Royal Escape from the Topic - for off topic chit chat Showing 1,051-1,100 of 2,839

[Teresa]

Oh-My-God!! Selfies at voting!! I think I've finally heard it all Carol. The whole world is gone mad!!

[Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂]

Teresa wrote: "Oh-My-God!! Selfies at voting!! I think I've finally heard it all Carol. The whole world is gone mad!!"

Probably doing the trout pout as well!

They can take all the photos they want outside the station in front of the posters.

[Susan in NC]

Good point carol!

[Barb in Maryland]

Teresa wrote: "Oh-My-God!! Selfies at voting!! I think I've finally heard it all Carol. The whole world is gone mad!!"

Oh, it was a real concern during the 2016 elections here in Maryland and in other states. Usually, first time voters were the culprits.

[Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂]

& my copy of Behold Here's Poison has arrived! The vendor wasn't kidding when she said it was in poor condition! But charmingly retro cover. :)

[QNPoohBear]

Anyone in the path of Irma? We've been obsessively watching the news and calling/texting friends and family. The devastation in the Caribbean is just heartbreaking.

Family members in St. Augustine, Florida went to Jacksonville to another family member-only to have Jacksonville flood. Old neighbors moved to Naples, Florida to semi-retire and have been very frightened by this storm. They went to a friend's modern hurricane ready condo but still lost power (no air condition in Florida is a nightmare). Friend in the Tampa area reported lots of wind and trees down and friend from a South Carolina barrier island had to evacuate a few days ago.

[Abigail]

Nowhere to run, nowhere to hide from Irma! I feel bad for the Keys as well as the Caribbean islands she hit.

I don’t live or have family in Florida, but we do have a family connection there—a public garden created by my great-grandfather in Lake Wales, now known as the Bok Tower Gardens. I’ve been trying to get news all day about how they fared. The place is too high up (actually, the highest elevation in FLA) for flooding, but it’s very vulnerable to high, wet winds.

[Susan in NC]

My sisters in mt. Pleasant, sc ( across the river from Charleston) have high winds, pond in backyard came very close to the house during high tide this afternoon and power going in and out, but so far, so good! Brother in Tampa area is on vacation out west but neighbors texted all is well, never even lost power! Dearest old friends in Puerto Rico and Orlando both had scary moments but are ok, thank goodness.

[Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂]

Abigail wrote: "Nowhere to run, nowhere to hide from Irma! I feel bad for the Keys as well as the Caribbean islands she hit.
"

That would be the most terrifying thing of all.

[QNPoohBear]

Susan in NC: Glad to hear everyone is safe and secure. The photos of waterless Tampa Bay are incredible! I can't even imagine how scary this storm is. Irma has been a monster so far and I hope Jose goes away somewhere else.

[Susan in NC]

Me, too! Our local weatherman said tonight we have to watch Jose as he appears to be turning and may head back toward our coast.

[Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂]

I watched an American report on Jose & the weatherman seemed almost dismissive, but you could tell he was uneasy.

[Susan in NC]

I think Harvey followed by Irma has made everyone nervous.

[Susan in Perthshire]

Abigail wrote: "Nowhere to run, nowhere to hide from Irma! I feel bad for the Keys as well as the Caribbean islands she hit.

I don’t live or have family in Florida, but we do have a family connection there—a publ..."

We visited Bok Tower Gardens when we were in Florida about 8 years ago. The tower and the gardens were an absolute delight. How wonderful that your great grandfather created such a beautiful place Abigail. I certainly lay hope it has escaped damage.

[Abigail]

Thank you, Susan! It’s nicer than many a heritage from the tycoons of a century ago, I admit. ;-)

I got a report on the gardens last night, and it was mostly good news. A lot of glass broken on the main greenhouse and a window out in the Tower, but no structural damage. Lots of foliage stripped off and three major trees down. Could have been worse! And everything grows so fast in Florida that I’m sure the gardens will be pretty again in the spring. So glad you enjoyed the place! It makes for a nice respite from the frenzy of the theme parks in the area.

[Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂]

Abigail wrote: "Thank you, Susan! It’s nicer than many a heritage from the tycoons of a century ago, I admit. ;-)

I got a report on the gardens last night, and it was mostly good news. A lot of glass broken on t..."

Good to have some positive news!

[Susan in Perthshire]

Abigail wrote: "Thank you, Susan! It’s nicer than many a heritage from the tycoons of a century ago, I admit. ;-)

I got a report on the gardens last night, and it was mostly good news. A lot of glass broken on t..."

Oh it was an absolute oasis of peace and beauty! I have always thought it a shame that for most folk - Florida is simply Orlando and theme parks . There is so much more to Florida! - I really hope the recovery from Irma is speedy and effective.

[Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂]

& I'm off to a first aid course today - catch everyone later. :)

[QNPoohBear]

Abigail I am glad your family's donation survived the storm. This isn't the first hurricane it has been through. I'm hoping to hear from a friend in the Tampa Bay area but am guessing they lost power. She may be in touch on Facebook with my sister. So far Jose is supposed to go out to sea.

[Karlyne]

I have a friend who moved from Oregon because of health issues (the cold in winter and the smoke in summer, especially), and as soon as they got to Florida and moved in, Irma hit. Luckily, they're in Pensacola so it wasn't so bad, but we were all worried. I'm trying to think of perfect places to live...

[Critterbee❇]

I think Colorado, USA would be just about perfect.

No big worries about hurricanes, earthquakes, volcanoes, very nice people, excellent infrastructure (for the bigger cities). Just have to worry about some blizzards and altitude sickness when first visiting!

[Karlyne]

I used to think Idaho, Oregon, Montana, and Washington were perfect (at least my favorite parts!), but the wildfire smoke has progressively gotten worse every year and our summers are not what they used to be, sadly. I'm not a city person, so our tiny cities in Idaho are perfectly fine with me!

[Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂]

& where I am in New Zealand is lovely but not perfect.

We have a lot of trouble with privet (an introduced species) growing rampant & triggering allergies. & there are all the weather caused slips which close the coastal roads.

A lot of this is supposed to be caused by global warming.

[Critterbee❇]

Carol ♔Type, Oh Queen!♕ wrote: "& where I am in New Zealand is lovely but not perfect.

We have a lot of trouble with privet (an introduced species) growing rampant & triggering allergies. & there are all the weather caused slips..."

I think it is, too.

*totally unrelated, kind of*
OK, I am now making it a goal to go to New Zealand within the next three years. Have been wanting to since I was in the schoolroom!

Carole, New Zealand seems quite like a place where a woman could travel safely by herself. What do you think? I am a pretty experienced solo traveler.

[Karlyne]

Our wildfires are caused by politics. Wait! Is there anyplace on earth with a perfect climate and beauty and culture without politics?

[Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂]

❇ Critterbee wrote: "Carol ♔Type, Oh Queen!♕ wrote: "& where I am in New Zealand is lovely but not perfect.

We have a lot of trouble with privet (an introduced species) growing rampant & triggering allergies. & there ..."

New Zealand is safe as long as you follow normal rules for your own safety. It is no safer than anywhere else to be out after dark by yourself though.

Edit; You could come see me if you are visiting the North Island. I live in a historic town that is a gateway to some of NZ's best beaches. :)

[Tadiana ✩Night Owl☽]

It's one of my lifelong goals to visit NZ. I may appear on your doorstep someday, Carol. :D

[Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂]

Tadiana ✩Night Owl☽ wrote: "It's one of my lifelong goals to visit NZ. I may appear on your doorstep someday, Carol. :D"

Would love to have you!

[Critterbee❇]

Thank you, Carole, it would be wonderful to meet you!

I have some planning to do!

[Karlyne]

It's one of my life-long goals, too, Tadiana! The only thing that is currently stopping me is time - and the thought of that loooonnnngg plane ride.

[Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂]

I'll give a couple of suggestions. :)

Don't plan to spend much time in Auckland. Auckland Museum is well worth seeing & arrange to go & look at the views on top of one of the hills/volcanoes, but traffic is bad & the public transport is worse.

Every tourist wants to go to Queenstown, but it doesn't feel like NZ to me. Wanaka is nearly as lovely & not as crowded.

[ShanDizzy]

Carol ♔Type, Oh Queen!♕ wrote: "& where I am in New Zealand is lovely but not perfect.

We have a lot of trouble with privet (an introduced species) growing rampant & triggering allergies. & there are all the weather caused slips..."

I would love to visit New Zealand, if only to get the Ti Ora Breakfast Tea with Manuka Leaf! My nephew was there 3 months ago and brought back some as a gift. It's my new addiction! And I was devastated to learn that it's only sold in NZ :-(

[Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂]

S Dizzy wrote: "I would love to visit New Zealand, if only to get the Ti Ora Breakfast Tea with Manuka Leaf!

I've not heard of this tea before, but that is one beautiful website. https://www.tiora.co.nz/ Looks like it is sold at Countdown supermarkets, so I'll add to the list of things I have to buy next time I'm in Auckland or Hamilton.

[ShanDizzy]

Carol ♔Type, Oh Queen!♕ wrote: "S Dizzy wrote: "I would love to visit New Zealand, if only to get the Ti Ora Breakfast Tea with Manuka Leaf!

I've not heard of this tea before, but that is one beautiful website. https://www.tior..."

Thanks for sharing the site, Carol. It IS pretty, very serene looking. I'd be interested in knowing if you like the tea. ☺

[Lesley]

S Dizzy wrote: "Carol ♔Type, Oh Queen!♕ wrote: "S Dizzy wrote: "I would love to visit New Zealand, if only to get the Ti Ora Breakfast Tea with Manuka Leaf!

I've not heard of this tea before, but that is one bea..."

My son introduced me to Ti Ora teas which he included in a gift box for my birthday a year or so ago. I'm not keen on highly perfumed or fruity sweet teas, but do enjoy Ti Ora blends.

My faves are Spiced Apple & Rhubarb with Manuka leaf, Lemon & Honey Camomile with Manuka leaf (hot winter warmers); Peppermint & Spearmint with Kawakawa, Ginger & Lemongrass green tea with Kawakawa (cooling hot weather drinks); and there's nothing like Breakfast tea with Manuka leaf as a leisurely start to my weekend days - accompanied by a good book of course.

Can't get all the range from my Countdown supermarket, so I have to rely on my son for supply.

[ShanDizzy]

Lesley~aka Ella's Gran wrote: "S Dizzy wrote: "Carol ♔Type, Oh Queen!♕ wrote: "S Dizzy wrote: "I would love to visit New Zealand, if only to get the Ti Ora Breakfast Tea with Manuka Leaf!

I've not heard of this tea before, but..."

In addition to the breakfast blend, my nephew also got me the peppermint/spearmint/Kawakawa. I like that one as well. Like you, though, I am not keen on fruity teas neither so I mostly drink black teas. However, I do like that one as well as ginger/lemon. Thanks for sharing.

[Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂]

*smug* I grow my own peppermint. I did grow my own lemon balm (also a good tea) but my husband mowed it. He has done that quite often, but this time it didn't come back!

[ShanDizzy]

Carol ♔Type, Oh Queen!♕ wrote: "*smug* I grow my own peppermint. I did grow my own lemon balm (also a good tea) but my husband mowed it. He has done that quite often, but this time it didn't come back!"

That's AMAZING and quite an accomplishment to be proud of. Woot! Woot!

[Tadiana ✩Night Owl☽]

I occasionally drink herbal tea, and my favorite is Celestial Seasoning's Sleepytime tea, which my family enjoys for breakfast more often than dinner. :) It's got chamomile, spearmint, lemon grass and lots of other things in the mix.

We have an uncontrollable patch of peppermint growing in our courtyard and sometimes make a huge batch of peppermint tea that fills up our fridge. My four kids will down a gallon of that homemade tea within a day or two; they like it best cold.

