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 Friday morning. (Sorry it wasn't last friday. Lord and Master was away. Sequin in the chair.......so apologies for late response) 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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Should the beach not be renamed the Glastonbury for sequins trip there this week. It seems Radio 4 has taken over the broadcasting rights from Radio 1
*Yawn* Oh, hello everyone! The beach seems to have moved overnight. Can't stop long, as I've got an early start to meetings. I've flickerd some photos, and I'll just leave this pot of Java-juice on the bar for those that want it...
Good morning everybody - Pretty quiet weekend and just as quiet this morning it seems.
I have a favour to ask. If anybody spots Cammelia, Lady Dromedary over the next few days I would be grateful if they could very discreetly let me know. I was unable to finish a discussion with her on balneology the last time we met. Thanks.
Of course - Glastonbury! Hence the rain.
FFred - great photos; made me come over all Boston-sick. Nice weather too, by the looks of it.
Made me hungry for American breakfasts, too (I know it's nearly lunchtime) so here are several stacks of pancakes and some maple syrup from Vermont to give you all a Monday morning sugar boost.
x
Perky,
Any nice Virginia ham to go with the pancakes?
I once spent a day walking barefoot all over Boston, including Fenway Park with all its hobo dens....following a sort of cubic sugar-rush...
xx
ed
A switch of computers over the weekend prompts me to make the following apology:
Sorry if I seem to have been ignoring any froggers' emails. While transferring my email system to the new machine, I've found some emails that were classed as junk which clearly weren't. I'll try to catch up with them as fast as I can sort out the gems from the rubbish. More apologies if any have disappeared completely.
The chocolate bars are on me...
EdI - anything for you :) Ham in the fridge and Fentiman's ginger beer on the bar.
Fifi/Frances O - hope your weekends were OK - some new beach hugs to keep you going:
(((())))
Fiona - how were the Wiggles - better or worse than Muse?????
SSC - I haven't sent you any emails; can I have some chocolate anyway? mwah.
Oh, Perky, thank you. Not a good weekend. But the maple syrup will help soothe me.
I'm also enjoying 'Round Britain Quiz' at the moment.
Ahoy the Beach?
My friends the octopodes have been tidying up their bit of the reef and they've brought a crate full of bottles of various ages up into the shallows, if anyone feels like hauling them to the bar? They were muttering about 'don't know who this Napoleon bloke thinks he is dropping bottles of brandy on decent folks' houses', so it sounds as if there might be some Interesting Booze involved. No use to me, obviously, not being a newt.
Oooo, new beach. Lovely. I've barely done anyy work today anyway, so I might as well just loiter here...
Mr Ikhthus (10) - I will gladly haul that crate to the bar. Although not my normal manifestation I have on occasion been known to transmogrify to newt form,
Dog, newt, is there no end to your talents, RJD?
Thanks, RJD. Fins aren't too much use for hefting heavy loads with.
By the way, the turtles seem to be having a lovely time today a bit further out to sea, but I'm not convinced that those two baby camels ought to be trying to join them. I do hope that *before* they get out of their depths their doting Mamas will manage to convince them that 'ship of the desert' doesn't mean they are sure to float well. It's either that or teach them doggy-paddle sharpish.
Frances O - If you saw me newt-like, you would realise that it is an affliction rather than a talent.
Transmogrify, RJD (12)? Does that mean that you sometimes do pussy-cat as well?
H.
Dogs, newts, camels, parrots, fish, cats (stainless and otherwise) and goodness know what else - should we be declaring the Beach an SSSI ?
Oh, and voles, how could I have forgotten voles (sorry Frances).
aaaaaah!
And now, a very very long satisfying and most comfortable slide into something decidedly wet and potent....
cheers!
dn-dn
xx
Huimph - Well yes I do, but I wouldn't say that it is just purrfect yet.
Indeed we should Anne (17), jolly good idea!
Humph (16), I'm a bit worried about that one -- have you seen RJD getting up to no good with a pussy cat? I hope he didn't hurt it. Do you have photo evidence? I think we should be told...
Guys, would one of you who has Sparky Marc/The New Blog Prince's email address please let him know that this new beach is not yet linked to the beach links (no.4 on the right)? We wouldn't want it to float away when it's off the front page, would we?
A, x.
Aperitif @22
Will do. Your post is about to be forwarded to him as it appeared here.
Appy @ 22
Thanks for the nudge; I'll change it.
Remember everyone, you can contact me about any *pressing* blog related issue via pmblogprince at hot mail dot com - I'll try to respond as soon as I can.
Oooh, how's that for service??? Thank you Mr Fish and Mr Spark!
I shall add that address to my contacts so I won't have to bother everyone else next time... not that I'm suggesting ther'll be a next time: we all know Marc is almost perfect... we would never get the same blog mistake twice... can I put my spade away now???..
A, x.
Can I just say I've just dropped in for the first time and I haven't a bl**dy clue what you're all on about?
Should I put my surreal head on?
Sacrebleu (26), Welcome! Help yourself to a cocktail/beer from the bar and pull up a lounger.
And, yes, the surreal head would definitely help.
Perky - we had a baby rabbit in to tonight's evening surgery called Perky. It did a good line in vertical take-off!
sacrebleu - welcome to the beach, why have you not been here before now? If you can recognise surreal when you see it, then you'll settle in just fine:o)
SSC - I haven't emailed you either, but I was thinking about you today - TD was starting at Summer School over in your neck of the woods and was a bit apprehensive. As it turns out she had a great first day and has made a pal already. The best bit of the day was the tour of the ten floors of the Union, and its many bars....
Dat's ma girl!
It looks as if it's been a real quiet weekend on here, and in June? Val P Towers has been going like a fair so it's nice to get down for a bit of peace and quiet. I've brought a rough towel and am going to give the two camelets a brisk going-over, that sea-water has made them look all of a knock-kneed and curly-haired. Will someone please watch out in case the parents decide to take issue with me for messing with their offspring?
After that it's me for the comfy hammock, hard to believe it's almost the longest day isn't it?
Ooooo Dear - all go on the Glass box isn't it -- ´óÏó´«Ã½ and impartiality under fire I see.
