Seedless
Having a cold snap here in Vancouver for the last few days. Temps at night hovering around freezing and rising into the high 40s during the day. Having to put covers over the outside spigots and winterize the Sea Doo and put it away. Winter is here.
We have started preparing for our annual Thanksgiving dinner with the family, counting heads and securing all the fixings and the turkey.
We have hosted up to 40 of us in the past, but last year Covid put a crimp on attendance, and we only had 20.
But this year everyone is healthy and the grandkids are all grown up (well nearly) and bringing boyfriends and girlfriends, so we have a growing family that are close knit and happy.
Much to be thankful for.
It's a lot of work to host this every year but well worth it to have all our family together in one place again. Much like the family campout get together for the last two years at the farm, but this will be at our suburban home in the city.
Our big break will come in early December when Earthling2 and I will take our first cruise together down to Mexico for nine days on a Royal Caribbean ship "Navigator of the Seas". We are so excited.
Soon after, in early January, we plan on taking the motorhome down to Utah and swing down and around So. California and back up the coast for three or four weeks. Cut the winter in half, and by then we can see spring around the corner.
Time to start germinating seeds in the seed room.
Hopefully the weather will be much better than last year where it snowed in mid-April and rained through June so much that nothing I planted direct in the ground came up.
Dismal growing season last summer.
But I learned that Mother Nature can be fickle and I have to plan better.
We don't need a garden to survive, just yet. But we learned a valuable lesson that may serve us well in the future.
I have read that Mexico is soon to ban GMO crops and seeds and try to protect their historic ancient varieties of corn (maize) from being driven extinct by Big Ag.
So, the first thing on my shopping list in Mexico is several varieties of corn seed, and any other vegetable I think will grow up here at 45 degrees north.
I just hope I can get them back across the border without the Monsanto/Cargill police seizing them from me, leaving me seedless.
The thread is open. What's going on?
Comments
Ship them to yourself,
don't carry them. The border people are really pissy about vegetable matter: they have to protect Monsanto's profits, after all. Getting shaken down in the airport is nobody's idea of a good time. You do *not* want the tomato-sniffing dog to sit down in front of your suitcase...
Twice bitten, permanently shy.
Good idea, USF
But do we have to go through customs disembarking from the ship in LA?
I don't know. Never been on a cruise before.
Neither Russia nor China is our enemy.
Neither Iran nor Venezuela are threatening America.
Cuba is a dead horse, stop beating it.
I believe that
you do have to clear customs on your return, since you are leaving US waters. And California is one of the worst for bringing in plant materials: I've gotten shaken down for fruit (that might harbor fruit flies) driving into CA from *Nevada* (hauling a trailer, but still).
Check with your cruise line, and make plans accordingly.
Twice bitten, permanently shy.
Depends. Never disembarked in LA, but did in Long Beach.
My recollection of all cruises to Baja/Mexican Riviera is that 1)of course, you Must go thru customs and 2) it seems to me that it's always been on the perfunctory side (they assume that some policing of passengers re-boarding after going ashore is done by the ship's crew, which is somewhat true).
be well and have a good one
That, in its essence, is fascism--ownership of government by an individual, by a group, or by any other controlling private power. -- Franklin D. Roosevelt --
Port of departure/ return
Will be San Pedro.
Mailing from S.P. to Vancouver, Wa would be a breeze, considering you can now travel with Marijuana between all three states, even on aircraft.
Dunno. Pushing the envelope here.
Thanks for the post.
Neither Russia nor China is our enemy.
Neither Iran nor Venezuela are threatening America.
Cuba is a dead horse, stop beating it.
MJ is still a Federal Crime in all 50 states, and
USPS is definitely into enforcing that. I would never it and don't like to carry it for long distances if there is a likelihood I'll get stopped for something. In country, I prefer to obtain any that I think I want at the destination.
be well and have a good one
That, in its essence, is fascism--ownership of government by an individual, by a group, or by any other controlling private power. -- Franklin D. Roosevelt --
Family member flies
between the three states with it in checked baggage and have not had a problem.
I'm told that the TSA website clearly states it allows transport between "legal" states.
Dunno. I don't indulge.
Neither Russia nor China is our enemy.
Neither Iran nor Venezuela are threatening America.
Cuba is a dead horse, stop beating it.
What's growing on
There seems to be a growing awareness of the limitations with GMO seed crafting around
the globe, especially in non-western aligned agricultural nations. I hope is it will be soon
enough to stave-off the destruction of the insect populations.
Bayer/Monsanto and their ilk are environmental frankensteins. Coupled with big AG and
land barons like Gates?, the fewer that are forced into this new word agriculture, the
better chance for diversification and survival of native ways. To say nothing of chemical
fertilizers and herbicides. UGH
Thanks for hosting!
question everything
I know that Russia
prohibits GMO products to be imported and exports non-GMO products.
Not sure about China.
Thanks for the CSN&Y tunes.
Neither Russia nor China is our enemy.
Neither Iran nor Venezuela are threatening America.
Cuba is a dead horse, stop beating it.
