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

[Long Lashes]

Well, it looks like our trees are gonna be dancing soon here as well. We are officially under our first hurricane watch this season. As of right now my city of Boca Raton is out of the cone but you know how it goes. These storms often turn at the last minute so I’m keeping an eye on it and plotting an escape if it comes to that.

'Hurricane Ian' made it to our news and I was horrified to see the destruction. I thought of you DFF and I know you've kept safe and long may that continue, but the poor people who lost their lives and also those who lost their homes, its horrendous.

I hope everywhere is calmer now for you all over there.

Unfortunately I work with a lot of miserable people LOL, so I try to break the ice when I can.

Then they're lucky to have you there to lighten the mood. I think sometimes people get them trapped in misery and then find it difficult to lighten up. Life's too short for misery , unless its an illness and of course that's very different.

I can be amused by things that wouldn’t amuse most other people. I will get some weird looks for some of the things that make me laugh I have to say.

I was once being daft and almost exploding with laughter when I was in a meeting with my colleague, she's the one who knows how to set me off ... Another colleague noticed us trying hard not to crack up and she asked me what we were laughing at? .. I honestly couldn't tell her because I didn't know..Lol!

I often wave to the competitors. I figure we’re doing the same job out in this heat so we might as well be civil.

Ooo thats nice and friendly, I like this.

Actually, they have me out in West Boca Raton in a place called Loggers Run. It’s very built up. There are tons of homes but it’s very far from the business district so it’s extremely quiet. I’m the furthest one from the station so I have a long drive out to my route and back every day. But I have to say it’s the best route I’ve ever had. The people are wonderful! It would take a lot to get me off of this route.

I'm so pleased to hear you like this route and the people, because I remember how you didn't want to change routes a while ago , I'm so glad its worked out well for you.

My whole family begs me to do Facebook all the time but it’s just not for me. I’d rather have my small inner circle in my life that I know I can trust than go on there. I

I'm the same DFF, Facebook is not for me, no thanks.

And the same exact thing happened to me after I joined. The site was down one morning and I didn’t understand what I was reading so I’m sitting here thinking about what I must’ve said to offend someone. I felt so bad! I kept wondering if I misspelled a word and accidentally cursed or something.

I think we must both have guilty consciences

... another time I accidently posted a huge image and I was convinced I'd crashed the site by doing that ... maybe I did? ... I hope not.

What happened was so unfortunate but life does go on and we keep moving forwards. Will it ever be the same? No, it’s just different and we make the best of it.

Absolutely. I'm so pleased many did not give up on Telly Talk.



Btw:- I see we made our goal! :hats:


. well done to everyone! :bravo1:

 

[Long Lashes]

I had one start to grown in my Poinsettia pot last Winter that was later replanted outside.

Plants are a complete mystery to me .. I wonder how a Begonia found its way to your Poinsettia plant pot?

I have a viola plant that's suddenly appeared in a pot where I have a rose, how did it get there?

My Mother brings some in to winter-over. My paternal Grandmother would have them indoor all year round, that's how I know of them.

Ah I see. So Begonias run through the family

Do you bring in any flowers to winter-over?

No not yet, I think I'm too out of my depth to do that. I need to have a chat with my Dad, he's my garden and plant expert .

He's up for re-election next month and I think it has something to do with his domestic policy on fuel production and how it's less expensive in Brazil and how heavily taxed fuel is in the UK and Europe as a whole. Of course you in Europe get more social programs from the taxes. It's a big government, small government argument. We have that here in the US. Fuel is more expensive in California or Hawaii than in Georgia or Missouri. At least that's how I took this.

I'm glad you found his photo, he made me laugh.

He'd come over to the UK for our Queens funeral and I bet he couldn't believe his luck when he saw our petrol prices, especially as you say he is up for re-election. I could just imagine him shouting to his driver .."pull over, pull over" .. when he saw our prices

The mealybugs really made them unsellable. I took them to the basement sink and washed them off as good as I could. No one would by a plant with pest on them, except me.

You obviously like a challenge Michelle.

Have all the pests been eradicated now? I'm not sure I would've been brave enough to tackle those. Poor plants, I wonder if the bugs were itchy? or do plants even feel itchy?

I saw them on Sunday in quarantine and they looked okay. Still wilted but their roots are green which is good. Sunbeam has damage on her leaves but I am hopeful. Trooper is in better condition.

Lets hope they go from strength to strength from now on. Phew! what a lucky day they had when you walked into the store.

Now for another orchid story

Ooo I love these Orchid adventures

I went to the grocery store which always had orchids and there were no signs of my flower lady. I go in early so I do miss her from time to time. I noticed in the rear of the store four discount orchids in the "Last Chance" shelf. 75% off, $6.24 so I had to get two.

Wow, that was a very big discount.

Spoiler

Images of my latest orchid rescue from shelf, cart/trolley to read car seat.

How lovely to see the step-by-step rescue in photographs, thanks Michelle . Considering they were on the 'Last Chance' shelf they both look in quite good condition.

White is Eden and Yellow is Capri.

They both have a lot of blooms and I do like whites .. reminds me of my Pearl. The pastel yellow is a lovely colour too, looks delicate and fresh.

Now I have to tap the brakes on my orchid buying for a bit. Four within a week is my limit, yes I have a limit. Just one of my hobbies as crazy as it is.

