Hi all. Just starting this 'coz going out to birthday dinner with OH tonight (Indian - his choice). Back to catch up with last week's final posts later, (which included a great photo from OG's trip).
OG - Love your quirky pic. Such a contrast. Our tree dahlias are flowering while the spring bulbs are sprouting green. And the deciduous trees are starting to turn now the nights are cooler (down to 7 C). Lindybird - I am always knitting. Can't watch TV without it. LOL. The Daus complain handmade knits never wear out, so they don't want any more (for now). Instead I am knitting jackets, beanies & wee bears for a single mums charity. What am I watching on TV? Well, Kate Humble in Ethiopia finally made it DownUnder. And the last of Foyle's War is on tonight. Last episode already !!! Then earlier this week there was Time Team at Westminster Abbey.
Evening/morning all:
We sold our Jacuzzi spa the other week and the buyer arrived to pick it up today - it's a very heavy, cumbersome item, and he brought along four short Hispanic gentlemen, two of whom looked quite slight and two others who looked as if they might have heart attacks any minute. It took ages to disconnect the power (only because one screw was totally rusted in place), then they lifted it up, struggled across the yard with it, then up-ended it to get through the gate and out to the truck. Getting it in the back of the truck was a lot of fun, but they had some good ideas. They transported it on its side, secured with rope and bungie cords, but I kept imagining it toppling off the truck onto the freeway as they tootled through downtown.. Apparently they made it safely. Now we have a huge place in the back garden for - something else, possibly a tree.
Emma: OH is taking a seminar at Cambridge (not teaching). We went out for dinner tonight; just came in a little while ago. I called American Airlines to upgrade him on the UK trip only to find out we have to wait for "corporate" to release more Business Class seats for upgrading. Boo. But he's happy to wait for a "pending" present, so we'll just hope that "corporate" releases some seats and the sooner the better. I'm going to relax while he's gone. Not cooking at all; decided I'm going to explore all the parts of town/parks, etc. I haven't had time to yet. Oh I say take the summer off! You know what they say "Nobody ever died wishing they'd spent more time at the office." Rest up and get tanned for that holiday in Turkey - and spend time with your daughters since they'll be out in the world soon.
OG: Lovely photo - you're right; it's an interesting juxtaposition of rocky hillside and lush greenery with daffs. As you saw, Trucker Steve was close to getting his new truck, but pesky paperwork held things up so he's still - I guess - waiting for the next Utah trip. Ironing in the heat is horrible. Sounds like you need a rest!! Take care.
I'm really tired tonight; woke up way too early, so probably will fall into bed soon. Take care all.
Hey AQ: While you've been knitting and watching TV, I've been researching native/drought-resistant plants and keeping an eye on EJ. Foyle's War is a lovely series, isn't it? So low-key - it was a short series this time around.
Good afternoon Annette. I'm enjoying the birdsong at LG with one ear. Hope you strike it lucky with the airline. We only got our upgrade after check-in, while we were waiting in departure lounge. Such a nice surprise. Cold day here. Promised rain by lunchtime hasn't come. Soon we'll be off to visit m-i-l. She returned to nursing home from hospital last Sun while I was gallivanting. Staff made a big fuss of her and she was so glad to be "home".
Hey Annette. We crossed. They said the previous Foyle's was the last, so this was a surprise. Pity there aren't more.
AQ: Congrats on having your knitting admired. I used to knit -- about a hundred years ago -- but I was never very good. Then computers came along, and I gave it up completely. Wow, an eagle being chased by a fox! That fox was a bold one! So glad that you found the Myrtle Rose White book. I loved the photo of that train!!! I just wanted to fill my backpack and get on board. I actually have railroad hats that I wear when I'm working outside. Thanks for the Pichi Richi Pass pics (say that 5 times fast!). Have enjoyed all of your photos!
OG: That is a beautiful photo of the hill and the daffodils. Have made it my new desktop wallpaper for the week. I so hope the future is bright for the purple herons in Kent. They are such magnificent birds. I have a soft place in my heart for all herons. A very interesting article said that this is the first time the purple herons have nested in Britain, and the RSPB + the Kent police are protecting the nest/eggs round-the-clock. It said that this is one of the species that will likely start nesting in the UK as climate change pushes wildlife farther north. http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/may/19/purple-herons-uk-nesting-kent
By the way, our temps will be near 90 F/32.2 C for the next several days. Like you, I find the heat exhausting.
