The Beach
What is the Beach?
It’s a place to go when the stresses of your real life need relieving. Sometimes it is fairly quiet and you might feel like you’re the only one around, but you can leave your ‘footprints’ for others to find later on. Othertimes it is the home for a real party, with constant gossip, leg-pulling, rumour, innuendo, chit-chat and weirdness. If this were a forum (and it sort of is because we post responses to each other, not just to Eddie, hence our term for ourselves 'Froggers', a combination of forum and blogger) then the beach would be the off-topic area.
It's a tropical location, no matter the time of year it's always warm and pleasant there. Sunrises and sunsets are spectacular, the evenings balmy. It has a number of different locations; the Nick Clarke waterfront bar; the smokers corner; Fido's Run for the dog-walkers; the Naughty Step and many others.
How do you find your way around? There is no direct answer to the question. The beach is a moveable feast, literally. It will be renewed by our Lord and master Mr. Edward de Mair each Monday morning. This is because we have found in the past that when the number of posts exceeds about 600 the entire thing becomes unwieldy and unstable. A case of the beach turning to quicksand.
Froggers often leave bottles / glasses / trays of their favourite tipple on the bar for others to sample, not to mention big / small eats.
There is a herd of camels who frequent the sands, which froggers are very fond of. There are sun-loungers, so you can take it easy and catch some rays. Quite often the late-night attendees will have a barbie.
It's a fun place, with only one real rule; Be nice to each other; we are ALL chums here. New Froggers are ALWAYS welcome.
The real debate happens on the other threads. The beach is a place for banter, whimsy, relaxation and friendship, where jarring comments are not particularly welcome. There are certain very mild protocols, which you tend to pick up as you go along. So slip your shoes off, feel the sand between your toes, relax and enjoy yourself.
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Oh dear, the tea and pastries I left earlier just got washed away by a rogue wave. Ah well, I'll try and leave something for elevenses in a little while.
Ahh, peace and quiet....the swish of the sea, the far-away mewing of the gulls and the gentle snoring of the camels.....what a fine way to start a Sunday!
Talking of gulls, I just heard some on Broadcasting House and immediately thought of Oban (for no apparently good reason). Then it turned out they were in Stornaway.
Do you suppose seagulls have regional accents?
Morning Gilllian! Just sneaked out from work. Any idea why that camel is wearing a rather tatty tutu?
Have to go, apparently there'a a parrot coming in who's as sick as one. If I'm not back later please send DEFRA out to put a codron round the house............
Hi Gillian, Is it me, or did the new beach used to arrive on a Monday ?
No rest for me I'm afraid, lot's of room changes to attend to.
I've been experimenting with a streaming webcam, however it will only feed to 4 computers at any one time. You may be lucky to see what we are up to down here, Rupert can often be seen in the hall if you make it full screen.
Talking of Broadcasting house, I only heard the beginning but Paddy introduced the subject of marriage, as if we'd all been in space for the last week or so.
A bit late, but here's a tray of flapjacks, just like Jamie O's!
Fifi, great strapline!
Aperitif, how's your Mum?
Jonnie(3) He must have been reading this blog. Did it all sound familiar?
FFred, thanks for the ''signpost''. Gotcha! You're worth quite a few Valentines in my opinion! ;o)(I've also been to Ireland, so enjoyed those pics too!)
Everyone else - have a restful Sunday.
Anne P (2) Now you've made me nostalgic - how I'd love to be in The Ceilidh Place in Ullapool this morning!
Jonnie - I've just looked at your webcam and it's all psychedelic - blue, pink, green, amazing!
Are you having a rave there this weekend?!
Hello all,
Just regaining my sense of thought after my (cruddy) comment was read out on Friday. I sounded awfully posh didn't I? At least it wasn't the Alistair Campbell thing, that would have been rather mortifying, particularly as my husband as listening to the show as well.
Anyway, thank you Eddie or whoever decided that my verbal/typing diarrhoea was worthy of Radio 4.
Anyway, you can all have a drink on me. Orders will be taken by Marc, and Eddie can put them on his expense account if he is feeling generous.
Re: gm,
Ooh! Don't know why that is? -- It';s pretty hectic here though, lot's of checkouts today :-(
We should all try it though! A free service from camstreams! Eddie could have one in the editorial area, now that would be fun.
Re: Gillian, I know Fred said he was standing infront of a building, and the one on the left! Was in a sort of Japanese building. I'll look back and go through the slides when I have time again.
Re gossipmistress and the webcam.
The site says:
To watch the streams/chat, you need either a PC running Windows 98+ or a Mac running MacOS8.1+, along with Windows Media Player and the Flash Player. Perhaps it's something that needs updating?
It's a bit boring at the mo anyway, even Rupert is in his box!
Well, no wonder it was quiet on the last beach --everyone's here on the new one!
Jonnie, I've just had a look but nothing was going on -- not even Rupert in the hallway! May peep again later.
Gillian, she's feeling really well, thanks so much for asking. Results from the op are due this Wednesday and we are optimistic. I have everything crossed!
Organic bacon sarnie with lashings of ketchup anyone?
Aperitif -glad your Mum is doing ok and good luck for wednesday
Jonnie- Ah! Looks more normal now, on the office computer - maybe it was something to do with with downstairs (xray) one. Nobody around though - are you all having an afternoon nap?
Do your guests know we can watch them?!!
OOh, Appy, yes, please. I'm looking forward to a late brunch soonish. Bacon, eggs, tomato, whopping great mushrooms and hash browns (the last two NOT the kind that Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie have or have not apparently enjoyed , allegedly, according to a Sunday paper).
Anne P (2), apparently birds HAVE got regional accents. And I have a friend who is convinced he once owned a dog with a Brummie accent.
Good news is my cold is well on the way out. So I'm looking forward to much beachfrogging - as well as catching up with all the stuff I haven't done in the last week, sigh, moan.
Hope everyone else is well.
Fifi, I meant to agree, great strapline.
jonnie, haven't had any luck with your camstream yet, though I've got flash. As I'm a maccie (OS 10), perhaps it's not having windows media player that's the problem? Ho, hum
Oh what a lovely day!
yummy - organic bacon sarnies sounds perfect, Appy!
Wasnt there a clip on R4 about town birds having different pitched songs from country birds? It was a while ago, possible last autumn.
maybe i should ask the camels what accent they have...
Re: GM -- No the gusets don't know! but it's only advertised to beach froggers, I don't think it's actually contravining any law though?
Re: Aperatif, Sorry, just a quiet day, ao not much going on.. little Rupert needs a bath after being sick twice yesterday, he's fine now though, so you may see him running around after his bath at about 3PM.
I'm so glad your Mum is onm the mend. I know she still has to have radiotherapy, which will probably tire her, so make sure she gets lot's of Eddietherapy which I know she likes.
Re: Frances:- I think I may be going down with your cold :-(
I've been on the microsoft website and this is the Windows media player for the mac
It may be useful for the odd thing on the net?
Nicki N (16) yes I heard that too about the birdsong in cities being different - something to do with being heard above the 'traffic snoise' I think!
Gossipmistress, Jonnie, thank you.
Just had another look Jonnie -- saw the bit of door on the right of the hallway move but not what was going on. Still no Rupert :-(
Jonnie - help, I'm on TD's pc because I was watching someone in blue walk across your hall and then out of the front door, but now I can't get back out of your webcam! How do I retreat from it? (A little knowledge is a dangerous thing as far as technonlogy goes for me) I've tried clicking everywhere!!
Valp, What you need to do is right-click, and select exit fullscreen. That'll bring you back to the initial page:-)
Val (19),
The 'back' button works for me and Firefox.
xx
ed
I actually saw someone walking around in a flat cap!
No Rupert yet, though.
Val & FF,
Double-click on the fullscreen view toggles back to main, btw.
Nice ponies in Utah, though I have occcasionally enjoyed horsemeat, and I imagine many of us may have unwittingly fed some to our pets.
xx
ed
Hello everyone! I've come out of the deep well of snuffles and no-energy now, and am raring to go.
Sorry I missed your bacon butties Appy, they sounded gorgeous.
However I have spent the afternoon making another vat of Big Sister's chilli recipe, and two huge slabs of gravadlax. Neither will be at optimum maturity for a few days, so we must be patient.
Tonight I'll be boiling a ham and making some turkey and lentil soup with the stock.
In the meantime I've a lovely lump of Stilton and some cherry tomatoes here... do dig in!
I'm off to bask in the late afternoon sunshine with a g&t and the pleasure of seeing my strapline up there...
Seriously -- is anybody else even sending them in any more? This is embarrassing!
Fifi ;o)
Hello everyone! I've come out of the deep well of snuffles and no-energy now, and am raring to go.
Sorry I missed your bacon butties Appy, they sounded gorgeous.
However I have spent the afternoon making another vat of Big Sister's chilli recipe, and two huge slabs of gravadlax. Neither will be at optimum maturity for a few days, so we must be patient.
Tonight I'll be boiling a ham and making some turkey and lentil soup with the stock.
In the meantime I've a lovely lump of Stilton and some cherry tomatoes here... do dig in!
I'm off to bask in the late afternoon sunshine with a g&t and the pleasure of seeing my strapline up there...
Seriously -- is anybody else even sending them in any more? This is embarrassing!
Fifi ;o)
Who was that who just wandered through Jonnie's hotel, then wandered back, waved to the camera and appeared to shout:
"Hello, froggers!"
Was that you?? Or Simon?
I'm so excited!!
Fifi
FF & Ed I Thanks for that! SO arrived home and showed me how and I feel very shame-faced...The double-clicking wasn't working Ed, that's why I panicked.
