Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ

The Beach

Comments

1. At 10:24 AM on 30 Oct 2007, wrote:

   "I claim this beach for PM!"

   Oh sorry, forgot I'm not in Bournemouth...

   Fifi ;o)

2. At 10:24 AM on 30 Oct 2007, wrote:

   I'll start ferrying across the nibbles and drinks....

3. At 10:25 AM on 30 Oct 2007, witchiwoman wrote:

   Hm, fresh golden sand, warm sun, tropical sea....anyone object if I hide here for the next week or so?

   Have brought early lunch supplies - tortilla wraps, salad, hummus, guacamole and some crayfish tails.

   Now, lets move that lounger away from the shade...oh, is that Sean Bean?

4. At 10:41 AM on 30 Oct 2007, DI Wyman wrote:

   wot.....new beach on a Tuesday, is there some sort of a revolution taking place?

   now my body clock is totally confused....oh well back to RL

5. At 10:43 AM on 30 Oct 2007, Val P wrote:

   Witchi - don't mention Sean Bean whatever you do! Not after last night's Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ4 diet of Fanny Hill followed by the Lady Chatterley Affair.....

   That was some birthday party last night Fearless, have you finished clearing up after the conga?

6. At 10:45 AM on 30 Oct 2007, wrote:

   Witchi (2) : Your choice of comestibles causes me to wonder whether you were watching Mrs Express on the gogglebox last night.

   RocquemolΓ©, indeed!

   Fifi

7. At 10:50 AM on 30 Oct 2007, Stewart M wrote:

   We had better watch the use of Speedos. Apparently Today were saying the brand is proctected.

   But still I'm off for a dip.

8. At 10:53 AM on 30 Oct 2007, Val P wrote:

   What gets me about Mrs Express is how on earth she gets away with feeding about 8 full grown people with, for example, 2 avocados, 125g of rocquefort, a monkfish tail, three limes and a couple of bags of tortilla chips! Don't they go home hungry???

   Oh yeh, sorry forgot about the icecream.....

9. At 10:54 AM on 30 Oct 2007, wrote:

   I wonder if it's safe to alert our absent friends that the blog is back to what passes for normal?

   Dare I??

   Fifi

10. At 11:03 AM on 30 Oct 2007, Val P wrote:

    Fifi - Go on, go on, go on......

    (iPM seems to be streaking away too!)

11. At 11:03 AM on 30 Oct 2007, DI Wyman wrote:

    Stewart M, when you have finished mucking about can I have my Speedos back?

    Feefs....like the strapline, have some glacΓ© cherries!
    

12. At 11:08 AM on 30 Oct 2007, Big Sister wrote:

    Okay, if Witchi isn't allowed to, I will call up Mr. Bean. Arise, Sir Sean! ;o)

    Fearless: I trust the birthday was peerless?

13. At 11:10 AM on 30 Oct 2007, nikki noodle wrote:

    Grape strapline fifi! Is that PM's raison d'etre?

    n-n

14. At 11:18 AM on 30 Oct 2007, wrote:

    Great the surfs up. Let's go.

15. At 11:30 AM on 30 Oct 2007, Big Sister wrote:

    Lee, can Sean join us on the boards?

    ££_%_££ Cor, the waves are big today, aren't they?

16. At 11:36 AM on 30 Oct 2007, wrote:

    Mornin' all!

    I've made a raft with all the leftover Guinness kegs (with the empties for xtra buoyancy) and floated them over - waste not, want not.
    xx
    ed

    And we heard him exclaim
    As he started to roam:
    "I'm a hologram, kids,
    please don't try this at home!'"
    -- Bob Violence
    11:44 AM Tuesday, October 30 2007
    
    

17. At 11:37 AM on 30 Oct 2007, witchiwoman wrote:

    Ah, yes Mrs Express was on, mainly for the comedy value although that ice cream may make an appearance here!

    Val P - quite right! How those children will thrive on a saucerful of mushed up corn I can't imagine!

18. At 12:24 PM on 30 Oct 2007, Stewart M wrote:

    DiWhy I think I've stretched them. sorry.

19. At 12:26 PM on 30 Oct 2007, Carl wrote:

    That waterskier needs his head examined! I was just sitting here mopping my brow (wow it's hot) considering PM. You know, things like how long Eddie might last in the job, just how Radio 4 would function without Sequin and which silly arse came up with the new Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ news branding, when a seagull poohed on my deckchair, missing me by inches. Puts life into perspective really. Anyone got a Kleenex?

20. At 12:48 PM on 30 Oct 2007, wrote:

    Big Sis, it was a great birthday, thanks :) I see Sean has made an appearance for the ladies. Oh, and who's that he's bought with him? Do my eyes decieve me, or is that Eva Green in the bikini? Excuse me, folks, I must away and find out who that lovely is .....

21. At 12:49 PM on 30 Oct 2007, wrote:

    Aye Fifi, but didn't you mean "currant affairs"?

    xx
    ed

22. At 01:04 PM on 30 Oct 2007, wrote:

    Carl - too late. That seagull will be miles away by now.

    Sid

23. At 01:25 PM on 30 Oct 2007, wrote:

    Fearless! I appear to have missed your birthday!
    I hope you had a lovely day! Have you reached the best decade yet? ;-)

24. At 01:30 PM on 30 Oct 2007, witchiwoman wrote:

    Sean, Eva, all we need now is Fabio and Mac will really start telling us off!

    If we shout loud enough do you think we can convince Sequin to come down and a have lunch time paddle?

25. At 01:35 PM on 30 Oct 2007, The New Blog Prince wrote:

    Is it my imagination, or is the Blog relatively 502-free?!

    (hope this isn't the kiss of death..!)

26. At 01:42 PM on 30 Oct 2007, wrote:

    Don't worry, GM :) I saved you a slice of cake. It's hidden in the fridge...

27. At 01:45 PM on 30 Oct 2007, Gillian wrote:

    Witchi (24) Let's give it a go.....

    SEQUIN!!! GET DOWN HERE!!!
    
    What do you mean, you ''haven't got time?''

    How quick can a quick paddle be??

    No, you don't need a cozzy - just tuck your shirt inside your knickers like me!

    Weeeeee!!! Right, a quick drip-dry in the sun, and I'm off to Mozzers. Can I get you anything?
    

28. At 01:55 PM on 30 Oct 2007, wrote:

    TNBP (25)

    Yeah - it's yer imagination.

29. At 01:59 PM on 30 Oct 2007, Rachel G wrote:

    Sshh, NBP! Whisper it quietly or it will fall over and I'll start chewing the keyboard again.

    
    (But your sink plunger seems to have done the trick for now)

30. At 02:00 PM on 30 Oct 2007, witchiwoman wrote:

    NBP -
    All seems well, and practically instaneous, although thats not supposed to happen... ;)

31. At 02:11 PM on 30 Oct 2007, wrote:

    I'm going to send up a flare for the absent froggers, to let them know it might just be OK to come back...

    Fifi

32. At 02:11 PM on 30 Oct 2007, wrote:

    NBP,

    Don't speak too soon...

    A more courteous form from elsewhere in the corridors of R4:
    

    Like this page?
    Send it to a friend!
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    SERVER TOO BUSY!
    ..
    Sorry!
    Sorry! We're unable to bring you the page you're looking for right now. This is probably because our site has suddenly got very busy. Please do try again in a few minutes.
    

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    About the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ | Help | Terms of Use | Privacy & Cookies Policy
    

    xx
    ed (fingers crossed)

33. At 02:30 PM on 30 Oct 2007, wrote:

    Oh I like that Ed, "please do try again" - very Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Queens English!

