What have you learned while being quarantined?

In this context I think more of the Talking Heads than Joni Mitchell - though I love her.

Nothing but flowers


HatsOff said:

In this context I think more of the Talking Heads than Joni Mitchell - though I love her.

Nothing but flowers

 Yes, all of those.


I find myself noticing birds way more often. Not sure if it’s because there are more of them about and about, or whether I just wasn’t paying attention before. I find myself wondering about the creatures in the Great Swamp, who no longer have to duck and cover when humans come strolling along. Wonder if they wonder where we are?!


I’ve started keeping snacks in the car.  I could pretend it is because the three boys are eating them all, but I’m just as guilty, so now at least I have to make a conscious effort to go out to the car for snacks instead of mindlessly grabbing something from the pantry 


Heynj said:

I find myself noticing birds way more often. Not sure if it’s because there are more of them about and about, or whether I just wasn’t paying attention before. I find myself wondering about the creatures in the Great Swamp, who no longer have to duck and cover when humans come strolling along. Wonder if they wonder where we are?!

Anyone watching or snapping photos of birds is welcome to post on The Uncaged Bird Thread, where we share pictures of our backyard friends. And for everyone looking to birdwatch from home, it is time to hang up those hummingbird feeders and put out those wren houses. Feeders are busy and birdbaths are splashing.


Scully said:

spontaneous said:

I have learned that my five year old doesn’t keep accurate track of how much chocolate is in his Easter basket and doesn’t question when more is missing than what he actually ate 
question

 
Hmm

 Here's hoping we won't be posting on this point by October, at least with respect to Covid.  (It was the same with me and Reeses PB cups with my kids' halloween bags for many years!)


rhw said:

My ears ring

 Mine too.  Tinnitus can be caused by stress.  I know that I only have it in times of stress.


I've learned that we have more interesting food selections when my husband does the weekly grocery shopping. I stick to my list and his food preferences when I shop. He buys his preferences and is opportunistic in purchasing something I might enjoy experimenting on or that he knows I consider a treat. rolleyes


I’ve just learnt there are many new ways  to hold a national meaningful commemoration for servicemen when parades, dawn services and large gatherings aren’t possible:

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-04-22/artist-transforms-power-poles-for-veterans-on-anzac-day/12152870

Joan, Saturday is ANZAC Day, one of two important national commemorations for veterans and current serving military. I know these occasions and related issues are important to your family.


I've learned that the small desk and small desk chair I have at home may be fine for sending a few emails and paying bills, but it's not suitable for an 8-hour work day. I miss the big desk and big, comfy, adjustable office chair I have at work.

Speaking of which: the company sent out an email yesterday:

"Starting May 18, we plan to begin our transition from a virtual workplace back to working at the office with a gradual re-opening of the Headquarters building. Some precautions and measures that are being implemented include:
• A staggered approach, with only a certain percentage of employees being allowed in the office on assigned dates
• Social distancing markings
• Enhanced cleaning and sanitizing products for employee use
• New building/workplace cleaning protocols
• Implementation of more frequent HVAC filter changes and modifications to the air intake system."

I'm excited! If it's safe, I'm looking forward to my 60-minute commute, my audiobooks and getting the hell out of here! Fer reels!


The_Soulful_Mr_T said:

I've learned that the small desk and small desk chair I have at home may be fine for sending a few emails and paying bills, but it's not suitable for an 8-hour work day. I miss the big desk and big, comfy, adjustable office chair I have at work.

Speaking of which: the company sent out an email yesterday:

"Starting May 18, we plan to begin our transition from a virtual workplace back to working at the office with a gradual re-opening of the Headquarters building. Some precautions and measures that are being implemented include:
• A staggered approach, with only a certain percentage of employees being allowed in the office on assigned dates
• Social distancing markings
• Enhanced cleaning and sanitizing products for employee use
• New building/workplace cleaning protocols
• Implementation of more frequent HVAC filter changes and modifications to the air intake system."

I'm excited! If it's safe, I'm looking forward to my 60-minute commute, my audiobooks and getting the hell out of here! Fer reels!

I've learned today that my company does not expect most of our employees to return to our workplaces until the fall, or perhaps even later.


ml1 said:

The_Soulful_Mr_T said:

I've learned that the small desk and small desk chair I have at home may be fine for sending a few emails and paying bills, but it's not suitable for an 8-hour work day. I miss the big desk and big, comfy, adjustable office chair I have at work.

