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

[DallasFanForever]

I've lost so much faith in our government and especially our PM that I don't know what to believe anymore. I know I will have to face up to what's happening, but I just needed to cover my ears for a short while

I feel the same about over here. I try to stay positive with government but it gets really frustrating so I do understand.

Life was very weird last Christmas.

All I remember about last Christmas was being alone and putting up a front about how sad I was about it. Of course, it was nice to have a day all to myself without all the hoopla for once LOL

I sometimes wonder if in the future, long after we have all gone, if a disaster movie will be made about Covid and how it affected us all? it sure felt like we were living in a disaster movie.

I would think a movie is inevitable. The thing I remember the most was how I would go to houses and people would have signs on the doors wishing me well and saying don’t get sick. A lot of them written in crayon. And I would say to myself, oh my God why is everyone saying these things? Am I really going to get sick and die like so many others did? It was pretty scary at times. We just didn’t think about it very much cause we were so busy working through it.

 

[Biggie]

DallasFanForever said:
Spain is another country I’d love to see! It looks so nice.
For what its worth.... For someone who lives in England, 35 miles from mainland Europe I have never left many meaningful footprint across the continent. Following Brexit travelling to the anywhere in the EU, which is kinda everywhere in Europe is now more ardours a task. I've passed through Belgium to get to Germany on a school thing. I've hopped on EazyJet et al and left many footprint all over Amsterdam. 10 long long weekend, a few were one week stays. I left Amsterdam for the last time in 2007. In the knowledge that I'd probably never return. But always yearn to.

Thing were changing and I path or righteousness was patiently waiting for me. It'd take another 11 years and some crazy adventures to get me there, but that's a tale for another time and place. Spain's mainland I've never made tracks on.... but if you get there, go the extra mile and hit up Ibiza.

Seriously, you won't be disappointed. Two good friends and I went there over the summer clubbing season in the youthful era of my life. We hit clubs mental hard... Excellent, Excellent Excellent. Highly recommend it, I'm sure there is more to do that disco down all night. But sin all night, sleep all day. Sin all night, sleep all day... you see the pattern right?

I'll now exit, stage left.

 

[DallasFanForever]

Lol! ... she sounds like a female version of you DFF.

She’s become like my little sister. When I trained her she asked me what I heard about her. I said that you’re useless and lazy. After she stopped hitting me I assured her that was not my opinion, just what I heard. Obviously they were wrong about her.

I think some people get jobs and are shocked when they actually have to do some work.

This seems to be all too common

You'd like the weather there. One of my ex-colleagues sold up and moved over there earlier this year, right in the middle of the pandemic and Brexit. So far she is loving her new life and once the world settles down again I intend to go and visit her (she has invited me by the way lol) its only a two and a half flight from here

I hope it’s a little cooler there than here though. We’re still boiling over here. It’s going to be in the mid 80s this week. I laughed when you said it’s only a two and a half hour flight for you because I think of Spain as like an entirely opposite end of the earth. I forget where you are sometimes.

 

[DallasFanForever]

I honestly have no idea what happens during a lash-out. All I know is that once I come round and am back to being Long-Lashes again my whole body aches and I'm exhausted ... oh and sometimes my clothes are shredded

I have to say this all sounds eerily similar to a show DFF used to watch.

Luckily my friend @Michelle Stevens has been there a few times and has ensured I don't injure me

It’s good you have her to reel you in. I see poor Michelle has her hands full during a lash out.

Hope you've had a good week my friend

It was hectic but went well. I hope you had a good week as well and are enjoying ur weekend!

 

[DallasFanForever]

Are you thinking of having a new festive name or is it not your type of thing ... which is fine if its not

I’ve been thinking about names but so far I’m drawing a blank.

Steal All Ur Christmas Presents and Keep Them Forever?
I thought of that one but it’s kinda long.

Delivering Packages Forever?
No one would get that other other than a few of you.

TT Top Poster of the Month Forever?
Sorry, bad joke.

I’m open to suggestions. And I’ll try to come up with some more myself.

 

[DallasFanForever]

I left Amsterdam for the last time in 2007. In the knowledge that I'd probably never return. But always yearn to.

Never say never my friend! I notice that no matter where I go in life I always return “home” at some point. I love South Florida but my roots keep tugging on my strings every time I turn around. Everyone begs DFF to move back and maybe someday I will. It just isn’t the right time now.

... but if you get there, go the extra mile and hit up Ibiza.

Oh, DFF has heard all about this place!! A lot of things go on there that I reckon are not in the brochure?

But sin all night, sleep all day. Sin all night, sleep all day... you see the pattern right?

Yes, I kind of grasp what you’re saying. DFF checking flights now.

