My Social Dire-y
“Dot.calm” by Jane Silverman
This week I threw the ball for our dogs approximately 1115 times; we (and when I say “we” I mean our 16-year-old) built a huge bookcase and two large shelf units and packed 10 boxes of books for Goodwill (to be delivered at a later date). Meanwhile, I planted potatoes, baby banana trees, and papaya seeds, made a TikTok video, started playing the piano every day, and had an origami lesson (thanks to said 16-yearold). On Zoom, I met with three sets of family, celebrated a friend’s birthday, attended a virtual “dressy” (from the waist up) cocktail party, had a doctor’ appointment, and ran an online trivia contest with 18 friends. Who knew self-quarantining would be so hectic?
Zoomers
For years, all we ever needed for free videocalls was Skype (up to 50 people at one time) and Facetime (up to 32). But now, Zoom zoom.com has become the go-to app for weaving together our life stories during this tricky time. It’s free to use for up to 40 minutes with up to 100 people. As a frequent “Zoomer,” here are some tips for a successful Zoom call:
Safety First: For your weekly friends and family calls, be sure and send them a new “Schedule Meeting” invitation with a new password each time you use Zoom to ensure a secure connection from hackers and “ZoomBombers.”
Angling for a Compliment:
The oldest photography trick in the book is to shoot from above and not below. Put a book under your laptop, smartphone or tablet to raise its height and angle so that the camera is looking down on you and not shooting from the danger zone (under your chin and up your nose).
Lighting: Adjust the lighting in front of you, not behind. Backlighting will cast you in shadow (that means don’t have your back to an open window with sunlight streaming through).
Etiquette: Mute your call when you’re not talking to make it a better sound experience for everyone – especially if you have a lot of background noise like a barking dog, dishwasher or incoming phone call.
Virtually Anywhere: Liven up your Zoom video call with a fun “virtual background” (especially handy if you don’t feel like tidying up). On your phone, during a call, go to the three dots/More tab on the bottom and click on Virtual Background. Tap on the Plus sign (+) to add photos from your camera roll to add a little fun! On your computer, click on the Share Video button and then Virtual Background followed by the Plus sign (+) for photos from your Pictures Folder. For birthday calls I add a balloon background — cocktails means a sunset shot!
Shhhh Don’t Tell: The Zoom “Touch Up My Appearance” feature is as Martha Stewart says, “a good thing.” Open the app and go to the settings (click on the small gear icon). On your laptop or desktop click the Video Section, and then tick the Enable HD and Touch Up Appearance buttons. On your phone, go to Settings, Meetings and then scroll down to turn on this magical feature. You are welcome!
Sew Important
I envy Member Heather McHold Campbell’s sewing skills – and the fact she has a sewing machine (and knows how to use it). She sent along a link for homemade face masks — an easy to use A4 letter size pattern at freesewing.org.
For those challenged with threading a needle (ahem), try the tutorial by DIY Nikol & Alexandra (search YouTube youtube.com or type in the search bar: youtu.be/ieI7HITRm3c which uses scarves, kitchen towels, paper towels, coffee filters, baby wipes, socks, hair ties, rubber bands, and even a stapler to make simple yet effective face masks. The best fabric to use is folded over and washable tightly woven, 100% cotton fabrics like pillowcases, bedsheets, and woven T-shirts.
Pantry Magic
While I have always loved to cook, there’s something different about HAVING to cook that makes it ever so slightly less appealing. With a freezer full of chicken, steak and shellfish, I am only missing the inspiration. Try these free nifty cooking apps: SuperCook: Recipe by Ingredient supercook.com l lets you list your available ingredients and instantly finds matching recipes from the most popular cooking websites; the All Recipes Dinner Spinner app allrecipes.com is not just for dinner – it’s a fun way for recipe ideas you wouldn’t ordinarily find. Just shake the phone to “spin” for a winning recipe.
Wild About Food
Is Publix taking too long to deliver? Try Wild Fork Foods wildforkfoods.com which prides itself on its beef from the best slow feeders in Nebraska and Colorado, as well as Berkshire pork, wild-caught fish, and grassfed lamb. Wild Fork blast freezes and vacuum packs at the peak of freshness for a product fresher than what you might get on a supermarket shelf. AND they deliver to 33037.
A Little Bit of Fun
Lisa Grunow shared that the Getty Museum in Los Angeles is challenging quarantined art fans to post photos of themselves recreating their favorite works of art with everyday items. Search for the #gettymuseumchallenge to see the responses or send in your own.
Stay Home. Stay Safe. Stay in Touch with Friends and Family. Keep Busy!