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

[Michelle Stevens]

Hi @Long Lashes! I’m doing well this week but to answer ur question no it hasn’t slowed down much at work. It’s crazy! But luckily I have three of the best helpers you can ever ask for. And you have a terrific Friday tomorrow as well!! Welcome back @Michelle Stevens and thank you both again for the birthday wishes. I really do appreciate it! My bday can be a little tough for me some years and it felt really nice to get all those messages Monday when I logged in. So thanks again!!

We are all a little family on this board so it's great to recognize each other's birthdays. May I ask how many helpers do you have?

 

[DallasFanForever]

Of course you may ask me @Michelle Stevens. I have three helpers now. I had two but it really wasn’t enough cause it’s just not slowing down. Everything’s online orders now with everything going on so I don’t see it slowing down for awhile, if it ever does slow down again for us. But it’s job security, don’t get me wrong

 

[DallasFanForever]

@Long Lashes this might be one day where I wouldn’t mind the cold cause it’s about 75 degrees here right now and it’s a muggy and humid 75. It’s so hot out! I couldn’t wait to run home and sit in the air conditioning. Like you say we certainly live in different worlds LOL!! And as far as ur question about what people are ordering, I would say most of what I deliver from what I can see is medication, iphones, computers, pet food, paper products, and clothes. Those seem to be the biggest online orders I’m seeing these days

 

[Long Lashes]

No, she didn't get on for 2020. Of course I don't mind you asking. I send Streetie down to her place to live in May, when she can stay outside.

Streetie is do lucky. Its like a rags to riches story for her

Does her newest leaves look good at the end of each branch? The do drop leaves as they adjust to the light and temps.

"Newest leaves?" what new leaves?

Poor Hope she does look threadbare, but I do have a strong feeling that she might rally round. She still has 6 deep red healthy looking leaves on top, although I have a confession to make .... I think I told you that I over-watered her a couple of weeks ago, well since then she hasn't needed any water at all, which just shows how much I almost drowned her ....

I thought I would allow her to dry out completely and wait for her to let me know when she next needs fluid, do you think this is the right thing to do?

Did you tell your co-worker about you Poinsettia saga?

Yes I did and she looked surprised that I've struggled .

Any you didn't buy it?

No, I didn't buy the blue one in TESCO. I'm not sure why I didn't to be honest, I just remember thinking that it looked so perfectly pristine that it would surely be bought by someone soon. I want to be an Orchid Rescuer like you Michelle and find one that's crying out for a good home.

Orkie will have a friend someday.

Oh, she will

Over here I have an Orchid community.

Lol!... but its also happy Orchid family

In my silly little head these discount Orchids sing that some after the lights go out at night. "When Will I Be Loved?"

You might be right, who knows what the Orchids get up to when we are not around.

While on my last stop last Sunday I picked-out Orchid food spray to keep me from going in for a while. I have my hands full for now but I'll be back.

Do you have a spray like this for Orkie?

I use this on the off week from their waterings.

No I don't have anything special like that for Orkie, poor Orkie she only gets basic care. Maybe I should pick one of those sprays up?

Hopefully I'm smarter this time and these new Orchids will be out of their moss by the end of February so their roots don't fully rot.

I know its sad if a plant dies, but one of the good things is we learn how to care for other plants by each experience

If my new rescue buys one is I think a pinkie and the other could be white and the other is unknown. They all have empty spikes.

Its going to exciting to discover what colours they are.

Do you think you will arrange the Orchids on the Plant Tower according to colour?..Lol!..I know that's a daft question, but I can imagine myself needing to alternate the colours, but then I'm a bit OCD about colours matching

She seems to get along well with Khloe too.

That's good to hear, Khloe deserved a friend of her own,

I need names for the new orchids. I'll post photos of them soon to help. I did name one Phoebe.

Phoebe is a very decent name

The others came in patina pots.

Do you know, I quite like that word "patina" it would make a good name or Patti?

I have more plans for Plant Tower. I may add another light on tier three and some mini fans for the summer as it get hot here and I read orchids like moving air.

Your Plant Tower is becoming a luxurious penthouse for your lucky plants

Any signs of your Snowdrops?

Possibly soon. I noticed lots of green shoots coming up from the soil and I'm no expert, but they must be the Snowdrops ...... they're on their way

We really need to get these vaccinations out and into people to rid ourselves of this virus.

Yes, we do and it seems that the Vaccines are finally being given all around world too.

Of cut flowers. Do they smell good? Spring flowers often do.

