on leashes and one in the stroller and off we'd go.  We were upstaged by the parrot who rode on the outside of his stroller.