Pop in for a chat! Showing 16,651-16,700 of 18,142

[Alicia]

If the bank gives money to virgin, it will be their own - you cancelled.

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Evening, another day that didn't go as planned, but was fun. not sure if it is the change in weather or lack of steps, but felt really stiff last night, then when I went to brush my teeth, my sciatica was flaring up and standing was quite uncomfortable. Did some stretching exercises, but relented at 2.50 and got up to get a painkiller, although nearly didn't manage it as I could barely stand to get a drink, luckily I was WFH yesterday and hadn't cleared my computer desk, had just enough from my afternoon drink to swallow the tablet. Then Lucy decided to wake me up at 6am by putting her cold wet nose on my cheek! Gave up at 6.30, fed them and went back to bed with a cup of tea, but only rested, didn't get any sleep before having to be up at 8 to go to the hairdresser. Decided as it was such a nice day, I got a washload in before going to the hairdresser, then when I got back, pegged it out and put another load in, before taking stuff to the charity shop and getting some food and cake from the coffee shop, it was too busy to eat in though. Then one friend asked if I wanted to go to Pizza Express for tea, I was a bit reluctant as I'd had a triple cheese toastie for lunch, so not really in the mood for pizza, but it's near primark and she was OK going early to get a couple of bits. Unfortunately then other friend asked if I could take her to another couple of car places, but she didn't think we could do it and get back before I was going out with other friend, I did feel a bit bad, but I have taken her round 4 places and I did need some clothes from Primark. Forgot to say she had got me a thank you card and some treats yesterday, as I wouldn't take any money from her for petrol, I feel bad when she does it though, she's always too generous and it's always vegan things, some are OK, some not. Had enough time to get the washing sorted, and a couple of chores done, as well as time to sit outside and read. Got some stuff from Primark, Pizza Express did my favourite pizza, so I did end up having one, then she had to call in Asda on the way back and I got some leggings and a dress for work from there too, so as long as everything looks OK when I try on tomorrow I have 2 new work dresses and some summer tights. Done 7.5k steps in the end, and and enjoyable way of doing them.

We've done 4 places in 2 days Alicia, fortunately the tracker did count the steps walking round the dealership, so was only about 700 short yesterday. Sounds like you are recovering well MT.

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Evening, sciatic pretty much clear now. It was overcast this morning and I didn't have many chores, so we had a lazy morning, then when I was out for my walk along the canal, it brightened up and was quite hot, it got up to 17 at one point and while there was a breeze, it was warmer than yesterday's, so managed to sit out for a few hours. Met the goose who recognised the sound of the bag I use for their food, it came so close up to me I was a bit concerned it was going to try and get it out of my hand, it's partner hissed when I offered it some food though. Bit further on, saw about 10 goslings, one was swimming by itself when all the adults and rest of the goslings were in the field, quite a few of us were concerned.

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Evening, weather is going cooler and windier, although didn't get much of the forecast rain, so I got my walk in at lunch, had a meeting this morning and one this afternoon. Friend has just messaged to let me know she managed to get a car.

[Kath]

Hello, all.
Been busy getting stuff ready for a visit to Whitby next week. Our geology Class of 1970 had a 50th anniversary reunion planned for May 2020 which, of course, didn't happen. We couldn't do it last year either so we have a week together to celebrate 52 years since graduation. We've got together several times before, but this is the longest. Really looking forward to it.
Dentist tomorrow - less so!

[M.T.]

Running round like a chicken with no head. On the upside, I managed to get Mum's pension sorted out. On the downside after having covid I've left it too late to get Mum's attendance form in so am just doing the 40 minutes on hold to get it sent to her again. Doh. Head Desk.

