Catriona's Thread for Homeless Thoughts - Part 12

I really liked Bag End - great way to set it all up and introduce the characters. 

And I loved listening to RA singing. 

You bet - and not in a cute fashion either. More in a 'let's open all the windows and abandon ship' kind of way... 

 Thankfully my two don't have that problem, they just both snore like pneumatic drills at times.

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Morning everyone!

I also love that outside shot at the end of the song.

Yes, me too. I actually think the first half hour is my favourite part of the film.

It's amazing isn't it? That's the kind of behaviour you would expect of a plebeian species like dogs.

I’ve never had a cat before who snored as loud as Nancy. She is awake one minute and then snoring her head off the next. Sometimes you can't hear the TV. 

It was probably out foraging for food. Did it come back during the night?

But it should be sleeping during the day and foraging at night. Usually if you see them out in the day it is because they are ill. I didn’t see it last night. I bought a do-it-yourself hedgehog house a few years ago. It is right at the top of garden up against the fence. I don’t know if it has ever been used, but I hope maybe the little hedgehog might find it.

Well, no Alfa on here this weekend. I wonder if she has caught up with Poldark. It was Episode 8 here last night which featured the controversial scene I knew was coming this season. I had read in the press that they had changed it in a bid to keep Ross a hero. Not that it would have done that for me.  But I was surprised that it wasn’t as that article described at all. Now I haven’t read the book and I can’t remember the scene in the 1970’s series, but the stars had said recently that they were portraying a more ‘nuanced version of events’ which I think probably made it worse because it ended up being more ambiguous. Anyway, I definitely dislike Ross now. 

ETA:

Sorry Lois, I've just realised that I didn't answer this question you asked days ago.

But why are they shrinking the size of your bins?

It is to encourage recycling. They have shrunk the size of the grey bin which is for general waste. The old ones contained 240 litres of waste and the new smaller ones only 140 litres. It is going to be difficult. We re-cycle but our grey bin was still often full after two weeks. If they were going to do this, they should have gone back to weekly collections.

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Yes, me too. I actually think the first half hour is my favourite part of the film.



I wasn't too eager on the snot, bird poo, and goitrous goblin, but then snarky middle-aged women are probably not the intended audience for that kind of humour 

I’ve never had a cat before who snored as loud as Nancy. She is awake one minute and then snoring her head off the next. Sometimes you can't hear the TV

That sounds a lot like my dad 

But it should be sleeping during the day and foraging at night. Usually if you see them out in the day it is because they are ill. I didn’t see it last night. I bought a do-it-yourself hedgehog house a few years ago. It is right at the top of garden up against the fence. I don’t know if it has ever been used, but I hope maybe the little hedgehog might find it.

If it's not lardy enough to last the winter it might go looking for food as often as possible, even during the day.

I think you have done all you can for it for the moment. 

Well, no Alfa on here this weekend



After all is said and done, a lot more will have been said than done.

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I wasn't too eager on the snot, bird poo, and goitrous goblin, but then snarky middle-aged women are probably not the intended audience for that kind of humour 

That's true, I'm sure the youngsters enjoyed all that. I didn't like the goblin section much at all, apart from the wonderful 'riddles in the dark' scenes.

If it's not lardy enough to last the winter it might go looking for food as often as possible, even during the day.

I really hope that is the case. It certainly didn't look ill.



She'll be back. LOL!

Off into town shortly for the dreaded mammogram.  I will have to have some retail therapy afterwards to help me recover and maybe a visit to McDonalds as well. 

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Hope it won't be too paiful. 

Retail therapy - one of woman's greatest contributions to medical, social, and economic welfare 

She'll be back. LOL!

The AlfaNATOR!  

After all is said and done, a lot more will have been said than done.

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Hope it won't be too paiful.

It was just about bearable. I had forgotten they do two mammograms for each breast.  The radiographer was very quick though. I could have maybe changed my appointment from the health centre in town and gone to the hospital instead which is closer. But as I work in Radiology at the hospital and know a lot of the sonographers in the Breast Unit, I would rather go to the health centre where I don't know anyone. It's a bit less embarrassing. LOL! Mind you that backfired last time when I got recalled for further examinations as recalls are all seen at the hospital. So of course I knew the radiographer. And the radiologist who did an examination and ultrasound I knew even better because she worked in the main department as well. I remember her telling another member of staff that she and I were about the enter a new phase in our relationship. 

Retail therapy - one of woman's greatest contributions to medical, social, and economic welfare

Definitely.  Although I was slightly depressed seeing all the Christmas stuff in the shops. 

The AlfaNATOR!  

 That's her!

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Printing everything off to read it then I will post early in the morning ... you yappy bunch!!

The AlfaNATOR! 

 I'll take that as a compliment??  



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Morning, girls!

Horribly rainy and dark today - and all the sidewalks are covered in leaves. At least that keeps the rambo cyclists away. 


@ laura

And the radiologist who did an examination and ultrasound I knew even better because she worked in the main department as well. I remember her telling another member of staff that she and I were about the enter a new phase in our relationship

That would definitely be a bit awkeard 

Although I was slightly depressed seeing all the Christmas stuff in the shops

Thankfully there isn't too much of that here yet. Just the sweets (and so far I have managed to resist them )

@alfa

I'll take that as a compliment??

Absolutely. It is also a very clever and nifty ruse to get you into commenting. 😁

After all is said and done, a lot more will have been said than done.

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It always takes a couple of days for me to adapt, and the older I get the longer it seems to take... 

I'm exactly the same Birds. I also think it is worse gaining an hour than losing one as well.

Good to hear your have finished your son's room. 

And... male puberty in my family has entered a new stage with the ascent (quite literally) of perfumed deodorant 💨 . 

 You will have to buy him something more subtle for Christmas.

If she had any irony in her soul (which she doesn't, poor girl) she might go as Circe, complete with Greek tunic and stuffed plush piglet 🐽... considering her habit of breaking so many hearts. 

Good one Birds. I haven't heard of Circe before (I just looked her up), but then I'm not so well informed on Greek Mythology. In fact I think most of my knowledge comes from films such as Clash of the Titans. 

I was thinking that the cuddly bear costume I posted this morning might be better suited to Higgins. 

I forgot to mention this earlier. It looks pretty spectacular.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3885444/Movies-zombies-Halloween-changing-Mexicos-Day-Dead.html

I didn't realise that Mexico City had never had a parade before. I remember the scene from Spectre. Cool that they used some of the props from it as well. The first time I heard about the Day of the Dead was in a Ray Bradbury short story years ago.

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Morning/afternoon, ladies. I"m late on here today...lots of Sunday chores and the weather has cooled off and we also have had rain.

So you and Birds both experienced a change in your "clocks". Isn't it interesting how, like Birds mentioned, it takes a little more adjusting the older we get? We gain an extra hour and we don't know what to do with ourselves!


Popcorn, Laura?  Loved that one. I hope merej takes us seriously 

Good news about your hedgehog, too. Hopefully it was him who got the food last night.


Halloween costume ideas....

Watson could easily be a bear (he's a big guy) but you're right, so could Higgins. Wasn't it Pat who used to refer to him as a bit of a teddy bear? So yeah...that would definitely work. Higgins could also dress up like a Golden Dragon...

I don't know the book, The Guernsey and the Potato Peel Pie Literary Society , Laura, but I remember you mentioning it before. And you will no doubt remember that is Anniemine who first metnioned it on here, in fact she raved about it, and how can one forget a book title like that?  As a result I don't know the characters, so I can't comment on the choice of Lilly James over Rosamund Pike, but I definitely trust your judgement on that one. (BTW the link for the article isn't working for some reason).

Ms. Birds, congratulations on finishing your son's room. I bet it looks wonderful...professionally painted in fact. :)

And... male puberty in my family has entered a new stage with the ascent (quite literally) of perfumed deodorant 💨 

 Good times ahead...soon it will be cologne. 

]Good one Birds. I haven't heard of Circe before (I just looked her up), but then I'm not so well informed on Greek Mythology. In fact I thin most of my knowledge comes from films such as Clash of the Titans. 

That is a good one Birds but like Laura I had to look her up as well. (My knowledge of Greek Mythology is limited to having a dog named Athena - my son named her - and I had to look that one up, too.)

But Circe is a very clever choice for a costume for Margaret (and the pig!) since Circe was an enchantress of sorts. In fact, although I had to read it twice because there are so many big words ... there is something known as The Circe Effect:

The Circe Effect, coined by the enzymologist William Jencks, refers to a scenario where an enzyme lures its substrate towards it through electrostatic forces exhibited by the enzyme molecule before transforming it into product. Where this takes place, the catalytic velocity (rate of reaction) of the enzyme may be significantly faster than that of others.

That's so Margaret! 

Actually it is...so seriously, Birds, that was super clever of you!


I have nothing else to add right now. I'm thankful for my quieter Sundays.

I hope you gals continue to enjoy yours.




Edit: Sorry, I forgot to comment on that article about Mexico and "The Day Of The Dead" parade. Thanks for sharing it, Laura. Those are great photos and wonderful costumes. I'm always creeped out by those "Dead" images (although I love the vibrant colours of the costumes) - there's something that just doesn't sit right with me, visually, when it comes to skulls and skeletons and zombies. Any one else? *shudders*

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Hi there, girls!😊 There is so much I want to comment on -I am bound to forget something! First off - those costume ideas are a hoot! Very clever and funny Alfa - about your grandson - 2 years is an amazing age. All the things they discover...when you are with a kid that age it is like you also discover the world all over again. As for skulls and skeletons. I don't know about you but either they remind you of a living breathing dreaming loving person who is gone, which is sad and should probably command more respect, or they don't and then they are pointless. As for taking yous seriously - keep dreaming! As for the sunscreen - thank you for the picture it had me actually laugh out loud! I did use a lot of it just apparently not everywhere. So my legs are still a creamy white while my left ear, ankles, back of my knees and right shoulder are an angry red. Given that a ballpen leaked in my bag which keeps dying my hands blue, I look like the Union Jack or an advertisement for Uncle Sam - all red white and blue.😀 Been staying out of the sun these past two days and it's already much better though.Got up at 5am today tomoo drive up a mountain to the crater of a (no longer active) volcano, did a bit of hiking, and I am back at my place relaxing in the shade now. I might try the beach again tomorrow. As for pineapples not cancelling out pastry calories - that's a vicious rumour!😫 Just in case though I have included Creole salad in my diet which is mostly hot spices with some roast chicken and greenery thrown in . YUMMY!
Birds - perfumed deodorant must be one of those things they put in small print into the what to expect from your teenager brochure. Guess it can only get worse...

Sorry about the lack of paragraphs. ..

You all have a lovely Halloween!