Obviously having a CRAFT moment :o(
..and now offering snacks to the camera?
Too cruel!
Lovely to see you Jonnie. Wonderful experiment!
Fifi xxx
jonnie - sorry about you getting a cold. But it can't be from me - everyone knows Macs don't get viruses.
(I know, I know, colds aren't viruses, but why spoil it...)
Thanks for the link.
Take care of yourself; if it's the same germ you'll feel very, very tired as well as coldy. Here's a nice hot toddy.
In fact, while I'm brewing (do you brew a toddy? Mix one?) or wotevva, anyone else for a cold-fighter? Purely medicinal, of course.
Weeeeeeee! Jonnie, is that you sliding down the bannister?! How do I get full screen?
I don't know Frances O if you brew, mix or shake, but pour one for me, please, and let's ask jonnie if he has any of his malt left.
Of course it may be just "back-to-monday-itis" in my case....
n-n
x
Frances O (29) Make mine a double, please! I had vertigo last weekend, caused by a virus, then had the sleepy/achey bug and am now coughing and croaking. Why oh why can't these things come at once, so we can get rid of them in one fell swoop. And to cap it all, I'm permanently hungry!
Frances O : I'm feeling much more human now but you can't be too careful.
I'll partake of a small toddy (tod-ette? mini-tod?) just to be on the safe side.
Thank you for sharing!
Fifi ;o)
Jonnie,
Thanks! (I just was introduced to Rupert!)
I wonder who's coming to dinner. Have you also got secret microphones?
Surveillance culture.....I'm thinking of a webcam for the squirrels.
xx
ed
Re: Valery, Glad Ed and (SO) sorted it out. We have aerial probs so was up a ladder.
Re: Gillian, were you telling porkie pies, or is there something I need to check back on the CCTV system?
Ed, That chap with the flat cap on was Simon (SO) he's trying to do the books (vat) today - have to be with the Inland Revenue by Wednesday, otherwise we get a fine.
And I was the one in blue offering sweets to the froggers.
Sorry about this - I've been a bit busy. Anybody happen to know how the Ireland - England rugby went yesterday?
I knew it!!! I was pretty sure that was you Jonnie ... naughty, although of course calories don't stick on Sundays, any more than they do on one's own birthday, or if you're not enjoying the source of the calories.
Presumably breakfast time is the best for tuning in, when the action centres on the dining room?
Why is this so much more interesting than Big Brother, I wonder???
Fifi xx
RJD, you ARE naughty and funny.* Just for that, I'll make you a proper hot whisky like I learned to in Norn Iron. Bushmills OK?
Right, everyone, take your pick. You can have whisky, lemon, hot water and honey or sugar; for RJD and, I suspect, some Scots, I will stud the lemon with cloves; and for Lenten abstainers, may I suggest lemon and ginger tea with some honey?
* Great match, wasn't it?
Jonnie - Had a look at the webcams - great fun.
Not a lot happening at the moment, but without question, that is Annasee's CD as the accompanying music! Are you paying a royalty?
a lady who works with me has cameras at home rigged up to the pc, and when she is in work she can watch her front door on her phone!
I would have said 'watch her back passage' but what with the toddies/toddettes i might have giggled myself off the chair.
*sighes*
yes i know, I'm just going...
Re; ED I
I noticed it said one viewer, so I got him out of his box! A special treat for you ED! He's just had his bath and brush up!
A said before it's free and if you have a webcam reasonably easy to srt up! The only minor drawback is that the quality is nothing special. I've upped the audio bit rate and the video bitrate -- so once four viewers are looking at the stream - any others will get a not available message- or something similar. The standard quality alows five similtaneous viewers.
I'd like some of you to have a go though. We could have the Fifi cam ! Ed I's view out of his window - probably stunning.
And all the animals can go in the pet section!
Fifi could serenade us with her voice!
Here's their link again
- click on the live cams, pets is then a fun tab -- the turtle cam is good :-)
Lord Mair could have one even?
Frances O - I plain forgot that you did Norn Iron! And your hot whisk(e)y sounds perfect!
Nikki you have my sympathy.
When I was a relatively young cinema manager in Gateshead, the last job of the night was always to 'check the back passage': a foot-numbing chore involving tramping miles of scary concrete tunnels, at the end of a 9- or even 14-hour shift.
Me, I would always rather sit down in the inner-inner office and record the week's recorded customer messages!
Fifi
RJD (36)
I seem to remember that England got something like 13 points although someone on the blog said they would give us that as a head-start (I cannot remember who). I have no idea how many points Ireland scored as I have difficulty counting beyond 40! It is such a shame that a certain person, whose contributions to this forum are so welcome, did not manage to get a ticket to the game so that he could tell us all what happened.
H.
I stand (rather swayingly) corrected, RJD; of course, for you it's a hot whiskey.
Just to make up, here's another.
R-u-g... is that a game, then?
;o)
Fifi
Fiefdom (33)
Nah, do the full toddy! Even if you only need a tod-ette for medicinal purposes, the rest will be good fun! I am truly sorry about last week. I committed the cardinal sin of bringing the cares of the real world to the beach (see some comments by others last week about doing housework on the beach) rather than going to the beach to escape them. If you want to know what I was going on about, see my post on the previous beach no-207 (that was me in a balaclava). Other things were going wrong for me in February and I just felt like bringing the whole world down. I do not know why you got caught in the cross-wires and I will not attempt to justify my actions. I am just truly sorry.
So drink up. Now can I pour you another?
H.
Humph, you know how forgiving we are on the Beach. Don't beat yourself up! This is the most forgiving place on the planet.
Now, pull up a glass and allow me to pour you a generous glass of something red, fruity,
Fifidom (?)
xxx
I'm about to go and serenade the camels with a rather unmelodious version of The Fields of Athenry. If any notes stray this way, please forgive me.
Frances O - this stuff is awfully good - Hic!
Low lie the Fields of Athenry
Where once we watched the small free birds fly.
Our love was on the wing..........
Re: RJD and annasee,
Yes you are indeed correct. It was the harp CD.
There are thousands of 'tunes' in the PC on itunes. Simon has made several playlists and annasee features on many of them.
We do pay both PRS and PPL, however I'd doubt that she would see a penny from any of that. On the plus side we have had the odd enquiry about the harp disc and I have given the guests details of anna's website, so I hope she may have got a sale or two.
As regards a few froggers listening to it -- I'd have to let the lady herself answer to that one.
Very quiet here, next activity will be at 10:45 AM. Two guests down for (respectively) tomatoes on toast and poached eggs on toast, but we will fill the screen up with the dining room camera -- often amusing seeing Rupert staring out the guests!
PS: Forgot to say Fifi -- excellent strapline.
Presumably you were referring to the 'Eddy current', or 'Foucault current', I studied at college, or were you referring to the water analogy? -- very impressive and fitting whichever meaning you meant ;-)
"Lewis" is quite good isn't it? But Owen Teale's Geordie accent was terrible! I wouldn't mind, but I've heard him do a much better version before.
Well - I didn't get music Jonnie - depite getting drawn (I thought inextricably ) into Cransley! So how does the music work then? I did see Rupert dashing through the hall at one point, but mostly someone going back and forth from one door at the bottom of the hall, to the other. Who was that then?
Sam had to have a bath too this afternoon, after his very wet walk with SO - he extracted me from the webcam, while I did the bathing. Does Rupert also dash around at 120mph post bath, or is that just Sam?
RJD - don't you have to get Whisht joining in on that one, he was singing it (or a variation) last week?
Aperitif
I'd like to hear more about the Russell Brand gig that you referred to on the previous Beach - when/where/how good?
Do you know that he also writes a regular Saturday Sports column for the Guardian?
Jonnie : I was thinking 'water' but 'Foucault' has meaning for me too.
You seem to be offline at present but hopefully I will be able to see Rupert staring down the sausages tomorrow morning, when Jenny comes in to brief me on the bit of work for tomorrow night that came in unexpectedly while I was off poorly!
Night all,
Fifi xxx
H-u-l-l-o......anyone still here? It's a bit dark down here tonight
Jonnie in between about 5pm and now there were apparently 100 hits on your webcam!!!
All a bit dark there now but I did see some activity earlier on.
Annasee - heard your CD on there earlier:-)
Anything left on the bar? Pig of a day at work.
RJD is that you in the distance telling a camel how much you love it and it's your best friend?
I think you may ahve had enough....
Jonnie do you have to tell the information comissioner? I believe I had to for my practice CCTV which I think I can stream to internet but have not bothered yet.
Not sure if I rally want to watch folk wee in my doorway at 3.00 in the morning :-(
Who's staying up fo OSCAR? I'm off to bed soon. Had a bit if a late one last night and then went to bed :-o
Then Youngest Miss Stewart M was awake at 5.00 needing the loo then I was the poor hungover one to get up with both Miss Stewart M's for breakfast at 8.00.
