Weekly Chat, Sunday July 17, 2010

ps.   Of course, my OH would say that we were both extravagant I'm sure. But then, these things are relative arn't they.    : - )

Thanks for the photos Linda. Here is one of Hamish at the top of the stairs in the holiday cottage:

Evening all:

Patriciat: How interesting no snakes in Ireland.  St. Patrick notwithstanding, wonder how that came to be.   They arrested someone somewhere - oh dear, not very helpful - who tried to smuggle about 15 exotic monkeys into some country in socks that he wore around his body.  Two died.   Sorry for being so vague; just caught a glimpse of it on evening news as I was whizzing through the living room.

Lindybird: Long-time friends are great, especially when you've been through a lot with them. I've made one very close new friend since moving to Santa Barbara and several others who I haven't had time to hang out with.  But next Thursday, two friends  I've known for more than 30 years are coming to stay for a couple of days. I'm planning to stock up with yummy goodies and some nice wine. THey're both funny and irreverent.

Very tired tonight. Spent most of the afternoon sorting out OH's new (rented) global phone and entering names and numbers. Then some smart person at Verizon tech support told me I could backup contact info on their website and download it onto new phones. Of course, we simply don't have that many people on our cell phones so I'm not bothered. But I called the tech people  four times and got two different versions on what codes to use when dialing from overseas!!!  The pesky phone arrived with no  "quick guide" and although it was pretty straightforward it did have some features I wasn't familiar with (ones we don't need), I did have to download and printout some instructions for OH, who still peers suspiciously at his usual cell phone when it rings!  I'm taking him to LAX tomorrow afternoon for the flight to London - or at least to his good friend's house in Santa Monica. They can hang out for a bit, then the friend will take him to the actual airport, That'll give me a chance to escape LA before rush hour and be back here mid-evening. It's a two-hour drive but if you get caught in the outbound traffic, it can turn into a three hour ride!   Oh! Brilliant news!  When OH turned 70 back in May, I asked American Airlines to upgrade him from Coach to Business Class as a surprise - today we got the news that he's been upgraded,, so his "pending" birthday present arrived only two months late. When I told him, he was soooooo thrilled and so pleased.  He'll be much more comfortable and the seats lay flat so he'll be able to sleep!  I have a lot of airline miles and a little stash of cash for treats and decided he deserved it - he's very good.

Oh dear, now it's me wittering on.  Off to cams....

Annette: I hope your husband has a pleasant and safe trip. Also hope that you have a nice month!
Lindy: I really enjoyed your photos. I love flamingoes and all the long-legged water birds. I'm looking forward to the pics of the ducks and geese. Love those, too!
Alan: Thanks for the pic of a restful Hamish.
Patriciat: Wow, how special to see the big corn snake! I'm glad the fella was successfully rescued. Hope they locate him somewhere nice where he can be a happy, wild snake. I enjoyed your post!

Everyone: A friend of mine took this emu photo at an animal sanctuary here in Indiana. The organization rescues exotic animals who can't be returned to the wild. Everyone have a nice Wednesday. :-)

Oh, Annette. So glad that the airline upgraded your husband's seat. Wonderful!

Oh Diane! That emu looks positively prehistoric!  Don't know whether to :-)  or to :-(

I'm signing off now; totally wiped out tonight. Take care all.

Natter Natter Yabber Yabber Chatter Chatter. I met Wattle & her cousin (whom I already knew) in library and we had lunch at the museum (better cafe than library's). I never imaginedthat I would make new friends when I put LG on my must-see list last holiday. Yay.

Patriciat - Continue wittering please. It is educating me!!!!! Would the snake be an escapee (or releasee) from previous life as a pet?

Annette - Having been ungraded by chance to business class from 'cattle class' on our first ever trip and never since :-(  , am sure your OH will have a great journey.

Diane - Not sure I would like to be so close to that emu. But these days with zoom on cameras and post-production software one doesn't have to be too close.

Morning, All :  Thanks for interesting posts.  Nice to hear that AQ & Wattle  have finally met!  What fun!

Still a bit dull here today, but less rain promised than previous days, so we hope it will be dry by Friday, when we are booked with tickets to go to the Tatton Flower Show - will probably still have to wear our wellies, as it will still be wet underfoot even if its a sunny day by then.

Nice pic of Hamish being what we call a 'flat dog' Alan.  What a startling Emu, Diane....wonderful pic.

Must go & do various boring things, including washing my hair before I get arrested for vagrancy or some such, & phone calls including chasing up Eldest Son for plans for the weekend.

Have a Good Day, All.

Hi Diane love the pic of the emu.