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Post by kds on Sept 2, 2021 15:55:29 GMT
My father also watches Fox News. I actually used to watch Fox News at one time, on the rare occasion that I actually watched cable news. But, I feel like they really lost their way during Trump's term to the point where it became unwatchable.
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Post by B.E. on Sept 3, 2021 1:00:06 GMT
Well - My healthcare system is requiring employees to get the COVID vaccine, and I am ok with that. We are already required to get the flu shot. A few people have quit because of it. It does kinda suck, because we are so short staffed, but at least they waited until it was FDA approved. If I were a patient, I would expect my caregivers to be vaccinated. I got the Pfizer vaccine the first week they offered it. I was a little shocked that I was eligible so quickly, because I don’t have direct patient contact, but it was because so many were refusing. I found that sad. I just want this damn virus to go away. It won’t happen if people refuse to get vaccinated. Thank goodness everyone in my family feels the same way. Just wish some of my conservative friends would wake up and do the right thing! I'm surprised that people feel (financially) secure enough to quit their job over it. And, you make a good point about patients expecting caregivers to be vaccinated. I, too, just want this damn virus to go away. I understand being wary of (potential) unknown long-term effects, but it just doesn't seem reasonable (to me) to be so staunchly opposed. I think what's going to happen in other industries, like education, is not expressly requiring employees to get vaccinated but requiring they get tested regularly - which is SO much more of a hassle than simply getting the shot (not quite as costly as losing your job, but costly nonetheless). Why hold out at that point? Ultimately, I think government clearly has the responsibility/right to act on the public good, and private business owners have the right to run their businesses as they see fit (which could mean going as far as firing people who refuse to get vaccinated). I certainly don't think anyone should be literally FORCED to get the shot, but...essentially...the government and private business isn't obligated to placate you, either - which, I believe is the essence of the 1905 Jacobson v. Massachusetts ruling, though I haven't read the decision myself. Like I've said before, I'm libertarian-minded, but individual freedom isn't absolute.
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Post by B.E. on Sept 3, 2021 1:18:31 GMT
...there are some extended family mouthing off on Facebook about masks who I'd personally question... ...But honestly I don't talk to them much at all--weddings and funerals, basically--and I'm not on Facebook or anything. So I simply don't have to deal with it... Sorry to just grab these quotes, but I really think ignorance is bliss sometimes. (I'm also not on Facebook or, really, any social media.) That said, as for the larger conversation, I have heard that one of my uncles is pretty fringe, and as a result is hardly speaking to his father and other family members. Word is that a few of his friends died of COVID recently, including a very healthy 40-year old tennis player. As is often the case, it ain't real until it hits close to home. Now, he's getting vaccinated.
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Post by Kapitan on Sept 3, 2021 11:51:15 GMT
Sunrise wasn't until 6:38 this morning, still early in the grand scheme but much later than at the height of summer, and similarly the sun will go down at 7:45 tonight. Our days are still generally in the high 70s, but the nights are getting a little chill to them. Right now there is a drizzle and it's only 61, making it really sink in that fall is on the way.
I really don't mind. But I have to say that while in summer I have no problem getting up at 5:30 or so and taking a nice pre-work walk, as these mornings are cooler and darker it's inevitably more attractive to stay put under the covers...
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Post by Sheriff John Stone on Sept 3, 2021 11:59:36 GMT
When I went out for my walk this morning at 6:00 AM, it was 51 degrees. Got out the windbreaker and sweat pants, but after about 10 minutes of walking...didn't really need them.
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Post by Kapitan on Sept 3, 2021 12:03:57 GMT
The cool air is actually a favorite part of my morning walks! (Not today, because it's raining.) I actually find that very invigorating, and I enjoy wandering the neighborhood before most people are up, often even getting to see the sun rise. After work, when many people are out walking dogs, or kids in the strollers, I'm often totally out of the mood: temps too high, ambition too low, and I just want to sit and read. (I'm the same with chores and errands: early or never are my options!)
However, that same "invigorating air" can make a person want to avoid getting out of bed in the first place...especially if, like me, a person enjoys having the windows open overnight for some fresh air.
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Post by Kapitan on Sept 3, 2021 13:34:49 GMT
All of a sudden, I'm craving oktoberfest beers. I mean, not literally right now: it is 8:33 a.m., after all. But I mean with the weather as it is, with the air really cool today and the sky grey, it just struck me. I was contemplating getting some beer for after work and the weekend, and yeah, while we had a warm one last week and I was enjoying a light, Leinie's Honey Weiss, it's really feeling like oktoberfests now. (By tomorrow it's supposed to be back into the high 70s and sunny and I may disagree with myself again.)
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Post by kds on Sept 3, 2021 13:41:59 GMT
Here in Maryland, we're experiencing what's known as "false fall." Crisp cool mornings, and cool breezes at night. But, by Wednesday, we'll be back in the mid 80s, and looking at the long range, there's a lot of days with highs in the low 80s through September 17.
I'll admit, this morning, thoughts of a nice Marzen crossing my mind, but we're not there yet.
I do wish some of the mid 80s temps we're expecting at mid week would show up this weekend, for our last summer trip to Ocean City. But, with highs only in the high 70s, I don't forsee us attempting any swimming, not with a three year old.
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Post by Kapitan on Sept 4, 2021 14:52:14 GMT
Well, I did it: I mowed the lawn. First time in long enough that I'm not sure how long it's been, but I'm certain it was not in August or July. But we've had a lot of rain (finally) the past two weeks, and it was actually really lush. I'm shocked how well it has rebounded after being brown and crispy by late June or early July.
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Post by kds on Sept 7, 2021 13:15:27 GMT
We had gorgeous weather for our last beach trip for the summer. It wasn't quite warm enough to take our son to the pool, but we had a great time.
There's still about two more weeks to soak up summer.
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Post by Kapitan on Sept 7, 2021 14:55:09 GMT
There's still about two more weeks to soak up summer. Our 10-day forecast is heavenly: 70s-80s every day, low 60s or high 50s every night. Knowing how these things can be, I am trying to make a point of taking note and being appreciative of each gorgeous day: comfortable walks, open windows, nice afternoons on the patio, and so on. Because of course in a few months, none of that is really possible.
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Post by kds on Sept 7, 2021 16:20:51 GMT
Looking ahead, the last two weekends of summer are looking good, with highs around 80. I'll take it as the wrap up for my favorite season, as those will be my final weekends with my summer playlists. I remember last year, sitting on the deck on the last Sunday of summer with a jacket on listening to Buffett one more time before fall.
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Post by Kapitan on Sept 7, 2021 16:28:01 GMT
I've got to admit, I did get a 12-pack of marzen over the long weekend. (Summit's Oktoberfest) So while I was enjoying the warm weather, I was also giving a little nod to the season ahead.
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Post by kds on Sept 7, 2021 16:53:30 GMT
I'm not quite ready for that yet. I might do one more summer seasonal for the final weekend of summer.
But, I really feel like I need highs in the 60s with cool nights to enjoy a marzen beer.
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Post by Kapitan on Sept 7, 2021 21:37:35 GMT
A rabbit has made itself a little nest in my garden on the edge of the thyme. It's the exact spot where the spring before last, I uncovered a nest of half a dozen little baby rabbits, making me wonder if this is where this rabbit was born and she plans to give birth there? (Are rabbits like salmon in this respect?)
Half of me wants to chase her out, fill in the little hole she's dug, and let my garden be exclusively a garden. But half of me thinks she's not doing much harm and if not there, then where?
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