Mujitsu and Tairaku's Shakuhachi BBQ

I apologize in advance for my beginner's questions but they keep coming up and this seems like the best place to ask.

First of all, I am wondering where you put your shakuhachi when you are not playing it?  By this I don't mean long term storage but the rather the hours between practice periods.  Do you place it back in its storage bag with the sc/fi sounding 'vapor barrier'?  Or do you set it on a nearby table or on the bookshelf?  Does it matter if it is out in the world for short periods of time or must it always remain in a private abode safely protected from outside elements and curious eyes?

And, what position are you usually in when you practice.  Is seiza the best?  Or is it good to be on a chair, ever mindful of good posture?  How about standing while practicing?  Is that allowed?  In my short, very short time, as a shakuhachi beginner I have found that standing is most comfortable for practice.  But that hardly counts as anything given my absolute, well, almost absolute newness with the instrument.

Also, does it help or hinder to play in front of a mirror?  To say the least, is is interesting to see what the lips are doing and fingers are attempting.

What about practicing outdoors?  Are cold'ish temps, like say 10 degrees C a problem for the instrument or for the player? 

If you live in a apartment or condo building, do you think your neighbours are distracted or disturbed by the flute?  Does it carry in a wooden building or am I safe to feel unconcerned about disturbing those around me with my repetition of the three notes currently in my grasp?

If you have made it this far through my list of questions, let me thank you in advance! 

Any suggestions or ideas will be gratefully accepted.

cheers,
Erin