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Evening, mixed day weather wise, had some heavy rain today, nipped out at lunch to get some money for the window cleaner, went the long way (which may have involved buying some books!) and got caught in some rain. Was lovely after work though, so me and ratty neighbour went for a walk along the canal, saw some calves playing in one field, then a bit further on, I'd just fed a pair of geese when we saw 3 adults and some goslings on the other bank, they heard the sound and the goslings dived in the water, quickly followed by parents - I obviously had to throw some food in the water for them, even at a young age, one knew how to dip under the water - we counted 18 goslings! Wax melt ban is over, friends cousin is making some, so I offered to buy some to help her sales, then figured I might as well splurge on a set from another place I was eyeing up - I may need to buy some more storage though! Need to stop feeling guilty at spending my (sometimes) hard earned money on myself! I've had another dilemma with myself the past few days, as they are changing the price structure of a game I play and I have to either go back to the free version, or pay double (albeit we get extra perks now), half of me was just annoyed at it doubling, but then the other half of me was happy to get the extra perks at less than they currently charge, it's £5 more, not much when you think I don't really go out, dont smoke and rarely drink.

So glad you are finally getting your anniversary reunion Kath, hope you have a great time, I love Whitby. Hope you get the paperwork sorted MT

[Alicia]

I have a hard time spending money on myself, too - use it to buy experiences as well as things, and enjoy the heck out of your own hard-earned money.

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Thanks Alicia - I wouldn't think twice of spending that money on the cats! Part of it does feel bad as it's spending money on a game, but should think of it as entertainment

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Evening, another day that started off wet but then brightened up about 3, so I didn't get my lunch time walk, but did get my after work walk. Work was so manic today, it was my only day this week without a meeting, but still didn't get to catch up. The geese and goslings are getting used to me carrying food, all of them started approaching me for some! Will have to buy some more on Fri. Then bumped into friend's mum and had a little chat with her. On the way back, the goslings were in the field and I counted 20 today, but still only 3 adults, then I walked a slightly different way back and saw about another 15 in another field. Certainly helped my stress levels. Realised I'm quite a simple soul, don't need much to make me happy and I should also embrace the fact I'm a single person with disposable income, I don't have to justify to anyone what I spend my money or time on, and shouldn't feel bad spending a nominal amount on something I get enjoyment from on a daily basis from, just because of a perception that a game isn't worth spending money on. I've been really bad at posting pics recently, but here is one of the goslings from last night

https://www.goodreads.com/photo/group...

[Alicia]

Babies are so cute - little fluff buckets.

I think it's sweet that you get them proper treats - so many people feed them bread, and that's not good for them, especially in any quantity.

Everyone should have disposable income they don't have to account to anyone for, not even themselves.

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Aren't they just? To be honest, that's why I've only just started feeding them, as I didn't want to give them bread, but now there is an accessible source of organic duck and goose food, I'll happily feed them, and it's sweet they recognise me as a food source - even though I do normally like to vary my walks! I find it hard not to justify to myself what I spend my money on!

[M.T.]

Desley, glad all is well, love the goslings. Also totally agree with Alicia that you shouldn't feel guilty. Spend and enjoy! :-)

Went to Mum's yesterday I'd had my car fixed and this includes them washing it, so I knew it was going to piss down all the way there and back. There wasn't so bad, back it really excelled itself. It's still humming but we can't work out what it is so we'll have to wait until whatever's humming starts to break. The joys of driving an older car ... it is 10 years old now and it has done 92k so there will be the odd thing wearing out ... then it should be good for a bit longer. I like the look of the new one but it costs an arm and a leg and it has a huge engine. Mine has a 1.6 and does 40mpg, more sometimes.

Today looks nicer, I have writer's circle, so I've a piece ready to read to them and I'm off to the gym in a moment.

Kath, I'm envious about cake club!

[Kath]

Morning. I nearly said G'day. I'm reading a book set in the Australian outback and I'm so suggestible!

Sister just gone home. She had her second cataract done yesterday so, as with the first, we took her, and then delivered her back here for an over-nighter, for that period of time when her eye was quite bunged up and you don't get parallax. So easy to miss a step or walk into something because you thought it was closer or farther away that it really was. Op should have taken place three weeks ago but it was deferred because a surgeon was ill.

