Random things you have accomplished during Covid/Quarantine?

[BillsPride12]

We all have those little things we would love to do in the back of our minds that there just never seems to be enough time to actually get around to...Until this year.  All of this Covid stuff has really thrown a wrench into our normal daily lives and routines and given a lot of us some extra time to get around to those random things we always talk about doing but never follow through.  For me so far I have binge watched the entire tv series of Cheers(had never saw the show since its original run was just a bit before my time but have been wanting to watch it for a few years now) and have been going back and watching old WrestleMania's for the Nostalgia(I bought the WWE Network a few years ago because it was cheap and I figured it would be cool to go back and watch all of the old stuff as I watched it religiously growing up but once again never did find the time to watch anything on there until Covid hit).  I have watched Wrestle Mania's 3 through 11 so far and would like to keep it going.  I also found some time to go over to my parents and dig out all of my old sports cards that had been buried away in the basement over there.

 

Next on my list is to watch the Soprano's which is a show I know I'd love and have always wanted to see but when that was originally on it was during a time in my life where I wasn't really watching much TV except for Sports 

[DrW]

Up to the end of April most of my "accomplishments" were work-related. As the instructor of an undergrad biochemistry lab, after going online I had to simulate data that the students had to evaluate. To speed up things, I remembered the BASIC course I took as a student (Thank you, Professor Krauss) and was actually able to write a decent program with multiple nested loops to simulate the required data.

 

Since then, the long hours I usually watch sports were available for other purposes. First, I re-watched all 2019 Bills games on NFL GamePass. Then I watched the last season of Amazon's "The Man in the High Castle". Despite some criticism regarding the resolution of the story, overall I very much enjoyed it. And they made pretty sure that there would be no follow-ups - Obergruppenfuhrer/Reichsmarschall Smith (a brilliant Rufus Sewell) was the person who held all plots together.

Currently, I am on my way through the 1967 British series "The Prisoner". So far, it is very captivating.

 

And I read some biographies. One of Groucho Marx (the dynamics between the brothers are especially interesting) , another one of Robert Wyatt (drummer of the Brit jazz/rock Soft Machine, who became a paraplegic after falling out of a window, but continued to make very beautiful, personal music - his "Rock Bottom" would be on my "Top Ten" list).

The most impressive biography was "A Life Too Short" about Robert Enke, a German soccer goalkeeper. In November 2009, Enke was on his way to become the number one goalkeeper for the German national team for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. On 11/10/2009,  the depression that had haunted him on and off for quite some time became too strong and he ended his life.  

Edited July 12, 2020 by DrW

[Just Jack]

Nothing, I'm essential. 

 

[NoHuddleKelly12]

Recently came across my grandfather’s 1933 world’s fair edition Hohner harmonica, and have been attempting to learn to play by way of YouTube instructional videos—no enduring success to report as of yet however 

[LewPort71]

I retired from work.

 

and it was planned regardless of the pandemic issue

[plenzmd1]

My reward points from Total Wine have skyrocketed!

[eSJayDee]

Does gaining almost 20 lbs count?

I'm retired, but still my life has been altered & I am working off a list of things.  Don't know if I would've accomplished them w/o quarantine or not, but I probably wouldn't have had the list.

[Buffalo_Gal]

I worked through a lot of my wine cellar.  The stuff was gettin' old anyway. 

?



 

[PastaJoe]

I cleaned out 10 years of documents from my cube drawers at work when we had to clear out and work from home in March. We have to go back next week, but one less thing to do when I retire in September.

2 hours ago, LewPort71 said:

I retired from work.

 

and it was planned regardless of the pandemic issue

I was originally going to retire in July, but with the pandemic I figured I’d stay on payroll a bit longer for the insurance, since all my appointments for dental and eyes got pushed back. Just using up all my vacation during the summer.

[BuffaloBud]

I've throughly, and I mean throughly, cleaned the house.  Top to bottom, stem to stern.  I've purged through some old documents and travel brouchures.  I went through my closets and dresser and got donated old clothes / shoes.  I set up a nice routine working from home and extended my yoga practice.  I've been getting up early each morning and work to meet my Pelotonia goal.

I do wish I had picked up a book or tv series.  But, I enjoy sitting outside and watch it get dark / quiet with a nice beverage.

[123719bwiqrb]

1 hour ago, BuffaloBud said:

 

I do wish I had picked up a book or tv series.  But, I enjoy sitting outside and watch it get dark / quiet with a nice beverage.