RJD (54), I have read his sports column twice. This is the only sports column I have ever read beyond the headline. I imagine that says as much about me and sport as it does about Russell Brand. How good? Well, I was thoroughly entertained all of the way through, although he probably isn't quite as clever as he seems to think he is (inappropriate use of one or two "long words" was the give-away). The performance was fairly heavily reliant on sex and genetailia for laughs, which I don't mind if it's amusing and I think he just about got away with it. Lots of the women -- and one or two of the men -- in the audience seemed to be convulsed with lust. I can see a certain attractiveness but was a bit bemused (and bored) by the number of people shouting out "Show us your dinkle!" and similar with unimaginative frequency. He handled these interruptions (I don't think they can really be called heckles) very well. He wandered about in the audience a bit at the beginning, and did a lot of stiff based on local newspaper stories that he read out. Apparently his Mum was present, which means he clearly has a very good relationship with her. Or she is deaf. He announced that he would sign things and audition groupies at the end. I have no doubt that that was true. As usual, after a comedy performance, I can't actually remember any specific words or sentences; just the general atmosphere and thrust of the evening.
btw, please see the Furrowed Brow where I have had cause to explain myself to you in an apologetic manner -- I hope you weren't offended as I really didn't mean it the way it might've sounded. :-)
One certainly has to "register with Data Protection" (and pay a fee), that is, tell the Information Commissioner, if one keeps video footage from the CCTV -- that is holding data and one needs a licence to do it. Whether one needs to do so if one is merely streaming the data rather than keeping it I'm not sure -- Jonnie, I would check because it will be a lot of trouble if you get it wrong. Also, even just for streaming, I think you may be obliged to inform people that they are being filmed -- tell them that CCTV cameras are operating -- but, again, I don't know the precise rules. Anybody an expert?
Re my 58 -- for "stiff" read "stuff". How utterly Freudian.
We had dreams and songs to sing
Now it's lonely round the fields of Athenry-y-y-y-y
Oh, it's so infuriating. Having spent 10 or so days mostly in bed, my biological clock is now even more out of kilter than the ´óÏó´«Ã½'s and I have galloping insomnia. Thank goodness for the beach. Here there is no alarm clock ready to bother me at 7.30.
Appy, dear, I loved your Freudian stiff one. It's probably too late to offer to pour you another
Ap (58) - Me, offended? Hardly likely.
I understood what you meant after I had replied. If anyone doesn't do offence, it's you.
So Russell Brand - 6/10 - eh? And wrt Freudian references, did you really mean "general . . thrust of the evening"!
Good morning all!
Boiled egg anyone? I've a pan on...
Fifi
Re; Appy,
As regards to the Data Protection Act -- I have telephoned them twice. The last time was when we purchased the hard disk recorder around a year ago -- just to check if we need to register.
I was informed that I must ensure a sign is visible stating that 'CCTV was in operation and being recorded'. They said we didn't need to register unless we fitted the categories below (which I've pasted from the website)
Q: It sounds like many users of basic CCTV systems are no longer covered by the DPA, is there an easy way to tell?
Think about what you are trying to achieve by using CCTV. Is it there for you to learn about individuals' activities for your own business purposes (such as monitoring a staff member who is giving concern)? If so, then it will still be covered. However if you can answer 'no' to all the following 3 questions you will not be covered:
Do you ever operate the cameras remotely in order to zoom in/out or point in different directions to pick up what particular people are doing?
Do you ever use the images to try to observe someone's behaviour for your own business purposes such as monitoring staff members?
Do you ever give the recorded images to anyone other than a law enforcement body such as the police?
-------------
All above three I can answer no.
Now I'm not sure about streaming -- however there seem to be many camera's streaming various scenes involving the public -- shops etc, but I will check it out. However we are okay as regards to our own CCTV and data protection Appy.
One thing I will say is that only five people can ever see the stream at one time -- and a bit of a blurry image at that.
Now imagine News 24 (on ´óÏó´«Ã½1) doing a live to camera piece and in the background a person is seen by their (SO) walking to work with his or her arm around someone else! No (you are being recorded on CCTV signs) and in high resolution on National telly. Mmmmmmm :-(
I've heard of a few cases where that sort of thing has actually happened.
Well I'm bored with it already so next week I'll go totally legal and set the laptop up with a normal webcam in the kitchen -- then you can hear the rows that go on :-) .. and see how Rupert gets 'really treated' :-(
Hi Robbie! and well done on both strapline and rugby result. I'm extremely glad for you and all the residents of the Emerald Isle, along with their cousins living elsewhere.
The lads done well!
Hello all.
It's amazing that Eddie found time to blog from LA, isn't it?
But I note he hasn't contributed since the post Oscar parties began.
Jonnie (63): Is that why I can't see anything on the webcam? Have you turned it off?
BTW, glad you and Simon enjoyed the Walnut Whips. Were they worth the wait?
Jonnie : there appear to only be two of us actually watching anyway. And it does feel weird to be spying on your breakfasting guests!
I'd much rather eavesdrop on the kitchen where it all happens!
Downstairs was always much more fun than Upstairs, even when I was little!
Fifi ;o)
Big Sis - I'm much happier about the Rugby than the strapline. I also feel a bit naked without the "Do".
Frances :-)
RJD, I certainly did. Are you thinking something slightly rude that was unintended? Tsk, tsk. btw, I think the anti-virus may have been overactive again.
Jonnie, I should've known you'd know your stuff -- I was really just responding to Stewart at 57. I would certainly have a gander at a kitchen camera though -- and I still haven't seen Rupert.
Jonnie - do you have a tray? You could have cleared that little table at the window in a oner?
Sorry couldn't resist that one!
Well the sun is shining as beautifully in February as it is here on the beach (and in Bournemouth if the dining room webcam is to be believed - Sam would be lying in that sunny patch), but I'm off to do more painting at a friend's house.
No, I didn't watch the Rugby, no I wasn't one of the 40,000 who managed to secure weekend camping tickets for T in the Park (was to be TD's 18th birthday pres :o( ), so not an altogether successful weekend then. If anyone knows how 2 tickets for the above can be obtained, without paying even more than the, jolly pricey, face price, I'd be much obliged!!
I'll be back later to see whether RJD extricated himself from the camel group.
Morning all - (ah, Frances O I quite agree....."low lie the fieeeeeelds of Athenry.....")
No voice left after the Saturday match - yes a Croker.
A lovely if early present! And offsets the disappointment of Sunday, but that's sport for yer!
Right, I've left a birthday cake and banana leaves for plates at the top of the beach. Its above the tide mark so hopefully won't get wet - please help yourselves.
I haven't added candles cos I'm aware of the carbon footprint that might give off!
I've also left a whole bunch of shells behind the Nick Clarke Memorial Bar for this evening - tonight its a free bar!
Its fun watching Jonnies from door:-)
Nothing going on at 11.00
I note Bigsis is playing Big brother.
I've stayed with Jonnie's video all morning but have had to turn off the muzak. Reminds me of the stuff I used to have to play when I did Hospital Radio in Newcastle.
Anyone fancy some hot chocolate? I have some Fairtrade stuff here that I haven't tried yet.
Fifi xx
I've just seen Rupert! Lovely little dog. And so well behaved.
How ever did you train him to dust and vacuum like that, Jonnie?
Fifi ;o)
Gillian (1):
If you were the only gull in the world,
And I was the only buoy...
(I don't know the rest of the words to the original song, so I can't do any more. It would probably involve being pooped on anyway... ;o)
Whisht - is it yours?
Re: Valery !
I'm always being told that, you are right - I should get more organised -- and it's beautiful down here today.
My Mother managed to loose Rupert on a walk just now, and she hadn't taken the mobile -- so had to drive back for me. She was in tears, however Rupert was standing where the car would have been. Panic over!
Well, Stewart, if only ..... I'm completely in the dark Chez Jonnie's!
Belinda - Good Morning
Gossipmistress - That camel IS a very good friend, but he can't hold his drink
Ap - Me & think, You & rude, Overactive & anti-virus. No, No and Yes in that order.
Val - As it happens, two of those camels are Irish and just love rugby. There is joke in there somewhere - I'll work on it.
Talking of jokes, I pass on the following information with the expectation that it will be appreciated only by Frances O and others who understand Norn Iron - Gerry Adams has a new bodyguard - Liam O'Loan
Aperatif (71).
I have to inform the data protection folk as I keep patient info. Submitted forms last year and paid (On DD). Then fitted CCTV and happened to have local community support officer in doing security advice stuff. First comment was "Are you on data protection register" Yes ossifer was my response.
I did then follow with a letter tp the commssioner and I had my record updated (no extra fee :-)).
I, like wise, am looking formward to the kitchen domestics :-)
Whisht: YOUR birthday? - Get thee over to Flic*r in a few minutes and there'll be something waiting for you in my little cupboard.
Morning all, sorry to be late. I've just discovered some wonderful dark chocolate with gingery bits in it made by a well-known bi-coloured purveyor of organic chocolate.
I've left a load on the bar - do try it.
Good Afternoon RJD, how are you?
Belinda - I'm in good form. Good rugby result at the weekend and now today's strapline. I think I'll buy a lottery ticket and see if my luck holds!
How's Alistair Campbell?
I've just noticed on the latest page that the messages sometimes get a byline before they actually appear, in this case Fifi on Helen Mirren - well done whatever you said Fi. Isn't she a smasher!
RJD: I'm not Irish, but I do understand your joke. A good one.
D'you think Eddie has a body guard? Would he be called Jock Yeller?
Thinking of words, SO and I were 'going places' yesterday, and passing near one place made me reflect that we have, in Britain, a
Hooe
Wen
Ware
and
Wye.
Shame the gazeteers can't spell, isn't it?
Happy Birthday Whisht, and a big THANK YOU to BigSister who sent me two Walnut Whips.
Thank you, Big Sis xxxx
RJD, nice strapline
Whisht, Happy Birthday to You(?)
Anne P, looooooovely chocolate, thank you.
Jonnie, All Quiet on the Cransley Front....great musak, though! Nice flowers, too. I would also like to see a bit of kitchen action!
Whisht, many happies and a bottle of whatever you fancy!
RJD, :-)
ah RJD.... yes a very very good result!
voice only slowly returning...
yep. My birthday Big Sis (and being my Big sister surely you'd have known that... although my biological sister is obviously either busy or waiting for this evening to call!!)
