What’s on your mind?

[The-Real-Deal82]

I have it (camera on, for Zoom meetings) on when necessary, and when that is the advisd (and preferred) format.

The company I work for passed it as a policy that people had to be visible in Teams meetings as during lockdown we had people sat in their gardens just being present in meetings via an icon and mics on mute. It’s nice to see people’s faces I think in these sorts of scenario as you can gauge a lot from peoples reactions and opinions, like you would face to face. I remember a couple of times on larger meetings you’d see the individuals icons and the meeting host would deliberately ask for their opinion to make sure they were there and engaged. Quite often there would be no answer and they’d be kicked off the call lol.

 

[Kung]

The company I work for passed it as a policy that people had to be visible in Teams meetings as during lockdown we had people sat in their gardens just being present in meetings via an icon and mics on mute. It’s nice to see people’s faces I think in these sorts of scenario as you can gauge a lot from peoples reactions and opinions, like you would face to face. I remember a couple of times on larger meetings you’d see the individuals icons and the meeting host would deliberately ask for their opinion to make sure they were there and engaged. Quite often there would be no answer and they’d be kicked off the call lol.

We were told in the early days of the lockdowns that we had to be on camera all day long.

So we were...and used all SORTS of different backgrounds. My favorite was a fake bunker with a wall of toilet paper. LOL

In about 3 days flat they said "Never mind...just need to see you as 'green' on Teams."

 

[mtbdudex]

Depends on how stormy the waters around you are.

My father got a 28-foot boat but we used to get slammed in the Chesapeake Bay during thunderstorms. He had a few years of that, then upgraded to a 32-footer. It was actually more manoeuvrable than his first boat because it had twin screws, and it was safer when he and my mother went of US CGAux safety patrols. I'd say he was very happy with that boat - he spent most weekends on it and his CGAux crew got a commendation for rescuing the a family from a boat that sunk during thunderstorm. Still, I think these days when we know more about CO2 and the pollution motorised boats cause, I think he would have opted for a sailboat had he known.

Our family had power boats 1980-1992, I took power squadrons course way back then.
First one a 26 foot Sea Ray single I/O 8 foot beam, second one a 32 foot cruisers Inc 11 foot beam twin screws. I drove both, by far the twin screws could maneuver and dock so much better. Cruising on the Great Lakes the 11 foot beam made such a smooth ride, and rough waters tolerable .
The only pic I have of the bigger one.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

The equinox is on my mind.

Yes, it is still a day or so away, but - approaching the autumn equinox, I will confess that my heart sinks (whereas it leaps for joy at the vernal equinox).

 

[VulchR]

We were told in the early days of the lockdowns that we had to be on camera all day long.

So we were...and used all SORTS of different backgrounds. My favorite was a fake bunker with a wall of toilet paper. LOL

In about 3 days flat they said "Never mind...just need to see you as 'green' on Teams."

One of my colleagues had a screen shot from the movie The Shining as her background...

 

[Apple fanboy]

The company I work for passed it as a policy that people had to be visible in Teams meetings as during lockdown we had people sat in their gardens just being present in meetings via an icon and mics on mute. It’s nice to see people’s faces I think in these sorts of scenario as you can gauge a lot from peoples reactions and opinions, like you would face to face. I remember a couple of times on larger meetings you’d see the individuals icons and the meeting host would deliberately ask for their opinion to make sure they were there and engaged. Quite often there would be no answer and they’d be kicked off the call lol.

I’ve always got plenty to say in Teams meetings, so people know I’m there! Im quite opinionated

 

[Apple fanboy]

The equinox is on my mind.

Yes, it is still a day or so away, but - approaching the autumn equinox, I will confess that my heart sinks (whereas it leaps for joy at the vernal equinox).

Actually got a blanket out this evening. I feel quite chilly.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Actually got a blanket out this evening. I feel quite chilly.

Yes, I think it is high time time for blankets, and duvets, and I, too, feel the drop in temperature.

I think that my bed shall require another blanket (or two) in the (very) near future.

However, I am holding out on my electric blanket until October - nevertheless, I not sure that I will last until Hallowe'en without it.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Yes, I think it is high time time for blankets, and duvets, and I, too, feel the drop in temperature.

I think that my bed shall require another blanket (or two) in the (very) near future.

However, I am holding out on my electric blanket until October - nevertheless, I not sure that I will last until Hallowe'en without it.

Same. I am however just preparing a hot chocolate. Yum!

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Same. I am however just preparing a hot chocolate. Yum!

Hot chocolate?

Is it already that time of the year?

As with electric blankets, I try to hold off indulging in hot chocolate until after Hallowe'en, as, to my mind, it is the quintessence of a winter's treat.

However, from early November until mid March, hot chocolate will find a warm welcome from me, especially on cold days, afternoons and nights.

My French friends used to serve hot chocolate at breakfast, sometimes, and whenever it appeared, it was invariably served in large bowls. Yum.

