ALICAT  Glad you are able to look at things in a more positive light now, good for you.

WENDY   Saw the fish nibblers in the Eastgate today, think I might give it a go but did not have time today.

Bit of a bummer yesterday aft. Went to do voluntary work for first time in ages. actually thought I might not go back as it has become far too techie for me. The treasurer had swapped days and after I had been there an hour she said quietly to the manager and myself that she seemed to have mislaid £180. We checked figures together and sure enough money was missing. searched everywhere then went throught the kitchen bin and found empty bank bag with postit with date on. OK money not mislaid but something much more serious. Police were called and I left soon after. Treasurer has phoned me to say that the culprit has been charged. we take on activities agreement people ( youngsters who have problems) as peer mentors and sadly it was one of them. the police guessed it may be her because of her background and she confessed. The manager has always been happy with our relaxed attitude to money (we have no safe) but hopefully no longer, as it just isn't fair on anyone when this happens, esp these youngsters with troubled backgrounds. One particular teenager got herself into a right state. Anyway realised while I was there that whilst most of these guys know more about computers than I do there will always be the odd one or two who need help with the basics.  OG  still haven't had feedback from the marker who keeps making excuses about being able to access my work- rather strange as he always managed before

ALICAT  Tomorrow not an easy day for you, perfectly norm. Fingal was put to sleep at 9.15 on thge 22nd Feb 2007 and this was the first year it came round without me dreading it. Over 4 years now that we have been without him - hard to believe.

PATRICIAT you are so right about dealing with the death of relatives easier than our animal friends. Remember when my much loved Grandpa died that I got over it much easier than the death of goldie 1 (Harvey) then decided it was OK as Harvey had lived with us for over 14 years and we had looked after his every need - not the same as Grandpa at all.  still much loved but not a constant companion.     Sorry to hear that OH has more probs, wishing you both well.

dibnlib I can remember the exact time and date that Joey my wonderful little budgie died. I have some of his feathers that my sister made into a picture for me and as I dust that I still talk to him.  It was a Friday that he passed away and even now I always think of nim on this day.  When we bought our bungalow we did it with him in mind in that it was safe for him to fly around.  Unfortunately he died before we moved so never had the pleasure of seeing flying round his new abode. 

dibnlib that is sad that someone took off with the money but at least as been caught.  You can't trust many people nowadays sadly.

Earthquake in Blackpool was real and I thought it was an April Fool:

http://www.earthquakes.bgs.ac.uk/recent_events/recent_events.html

Problems for ospreys in Tampa Bay:

This is from the Dunedin Cam nesting notes:

"

3/31/11 - She is still hanging in there despite some very nasty weather. Heavy winds and rain today. One nearby platform has been blown from the pole and is hanging at an angle. The mother osprey and either eggs or young cling on while they wait for help. We are working on that now. Lots of wires down and blown transformers today throughout the county. Trucks tipped on their sides. Accidents and emergency calls heavy in Indian Rocks Beach, Seminole, Largo areas. The Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary has made it through the storm in tact and have rescuers out and active today. This reminds me of the April 14, 2009 storm when we had plenty of losses of osprey young. BW"

Alan  that is not good news, high winds everywhere and I hope they don't lose too many ospreys again.

Afternoon all ... not quite as windy today as yesterday, but still not pleasant. They forecast 18C for us today ... my car said it was 14.5C ... and it feels like 4C :-((

Alan - that is awful havoc those storms are causing for osprey ... and people ... in Tampa Bay. Glad to hear that Hamish is feeling better!

dibnilb - that wasn't a very pleasant happening at your place of voluntary work ... glad they caught the culprit though.

Alicat - pleased to hear that you are eating ... and coping a bit better. I will be thinking of you tomorrow. Sounds like a good idea to get another dog after your holidays.

margobird - I did enjoy reading about Billy's antics ... he sounds quite a character! Enjoy your concert.

patriciat - sorry to hear your OH has a chest infection ... I hope the doctor came out to see him. You seem to have such a lot of problems.

OG - glad you enjoyed your birthday ... and your birthday takeaway meal! The Barn Owl people said the birds weren't ready to breed 'YET' ... so maybe later. Neither bird has been seen in the box or barn today, so maybe they have been scared off. They are a new pairing this year.

Thanks to everyone for pics, chat etc.

Take care.

MARGO   sad your budgie didn't live to see his new home, we have never had one but believe that with the right owners they can be great characters

what concert are you going to in London, must have missed that 

Just witnessed a changeover at Decorah but despite the zooming could not see the eggs. An astonishing 95,000 viewers now.

Butterfly swarm attacks man.

Branson buys Pluto, reinstates as planet

Morning all:

Auntie: Encounter with whooping swans sounds very special. Isn't it nice when we get such unexpected treats?

Jay-Me: I don't fancy fish treatment either. I've never heard of it here.

Wendy: Is it good for fishes to be eating - um - feet? Wouldn't they rather be swimming in a pond? Enjoy time with youngest.

Margobird: Smiled at Billy's antics. Must be springtime!

Alan: Good to hear that Hamish is doing better. Earthquake in Blackpool? Good grief. Dunedin news not good - don't like to think of Mom and eggs/chicks hanging on for dear life.

Alicat: Where are you going on vacation in June? That's something to look forward to.

Lynette: Sounds like a bittersweet visit from bro - I'm sure there'll be smiles in there somewhere.

patriciat: Hope you get to see doc. Take care of yourself too!

dibnlib: How distressing to find money missing and just as distressing to find young people doing stupid things. Oh dear.

jsb: Butterfly attack? Please tell me that's an April Fool event! :-)

Off to gym and grocery store; back later.

Back from a very sunny but blustery walk around Loch Morlich. Well not round really as one side is on the main road so we tend to take various routes about 7 miles in total avoiding main road but not coffee shop. It was about 16 degrees and we were totally overdressed. Took a trip up to main Cairngorm carpark to use the facilities and it was a bit of a ghost town as the wind was so strong the funicular railway and ski lifts were shut. Snow diminishing fast but BBC is forcasting more overnight. Hope not as I do remember EJ in that blizzard last year.

I think the fish thing originated abroad somewhere but is taking off over here. I think they are called Rafi fish and it is thought to help some skin conditions like psorasis. I think it only works in conjunction will some TLC at home.

Margo youngest has just got some vouchers to use a fish place in Boscombe...going to fit it in around Toby carvary...how the other half live. Anyway give it a whirl.

Dibnlib that sort of thing leaves a nasty taste but better to find the culprit and move on.