How long will it take us to get to 10,000 posts?

[Long Lashes]

A book of some sort has to come from all my orchid adventures.

Absolutely! you need to start making some notes so you don't forget anything. Oh but ... you could just read back through this thread for all your info

So they didn't like each other? Orchid feuding in the LL home?

Its all happening here, they've both decided to go into a sulk and are casting off their blooms. Such moody Orchids in the LL home.

Maybe a Poinsettia come bring peace between your orchids?

Well, you'll never guess what? I now have a brand new Poinsettia :hats:

I bought her this Monday and so far she looks fab, its early days though. I will take a photo to show you before anything happens to her. I keep reminding myself NOT to over-water.

I'm up to eight or nine flower spikes appearing but I doubt I'll see blooms until January. Right now it's a race between Butterfly (#14) and Nisha (#25) as to who blooms first. Nisha is a surprise as I just got her this past August.

You're in for a very colourful plant tower

I'll share a photo soon of this giant Poinsettia.

I will look forward to seeing it. I've never seen a giant one in the UK, I think its too chilly here for them.

I'm eager to see how your forth attempt goes.

Watch this space :laughing: and please keep me updated if you should stumble upon another needy Poinsettia.

I still remember the fab story about how you got Streetie




Very festive signature by the way Michelle, I like the Santa hat :18:

 

[Long Lashes]

Eagle Chat​

They have such a deep bond.

They look like an old married couple here .. :Clol:

Kissing Eagle style.

They can't keep their hands beaks off each other :love4:

They have some nerve to invade Liberty and Freedom's home. They are nearly as fun to watch as the Eagles.

They are good to watch and such cheeky little squirrels.

Mr. Owl is waiting for those eggs to appear.

Oh no, I hope he moves on before Liberty lays any eggs.

Yes, the added view is great and will be even more interesting when new eaglets fledge next year, hopefully.

I took this one this morning , its from the new cam ...

Its one of the eagles sleeping in a nearby tree (hope you can see it) on the large branch. I love being able to see the surrounding area because it shows how Liberty and Freedom are always near to the nest. I used to worry about Fluff being left alone, but the eagles were probably nearby in this tree above.

I hope they have each other for many more years. Every creature should be happy.

Thats a lovely thing to say and I agree.

Here are the happy couple again.....

Have you noticed how that tough old brown leaf is still clinging to the branch above? its been there for weels.

 

[DallasFanForever]

I don't think we will ever have a Christmas like we did last year ever again.

I certainly hope not. The holidays are usually very tough for me. I get very down and that was long before last year. But I am determined to not let this happen this year. And so far I’m okay. I really enjoyed thanksgiving and I’m trying to enjoy Christmas.

but at the same time I felt a bit sad at not seeing some of my family.

This was hard for me too. I don’t have a lot of family left so I try to be close with the ones I do have. Not seeing them last year was very tough.

I made Christmas dinner for Mr L's mother last year and he delivered it to her on Christmas day, she was shielding and didn't dare leave the house.

I remember hearing so many nice stories like this last year. My Christmas dinner basically came from a few of my customers on my route LOL

 

[DallasFanForever]

Did you? oh that's interesting, I didn't realise it was a world-wide thing.

I didn’t either. I still see them sometimes actually. I’m not sure though if people are still doing this or if they just forgot to take them down from last year. But I do like seeing them on the windows.

The pandemic changed our lives in so many ways, but their were some good things to come out of it too.

Yes there were. It was actually job security for me, although I don’t like saying that cause for so many people it wasn’t. And I think it made people appreciate the little things in life more. I know it had that effect on me.

During the lockdown I enjoyed the silence, no traffic noises, no planes overhead, I could hear the birds so much more clearly

I know what you mean. I remember taking my lunch in this plaza I always used to eat in and there would be like 3 of us sitting there instead of 50 for a change. You could actually hear urself think for once.