34. At 02:34 PM on 30 Oct 2007, DI Wyman wrote:

    anyone up for tea at three?

    there will be a selection of sandwiches, cakes and teas for those that want.....

    .........but keep an eye out for Carl's seagull I think its related to the one wot steals packets of crisps...

35. At 02:50 PM on 30 Oct 2007, Val P wrote:

    3 minutes to go DIY - here I am for afternoon tea. Earl Grey please?

    Watching JH on Mastermind last night, Mr Val P suddenly said "So do you think Eddie Mair will be the new Humphries? He's got that nice relaxed approach that would go well on Today"

    Quite apart from the obvious - I didn't know there was anything wrong with the old one - my jaw dropped. What does he know that we don't?

36. At 04:02 PM on 30 Oct 2007, Gillian wrote:

    NBP (25) I've just caught 502 skulking about at the Cransley - needless to say, he's wreaking havoc there - it's pitch black!
    He's not a bit sorry - he says he is planning his comeback as soon as Eric returns.
    He did like seeing his name in the sand, though!
    I wish we'd known it would only encourage him.....;o(

37. At 04:10 PM on 30 Oct 2007, Sara wrote:

    Hi all. Have found myself washed up on this lovely new beach after having been all at sea these past ten days. What I thought was a hangover while you were all living it up in Bournemouth was a very nasty germ which wouldn't go away.

    But things are looking up now again - and for the blog, too. Has 502 gone for good, do you think? Probably not, I fear.

    Whilst mentioning fear, it seems I've missed your birthday, Fearless, for which forgive me. Hope it was good. I think I could just face a sliver of cake now, if you've any left....
    

38. At 04:26 PM on 30 Oct 2007, Izzy T'Me wrote:

    *peeks round the corner*

    Is it really working? Honest and true?

    *ducks back in case a cafe number comes wizzing past*

39. At 04:30 PM on 30 Oct 2007, wrote:

    Izzy - I wouldn't rely on anything, or anyone, being honest and true around here ... ;)

40. At 04:37 PM on 30 Oct 2007, Gillian wrote:

    Oh Sara (37) So sorry to hear you've been ill - but at least you have chosen a good day to venture here again. ;o)

    I'll make a fresh pot of tea - herbal, fruit or whatever you prefer.
    DIWyman, are there any sandwiches left for Sara please?
    Now you just relax in that hammock........

41. At 04:41 PM on 30 Oct 2007, Izzy T'Me wrote:

    Well, flippen' 'eck, 'tis so. Hooray!

    Fred - sorry, couldn't get to your burfday party on the beach last night as T*sc*l* was about as useless as the proverbial choco t-pot. No access to any sort of internet - very trying. Hope you and everyone else had a good time (& had a glass for me!).

    Sorry Sara has been unwell, hope you're feeling a little better now - a paddle in the gentle surf is always a good tonic, just ask Fifi. ;o)

    Gillian - Right, we need to catch him, put him in a bottle and screw the lid down very tightly (with the odd air hole in, I s'pose). I think we need a plan.....

    ....anyone got one?
    

42. At 04:49 PM on 30 Oct 2007, Sara wrote:

    Yes I've got one Izzy. It's very cunning....

    and just about as likely to succeed as other well known cunning plans!

43. At 05:05 PM on 30 Oct 2007, The New Blog Prince wrote:

    502 is haunting me. I just received an email from the Tories entitled Conservative comment on 502 foreign prisoners being released early What are the chances of that? 1 in 502?!

44. At 05:14 PM on 30 Oct 2007, wrote:

    Andy (39) ! What a thing to say!!!

    * retires in a huff *

    Fifi

45. At 05:15 PM on 30 Oct 2007, Big Sister wrote:

    Marc - Could it be that they're winding you up? ;o)

46. At 05:54 PM on 30 Oct 2007, wrote:

    Feef (44) : Ah, hmm, I knew what I thought I meant, but it obviously didn't come out right at all, for which I apologise.

    Unfortunately,I can't remember what I thought I meant, so ignore 39 everyone, please. How odd, I must have been in a parallel universe or something, oh well :}

47. At 06:05 PM on 30 Oct 2007, The Stainless Steel Cat wrote:

    Help! I sent a vegetable related Beach post between 2 and 2:30 this afternoon and it's disappeared!

    I don't think it contained anything controversial - maybe one or two bad puns - so someone must have eaten it. Come on, own up!

    I'm not doing any limbo dancing until my post appears...

48. At 06:35 PM on 30 Oct 2007, Izzy T'Me wrote:

    Sara - they do, they do - don't they?

    FEEFS?, FEEeefs? Come back, he didn't mean it, not about us Froggers, anyway (DID you AndyC?)...

    SSC - t'wasn't me, at that time I was stuck in a RAF gymnasium trying to interest beefy RAF type people that it's a good idea to store food at the right temperature and wash their hands occasionally. Such a hardship!!

    Right, have a lovely evening on the beach, one and all, I'm off to be a roadie. I'll bring back anything left from the backstage rider...
    

49. At 08:41 PM on 30 Oct 2007, Stewart M wrote:

    Forgot OZ and JAmes were doing wine on beeb 2. So just re watching it as I had to record it whilst kids were put to bed.

    Should do some work. Nah I'll go and pinch the speedos of DIY
    

50. At 08:57 PM on 30 Oct 2007, wrote:

    No Izzy, I didn't. I really wish I could remember what I was on about, something self deprecating about me I expect, but, hey, it didnae work.

    Has Feefs come back yet?
    

51. At 09:55 PM on 30 Oct 2007, nikki noodle wrote:

    oh my head!!

    u-u

52. At 10:20 PM on 30 Oct 2007, Molly wrote:

    Good grief! Is this reallly you kn ow -*workong*?

    How lovely to see ou all again--and Fearless has had a birthday too!
    Belated *Happies* FF- did I miss a party?

    Shucks! never mind- still time for a jigg-any
    cake left?
    Just off to catch up now....

    Mollyxx

53. At 11:20 PM on 30 Oct 2007, Molly wrote:

    what awful typing etc -my earlier posting- must be the excitement of thr new beach!

    Where is everyone?

    helloo-oo-oo-oo-oo !

    
    Mollyxx
    

54. At 12:07 AM on 31 Oct 2007, Aperitif wrote:

    Hello All,

    Glad you are feeling better Sara.

    It's two minutes past midnight and the strapline hasn't changed! Is this a sign? If so, of what?

    Who's for a BIG glass of something lovely before we all have to disappear again? (Sorry, NBP Marc -- oh me of little faith...)

    Belated birthday greetings Fearless -- I did leave some on the FB chain that's been growing and growing, but I couldn't get them to post here.

    I must just tell you all about the old lady in front of me at the cash-point earlier today -- she couldn't see too well and asked me to check her balance. I gave her a little shove and she fell over. Clearly, it wasn't very good...
    

55. At 08:16 AM on 31 Oct 2007, wrote:

    Oh, Appy.... It took me a minute to pick up on that last paragraph. A little tip to all: don't laugh when you've got a mouthful of coffee. it's not a pretty sight!

56. At 08:41 AM on 31 Oct 2007, witchiwoman wrote:

    Will catch up in a moment but just wanted to wish everyone a wonderful Samhain. May the Cailleach bring insight to discover that which you no longer need and the Ancestors give you strength to cast those things away!

    Sweet treats on the bar, blessings to all xx

57. At 08:50 AM on 31 Oct 2007, wrote:

    I'm sure I put "picking the scabS off the knees...etc"
    not that I'm one for complaining (ha ha). Mpb says she doesn't think it's funny at all. Must be just my sick sense of humour then.

