Off Topic!, For all our "general" off topic tendencies Options

[stefanl]

I'm gonna curse like a sailor. Dag nabbit! *didn't say what kind of sailor, might be Popeye*

Where did I get poison ivy from? I haven't done any poison ivyish work outside in over six days and I came down with the gosh darn-it itchiest spots day before yesterday.

Last time I got the stuff I knew I had come into contact with it and didn't remedy the situation quickly enough so, "Oh, dopey me!" and I guess I learned that lesson didn't I! So why those awful little blisters now? Am I sleep gardening in Marie's yard? Do I suffer somnambulant gardenitis?

After the fact advice I give other people:

• If you're allergic to poison ivy, wear gardening gloves, long sleeves and trousers when working near it.
• Too hot for long sleeves? You can buy some stuff called Ivy Block that you spray onto your skin that protects you against the oils that cause the dermititis. It forms a protective barrier on your skin. You can also buy bobo brand hairspray from the dollar store or other thrifty outlet and use that instead. Don't get a name brand with conditioners and emollients (love that word). The cheaper the stuff the better. Really shellac it on like your sealing a beehive updoo. Do this outside so the rest of the family doesn't get a contact buzz off the Aquanet.
• Too late? Touched the stuff by accident? Wash the effected area with cold water and soap. Don't use hot water when washing. Hot water opens the pores and allows the oils into the skin where you won't be able to wash them away. Depending on your level of allergic reaction, do this as soon as possible after touching poison ivy and no longer than 30 minutes after the fact.
• Put all of your gardening clothes into the washing machine and do the laundry immediately. Don't just put the sweaty, PI clothes into the hamper where you (or someone else) might forget you came into contact with the stuff when you're doing laundry a couple days later. The oils remain reactive for a long, long time in the cool moist climate of schwitzy clothing.
• Do not scratch!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Use calamine lotion, benadryl, anything with cortisone or other topical creams, sprays or lotions the doctor or pharmacist might suggest. Can't stop from scratching? That's why Bandaids come in really large sizes. You'll still feel the itch under it, but the lotion won't rub off on your clothes, the dog, your furniture, bedding... and if you can't reach it through the bandage, you can't damage your skin by scratching. However good that might feel.

[Not_saying]

I'm gonna curse like a sailor. Dag nabbit! *didn't say what kind of sailor, might be Popeye*

Where did I get poison ivy from? I haven't done any poison ivyish work outside in over six days and I came down with the gosh darn-it itchiest spots day before yesterday.

Last time I got the stuff I knew I had come into contact with it and didn't remedy the situation quickly enough so, "Oh, dopey me!" and I guess I learned that lesson didn't I! So why those awful little blisters now? Am I sleep gardening in Marie's yard? Do I suffer somnambulant gardenitis?

After the fact advice I give other people:

• If you're allergic to poison ivy, wear gardening gloves, long sleeves and trousers when working near it.
• Too hot for long sleeves? You can buy some stuff called Ivy Block that you spray onto your skin that protects you against the oils that cause the dermititis. It forms a protective barrier on your skin. You can also buy bobo brand hairspray from the dollar store or other thrifty outlet and use that instead. Don't get a name brand with conditioners and emollients (love that word). The cheaper the stuff the better. Really shellac it on like your sealing a beehive updoo. Do this outside so the rest of the family doesn't get a contact buzz off the Aquanet.
• Too late? Touched the stuff by accident? Wash the effected area with cold water and soap. Don't use hot water when washing. Hot water opens the pores and allows the oils into the skin where you won't be able to wash them away. Depending on your level of allergic reaction, do this as soon as possible after touching poison ivy and no longer than 30 minutes after the fact.
• Put all of your gardening clothes into the washing machine and do the laundry immediately. Don't just put the sweaty, PI clothes into the hamper where you (or someone else) might forget you came into contact with the stuff when you're doing laundry a couple days later. The oils remain reactive for a long, long time in the cool moist climate of schwitzy clothing.
• Do not scratch!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Use calamine lotion, benadryl, anything with cortisone or other topical creams, sprays or lotions the doctor or pharmacist might suggest. Can't stop from scratching? That's why Bandaids come in really large sizes. You'll still feel the itch under it, but the lotion won't rub off on your clothes, the dog, your furniture, bedding... and if you can't reach it through the bandage, you can't damage your skin by scratching. However good that might feel.

