Best/Worse/What did I learn today? chat with friends....

Morning all, thunderstorms expected today, have to dog proof a few areas seeing Sailor does not do well with lightning..girls paint today so it will be a help having them here.

Did not sleep well, shaking my head no, long night, friends were on my mind, both Dg and community friends, so wish we could just zap their problems away.

LindaKay, likely the crackle didn't do well due to humidity..it plays a big part in the process.think you would have to sand, who knows maybe if you lightly sand the entire piece and then go on the raised areas with heavier hand until you see almost bare wood you might love it!

Mary, will look forward to seeing you somewhere on our trip south..Suzanne is worried about the weather, is it really bad where we'll not be able to go out and enjoy sightseeing and having a trip/luncheon on steamboat??

Enjoy your Model A gathering, sounds as though it will mean a lot to you to have them there..

lindaKay you are off early morning? Soon be your special day..start celebrating early. Suse, hope things aren't too hot for you and you can continue your gardening and walks.

Sure wish Laura would drop in and let us know she is okay..surely she is not lo joked in the sewing room. Lol

Oooh look at the time, best I get a move on

Morning everyone!
We will be taking off early, so we can drive 5 hours, and get there about check in time at 2:00. Get into our swim suits, and go get wet!
I will try sanding it and see what happens!

Sounds like a lot of fun LindaKay..bet we all wish we could be joining you for the celebration.

That would be fun, everyone running with sand in their toes, maybe a bonfire at night??? Someday!

Someday is right, bought a lottery ticket, $50 million this Friday, still trying to win the big bucks, what a gathering we would have..lol

Forget to mention last night when I got home there was an entire truckload of aged fencing rails and one of the largest pieces of driftwood I've seen, yikes about 6 or so feet long and at least 3' high, not sure where it shall go but I'm sure I'll find a home for it..the rail fencing will have to be put behind the shed until I can find manpower to make a fence at back property line..Darlene's sister Sue thought it would be perfect for my yard!!!

Good Morning.

Linda Kay...have a grand birthday trip...be safe and take pictures...grin

Yes, Mary, BR zoo. We have been going since the zoo opened in 1970/71. I had not been in the last 3 years. It was both heartening and disappointing. The new enclosures and education structures and the Aviary are really nice, but so many animals gone. I know some were "loaned" out after Gustav and am sure the attrition rate has something to do with it. Replacing animals is a very expensive proposition. There was only a single pair of bears....used to be 4 or 5 exhibits....lots of birds and ruminants and a few primates...most of the small cats are gone and only one pygmy hippo....but, chuffing with the tigers is always fun.

As for the rain....it has been a while since we have had the daily showers....I remember when my kids were young you could set your watch by the afternoon shower...almost everyday, but only rained for a few minutes. This set of storms has created major flooding for the Florida Panhandle. My friend in Gulf Breeze said in some places there the water got over 4 feet deep. Sooner or later folks will figure out that they need to heed Nature's warnings....

This is the So. American red-breasted/green-billed Toucan

OMG Jean look at the colors..how fantastic..wish I had an extra day to do the zoo but no can do!
just made bookings for Memphis, said it was in the 90's..yikes, hate to think what August will bring.

What is your weather like Jean?

and yes, the weather is so different this year, just don't know what each day will bring

Betty - here's hoping you win the Big One! How's your cough - still Not coughing? Wow - what a Big piece of driftwood! I want pictures when it's placed.........

LK - have a terrific birthday!!
Here's a site I found re: crackling:
http://www.ehow.com/how_4488274_crackle-paint.html
Another site for when the crackle didn't work - tips and suggestions:
http://www.twopeasinabucket.com/mb.asp?cmd=display&thread_id=3079117

Jean - great pic of the Toucan. I gather the "loaned" animals will be returned soon - now that Gustav is over and repairs are done? Were many lost during Gustav? By attrition I suppose you mean older animals die with no progeny....

We had no rain yesterday, and none for today.........but Thunderstorms tomorrow apparently. Then nothing for a week - I love it for gardening and running-around!