Well spotted Chris Ghoti! -- the Glass Box was copied and pasted from Friday :-)
Sacrebleu - Welcome on board - actually we don't have a bloody clue what we are all about, but I'm happy to have a quick nightcap with you before I make tracks back home - just over the back of the dunes.
Sacrebleu: welcome. All will become even more confusing with time. Surreal head would do; how about a lobster on a bowler hat with a non-pipe in your mouth?
Thank you, Anne. Water voles prefer fresh water and keep pretty close to the streams... but do venture down for frolics.
Having just nipped back to the old beach (very surreal feeling), what have you being doing now Annasee? I know Gossipmrs was singing Paul McCartney. And Appy - I hope you kept "behind" him ;-)
Night all and frugs to those in trouble, one way and another.
Ap (21) - Tempting as it is to enter a dialogue about pussy cats, I think I'll pass if you don't mind. The Naughty Step and I are strangers at present and I would like that to remain the case.
Sacrebleu (26) -- I think it's mostly harmless. Just in case it isn't, I am staying off-shore for a bit ready to make a quick getaway if it all gets too weird. I can't get here often, so I don't know what they may get up to when I'm not around.
Hello, and welcome Sacrebleu,
Difficult day tomorrow - later today. Allegedly 2 x AGM, but as I'm supposed to organise one of them, it may be a virtual one. The other is out of my control, even if I do control their communications.
So I'll be in that hammock, trying to get the energy to get up tomorrow...
I think we must keep the camelettes from getting into the sea; they're still young, and not used to salt water.
*yawn* *retreats to hammock*
Sacrebleu,
Haven't we met somewhere? Pint of Liffey Water?
Enjoy the beach - there's plenty of good company
xx
ed
Welcome Sacrebleu. Surreal will do fine. I was quite bewildered, in the days before we had a beach, to find people offering to buy chocolate and the like for each other. But it's a gentle kind of madness, spiced with mutual helpfulness, and genuine debate on other threads.
Java and English Breakfast on the Nick Clarke Memorial Bar, and doubtless someone will contribute lunch later.
Pull up a sun lounger and make yourself comfortable.
Anne P - Thanks for the breakfast - those sausages were good - what were they?
Anyway, I'm interviewing all morning in June. I'll be back at lunchtime for a nap!
Anybody seen Cammelia, Lady Dromedary?
sacrebleu (26)
bonjour!
I thought that once- it's great- just jump in- you won't sink here!
Ed I- have I been silly- just booked a week in Scotland at the end of September.Just had a thought- MIDGES!
Any advice- please!
lust off to catch up on what you've alll been up to...
Belinda- hope everything's good.
by the way, where's Eddie?
Mollyxx
Morning all - can't believe how busy June has been!
Sacrebleu - welcome! If it all gets too much theres a quite spot round the end of the bay!
Just out of interest, and knowing the width of empirical knowledge on this beach, anyone ever been interviewed for a national magazine article before? I'll be facing questioning imminently and probably being photographed as well and thats the bit thats troubling me!
AnneP - thanks for the java, just what I need.
GM - vertical rabbits? Dear cat has taken to leaping on to the top of doors (via other bits of furniture/radiators etc) ; all well and good by the down technique seems to be alluding her!
witchiwoman-
how exciting- do give us a tiny clue.....
Mollyxx
GM - thank you for looking after me; I feel much better now, although my legs are a little achey from all that jumping.
I've left lots of carrots on the bar and some limp lettuce, but I'm guessing I'm the only one who'll be up for eating those.
Sacrebleu - welcome to the beach. Sometimes I'm a jumping rabbit and sometimes I'm not...now there's surrealism for you! Pull up a hutch and we can have a natter.
Do you think I should make friends with the camels? I'm very small ;)
Molly -
Its in a glossy womens monthly, quite a positive piece about women who have developed an eating disorder in adult life but are now in 'recovery'. Its curious but am very excited about it and the thoght that it may help just one person....I know its sounds trite but its true!
Anwyay, I think its go the all go, just waiting on times etc. And of course will let everyone know if it does go to press.
Perky the JR - how limp is the lettuce? Made a lovely soup with a sad looking iceberg lettuce once.
Has Eddie gone undercover? Hope he's OK.. If I leave a quad latte on the bar, do you think he'll stop by and pick it up?
Grrr. Malicious, superstitious, nutritious, propitious, delicious, ambitious
Witchi - good luck with the interview - just say what you want to say and look beautifully natural in your pictures - and of course let us know how it goes.
The lettuce isn't too limp, but it does have some sawdust on it, as it was hastily gathered back in June. I'd quite like the recipe for the soup though, as it may help my poorly tummy.
Morning all, and welcome, Sacrebleu. All I can think of as an answer to your question about if this is surreal is "FISH!" :)
Oh, thanks for the java, AnneP. I need it here in Boston this week. For some reason, I just can't get a decent night's sleep in this hotel, having woken up at about 3:30am each morning so far. Any thoughts, folks?
Ah well, time to get up I suppose... Big meeting with the Big Boss this morning... :/
P the JR - as I recall I had cooked down some bramley apples with a bit of nutmeg and a splash of stock, then added the lettuce to soften it a bit before liquidising the whole lot. It was a cafe sized batch so am afraid can't give exact quantaties (why does that word look wrong?)
It's quantities, ww - but that's fine - I don't work with exact measurements usually! It sounds good so I may give it a go once I've dusted the lettuce off.
Now, I'm going to hop into the hammock for a quick snooze. I'll try not to leave bunny pellets there for the next snoozer.....
Fearless, Sorry to hear about sleepless in Boston. I usually found that if the trip was a short one it was best to pretend I was still on UK time. Get up early deal with the email and then do the meetings and get to bed early. If staying for a week, then no choice but to try to beat the time change by eating small amounts at the new times and not too much food or alcohol at bedtime. Also keep the air conditioning to a temperature you can sleep at, rather than work at. Sorry all sounds a bit puritanical!
Also try the World Service or National Public Radio if all else fails.
Molly @39, I am not Ed I but I have a partial answer to your Scotland question: frequent washing with coal tar soap. Midges like that smell slightly less than I do, it seems. You still get bitten but not as much, and it helps.
I plan to find out next month whether the same applies with the mosquitoes in Finland. Somehow I don't feel too hopeful.
(That was malicious? are the moderators midges? I think we should be told!)