ETA- see I knew I would forget something! Laura - don't feel bad about the magpies stealing from the squirrels. From what I hear squirrels have terrible memories and forget where they put most of their stuff anyway (come to think of it they are a bit like me, really  - only with bushier tails) That's why them trees put them in charge of spreading their seedlings in the first place.  There is a good chance them squirrels will never know that their nuts have gone.
After all is said and done, a lot more will have been said than done.

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Morning everyone!

Happy Halloween! 🎃 👻 💀

Good news about your hedgehog, too. Hopefully it was him who got the food last night.

The food went again last night. We have been putting out dried cat food. Of course a passing cat could have eaten it.

Wasn't it Pat who used to refer to him as a bit of a teddy bear?

Yes, it probably was. He is a bit of a twinkly eyed teddy bear.  So maybe the teddy bear costume is better suited to him.

I was thinking about John. He was a hero for Margaret sweeping in to save her from the law, so maybe..

http://static.fancydress.com/resources/ecommerce/images/products/923/504/4/img4504923/product_main.jpg

I don't know the book, The Guernsey and the Potato Peel Pie Literary Society , Laura, but I remember you mentioning it before. And you will no doubt remember that is Anniemine who first metnioned it on here, in fact she raved about it, and how can one forget a book title like that? 

I had forgotten for a moment about Anniemine because I think that must have been before I became a regular here. I know that Lois has read the book and enjoyed it as well. I will be interested to hear what she thinks of the casting.

(BTW the link for the article isn't working for some reason).

Sorry. Must be the dreaded editing bug.

http://www.denofgeek.com/us/tv/lily-james/259422/lily-james-to-star-in-the-guernsey-literary-potato-peel-pie-society-movie

I hope you gals continue to enjoy yours.

Well I watched the penultimate episode of Poldark last night. I don’t know who I felt more sorry for, Demelza or Elizabeth. I think my sister is only watching it now because I am. She said last night she has never watched a series before where she disliked the hero quite so much. 

there's something that just doesn't sit right with me, visually, when it comes to skulls and skeletons and zombies. Any one else? *shudders*

Yes, I know what you mean and I watch The Walking Dead LOL! It is interesting though that usually 'The Day of Dead' is a much quieter affair in Mexico City with the Mexicans gathering at their loved ones' gravesides to drink, sing and talk to the dead. But I suppose this will bring definitely bring in the tourists.

Hi merej. Glad you liked the pictures. 

I did use a lot of it just apparently not everywhere.

Yes, you always forget some place. When my hair was shorter it was usually the tops of my ears that I forgot. You did the right thing, staying out of the sun for a couple of days.

Given that a ballpen leaked in my bag which keeps dying my hands blue, I look like the Union Jack or an advertisement for Uncle Sam - all red white and blue.😀



Got up at 5am today tomoo drive up a mountain to the crater of a (no longer active) volcano, did a bit of hiking, and I am back at my place relaxing in the shade now. I might try the beach again tomorrow.

Sounds wonderful. 

From what I hear squirrels have terrible memories and forget where they put most of their stuff anyway (come to think of it they are a bit like me, really - only with bushier tails)

 Well, I’m not surprised because they do bury so many. They couldn't possibly remember them all.

Well, that’s it for now apart from I saw this on the TV this morning:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/10/30/prince-harry-rumoured-to-be-seeing-us-actress-meghan-markle/

I watch Suits so I’ve heard of her. 

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Morning all! 

Happy Halloween!! 🎃👻👺😱

What type did you do Lois?

I did a couple of long-stitch ones that came in a kit but the fabric has the outline stamped Laura. The couple of cross-stitch ones I did do also came from a kit but the fabric was unstamped in that case. And I was always fretting it was off-skew until the end. There was a latch-hook one that I really loved doing of roses (also from a kit and again, stamped); I found that to be the most calming actually. LOL.

Then we have a beige bin for paper, cardboard etc, and a burgundy bin for bottles and cans. It can be a hassle washing out the tins.

We used to separate out paper from bottles/cans but not anymore.  But yes, definitely a hassle esp for my folks for rinse out the bottles. They'd rather not coz they feel like they're doing a lot of the work.  I'm the one usually rinsing everything and making sure to put out the recycling.

I have a huge man-made compost "bin" in my back yard. (It's raccoon-proof!). It has become very natural for me, over time, to save my compost (in a handy bin under the sink) and transfer it to outside. In the spring I then have great top soil. Most of the "village people" here have a similar set-up. I don't know that I would be so diligent if I lived in the city.

That's just great Alfa. I would love to compost as well but when I suggested it here I was met with a bunch of eyerolls. 

Oi! Stop that now! 

--------------
What Laura said! Stop it already, Lois!  Can we get over Halloween, first?

 

What's a "droogie"? 

 I wondered the same, Alfa.  Ms Merej making up words again? 

What do you think the characters (any and all included) of N&S would wear for a Halloween costume? Just random...throwing it out there...put it at the end of your post or ignore.

Loving all the suggestions so far ladies!  Henry, a gooseberry...lol

Mine are:

Mr Hale ---- a Mayflower pilgrim https://goo.gl/images/IccYSb
Mrs Hale ----- Little Ms Muffet https://goo.gl/images/usGN4X
Dixon ---- Queen Victoria https://goo.gl/images/KQmZ6c
Aunt Shaw ---- Aphrodite https://goo.gl/images/RGpF0x
Edith ---- Wonder Woman https://goo.gl/images/jfIsQN
Cosmo/Shelto ---- Tigger https://goo.gl/images/c2NB0t
Cap Lennox ---- Mexican bandit https://goo.gl/images/jZNCDp
Henry Lennox ---- Shakespearian dude https://goo.gl/images/vKMpt4

That's it for now. 

Thanks for breaking down what the school holidays are like in Germany, Birds!  Seems like you get more days off there in general even though we've got a bunch of single days adding upto a long weekend. But the big breaks are during Christmas, March break and then the summer. http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/general/list/calendar/holidaye.html

Sorry to hear to needed some work on the car done Birds. And am glad you got your son's room done...hope he likes how it turned out. And I love how he's dousing in Axe LOL!

Nice to hear from Merej as well. Her stories are so fun!  🍍 & 🍰 🍗....jealous!! 

The sunscreen jokes are hilarious!  Have fun Merej! 

Well that's it apart from you may remember me mentioning one of my favourite books - The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society in the past and how they have been talking about making a film for quite a few years. The last I heard Rosamund Pike was rumoured to be playing the heroine Juliet. Apparently though, it is Downton Abbey's Lily James who has been cast.

http://www.denofgeek.com/us/tv/lily-james/259422/lily-james-to-star-in-the-guernsey-literary-potato-peel-pie-society-movie

Oh this is great Laura!  I thought I read before that it was Michelle Dockery who was rumoured for the part....or was it me who thought she might be perfect for the role.......can't remember now. Pike would have been good too but she's a bit more...stiffer...isn't she? LJ is more losey-gosey I feel.

I don't mind LJ; she can certainly carry a movie/TV show so far in what I've seen and seems to do period-drama quite well. She's the new "Keira Knightley: small scale version", isn't she? LOL

I'm excited to hear that this project is finally(!) going into production. I really loved this book as well Laura.  Can't wait to see who will be cast opposite her!

Good one Birds. I haven't heard of Circe before (I just looked her up), but then I'm not so well informed on Greek Mythology. In fact I think most of my knowledge comes from films such as Clash of the Titans. 

 Same here Laura.  A great suggestion Birds. But I need to look up the significance of the stuffed piglet (that went over my head). LOL.

Loovvee that John is in a Superman costume Laura! 

I didn't realise that Mexico City had never had a parade before. I remember the scene from Spectre. Cool that they used some of the props from it as well.

Yes, I remember that scene too Laura. It was the opening sequence and I thought it was great couple of shots; but I didn't know they never had one of those parades before. How interesting! Day of the Dead celebrations are huge in the Latin American culture aren't they, but no parade I guess.

Well, that’s it for now apart from I saw this on the TV this morning:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/10/30/prince-harry-rumoured-to-be-seeing-us-actress-meghan-markle/

I watch Suits so I’ve heard of her.

I watch "Suits" too Laura. They film in Toronto.  And Meghan does the "Reitmans" commericals here, a clothing brand I love. I think she is gorgeous! Not a very good actress but she seems like a nice person. So I'm cool with it I guess. 💔 This certainly is verrrrryyyy interesting if it is true.

Alrighty...gotta go for now but I may edit the post to add more costumes...



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The couple of cross-stitch ones I did do also came from a kit but the fabric was unstamped in that case. And I was always fretting it was off-skew until the end.

Yes, I think the end product looks better with the unstamped ones but they are more stressful. I ended up unpicking lots of times. 

There was a latch-hook one that I really loved doing of roses (also from a kit and again, stamped); I found that to be the most calming actually. LOL.

I haven’t done any of those. I've done just embroidery as well with all the different stitches such as daisy chain and French knots. I still have some cushion covers I embroidered.

But yes, definitely a hassle esp for my folks for rinse out the bottles.

Well there were times in the past when I couldn’t be bothered and put them in the grey bin. But now space in there is at a premium. It won’t be emptied until Friday and it is already nearly full.

Mine are:

Those are great Lois although the one for Henry isn’t opening up for me. Why Wonder Woman for Edith though? LOL!

I thought I read before that it was Michelle Dockery who was rumoured for the part....or was it me who thought she might be perfect for the role.......can't remember now.

No, I heard that rumour as well. She was the name I had heard before Rosamund Pike was mentioned.

Pike would have been good too but she's a bit more...stiffer...isn't she? LJ is more losey-gosey I feel.

Personally I find RP a better actress. But I’m probably being unfair to LJ as I have only seen her in Downton Abbey.

I'm excited to hear that this project is finally(!) going into production. I really loved this book as well Laura.  Can't wait to see who will be cast opposite her!

Yes, it is fantastic it is finally happening.  I know a lot of RA fans (myself included) would have loved to have seen RA as Dawsey (he has played the shy farmer type before in Sparkhouse) but he is too old now, especially with such a young Juliet.

So I'm cool with it I guess. 💔

Never mind Lois.  She hasn’t got a ring on her finger yet. 

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Those are great Lois although the one for Henry isn’t opening up for me. Why Wonder Woman for Edith though? LOL!

Ah thanks Laura. It was a Pinterest link...I should have double checked it. I won't edit it in the post though in case the "edit bug" runs loose again. So here is the same pic from a different site:

Henry Lennox ---- Shakespearian dude i.e. A Tudor Lord https://goo.gl/images/aql8fk

And I chose Wonder Women for Edith because she probably feels like she's a "wonder" woman who handles everything and that without her the (her) world would crumble! 

Personally I find RP a better actress.

She definitely is Laura.  But LJ isn't bad either. She's young, the current "it" girl and looks great in period costumes.

Never mind Lois.  She hasn’t got a ring on her finger yet. 

 Thanks Laura *sniff*


Ok...what other costumes...hmmm.....


