Scottish Rock Garden Club Forum

General Subjects => General Forum => Topic started by: ranunculus on December 16, 2008, 11:36:03 AM

Title: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: ranunculus on December 16, 2008, 11:36:03 AM
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I may be one of the first to send Christmas and New Year greetings to all the members of this magnificent Forum but, seeing as:- a) the local shops have had tinsel up for two months; b) our first Christmas card arrived three weeks ago, and c) I took our little grandson Ollie to see the great man himself and his elves on Saturday last, then I feel I may be permitted an early posting.  Besides, it used to take a number of weeks for our best wishes to reach the Southern Hemisphere and across the ‘pond’, so convention dictates in the face of this new technology.
Firstly, may I wish improved health to those members who are suffering in silence at the moment.  Christmas thanks to all those anonymous people who have worked so hard behind the scenes. My gratitude to members who have contributed articles, images, advice, controversy and great humour during the year and my heartfelt thanks to generous friends who have sent seeds, plants, information and warm words across the miles.
We should never take this magnificent resource for granted (other forums have prospered and expired in the twinkling of a Christmas star) - you are what makes this place so special, so THANK YOU ALL.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND OUR VERY BEST WISHES FOR A HAPPY, HEALTHY AND FLORIFEROUS NEW YEAR.

Sue and Cliff

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Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: annew on December 16, 2008, 12:01:06 PM
Crikey Cliff, you should have left some of those for the rest of us! What more can I say - thanks everyone for contributions great and small. May you all have a great Christmas and a peaceful and happy new year.
Warm Regards,
Anne
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: JohnnyD on December 16, 2008, 12:11:06 PM
Cheers Cliff for putting those thoughts so well.
This is my first year as a forumist I can only say thanks for all the entertainment and fun as well as good solid info which I have had.
Thanks Maggi to you and all the team - for a brilliant site.

A Very Merry Christmas to all and a Prosperous and Healthy New Year.

John & Clare
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: David Shaw on December 16, 2008, 01:44:31 PM
A merry Christmas to all who have made this Forum the wonderful place that it is. From the very technical computer and camera advice and detailed plant information (and travelogues)to the completely off the wall comments and very witty humour in lighter moments I would like to thank all the contributors - keep them coming in 2009, please.
And, of course, a special thank you to Mr Admin and the moderators who never sleep just to keep our habit fed.
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Maggi Young on December 16, 2008, 10:31:46 PM
Dear SRGC Forumists,

Ian, Maggi and Fred have sent you an electronic greeting card.

Please click on the following link to see your card.  If your e-mail program has not displayed this as a link, then please copy the following into the Address or Location bar of your Internet browser.

http://www.jacquielawson.com/viewcard.asp?code=1653550997285&source=jl999


                                             [attach=1]                           


                    [attach=2]                                    [attach=3]

   
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Paul T on December 16, 2008, 10:38:40 PM
Maggi,

Geez, you've got to hope that that poor reindog doesn't short out... with that set of lights on it the poor thing would fry!! :o

All the best for the Silly Season from this part of the world as well.  Thanks everyone.  8)
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Anthony Darby on December 16, 2008, 11:20:16 PM
Did you know that only female reindeer have antlers at Christmas? ::)
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: fermi de Sousa on December 17, 2008, 12:50:43 AM
Best wishes to all for the Festive Season!
Maggi's flashing reindeer accompanied this message from an e-mail friend:

REMEMBER THIS AT CHRISTMAS TIME
According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, while both male and female reindeer grow antlers in the summer each year, male reindeer drop their antlers at the beginning of winter, usually late November to mid-December. Female reindeer retain their antlers till after they give birth in the spring.


Therefore, according to EVERY historical rendition depicting Santa's reindeer, EVERY single one of them, from Rudolph to Blitzen, had to be a girl.
We should've known... ONLY women would be able to drag a fat-ass man in a red velvet suit all around the world in one night and not get lost.


So, yes, Anthony, I had heard that fact!
cheers
fermi
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: dominique on December 17, 2008, 11:05:23 AM
Happy Christmas, happy new year and happy hollidays at all foromists and their family,human, animal and plants !!! All the best for the vegetal world that all we like, love and protect with mother's eyes and heart ! Thank to all who make of this forum what it is and become, all the friendly messages, exchanges and ideas all over the world. Thank you Maggi who never sleeps for us. I have in my garden an old moss rose named : Nuit de Young (Young's night). It is very dark red although your nights are white because us Maggi ! ButI am sure and hope that Ian knows how to change white in red for you !!! !!! Best whishes for all from France.
Dominique
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Paddy Tobin on December 17, 2008, 11:45:09 AM
Best wishes to all forum members and a special thanks to those behind the scenes who keep it running.

It is a great pleasure having contact with such an enthusiastic group of people from all around the world.

Now, roll on Tuesday next when I can close down the school and have two weeks at home.

Paddy
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Katherine J on December 17, 2008, 12:04:34 PM
 :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-*
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Hans J on December 17, 2008, 12:14:19 PM
Best wishes to all forum members from me too !!!

Hans
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Martin Baxendale on December 17, 2008, 12:31:22 PM
:-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-*

Thanks, Kata. I think that counts as a Christmas snog!
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Brian Ellis on December 17, 2008, 01:25:55 PM
Thanks to all the forum members for an interesting, entertaining and educational year!

