We always have the most beautiful wildflowers pop up in the fall. These beauties are right next to the top of the big garden bed. I pass them as I walk to my car. These wildflowers are one of my favorite parts of the seasonal change. Some of them are very colorful. I took some photos the other day and I’ll share them with you over the next few days.
The latest: I got the PCR Covid test yesterday. When I turned in my swab, the technician said “You should have results within 2 to 4 days.” Ummm….I said I had to have them by Monday morning at the latest because I needed the test done for a job. She responded that “they” tell them to say that but that the test results have been coming through more quickly of late. Well. That’s all I could do. Later in the day, I received an email from the Covid testing czar for the touring company reminding me to get my test yesterday and to submit the results by today at the latest. Ummmm….that ain’t gonna happen.
I wrote back saying that I had the test at 12:30 pm yesterday. I didn’t think it likely that I would have my results by today, since it can take 24 – 48 hours, sometimes more. Since they had insisted I couldn’t do it before yesterday, my hands were tied. Then the guy actually said that some people get several tests at several locations so that one result might come through sooner. My response: I don’t live in a city. I live in the country. I’m not sick, so I can’t get it done at one of the labs around here. They will only do a test upon a doctor’s recommendation for those who have symptoms. So my only option is to have it done at a drive-though pharmacy, which is what I did. (I am not about to drive all over the place trying to coordinate Covid tests at various locations.)
So the end result is that I don’t have a frigging clue if I’ll get the results in time. The language used by the touring company is that results have to be submitted before the first day of work/travel. Well, I’m traveling tomorrow. I’m working on Monday.
I told the guy I’d keep him posted and that if by early afternoon tomorrow, I had not received the results, I would let them know and we could maybe try to rearrange the schedule.
Too much work and stress. I can’t be the only person going through this waiting game with work/employment dependent on the timing of the results.
I warned Sophie about wet leaves and here she is, slipping on one.
I just want to take a moment to address some questions that came up in yesterday’s comments. The sweater and skirt are made by AnnaMargoeva on Etsy. She is Russian, as are so many Blythe customizers/creators. And Sophie is a customized Blythe doll done by a woman who lives in England, you can find her at Candyflossbyrose on Etsy. Her prices are quite reasonable, as well, and she couldn’t have been kinder. She took the time to answer all my questions. She carved the nose and lips, did the makeup and freckles, changed out the eye chips (the 4 colors that show when you pull the pull ring to change eye positions), added new eyelashes, pull rings, and sleepy eyes (which is accomplished by adding an additional pull ring to shut the eyes.) She may have changed out the hair as well.
I’ve dipped into this particular rabbit hole because I’m so fascinated by it. I’ve watched videos of customizers carving the details on a face, adding makeup, weaving hair into the scalp, changing out the bodies – it’s all fascinating. No, I have no desire to try that myself! I am in awe of the artistry that goes into customizing a doll and I am content to reap the benefits.
I think Rose did a beautiful job on her. She has such a sweet face. I’ve found that choosing one of these girls is very much dependent on your emotional response to a particular doll – and in my case, my pocketbook! Sophie’s face elicited a strong response in me and that’s why I chose her. A hint of vulnerability, seriousness, trepidation…I guess I saw myself in her. And except for the blond color, my hair was worn exactly the same way when I was a little girl – bangs and long, straight hair.
Hope this answers some questions!
Stay safe.
Happy Saturday.
Linda says
The Sophie hobby looks like it could become expensive.
Claudia says
Well, in the end, that’s up to me!
Stay safe, Linda.
Marilyn Schmuker says
Gosh, the testing situation is so frustrating. If they require a PCR test I don’t see how they can expect results the next day. My daughter had my granddaughter tested with Dr order at a hospital lab two different times when she had meningitis and didn’t get results for at least 2 days…I think one was 3 days. It’s too bad the rapid test isn’t a little more reliable, although alot of businesses here are requiring those for unvaccinated workers.
