Hi all: First off, con't miss the last page of last week's chat for lovely photo of Alan's hibiscus and OG's very informative shots of the nest at LG, showing the perch under the nest where chick #1 likes to sit.
OG. Assume plumber on the list for next week. So Boat of Garten actually has something to do with a real boat! I thought it was some obscure Scottish vernacular-ish term that had nothing to do with a boat. There was a nature program here last week about "preparing" an environment for some species that are living in an area that is expected to be threatened by higher ocean levels in the coming years. As with the Lapwings, the change has to be made gradually.
Cirrus. A 12-mile hike! I probably burned a couple of hundred calories just thinking about it.
Was in the garden all day - as I type have the soaker hose going on the camellias, which I fed and which need deep watering about twice in the summer; they're putting out buds now. Also fed the roses and plumeria. Found a volunteer duranta repens growing in one of the plumeria pots - I thought it was familiar but only recognized it today. Sun came out around 11 and lovely cool evening now.
Good morning all - and thankyou for all your pics and posts. I have lost the place somewhat with the forums since being away and then rather busy on our return but OH is away fishing all day today, stepdaughter is making steady improvement, expected visitors from Denmark changed their plans and didn't come to Scotland after all and after a busy weekend with a small grandaughter's birthday and youngest daughter and family staying here - WHEW! - what a long sentence! - ( Calm down, Heather-) ---- I'm home alone!
Great excitement in Edinburgh as middle daughter and children await return on leave,tomorrow, of SiL.
Weather here is pretty mis, better for fishing than hanging out washing--
I have dipped in and out and read most of the posts over the past day or three, brilliant photos, OG, of Loch Garten and area. Have often walked around Loch an Eilan (SP?) but OH now finds the whole circuit a bit long for him.
Annette - Are you talking to yourself yet? Glad that your daughter is visiting.
Diane - I can't remember the detailss but my mouth watered when reading about the slices with ?cream cheese topping--
Margobird and Linda - Lovely flowers, both garden and show :-)
Also, remember a splendid picture of a bright red bird, so beautiful. Sorry, I can't remember who posted it but - fabulous!!
I hope to keep up to date from now on in - meantime, thanks once again to all for your chats and info.
Like the Monday smile!!
Good afternoon Heather B and my word you have been busy and I know the feeling when you are trying to catch up with the posts on the blogs. Gets extremely busy at times.
Pleased to hear that stepdaughter is making steady progress and I can just image the excitement of middle daughter and children at having Daddy home for a couple of weeks.
It was Diane that posted the pic of the red cardinal and what a beautiful bird, such a vibrant colour.
Lindybird forgot to say thanks for Monday Smile.
Margobird
Afternoon all ... I'm having a wonderfully lazy day today, while the kitchen is being done. I spent the morning mostly in the conservatory catching up on reading of magazines etc. OH is busy working most of this week, so I can please myself! The weather is warm with sunny intervals here, so very pleasant.
OG lovely flower pictures ... I love fuchsias and your cool corner looks gorgeous.
Linda - the flower show photo is gorgeous ... its a long time since I've been to any flower show ... must go again soon. Thanks for the 'Monday Smile'!
Wattle - glad you got home safely, if delayed somewhat. Your trip sounded good ... and lucky you to see the osprey!
Cirrus - i hope you had a good night's sleep and woke refreshed.
Diane - fabulous photo of the cardinal bird ... wish we had something like that over here!!
HeatherB - I can't begin to imagine how excited the family in Edinburgh must be awaiting the return of your SiL
Thanks to everyone else for chat, links etc
Take care
Joan - avid bird and nature watcher in Northumberland!
Index Thread
Afternoon all,
Thanks for all the chat and pics.
OG : Nice fuchsia photo. We dont have any this year for some reason. Always seem to have trouble getting them through the winter and then they are never the same in 2nd year.
Lindybird : Nice colourful pic of the flower show and thanks for the monday smile.
Wattle : Well done on the pic of the osprey. It is always a thrill to see them for real.
Today it is mostly cloudy but quite warm and muggy. Temp 19c. This morning we went on a shopping mission and bought some more nyger seed for the goldfinches. Not a lot else to report except the Thunderdog is still getting better from his tummy upset.
Alan - original Fuschia was bought in 2003 for a hanging basket to cheer up previous house when we were selling. I overwinter them in the greenhouse and take cuttings. The one in the photo is in its second year. I also have geraniums dating back about ten years, but think I might start with new ones next year as they have really lost shape now, so even the cuttings don't start off straight!Pleased Hamish is feeling better.
Ospreys Rule OK, but Goldfinches come a close second!
Lovely fuschia OG. My OH's favourite flower. We tried to keep some overwinter in a cold frame this year but of course, it was such a cold winter that they all perished.
Here is another pic of the Flower Show - Euonymous flower spires. (spelling?)
and some Alliums,marching in rows (they won a Gold Medal)
(it was not me in the 1st photo, as I'm behind the camera - my OH never takes pics)
Good Afternoon Folks, Still warm and humid here, although we have just had a 2 minute shower. The garden desperately needs some rain.
Wattle, Sorry about your delay in returning home but you obviously enjoyed your trip to Adelaide and meeting AQ. Brilliant you were able to see the osprey and photograph it.
OG, Your 'cool corner' is beautiful. I do love it when nature decides to plant flowers that were not in our original design and so surprise us. Lemon drizzle cupcake, would definitely be my choice.
Heather, What a hectic weekend. Your daughter and her children must be counting the hours before your SiL arrives home.Two weeks leave will fly by so quickly. My thanks to him for what he is doing on our behalf.
Joan , Enjoy your lazy day, they don't happen too often and you will need your energy when your new kitchen is finished and you have to put everything back
Linda, Lovely photographs fron Tatton. Have you recovered from your bug, or are you still feeling dizzy ?
Alan, I hope Hamish continues his recovery. Trouble is, our pets can't tell us how they feel.
Back to gardening now. There is quite a lot of pruning, dead heading and cutting back to do.
DjoanS Great that you can use the workmen in the kitchen as an excuse to sit reading!
Alan: Glad to hear that Thunderdog is recovering. Expect he feels sorry for himself, now. Ours is very damp, as the morning's drizzle turned into proper rain (I'll send you some, margobird!).
Here are a few lines for Diane:
D R A T T E D D U C K S
The Rabbits and the Cardinal BirdAgreed with the Fox - "It's just absurd!"How can those dratted Ducks come hereAs if we need them to give Diane cheer -
She has All of Us to make her dayShe doesn't need any Ducks which Say just "Quack" or whistle like a fool -We really ought to make a rule:"No Ducks Allowed" or, "Ducks are Banned",So they are banished from our land.
Before we know, the Swans could comeOr heaven forbid, almost anyoneMight fly in from UK to say"Here I am to taste the baking""We love to hear what Diane's making"And they would stay too long you see,Inviting themselves to stay for teaUntroubled by the thunderstormsOr talk of snakes upon the lawns.
So we beg you, leave us all in peaceAll talk of Ducks must finally cease... please!
Yes please to the rain Lindybird and another masterpiece poem from you. Diane will really like that.
Thanks margo Can I do one for you? Thought about it but not sure if you'd mind...