Well tomorrow after 18 months I am braving a haircut. 82 is I admit a bit old for a pony tail
Why?
I've never agreed that age should dictate how we look or dress. I dress the same as I did at 19. Black jeans, studded belts and band t-shirts for ever.
You’ve got three years to live and your major concern is housework?!
When I discussed end of life stuff with my brother he said my house had to be tidy before he would agree to do the Power of Attorney duties. His own house since his marriage break-up is pretty stark, so his standards are higher than mine.
White Rose sounded vaguely familiar so I looked them up. Comparing Jacinda Ardern to Adolf Hitler does seem a tad ridiculous, but I guess these people see themselves in a heroic mould. I don't think putting tiny bits of disinformation in people's letterboxes quite reaches the same standard however.
Mark, good news about your friend, I hope he recovers fully. It's a nasty disease.
According to a slip of paper I got in my letterbox yesterday I am going to die in 3 years time. It was put there by someone belonging to The White Rose, an anti-vaccination group who are probably upset about the increased number of Covid vaccines in NZ - we are aiming for at over 90%.
I've seen ant-vax stickers in bus shelters here by a group calling themselves the White Rose. I hadn't realised it was an international thing, but google tells me it is.
I wonder if crap like this is all the more believable now because social media lets you get the mistaken impression that lots of other people agree with your unorthodox theory.
On the other hand, it's a lot easier to kill the urban myth stuff - Proctor and Gambol Satanic Symbols, AC/DC standing for "Anti-Christ Devil Church", cassette tape at the side of roads being Witches' curses, all that bullcrap.
My Pilates Torturer told me today that there is, it seems, a shortage of healthcare professionals who can deal with respiratory problems. Those who do such work are, she says, overworked and overbooked.
Why? sez I (having a Senior Moment )
Long Covid! sez she...
She is off to dig out her Auncient Bokes and Grimoires from the attic, to mug up on a subject she hasn't really had to mug up since University twenty years ago.
Thanks NEQ - I hadn't taken my search that far, so didn't realize the group was international, although I did think it would have been a strange connection for a NZ group to have made.
Mark, good news about your friend, I hope he recovers fully. It's a nasty disease.
Thanks Huia - todays news is that he's still stable, and talking now and again. Meanwhile our kid (14) tested positive last night, so that is our trip to my Mum and Dad's next week off the agenda at the least, and lots of re-jigging of bedrooms etc. Another couple I know caught it from their kid a month back (despite both being double jabbed) and were pretty sick - she's still half time back at work, and feels it going up the stairs. Be careful folks - at least in the UK, there's a heck of a lot of it about.
I'm rather less than impressed with Mr Javid as health secretary. It almost makes me wish Mr Hancock would return.
At least I got an email yesterday inviting me for my covid booster. As we now live in small town rather than a London suburb I'm going to have to go to the nearest university campus six miles away for the vaccination but that seems a small price to pay for getting the jab.
I think it was one of Mr Javid's forebears who, as a passenger on the Titanic, suggested that the best thing to do, after the collision with the iceberg, was to rearrange the deck chairs.
I think it was one of Mr Javid's forebears who, as a passenger on the Titanic, suggested that the best thing to do, after the collision with the iceberg, was to rearrange the deck chairs.
I'm rather less than impressed with Mr Javid as health secretary.
That’s what happens when an investment banker is appointed health secretary. He has no expertise or experience. Listening to the real experts on the radio really makes you think. Surely, surely someone like him, who knows nothing, should at least listen to them?
I think it was one of Mr Javid's forebears who, as a passenger on the Titanic, suggested that the best thing to do, after the collision with the iceberg, was to rearrange the deck chairs.
I read that far right American Candace Owens is advocating that the US should invade Australia, as we are a dictatorship now. Think we can convince her to take up flat earth beliefs instead and decide all Australians are just actors?
I have signed up for Mr. Image and me to get our third shot booster. The first time we tried to get our shots it took weeks, and the help of a friend who got up in the middle of the night to find an appointment for us. This time I went online and 1,2,3 we had an appointment in less than two minutes. I hope this does not mean that people are not getting booster shots with the holidays near. They are having a potluck at our mobile home park this weekend. Shared eating in an enclosed space without ventilation with some people admitting they do not believe in getting shots. No thank you.