Ummm Witchi(47)? I have a feeling it looks wrong because it's quantIties, altough I could be wrong.....
Perky - of course! Synapses really aren't firing today...go easy in that hammock. Given your propensity for leaping you may end up concussed by a coconut!
Hello my little froglets, just popping in to see what's going on (surreptitiously wiping sausage juice from regal chin) prior to nipping orf to acquire new underthings for our annual pilgrimage north, or North. ( can anyone tell me why underpants have to be bought in vast quantities prior to every holiday? or is it just us...?)
Now RJD, you know balneotherapy is the ideal cure for your little ailment, so what if it was a little sudden. Look at how it perked you up?......
Have a sausage,... oh they all appear to have disappeared. Er Hem, as must I.
Good day all. You're all in remarkably fine (silly) form today I see. I especailly liked this from Molly:
lust off to catch up on what you've alll been up to...
A Freudian slip, methinks?
Perky the JR, keep out of RJD's way. Cats and rabbits -- not a good combination!
Witchi, how exciting!
Valery, those camlets look beautiful -- well done!
Fearless, keep your chin up... and if you put dark glasses on too no one at the meeting will know that you're asleep ;-)
Lovely salads for lunch on the bar. I'm off into the sea to work up an appetite.
A, x.
Perky (8):
Yes, of course you can have chocolate, assuming the camels haven't scoffed it all.
Val P (29):
I'm glad TD is enjoying the Union... I mean Summer School! Good to see the place being used for something over the summer; usually there's just an occasional sighting of a lecturer as they wander in to pick up their mail or get some data for their research.
Sacrebleu (26):
Welcome! Have a wombat.
(Who else is up for a game of wom?)
Someone presently in the US of A (FFred @ 51) telling someone in Britain how to spell correctly. Now that is surreal ;-).
H. (with apologies to EdI)
Cammelia, Lady Dromedary - My faith in you is restored. Given your standing and reputation I am somewhat abashed to have initially interpreted your action as baleful rather than benevolent. My "little ailment" is indeed responding to the treatment (sudden though it was) but I fear the linen suit is unlikely to be sported again.
Humph (54) - its great isn't it? Takes the edge of me feeling so stoopid :)
Molly (39),
Apparently 'skin so soft' (other 'beauty' products are available) is repellent to the wee beasties. Also if you avoid still air in hollows, especially damp ones and stay upwind of such places. Campfires are useful if you don't mind developing a smoky personal aroma (I find it quite attractive), and long-sleeved polo-neck knit tops (if it ain't too hot - unlikely in September) are good protection.
September can be glorious, and if the mornings are frosty and the weather dry, the colours can be outstanding. It's a bit of a lottery, but good outdoor gear and good company and good food and drink...
Care to say where in Scotland? It's a big place, but the "world's biggest village".
WW, Have a drink and offer one to the photographer, and then just go on as normal. And with its built-in British spellchecker! (other browsers are available, but inferior)
Sacrebleu, The Auld Alliance is alive and well.
xx
ed
Appy - yes it is exciting, just hope it all comes to fruition!
EdI - thanks for the tips!
Blimey. Just had a Dallas-like dream, where I'd turned into a rabbit. Pass the gin, someone.
xx
Well that was weird.
Dropped off to sleep in one Beach and re-awaken in another. Any lunch going? I'm as hungry and a starving person who's only got luncheon vouchers at Maxim's.
Barrel of Badger First Gold behind the bar at Nick's, give it an hour or two to settle and then dig in.
And another belated welcome to Sacreblue: how many surrealists does it take to change a light bulb?......
.....
.....
.....
.....
...
Fish.
;o) []
Witchi - well done you, and all the best - you'll be fine, and they won't be like newspaper journalists and try to be nasty, I'm sure. Be yourself (the hardest thing to do sometimes, and a cliche, but it's why they want YOU).
Do you get any degree of copy approval? And you can always say: "I'd like to rephrase that", or "I'd rather not say", if it comes to that.
It'll be great!
Molly, oooh, the midges, I itch just thinking of them.
Good insect repellent, but be careful as some can 'melt' plastic.
I've been told they hate garlic, so guzzle it - comes out of your pores and puts the b... er, buzzers off.
Staying away from water, esp still, is good. And yes, smoke is good; camp fire, citronella candle or, if you're inclined, tobacco. One hill-walking friend of mine used to take a pipe for the purpose.
Do tell, where? I'm guessing the West Coast, Highlands or Islands?
Frances O - thanks! Words of wisdom from all - sure it'll stand me in good stead!
Molly - just had an idea. Mossies apparently hava an aversion to B Vitamins so eating marmite can apparently deter them from biting (worked in Oz with vegemite - not sure about Scottish midges....).
Is it quiet, is it me, or do we need a PUSH???
Perky @ 65
glubble. splooosh glop, asplershclopple glop blubble bloik.
(spits pebble, eloquently)
Perk- well I've sent some- where are they?
PUSH!
Mollyxx
WELL. What a welcome. Thanks to you all who replied (too numerous to mention - and by the way you're all barking mad).
Having said that, I'm happy to pull up a lounger and have a G & T if that's OK. Tall glass, with plenty of ice and a slice of lemon. Mmmm.
Ed, I think we have met before - on Brian Taylor's blog, perchance? (Highly recommended for anyone having a remote interest in politics that are actually interesting! Ooh, am I being too serious for the beach there?)
Molly - Midges. Best advice is: don't breathe! Apparently they home in on carbon dioxide. Otherwise enjoy the scenery. Or bring your own bats. I'm told that the average bat literally hoovers up it's own body weight in the things each day.
Frisbee abyone?
Sorry, that was Frisbee (b)anyone(/b)?
Is it allowed if you've polished off a G&T?
Testing!!!!
Sacrebleu - almost anything's allowed on this beach after you've polished off a G&T (as long as you're sharing, of course!)
Warm Goats Cheese salad on bar. They have been maturing in the fridge for about 10 days so are RIPE. mmmmmmmm
Some Red to go with them
Busy watching the Lightening in June.
Warm Goats Cheese salad on bar. They have been maturing in the fridge for about 10 days so are RIPE. mmmmmmmm
Some Red to go with them
Busy watching the Lightening in June.
