HI all: I'm late starting this. Be sure to check the last two pages of the previous Weekly Chat - some interesting links, news, updates on nest data, photos. I haven't had a chance to read them all but off to do that now.
dibnlib said: Went to my voluntary work this pm and found out that one of the paid workers was 18 today. After wishing her Happy Birthday I remarked that she would be able to vote on Thurs. Amy looked at me as if I had two heads!!!! Am I right that in the states it is compulsary? or did I dream that one up. Signing off now so sleep tight folks and good morning to others.
Went to my voluntary work this pm and found out that one of the paid workers was 18 today. After wishing her Happy Birthday I remarked that she would be able to vote on Thurs. Amy looked at me as if I had two heads!!!! Am I right that in the states it is compulsary? or did I dream that one up. Signing off now so sleep tight folks and good morning to others.
dibnib; Voting from age 18 is compulsory here in Australia. AQ has mentioned it on here in the past, so that may be what you are remembering. ;-)
Smiles, Jan.
Anyone seen any fish deliveries to LG nest today please?
Goodnight all. Have to have a reasonably early night as I have an early appointmennt for an echocardiogram in the morning - I hate having to lie there hearing my heartbeat - better than not hearing it, though!
Got up late this morning, had a look at nests and threads, then made muffins while OH shopped. We finished cleaning up the deck and associated plants in pots this afternoon, even got out the table and chairs – and promptly sat down. Then couldn’t move because Wood Pigeon was having one of his long feeding sessions right beside us – I don’t think he’s been away at all today, apart from three times having to chase others, when he just does a circuit of about five suburban gardens! So another late dinner, then had to check greenhouse watering etc.
Annette – I do hope Hummer survived – well done for helping him. Trucker Steve has set off after his latest truck problem – in Indiana, with another trip lined up after the current one to Iowa. Bet he’s glad he’s not headed back to Tennessee right now. AQ – just wear something comfortable for the weddings – one of our medical staff bought a dress for her son’s wedding intending to lose weight, did very well but it was still tight, wore it anyway and spent the whole day uncomfortable and not daring to eat until she took it off that night! Diane – and why are we putting all that money into space anyway??!! Lindybird – loved the Batman joke!! Also had a laugh at “took Husband & Dog, who enjoyed all the country smells” – imagined both husband and dog enjoyed the smells! Alan – baby blackbird here has found the windowsill feeder – must have been shown it by mother, I think. It’s really a Robin feeder, but that is one of the few birds who has never used it! Dibnlib – hadn’t heard of Scandinavian hound racing – sounds scary to me!! (by the way, have replied again on your page). I like the new Avatar. Sad that so many young people aren’t interested in voting – you’d think they would want to have a voice. Patriciat – brought back memories of taking dogs for vaccinations – difficult to explain to them that it’s for their own good! Awful news about the Bird of Prey deaths in the Republic. All the best for tomorrow’s echocardiogram – will be thinking of you in the morning.
Ospreys Rule OK, but Goldfinches come a close second!
Evening all. It seems to have been quiet here today. Hopefully everyone has been making the most of the bank holiday. Annette - hope your little hummer has come through alright and Alan that the little blackbird will be fine despite all the cats around. We too have a few visiting cats which wander into the garden as well as the odd evening visit from local foxes. Yesterday I saw two young thrushes and two young blackbirds even though winter doesn't seem to be over yet. We also have bluetits which nest in our garden wall every year and I see they are back although haven't noticed if the nest is active yet. Luckily, we even numerous large bumble bees around so we seem to be quite lucky with nature in this part of the world. Good luck with your appointment tomorrow Patriciat. Steed has had an arrhythmic heart beat for about three years now - I don't really like listening to it but we are assured it is not life threatening. As you say, better than not hearing it.
Evening/morning all: Did not get to Wildlife Center to check on hummingbird today as was late out with the whales (well, at Coal Oil Point). Only two whales this morning; none on my shift and as I type Mike hasn't entered data for remainder of day. But loads of dolphins kicking up the ocean a ways out and a large group of sea lions doing the same closer to shore. Also lots of usual sea birds in various feeding frenzies up and down the coast. Down below on the rocks we saw two Oyster Catchers - dark birds with long, brilliant orange beaks that aren't typically seen this side of the channel, four Brant geese en route north taking a lunch break (a bit different in appearance from Brent geese, my fellow counter who is also a Brit tells me), and 63 Brown Pelicans (I counted) flying in a single line at eye level just off the bluff. The universitiy folks (on whose land we conduct the count) were resurfacing the road to the point so I ended up parking and walking to the bluff.