[ahem]
Big sis - you are wonderful and everyone should be able to get a big slice of cake! Its wonderful and reminds me that "you eat first with your eyes"!
Aunt Dahlia : I'm afraid I was expressing my underwhelmity regarding Buster or Wooster or whatever the stupid doll's called.
No wonder they posted the comment later!
Jonnie : didn't I say Rupert looked like a clever dog?
I hope he will come and keep me company on the webcam though. I seem to be the only guest left... it's scary!
Fifi
Hi everyone. And thanks for the choccy, Anne P. My fave is the one with butterscotch bits in it. But anything from this excellent choccy co is great.
Great to hear from Belinda and Big Sis on Friday - congrats. Nice to hear the blog being quoted.
I have had such a lot of fun just now visiting Jonnie's hotel - I've never had anything to do with webcams until now - so clever! And I do agree it's much better than BB. Thanks for making us feel so welcome at your place - sometimes the sheer wizardry of it all makes me confused as to what's real and what isn't!
Did someone say it's Whisht's birthday? It's my sister's, too - she's in Oz where she lives. Happy birthday Whisht and my sister (who's probably asleep right now). Birthday cake is on the bar with lots of candles (more for my sister than for Whisht, I think!)
Love the strapline, RJD. I've dropped you a line down at the Furrowed Brow. Hope you don't mind.
btw I've been away quite a long time and missed you all - any news on Ffred's dates?
Happy birthday Whisht, and here's some of my friend's Christmas cake. I don't usually cut it till this time of year, by which time all the flavours have really matured.
No icing to set your teeth on edge, either!
I'll leave the rest of the cake on the bar with some little gateau forks for the fastidious among you. And napkins for the more hands-on brigade!
Sara ... I was just too slow to say hi from Jonnie's webcam before you left again!
Fifi xx
Help yourseves to a small slice of cake, guys!
RJD (86): Congratulations on your strapline (It's funny 'cause it's true!) and the Rugby result.
I'm having a pretty good day myself having just been informed by my ever-dreadful electricity company that I don't need to pay any extra charges incurred since they have been billing me for the wrong electricity meter for 6 months(!).
And we've just booked our annual flights to Nova Scotia. So, all in all, a good day. I'll need to start planting a rainforest to offset the carbon, unless Ed has any better suggestions (aside from climbing into a Dory boat and rowing across, of course)?
aw thanks Fifi. I love xmas cake (mum used to make heavy fruit cakes throughout the year which probably explains a lot...)
it'll go down nicely with a big mug of tea after my Irish Stew (the place i usually get my dinner had it as the special soup of the day!!!)
I saw you there, Fifi - but I don't know how to say hello! Please could someone tell me how?
And unfortunately I don't have any soundcard in my work PC so I can't hear the muzak either until I go home. (Actually, I shouldn't call it muzak since I gather from earlier comments that it's actually Annasee's CD which is anything but muzak.)
Did anything happen at Jonnie's place while you were there? From what I could see it was all rather quiet.
Sara : I've discovered it's very easy. There are 2 ways to talk to other guests:-
1. Publicly - just type a message in the white bit underneath the list of who's in, who's out, and who's just said something. Then hit SEND.
2. Privately - double-click on the name in the window on the right, of the person you wish to whisper to. Type your message in the white bit at the bottom of the box that appears, then SEND, then close the box. If they reply, their name appears in a box under the main messages. Click to open.
S'easy!
Come on down everyone. Gillian and I are having a great time!
Jonnie - was that you running upstairs to check how it's all working?
Fifi xx
Fifi (75)
Today begins Fairtrade Fortnight.
I noticed that the C*-*p has 20% off its F/T prices at the moment. [Looks as if they are still making a good margin...]
HAPPY BIRTHDAY WHISHT! (Sorry, I had to shout to be heard over the music -- lovely beach party today!)
Sara, here's the ham & turkey soup I promised you at Jonnie's.
As ever, everyone else is welcome to some as well. It's very creamy, but I promise not a drop of cream went near it.
Ingredients: ham stock, onions, garlic, pearl barley, turkey, ham.
Fifi
Huh?
Need some help here.
I came down to the beach this morning, seemed deserted, left a message, went out to do some stuff, came back, still deserted, no sign of my footprints. So I went to the main pm page (good to see such a focus on the most important news story of the day...), followed the link back to the beach, and lo, here you all are. Did the beach get regenerated? Is there a Dr and a Tardis? Is it a conspiracy to get rid of me?? (ok, a bit paranoid there).
Anyway, if I'd been competent enough this morning, you'd have seen my plea for something to stop me feeling ick. Really ick. And no, it wasn't the merlot, only had 2 last night. Looks like Anne P's chocolate has all gone now (ginger supposed to be good for nausea... nothing to do with my just fancying a bit of chocolate). Can someone rattle me up something to make me feel human again, please.... Soon.... Ta xx
I tried to share this with you earlier. Perhaps the mods will be kinder this time?
Look in Big Sis' cupboard and have a slice of Whisht's cake.....
Thank you so much for the explanation, Fifi, and for the soup which is really really tasty.
I'm still quite nosey about Fred's dates, though. It was quite some time ago now, so perhaps he's been following one of them up? A good woman would soon sort out all that twizzling duvet stuff.
Sorry, Ffred. You don't have to say anything if you don't want to ...
Thank you so much for the explanation, Fifi, and for the soup which is really really tasty.
I'm still quite nosey about Fred's dates, though. It was quite some time ago now, so perhaps he's been following one of them up? A good woman would soon sort out all that twizzling duvet stuff.
Sorry, Ffred. You don't have to say anything if you don't want to ...
Anna Rex - help yourself to the soup on the bar at Nick's ... all wholesome ingredients and very tasty.
Hope you feel less ick soon!
Fifi
Anna Rex - have you tried some of Fifi's lovely soup - very nourishing and tasty.
Maybe you're preggers? Anyway, hope you feel better soon.
Sara (105) I'm not being coy, it's just there's not much to tell, to be honest. One didn't pan out at all, and the other is a slow burner (more due to time constraints than anything else....)
Sara (105) I'm not being coy, it's just there's not much to tell, to be honest. One didn't pan out at all, and the other is a slow burner (more due to time constraints than anything else....)
Anna Rex (103) Both the Beach and the Furrowed Brow get regenerated on a weekly basis since it was discovered early on that if threads get too long they become impossibly slow to load.
So lovely clean sand today, and we can always drag a few items with us if we need to.
Some rowdy builders are due to check in at 6PM
I gather they are stranded with a broken windscreen -- they sounded a bit on the rough side :-(
Sara
thanks for pointing me to Fifi's truly excellent soup - i feel much better. Pearl barley's such an under-used foodstuff. Fifi, you're a star.
Preggers... chuckle.... My mother would wish!
Bi Sister (104) Gorgeous! You are so clever! Whisht is a lucky person.
Jonnie (109) You certainly know how to tempt a girl! I've never been so naughty! Are you doubly-doubly sure it's legal? ;o)
Happy Birthday Whisht! I did ask you if it was yours before I went out as I didn't want to presume - anyway there's a small something for you on the edge of the NC bar. Sorry it's covered in gloss paint, but I've just done all the woodwork in my pal's hall this afternoon, and my top, and my jeans, and a little on my boots. Still at least I didn't get any on her dog, or mine.
Scuse me while I go for a dip to rinse off!
Big Sis, yum, thanks for the cake! It has also led me to discover that I have committed a terrible faux pas, but I have attempted to put it right, even if I am three weeks late! Sorry, and hope you will forgive me!
Hi Sara (105 & 106): (Apologies if this is a repeat of a yet to appear posting...) There's not really much to tell, to be honest! I'm not being coy on purpose (or even Porpoise!!). One never happend, and the other is very much a slow-burner, in that time constraints limit the ability to meet up :-(
btw, I 've just re-read the introduction Eddie gives to the beach, and I think he's been watching "Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure" a few too many times... I quote: "Be nice to each other". All I can say is Excellent!!!!
Anna, you may be coming down with the bug I've had - cold symptoms plus dizzy and nausea...
if so, I think I may have a drop of that medicinal toddy left. Let's see...
yes... just enough for one more
Timed out; will try again...
Frances O, you're a hero, thank you. Tastes good too.
Ooh, it's making me feel all fuzzy and happy - is that supposed to happen?
Thanks, Anne P, for the explanation; I think my brain was full.
All, I'll try to keep my bugs to myself.
Mmmm, zizzy.....
Having massive trouble posting; multiple timed out; will try again...
Frances O, you're a hero, thank you. Tastes good too.
Ooh, it's making me feel all fuzzy and happy - is that supposed to happen?
Thanks, Anne P, for the explanation; I think my brain was full.
All, I'll try to keep my bugs to myself.
Mmmm, zizzy.....
FFred (117);
The perpetual intro is mine, all mine.
I did an original because Molly was finding it hard to figure out what this 'Beach' lark was supposed to be about. One of the beach ladies decided that my words would make a good intro and persuaded Eddie to adopt it each week, which he kindly did. You can find on some of the earlier beaches.
I didn't expect it to last too long. Frankly I thought it wasn't up to the mark and someone else would do a better one. When it seemed that it might become a (semi-)permanent fixture I rejigged the whole thing to add a little extra explanation and make it flow better. The result being the thing you now read.
I know it's a bit new-age and aquarian, but it seems to work. New Froggers seem to get the gist of the Beach pretty easy. If my contribution has aided that then I'll be a very happy chap.
And if you feel like doing a different job to replace it I'd be just as happy to be replaced. I've had my few moments of near-fame.
Si.
FF 117
Don't you agree that Si did a grand job?