Hi RJD,
and sacrebleau, there is a tall glass with some blue sapphire, chilled to an exquisite temeprature waiting at the NCB (Nick Clarke Memorial bar)
I did post earlier (at 3:PM ) and alert the beach to the fact that Andycroak is now streaming on the Frog cam. Just click on my name above and it will open.
I will post them up somewhere more solid like google video. - but at least you can chat away merrily on camstreams.
Well, how come everyone seems to know about the little chaps-thanks for that; I'm really looking forward to smelling of coaltar,wearring a hat and poloneck (anything else?....) not forgetting my
plastic pipe and garlic. Do I look for damp hollows or .... I give up. Oh, and don't breathe- thanks fontainbleu!
Appy- good grief! Must've been thinking about m'holls.....some hope now!
Ed I- I think it's near Forres-v remote little cottage.
what's happening to the postings- lost?
witchiwoman- hope it went well today.
Mollyxx
sacrebleu sacrebleu- sorry about the name check - it's been that sort of day.
hope you enjoyed your day on the beach.....
glittery hammock free?
night-night.....
Mollyxx
jonnie, I keep my gin in the Freezer. I hope there is no harm in that?
Gosh Jonnie, I went for a look and watched it through thrice whilst chatting with RJD, Val and Annasee! It's addictive!
AndyCragg looks very pro and relaxed on camera doesn't he? Handsome fellow too. Perhaps it's your calming influence. Or you make a winning combination. Oh, and I liked the art! Nearly forgot to mention that!
Re Stewart :-
No - I always forget to stick it in the freezer - though I have noticed that the viscousity of Vodka is most peculiar, however I'm not a Vodka fan.
Enjoying a nice cup or Yorkshire tea as I type - from the Gold box. We have a lot to thank Betty in Harrogate for :-)
Vodka after a few days dee in the deepfreeze in small glasses similarly chilled is a Newyear's treat. Careful!
Nastrovia! (or somesuch)
Forres is a fine place, and not too remote from Findhorn, a very fine place. Also an excellent forest nearby.
Sangrebleu, Aye, well met.
Stewart, Lightning here flashing as I type from my perch in the trees. 3 miles away by the count, so if I'm cut o...
Isn't prayer wonderful. I was woken up last night by Thor's anger. So I said a prayer to the fairies at the bottom of my garden to go and placate him. Do you know! within half an hour his anger had stopped and I could sleep quietly again.
I must put out some milk for them as a thank you. It's amazing how they change into cats to fool me when they're drinking it.
hi! - a quick nip to the beach - everyone's in fine form I hope?!
Welcomes etc...
I found a new joke.....
n-n
xx
Jonnie & AndyCr - Enjoyed your piece on the CransleyCam. You are both too good for this place!
Morning all, vast vat of freshly brewed strong coffee on the go. I did give up caffeine, but can't stay away from it any longer, one of life's small harmless pleasures.
Now, Moll, I shall know you when I spot you - we're off up there this Saturday, I shall be covered in Marmite, smoking a pipe through a snorkel and wearing stilts.
Sorry EdI, this year we're missing D&G and going East Lothian - but I'll blow you a kiss at Waterperry.
Now off to look at Andy before going out in howling gale with stupid insistent dog.xx
Jonnie - enjoy your tea - I'm taking a truck-full of Betty's English Breakfast Tea with me when we leave. It's fragrant and refreshing - a bit like me first thing in the morning ;)
Molly - Forres & the surrounding area is lovely - you'll not want to come home!
Wonderful lightning last night, even if we are a bit puddly this morning back in June. Toasted English muffins and bluieberry jam on the bar for those who need a gentle start to the morning.
A polish lad I lived with once peppered some vodka. That lived in the freezer as we were conviced it would self combust!!
My Gin habit is at a level where I can keep it in the freezer. But I think I should sort out some Pimms for this aftrenoon.
Off for a coffee so I'll find some croissants and shove them on the bar.
And Betty in HArrogate is good for her tea's and infusions. Have one of her fat rascal scones next time you get to her cafe jonnie.
There's a site at that shows where the lightning is happening all over Europe, for those who want to plan their strike-watching. It's quite pretty if Thor has been on the booze and is showing off, even though all it does is give coloured dots.
So drink, drink, to Charlie Fort's memory
Marvellous doings and marvellous sights
Drink, drink, we may as well join them
The gods are not crazy, they're higher than kites...
Could somebody please dribble some vodka in at the edge of the surf? About 20cc where you see the stream of bubbles ought to do it.
Aunty (84),
You'll have to blow pretty hard as we're taking a break this year and staying home...Even East Lothian has some nice spots, just too densely populated for me. Do check out Wee Johnny Muir's birthplace and the interpretation.
Swing by on your way home...we've got marmite and whisky.
xx
ed
Many spirits benefit from being kept in the freezer in my experience (but not Single Malt!).
I've kept Vodka, Tequila and Apple Schnapps in the freezer. I also keep shot glasses for these drinks in the fridge.
Haven't kept Gin in there, perhaps I should... Glad to see there are some other Saphire fans out there on the Beach.
I've brought tortillas, salad and a variety of meat and vegitable fillings for lunch, sour cream and quaquemole on the side.
;o) []
Hello all.
Back from the land of zog for a while and yearning over the copious mentions of whisky (that doesn't sound correct, grammatically speaking, help me out!).
By the way, this sentence:
Apparently 'skin so soft' (other 'beauty' products are available)
is something that I never thought I would hear/read Ed say. The man has hidden depths.
That was a boring post wasn't it? Sorry about that.
Glad to see that you are all ok!
Aperitif, if you are about. I think you confused a Graham Baker with me back in 14 June but thanks for the interest in my leg and general welfare. Most recent prognosis is that it will be another three months before I am fully ambulant. But the good news is that the leg will only be 1 inch shorter rather than 2 inches as originally predicted. That should save considerably on trouser alterations and I probably won't have to alter the golf swing all that much.
I don't say very much on the threads but I lurk a lot (was that Frakie Howerd?). Thanks again for the kind wishes. I must get back to crossword now - "Found at the bottom of a birdcage" - 4 letters - ends with i t. Any offers?
Jonnie and Andycroak - well done. What a nice relaxed conversation you two were having. Congrats to Perky and Aunt D too for really good questions.
belinda - lovely to see you!
Hello Belinda - great to see you again.