Flower arranging this afternoon. An excuse to watch a demo by a City and Guilds qualified arranger while drinking tea and (this week) eating cake. I made a different Rhubarb Cake recipe yesterday which made rather a big cake for two of us. I couldn't cut the recipe down, either, as it contained one egg. Don't fancy trying to use half an egg!

[Alicia]

Half an egg is fine if you scramble it first with a drop of water. But of course then you don't get as much cake.

The other scrambled half goes into the freezer, labelled, to be used when I need another.

But more cake is good.

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Evening, another busy day at work. Went for a walk round the lodge at work, then did a canal walk with ratty neighbour after work, have to say I was a bit surprised to see calves standing in the canal to have a drink, but they weren't stuck, it's a bit of a slope where they were, although when a train went past, they all ran up the hill in fright. Saw more goslings today, the first lot weren't that bothered by us, then we got to the other ones, who did recognise us. Bit further on they joined up, we had a bit left, so gave them some more and the bigger ones started to twig! Even the mallards who normally don't bother were interested today.

That made me smile MT, my car will be 10 years old this year and I noticed this morning it had done 32,400! Hope it still has some miles in it. Hope sis recovers well from her op Kath. I wouldn't know what to do with half an egg either!

[Jim]

Kath wrote: "Morning. I nearly said G'day. I'm reading a book set in the Australian outback and I'm so suggestible!

Sister just gone home. She had her second cataract done yesterday so, as with the first, we t..."

Yes I had ten weeks or thereabouts without depth perception, it is a bit strange

[M.T.]

Hope sis is healing well Kath. Mum had hers done and it's amazing what a difference it can make.

Alicia, definitely cake is good!

Desley, feeding the water fowl is always cathartic. Sounds like you had a lovely walk.

I did Mum's attendance allowance form today and wrote a letter to her doctor asking him to fill in a council tax disregard form. She may need a formal diagnosis, in which case I'll leave it and apply for carer's allowance instead. I can use some to pay Mum's council tax so she doesn't lose out.

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Evening, quite a productive day at work, felt like I caught up a little bit, although the next few weeks will be chaotic, I'll be grateful for the bank holiday. Another nice day, so two walks, popped into candle shop for more food on the way, then had to persuade the goslings to swim over for some, once they realised though, I had about 25 + parents! Went back to candle shop on the way back as I needed 3 bags, but didn't want to carry them all on my walk, a woman I met last year there was in with her dog, who decided my entire hand needed cleaning, she's a sweet thing. Then finished my book, so quite a good start to the weekend really.

Good luck with your mums benefits MT, it is shocking how hard it can be to get obvious money.

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Evening, we had highs of 20 today! I decided I didn't want to waste the day, and as friend couldn't come to the Artisan market with me, I got my first washload pegged out at 8.40, and set off at 10 (market doesn't start till 10), went to coffee shop first to get a bake, I was going for black forest brownie, but they were doing mystery cookies, which I couldn't resist! Fudge man was off this month, so I only came home with wax melts! Nearly bought a new burner too, but stopped myself, I do have 5 and there are only 5 rooms in the house! Got some stuff from B& M and Aldi on the way home, unfortunately I couldn't get on the street, so I was waiting at the top and someone thought they could get past me and couldn't, luckily damage looks like superficial scratches, but I'll speak to the garage on Mon, hopefully it'll be cheap enough not to go through insurance. Got another wash load done when I got back, then me and friend went to Lidl and then a canal walk - we counted 26 goslings with the 3 geese today. On the way there, we saw what looked like a 3-4ft carp/pike (think we have both in the canal) sunbathing, shame I couldn't get a pic, plus some smaller fish, then on the way back, a young deer. Then we sat on a bench near candle shop getting some sun and a chat. When I got back I had a bit of my cookie (think it has some kind of chocolate spread in the middle), an ice cream, while reading, burning a new wax melt and did a foot mask. So apart from the car, it's been a really lovely day, over 12k steps, I've stopped getting that pain when I hit 10k now.