 

[Biggie]

Never say never my friend! I notice that no matter where I go in life I always return “home” at some point. I love South Florida but my roots keep tugging on my strings every time I turn around. Everyone begs DFF to move back and maybe someday I will. It just isn’t the right time now.

Very true, the future is unwritten, that's what makes it an adventure, finding out. Good, bad or ugly. I've managed to get myself to some places off the beaten path, oceans away. When I travel, I make no further plans that getting there... then it's hmmm which road will I walk down today, which ferry will jump on today. But there is something comforting that descends on me when the taxi pulls off the M3, at junction 6. I'm home.

Oh, DFF has heard all about this place!! A lot of things go on there that I reckon are not in the brochure?

You wouldn't believe me if I told you some of sinning I saw, and well, joined in with. Older and wiser now. If the opportunity come your way, you know what to do!

 

[DallasFanForever]

Very true, the future is unwritten, that's what makes it an adventure, finding out

I would agree with that. I think ultimately we write our own stories. I used to think the future was set in stone and I couldn’t change it no matter what I did but I don’t believe that now.

You wouldn't believe me if I told you some of sinning I saw, and well, joined in with

Uh oh! Enough said. DFF covering his ears

Older and wiser now

That’s always a good thing. DFF would like nothing more than to go back in life and meet young DFF and smack him upside his head somewhere around age 19. I would hunt that idiotic, insensitive, self absorbed, disrespectful moron down. The things I understand about life now and what really matters compared to how I viewed life back then, it’s quite embarrassing sometimes to see how stupid I was.

 

[Biggie]

That’s always a good thing. DFF would like nothing more than to go back in life and meet young DFF and smack him upside his head somewhere around age 19. I would hunt that idiotic, insensitive, self absorbed, disrespectful moron down. The things I understand about life now and what really matters compared to how I viewed life back then, it’s quite embarrassing sometimes to see how stupid I was

DFF, I'm with you. When I stop and reflect I'm often embarrassed by conduct and understanding, or rather lack of....The nonchalant arrogant know all schoolboy brat that was me, on a good day would get a stern talking to.

That said Dear Mama, raised Big Sister (who has no time for my nonsense, but will let me indulge for a moment or two before closing all that down) and me well. I believe that overall I contribute positively Basingstoke, and the wider society. But some of behaviour as a young "worldly wise" schoolboy was not a true reflection of who'd I become as a man.

Who knows, if I could talk to the me of youthful day now long gone, I might have not let Victoria slip through my fingers. If not again in this life, I'll find Victoria in the next and bring to table what I now understand.

What that old saying "youth is wasted on the young"

 

[DallasFanForever]

on a good day would get a stern talking to.

Oh, that was me too! I drove my single mom nuts but looking back on it she was blessed with great patience. Always one step ahead of DFF

That said Dear Mama, raised Big Sister (who has no time for my nonsense, but will let me indulge for a moment or two before closing all that down) and me well

Luckily I still have a few people in my life that have no trouble reminding me that I’m a much better person now and need to stay that way.

But some of behaviour as a young "worldly wise" schoolboy was not a true reflection of who'd I become as a man.

Of course not! Luckily the people we were when we were younger, as stupid as they can be, don’t have to be the people we end up being

Who knows, if I could talk to the me of youthful day now long gone, I might have not let Victoria slip through my fingers. If not again in this life, I'll find Victoria in the next and bring to table what I now understand

We’ve all lost a Victoria we’d like to find again so I can definitely relate my friend. You probably heard of mine. Her last name is Principal.

 

[Long Lashes]

I couldn’t live without iced tea. It’s so bad that when I walk into the supermarket now when they see me they go right over to the cooler where the gallons are and bring it to me. They know why I’m here.

You must be a famous customer DFF

Do you ever make your own ice-tea? I've tried, but its never as good as shop bought.

All I remember about last Christmas was being alone and putting up a front about how sad I was about it. Of course, it was nice to have a day all to myself without all the hoopla for once LOL

It was a weird one. I've never had a Christmas like it before, but in a strange way it was more relaxing because usually on Christmas morning we are dashing around visiting my family and Mr L's family. We usually eat out on Christmas day too so of course we couldn't do that, which also meant we didn't need to fuss about getting all dressed up, we just kind of slobbed out..Lol!

I would think a movie is inevitable.

Me too. Its going to be interesting to see who makes a Covid movie or series first.

The thing I remember the most was how I would go to houses and people would have signs on the doors wishing me well and saying don’t get sick. A lot of them written in crayon. And I would say to myself, oh my God why is everyone saying these things? Am I really going to get sick and die like so many others did? It was pretty scary at times.

Thats a really caring thing which your customers did, they were really looking out for you, although I can see why it might have been scary seeing those notices too.