Do they all fit on your swish Orchid Tower? if you don't mind me asking. And its not a crazy hobby Michelle :hb: its fascinating. Some people keep/collect tropical fish or other things, you just happen to connect with beautiful Orchids and what lucky Orchids they are.

 

[DallasFanForever]

'Hurricane Ian' made it to our news and I was horrified to see the destruction. I thought of you DFF and I know you've kept safe and long may that continue, but the poor people who lost their lives and also those who lost their homes, its horrendous.

I hope everywhere is calmer now for you all over there.

Thank you for keeping me, and all of us over here, in your thoughts Lashes! Times like this definitely put life in perspective. Unfortunately, I’m never sure what’s scarier with these storms, the storm itself or the aftermath. Not only the loss of life, which is the part that saddens me the most, but also the millions of people that are now homeless. So many lives have been changed forever. And then there are the water shortages, fuel shortages, food shortages, etc. I’m sitting here typing this and I know I’m lucky that I was spared all of this this time but when I look at the rest of the state right now it’s hard to feel lucky, if that makes any sense.

Then they're lucky to have you there to lighten the mood. I think sometimes people get them trapped in misery and then find it difficult to lighten up. Life's too short for misery , unless its an illness and of course that's very different.

I do often wonder if they feel lucky to have me there sometimes LOL!! Misery can creep in very easily, I notice, but I try to fight it off. I guess a lot of people don’t. For me humor helps a lot. It might not solve anything but it does help. We actually lost a co worker at work this week. He just got sick out of nowhere and was gone in a month. It happened so fast. I’m not good in those situations and quite often I might pull back until I know what it is I want to say. I texted him about two weeks ago and the whole time I’m typing I’m thinking “do I try to make him laugh? Do I play it serious? Does he want to laugh? Would he rather cry? God knows he’s earned it.” I mean, what do you even say to someone who knows they’re dying in a matter of days? I’m embarrassed to say that a part of me even said “Is it better I don’t reach out at all?” So I decided to drop the humor for once and just say what I feel, and that was probably the best thing I could’ve done. It was our last conversation unfortunately, but I know I’ll never forget it. And my point of this rambling post was I often use humor to diffuse misery, but here was someone who had every right to be miserable, and probably was, yet humor wasn’t necessary to make them smile. And that really taught me a lesson, not only about humor but him as a person as well.

You know, if this thread was 10,000 words instead of 10,000 posts I swear I’d have us there by now already.

I was once being daft and almost exploding with laughter when I was in a meeting with my colleague, she's the one who knows how to set me off ... Another colleague noticed us trying hard not to crack up and she asked me what we were laughing at? .. I honestly couldn't tell her because I didn't know..Lol!

Oh good! We’re back to talking about humor. This is probably for the best as I’ve probably depressed everyone thoroughly so far tonight. I can relate to what you’re saying. I will quite often laugh for no reason. And what is it with meetings? Cause that’s when these things seem to happen with me too.

DFF LONG POST ALERT

One of the managers at work is talking to me about going into management right now, and DFF is kind of open to it at this point. I’m not a desk job person, but physically this job is starting to present its challenges here and there as I get older so instead of saying “No thanks” to management as usual, for once I’m listening. But then the subject of meetings came up. I can’t give them. I told him straight out that I can never stand in front of people and give a meeting. NEVER!!! I said small groups? Maybe, but not an entire workforce. Can’t happen. I figure one of three things would happen. I would stand there and crack up laughing the second I had to speak and no one would take me seriously, or I would totally freeze up and someone would have to take over the meeting, or I’d see a hundred pairs of eyes looking at me the first day and I’d turn around and run away. My money is quite honestly on that last scenario. So it’s too bad you can’t attend my meetings Lashes cause you’d definitely get a good laugh out of them. I think most people will.

I'm so pleased to hear you like this route and the people, because I remember how you didn't want to change routes a while ago , I'm so glad its worked out well for you.

Thank you! Leaving the old route was a struggle. I do miss it and I still stop by sometimes to say hello. Some beg me to come back, which is good for the ego I have to say. And some don’t even remember my name and will call me something else, which is confusing to me. But that’s okay. I just play along and use the new name they give me. I have three different names on my old route.

I think we must both have guilty consciences

... another time I accidently posted a huge image and I was convinced I'd crashed the site by doing that ... maybe I did?

You might’ve, but I doubt it! Trust me, if I’m still allowed to post on this thread after tonight so far you have nothing to worry about my friend.

Btw:- I see we made our goal! :hats:

Oh, I knew we would! I never had any doubts, especially with the way you and Michelle go on and on and on. You should both try to keep your posts short like DFF’s. You know, you can both learn a lot!


I hope everyone is having a nice Monday so far and please stay safe!

 

[Long Lashes]

I like your Halloween name DFF , its very clever

Thank you for keeping me, and all of us over here, in your thoughts Lashes!

I'm always shocked and worried when I see how extreme your weather can be, it makes me realise we don't get it too bad over here, so really I shouldn't grumble like I do.

This probably sounds daft, but I've always liked America, but since joining TT I like it even more as I've got to know quite a few of you on here . I've also learned a lot more about your country through you DFF, @Michele Stevens and others .. so I feel even more attached to your country.

Lets hope your weather behaves itself for the rest of the year.