Yes indeed. They had a *Bring and Share* lunch at Our Place a couple of weeks ago, after the Patronal Festival Mass & Confirmation. It was held in our hall, which is not the best-ventilated place in the world, but I haven't heard of anyone becoming ill as a result.
Still, @Graven Image is acting wisely IMHO. It certainly ain't all over yet.
Just been for my booster. I had to queue for ages, so it was just as well the torrential rain of this morning had turned to sunshine. Another Pfizer jab so I expect a bit of a sore arm tomorrow.
Office for National Statistics - The age-adjusted risk of deaths involving COVID19 was 32 times greater in unvaccinated people than in fully vaccinated individuals between 2 Jan and 24 Sept 2021 http://ow.ly/xaaY50GC9RH
I'm hearing that the new Pfizer covid pill has an 89% reduction in hospitalization or death if taken within 3 days of symptoms. Apparently the results are so good they are stopping in trial and seeking emergency approval.
I am having a new neighbor over for tea. She just texted and asked if we were vaccinated. I thanked her for asking and told her I was about to ask the same question. This is the new normal.
The friend who mows my lawns and helps me with stuff that needs fixing around the house will not be vaccinated (he has some unusual medical and spiritual beliefs). He does wear a mask where it is mandated. Given that Christchurch was COVID free for over 300 days this didn't worry me too much. Then we had 2 cases and I was wary. Next year when things open up more and people will be free to travel, cases will go up. I may have to only see him outside as a kind of comprise.
NZ has has two people die who were isolating at home. It hasn't yet been established if they died of or just with COVID. Given that we have had less than 30 people die of it these deaths within a few days of each other are worrying.
I think meeting outside is a good solution, Huia. The stats here are, that it is pretty unlikely to pass it on outdoors, and distanced. And you're coming into summer!
The friend who mows my lawns and helps me with stuff that needs fixing around the house will not be vaccinated (he has some unusual medical and spiritual beliefs). He does wear a mask where it is mandated. Given that Christchurch was COVID free for over 300 days this didn't worry me too much. Then we had 2 cases and I was wary. Next year when things open up more and people will be free to travel, cases will go up. I may have to only see him outside as a kind of comprise.
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Same at my house. At least my handyman told me he was not and he does wear a mask. I tell him what I need done inside the house and open the windows and leave him to it while I wait in another part of the house. Not ideal but help is very hard to find.
This afternoon I had my booster jab, at a college campus. It is only open weekends when there are few students around. They only do appointments, no walk- ins.
As I have been a tad unwell recently and this was my first time out, I asked Mr Puzzler to drive and to accompany me to the building. It was about 400 m to walk from the car park, slightly uphill. He struggled with his angina, others struggled with mobility issues.
We queued outside in the cold wind for 10 minutes, then under partial cover for 10 minutes, then, after two lots of checks inside, a final 5 minute queue. The actual jab was fine, the nurse was lovely, then there was a comfy seat for the regulation 15 minute wait afterwards.
Whilst I am extremely grateful that in the UK the vaccines are freely available, I did feel that the conditions were not ideal, especially for frail elderly people. As I felt a bit fragile myself today, I took every opportunity to lean against the wall whilst queuing, but others were struggling. Some, quite rightly, jumped the queue, one woman actually collapsing at the door. I know I shouldn’t grumble, but….
That does seem sub-optimal. We did have to walk the length of two car parks plus an approach path, but once inside we were seated for the hour's wait in spaced rows - moving up them as our turn approached.
Both my Jabs have been at a small Community Centre some miles out of town. The disabled parking bays are the closest to the door, which is only a few yards further on, and the path is level.
I'm hoping that my booster (I think I can book it later this month) will be at the same place! I certainly couldn't have managed the 400m @Puzzler had to negotiate...