Oh man My grandmother can't get near that stuff either but she reacts quiet worse than the scratching .
Lets just say consider yourself lucky that thats just itchy .
and your not in the hospital.

Take care of yourself hope that heals quick for you .HUGS

[peachybc]

I can relate to the poison ivy thing as well as poison oak, poison sumac. Had a run in with poison oak as kid that put me in the hospital, where they proceeded to give me shots to control the allergic reaction. The shots turned out to be too much; I got seriously ill, my heart stopped for a bit...blah, blah. That freaked my mother and the intern right out! I wasn't having such a good time either! LOL But I ended up taking several years worth of those horrid shots (lesser dose) to develop an immunity to the entire poison plant family. They actually worked! I don't react to the stuff anymore. Woohoo!

Peachy

[stefanl]

I can relate to the poison ivy thing as well as poison oak, poison sumac. Had a run in with poison oak as kid that put me in the hospital, where they proceeded to give me shots to control the allergic reaction. The shots turned out to be too much; I got seriously ill, my heart stopped for a bit...blah, blah. That freaked my mother and the intern right out! I wasn't having such a good time either! LOL But I ended up taking several years worth of those horrid shots (lesser dose) to develop an immunity to the entire poison plant family. They actually worked! I don't react to the stuff anymore. Woohoo!

Peachy

The Logan/Barek episode with the voodoo nurse is on and Logan's got poison ivy. Know what he's feeling!

My dad was immune to the poison ivy oil. Couldn't inherit THAT from him, huh?!

[abfirefighterchi...]

The Logan/Barek episode with the voodoo nurse is on and Logan's got poison ivy. Know what he's feeling!

My dad was immune to the poison ivy oil. Couldn't inherit THAT from him, huh?!

So far I've always been immune to the itchy stuff. If it makes you feel better any bug that bites, stings, sucks your bodily fluids, eats me! Ticks are no exception! I had Lyme Disease in 1993, got it at Creation. When I'm outside for more than 2 minutes I have welts from the bug bites.

Did you know whether it's bee stings, poison ivy,etc. you can be not allergic than one day you are? That's because within every 7 years every single cell in your body has renewed itself. When that occurs you could then be allergic to that substance.

[Mari Welsh]

Usually I managed to pick up poison ivy from other people, their jackets, the strap on the subway that they held before I did....urgh!
This is about nicer plants....our friends in the house, and how we sometimes make mistakes when looking after them. (I don't know about you, but it makes me miserable when I see one drooping and looking forlorn.) I run to help them, but I shouldn't have let it happen. With this invention, I wouldn't have that trouble, and my plants would be happier!
How would you feel if your plants called to tell you what they needed? In an accent.......
Your plants just called to say....I'm thirsty!
Mari
(Who is posting this for the second time in the hopes that this will not get eaten by the board... )

[abfirefighterchi...]

Usually I managed to pick up poison ivy from other people, their jackets, the strap on the subway that they held before I did....urgh!
This is about nicer plants....our friends in the house, and how we sometimes make mistakes when looking after them. (I don't know about you, but it makes me miserable when I see one drooping and looking forlorn.) I run to help them, but I shouldn't have let it happen. With this invention, I wouldn't have that trouble, and my plants would be happier!
How would you feel if your plants called to tell you what they needed? In an accent.......
Your plants just called to say....I'm thirsty!
Mari
(Who is posting this for the second time in the hopes that this will not get eaten by the board... )

OnFern! You cnould get it started by giving away free year long memberships!

The only plant I have NEVER succeeded with is a Bonsai. I have killed three in my life. African Violets, no problem bloom constantly.

[abfirefighterchi...]

If you want to find super, awesome, and cute items I have the answer!! It's a company called Collections Etc. They have decorations, things to use in the house, holiday decore and much more. You can find some of their items are on ebay, and to get the catalog that has every item in it. ALL of their items are under 20 bucks, and it's good quality things! You can order a catalog at http://collectionsetc.com .

[peachybc]

Mighty Mod Rowe sends her morning greetings to every one! She has also sent along an interesting news article about animal instincts.