Times like this definitely put life in perspective. Unfortunately, I’m never sure what’s scarier with these storms, the storm itself or the aftermath. Not only the loss of life, which is the part that saddens me the most, but also the millions of people that are now homeless. So many lives have been changed forever. And then there are the water shortages, fuel shortages, food shortages, etc.

The aftermath is horrendous. I hope the homeless get lots of help, it must be devastating to lose everything . And I'd never even considered the water, food and fuel shortages until you mentioned them. Your storms have such a wide impact on so many lives, I'm so sorry for all those affected.

I’m sitting here typing this and I know I’m lucky that I was spared all of this this time but when I look at the rest of the state right now it’s hard to feel lucky, if that makes any sense.

That makes complete sense. Its good you feel grateful to have come through the storm unscathed, but at the same time you're witnessing the suffering of many others., I'm sure your emotions must be all over the place .

We actually lost a co worker at work this week. He just got sick out of nowhere and was gone in a month. It happened so fast. I’m not good in those situations and quite often I might pull back until I know what it is I want to say. I texted him about two weeks ago and the whole time I’m typing I’m thinking “do I try to make him laugh? Do I play it serious? Does he want to laugh? Would he rather cry? God knows he’s earned it.” I mean, what do you even say to someone who knows they’re dying in a matter of days? I’m embarrassed to say that a part of me even said “Is it better I don’t reach out at all?” So I decided to drop the humor for once and just say what I feel, and that was probably the best thing I could’ve done.

This is so tragic and a heck of a shock when it happens. Don't worry about feeling you're "not good in these situations" .. I honestly don't think anyone feels they are, but I believe you did exactly the right thing by just being honest, I'm sure your co-worker must've appreciated your words.

It was our last conversation unfortunately, but I know I’ll never forget it.

That must be an emotional but special memory.

And my point of this rambling post was I often use humor to diffuse misery, but here was someone who had every right to be miserable, and probably was, yet humor wasn’t necessary to make them smile. And that really taught me a lesson, not only about humor but him as a person as well.

We really are learning all the time aren't we , I know I am too and your post isn't rambling my friend.

You know, if this thread was 10,000 words instead of 10,000 posts I swear I’d have us there by now already.

Between you and me we would've had it finished in two weeks :Clol:

We’re back to talking about humor. This is probably for the best as I’ve probably depressed everyone thoroughly so far tonight.

No you haven't depressed anyone. That's one of the many things I like about this thread ... we can be daft as brushes and surreal on here or serious. Anything goes

I will quite often laugh for no reason. And what is it with meetings? Cause that’s when these things seem to happen with me too.

With me, I think I get the giggles when I'm in a nervous or unnatural situation .. not very mature of me, I know. Although, if the subject is very serious then I can control myself and give it the respect it deserves.

DFF LONG POST ALERT

Lol!

One of the managers at work is talking to me about going into management right now, and DFF is kind of open to it at this point. I’m not a desk job person, but physically this job is starting to present its challenges here and there as I get older so instead of saying “No thanks” to management as usual, for once I’m listening.

I'm glad you've not just instantly dismissed the idea and they must be keen to have you on the management team which is a huge compliment

But then the subject of meetings came up. I can’t give them. I told him straight out that I can never stand in front of people and give a meeting. NEVER!!! I said small groups? Maybe, but not an entire workforce. Can’t happen. I figure one of three things would happen. I would stand there and crack up laughing the second I had to speak and no one would take me seriously, or I would totally freeze up and someone would have to take over the meeting, or I’d see a hundred pairs of eyes looking at me the first day and I’d turn around and run away.

I know how you feel about this, but just .. maybe, perhaps you could be surprised with yourself .. no? .

What I mean is you might be surprised at what your capable of doing. I only say this because I used to think the same as you and would flatly refuse to give presentations etc... and then somehow I got talked into doing one and I'm not going to lie, I was terrified, but then once I got talking I didn't find it too bad and forgot how scared I was. I have done quite a few big presentations now, and its got easier.

But if you feel its not for you DFF then just ignore me

So it’s too bad you can’t attend my meetings Lashes cause you’d definitely get a good laugh out of them. I think most people will.

I'd love to attend your meeting

I just play along and use the new name they give me. I have three different names on my old route.

Lol! .. this made me laugh. An acquaintance of one of my brothers has always called me ..Wendy..... that's not my name

Oh, I knew we would! I never had any doubts, especially with the way you and Michelle go on and on and on. You should both try to keep your posts short like DFF’s. You know, you can both learn a lot!

:Clol:

please stay safe!

You too ! and everyone else!

 

[DallasFanForever]

I like your Halloween name DFF , its very clever

Thank you! It was either this name or Darkness and Fog Forever. I was torn between them. Fangs sounded much better for Halloween. I love Spidery Lashes too! Was it Spooky Lashes last year? Or was it Dark Lashes? I think you’ve used both, right?

I'm always shocked and worried when I see how extreme your weather can be, it makes me realise we don't get it too bad over here, so really I shouldn't grumble like I do.

I think we all grumble about the weather no matter where we live, and that’s normal, but I know what you mean. I was out working in a tropical storm all last week but every time I felt my attitude changing for the worse I tried to remember there were a lot of people fairing a lot worse than I was at that moment. We got so lucky here yet just less than a hundred miles away it was like a war zone. Puts things in perspective.

This probably sounds daft, but I've always liked America, but since joining TT I like it even more as I've got to know quite a few of you on here . I've also learned a lot more about your country through you DFF, @Michele Stevens and others .. so I feel even more attached to your country.

