Weekly Chat (Non-Osprey), 29 March 2020

HAPPY NEW WEEK! 

I hope everyone has a good week and keeps healthy. I'm hoping that everyone on this forum will avoid the virus. Sending you all protective energy. 

BIRD NEWS FROM MY PATCH

The big Barred Owls are nesting at the bottom of the ridge right across from my front door. Every time I go outdoors, one of them gives me a booming hoot. Last year, they nested in a tall, old locust tree on the levee by the creek. We had so much flooding that the nest site turned out to be a precarious perch. I think they remembered it was a dangerous location, so this year they’re nesting low in a tree across from me. They are incredibly loud. Their call sounds like, “Whoo cooks for you? Whoo cooks for you?” They can also caterwaul just like large apes when they're feeling aggressive. They can chill my blood sometimes. LOL!

I walked up the hill to town last week to get a couple of meal items at the little general store. I looked up, and R.T. Hawk was flying above me. He landed on a tall silo and watched while I went into the store. Then, he escorted me back. I think he thought he was protecting me from the big Barred Owls, which are his enemies. I hope they can all stay away from each other. R.T. and his mate are nesting far back in the flood plain away from my house right now.

  • Amazing what baked beans can do, LINDY! Yes, the banks are falling over themselves to find extra business at the moment.... As my dear OH used to say, 'there is no sentiment in business'.
    OG - I hate liver but know that you love it, so here's hoping that EE cooks it to perfection for your birthday meal.
    I ventured forth to Tesco this morning. Barriers here there and everywhere to make a one way system. The store was very quiet as I had hoped but it was all very surreal. Lots of smiles from the staff but the few customers were obviously trying to get in, get shopping, get out.
  • Glad you enjoyed, OG. Thought it was time I managed one for you :-)

    Heather  - I hate liver, too. And some pates with liver content, of course. Hence my favourite pate is smoked mackerel!

  • Another "funny"

    Feeding the ducks whilst in isolation:

  • Noticed this morning that there are signs in the woods saying not to dump garden waste as it can be dangerous to wildlife and indigenous plants. The forestry have now put barriers up on their car parks throughout Scotland to stop people driving to their walks, but here people are parking in the church car parks a short distance away. We are so lucky that we are just a 2 min walk from the woods.
  • I thought it was yesterday LINDY and so have posted again today!!!
  • LINDY, bet your brother is not as errant as mine....funnily enough it involves money matters as well.
  • lovely poem, no wonder OG is choked up
  • HARELADY - I hope that you get clarity soon regarding your employment status.
  • Morning all - and what can I add re OG's b/day (always late for these things here).,  Have piggybacked ('liked') everyone's good wishes, pix and, of course, Lindybird's poem (probably another 5 minute masterpiece!). :-)

    Just ventured out for 'senior' hours at two stores, both of which are now rejecting home-brought bags and packing everything in their own plastic or paper bags (at no charge).  About to toddle of to Trader Joe's for some staples and to mail some protective gloves to a friend who has none.  

    Our local health department sent out a request for protective masks and gloves, but noted they should be in original packaging and unopened.  I have a few of the good masks I was going to drop off, but they've been opened.... shall have to call and clarify.  The local hospital wasn't as picky when it sent out its call for items.  They're not short right now; just thinking ahead.

    I spent more than an hour down at Coal Oil Point yesterday; saw one whale.  It's the in-between lull between the adults and the cows/calves, so should pick up, but  not sure what to expect given last year's very low numbers... Took some photos and will post them in a bit.

    Take care all.

  • Pat O - Our local newspaper has an article in it today saying that Absentee Ballot applications will be mailed out in the next week or so. Plenty of time to fill them out and send them in for the upcoming election in November.
    I hope Trump is not our President for another four but I am afraid the Democrats (of which I am one) do not have
    a candidate that can beat him. I hope I'm wrong.
    OG - I wish you a very Happy Birthday! I had my birthday yesterday and my younger son and his wife ordered a supper and picked it up and brought it to my house. My daughter had to move in with me for the duration as her caregiver had to self-isolate, so I have had no problem staying busy.
    I hope everyone stays safe and well!