Attached a tasteful card from 1913 - and no it was not sent to me at the time!
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: ian mcenery on December 18, 2008, 01:09:32 PM
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and happy and (hopefully) prosperous) New Year

Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Flory on December 18, 2008, 01:22:03 PM
A special thanks to you Maggie, for making this such a wonderful forum and to all the forum members from around the globe.
"May your shadow never shorten and may your tribe multiply"
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with blooms.
 ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on December 18, 2008, 01:27:25 PM
Also from this part of the world my verrrry verrrry best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all of you, members of this wonderful, friendly community !
Good health and happy growing !  :D :D :D
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Jim McKenney on December 18, 2008, 02:02:37 PM
Season’s Greetings, everyone!
And many thanks to the seemingly indefatigable Maggi and all others who have make this forum so entertaining and such a valuable resource.
Attached is an image of the wreath formed around the oculus in my pergola: it's about five feet in diameter. Enjoy!

Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Maggi Young on December 18, 2008, 03:11:58 PM
Thanks, Peter -  is that a nice Boxer dog you have there? 


Jim, it's all very well for you to SAY this  is a photo of a wreath...it's very pretty.... BUT.... it looks to me suspiciously like a UFO ........ ::) :-\ :-X
( unidentified flying object)
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: WimB on December 18, 2008, 04:13:55 PM
I wish you all a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year filled with a lot of exiting gardening plans.

 :-* :-* and best wishes

Wim
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Michael J Campbell on December 18, 2008, 05:28:59 PM
A happy Christmas to everyone on the forum, and all the best wishes for the new year. I hope all your plants grow well and are "exactly what is says on the label" for the coming season.
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Diane Clement on December 18, 2008, 05:52:25 PM
 Please click here  (http://www.star28.net/penguin_tebe.swf?msg=best%20wishes%20%20%20to%20all%20%20forumists%20%20%20%20from%20Diane /)
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Anthony Darby on December 18, 2008, 07:13:15 PM
Jim's spectavular UFO (unidentified effing object) reminds me of those rings of jelly containing eggs that turn up in the kids' paddling pool during the summer. Thankfully, not 5' across! :o
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: mark smyth on December 18, 2008, 07:35:47 PM
To the forum members, Ian for his bulb logs, Maggi for humour and forum over seer, Fred for keeping the forum going and the lurkers who may one day set across the invisible line and join us
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Jim McKenney on December 18, 2008, 07:41:02 PM
Well, it's not unidentified; it's a sort of torus, isn't it?

And Anthony, I hope "effing" doesn't mean over there what it means over here.

I assure you mine is a very chaste torus, even though it only comes out at night.

Are those rings of jelly you mention of the batrachian sort?
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Anthony Darby on December 18, 2008, 11:23:07 PM
;D ;D

I think the eggs are caddis fly, or perhaps stonefly. The whole ring is about 1cm diameter.
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Kristl Walek on December 19, 2008, 05:03:59 AM
My warmest wishes to all.  


Thank you for being here, and for enriching my life.
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Thomas Huber on December 19, 2008, 01:51:46 PM
A merry, merry Christmas and a happy new year from a German croconut!
Thanks to all my friends all over the world for your friendship and the good swaps we did in the past.
I hope to have more time for visiting the forum next year, in the last weeks my time was dramaticly reduced for private fun  :-\
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: shelagh on December 19, 2008, 04:51:33 PM
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE ON THE FORUM. IT'S ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF MY DAY TO LOG ON AND SEE WHAT EVERYONE IS CHATTING ABOUT. ALL THE BEST FOR 2009 FROM SHELAGH AND BRIAN
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Roma on December 19, 2008, 11:06:34 PM
Best wishes for a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all forum members and a special thanks to Maggi and Fred toiling behind the scenes to ensure we all get our daily fix.

                   Roma
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: ichristie on December 20, 2008, 01:01:13 PM

Dear All. thought you might like this wee poem written by a friend,   cheers Ian the Christie kind ;D


I am a little fairy
On tap o' the Christmas Tree
It's no' a job I fancy
Well how would you like tae be me

A tarted up wi' tinsel
It's enough to mak ye boak
An a couple o' jaggy branches
Rammed up the back o' your frock
 
 An' these wee lights a'roon me
I canny get my sleep
An' there's the yearly visit
Fae Santa - Big fat creep!

On Christmas Day I'm stuck up here
While you're a' wirin' in
An' naebody says "Hey you up there
Could you go a slug o' gin?

It's nae joke bein' a fairy
The job's beyond belief
You've got to go roon' the wean's beds
An' lift their rotten teeth

But o' a' the joabs a fairy gets
An' I've mentioned only some
The very worst is sitting up a tree
Wi' pine needles up yir bum

When a' the fairies meet again
By the light of' the silvery moon
Ye can tell the Christmas fairies
They're the wans that canna sit doon

The Christmas tree's a bonny sight
As the firelight softly flickers
But think o' me I'm stuck up here
Wi' needles in my knickers

So soon as Christmas time's right by
An' I stop bein' sae full o' cheer
I'll get awa back tae Fairyland
An' I'll see yous a' next year.
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Paul T on December 20, 2008, 10:24:21 PM
LOVE IT!!  Very, very cool.  Can't help but read that wi' an accent!!  ;D

