DECEMBER is a month of hope!
Cold yes, dark yes, but the gloomy grey days of November have generally given way to sunnier, brighter days. At least, so it generally is here in southern Ohio, and I hope for you too. Then the winter solstice marks the shortest & darkest day of the year, but we know that immediately after that each day gets that wee bit longer and therefore lighter. Not just hope, but proof that spring is on its way. And all month we look forward to Christmas, the happiest, most hopeful day of the year. December is the month of planning, of preparation, shopping, wrapping, baking and FUN (if we just don’t let ourselves get overwhelmed).
All the while we know that Breagha and Millicent are warm in Africa. We pray for their continued safety, as well as that of other osprey that we follow. But not all the birds desert us for the warm southern climes. Some are well adapted to our northern winters and are still here, providing enjoyment and often appreciating our bird feeders.
Here on the Gabfest, a music night “around the world” has been suggested. We hope to hold this in early December. Also, I’m sure that later in December I, and probably others, will want to play some Christmas carols. Whether this will be an organized Music Night or just spontaneous music remains to be seen. Also a few of us are planning Christmas cakes. A Christmas music night may be organized around these presentations.
So once again, I issue an invitation to all osprey lovers to come on in to the Gabfest chat room, where we can enjoy the warm fires and chat about all things osprey as well as most anything else that crosses our minds.
I have painted on your map the position of WHITE 14.
I work at the ALBA Gas Plant just west of Malabo (That northern peninsula). Last visit March 2014.
There is a tagged osprey just accross the water near Douala which is part of Cameroon (I think a Finnish osprey) that Alan Petrie follows. Bioko is part of Equatorial Guinea and the mainland is further south.
No streetwalking here, but how is this for a zoom-in? As nearly as I can calculate, the Island is about 40 miles north to south, so White 14 is approximately 40 miles away from your location "as the osprey flies".
White 14 must be the bird you hoped to see on an earlier trip. Maybe his time!! Or maybe you can spot the Finnish bird.
Good evening all. Alot going on this afternoon! For some reason none of the messages are coming through to my phone or computer! Our data has been restored 10 gb for the next month! We suspect its the "Apple" thats gobbling up all the data so i now switch off the wi fi after using!
Willow, I only partially understand what you are talking about, but I hope that everything works out well for you and that you will be able to participate in Gabfest to your heart's content for the entire month of December. And ever after, for that matter. :)
Hello Bente nice to see you back. Looking very much forward to seeing a pic of your cake! You are very ahead as is Keith and Valc!
Hello Valc nice to see you again and you are very organised having done your cake already! Mine is still in the planning stage as is Junes! I have loads of mixed dried fruit left in the cupboard from last year, the only thing i need is cider.
LOL June i only partly understand too! We only have limited data as our broadband is via satelit as we have no other so usage is very limited. Will get started on my cake very soon
Very interesting photos of Biok island June.
Keith I really hope you get to see White 14 while you are there. Must be due to return Northwards soon :)
Keith I hope you get to see White 14 on your visit to Bioko island, must be due to return Northwards soon:)
Already wrote this post but it disappeared so apologies if I repeat myself!
As to shopping, I am looking forward to what has become the annual adventure of buying a pint of brandy to soak my raisins in for my "Drunken Boiled Spice Cake".
The first year. improvising on my family BSC recipe, I covered a package (almost three cups) of raisins with the brandy which took almost the whole pint, so I just emptied the bottle. After they had soaked a day or so, I asked what you do with the liquid that was not absorbed. "How much did you use? There isn't any left over!" Well it took the whole pint to cover. Y'all were shocked. "But June, you're only supposed to use 2 tablespoons!!" LOL Works for me and I'll use the same process this year.
Did You all check Keith's "around the world" music selection above. He managed to sneak his favorite Disney ride in on us again. LOL,Keith