    How nice to hear from you Appy. Hope all is well. Have you bought a house yet? I trust you are having more luck with buying than we are with selling. Gordon sends his regards (actually I think it was a snore, but I interpreted it to mean he was asking to be remembered to you!)

58. At 08:51 AM on 31 Oct 2007, wrote:

    As best as I can remember it, here's the lost post from yesterday...

    Sorry Witchiwoman (3), that's not Sean Bean, it's Paddy O'Carrot.

    Carrying on the vegetable theme, in the style of "I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue"'s late arrivals at the ball, will you welcome please...

    Mr and Mrs Etpotato and their son, Jack Etpotato...

    Miss Aspara and her partner, Gus. (I didn't think he'd turnip)...

    A coachload of Swedes...

    Mrs Cress and her husband Daniel... yes, it's Muster Dan Cress...

    ...and his brother, Walter...

    All the brothers, sisters, cousins, aunts and uncles of the Pump family... they're the Pump-kin...

    The exotic matriarch of the Cado family, Ava Cado...

    Arty Choke and Tom Ato...

    Miss K'h and her brother Lee K'h...

    Floating in on the wind, it's Pru Barb and Ezra Dish...

    Mar Snip and her husband, Par...

    ...and young master Sleigh and his Par...

    Signore Chini and his daughter, Sue Chini...

    Mrs Sss and her daughter, Letty Sss...

    and finally...

    Mr and Mrs BennetI'veneverseenamarrowasbigasthatbefore, and their son, Gordon BennetI'veneverseenamarrowasbigasthatbefore!

59. At 09:26 AM on 31 Oct 2007, wrote:

    Lovely to hear from you Appy - and hope everything is ok.

    Annasee, tell MPB that I haven't forgotten about the promised photo's.

    I will try today.

60. At 09:51 AM on 31 Oct 2007, witchiwoman wrote:

    Oh dear, I posted earlier and it hasn't appeared, no 502 or anything. Forgive me if pops up again...

    Want to wish all a very happy Samhain. May the Cailleach grant insight to discover those things which you no longer need and the Ancestors grant you the strength to cast those things away.

    Sweet sticky treats on the bar - Bright Blessings all xx

61. At 10:08 AM on 31 Oct 2007, wrote:

    Fearless (26) thank you I'm enjoying it now with a large mug of frothy coffee!!x

    Appy that made me laugh! But was she ok?!

62. At 10:19 AM on 31 Oct 2007, Val P wrote:

    SSC - very entertaining and no, I can't see why that would have been moderated, unless the pixies aren't ISIHAC fans and thought you were barking....

    Ah but then aren't we all?

    Hi Appy - good to see you down here. Come and lounge in the hammock alongside mine, and tell me all that's been going on?

    Annasee - what's all that about scabs? You've lost me (not difficult, admittedly).

    Sad news to hear about Prof Anthony Clare, I always found his style and content most calming.

    I've just made a pot of rooibos, anyone fancy a cuppa?

63. At 11:20 AM on 31 Oct 2007, wrote:

    Val P - it's the strapline. Or maybe that was what didn't make sense in the first place? Anyway, I just felt when I saw it this morning, that artistically it needs an "s" at the end of scab. Sorry. I think I need to get on with some work!

64. At 11:43 AM on 31 Oct 2007, Deepthought wrote:

    Hey, where have my 502 jeans got to?

65. At 11:56 AM on 31 Oct 2007, Aperitif wrote:

    Hello All,

    And thanks for the welcomes back (grammar???). I have been a bit absent lately haven't I?

    Sorry about the coffee Fearless (55) :-) The old lady was fine, Mistress (61) just a bit cross -- I have no idea why...

    Annasee (57), it seems I'm having as much luck in buying as you are in selling -- I've been bunking in with family for four months now: I'm beginning to think I'll never find anywhere. Another viewing tonight and then tomorrow... Both will be Gordon-friendly, btw...

    SSCat (58), :-) You are a tonic!

    Thanks Jonnie (59), It's been a very odd few months in Aperitif's World, and I have now missed two opportunites to meet up with you. I can only hope that the old saying -- "Third time lucky" -- is right and I'll see you next time!

    Thanks for the Rooibos Val (62) -- I hope you don't mind if I have a little milk with mine? What's been going on? Well, since you ask, I had to dash home early from my Bournemouth trip at the end of September because a certain other Gordon looked like calling an election and that meant I was about to be very busy. Unfortunately it meant I didn't get to meet up with the lovely Jonnie, about which I was really upset, especially when it also looked like I wouldn't make the Frogfest either due to party work (I didn't, as you'll know, but for other reasons). Since then I have had my little heart torn apart because I let myself get close to someone for really about the first time since my lovely boy died. My own fault -- I knew it wasn't going to work out long term, and I tried not to get involved but it still hurt when it was over. Then everybody in my office fell out with each other -- one woman has now left making a false allegation of racism against someone I feel I must support. (Hence not getting to the Frogfest -- knock-on effect on the workload.) Her leaving has thrown the over-attentive lesbian from earlier this year into my path again... It's all been a bit stressful really, and I still don't have a place to call home.

    Sorry to bring the mood down -- and thanks for listening! How about I just have a gin chaser with this Rooibos? And someone tell me a joke? Thank goodness for the beach -- you are all quite lovely. I'll just lie back in this hammock and watch the waves and listen to the chatter for a bit, OK?

    Dose anyone else want an early G&T?

66. At 11:58 AM on 31 Oct 2007, Aperitif wrote:

    PS Scabs -- strapline -- I like it as it is Annasee :-)

    PPS Does anyone else really miss RJD?

67. At 12:25 PM on 31 Oct 2007, Appy; wrote:

    Appy;
    ref your PPS at (66).

    YES.

    Bring him back tout-de suite. Please. Especially since the rather nasty man who tormented him seems to have disappeared.

    Si.

    P.S. Glad to see you back!

68. At 12:29 PM on 31 Oct 2007, Val P wrote:

    Annasee - hits self on forehead, on the spot where there's a permanent dent tbh, aha, all is now clear, sorry about that lack of attention to detail. Actually I thought it might have a frogfest connection, not that I'm paranoid about having excluded myself of course :o(

    Appy - phew, wow I do hope that the act of getting all that off your chest on the beach (careful now boys) is helpful, in some small way. You have my sympathies on all fronts. As to the G&T, oddly enough I had a phone call from No(and only)Son last night in which he was singing the praises of a new drink invented in the wake of a weekend party for his flatmate's birthday. Said flatmate included a suggestion to Bring Gin, on the invites he sent out. So they all did. So they still have 9 bottles of leftover gin...So they have invented Gin & Tea, where they pour a slug of gin directly into the cup of tea.

    Anyone fancy trying it before I go off to check on Sequin's Chocolate Thread?

    Actually that reminds me I must go and give a daily shake to my Sloe Gin, I discovered a fabulous hedgerow of the bushes just waiting to be harvested. The funny thing is it's just at the top of our drive, and in the 25 years we've lived here I've never spotted them before. Strange, very strange.

69. At 12:31 PM on 31 Oct 2007, witchiwoman wrote:

    Appy - very large gin for you and lots and lots of frugs (((((((xxx)))))))

    I know of a lovely flat in Cornwall for sale but thats as much help as I can be with the household stuff.

    As for the heartbreak - I find a brief wallow does help before the 'onwards and upwards' stuff. Be kind to yourself xx

70. At 12:35 PM on 31 Oct 2007, Gillian wrote:

    Aperitif (66) Oh yes, we really do miss RJD. He's a cunning so-and-so though....comes in disguise, even when it's NOT Hallowe'en!