There is nothing you can do…fingers crossed you get results tomorrow.
I wore my hair like Sophie’s as a child too, although not quite as long. Every elementary school picture of me is a serious wide eyed look. I didn’t like having my picture taken, it made me nervous.
Safe travels tomorrow.
Claudia says
My mom put my hair in a ponytail a lot – easier for her to brush out, I guess!
Yes, the rapid test is good, but unreliable, which is why they’re requiring this one. So, I’ll sit back and wait and see what happens.
Thanks, Marilyn.
Stay safe.
jeanie says
I would be frantic, hoping those results came in time. I understand (theoretically) the company’s timetable but circumstances vary so much in different places. I hope everything works out in a timely way.
Meanwhile, I’m glad you have Sophie to make you smile while you wait. When I say she is a doll, I mean that in more ways than one!
Claudia says
The timetable is the same as it is in every theater and in every film or Broadway production. It’s just tricky because testing result times are all over the place, depending on where you live.
We’ve talked and I’m going to go into the city even if my results aren’t back. In a worst case scenario, they’ll send me to a quick turnaround testing site in the city on Monday morning. So. At least I know now that I’m taking the train to the city tomorrow.
Stay safe, Jeanie.
Kay+Nickel says
This testing process is very frustrating. Obviously the COVID manager at the touring company wasn’t being reasonable. I am glad you kept your cool. All this because people won’t get vaccinated. Grrr 😖 Continue to stay positive. The test will come in on time.
One of the reasons I am not traveling now is the testing process and the fear of having to be quarantined.
The good news is things are beginning to get better.
Claudia says
Well, I disagree with him being unreasonable. He was only keeping to the guidelines that are in place everywhere – especially in the theater. He isn’t doing anything wrong. Just enforcing what has to be enforce legally. Although expecting me to run around to different testing sites was rather unreasonable – he’s clearly used to working with young people with lots more energy than I have. I suspect he’s used to being in a city, as well. Yes, all of this is still happening because people won’t get vaccinated.
I would be shocked if I tested positive. We always mask when we’re out and about and that applies to outdoor settings as well.
Thanks, Kay.
Stay safe.
Roxie says
You are taking your PCR results all in stride beautifully. I’m not a fan of uncertainty, especially when I’m on a timeline… I have faith that yours will be back in time and certainly with a negative result!
I like Sophie’s pose-ability–those joints are genius. I’m just happy if I can get my dolls to sit nicely for a photo shoot! Current doll project here: a teeny denim jacket–flat felled seams and orange top-stitching, just like the real thing.
Happy trails!
Claudia says
Oh, how neat, Roxie! I can’t imagine being able to sew clothes for these dolls. I’m in awe.
Stay safe.
kathy in iowa says
hope and praying that you get the test results back in plenty of time before work so you can work and especially relax/cross that thing off your list.
travel safe.
i feel pretty good about my interview yesterday except for a need to change mid-interview from zoom to a call on speaker-phone so they could hear me better. tech problem? that quake in my voice? i don’t know … but i am a bit worried about my voice because this job requires a lot of talking.
had a lovely day with some members of my family today. hope you all had a good day, too.
Claudia says
Have faith, dear Kathy. If this job is meant to be, it will all unfold nicely.
No test results yet, but if I have to, the company will send me to a quick turnaround site in the city.
Stay safe.
Jane Moore Krovetz says
Oh, I hate uncertainty and I do not envy you! Probably everything will work out though. Thank you so much for the information about Sophie and her clothing. I have recently watched a video about these dolls and how they are customized and I’ve become interested. I never realized about their pull string and the eyes. that is very cool! I also have a doll that wears the same sized clothing and I have a thing for the knitted sweaters. I can sew but unfortunately knitting has never been my thing. Sophie is so cute!
Claudia says
Isn’t that process fascinating, Jane? I can knit, but I don’t think I could do it for a doll!
Thanks so much.
Stay safe.