I certainly got hooked and really, really appreciated the effort Si went to - the heavenly beach can't fail to attract the tentative' paddlers' like me when they read the words.
I'm quite a strong swimmer now......
Mollyxx
Good morning, everyone ! What, nobody is here; they are still in bed I expect.
I have had 10 days holiday and find on my return that all is in disorder. Let the cleaning begin. What colour box for recycling the glass bottles ? Green or blue ? And cola cans ? And cardboard ? I shall just have to guess; without doubt someone will tell me. Oh no ! Damp towels left in a bundle. I will spread them on the chairs on the patio.
It is a lovely morning. The sun is just beginning to show on the horizon and I am going for a long walk. The café machine is ready; all that you have to do is to switch it on.
[Just before my holiday someone questioned my nationality – I am French and live in the Poitou-Charentes. But you can have half marks for my father (who taught English in the Lycée) was Scottish and my mother (French) was a prof of english at Poitiers University. The rule in our house was that we children were allowed to speak only english at home. Thus my sisters and I were bilingual before we were adolescents. I worked in England for 22 years; and married an english lady. In 1987 I returned to France for two years, then worked in Genéve and retired 1997. I enjoy reading, and participating in your blogs; it helps me to keep my mind active. I do not understand all that you write. This is an image of me in my beret {:o)} ].
Oh no ! Putting the towels on the chairs has given the appearance that the Germans have taken over the beach hut.
Yee-hah!
First here this morning.
Excellent, a chance to have my pick of the pastries and croissants, still hot from the oven and....
Those bloody camels! I'm going to have a word with them about this. They've noshed the lot! Sat around the dunes washing their pains-au-chocolat down with a latte or three.
Blast! I asked to see the head honcho, only to have some uppitty Bactrian spit in my face. Apparently someone called 'Camellia, Lady Dromedary', hasn't been seen on the beach for a while and it's her I need to tackle about this.
May as well go and sulk under a palm with some hot buttered crumpets and a pot of English Breakfast. After a quick swim to remove the mulched remains of an apple and cinnamon Danish from my fizzogg.
I don't think I can tackle this lot with a twelve-bore and some birdshot. They're bigger than me. Best leave them to it.
Disgruntled,
Si.
Yee-hah!
First here this morning.
Excellent, a chance to have my pick of the pastries and croissants, still hot from the oven and....
Those darned camels! I'm going to have a word with them about this. They've noshed the lot! Sat around the dunes washing their pains-au-chocolat down with a latte or three.
Blast! I asked to see the head honcho, only to have some uppitty Bactrian spit in my face. Apparently someone called 'Camellia, Lady Dromedary', hasn't been seen on the beach for a while and it's her I need to tackle about this.
May as well go and sulk under a palm with some hot buttered crumpets and a pot of English Breakfast. After a quick swim to remove the mulched remains of an apple and cinnamon Danish from my fizzogg.
I don't think I can tackle this lot with a twelve-bore and some birdshot, like I did with the parakeets. They're bigger than me. Best leave them to it.
Disgruntled,
Si.
Hello!! Although I've been stuck in february (and without a rdaio to boot) for only 3 days it seems like more!!
Have a nice big pot of Earl Grey and theres some crumpets knocking around...may light a small fire to taost them on, so much more fun than anything electrical!!
Right - off to catch up on whats been going on
WW x
Eep!
Eddie's "Frog brothel" blog has disappeared from the front page and presumably so has my frog-related Dirty Harry impression.
Is this a result of Marc's Morning Meeting?
Si, just make sure that you don't hit any frogs when you're shooting off your twelve-bore!
Come on everybody, down to Jonnie's webcam where he's sorting the bedlinen!
No sign of Rupert yet though.
Fifi
Belinda (128);
Doesn't the incessant croaking of the randy little devils drive you insane then? (The frogs, not the Froggers) It's bad enough at any time of year. But during the rut (do frogs rut ?) it reaches epidemic proportions.
Thank God there are no frogs on this Beach, only Froggers! The loudest noise they make is the hammock-bound snoring after a heavy night spent imbibing heavily of a cleansing ale.
I'm still worried about what the noise will be like around here when the camels get that little springtime glint in their eye. And we might need extra trays of breakfast pastries for them, to keep their energy levels up.
Si.
But during the rut (do frogs rut ?) it reaches epidemic proportions.
Well, even frogs deserve their fun as well. They can't possibly be any noisier than the Mexican couple who were camping in the tent next to ours a few years ago. I was afraid that they would attract wild animals to the area - they would even give the camels a run for their money. It really gave me the hump.
Would anyone notice if I left work 5 hours early and went home?
Si: I'm more worried about when those froggers get that springtime glint in their eye ....
Belinda (131);
Discussing the activities of the Mexican campers, then saying how YOU got the hump.... So everyone got lucky that night?
Oh stop, my sides hurt!!
Anyhow, the noise they were making was probably down to the extra-hot chilli in the burritos, nachos, enchiladas, fajitas, etc. and the effect it was having on their digestion.
Unless, of course, you know differently?
Si, heading for the naughty step.....
Si-on-the-naughty-step (133): I would never be as indiscreet to publicly talk about Canadian-Swedish public relations. Soberly at least.
As for the Mexicans - well I'm going to start eating Tacos if that's the effect the food has on the nation.
Rut always struck me as quite a dry/hard word; I think frogs probably 'smush'
Si: I'm more worried about when those froggers get that springtime glint in their eye ....
Hope you had a nice holiday Jacques (123) and thanks for helping tidy up the beach. How's the weather in France? Cold and wet in February - but great here, as always.
Thanks Ffred for the update. Life isn't all about work, you know, and you will just have to put a bit more effort in if you want to find a warm life-companion. It will definitely be worth it, I believe. Take a leaf out of Belinda's book and slope off a bit early for once!
Just off to the Furrowed Brow for a bit as I want to stick my oar in - it won't be for long as I know I won't be able to keep the boat upright so I'm bound to sink.
See you all here later - or down at Jonnie's (which is a truly excellent place; I must stay there sometime).
This will be our first ever Springtime on the frog ... who knows what will happen?
Has anyone noticed those strange long-legged baldy animals sheltering under the palm trees from the sunshine?
I think the reindeer have finally decided this is the warmest winter on record (see newsletter) and unzipped their furry coats!
Fifi
AnnaR - how are you??
Naked reindeer
8-0
Fifi - hi, I've hied!
Mmmmmm... garlic... curry... mmmmmmmmm
As you all congratulate Mr. Worrall on his beach introduction I feel the need to point out that, while it is a helpful and interesting piece, his grammar is not of a very high standard.
Fusspot - Can I suggest that when you feel the need to point something out, you should resist it?
Witchiwoman (139), you have no idea how lovely it was to wander onto the beach in my sarong after a very long day in an itchy suit, not really sure what I'd find, to see your greeting.
I'm OK, thanks, apart from the usual. Had a really ego-boosting day but promise not to get big-headed (fat chance - not my style)
How are you? Why the enforced exile to February? - missed you over the weekend. The icky bug seems to have passed (still giggling at the preggy idea...). Could do with a source of nutrition that doesn't derive from fermented grapes, but doesn't contain a camel-load of sat fats. Anything in your larder?
ps "smush" -I approve - wonderfully onomatopoeiac!
(do I get word-of-the-day" prize?)
Hello all, "I'll not take my coat off, I'm not stopping" - now was that from Educating Archie or what?
Anyway, just dropping by to say can't stop, looks like I've missed some frustrations today judging by the multiple duplicate postings.
A fresh bottle of Macallan on the bar, and a pile of clean towels on the shelf - the ones Jacques rescued looked in need of a good wash. Oh, and in view of the weather report today, perhaps we'll need to invest in some way of cooling The Furrowed Brow this summer. Any ideas?
Fusspot (142):
How do you know Simon's Grammar? Have you met her?
Phew, I go away for a day and the beach certainly livens up! I would've frogged earlier, but I was caught up working (sorry Sara!) Still, I had a new experience today. For the first time ever, I used the Eurostar to go across to France. It's actually really nice :-) Suffice to say, now I'm home, the ottle of La Chasse Du Pape has been cracked open, so help yourselves, folks!
I've just (re)discovered a jar of quince jelly, homemade by a good friend, from quinces growing about 1/2 mile from the beach. It's fab on crackers, for the late night munchies. I've left half a jar (that's all i have left) on the bar, with a pack of well-known-brand cream crackers. Help yourselves. If you're new to quince, let me know what you think.
btw, where the 'eck is everyone tonight??
oh Anna, crackers and quince, but you also need some of this wonderful cheese to go with it. This brings back very happy memories of a great place in the Hunter Valley where you could buy quince jelly, and cheese and wine and a multitude of other delicious things...oh dear, I shall now go into a slight decline remembering happy days in Oz and comparing them with current weather conditions off the north coast of Scotland. But it won't stop me snacking.
Had a dental hygienist appointment today which was no fun speshly after the novocaine or whatever wore off. How is it that husband always manages to be elsewhere when I have to go through these things?
Admin Annie
'Tis a special talent of the male, I fear - absence in time of need. OK, I'm leaving myself open to gigawatts of abuse, I know, Bring it on, chaps, I deserve it.
But Annie, you're dead right about the cheese - that's just what it was missing. Yum yum!
Can't do much to relieve the nostalgia pains - and who wouldn't be pining for antipodean weather right now? - but I do have a comprehensive range of legit prescription drugs for the relief of physical pain, and I'm sure they'd alleviate toosy-peg aches (is toosy-peg just a local / family colloquialism, or do all froggers understand?)