What's going on in another venue
need I say I love the oldies?
just one line in your post triggers untold memories. thanks
question everything
Tragedy comes to mind
when I hear any Marvin Gaye tune. Such a loss. And I never got to see him in concert.
Thanks for the tune.
Neither Russia nor China is our enemy.
Neither Iran nor Venezuela are threatening America.
Cuba is a dead horse, stop beating it.
Good morning EarthlingUno thanx for the OT.
I dunno Royal C's standard "Mexico" itinereary, but iof you send me a list of ports of call, I might have a few tips. My wife and I, vor assorted reasons, mostly involving relatives, have taken the Princess Cruise Lines "Mexican Riviera + Cabo" cruise multiple times.
On your January Motor Home journey consider getting in touch with us when you get to the Bay Area on the return trip - perhaps planned in advance even.
Our Tanks Gibbons blowout is usually between 5 and 7 guests. For various reasons we'll not be doing it this year and will instead be off on a "Mexican Riviera + Cabo" jaunt (starting RSN, heh) We go direct to Puerto Vallarta and then work back up, so T-Day will find us at sea, probably more or less off Cabo. This makes tanksgibbons(tm) and turkey optional.
be well and have a good one
That, in its essence, is fascism--ownership of government by an individual, by a group, or by any other controlling private power. -- Franklin D. Roosevelt --
We are going to
Cabo S.L, Puerto Vallarta, and Mazatlan. I am going to have to do some research as to where to find some plantable seed.
Thanks ahead of time for any tips you can give.
One question I have is internet service on board and ashore as I plan on responding to a pre- written OT for that Tuesday,the 13th.
Would love to stop by and say hello going thru the bay area. Don't yet have an itinerary but will be online intermittently throughout our trip. Sometimes we get way out in the boonies, especially in Anza Borrego State. More than a park, it's so large we call it a state.
Love it there.
We're kinda vagabonds on the road.
Will be in touch days before we come through.
Neither Russia nor China is our enemy.
Neither Iran nor Venezuela are threatening America.
Cuba is a dead horse, stop beating it.
heh, Anza Borrego is just a wee bit smaller than Rhode
Island, we love the place and go there nearly every spring.
Princess ships have on-board wifi, but seriously pricey. I assume that to be the case for all lines. Check your cell provider, mine has a plan that, for a few extra bux, treats Canada and Mexico same as US. There are also plans out there where foreign access is more or less on call you're abroad and decide to call or download something and it's like 5 bux and lasts for something like 12 or 24 hours, and signing up for that privilege is pretty cheap.
Mexico has pretty good cell coverage, better than Borrego, in fact.
I never sign up for ship's cell and internet but rely on my provider. If I'm in range, I can use my cell as a wifi hub for my wife's cell and/or my tablet. I always go in person to the local office of my provider to made last minute changes and such, which I have to do any day now. Of course, I don't really mind being out of range either, no news is good news and all that.
I'll see what I can recall about your ports
be well and have a good one
That, in its essence, is fascism--ownership of government by an individual, by a group, or by any other controlling private power. -- Franklin D. Roosevelt --
Did you winterize your motorhome?
I got mine done on the day the temperature plummeted but I haven’t taken the batteries off yet cuz I’m heading out for thanksgiving to the island. Might just stay where I have hookups instead of 'ruffing' it.
What part of Utah will you be in? If it’s close by maybe we can meet up. So far the outlook for snow is dim but you never know.
Scientists are concerned that conspiracy theories may die out if they keep coming true at the current alarming rate.
Nope
Keep a small space heater going throughout the winter. It's a small 20' mini MH that fits the two of us perfectly. Good gas mileage and 4x4 w/duallys takes us anywhere.
Will be coming strait down the I-84. Have family in S.L.City and will spend a day or so there. Then heading down to Moab area parks.
Love this Lifetime Senior Pass. Get into all National Parks for free and N. Campgrounds for half price. Winning!
Would love to stop in and see some of your work up close. Will have to visit your website again. Got anything new? You know what piques my interest.
Have a great morning.
Neither Russia nor China is our enemy.
Neither Iran nor Venezuela are threatening America.
Cuba is a dead horse, stop beating it.
For those who don't know
The avatar I use is one of Snoopydawg's pieces of artwork, which she graciously allows me to use.
See more at http://www.midlifeartistsunlimited.org/Dawg.html
Neither Russia nor China is our enemy.
Neither Iran nor Venezuela are threatening America.
Cuba is a dead horse, stop beating it.
Good afternoon...
A wet one here, but no more rain for over a week, so I'm glad to see it.
We're off to the Yucatan in Jan-Feb, working our way around the gulf rather than the usual Caribe trips (which we've done a couple of times). The focus is on the beach, birds , ruins, colonial cities, and Merida museums. We fly in and out Cancun because of the cheap flight. We use taxis and bus once there rather than renting a car.
T-day we'll spend with my 90+ YO Mom and family. We do a pot luck. This year I'm baking sweet tater treats (no sugar, no wheat), a marinated garden cabbage salad, and deviled eggs. I like the idea of being thankful (but not at the expense of the first nations peoples).
I try to start my early spring seeds right after Xmas. Don't always make it, but that's what I aim for.
Hope y'all have a great T-day and trip. Thanks for the OT!