[Alicia]

Am I correct that a wax melt is a scented candle?

I kept thinking is was something to eat.

Your day sounded positively lovely, including that you are doing 12k steps without pain. You've really worked for this.

Hope the car is inexpensively fixed. Some people!

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Kind of Alicia, scented cubes of wax that need a special burner, this is one of the ones I bought today, I lit the nectarine blossom and honey when I got home. https://www.squareonescents.com/produ...

It was really nice, and was nice to get my friend out as well, she hasn't seen the big gosling family, or their reaction to being fed.

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Evening, that was a much better day than expected, it was supposed to rain all day, then this morning changed to cloudy till 7, but when I went for my canal walk about 1ish, the sun came out (so I looked a bit odd walking in a long sleeved top!), didn't see the massive fish again today, but saw a shoal of at least 20 of various sizes, plus the goslings, it was 25 with the 3 adults again today, not seen the family of 2 plus 5 babies. Stayed sunny long enough for me to sit outside for an hour reading, clouded over so I did some housework then finished my book, really motoring with those. Had to sit with the girls longer, as Coco decided to sit in front of the door just as I was about to put my tea on! Can't refuse her though.

[Alicia]

I hate when I go out without remembering to dress in layers, and it is too hot - and I have nothing I can legally remove to get cooler.

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Evening, very mixed weather wise, decided not to go for my walk at lunch, then typically it stayed dry! Went for a walk after work, it started raining part way along the canal, I persevered for a few mins, but then gave up and came home without seeing the goslings, was a wise idea, it started bouncing it down minutes after I got in, but at least I hit my step count, it was quite nice walking along the canal in the rain, but not as fun walking home.

I should start dressing in layers!

[Jim]

It has to be said that we're not perhaps as hot even as Desley so layers aren't an issue yet :-)

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Evening, another nice day, although now raining. Despite an 8am meeting, it's been a fairly quiet day, so I managed to start catching up, which is good as my boss e-mailed this pm, one of the directors will be contacting me soon as he has a task and she's agreed I can help! Took the car to the garage at lunch, he says it is all superficial so sent me to his mate who does bodywork, unfortunately it will cost about £250, mainly because its iridescent paint which is really expensive! Waiting for her to get back to me, if she doesn't by Fri I'll have to ring the insurance company. Went for walk with ratty neighbour after work, the goslings weren't interested on our way there, but when we walked back past them, they started diving in the water to swim to us, unfortunately the cows were either curious or really thirsty, and two of them getting in the canal scared the geese off! Hoping we might get ducklings soon too. Then one of my friends' cousins has started making her own wax melts, I offered to buy some to help her, so she dropped those off after I got back, at least now I have something to put in the new storage that arrived today!

[Alicia]

Paying for your paint job is probably the least expensive way to take care of the problem - I hope she goes for it, and you get it out of the way without more paperwork.

Enjoy the goslings and duckling - those babies don't stay small long.

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

I would think so, I know from last time my excess is £400, so it would be cheaper for me, as last time I had to pay the excess even though it wasn't my fault and wait for a refund! I know, the goslings are starting to get big.

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Evening, what a day! As I had the morning off, of course I woke up an hour before I would do to go to work! I was impressed with Lucy to say she had to be starved, there was one point she was attacking the door, but for the most part, she was happy to cuddle on the bed. Between the vet running late, and having to come back home as I'd taken my stuff to return, but not picked up the receipts, I only had time to return stuff to Primark, although that was the biggest thing. Just got back in time. Poor Lucy was very wobbly though (although bonus, she's lost weight!), good job she doesn't go that often with how much she cost! I was hoping she'd lie on the bed to rest, but she wouldn't settle till about 3, so I couldn't relax either! Luckily I didn't come back to much work, but loads came in! did my canal walk after work, then managed to get hold of the woman who hit my car, unfortunately her car broke down on Sun so she can't afford to pay for the repairs, so I'll have to ring the insurance company tomorrow (thought I'd give it overnight in case she changes her mind), which is rather frustrating.

