Hi everyone: Don't forget to check the final posts of last week's chat for tips on ordering stuff through the mail and what to do when a package has been tampered with and/or items never arrive in the first place! Also, OG is back and had a lovely time and may post photos if she can find some without total strangers blocking the views! Brenda/dibnlib: Americans aren't "allowed" to go to Cuba because - oh don't get me started. But a friend of mine did go there - he had to go somewhere else first and then pop over to Cuba on the QT before heading back to the States. Tiger: Nice to see you. Emma: "They" have just approved a bunch of wind turbines offshore of Cape Cod - one of the most famous scenic places on the U.S. East Coast! I'm fascinated to see what happens since I can't believe the moneyed and well-connected folk with fab houses in that area would allow it to actually happen. Diane: Yes, I read some comments on Trucker Steve's blog about some negative folk on Facebook, but no idea what that was all about and, like you, had no inclination to find out! He's heading to Florida next...
Since folks on here are talking about it, thought I'd mention that BP's curly headed CEO? didn't endear himself to anyone last week when he said he was eager to "get his life back" after the spill. A nice option for him when those killed and their families won't ever have that option, not to mention the wildlife.
Haven't been around much today - Farmer's Market and errands this morning, then this afternoon went on our Gray Whale "thank you to volunteers" boat ride on the Condor, which typically does whale watch cruises for tourists, etc., but was just for us this afternoon. Mike, our main GWC guy, works (unofficially) with the captain of the Condor during Gray Whale season. The Condor calls us when they see whales heading our way while we let them know when we have whales around Coal Oil Point. A win-win arrangement for everyone. Today, we left the harbor and immediately found ourselves in a pod of dolphins - a huge pod of about 700, Mike estimated, in full hunting mode. Just an amazing spectacle; we were surrounded by them. The dophins on the outer edge of the pod were leaping out of the water in coordinated groups of four or five - one of the rangers said she'd seen that behavior before and speculated that it may be a way of driving the fish into a particular position to facilitate feeding for the rest of the group . We could see fish jumping - literally for their lives. Other dolphins were behind the boat and still more right beside us, riding the wake from the bow . Immediately in front of the bow the dolphins were swimming (all this very fast) upside down, their bellies exposed and our guide explained that this was normal hunting behavior - that they can better see the fish from this position. Just amazing. Then we headed 9 miles out to track two humpback whales - a cow and calf pair, which we followed for about 30 minutes, watching the mother roll on her side to feed on krill; then saw the calf breach, which was a real treat. They served us wine and food, but I didn't partake since we were in a heavy swell and my innards were feeling a bit odd. That wasn't helped by the diesel fumes or the very strong perfume that two young women were wearing. I haven't had problems on boats before, but as they say, there's always a first time and this was it. Suffice to say I made it to a quiet corner at the rear of the ship before.....
Probably going to bed early tonight! Granddaughter and OH arriving Wednesday, so a busy week ahead. Take care all!
I’m still here, folks. Just a little fragile. It was a busy week with the usual library & archive visits (enjoyable ‘cos it’s my hobby), housework (only the absolute necessary), food shopping, plus mother-of-the-bride shopping (time getting short). At last on a visit with a friend to an outer suburb I struck lucky. With friend hunting racks and saying useful things like "No ruffles are not you", "No, short people with our shape can’t wear that", I was able to avoid saying no, no, no, no and not seeming so negative. LOL. I have short-listed a 3-piece deep blue for the first event and Bride#1 will come with me next Sat. I thought I should keep Bride#2 in the loop but she said "Did you just ring me to tell me you haven’t got anything to wear to my wedding?" Ho Hum, so much for . . . oh, forget it. The result of the busy week was me being flattened by a stress headache yesterday (when all stress was over). Took a tablet after lunch, crawled into bed and woke 4 hours later very muddled. Headache is on its way out today, so I’m hoping to indulge myself this afternoon with some serious live osprey watching.
So much to catch up. Welcome back to those who were away. Hope those not well are now better.
Tiger - Thank you for oil disaster map. To see it superimposed on SA does explain the size so clearly. Now how about coating a certain CEO in the "spill" like those poor pelicans?
Cupcakes are not very much around here. Those huge muffins are definitely still the in-thing.
Collages. Fsil made a large one, digitally, of m-i-l's family as a door label for nursing home room. Around a photo of her & her late husband, there we all are - children, gr-chn, g-g-chn, even the cats & dog. She told us that as she enters her room, she says hello to all of us!
Morning All. Damp and drizzly here today.
Annette: That trip with the dolphins sounded just wonderful. Shame it was spoiled somewhat by your not feeling too good. (why do women often put too much perfume on, when it is a strong smell anyway?)
AQ: Nice to hear from you. Sounds like you've been busy. Can empathise with the search for suitable outfits, it nearly drove me crazy ( in fashion, not mutton-dressed-as -lamb, not too bright, not too dreary, etc.etc. ....aaargh!) - & worst of all, you have to do it all twice! Hope the headaches don't return, and you feel more yourself, now.