We’ve been watching Always Sunny at a leisurely pace, but that’s it.  I agree with you on sitting outside, and with a fire improves the mood for sure!

[WhoTom]

12 hours ago, NoHuddleKelly12 said:

Recently came across my grandfather’s 1933 world’s fair edition Hohner harmonica, and have been attempting to learn to play by way of YouTube instructional videos—no enduring success to report as of yet however 

 

Try this:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FIYP61K/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1

 

Then download some backing tracks in various keys to play along with:

https://texasbluesalley.com/stage/backing-tracks

 

[NoHuddleKelly12]

3 minutes ago, WhoTom said:

 

Try this:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FIYP61K/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1

 

Then download some backing tracks in various keys to play along with:

https://texasbluesalley.com/stage/backing-tracks

 

Much appreciated @WhoTom! Will definitely check this out. Have a lot of good memories of my grandfather playing the ‘harp’ during my childhood and figure this is a great way to connect back to that—do you play also? 

[WhoTom]

2 minutes ago, NoHuddleKelly12 said:

Much appreciated @WhoTom! Will definitely check this out. Have a lot of good memories of my grandfather playing the ‘harp’ during my childhood and figure this is a great way to connect back to that—do you play also? 

 

I bought that book and a couple of harps a long time ago. The author has a good sense of humor and gives a lot of practical advice without delving into music theory, so it was pretty easy to develop a basic competence level. I fooled around with it for a while and then started playing guitar. then, about ten years ago, my guitar teacher offered a blues harp class, so I took it. It never really stuck, though, although once in a while I still pick it up and play. I find guitar to be more enjoyable, so that's what I play regularly.

[DD4Bills]

Grew a beard for the first time ever (55 years)

[LewPort71]

3 hours ago, DD4Bills said:

Grew a beard for the first time ever (55 years)

Same here.  I have gone 
"Wild and Woolly" in West by God Virginia

[SlimShady'sSpaceForce]

Been working remotely.   
 

instead of an hour drive home I take an hour nap. 
 

Pick more weeds in the yard and water the gardens. 
 

[Teddy KGB]

Wouldn’t know.    Been working 10-12 hour days 7 days a week since April.  

[LewPort71]

I just finished clear coat staining the deck.

It is a 2 level deck and I am worn out.  Whew.

This dry hot spell is the perfect time according to the 

instructions on the can.

I was going to seal the driveway, but  a  contractor came by

and made an offer I could not refuse.

They did in 1 hour what would have taken me 10 hours.

I have a long driveway.

 

[KD in CA]

I’m sleeping an hour later.

[Johnny Hammersticks]

On 7/20/2020 at 11:13 AM, KD in CA said:

I’m sleeping an hour later.

 

I’ve been sleeping until 10:00-10:30 every day.  Especially on weekends.  My eyes usually fly open at around 8:00-8:30 if I don’t have to wake up for work.  I need to break that habit.

[KD in CA]

23 minutes ago, Johnny Hammersticks said:

 

I’ve been sleeping until 10:00-10:30 every day.  Especially on weekends.  My eyes usually fly open at around 8:00-8:30 if I don’t have to wake up for work.  I need to break that habit.

 

Or not.....I doubt I'll be back in the office until next summer at the earliest.

[Golden Goat]

I've been wanting the business to go paperless for years. Last week, we did just that. Everything's now database-driven and accessible from anywhere.

[Seasons1992]

On 7/13/2020 at 8:40 PM, Teddy KGB said:

Been working 10-12 hour days 7 days a week since April.  

Pay that myan his myoney.

[ChevyVanMiller]

I started a thread on it, but I finished a novel just as Covid was shutting things down in March. I used the first month to edit and ready it for publication. It went live at the end of April.

 

Needless to say, buy a copy today if you haven't done so already. ?

 

https://www.amazon.com/Niagara-Falls-Darkness-Thomas-Croisdale/dp/B087SD5CZT/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2H8T9NWAFKNE8&dchild=1&keywords=niagara+falls+into+darkness&qid=1595353364&sprefix=niagara+falls+i%2Caps%2C225&sr=8-1

[Punching Bag]

No random things just things my wife wanted done and would not have time if she went to school.

 

I have cut a lot of trees, put up a new gazebo (our third but all my fault since I suggested it to replace home made deck cover) and orders for new lawn (mostly) equipment.

