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.
Hello and good morning everyone!
I'm not sure I could manage both Music Nights this month--- I have to work night shifts on some fridays, and maybe my Dad is going to celebrate his birthday on one of the saturdays. So I think one Music Night is difficult enough.
June, I I have an good idea what to do with the brandy that is left over from soaking the raisins (It is a good idea to use more than two tablespoons of brandy!!!): You can put the brandy into an empty marmalade-glass and always add some of the brandy to your after-dinner-cup-of-tea. How is that ;-)
See you soon, Bente
Unknown said: 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
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
JUNE - You can not street walk Bioko neither can you take a photograph whilst on the Island without advanced permission.
You zoomed in well and have marked a few points withpictures of these points.
1. VILLA
2. OSCAR WINTERS HERE
Well I will not get any snow out here in February/March and maybe migrate home with White 14 although I think he will be later than me. Certainly will be able to migrate home with Oscar.
When we went down to the South Bay last March a couple of times went round by boat and was quicker than when we went by road.
Keith, No imposition. I truly enjoyed your favorite "Its a Small World", but couldn't resist just a wee bit of teasing. :)
It is good to hear of Oscar again and to know that you hope to make contact with him again soon.
I am wondering where Oscar's offspring, APOLLO, is now, if he is still in the Holy Land. Will I get another glimpse of him this Christmas, as I did last year. Somehow I feel certain that he has survived this year well and is now strong and happy wherever he might be. This spring he will be a two year old and I am hoping very much that he will return here to my back yard. He seemed to be so contented here for the short while that he was with me.
What a coincidence. When I was getting the close-up I zoomed in closer on the little peninsula where the street winds around close to the shore. I thought Oh if they only had streetwalk, I would start right here. Now I see that it was the very point of the arrow marking your villa. It is lovely, by the way.
Behave yourself when you get there. Maybe best to leave your camera at home!
This photo came to me in an email along with other wildlife, but isn't this a built-in elephant along one of the Disney rides?
epiac 1216 wordpress.com
Just to brighten our day.
June - It is the elephant known as Big Shot under the waterfall on The JungleCruise - many take his photograph (Its OK to photograph them as most days they have their trunks on).
Go to around 7 minutes if you do not want to experience the entire ride and you will see this actual elephant at around 7 minutes 33 seconds to 8 Minutes - He is the most famous elephant on the ride and is called Big Shot.
THE JUNGLE CRUISE
Thanks Keith. It's been a while since I was there, but I thought I recognized this fellow. I didn't know he has a name.
June, Those are a couple of gorgeous bird photos! And you did make me laugh about soaking your raisins in a pint of brandy with your 'Works for me!". But I wonder--aren't British pints and American pints of different sizes?
Keith, I've forgotten--did you manage to see White 14 last time you went to Bioko?
Kind regards, Ann