Speaking of which: the company sent out an email yesterday:

"Starting May 18, we plan to begin our transition from a virtual workplace back to working at the office with a gradual re-opening of the Headquarters building. Some precautions and measures that are being implemented include:
• A staggered approach, with only a certain percentage of employees being allowed in the office on assigned dates
• Social distancing markings
• Enhanced cleaning and sanitizing products for employee use
• New building/workplace cleaning protocols
• Implementation of more frequent HVAC filter changes and modifications to the air intake system."

I'm excited! If it's safe, I'm looking forward to my 60-minute commute, my audiobooks and getting the hell out of here! Fer reels!

I've learned today that my company does not expect most of our employees to return to our workplaces until the fall, or perhaps even later.

I only want to go to the office about 1 day/week to have in-person team meetings (it really is easier to review some details in person than via Webex). The rest of the week, I'm happy to be working from home -- but prefer when my home-based-officemates are not here at the same time. 


ml1 said:

The_Soulful_Mr_T said:

I'm excited! If it's safe, I'm looking forward to my 60-minute commute, my audiobooks and getting the hell out of here! Fer reels!

I've learned today that my company does not expect most of our employees to return to our workplaces until the fall, or perhaps even later.

That makes sense. I don't see how mass transit social distancing can be done. On a train or bus you would need to keep empty two rows behind you, two rows in front of you, the seats next to you and many seats across the aisle to maintain that six foot distance.

Only one in about sixteen seats can be occupied. An empty and expensive mass transit moving hardly anyone. 


from Bob Roe:   I just got an email that the Vitalant New Jersey blood bank is now taking donations for serum for corona anti-bodies.  So, if you were infected and now well and want to help, contact them for an appointment.    (Note, I am retired, so anything I say is as a regular resident person.)   I am not sure if the Red Cross is doing this yet. 


RobertRoe said:

from Bob Roe:   I just got an email that the Vitalant New Jersey blood bank is now taking donations for serum for corona anti-bodies.  So, if you were infected and now well and want to help, contact them for an appointment.    (Note, I am retired, so anything I say is as a regular resident person.)   I am not sure if the Red Cross is doing this yet. 

 Bob, what if we don't know but would like to test and donate in case?

PS you win the prize for best Health Officer ever! Great working with you on TNR. You were among the first in the state!


from Bob Roe:   (I am retired, so only speak for myself.)   In checking the Vitalant Blood Bank web site, they have questions and answers.   One answer is that donating blood is not a way to test for corona infection.  You must be healthy and either not infected or healthy and recovered.   Note that blood donations are very very much needed now and with or without known corona infection.  The blood bank has had to cancel blood donation drives due to the outbreak.  We have worked with Vitalant many times before, and they are excellent in their service.  Somehow we as Americans have forgotten the importance of donating blood.   But it is still very much needed and is a very good way to help others. 


from Bob Roe again:  Today's Star Ledger reports that Rutgers University Hospital, Hackensack Meridian and the Red Cross are also collecting convalescent corona blood plasma for testing.  


I've learned that my dog hates zoom meet-ups. She can't figure where the voices are coming from and cries and buries herself against my wife while the meeting is happening, refusing to even look at the screen, which lead to a bunch of my friends now calling her Hostage Dog.

This is only when we're both on a call, of course, with the main speaker on. If I'm on a headset she's completely fine.


Morganna said:

Anyone watching or snapping photos of birds is welcome to post on The Uncaged Bird Thread, where we share pictures of our backyard friends. And for everyone looking to birdwatch from home, it is time to hang up those hummingbird feeders and put out those wren houses. Feeders are busy and birdbaths are splashing.

 That is the most beautiful photo. I have a soft spot for the female cardinals. 


birdwatcher said:

 That is the most beautiful photo. I have a soft spot for the female cardinals. 

 Thank you. I spend more time snapping photos from my kitchen window than cooking. Got rid of some unused cookware to make room for photography equipment! We all have our priorities. 

By the way, the hummingbirds have arrived in South Orange. A few quick photos up on The Uncaged Bird thread. But, if you want to feast your eyes on the best bird photos, our resident photographer @Formerlyjerseyjack treats us to incredible pictures of winged beasties from beyond the backyard. Keep your eye on his threads.


I am learning the healing power of humor in these cloistered days...


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