COLD DARK ROOM

[jeff kushner]

Ended up falling back asleep around 2 till the alarm woke me at 4....then a 9 minute race till I left for work.....gosh is was cold out!

Maybe today I'll actually DO a couple of things when I get home, like vac and dusting. Having neatness around me is stress relieving!

I need to get my daughter to call Ally to find out where the lien release is, they are by far the worst at posting. They are always 3-4 months behind. I got angry and just paid it off but now they want you to call for the lien. why?

ah well....

Enjoy the day guys...

Ray, did you see anything, hear anything last night, around midnight? I think Elon launched.

 

[Ray--Opo]

Here's my TMI for the day....

Anyone else get depressed for like 2-3 days bad? I figure that no more sleep then 2 or 3 hours together for so long led to the migraines non-stop for a week, attributed to it. Of course getting sick really blew me away last week and prob was part of it.
It doesn't happen often but every once in a while, I lose the "fight for sanity" temporarily against chronic pain. Those that deal with it, know what I mean. Kerry left Sat eve to pick up her son from BWI after she took me up to get my emission self-test done that she had to do for me. Just felt incapable to accomplishing anything other than the "must-do's". We never got round to the phone stuff as my phone wasn't compatible with the service I had selected and I just didn't have it in me to shop more.

The thing is, I generally don't get that way but once every couple of years according to Kerry. I take no daily meds for anything. They give me an inhaler for the breathing issues but I'm a bit remiss in using it. I forget all the time.

I guess coming in here this morning was good as I feel better than I have in 3 days.

I figure that EVERYONE had a better weekend!! LOL

I can relate Jeff, I go through that rollercoaster all the time. I have been on the bottom end for a few months now. I am not that kind of person to seek help for my head. But I think I need to, not just for me but also for Rose. Need to get the household back on a even keel.

 

[Ray--Opo]

Ended up falling back asleep around 2 till the alarm woke me at 4....then a 9 minute race till I left for work.....gosh is was cold out!

Maybe today I'll actually DO a couple of things when I get home, like vac and dusting. Having neatness around me is stress relieving!

I need to get my daughter to call Ally to find out where the lien release is, they are by far the worst at posting. They are always 3-4 months behind. I got angry and just paid it off but now they want you to call for the lien. why?

ah well....

Enjoy the day guys...

Ray, did you see anything, hear anything last night, around midnight? I think Elon launched.

I didn't see anything, have kind of lost interest in rocket launches. Another thing I need to get interest in again.

 

[Ray--Opo]

My house and yard is the same. Dang it. Every where I look is something I need to do. That's what is so depressing maybe it should be called overwhelmed I've had no energy to do anything but my animals. And I have to pace myself to do them. They keep me trying though. Once in a while, I'll get so sick of seeing a chore, I talk myself into doing just one small part of it. And if I don't want to do more I don't have to. That's how I fool myself into moving a little bit. Sometimes I'm able to do more then I thought I could. Sometimes not. Looks to me like you haven't given up hope. Wonder if I could lift a chainsaw

Wow that's exactly what I am going through. Between my pains and now it's playing with my head . I can relate to every word you posted.

 

[Ray--Opo]

I think "TMI" is what this thread is all about. We're all friends here, and that means we're interested in what you have to share.

And along those lines, I think depression expresses differently with me. I'm thinking the reason for my recent 'laziness' is because I must be depressed. My house is a dirty mess. The yard needs so much work and I just don't want to do it. But you mentioning your Sunjoe chain saw made me order one from Amazon, so if I ever DO get any energy back, I've got a new, light weight chain saw to try out!

Wow sounds like a few of us are going through the same thing in life.

 

[Ray--Opo]

I don't think so. My type is from a microorganism. Still probably the same kind of diet. They couldn't or wouldn't tell me what germy little bug.it is. I asked.. At least I have a diagnosis finally and know exactly what I'm fighting. Echinacea is helping again. I only started Friday. Each day is getting better so far. I can't wait to get my full energy back.

I was just wondering, I guess celiac is common with your diagnosis.

 

[Lyn W]

Camera I’m using is this one here. It’s nice ‘cause it has a small solar panel that charges the built-in lithium battery pack. You also add in 4 AA batteries as back-up.

Campark TC02 4K 46MP Solar Powered WiFi Bluetooth Trail Camera

The versatile Campark TC02 solar-powered trail camera delivers stunning image quality, day or night, rain or shine. With an impressive 4K native 30MP resolution, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, and durable waterproof design, this camera is perfect for hunting, wildlife monitoring, and home...

www.campark.net

Being solar powered is a great feature to have. My cameras are all battery powered, but rechargeables aren't recommended for use in them so the batteries don't last long and end up costing a lot. Solar is definitely better to have.

 

[Cathie G]

Crohn's disease is in my family also. Even though my thing is a microorganism I kinda stick to that diet. Grain free when possible because of the corn allergy. It's a crazy diet but I'm used to it. Even my doctors say I keep forgetting you are on a weird diet. I tell them it's not so weird. I just have to eat real food. In other words no processed food. Home cooking.