[Critterbee❇]

Wow, they do look nice! I would love to try the Apple Rhubarb tea, as I have an extreme weakness for rhubarb.

[ShanDizzy]

Tadiana ✩Night Owl☽ wrote: "I occasionally drink herbal tea, and my favorite is Celestial Seasoning's Sleepytime tea, which my family enjoys for breakfast more often than dinner. :)"

I love that tea!!!! Helps me to wind down before bed.

[Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂]

S Dizzy wrote: "That's AMAZING and quite an accomplishment to be proud of. Woot! Woot!

Ha! Not in NZ's climate! Most herbs just take off. The herb I usually have trouble with is coriander (cilantro) It just bolts on me.

Tadiana ✩Night Owl☽ wrote: "I occasionally drink herbal tea, and my favorite is Celestial Seasoning's Sleepytime tea, which my family enjoys for breakfast more often than dinner. :)"

I used to love Celestial Seasonings range - I'm not sure if it is still available in NZ. With the exchange rate it became very expensive.

[Karlyne]

I've had trouble with cilantro, too, and I read that it, weirdly enough, doesn't like it too hot! One of these days I'm going to try it inside in a big pot. We have great Southern exposure windows. Ha! And in NZ, you brag on Northern exposures, right?

[Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂]

Karlyne wrote: "I've had trouble with cilantro, too, and I read that it, weirdly enough, doesn't like it too hot! One of these days I'm going to try it inside in a big pot. We have great Southern exposure windows...."

It is desirable to face north. I brag about our home getting all day sun. A lot of homes in this town don't.

[Critterbee❇]

Not a fan of cilantro!
I'm an oregano girl!

[ShanDizzy]

I'm Shannon. I live in Florida USA panhandle and work at a CPA firm where we're stressed about meeting the corporate tax deadline on Friday. Our county was not given an extension because of hurricane Irma which stinks! Happily married for 21 years, no children. Last month's highlight for us was attending my nephew's wedding in Thompson Connecticut at the Lord Thompson Manor. And since I'm a tea snob, another highlight of the trip was visiting the Harney & Son's tea store in Milerton, NY. I was finally able to purchase their 30th anniversary blend which was frequently sold out online. Next month I've a family reunion in Biloxi, MS where I'm from originally.

[Susan in NC]

Carol ♔Type, Oh Queen!♕ wrote: "S Dizzy wrote: "That's AMAZING and quite an accomplishment to be proud of. Woot! Woot!

Ha! Not in NZ's climate! Most herbs just take off. The herb I usually have trouble with is coriander (cilant..."

I had a lovely pot of spearmint growing on my screened in porch, but with my surgery in June and looong recovery, it wasn't watered and died! My husband and son had their hands full keeping up the house, me and our dogs - plants not in their milieu!

Tried growing coriander years ago and it bolted on me too - apparently NC isn't terribly favorable for it, either! When I'm back to driving I'll visit the nursery and restock my herb pots - I'm thinking gardening in pots or one of those spiffy raised beds is the way to go from now on for me.

[Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂]

S Dizzy wrote: "Thanks for sharing the site, Carol. It IS pretty, very serene looking. I'd be interested in knowing if you like the tea. ☺

I've just been to the supermarket & they do have 3 flavours of that tea, but as loose tea. I may still wait till I'm in a town with a Countdown.

[Susan in NC]

S Dizzy wrote: "I'm Shannon. I live in Florida USA panhandle and work at a CPA firm where we're stressed about meeting the corporate tax deadline on Friday. Our county was not given an extension because of hurrica..."

Have a wonderful time (in Biloxi at your reunion, not this week meeting your deadline- but good luck with that, too...)

[ShanDizzy]

❇ Critterbee wrote: "Not a fan of cilantro!
I'm an oregano girl!"

Me 2! I love oregano...I think I kinda have to, being married to an Italian. LOL! But I really love the flavor. I jokingly say if I could put it on ice cream, I would!