We had a thing over here were all the children coloured or painted rainbows and then put them on their windows to cheer everyone up during the lockdown, that really did make me smile

She’s become like my little sister. When I trained her she asked me what I heard about her. I said that you’re useless and lazy. After she stopped hitting me I assured her that was not my opinion, just what I heard. Obviously they were wrong about her.

Lol! .. and it sounds like you are completely honest with each other and yes! they were completely wrong about her.

. We’re still boiling over here. It’s going to be in the mid 80s this week.

Oh my goodness :eck: I find this impossible to imagine. Have you ever celebrated Christmas on the beach?

I laughed when you said it’s only a two and a half hour flight for you because I think of Spain as like an entirely opposite end of the earth. I forget where you are sometimes.

We are pretty near to most of Europe. I was supposed to be going on a 'hen-do' last year to Spain, we were going to go from Wednesday to Sunday, but of course that was called off.

I see poor Michelle has her hands full during a lash out.

She's such a martyr Michelle is the only one The Enforcer will tolerate, I wouldn't say she likes her, but she trusts her which is a big deal.

. I hope you had a good week as well and are enjoying ur weekend!

We did thanks DFF. I wrapped all our Christmas presents .. oh how exciting

’ve been thinking about names but so far I’m drawing a blank.

Steal All Ur Christmas Presents and Keep Them Forever?
I thought of that one but it’s kinda long.

Delivering Packages Forever?
No one would get that other other than a few of you.

TT Top Poster of the Month Forever?
Sorry, bad joke.

I how you don't feel that you have to have a Christmas name just because I asked, I'd hate to force you my friend.

I’m open to suggestions. And I’ll try to come up with some more myself.

I've been trying to think and so far all I can come up with are ...

Santa Fan Forever
Christmas In Dallas Forever
Dallas Fan At Christmas

... I'll try and think of some more if you like? or keep my nose out if you prefer

 

[DallasFanForever]

Do you ever make your own ice-tea? I've tried, but its never as good as shop bought.

I have tried and no, it never comes out right. I gave up and now I just buy it from the store. I have no patience LOL

It was a weird one. I've never had a Christmas like it before, but in a strange way it was more relaxing

I know what you mean. There was really no pressure last year for once. Usually I’m scrambling to get done working Christmas Eve to go out and have dinner with my family or I’m running out to the stores last minute to buy presents. But last year there was none of that. It was kind of sad but to be honest when I woke up Christmas morning and didn’t have to go anywhere for once I was kind of relieved.

We had a thing over here were all the children coloured or painted rainbows and then put them on their windows to cheer everyone up during the lockdown, that really did make me smile

Yes, I saw many colored rainbows on the windows also. I have to say, and I don’t mean this to sound insensitive to anyone, but that was the most fun time I’ve ever had at work. People were being so much nicer than usual. I’ll never forget some of the things people said to me and did for me during that crazy year.

 

[DallasFanForever]

Have you ever celebrated Christmas on the beach?

I never have but I know a lot of people that do. Unfortunately it never does feel like Christmas down here. It feels more like July 4 to be honest.

I wrapped all our Christmas presents .. oh how exciting

I still haven’t bought one yet. Every year I say I’m gonna start shopping early and then the rush hits at work and the next thing I know it’s Christmas Eve and I still have to go buy gifts.

I how you don't feel that you have to have a Christmas name just because I asked, I'd hate to force you my friend.

Oh no, of course not! I know that Lashes. I don’t feel forced at all. I would never expect that from you, not even during ur worst lash out.

 

[DallasFanForever]

I've been trying to think and so far all I can come up with are ...

Santa Fan Forever
Christmas In Dallas Forever
Dallas Fan At Christmas

Now, I have to say that one of those really appeals to me. And I’ll tell you what. I’m not gonna tell you which one yet. I’m gonna sleep on it and make my decision in the morning. And I like how you kept most of my nickname in a couple of them cause with some of these names I see, I have to be honest, I have no idea who I’m talking to anymore.

... I'll try and think of some more if you like? or keep my nose out if you prefer

Ur more than welcome to think of more my friend. I used to hate nosey people but you’re really starting to change my opinion on them.

(Just kidding)

 

[Michelle Stevens]

So you should be my friend !

I think at some level The Enforcer likes me. I give her gifts, even thought they don't last long in her care such as her gloves. I have to think of a better gift for her/you this year.

Beware! no one can escape the her anger once she erupts

Indeed!

I try and keep The Enforcer under the radar because she tires me out for days when she has a lash out

I have notices you seem sleepy-eyed after returning to your 'Lashes self. Maybe you need to tell your alien friends to fix that glitch whenever you see them again.

Can you imagine having to lash-out again in quick succession and how tiring that would make you.

 

[Michelle Stevens]

Aw it was meant to be, that poorly wilted Orchid was waiting for you to come back Michelle.

It seems that way. She is getting much better now with firmer leaves after some watering.