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Evening, another glorious day despite a forecast of rain. Me and colleague went round the lodge at lunch, there are goslings there now too, I thought 5, but a dogwalker was going past and said there were 7 yesterday. Then we saw some calves, and as I was leaving the office a rabbit in the car park! Morning was nice and quiet, but got busy in the afternoon, had a sit down with the director and it isn't that much more work for me at the moment. Had to do an errand on the way home, then ratty neighbour asked if I wanted to go for a walk, but I was worried about Lucy, she hadn't had her breakfast and still a bit quiet, plus I needed to do the insurance claim. Lucy had a big cuddle about 6.30, and has eaten a bit since and had a drink. Must post a pic of Chanel's new sleeping place.

[M.T.]

Wow! Sounds like you've been at one with nature this week Desley! Sorry to hear about the car, that's a pain.

I have been out and about these last three days and am now knackered. Met up with my old school friends in London yesterday, glorious day, we walked from King's Cross to Little Venice along the canal which was lovely, then had lunch walked to Paddington (also along the canal) and hired a boat. It was gorgeous. Did 24k steps according to my fitbit. :-) I am very stiff today but not in the pain I would have been in a couple of years ago. Got off at the wrong station on the way back so I was half an hour late getting home but it wasn't so bad!

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Evening, that ended up quite a good day, all 3 meetings were shorter than planned, so I actually ended up with a half hour lunch, not enough to walk unfortunately, and after work I had to go to take my dress back to Asda, traffic was horrendous, so by the time I'd done Asda and Aldi, it was raining, so my streak is over on day 13, but my new challenge is how many weeks my average step count can be higher than my target, I'm on week 8. Glad it's Friday, but I've had such a busy week that I'm behind on the chores.


I certainly have MT, I'm really enjoying it. Glad you've had a good few days catching up

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Evening, weather better than forecast, we had a bit of a lazy morning as there is a weekend of activities going on in the park this weekend, I wanted to go to the makers market but nothing started till 11. Which worked out well, as my game updated on Tue and my new Sat perk is an hour free play, have to say, there are more perks than I'd realised, so unless something major happens when they fully update everyone, I'll be paying the higher price. Went for a canal walk, saw the first ducklings of the year, there were 7 of them, they aren't as brave/cheeky as goslings though, they were a bit unsure of the food at first. Didn't see the goslings today, although did see 2 cats! Did call in the candle shop to get another bag of food, and then co-op for some milk. Went to the makers market, there was half a dozen stalls, some lovely handmade things, but not much that I'd buy for myself, then went and got a brownie - I went for black forest but looked like they'd sold out, I mentioned that I didn't know what to get instead and she said she'd held a tray back as she knew I wanted to try it and hadn't been in yet, shows the benefits of supporting local businesses! Wasn't quite warm enough to sit out, so did some chores till indoor reading spot was ready, then read my book for a bit.

[Alicia]

Having them hold a treat for you because they know you and remember you - priceless.

Obviously YOU must treat them very well, too.

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

It is, isn't it? Well, I go every week to help support them, and we normally have a chat, we have a few things in common.