[Augie]

On 7/13/2020 at 11:38 AM, Buffalo_Gal said:

I worked through a lot of my wine cellar.  The stuff was gettin' old anyway. 

?



 

 

Our house in Sarasota had a walk-in wine closet. My wife is hard to shop for, so on any special occasion I’d get her a bottle of Silver Oak Cabernet reminding her of a great trip to wine country years ago (roughly $100/bottle, for those unfamiliar). If she wants it, she already bought it most likely, making holidays tough, so it’s something. 

 

So........one evening I’m watching the nightly news. There is a report that most wines are consumed within a few days of purchase and don’t save as they used to. We have a closet full of Silver Oak, and I get nervous. We open a bottle, and sure enough it had gone bad! I’m pissed! We declare open season on the Silver Oak, opening bottles every night. The only bad bottle was the first bottle, but it was a glorious run after that! 

 

As for my accomplishments during Covid quarantine.........I’ve been off the couch several time since March. Does that count? 

 

I kid! Since the weather turned warm I’ve been focused on being more active. I (or my iPhone) count steps since my sister’s quadruple bypass and she was told a minimum of 10k steps daily.  I walk and throw in some jogging at a nice park by us. I’m almost 14k steps for today so far. Sometimes I’ll join the gang and add some tennis. I feel better for the activity and wish summer could be forever, just like @plenzmd1.   

 

[Buffalo_Gal]

3 minutes ago, Augie said:

 

Our house in Sarasota had a walk-in wine closet. My wife is hard to shop for, so on any special occasion I’d get her a bottle of Silver Oak Cabernet reminding her of a great trip to wine country years ago (roughly $100/bottle, for those unfamiliar). If she wants it, she already bought it most likely, making holidays tough, so it’s something. 

 

So........one evening I’m watching the nightly news. There is a report that most wines are consumed within a few days of purchase and don’t save as they used to. We have a closet full of Silver Oak, and I get nervous. We open a bottle, and sure enough it had gone bad! I’m pissed! We declare open season on the Silver Oak, opening bottles every night. The only bad bottle was the first bottle, but it was a glorious run after that! 

 

As for my accomplishments during Covid quarantine.........I’ve been off the couch several time since March. Does that count? 

 

I kid! Since the weather turned warm I’ve been focused on being more active. I (or my iPhone) count steps since my sister’s quadruple bypass and she was told a minimum of 10k steps daily.  I walk and throw in some jogging at a nice park by us. I’m almost 14k steps for today so far. Sometimes I’ll join the gang and add some tennis. I feel better for the activity and wish summer could be forever, just like @plenzmd1.   

 

 Mmmmmm Silver Oak Cabernet. ? You just reminded me I have it bookmarked to order some ...
 

Sounds like you had a great time going through those “bad” bottles!

[Lurker]

I've grown a beard and hope to get my hair long enough for a ponytail.    I want to shock my younger colleagues who think I'm a straight laced old man when we come back to the office...

[Punching Bag]

47 minutes ago, Augie said:

 

Our house in Sarasota had a walk-in wine closet. My wife is hard to shop for, so on any special occasion I’d get her a bottle of Silver Oak Cabernet reminding her of a great trip to wine country years ago (roughly $100/bottle, for those unfamiliar). If she wants it, she already bought it most likely, making holidays tough, so it’s something. 

 

So........one evening I’m watching the nightly news. There is a report that most wines are consumed within a few days of purchase and don’t save as they used to. We have a closet full of Silver Oak, and I get nervous. We open a bottle, and sure enough it had gone bad! I’m pissed! We declare open season on the Silver Oak, opening bottles every night. The only bad bottle was the first bottle, but it was a glorious run after that! 

 

 

You are not a cheap date....

32 minutes ago, Lurker said:

I've grown a beard and hope to get my hair long enough for a ponytail.    I want to shock my younger colleagues who think I'm a straight laced old man when we come back to the office...

 

Make sure you dye it.

[KD in CA]

1 hour ago, Augie said:

 

Our house in Sarasota had a walk-in wine closet. My wife is hard to shop for, so on any special occasion I’d get her a bottle of Silver Oak Cabernet reminding her of a great trip to wine country years ago (roughly $100/bottle, for those unfamiliar). If she wants it, she already bought it most likely, making holidays tough, so it’s something. 