Fanny & Watson --- Cleopatra & Mark Antony https://goo.gl/images/smtgoP

Mrs T ---- Queen Elizabeth I https://goo.gl/images/bXDdBp

Mr Bell --- Columbian coffee guy https://goo.gl/images/gnbM9C






ETA:

Nicholas --- Count Dracula https://goo.gl/images/aKfw0Y

Bessy ---- Angel https://goo.gl/images/d3x9zC

Mary --- Joan of Arc https://goo.gl/images/t3xfRb

Boucher --- Court jester https://goo.gl/images/Apzh0k

Mrs Boucher --- Mona Lisa https://goo.gl/images/yinFGK

Tom Boucher ---- Safari explorer https://goo.gl/images/vqkjmT

John ---- George Washington https://goo.gl/images/UyV4Ne

Margaret --- Florence Nightingale https://goo.gl/images/LtYOTz



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Morning ladies!

Merej's mentioning French pastries gave me the idea of making Brioches this morning (it's a public holiday today; All Saints). While I'm waiting for the dough to rise I've got a little time to drop by.

I had a good giggle at your Halloween costume ideas, Lois. What finds!  Of course, nothing can beat Tigger in terms of cuteness!

Back to Circe, and in particular the piglet; that's a tale to be found in Homer's Odyssey... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circe#Homer.27s_Odyssey

... right, so much for early morning education on this board. 

Talking about education, though... Don't your Canadian school kids have any long summer break? And if so, how long is it? (... because I couldn't find any reference to it in the link you posted, Lois)


I'm busy, busy, busy writing English stories atm... No, not about John and Margaret--and I definitely won't post them anywhere online . They are for my younger son, as an exercise in transforming simple present verbs into their simple past forms... and I'm not doing this because I'm such a nice mum, trying to make learning fun *wry grin* but because my younger son is literally incapable of learning lists by heart. He doesn't have the ability to memorise anything out of context, be it multiplication (number columns such as 3, 6, 9, 12, 15...), the correct order of the months in a year, or... whatever. He's a bright chap by and large, but every now and then this rather unfortunate 'trait' pops up and hinders him to learn things quickly and easily... 

Ups! Time to put my Brioches in the oven now... see ya! 

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Morning everyone!

Henry Lennox ---- Shakespearian dude i.e. A Tudor Lord https://goo.gl/images/aql8fk

Thanks Lois. You first link did open for me when I tried again showing lots of pictures of Colin Firth (including this one).  Good choice for Henry.

And I chose Wonder Women for Edith because she probably feels like she's a "wonder" woman who handles everything and that without her the (her) world would crumble! 

👍

I think I would put Edith in a Disney style princess costume.

http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/ODYwWDczMg==/z/0r0AAOSwv1RUZHU9/$_3.JPG?set_id=2

Wow! I think you have covered all the characters there. Some really imaginative choices. Love Mr Bell’s  Florence Nightingale is a great choice for Margaret, although I would have chosen a younger Florence. 

http://media.gettyimages.com/photos/photograph-of-a-young-florence-nightingale-the-founder-of-modern-as-picture-id184256142

ETA: I thought Ima might have popped by yesterday. I know she likes dressing up for Halloween.

But LJ isn't bad either. She's young, the current "it" girl and looks great in period costumes.

What other things have you seen her in Lois? She does look great in period costume. 

It's a shame that they have changed the title of the movie to just Guernsey. I know it is a bit long but I love the title of the book. I wonder if they will film on the island. I know when this has been discussed before I read that the island might be too small for a film to be shot there.

Hi Birds! Happy All Saints Day. I wish it were a public holiday. We could do with one later in the year. I hope the dough for your Brioches on your rises OK.

Thanks for the link about Homer. Very interesting. I hope all goes well with your writing for your son. It sounds a great way for him to his English verbs.


I’ve just been out looking for ladybirds on the outside downstairs windows. They like the corners of window apparently. There were loads yesterday. I went googling and saw this: 

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/swarms-black-ladybirds-hit-uk-9162416

Although most of the ones I saw yesterday were the usual red with black spots, I did spy a couple of black one with red spots.

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Hi Laura! 

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/swarms-black-ladybirds-hit-uk-9162416

Although most of the ones I saw yesterday were the usual red with black spots, I did spy a couple of black one with red spots.

 🐛🐞🐜 

Loved one of the comments: "I thought Brexit meant Brexit, not an invasion from another area. Unbelievable, just when will it all stop? I blame the EU." 

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Loved one of the comments: "I thought Brexit meant Brexit, not an invasion from another area. Unbelievable, just when will it all stop? I blame the EU." 

I missed that LOL! We blame everything on Brexit now. 

I didn't know we had a ladybird emoji. Thankfully it is red with black spots. 🐞 The bit which shocked me was about how these foreign invaders are carrying ladybird STDs! 

From earlier:

... right, so much for early morning education on this board. 

My lesson is something I learned in the last episode of Victorian Slum. I'd heard of the term 'slumming' or 'slumming it'. But I didn't realise one origin came from rich Victorians visiting the slums out of curiosity and amusement.  They had some modern 'sightseers' visiting the families who are re-enacting life in the slums. If was amusing how horrified the families were, especially when one of the visitors asked if she could take a picture. They were proper mad. LOL!

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Morning all! 

Merej's mentioning French pastries gave me the idea of making Brioches this morning (it's a public holiday today; All Saints).

Yum! Hope your brioches turned out well Birds. And nice that it is a holiday there. Not here I'm afraid. The only Christian holidays we have are Good Friday, Easter Monday and Christmas.

Don't your Canadian school kids have any long summer break? And if so, how long is it? (... because I couldn't find any reference to it in the link you posted, Lois)

The school year lasts till the last week (last day I think) in June and so summer holidays start in July. The kids are back in school entering a new year the day after Labour day (which is the first Monday in Sept). Some schools do start back in mid-August (depends on the board and the region) and so will have more days off during the school year in that case.

... and I'm not doing this because I'm such a nice mum, trying to make learning fun *wry grin* but because my younger son is literally incapable of learning lists by heart.

Awww...it's the bright kids who have trouble with the seemingly simpler of things.  And you are a great mum Birds!  

Back to Circe, and in particular the piglet; that's a tale to be found in Homer's Odyssey... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circe#Homer.27s_Odyssey

I had read about it soon after I posted; thanks for linking it again Birds. These Greek Gods and Goddesses....... 

Wow! I think you have covered all the characters there.

I missed a few like Fred and Delores:

Fred --- Matador https://goo.gl/images/ez5OeT
Delores --- Flamenco dancer https://goo.gl/images/OSom2F

Inspector Mason --- Chimney Sweep https://goo.gl/images/CBYKGN

And lastly....

Leonards & Jane --- The Thénardiers from Les Miserables https://goo.gl/images/jSn0e7



Done.

I had a good giggle at your Halloween costume ideas, Lois. What finds! 

-------------

Some really imaginative choices.

Thank you both! I'm glad you enjoyed them. I really enjoyed this Alfa ; thanks for that!

What other things have you seen her in Lois?

I've seen her in pretty much everything she's done since DA, Laura; "Cinderella", "Pride & Prejudice & Zombies", "War & Peace" and even "Burnt" in which she has like a 2 second part. 

Speaking of, have youuuu seen the new Burberry ad starring some of my fav peeps (Gleeson ) including Ms LJ? It's like a movie!! Just released: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6D5IZtDCS5c

Wow!! It's something else, isn't it? 
The only Burberry I own, is Burberry Weekend which I bought on a whim and absolutely love. It's a bit strong but I don't mind that; it makes me happy. LOL!

It's a shame that they have changed the title of the movie to just Guernsey.

Oh, that's a shame. I wouldn't have minded if they had changed it to "The Guernsey Literary and Pie society". And now that Lily James has been cast, I wouldn't be surprised if they went with someone like Tom Austen for the part of Dawsey: https://goo.gl/images/WtP8gM

I forgot to mention earlier that I'm all caught up with "Grantchester" now Laura (hence Tom Austen ). I don't understand why series 2 wasn't as well-received as series 1; I loved them both. I can't remember if you watch it Laura but the character Leonard, absolutely broke my heart. And the Sidney-Geordie friendship too!

And also that me mum (lol!) has caught up with "Call with the Midwife" now. She loves it! And she's now started on "Last Tango in Halifax". What a pleasure it was for me to see Nicola Walker again...she's brilliant!! I haven't seen it past the first episode but mom's verdict: so far so good! 

Alrighty...enjoy the rest of your afternoon/evening! I'm all ready for lunch here 



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The only Christian holidays we have are Good Friday, Easter Monday and Christmas.

Same here.

And you are a great mum Birds!  

Lois is right, you are a great mum and you really care about your sons’ education. 

Thanks for the rest of the costumes Lois. They were great. I laughed out loud at Leonards and Jane as the Thenardiers.  And how could I forget Inspector Mason. I think I would have him dressed as Sherlock Holmes, because he fancies himself a great detective. 

http://worldoffancydress.com/images/sherlock%20pipe%20and%20magnifying%20glass.jpg

I've seen her in pretty much everything she's done since DA, Laura; "Cinderella", "Pride & Prejudice & Zombies", "War & Peace" and even "Burnt" in which she has like a 2 second part. 

You’re a bit of a fan then.  Of course I remember you talking about War and Peace and how much you enjoyed it. I didn’t realise you had seen Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. Or did I forget again (my memory is getting bad LOL).

It's like a movie!! Just released: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6D5IZtDCS5c

Gosh that is like a movie. Some adverts are now though aren’t they. I remember the Sainsbury’s advert from a couple of years ago which featured the Christmas Truce of 1914. That was like a mini movie.

I wouldn't have minded if they had changed it to "The Guernsey Literary and Pie society".

That would have been a good compromise. Guernsey doesn’t really tell you anything, apart from that it is set in Guernsey. LOL!

I wouldn't be surprised if they went with someone like Tom Austen for the part of Dawsey: https://goo.gl/images/WtP8gM

 I’m not sure myself. I picture someone more shy and awkward looking. I think Matthew Macfadyen would have been another good choice for me, because he does shy and awkward well. But like RA, he is too old now as well.

I can't remember if you watch it Laura but the character Leonard, absolutely broke my heart. And the Sidney-Geordie friendship too!

Yes, I watched it back in April. Poor Leonard. I love the Sidney-Geordie friendship. I love Geordie especially, more than Sidney, if I’m honest.

I’m glad that your mum has enjoyed Call the Midwife. It is one of my favourites. I never watched Last Tango in Halifax but I’ve heard good things about it. I love Nicola Walker as well. You probably remember me saying that I have been watching old series of Spooks and I just adore her character of Ruth.

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Glad you liked the rest Laura. 

I think I would have him dressed as Sherlock Holmes, because he fancies himself a great detective.