    Pumpkin soup anyone?

71. At 12:43 PM on 31 Oct 2007, wrote:

    Val P (62):

    Woof woof!

72. At 12:55 PM on 31 Oct 2007, witchiwoman wrote:

    And yes, RJD, come back!!

73. At 01:03 PM on 31 Oct 2007, wrote:

    Personally, I've thought we're completely Dagenham East (four stops past Barking), but is a good way :)

74. At 01:23 PM on 31 Oct 2007, Sara wrote:

    Morning all. Actually it's Afternoon all. I've been busy.

    Would the NBP please put this beach onto the Beach Category link? I've just spent a long time running around an old deserted beach which was littered with the remnants of FF's party. Some of the bottles weren't quite empty which explains why I got a bit delayed...

    Sorry to hear Appy's woes. I will try to remember a joke. In fact, I could do with one myself. Can anyone oblige?

75. At 01:32 PM on 31 Oct 2007, Simon Worrall wrote:

    Whoops!

    Mistakenly sent a post (67) with Appy's name instead of my own. That's what comes of looking at the keyboard when you type, instead of at the screen! I put her name to address the remarks to her, didn't realise that it hadn't remembered my name details, etc.

    Carried on typing and clicked on 'Submit'. Like a prat.

    So, sorry Apps, no intention of taking your name in vain. Please accept a free massage from the well-known Fabio in token of my regret.

    Si.

76. At 01:54 PM on 31 Oct 2007, Aperitif wrote:

    PPPS This beach isn't on the "Beach" shortcut link. Does anyone remember how to tell Marc about little problems?

77. At 01:56 PM on 31 Oct 2007, Big Sister wrote:

    RJD is away, I gather, but will doubtless gallop back onto the blog, intermittently, with his loons waving in the air.

    He's always missed. So are you, Appy, when work threatens to swamp you. Lovely to see you again, even if you are bashing old ladies ;0)

78. At 02:43 PM on 31 Oct 2007, Aperitif wrote:

    Si (67), Thanks for the welcome and (75), no worries -- as you helpfully put your name at the end of the post I don't think anyone will be confused. Yes please to Fabio! :-)

    Gin and tea Val (68)??? :-) Sounds fabulous! I'm away to put the kettle on.

    And thanks Witchi, Sara and Big Sis too. Sis (76) I only gave her a little shove.

    Gillian (70), Not that cunning -- we all recognise him straight away! I believe he's back at the weekend - I bet he can't resist...

79. At 03:34 PM on 31 Oct 2007, Deepthought wrote:

    Apertif,

    Thoughts; hope talking about it helps (a la Anthony Claire).

    Having a real getting-nothing-done-despite-tons-of-effort in RL this week, must get back to pretending to do some work.

80. At 04:38 PM on 31 Oct 2007, Selkius Piscinus wrote:

    Having encountered the Gin & Tea and looked at it thought fully I feel inclined to introduce a new drink to the Bar here. It's called a Tequila Pre-emptive Strike.

    You make it by taking one part orange juice, one part medical ethanol, and one part tequila. (The amount varies depending on who is perpetrating this and on whom: it has generally been felt that a half-pint glass is the most that international law ought to permit.) The ingredients should be added in the order given, since ABV decreases with the addition of the last ingredient. Anyone who thinks this makes it safe to drink should be encouraged to have another *before* trying to stand up.

    It is served with a button mushroom in the top of the glass. Anyone who doesn't understand this reference should be warned that the maker accepts no responsibility etc.

    Somebody other than me who has appeared on the Beach has been responsible for this beverage in the past, but I feel it might be a case of 'no names, no pack-drill'.

81. At 05:10 PM on 31 Oct 2007, Val P wrote:

    Nice to see DeepT and Drinks in conversation, quite like the old days :o)

    Yes, even at the risk of him having to buy a new hat when he gets back from his hols and reads this thread - I miss you too RJD. And JasonG - if you're lurking, give us a wave down here on the beach?

82. At 05:14 PM on 31 Oct 2007, wrote:

    Did I miss anything?

    I bring Moroccan lamb stew and couscous, my friend's recipe from last night's reason for not blogging.

    And the usual couple of bottles of red... Italian for once, in honour of the nice barman at the pub that'll keep me from blogging tonight.

    Andy (46) : Sorry, didn't realise I hadn't cancelled my huff from yesterday. You know I can forgive you anything!

    Is the link to the Beach category still not working? I'll try it, and if necessary use the Blog Prince Batphone to deliver a gentle toe in the wotsits.

    What are these long red hairs doing on my sleeve?

    Fifi ;o)

83. At 05:35 PM on 31 Oct 2007, wrote:

    'no names, no pack-drill'

    I know what it means - but where did it come from?

    Sid
    

84. At 05:36 PM on 31 Oct 2007, wrote:

    17.35 and I have just issued the Polite Nag to the NBP about the link from here to the Beach Category.

    The Polite Nag is not to be confused with the Intermittent Horse, but possibly to be introduced at a later date. Volunteers...?

    Appy, so good to see you back here! However painful it is, for a while it was worth it. And you can always dip another toe in the water when a really special person invites you ... by which time you will be a little better armoured.

    Little Red .... how did the interview go? My thoughts on preparing mentally for it were 502d I'm afraid, but I've been thinking of you.

    
    Fifi xx
    

85. At 05:40 PM on 31 Oct 2007, Frances O wrote:

    Sara (37), I think you may have a nasty bug similar to mine. I'm on antibiotics now, at the insistence of my doc. Don't like to take them unless I need them. Sounds obvious, but apparently antibiotics are doled out when they're not needed, which helps the little evil things to become resistant.

    Get well soon.

    Cough, cough, wheeze.

    Samhainn math, or is it mhath, Witchi.

    I was trick-or-treated not long after 5. Guising, any Scottish froggers?

    Appy, dear, big [[[[[[[[[[frugs]]]]]]]]]]. Poeple, eh?

    Now, who's for a hot whisky?

86. At 06:37 PM on 31 Oct 2007, Izzy T'Me wrote:

    Hello All

    (((((frugs))))) to Appy and Francis and all others that need them. Poor old you - hope the beach is helping to sooth you.

    Can I just say thank you to Fifi for keeping those of us who've been fed up beyond words, up to date and jollying us back when it's finally working - you're a star, girl!

    I'm so glad Fifi and Gillian have managed to bring some lovely grub, my offer of bringing stuff left from last night's rider was probably what you expected it to be - a couple of stale nuts and the dregs from a number of glasses; greedy lot they were. Sorry! I have managed to find a few of bottles of plonk, so if you're not too bothered about todays health news, fill yer boots!

    See y'all later, if the ghoulies don't get me (or the trick or treaters, who I've completely forgotten about!)....whoooooooo......arghhhhhh.....

87. At 06:51 PM on 31 Oct 2007, wrote:

    Appy,

    All the support you can handle, and you know it.
    ((((((((frug)))))))) everlasting, non-diminishing, harmless, and very habit-forming!

    As to the fruit 'punch', be advised that not only does the tequila unnecessarily reduce ABV, but it also increases TBV (tax by volume) from a zero base.

    On a different beach, long, long ago, we passed the hat to buy fruit juices to fill a five gallon carboy which had already been 'charged' with five pints of 95% ethanol (190 proof).

    The result was aptly named 'punch'. That nobody died is further proof (if any was needed that the Good Lord looks after fools, in this case by initiating comatose blackout before lethality.

    As well as being 0%TBV, the punch was 12 1/2% ABV and 100% hangover-free, despite the completely lost blackout period.