Well, I think I may have found the problem. I am using an exterior paint, and it says to use acrylic or interior paints! It may not work after all. Maybe I will just sand down some areas like you suggested and see what happens?

yes LK - that would make a big difference. So, are you going for an aged look with the sanding, rather than crackling?

I think it would look very rustic especially with the brown coming through.

Can you tell me, does USA have a holiday first weekend in August??? We do and it means I'll be crossing over to USA on long weekend mid afternoon, could be a long wait..just wondering about USA travels??

No we don't Betty, not that I know of...especially for day off type thing. Not til Labor Day in Sept.

Yes, attrition due to old age or illness. many animals do not mate in captivity and the cost of replacing is astronomical. Our zoo is in transition. Most of their funds are going into revamping and remodeling enclosures...the push is for a more natural setting for the animals.

Betty, if y'all are interested, the Audubon zoo in New Orleans is lovely...you can actually buy a package deal....Tour the Aquarium of the Americas, take a ride on a riverboat to the zoo and then ride the boat back to the aquarium...which is right downtown by the Mississippi River, the Riverwalk, Harrah's Casino and just a short trolley ride to the French Quarter. There is also an Imax at the Aquarium. The Riverwalk is a 3 level specialty shop center and food court.

http://www.auduboninstitute.org/visit/zoo
http://www.auduboninstitute.org/visit/aquarium

It will be hot here in August...it starts getting hot in April...grin Umbrellas serve dual purposes here...protection from the rain and the sun...and can make a pretty good cane if necessary...grin bring comfortable shoes for walking, and lots of cool cotton clothes...and if ya get chilled by a/c...a light shawl or wrap for evening dining, etc. and make sure you pack a hat and sunscreen. The best breezes are on the levee downtown.

I think you need to work for the tourist sections...I am sold! Me with my animal/wildlife issues....would be in Heaven.

Debbie

Debbie you would love it...the Aquarium is making a great comeback since Katrina as is the zoo.

Jean, both sound fantastic, just wish I were there a few more days..each time I go I see something different..who know maybe the audubon imax theatre could be a stop..know once we park the car and so little parking in New Orleans it will stay underground.

Counting the days..checked out Steamboat cruise, both Suzanne and I wanted to book just incase they are full and we'd miss out but have to wait closer to the time just incase we have another passenger who might not get a ticket and would have to stay behind..I'll book closer to the date..I would love to do something that tourists don't do, like go back wayyyy into the bayou to see their way of life..any suggestions.

thanks Debbie, means we won't be fighting mega traffic..

Okay, had visitors, here's a glimpse of a 'visit with Aunt Betty at work' lol

Even get to watch movies while mamere cuddles Audrey...don't I have it rough lol

Kept me away from my project

oh, you most Assuredly have it rough/tough, Betty!! All this and get paid too!! lol

That's why I make big bucks..versatile in office duties..lol

LOL Betty!!!!!! tsk tsk tsk
I should only be that versatile, maybe I'd get to Keep a job LOL

Just called Ann, she's cleaning her shed, working on nerves, went in to get a loaner car and said she was nervous driving. Came to my house to join the painters but didn't stay, said likely she would not come for t.v. bingo tonight as she's just mentally exhausted!

STREAK IS HOME!!! Yes I am just a tad excited. He has spent his time since returning prowling the house, singing at the top of his lungs. He did find the Comfort Dolls that Warrenhad in the hospital and dragged one of them around the house for awhile. Guess maybe he thinks he is finally in his home.

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY Streak is Home! lol he sings, eh? so cool! Keeps you company I'll bet :-)
Really, Really, Really glad he's back home - he sounds like he's feeling much better!!

Dianne, that is great news! Give him scratches from me!

Glad to hear Streak is telling you how happy he is to be home. I actually like it when they "sing."

Tallulah, have you tried active Cycling forums to sell your bike?
Good Luck

Edited to remove an obsolete link, sorry
Andy P

This message was edited Jun 12, 2012 6:42 PM

Dianne, so glad Streak is home. I sincerely hope he has come to terms with home...give him a snuggle for me.

So excited for you to have Streak back home..bet he can smell Warren and Stormy on the comfort dolls!