I was hoping for the same venue as before (my local hospital) but alas, it was not on the list. So, my booster jab is going to be happening at a Methodist Church. I got very excited that one of the venues was the County Cricket ground but it's a weekdays only venue. The church venue is Saturdays which is when I'm not at work or my church.
I also booked the first slot of the day and all I need to hope now is that buses are running OK. I ended up choosing my venue based on the fact I know where it is on a well-known to me route. All my nearest venues are across the authority boundary and not easily accessible by bus. At least, not easily accessible by the buses covered by my monthly bus ticket.
My first two were at a Community centre such as Bishop’s Finger described, with car park surrounding the building, which was ideal. I guess it was felt it was needed now for regular community events.
My alternatives were all much further away, at venues I have never been to, or a very busy one in the city where there were mainly walk-ins and long queues, according to my daughter. Whilst she was in the “recovery room” she had a call from her son’s school, as he had been sick in the corridor after his jab. Fortunately his father was available to collect him.
Little kids are booked in for their shots this coming week. Hoping that appointment means little queueing: surely the whole point of booking a time slot is to avoid everyone having to stand in a queue for ages. My eldest had a shot at a different branch of the same pharmacy, and we showed up at our appointed time and went straight in.
For both my two jags (booster won't be an option 'til the New Year if they stick to 6 month spacing) were appointments at local sports centre - I was told to turn up no more than 10 minutes in advance, so left 15m before hand to walk over and went straight in. For number 2 I was told I could take a walk in the day before, but the convenience of no queue outweighed getting done a day earlier.
For any who might have children to persuade--I understand that some parents are having excellent luck by promising their children that they can say "Fuck!" loudly and publicly at the time of vaccination.
I'm booked in for my booster on Wednesday at a church hall. From what I read above, I think I will take my folding tripod seat out of the car - I wish I had had it last night when we went for the fireworks and had to wait for ages. I had to sit down on the grass a major operation these days, as was getting up.
Your place sounds very much like where I had mine @ puzzler. I too thought it was far from ideal for people with limited mobility.
We went out for lunch with a friend of my husband’s on Saturday. He warned me not to talk about vaccinations as she doesn’t agree with them. Her dad was a guru into alternative medicines, and she has followed suit
My booster letter was sent to my sister's address (where I was staying when I registered with a GP), and my sister put it in the post, where it still is.
I looked myself up online, and found they want me to be at some place near the airport on Friday afternoon.
Stuff that for a lark - I'm going to take my chances with the clinic at work at the end of the day.
I looked myself up online, and found they want me to be at some place near the airport on Friday afternoon.
That'll be the Lowland Hall at Ingliston. There is a bus stop outside the gate (or tram to the airport + 20 minute walk). So yes, if there's any alternative, go for it.
I had the booster last Friday it is now Tuesday and my arm is still very sore. This means rolling to that side in my sleep brings on a very rude awakening. Never this less I am so very thankful to have been able to get the booster shot with ease.
Comments
Why?
I've never agreed that age should dictate how we look or dress. I dress the same as I did at 19. Black jeans, studded belts and band t-shirts for ever.
When I discussed end of life stuff with my brother he said my house had to be tidy before he would agree to do the Power of Attorney duties. His own house since his marriage break-up is pretty stark, so his standards are higher than mine.
White Rose sounded vaguely familiar so I looked them up. Comparing Jacinda Ardern to Adolf Hitler does seem a tad ridiculous, but I guess these people see themselves in a heroic mould. I don't think putting tiny bits of disinformation in people's letterboxes quite reaches the same standard however.
Mark, good news about your friend, I hope he recovers fully. It's a nasty disease.
Neither, I'm afraid - most disappointing. They don't make Flying Bishops like wot they used to.
I've seen ant-vax stickers in bus shelters here by a group calling themselves the White Rose. I hadn't realised it was an international thing, but google tells me it is.
On the other hand, it's a lot easier to kill the urban myth stuff - Proctor and Gambol Satanic Symbols, AC/DC standing for "Anti-Christ Devil Church", cassette tape at the side of roads being Witches' curses, all that bullcrap.
I learn something new every day!
Why? sez I (having a Senior Moment
Long Covid! sez she...