    These days this fool prefers the Liffey, but I have considerable evidence of the special status enjoyed by fools under the protection of the GL, not least my continued vital signs....

    xxxxx to all, and
    Salaamu Alaikum wa Rahmatulla, wa Barakaatuhu
    ed

88. At 07:44 PM on 31 Oct 2007, wrote:

    Izzy (86) : How did you manage to slip your ghoulies past the censors?? I am rapt with admiration.

    The thin pretence of 'bellringing practice' has been cancelled, this week and next, so my clever SO has decreed we will avoid the Trickortreat-us Brigade by missing out the pretence and Proceeding Directly To Pub.

    Just about to get on my cobwebby bike and wobble my way down to the next village.

    And it'll be even funnier when I wobble wobblily back again a little after closing time!

    Have a lovely evening folks. And I hope all those in need of cheering up and forgetting RL will find it all here. Wish me luck ... I really am rubbish at bicycles!

    Fifi xxx

89. At 07:57 PM on 31 Oct 2007, Gillian wrote:

    All this talk about Punch and alcohol has reminded me about the Rumtopft someone started here months ago.
    Is anyone keeping it topped up, because I'm afraid I forgot all about it. ;o(

90. At 09:22 PM on 31 Oct 2007, nikki noodle wrote:

    ditto to all the above:

    great to have a lovely, normal, everyone back type beach!

    What a Treat!

91. At 09:29 PM on 31 Oct 2007, Deepthought wrote:

    A Rumtopf would be for Xmas....I must have missed this, but in RL have an apple overload I'm desperate to find a way of preserving....because they will fall off the trees (too high for me to reach *with* a ladder, so will not have any shelf life to speak of (those that do are already picked). Blackberries finished very early this year, but on my jaunts saw someone collect Rose Hips today. Who started it? Rum would be too expensive to preserve the volume I'm expecting...Anyone got a recipe for preserving apples in bulk quickly?

    Last weekend, walking along the path covered with apples of various stages of rotting, and that was nothing compared to what was still on the trees...(at parent's, in case anyone wonders why I've not taken more action...)

92. At 09:54 PM on 31 Oct 2007, Izzy T'Me wrote:

    Fifi - seems I have the knack (*rs)!! Hope the bicycle ride wasn't too hairy and you got back safely despite the wine!

    Sorry Deep, no ideas about the apples, except maybe wine? Good luck!

93. At 10:26 PM on 31 Oct 2007, wrote:

    Deepthought - ask R4 to send Eddie Grundy round. He'll soon have some barrels of dodgy cider on the go!

    I seem to have escaped the yearly 'egging' of Trick or Treaters, phew! And I bought all that chocolate! Anyone for a chocolate eye or a mallow ghost (not just any sickly sweet mallow Ghost, an *&* sickly sweet etc etc etc...)? I'm sure they would go really well with Gin & Tea!

94. At 11:44 PM on 31 Oct 2007, wrote:

    Who needs punch when there's all this 'leftover' Liffey?

    Yum! And I've brought some more of our local butcher's prize-winning sausages for those unafraid of a bit of sat fat.

    Buon Apetit!
    ed

    The major sin is the sin of being born.
    -- Samuel Beckett
    

95. At 09:24 AM on 01 Nov 2007, Aperitif wrote:

    Morning All,

    New month, new attitude, new beginnings, right?

    Cold breakfast buffet on the bar with lots of lovely healthy things of your choice (not very imaginative, I know, but well-intended).

    Thanks DeepJohn (79) Fifi (84) and Frances (85). Hope you feel better soon Frances.

    Thank you too Izzy (86) and hear hear re Fifi. Hope the ghoulies didn't bother you too much... unless of course you enjoy being bothered by ghoulies, but perhaps I'd better leave that thought right there...

    Ed (87), Thanks, frugs back and hangover free??? HOW for goodness' sake? I think your post ought to have come with a "don't try this at home" warning!!! I also think it might explain a few things... ;-)

    How did the cycle go Fifi?

    Right I'm off for a swim. here and I think in RL too. Unpleasant meeting lined up for this afternoon but it may help the ridiculous office situation in the long run. Wish me luck?

96. At 09:42 AM on 01 Nov 2007, Gillian wrote:

    Good luck Appy. (((((x))))) I hope your meeting clears the air. We'll have the G and T(ea) ready for you.

97. At 10:28 AM on 01 Nov 2007, wrote:

    Good luck for this pm Appy, hopefully by PM the office situ will be better!

98. At 11:11 AM on 01 Nov 2007, wrote:

    Appy (95),

    "hangover free??? HOW for goodness' sake?"

    It ain't the ethanol that gives the hangover, it's the other stuff in there, notably . Just ask Humph if he's ever put any of our favourite tipples through his GC machines. After seeing the output from American whisky, I switched to Scots.

    Medical or 'lab' alcohol is free of such materials and thus, although a potent intoxicant, rarely has any ill effects (apart from dead brain cells and dreamless blackout).

    Those who drink quality vodka rarely suffer hangovers because all it is is ethanol and water.

    Apologies if my scientific background, coupled with my interest in mind-altering substances seems out of place. I've made a considerable part of my fortune designing and making devices to aid effective intake, from wine glasses to combustion/inhalation aids.....

    Happy forenoon!
    xx
    ed

    Gordon's first law:
    If a research project is not worth doing, it is not worth doing well.

99. At 11:12 AM on 01 Nov 2007, wrote:

    Appy (((FRUGS))) from me too, and I hope your meeting does help. Enjoy the swim!

100. At 11:17 AM on 01 Nov 2007, witchiwoman wrote:

     Appy - will think of you and send as much strength as I can muster, do you need some over-attentive-lesbian-repelling type vibes too?

101. At 11:23 AM on 01 Nov 2007, Fiona wrote:

     Morning all, not been here for a while - hope all is well?

     Good luck Appy, I haven't posted much recently but have been lurking so I know you have had a pretty dire time off late. I hope it all gets sorted out very soon.

     Took my little'uns (5 and 3) out trick or treating for the first time last night. They were so excited but it was a bit of a damp squib to be honest. It really hit home what a sad society we live in now. We have lived where we do (a cul de sac) for 7 years now yet I didn't feel comfortable knocking on half the doors there, and after one man shut the door on us we pretty much gave up! I do wish I lived in a more innocent time or place......

     Anyhoo back to reality, I have brought along one of our halloween treats to share around - marshmallows with chocolate sauce for dipping....yum!

102. At 12:02 PM on 01 Nov 2007, wrote:

     Appy (95) : Good luck with the showdown. Office politics can be so deadly.

     I'll be having an office-politics sort-out of my own on Sunday afternoon. Even though I am self employed! (Not a work thing... just another example of working with childish adults.)

     Appy (55) and Izzy (92) : Thank you for your kind thoughts re my wobbly pub trip. Perhaps because of your benign influence, I got there and back with dignity intact.

     Although, so much for avoiding the Trickortreatus Mob: they were crowded round the pub's back door, mugging smokers one by one as they emerged!

     Fifi ;o)

103. At 12:24 PM on 01 Nov 2007, wrote:

     hi peeps.....back from Devon after going via Stonehouse and Salisbury....dontcha love just jobs....as in Cj can you just go and...

     
     ....yes massa, dun u beat me again massa..!

     
     ...just a choice of either Pumpkin or Tomato soup with crusty bread rolls for luncheon....then back to cleaning the windows before it either rains or Mrs DiY gets home!

     DiY:)

     
     

104. At 12:35 PM on 01 Nov 2007, Anne P. wrote:

     Morning all, thick vegetable and lentil soup on the NC bar.

     (((frugs))) to all who need them and hot toddy to those fighting off the various lurgies.

