Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

I'm glad your cat turned up @scruffypuffball .

@NatureLover I replied to your last post a day or two ago but I see it's evaporated into the ether. So I'll try again.

I try hard in the exercise group but can't always do what's asked, my limbs are slow and unresponsive. It's different each session but follows similar themes.

Yes I agree it's frustrating to repack things and not dispose of many. I think it's fairly common and is called churning. I'm thankful for the 25% I can discard or donate, and for getting reacquainted with the rest. I'll come back to it and re-sort it further down the track.

I'm very sorry to hear of the plunging morale at your old workplace. The cultural change with the acting and new managers must have been profound.

One of my old workplaces was restructured and the workforce was gutted. Perhaps 4 of every 5 people were retrenched or retired. The next place I went to also went through a restructure but only lost 1 in 6 jobs. It still added up as it's a big organisation.

My psychiatrist today commented on the loss of my other professional mh supports. I didn't explain (he didn't ask). But I realised it's left a gap. Last time I went to the gp clinic they told me they didn't look after my mental health - so much for primary care.

I emptied another box last night. I'm trying to persevere but it's very slow (my fault, it should be quick and easy).

Oh no @scruffypuffball I hate it when they go missing like this. I hope she comes back soon. I will be praying for you both 🙏

One of my cats went missing for nearly three months, and then one day, she just appeared. I think that someone must have taken her in and not let her out for a long time.

Some people say cats can be very responsive to training @Appleblossom @tyme but I think mine a have been too independent.

My present boy doesn't come when called. But he sang out when trapped behind a neighbour's fence for 2 or 3 days, many years ago - I walked around the neighbourhood calling.

@scruffypuffball i am so glad she is back. You can rest easy now

@Appleblossom I'm intrigued. Were the tortoises responsive?

When I was a kid we sometimes fed a wild blue tongued lizard

@Appleblossom @NatureLover @Dimity @tyme @scruffypuffball I don't know how my sister did this, but she trained all the cats to go outside to do their business. My cat really is the only inside cat these days, but she will let you know in no uncertain terms, that it is time for her to go outside. So there is no longer a need for a kitty litter tray inside.

@tyme @Dimity I never want to overdo training. I am more curious of what are natural responses to given situations. Maybe its cos of the orphanages or all the diagnoses. in https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethology_Ecology_%26_Evolution

Didnt have dogs growing up except one foster family did race greyhounds, but that seemed very controlling for all the excitement. My dad gave me along necked tortoise to respect indigenous critters, and later we had a blue tongue. My mother made a bit out of being the natural mother... so foster vs natural and what on earth ... natural even means.... is a fundamental value and issue for me.

@Dimity At the zoo ... they were giant tortoises and would find their way through a simple maze for either the flower or the pat. I didnt get the final paper, but watched the trials live.

As a kid, we had a small tortoise which I took for a daily swim to a local fountain in Hyde Park. We had it for a few months, then one day it managed to hide or somehow get away. I was mortified.

Anyway that was the kind of natural dad I had. He was influenced by indigenous culture of his time, but also loved European culture. He kept thinking of interesting activities. Given he had been in an orphanage his whole life, so not a lot of spoiling or extra attention, I now reflect and think he was inventive and dedicated on a shoestring. He wasn't yelling at dogs like the foster, but thoughtful and interactive. Whats a kid to know?

Hugs @Appleblossom . Kids can be very perceptive. Your father sounds intelligent caring and imaginative.

I love that the giant tortoises liked pats and treats.

My house is shocking too, @tyme ! I'll tackle my kitchen if you'll tackle your clothes 😄

Thanks for thinking of us.