Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[rural mouse]

Unfortunately, it will be a couple of weeks before I can order anything online. Some one at the college opened and clicked on a phishing email....and when she then sent emails - other people's computers got infected - including mine (she was in HR, so there were LOTS). My computer is now virus free (nope I wouldn't have passes it on to you all) Anyways, there was suspicious 'pinging' of my credit cards on amazon. ( a 'charge' of $0.00 - evidently they do this to see if a credit card is active/usable - the phishers, that is). So, I just cancelled my 2 credit cards and have to wait until I get replacements (10days - 2 weeks). I've also just changed my passwords to all but HCC proper stuff. I can't do that until I am on campus tomorrow. The sad thing is, this is what alerted me to a problem. And, the phishers were clever. The person in HR emailed IT saying they think they opened a suspicious email - IT responded BUT she never got the response - the phishers had a built in program to filter out any incoming email with target words - so the IT guy's email never reached her in box for her to be alerted as to what to do. And, since she didn't get a response from IT, she thought she was good.

Darn those Nigerians (yes, that is where the phishing email originated from, according to IT.)

And, I now have 2 students very irate with me who went to the Dean, stating that I refuse to answer their emails. Evidently, something in their email triggered the phishing software to filter them out - and they kept using the same thread as opposed to creating a new email- so I never got them.

Between this and our new LMS, and the fact that the new LMS doesn't play nice with the app for the online math platform I'm using, and IT is about as useful as a wet paper bag with a hole in it when it comes to the software app/interface with the new LMS - I am DONE. I actually just turned down a fall class because I have been in tears over all this crap, my blood sugar has been spiked from the stress and lack of sleep. And I LOVE teaching Stats. It is soooo useful, and can be made quite accessible in the entry level course.

But, something had to give. I just hope I don't lose my seniority over this - I will need to keep teaching in retirement to be able to live - as I will get diddly squat since most of my 24 years here were non-benefited. (presently, if I retire @ 60, the projection is that my retirement monthly income will be short 200/month JUST for covering Heath costs (insurance premiums plus current meds). Never mind anything else - food, mortgage, RE taxed, electricity, yada, yada, yada.

@BY Bob thank you for not jumping all over me for venting. I am beside myself right now

Lots of tax pic: (yes, still 'classics' for now)
View attachment 3551083
Pullet pic of my current broody WR girl.

View attachment 3551089
Pullet picture of my very friendly Welsummer girl.


View attachment 3551090View attachment 3551091

Fluffy bottom pics of Marilyn (top) and her Buff Orp. friend.
Marilyn is my very robust BO girl (weighing close to 9 lbs.)

Tech issues like that drive most people up the wall. Personally, I tend to want to take the computer out and vent with a large hammer. It doesn't affect the individual(s) instigating the issues in the first place, but it would be sooooo satisfying in the heat of the moment.

Take a leaf out of the Chicken Primer for Life: and wander about in the "jungle"

Or take a nap in the sun

I don't think you'll go for their 3rd stress reliever: snacking on mealworms dipped in dirt.

 

[RoyalChick]

Unfortunately, it will be a couple of weeks before I can order anything online. Some one at the college opened and clicked on a phishing email....and when she then sent emails - other people's computers got infected - including mine (she was in HR, so there were LOTS). My computer is now virus free (nope I wouldn't have passes it on to you all) Anyways, there was suspicious 'pinging' of my credit cards on amazon. ( a 'charge' of $0.00 - evidently they do this to see if a credit card is active/usable - the phishers, that is). So, I just cancelled my 2 credit cards and have to wait until I get replacements (10days - 2 weeks). I've also just changed my passwords to all but HCC proper stuff. I can't do that until I am on campus tomorrow. The sad thing is, this is what alerted me to a problem. And, the phishers were clever. The person in HR emailed IT saying they think they opened a suspicious email - IT responded BUT she never got the response - the phishers had a built in program to filter out any incoming email with target words - so the IT guy's email never reached her in box for her to be alerted as to what to do. And, since she didn't get a response from IT, she thought she was good.

Darn those Nigerians (yes, that is where the phishing email originated from, according to IT.)

And, I now have 2 students very irate with me who went to the Dean, stating that I refuse to answer their emails. Evidently, something in their email triggered the phishing software to filter them out - and they kept using the same thread as opposed to creating a new email- so I never got them.

Between this and our new LMS, and the fact that the new LMS doesn't play nice with the app for the online math platform I'm using, and IT is about as useful as a wet paper bag with a hole in it when it comes to the software app/interface with the new LMS - I am DONE. I actually just turned down a fall class because I have been in tears over all this crap, my blood sugar has been spiked from the stress and lack of sleep. And I LOVE teaching Stats. It is soooo useful, and can be made quite accessible in the entry level course.

But, something had to give. I just hope I don't lose my seniority over this - I will need to keep teaching in retirement to be able to live - as I will get diddly squat since most of my 24 years here were non-benefited. (presently, if I retire @ 60, the projection is that my retirement monthly income will be short 200/month JUST for covering Heath costs (insurance premiums plus current meds). Never mind anything else - food, mortgage, RE taxed, electricity, yada, yada, yada.

