bramble

  I don't know where all this is heading, but with the new Corona variant recently discovered in South Africa, it does seem as if nature is very determined to get to grips with reducing human populations. Nature reacts to imbalance. 

Last night I saw a couple of people interviewed in hospital, who were just recovering from Covid. They were very rueful that they had previously refused the vaccine and when asked why, they said, they hadn't wanted any foreign matter in their system. I'm flummoxed. Every time you swallow a pill (the instruction leaflets include a long list of side effects, which are possible) you are intaking foreign matter. Where's the logic?   The doctor also showed the various medication needed to help these people on the way to recovery. On the table were about 17 different drugs to be administered daily. 

  Had my booster jab this morning. In and out within 10 minutes. No side effects yet, but didn't have any the first two times either. Glad it's done and off my mind at last. 

  I've got sealed masks in a box ready at my front door for my Nachhilfeschüler should they forget theirs. So far it's only been neccessary once. 

In every pocket (jacket, coat, etc.) - even shopping bags, hand bags - I have a mask tucked away, just in case. I also always remember to replace them after use - it's the first thing I do after I enter my front door. It's the same with the poo bags for the dog. This way I never get caught out without them. 

My sincerest condolences, emkay. At least he had a good and loving last three years with you and the neighbour. 

  It's absolutely incredulous. I mean, do these people really believe that virologists and overburdened hospitals all over the world are lying and faking numbers? 

I met a former colleague with her husband (both over 60) yesterday. Last year when the vaccines were becoming available they both said that at the moment they were wary of the vaccines and they wanted to wait to see how it all pans out. At the time I was sympathetic and tolerant of their sceptisim. But when I met them yesterday and they told me they still weren't vaccinated, I asked incredulously, why not. She said, they had heard the statistics were all fake. I asked, so you believe all those conspiracy fables then? No, no, was the answer, we know a doctor who told us ... bla, bla, bla. That's when I rudely broke off the conversation and went on my way. I'm still disturbed. This is an intelligent woman, whom I have liked for many years. I just cannot listen to any of this rubbish any longer without fuming. 

  Watched both videos. Brought back memories of when I visited Croatia and the Plitvice Lakes/waterfalls 20 years ago. Gorgeous scenery. It was the highlight of my trip there including a 7 day sailing trip along the Croatian coast with all the little islands and picturesque coastal towns.

  I'm sure he's informed and knows what he's doing. There are only ca. 9 days between the 22nd of November and the 1st of December. Do you really think those few days difference is going to make that much difference? For Christ's sake! Whatever, maybe he has surplus capacities for that week, but not for the week after.    Edit: Besides, it's repeatedly stated that the vaccine protection wears off quicker in older people, and I've also read that in Israel 5 months between the 2nd dose and the booster dose is recommended. 

I got a letter yesterday from the Minister für Arbeit, Gesundheit und Soziales des Landes NRW reminding me that due to my age (74) I'm eligable for a booster jab in December. My second one was on the 1st of June. So I called my Hausarzt just now, who gave me an appointment for the 22nd of November. Glad about that. 

I've seen this subject discussed on German TV repeatedly the past few days. They're cracking down on it now due to the hospitals reporting increased admissions in intensive care units lately. I have no words for the stupidity and incompetence displayed (especially by politicians) in recent weeks despite repeated warnings about a 4th wave due to come upon us this autumn, which is here in vengeance now.    I still avoid restaurants, hairdressers, etc. for my own good. My Nachhilfeschüler still have to wear masks at my place, even though they don't have to at school here in NRW anymore. I'd rather be safe than sorry. I'm not paranoid, I'm using my common sense. And the 4th wave proves my point. 

I've posted several times already that there is no duty to actually carry ID around with you at all times, except under special circumstances: Identitätsnachweise[Bearbeiten | Quelltext bearbeiten] In Deutschland besteht gemäß § 1 PAuswG eine Ausweispflicht, allerdings resultiert daraus keine allgemeine Mitführpflicht für Identitätsnachweise. Ein Sonderfall, bei dem ein Personalausweis oder Reisepass mitzuführen ist, ist zum Beispiel das Führen einer Waffe (§ 38 WaffG). Zudem sieht das Gesetz zur Bekämpfung der Schwarzarbeit eine Mitführpflicht eines Ausweises für Arbeitnehmer bestimmter Branchen vor, beispielsweise im Bau- oder im Gaststättengewerbe, um sich gegenüber Zollbeamten ausweisen zu können (§ 2a SchwarzArbG). Proof of identity In Germany, there is a duty to carry identification in accordance with § 1 PAuswG, but this does not result in a general duty to carry proof of identity. A special case in which an identity card or passport must be carried is, for example, when carrying a weapon (section 38 WaffG). In addition, the Act to Combat Clandestine Employment provides for the obligation to carry an identity card for workers in certain sectors, for example in the construction or catering industries, in order to be able to identify themselves to customs officials (section 2a of the Clandestine Employment Act). Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)   Personally, I only carry a photocopy of my ID with me in my purse, just in case. Saves the hassle and cost should I lose it or it gets stolen etc. 

  She is eating mostly wet food, though now and again she likes to have a nibble at the dry food. So is my other eldery cat. I'm simply over the moon that she's eating everything now. The plate is usually licked clean. 

  Haha. Yes, that's Maja, though she's as skinny as hell. Always has been. The only sign of old age is that she no longer cleans herself. Fur is matted and knotted and I have had to have her partly shorn a couple of times the past few months. Lately not so bad as moulting season is over.