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Evening, another day where the forecast rain didn't materialise till 7pm, I quite like those days, we get the rain needed, but not at a time that stops me walking! Went for a walk with ratty neighbour, she was later than planned which at first annoyed me, but worked out well, as first we bumped into my cleaner out walking her dogs (who are so sweet, only seen pics of them before), I was going to text her on Tue to see if she was able to come this week, and unfortunately she isn't. No sign of duck/ducklings and we only saw a pair of adult geese, but saw a lovely newfoundland cross, he looked like the dulux dog only bigger. Then we went to the park to see if there were any different stalls on the makers market and bumped into a friend I haven't seen for a while, and her mum and dog, so it was a very sociable walk. At least I still did what I needed today, I'll have to add more to this week's to do list, I'd hoped the cleaner could have done some, but not just yet! I didn't let it stop me finishing my book though, over half way through my challenge and not half way through the year yet, so might be getting to increase that.

[M.T.]

Sounds good Desley, I love those kinds of walks. Managed to bump into a friend on the train the other day and catch up which was a nice surprise. I'm well behind on my cleaning too. Luckily I have one of those Dyson hand held cleaners with a pole, I think they call them wands. Got it at a car boot for £30 and had to buy a new battery for £24 but it's one of the best £50s I ever spent! So while the house isn't as clean as I like it's not looking as shit as it might do! Off for a walk today and have joined the gym I was trying out. It's very expensive so I'm not sure I'll carry it on for more than a year but I do need to sort out those final post knee op niggles and I think this will do the trick.

Also ... got some voices from Gareth for the next audio book. Woot!

[Kath]

Morning, each. Back from a week in Whitby with the old gang from university. Fifty five years since we first met one another, and fifty two since we graduated. Really lucky with the weather, and we remembered why we always liked each other. I think as you age, you don't really change (except externally) but you become more concentrated!
Back to a rampant garden! Over the weekend I planted out the climbing beans, tomatoes, the achochas and the courgettes so we'll have plenty to eat later in the year.

[Jim]

Desley (Cat fosterer) wrote: "It is, isn't it? Well, I go every week to help support them, and we normally have a chat, we have a few things in common."

Exactly. And it's obviously appreciated :-)

[Jim]

Kath wrote: "Morning, each. Back from a week in Whitby with the old gang from university. Fifty five years since we first met one another, and fifty two since we graduated. Really lucky with the weather, and we..."

It's nice when you can keep in touch. My late mother managed that with a gang of her friends, their offspring were brought up as a litter, packed off on holidays to yet another aunty :-)

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Evening, another dry day, with 5 mins of light rain when I was 3/4 the way round the lodge at lunch, luckily I had my coat! Was an interesting walk, there were only 4 goslings today, but 3 male mallards, first time I've seen mallards there. Only one meeting today, felt like I did a bit more catching up, ready for the next task, one of Friday's meetings was to replace the database I use, so i have to do a list of what we need on the new one and what I never use, to see if we can get rid of some things. I do have another 5 meetings this week though. Not as many as my boss though! Did a little walk round the park after work even though I'd hit my step count, then the sun came out so I had a nice time reading in indoor reading spot

Yes, it is Jim, and that kind of appreciation to loyalty makes you want to support them even more. Candle shop is the same, they make an effort to say 'Hello Desley' even if they are in the middle of something and it makes you feel they do value your business. Glad things are looking good for you MT. Good luck getting the garden back under control Kath.

[M.T.]

Glad things are going well for you too, Desley.
Kath, have just done something similar and came away thinking how lucky I am to have friends like that lot. We had an absolute gas. No-one had changed and I didn't have to be careful how much unadulterated me I let out of the bag. Ah what a joy.

It's patchy sun and cloud here today so I'm currently enjoying a view of bright sun against a grey sky. Just about to do some writing for an hour or so and then I have to move some stuff around in my study so I can fit the new display cases I've just bought from a closing down shop and fill them with tat! Went to parents' swim today and it was so lovely and warm, like luxuriating in a hot bath. Also did sewing at church - we're making kneelers with a bunch of lovely kids from the local school.