@BY Bob thank you for not jumping all over me for venting. I am beside myself right now

Lots of tax pic: (yes, still 'classics' for now)
View attachment 3551083
Pullet pic of my current broody WR girl.

View attachment 3551089
Pullet picture of my very friendly Welsummer girl.


View attachment 3551091

Fluffy bottom pics of Marilyn
Marilyn is my very robust BO girl (weighing close to 9 lbs.)

I am not angry at you - I am angry for you - what a goddam awful mess.

 

[featherhead007]

I remember the time when fishing was a relaxing hobby. Take your time, and enjoy your surroundings. Bait a hook, drop a line and wait for a possible response.
Then comes phishing, attacks on websites, emails, personal information and important data about ourselves.
What is life coming to? And where’s my emotional support rooster?! Oh, here he is with Dakota.

 

[Marie2020]

Unfortunately, it will be a couple of weeks before I can order anything online. Some one at the college opened and clicked on a phishing email....and when she then sent emails - other people's computers got infected - including mine (she was in HR, so there were LOTS). My computer is now virus free (nope I wouldn't have passes it on to you all) Anyways, there was suspicious 'pinging' of my credit cards on amazon. ( a 'charge' of $0.00 - evidently they do this to see if a credit card is active/usable - the phishers, that is). So, I just cancelled my 2 credit cards and have to wait until I get replacements (10days - 2 weeks). I've also just changed my passwords to all but HCC proper stuff. I can't do that until I am on campus tomorrow. The sad thing is, this is what alerted me to a problem. And, the phishers were clever. The person in HR emailed IT saying they think they opened a suspicious email - IT responded BUT she never got the response - the phishers had a built in program to filter out any incoming email with target words - so the IT guy's email never reached her in box for her to be alerted as to what to do. And, since she didn't get a response from IT, she thought she was good.

Darn those Nigerians (yes, that is where the phishing email originated from, according to IT.)

And, I now have 2 students very irate with me who went to the Dean, stating that I refuse to answer their emails. Evidently, something in their email triggered the phishing software to filter them out - and they kept using the same thread as opposed to creating a new email- so I never got them.

Between this and our new LMS, and the fact that the new LMS doesn't play nice with the app for the online math platform I'm using, and IT is about as useful as a wet paper bag with a hole in it when it comes to the software app/interface with the new LMS - I am DONE. I actually just turned down a fall class because I have been in tears over all this crap, my blood sugar has been spiked from the stress and lack of sleep.

I'm so annoyed to see you're going through this. What hateful greedy %%%@@## ds

And I LOVE teaching Stats. It is soooo useful, and can be made quite accessible in the entry level course.

But, something had to give. I just hope I don't lose my seniority over this - I will need to keep teaching in retirement to be able to live - as I will get diddly squat since most of my 24 years here were non-benefited. (presently, if I retire @ 60, the projection is that my retirement monthly income will be short 200/month JUST for covering Heath costs (insurance premiums plus current meds). Never mind anything else - food, mortgage, RE taxed, electricity, yada, yada, yada.

@BY Bob thank you for not jumping all over me for venting. I am beside myself right now

From what I know of Bob, he would never complain, he is a kind guy! He's put up with weeks of my being upset over the dogs being abused. I was so upset and went on so much i was afraid he'd block me from his thread.

I'm really so sad about your predicament. I hope it's resolved soon.

Lots of tax pic: (yes, still 'classics' for now)
View attachment 3551083
Pullet pic of my current broody WR girl.

View attachment 3551089
Pullet picture of my very friendly Welsummer girl.


View attachment 3551091

Fluffy bottom pics of Marilyn
Marilyn is my very robust BO girl (weighing close to 9 lbs.)

Beautiful girls to be very proud of

 

[lightm]

Speaking of that, I've been meaning to ask opinions/input. I'm doing my annual 'check the chicken first aid kit' (for full stocking & to replace anything that may have expired)

Below is what it contains - any suggestions? @BY Bob @RoyalChick @Ponypoor (and anyone else who has some knowledge/experience in this area! (list is in no particular order, btw)
Rubbing alcohol (used to sterilize things - before and after)
Hydrogen Peroxide
Betadine
Alcohol Wipes (in case I need to sterilize something on the fly)
Blue Kote
Drawing Salve
Coconut oil
Epsom salt
Essential oils (therapeutic grade): (these have other general health benefits - listed are just for 'first-aid purposes)
Lavender (antiseptic antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory)
Rosemary (anti-inflammatory)
Peppermint (anti-fungal, anti-viral)
Clove (anti-microbial, numbing agent (for pain)
Oregano (anti-bacterial, possible anti-inflammatory)
Note: these can't be used 'straight', I use coconut oil as a carrier oil.
Sm container of ant-acid tablets ( for quick calcium)
B-vit. Complex
Scissors, Tweezers, Toe Nail Clippers, Metal nail file
Q-tips
gauze pads (sterile - assorted sizes) & rolled gauze
Single use super glue packages
wound sealer (basically, a powder used for severely bleeding wounds - I bought a set for my first aid kit and put 1 in the chicken's )
sm. container of corn starch
triple anti-biotic ointment
vet wrap (lots!, ha, ha)
water-proof tape
scalpel & sterile blades
tongue depressors & popsicle sticks
Anti-bacterial hand wipes
disposable gloves
a few bandaids (such as knuckle ones) and some steri-strips
'Suture' kit (100% cotton thread, curved needle & straight needle)
Magnifying glass (my eyes are getting bad)

