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!
Hi Annette it was indeed a red fox in my garden and a very beautiful one at that looked incredibly healthy too.
Margobird
Welcome back, Margobird. Thanks for telling us about your Donkey Day - sounds wonderful, and so pleased the sun came out for you too. Anything with a cream tea gets my vote!! Good luck getting used to the hearing aid - I am sure it will make life easier for both of you. Will be thinking of you on Friday - hope you are not kept hanging about at the hospital and can just get in there and get it over with - a pity you can't borrow a donkey to keep you calm during the anaesthetic injections!
Ospreys Rule OK, but Goldfinches come a close second!
Cirrus - Epiphytes = "air plants" - anything which grows above soil level, on rocks, trees or other plants.
Thanks for that OG (showing my ignorance there )
Hello Margobird - Great to read about your donkey day, what a great birthday gift! Regarding hearing aid, my OH has same, and at first he didn't like them, said that ALL sound was magnified including of course, background noise. He persevered though, and through using the different functions on the aids has got back some of his quality of life. You are right, deafness affects all the family, not just the sufferer. He and I have had our moments but no matter how frustrated I have been - ie having to run up and down stairs to speak directly to him, couldn't call from downstairs eg 'lunch is ready' etc , had to go down the garden to find him - bottom line is, he was almost tearful at times. If you need any pointers re aids to hear TV etc, just get back to me.
Cirrus - My SIL has appointment on Friday re his eye problem. First hospital appt available. Will update you. Hope that you are making progress, sight and hearing are so precious to us all.
Thanks for that HeatherB I am a bit concerned about background noise but I will give it my best shot and OH has been told not to try talking to me when he is in another room but speak directly to me as I could probably work out what he is saying by watching his lips. He is not unkind about it but it is frustrating for him and me and I quite understand that OH felt tearful at times because I have felt the same even though they have described by hearling loss as moderate. will have to wait for about a month but will let you know how things go and bear in mind your pointers re aids to hear TV etc. Have to say there are so many lovely people on this blog, all very caring.
Want to say thanks to all for all the pics and news as well. Would like to reply individually but it has been so busy on both the weekly and daily chat that it would take so long and then I would get even more behind.
Afternoon all,
Margobird : I am glad you enjoyed your day at the donkey sanctuary.
jsb : Wonderful clip of the whale shark.
Everyone else thanks for chat and pics and links.
Not a lot on today. Lady P has gone to her sisters for the day and I have been trying to tidy up the garage.
Off out with Hamish in a few minutes. Weather is cloudy with showers forecast but none yet.
Temp : 16.4c
Margo, I am so pleased your day was so enjoyable. I had to laugh though as I visualised the donkey taking you for a walk. Coincidently, I was looking at a magazine this morning, where a lady,named Maggie Todd , a volunteer, mentions Cliff, who has been there for 16 years. The cream tea, would always go down well with me.
Thanks Brenda H must admit I feel a bit weary after being taken for a walk by Shirgar, but it was a wonderful day. So many donkeys there who are all looked after with much love and attention to suit all their needs.
Unknown said: Welcome back, Margobird. Thanks for telling us about your Donkey Day - sounds wonderful, and so pleased the sun came out for you too. Anything with a cream tea gets my vote!! Good luck getting used to the hearing aid - I am sure it will make life easier for both of you. Will be thinking of you on Friday - hope you are not kept hanging about at the hospital and can just get in there and get it over with - a pity you can't borrow a donkey to keep you calm during the anaesthetic injections!
I hadn't though about bringing a donkey home but that would be an ideal thing to take my mind off the injections. Not scared of needles as such but in your forehead they are painful. I would love to foster a couple of donkeys but would need a much larger garden. Would be like heaven to have donkeys to watch.
I have an early appointment (9.00) so will be seen fairly quickly. they have never kept me waiting long before. Should be home by about 10.30 and then have to take it easy for the day so you can guess what I will be doing and not feel guilty about.