 

[DallasFanForever]

Its funny, I had this exact conversation a couple of weeks ago just after I had my booster jab ... I was sat near this friendly guy as we waited in a special room for the instructed 15mins to pass before leaving the building ... he was telling me how kind everyone had been to his elderly Mother and how younger children and teenagers had posted pictures and letters to her to stop her from becoming lonely

I can’t tell you how many similar stories I’ve heard this past year and a half. I would go to houses and people would come outside and just start talking to me about their lives. Some people were just so lonely and needed someone to talk to.

Its good that so many people appreciate all you do.

I would get notes left for me telling me not to get sick and to please stay safe. And little did they know what I was going through personally at the time. I was fighting my own battles that had nothing to do with Covid. But regardless, it was nice to see everyone cared.

I couldn't do that DFF , it would stress me out too much Mr L shops like that at Christmas too.

Maybe it’s a guy thing. I am off Sunday and my goal is to go Christmas shopping early in the morning but I know what will happen when I wake up and realize it’s Sunday and it’s my only day off.

 

[DallasFanForever]

I love your new name!

Thank you Lashes! And it’s one of the ones you suggested. As soon as I read it I liked the sound of it.

This really made me laugh :laughing:

I’m glad it did because sometimes I hold my finger over that Post Reply button for a few seconds and I think “Is this one funny or will DFF be the only one laughing this time?”

 

[Michelle Stevens]

I think you're as near to 'like' as The Enforcer ever gets my friend, , if she tolerates you (and she does with you) then that's a big breakthrough. and the gifts do help, she's quite materialistic ..Lol!

That is reassuring! At least when you lash-out, I'm not going to be a victim. BTW, what do you think you/she will want for Christmas as she is so materialistic? :14:

I will make a note of that Michelle and have a word with my Aliens.

LOL, when do they plan to return to Earth?

I'm also in the mood for a new hotter image, so I will ask them to create a new fashion trend for me too

LOL, that is something I never have to say as I'm always at the zenith of hotness. I do look forward what you get in improve your hotness for the season.

It would be the equivalent of running two marathons back to back

Indeed! You'd have to take time away from the Cafe to recover. One lash-out at a time is enough.

 

[Michelle Stevens]

Absolutely! you need to start making some notes so you don't forget anything. Oh but ... you could just read back through this thread for all your info

So true! Maybe that will be one of my New Year's resolutions.

Its all happening here, they've both decided to go into a sulk and are casting off their blooms. Such moody Orchids in the LL home.

Oh no! :laughing:

Well, you'll never guess what? I now have a brand new Poinsettia :hats:

Woohoo!

I bought her this Monday and so far she looks fab, its early days though. I will take a photo to show you before anything happens to her. I keep reminding myself NOT to over-water.

Is she red or white? I look forward in seeing an image of Poinsettia #4. They are moody when it comes to their watering.

You're in for a very colourful plant tower

Indeed! Plant Tower #2 now has a string of Christmas lights on it as well. I also discovers two other orchids with new spike growths, ten total. It's their time of year to bloom.

I will look forward to seeing it. I've never seen a giant one in the UK, I think its too chilly here for them.

Well this one (all of them for that matter) are indoor. If I lived in South Florida, Arizona, Southern California or Hawaii I may leave them out.

Here is the 2018 Poinsettia.

Spoiler

Some leaves are not perfect but overall a happy, healthy three-year old Poinsettia.

Watch this space :laughing: and please keep me updated if you should stumble upon another needy Poinsettia.

My grocery store lady will have plenty but I didn't broach the topic of Poinsettias due to space. I try to keep it to Orchids with her. No doubt there will be countless unwanted Poinsettias come 26 December.

I still remember the fab story about how you got Streetie

LOL, who I "liberated" her from her near death on the street from a careless store owner. Streetie is doing fine over a year later.

Very festive signature by the way Michelle, I like the Santa hat :18:

LOL, it's the same one I have used for about five years. It just fits the season. Thank you. Your magic wand angel is the best.