Unfortunately the Daffodils didn't have any sent at all , but they looked extremely cheerful

It will need to be readied for our adventures once this pesky virus is gone. Same too for the TT Cafe Van.

Yes, that's true and maybe I should get my helpful TT Shirtless Firefighters to service our van in readiness.... leave it with me Michelle I will go and visit them

Well I get the idea that they are not the most "together" aliens out there.

I actually believe they were lost.

:Clol: ... are you saying that my Aliens are not very bright? ..Lol!

 

[Long Lashes]

Eagle Chat​

Liberty was dropping off a stick today.

Wow! she is so strong! but I guess a stick weighs much less than some of the unmentionable meals she brings back to the nest

A cloudy day at Liberty and Freedoms nest. They seems busy for the next phase.

Aw look at the eagle on the right, he/she has so much love and admiration in its eyes , as it watches the other one flying off :love2:

Indeed. I find them so hard to tell apart.

Again, they're both giving something or someone a good ole' stare

Woohoo! :roll: I watch as one of them was eating a rabbit. Don't tell Bunny Heather.

Its interesting to see that they're already bringing food back to the nest, even though they don't have any eggs yet.
Rabbit pie for dinner

I was lucky with this group to see them on the nest a lot today.

Yes, you did very well to see them. I've checked both nests several times today and is quiet for me .

 

[Long Lashes]

t’s about 75 degrees here right now and it’s a muggy and humid 75.

Oh my goodness, you must permanently have your shades on

We are not muggy like you are, today we have freezing fog

And as far as ur question about what people are ordering, I would say most of what I deliver from what I can see is medication, iphones, computers, pet food, paper products, and clothes.

So many people are doing so much shopping

Do you ever have to deliver huge items? such as a bike? new bed? etc


Oh and I keep meaning to ask (another question from me ..Lol!) are you allowed to play music in your vehicle as you do your rounds? :ear:

 

[DallasFanForever]

I get huge boxes once in awhile. I’ve delivered 70 inch TVs, bikes, mattresses, big paintings, stuff like that. I delivered a $30,000 computer one time that took up the whole back of my truck. And yes we are allowed to play music in our trucks but I don’t because I know me and I’ll get distracted and crash. So I just talk to myself all day like a crazy person instead.

 

[Michelle Stevens]

Streetie is do lucky. Its like a rags to riches story for her

Indeed it is. She'd be dead if I didn't "rescue"her in late-October. Streetie got a new friend this weekend. I was talking to one of my co-workers in the lobby of my place of employment I and notices a pink Poinsettia near the door. I inquired about it's looks and my co-worker offered it to me to my surprise. She didn't know I was a plant maniac. Of coarse I took this small pinkie. She as full of water as my co-workers don't know they don't like be set in water. I squeezed the water out as best as I could during my workday on Saturday until I was able to bring her home. At home I took her out of her pot and tried to dry her soil with paper towels. She was re-potted and now has a new home with my other three. A Pinkie Poinsettia.

Spoiler

The left image if from my work and the right is after the repot. My Mother's most recent Orchid is in the background.

"Newest leaves?" what new leaves?

Poor Hope she does look threadbare, but I do have a strong feeling that she might rally round. She still has 6 deep red healthy looking leaves on top, although I have a confession to make .... I think I told you that I over-watered her a couple of weeks ago, well since then she hasn't needed any water at all, which just shows how much I almost drowned her ....

If you ever think you overwatered you may try as I did with my new pinkie but adding dry soil around her roots or in an emergency drying her soil with paper towels. I so hope Hope pulls through. Has she stabilized? Are her remaining leaves erect or droopy? #keepHopealive Don't give up my friend.

I thought I would allow her to dry out completely and wait for her to let me know when she next needs fluid, do you think this is the right thing to do?

I think you are correct in giving her some time. When her soil is dry after you place your finger a little under the surface then give her some water. I tend to give limited amounts until I'm more in sync with the plant's needs. I'm at your point with my newest Poinsettia as she was drowning in water and she may have a setback. In the summer when they are growing and it's warm I water more.

Yes I did and she looked surprised that I've struggled .

You have just had some bad luck. Before long you'll be an expert with Poinsettias.

No, I didn't buy the blue one in TESCO. I'm not sure why I didn't to be honest, I just remember thinking that it looked so perfectly pristine that it would surely be bought by someone soon. I want to be an Orchid Rescuer like you Michelle and find one that's crying out for a good home.

The only down side to rescuing the blue Orchids is you don't know if it will bloom blue or white the next time. Treat yourself to a pristine one if they don't have any rescue, discount Orchids. I treated myself to my Lady M at full price. The first two, Snowy and PV were also full priced as well.