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
Would love to do the Yucatan
What's the best time of year to go? I've been to Costa Rica in February and the weather was great. I would imagine it the same in Belize or Cancun.
Flying there is more our style. We want to spend more time at each destination, unlike this cruise which only gives us a few hours ashore. As I noted above, we tend to be rather free-spirited and vagabondish (is that a word?).
This cruise is just to test out my new knees.
Neither Russia nor China is our enemy.
Neither Iran nor Venezuela are threatening America.
Cuba is a dead horse, stop beating it.
Wintertime is fine in the Yucatan
Tulum is kinda cool. My experiences go back to before the Riviera Maya development
kicked in. Isla Mujeres, just off Cancun via ferry used to be a great spot. Good snorkeling and
reefs. Cozumel was once interesting, but know not what it has now become? Used to rent a
Mexican VW beetle to do side trips. The old Cenotes are amazing. Created when the meteor
wiped out the dinosaurs. Underground fresh water caverns that go forever.
we swam in this one ..
the water is so crystal clear, you can see scuba divers 50 feet below!
question everything
Wow
That looks like fun.
I have a scuba license but it is probably expire. But snorkeling works for me.
Earthling2 has a phobia with caves but loves to swim and she is crazy for long white sand beaches.
Thanks for the tips.
Neither Russia nor China is our enemy.
Neither Iran nor Venezuela are threatening America.
Cuba is a dead horse, stop beating it.
We like going in winter...
when things are slow here and it provides a nice break from the cold.
Here's a couple of good sites...
https://www.mapchick.com/
https://yucatan.travel/en/
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
A seedy suggestion
Have done some explorations on the way around customs and seeds. When mailing,
if they are marked as 'bird seed' am told it may get around their checkers.
It is a 'what you call it' solution. Say you have a picky parrot eater if they ask.
question everything
Thanks, QMS
I could try mixing them w/ corn nuts, eh?
Pick them out later. Ha ha.
Neither Russia nor China is our enemy.
Neither Iran nor Venezuela are threatening America.
Cuba is a dead horse, stop beating it.
I would not risk a customs shake down, earthling1.
Every time you step off the ship for a day tour, you will have a local guide who can direct you to a post office.
My T-Day is a repeat of last year. We will spend 5 days at a condo on the beach in Gulf Shores, Alabama.
We have stayed there before, love the facility and its' location.
Client walked in, more later.
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
Thanks for the lawyerly advice
Sea you later then?
Neither Russia nor China is our enemy.
Neither Iran nor Venezuela are threatening America.
Cuba is a dead horse, stop beating it.
She sells sea shells by the sea shore
sea ya later
gotta write up an OT por la mañana y toda
question everything
Heh
I can't even pronounce renminbi an you want me to repeat that?
Waaahahaha!
Thanks for stopping in.
Neither Russia nor China is our enemy.
Neither Iran nor Venezuela are threatening America.
Cuba is a dead horse, stop beating it.
no, do not repeat, do not repeat
and yes, I can 'in no suave way' say that either ..
thanks for the semi-serious and fun OT
it is spirits like yours that keeps this haunt alive
question everything
To the cruisers and other travellers
looking forward to the holiday getaway, I wish you Bon Voyage!
I had a young lady come in, get advice on starting a real estate venture online, and checked out her contracts, told her where to get better ones online. She is from NC, was using NC real estate contract forms. I cut her consultation fee in half, provided her several helpful forms for her future use. Maybe she will make it work.
It is now 45 deg., feels 40 deg., and this is what winter will be. It finally arrived. It will drop to freezing Thursday night.
For all who are flying, my fingers (and toes) are crossed the flights will go as scheduled, and that you will not be delayed and stranded. I am not yet ready to get on a plane, even for short trips. I will wait.
I got a notice that my global entry for quick customs pass through in the US was about to expire, and it will no longer be called GOES with Trusted Traveler privilege to get through the TSA lines for quick entry into the boarding areas. I will let it expire, go through the process if and when I decide to go anywhere by plane. Right now, I am satisfied with driving vacations here in the US.
I hope we have OTs where we can discuss our travels, and all the good and the bad in this world, upon our safe return.
Thianks for the OT, earthling 1.
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
My wife and I
just went through the process of renewing our GOES/Global Entry thing. We're keeping it active because there are (rare) cases where we need to travel outside the US with very short notice. It took forever to get the appointment for the renewal interview set up: the Denver office at DIA is booked up almost a year in advance, and the best you can do is to catch a cancellation- which requires checking their website twice a day.
It turns out that the real reason for the interview is to get a new picture, so that your GOES record matches your current (carefully unsmiling) face. I had the misfortune of having my interview come right after the agent had had a very bad rejected interview (could hear the yelling in the waiting room), so he wasn't in any mood for dealing with anybody. But you take what you can get. If they'd just let us supply our own passport pictures as in the days of yore... But apparently it is *imperative* that you not be smiling. Oh, no, they demand dour.
No problem: travel (or even going to the airport *not* to travel) makes me more than dour enough. Ahh, for the days when air travel was actually something to look forward to...
Twice bitten, permanently shy.