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!
Diane - Perhaps you should try rhe Scotch whisky and then you won't worry about the weeds!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Annette - I'll have a piece of that cake thank you. Sounds delish.
Morning All. Dry and promising to be sunny later, here.
Lots of interesting posts to read from the Night Shift.
Plus a lovely lupin pic from OG - I had some lupins but something ate them, so never got around to replacements. They are a good splash of colour in the garden with their elegant spires.
Sorry to hear about your liquid amber tree, AQ. I hate to cut a tree down, too, but suppose everything has its lifespan. Good luck with the hunt for the outfit.
Annette: That cake sounded delish, especially if it wasn't too sweet, what a nice idea for a birthday treat. Its very tiring having a house full of people who want feeding, you never seem to get out of the kitchen do you? Nice to see them all but also, nice to put them all out of the door and wave goodbye! Sounds like a busy week ahead for you - pace yourself and don't go lifting any more rocks/stones/walls.
Can only describe myself as sad today, hearing 1st thing about the Oil Spill Disaster being at least twice as bad as was first thought- what are we doing to our planet? we only have One Planet.... Everyone seems to be blaming each other rather than getting their heads together to solve the problem, too.
My thoughts today with both Margobird and Cirrus, hope all goes well with the appointments and you are both back on here double quick time, to catch up on our joyful little family of osps.
p.s. They mentioned the Great Bustards on the Springwatch programme last night, and showed the little chicks running behind Mum. I remember seeing them last year when they talked about their hopes for a successful outcome, so its great to hear that things are working out ok for these unusual birds.
Great Springwatch prog. last night, with Kingfishers, Swallows, Otters, tiny baby Greenfinches, and they brought an Owl into the studio which was just gorgeous, only a 'teenager' but so cute and fluffy still.
Thanks for reminding me, Lindybird. You're always so thoughtful. I meant to send good wishes to both Margobird and Cirrus today, too.
Good morning, all. Weather same as yesterday. Nothing much planned – just more of the same. Diane – I think BigRig Steve will be setting out early Friday morning (his time). Can’t really tell how close to the coast the road actually runs. Just googled St Augustine Florida and had an enjoyable read of the town’s history. Sorry you are having to take a tough decision about your tree – but better to lose one tree than the family house which means so much to you. As for the weed killer, I would say desperate situations call for desperate measures – and those spines in your hands sure sound desperate! AQ – here in the UK we can watch the Trucker from our mid-afternoon, but I don’t often get to see much scenery – will be easier in our winter when I can’t be in the evenings. So sad about your Liquidamber tree – like losing an old friend – but pleased that FSiL has offered to help. I hope Bride#1 approves the blue outfit or helps you find something different which suits – is GDau being bridesmaid for her Aunt? Annette – sounds like a great family day and they all appreciated your hard work preparing for it. That light strawberry cake sounds good to me! I hadn’t realised the contractor was starting straight after the family visit – but I guess you can sit back and let him get on with it – with earplugs! Lindybird – I too was so sad to read about oil spill being twice the original estimates – I would have thought they should have known the rate of flow long before this. Also read about possible effect of BPs troubles on our pension funds – much less significant than the environmental issue, but still a worry. I guess Cirrus will have had her appointment on time and know how her eye is progressing. Margobird will be under the knife right now! It was the anaesthetic injections which were worrying her the most. Will be watching last nights Springwatch during lunch and dinner today, so looking forward to the Great Bustards. Diane - just refreshed and saw your beautiful card for Cirrus and Margobird – I’m sure they’ll love that one!
Ospreys Rule OK, but Goldfinches come a close second!
Good Morning ALL. Rain was torrential overnight. Now just normal light rain.The water butts and some containers I left outside are overflowing. We shouldn't have to worry about any watering for a while now.
I have been thinking of Cirrus and Margobird and hope all is well with them both.
OG, I like lupins but, as Linda says, they seem to get eaten before they are allowed to grow here.
Diane, Sorry about your Liquidamber tree, but I would rather be safe than sorry. I also have to use weedkiller on certain weeds, which just seem to be resistant to anything eco-friendly.
Annette, I know you must be tired, but it really sounded like a most enjoyable time. We really do buy too much food on these occasions, but I would love some of the Birthday cake.
Good morning all ... cool and dampish here today again.
Thinking about Cirrus and Margobird this morning ... although I guess Cirrus will be out .... or even home ...by now!
OG - lovely lupin photo ... one of my favourite flowers, although I don't have any in my garden.
Diane - good luck with taming your weeds! ... and a lovely picture message for Margobird and Cirrus.
AQ - shame about your tree, and good luck in the shopping trip!
Annette - that cake sounded absolutely wonderful ... you should have taken a photo to show us! (On second thoughts, you sounded too stressed out to even think of that!)
Thanks to all for chat etc
Take care
Joan - avid bird and nature watcher in Northumberland!
Index Thread
Good morning Renda H and (just) back from the hospital and as it turned out was not too bad. Ohly one of the cancers had to be cut out, the suspects have been treated with a spray for now but will have to keep an eye on these in case they come back again. Now have 8 stitches just above my left eyebrow, fortunately I still have all the eyebrow as they cut just above it. Again the worst part is the injections to numb everything. Once that is done I relax. Stitches will come out next Friday. Can't have a shower or wash my hair for the next couple of days which is always a pain as I wash my hair in the shower every day. Will have to take baths instead but although I can get in alright I have trouble getting out, another sign of old age I think. Feeling a bit sore but it will soon go and fortunately I always heal well. Would like to think that is the last of all this but have said that before and then found more suspects which need treating. Got to take it easy today so perfect excuse for osprey watching. Have just caught up with the daily chat so now going through yesterday's daily and weekly cnat.
Margobird
Diane that is so kind of you to put the lovely card on the blog. All done now and stitched up, injections to numb my forehead being the most painful part of it. Taking it easy today so lots of osprey watching.
Hope you are keeping well.
Hello Lindybird thanks for your kind thoughts, you are all such a lovely lot of friends in times of need. I am not too bad, a bit sore but I will watch my beloved ospreys and that will take any pain away as they are such a joy to watch. Couldn't wait to get home to watch EJ, Odin and the three huge chicks. Lovely pics posted by you.
Have a good day and hope you get some time for osprey watching.