That’s a very nice thing to say Lashes! Most of us Americans really aren’t that bad LOL!! I feel the same way about the UK cause I don’t think I knew a whole lot about it until I joined this site either. For example I never knew that you guys don’t have air conditioning. I can’t picture my life without it over here so it was interesting to learn that.

Lets hope your weather behaves itself for the rest of the year.

When I got home today I turned on the local news and the first thing I heard was “another storm forming in the tropics and what it means for Florida.” I shut it right off. I’m just not ready to deal with it right now. This time of year is so scary!

The aftermath is horrendous. I hope the homeless get lots of help, it must be devastating to lose everything . And I'd never even considered the water, food and fuel shortages until you mentioned them. Your storms have such a wide impact on so many lives, I'm so sorry for all those affected.

It can change lives quickly. I’ve only been here for one really bad one. That was Wilma. I believe to this day she was the biggest cyclone ever recorded. What you’re seeing right now in other parts of the state is how this place looked then. Gas stations were leveled, water was hard to come by, power was out for weeks, buildings and homes were gone, massive flooding, it was awful. I remember doing my route and not being able to find the streets because all the signs were gone. I had to sit at the intersections and think where the street was for a minute cause everything was so unrecognizable. Worst time I’ve ever personally experienced down here. But people were being so nice to one another. No petty complaining for once.

That makes complete sense. Its good you feel grateful to have come through the storm unscathed, but at the same time you're witnessing the suffering of many others., I'm sure your emotions must be all over the place .

It gets confusing. I went to so many houses last week and they would say “thank you for what you do” or “thank you for being out here in this weather.” Who called me a hero, which is nice but that I’m not. The heroes are the ones searching for people that were lost or trapped in the storm and trying to save lives. But it’s still nice to hear.

This is so tragic and a heck of a shock when it happens. Don't worry about feeling you're "not good in these situations" .. I honestly don't think anyone feels they are, but I believe you did exactly the right thing by just being honest, I'm sure your co-worker must've appreciated your words.

It was a tough week! I’m looking for silver linings right now thru all this more than I ever have. I gotta say when I sent that text, it ended up being very long. I know that’s hard to believe. Anyway, I wasn’t sure how long it would take for a response nor did I care obviously considering his situation, but I had a response in less than a minute. That’s the part I’ll never forget. The words didn’t even matter anymore at that point. The fact that I got a response so quickly from a person that was going through such an unimaginable hell is the thing I keep thinking about.

No you haven't depressed anyone. That's one of the many things I like about this thread ... we can be daft as brushes and surreal on here or serious. Anything goes

I appreciate you saying that! And I gotta say that word “daft” is growing on me more and more every time I hear it.

With me, I think I get the giggles when I'm in a nervous or unnatural situation .. not very mature of me, I know.

I have the same problem, or I can get very sarcastic when I’m nervous. It’s usually one or the other.

Although, if the subject is very serious then I can control myself and give it the respect it deserves.

And here is where we differ because I have the reverse problem sometimes. I can laugh for no reason even when things are supposed to be serious. My family actually likes this about me even though they think I’m nuts. Luckily it doesn’t happen every time.

I'm glad you've not just instantly dismissed the idea and they must be keen to have you on the management team which is a huge compliment

I was surprised and asked them if they were desperate. But the more I thought about it I think I would like to do something else with the company. I know how much I would miss being on the road. It would be tough at first but I can use a change eventually.

I know how you feel about this, but just .. maybe, perhaps you could be surprised with yourself .. no? .

What I mean is you might be surprised at what your capable of doing. I only say this because I used to think the same as you and would flatly refuse to give presentations etc... and then somehow I got talked into doing one and I'm not going to lie, I was terrified, but then once I got talking I didn't find it too bad and forgot how scared I was. I have done quite a few big presentations now, and its got easier.

Well, one of the managers came up with a plan for this. His idea is he would have me give a meeting with maybe 3 people at first, and then maybe 6 and so on until I can work my way up to a full meeting. It sounds like a good idea. He felt bad for me that the meetings is what holds me back but I was honest. I’m petrified LOL!! I guess all I can do is try.

But if you feel its not for you DFF then just ignore me

Ignore The Enforcer? Oh I wouldn’t dare!! I was gonna hit the ignore button on you just for kicks to see what you would do but then I realized that with my computer skills I might not know how to un-ignore you so I’d better not!

I'd love to attend your meeting

If seeing a grown man flee from about 80 other people and run directly out of the building is your thing then I say you’ll definitely enjoy this, yes!

An acquaintance of one of my brothers has always called me ..Wendy..... that's not my name

I have one woman on my old route that calls me Peter, which really confuses me. My name isn’t Peter. Not even close. I’ve told her my name. But I know her 3 years and she’s still calling me Peter. So when I go by there now I just play the role of Peter. It’s much easier.

I hope you’re having a good week so far my friend and the same goes for everyone else!

 

[Michelle Stevens]

Plants are a complete mystery to me .. I wonder how a Begonia found its way to your Poinsettia plant pot?

I would guess the seeds somehow blew there. i don't even know what a Begonia seed even looks like.

I have a viola plant that's suddenly appeared in a pot where I have a rose, how did it get there?

The Magic of Mother Nature. It was meant to be.