Had a friend oner tonight, she is great at garden design, asked her where the driftwood piece should go, she said up on the rock bed of the big pond and all of a sudden I can see it there..now I need 3 men and a horse to move it..have the signs I painted on the mileage post..have more to add so maybe I can cut more up and bring to work tomorrow..would keep me out of mischief.

Think I'll have a hot bath then early to bed..wind is up and actually cool..great for sleeping!

Betty - and o boy, do you need to be kept out of mischief, eh?!?!? lol
Of course - driftwood goes near water....... I should have thought of that..... DUH on me lol

Andy - I'll check out to see if there are any cycling forums in Calgary - thanks for the suggestion.
If I can't sell it, I thought about looking into training wheels (adult kind) but they're $300!

Hello To All !

Oh Betty - heat just does NOT bother me.... but I know it bothers some folks... just remember you'll be popping into places here and there and cold air inside.... are ya'll going to the French Quarter ? Jean beat me to the punch with the Aquarium / Audubon cruise. The zoo is closed on Monday, fyi....
look up the Preservation Hall.... speaking of hot... it is supposed to be NOT AC'd... but I've always wanted to do this...

Here is a link to some things to do:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g60864-Activities-New_Orleans_Louisiana.html

I do like the Gumbo Shoppe in the French Quarter for good authentic food. LOL I got in the mail today a very nice tote bag from tripadvisor ....I'm now a "Senior Contributor".... guess I got my girl scout badge. Need to post my Disney trip on there......
LK - Happy Birthday... and have a wonderful trip ! Make a Birthday Sand Castle !
Jean - have not been to the Baton Rouge Zoo in so so long....
Probably Boo at the Zoo many years ago....

DIANNE ! HAPPY HAPPY That Streak is home ! What furries were there to greet him ?

Barb you never told us what you were doing to celebrate !? Bev.... blooms on my daylilies today ! YAY! Debbie - you need to come here with Betty ! Will personally escort you to the Audubon zoo !

(HUGS) To all,
Mary

Morning everyone, Lordy where is my winter coat, sniffling here, left window open and too cold to even get up to shut it! What a change in the weather. Brrrr.

Happy Birthday LindaKay, here's hoping your beach vacation is a fun one..sunscreen packed? Have you stayed in Corpus Christi region before?

Mary, yes French Quarter/Bourbon street a must, cruise on Steamboat with supper, after that we'll see how much time we have to do some of the other things..called yesterday and changed dates in Nashville, Memphis and New Orleans..how far from where I'm staying (I'm only a few blocks from French quarter is the Audubon??

Omg I asked the agent for Days inn in Nashville and at some point he asked me my zip code, told me I had a nice voice, lol. Then said days inn was booked bit they had the highland Inn in Midland, so I repeated, days inn fully booked, yes came the reply, and this highland inn what would the address be? Hwy 12 and king st?? Familiar, What to heck, he s booking me the hotel 3 miles down the road..yikes, seemed to take forever to get the room booked n Nashville..got confirmation by email just to make sure I wasn't staying in my own back yard.

Bet Dianne you had a good night sleep haing Streak home with you.

Want to get a few things done before I leave this morning so off and running!

Nope Betty usual none sleep until about 6 am when I fell asleep until 7:45 am. BUT it was wonderful to have Streak right there beside me, purring away.

Happy Birthday LK!!!! Have a blast at the beach!

If anything the purrrrr'ing should have put you to sleep! Do you have to bring him back for check-up?
Did you get this turn in the weather??

Bored/bored, should have brought something in to work on

Linda Kay, hope you have a fabulous birthday and a very safe trip.This cake is guaranteed to not add inches....GRIN

You had best Jean tell me where I can find a non calorie cake that looks like that one...

purrrrrrrrr - now I'M sleeping lol I agree - cat purring would put me to sleep........ :-)

Betty - brrrrrrrr and he was booking you in Ontario?!?!? lol too funny - guess he wanted the zip of where you were wanting to stay.........and how would you know that off-hand?!?!?

LK - enjoying your birthday trip? Sure hope so!!!!!!!!!!!! (cake, cake, cake.........c'mon chant with me!!)

Betty - just Looking at the cake won't put calories In ya!! lol I think that's what Jean's banking on LOL