Graham Barker - I would try GRIT. Do you need a rubber? The old ones are the best aren't they?
SSC - I've got my bat for a game of wom. Whcih rules will we be following?
Hey, Belinda, great to have you around again. Here have this sunlounger it seems to be especially comfortable.
Belinda, lovely to see you and best wishes!
Graham, I've been and responded to your message. Don't just lurk -- join in! As for your crossword puzzle -- is it the Viz crossword then???
Not sure if this will work but if not I'll set up a flickr site.
I have a flowering aloe. See piccy at
Its a little one and we always had loads of these cactii at home as a lad. I can't remember them ever flowering.
Me (95) - I guess spelling would be a good start!
Hi Belinda, hope you're feeling as well as you can. Have those beach servants been looking after you properly?
Stewart - Nice flower, lucky you.
Currently waiting to hear if I've got shortlisted for a student EH post which will be paid!! (Already offered one which isn't) So, fingers crossed everyone, please.
Some nice warm fruit scones, clotted cream, jam and assorted teas on the bar - dig in, do.
Belinda - good to see you!
Perky the JR - glad to hear you're feeling ok after your vaccination. As well as all those veggies, do make sure you're getting enough fibre in your diet, you need to look after your colon. There's some nice coarse grass on the dunes up behind the bar...
Witchi - you will be just great! Of the little experience I have I'd say make sure they don't put words into your mouth and see if you can read what they write before they publish it, so you're happy with it. Please tell us when it's out!!
Ed I/Molly - I have used Skin-**-soft (Av*n) - the green oily spray version, when we went to Sri Lanka. I didn't get a single Mozzy bite so I'd say it worked really well. (Other products etc etc)
Lady Cam - would they be Cami-knickers then? Personally I don't have that problem as my car only has space in the boot for a thong & a lipstick.
Belinda - the beach is brighter for your presence! Hope you're enjoying the sun and the sound of the sea.
Izzy - hope you get the paid job - fingers crossed for you.
GM - let me get this right. In your boot you only have room for a thong and a lipstick - why would you need spares????? ;o)
Hi. I'm back. What's on offer at the bar this evening?
OK I'll have a greyhound, please. (Vodka and grapefruit with crushed ice) Mmmm tangy!
Should I wear the s*in so s*ft over or under the Marmite?
and EdI --booooo hiss ect ect for letting W down - we shall miss you. Will do Muir - will also be doing sea bird centre and a boat trip somewhere romantic - Bass rock I think. May well come back that way as I long to know what they've done with Broughton House xx
Say, who is that over there? There, walking barefoot at the water's edge, flip-flops dangling in hand. Isn't it that chap Eric off the wireless? (He is on leave, after all)
No, I'm mistaken - it's not flip-flops, it's leather sandals. Must be him then. Maybe if we call over to him, he'll come and join us for a drink. What d'you think?
Thanks Perky - make sure you get your vits and nutrients, a la GM!
GM - what a wild thing you sound, I s'pect RJD et all should be relegated to the naughty step just on the basis of your post!
Belinda,
So good to hear from you and I sense a wee sparkle in your voice! The 'sss' advice was secondhand, but glad to hear it confirmed.
Aunty, it was my 'crew' wanting a break. probably back next year (if they'll have me). Do check Broughton out and come and tell me. I haven't seen the new arrangements. bass rock, eh? watch out for dive-bombing gannets! n Wear a hat.
Some Liffey water on the bar for those who fancy it, and a few local prizewinning sausages. I'll keep the Morangie with me, but would welcome company...
Someone from the glassbox left me a wee bit of homegrown and I've got to do a bit of quality control....
xx
ed
Ed I - what did your sausages win their prizes for? And what could a sausage possibly want as a prize?
Aunt D I think you need to put the marmite on first otherwise it will just sliver and slip its' way to the ground. Please post photos when applied. Alternatively why not get Smudger to breathe on the midges?
Izzy - fingers crossedxx Me, wild? Well my hair is, first thing in the morning.
The Morangie, eh, Ed? Hmmm.
Someone I know once gained my undying admiration by managing to include 'Glen Morangie' in the lyrics of a song ( set to a Welsh traditional tune, no less!) without it messing up the scansion.
Thanks for the vodka, whoever that was. Just the ticket. I don't suppose there are any ants' eggs behind the bar, are there?
Aunt D (103), Re Will do Muir
Oh really? Not if I get to him first!!
Mr Fish (108) You don't usually stay this long at the beach. How nice to have you. You got a new PC or something? I ask because I notice that your posts have been square-free recently too..
Belinda- good to see you.
Aunt D- don't you think stilts would look silly?
Izzy- what's an EH?
GM ,ED I- S***so S***- just the job- a spray? Lovely! Thanks for that.
Perky (84)ish- not sure about that.......can't wait, actually!!
Mollyxx
Jonnie-
I've just been watcching your 'Andy' piece-really lovely- so relaxed, both of you!
Trouble is, I couldn't work out how to log in and say so- sorry!
Well, that's me for the day- 1200 word assignment to do by tomorrow evening- help!
Mollyxx
Aperitif @109 -- iCab on a laptop. I am told it has an improbable number of 'gigs', which worries me: I mean, I do need a bicycle, but do I need even one gig, and would it be fair on the seahorses to harness them? Using the white horses seems a rash idea, they're *wild*.
Glad to be square-free though.
Cheers!
Jonnie and AndyC - great interview - how fantastic to ask questions on the beach and hear the answers live on Jonnie's camstream. V. impressive.
My car passed its MOT this morning, which is a big relief, and one less thing to think about. To celebrate, I've brought some fruit punch to the bar and I also stopped in town (Harrogate) on the way home and picked up some Fat Rascals* (as mentioned by Stewart M) from Betty's, for anyone who feels like one...... Butter and jam on the bar too.
*they're lovely big scone-type things. Yum.
* It's been nearly three weeks since last visit here *
* Peers around to see if anyone is watching *
* Shuffles quickly and silently over to the Bar *
* Deposits a mixed case of Right-Bank Bordeaux reds and whites, acquired on recent holiday there *
* Legs it before anyone spots him *
Help yourselves, you'll find St.-Emilion, Cotes de Castillon, Cotes de Bourg, Cotes de Blaye and more besides.
Si.