I love it!

 

[Long Lashes]

The holidays are usually very tough for me. I get very down and that was long before last year.

I'm sorry to hear this my friend and unfortunately none of us can avoid the holidays, especially Christmas which is everywhere and right in our faces right now.

But I am determined to not let this happen this year. And so far I’m okay. I really enjoyed thanksgiving and I’m trying to enjoy Christmas.

Good for you ... although I do know a few other people who dread Christmas too.

I think with all the Christmas adverts, decorations everywhere, jolly Christmas movies, Christmas music etc., we are expected to throw ourselves into it, feel compelled to have a good time, but its not always that easy for everyone and no one should be made to feel that they have to.

I don’t have a lot of family left so I try to be close with the ones I do have. Not seeing them last year was very tough.

I can imagine it was. Who would ever have guessed that Covid would come into our lives? in some ways I still can't take in that this pandemic has happened ... I know that sounds daft, but its a lot to take in, especially with is being literally world-wide.


Sometimes (and as bad as it sounds) we have to laugh too. One of my friends sent to me the other week ...

My Christmas dinner basically came from a few of my customers on my route LOL

You have the best customers ever!

I would get notes left for me telling me not to get sick and to please stay safe. And little did they know what I was going through personally at the time. I was fighting my own battles that had nothing to do with Covid. But regardless, it was nice to see everyone cared.

I hope those friendly notes acted as a good distraction from what you were personally going through.

A disaster ... am I right in calling the pandemic a disaster? ... anyway, a disaster often brings out the best in many people.



Changing the subject and I hope you don't mind me mentioning this, we have had it on our news about the Tornados hitting the US right now, its shocking and terrifying to see the destruction they're causing, I feel for all those who have lost their homes or worse their lives. I so hope it stops soon and that you're all safe over there.

 

[Long Lashes]

I didn’t either. I still see them sometimes actually. I’m not sure though if people are still doing this or if they just forgot to take them down from last year. But I do like seeing them on the windows.

Our council had some rainbows laid into the road outside our local hospital in tribute to the Doctors and Nurses , they're still there and somehow brighten everything up.

Maybe it’s a guy thing. I am off Sunday and my goal is to go Christmas shopping early in the morning but I know what will happen when I wake up and realize it’s Sunday and it’s my only day off.

Dare I ask? ... did you go and get your Christmas shopping done CDF? please say you did or I will not be able to sleep for worrying :laughing:

sometimes I hold my finger over that Post Reply button for a few seconds and I think “Is this one funny or will DFF be the only one laughing this time?”

I know what you mean. I sometimes post something and then worry a bit that no one takes it the wrong way. You have no worries my friend, I definitely get your great sense of humour, you often crack me up and have me literally laughing out loud here

 

[Long Lashes]

That is reassuring! At least when you lash-out, I'm not going to be a victim.

If The Enforcer saw you as a threat, you would know about it by now. I think you're safe.

BTW, what do you think you/she will want for Christmas as she is so materialistic?

All I can think of is a woolly hat with a bobble on top to keep her warm during these wintery days or I could ask if she wants anything else if you like? Just don't expect a gift in return, she doesn't do kindness.

LOL, when do they plan to return to Earth?

They've informed me they will be here by January 5th 2022.... I'll believe it when I see it.

LOL, that is something I never have to say as I'm always at the zenith of hotness.

You're so funny N2H :floor:

I do look forward what you get in improve your hotness for the season.

Usually I have a bone or two removed ... anything could happen

 

[Long Lashes]

Is she red or white? I look forward in seeing an image of Poinsettia #4.

She is red and I must apologise because until I came back on this thread I'd forgotten all about taking her photo .... I won't return here without a photo next time.

They are moody when it comes to their watering.

They're so tricky !

