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. Storms moving in here quickly, so I can't stay on long. Sigh... Just wanted to say thanks for the great photos. Beautiful blooms, Lindybird and OG. Alan: I love that Welsh dragon. Please send him to me so I can place him near the entrance to my house! Cirrus: I hope your eye heals rapidly and well. So very sorry. An eye injury is a very distressing thing to endure.
Annette: I just read that there have been swarms of small earthquakes in the San Bernardino Mountains and also in the Santa Monica Bay area in Southern California. I hope you are and you stay safe. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2010/06/earthquake-swarms-continue-in-southern-california.html
In case I don't get back on the computer tonight, I wanted to say: Please have a really wonderful time with your granddaughter and the rest of your family. I hope you have a great visit!!!
Everyone have a nice day/night!
I wonder if you are still online, Diane - this is just to wish you safe in the approaching storms.
Ospreys Rule OK, but Goldfinches come a close second!
Folks, the Roy Dennis website seems to be having a spot of indigestion. Can someone please try it to confirm?
ChloeB & Tiger's Osprey Data Site
Sat track schedule Spring 2014
LG 7 days; RW & SWT nil; LDOP varies
Hi jsb, Have just tried Roy's site and cant get on it at all, either.
Been outside to give weed recognition guidance, then watched yesterday’s SpringWatch while today’s recorded!! Looking through today’s posts – I know I did some “instant” replies but want to make sure I didn’t miss anything. Annette – I thought you had probably done too much with those rocks yesterday – do take care! I echo Diane’s concern re SoCal earthquake swarms too – keep safe. Dibnlib – will email you dates for 2011Gardening Scotland. Jsb and ChrisyB – just checked out Roy Dennis’ site – seems OK now.
Lovely shot of Odin on the edge of the nest in the gloamin’ – just enjoying time with the family! (I know that’s anthropomorphic, but it’s so good to see – hope someone has captured it).
I don't remember whose stand this was at Gardening Scotland, but I loved the country feel of it - somehow full without being crowded.
Unknown said: Lovely shot of Odin on the edge of the nest in the gloamin’ – just enjoying time with the family! (I know that’s anthropomorphic, but it’s so good to see – hope someone has captured it).
There is quite a discussion of this scene, asOdin was eating a fish, on the daily thread and Sandy has put the picture there - thanks, Sandy.
Beautiful picture, OG. Hope Diane is safe from storms. Weather here in Inverness is just as it sounds on the LG camera. I agree, it seems set for the night.
Evening all:
Diane: Just checked the USGS map and indeed there have been a bunch of little earthquakes running north-south down around the Mexican border. Hmm. Let's hope they stay that way. You are getting a lot of storms!
OG: Loved that woodsy corner in the Garden Show; looks like a cool climate place, especially with all that moss on the chair!
Just finished the ironing; now watching a three-hour special on Winston Churchill while making a list of things to do tomorrow, then plan to fall into bed.
Hallo to everyone else; have a good day tomorrow/today.....
Thanks Annette. See you are going to be busy for a couple of days, enjoy G. Dghtrs visit.
Hello All, sunny almost, here this morning. Not too cold so hope not to put my sweater on again as I did yesterday.
Cirrus: See you are up and about this morning, hope that eye is responding to treatment. Its a bore having to remember to put eye drops in so frequently. (OH had his cataract done last year and it took the two of us as a team to remember what went in, when.)
OG: Another lovely pic - like all the mossiness of it. It does look restful.
Son sent us a message last night with the sound of our unborn Grandchild's heartbeat - sounded very fast, like a tiny bird. Great debate at present over the choice of names for the child - I've told them it doesn't really matter, as whatever it is, I'm going to call him/her 'Sweetpea' !!
Have a good day, All.
Morning ALL, The sun is trying to shine, but heavy showers forecast.
Nothing planned for today, except for normal HW.
Linda, It is surprising how many people seem to need cataract operations. OH has had operations on both eyes and another on one eye for glaucoma. He needs 3 drops twice a day for glaucoma in other eye. His six monthly check with the consultant is due in a couple of weeks. The marvellous thing is, that his eyesight is fine. When you think that some years ago, people would just go blind. It must have been lovely to hear your Grandchild's heartbeat.
OG, thanks for your country garden picture. It gives the feeling of such peace.
Hope you all have an enjoable day.