Great stuff.  8)
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: mark smyth on December 20, 2008, 10:46:16 PM
very good
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Paul T on December 21, 2008, 08:55:43 AM
While I appreciate receiving them, I do have to laugh at the cards I am getting with the "Season's Greetings" snow scenes etc.  Christmas Day is forecast about 31'C I think, which is actually a bit cooler than the last few years from memory (although I would have to check for the actual day).  Certainly, our December has been cooler than the last couple of years, which is very nice.  I get a good chuckle each time I receive the snow scene, as it is just SO far from here in climate.  ;D  It always feels deliciously cool though, which is most definitely a good thing.  I think I might keep the links for February, when we're needing to see something chilly to try to combat the oppressive heat.  :o

Just had to comment.  I love the cards, but the idea of a white christmas is just so WRONG!!  ;)
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: gote on December 21, 2008, 09:30:18 AM
Thank you Maggie!
Thank you Fred,
Thank you all posters!
May you all have a Merry and restful (is not that an oxymoron?  ;D) Christmas
and a
Happy New Year with less weeds, less pests and more flowers.
Göte

PS
This is the first year EVER I will be able to pick a Christmas rose at Christmas. Horray!
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Paul T on December 21, 2008, 09:37:19 AM
Gote,

I discovered today that I have a wayward bud on a Helleborus niger variety at the moment.... which will not be that far after Christmas when it opens.  Very, very out of season!!  :o
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: hadacekf on December 21, 2008, 05:34:19 PM

A happy Christmas to everyone on the forum, and all the best wishes for the New Year.

Franz
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: art600 on December 21, 2008, 05:59:44 PM
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE ON THE FORUM. I NEED MY DAILY FIX OF SPECTACULAR PLANTS, HUMOUR AND GOOD ADVICE.

A special mention for Fred and Maggi who make the whole thing possible - CHEERS

ALL THE BEST FOR 2009 - MAY IT BE HAPPY HEALTHY AND PEACEFUL -with exceptionally good growing conditions.

ARTHUR    :) :)
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: johnw on December 21, 2008, 09:11:02 PM
A Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all Forumists.

May all your seeds sprout next Spring and your Three Ships come sailing in by mail.

johnw
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Hagen Engelmann on December 21, 2008, 09:29:25 PM
Greetings to all SRGC-enthusiasts, visible and invisibly
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Oron Peri on December 22, 2008, 11:34:55 AM
Best Wishes from the Holy Land to all of you.
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: ranunculus on December 22, 2008, 12:02:18 PM
Was that an intentional double 'L', Oron?  Whether it was or not it really made my day.  Merry Christmas from Lancashire.
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Oron Peri on December 22, 2008, 12:13:21 PM
Was that an intentional double 'L', Oron?  Whether it was or not it really made my day.  Merry Christmas from Lancashire.

It wasn't... i add another just in case... ;)
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Maggi Young on December 22, 2008, 03:05:26 PM
 Happy Hanukkah, the Feast of Lights ..........
[attach=1]



and another part of those celebrations.......

[attach=2]


 I had pictures of latkes and the dreidel, too, but the doughnuts seemed more  'festive'  :-X
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Tony Lee on December 22, 2008, 05:29:20 PM
Hello to you all,
As Number one Lurker may I offer my thanks for the pleasure and interest you have given over the past  year,Merry Christmas.Tony
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Anthony Darby on December 22, 2008, 10:24:47 PM
I hope your doughnuts didn't come from a recipe by Mrs Craddock Maggi, because you know what they turned out like! ;)
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Maggi Young on December 22, 2008, 10:37:21 PM

Quote
I hope your doughnuts didn't come from a recipe by Mrs Craddock Maggi, because you know what they turned out like!



Indeed, Anthony-  they did not, and I do..... and I will be VERY annoyed if you explain this to anyone, other than in a private message, should they request it  :-[
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Ulla Hansson on December 23, 2008, 01:51:27 PM

I would like to wish all a very Merry Christmas and a happy new garden year.
Ulla
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: David Nicholson on December 23, 2008, 03:04:30 PM
A very merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year to all Form friends across the world. What a wonderful institution this Forum is.

Thanks to Ian, Maggi and Fred for continuing to spend their time making it so. Thanks as ever to Ian for the time he freely spends making the Bulb Log the best resource on the Internet, and thanks too to Paul for his time and commitment to the Wisley Log-great stuff.
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: ruweiss on December 23, 2008, 09:17:31 PM
Best wishes from Germany to all the friends of the forum.
I can only agree with David Nicholson and express my deepest thanks
to those,who keep this unique forum running.
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on December 23, 2008, 09:34:53 PM
We're told that 2009 will be a difficult and painful year but with so many marvellous friends, flowers and the magnificent Forum, how can that possibly be?

To the Moderators and Administrator and everyone who posts and lurks, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and the happiest of New Years

With love to all,
Lesley

[attachthumb]
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: fermi de Sousa on December 23, 2008, 10:44:05 PM
Best wishes for Christmas and Hannukah to all on the Forum,
As I'm about to take a break from work it'll also be from the computer!
So unless I get a chance before then,
A happy New year to all!
And remember,
[attachthumb=1]
there's always a surprise left in Santa's sack!
[attachthumb=2]
cheers
fermi
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Paul T on December 24, 2008, 05:27:45 AM
He is not looking particularly pleased at being photographed, Fermi.  Not pleased at all.  :-\
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: arillady on December 24, 2008, 08:22:44 AM
A very happy, peaceful and safe Christmas and New Year to all on this forum. It is such a far reaching and many faceted forum that I have learnt so much while a member. Thank you all
A 32C forecast for Christmas Day here in South Australia.
Pat Toolan :)
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Michal Hoppel on December 24, 2008, 09:10:39 AM
Best wishes from Poland. :)

Mery Christmas and very good alpine year 2009, many new plants, interesting
trips to the mountains and all you dreaming of.