My new Poinsettia felt a tiny bit dry, so she had me dithering - "shall I water her, no leave it for a couple of days .. ah but she might dry out ... okay I'm going to water her .. but what if she doesn't really want any yet, I'll just give her a tiny bit" ... .... Its not easy being a Poinsettia owner.

Plant Tower #2 now has a string of Christmas lights on it as well.

How very festive :ss9: I bet it looks great.

I also discovers two other orchids with new spike growths, ten total. It's their time of year to bloom.

Its all happening on those busy plant towers, they sure are happy orchids

Here is the 2018 Poinsettia.

Spoiler

undefined

Its so big, its absolutely gorgeous it looks so perfect that it almost looks unreal. The red leaves are so evenly spread out, its so impressive, thanks for taking the trouble to show us Michelle. May I ask if your Mother covered the plant to keep it dark for the leaves to change colour?

LOL, who I "liberated" her from her near death on the street from a careless store owner. Streetie is doing fine over a year later.

She takes everything so calmly, I'm actually very fond of your Streetie and her will to live, she could easily have withered and died outside that shop. What a lucky day it was when you first saw her and she didn't have to wait too long before you pounced and began your daring undercover rescue mission.

LOL, it's the same one I have used for about five years. It just fits the season. Thank you.

It still looks fab! :hanukka:

. Your magic wand angel is the best.

I love it!

She keeps well stored up in the TT attic doesn't she?

... Ooo that reminds me of the time you climbed to the top of the forum and got yourself tangled up in all the Christmas foliage :Clol:

 

[DallasFanForever]

I'm sorry to hear this my friend and unfortunately none of us can avoid the holidays, especially Christmas which is everywhere and right in our faces right now.

And for too long I think I did try to avoid them. And I do regret that now. Will CDF show up this year? And if he does will he smile? Will he talk? How do we handle him? And how much food do we make because if he’s depressed he eats even more, doesn’t he? Luckily I had family to get me through it. No one really knew what to say to me but they had great patience with me.

I think with all the Christmas adverts, decorations everywhere, jolly Christmas movies, Christmas music etc., we are expected to throw ourselves into it, feel compelled to have a good time, but its not always that easy for everyone and no one should be made to feel that they have to

I became quite the Scrooge for awhile. I would hibernate around the holidays but I think everyone understood I just had to be left alone. That’s why when I see someone struggling around the holidays now I understand. I can’t just tell people to snap out of it.

Who would ever have guessed that Covid would come into our lives? in some ways I still can't take in that this pandemic has happened

I know what you mean. It just came out of nowhere and snowballed so quickly and the next thing we know we’re wearing masks everywhere and people are dying. I never thought about a virus taking over our lives like that.

 

[DallasFanForever]

Sometimes (and as bad as it sounds) we have to laugh too. One of my friends sent to me the other week ...

I love it! And sadly, it’s just as much true sometimes as it is funny

You have the best customers ever!

I miss them! Don’t get me wrong, I love the new route and have met so many nice people but I was on that route almost 10 years. I keep in touch with some of them and I stop by when I can but life goes on as they say.

I hope those friendly notes acted as a good distraction from what you were personally going through.

You have no idea my friend!

A disaster ... am I right in calling the pandemic a disaster? ... anyway, a disaster often brings out the best in many people.

I’ve always felt that adversity is when you see what people are really made of. The pandemic brought out the best in most of us, and sadly it brought out the worst in some.

 

[DallasFanForever]

Changing the subject and I hope you don't mind me mentioning this, we have had it on our news about the Tornados hitting the US right now, its shocking and terrifying to see the destruction they're causing, I feel for all those who have lost their homes or worse their lives. I so hope it stops soon and that you're all safe over there

I don’t mind you mentioning it at all. Actually I’m glad you did. And thank you for your concern! I’ve never heard of these tornados happening in December to be honest. Maybe I’m wrong but it seems out of season. Regardless, it’s tragic. I couldn’t believe the images I was seeing on the weather channel. I have a niece out in Tennessee and she just grabbed her kids and ran when they were told to get ready. And obviously with tornados there’s no preparation compared to hurricanes. Such a sad situation!

