Weekly Chat, Sunday February 14, 2010

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  • For anyone on this side of the pond, I'm watching tonight's Nature, "The Valley of the Wolves," about the changing of the guard between the Druids, a pack of wolves reintroduced into Yellowstone, and the Sloughs (pronounced Slews),  that challenge the Druids' hold over the Lamar Valley - and win, only to relinquish the territory after a year. It's like a soap opera. That's the main plot, but the program includes sub-plots about coyotes, red fox, grizzlies, elk, etc.  This is the kind of thing that looks wondeful o\n a large flat-screen TV. Was in Best Buy the other day and all their TVs were showing a BBC Earth program about the Arctic polar bears. Wonderful visuals and so much more dramatic in a large format. Gotta get one of those things.

    Anyway, just did the ironing while watching that; now Northanger Abbey is on, then off to bed! Have a nice Monday folks.

  • Heron: I'd put the mix up down to your being up in the middle of the night!  :-)

  • Hi, all. Haven't been on in a couple of days and I'm far behind.

    Auntie: What a magical encounter you had with the owl!!! Throughout human history, owls have been symbols of wisdom and the bringers of truths and messages. To have such a close, personal encounter with one is a powerful and special experience, indeed! I live smack in the middle of the woods, and I rarely catch a glimpse of the owls here, although I hear them often. You are quite blessed.  

    Annette: Thank you for reminding me to look up the A Pale Blue Dot photos! Certainly gives one perspective. Awful report about the manatees. Such gentle creatures. Where is your sister thinking of moving? You probably aren't considered that tall by today's standards. My much younger female cousin is 6'1" (she nearly made the Olympic team for volleyball). But I can imagine that it was very difficult for you as a young girl at that time. (My Mom was only 5'3" but she wore a size 10 shoe.) What a truly wonderful encounter you had with the hummingbird. I think that's why you have such vibrant energy, you absorb it from your hummingbirds!

    Brenda H: I was astounded by the story of the policeman in your sister's house. In the U.S., we have laws that place restrictions on when and how the police can enter a private residence. They must have a warrant from a judge or have "probable cause" that something illegal is transpiring, or a medical emergency is occurring, etc. Also, in the U.S., a sizeable percentage of the population own guns, especially throughout the vast midsection of the country. A police officer entering a home like that would be at extreme risk of being shot by a homeowner/renter. I'm certainly not saying that the American obsession with guns is good -- just reporting the fact. I'm not criticizing your country; I was just astonished at the difference in our cultures. I can't even imagine the huge outcry and protest if the police did that here, however well intentioned.

    Tweed: Congratulations on your rosettes. What a good dog! patriciat: I do hope your sister's procedure gets scheduled this week.

    Alan: Loved the punk osprey in the photo. :-) DjoanS: Thanks for the Barn Owl Trust update. Paul: Loved the sparrows; they do look like ours! Don't worry about the doggie name mix-up. It was just a brain fart. Everyone does it. LOL AQ: Hope Himself had a good birthday. Are you enjoying the Olympics? Tiger: That Astronomy of the Day picture was fantastic!

    OG: Sorry about the leaky plumbing at your daughter's. Poor woman. I can imagine the cost of repairs. I can sympathize. I'm always finding unfortunate surprises in this old house. You said, "You are clever doing all the house repairs and improvements yourself, especially having been a city girl!" Thanks for your kind comment to me. I've always had one foot in the woods, even when I lived in the city. I was never really comfortable there. Too many people. Too much misery and hardship. People living in obscene luxury while many others are living in abject poverty. The energy in the city was a little overwhelming for me. I've always thought of this house as my real home. I think I prefer the company of birds. :-)

    Have a good day everyone! Always appreciate all of your pics, links, chat...

  • Oh and Annette: I hope you see whales today!

  • ANNETTE I too hope you see whales today. Wonder if you get Simon Kings "Shetland Diaries" well worth watching. He saw Killer Whales when he lived there for a year. We weren't that lucky in our 2 years there.

    I have a friend who has a daughter over 6 feet tall and to my horror there were even some teachers who used to take the mick. "what's it like up there" and various other crass remarks. Julie was most self conscious about her height. You would think teachers would know better.

  • Morning All.  Damp & grey here today.

    Just popped in to catch up as was not on here yesterday- we are busy at the moment, but did take time out to treat ourselves to lunch in a Pub (had pudding, which for me, was Chocolate Fudge Cake with Icecream- heaven! - & yes, Brenda,  I did eat it slowly!)  ; - )

    Pleased to hear about Tweed's 4 rosettes, well done!  both to patriciat & to Tweed!  Amazing now to think that its only a matter of weeks before we are back peering at the screens for sight of our beloved Ospreys.

    Must go get dressed now as not even showered yet, & lots to do today, too.

    Have a good day, All. 

  • Morning all from TI:

    Paul: Hamish forgives you for mixing him up with Tweed.

    Annette : I wish you would send some of your weather over here. The golden orb has all but deserted us.

    Tiger : That osprey does look a bit like Oscar. Do you think they use Daz  or Persil over there?

    No planned missions today shopping or otherwise so it looks like a relaxing day. 

    Weather : Overcast & gloomy,dry , Temp 1.8c , Sunrise 07:16 , Sunset 17:13.

  • OH bought meats etc from our lovely local grocer/deli while I set table and washed salad - invasion due about now!  - and here they are!!!

    Ospreys Rule OK, but Goldfinches come a close second!

  • Hope you have a pleasant time, OG.  Agree about the 'hedge singing', its one of my favourite sounds & takes me right back to carefree childhood days.

    Thanks to Alan for the osprey pics yesterday, & the pelicans, great.  Sounds like you & Hamish are having a 'day off' from chores.

    Annette:  Glad to hear that our own Colin Firth got a good reception there - wonder what the Oscars will bring as he is nominated. He's been a bit typecast in the past, but I always thought he gave thoughful performances.  Glad also to hear that you & OH had a lovely lazy day for once.

    BrendaH;   Have a book & tapes by Paul McKenna, and did once lose several pounds using his methods- which all sound very sensible, not gimmicky at  all. Aim to have another go at his plan later in the year (after our coming holiday, when I'm sure we will add a few pounds to those we have already!)

    Meanwhile, we tried our Aunties Ginger Pud recipe out this weekend, & it was delicious! It must have been a wartime/rationing type idea, as there are no eggs in it, & the only fat is suet.  Here it is for those of you who are pudding lovers:

    Measure 4 Tblspns Golden Syrup into a bowl. Add 4 oz Suet, 4oz Breadcrumbs, 4oz Self Raising Flour, with one teaspoon each (level ones) of Bicarbonate of Soda, Mixed Spice, & Ginger.  Stir together, adding enough Milk to make a damp mixture. Put into greased bowl or dish, microwave for 4 - 6 minutes (keep an eye on it) or steam in a steamer for the usual sort of time for this type of pud. I added plenty of milk as we microwaved it, and always think that things need to have more moisture in them so as not to go dry.  Delicious with cream or custard, we decided it would be nice sometime with stewed apple in the bottom of the dish, too.

  • Alan    I do not know whether they use Daz or Persil but if they do then those companies should use them as adverts.

    Glad everyone seemed to enjoy the Astronomy Picture Of The Day I posted. It was exceptional among exceptional. I was particularly thinking of you Diane when I posted it.

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