Oscar the cat predicts patients' deaths

By RAY HENRY, Associated Press Writer
Wed Jul 25, 7:25 PM ET


"PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Oscar the cat seems to have an uncanny knack for predicting when nursing home patients are going to die, by curling up next to them during their final hours. His accuracy, observed in 25 cases, has led the staff to call family members once he has chosen someone. It usually means they have less than four hours to live.

"He doesn't make too many mistakes. He seems to understand when patients are about to die," said Dr. David Dosa in an interview. He describes the phenomenon in a poignant essay in Thursday's issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

"Many family members take some solace from it. They appreciate the companionship that the cat provides for their dying loved one," said Dosa, a geriatrician and assistant professor of medicine at Brown University.

The 2-year-old feline was adopted as a kitten and grew up in a third-floor dementia unit at the Steere House Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. The facility treats people with Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease and other illnesses.

After about six months, the staff noticed Oscar would make his own rounds, just like the doctors and nurses. He'd sniff and observe patients, then sit beside people who would wind up dying in a few hours.

Dosa said Oscar seems to take his work seriously and is generally aloof. "This is not a cat that's friendly to people," he said.

Oscar is better at predicting death than the people who work there, said Dr. Joan Teno of Brown University, who treats patients at the nursing home and is an expert on care for the terminally ill

She was convinced of Oscar's talent when he made his 13th correct call. While observing one patient, Teno said she noticed the woman wasn't eating, was breathing with difficulty and that her legs had a bluish tinge, signs that often mean death is near..."

Full article at:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070725/ap_on_fe_st/death_cat

Posted for Rowe by PeachyBC

[AstonMartin]

Mighty Mod Rowe sends her morning greetings to every one! She has also sent along an interesting news article about animal instincts.


Oscar the cat predicts patients' deaths

By RAY HENRY, Associated Press Writer
Wed Jul 25, 7:25 PM ET


"PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Oscar the cat seems to have an uncanny knack for predicting when nursing home patients are going to die, by curling up next to them during their final hours. His accuracy, observed in 25 cases, has led the staff to call family members once he has chosen someone. It usually means they have less than four hours to live.

"He doesn't make too many mistakes. He seems to understand when patients are about to die," said Dr. David Dosa in an interview. He describes the phenomenon in a poignant essay in Thursday's issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

"Many family members take some solace from it. They appreciate the companionship that the cat provides for their dying loved one," said Dosa, a geriatrician and assistant professor of medicine at Brown University.

The 2-year-old feline was adopted as a kitten and grew up in a third-floor dementia unit at the Steere House Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. The facility treats people with Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease and other illnesses.

After about six months, the staff noticed Oscar would make his own rounds, just like the doctors and nurses. He'd sniff and observe patients, then sit beside people who would wind up dying in a few hours.

Dosa said Oscar seems to take his work seriously and is generally aloof. "This is not a cat that's friendly to people," he said.

Oscar is better at predicting death than the people who work there, said Dr. Joan Teno of Brown University, who treats patients at the nursing home and is an expert on care for the terminally ill

She was convinced of Oscar's talent when he made his 13th correct call. While observing one patient, Teno said she noticed the woman wasn't eating, was breathing with difficulty and that her legs had a bluish tinge, signs that often mean death is near..."

Full article at:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070725/ap_on_fe_st/death_cat

Posted for Rowe by PeachyBC

That is the most amazing story. We still have so much to learn about so many things don't we!! It's incredible how good some animals are with people with special needs. Eg horse riding is particlularly good for children with Special Needs as is dolphin swimming. Both types of animals seem to have afinity for special children We don't know why but swimming with dolphins has been shown to be beneficial for children who have communication difficulties. We have a son with Down Syndrome and it's on our list of things to do when we become uber-millionaires.

Ooooh, just noticed I'm not a newbie anymore

[stefanl]

That is the most amazing story. We still have so much to learn about so many things don't we!! It's incredible how good some animals are with people with special needs. Eg horse riding is particlularly good for children with Special Needs as is dolphin swimming. Both types of animals seem to have afinity for special children We don't know why but swimming with dolphins has been shown to be beneficial for children who have communication difficulties. We have a son with Down Syndrome and it's on our list of things to do when we become uber-millionaires.

Ooooh, just noticed I'm not a newbie anymore

Congratulations on the non-newbieness, AstonMartin.

I figured from your name you might already be an uber-millionaire.

[AstonMartin]

Congratulations on the non-newbieness, AstonMartin.