Michal

Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Anthony Darby on December 24, 2008, 05:49:56 PM
Lucy and her cousin Emily were on this site earlier this evening: www.noradsanta.org/en/home.html
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Maggi Young on December 24, 2008, 06:24:21 PM
What a great site, Anthony, I see he's getting closer!!
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Paddy Tobin on December 24, 2008, 07:10:21 PM
Anthony,

I can picture you glued to the screen watching the progress of Santa ever westwards until he reached bonny Scotland. Get to bed early and be good!

Paddy
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: David Shaw on December 24, 2008, 07:37:37 PM
I saw the site earlier. Reminded me to put out the Reindeer dust on the doorstep to attract the reindeer :D
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Paul T on December 24, 2008, 07:42:52 PM
Merry Silly Season from Australia, where it is currently (for me at least) 6:42 on Christmas morning.

Have a great one everyone!  And a brilliant New Year.  8)
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Renate Brinkers on December 24, 2008, 08:11:18 PM
Merry Christmas and all the best for the New Year to all forumists - may all your wishes for 2009 come true and all your plants grow better than ever.
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Anthony Darby on December 24, 2008, 08:22:03 PM
Anthony,

I can picture you glued to the screen watching the progress of Santa ever westwards until he reached bonny Scotland. Get to bed early and be good!

Paddy

Not me Paddy, the two kids and I, (along with a few other members of the cathedral choir) are just back from singing carols to the punters at Gleneagles Hotel. I'm then back in the cathedral at 10.45 p.m. for the Watchnight Service. We then are back there at 9.55 a.m. tomorrow for the Christmas Day family service.
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Martin Baxendale on December 24, 2008, 08:32:34 PM
Vesele Vianoce a stastny novy rok (Merry Christmas and a happy New Year in Slovak) to all on the SRGC forum from the Baxendale-Szaboova family (all now full of Slovak Christmas soup, Slovak Christmas potato salad and Christmas honeybreads).
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Anthony Darby on December 24, 2008, 10:36:06 PM
That's easy for you to say Martin. ;) May you, and all the other merry forumers, have a very special Christmas and may all your dreams bloom in 2009.
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: mark smyth on December 24, 2008, 10:52:03 PM
Vesele Vianoce a stastny novy rok (Merry Christmas and a happy New Year in Slovak) to all on the SRGC forum from the Baxendale-Szaboova family (all now full of Slovak Christmas soup, Slovak Christmas potato salad and Christmas honeybreads).
Oh yes, you celebrate Christmas two dys in succession. No fish today?
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Martin Baxendale on December 24, 2008, 11:40:01 PM
Vesele Vianoce a stastny novy rok (Merry Christmas and a happy New Year in Slovak) to all on the SRGC forum from the Baxendale-Szaboova family (all now full of Slovak Christmas soup, Slovak Christmas potato salad and Christmas honeybreads).
Oh yes, you celebrate Christmas two dys in succession. No fish today?

We should have carp with the Slovak potato salad to be properly traditional, but I draw the line at eating fish that tastes of mud. We have breaded lemon sole instead. Yes, Slovak Christmas today (with a bit of birthday celebration for me in there somewhere too) and an English Christmas tomorrow with lots of sprouts and roast spuds. Got a goose for the first time this year, which apparently is quite traditional in Slovakia (but not with sprouts).
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Maggi Young on December 24, 2008, 11:45:29 PM
Quote
Vesele Vianoce a stastny novy rok
AH! A charming  Slovak Greeting... thank goodness for that, I thought you'd had some early Christmas pud, found a sixpence and busted a tooth and couldn't speak....... :P :-X :-\ ;D

So, as somebody once said..... "comin' right back at ya!" ........Vesele Vianoce a stastny novy rok   :-*
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Maggi Young on December 24, 2008, 11:48:34 PM
Quote
We should have carp with the Slovak potato salad to be properly traditional, but I draw the line at eating fish that tastes of mud



In  "ye olden days" didn't the monks keep their carp in special holding ponds for a while before eating to clean them up and stop them tasting so muddy?
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: mark smyth on December 25, 2008, 12:26:50 AM
I thought they bred them in the ponds

Two friends in Slovakia didnt eat fish today either. I cant remember what meat they had but everything else was the same, Martin. They say their potato salad is better than ours. What's in it?
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Maggi Young on December 25, 2008, 12:30:25 AM
Quote
I thought they bred them in the ponds
Yes, that's right , but then I thought they had special tanks to cleanse the fish.... like feeding your edible snails on best lettuce for a few days to clean out their digestive tract.......oh crikey, what a conversation to start a day !??!!
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: tonyg on December 25, 2008, 12:54:24 AM
Now come on you guys - you're only supposed to be up at this hour if you have stockings to hang and presents to deliver.   As it happens we have just had our festive visitor so we can be off to bed now :)

We did have another visitor earlier - she did not want to disturb the girls so pushed a note through the door .... it read
'DOORSTEP - where are the carrots?'
which raised a smile.