     A.
     xx

105. At 12:42 PM on 01 Nov 2007, wrote:

     About to throw together some lunch for me and SO. Anyone who can get to Chez Fifi by 1.15pm is invited!

     Veggies can be accommodated, although the menu may seem rather restricted. ;o)

     Fifi xx

106. At 12:46 PM on 01 Nov 2007, Deepthought wrote:

     Trust all goes well, Aperitif.

     
     Time for a quick lunch, then back to the grindstone in RL.

     Fiona (101), I'm uneasy with this trickortreat import, for some kids - the older, unsupervised ones - have done real damage to gardens like pulling up prized plants (they did not know they were prized, but even so).

107. At 12:49 PM on 01 Nov 2007, Big Sister wrote:

     Deepthought: re preserving apples. My mother used to preserve them in jars. From memory, she just cooked them lightly, possibly with some sugar, then stored in Kilner jars (though anything with a good seal should do). Of course, you can freeze them, or another good way is to dry them (this is quite simple - slice and core them and lay on baking sheets, or greaseproof paper - and put them in your airing cupboard, or other place where there is a gentle but steady heat. You can also hang the rings on string in a warm area ....).

     Alternatively, with those which are badly bruised, perhaps you should juice them, or turn into puree (which again can be frozen).

     You may need a bit more detail to do any of the above properly, but if you know which method might suit, a quick google will probably help you.

108. At 01:00 PM on 01 Nov 2007, Stewart M wrote:

     In Nov my rumptof is very empty. but the one behind the bar in frogworls is doing very well. No tasting till Christmas. I have an automated hand smaker on it so any one peeking without permission will know about it.

     I had the joy of avoiding most trickortreaters by being at ballett last night. Angelina Ballerina. Kids loved it. I'm not a fan of this sort of ballett, though I can cope with the contempory stuff Northern Ballet do.

     Neigbours were having a halloween party so we had half an hour there once home. I thinkI got off lightly. I agree with fiona about knocking on doors. We live in a cul de sca and as we are at the bottom know most of the bottom end neighbours but not any of the top half. Must stop the ramble.

109. At 01:27 PM on 01 Nov 2007, wrote:

     windows doth gleam in RL.

     just thinking about tiffin at three....I think it should have a chocolate theme?

110. At 01:42 PM on 01 Nov 2007, Fiona wrote:

     Deepthought (106) I take your point entirely and I can't really blame people for not opening doors for that reason. A colleague of SO's refused to give anything to a couple of trick or treaters last year and got a brick through his car window as a trick! I despair of the way children grow up and the fact that we don't have any community spirit. My sister lives in a little village outside Aberdeen and her kids have been going round the local village for years now and are always welcomed as everyone knows everyone. Its just a shame little ones miss out on having innocent fun because of the harm done by others.

     Stewart M (108), I took my 3 year old to Angelina a couple of weeks ago. She loved it!
     

111. At 01:47 PM on 01 Nov 2007, wrote:

     DIY - please don't mention chocolate! I'm trying to do the 1 month fast. Could you maybe call it something different for a bit...?

112. At 01:50 PM on 01 Nov 2007, Val P wrote:

     The ramble was lovely Stewart M, speaking as one who enjoys a good one herself!

     Appy - too late to wish you all the best for this afternoon? Thinking of you anyway.

     Sorry to hear from all you poorly people that there's a something going the rounds already, Is that a sign of some kind of a winter? Bound to be really (see what I mean about rambling..)

     I'm just off to do my 45 minutes of brisk exercise (walk), although this is the day when I feel really virtuous by going to Keep Fit later on as well. Although I'm somewhat concerned by the onset of a pain which necessitated an xray last week, to exercise before the result comes through, or not? Mind you, I nearly leapt off the table to remonstrate with the bod in charge, who claimed sotto voce (but not sotto enough) to a henchman - " birthdate of xx x xx, that means she's xx, we don't need to ask if she might be pregnant" Hmmm, NHS, presumptions R Us??

113. At 01:54 PM on 01 Nov 2007, Peej wrote:

     DI - you're a sadist taunting Sequin like that. Now where did I put that Mars bar.........

114. At 02:08 PM on 01 Nov 2007, witchiwoman wrote:

     DiW - I hope that isn't too tempt our dear Sequin! I have brought some, well, Sticky Squares for later (milk and white chocolate melted with some marshmallows thrown in, allowed to mush slightly, and crushed digestives for crunch) . Is carob acceptable for those on a chocolate fast? If not then cornflake crispies instead.

115. At 02:25 PM on 01 Nov 2007, Gillian wrote:

     Witchiwoman (44) Mmmmm...cornflake crispies...made with golden syrup, I hope?!

116. At 02:40 PM on 01 Nov 2007, Aperitif wrote:

     Thanks for all the good wishes -- going in at 3...

117. At 02:42 PM on 01 Nov 2007, witchiwoman wrote:

     Gillian (115) - of course! There always seems to be a tin of it hanging around, generally at the back of the cupboard.

118. At 02:56 PM on 01 Nov 2007, wrote:

     GMX (111)

     cocoa then?..

     Peej (113)

     ....did you mean this one....*munch*..*munch*..?

     Gillian (115)

     and of course.......drizzled with melted dark chocolate?

     anyone for tea and cocoa based confectionary....?

     
     

119. At 03:02 PM on 01 Nov 2007, Simon Worrall wrote:

     WHACK!!

     O.K., which smart-alec booby-trapped the Rumtopf?

     DI W;
     I'm with you for the tiffin'. Since it's now 15:00 hours we're on our break. Big pot of fresh tea on the bar, with some home-made shortbread amd vast quantities of choccy biccies.

     For those diposed that way there is also a big vat of luxury cocoa made the Naval way, with condensed milk to sweeten it. :-)

     Carolyn;
     you'll like this cocoa, it's calorie-free and doesn't damage your waistline or your resolve.

     Si.

120. At 03:05 PM on 01 Nov 2007, Stewart M wrote:

     I will be doing some treacle toffee and cinder toffee for what the folk of bradfrod call Plot night.

     I'll make a pound or two for the bar. Be warned its tooth pullingly good.

     Whitch, I would argue that white chocolate is not chocolate but I think for sequin its perhaps bending the rules too much.

121. At 03:34 PM on 01 Nov 2007, witchiwoman wrote:

     DiW - I'd call you whatever the male version is of temptress if I knew what it was (tempter sounds dull in comparison even if it is right)

122. At 03:35 PM on 01 Nov 2007, Cammelia, Lady Dromedary wrote:

     O dears, theres a big bar of Green and Bl*cks orange chocolate for anyone who can put me in touch with a good vet......
     I pine
     I yearn
     I fade away
     I miss RJD and
     sob sniffle
     I fear it may be terminal
     Look, my hump's gone all wobbly.
     Actually, that may be the vodka, (just checking on EDI's theory.)
     Its nice to be back...

123. At 03:49 PM on 01 Nov 2007, Anne P. wrote:

     Deepthought, if bottling fruit in Kilner jars it's important to raise the temperature of the jar, immersed in water up to its neck, to boiling and hold long enough to sterilise. Top should be on and when cool enough to handle you should be able to prove that it has created a sealing vacuum by lifting it by the glass lid (carefully) if the lid adheres to the jar via its rubber ring then you can safely screw down the metal ring. If not you need to boil up again. Pressure cooker useful here. Haven't done it in years but that was the general principle to ensure preservation and avoidance of botulism and other nasties!

     Otherwise you could make fruit leather by cooking to a pulp and spreading thinly on baking sheets then drying slowly. Rolled up or broken into pieces it keeps well, if you can keep from eating it all at once.