I figured from your name you might already be an uber-millionaire.

Sigh - hope springs eternal. An Aston Martin is one of a few other things on my (very long) wish list

[abfirefighterchi...]

That is the most amazing story. We still have so much to learn about so many things don't we!! It's incredible how good some animals are with people with special needs. Eg horse riding is particlularly good for children with Special Needs as is dolphin swimming. Both types of animals seem to have afinity for special children We don't know why but swimming with dolphins has been shown to be beneficial for children who have communication difficulties. We have a son with Down Syndrome and it's on our list of things to do when we become uber-millionaires.

Ooooh, just noticed I'm not a newbie anymore

I have seen those documentaries as well. Animals are incredible, and more intellegent and compassionate than we will ever realize.

If any of you remember Elian Gonzalez, when he was lost at sea he told rescuers that dolphins would swim underneath him to keep him afloat.

[Flatpack]

Astonmartin,one of the most beautiful songs written by someone about the birth of their child with Down Syndrome,was by Phil Coulter,called Scorn not my Simplicity. it is recorded by Luke Kelly of The Dubliners. Check it out.its very special.

Is anyone out there also interested in Jump Skipping.? My girls have been doing it ever since they watched this film called "Jump in". Its great fun. i remember doing long rope skipping and French Elastic in the playground as a child,but this is even more exciting. You need two turners,a rope of eight foot length and alot of energy and skill to negotiate the two ropes turning at the same time.

[krodgers]

Astonmartin,one of the most beautiful songs written by someone about the birth of their child with Down Syndrome,was by Phil Coulter,called Scorn not my Simplicity. it is recorded by Luke Kelly of The Dubliners. Check it out.its very special.

Is anyone out there also interested in Jump Skipping.? My girls have been doing it ever since they watched this film called "Jump in". Its great fun. i remember doing long rope skipping and French Elastic in the playground as a child,but this is even more exciting. You need two turners,a rope of eight foot length and alot of energy and skill to negotiate the two ropes turning at the same time.

Do you mean skipping rope? I guess that's what we call it down south! Loved it when my daughter was young, and myself too, a long time ago! Great excercise as well!!

[DonnaLJo]

Is anyone out there also interested in Jump Skipping.? My girls have been doing it ever since they watched this film called "Jump in". Its great fun. i remember doing long rope skipping and French Elastic in the playground as a child,but this is even more exciting. You need two turners,a rope of eight foot length and alot of energy and skill to negotiate the two ropes turning at the same time.

Growing up in Queens, New York, we played alot of sidewalk games, which included both long & short rope skipping, French elastic (my favorite), hop scotch & stoop ball.

From what I've seen, double rope skipping is popular in the inner city ghettos. It's amazing how these kids do it, sometimes four jumpers at a time enter the ropes simultaneously. And the tricks!! Standing on their hands & heads for one thing. It makes what we did as kids insignificant. But we did that stuff strictly for fun; these young people enter tournaments & citywide competitions.

[krodgers]

Astonmartin,one of the most beautiful songs written by someone about the birth of their child with Down Syndrome,was by Phil Coulter,called Scorn not my Simplicity. it is recorded by Luke Kelly of The Dubliners. Check it out.its very special.

Is anyone out there also interested in Jump Skipping.? My girls have been doing it ever since they watched this film called "Jump in". Its great fun. i remember doing long rope skipping and French Elastic in the playground as a child,but this is even more exciting. You need two turners,a rope of eight foot length and alot of energy and skill to negotiate the two ropes turning at the same time.

Ms. Flatpack, I posted you a response on your jump skipping. That would be my interpretation of being ignored.

[DonnaLJo]

Ms. Flatpack, I posted you a response on your jump skipping. That would be my interpretation of being ignored.

Kathy, Flatpack didn't ignore you. I responded to her post, only because I wanted to share with her double skipping here in America, Flatpack is from Ireland. I dare say she's asleep right now, not posting to anyone. OK?

[krodgers]

Kathy, Flatpack didn't ignore you. I responded to her post, only because I wanted to share with her double skipping here in America, Flatpack is from Ireland. I dare say she's asleep right now, not posting to anyone. OK?

Thanks DonnaJo!! Appreciate your thoughtfulness!!

[krodgers]

There's one thing I've learned, and that is never start a topic with a ?