I totally was thinking the same Laura but thought he might be able to go undercover as a chimney sweep. 

You’re a bit of a fan then.  Of course I remember you talking about War and Peace and how much you enjoyed it. I didn’t realise you had seen Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. Or did I forget again (my memory is getting bad LOL).

Actually, I'm a bit indifferent to Ms James herself. It's just that she does projects that I'm interested in like "Cinderella", which is one of my favourite fairytales (and had Richard Madden in it who I ), and "War & Peace" which I've always wanted to read esp since I'm intrigued with Russian culture and lit. And like TGL&PPS, I had read P&P&Z first, ages ago, when it first came out actually; and even though I detested the book, I couldn't resist not watching it (to see the trainwreck it may be) .

What I've noticed is that Ms James does the naive young woman role well. And I suspect that's why she gets cast in these things. If they ever remake "My Fair Lady" in the next little bit I bet she'd be Eliza Dolittle or at least in the running.

No, I don't think you forgot Laura; I may have failed to mention it...can't remember if I did now.  It was oookkkaaayyy...really silly IMO but what was amusing was to see how "fun" the production thought itself to be.  Sam Riley was new to me and grew on me by the end. But I really hate Jack Houston as an actor. Just no. I had seen him in "The Longest Ride" before and his acting just irritates me for some reason.  Oh, and I don't understand the Matt Smith (Lily James's real life boyfriend!) fascination either.

But I loved TGL&PPS, and now that she's been cast, it just makes it even more...familiar, I suppose. And finally happening! 

I remember the Sainsbury’s advert from a couple of years ago which featured the Christmas Truce of 1914. That was like a mini movie.

I remember it Laura. You had linked it here. That was a good one as well. 

I love Geordie especially, more than Sidney, if I’m honest.

And I love Sidney.  And that probably has to do with Norton actually . The funny thing is, I watched DCTP first and he failed to make an impression with me then but ever since I saw "Grantchester" series 1, I've been a fan. Actually, I was looking forward to his part in W&P the most to be honest. I didn't really care that Lily James was in it. And I reallllly lovvvveeeddd his Andrei. From what I could see, the fans were in love with Paul Dano's Pierre and while Dano is great in most things, he didn't really stand out to me in this. I loved Norton's Andrei muchhh more; I love these tragic hero characters, so no surprise there. I wish he were nominated for an award though. I wish the whole production was nominated more actually apart from the music which is something else. I know I've linked the Waltz piece here before so here's another piece: https://youtu.be/fgVYKKTCuh8
*goosebumps*  I bow to Martin Phipps's greatness! 

I want to see "Happy Valley" because I hear Norton plays a villain. That would be interesting to see him and apparently he's quite good. Norton was apparently over here during the summer filming "Flatliners", a sequel to the old movie.

Back to Geordie though, I dunno...I can't like this character too much. I love their relationship but without Sidney, I don't like Geordie. 

You probably remember me saying that I have been watching old series of Spooks and I just adore her character of Ruth.

 I remember Laura. What I found really interesting is that LTIH is made by the same lady who made "Happy Valley" (and who did "Shakespeare ReTold's: Taming of the Shrew" which I know Birds is a fan of); and she wrote the part (and therefore the show) specifically for Sarah Lancashire after her turn in LTIH! http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3428912/trivia?item=tr3008506 Wow!

Even though I had seen her in a couple of episodes of "The Paradise" (I couldn't sit through it all ), when I first saw her in this my thoughts were: she looks like someone from Corrie! And whatdya know!  I suppose Wainwright and Lancashire go way back as friends. And I thought Norton was an exception doing more than one show at the same time, but I think Lancashire has him beat.

Gosh, I'm rambling away! 

Goodnight! 

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Morning everyone!

Still very dark this morning considering it is really one hour further on. LOL!

ETA:
It turned very sunny but cold. There was ice on the car windows this morning for the first time this Autumn. 

Glad you liked the rest Laura. 

I think we missed one Lois – Stephens.

I suppose he could come as a punchbag. 

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/10/17/article-0-0E68D86300000578-841_634x823.jpg

If they ever remake "My Fair Lady" in the next little bit I bet she'd be Eliza Dolittle or at least in the running.

Yes, I can see her as Eliza Dolittle. 

Sam Riley was new to me and grew on me by the end. But I really hate Jack Houston as an actor.

I don’t know either of these two. But I can see that Jack Houston was in the remark of Ben-Hur. Sam Riley looks a little boyish to be Darcy.

Oh, and I don't understand the Matt Smith (Lily James's real life boyfriend!) fascination either.

No, he is rather odd looking. I never really warmed to him as Doctor Who.

I know I've linked the Waltz piece here before so here's another piece: https://youtu.be/fgVYKKTCuh8

Thanks for that Lois. The music is really beautiful

*goosebumps*  I bow to Martin Phipps's greatness! 

Yes, his music for Victoria is stunning as well. He's doing very well since North and South. 

What I found really interesting is that LTIH is made by the same lady who made "Happy Valley"

Yes, I knew that. But I didn’t know that she wrote it especially for Sarah Lancashire. Sally Wainwright also wrote Sparkhouse, the drama I was talking about where RA played a shy farmer (John Standring). It is a modern retelling of Wuthering Heights. Very dark.

Even though I had seen her in a couple of episodes of "The Paradise" (I couldn't sit through it all  )

I watched the first series but I wasn’t that keen on it and didn’t watch the second. I’m afraid I’m not a big fan of Sarah Lancashire. 

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Me making up words?  You gotta be funning! I will have you know that droogies is a perfectly established term used (exclusively I think) in A Clockwork Orange for loyal friends and lovers of rough entertainment.

Now that this is cleared up: How did your brioche turn out, birds? I never baked any myself though I am very adapt at eating them  It is great how you are helping your son - I wish our school system was a bit more flexible when it comes to different ways of learning. But it's all just about grades and short term results...how is that supposed to inspire kids to take an interest in things?

Btw - so far there have been no shark sightings although some of the clouds in the mountains had a bit a bit of a Sharknado-look about them . After seeing the pic of Alfa 's grandson I am almost a bit sorry about the sharklessness of this place..isn't he just too cute!!!

I said goodbye to Tigre and Fluffy this morning and have moved from my hillside abode down to the coast and into a treehouse apartment in a little fishing village further south. It's only a couple of steps to the beach, and I can actually hear the waves from my terrace.

The weather here is rather particular: It's all microclimates with sunshine at the beaches and clouds in the mountains. Today it's almost 30 degrees at the coast. Not bad for November

Halloween was a rather loud affair with music and parties and children being given adorable little plastic trumpets to make a hell of a racket with and drive grumpy holidaymakers barking mad. Also dogs were barking all over the island which made Tigre and Fluffy turn up their noses at the vulgarity of the display. Yesterday people brought flowers and fruit to the graves and. today the cemeteries look like big farmers markets...you can hardly make out the headstones!

Well thats it from here for now - hope you all have a good week!

After all is said and done, a lot more will have been said than done.

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Morning! 

I think we missed one Lois – Stephens.

I suppose he could come as a punchbag.

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/10/17/article-0-0E68D86300000578-841_634x823.jpg

 Perfect!

But I can see that Jack Houston was in the remark of Ben-Hur.

Exactly why I thought it would bomb anyway!  I had also seen him in "Miss Austen Regrets"; I wonder if he got into the business because of his name. Or maybe it's been really hard because of it, to prove himself. But I'm not impressed at all! 

Sam Riley looks a little boyish to be Darcy.

Actually I thought he looked older in this than on his IMDb profile Laura. He's got a raspy voice too which makes him sound older to me. But he's a better actor for sure.

Sally Wainwright also wrote Sparkhouse, the drama I was talking about where RA played a shy farmer (John Standring). It is a modern retelling of Wuthering Heights. Very dark.

Right! Of course; I had forgotten that Laura. I have seen "Sparkhouse" and not a fan of it at all or of "Wuthering Heights" tbh, but RA was wonderful in it.  Interesting that she's got the same farm theme running in LTIH as well. I'm not a Lanchashire fan so to speak but she's pretty good in this show.  Nice to see an actress from Corrie win acting accolades ; and I just read that she's won a BAFTA for LTIH! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZbqIZz5_I8

Love that a show like "Happy Valley" in which she's the central character is quite well-received. I'd love to see it for Siobhan Finneran as well (fantastic isn't she) who left DA to do this show.

Me making up words?  You gotta be funning! I will have you know that droogies is a perfectly established term used (exclusively I think) in A Clockwork Orange for loyal friends and lovers of rough entertainment. 

 Pardon my ignorance Merej!  Me knowest not that a droogie was such an affectionate term. Didn't mean to cause any offense.😯 I was funning!   And to make up for it, I'm sending you lots of 🌺 and 🍍 and hoping you are having lots of ☀ and 🍹 by the 🏊

🌎 👙 👒 👗 😎 👋

P.S:  love your posts Merej! You brighten my day for sure!!  Thank you for keeping us in the loop on your vacay.    



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Hi merej! 

isn't he just too cute!!!

Isn’t he just. 

I said goodbye to Tigre and Fluffy this morning and have moved from my hillside abode down to the coast and into a treehouse apartment in a little fishing village further south. It's only a couple of steps to the beach, and I can actually hear the waves from my terrace.

Oh that sounds so wonderful (not saying goodbye to the kitties, of course ). I am so jealous. I have always wanted to stay somewhere so close to the sea and be able to hear it it like that. I hope you have a lovely time there. 

Yesterday people brought flowers and fruit to the graves and. today the cemeteries look like big farmers markets...you can hardly make out the headstones!

That sounds a bit like what they do in Mexico.

@lois.

Exactly why I thought it would bomb anyway! 

I thought it would bomb simply because, for me, how can you better the 1959 one? 

Actually having checked his filmography again, I realise that I have watched something he was in - Parade's End, but I don't remember him.

Actually I thought he looked older in this than on his IMDb profile Laura. He's got a raspy voice too which makes him sound older to me. But he's a better actor for sure.

I’ve checked out some other photos and he does look older in them. I’m afraid his looks don’t do anything for me though.  He reminds me a little bit of Dominic Cooper.

Right! Of course; I had forgotten that Laura. I have seen "Sparkhouse" and not a fan of it at all or of "Wuthering Heights" tbh, but RA was wonderful in it. 

Sorry Lois, I didn’t realise you had seen Sparkhouse. I agree with you. I only watched it because of RA who, as you say, was wonderful in it. I’ve never been a fan of the story of ‘Wuthering Heights’ either. I much prefer ‘Jane Eyre.’

Love that a show like "Happy Valley" in which she's the central character is quite well-received. I'd love to see it for Siobhan Finneran as well (fantastic isn't she) who left DA to do this show.

Another series I haven’t seen but heard great things about. Somehow I seem to miss these BBC ones. LOL! Yes, Siobhan Finneran is fantastic. I really missed her when she left DA.