124. At 03:49 PM on 01 Nov 2007, wrote:

     Rita Lee, the singer, sayd once: When she feels an impellig internal force to exercise, she immediately lays till it passes.

     I deal with my masochist side when i go out to exercise. 2 days a week.

     Fifi: cycle is better if it is a motorcycle.

     Val P: if you feel pain don't force and do like Rita.

     Guima

125. At 04:20 PM on 01 Nov 2007, wrote:

     DIY now that's definitely not allowed! Not sure about Carob Witchi - do they still make it? Haven't seen it for years! I'm still chocolate-free 16hours 24minute and 46 seconds in. I wonder how sequin is doing?

     Cammelia! How wonderful to see you. Rest your weary hooves down here a minute while I set up my intravenous gin infusion. I feel sure that RJD or the intermittant horse will the appear to you very soon and your hump will be restored!

126. At 04:36 PM on 01 Nov 2007, Val P wrote:

     Guima - thanks for the word of warning, of course the best bit of our Keep Fit is the 10 minutes of relaxation at the end :o)

     All this blithering talk of chocolate has made me consume an entire packet of chocolate raisins over the past 24 hours :o( Good grief, will I never learn self-restraint?

     Talking of which, Lady C, you'll have to droop til he gets home from his holidays. I do hope he brings photos!

127. At 04:48 PM on 01 Nov 2007, witchiwoman wrote:

     GM - they do indeed, you're obviously hanging around the wrong kind of health food shops!

128. At 04:49 PM on 01 Nov 2007, wrote:

     witchi (121) DiW the TEMPTER....I like it....

     Gillian, new Speedos needed with above logo embroided on the rear please!

     
     this eve for afters / pudding I shall be having baked bananas stuffed with plain chocky shavings wrapped in pancakes and with pure lemon juice poured over them.......

     ......$ex is .....oh.. so over rated isn't it..but cocoa products never are?

     DiY :p
     

129. At 07:12 PM on 01 Nov 2007, nikki noodle wrote:

     hope all went well, appy.

     Welcome back, m'Lady! I trust all is as it should be in the 'hice'?! I realise that roughin it down on the beach is a little, er, (what's the word?)!, unladylike?! uncamellike?!

     n-n

130. At 08:39 PM on 01 Nov 2007, wrote:

     DIWyman's true identity is revealed!

131. At 08:47 PM on 01 Nov 2007, Deepthought wrote:

     Thanks Ann P and someone else (cannot find for the moment),

     I do have real kilner jars, but cannot find new seals. I do also have a few of the French version, of which a never undersold store stocks and more importantly sells the seals for. In fact I've purchased prepared food that is sold in such jars, then cleaned up etc afterwards.

     Freezing's not an option - mother does not have a working freezer, my question was more - just how far down the route of making puree does one go before bottling (and then the pressure cooking)?

132. At 09:02 PM on 01 Nov 2007, wrote:

     Gillian (130)

     ..hang gal...just u wait till u see the real thing....!

133. At 09:23 PM on 01 Nov 2007, Frances O wrote:

     Hello, all, still not up to speed re frogging, but can't keep away.

     Thank you, Appy, for the get-well wishes, and I hope today was OK.

     Suggestion: Huge home-made Christmas/Yule/Solstice cake, which I will bake to my mother's recipe, but which needs to be fed with brandy after it's made.

     Do you think we could keep that up, frogfriends?

134. At 10:23 PM on 01 Nov 2007, mittfh wrote:

     EdI (98): I always thought lab ethanol always had up to 10% methanol added to make it unfit for consumption, thereby avoiding duty...

     Anyway, stuff the healthy diet lark, I've brought a large tin of chocolate biscuits - you'll find them in the bar fridge to keep nice and cool :)

     Since it's so warm here (especially since the warm snap in real life is on its way out), I've also brought a selection of choc ices.

     Talking of which, an ice cream van in my locality has suddenly started spouting "You are my sunshine" at top volume....

     Oh well, makes a change from O Sole Mio, The Teddy Bear's Picnic or Popeye.
     

135. At 11:27 PM on 01 Nov 2007, Izzy T'Me wrote:

     ".......buzz buzz buzzy bee, buzzy bee, buzz if you like but dooon't sting me...."

     Sorry, don't normally like adverts but some just get into one's head! Not sure what it's for, but I remember my mother singing it to me, some years ago.

     Anyway, what's happening on the Speedo front DiY and Gill? Or, perhaps that should be "back"?
     Glad that you got home without mishap, Fifi. Hope the afternoon business went without too much of a mishap, Appy. Gm, don't listen to the demons - they're all out to tempt you back. Don't you know, carrots are the new c'late? It's true, a study somewhere says so (I bet!).

     Anyway, can I have a little moan? Yes? Thank you. I had to deliver what is politely known in the office as a "poo pot" tonight (empty - it's there for the filling, thank you all!) and the householder had obviously decided that their postcode was not in the "to do" area, so had changed their address to accommodate. It took me 2 hours and 30+ miles to not find it, in the lovely but very winding countryside that is South Wales. How impressed was I? Especially as I was doing it as a favour after work (for which I am not paid - as most of you already know), a nice 12 hour day - woo hoo! Without prejudice - stupid person, probably gave herself food poisoning.

     Thank you for letting me get that off my chest. In return, there are assorted late night snackaroos and night caps for those that venture here later on. Dig in, do.

     Nighty night,

     Izz xx

136. At 11:38 PM on 01 Nov 2007, wrote:

     Mittfh (134),

     'denatured' ethanol has methanol added, but what I was walking out of the department with was 95% ethanol, the other 5% being water. We also had access to 'absolute' ethanol, but it was said to contain traces of benzene, due to the impossibility of distilling beyond 95% See "azeotrope" for an explanation of why this is so.

     Methanol, and on fact all alcohols other than ethanol, should be avoided unless one wants to go blind or die young. I still am grateful to the GL that nobody managed to down a lethal amount of our innocuous-tasting punch. It is possible to die from too much ethanol, and I don't mean cirrhosis, I mean from one episode of ingestion.

     After all intoxicate and toxic are cognate.

     I reckon it would be difficult to imbibe enough Liffey to get a lethal dose....

     xx
     ed

     
     Suicide is the most genuine form of self-criticism.

     
     

137. At 12:13 AM on 02 Nov 2007, Big Sister wrote:

     Deepthought: If the jar has a proper seal (as explained by Ann - and yes I remember that now!), the question of how cooked the apple is becomes somewhat irrelevant I think.

     I did think a bit further about the drying method (which I've done in the past, but a long time ago) and I think I did it in the oven. The result was very good - dehydrated apple - which was quite versatile and kept quite well. It made a nice snack (the flavour's very concentrated) and could be rehydrated for pies, etc.

     Of course, if you've still got surplus apples, you could make homemade apple wine, which is very nice, especially when it's mulled.

138. At 07:03 AM on 02 Nov 2007, wrote:

     morning froggers......cool but clear in RL, another fine day to tackle a couple of jobs I have been putting off!

     But before that a Friday fry-up is called for. No Black pudding though.....sorry.

     DiY

139. At 08:25 AM on 02 Nov 2007, Jason Good wrote:

     Just for Appy in her quest for gags - this from my 8 year old daughter (who has learned well).

     Why did the seal fall out of the tree?

     Because it was dead.

     ---

     Why did the second seal fall out of the tree?

     Because it was glued to the first one.

     ---

     Why did the third seal fall out of the tree?

     Because it thought it was a game and it joined in.

     I fank yew.