The carrots were by the tree where they always are on this night - if she had come in we would have shared them ;) but at least the girls will get the presents she left on the doorstep :)

Seasons greetings to one and all from the Goodes :-*
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Anthony Darby on December 25, 2008, 01:11:47 AM
I sure the monks would have special thanks having cleansed fish. I think we should all bug Martin for a humerous, and practical, and yummy, recipe book. Perhaps if we all threatened to turn up on his doorstep next Christmas Eve for a Slovak festive lunch it could persuade him? ;D ;) Arggg! Just crossed my ankles set set of my musical socks!!!! :P
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Martin Baxendale on December 25, 2008, 02:05:37 AM
It's traditional in Slovakia to buy the carp live and keep it in the bath for a few days to clean it out and reduce the muddy taste. Still tastes pretty earthy though!

Slovak potato salad is actually very tasty - potato chunks, diced raw onion, diced cooked carrot, cooked peas, mayo and diced pickled cucumbers.

The Christmas soup, with saurkraut, is an aquired taste.
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: David Shaw on December 25, 2008, 09:31:28 AM
Anyone know what I can do with the reindeer dung that I have just found in the garden?
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Paul T on December 25, 2008, 09:41:44 AM
Anyone know what I can do with the reindeer dung that I have just found in the garden?

It's great for Elkhorn ferns!!  8)
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: mark smyth on December 25, 2008, 10:16:28 AM
David I'm sure you will get a huge price on Ebay
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: mark smyth on December 25, 2008, 10:24:55 AM
Here's a great web site all about Slovakia, Slovaks, food, names, Christmas ....
http://www.fgslovakia.com/the-book (http://www.fgslovakia.com/the-book)
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Ian Y on December 25, 2008, 11:08:30 AM
And a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS from me too.

On behalf of the Web Team I would like to say thank you for all the good wishes but we just put the wheels in place and oil them occasionally it is you the forumists, posters and lurkers, that make this such a special place so we would like to thank you.

Special thanks to the members from around the globe who post such fabulous pictures covering all aspects of our shared interests and to the lurkers may your resolution be to join us and be more active - you must have something to share with us.

Best wishes
Ian
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: 4moreaction on December 25, 2008, 02:15:55 PM
Wishing You All a Merry Christmas and Happy and  Prosperous New Year 2009


Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Anthony Darby on December 25, 2008, 04:30:26 PM
Anyone know what I can do with the reindeer dung that I have just found in the garden?

Close your eyes, make a wish, walk round in a circle and it will disappear David. It will then magically reappear on your kitchen floor. Works with the dog every time. I can even manage it missing out one or more of the three instructions. ::)
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Anthony Darby on December 25, 2008, 09:32:58 PM
We had a visit from Santa. :) 
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Anthony Darby on December 25, 2008, 09:35:05 PM
I found this Menu in amongst stuff left by my late uncle Tommy from Halifax. I think Chosen is Korea.
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: johnw on December 26, 2008, 12:08:20 AM
Anyone know what I can do with the reindeer dung that I have just found in the garden?

David - You can substitute it in any mixes that call for yak dung.

johnw
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: ranunculus on December 26, 2008, 08:56:32 AM
Anyone know what I can do with the reindeer dung that I have just found in the garden?

Surely it will help you to grow Saxifraga or Anthemis rudolphiana, David?   ;)
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Anthony Darby on December 26, 2008, 12:37:20 PM
That rings a bell Cliff? ;)
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Maggi Young on December 30, 2008, 02:06:46 PM
As many of you will know, the celebration of the arrival of a New Year is one taken very seriously in many countries, not least in Scotland, home of the SRGC. It is often the case that liberal ,  or even excessive, quantities of intoxicating drink are imbibed at this time.
In the spirit of assisting Forumists to fully enjoy their New Year, or as we Scots say, "Hogmanay" celebrations, I thought the following might help.
So, a guide to the possible ramifications  of over-indulgence which we hope will help you limit any risks to life and limb over the next few days.........

after one large Manhattan....
[attach=1]


2 Mint Juleps
[attach=2]

3 Martinis
[attach=3]

4 Cosmopolitans
[attach=4]

2 bottles of wine - shared, of course
[attach=5]

6 home-brewed beers
[attach=6]

7 glasses of rum and coke
[attach=7]

just TOO MANY Margaritas
[attach=8]


one bottle best malt whisky
[attach=9]

Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: mark smyth on December 30, 2008, 02:24:42 PM
ahhh
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: David Nicholson on December 30, 2008, 05:07:06 PM
If only I looked so sweet after one too many!
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on December 30, 2008, 07:28:06 PM
Roger and I will go first footing late tonight. I think we'd better leave the dog at home, judging from Maggi's pictures. We'd planned to harness him to a sleigh so WE could get home safely. :)
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Carlo on December 30, 2008, 07:41:29 PM
"First footing?" Sounds like an expression worth knowing. What does it mean Leslie?
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on December 30, 2008, 08:19:28 PM
It is the traditional Scottish occupation of being the first visitors in the New Year, to one's friends and family. By which I mean that at midnight, we'll go visiting, taking the usual traditional Scottish beverage with us, and a slab of Christmas cake or sometimes (not this year) BLACK BUN, which sounds fearsome but is a delicious but rich and heavy fruitcake type mixture, with lots of alcohol and all encased in a rich pastry shell before baking.