Going back to Matt Smith, I read in the paper this morning that he is playing Prince Philip in a new drama opposite Claire Foy as the Queen.

http://www.bbcamerica.com/anglophenia/2015/06/matt-smith-to-play-prince-philip-for-netflix

I don’t see any resemblance at all.  And Philip was much better looking.

http://d3lp4xedbqa8a5.cloudfront.net/s3/digital-cougar-assets/aww/2015/08/26/1440563230465_Philipcomp.jpg?mode=max&quality=80&width=1024

That’s it apart from we have bought some dried hedgehog food for our prickly visitor. I didn’t realise they did such a thing but my sister saw it in the supermarket today. 

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I’m afraid his looks don’t do anything for me though.  He reminds me a little bit of Dominic Cooper.

Same here Laura. I don't find him attractive at all.  Part of the Matt Smith, Benedict Cumberbatch, Eddie Redmayne group of "adorableness" I'm afraid. But he's a pretty good actor nonetheless (as the others in this group are) given that it was my first time seeing him in anything. His Darcy was nothing to write home about. None of the characters in this production were special tbh.

And Philip was much better looking.

There was an article recently that showed an old photo of him and how striking in resemblance Harry is to him now with the beard and all. Have you seen it Laura? http://www.vanityfair.com/style/2016/10/prince-philip-1957-photo-harry-resemblance

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Hello.

Hi Lois. 

I'm watching the World Series. GO CUBS !!! Its tied 6-6. And its raining. But I think the Cubs will win. Have a good feeling. What a game !

Ok , gotta go watch.


Laura, how is your sister ?

Oh my god, the Cubs won the World Series !!!!!!!!!!!!!! 108 years is a LONG wait !! Chicago is going crazy.  My sister works at 911 in Chicago. Gonna be a crazy night !! Woooo hoo!!

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Morning everyone! 

Part of the Matt Smith, Benedict Cumberbatch, Eddie Redmayne group of "adorableness" I'm afraid.

Sometimes I do find Eddie Redmayne quite cute. 

Have you seen it Laura? http://www.vanityfair.com/style/2016/10/prince-philip-1957-photo-harry-resemblance

No, I hadn’t seen that. They do look alike there. Prince Philip was very handsome. It’s no wonder the Queen was so smitten with him at 13. Theirs is quite a love story.

Hi Wendy!  Sounds like you are enjoying the game. 108 years is a long wait for a win. Congratulations to them. 

Laura, how is your sister ?

Do you mean Lisa who split open her head? The scab on her wound has finally gone. It took about 12 weeks though and there is still some numbness where the scar is.

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Morning everyone!

A Street Cat Named Bob had its royal premiere last night and the Duchess of Cambridge met Bob. LOL!

http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/entertainthis/2016/11/03/hello-kitty-duchess-kate-meets-bob-movie-star-cat/93252810/

I've read a few lukewarm reviews of the film itself, but I still would like to see it.

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Good afternoon, mesdames et messieurs!😀

Thanks for saying you like my stories! This place is so lovely and you are all so kind, I would love to bring something to the table (other than attrocious table manners)

Glad to hear they are selling hedgehog food. What an amazing world we live in!  Hope the little fellow is OK.

As for Sam Riley, I saw him in that Joy Division film and thought he was pretty good there. He's not my type either though.

It rained pretty heavily last night and was cloudy and stormy in the morning. Glad I went to the mountains yesterday as the road was knee-wobblingly narrow and nervewreckinly steep with lots of u-turns, tunnels, and places where little boulders would merrily skip down the rockface which is always fun until they land you in a ravine - but what an amazing scenery! Wouldn't want to go up there in inclement weather though.
I had planned to spend today at the beach but the gale forced me to walk from my cosy little fishing village to the neighbouring town of St. Pierre (just along the beach front under them banyan trees and over the foodbridge) and spend some money on a new handbag instead. It's not that I am addicted to handbag shopping...no, mam!

I also found that I have a new skill: I can now locate French bakeries by smell only.

Think I will go for a walk to the beachfront later on - the Indian ocean is coming in with such force here, when the waves break they do not simply collapse into froth, rather they explode into geysir like fountains then race towards the beach like those water horses in lord of the rings - it's quite the spectacle!

Btw -did you know that this island is where the dodo used to live before it became proverbial? Poor dodo Now all that's left of it is its funny little face on a beer label. At least it's tasty beer though.

And last but not least - hurrah for the Chicago Cubs! I would ask whether they commit themselves to the noble game of clubbing a sphere with a bat or the equally worthy pursuit of carrying about an oblong ball in order to place it safely behind a line, but I fear that this might be interpreted as a rather ignorant if not impertinent question. In any case - good for them, well done indeed!

Hugs and all that!

After all is said and done, a lot more will have been said than done.

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Awww merej... your posts are like a ray of sunshine  in this dreary November weather; or like being doused by Indian Ocean spray--in a good way, of course. 

So happy for you that you are having such a good time, and soooo good of you to keep us updated. 

Nothing new from this part of the world, except that I picked up my new bifocal glasses . First reaction of my elder son: 'You look like my Latin teacher' (so not a compliment *argh*... kids, ey )... The glasses are actually amazing, and I got used to them on in no time whatsoever (even used them for driving back in my car a couple of minutes after first trying them on). They better be 'amazing', though, because they cost me an absolute fortune! Well, nothing doing, since without glasses I'm pretty much blind as a bat...

Oh, and talking about 'amazing'... My younger son totally shocked me today by telling me that he scored top marks in his last English vocabulary test ... LOL. The brain works in mysterious ways... his most definitely does *shakes head*

Will catch up with all the rest later... and be back then. But first: housework. 


EDIT: Housework was followed seamlessly by taxi-mum duties... and now it's time to cook dinner.  Back tomorrow--hopefully.

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@merej

Thanks for saying you like my stories!

We are loving them.  The island sounds amazing. Two of our Radiologists come from there originally. No, I didn't know that about the dodo.

I also found that I have a new skill: I can now locate French bakeries by smell only. 

An handy skill to have. 

@birds

Awww merej... your posts are like a ray of sunshine  in this dreary November weather; or like being doused by Indian Ocean spray--in a good way, of course. 

I was just thinking the same on this dark wet November evening in England.

The glasses are actually amazing, and I got used to them on in no time whatsoever (even used them for driving back in my car a couple of minutes after first trying them on).

That’s excellent news. I think bifocals are probably something I will end up wearing eventually. I know they can be very expensive as my sister has some. She tried varifocals first but couldn’t get used to those.

Well done to your son on getting top marks. 

Lot of 🎆 tonight already. I imagine tonight and tomorrow will be the worst. Tilly didn’t stay out long when I got home. We will probably keep her in for the rest of the night. She just decided she would sit on my knee while I am trying to type this after first deciding to walk across the keyboard and so consequently I had a line of gobbledygook.  She has settled now and keeps looking up to see what I am typing. She hasn’t done this before but then she doesn’t come in this room often because Nancy does. She did check under the bed first to make sure Nancy wasn’t lurking there. LOL!

My news is that I heard back from the hospital that my mammograms were OK.  So relieved not to get recalled this time. My other not so good news is our toilet is leaking now as well as the boiler.  We have rung our plumber but not heard back yet.

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My news is that I heard back from the hospital that my mammograms were OK. 

That's exellent news, Laura. So happy for you that you won't get a recall this time.

Rotten luck about the leaks, however. I hope your plumber will get it sorted out pp.

I think bifocals are probably something I will end up wearing eventually. I know they can be very expensive as my sister has some. She tried varifocals first but couldn’t get used to those.

After checking it up on the internet I think that mine probably are what you've called 'varifocals' (mine are in fact those glasses that don't just do short and long distance but gradually go through all the intermediate stages) and--after wearing them for several hours now--I'm still totally enthusiastic about them. Haven't tried to do a lot of reading yet, but that's what I'm planning to do--now.

Have a good evening, everybody! 

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Morning everyone!

Cold but sunny here.

It was a very noisy night last night with all the fireworks. I always feel for the animals. Our two were definitely spooked by it all. Nancy was not too bad but Tilly was quite scared. She was sat on my sister's knee most of the evening, jumping and looking around wide eyed everything there was a loud bang.

After checking it up on the internet I think that mine probably are what you've called 'varifocals' (mine are in fact those glasses that don't just do short and long distance but gradually go through all the intermediate stages) and--after wearing them for several hours now--I'm still totally enthusiastic about them.

Yes, those are varifocals. My sister just couldn't get used to those and she didn't feel safe when she was driving. She prefers the bifocals which have a more defined division between the two lenses.

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Hi ladies!

So, your kitties were rather spooked by the fireworks at Guy Fawkes Night, Laura? I'm not surprised, really. Exploding lights in the sky and loud bangs is not what your average animal is prepared for... I always think that those police patrol horses are absolutely incredible, the way they are trained to withstand noise and chaos--especially since horses by nature are so prone to flee.

I just returned from Aikido this morning. We did sword practice (with wooden swords of course)  which is not one of my favourite parts during training sessions... and so I managed to make a total mess of things. Didn't accidentially hit anyone though, just confused not only myself but all my training partners into the bargain 

Tomorrow we'll be going to a museum in Cologne; it's a science museum specially for children of all ages. It's a bit of a distance to get there, and we're going to leave early and probably return quite late... So, unless I wake up really early tomorrow morning, I won't drop in before late in the evening, if at all.

You guys have a good weekend! 

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Morning ladies! I'm catching up on here right now and oh look, Ms Merej has shown up again, this time dressed as a "flag" or a walking advertisement. 

From what I hear squirrels have terrible memories and forget where they put most of their stuff anyway (come to think of it they are a bit like me, really - only with bushier tails)

Thanks for sharing that bit of squirrel wisdom, merej. I didn't know ,but it does make sense and that just might be the reason I too identify with them. 

I envy your wonderful hikes! I go on great hikes out here all the time but nothing like what you would be experiencing. *sigh*

Halloween costumes:
Those are all great costume ideas you ladies had. Lois, I see you came out with all your suggestions...and they're all great and clever choices! Like Lois, I still really like Laura's "gooseberry" costume for Henry -  and I see that Laura thinks John could be "superman"...yep, I could see that. I tried to come up with something funny for him but it is difficult to make John look funny or silly, isn't it?

Well I watched the penultimate episode of Poldark last night. I don’t know who I felt more sorry for, Demelza or Elizabeth.

Oh Laura... Well I've given up trying to watch it (or anything) on Sunday nights, as I always seem to get interrupted. I'm debating whether to get the DVD. However, if it's not as good as season one (and it seems a lot of people are saying that) I don't know....

Merej's mentioning French pastries gave me the idea of making Brioches this morning (it's a public holiday today; All Saints). While I'm waiting for the dough to rise I've got a little time to drop by.