Oh, she will

Or 15 friends as I have now.

Lol!... but its also happy Orchid family

I hope they are happy.

You might be right, who knows what the Orchids get up to when we are not around.

Hmm, I do wonder. I came home last night and nearly all of my Lady Butterfly's blooms had dropped. She has the inky blooms. Some wild parties must be happening while I slaving away this weekend.

No I don't have anything special like that for Orkie, poor Orkie she only gets basic care. Maybe I should pick one of those sprays up?

I couldn't hurt. It's Orchid food. I spray this on each orchid's leaves and exposed roots on weeks I don't water. One can do the same while watering too. A few spays and that's it. About $4 or $5. Having said that, if your Orkie is happy and thriving then you are doing something very right so maybe don't mess with success.

I know its sad if a plant dies, but one of the good things is we learn how to care for other plants by each experience

So true. I've learned alot over the past year from my errors.

Its going to exciting to discover what colours they are.

Here are two of my three January rescues.

Spoiler

Two came in patina pots but were very dry. I took a photo of them out of their pots before I gave them water when I got them home.

Indeed, as you can see they were near the end when I bought them. The next month of so will be critical.

Do you think you will arrange the Orchids on the Plant Tower according to colour?..Lol!..I know that's a daft question, but I can imagine myself needing to alternate the colours, but then I'm a bit OCD about colours matching

LOL, I doubt that as I have more pink Orchids. It seems people don't love the pinkies. I also have the issue of flower spikes. Only those in spikes can fit on time of Plant Tower. Tier 2 and 3 are for those without spikes. I have to share a photo of Plant Tower soon.

That's good to hear, Khloe deserved a friend of her own,

She is happy indeed.

Phoebe is a very decent name

I haven't shared a photo of Phoebe but she is in better condition then the two patina rescue Orchids. She is a complete mystery about her bloom colour which makes if more fun.

Do you know, I quite like that word "patina" it would make a good name or Patti?

Good idea. I was also thinking of Plantina and Plantara. All these names for these little plant souls.

Your Plant Tower is becoming a luxurious penthouse for your lucky plants

That is the idea.

Possibly soon. I noticed lots of green shoots coming up from the soil and I'm no expert, but they must be the Snowdrops ...... they're on their way

It seems you share photos in February and March of your Snowdrops so they must be active underground at this time preparing for the show. Are these new Snowdrops as I think I remember you saying you accidentally dug-up the older bulbs?

Yes, we do and it seems that the Vaccines are finally being given all around world too.

It still seems slow going over here.

I see the Queen and Prince Phillip have had their vaccinations.

Unfortunately the Daffodils didn't have any sent at all , but they looked extremely cheerful

They are cheerful blooms at the dreary time of year. Are they holding-up well?

Yes, that's true and maybe I should get my helpful TT Shirtless Firefighters to service our van in readiness.... leave it with me Michelle I will go and visit them

The difference is that they come to me, I never have to go to them. The powers of hotness.

:Clol: ... are you saying that my Aliens are not very bright? ..Lol!

Not directly.

 

[Michelle Stevens]

Of course you may ask me @Michelle Stevens. I have three helpers now. I had two but it really wasn’t enough cause it’s just not slowing down. Everything’s online orders now with everything going on so I don’t see it slowing down for awhile, if it ever does slow down again for us. But it’s job security, don’t get me wrong

About how long of a range do you deliver to? I can only imagine the headaches in driving and parking a delivery van/truck.

 

[DallasFanForever]

I would say I average about 75 miles driving a day with about 120 stops. Luckily my route is about 95% residential so parking isn’t bad. Most of my developments are quiet and free of traffic for the most part. I’m in and out, in and out all day so I really don’t stay parked too long

 

[Michelle Stevens]

Eagle Chat​

Aw look at the eagle on the right, he/she has so much love and admiration in its eyes , as it watches the other one flying off :love2:

Indeed! I caught them eating some unlucky animal together this morning.

Again, they're both giving something or someone a good ole' stare

Another stick delivery.

Its interesting to see that they're already bringing food back to the nest, even though they don't have any eggs yet.
Rabbit pie for dinner

Both Lipstick and Guy seen here.

Yes, you did very well to see them. I've checked both nests several times today and is quiet for me .

The second time today I wasn't able to see the Farm Country site but I'm sure they're working on it. Someone took this photo as the sun set yesterday.