So we'll be first footing, but so will many of our friends so it's a bit of a gamble who we'll find at home or whether they'll find us first. It usually ends in a party somewhere and a right royal hangover on New Year's Day. We plan to confine it to our street and surrounds this time (about 20 houses) so there'll be no driving involved.
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Maggi Young on December 30, 2008, 09:00:06 PM
In Scotland, until quite recently ( even into the 1960s) there was no widespread tradition of celebrating Christmas as a public holiday.... lots  of folk worked it as a normal day. The Hogmanay, or New Year's Eve celebration, was the Scottish winter festival. "First footing" (that is, the "first foot" in the house after midnight) is still common in Scotland. To ensure good luck for the house, the first foot should be male, dark (believed to be a throwback to the Viking days when blond strangers arriving on your doorstep meant trouble) and should bring symbolic coal, shortbread, salt, black bun and whisky.
Nowadays, anyone bearing liquor  will do!! How standards slip!


 Opinions vary, but one derivation for Hogmanay is the Gaelic, oge maidne, new morning.
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Diane Clement on December 30, 2008, 09:14:16 PM
the first foot should be male, dark ... and should bring symbolic coal, shortbread, salt, black bun and whisky.   

I didn't know about the shortbread, but I did think that sticks came into it?  Or maybe that was pre-coal days?
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Gerard Oud on December 31, 2008, 05:41:37 AM
I think i will be the last one for today to wish all the best for all the forummembers, especially the Galanthusaddicts of course. I hope everyone remains healthy because that is the most important thing in life.

Have a good, we don't worry about the economy, 2009

kind regards,

Gerard Oud
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: David Shaw on December 31, 2008, 09:30:41 AM
Sorry Maggie but the Gaelic 'oge maidne' actualy translates into 'ogle a maiden'; at least in my mind it does.
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Paul T on December 31, 2008, 09:56:44 AM
David,

And I am sure there are many who would just LOVE to build that into the celebrations as well.  So what is the problem?  ;)
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: mark smyth on December 31, 2008, 11:57:11 AM
Happy New Year to those in Australia and New Zealand. 5 minutes to go

stolen from internet, sorry.
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: mark smyth on December 31, 2008, 11:59:51 AM
oops I should have googled first. Australia is +8,9 and 10 hours ahead.

Paul what happens if you live in the middle of a time zone?
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Paul T on December 31, 2008, 12:26:47 PM
Mark,

We're actually currently 11 hours ahead on the East coast (Daylight Savings etc).  Lesley has already hit the New Year II think she's 3 hours ahead of us?).  The time zones are set to state borders, even though we bridge multiple zones.  The State borders are where things change, and they aren't neat hours.  South Australia is 1/2 hour behind us, not taking into account daylight savings.  And some states have daylight savings and others don't, so that makes it more difficult too.  We're a complicated country.  ;)

For reference it is currently 11:26pm on the 31st here at the moment.
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: mark smyth on December 31, 2008, 12:40:06 PM
very confusing
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: David Nicholson on December 31, 2008, 12:45:10 PM
Here's wishing a very happy and peaceful New Year to all friends in New Zealand.
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Paul T on December 31, 2008, 12:47:01 PM
Mark,

I live here and even I am not exactly sure of who is what time where.  ::)

David,

As you say.... Happy New Year to the New Zealanders.  Less than 15 minutes until it arrives here too. 8)
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on December 31, 2008, 01:01:09 PM
Happy nNew Year everybody down under !!!  :D
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: David Nicholson on December 31, 2008, 01:02:00 PM
Paul a very happy and peaceful New Year to you and yours and also to all other Oz friends, even if some of you are still, ever so slightly, in 2008.
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Paul T on December 31, 2008, 01:14:43 PM
Thanks David.  Happy New Year everyone.  Hope you all have a great 2009!!!!!  8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: mark smyth on December 31, 2008, 03:18:49 PM
A friend in Slovakia has just wished me good Silvester. I didnt know this so I Googled it. It is named after Pope Sylvester who died in 335
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: dominique on December 31, 2008, 03:54:26 PM
Happy new year all forumists, all friends over the world
Dom
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Hans J on December 31, 2008, 04:08:27 PM
Here in germany this day is also called Sylvester

My best wishes to all forumist in all over the world for a Happy new Year !

Good luck
Hans
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Brian Ellis on December 31, 2008, 05:09:26 PM
Wherever you are, have a wonderful gardening year in 2009 ;D
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: olegKon on December 31, 2008, 05:27:49 PM
Happy new gardening year to all forumists
Oleg
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Michael J Campbell on December 31, 2008, 05:39:55 PM
Best wishes and good gardening to everyone for the new year,

Cheers.
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: ichristie on December 31, 2008, 07:24:31 PM
Hi to all our friends across the world via this forum one of the very best meeting places for plants people. I say thank you for all your suppost throught the year the friendship and fellowship the fun and plants we have shared in this our 75th year. All the Very best to you all for 2009  cheers Ian the Christie kind.
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Konkel on December 31, 2008, 07:39:04 PM
A Happy New Year to You all !

From Tormod in Norway.
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: David Shaw on December 31, 2008, 07:49:37 PM
Happy New Year to all and may your plants grow well.
David & Carol  :)
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Martin Baxendale on December 31, 2008, 07:56:04 PM
A friend in Slovakia has just wished me good Silvester. I didnt know this so I Googled it. It is named after Pope Sylvester who died in 335

According to Ivi, it's to do with the Slovak names' days - the 365 most traditional Slovak Christian names are each allocated a day of the year on Slovak calendars. It's the same day for each name every year. On any day, the people with the Christian name allocated to that day have a 'name's day' like an extra birthday, and get a name's day present. If you have two forenames, you get two separate name's days.