Ah I see. So Begonias run through the family

Yes, Michelle is familiar with them. They have been with me for a long time in some way.

No not yet, I think I'm too out of my depth to do that. I need to have a chat with my Dad, he's my garden and plant expert .

Sound like good advice. At least you have a go-to person for your questions.

I'm glad you found his photo, he made me laugh.

He'd come over to the UK for our Queens funeral and I bet he couldn't believe his luck when he saw our petrol prices, especially as you say he is up for re-election. I could just imagine him shouting to his driver .."pull over, pull over" .. when he saw our prices

No doubt that's what he did when he saw those prices.

You obviously like a challenge Michelle.

Have all the pests been eradicated now? I'm not sure I would've been brave enough to tackle those. Poor plants, I wonder if the bugs were itchy? or do plants even feel itchy?

I wonder about the itchiness too. I washed them as soon as I got home in the Washer sink. I got 90% of them with that good wash. They must have cried with joy and relief in getting those pesky Mealybugs off and water after months of neglect.

Yesterday I repotted them after two weeks of quarantine. I had to cut a part of one of Sunbeam's leaves that was damaged but both seem much better. They have made it to Plant Tower but are still under close observation. I wish I would have taken more photos of what both looked like with all those white cottony Mealybugs on them and their wilted leaves. They escaped Orchid Hell.

Lets hope they go from strength to strength from now on. Phew! what a lucky day they had when you walked into the store.

I had spotted them a few weeks earlier but i know I have so many to care for but on 22 September I had to see if I could save at least one from that Hell. I can't save them all but I had to try. If I failed I know I at least tried. Luckily I got two and today they are on the road to recovery. I didn't expect Sunbeam to make it at first sight but she is determined to live.

Ooo I love these Orchid adventures

I'm glad you read them. I have quite a bit of stories to tell about unloved Orchids. I still think about your idea of writing a children's book about unloved orchids one day.

Wow, that was a very big discount.

Timing, if I had been there earlier and saw the plant lady I may have gotten them free. Oh well, $12.48 for two delightful orchids is a good price for me. Both of these are doing well too.

How lovely to see the step-by-step rescue in photographs, thanks Michelle . Considering they were on the 'Last Chance' shelf they both look in quite good condition.

They were in far better condition than Sunbeam and Trooper from the hardware store (Lowe's). I only bought two that day from the grocery store (Eden and Capri) and left two behind as I can't take them all in. Eden and Capri were the lessor of the "Last Chance" orchids as I knew the others had a better chance at getting a home. I looked the following week and they were both gone. I was relieved in a way. Four orchids in total in September is enough even for this orchid loving hottie.

They both have a lot of blooms and I do like whites .. reminds me of my Pearl. The pastel yellow is a lovely colour too, looks delicate and fresh.

From my experience the whities are more abundant and more often overlooked. I do enjoy their purity. The yellow is nice as well. I notice on their blooms as they age they dull in colour and turn almost white when they drop.

Would have ever buy a third orchid?

Do they all fit on your swish Orchid Tower? if you don't mind me asking. And its not a crazy hobby Michelle :hb: its fascinating. Some people keep/collect tropical fish or other things, you just happen to connect with beautiful Orchids and what lucky Orchids they are.

There are three towers at this time. I had an older book shelf that was starting to fail so I bought a larger wire self, the reason I was in the hardware store when I rescued Sunbeam and Trooper. The newest shelf/tower is a mix of books and orchids. I can fit between 8-10 per shelf. I have two watering days to split the task up. They are entering the slower, cooler season so less watering, bi-weekly.

Yes, Michelle has had tropical fish in the past, but I'll stick to plant for now.

 

[Michelle Stevens]

I want to wish @Biggie Sins B.I.G. a Happy Birthday. Best wishes! :hp:

 

[DallasFanForever]

Happy Birthday @Biggie Sins B.I.G. !!!
Hope you’re having a nice birthday so far!!

 

[Biggie]

@Darkness and Fangs Forever @Trick-Or-Treat Stevens thank you for your kind thoughts.

On the whole, a nice and calm reflective day. Time passes by and life changes. For the better and for the worst, and in ways that one can't quite decide. If that makes sense.

 

[Long Lashes]

Thank you! It was either this name or Darkness and Fog Forever. I was torn between them. Fangs sounded much better for Halloween.

Oh I like both of the names you thought of ... I did think of you and could only come up with Dracula Fan Forever, your ideas are much better.

I love Spidery Lashes too! Was it Spooky Lashes last year? Or was it Dark Lashes? I think you’ve used both, right?

Thank you DFF ..yes, I was Spooky Lashes last year, I've never officially been Dark Lashes yet, so I'm going to try and remember that one for next year.

We'll have to start thinking of our Christmas names next

I was out working in a tropical storm all last week but every time I felt my attitude changing for the worse I tried to remember there were a lot of people fairing a lot worse than I was at that moment.

A tropical storm sounds very scary to me, my friend.

We got so lucky here yet just less than a hundred miles away it was like a war zone. Puts things in perspective.

Yes, it does put things into perspective, its good to remember how lucky we are sometimes.

That’s a very nice thing to say Lashes! Most of us Americans really aren’t that bad LOL!! I feel the same way about the UK cause I don’t think I knew a whole lot about it until I joined this site either. For example I never knew that you guys don’t have air conditioning. I can’t picture my life without it over here so it was interesting to learn that.