Ooh that sounds so good. I hope they turned out! I like to bake but I don't do "yeasty" things  but I'm pretty decent at cakes, pies and mmmmmufffins!

I admire your creative teaching efforts with your son, Birds. I bet you'd make an excellent teacher yourself. They're lucky boys, for sure (I include your hubby in that statement). 

ETA: I thought Ima might have popped by yesterday. I know she likes dressing up for Halloween.

I was thinking about her too, Laura. Yes, Ima loves costumes and she's so good at it. I was hoping she would have popped by and let us know how she's doing. Yoo hoo...Ima......📢🔔

It's a shame that they have changed the title of the movie to just Guernsey. I know it is a bit long but I love the title of the book.

I totally agree! Although I've never read the book, one does not forget so easily a title like, 'The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society'. I suspect the author knew this...

I’ve just been out looking for ladybirds on the outside downstairs windows. They like the corners of window apparently. There were loads yesterday.

We had a lot of ladybirds for several consecutive years in our little village. This year...nada...however we are all now blessed with lots of "fruit flies". 

The bit which shocked me was about how these foreign invaders are carrying ladybird STDs!

And they have the nerve to call themselves "ladies"...

www...it's the bright kids who have trouble with the seemingly simpler of things. And you are a great mum Birds! 

I absolutely agree, Lois.

Speaking of, have youuuu seen the new Burberry ad starring some of my fav peeps (Gleeson ) including Ms LJ? It's like a movie!! Just released: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6D5IZtDCS5c

Oh Wow! That is fantastic, Lois. I wish it were a full length movie, I'd see it in a heart beat. Thanks for sharing. 

I know I've linked the Waltz piece here before so here's another piece: https://youtu.be/fgVYKKTCuh8
*goosebumps* I bow to Martin Phipps's greatness!

Gorgeous. Brings tears to my eyes. He has a distinct style. Thanks again, Lois. 3

Ha! Ms. merej:

I will have you know that droogies is a perfectly established term used (exclusively I think) in A Clockwork Orange for loyal friends and lovers of rough entertainment.

Yeah but...but...some of us don't "go back that far"...  
(Well that's a blatant lie... .)

I said goodbye to Tigre and Fluffy this morning and have moved from my hillside abode down to the coast and into a treehouse apartment in a little fishing village further south. It's only a couple of steps to the beach, and I can actually hear the waves from my terrace.

Oh my gosh I do envy you! Sounds just heavenly. We miss you, merej, you're a hoot.
Continue to enjoy....

Sorry Lois, I didn’t realise you had seen Sparkhouse. I agree with you. I only watched it because of RA who, as you say, was wonderful in it. I’ve never been a fan of the story of ‘Wuthering Heights’ either. I much prefer ‘Jane Eyre.’

I agree totally. The father in Sparkhouse was disturbing. I own the DVD (Genie kindly made me a copy of it years ago) but I very rarely look at it because of that cruel father. Richard was sweet in that role.

That’s it apart from we have bought some dried hedgehog food for our prickly visitor. I didn’t realise they did such a thing but my sister saw it in the supermarket today.

Awww..warms my heart, Laura. And I had to smile when I read that article about Bob meeting the Duchess of Cambridge. He gets around, doesn't he? 

Hi Wendy, and a BIG congrats to your Cubs for winning the World Series. It was all over the news, of course, so yeah...you guys were having a well deserved celebration!

Well done to your son on getting top marks.

And a big thanks to "mom".  Good for him!

My news is that I heard back from the hospital that my mammograms were OK. 

Yaaaay, Laura. What a relief, eh? Hmm...now if you could only get good news about your plumbing issues. (House plumbing, that is. ) 

After checking it up on the internet I think that mine probably are what you've called 'varifocals' (mine are in fact those glasses that don't just do short and long distance but gradually go through all the intermediate stages) and--after wearing them for several hours now--I'm still totally enthusiastic about them.

My sister just couldn't get used to those and she didn't feel safe when she was driving. She prefers the bifocals which have a more defined division between the two lenses.

I tried those years ago...I nearly killed myself every time I went up or down stairs. I just could not get used to them. Now I wear contacts (since I was 18) and use magnifiers with them for reading and computer work. If I have to wear my distance glasses, I take them off to read - I can still see to read without anything. I hate glasses (on me) with a passion. 

Your trip to the museum sounds lovely, Birds. I hope you and the family enjoy it.

My family thing today involves my daughter's birthday. I"m going over there this afternoon to bring back my grandson for a one night sleepover so that mum and dad can have an evening out to celebrate. So...guess who gets to sleep with grandma?  


I really need to post more regularly so I don't have these ridiculously long posts.



Enjoy your weekend, ladies 

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@ Birds

So, your kitties were rather spooked by the fireworks at Guy Fawkes Night, Laura?

Yes, and today is the 5th, so it will probably be worse tonight, especially being the weekend and dry as well.

I'm not surprised, really. Exploding lights in the sky and loud bangs is not what your average animal is prepared for..

Our late cat Oliver, never bothered about the fireworks but then they seem to have got noisier in recent years. You look outside and can’t see anything, but just hear all the racket. Poor Tilly must have been terrified when she was living rough.

I always think that those police patrol horses are absolutely incredible, the way they are trained to withstand noise and chaos--especially since horses by nature are so prone to flee.

Definitely. 

Enjoy the science museum tomorrow. I hope the boys have a good time. We have something similar in Manchester. It is very popular with children.

@ Alfa

I'm debating whether to get the DVD. However, if it's not as good as season one (and it seems a lot of people are saying that) I don't know....

But did you enjoy what you watched so far? Don’t let me put you off. I know a lot of members of C19 have really enjoyed it. It is the last episode tomorrow and it sounds quite eventful. I’ll let you know what I think.

Yoo hoo...Ima......📢🔔

Yes, pop by soon Ima. Don't make me come after you on Twitter again. 

And they have the nerve to call themselves "ladies"...

 Thankfully I haven’t seen any more of the black ones. But then I haven’t seen any red ones either.

The father in Sparkhouse was disturbing.

He was. I don't know if you know this, but the actor who played the father is Alun Armstrong. His son Joe (who is the image of him) was in Robin Hood with RA. He played Alan-a-Dale.

And I had to smile when I read that article about Bob meeting the Duchess of Cambridge. He gets around, doesn't he?

I love that he was sat on a cushion. It’s a good job he didn’t scratch her. But I suppose he is very used to people. His co-star Joanne Froggatt reckons he can be very aloof at times though. LOL!

Hi Wendy, and a BIG congrats to your Cubs for winning the World Series. It was all over the news, of course, so yeah...you guys were having a well deserved celebration!

Apparently Bill Murray is a big fan. So he was definitely well pleased. 

http://www.nme.com/news/film/footage-bill-murrays-drunk-chicago-cubs-celebration-goes-viral-1819929

He was seen at an earlier game wearing this t-shirt 

https://cdn-img-0.wanelo.com/p/8c8/b6d/fee/b37fc325e4e2bf872fa2e77/x354-q80.jpg

Because of this supposed curse. Which hopefully now has been lifted. LOL!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curse_of_the_Billy_Goat

(House plumbing, that is. ) 

Yes, don’t wish that on me. 

I tried those years ago...I nearly killed myself every time I went up or down stairs.

Were they varifocals or bifocals Alfa? At the moment I have readers and a slightly weaker pair for the computer. I’ve also started wearing distance glasses for watching the TV and for driving.

I hope you have a lovely time with your grandson this evening and that your daughter and son-in-law enjoy their evening out.

That’s it, apart from congratulations to Andy Murray who has just become world number one for the first time. 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/37882467

It is getting dark now and the 🎆 will be starting again soon.

ETA:
Oh, I forgot to say earlier, we managed to survive our first fortnight with the new smaller bin, but it was completely full. Thankfully we have an elderly neighbour who has always had a smaller bin and it is only ever half full. She has kindly said we can put the odd bag of rubbish in hers if we are struggling, so that is good to know. 

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Yoo hoo...Ima......📢🔔


Yes, pop by soon Ima. Don't make me come after you on Twitter again.

Here I am!  You didn’t have to come after me on Twitter, Laura, but Lois came after me on Pinterest 

I feel awful I haven’t been around. I really have no excuse, because it’s not like I have a really busy life right now. I’m basically just going to work, then coming home and sitting on my couch the rest of the night. I am really horrible at keeping in touch, though. My extended family almost never hears from me, something I want to work on improving 

I’m still dealing with vertigo and balance issues, though things have gotten a bit better. I’m in this weird mid-stage where I can do a lot of things I couldn’t do before, but I’m still having issues. In the words of my physical therapist, things that used to make me dizzy are no longer making me dizzy, and I have new symptoms.

The good news is I do have some lights at the end of the tunnel. I have an appointment with an ear, nose, throat specialist on Monday afternoon. This is good, because I’ve been having these weird, achy ears this week. I then see the neurologist again (well, technically a different neurologist but at the same clinic) on Nov. 18. And then I see my neural ophthalmologist on Nov. 21, as my physical therapist thinks the remaining glitches in my vision are playing a role.

So, I’m still searching for answers, but trying to keep a positive outlook. I just really want to sleep in my bed again!

Lois was saying that you were talking about my Halloween costume. I did dress up again this year, and I was one of the winning costumes! I didn’t win the grand prize, but I did receive $20 as a runner up. I dressed up as a granny square – I basically just crocheted two granny squares, then seamed them together like a poncho. I also made a gray wig out of yarn. It was a very cozy costume – and extremely warm! I was trying to figure out how to share the photo from Facebook, but the way I used to share doesn’t seem to work anymore. If you really want to see, let me know, and I’ll tell you where you can find it (sorry, don’t really want to make it too public how to find me, as this is a public forum open to people I don’t know)



🎩What do you mean 'find yourself a man'? I've got Thornton, Darcy, Wentworth..

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Morning everyone!

Hi Ima! So pleased to hear from you. 

Here I am! You didn’t have to come after me on Twitter, Laura, but Lois came after me on Pinterest 

There is nowhere you can hide. 

I’m still dealing with vertigo and balance issues, though things have gotten a bit better.

It's good to hear that things are a bit better. You must let us know how things go with the ENT Specialist.

If you really want to see, let me know, and I’ll tell you where you can find it

Yes, drop me a PM. I would love to see what you looked like. 

I've not much to add this morning except we survived Guy Fawkes Night. It was extremely loud, especially as there was a large bonfire just next door. Tilly spent most of the evening snuggled up on my knee this time. She was hiding her head under my arm at one point.

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Good afternoon, mes petites! (My French is so good now, I told a French lady on my last hike that yes, indeed, it was still very far to go - she told me in mock desperation that this was not exactly what she had hoped to hear...well, it wasn't exactly what I had meant to say either  )

Wow- so much to catch up on!