Lindybird: Glad the local young woman won the Over the Rainbow show. dibnlib: My Dad would have loved the vintage car show. TerryM: So sorry that you can't go on your planned vacation. Hope your boss completely recovers and can return soon!
Annette: Hope your toothache is gone and that you had a lovely dinner with your husband. I also hope the seat upgrade comes through. One would think that the airline could have booked it. Loved the story about Peculiar, Missouri. Here's a funny list of weird town names. http://www.listology.com/list/real-weird-town-names-us I like Uncertain, Texas; Truth or Consequences, New Mexico; Rough and Ready, California; It, Mississippi; Panic, Pennsylvania; Experiment, Pennsylvania; Fearnot, Pennsylvania; Double Trouble, New Jersey, Liars Corner, Ohio; Suckerville, Maine, Rudeville, New Jersey; and Normal, Indiana. There's also a Why, Arizona.
Morning, Everyone: Very sunny here as soon as the sun came up this morning, and we are supposed to be having our hottest day yet this year, here. Certainly was warm yesterday.
Diane: Love the unusual names you've listed above: I had heard of 'Normal' in Indiana, which I always thought was a great name for a town. But why 'Why' ???? that's truly weird.
Just read back on the previous posts: Thanks to OG for the great pic of the daffs, how cheerful! Sounds like you enjoyed every minute of your hol.
Annette: Your spa is gone! that's great news, gone to a good home (tho I did laugh at your description of the transporting of it) - now you can have fun deciding what to put in it's place. Glad you and OH enjoyed his birthday.
EmmaP: Annette is absolutely right, you should spend some time off as you might not have time like this again with your family, they are soon gone, believe me! And no, you have not 'rabbited on' . Happy Summer to you All and in advance, hope the August holiday is a great success!
Morning all,
Back from an excellent holiday in Wales and still trying to catch up. We had great holiday with no daytime rain whatsoever. Highlights include 2 visits to Glaslyn where on the 16th we saw the first chick just peeping out from under mum and on the 21st saw all 3 chicks being fed until they flopped over. Also visited Portmerion, Bodnant Gardens, Penryhn Castle and Plas Newydd on Anglesey where there is an amazing mural done by Rex Whistler. The perspective seems to move as you walk along viewing it. The National Trust staff certainly know their stuff and it was very interesting. There was also a parking place for Lord Anglesey but not one for Lady P unfortunately so we had to park in the main car park.
Here is a heron pic I took on the river at Glaslyn:
Now continuing my catch-up – know I don’t have to reply to everything, but it makes sure I have read it all! Will try to be brief. Missed wishing Alan a great holiday – guess he is due back this weekend. Cirrus away too? Is this her trip to Mull? Heron – sorry to read you have been unwell again – hope you have fully recovered by now. Dibnlib – scarifier makes a big difference to lawn maintenance, especially if you have moss, as we have. Loved your gossiping penguins picture! Patriciat – sorry no rosettes for you at the big show, but I’m sure you had a good day. I love agricultural/country shows – just as a spectator. 14th was our first attempt to see Dolphins – no luck although we spent over an hour at Chanonry Point around high tide. Saw waders from Udale Bay, spent time in Cromarty and had excellent soup and sandwich lunch in Rosemarkie. Dinner was at Old North Inn with Dau#2 and S-i-L. No really good photos that day, so here’s an extra from LG the day before:
Sorry to read that LG site had some iffy days – frustrating for you all. That Saturday, S-I-L went to the Scottish cup final to support his local team, Ross County. They lost. We spent the day with Dau – again sorry no pics, but we (eventually) had a good forest walk. Started with me on scooter as Ranger said paths were good, but Dau decided we should go “off piste” and it couldn’t cope – and I couldn’t cope with it’s erratic encounters with stones and tree roots. We returned to leave it in car, and then set out with me walking. Dibnlib – congrats on the multiple ERNIE win! Pleased your OH finished the fence. Brenda – enjoy Chelsea – hope the weather stays good for you. It’s something I always hoped to do, but don’t think we shall from here – but we have been to the Tatton Park show when we lived in Lancashire, and from here we go alternate years to Gardening Scotland at the Highland Showground near Edinburgh airport.
Well reached the end of that weekly chat, so only another week to go! Will be caught up by the time we go away again.
Ospreys Rule OK, but Goldfinches come a close second!