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!
The Derby Peregrines are beginning to look all grown up:
Thanks Sandy. I havent checked them for some time and the difference is amazing.
Just took this Clematis flower picture in the garden:
That's a real beauty, Alan. Here are two pictures of another gold medal college (SAC) garden at the show. This one was "21st Century Croft" and had been re-assembled after showing at Chelsea the week before, where I think it got a lesser medal. It is "alternative" in some respects, while being quite traditional too. The screens move to provide wind protection when needed, and also act as hidey-holes for wee beasties - the student we talked to reckoned they brought back some London insects when they moved it home!
Ospreys Rule OK, but Goldfinches come a close second!
OG - Thank you for the lovely pics from your trip. Glad that you made it.
GeorgeG - All the very best wishes for your BIL's return to health.
Everyone - I generally do read all the posts and while I don't post myself all that regularly, I do send my thoughts to you all when things are not going well, even if I don't get it down in black and white-- Not a very good excuse, especially when lots of you sent comforting posts to me when SIL went off to Afghanistan. Truly, i am lazy, not uncaring . Anyway, heres to another great week of osprey watching and chat - thanks to all for pics posts etc.
Good afternoon george g sorry to hear about your BiL but I wish him well and for a complete recovery. It is very tiring hospital viisiting, take a lot of time out of a day and things do get behind. Glad you have got yourself up to date and hope the weather improves for you again, for the moment summer seems to have disappeared for you. Take care and look after yourself.
Margobird
Morning all:
AQ: What not feeling well? That's no good. It's wonderful to have an honest friend with good dress and color sense to go shopping with. Can you send her over here when you're done? And I suppose you can't wear the same outfit to both weddings without seriously upsetting Bride#2. I guess they didn't think of eloping? :-) Had to laugh at OG's comment, " It's only a wedding (times two). That would be enough to send me running for the exit! Maybe you can lend your dark blue outfit to OG when you're done?
Lindybird: It's funny, but it seems that ;old-fashioned' perfume is making a comeback. I remember that years ago you couldn't go to a restaurant without being assailed by strong sweet smells (and not from the dessert); but recently the trend is to 'botanics' natural perfumes that aren't so overwhelming. Of course, I haven't been near a cosmetic counter for eons, so what do I know?
George: Oh dear, looks like more chauffeur duty for you. That''s so good of you and I'm sure it's much appreciated. Try to have some fun in between all the chores.
OG: Nice shots of the gardens - that "21st Centry Croft" entry is a nice idea; good work in any climate. In the background there's a building with some kind of plant on its roof. In New York and other cities here,they've started planting grasses, etc., on the roofs of buildings as a way of conserving energy.
Alan: Lovely clematis; interesting how the inner petals are so much fancier than the outside ones.
Very slow start to the day here; don't think it's going to get much busier at this rate! Back later, take care all.
Good afternoon all and it looks as though summer has finished for a while. we have not had rain yet but it is promised for tomorrow and on Tuesday when I will be doing my donkey carer for the day experience. I hope it won't be too bad as it means there are outdoor things that you would not be able to do.
Lovely photos original goldfinch.
Margobird: Hope the rain holds off until your donkey-carer duties are done! I remember you loved it last year. Will you get the same donkey?
Writing here just now to make sure that this thread gets to the top of the page again:
dibnlib & HeatherB : you have inadvertently written at the end of last week's thread.....
Lindybird said: Writing here just now to make sure that this thread gets to the top of the page again: dibnlib & HeatherB : you have inadvertently written at the end of last week's thread.....