Hi everyone: And a good Sunday and rest of the week to you all. Don't forget to check the last posts of last week's chat for clever moving graphics from Tiger and Alicat (and maybe some others), pix of OG's friends' garden, late updates on one thing or t'other - and pix of my trip north! :-)
Weather these last few days are more like a not-very-nice English summer day. Unbroken gray skies, low clouds, and a constant soft drizzle. All very odd. On telly they were saying we had a couple of days of summer and now it's back to May Gray and June Gloom. Although tomorrow through Tuesday they're forecasting rain and possibly thunderstorms! A good day for doing inside stuff - like researching a new laptop. Spent ages reading about replacing the LED bulb in my laptop and it does sound a tad daunting: The Dell forum folks gave a link to a video, but you apparently - according to several folks who know - have to be "very, very careful." I didn't mind that but was especially put off by the news that the LED bulb (long and slender) was made of a very brittle glass that likely had lead in it, not to mention mercury. Also, do not have the tiny soldering iron or the special tape. Sounds like one of Alan's "Destroy It Yourself" projects! :-)
OG: Poor son with bad toe - definitely not a good time to develop problems - but ugh! - what a nightmare to find his new apartment so trashy. Just awful. So good of your OH to go up and check out the appliances, etc. Don't you hate it when "our" kids run up against this kind of stuff!
patriciat: I suspect there's more than one Mission San Miguel - wonder which one Lonnie Donegan (and U.S. artists) were thinking of. There is an old pueblo next to the mission I visited, which oddly has a Scottish name - The Rios Caledonia Adobe. According to the history page: In 1846 William Reed, Miguel Garcia, and Petronilo Rios bought the San Miguel rancho from Pio Pico, Governor of the Mexican Nation. Rios and his wife, Catarina Avila, had twelve children and moved into the adobe in 1851. In 1862 German-born Warren C. Rickard purchased the property from the state of California on a possession claim. In 1868 George Butchard named the adobe the Caledonia, a Scottish word meaning Scotland. He operated a stagecoach stop, tavern, and inn. According to local legend, Jesse James and the Dalton Brothers visited the inn.
Enjoyed reading all the posts; back tomorrow. Take care dear friends!
Annette: Please correct if I'm wrong about this. San Miguel is just a few miles north of Paso Robles. Three years after the Civil War, Drury James bought half-interest in the site of the future town of Paso Robles. Drury, also known as D.W., was the uncle of the outlaws, Frank and Jesse James. Drury James and his partner dreamed of building a first-class city with a grand hotel and lavish accommodations around the sulfur hot springs in the area. The renowned hotel was eventually built, and Paso Robles still flourishes as a popular resort town.
I don't know much at all about California history, but your description triggered my memory because I have always had an intense interest in and fascination with Frank and Jesse James. Go here to see some great historic pictures of the old town and the grand hotel, and more importantly, you can see a rare picture of Jesse James!!! I'm fairly sure that's his brother, Frank, beside him on page 9. :-) Thanks very much for your post. I was glad to read it and to stumble on that photo!
http://s200292649.onlinehome.us/Docs/PRGUIDE07sm.pdf
Diane: Yes, it's just north of Paso Robles. Some years back they decided to upgrade the historic downtown area around the main plaza and there are some really nice little stores and restaurants there now. Also, the vineyards and wineries in the area seem to multiply every time I drive up that way.... Too bad that lovely hotel didn't survive! When I did this last trip, I drove up 101 through Paso Robles and Salinas to Gilroy (garlic growing center - oh boy!) and crossed over to Los Banos, then up the 5 to Sacramento where I hung a left and picked up my daughter from the train in Davis (home to UC Davis with it's top-rated viticulture and veterinary schools). Davis is a lovely little town - full of trees and nice walkable areas - and students of course, but I always like the youthful character of university towns.
Off to bed - have a nice Sunday!
Thanks, Annette. It is too bad that the grand old hotel didn't survive.
I'm so glad you had a good time on your trip and everyone returned home more positive. Wonderful! My Dad and I both enjoyed your excellent photos. He and I both thought the mission was very beautiful. I love that old Spanish architecture. The bell tower was an interesting historical structure. The tiny town that I live near also used to have an old bell to call out the volunteer firefighters. That is such a lovely area.