Our council had some rainbows laid into the road outside our local hospital in tribute to the Doctors and Nurses , they're still there and somehow brighten everything up.

This made me smile! I like hearing things like this

Dare I ask? ... did you go and get your Christmas shopping done CDF? please say you did or I will not be able to sleep for worrying :laughing:

Lashes, I can’t lie to you. My goal today was to go do my Christmas shopping. And let’s just say, well, let’s just say the goal wasn’t met. CDF barely got off the couch today.

 

[DallasFanForever]

I sometimes post something and then worry a bit that no one takes it the wrong way

I can’t see you ever posting something that someone would take the wrong way. On the other hand, I have accidentally ruined lives on some of the Dallas threads. I notice jokes are harder to get over over there.

You have no worries my friend, I definitely get your great sense of humour

What a relief! But also a little concerning because sometimes I don’t even get my own sense of humor Lashes.

you often crack me up and have me literally laughing out loud here

Thank you my friend!! I think laughter is something we all need. Nothing makes me happier than making someone laugh, even when I don’t feel like laughing myself. It’s the best thing people can do for one another in this world.

 

[Michelle Stevens]

Eagle Chat​

​

They look like an old married couple here .. :Clol:

They may be an old married couple. I forgot but Liberty is older than Freedom.

They can't keep their hands beaks off each other :love4:

LOL! :floor:Beaks can't be too romantic to have.

They are good to watch and such cheeky little squirrels.

They are fearless.

Oh no, I hope he moves on before Liberty lays any eggs.

Hopefully. I think it still will be a month at the earliest before eggs arrive. The Soap and Chat year, 2019, they were late. They do seem to be very active on the nest for December so who knows.

I took this one this morning , its from the new cam ...

Its one of the eagles sleeping in a nearby tree (hope you can see it) on the large branch. I love being able to see the surrounding area because it shows how Liberty and Freedom are always near to the nest. I used to worry about Fluff being left alone, but the eagles were probably nearby in this tree above.

Great capture! Poor things have to sleep standing but I guess they are accustomed to it. It's great to have this camera angle.

Thats a lovely thing to say and I agree.

Here are the happy couple again.....

Have you noticed how that tough old brown leaf is still clinging to the branch above? its been there for weels.

Those leaves have no intention of leaving, pun intended.

Some more nest construction again today.

I just noticed on the other Farm Country, Lipstick and Guy webcam a photo of the tree and nest but still not active cameras.

I never knew houses were that close.

 

[Michelle Stevens]

If The Enforcer saw you as a threat, you would know about it by now. I think you're safe.

Good to know. It does seem The Enforcer has done a good job keeping the gremlins at bay this year. She needs a Christmas gift.

All I can think of is a woolly hat with a bobble on top to keep her warm during these wintery days or I could ask if she wants anything else if you like? Just don't expect a gift in return, she doesn't do kindness.

Her/your tolerance is all I need. I am curious how you ask her?

They've informed me they will be here by January 5th 2022.... I'll believe it when I see it.

LOL, are you sure it's not January 5th, 2202?

You're so funny N2H :floor:

You should know better than to tread on my supreme hotness dear 'Lashes.

Usually I have a bone or two removed ... anything could happen

OMG, you need to ignore their fashion trend advice my friend. Those pesky aliens are not meant for this world and it's fashion.

 

[Michelle Stevens]

She is red and I must apologise because until I came back on this thread I'd forgotten all about taking her photo .... I won't return here without a photo next time.

No rush, just curious to see her and to see what name she has.

They're so tricky !

My new Poinsettia felt a tiny bit dry, so she had me dithering - "shall I water her, no leave it for a couple of days .. ah but she might dry out ... okay I'm going to water her .. but what if she doesn't really want any yet, I'll just give her a tiny bit" ... .... Its not easy being a Poinsettia owner.

