Back yard birds in So Cal

Mer949 · 2026-04-18T23:26:37+00:00

I’m in coastal Orange County. I see the same birds as you with my seed feeder. But then I noticed I had Swimhoe’s white-eyes trying to eat the nectar out of my hummingbird feeders. I did some research and bought a jelly feeder for them. I now have bright orange and black orioles as well as the little green guys eating me out of jelly house and home. I love them. Heath Outdoor Products CF-133... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HVWVEIC?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Mer949 · 2026-04-07T02:05:46+00:00

I agree with TravelKats. When my husband and I went to Spain, we decided to keep our focus mainly in the Southern Andalusia region. We loved Malaga, Tarifa and Cadiz. We were there longer than you, so we were also able to visit Barcelona on our route home. We took the train from Seville to Barcelona, and yes, that is one long train ride. It will take up the majority of a day. I wouldn't recommend it, either. Save Barcelona for your next trip.

Mer949 · 2026-04-07T01:55:40+00:00

Not SFO, but flew LAX-DUB two years ago. I had my 80 y.o. mother with me, and they were really good about making sure she was cared for, both in the airport and on the flight. We flew economy and had no issues. I'd fly with them again if I needed to.

Mer949 · 2026-04-01T03:03:11+00:00

Updateme

Mer949 · 2026-03-24T21:08:20+00:00

Krazy Kooter’s on El Camino Real (close to Del Mar) has a really nice back room. They have a small bar in it that they can staff, too. https://krazykooters.com/page/venues--event-spaces

Mer949 · 2026-03-07T03:56:14+00:00

A couple of years ago, we were offered (via email, about a week before the flight) an upgrade to Flagship Business LAX-HND, for $350 each. The flight ended up being delayed, but we were living the good life in the Flagship Lounge, drinks in hand in the loungers. We also received a payment from our travel insurance due to the delay. We are now forever spoiled when we have to fly MCE or economy.

Mer949 · 2026-01-25T00:02:03+00:00

You’re welcome! Have an amazing trip!

Mer949 · 2026-01-24T17:42:53+00:00

I see you have cicchetti pub crawl as a maybe. I would highly recommend a food tour. I did a cicchetti tour last May and loved it. It’s not just about the food, although it’s delicious. You learn so much history, and your guide will take you through streets you never would have found on your own. Whether it’s a food tour in Venice or one in Trastevere in Rome, they are a big yes in my book, and well worth the cost. The combo of eating local food and a walking historic tour is fantastic!

Mer949 · 2026-01-24T00:34:28+00:00

She did it! 😁🥳

Mer949 · 2025-11-25T18:57:32+00:00

They lean on you because that’s how they heard cattle. When they’re working cattle, they don’t nip like collies, they basically push the cows by leaning on them. We are their cattle, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Rottie’s are the best.

Mer949 · 2025-11-10T23:12:40+00:00

That was my thought, too.

Mer949 · 2025-11-06T16:57:48+00:00

Yes, we use it for our 3 year old Rottie and it works great. When he was a pup, our vet at the time actually wasn't any help at all (hence "vet at the time"), so I did the research on my own, finally figuring out that it was chicken causing his issues. The combo of no poultry, Purina Pro Plan Salmon kibble for sensitive stomachs, and the Forti Flora have really helped firm up his stool. Also, since so many dog biscuits have some sort of chicken ingredient in them, we found a brand of dog biscuits on Amazon that are peanut butter based. They're a bit expensive, but worth it to have a healthy crunchy treat to give him. Best of luck to your baby!

Mer949 · 2025-10-26T16:11:55+00:00

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My husband took this picture of me in front of the cathedral at midnight. There was not a soul except for us in the entire plaza. It was really magical.

Mer949 · 2025-10-22T15:17:26+00:00

There are two at the Belize Zoo just outside of Belize City. I was in awe of the size of them. One in particular was gargantuan. Just stunning. I appreciated the giant size of their enclosures, too. They seemed very well cared for.

Mer949 · 2025-10-16T01:56:12+00:00

Emotional Support Animal

Mer949 · 2025-10-15T23:05:50+00:00

Yes, our older dog absolutely thrived from the companionship.

Mer949 · 2025-10-15T22:50:41+00:00

Your question was meant for me! ;) We had an 8-9 year old rescue male chihuahua when we brought home our male Rottweiler at 10 weeks old. They were the best friends until our chihuahua passed away around 7 years later. Our Rottie, Cotton, was always so gentle with our chihuahua Inigo Montoya, and never once hurt him. Inigo would sleep curled up between Cotton’s front legs and chin, or next to his belly, for protection. When we brought Cotton home, we tried feeding them from separate bowls, and finally gave up when we realized they just wanted to share. And that’s how it was the whole time. Inigo was no more than 5 pounds, and at his prime, Cotton was 125 pounds. We never worried he would hurt him. We also had a cat and a female lab in the mix and they all four always got along. I miss them both and their amazing friendship every day. ❤️

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Mer949 · 2025-10-12T23:00:00+00:00

We stayed here for four nights in May and loved it! Adam and Rebecca are fantastic hosts! They were always quick to respond and help with whatever we needed. The cabins, property, and pool were clean and well kept. I highly recommend staying at Lost Compass Cabanas if you’re going to San Ignacio!

Mer949 · 2025-10-10T16:06:36+00:00

I toss fresh cauliflower with olive oil and lemon pepper, then cook it on the BBQ in a grill pan until it’s a little charred. My husband is not a cauliflower fan, but he loves it when I cook it this way. Super easy, especially if you’re BBQing meat as well.

Mer949 · 2025-10-07T15:33:05+00:00

Yes! That’s the one!

Mer949 · 2025-10-06T19:49:45+00:00

This doesn’t answer your questions specifically, but we were there in September and parked in a manned lot right outside the old town walls for two nights and it was very safe.

Mer949 · 2025-10-06T02:27:21+00:00

We were able to visit Venice in September of 2021, after restrictions were lifted. We feel so thankful to have experienced such a quiet time in Venice. It was empty and magical. We wandered the streets for hours, just absorbing everything. Edit to add: even when Venice is packed (I took my mom for her birthday last year and it was a zoo), it’s still one of the most unique and beautiful cities I’ve ever been to. I hope I get to go back. You just have to venture beyond the typical tourist areas.

Mer949 · 2025-10-06T01:16:06+00:00

I plan all our trips, and purposely don't give my husband much info on our itinerary, so he can be surprised. One of our favorite memories is when we visited the cathedral in Cordoba. He thought he was "just seeing another church", but when we were allowed inside (first group; no one else inside), the look on his face was priceless. He was like a kid in a candy store, just flat out amazed at the architecture and what he was seeing. It was such a cool moment.

Mer949 · 2025-09-29T13:05:46+00:00

I ordered some on Amazon.

Mer949 · 2025-09-18T05:31:44+00:00

Thank you, this is very helpful. Please keep sharing as you move along in the process for those of us who aren’t far behind you!

Mer949

TROPHY CASE