 

[Lyn W]

Good afternoon/evening all,
Our rain keeps falling - more warnings for heavy rain in place for the next couple of days. The ground is saturated. I'm sure it was the same last winter - I just hope the weather patterns aren't going to be the same as last year and bring us the heat and drought again.
I'm so sorry so many of you are feeling down in the dumps. There is a 'thing' they call the January blues and next Monday is known as Blue Monday here because it's supposed to be the most depressing date of the year. Maybe because after all the Xmas and NY celebrations it's a return to normality and the dark, dismal days of winter. I know you all have your own personal reasons for feeling low but I wonder if the January blues are exacerbating them as well? I know I haven't felt like doing anything or going anywhere for the last couple of weeks - was giving myself a good pep today about getting the work started, but this weather just makes me want to curl up and sleep.
I hope you are all feeling brighter and more energised soon.

 

[Cathie G]

Well... I did manage to do a couple of small but big chores for me today. And I caught a bad short video of the Red Bellied Woodpecker to boot I think I'll have to order that campark. I'll just move the little Feit into Sapphire's outdoor enclosure. He's on the little wooden feeder. I was so excited and my camera lost connection with the WiFi.
View attachment 1673372389948.mp4

 

[Lyn W]

The birds certainly like your feeders Cathie!

 

[Cathie G]

Good afternoon/evening all,
Our rain keeps falling - more warnings for heavy rain in place for the next couple of days. The ground is saturated. I'm sure it was the same last winter - I just hope the weather patterns aren't going to be the same as last year and bring us the heat and drought again.
I'm so sorry so many of you are feeling down in the dumps. There is a 'thing' they call the January blues and next Monday is known as Blue Monday here because it's supposed to be the most depressing date of the year. Maybe because after all the Xmas and NY celebrations it's a return to normality and the dark, dismal days of winter. I know you all have your own personal reasons for feeling low but I wonder if the January blues are exacerbating them as well? I know I haven't felt like doing anything or going anywhere for the last couple of weeks - was giving myself a good pep today about getting the work started, but this weather just makes me want to curl up and sleep.
I hope you are all feeling brighter and more energised soon.

I don't really get the blues that everything is back to the hum drum days of life. I'm ecstatic. And well that's because there's less work to do. All those visitors cause more and more to clean and cook. Don't get me wrong I do enjoy the company though with the holidays. Now it's time to slowly and steadily get a few things actually done maybe. It's 43°f here today and so far no snow after all the promises. Just a slight dusting. The weather man is promising some by the weekend but I'm not holding my breath

 

[Cathie G]

The birds certainly like your feeders Cathie!

It's better than TV any day to watch their antics. I never dreamed I would start getting woodpeckers, chicaddees, and all that I've been able to see.

 

[Maro2Bear]

That's a nice camera for the money Mark....feature rich and takes great pics! Look at the link...did you photoshop the fox into your pic? LOL


I knew I wouldn't find myself alone,.....most choose wisely not to share too much but I no longer have reasons not to chat about it. Well I certainly wouldn't argue with you that covid magnifies migraine! It just sucks sometimes.....not the end of the world if you are prepared for it. The written log is a great idea a lot of folks do that with meds. I would too because I'd surely forget!
You know who is unflappable? Matilda my turtle....she's cool no matter what! She's currently hunting in her home behind me.

Nope, no photoshopping here. Camera sits about 10 ft from where that fox was eating his chicken dinner. That’s actually a a screenshot from the 20 second video that i have set. 51 20 second videos & a few good shots captured.

 

[Maro2Bear]

Lots of birds at Cathie’s feeders! Today We bought some corn to augment our bird/squirrel feeders & yesterday I made a bunch of new suet cakes to add to the feeding routine. I’m finding out that home made “suet cakes” are so easy to make & enjoyed much more by the birds.

My Suet Recipe: a few tablespoons (3-4) of lard melted in a sauce pan, followed by 2-3 tbs of chunky peanut butter. Warmed on the stove until liquid. Stir often. Once melted. Turn off the heat. While the lard/pb slurry is melting. In a separate plastic container mix together 2-3 cups of sunflower seed, crushed raw peanuts, other grains like quinoa, wheat, chia, walnuts, etc. I also added in a 1/2 cup of raw oatmeal flakes.

Take your lard slurry & pour into your seed mixture. Stir until everything is slathered in lard. Next, spoon the nut mix into small containers. Cool down in the fridge. Should end up with some nice hard suet bird seed cakes that are really enjoyed by your local birds.


On the “volunteering” front. I’m now helping out with maintaining five large Smithsonian aquariums & diamond back tortoise tanks.