 

[Michelle Stevens]

I would say I average about 75 miles driving a day with about 120 stops. Luckily my route is about 95% residential so parking isn’t bad. Most of my developments are quiet and free of traffic for the most part. I’m in and out, in and out all day so I really don’t stay parked too long

Have you ever had issues delivering to home with aggressive dogs? Is the delivery van you drive manual or automatic transmission? It seems you don't have to deal with snow so that's a plus.

 

[DallasFanForever]

Luckily I’ve never been bitten but I’ve been chased quite a few times LOL!! Part of my route is pretty rural so I’ve also had to deliver to houses with goats, bulls, cows, wild boars and horses. One time this one particular house they have a gate that I have to get out and open and when I did four horses came charging passed me and ran down the highway. Luckily they’re well trained and didn’t go too far and the people were able to recover them. I felt so bad though!

The trucks are all automatic, no snow problem of course but the only drawback is the rain season. Tough job to have when it rains but other than that it’s fine.

 

[Long Lashes]

Streetie got a new friend this weekend. I was talking to one of my co-workers in the lobby of my place of employment I and notices a pink Poinsettia near the door. I inquired about it's looks and my co-worker offered it to me to my surprise. She didn't know I was a plant maniac. Of coarse I took this small pinkie. She as full of water as my co-workers don't know they don't like be set in water. I squeezed the water out as best as I could during my workday on Saturday until I was able to bring her home. At home I took her out of her pot and tried to dry her soil with paper towels. She was re-potted and now has a new home with my other three.

Oh my goodness! this is fab!

I'm sure plants are now throwing themselves at you Michelle Stevens they all want to live with you.

A Pinkie Poinsettia.

Spoiler

The left image if from my work and the right is after the repot. My Mother's most recent Orchid is in the background.

Aww! she looks very sweet and pink suits her. She looks sooooo healthy compared to my Hope. Thank you for letting me see

How is she now? has she settled into the family?

My Mother's most recent Orchid is in the background.

Yes, I can see and she looks like my Orkie

If you ever think you overwatered you may try as I did with my new pinkie but adding dry soil around her roots or in an emergency drying her soil with paper towels. I so hope

Thank you for these much needed tips, I never thought of mopping her with paper towels, that's a great idea.

I so hope Hope pulls through. Has she stabilized? Are her remaining leaves erect or droopy?

Erm.....she's looking extremely bare and I have moved her onto a window ledge so she can get maximum daylight. Her leaves (what's left of them..Lol!) are now back to being erect.

#keepHopealive Don't give up my friend.

Thanks for the encouragement. I did give her a good talking to this morning and told her that I need some new leaves please.

You have just had some bad luck. Before long you'll be an expert with Poinsettias.

I like your positivity, you never give up on my endless Poinsettia mishaps

The only down side to rescuing the blue Orchids is you don't know if it will bloom blue or white the next time.

That's true, its like a lottery.

Treat yourself to a pristine one if they don't have any rescue, discount Orchids.

I might do although, Im not shopping at TESCOS this week, I'm going to a rival store ... ...don't tell anyone

we still need TEsCO onside to continue financing my TT yacht.

. I came home last night and nearly all of my Lady Butterfly's blooms had dropped. She has the inky blooms. Some wild parties must be happening while I slaving away this weekend.

those dropped blooms are a big giveaway, she's been up to something...:Clol:

. It's Orchid food. I spray this on each orchid's leaves and exposed roots on weeks I don't water. One can do the same while watering too. A few spays and that's it. About $4 or $5.

This is very interesting to hear, I learn so much from you. I will keep an eye out for a spray when I'm next out.

Here are two of my three January rescues.

Spoiler

Two came in patina pots but were very dry. I took a photo of them out of their pots before I gave them water when I got them home.

Their leaves are looking quite lush, they must be feeling so relieved to finally be in good hands. Best of luck with these two, if anyone can make them thrive, then its you.

I also have the issue of flower spikes. Only those in spikes can fit on time of Plant Tower. Tier 2 and 3 are for those without spikes. I have to share a photo of Plant Tower soon.

Oh of course, I had forgotten about the height of each plant.

She is happy indeed.

Lovely Khloe and she doesn't seem to give you any trouble

I haven't shared a photo of Phoebe but she is in better condition then the two patina rescue Orchids. She is a complete mystery about her bloom colour which makes if more fun.

I will take a wild guess, if I may? and say that Phoebe will have white blooms

I was also thinking of Plantina and Plantara.

I like those names, yes!

It seems you share photos in February and March of your Snowdrops so they must be active underground at this time preparing for the show.

They're here at last! :j1: some of them (not many) came into bloom two days ago, yaaay! I was really excited to see them . The garden is so wet, we have had constant rain for days, so the Snowdrop blooms are half closed to protect themselves. They look so delicate, but must be very strong to survive this weather.

