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, all.
Well. It was 90 F/32 C here today, and the humidity was near 90%. I had to take the garbage bags up the lane so that the contractor service could pick them up, and I was actually dizzy by the time I got back to the house. I couldn't wear my glasses because they kept steaming up. The heat continues to ignite thunderstorms, and we had one this afternoon with 50-mile-per-hour winds. More storms tonight, and the same muggy, hot conditions with more storms tomorrow. Almost the whole state is under a flood watch. Sheesh. Glad I got my weeds pulled, because I'm not going to do anything outside. We're not in any danger here; it's just so hot and volatile.
Lindybird: Your iris photo is beautiful. That's one of my favorite flowers.
OG: Sounds like you've been very busy. Hope you aren't overdoing it. I loved your lupin picture! St. Augustine is an interesting and very beautiful old city, but it has some ugly history. I was there as a child when our car broke down on a family vacation in 1964. This was during the struggle for African American civil rights, and St. Augustine was still one of America's most brutally segregated cities. It was a time of horrific injustice and violence there, and the area where we were stranded for a few hours looked and felt like a war zone. My Mom was visibly shaken, and I was full of questions because I was very young and I'd never seen conditions like that before. When I saw Trucker Steve's location, I wondered how things really are there now. I would like to visit that old lighthouse. I've heard that it's beautiful.
HeatherB: I'd fall asleep, too. I can't get excited over sports, either. Glad that your SiL is receiving good treatment for his eye condition.
Margobird: So glad that your ordeal is over. Cirrus: So pleased that you are healing.
Brenda H: I agree with you. I hope the people who are actually responsible for the decision to poison are punished and the punishment fits the crime. Alan: Thanks for that link.
Hi, Annette!
I'm so glad that you had a good visit with your family. The cake sounds wonderful. I could soooo relate to your story about the stress of getting everything on the table while trying to talk to family. And then -- just when you were starting to unwind -- it's all over. I felt that way last Christmas. I rushed around trying to prepare dinner, fix my Dad's plate, etc., and then just when I was starting to unwind and wanted to visit, my brother got up and left (to go be with the family of his new girlfriend)!!! Sheesh.
I hope the work in your garden goes smoothly. Yup, you're right. I'm going to spray the weedy area with RoundUp. Really hate to do that. Hope the rabbits, toads, and everything else stay away from it.
So, who do you hope wins the U.S. vs. England game?
I hope you have a wonderful visit with your granddaughter tomorrow before they head out. And then take some time for yourself before the work on your garden begins.
Hey Diane: Well, not really rooting for either side tomorrow - would like England to win, but think it would really be neat if the U.S. won too. Before you spray, go out and announce to everyone (rabbits, toads, etc) that they'd better take a little vacation in the next field. Hope the weather improves soon - but I imagine this is fairiy normal?
Morning, All. Bit grey and cloudy here again, but sunshine promised for later (must go fill up the washing machine again, there's always something needs washing).
Huge red poppy waving at me from the bottom of the garden, shall pop down to admire it when I get dressed. Various chores to do today, usual shopping and tidying etc. OH will watch England game tonight, so I may see some of it, but not all.
Have a Good Day.
Good Morning ALL. The sun is actually shining here this morning.
I will be watching the football this evening. I hope it is a good match. Television says that the Americans have the most supporters in South Africa. I enjoy most sport and will be going to Wimbledon, something I have always done since I was a teenager, but it was a lot quieter then.
I hope Margo is feeling better this morning after a good night's sleep.
I need to shop this morning, so will catch up later.
Morning all ... dull, cool and breezy here ... we were promised sunshine!
Margobird, I hope you are feeling better this morning
Diane - 90% humidity? ... sounds like my worst nightmare!
Thanks to all for chat etc
Today is another 'pottering' day (and of course some football watching!)
Take care
Joan - avid bird and nature watcher in Northumberland!
Index Thread
Morning all,
Not got a lot of time to chat as on my way out.
Latest pic of Puffin in Shetland - sitting tight:
Good morning DjoanS bit sore and bruised but had a good night's sleep at least. Same here we were promised wall to wall sunshine but it hasn't happened yet, bit cloudy and cool.
Margobird
Good morning Brenda and thanks. Had a good night's sleep which helps. Bit bruised and sore but that will soon go but taking it easy anyway. Football will be on but i suspect ospreys will win for me. We have been lucky to get tickets for Wimbledon twice in the ballot. The first year we applied we got tickets but it was another five years before we were lucky again, In my younger days I was sport mad but although the spiritis willing the body is not anymore.
Have a good day.
Hello Diane just read you are using Roundup to get rid of weeds. We use it our garden as well as they say it is does not harm wildlife.