The name allocated to 31st December is Sylvester, so people wish each other a 'Merry Sylvester', meaning drink plenty and have a good time on New Year's Eve.
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: art600 on December 31, 2008, 07:58:57 PM
Martin

Out of interest do you know the name for February 29th   :)
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Casalima on December 31, 2008, 08:12:36 PM
Happy New Year to all!!

Boas entradas, as they say here!

Chloë
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Hans J on December 31, 2008, 08:40:06 PM
Art ,

the name for the 29. February is Oswald  ;D
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on December 31, 2008, 08:41:55 PM
A happy and floral New Year to everyone on the Forum, posters and lurkers alike.

FYI Mark and Paul, New Zealand is TWO hours ahead of Australia when both of us have or have not started summer time. There are a couple of weeks when we're out of sync but otherwise, 2 hours, ahead of EASTERN Oz time. Can't be worried about the others.

This means that NZ is 13 hours ahead of the UK at the moment but when we have stopped summer time and the UK has started it, we are 11 hours ahead. There are a couple of weeks at each end when we're 12 hours ahead.
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Maggi Young on December 31, 2008, 08:51:43 PM
Art ,

the name for the 29. February is Oswald  ;D


Are you teasing, Hans?
I find the name Radomir for 29th February, though some show no name for that day....have not yet discovered an Oswald!!  ???



Happy New Year to the Down Underers, by the way!!
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Lars S on December 31, 2008, 09:05:13 PM
I want to wish you all a "gott nytt år" !
(which of course means  a happy new year)


Lars
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Hans J on December 31, 2008, 09:19:07 PM
Maggi ,

please look here :
http://www.katholisch.de/namenstag.asp?month=2
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Maggi Young on December 31, 2008, 09:40:52 PM
Thank you , Hans, there are differences in the name days from your link and to this one, with Slovak name days....http://www.slovensko.com/about/calendar     ..... interesting subject!
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Kristl Walek on December 31, 2008, 11:37:12 PM
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!




I look forward to many more years of learning and sharing with you.

Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: tonyg on January 01, 2009, 12:01:08 AM
AND a HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone from noisy Norfolk - it must be midnight!
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: ranunculus on January 01, 2009, 01:23:15 AM
May 2009 be better than the predictions would have us believe and may the year to come be happy, healthy and full of peace, joy and love for you all.  Take care.
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Martin Baxendale on January 01, 2009, 02:21:54 AM
Martin

Out of interest do you know the name for February 29th   :)

Like Maggi, we have Radomir as the name for 29th Feb in 2008, so presumably Radomirs only get a names' day once every four years.

Ivi also tells me you can, in Slovak, wish someone a happy new year for the whole new year or just for the first day of the new year depending on where you write the capital letters for new and year and how magnanimous you're feeling.

Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Martin Baxendale on January 01, 2009, 02:24:28 AM
Happy New Year to everyone.

Maggi, we need names' days here. More cake for us all.
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Paul T on January 01, 2009, 03:42:00 AM
Martin,

Particularly if we can then find different versions that give different names for different days.  Maybe we could find enough different ones that we could all end up with a half dozen name days, as well as our birthdays.  Even MORE cake for everyone.  of course, someone will have to do the cooking and the washing up afterwards.  ::)

Oh, and HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone (is that enough capitals to mean it extends for the whole year in a big way?  ;))
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: David Nicholson on January 01, 2009, 09:30:41 AM
A very Happy New Year to Forumists everywhere.
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Magnar on January 01, 2009, 09:55:42 AM
A very happy 2009 to each and every one of you my friends here from an at the moment white North Norway.

(http://magnar.aspaker.no/hus.jpg)
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: arillady on January 01, 2009, 10:42:23 AM
A slightly belated Happy New Year to all - it is so interesting to see where everyone lives.
warm regards to all
Pat
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Anthony Darby on January 01, 2009, 11:58:35 AM
A good new year to you all from sunny D. 8)
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: mark smyth on January 01, 2009, 12:27:48 PM
To all those who sent me good luck for 2008 I need to tell you it didnt work - unemployed for a while, credit card debt, sick car ....

So for 2009 I would like money or vouchers for Janis Ruksans, Avon Bulbs, North Green Snowdrops ...

;D
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: mark smyth on January 01, 2009, 12:58:53 PM
As good as the fire work displays are I hate them because of the damage they must do to wildlife. All those birds that must die of fright in the trees below Edinburgh Castle and in cities around the world. The huge starling roost, 100s of 1000s, in Belfast under Queen's Bridge abandoned it after NYE 1999/2000. They have never returned.
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Anthony Darby on January 01, 2009, 03:45:17 PM
As good as the fire work displays are I hate them because of the damage they must do to wildlife. All those birds that must die of fright in the trees below Edinburgh Castle and in cities around the world. The huge starling roost, 100s of 1000s, in Belfast under Queen's Bridge abandoned it after NYE 1999/2000. They have never returned.
I would think the fair folk of Belfast would regard that as a result Mark? The noise and mess when they used to roost in the trees in George Square in Glasgow was horrendous, but no more.
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: mark smyth on January 01, 2009, 03:59:48 PM
but these crapped in the River Lagan. The starling is now on the red list which means numbers are falling fast. However they can still be common in some places. European starlings come here for the winter.
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on January 01, 2009, 07:36:22 PM
A better late than never HAPPY NEW YEAR to all of you !!!
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Gerry Webster on January 01, 2009, 08:01:25 PM
As good as the fire work displays are I hate them because of the damage they must do to wildlife. All those birds that must die of fright in the trees below Edinburgh Castle and in cities around the world. The huge starling roost, 100s of 1000s, in Belfast under Queen's Bridge abandoned it after NYE 1999/2000. They have never returned.
I would think the fair folk of Belfast would regard that as a result Mark? The noise and mess when they used to roost in the trees in George Square in Glasgow was horrendous, but no more.
Unfortunately, the pigeons & seagulls here are made of stronger stuff; nothing shifts them.
A  belated Happy New Year to all forumists.
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Paul T on January 02, 2009, 11:14:20 AM
Mark,