Are these new Snowdrops as I think I remember you saying you accidentally dug-up the older bulbs?

Yes, so its a relief to see them, I must have left some bulbs unharmed. When it stops raining I will take some photos to show you I love this first early sign of spring.

The difference is that they come to me, I never have to go to them. The powers of hotness

:coffeelaugh: .. you must be joking again N2H

 

[Long Lashes]

Eagle Chat​

ndeed! I caught them eating some unlucky animal together this morning.

Their hunting skills are still incredible (poor little animal, though )

Another stick delivery.

They're working so hard on building that nest, they deserve to have at least two babies this year ray:

The second time today I wasn't able to see the Farm Country site but I'm sure they're working on it. Someone took this photo as the sun set yesterday.

Ah, the favourite branch that photo is very impressive with the gold colour. I can almost hear the Cleaners chattering below.


I've still not seem any, not one eagle

I'm sure they all fly off when they know I'm logging in..Lol!

 

[Long Lashes]

I get huge boxes once in awhile. I’ve delivered 70 inch TVs, bikes, mattresses, big paintings, stuff like that. I delivered a $30,000 computer one time that took up the whole back of my truck.

I guess it wasn't a laptop? :laughing:

I would say I average about 75 miles driving a day with about 120 stops.

That's quite a distance and a lot more stops than I ever imagined.

Luckily I’ve never been bitten but I’ve been chased quite a few times LOL!!

Lol!... you must need to be ready for anything.

One time this one particular house they have a gate that I have to get out and open and when I did four horses came charging passed me and ran down the highway. Luckily they’re well trained and didn’t go too far and the people were able to recover them.

Oh no! those naughty horses. Have you ever had any trouble with cows? I got chased across a field by a herd of them once







Right! what do you think DFF and @Michelle Stevens? do we need to set a new goal on this thread or would you prefer to just leave it for now as we have enough pressure going on in our lives? I am happy to do whatever you both think.



Oh and I believe its a special day for you all in the US ... my best wishes

 

[DallasFanForever]

Is 4,000 posts by March 1 too crazy to think of? Hold on I’m getting my calculator...........................

That’s 341 posts in about 40 days. That’s about 8 posts a day. That’s probably too much. And no I never had trouble with cows yet @Long Lashes. I do have some on my route but I never knew they would chase humans. That’s good to know!

 

[Long Lashes]

Is 4,000 posts by March 1 too crazy to think of? Hold on I’m getting my calculator...........................

That’s 341 posts in about 40 days. That’s about 8 posts a day. That’s probably too much.

Ooo that's a lot DFF :laughing:

How about .... (rushes of for calculator) .....


I'm back! 3800 by 1st March? that would mean an average of 3.5 posts per day

and then we could aim for 4,000 by 1st April... I've probably completely confused you

And no I never had trouble with cows yet @Long Lashes. I do have some on my route but I never knew they would chase humans. That’s good to know!

Its unusual for them to chase humans, but they can do if they have new calves and feel threatened, which is fair enough. I was taking our dog for a walk across some fields which had a big group of cows and calves and they made a run for us ... I've never run so fast in all my life.
Our dog ran even faster and left me there with the charging cows :Clol: ... I can laugh about it now, but it was scary at the time. Lesson learned, I now keep well away from cows who have new calves.

 

[DallasFanForever]

Okay, 3800 posts by March 1 sounds more reasonable to me. And then 4,000 by April 1. I do confuse easily but I’m following so far. And I love your cow story, although it obviously wasn’t funny then. But now I’m thinking about one of my stops where there are some cows and their little calves as well and I’m not sure I want to go back there anymore LOL!!

 

[Long Lashes]

Okay, 3800 posts by March 1 sounds more reasonable to me. And then 4,000 by April 1.

Fab!

... now we just need @Michelle Stevens to agree and we have a plan

I do confuse easily

Ooo me too! especially on here

I love your cow story, although it obviously wasn’t funny then.

The funny thing was, our dog adores me, well he actually loves everyone, but he follows me everywhere and then when his loyalty was seriously tested he ran for his life (all the way home) and left me behind in the cow field

I instantly forgave him though, because he was terrified too and then he stUck like glue to my side for the rest of the day, poor thing. It was all my fault anyway, for leading him across that field.

But now I’m thinking about one of my stops where there are some cows and their little calves as well and I’m not sure I want to go back there anymore LOL!!

Oh no! :Clol:

You'll be fine DFF because you don't have a big dog with you, at least I don't think you do?