Tasks Include - Feeding, Water Care, Filter Maintenance, Glass Cleaning & Enrichment

FEEDING: M,W,F. This takes around an hour for feeding fish, & soaking
WATER CARE: Usually we need to also top off tanks with water, and check water chemistry once a week as well, this usually takes 1-2 hours, depending on what needs to be done. The water is brackish, and we make our own saltwater
FILTERS: Once a month we need to clean the filters on the tanks and the props in the tanks (rocks, plants, platforms, etc.). There are 6 cannister filters, and we often will do two at a time and then rotate through as possible.
GLASS AND ENRICHMENT: As needed we clean algae off the inside of the glass and clean salt crust off the tops of the tanks. We also change out enrichment for everyone (fish and turtles) every two weeks.

Had our first ‘training” session today.

Lots of good fun.

 

[jeff kushner]

Cool stuff Mark! Getting a chance to work with those guys is always pretty cool and it sounds like fun!

I didn't put my twin feeders up this year, although I put out food when it got really cold. Generally it's been pretty mild so far.

Ray, I'm sure it's not easy for you to go, but you know where you need to plant your generous butt buddy.....jus reminding you of what you already know and tact isn't in my vocabulary. I may catch a meet or two this weekend over on Kerry's side of the bay, it clears the head for sure but it's always the last thing that I think of doing....cheapest yet most effective peer-therapy there is, for me.

Glad you are feeling better Ms Cathie......you humble me!

 

[Cathie G]

Lots of birds at Cathie’s feeders! Today We bought some corn to augment our bird/squirrel feeders & yesterday I made a bunch of new suet cakes to add to the feeding routine. I’m finding out that home made “suet cakes” are so easy to make & enjoyed much more by the birds.

My Suet Recipe: a few tablespoons (3-4) of lard melted in a sauce pan, followed by 2-3 tbs of chunky peanut butter. Warmed on the stove until liquid. Stir often. Once melted. Turn off the heat. While the lard/pb slurry is melting. In a separate plastic container mix together 2-3 cups of sunflower seed, crushed raw peanuts, other grains like quinoa, wheat, chia, walnuts, etc. I also added in a 1/2 cup of raw oatmeal flakes.

Take your lard slurry & pour into your seed mixture. Stir until everything is slathered in lard. Next, spoon the nut mix into small containers. Cool down in the fridge. Should end up with some nice hard suet bird seed cakes that are really enjoyed by your local birds.


On the “volunteering” front. I’m now helping out with maintaining five large Smithsonian aquariums & diamond back tortoise tanks.

Tasks Include - Feeding, Water Care, Filter Maintenance, Glass Cleaning & Enrichment

FEEDING: M,W,F. This takes around an hour for feeding fish, & soaking
WATER CARE: Usually we need to also top off tanks with water, and check water chemistry once a week as well, this usually takes 1-2 hours, depending on what needs to be done. The water is brackish, and we make our own saltwater
FILTERS: Once a month we need to clean the filters on the tanks and the props in the tanks (rocks, plants, platforms, etc.). There are 6 cannister filters, and we often will do two at a time and then rotate through as possible.
GLASS AND ENRICHMENT: As needed we clean algae off the inside of the glass and clean salt crust off the tops of the tanks. We also change out enrichment for everyone (fish and turtles) every two weeks.

Had our first ‘training” session today.

Lots of good fun.

I'll have to save some suet containers and try your recipe. It seems the Downy and the Red Bellied Woodpecker's favorite is the suet. The woodpecker one I buy is probably a lot of the same ingredients. I miss Arrow and even taking care of him. That really does sound fun with the tanks.

 

[Cathie G]

Cool stuff Mark! Getting a chance to work with those guys is always pretty cool and it sounds like fun!

I didn't put my twin feeders up this year, although I put out food when it got really cold. Generally it's been pretty mild so far.

Ray, I'm sure it's not easy for you to go, but you know where you need to plant your generous butt buddy.....jus reminding you of what you already know and tact isn't in my vocabulary. I may catch a meet or two this weekend over on Kerry's side of the bay, it clears the head for sure but it's always the last thing that I think of doing....cheapest yet most effective peer-therapy there is, for me.

Glad you are feeling better Ms Cathie......you humble me!

You inspired me to try. since I was running my mouth . I had to.

 

[Maro2Bear]

I also have a two foot long cherry limb that I have drilled out a bunch of holes that I fill with the suet mixture. The birds love it.

 

[jeff kushner]

Neg covid test this morning..... Ta Da! Of course I hadn't tested since last Thurs when it was still +.

Maybe I can be done with that now and forever?

Hear me out on this......"natural immunity" has prevented me from getting sick for decades, maybe this was just my body's way of putting covid on the list of things I'm immune to? Come on, it could be true? LOL

We all need something to hang on to.....I'm comfortable with the above!

LOL


Hey Mark, are you at Rt50 Smithsonian or Suitland Rd? We built the Rt 50/301 location when we built the Restoration facility for the artifacts for the Holocaust Museum years ago.

When we interviewed with the Board for the Technical aspect, I recognized one of the Board members from the General Contractor world and instead of letting them fire away at me, I asked THEM a bunch of technical questions about the design parameters and found math errors in the calcs.....& we were selected! LOL "Baffle 'em with BS" works sometimes!

They still have the Ironclad over there or is it in Va Beach now??

enjoy the day guys