They do! and I love all the different stories. You might have to write two volumes of your book when the time comes

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

Yes Orkie and Pearl spent a week together, but they looked kind of awkward together, something wasn't right so I separated them again. It might be that Pearl is so much larger and I don't want Orkie to feel over-shadowed :Clol:

So they didn't like each other? Orchid feuding in the LL home? Maybe a Poinsettia come bring peace between your orchids?

It sounds to me like they're all competing with each other, which is good!

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

Maybe they will look better once they've turned completely red? this process still fascinates me, you're very clever to do this.

Only the new leaves will change colour, the rest will fall or stay green. My Princess and Duchess look poor as their old leaves have turned yellow but have new coloured leaves too. Alive and well but not show worthy this year.

What a fab sight this must be.

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

Oh yes as you know my middle name is 'Stubborn' and I'm determined to get one to last the year if I can. I will let you know once I buy one, are you getting another Poinsettia this year Michelle?

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

I don't know if I will buy a new one this year as I have a few but the fresh ones do look so nice and they are so inexpensive. We'll see if my heartstrings are pulled.

 

[Michelle Stevens]

I honestly have no idea what happens during a lash-out. All I know is that once I come round and am back to being Long-Lashes again my whole body aches and I'm exhausted ... oh and sometimes my clothes are shredded


Luckily my friend @Michelle Stevens has been there a few times and has ensured I don't injure me

You're lucky that the alien magic provides The Enforcer an outfit once you have transformed. It's the shredding of your 'Lashes cloths that must be costly to replace. A price to pay for super-strength and rage.

 

[Michelle Stevens]

Eagle Chat​

I love seeing them together like this, they often have some strong eye-contact going on between them.

They have such a deep bond.

So cute! I love the little hands

Kissing Eagle style.

... and yes, its a pair of squirrels, I wonder if they're preparing for hibernation?

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

Mr Owl is still visiting the nest ...

Mr. Owl is waiting for those eggs to appear. I do love owls, even menacing ones such as this Great Horned at our Eagle nest.

Meanwhile, Freedom continues to show off his muscles .....

Or maybe it's Liberty?

This new cam is fab for showing us the nearby tree, we often knew the eagles were nearby, but at last we can see them ....

(please note the alien eyes )

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

Finally, true love :love4:

They really do show each other a lot of affection, this is something I never expected Eagles ever did.

We do get to see so much of their bond and affection toward one another. I hope they have each other for many more years. Every creature should be happy.

 

[Long Lashes]

I know what you mean. There was really no pressure last year for once. Usually I’m scrambling to get done working Christmas Eve to go out and have dinner with my family or I’m running out to the stores last minute to buy presents. But last year there was none of that. It was kind of sad but to be honest when I woke up Christmas morning and didn’t have to go anywhere for once I was kind of relieved.

I don't think we will ever have a Christmas like we did last year ever again. I was like you, quite relieved not to have to rush around, but at the same time I felt a bit sad at not seeing some of my family. I made Christmas dinner for Mr L's mother last year and he delivered it to her on Christmas day, she was shielding and didn't dare leave the house.

One of my sister-in-laws cooked for my Parents, they too were at home shielding, we went to see them (from a distance) on Boxing day and we took a basket full of different food and snacks for them to enjoy. ... I felt like Little Red Riding Hood dropping off food .Lol!

Yes, I saw many colored rainbows on the windows also.

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

I have to say, and I don’t mean this to sound insensitive to anyone, but that was the most fun time I’ve ever had at work.

You don't sound insensitive at all my friend. The pandemic changed our lives in so many ways, but their were some good things to come out of it too.

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

People were being so much nicer than usual. I’ll never forget some of the things people said to me and did for me during that crazy year.

Its good that so many people appreciate all you do. I agree, it did change people, I noticed how much more neighbourly everyone became, people were looking out for each other.

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

I still haven’t bought one yet. Every year I say I’m gonna start shopping early and then the rush hits at work and the next thing I know it’s Christmas Eve and I still have to go buy gifts.

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

Now, I have to say that one of those really appeals to me. And I’ll tell you what. I’m not gonna tell you which one yet. I’m gonna sleep on it and make my decision in the morning. And I like how you kept most of my nickname in a couple of them

I love your new name! :14:

Ur more than welcome to think of more my friend. I used to hate nosey people but you’re really starting to change my opinion on them.

This really made me laugh :laughing:

 

[Long Lashes]

I think at some level The Enforcer likes me. I give her gifts, even thought they don't last long in her care such as her gloves. I have to think of a better gift for her/you this year.

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

I have notices you seem sleepy-eyed after returning to your 'Lashes self. Maybe you need to tell your alien friends to fix that glitch whenever you see them again.

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

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

Can you imagine having to lash-out again in quick succession and how tiring that would make you.

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