Off to the garden centre now with Husband, to argue over bedding plants purchases, then on to an 'Event' which would have been lovely if the sun was out, but looks as if its going to be rather damp! So much for looking in the wardrobe for something summery and floaty: may need our raincoats.
Have a Good Day, All.
Just trying to catch up on all the news before getting ready to go hospital visiting. BiL had his operation and is now trying to recuperate as operation was much more serious than first suspected and he was in theatre for six hours and now they think he might have a chest infection. Coming back from hospital trying to get over the Forth Bridge as you reach it at the busiest time and there is a queue of about two miles and it takes some time to get across. Had yesterday off and managed to get ironing done and grass cut so I am up to date with my chores. Hope everyone enjoyed the short spell of good weather we had as today looks as if it is back to our usual.
george g
Happy new week to all. Rain was forecast this morning but none yet so “one man went sent to mow” straight after his breakfast. Checked cams and did a quick read through earlier, then did some domestic stuff – including making celery and cashew soup. Tiger - thanks for the link to the interactive oil-spill – puts it into perspective – it still looks small in the great expanse of the Gulf of Mexico, but it covers Scotland! Annette – thanks for so faithfully starting our week! Sorry you were not able to fully enjoy your boat ride – but a great experience seeing all those Dolphins and then the Humpback with calf. Hope you get a quiet day today before starting preparations for G-daughter’s arrival. AQ – sorry you had a stressful week – remember it’s only a wedding (times two). I suppose I shall have the what-to-wear dilemma for G-son’s wedding next year – already upset my daughter by saying “you won’t get me in a dress”! And do I buy something if I see it and risk a change of size, or do I wait till next year and then not find anything? Lindybird – I hope you got your plant purchases sorted without too much argument, and are having a good time at the event, despite the weather. We disciplined ourselves not to buy at Gardening Scotland – decided we could find space for only a few alpines, as I am replanting some of the troughs this year, and that is what we bought – just five alpines.
First picture from the show. We started outdoors in case it rained later. This was a gold medal college design called "Green up and bring back the bees". Sorry about the advert in the middle – and the back right background isn’t part of this one!
Ospreys Rule OK, but Goldfinches come a close second!
Morning ALL. Dry and misty here this morning after heavy rain and thunderstorms overnight. Cooler and fresher now but more rain forecast this afternoon.
AQ, I took ages to find an outfit for my son's wedding. It wasn't just a case of finding something I liked, I couldn't wear the same colour as the bridesmaids, the brides mother, grandmother, which eliminated quite a few colours. I haven't worn the outfit since, even though I did like it. Having said that, the day was lovely and I enjoyed it all so much. Hope you are feeling more relaxed now and your headache goes away completely.
Annette, I didn't realize that you still couldn't travel to Cuba. My son said it was like going back in time but extremely interesting. I can sympathise with your feeling seasick. The only time it happened to me was on a tourist whale spotting trip and the feeling was just so horrible. I had to use the brown paper bag, which they provided. I was so glad to see dry land again.
George, Sorry your BiL's operation was even more serious than was anticipated. I really do hope it all results with a succesful outcome.
Hope you all enjoy today, whatever your plans.
This was the one from our local college (Barony). Called Autumn Gold and got a gold, very good, but to me it was rather out of context on a June day in Scotland!
GeorgeG - just picked up your news of Brother in Law from Brenda's reply - haven't seen your original post. I too am sorry to hear that his surgery was more than expected. I hope he is recovering from the actual op, and will soon gather strength. Does he have to have follow-up treatment after this? I do hope not. Best wishes to you and yours.
Afternoon all,
GeorgeG : Sorry that your BIL had to have more surgery than expected. I hope he makes a good recovery.
Annette : Amazing seeing all those dolphins but I know what you mean about being seasick. I remember being on a particularly rough crossing from Penzance to the Scilly Islands. I had to concentrate really hard on reading a book to stop being sick.
OG : Nice pics from gardening Scotland.
Everyone else thanks for chat,clips etc.
This morning we went to the Wyvale garden centre in Crowland and bought some Geraniums for the patio. We had a toasted teacake and a cup of tea as it was too early for lunch.
Weather is dull and looks as though it is going to rain but none yet. Temp 16.3c
Very light rain - not very wet but enought to stop work - since just before lunch. Grass got cut, but OH was hoping to slice along the edge of the path to the front door, and only got as far as locating where the overgrown edge actually is! Been updating church website, now OH is off to see the man who has been examining the community group accounts which he will get rid of this week. I shall find myself something to do - maybe! Alan - hope you enjoy your geraniums - I usually grow my own cuttings in the greenhouse. Haven't had a toasted tea-cake for ages. This picture is for you - "Plantsman's Garden" by Dundee College: I think the backdrop to the trellis is a picture of Dundee across the Tay.
Thanks OG and it is indeed Dundee taken from the other side of the Tay. I would recognise it anywhere. Apologies for being biased but that is the best garden display by far. LOL