Anyway, enjoy your hot chocolate.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Hot chocolate?

Is it already that time of the year?

As with electric blankets, I try to hold off indulging in hot chocolate until after Hallowe'en, as, to my mind, it is the quintessence of a winter's treat.

However, from early November until mid March, hot chocolate will find a warm welcome from me, especially on cold days, afternoons and nights.

My French friends used to serve hot chocolate at breakfast, sometimes, invariably in large bowls. Yum.

Anyway, enjoy your hot chocolate.

I just fancied one. But I've not had one since last winter I'm sure.
Hot chocolate is about the only sweet thing in the house.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

I just fancied one. But I've not had one since last winter I'm sure.
Hot chocolate is about the only sweet thing in the house.

Well, you have reminded me to stock up, given that the season for hot chocolate is rapidly approaching.

And I agree that it is something soothing and welcoming to drink in the dark days of dawning winter.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Had a brief - but most pleasant - chat with Decent Brother.

 

[Clix Pix]

For some people, hot chocolate is not just for wintertime and cold weather..... Strange but true. Someone I know on another forum who lives in my area actually enjoys it all year around. Somehow it's really kind of strange -- dare I say bizarre? -- to be reading one of his enthusiastic posts about enjoying a mug of hot chocolate when our local temperature outdoors at that time is hitting 90° or higher!

 

[Scepticalscribe]

For some people, hot chocolate is not just for wintertime and cold weather..... Strange but true. Someone I know on another forum who lives in my area actually enjoys it all year around. Somehow it's really kind of strange -- dare I say bizarre? -- to be reading one of his enthusiastic posts about enjoying a mug of hot chocolate when our local temperature outdoors at that time is hitting 90° or higher!

Yes, my French friends sometimes served it for breakfast (they also offered both tea - Madame liked tea, preferring it - she had discovered tea on a holiday to the UK and Ireland - most unFrench - to coffee, and they also served coffee), in those amazing (and quite capacious) bowls you can get in France at breakfast time; brilliant for dunking bread.

Anyway, they - to my astonishment - served it in summer as well as winter; actually, they served it whenever they thought that anyone might want it.

 

[Clix Pix]

I love hot chocolate, but have to say that I really appreciate it only in wintertime when the temperature outdoors is brrrrr.....really, really cold!

 

[C0ncreteBl0nde]

I had some hot chocolate yesterday and it was the first time in a long time. I also switched my thermometer from AC to HEAT yesterday...I believe that Autumn has arrived.

 

[Crowbot]

I love hot chocolate, but have to say that I really appreciate it only in wintertime when the temperature outdoors is brrrrr.....really, really cold!

I love it any time since I don't drink coffee. But I'm always watching my calories so it's a matter of "is it worth it?". Pizza is in the same category. And cake. (I'm hungry)

 

[Scepticalscribe]

I love hot chocolate, but have to say that I really appreciate it only in wintertime when the temperature outdoors is brrrrr.....really, really cold!

Yes, it is a perfect warming winter drink, isn't it?

 

[Scepticalscribe]

A pleasant day - sunny, and not too cold, and an enjoyable afternoon of errands.

Headed into the city, and paid a visit to the library, returning some books, renewing others, and collecting yet others.

A haircut was also in order.

Visited the French bakery (fortunately, they had some of the bread I wanted, as I hadn't phoned them in advance).

And paid a visit to the cheesemonger's, where I stocked up on cheese.

 

[chown33]

This morning, as I walked towards my kitchen and saw light streaming out, I thought, "Huh, I left my kitchen lights on overnight." But as I came around the corner I realized it was sunlight coming in the east-facing window, even with the blinds almost completely closed.

It only lasted a few minutes until it was shaded by a tree due east of the window, but it was a reminder of equinoctial sunrise position.

 

[Apple fanboy]

We’ve had sun at some points today, but also a lot of cloud and rain.
Glad it’s Friday. Another long weekend for me. Enjoy yours everyone.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

This morning, as I walked towards my kitchen and saw light streaming out, I thought, "Huh, I left my kitchen lights on overnight." But as I came around the corner I realized it was sunlight coming in the east-facing window, even with the blinds almost completely closed.

It only lasted a few minutes until it was shaded by a tree due east of the window, but it was a reminder of equinoctial sunrise position.

Yes, I have been tracking the position of the sun with close, and gloomy, attention.

My bedroom, as it happens, faces east, and my heart always sinks as we approach the autumnal equinox.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

We’ve had sun at some points today, but also a lot of cloud and rain.
Glad it’s Friday. Another long weekend for me. Enjoy yours everyone.

Tomorrow's forecast is grim, so I think that I shall give the farmers' market a miss, which is one of the reasons I bought some bread and cheese today.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Tomorrow's forecast is grim, so I think that I shall give the farmers' market a miss, which is one of the reasons I bought some bread and cheese today.

Supposed to be warmer and dryer here this weekend.
Here’s hoping!