Anyway, I've left a couple under that stone to the right of the NC bar. Take with water and a snack. And don't attempt to drive!
x
A quick wave on my way to my hammock. I'm exhausted from the excitement of touring Chez Jonnie's - What fun!
FFred, you really must look after yourself and remember that work is something to do for 8 hours max a day, then lots of relaxing.
Somebody above mentioned the warmest winter issue, and I thought to mention that I saw a butterfly in full flight last week just outside the cottage. Just goes to show, doesn't it? And the birds have been singing their hearts out since early January ..... Mating season began very early.
Which reminds me, Ffred, how are things on the 'lady' front? ;o)
ps
Chaps
I'm sorry
I didn't mean it
You're all lovely and I'd be lost without you. Really.
Off to chastise myself.
Anna x
FFred! Help please? Am trying to create a Flickr account - is it your 'Yahoo ID' that appears as your user name? Or did you put 'Fearless' in as your first name and 'Fred' as your second?
It won't let me put 2 words in and 'gossipmistress' has already been taken (What a nerve!!)
gossipmistress - Your flickr "screenname" can be changed at any time after you have set up your account. I don't think it matters what you put in intially.
Thanks RJD :-))) Have a glass of anything you fancy, and one for your (bactrian) friend
Re: Big Sis!
She's referring to
on which if you ckick the link you 'sometimes' end up with a man called Martin from 'Australia' who wants to talk with you -- I think BigSister qiuite fancied him?!
Other than that -- nothing much to see until Friday, when we ahve arrivals.
Morning all!!
Admin Annie - ah, Oz nostalgia!! I have been known to go to a Walkabout in the locality just to have a Carlton Cold (I daren't go down the VB route for fear of unleashing my inner backpacker) to ease said pangs!!
Happy days - off for a swim in the warm clear blue!
AnnaR - glad you're ok! :)
jonnie - well you can't just leave us with nothing to watch until Friday, come on! Put the web cam in the kitchen so we can watch you cooking your dinner. I just saw your postman deliver the mail, btw. Also looks quite breezy there, from the way the plants were moving. It's all fascinating!
Hello all my dears,
How is everyone today?
Morning Belinda. Quite sunny in Staffs today but they say it will rain so I shall pop down to this beach from time to time I guess.
Bigsis and Fifi - wasn't yesterday's tour brilliant! I wrote a thank you on Jonnie's message board later after I got home but I don't know if he sees all the messages.
I hung around his place for about ten minutes but only one or two oddballs dropped in. One was called rod and when I said hi, was he visiting? he said he was just camera watching. I wasn't too comfortable with that somehow.
btw Jonnie's webcam works so well, but I simply cannot make the PM webcam work at all. I think it is only live when the prog is on but when I tried it yesterday it was still rigid - nothing happening. I do have the disadvantage of no soundcard on this machine, but I still wonder why it doesn't seem to work. Advice, anyone?
Hot coffee and muffins are on the bar - d0 help yourselves.
Naughty Jonnie! I think a day on the step for you ....
But great fun chez Jonnie's, without a doubt. Thanks, again, for the lovely tour.
"I can highly recommend the Cransley tour to all travellers. Your host, Jonnie, is both welcoming and helpful. And if you look very carefully, you might catch a glimpse of the lesser spotted Simon - It is well worth the wait!"
Morning All!
Jonnie (157) What! Is all the decorating finished then?
Cannot stop for long, got another all afternoon and night ahead of me...
Anna Rex (148)
It's fab on crackers, for the late night munchies.
Oh yes? Quite what were you imbibing/inhailing to bring on the munchies? ,-)
Jonnie! Has someone been swopping your computer keys around again
Morning all! Can't stop for long, as I have a pile of work to catch up on after the rush trip yesterday. So, I'll just grab a coffee (thanks, whoever put the pot on this morning), and head back to Feb...
Sara (161) I'm in Staffordshire, too. And yesterday at Jonnie's I met Stephen from Burton-on-Trent. And here's me trying to broaden my horizons! ;o)
Good morning all! I still can't quite get the hang of the full Cransley experience, but I've discovered it's cos of my flash player problem I think. Same reason I don't always get access to Y*utube - everysooften Norton decides to argue with Flash, and the result is always to my disadvantage!
We've had a wild night of wind in February East Lothian, but at least the rain's stopped. The river is flowing fast and wide through the garden, and it looks so brown and murky. When we bought this place 25 years ago it was never so reactive to a bit of rain, but I think the management of surrounding land over the years has increased run-off, or similar. Good grief, I wish I could talk intelligently about anything at the moment, I feel like my head's stuffed full of packing materials!
I've left a pot of my seville marmalade on the NC Bar, although sadly the chunks are a little too chunky this year, the marmalade round about them is tasty though, so you can do what TD did this morning, and leave them on the edge of the plate. There's a pile of bagels inside that basket too.
Today is Student Son's birthday and I shan't get to see him :o(. Where have the twenty years gone? Answers on used fivers please.
In a brief break from camel tango training I dropped in last night, tried jonnies camcam, to no avail, but did chase RJD in and out of several rooms (reminiscent of a Fido Farce) and then firefox cut me off!
Will try again later. Now have to turn house upside down searching for tax cert, MOT and thing. Do you know, you can do it online now - but only if you cough up the dosh two weeks early!
Outraged of limited resources
Hugs to all chums v.v. busy at mo, will try and catch up soon
xx
Ffred - pass that ottle, would you? (147)
I feel like ottling
Val P (168),
The history of agricultural drainage, considering GB as a 'wet' place, means that any raindrop which falls on open ground is very likely in a drain on its way to the sea (pausing to flood riverside communities) within a few meters.
What with rising sea levels and more and more paving/draining, downstream properties are likely to see increased risk of flooding, as in Carlisle last year. Also Bombay (Mumbai) after a record rainfall.
ed
28/02/2007 at 14:41:21 GMT
Good Lord Gillian (167) - and here's me thinking Stephen was from Strop. I feel badly let down. I mean - Burton on Trent!!!
I only work in Staffs - live in Shroppy. But son in law is from Staffs. Happy birthday to him (30 today) and Valerie P's son too.
Aunt Dahlia - So it was you that was chasing me. If I'd known that I would have slowed down.
Hey, Everybody!!!
is
Drinks on me!
I'm sooooooo excited- my first SL!
(mind you, it'll probably have changed by the time I finish this!)
what a day!! :o)
Mollyxx
Val P (168) The chunks are the best bit....save them for me!
Val P - I think your wind has turned up in Liverpool!
Aunt D - I've think just been tango'd by a camel. Could you teach them something a bit less violent next?
Molly - very generous, thanks!! (and good work)
We made need soemthing fortifying after the prisoners/underpants item (though if its in the first 20 minutes I may need a recap tomorrow!)
Hello everyone, first Beach visit of the day. I say, this marmalade's rather nice. One of the camels is showing rather a lot of interest in what looks like a half-jar of quince jelly though. I put the lid back on -- just in time as it happened. Those camel tongues are BIG!
Who's for a quick paddle on the shore before PM starts?
Fifi
Jonnie's kept his word by the way.
It is possible to view his webcam and listen to PM on the soundtrack at the same time!
...oh no, he's switching it back to music again now.
Forget I said that.
Fifi ;o)
Fifi, naughty! Don't pidd... oh, sorry. Misread your post
Cultural Question here:
I went into the Norwich bus station today and saw one of those new National Express coaches (the ones which look a little like floppy-eared rabbits) with "National Express: Supporting Birmingham's Irish Community!" written on the side multiple times with a 4-leaf clover.
Can anyone tell me why the National Express is supporting Birmingham's Irish community specifically and not, say, Sheffield's Latvian community? Is there some history there which I am not aware of? It just seemed a strange thing to see on the side of a bus, particularly a national bus service.
Frances - with regard to 180, do you know if we actually do have anywhere to...well...paddle (is you see what I mean) in the general beach area?
Belinda - National Express coaches which look a little like floppy-eared rabbits????
Can I have some of what you're having?
gm(182) I think you'll find that there's facilities behind the second dune to the left (the one with the extra tall palm trees). You can..ahem .. paddle there...
Ffred! Phew! Thank goodness for that!
Paddling
I always go to the beach for the ozone - especially effective when the water is quite cold.
I walk out far enough for the water to reach the "Oh! zone". I then paddle away as much as I like.
Belinda - Pay no attention to gossipmistress. I know exactly the type of "floppy-eared rabbit" coaches that you describe. They are all over the place here - breeding like . . . . well you know.
As to the slogan - must be sponsorship of some kind I guess.
Belinda (181)- I love your description of the floppy eared coaches - that's it exactly, and don't they look odd. But as for who they are supporting I'm sorry I haven't a clue.
Assam and Rose Puchong on the bar, plus scotch pancakes and home-made grape jelly.
(The grapes on the allotment were rather full of pips for eating comfortably but have made great jelly - one of the more appealing side-effects of climate change.)
....and I do like brackets for asides.
Can I have some of what you're having?
Of course you can, GM. I'm just not sure whether it is possible to send alive plants through the Royal Mail though.
Happy St. David's Day to all.
Belinda - To my untrained eye, the coaches' sticky-out-bits remind me more of ants' or bees' feelers than floppy bunny ears, but the more I think about it...
;O)
Happy St David's Day to all interested Froggers!
Chris the Taff
xx
Thanks RJD. I just looked it up and there is a charity which focuses on the Brummie Irish community:
So it makes a little more sense to me...although not really.
Belinda - thank you, maybe I shuld send you some 'pathological specimen' pots to wrap them in? :-)
Actually, I always imagined those coaches as insects, like big wasps with antennae rather than ears, so that shows you what I'm on...
I wonder why Birmingham's Irish community need supporting? Are they starting to droop?