 

So........one evening I’m watching the nightly news. There is a report that most wines are consumed within a few days of purchase and don’t save as they used to. We have a closet full of Silver Oak, and I get nervous. We open a bottle, and sure enough it had gone bad! I’m pissed! We declare open season on the Silver Oak, opening bottles every night. The only bad bottle was the first bottle, but it was a glorious run after that! 

 

As for my accomplishments during Covid quarantine.........I’ve been off the couch several time since March. Does that count? 

 

I kid! Since the weather turned warm I’ve been focused on being more active. I (or my iPhone) count steps since my sister’s quadruple bypass and she was told a minimum of 10k steps daily.  I walk and throw in some jogging at a nice park by us. I’m almost 14k steps for today so far. Sometimes I’ll join the gang and add some tennis. I feel better for the activity and wish summer could be forever, just like @plenzmd1.   

 

 

Always consult your vintage chart.  In general, the 2012-2015 are in peak form now!

 

https://www.winemag.com/wine-vintage-chart/

[Augie]

14 minutes ago, Limeaid said:

 

You are not a cheap date....

 

 

 

 

It’s not me!

 

The wife is picky and she rarely drinks.  When she does, she’s more quality over quantity. That was a great little run opening those bottles every night. Buying them for her was mostly a gesture, but when we realized they could go bad, even in the climate controlled wine storage....... We ATTACKED! 

9 minutes ago, KD in CA said:

 

Always consult your vintage chart.  In general, the 2012-2015 are in peak form now!

 

https://www.winemag.com/wine-vintage-chart/

 

I buy more for me now. Does the size of the box matter much? 

 

[Augie]

1 hour ago, plenzmd1 said:

that to me is the number one issue why people will not wear one. we are what..98 days into the 15 days to slow the spread. We were told flatten the curve so heatlcare could keep up, we did it, even in the massive spike states, and yet not good enough.

 

Give some clear guidance when wearing a face covering goes away, people will do it , no doubt in  my mind

 

One of the things that might last from this mess is wearing the masks in retirement homes in public situations. More like Asia. There is no harm in that, and you have a LOT of scared people who are more likely to comply than the cavalier grocery shopper who has no concern for you, me or the cashiers. 

[Augie]

On 7/13/2020 at 10:01 AM, plenzmd1 said:

My reward points from Total Wine have skyrocketed!

 

They have been forced to revisit their ordering protocols. I’m not trying to be a trouble maker, but KEEP UP PEOPLE! 

[plenzmd1]

8 hours ago, Augie said:

 

One of the things that might last from this mess is wearing the masks in retirement homes in public situations. More like Asia. There is no harm in that, and you have a LOT of scared people who are more likely to comply than the cavalier grocery shopper who has no concern for you, me or the cashiers. 

have no idea how my original post ended up here...meant for another thread

[Ridgewaycynic2013]

9 hours ago, KD in CA said:

 

Always consult your vintage chart.  In general, the 2012-2015 are in peak form now!

 

9 hours ago, Augie said:

I buy more for me now. Does the size of the box matter much? 

The labels on the bottles of whiskey in the old Three Stooges comedies come to mind:

'OLD PANTHER – bottled yesterday'

[TBBills]

I gained some weight... Is that an accomplishment? Probably not...

[SlimShady'sSpaceForce]

does unfriending my brother count because he refused to stop sending me his crap conspiracy theories? 

 

[Seasons1992]

1 hour ago, Ridgewaycynic2013 said:

 

The labels on the bottles of whiskey in the old Three Stooges comedies come to mind:

'OLD PANTHER – bottled yesterday'

 

I prefer this type of Panther........

 

 

[Augie]

On 7/13/2020 at 10:01 AM, plenzmd1 said:

My reward points from Total Wine have skyrocketed!

 

I was at Total Wine yesterday and they have a sign up saying it’s a national policy to require masks on everyone in every store. There is a local knock off a half mile up the road called “Local Vine” which I tried to support (think McDowell’s in Coming To America). The owner was proud that they were trying to sue him! I’ll always try to give my business to small, local businesses over huge national chains, especially in restaurants. 

 

Unfortunately, Local Vine not only doesn’t require masks on customers, but on multiple trips I noticed not a single member of the staff wears a mask. They are friendlier (is it a bad sign if the wine store greets you by name?), better organized, have some selections I like I can’t find elsewhere and similarly priced. BUT, if they can’t at least try to get with the program, I have to take my business to the big national chain.