I love all this learning about each others countries , its all the normal little details I like hearing about. For instance .. am I right thinking most of you don't have kettles? or have I got that wrong? Its just that I can't imagine life without one .

When I got home today I turned on the local news and the first thing I heard was “another storm forming in the tropics and what it means for Florida.” I shut it right off. I’m just not ready to deal with it right now. This time of year is so scary!

I remember you telling us about the weather this time last year too. Do you ever get a year when the big storms give you a miss?

It can change lives quickly. I’ve only been here for one really bad one. That was Wilma. I believe to this day she was the biggest cyclone ever recorded. What you’re seeing right now in other parts of the state is how this place looked then. Gas stations were leveled, water was hard to come by, power was out for weeks, buildings and homes were gone, massive flooding, it was awful. I remember doing my route and not being able to find the streets because all the signs were gone. I had to sit at the intersections and think where the street was for a minute cause everything was so unrecognizable. Worst time I’ve ever personally experienced down here. But people were being so nice to one another. No petty complaining for once.

You must've been terrified when Wilma struck. Do you have a 'safest place' to be when a storm comes? .. that's probably a daft question because I know you can't be 100 per cent safe or hide from the storm , but do you get advice about what to do?

t gets confusing. I went to so many houses last week and they would say “thank you for what you do” or “thank you for being out here in this weather.” Who called me a hero, which is nice but that I’m not. The heroes are the ones searching for people that were lost or trapped in the storm and trying to save lives. But it’s still nice to hear.

Yes you are a hero DFF ! Despite the conditions you just carried on as normal which is what people need. I'm so glad many showed their appreciation of you and what you do.

It kind of reminds me of when we were in shutdown because of Covid .. I was in awe of all the front line workers like you carrying on whilst the rest of us were shielding at home, it made me appreciate what they do so much more. And I thought of them as heroes too.

It was a tough week! I’m looking for silver linings right now thru all this more than I ever have. I gotta say when I sent that text, it ended up being very long. I know that’s hard to believe. Anyway, I wasn’t sure how long it would take for a response nor did I care obviously considering his situation, but I had a response in less than a minute. That’s the part I’ll never forget. The words didn’t even matter anymore at that point. The fact that I got a response so quickly from a person that was going through such an unimaginable hell is the thing I keep thinking about.

It sounds like he was very appreciative of you sending that message DFF. You did a great thing.

Well, one of the managers came up with a plan for this. His idea is he would have me give a meeting with maybe 3 people at first, and then maybe 6 and so on until I can work my way up to a full meeting. It sounds like a good idea. He felt bad for me that the meetings is what holds me back but I was honest. I’m petrified LOL!! I guess all I can do is try.

This is fab! Its good that you were honest with them about how nervous you feel and I'm so impressed with how they want to help you.

May I be incredibly nosy and ask how you feel about going for it now?

Ignore The Enforcer? Oh I wouldn’t dare!! I was gonna hit the ignore button on you just for kicks to see what you would do but then I realized that with my computer skills I might not know how to un-ignore you so I’d better not!

:laughing:

 

[Long Lashes]

I wonder about the itchiness too. I washed them as soon as I got home in the Washer sink. I got 90% of them with that good wash. They must have cried with joy and relief in getting those pesky Mealybugs off and water after months of neglect.

You were brave to wash them pesky bugs off them Michelle, I'm such a wimp I start to itch myself just at the thought of having to do that.

Yesterday I repotted them after two weeks of quarantine. I had to cut a part of one of Sunbeam's leaves that was damaged but both seem much better. They have made it to Plant Tower but are still under close observation. I wish I would have taken more photos of what both looked like with all those white cottony Mealybugs on them and their wilted leaves. They escaped Orchid Hell.

Ooo if they've made it to Plant Tower then this is a great sign

I had spotted them a few weeks earlier but i know I have so many to care for but on 22 September I had to see if I could save at least one from that Hell. I can't save them all but I had to try. If I failed I know I at least tried. Luckily I got two and today they are on the road to recovery. I didn't expect Sunbeam to make it at first sight but she is determined to live.

They must've given up hope of ever escaping Orchid Hell , poor things

but how lucky they were the day you walked in.

'm glad you read them. I have quite a bit of stories to tell about unloved Orchids. I still think about your idea of writing a children's book about unloved orchids one day.

Yes do it! do it, do it, do it! It would make a fab book, unique too, do it! ... only when you have the time though Lol!

Timing, if I had been there earlier and saw the plant lady I may have gotten them free. Oh well, $12.48 for two delightful orchids is a good price for me. Both of these are doing well too.

How dare Plant Lady have a day off, she let you down ... Lol!

Eden and Capri were the lessor of the "Last Chance" orchids as I knew the others had a better chance at getting a home. I looked the following week and they were both gone. I was relieved in a way. Four orchids in total in September is enough even for this orchid loving hottie.

Aw, so you choose to take the two most poorly looking ones? how kind :ch:

Would have ever buy a third orchid?

I have one ... I mean I now have a third Orchid, three in all.

I did a favour for someone close to me recently and she gifted me an Orchid to say thank you. I must take a photo, she looks just like Orkie (when Orkies in bloom) and as yet doesn't have a name.