Good to have you back, Si. You've missed some mildly heated discussion.
Salaam/Shalom
ed
Hello all -
Have baked some lovely orange biscuits (in the shapes of hearts and moons) as a little solstice offering. Wishing you all light, happiness and fulfillment.
Extra special frugs for all ((((( xx )))))
PS anyone care to join me for a fire behind the dunes tonight? the sweetest woods of course!
Simon - I'll get me cotes!
Sorry, couldn't resist.
I really will get me coat now...
;o) []
Si - we missed you!! Debates just haven't been the same without your contributions. Hope you had a fantastic time away, and thanks for the pressies.
Why are you legging it?
St-Emilion for me, I think. Now, where's that corkscrew.
Anyone care to join me??
Cheers Ed.
I know, I spent quite a while on Monday night catching up. I noticed that you were rather ganged up on by a bunch of people on one of your favourite topics (No names, no Gaza's). I'm not going to reopen that one, we've had our own tete-a-tetes about it already. And someone who seemed to be on your side of some argument who ended up by trolling you.
Seems to have been a quiet two weeks though, overall? Quite surprised that there was no real discussion of the sudden and rapid return of the Cold War at G8, but maybe no-one cares any more? And it's not a Beach topic anyway.
Meantime, if the rather superb 2000 St.-Emilion Grand Cru doesn't wet your whistle then check behind that small dune over * there * and you might just find a magnum of draught blackstuff, direct from the brewers in old Ireland, just for you.
Anything happening around here that I should know about?
Si.
Oops - SiW, fired that off before I did a 'hello' to you!
Thanks for the vino - did you have a good time? Pull up a lounger and tell all!
Perky;
Thought I'd managed to get in and out without anyone noticing....
I know. Naughty Step. And I've only just got back. Pah!
Si.
Ahhh, you need to be fleeter of foot than that, Si. Over-indulgence slowing you down?
Still, I think the naughty step is a little OTT. Have a fat rascal instead, if there are any left :)
Perky;
I AM a fat rascal! Cheeky!!!
Si.
Welcome back Si, and don't mind if I do, cheers.
Mr Fish, I'm afraid I got lost at the bicycle part. Would still it still amuse me if you explained?
Witchi;
Had a lovely time thanks. Weather either warm and wet, or warm and dry. Sometimes both in one day.
Stayed at my parents place in the deep countryside of the south Charente, about an hour north of Bordeaux. Very rural, very peaceful, no light pollution there, so you can see all the stars. Only an hour (or less) away from Bordeaux, Royan, Perigueux, Bergerac, Angouleme and Cognac. So a big variety of town and country within easy reach.
Spent some time relaxing, other time exploring. Wine tasting for a day in the St.-Em. region, east of Bordeaux, armed with the Guide Hachette, the wine bible, updated every autumn. Just taking random roads, stopping at places and knocking on doors, tasting and buying.
Visited Perigueux, where the old city is chocolate heaven, lots of small shops with exquisite varieties of chocolate to buy, all immaculately wrapped and presented. Lunch there accompanied by one of the most pleasant pots of tea I've had for a long time, with fresh-baked English-style scones to die for at the aptly named 'Tea for Tous'.
Angouleme, where the old city up on the plateau is a shoppers paradise, with all the little shops to go and browse in. Narrow, cobbled streets add to the pleasure. All individual shops, well-presented and very inviting. Especially the patisserie 'Parfums Sucrees' where I bought my SO's birthday cake. She could spend days, and a small fortune, around the old town.
Arcachon and its Basin, with the nearby Dune du Pyla, the highest sand dune in Europe, currently 390-ish feet above sea-level (but variable, obviously). The view from the top is staggering. The town is a decent place for a bite to eat, especially on sea-food. Very yachtie, loads of jet-skiers, etc. The 'Winter Town' is a marvel, 300 or so individually designed Art Deco villas to gawp at and photograph.
Limoges, porcelain capital of France. Centres around it's china trade. There are places on the Blvd Louis Blanc to pick up huge bargains in slight imperfects. I could spend my small fortune there (if only I had one).
Stopped off at Oradour-sur-Glane on the way there. Some of you may have seen the series 'The World at War'. This is the place which kicked off the first and last programmes in that series. A small market town north-west of Limoges which was entirely destroyed by SS Panzer troops in a single day, four days after D-Day in 1944. 642 men, women and children shot and burned. Every building torched. The entire town wiped out. It was left untouched forever after to this day, as a reminder of the harsh brutalty of war. A sombre and sobering place, but one that everyone should visit once in their life.
Took the bikes on a roofrack and spent some time discovering new bike lanes, which seem to be really cropping up now in France. Also helped to keep down the obvious signs of overindulgence.....
Si.
Welcome back Si, thanks for the wine, I'll have one later if that's ok.
Witchi - yum, nice biscuits. I'll be with you at your celebration in spirit - 'fraid I've got to go out to support SO tonight.
Molly - EH = environmental health. Good luck with your assignment - I feel for you, I really do.
Thanks GM, for the x'd fingers.
Perky - good news about the car - mine's at the car hospital as we speak :o(
Wonko - shame about you not going to CFF this year, we could have had a bevvy in the beer tent. Still, enjoy the jamboree - sounds like it'll be great fun.
Well, lads and lasses, I'm off for a week on our annual surfing pilgrimage to Woolacombe in North Devon. In the words of Humph, umbrella/suncream? umbrella/suncream?
So, have a good week and keep away from that naughty step! I should know about the short listing by then - so will keep you updated (riviting, eh? ;O)).
*slinks away to the naughty step*
;o)
Aperitif, @124 -- there used to be a popular lapel-button thingy that read 'A woman needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle'.
As a bicycling fish, I always worried about that.
Mind you, I also worried about the Underwater Motorcycling Association.
In fact my sources of anxiety are often slightly different from those of others with different priorities. Where are the sea-lanes for bicyclists, that's what I want to know.
SiW - sounds delightful. I remember going/being taken to Arcachon as a child (came in useful when reading one of the Sharpe novels) and the highlight of the holiday was Pyla. A truly amazing feature, quite magical; its one of the fondest memories I have from a family holiday (possibly because most of the family weren't involved!)
Hi Izzy, yes shame about CFF. Never mind, there's always next year...