So you didn't want to stick around the cemetery when you realized that a mountain lion had been in the vicinity?!? Did you keep the mountain lion fur that you saw in the fence? I think I would have taken the fur with me. I probably would have put it in a locket and worn it around my neck, so I could have a burst of mountain lion energy when I need it!
Your granddaughter is so beautiful and has such character. Does she look like you? She's just lovely. Thanks for sharing your photos!
Speaking of outlaws... My property actually lies within the boundaries of a very old tiny town. Our town has a restaurant, a beauty salon, a bank, and not much else. The bank is within walking distance of my house, although I have to walk up a tall hill to get there.
John Dillinger, the very famous/notorious bank robber, was originally from Indianapolis, Indiana. He robbed dozens of banks across the Midwest and 4 police stations (for guns). He escaped from prison twice. In 1932, he and his gang robbed our little bank here. They used explosives to blow the vault, and then a huge shoot-out ensued between the gangsters (who had machine guns) and local vigilantes. Reports differ on whether the gang got away with any money. Dillinger was known for his charm and good looks. He was eventually caught and killed in Chicago, because a woman (the infamous "Lady in Red") turned him in. Here is a mug shot:
I'll be back later to catch up with everyone (after I clean my kitchen).
Good morning, all. Thanks, Annette, for another new week. Slept really well - lovely sunrise this morning. Cooking bacon and tomato for breakfast - usual Sunday treat. Birds have been punishing us for taking a break from what they see as our main purpose for being here - to feed them! Only one Dunnock and one Starling Thursday, same plus Wren and one Blackbird Friday, then built up yesterday to Dunnocks 2, Goldfinches 5, Starlings 15, Woodpigeon 1.
Must go eat - back later.
Ospreys Rule OK, but Goldfinches come a close second!
Good morning folks. Annette and Diane Thanks for the historical information - sometimes we feel that the legendary figures were just that but, of course, they were real people>
OG We seem to have only goldfinches (about 12 at one stage yesterday) and collared doves. Hoping for greater variety.
Hurrying now to get breakfast (not cooked!) and ready for church (10.30am in Belfast city centre and there's a road closure). Watering of the new turf is under way so it will be finished before I leave - twice daily for 10 days!
Weather went a bit dark, but sun is now trying again. Quick look back to last night then into today.
Lynette – I now hope for you that the phone call is soon – and for your brother too, I hope he was able to enjoy his birthday treats in the current situation. As a friend said to me when my dad died, I am sure you have already been through the grieving and are ready for closure. I hope the Junior Church kids are being good for you this morning.
Terry – good to see you – sorry you are so busy. Are you off cycling today?
Annette – usual advice here seems to be not to diy with laptops – but I guess that’s how the “experts” make their money! Son seems to be one of those people for whom nothing goes right – I think it’s partly poor ability to cope, but it’s not all his own fault. Interesting historical musings around Paso Robles from you and Diane.
Patricia – I am hoping our Goldfinch numbers will get back up to normal. Haven’t seen our Collared Doves since returning. Looking after the lawn sounds like having a baby to care for! But it will be worth it. Hope you get safely around road closure. We have been informed that our residential road will be closed all day next Wednesday. Normally, being retired, we would just stay in all day, but it just had to be the day (s***s law again) when I have to get to dental check and blood tests! We shall need to put the car somewhere the night before – just hope we find a space near enough for me to walk to, otherwise I shall have to do a double shuffle with the scooter! But we are pleased it is being done: when this row of three houses was built, some 15 years or more ago, the road was widened, but the top surface was never put on. Time and further building work further on in both directions have worn potholes and cracks, and various utility patches have failed as usual, so it really needs seeing to. It is only being done now because it is preliminary work to putting in traffic calming on a school route.
Well, must feed fish and do stuff. Back later.
Morning all ... a beautiful sunny morning ... hurray!!! We did have a little sun yesterday too :-)) It was very cold this morning ... I think there might have been a slight frost.
Firstly ... a belated "Happy Birthday" to Alicat ... I see the mystery parcel was a spotting scope ... brilliant!
I wasn't on here yesterday, so loads to read ... and be entertained and educated!!!