Has this news shocked you Michelle? I don't think I need a Plant Tower just yet, though

There are three towers at this time. I had an older book shelf that was starting to fail so I bought a larger wire self, the reason I was in the hardware store when I rescued Sunbeam and Trooper. The newest shelf/tower is a mix of books and orchids. I can fit between 8-10 per shelf. I have two watering days to split the task up. They are entering the slower, cooler season so less watering, bi-weekly.

I imagine the books mixed with the Orchids looks really lovely. I can see why you split up the watering days, it must take you some time to get round them all.

Yes, Michelle has had tropical fish in the past, but I'll stick to plant for now.

Have you? I never knew you once had fish budgies yes, but not fish.

 

[Long Lashes]

A very, very late happy birthday to you @Biggie Sins B.I.G.

​

 

[DallasFanForever]

Oh I like both of the names you thought of ... I did think of you and could only come up with Dracula Fan Forever, your ideas are much better.

I like that one too! I might have to remember that one next year.

We'll have to start thinking of our Christmas names next

I remember you gave me my Christmas name last year cause I was having trouble coming up with something. I can’t even believe we’re discussing Christmas already. Where did this year go?

A tropical storm sounds very scary to me, my friend.

It is! But trust me when I tell you that it’s nothing like a hurricane. Those are much worse.

Yes, it does put things into perspective, its good to remember how lucky we are sometimes.

It sure is! I catch myself complaining about the stupidest things sometimes. I guess we all do that. But then I’ll realize how much worse things can actually be and that usually snaps me out of it.

I love all this learning about each others countries , its all the normal little details I like hearing about. For instance .. am I right thinking most of you don't have kettles? or have I got that wrong? Its just that I can't imagine life without one .

I would say that from what I see here most people don’t have them but I could be wrong. I do see them in some houses. From what I’ve read you guys use them for a variety of things, right? I know they’re much more common there than they are here. What also amazes me about the UK is your weather seems to get colder much earlier than the US. We can’t judge it by Florida of course cause we’re still in the mid 80s (Fahrenheit) but the rest of the country is already cooling down considerably, yet it seems like over by you it is much colder already than it is here.

I remember you telling us about the weather this time last year too. Do you ever get a year when the big storms give you a miss?

Luckily we had a miss every year since 2017 until this past disaster. We were very fortunate for five years. There were a lot of close calls but they just kept missing us for awhile. Unfortunately I guess you can’t get lucky every year. It’s the one big risk of living here.

You must've been terrified when Wilma struck. Do you have a 'safest place' to be when a storm comes? .. that's probably a daft question because I know you can't be 100 per cent safe or hide from the storm , but do you get advice about what to do?

Wilma was the scariest thing I’ve ever experienced, and that’s why my ‘safe place’ is now my car when a storm is coming LOL!! The moment work closes I get in that car and I drive out of Florida. I call home up in New York and I inform them that DFF is on the way. Dad doesn’t agree with leaving really but stepmother won’t allow me to stay. I tend to agree with her. To me there’s no point in staying. I’d rather wait it out in another state until it’s safe. And at least there I know I’ll have food, power and water after the storm is over.

Yes you are a hero DFF ! Despite the conditions you just carried on as normal which is what people need. I'm so glad many showed their appreciation of you and what you do.

Thank you for saying that Lashes! I guess I never thought of myself as a hero for what I do. It is nice to be appreciated at those times. Who was giving me a towel, who was offering me to step out of the storm and wait for it to slow down, who thanked me for bringing them their stuff and risking my life, who wanted to give me food, it is a good feeling to know people care and respect what we do.

Okay, I’m a hero. You convinced me now Lashes LOL

It kind of reminds me of when we were in shutdown because of Covid .. I was in awe of all the front line workers like you carrying on whilst the rest of us were shielding at home, it made me appreciate what they do so much more. And I thought of them as heroes too

The things I remember the most about then was signs on doors telling me not to get sick, people giving me extra masks and gloves everywhere I went, and how busy it was on top of everything going on. It was a scary time for us but it was also a very rewarding time if that makes any sense cause I was just completely overwhelmed at how appreciative everyone was. Never saw anything like it. That was such a conflicting time for me between the fear of what was going on in the world yet at the same time I never enjoyed the actual job as much as I did during that whole mess.

sounds like he was very appreciative of you sending that message DFF. You did a great thing.

Thank you! I’m still in shock over that. I used to pass his truck every morning on my way to punch in and I’d always mess with him as I do with most people at work. I’d go to the front of his truck and knock on his hood loudly while he was sitting in his seat and he’d just shake his head. Sometimes he’d crack a smile, which wasn’t easy, believe me. He wasn’t exactly a morning person but I always liked the challenge of moody people. After he died I told myself I wouldn’t walk that way anymore cause it would make me too sad. But I couldn’t do that so I still go that way and now I say a little prayer and I touch the hood as I pass by, the same hood I used to knock on every morning to make him laugh. I think the person doing the route now thinks I’m nuts but I really don’t care. I guess it might be a little weird to be sitting in your seat and seeing someone standing in front of your truck praying by the hood. I just thought of that actually. Oh well, they’ll get over it.

This is fab! Its good that you were honest with them about how nervous you feel and I'm so impressed with how they want to help you.

May I be incredibly nosy and ask how you feel about going for it now?

