General Chat

Evening Julia,

I can almost guess that they were buds of the "King Protea" as big as your hands as if in prayer, in a salmon pink color. Or am I wrong?.

They will last for weeks, but if you want to you can also preserve them by drying them. I do believe that some people hang them upside down and spray with hairspray, but I am not an expert as I don't like dried out flowers. So would suggest that you did some research on line if you wanted to dry them.

Personally, I cut my "Scarlet Ribbons" when they are in bloom and put them in a vase with a touch of bleach in the water and they last for weeks before they start to dry.

We are very excited, as for the last three weeks have been watching a bud grow bigger and bigger in one of the pots but cannot remember if it is "The Pink Ice" or "Princess Diana" that is going to flower as the tags I put on the plants have faded with the sun, so it is a case of wait and see. The bud is very similar to the "King Protea" but is very much longer and is also only going to give one flower.

As for us "South Africans", you will find us popping up all over the world. About five years ago OH and I were on holiday in the middle of nowhere in the bush in Brazil. The locals were fascinated that as a "South African" I was white and have fair hair as they thought all South Africans were black.

One evening in the restaurant of the resort where we were staying there was a couple at the next table, just passing through. We overheard the man complaining in English ( which nobody could understand ) that the red wine was not chilled...

OH said to me..."He has to be your countryman," as only a South African will demand chilled red wine...lol.. and he was right.

Normally, one of us would have helped him out with the language but because he was so blantanly rude we decided to ignore him.

Lindy ;)))))))))))))

Not Julia, but just thought I'd say hello :-)

I often think of you, especially recently, having learned that a great-great-uncle was in the 88th Connaught Rangers in South Africa.

Hiya Joy,

Nice to see you again,

If you need any help please pm me with all the details as I enjoy the hunt.

Lindy ;))))))))))))))

Hi Lindy,....I think you might need to keep this nudged. Julia usually signs out in the early evening and is not back on until the morning.

The flowers sound absolutely stunning although I must admit I don't know them. Off to google :)

Jean x.

Proteas are amazing - someone I once worked with had some flown over on her birthday, from her son. Almost like something from a sci-fi fllm, but exotic and beautiful too.

Thanks Jean,

The flowers are really beautiful and the joy is you can find them in the UK and in the North of Portugal.

Sheila,

That they are!

Lindy ;))))))))))))

nudge

Good Morning Lindy, yes I would say by it's size thet it is King Protea. I certainly hope it lasts a while as it is so beautiful. certainley going to gen. up on these flowers. As Jean Durant has very kingly said, I do go off in the early evening.
Again many thanks
Julia in Derbyshire

;))))))))))))

Lindy, I had to smile at "only a South African would
ask for chilled red wine"


Val in SA.

Howzit Val,

Long time no talk!

How are you and your other half getting on in your little part of paradise. Some days I get very homesick for the good old days in P.E.

Walking down the Donkin, holding onto my skirt for dear life, as it was a quicker way down then the "circle bus"

I remember having a big breakfast at the "Dutch Chalet" across the road from the Donkin for 99c, before work on friday mornings. This is where I would meet up with four of my many cousins and we would plan our weekends together.

Friend of mine has just come back from a holiday and was horrified at the price of food, said she had to pay R45.00 for a hamburger, that's the price of a hamburger over here.

Have to make David's lunch as he is off to work soon.

Chat Later,

Lindy xx

Edited, oops sorry Val got my names confused there :)

Yes, the good old days. PE sure is the windy city!
I'm afraid the prices are sky high here at the moment.
500g Butter is R26, the cheapest one that is. I'm always on the lookout
for specials.
Jimmy must have a knee replacement next month, he isn't looking forward to that, means he won't be able to drive for 6-8 weeks, otherwise
everything is fine. Our weather is lovely right now, had a bit of
rain last week which was good.

Guess I had also be off to make some lunch - have to eat!!


Take care.



Val. in SA.