Low dose Aspirin, liquid children's ibuprofen
pedialyte, nutri-drench. + my own mix of powdered electrolytes (that I usually add honey to when I mix up)

Chicken wash cloth
[All of the above are in a small plastic tool box I can take with me]


Not in the kit, but also available:
Human amoxicillin
Chicken towels
A 5-pack of dog pee pads (great to use when doing something messy - clean up easier!)

Dish pan ( to soak feet, etc. JUST FOR CHICKEN USE)
Plastic dog crate for isolation if needed
Permethrin (just have what was left (lots!) from last year's mite offense)

I think that is everything I have (though I might have missed something - I'm doing it from memory)

Is there anything glaring I am missing? something you find helpful I should consider?


I know @BY Bob recommends having baytril on hand - ?do I need this since I have amoxicillin (i.e. are there times I should use one instead of the other?)

Note: I use pumpkin seeds for worming!

Thank you for any helpful input!

Edited to add: Yes, I have a hair dryer available, also - Thanks @featherhead007 !

Bookmarked. For herbs like rosemary, Oregano, do you mix the dried herbs into food?

 

[Marie2020]

Tina in her elements

 

[Marie2020]

Speaking of that, I've been meaning to ask opinions/input. I'm doing my annual 'check the chicken first aid kit' (for full stocking & to replace anything that may have expired)

Below is what it contains - any suggestions? @BY Bob @RoyalChick @Ponypoor (and anyone else who has some knowledge/experience in this area! (list is in no particular order, btw)
Rubbing alcohol (used to sterilize things - before and after)
Hydrogen Peroxide
Betadine
Alcohol Wipes (in case I need to sterilize something on the fly)
Blue Kote
Drawing Salve
Coconut oil
Epsom salt
Essential oils (therapeutic grade): (these have other general health benefits - listed are just for 'first-aid purposes)
Lavender (antiseptic antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory)
Rosemary (anti-inflammatory)
Peppermint (anti-fungal, anti-viral)
Clove (anti-microbial, numbing agent (for pain)
Oregano (anti-bacterial, possible anti-inflammatory)
Note: these can't be used 'straight', I use coconut oil as a carrier oil.
Sm container of ant-acid tablets ( for quick calcium)
B-vit. Complex
Scissors, Tweezers, Toe Nail Clippers, Metal nail file
Q-tips
gauze pads (sterile - assorted sizes) & rolled gauze
Single use super glue packages
wound sealer (basically, a powder used for severely bleeding wounds - I bought a set for my first aid kit and put 1 in the chicken's )
sm. container of corn starch
triple anti-biotic ointment
vet wrap (lots!, ha, ha)
water-proof tape
scalpel & sterile blades
tongue depressors & popsicle sticks
Anti-bacterial hand wipes
disposable gloves
a few bandaids (such as knuckle ones) and some steri-strips
'Suture' kit (100% cotton thread, curved needle & straight needle)
Magnifying glass (my eyes are getting bad)

Low dose Aspirin, liquid children's ibuprofen
pedialyte, nutri-drench. + my own mix of powdered electrolytes (that I usually add honey to when I mix up)

Chicken wash cloth
[All of the above are in a small plastic tool box I can take with me]


Not in the kit, but also available:
Human amoxicillin
Chicken towels
A 5-pack of dog pee pads (great to use when doing something messy - clean up easier!)

Dish pan ( to soak feet, etc. JUST FOR CHICKEN USE)
Plastic dog crate for isolation if needed
Permethrin (just have what was left (lots!) from last year's mite offense)

I think that is everything I have (though I might have missed something - I'm doing it from memory)

Is there anything glaring I am missing? something you find helpful I should consider?


I know @BY Bob recommends having baytril on hand - ?do I need this since I have amoxicillin (i.e. are there times I should use one instead of the other?)

Note: I use pumpkin seeds for worming!

Thank you for any helpful input!

Edited to add: Yes, I have a hair dryer available, also - Thanks @featherhead007 !

I wish I could book mark this somewhere. I have a lot of these.

Can we use fresh rosemary as an anti inflammatory? If so how?

 

[featherhead007]

Tina in her elements
View attachment 3551158

Well, there’s Tina. (The Lilly of Liverpool)
Kidding.

 

[Marie2020]

Tina is 3 years and three months old now, not bad for a battery hen. And Princess is 5 and two months old.

 

[Marie2020]

It's late and I'm making too many errors with my writing. So good night fluffy butt's

@bgmathteach
Thinking of you and cursing the rip off brats