MrsD,

When I put out the finch feeder do I just hang the nesting thing next to it? Can I use cotton balls?

Jace

I couldn't drive at all for about a year. Then in the second year post-accident, I drove very little.

My car was totaled in the accident that caused the concussion, so I had to buy a new car. I bought a LARGE SUV.

I still don't drive that much, but I'm able to do more while I'm at home, so I don't get as bored as I did during that first year. That was brutal.

I still have a penchant to "overdo" it, and when I do I render myself unable to do much and I languish until my body/brain have rested and recovered enough to be able to do something again. (This includes thinking unfortunately).

I have a rich inner life, so if I'm able to think I can mostly entertain myself... but if my thinking becomes arduous or hindered because I'm overly fatigued then I get VERY bored.

And it's almost been 4 years since the accident I was in!

I was able to drive for about 30 min on Saturday and Sunday, both ways, by myself! For the first time since the accident. I used to take long road trips by myself before the accident; I would LOVE to be able to do that again someday...

The HRT I'm receiving is helping me to be able to function more and more as time continues.

I feel for you guys stuck at home all day long, I know how awful it can be.

The following are some activities I've used to keep myself occupied, but everyone's tolerance will vary:

-coloring (I discovered that there are adult coloring books that are fun)

-jigsaw puzzles

-sewing (simple kits available online)

-iPad (slow-paced and relaxing games, books, magazines, internet, email)

-Texting Friends

-reading

-crosswords

-word search

-cognitive therapy books (designed for tbi survivors)

-meditation

-chair exercise

First put up the feeder and see if you get them. They will have to learn to find your new feeder.

100% cotton balls are ok... I fluff them up some. But what I have been using now, are the stuffing from my supplements. Not all vitamins come with cotton stuffing anymore, but many do.

Birds do strange things... up north we had a wind sock made of mylar with mylar strings at the end to dangle and catch the light. We used to find those woven into nests years later!
People upNorth use them on docks to scare away gulls from sitting on the docks and messing them up. So it was interesting to see these broken off strings end up in nests. Obviously those birds liked the "glitter" effects! They were about 3/16inch wide.

The finches don't lay their eggs until later in the season.
http://www.birdfeeders.com/advice/bi...dfinch/nesting
http://www.wild-bird-watching.com/Am....hJ7Iio7U.dpbs

We've never had much success with Niger seed. We give shelled sunflower bits, that we buy in small bags. I have my nesting dispenser in the backyard, and the feeder in the front of the house in the kitchen window. The nesting dispenser is in a mock orange bush hanging from a stout sturdy branch. The leaves from above make the birds feel protected from predatory birds etc.

The first year I put the cotton out it was for the hummingbirds. But it didn't get taken. Last year the finches showed up...and this spring I have both finches and chickadees. I still haven't seen a hummer take the cotton! So the finches didn't come right away. You can also stuff cotton in the notches of small bushes. That way the birds get used to the idea. We used to do this with our cat hair (from brushing), and it was always taken, but we never saw who took it.

Am back to driving now only if I really have to, had an accident early last year and couldn't drive for a long time.

I am so scared to drive now, I have an SUV and am scared enough but want to freak out if I'm riding in a car with someone, constantly saying slow down, don't get too close to that car in front and my heart races if a car gets too close behind.

I hope this gets better, I am so frozen in the car I can hardly move my neck for fear of getting hurt again.

That's interesting about the bird watching, there's a little bird that sits in one of the trees at the front of the house and he sings, so I mimic him and he sings back my husband laughs and thinks I'm nuts but I find it so cute also watch the squirrels.

It's pretty normal to experience PTSD after an MVA. I worked with a psychologist and even did a few sessions with a driving instructor to try and rebuild my confidence.

The instructor assured me that I was actually a very good driver. Ironically, that sort of added to my anxiety. You see, my MVA was caused by a grossly reckless motorist.. The fact that there was absolutely nothing I could have done to prevent it has always bothered me. It just taught me that, no matter how careful I am, I am still at the mercy of all the idiots on the road.

Hockey and Sitke,

You both struck such a cord in me about driving, PTSD, the accident and being a passenger.

Wow. My accident was on a highway and a man high on drugs cut across the highway. I'm so bother and tormented that there was nothing I could do to change the outcome. Rationally I know xyz, but I still struggle.

I can't drive because of my vision. My perception is off too. When I look it looks like cars are coming at us but they aren't. I am a backseat panic driver.

I look forward to all of our brains being able to move past these issues. That day will be a huge step forward.

Jace

Okay Ladies,

If watching wildlife makes me old I am all for it! Neuropsych said my brain is now like an old person in some ways. That's okay.

I love watching the birds and squirrels. I'm putting cotton ball (stretched out) in my bushes tomorrow for my little friends. Here's a pic I found in a forum of aww pictures.

I uploaded some of my jewelry to the Creative Corner thread. I follow picture tutorials to make all different kinds. I'm hoping to learn to quilt soon. A new friend is willing to teach me.

Has anyone ever listened to the old mystery radio shows that were on before TV? My 7th grade teacher used to play them for us and they were great. That might be a good source of entertainment for some. I'm sure they can be found online.

Keep those ideas coming everyone.

Jace

When we had the accident, we had three cats, one very old, two degus, and I guess still a hamster or two. That was four and a half years ago.

Since then, all hamsters and the old cat have passed on.

But now we have the two cats, two degus, two guinea pigs, one dog, four parrotlets, fourteen parakeets, five different species of finches totaling 22 birds.

I watch birds and furry things all day. Talk to birds and furry things all day. Set up birds for breeding, occasionally, or I'd have hundreds of them by now. Rearrange cages and make new toys and things.

Yes, I am now a crazy bird lady. But it's much better than being just plain crazy. And they are better than using the TV for company all day.

Oh, btw, I would suggest avoiding anything parrot-like, including parakeets, especially in large numbers like I have. The noise can be quite a lot to take, at times. Be careful of canaries, also, some are quite loud and shrill. Finches vary in loudness and sound, but some are soft and quite pleasant.

Cats are no good as daytime companions because they just sleep all day. Hamsters and many of the rodents are the same. You gotta find a pet that's awake and active all day. Personally, I would recommend the finches or other small birds, but I'm a crazy bird lady now.

We just had two long days of heavy rain. Just before it started a female Goldfinch came to my nesting dispenser and just sat there for a while. The bush has leafed up quite a bit, and I guess she was resting and feeling safe.

So I was able to get a nice portrait of her, thru the window. Sometimes working thru that window is not good, but this one is nice. (I have many photos I have to delete).