Hello all, well its my first visit to the beach so far this week and its Thursday already. Have been keeping a low profile in general - its been a rather emotionally draining week and I won't bore you with the details but am heading in the right direction I think. But its nice to be back down here and have a little paddle before lunch.
So of course I am all behind with what's going on. What's this about a tour of Jonnie's - was this a real tour or a virtual tour? It sounded like fun anyway.
Anyway was on IMDB website before (Internet Movie Database) to find out something that had been niggling a friend and I and lo and behold do you know who I spotted on there? Our Eddie! He appeared in an episode of Rab C Nesbitt back in 1990, as himself. And I found out that he is only 4 days older than me, and we were born a mere 60 miles apart - now all these years later our paths cross again.....almost, its a sign surely?? (yep, a sign that I need a very LONG holiday and a stiff drink I think) :)
Speaking of crushes did anyone else see my other crushee last night? - the charming Kevin McCloud on Grand Designs - never in a million years did I think they would ever finish that castle, but wow it was fantastic. I think it was the grandest Grand Design I have seen.
Right better get back to it, Happy St Davids Day
x
Oh Fiona (193) I hope things calm down for you. Emotionally draining does not sound good. Paddling will help.
I vaguely remember the telly thing you're referring to. I recall it as an episode of City Lights, a ´óÏó´«Ã½ Scotland sitcom that ran for many years but I could well be wrong. My only recollection is that we shot it and night outside the ´óÏó´«Ã½ building in Glasgow and it was bloody freezing.
Chin up, Fiona.
Cheers Eddie - am feeling better already :)
I remember City Lights all those years ago but according to IMDB you are credited with an episode of Rab, entitled "Rat" which was about the bi-elections taking place in Govan (and a rat in his kitchen - hence the title!!!) ............its all coming back to you now isn't it!!
All,
Just to note that I spent the second wildest night of my life last night in the treehouse. It was wonderful! I can't wait for a REAL wind! BRING IT ON!
xx
ed
Well I never knew all this paddling could be so therapeutic!
Cheers Eddie - am feeling better already :)
I remember City Lights all those years ago but according to IMDB you are credited with an episode of Rab, entitled "Rat" which was about the bi-elections taking place in Govan (and a rat in his kitchen - hence the title!!!) ............its all coming back to you now isn't it!!
(PS. Got a 502 error before when trying to post so hope this doesn't get duplicated)
Oh Fiona (197) NOW I remember. It was a voiceover for a lunatic election-type programme they were doing. I recall years later watching a re-run of it (having forgotten I had done a couple of voice bits for it) and sitting up when I thought I recognised the voice. I diot.
Cheers Eddie - am feeling better already :)
I remember City Lights all those years ago but according to IMDB you are credited with an episode of Rab, entitled "Rat" which was about the bi-elections taking place in Govan (and a rat in his kitchen - hence the title!!!) ............its all coming back to you now isn't it!!
(PS. Got a 502 error before when trying to post so hope this doesn't get duplicated)
Oh Fiona (197) NOW I remember. It was a voiceover for a lunatic election-type programme they were doing. I recall years later watching a re-run of it (having forgotten I had done a couple of voice bits for it) and sitting up when I thought I recognised the voice. I diot.
A touch of the 502s afflicting the Beach eh?
Fifi
A touch of the 502s afflicting the Beach eh?
Fifi
... oh, and me apparently. Grrrrrr.
:o(
Or Eddie's memory playing up -(DeJa vu style)
;-)
Eddie and Fiona appear to be doing the loopyloop.
I saw a pair of rabbits that looked like a double decker bus once.
re: (178) Took up fifi's offer of a quick paddle on the shore last evening.
Maybe i was a bit late, as i didnt see any one else. And speaking personally, I, for one, didn't get on as well as all that.
Kept my feet dry though...
n-n
xx
Got 502'd many times earlier, trying to say that I remember City Lights. Now it seems hardly worth all the effort (if this one goes through that is).
I also posted on the Castle, Fiona, but that's sunk without trace...
Off to Keep Fit now, but I'll have a large glass of something when I get back from February, if anyone's offering?
n-n: giggle!
Doing the what Big Sis (205)? Is the naughty corner still in operation?
H.
Humph,
you cannot be serious !!
Still in operation? It has advance-orders taking it well into 2012. If they took even a fraction of a percentage per occupant, Mr and Mrs Naughty Corner (aka Naughty Step aka 0 T Step) would retire down to jonnie's immediately!!
btw - may I pour?
Since Val P. has asked for a large glass of something and also as it's St David's Day I thought I'd bring along this very large flagon of mead. Bit sweet for some tastes, but does have a suitably Celtic flavour don't you think?
For anyone wanting something on the drier side, try this nice Graves.
If you want me I'll be wandering over there doing a bit of beachcombing and picking up some driftwood for a fire later when it gets cooler.
Humph: I'm not sure why the naughty step was mentioned - the looploop is just an old dance, I thought .... Going round and round and round, just like Eddie and Fiona, I thought.
But, then, these days I'm a bit muddled. So I'll go and sit there awhile.
Haven't wandered onto the beach before but I'm desperate for an intelligent answer to a question and I'm hoping that this may be the place.
Anyone got a good remedy for earache?
I've tried the usual - paracetamol, ibuprofen, hot water bottle, shiraz, "Today in Parliament" sotto voce.
I feel I should know the solution but I never really got the hang of ears during my studies...
Any even half sensible solution welcome - am desperate to get some sleep tonight.
Kx
Karen (213) Night Nurse?? Or cold/flu capsule/powders including decongestant? Or are you fully topped up with paracetemol already?
Does anybody else have a name with a meaning?
Eddie is apparently Fair and Energetic.
n-n
xx
PS tried to make one up - decided RJD and GM could help here, or Big Sis, if she's game.
PPPSSSPSPSPSP this really is the last try
NN: A name with a meaning? For you? Wise and Thoughtful? Would that do?
Karen: If you're still about - the old (and helpful) suggestion is to heat up some almond, or olive, oil in a teaspoon and pour it into your ear, plugging with cotton wool. Lie on your side to do it and try to ensure the oil goes well in (without prodding, of course).
It used to help me as a child (I had lots of earaches due to tonsil troubles), and still helps on the rare occasions I suffer.
Hope you manage to sleep ......
Gillian,
Thanks for the namecheck on 'The Ides' :-)
Many thanks for all the suggestions!
A combination of hot water bottle, naproxen, zirtek, sudafed, paracetamol, warm oil and alcohol worked last night and this morning it's not too bad.
Have warned the team that I may be a little grouchier and grumpier this morning than usual. They gave me a look which said "How will we spot the difference," but didn't risk saying it!
Having tried posting a couple of times on the main Blog entries, with nothing happening, I think I'd better operate on the precautionary principle and post here that I'm off the scene this weekend - off the Wales again - and probably will have to go offline altogether during the afternoon.
So, just in case, I'll wish you all a lovely weekend.
Hm, item by Kenneth Tynan about Dudley Moore, Beyond the Fringe, etc. Brings the whole thing to life. He obviously highly rated them and Jonathan Miller.
Incidentally, I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Miller last year. I liked him better in the flesh than on the box.
'My brother Esau is an hairy man ....' One of my father-in-law's favourite phrases. I note Mr. Tynan considered BTF to be rather too ´óÏó´«Ã½-ish, but obviously liked it overall and thought it revolutionary.
Now a bit about the Chichester Festival Theatre and its roots. It's my local, and has had mixed fortunes of late. It's lovely, though, to hear about its heady early days and Olivier's role in its establishment.
If any of you are ever in the area in the summer, a visit to the CFT is highly recommended.
My name means 'free woman', which I rather like.
Oh, and now I suppose we'll get jokes about 'free woman... with every man purchased' (v biblical)
or comments like 'yes, please'.
But, then again, the is the frog. No-one here would stoop so low. Now, would they,
Karen -
I was going to suggest the warm olive oil too! Glad BS suggested it as when I've mentioned it to people before I have encountered some quite aghast expressions!
Fiona-
Hope you're feeling better, I can sympathise; this week has been a real stinker (apart from being stuck in February, not getting to the Beach and only catching one PM this week). But heres March, full of spring promise etc and I have brought drop scones and tea.
So....big sigh, pull up a giant bean bag (a little more comorting that a hammock I feel) and let the sound of the sea lull those worries away; anyone care to join me?
Look - It's Friday. I'm only normally confused Monday - Thursday.
Frances O (219) - What ARE you talking about?
nikki noodle (215) - What are YOU talking about? Do you want a a suggestion as to what "nikki noodle" might mean?
I think Anne means grace (probably in a spiritual sense) but I'm feeling anything but graceful at the moment as I try to master Tai Chi with a fan. It looks lovely, but I'm having such trouble getting the moves right!
You do get a wonderfully satisfying sound opening the fan at speed though, especially when a whole group does it.
AND...I missed the item on overcrowded prison underpants. Can anyone enlighten me?
Karen:
Didn't realise you were a professional football player ;o) - or are you on the PM team?
Glad the oil helped. It soothes, I believe.
Frances O - I understand now. Your second post was screened before your first post!
WHY does that happen?
Oh dear, from confused to understanding and now I'm malicious. AARRGGhhhhh!
Friday 502s!!
If my previous gets thru re Ann P's fans I wasn't being faectious :)
Hello all and thanks WW, how could I possibly resist the offer of drop scones, tea and a giant bean bag by the sea - enough to banish any troubles even for a little while. Must admit I did feel infinitely better after a personal response from Eddie - how sad! I didn't think one got schoolgirl crushes at 41 years old but apparantly so :0)
Big Sis, I take it you are local to Chichester then? That has always been my second choice area to move to should the whole France idea fall through (or we go and it doesn't work out). Can you recommend it as a place to live?