Hi Ima. Lovely to see you. Hope your doctors find out how to help you - this must be such a drain on your strength both physically and emotionally. The costume sounds great - well done winning a prize for it!

Glad to hear your mammograms went well, Laura - and fantastic news about Bird's son's great marks. Hope you have a good time at the science museum. I love those especially if they are interactive. We got a pretty good one in Munich where you can play a theramin, among other things, but they could still improve lots of things in particular in the chemistry department. 

I went swimming in a big natural rock pool close to my new abode this morning (moved house again yesterday afternoon to a little bungalow still further south). It's the only place to swim in the sea here as the coast is very rocky with razor sharp volcanic stones, big waves, and treacherous undercurrents even at the beautiful black sand beaches. The rock pool also ensures that peckish sharks stay away. Recovering in my hammock on my little front porch now, lest things get too strenuous...

I had completely forgotten that it is Sunday today and those Papists close their shops at noon, so had to get me lunch from a Quick fast food restaurant up the road - it's like Maccas, only French with a little pencil moustache.😀

But seriously, people here are extremely friendly and helpful. I am starting to think that the whole 'rude French' lark may not be entirely based on facts..

Also what is nice about this place is that despite its rather exotic prevailing Frenchness, it's really a mix of all kinds of cultures and ethnicities. I spent quite some time yesterday morning siťting at the seafront and listening to a couple of young people of all possible skin colours who were singing and playing guitar and all kinds of African percussion instruments under those beautiful huge banyan trees (it's easy to see why those trees are sacred both to Hindus and Buddhists, they really do look the part) - just for their own entertainment. It was all very relaxed - they played a kind of ambiance music which harmonised perfectly with the sound of the waves 

I am not trying to make you jealous, honest gov'😀

Btw - Alfa, where are you going for hikes? (generally speaking, I mean. I am not trying to stalk you...much...😝). I love to go hiking in the Alps in summer - but that will have to wait half a year when I get home until the weather is right again. The hiking paths here are very good and the scenery and plants are amazing but the heat and humidity really get to me - it's just not what I am used to.

Looong post! You all have a lovely Sunday! 



After all is said and done, a lot more will have been said than done.

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Hi merej! 

I went swimming in a big natural rock pool close to my new abode this morning

That sounds amazing. 

Recovering in my hammock on my little front porch now, lest things get too strenuous...

Yes, you don’t want to overdo things. 

But seriously, people here are extremely friendly and helpful. I am starting to think that the whole 'rude French' lark may not be entirely based on facts..

 Seriously though, I’ve only been to France briefly when we took a boat trip across the channel to St Malo for the day whilst holidaying on the island of Jersey. I remember finding the French extremely friendly and helpful. 

I am not trying to make you jealous, honest gov'😀

I think are more envious rather than jealous. That sounds better. 

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Morning everyone!

Another cold and sunny morning.

I watched the final episode of Poldark Alfa. It was a good. Ross has finally got his act together and was much more likeable. I was also pleased about Dwight and Caroline. Poor Elizabeth though. Also, now I have my DVD, I rewatched the first two episodes of Season 2 of Outlander with my sister and I'm afraid for me there is just no comparison, especially in the 18th century heroes. It's definitely Jamie for me. 

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Well, I'm still a medical mystery. the ENT was completely stumped, and I could tell a she felt bad that she couldn't help me. she was able to say that I do NOT have BPPV, which my therapist and I have been saying since July/August, but my primary doc and the nurse practitioner at the neurologist kept saying it was BPPV.

So I see another neurologist on the 18th, and then the neural opthamologist on the 21st. The ENT thought it might be a disconnect between my brain and my eyes.

If they don't ve answers, I may need to go to one of the bigger hospitals like Mayo to seek a diagnosis.


🎩What do you mean 'find yourself a man'? I've got Thornton, Darcy, Wentworth..

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Morning everyone!

Fingers crossed and praying that we get the right result in the US election.

Hi Ima!

How frustrating for you that they can't give you a diagnosis. It is a bit like me with my muscle pains. Sometimes you just want someone to put a name to what you are suffering with. And without a proper diagnosis you don't know if you are receiving the correct treatment.

If they don't ve answers, I may need to go to one of the bigger hospitals like Mayo to seek a diagnosis.

That sounds like a good idea. 

Not much else to add except that the cats were funny last night. Tilly has been sitting on my knee in the evening because Nancy has been sitting on the sofa next to my sister. Last night I slid her to one side while I got up to get their suppers and she decided to leave my chair and go over and sit on my sister's lap even with Nancy so close (she is such a lap cat). Nancy was oblivious because she was facing the other way. lol Anyway when Tilly saw me passing by with her food bowl she vaulted over the top of Nancy to get to the door. Nancy's face was a picture.  She made a swipe for Tilly but missed. 

ETA:
So Harry is definitely seeing Meghan Markle. Good on him for defending her like this.

http://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/prince-harry-confirms-relationship-with-meghan-markle-as-he-hits-out-at-racist-and-sexist-abuse-a3389921.html

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Hi sweeties!

This is my last post before I go home on Saturday as my next bungalow up in the hills doesn't have WLAN.

Very sorry to hear that the doctors still don't have a diagnosis for you, Ima. How frustrating this must be.

I agree, Laura - good on Harry to speak out for his girlfriend.I don't follow the press but if even half the things mentioned in that article are true, it's outrageous. I also don't think anybody has a 'right' to pry into other people's private life, no matter how much of a public figure they are.

Meanwhile, after leaving the kittens behind, it looks like I have acquired a dog - a bulldog to be more precise. Not exactly my favourite breed, but she is a very old girl, rather deaf and absolutely adorable. As I tend to get back to my bungalow in the late afternoon she's decided to guard me agaist all evik until her owners come home later on. And by 'guard' I mean greet me with one of those accusingly pathetic looks bulldogs excell in, turn around herself a couple of times (presumably to trample down the grass that does not grow on my porch), slump down with a thud that makes the ground shake, eye the driveway very suspiciously for about five seconds, and doze off. She's lying at my feet right now heaving a deep sigh every now and then. As watchdogs go there might be room for improvement.😀

Btw - I nearly got hit by a big falling branch on my way back from the rock pool this morning. It literally landed inches away from my feet and broke into several pieces all big enough to give a person a good whacking with. 

Apart from the occasional arboreal death trap the island is kept in very nice shape though. Great roads, lots of free parking, hardly any trash lying around. I assume even the odd slain walker will be scrapped off the street in no time. My thanks to the French tourist board who will receive my bill for assorted advertising services shortly.

See you in a while - you all have a good time! And fingers crossed regarding the US election...




After all is said and done, a lot more will have been said than done.

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This is my last post before I go home on Saturday as my next bungalow up in the hills doesn't have WLAN.

That's a shame. We will miss you. 

Meanwhile, after leaving the kittens behind, it looks like I have acquired a dog - a bulldog to be more precise. Not exactly my favourite breed

Nor mine. I'm not a fan of jowly dogs, although I do have a soft spot for pugs. Your 'old dear' sounds adorable though.

Gosh that sounds like a close shave with the falling branch. I remember a few years ago I was walking past an old building and a pane of glass fell out of a window and narrowly missed me. 

I assume even the odd slain walker will be scrapped off the street in no time.



See you in a while - you all have a good time!

Enjoy the rest of your vacation merej. 

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Morning everyone!

I should have known it was going to be a bad day when I overslept this morning and then my computer was doing one of those CHDSK thingys. I went into work early and tried to get on here briefly but I guess the ‘happy’ news had crashed it.

Anyway, quick visit while it is now working.

I’m still in shock. It’s like Brexit all over again.

          

It looks like somebody has stepped on a butterfly. I always knew that Ray Bradbury was ahead of his time.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Sound_of_Thunder

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Just woke up and saw the news. Oh my God. Whaat? I can't believe this.

Not enough coffee in Columbia for a morning like this .....😧

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Just woke up and saw the news. Oh my God. Whaat? I can't believe this.

I know. I think I must have been in denial that it might happen. What now??

http://stream1.gifsoup.com/view6/2469521/earth-exploding-o.gif

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


I've been trying to piece this together all day...interference from grandchild ...I watched Hillary's concession speech and I really felt for her. Painful.

This is like a 9/11 situation, really. I can NOT imagine Trump and Trudeau meeting.... Trudeau will be a class act, of course, but Trump?

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Morning everyone!

I watched Hillary's concession speech and I really felt for her. Painful.

I was avoiding the news last night. 

I can NOT imagine Trump and Trudeau meeting...

He is meeting Barack Obama today at the White House. I can't imagine what that meeting will be like after he called him the 'founder of ISIS.' 

RA who is still performing in his play in NYC posted this message on his Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/RichardCArmitage/posts/277105132690893

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Turns out The Simpsons predicted this back in 2000. 

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/simpsons-writer-why-predicted-donald-9230649

Back to more mundane matters. The plumber has fixed our leaking toilet but he will have to come back and drain the system to fix the leak in the central heating boiler.

I forgot to say yesterday, with all the excitement, but I watched that drama, Dark Angel, which I mentioned a few weeks ago with Joanne Froggatt playing the Victorian serial killer Mary Ann Cotton. It was very grim but, even though I'm not her biggest fan, a very good performance from JF, I thought.

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'Quick to judge
Quick to anger
Slow to understand
Ignorance and prejudice
And fear walk hand in hand...'

(Rush 'Witch Hunt', 1981, Lyrics by Neil Peart)

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Hi ladies!

With one thing or another it has been a rather busy week, and it's not yet over... Hopefully, I'll be able to be around for more than just for lurking during the weekend.

@merej

Your trip sounded great!  and I'm just sooo envious.

I hope you enjoy(ed) the last few days in your final accommodation. Have a safe journey back to drizzly miserable old Germany. 



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Hi Birds.  Thanks for popping by and for those song lyrics. 

With one thing or another it has been a rather busy week, and it's not yet over... Hopefully, I'll be able to be around for more than just for lurking during the weekend.

I hope things settle down for you soon. 

Not much to add except that I thought my car key fob had broken tonight, but it turned out I was pointing it at someone else's little red car.  It was dark on the car park. 

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Thanks for popping by and for those song lyrics. 

One of the 'angry songs' I loved as a teenager, and still like (I posted the link at the videos thread a while back, actually)... although it's shocking to see that even after 35 years the lyrics still apply as much now as they did then. 

I hope things settle down for you soon. 

Thank you, Laura.  that's very sweet of you, but actually it's nothing very much... Between my job, my younger son's school prep, preliminary sketches for my new painting, reading quite a lot of not very good novels (no recommendations, alas ) and being - quite frankly - pissed off with this week's political situation, I've simply run out of time to keep in touch with this board. Sorry, gals! But, like all the others, I'm lurking more often than not... if only on my mobile.