Annette and Diane - most interesting discussion about the Mission San Miguel ... lovely photographs.
OG - sorry to hear about your son's problems ... his flat must have been a big disappointment to him. Lovely photographs ... your friends' garden looks wonderful.
patriciat - I see you are off to church in Belfast ... my grandfather was minister at Strand Presbyterian Church, Belfast, from1912 to 1921, before he moved south to county Cavan, and then to Dublin. I don't know if the Strand church is still in existence?
My small garden birds seem to have been absent lately, but not the woodpigeons, collared doves, jackdaws ... not forgetting the skemmies of course ... greedy things :-(
We had a lovely meal on Friday evening with my godson and his family... for his 21st birthday. I ate too much of course, but it was beautiful. I had something called 'Swiss Chicken' for my main course and it was very tasty ... the sauce was fantastic .... followed by a tiramisu ice cream concoction!! I am on a very strict diet for a few days now :-((
Must go now ... the hoover is calling my name!!
Thanks to everyone else for chat etc
Take care
Joan - avid bird and nature watcher in Northumberland!
Index Thread
Good morning, all.
Still busy working here. I don't anticipate being finished with the house until the end of the year. My goal is to have everything done by the Winter Solstice...but I don't know...LOL
On my breaks, I've been playing Writer's Blox, that new game on Facebook. It's loosely based on Scrabble, but is quite different. Has anyone else tried it? I'm really enjoying it.
Has anyone else been having really vivid dreams lately? I swear I feel like I'm leading a double life. Every night I dream that I'm going to or coming from some sort of facility (university or hospital or some sort of futuristic apartment complex...). I get lost. I wander and I wander. The way becomes darker and more dangerous, but I still can't get where I'm going. I walk through ominous inner city streets, swamps, creeks, woods, busy freeways... I walk until I'm sooo exhausted, but I continue to be lost. Oh, and I always lose my shoes! What's up with that? Anybody want to play Sigmund Freud and interpret that? LOL
OG: I just loved your blue heron pictures. They are one of my very favorite birds. I especially liked the bad hair day photo. You can certainly read that bird's mood by the expression on its face. LOL I also loved the picture of the cat on the wall. By the way, that wall is really lovely. There's a couple of places that I'd like to have a wall like that. I do hope your son resolves his housing issues. Moving is always stressful. Had to laugh about washing his toe in the bidet. Hope you manage the road closure okay on Wednesday and your blood test results are good.
Joan: Tiramisu!!! Oh, my stars, that's the food of the gods. When my hoover calls my name, I just tell it to shut up. LOL
Tiger: Loved the beautiful photo of the swans.
Alicat: Congratulations on your new spotting scope! Yay!
Everyone have a good Sunday!!!
Good Morning All,
The sun was shining when we went to church, earlier this morning, but keeps changing now from cloudy to sunny intervals.
OG, So sorry to hear about your son's horrendous house move. His friends sound like really good friends and your OH was just brilliant to get back on the road and drive over to help. I just hope everything ( including the shower) is rectified very quickly. I don't see why he should pay any rent at the moment. Thanks for your photographs, especially the poor heron. We have a GS woodpecker, who has become a daily visitor and all the finch and tit numbers are increasing again.
I can remember one time, when my OH was away and I went to bed and not only left the conservatory door wide open but also the inner door into the dining room, with access to the whole house. I never used to use the alarm overnight because of our dog, but I soon changed that ! I can see you and your husband enjoying some banter over his not locking your door.
Gary, Hope you managed to have everything ready for your visitors and I look forward to seeing the horse as your sig. My OH has explained it all to me but I think if we all had moving sigs., it may prove to be too much, so I won't bother.
Annette, So good to hear that you all enjoyed your holiday and to hear that your grand daughter is now in happier frame of mind. She is very attractive. Thanks for the photographs. I loved the ones of Mission San Miguel. It was very interesting to read your discussion with Diane.
Joan, Good to hear that you have seen some sunshine at last. Your meal with godson sounds lovely. Glad you enjoyed the evening.
Lynette, Hope the junior choir was a success this morning and you were in full control.
Alicat, I know you will enjoy your scope. Next step will be using it with a camera.
The oven is beeping so will 'see' you later.