Weekly Chat (Non-Osprey), 19 January 2020

Harelady:  It's awful that the younger workforce is at the mercy of such uncertain economic times and sad that it takes two paychecks to support a family....   I was lucky enough - as were most people in those days - to work for stable companies with good benefits that weren't under constant threat of buy-outs or political decisions and - in my case anyway - with humane policies and immediate supervisors who were understanding and flexible.

AQ:  Let's hear it for bossy wives!  :-)    Our early rainfall hasn't been repeated, although the northwest is getting a lot, and the Sierra's too, which is good for us given that we exist only thanks to the California viaduct.    I picked up a book - The Dreamt Land: Chasing Dust and Water Across California - that was so depressing (no doubt exacerbated by what's going on in DC!) that I didn't finish it.  It was about the billionaire ranchers who own land in California's Central Valley (but live in Beverly Hills and other very high-end neighborhoods) who have been diverting aquifer water so they can plant almond orchards in areas they have no business to be. Not only has the land sunk significantly but in many areas they've drilled wells deeper than those owned by smaller farmers so the water table has dropped and left several neighborhoods with no water at all.   The State is about to restrict drilling and diversion of ground water but the policy isn't in place yet.  

So much for a cheery start to the day!

Well, somebody told the Birds it is BGBW weekend, so there are very few about to be counted!

LINDA - I hope the person bringing the cow manure has already matured it before distributing it - but I am envious that you got it! Sorry to see you are still unwell.

HARELADY - sorry poor Luna got so sick - terrible when they are babies and can't understand or tell you what hurts.
But a good thing you were able to get time off for childcare when her parents couldn't. You do have your year planned out early, but I suppose that is because of fitting in with family demands.

ANNETTE - so glad you were happy with your gardening expert early birthday gift.

Left this a bit late today, and can't get the old brain properly in gear! One thing I have forgotten to say before, is that J had a letter to say that Scotland will no longer pay for him to have monitoring or treatment in England.! He had a less seriously worded version a few years back, and the Christie fought to keep him. This one has come from a Panel (has long name) in Edinburgh - probably a few doctors who are sitting around a table with an accountant instead of treating sick people! Anyway, taking account of travel, the age of his oncologist (must be due to retire soon), the complication of arranging long-distant treatments etc, J is not going to appeal - and there is now a comparable Late Effects Unit at Western General in Edinburgh.

Hope people are recovering/keeping well - the dreich and dreary weather doesn't help anyone's mental well-being!