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Evening, not a bad morning, but such a frustrating afternoon - was supposed to have a 1.30 meeting, but director got caught up, so it was 4pm when I got to catch up with him. Plus had frustrating questions from other colleague. Was quite wet this morning, but dried up this pm, managed to just get to cheap shop to get multi vits at lunch, then went for a canal walk after work - didn't ask ratty neighbour, I knew she'd be in a chatty mood as she had an interview today and I wasn't in the mood for that, plus she isn't working or has animals at the moment, so she wants to be out for at least an hour, I want to use my after work walk to quickly hit my steps and maybe feed some young creatures, then get back for the cats and to read. Did bump into a fisherman, so asked him what we might have seen the other week, he said it would be bream, although we also have roach and perch, I might have got my size out, he's caught 2ft and 3ft today. Apparently the 3 geese I see with goslings are 1 female and 2 male used as a creche, they had 33 goslings this year, and there was a deer swimming in the canal this morning! Apparently one of his mates caught a snapping turtle the other week, there were 3 of them, and we also have otter and mink, but they don't like each other, you only see one or the other. Can't believe just how much local wildlife there is, might have to start taking a chair at the weekends and sitting to see what I can spot! On the way back I saw a pair of geese with really large goslings, then the duck and ducklings realised there was food on offer and swam over, but the geese didn't like that!

Glad you were able to be yourself round your friends MT, I know you were concerned you might scare people off. Sounds like you have lots of interesting stuff at the moment.

[Alicia]

Having a lovely vacation, finally able to hug the kids whenever I feel like it, and get to know my DIL better - chatting while working huge complex jigsaw puzzle - about the right level of mental activity for simultaneous talking.

We're at Lake Tahoe, on the border of the states of California and Nevada (where Las Vegas is). The family are hiking during the day, and I get pictures when they get home, plus time to write - may actually try doing that tomorrow.

It's lovely in an Airbnb big enough for all of us, out in the middle of nowhere, with snow-capped mountains in all directions.

We wanted to do a family vacation every year, but haven't because of the pandemic since 2018, so it is good to get together.

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

I'm so pleased you have finally managed to do your family vacation Alicia, sounds lovely

[Rosemary (grooving with the Picts)]

Sounds like a perfect holiday Alicia. I'm enjoying your wildlife reports Desley - I saw bats flittering around the house the other night for the first time. Or at least, I've thought I've seen them before, but this was certain, they obligingly stayed around the same area long enough to be sure!
Went into Edinburgh on the train yesterday. The first time I've had a wander around Princes Street in two years. Some of the shops have changed but the castle and gardens are all pretty much the same! Also the city has gained an enormous new shopping centre at the top of Leith Walk (they were demolishing the old one last time I was there), it's huge and full of posh shops. All topped by an 'interesting' sculpture like a golden whirl, which sadly is visible on the skyline from most directions (and from some distance). Of course to the locals it's now known as the golden turd.

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Evening, another frustrating day at work, and getting behind again. Weather wise, another day where it was wet until about 3, then dry with the sun coming out about 5.30, so it gave me chance to do some chores in my lunch break, a canal walk and then warmth for reading. Saw the duck and ducklings today, although only 5. One is really cautious, it was holding back and kept opening its mouth like it was hissing at me, I tried throwing food far enough for it, but it didn't like it, at one point it completely submerged itself to hide! Didn't realise they could do that so young.

Glad you are enjoying the wildlife reports R, I'll do better at posting pics. Love bats R, we used to have them at the bottom of the street, but now I go to bed earlier, I haven't seen them, must try and stay up to see if they are still around. Will you be going back to Edinburgh again any time soon?

[Alicia]

Desley (Cat fosterer) wrote: "I'm so pleased you have finally managed to do your family vacation Alicia, sounds lovely"

Thanks, all - it definitely is. I want the kids to be bonded - they have no cousins in the States, and there is a wide gap in age between us and them - so they are there for each other when they're older (and possibly when we need them to make decisions for us), and just because we enjoy them so much.

[Alicia]

Love to hear about your walks, Desley.

Bats, too.