Still petrified. Scared. Afraid. Nervous. Anxious. But I am still open to the whole thing, and I’ve received nice encouragement. The girl that works next to me is in the management program, and to be honest, as much as I love her I’m worried about her meetings more than I am mine. She talks so low that no one can understand a word she says. We have to all put our ears up to her face to hear anything. I’ve suggested very politely to turn up the volume a little when she speaks but it doesn’t seem to work, although I did learn that when she gets mad the voice gets noticeably louder. So I think everyone is anxiously awaiting her first meeting more than they are mine, which is good because it takes the pressure off me when it’s my turn.

Have a great week ahead my friend and the same goes for everyone else on this thread!

 

[Michelle Stevens]

You were brave to wash them pesky bugs off them Michelle, I'm such a wimp I start to itch myself just at the thought of having to do that.

Pfft, just imagine how itchy that poor orchid must have felt. They were feeding off of her. I had to take action. When it comes to the well being of my orchids, Michelle chooses violence.

Ooo if they've made it to Plant Tower then this is a great sign

It is indeed a good sign and they are improving and out of a critical state, thankfully.

They must've given up hope of ever escaping Orchid Hell , poor things

but how lucky they were the day you walked in.

I can only imagine how hopeless it was for them. I only wish I could have done more. I just so enjoying rescuing these orchids. I have to stay away from that store for some time.

Yes do it! do it, do it, do it! It would make a fab book, unique too, do it! ... only when you have the time though Lol!

I will certainly consider it. I have so many stories and know the plight of the unwanted orchids.

How dare Plant Lady have a day off, she let you down ... Lol!

Well she made up for it over the past week. Over the past two times in the grocery store she has given me seven unsellable orchids. The summer lot she had is getting tired and dropping blooms. Oh 'Lashes if you only lived closer you'd have more orchids in you home, gift from me.

Aw, so you choose to take the two most poorly looking ones? how kind :ch:

Yes, I know people want the best and I can save the most unfortunate. Someone has to love them. Lucky from them it's a hottie, me.

I have one ... I mean I now have a third Orchid, three in all.

I did a favour for someone close to me recently and she gifted me an Orchid to say thank you. I must take a photo, she looks just like Orkie (when Orkies in bloom) and as yet doesn't have a name.

Wow, #3? Very good news! Oh, Orkie will be so jealous with having another of her colour in the house. Have fun with that. Orchids make great gift, at least if you're giving it to someone who makes the effort to care for them. How very kind of your friend. I'm eager to see images of this new orchid.

Has this news shocked you Michelle? I don't think I need a Plant Tower just yet, though

Maybe you could ask Mr. L to add an addition to you conservatory for an orchid collection.

I imagine the books mixed with the Orchids looks really lovely. I can see why you split up the watering days, it must take you some time to get round them all.

It does take time, a few hours in fact. I let them soak for about a half hour and I do about ten at a time, each Tuesday and the other half on Friday morning. I do inspect them for illness or other action. With the cooler weather about a half dozen have started flower spikes for the season. I'm excited.

Have you? I never knew you once had fish budgies yes, but not fish.

I had fish as a child, then built a fish pond as a teenager and in the early-2000's I had an aquarium. Maybe I'll have one again. I just hated cleaning their tank. Out of all animal life I've probably had more fish then anything.

Have you ever had an aquarium 'Lashes?

 

[Michelle Stevens]

Is there a new monthly goal for this thread? I didn't see it being discussed but I may have missed it.

#5300 by the end of the year?

 

[DallasFanForever]

Is there a new monthly goal for this thread? I didn't see it being discussed but I may have missed it.

#5300 by the end of the year?

I can’t remember if we discussed it or not and it’s too late in the evening to go back and look now LOL!! I don’t think we set one officially.

But I do like 5300 by the end of the year if we all agree. Let’s see, that’s 181 posts in about 74 days I believe? I think it’s doable!

 

[Michelle Stevens]

I can’t remember if we discussed it or not and it’s too late in the evening to go back and look now LOL!! I don’t think we set one officially.

But I do like 5300 by the end of the year if we all agree. Let’s see, that’s 181 posts in about 74 days I believe? I think it’s doable!

We'll have to get @Spidery Lashes okay as she, in a way, is the one we have to answer to if we fail. I wonder if the Enforcer punishes her if we fail too?

 

[DallasFanForever]

We'll have to get @Spidery Lashes okay as she, in a way, is the one we have to answer to if we fail. I wonder if the Enforcer punishes her if we fail too?

I would love to finally witness a Lash-Out. I think this is the perfect time of year for it. You know, it’s almost kind of worth failing on purpose just to see the rage of the Enforcer unleashed on the land, isn’t it?

 

[Michelle Stevens]

I would love to finally witness a Lash-Out. I think this is the perfect time of year for it. You know, it’s almost kind of worth failing on purpose just to see the rage of the Enforcer unleashed on the land, isn’t it?

You're a brave man. I've witnessed many Lash-outs and one for Halloween could even be more scary. Believe Michelle when I say, "Don't make her angry. You wouldn't like her when she gets angry." I learned that the hard way when teasing her about taking Enrique away from her the other week.

 

[DallasFanForever]

You're a brave man. I've witnessed many Lash-outs and one for Halloween could even be more scary.

Maybe hoping for a Lash-out is a bad idea on my part. DFF might have to rethink this one.

"Don't make her angry. You wouldn't like her when she gets angry."

Where have I heard this before? Sounds really familiar.

I learned that the hard way when teasing her about taking Enrique away from her the other week.

LOL!!