She is off to dig out her Auncient Bokes and Grimoires from the attic, to mug up on a subject she hasn't really had to mug up since University twenty years ago.
My region of NZ is now 86% vaccinated. We are aiming for 90% plus.
Thanks Huia - todays news is that he's still stable, and talking now and again. Meanwhile our kid (14) tested positive last night, so that is our trip to my Mum and Dad's next week off the agenda at the least, and lots of re-jigging of bedrooms etc. Another couple I know caught it from their kid a month back (despite both being double jabbed) and were pretty sick - she's still half time back at work, and feels it going up the stairs. Be careful folks - at least in the UK, there's a heck of a lot of it about.
As @mark_in_manchester rightly says, there's still an awful lot of It about - and, alas, It seems to be getting worse again.
Christmas lockdown, maybe?
At least I got an email yesterday inviting me for my covid booster. As we now live in small town rather than a London suburb I'm going to have to go to the nearest university campus six miles away for the vaccination but that seems a small price to pay for getting the jab.
From your lips to Mr Rowson’s pencil!
https://tinyurl.com/bk6pkdfz
Note the furcups in the water. Who is hiding behind the deckchair?
@Sarasa said -
That’s what happens when an investment banker is appointed health secretary. He has no expertise or experience. Listening to the real experts on the radio really makes you think. Surely, surely someone like him, who knows nothing, should at least listen to them?
LOLS!
I thought it might be Starmer behind the deckchair, but the hair is wrong.
Still, @Graven Image is acting wisely IMHO. It certainly ain't all over yet.
Here's a report today from the Guardian:
https://theguardian.com/business/2021/nov/05/pfizer-covid-pills-highly-effective-at-preventing-deaths-trial-suggests
NZ has has two people die who were isolating at home. It hasn't yet been established if they died of or just with COVID. Given that we have had less than 30 people die of it these deaths within a few days of each other are worrying.
As I have been a tad unwell recently and this was my first time out, I asked Mr Puzzler to drive and to accompany me to the building. It was about 400 m to walk from the car park, slightly uphill. He struggled with his angina, others struggled with mobility issues.
We queued outside in the cold wind for 10 minutes, then under partial cover for 10 minutes, then, after two lots of checks inside, a final 5 minute queue. The actual jab was fine, the nurse was lovely, then there was a comfy seat for the regulation 15 minute wait afterwards.
Whilst I am extremely grateful that in the UK the vaccines are freely available, I did feel that the conditions were not ideal, especially for frail elderly people. As I felt a bit fragile myself today, I took every opportunity to lean against the wall whilst queuing, but others were struggling. Some, quite rightly, jumped the queue, one woman actually collapsing at the door. I know I shouldn’t grumble, but….
I'm hoping that my booster (I think I can book it later this month) will be at the same place! I certainly couldn't have managed the 400m @Puzzler had to negotiate...
I also booked the first slot of the day and all I need to hope now is that buses are running OK. I ended up choosing my venue based on the fact I know where it is on a well-known to me route. All my nearest venues are across the authority boundary and not easily accessible by bus. At least, not easily accessible by the buses covered by my monthly bus ticket.
My alternatives were all much further away, at venues I have never been to, or a very busy one in the city where there were mainly walk-ins and long queues, according to my daughter. Whilst she was in the “recovery room” she had a call from her son’s school, as he had been sick in the corridor after his jab. Fortunately his father was available to collect him.
It only took a quick shout to bring attention to my situation, but a chair would have been Really welcomed by this sixty something year old.
We have our third plus flu later on in the month.
We went out for lunch with a friend of my husband’s on Saturday. He warned me not to talk about vaccinations as she doesn’t agree with them. Her dad was a guru into alternative medicines, and she has followed suit
I looked myself up online, and found they want me to be at some place near the airport on Friday afternoon.
Stuff that for a lark - I'm going to take my chances with the clinic at work at the end of the day.
That'll be the Lowland Hall at Ingliston. There is a bus stop outside the gate (or tram to the airport + 20 minute walk). So yes, if there's any alternative, go for it.