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Between my job, my younger son's school prep, preliminary sketches for my new painting, reading quite a lot of not very good novels (no recommendations, alas  ) and being - quite frankly - pissed off with this week's political situation, I've simply run out of time to keep in touch with this board. Sorry, gals!

That's OK. No need to apologise Birds. What is your new painting going to be of?

This week has been so depressing politics wise, we have decided to cheer ourselves up by going to see A Street Cat Named Bob later this afternoon followed by a meal at the Italian restaurant near the cinema. I might not get on here again afterwards so I hope everyone has a lovely Saturday. 

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I will catch up here by tomorrow, ladies, I promise. I've been busy with helping my daughter/baby sitting/dog sitting...that's all.

*sigh*

Everyone enjoy your weekend...eh? 

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Morning everyone!

Nice sunny but cold morning here. I enjoyed the film and thought it was very faithful to the book. Definitely one for cat lovers.  But a serious message about drug addition and homelessness as well.

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[deleted]

Hey everyone.

I'm glad to hear you enjoyed the film, Laura...'cat lovers'...hey, that's us/me! 

But a serious message about drug addition and homelessness as well.

Given my track record for getting out lately, I need to be very selective, so, I might wait for this one to come out on TV or DVD, but I will see it! Thanks for your input Laura!


Sunny but quite chilly here today but I am not complaining. 

Once again catching up on this thread. 

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Given my track record lately for getting out lately, I need to be very selective so I might wait for this one to come on TV or DVD, but I will see it!

That is probably best as I'm not sure how widely it has been distributed, or how long it will be showing. It came out at the beginning of November over here but was already showing in one of the smaller auditoria at the multiplex cinema we went to.

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Going back a ways, the most important thing is that I see that Ima has checked in with us.

It is a bit disappointing that there has not been a definitive diagnosis  but I remain hopeful for you, Ima. And can I just say here that I would go crazy if it were me? You are a strong young woman, Ima. The human body does strange things, sometimes, but have faith my friend and always remember that we are here and cheering you onward! This too, shall pass.

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Well merej was clearly having a rough time on her trip...

Recovering in my hammock on my little front porch now, lest things get too strenuous...



I spent quite some time yesterday morning siťting at the seafront and listening to a couple of young people of all possible skin colours who were singing and playing guitar and all kinds of African percussion instruments under those beautiful huge banyan trees ...

When is she returning to reality? 

Btw - Alfa, where are you going for hikes?

Well, compared to the exotic places you travel, merej.... Actually, my house backs on to a very large forested area so I can literally walk out beyond my back yard and "hike" (nothing professional here...) with my dog for hours. Usually I go along a country road first then duck into a forested area. It's very relaxing. I have always hiked on Canadian trails. I've never been to Europe (much less the Alps!) but I would love to be able to do that. I have been going on long walks/hikes ever since my kids were little and I could throw them in a kiddy backpack. I haven't backpacked any young kids lately (no plans to do so, either) but I still love to hike, one of my favourite things...ever!

We look forward to having you back "home" again, Ms. Merej!!



Thanks for this morning giggle, Laura :

ot much to add except that I thought my car key fob had broken tonight, but it turned out I was pointing it at someone else's little red car. It was dark on the car park. 

I've heard about people like you......

Between my job, my younger son's school prep, preliminary sketches for my new painting, reading quite a lot of not very good novels (no recommendations, alas ) and being - quite frankly - pissed off with this week's political situation, I've simply run out of time to keep in touch with this board. Sorry, gals!

We hear you, Birds!

Like Laura said/asked, and I know we're all curious, what painting are you currently working on, Birds? Is this for a client?



Are we all back to normal next week, ladies? (Not that we are ever normal...)


Have you guys started in to your Christmas preparation stuff yet? I have. I've got quite a few odds and ends put together already (I surprised myself!,) including some gifts and all my cards, even the special stamps. (I live approx 8 km from the nearest post office so this is an accomplishment). I've bought Christmas ribbon & twine, gift tags/attachments and almost all the wrapping paper I'll be needing. I decided to splurge on a beautiful new roasting pan (my Thanksgiving turkey wasn't 'all that"  - I blamed it on my ancient roasting pan. Ha! We shall see!) and I bought a lovely less traditional Christmas tablecloth. At the very least, things should "look good" and "taste good" at my house.

Now that I've caught up (sort of) and patted my self a bit on the back for some silly stuff....


I hope everyone is having a great weekend!

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Hi ladies!

Just another quick peek before I sign out for tonight...

We hear you, Birds! 

Like Laura said/asked, and I know we're all curious, what painting are you currently working on, Birds? Is this for a client?

I guess the main reason why I didn't show up for a couple of days was that I wanted to spare you from a hell of a rant about... youknowwho . But now that Mr Johnson has given us Continental Europeans his sound advice to stop our winge-o-rama... Well, who am I to go against the voice of reason?  ... 

Back to the painting both of you asked about... This is just for myself / for fun, and will probably take quite some time to accomplish. It's a kind of 'composite street scene' (now, that sounds rather... grand, doesn't it?). For this one I use a couple of images / photos from the internet, stick them together by Photoshop and then use the result as a template to probably paint something else entirely... It's my own personal application of the chaos theory, I suppose 

Anyway, enjoy the rest of the weekend... 

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It's my own personal application of the chaos theory, I suppose 

Now that sounds interesting, Birds! 

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Morning everyone!

Very drizzly this morning.

@alfa

I've heard about people like you......

 In my defence, red is an even more common car colour than the silver of my last car. Maybe I need to get a bigger aerial ball. 

Have you guys started in to your Christmas preparation stuff yet?

I have a few bits. I even bought some cards last week. As two my sisters are both off work today we are going to head into Manchester later. The Christmas markets are on. Not sure if I will buy anything, but it is nice to look around. Shame the weather isn’t drier.

@Birds

But now that Mr Johnson has given us Continental Europeans his sound advice to stop our winge-o-rama... Well, who am I to go against the voice of reason?  ... 

I just had to google that. I have been avoiding the news the last fews days. I can only apologise for Boris. 

It's a kind of 'composite street scene' (now, that sounds rather... grand, doesn't it?).

That sounds really interesting. L S Lowry jumped into my head. 

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I can only apologise for Boris. 

There's absolutely no need for you to apologise, Laura.  I do know how you feel about him.

But quite frankly, I'm rather appalled at how the 'remourners' get shouted down by the national press and the leading political classes these days, considering that almost 50 percents of voters were against leaving the EU at the referendum, and how everybody seems oh-so-keen to schmooze up to the biggest bully in the playground now. And how judges get mobbed for their legal verdict that the (democratically voted!) parliament should have a say in the Brexit proceedings...

L S Lowry jumped into my head. 

 I had to look him up first as the name didn't ring a bell... But, no--not my style  Give me time, and I will create a photobucket account eventually... 

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Hey there, lovlies! 😀

I am back - though not too happy with crazy freezing outside temperatures, excessive workload (is there a desk under those files?), and the 'orange is the new black' approach to the POTUS question 😒 also our internet connection was wonky at work all day and somebody had broken my keyboard while I was away...not sure how they managed that as nobody seems to have been near my desk or admits to it in any case...

Otherwise things are rather lovely indeed.

Gonna have to have a closer look at all those posts soon. Just a few words on the situation in the US:

The one person who impressed me a lot these past few days was Paul Ryan. Wouldn't have thought it possible for anyone his age and weight group to do an about turn and jump on the bandwaggon with such speed and agility. It certainly made it a bit clearer why if politicians act like that people might end up voting for the odd snake oil vendor instead. 

It seems like Trump is already paddling back a bit on some points though he might have done enough damage at home with his campaign validating every vile behaviour imaginable. Even if he doesn't follow up on that some of his supporters might.

Meanwhile from a European point of view my major concern is for all those countries and regions (Ukraine, Georgia etc.) Putin is trying to get his grubby little paws on. Doesn't look like his new bestest mate Trump might do much to stop him, but then the US military and arms lobby might have some say in this. A big hurray for them. 

I didn't just say that now, did I? 

As for US protectionism in economic matters - I don't know which supernatural entity European lefties ask for assistance but whatever it is (my guess is the flying spaghetti monster), it certainly does have a sense of humour. It looks like Trump might just be the answer to all our anti-globalism deliver us from free-trade prayers except of course it won't be that easy for him to put any of his more looney economic ideas into action.

And as for the climate - Tump is no Al Gore, but then Obama was no Al Gore and Hillary didn't look too Al Gorish to me either. If I was a cynic I would say that all we might miss out on is a lot of token actionism on the climate front.

Btw - what with that son and wife of Trump? The kid acted like a bored five year old with his yawning and eye-rolling and Melania looked so stern and shellshocked you might have though that she'd just broken a nail ...did nobody explain to them that dady had just won the election and that some smiles and admiring looks were the order of the day? did ever a first family scream 'dysfunctional' like that?

Overall a rather sad but not enirely uninteresting state of affairs.

After all is said and done, a lot more will have been said than done.

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Birds, that painting of yours sounds really interesting. Keep us updated how you get on, will you?

Laura, glad you enjoyed the streetcat movie. I probably will have to wait for the DVD as well. Or actually check one of These days what's on in our cinemas 


alfa:

Well, compared to the exotic places you travel, merej.... Actually, my house backs on to a very large forested area so I can literally walk out beyond my back yard and "hike" (nothing professional here...) with my dog for hours. Usually I go along a country road first then duck into a forested area. It's very relaxing. I have always hiked on Canadian trails. I've never been to Europe (much less the Alps!) but I would love to be able to do that. I have been going on long walks/hikes ever since my kids were little and I could throw them in a kiddy backpack. I haven't backpacked any young kids lately (no plans to do so, either) but I still love to hike, one of my favourite things...ever!

To be able to just steg out your back door and go on a hike sounds amazing! I have never hiked with a heavy backpack let alone carrying Kids. These days all I take on a hike is my mobile phone, sunscreen and some small bandadages/band aids kit which all fit in the pockets of my rain jacket. The Bavarian alps ain't quite as high as the mountains in our neighbouring countries and they are not exactly the great wild outdoors - most of my hikes take about 3 to 5 hours and accidentally lead to some mountain hut where they sell yummy food and beverages.  Also the most dangerous animals one might come across here are grumpy marmots and horny mountain goats.

We look forward to having you back "home" again, Ms. Merej!!

Thank you! It's lovely to be back with you gals 

I've heard about people like you......




Count me into that lot - I once climbed into a car and found I couldn't start it. Looking at the passenger front seat I also realized that somebody had left stuff there that wasn't quite mine. Not sure what Citroen were thinking when they designed their car keys so that you could unlock every one of their 2CVs with the same set of keys - they probably just wanted to save money and trusted us 2CV drivers to be an honest bunch though they obviously didn't Count on me completely forgetting that I had parked my car quite a bit further up the street and would just try and drive away with the first car of the same make I might come across. 




After all is said and done, a lot more will have been said than done.

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