I usually put my fingers into the soil and if it's dry I give them a good watering but not too much to soak the pot. It get' easier when you know how much each plant drinks and how quick they get dry. I'd keep them dry than wet as if they start to wilt you can always add water. Too much water is hard to fix.

How very festive :ss9: I bet it looks great.

They deserve the lights as for most on that shelf it's their first Christmas with me. My ailing #28 orchid Venus is on that Tower. She is doing well after nearly dying of stem rot in early September.

Its all happening on those busy plant towers, they sure are happy orchids

I hope so. Daffy Michelle always says "good morning lovies" each morning when I see them and turn on their LED lights.

Its so big, its absolutely gorgeous it looks so perfect that it almost looks unreal. The red leaves are so evenly spread out, its so impressive, thanks for taking the trouble to show us Michelle. May I ask if your Mother covered the plant to keep it dark for the leaves to change colour?

No trouble at all. This poinsettia is by far the best looking this year. It was covered from mid-September until mid- November with a black trash bag. It's great this plant as seeing it's forth Christmas.

She takes everything so calmly, I'm actually very fond of your Streetie and her will to live, she could easily have withered and died outside that shop. What a lucky day it was when you first saw her and she didn't have to wait too long before you pounced and began your daring undercover rescue mission.

Indeed it was a mission. I had noticed her being neglected that summer, July or so when I went in as asked to water her. I had not intention of getting her but as the frosty days of Autumn came calling I knew I had to act, hence my 28 October 2020 mission and she has made it over a year in my care. I'll take a new photo of her soon and share. This will be her third Christmas as much as I can tell.

It still looks fab! :hanukka:

Thank you!

She keeps well stored up in the TT attic doesn't she?

Indeed, I look so forward to her arrival this time of year.

... Ooo that reminds me of the time you climbed to the top of the forum and got yourself tangled up in all the Christmas foliage :Clol:

OMG, I remember that with all that sap. Yuck! Now Ome has snow my my hot golden locks for the season. :bbbb:

 

[Long Lashes]

And for too long I think I did try to avoid them. And I do regret that now. Will CDF show up this year? And if he does will he smile? Will he talk? How do we handle him? And how much food do we make because if he’s depressed he eats even more, doesn’t he? Luckily I had family to get me through it. No one really knew what to say to me but they had great patience with me.

I think you've hit the nail on the head when you say ... "no one really knew what to say" ... I imagine people who care want to help, I know I would want to, but sometimes even words are not effective, people need time and just to know that some people care. Which is why I'm so thankful you had some people who were patient with you they obviously care about you very much.

I became quite the Scrooge for awhile. I would hibernate around the holidays but I think everyone understood I just had to be left alone. That’s why when I see someone struggling around the holidays now I understand. I can’t just tell people to snap out of it.

I'm sure you must be a great help to anyone who is going through tough times because you do understand.

We once had a manager at work who was very formal and just saw things as black and white, a straight talker. One day all my colleagues and I were terribly upset about something which had happened to someone we knew and I always remember this Manager coldly saying .. "get a grip" ... I was shocked he said that and I never respected him from that day on, luckily he left not long after, but he couldn't have been more insensitive.

I’ve always felt that adversity is when you see what people are really made of. The pandemic brought out the best in most of us, and sadly it brought out the worst in some.

How true that is.

I’ve never heard of these tornados happening in December to be honest. Maybe I’m wrong but it seems out of season. Regardless, it’s tragic. I couldn’t believe the images I was seeing on the weather channel. I have a niece out in Tennessee and she just grabbed her kids and ran when they were told to get ready. And obviously with tornados there’s no preparation compared to hurricanes. Such a sad situation!

We've had lots of reports about the tornadoes and I've been truly shocked at the images. Mr L asked me where can people run to escape it and keep safe? and I had no answer, the weather is so powerful. My heart goes out to all those who are affected.