Right then where's my cup? I'm off to join witchi for a nice cup of tea, see you all later x
RJD - it was just a thought last night (before I was excluded a zillion times) that between us we could come up with "mandarin" meanings for froggers names - (see other thread for Eddie) -
- a mildly daft suggestion, as I dont know any chinese -
- and growing dafter by the minute in the full light of day. Still, it might tickle your fancy...
Big Sis (226)
I'm a hospital pharmacist (hence the cocktail). I never got the hang of ears though ;-)
The combination has continued to work (without top ups), but I'm not sure which component worked....
I do have a lovely Dr here that I could ask to prescribe something - he's Polish and it's his last day. His English isn't bad now - he can swear fluently in Suffolk slang.
Kx
I spent many happy years in Chichester! Lovely place and I do miss living there (though on a recent jaunt back was slightly alarmed at whats happened to my old watering hole. As they say, you can never go back...)
Fiona - crushes...whats more alarming is lusting after a 19 year old when you're the wrong end of your 20s!
nikki noodle - Right! I understand.
Could be a larf. Could also be a way to inadvertently offend people. Do you mean something like:
RobbieJohnDo = Inane Loving Gormless
A 19 year old!, do tell ww (232)!! - or maybe you should head over to the naughty step...... :)
Fiona -
Ah, the besottedness only lasted a week (thankfully). He had, and this is the only way I can descrribe it, an 'eye thing'. That kind of look that a boy of that age has no right to employ (or even know about!)
It was quite alarming!! (more so than dreaming about politicians!)
RJD
tee hee!
*smiles*
This chinese language business isn't as tough as it looks!!
n-n
xx
Just a quick question Fiona, are you our Fifi? I'm easily confused at the best of times, and it is Friday afternoon... :o)
I've put a big bowl of salad nicoise in the fridge behind the bar, and there's a basket of freshly-baked bread rolls on the top... still warm if you hurry.
xx
Been trying to post on Daffyd for hours - let's try it on this thread:
In the style of the Great Roberto:
Great Dog.
Hmm - I've not had that nasty error message for a while "You are not allowed to submit comments". I thought we had already established that's a really hurtful one to get? Well it is today. I shall try one more time.....
Blog you - got it again. What am I supposed to understand from that message? Is it that I'm not allowed to post the comments, or are you objecting to the fact that it's me doing the posting??
OK, nn, today my mandarin name is probably 'tired playful'.
Porn star names, anyone?
Val P - Oh do cheer up! Its Friday !
And I'm going out for my dinner - and if I play things right I might not have to pay!
Now don't blame me for this. It was nikki noodle's idea to give people mandarin names (see above)
Valery Pedant = Hearty Fluent
Ah Chris the P (237) no I am not Fifi - we are indeed two different Fiona's - confusing I know and don't worry you are not the first to make that mistake (even our Eddie has got me muddled up). I think I am going to have to come up with a more imaginative frog name so I can have my very own unmistakable identity........any suggestions? (only nice ones please!)
And salad nicoise would be lovely thank you very much.
Hang on in there Val P..... against all the odds our posts will get through.
WW (235) - sounds very naughty but nice!!
Re Anne P @ 224.
I have been 'doing' (if that is the right word) Tai Chi for several years. As you say, it is very demanding to get the breathing and movements coordinated and correct. But very enjoyable.
I have never seen it done with fans* Since the movements are based on the martial arts, this seems, to me, rather bizarre.
* Except the many people who regularly come to the local park to watch, but do not join in.
RJD - Hearty Fluent? we-ell, I'll think about it. Are you churning them out of a website somewhere, or using insider knowledge/judgement?
Fiona (241)
Please stay as Fiona. As far as I am aware, Fifi (or Fee-Fie-Foe-Thumb, as I call her) has never posted on the Frog as Fiona. I can just about cope with realising that RobbieDo is now RJD. To have to cope with another name change would cause me problems. Please stay as Fiona.
H.
hmm. Please don't nobody take no offence now! I tried to think of some mandarin names but after "witchiwoman - Dreaming Fire" and "jonnie - Graceful Favour" ...
...I thought my mandarin was turning into Hiawatha. I'd better stop there otherwise Humph might be Running Waters.
n-n
xx
Val - I knew that it wouldn't be a good idea.
"Hearty" you will understand was for Hearts. Looking up "pedant" in a thesaurus returns what can only be described as not very complimentary definitions. I thought "fluent" suited you better because you always seem to eloquently say what's on your mind. I'm sorry if the idea didn't work.
Jacques (242) The use of fans in Tai Chi is effectively as surrogate weapons, some of the moves are like using a sword and some a stave. I understand it's a quite recent form.
It's a lot more energetic than the 'Tai Chi for arthritis' form of Dr Paul Lam which I started with, which I think is a Sun style form.
Boo!
RJD (248) -
Boo yourself. Nothing of mine seem to be getting through to anywhere this morning :-(
Praps the blogerators think I shd be satisfied with being strapline queen for the day.
I wonder if bagels, cream cheese & smoked salmon will help? And a cafetiere of espresso?
xx
LadyPen
Boo Indeed RJD, but I am "not allowed to post"
;-)
ed
Your comment submission failed for the following reasons:
You are not allowed to post comments.
Saturday March 03, 2007 at 10:31:57 GMT
(the beach)
RJD - 246 - Oh I knew that, I was just teasing. I think it's very thoughtful, that's why I asked if it was indeed all your own work, it seemed so appropriate!!
Oh well - the threatened rain has held off in February, frabjous day etc - so we have been able to pour the concrete to form the second bay of the famous Garden Building. I wonder how it is that what was conceived about 2 years ago as a simple, attractive wooden structure, has gone on to acquire legs and wings and requirements for structural this's and embedded thats and so on ad infinitum? Answers on fivers as per usual :o)
Boo Indeed RJD, but I am "not allowed to post"
;-)
ed
Your comment submission failed for the following reasons:
You are not allowed to post comments.
Saturday March 03, 2007 at 10:31:57 GMT
(the beach)
Now a 502!
Sa2turday March 03, 2007 at 13:52:21 GMT
So now it's working?
xx
ed
LadyPen - Congratulations AGAIN. Bagels etc. would be wonderful and try some of this dolce gorgonzola before it runs away.
Val P - You're pouring concrete whilst I'm walking the dog - just as it should be.
"bring me sunshine
in your smile,
bring me laughter
all the while,
In this world where we live
there should be more happiness,
bring me sunshine,
bring me laughter
bring me love!"
*n-n goes on cavorting round on the sand*
n-n
xx
Hello, very rainy here - doubt I'll see the eclipse :-(
In case this blog stops altogether a few of the regulars are posting at the back-up (refuge site)
Just in case it stops again!
nn, you're a ray of sunshine yourself!
LadyPen, love the strapline.
Anyone who's being 502d, or being told they're not allowed to post, here's what I think we do (works for me. Mostly.)
502: Ignore. Your post will (eventually) go up. It's talking a load of botox.
Not allowed: try posting again a bit later. It thinks you're being malicious. It is oversensitive and can't cope with you posting too soon after the last post (cue trumpet).
Oooooo, now I've got here I've got bogarde all to say, think I'll go and haunt jonnie
xx
p.s. Frances and I are already drinking in the refuge if you need us......
Frances O: tee hee !
I too have resorted to ignoring the botox. Also, i now close the browser after a succesful post and then open another: that'll fox the 502s.
Here on the beach one would hardly believe it could be March elsewhere... is it still in fact August?!
ValP : draw us a plan in the sand, it sounds like a massive undertaking! Legs and Wings - are you sure its not a chicken?
n-n
xx
RJD - well I know my place! Look out in an Inbox near you for a description of how I used to be! ;o)
well at the risk of making jonnie jealous, can I just say that I read his comment above, realised there was an eclipse (been inside a church all day, working, so didn't know about it), put on my glasses, found the binoculars, & rushed to the window. By some absolute miracle, Manchester's air tonight is crystal clear, & we've had the sharpest view of an eclipse I've ever seen. I could see the face of the man in the moon, looking just like all those children's illustrations. It's wonderful to be able to see it so clearly.
Now I'm going to have a small whisky & go to bed. About time, I think. Night all.
PS - I wonder if Liz Hurley organised the eclipe as part of the £2 million wedding package?
I saw the eclipse!
A lovely, clear night.
Val P - Oh! I don't think so! Inbox checked and can I say that I both hope and doubt that you were ever like that.
btw - "Aye, right!" I understand. But "Aye Write" according to the Guardian is the title given to the Glasgow Book Festival held last week.
I stumbled out of a pub to see the eclipse at virtual full cover and went home to see a brilliant starfield with the moon beginning to clear on the left. The light by which we were able to see the eclipsed part of the moon was Earthlight, in case anyone hadn't thought about it. After the eclipse passed, the stars were suppressed somewhat as usual on fullmoon nights. It would have been a grand night for a .
xx
ed
RJD - yeh, I suspect it's a play on words.....
Re the Fwd, no I wasn't but that's because my Mum was!!! I kid you not. She took a job, when they were first married, demonstrating washing machines - in those unenlightened days, she had to leave her job at the Bank because she was getting married. Grrrr! So how come my Dad, also Bank employee, didn't have to do the same. Ludicrous, eh? Mind you washing machine demonstrations weren't taxing on the brain, so she had loads of spare time left over to concentrate on being a Perfect Wife and Mother, and producing Spam Roasts etc (see earlier Blogs for details). So it was win-win? Hmmmmm.