You can have some of our starlings if you'd like?  We have lots of them in Australia, in plague proportions in some areas.
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Carol Shaw on January 02, 2009, 01:28:15 PM
Happy New Year!

http://www.jacquielawson.com/viewcard.asp?code=1744301446235&source=jl999
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Maggi Young on January 02, 2009, 06:54:48 PM
Lovely card from Carol and David!

We are yet to have any visitors this year, so, since we still await a First Foot, I think it is not to late to wish you all......

[attach=1]



....bet that fooled a few of you!


....[attach=2]
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Anthony Darby on January 02, 2009, 08:16:15 PM
I've just gone back in time? ::) We still await our first foot too. More fireworks along the street tonight. I remember the new year fireworks for the millennium spooked a bluetit roosting in the flue to our (then) glassfronted gas fire. Fortunately it wasn't lit as it ended up skittering about behind the glass. Took me 15 minutes to take the fire apart and free it.
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: ranunculus on January 03, 2009, 12:00:53 AM
That's grate, Anthony ... I presume it flue away?    ;D
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Carol Shaw on January 03, 2009, 09:33:37 AM
No first foot here as yet either... guess the whole tradition is dying a death.  :(
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on January 04, 2009, 03:32:51 AM
Thank you Carol for that beautiful card. I love the bears, especially the slightly embarrased double bassist.
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Anthony Darby on January 04, 2009, 10:49:08 PM
Anyone see 'Swarm' tonight on BBC 1? I think all your starlings went to Rome Mark. ;) 7 tonnes of starling crap per night can testify to that! :P
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on January 05, 2009, 08:21:58 AM
I saw part of it Anthony - can't understand why crabmeat has to be so expensive ...  ??? ???
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Anthony Darby on January 05, 2009, 03:30:57 PM
It's the cost of sending it from Cuba. ;D
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: mark smyth on January 05, 2009, 08:38:24 PM
I  missed it but must go to I-player now
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Jim McKenney on January 08, 2009, 10:41:04 PM
Happy New Year's greetings from Montgomery County, Maryland, USA.

My garden is being good to me right now. In the attached image you can see Galanthus elwesii, Jasminum nudiflorum, Helleborus foetidus and a bud of one of the garden hellebores, Hamamelis 'Jelena' and H. 'Feuerzauber', Chimonanthus praecox 'Luteus', and of course Iris unguicularis. There is foliage of Arum italicum, Scarcococca humilis, Danaë racemosa and Hedera helix.

Crocus ochroleucus is still blooming in one of the cold frames, and the little white-flowered hoop petticoat daffodils are about to start in the protected frame. Out in the open garden, the first flowers of Camellia japonica are opening.

Let's hope this comparatively abundant early showing is a harbinger for the rest of the year!
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Maggi Young on January 08, 2009, 11:15:09 PM
Jim, how lovely!
Here is your bouquet, resized to show all at once...
    [attach=1]


I am envious of the Iris and the Hamamelis are late here......... I couldn't make the same display here, so I appreciate yours all the more, thank you!
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Jim McKenney on January 08, 2009, 11:32:44 PM
Thanks, Maggi

When do you sleep?  :)
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on January 08, 2009, 11:42:34 PM
A truly lovely bouquet Jim. I hope it is just the start of a great floral winter/spring season for you. It seems from our news broadcasts that many parts of the USA are having an almost brutal winter so far. Hopefully it will get better soon.
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Anthony Darby on January 09, 2009, 09:22:21 AM
Thanks, Maggi

When do you sleep?  :)

11.15 p.m. is not late; certainly not for Maggi. People are rarely in bed before 11 p.m. in the UK.
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: David Shaw on January 09, 2009, 10:48:41 AM
I needed to pm Maggie the other morning and noted that her profile showed that she had last been active, on the forum, after 2am!
Not sure that I agree with Anthony though, many are the nights that I don't see 11pm zzzzzzzzz :)
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Maggi Young on January 09, 2009, 11:30:47 AM
I'm not sure whether I am an insomniac

                   [attach=1]
or one of the undead....

     [attach=2]

 I don't sleep as much as I'd like to, that's for sure! The BD is a different sort altogether... if he's awake later than 10.30pm he feels very badly done by!
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Anthony Darby on January 09, 2009, 11:52:22 AM
I'm not sure whether I am an insomniac or one of the undead.... I don't sleep as much as I'd like to, that's for sure!

I wouldn't lose any sleep over it Maggi. ;D
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Anthony Darby on January 11, 2009, 11:19:23 PM
Now here's a good idea. ;D
Title: Re: SEASONAL GREETINGS 2008-2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on January 12, 2009, 04:37:34 AM
It is indeed, an excellent idea. I'm happy to pay for his drinks - so long as he'll pay for the shopping! :o
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