Actually I probably won't get to see much of the Jamboree itself, looks like I'm going to be working at Gilwell Park. Given that the Jamboree site at Chelmsford (same site as the V festival uses two weeks later) is more than a stone's throw away, I doubt I'll be over there much. However, I'm more than pleased to be involved in the Centenary Jamboree!
In the meantime I'm going to stick my feet up on the Beach, enjoy a long tall cool one and watch the waves gently lapping against the sure.
;o) []
A quick helloo and goodbye folks! Just dashing past the beach long neough to leave some beers and wine of all sorts behind the bar. Must dash back to June for the rest of the day's meetings. BTW, a few more photos have been flickered for those interested...
Fabulous sunset pictures FFred.
Did nobody else see Eddie Mair at #104?
What's the cocktail for today?
Blue,
Are you sure you haven't had enough?
³§±ôá¾±²Ô³Ù±ð
ed
I'm ony just starting!
sacrebleu, Brandy Alexanders or Pink Gins. take your pick and I'll pour.
Ah Si, (various),
Bordeaux, where I stayed for a year while at the Uni there. Work rather prevented too much exploration, but I was given a couple of eau de vie of interesting natures! Too long ago for me to drop one off at the bar, sadly, but I do have this rather good Armagnac for the end of the evening.
Is it tonight or tomorrow which is the longest day, or tonight the shortest night - I can never work out which it is, but tomorrow the nights start to draw in!!!
Back to a hammock, to view the all too brief stars above tonight...wonder where the planets are?
Malicious? Again?
FFred - great photos - have you also been to the all-you-can-eat China Buffet in Lowell??
Stewart -
Aren't there some cocktails with really naughty names? Maybe we shouldn't go there. I'll try a brandy, please. Although malts are my preference.
Where are the nibbles?
Sure that wasn't the Mair chappie earlier?
Het Perky,
Unfortunately not, as we're not in Lowell, we're in Andover :(
Hello Everyone,
How are you doing Fearless? Hope you're not getting so used to it that you decide to stay!
Mr Fish, Mind you, I also worried about the Underwater Motorcycling Association. What, pray, was the basis of your concern? Just the sea lanes or something more ideological?
Aunt Dahlia - East Lothian, but you must come and help us celebrate our birthdays, how long will you be up here? You can contact me by email through the flickring place if you think you might have time? Val P Towers is only 20 minutes in from the coast, so very accessible.
Are you bringing Smudger? Btw, don't look for the Bass Rock to be too romantic, it used to be a prison in the olden days.... but the scones at the Seabird Centre are to die for :o).
Word of warning - we've had constant haar for a fortnight now :o(
Hi to everybody else, good to see some old faces back on the beach. Hoping there'll be a good turn out on Tuesday as it's my birthday so I'll be stashing some fizz (yes and some Liffey Water) somewhere cool. See y'all then, if not before.
Evening everyone (or is it actually good morning now?) - been out for dinner with some old work mates so had a lovely catch up. SO has had to work tonight - they are doing some fixing etc to offices that are occupied so all has to be done out of hours. So am feeling a bit restless and not ready for sleep - no doubt I will regret this decision when I have two toddlers leaping over me at 6am!
Well hope everyone is ok - it does seem quiet around at the moment. If I miss anything about working its instant web access and peace to make phonecalls (but dont tell my former employers that please!!).
Hi Belinda - nice to see you back, hope all is ok?
SiW - sounds like you had a lovely holiday. Your detailed description was getting me in the mood for our iminent trip. Am getting the camper van all kitted out ready to go at the moment.
Hey Witchi - do tell when the article is out, good luck with that. Hope it goes well.
Hi Perky - Muse v's Wiggles.........hmmm let me think about that (for about a nano second!) Though I must say the children loved the Wiggles - they are obviously doing well on the billions of dollars they earn. Our dvd's of them are pretty old but they looked very tanned and toned in real life - had to slap myself around the face when I found myself thinking that blue wiggle was quite tasty. Muse on the other hand were just FANTASTIC. As I knew they would be.
Right really ought to try and get some sleep! See you all again soon x
Hi Si and welcome back
You ask (119) if anything has happened around here that you should know about. If you have been away for three weeks you might have missed something that happened during the first weekend of the month. For details, you should check out Mr. Mayor’s blog entry for Sunday 3rd June. There are some pictures on the second blog entry of the following day - after the Furrowed Brow. When you can work out who was involved, you will be able to see additional photos on some of their Flickr sites.
Whilst talking about those Frog entries, may I take this opportunity to reply to Molly’s comment 61 on the photo thread? Tsk, tsk and again tsk! I mean . . . tsk!! Okay, so Fifi is known to stretch the Truth-elastic on occasions. Her porkie pies would make the town council of Melton Mowbray wonder whether there was a future in Leicestershire Pasties. However, one thing she did get right was (and indeed is) the fact the beard has a certain male aspect to it. Really. Tsk! ;-)
H.
Hi Appy! (waves from behind a sand-dune 3,000 miles away). Trust me, I'll be glad to be back in my own place in a little over 24 hours time :))
Humph
Please don't take me to Tsk Tsk ; the pleasure was mine when I glanced at the photosback in June. BUT, Humph, did I or did I not see a fine pair of well-turned ankles attributed to you in some earler place......?
Forgive me? ;-)
Mollyxx
Morning all,
Oh, pleased to hear it Fearless! Safe journey back.
A, x.
morning all!
Pancakes anyone? Have made (and disgarded) the traditionally rubbish first one so we're off and running. Lemon juice, sugar , maple syrup, honey all available plus some clotted cream for anyone feeling truly decadent!
Fiona - re impending trip; so glad you are still doing that, am v jealous (though maybe not about the jumping toddler aspect of things!).
June is cold and misty and I'm staying here all day.
Italian breakfast pastries on the bar with real Italian coffee. Also fruit juice, bread, jams and home made honey. For those who prefer a savory breakfast I offer breakfast bread filled with ‘prociutto ham’ and cheese or mozzarella and tomato.
sacreblue 39, Naughty named cocktails get me a malicious posting warning. |So no slow comfortable anythings for you.
Any way what malts would be spoilt ina cocktail?
And you mentioned you thought Mr Mair was at 104, seems that was your good self.....
