Weekly Chat Sunday July 4 2010

Hallo all:   I put up the painters' tape showing the dimensions of the various flat-screen tellys (tellies?) we're looking at and now we're thinking maybe we don't need a really big one.

Auntie: Great that you had a lovely day at Pohtiolampi; how fun to see ospreys in action.

OG: I say put Loch Garten for sure on your trip north!  We expect a full report!  OMG: That python/gator photo was fascinatingly gross.  Talk about his eyes being bigger than his belly!!  Eeeeuw!  Why did I think orchids were a hot-weather plant....    Well - if you go to Caerlaverock, hope you enjoy it. Are "kissing gates" the same as stiles?  All I can remember is "Would you rather run a mile, jump a stile, or eat a pancake in a field?"  Oh dear. Talk about regressing......  Thanks for update on Big Rig Steve; haven't been on the computer all day. Had earnest discussion with vines, who have promised to behave, and gave some encouragement to the tomatoes, which are being a bit shy.  Currently, our ailing Navel Orange tree is getting a lot of TLC in the form of deep watering followed by nutritional snack that will make it feel better (and we hope, look and and taste  better).

AQ: Universal laws transcend borders. :-) 

It's July 4 - Independence Day - tomorrow; will start off the day shortly after 6 a.m.(!)  with live Wimbledon coverage (on our normal channel - just checked!), then will putter about before picking up daughter in late afternoon to go to Mission Santa Ynez, where we'll watch July 4 fireworks display.  OH not thrilled with fireworks, so he'll stay home and keep Lightning company (she doesn't like them either).

In the meantime, off to check on osprey cams.

  • Forgot to say. Diane, how can you and your dad cope with that heat and humidity, oh my...and I whine about these temps...

  • Heather et al - When Dau#1 was just a toddler, she had a thing about closing doors. (Don’t where she got that from!) It was quite embarassing when we were out and she tried to close shop doors, those that swing, not the self opening ones that are everywhere now. Himself is always straightening our pictures and adjusting the position of ornaments (whether or not I have dusted LOL).

    Margobird - No one will be able to talk behind your back when you get your new ‘hears’!!!!!

    Annette - Jellyfish. I think the treatment is "vinegar & get to hospital quickly". We also have blue-ringed octopus, very venomous, small things that lurk in nooks & crannies, including discarded soft drink cans.

    The Lake Eyre Sailing Club is the place to be this week. Rainwater from Queensland has flowed into the lake which is usually a dry salt pan. It looks so funny to see the boats sailing along, dodging dead trees and with the red soil on shore. About 60 boats yesterday.

    Lindybird & Annette - Your Universal Laws are similar to the following. BTW They are not mine. They were sent to me a while ago by Dau#2.

    Law of Mechanical Repair - After your hands become coated with grease, your nose will begin to itch.

    Doctors' Law - If you don't feel well, make an appointment to go to the doctor, by the time you get there you'll feel better. Don't make an appointment and you'll stay sick.

    Wilson's Law of Commercial Marketing Strategy - As soon as you find a product that you really like, they will stop making it.   [or change the packaging so you don’t recognise it].

  • I can't connect to the webcam right now, and Lindy and Barbara Jean noted on the Daily Update that they can't either. Just thought I'd let everyone know, so you won't think it's your system. 

  • Hi Diane, I have had no trouble connecting to the camera, but Linda tried reconnecting and then got through.

    EDIT. The stills camera is showing a picture from yesterday.

  • Morning all,

    Thanks for all the overnight chat pics etc.

    Lindybird: Interesting that you should mention Southport as my cousins were born in Liverpool and when we used to go to visit them we went to Southport a couple of times. I remember  the beach  and that the tide went out for miles. Buzz looks really happy on the beach. Dogs just love the space and the freedom.

    Diane : I hope it cools down for you soon. Dont think I could stand that heat and humidity for long.

    It is beginning to look like no ring and bling again today. It will probably happen when we least expect it.

    Have to go on a shopping mission this morning. Later should have more time for the webcams.

    Weather cloudy at the moment but still dry.

  • Morning, All:  Somewhat delayed this morning by the problems on the webcams, trying to get on etc.  Looks far too windy there for our 'Ring & Bling' day, now.  Dull and drizzly here, but hoping for rain later ( we need it to water the garden & we are also in the area mentioned on the News , where they are going to introduce a hosepipe ban on Friday due to water shortages).

    News last night from our son that  'Sweetpea' and his/her Mum have been for their 20 week scan and all is well.  Sent us a photo of the scan which looks rather jumbled, but as they say everything seems to be in the right places!  They have stuck to their decision not to ask what the sex of the baby is, which is something I did all those years ago - its rather like opening a Christmas present which you know is going to be something really nice!  Stops me buying too many things before the Event, says my OH...   Havn't told him about the soft toy, and the pram toy, and the......etc.

    Laundry and ospreys this morning, then off to the Cinema this afternoon.

  • Afternoon all ... sunny but windy today. I went on a shopping mission this morning and was upset to see two dead foxes by the roadside in different locations ... they both looked to be young ones.

    Linda - I can forsee your bank balance suffering when 'Sweetpea' arrives .. but what a pleasure it will be! Enjoy your trip to the cinema.

    Thanks to all for chat etc       Off to do housework :-((

    Take care

    Joan - avid bird and nature watcher in Northumberland!

    Index Thread

     

  • Good morning Lindybird and all.   So pleased everything is going well for Sweet Pea and Mum.  I agree it is much nicer to have a surprise.  My niece and her husband didn't want to know beforehand as they thought it took something away from the happy event.  I have to admit looking at baby clothes and toys now rather then buying for myself.  Enjoy the cinema Lindybird.

     

    We had a little bit of rain but nothing much.  It is dull today but very humid.

     

    Set off to get my hearing aid fitted this morning feeling so apprehensive but much to my suprise although things sound a little different I am coping OK, can hear the wind rustling through leaves and one of the first things I did was to turn the radio down and I suspect the TV sound will be quieter now.  I am noticing sounds I have not heard for a long time such as the crows on the park and all bird sounds much clearer..  Such a nice man did all the programing and fitting and he was so pleased that after a few minutes I was very happy with things.   Will have follow up appointments and he suggested that in a few months time I have a hearing aid for my other ear.  All in all I am so pleased with the outcome.  Was told that it takes about 6 months to fully get used to them but as things stand I couldn't be happier.  The NHS gets such a pounding at times but I have to say I am very happy with everything and at the end of the day it has not cost a thing.  Even the batteries and tubes are free and I can get them from doctors surgery when I need them. Somewhat different to the £2,500 I had been quoted by Boots.

     

    Off to catch up with the daily chat now from yesterday and today's.  Have a good day all.

     

    Margobird

  • Hi aquilareen you are right I can hear so well I can hardly believe how much I was missing.  Was told it takes about 6 months to adjust but I am thrilled with the results.  Can hear all sorts of things I have obviously not heard for quite a while.

    Margobird

  • Afternoon auntie and thanks for your kind wishes.  I am absolutely thrilled with results so far.  Seemed a bit strange for a few minutes but after that I didn't even know I was wearing a hearing aid.  Takes about 6 months to adjust fully.  Apparently brain takes a while to send the right signals so I am assuming I do have a brain after all.  Everything much clearer and can hear things like the wind rustling leaves on the trees, the birds in my garden and other sounds I did not realise I was not hearing, so good thus far.

    Margobird