Patriciat: Lightning got Kennel Cough when she was in the Humane Society while we were in the UK last time, but a shot of something-or-other cleared it up in no time. Horrible news about the Irish birds. But good that you can hear your heartbeat!
dibnlib: Dillon is a great subject for your avatar (I really have to organize one for me). Voting here is not compulsory; the younger generation was very much involved in the last presidential election, however, since they were very much attracted to Obama and he ran a brilliant campaign, using the internet to establish a vast grassroots base that reached a huge number of university students.
Wattle: Interesting that voting is compulsory. A good idea in theory, but I wonder if many people really understand why they're voting for a particular candidate. Of course, maybe it's a different system there...
OG: Wonder if Trucker Steve is heading to Utah and that new rig.
Had some BP bigwigs on telly tonight stating that while they are responsible for the oil, Transocean (I think that was the name) was responsible for the rig, its operation, and the crew, so that'll be interesting to watch. Antiques Roadshow just starting - but must keep close eye out for early arrival of Odin who apparently wasn't seen much yesterday (though seems a lot of people were out and about and he may have snuck in).
Hi, all. Just a quick post between storms here. No damage, just big thunder and lightening.
DibnLib: No compulsory voting here in the U.S. In fact, voting turnout, esp. for non-presidential elections, is often very low. Love your new avatar. Dillon is such a pretty doggie. One time I ordered my dog a box of toys from an internet pet store. He was so excited when the box was opened. For the rest of his life, when a delivery person would deliver a package, that dog would bounce around with glee and he couldn't wait to see what was in the box.
DjoanS: Horrific news about the killing of the Irish birds of prey.
Lindybird: That Batman cartoon is hilarious!!! Your walk sounds wonderful. re: your space comment. I agree with you that just because aliens are technologically advanced, they wouldn't necessarily be moral, ethical, or compassionate. Just look at us!!!
OG: As much as I love science, I agree with your comment about the funding spent for space exploration. Until world populations are all living at an acceptable standard (food, education, health care...) and the environment is protected (including wildlife), I don't think we should spend money on space programs. Besides, I fear that our government wants to use space for military purposes. I do think that earth will eventually be threatened by an asteroid impact, and the world's governments ought to be researching ways to detect and deflect the object before collision.
Patriciat: Hope your echocardiogram goes well.
Annette: I so hope the little hummingbird recovered. You are a very good person for trying to help. Also, Alan, I hope the little blackbird stays safe.
Sure hope Odin shows up bright and early with a fish. Everyone have a nice Tuesday.
Annette: Sorry you didn't see many whales. Did you know that sperm whales are being threatened by the Gulf oil spill? Haven't heard a lot about that situation.
Also, did you know that Halliburton was responsible for cementing the deepwater drill hole at the oil rig site?
Diane - Thank you, the rain you sent has arrived, 2.4 mm, not a lot but just what the garden needed. Annette - I'm jealous you are watching "Foyles War". We saw that last year. I have been enjoying a crime series "Blue Murder" about a women detective with 4 kids at home. Alas there is no more. We have been getting 2 versions of "Who Do You Think You Are" - the UK & USA versions. "Time Time" is on again - this the American. Last week a fascinating episode on New Philadelphia in Illinois founded by a free African American in 1836. To all who suggested I wear something comfortable to the weddings. Indeed I shall. That is my first criteria. Went on an expedition today. Black & red stripes are not my thing, nor dull plum colours. Nor clingy styles (over my tummy roll, gotta be kidding!). Second shop was more helpful - she said I was too early, wait until new stuff comes in early August, and <surprise, surprise> she put me on the mailing list in case anything turns up meanwhile. Another shopping centre flagged for next week . . .
I am so angry with those who destroy our planet. If they are going to put oil wells in places like the gulf, surely they know accidents are likely. Why aren't they made to take precautions just in case. 3 months to drill another hole! Why couldn't they drill 2 to start with. Don't quote cost. What about the cost now to the environment, people's livelihood. And those who poison or shoot our wildlife, perhaps I had better not say what I am thinking.