Just turned up at the beach to find some lovely comments about my video (Appy is looking especially lovely today, by the way!), glad people enjoyed it - Jonnie is obviously an excellent film-maker, maybe we could get him to do a fine froggers feature film ... :)
Now, where are my flip-flops ...
RJD, Have you been busy as a bee? I'll have some of that raw pigflesh though, thanks.
Stewart, Any malt would be diminished in value by such disgraceful treatment, but would, no doubt, improve most cocktails.
Greetings to all and best wishes for safe landings for those at high altitudes.
xx
ed
Val P.
Birthdays. Great things. Enjoy Tuesday. I'm still recovering from the bumps I got.
We shall share your cold fizz.
Arrgh, I'm being malicious again!
Aperitif @141, those underwater motorcyclists are a bunch of flaming nutters, that's why I worried. Well, not exactly flaming *as such*, underwater, but you know what I mean.
Humph (144);
Yes I knew about it beforehand. Our Feefs kindly invited me to partake. Since SO and I live around the corner from Annasee I'd love to have been able to come along. Sadly we shot a wedding in London the previous day then hopped on the early ferry to France on the 3rd.
Loved the photos though and the accompanying chit-chat. I might be able to reveal that it was an e-mail possibly from myself which caused Eddie to contact Annasee and set up the phone call which apparently caused Appy to have kittens.
And I'm looking at the Diary for October (?) when it seems that Jonnie may be trying to organise the next one in rainy Bournemouth. (Is that right Jonnie? Please correct me or fill in the details.)
Si.
Well, this'll probably be my last chance to frog before I fly back to "dear old blighty". Have a great afternoon & evening, folks, and I'll join you all on the beach for a relaxing drink when I get back:)
FF
Witchi (148), RJD (149), With all this lovely food you're really spoiling us!
Why thank you AndyCrComplimentry (151), It was about time I stopped eating so many crisps and tried my beach bikini on again. (Not quite but nearly there!) This will sound like I'm saying it for "returning the compliment's sake" but, not so: I had a good look at your website last night and I really like your stuff -- I do remember looking at it months back but obvioudly there's quite a lot of different things on there now. Love the statues! I would've left a message here but I don't have a blogspot account (I think that's what is needed?)
Mr Fish (154) Hahahah! They are, indeed, nutters. Surely you fit right in??? ;-)
And ha ha too Si (155), I didn't quite have kittens but I very nearly got full grown cat!! Still might actually... Hope to see you in October.
Nice cool beer anyone?
Safe journey, FFred. There'll be something on ice awaiting your return.
Hello all,
Damn! I missed pancakes for breakfast I see. Oh well, never mind. I'm making coffee, for reasons that will become clear below.
Last night Mrs Wonko and I went to a special charity summer solstice midnight performance of Spamalot in London. It was absolutely hillarious. Fantastic show, well staged, and the performances were excellent too. I was especially impressed with Simon Russell Beale's singing, though I did notice that he didn't do too much dancing! You could tell that the cast had a great time, and the odd time when they corpsed only added to the fun.
That's the good part. The flip side was a night bus home and not getting to bed until 3:45am. Stupidly neither Mrs Wonko nor I have taken today off work. So, everything's a bit of an effort today!
Is that hammock fre... zzzzzzzzzzz
;o) []
ValP - how exceeding kind. We're there for a week, which seems about 10 days too short for the list of stuff to be done. Have checked weather forecast and taken out skimpy t's and packed thick sweaters! Have spent morning trying to catch Smudge and get him into car harness, as practice. We are now all frazzled, not speaking, sulking and at work respectively and collectively. Except him. He's lying under the table feeling smug.
Am numpty re f*ickr, but will try when I get home tonight.
Welcome back Si, I have several bottles of Bordeaux bought from French Market this morning- still don't taste as good as when drunk in France ( read that ungrammatical bit any way you like)
I have just been to a soiree and drunk two glasses of wine on an empty stomach. I thus feel the need to share the fact that I am very sad today. :-(
Ap - Cheer up you! Sadness doesn't suit you!
And can you actually go to a "soiree" that early in the day? I am also going to a "soiree" and I fully intend to have rather more than 2 glasses of wine. :o)
Aperitif, no, no, don't be sad! Have a pebble! Have some really pretty seaweed! Erm... have a gorilla?
Aperitif, no, no, don't be sad! Have a pebble! Have some really pretty seaweed! Erm... have a gorilla?
And if *that* is malicious, I'm a banana.
As this week's beach hasn't arrived (possibly the access has been washed away a la Hampton Loade), if you fancy a reasonably fresh thread, I've opened "The Muddy Hollow" on the Sequin in Glastonbury thread. If you do decide to wade over to that thread, you'll have to make do with the Today camper van and marquee for facilities, as the camels and bar are still on this beach...
* slumps into hammock, clutching a bottle of something red and delicious called PINBALL *
I'm ba--- zzzz..... zzzz....zzzzzzzzz........zzz...
Fifi
Just a quick visit, as I am preparing to move out by helping SO drain the dregs from all the whiskey bottles so we can chuck them out ;)
I have various other bottles with "bits" left in them, so perhaps Sacrebleu can come up with some rude cocktails whilst I get slightly tipsy back in June. I have:
Tequila
Grand Marnier
Vodka
Gin
Dark rum
Brandy
Pimms
And just to prove I'm telling the truth, I just typed tispy instead of tipsy and I've had to read this post very carefully to ensure it makes sense.
xx
Like Appy I have just come back from an event where I drank champagne on an empty stomach and stood around in high heels I am no longer used to listening to people shout at each other over a very loud brass band (typed that as shot, but I claim that is because it is getting dark and I can't see the keyboard properly, nothing to do with the champagne). The only up side was that it was at Chatsworth which is always worth a visit even in the rain.
Unlike Appy I'm not sad though, so big ((((hugs))) and I hope that whatever it is making you sad seems less so soon.
Too early to go to bed, too tired to eat so I think I'll just curl up in the purple hammock for a bit. Wake me if I'm missing anything - thanks.
Thank you for all the comfirting words. I had to do something I really didn't want to, and I will probably be sad about it for quite some time yet. However, after posting last night I did drink lots more wine and then go to Favourite Restaurant and flirt outrageously with Favourite Waiter, which always makes me feel better.
Fishy Banana, thanks for the gorilla (?!?!)