140. At 08:46 AM on 02 Nov 2007, Peej wrote:

     Morning Froggers, think I'll go for a sprint along the beach. Its great doing that sort of thing here, I don't get out of breath or anything. And as a bonus, bacon, red meat and alcohol have no dominion over my arteries.

     You about Appy? Everything ok?

141. At 10:16 AM on 02 Nov 2007, wrote:

     Bernie and Abe are having a drink together in a City wine bar to celebrate Abe's recent promotion and bonus. They hade been drinking for some time when Bernie suddenly begins to insult Abe.

     He shouts, 'I slept with your mother, Abe.'

     There is a hushed silence as everyone turns and listens.

     Again Bernie shouts at Abe, 'I slept with your mother, Abe.'

     Abe replies, 'I know. Why don't you go home now, Dad, you're drunk'

     
     .....I thank you....

142. At 10:19 AM on 02 Nov 2007, wrote:

     Jason (139) Thanks for brightening up an otherwise dull day in the office :) A libation awaits you on the bar...

143. At 10:57 AM on 02 Nov 2007, witchiwoman wrote:

     Good morning all - elevenses? No chocolate. Hazlenut and raisin biscuits and low fat flapjacks so we can all feel saintly before breaking out the friday afternoon slurpies.

144. At 11:06 AM on 02 Nov 2007, wrote:

     Tom was telling his friend Mark a riddle....

     'What has a bottom at the top?'

     Mark said, 'I don't know, Tom. What does have a bottom at the top?'

     Tom.......'Your legs'

     
     ..I thank you...

145. At 12:38 PM on 02 Nov 2007, wrote:

     I think it's time for lunch. The hollow laughter caused by DIY's jokes is echoing with the hollow sound of my tum.

     ;o)

     Fifi

146. At 01:03 PM on 02 Nov 2007, wrote:

     ok..then...

     wots black and white and read all over....?

     
     ....a newspaper!

     
     ...did you see what I did there?

     and now over to Feefs for lunch..

     .....I thank you....

147. At 01:23 PM on 02 Nov 2007, Wonko wrote:

     Man goes into a Butcher's shop and asks for a pound of sausages. The Butcher replies that they have now gone metric. "All right," says the man, "I'll have a pound of metric then."

     Man walks into a bar... It hurt.

     Horse walks into a bar, the barman looks up and says: "What's with the long face?"

     A white horse walks into a bar and orders a whisky. The barman says "I've got a whisky named after you!" The horse looks puzzled for a moment and says: "What? Eric?"

     Man is driving to a pub out in the country for a meal with a friend. Some way into his journey the car conks out on him, so he coasts to a small layby. He opens the bonnet, but can't see what the problem is straight away. The he hears a voice say: "Number 2 HT lead." He turns around, but can see no-one in sight. He hears the same thing again and realises that the horse standing at fence next to the layby is the one speaking. he checks and indeed, it is the HT lead that has worked loose. Still a little puzzled he thanks the horse, who says "You're welcome", and goes on his way. At the pub he recounts the story to his friend. "Was it a chestnut or a grey mare?" his friend asks. "As it happens, it was a chestnut" the man replies. "That's just as well." says his friend, "The grey mare knows s*d all about cars."

     I'll be here all week... ;o) []

148. At 01:56 PM on 02 Nov 2007, wrote:

     Sarah was a very successful businesswoman. Last year was so good that she bought her self a Rolls Royce, she had only had it a few weeks when she had it taken back to the dealership complaining that there were strange weezing noises come from the front of the car.

     The dealer had the car checked all over and could find nothing wrong so he telephoned Sarah.

     He explained that they had run every diagnostic test on the car possible and drawn a blank, 'We cant find anything wrong with the car, as we expected. There is only one possible explanatiuon,' he said. 'We believe your chauffeur must have asthma'.

     
     .....I thank you....

149. At 02:06 PM on 02 Nov 2007, Aunt Dahlia wrote:

     Why are there no painkillers in the forest?

     Parrots eat 'em all!

150. At 02:16 PM on 02 Nov 2007, wrote:

     That's the last of the chicken & ham soup then. Hope you enjoyed the bacon & garlic croutons with today's portions.

     Now it's back to RL, and a serious hatchet-job on an overstuffed book manuscript.

     Pruning.... my favourite!

     Fifi ;o)

151. At 02:17 PM on 02 Nov 2007, Cammelia, Lady dromedary wrote:

     HELP
     HELP
     someone release me
     I found this knacky little hump corset and put it on to get in trim for the next session and now I can't get it orf. Its an opeedS garment, probably built for a dromedary. A small dromedary, and there's some writing I can't see without me lorgnette.... could the kind owner come and release me
     please.....
     please

152. At 02:46 PM on 02 Nov 2007, wrote:

     A princess was cursed: everything she touched melted. Metal, wood, people... Her father the king was in despair of her ever marrying.

     So the king announced a competition: any knight who could offer something his daughter could touch, without it melting, could have her hand in marriage.

     On the appointed day, three suitors turned up. Sir Horace brandished a famous sword of steel, tough enough to have seen off countless enemies in battle. The princess touched it and... it melted into slag.

     Sir Boris held forth a basket of diamonds, the hardest known substance. The princess plunged her hand among the glittering stones and... they melted too.

     Sir Eric stepped forward, his gauntleted hands empty. He said: "If your Highness will put your hand in my pocket, and whatever you find there remains unmelted, I shall claim you as my bride!"

     Nervously, the princess slipped her dainty hand into his waist pocket... and found something... and it remained perfectly hard.

     It was only at the wedding reception that the king dared to ask his new son in law what he'd had in his pocket.

     Sir Eric smiled complacently and said.......

153. At 02:46 PM on 02 Nov 2007, wrote:

     ..... "M&Ms, naturally."

     The king was astonished. He had been thinking along quite different lines!

     His daughter leaned demurely towards him and whispered:

     "I thought everyone knows the chocolate melts in your mouth, not in your hand."

     * sprints off to Fido's Run to avoid the obvious remarks! *

     
     Fifi xx

154. At 02:47 PM on 02 Nov 2007, wrote:

     Gossipmistress, woo-ooooooh?

     There is a camel in distress over by the big dune, and nobody can get near enough to help.

     Bring that big tranquilliser gun!

     Fifi

155. At 03:06 PM on 02 Nov 2007, nikki noodle wrote:

     and another:

     "Anna went away last week for some sun"

     Genoa?

     "yes, she's my girl"

     Jamaca?

     "no, no, she went of her own accord"

     Jacarta?

     "no, no, she paid her own way"

     Bangkok?

     "no, just tight speedos"

156. At 03:15 PM on 02 Nov 2007, wrote:

     Oi! Where's me punchline gone!

     Fifi

     >:o(

157. At 04:07 PM on 02 Nov 2007, Jason Good wrote:

     Very brave, Feefs, to try splitting the gag and punchline across two posts in the same minute...I would have expected a 502 or them appearing in the wrong order!

     What a long week.

158. At 04:35 PM on 02 Nov 2007, wrote:

     Ah, as the red-tinged clouds are scudding by in November,
     I feel it is time to repair to a deckchair on the sand.
     There to find company with some froggers,
     Merrily passing the time until the weekend arrives.

159. At 04:40 PM on 02 Nov 2007, wrote:

     And not a Content Submission Error in sight, Jason! (157)

     * touches wood... just in case *

     Now, who's for a game of blind man's buff before the sun completely sets?

     I'll put on the blindfold while you all adopt the buff......

     Fifi ;oD

160. At 04:44 PM on 02 Nov 2007, wrote:

     I need a RANT. Fuming, fuming, fuming
     Deep breath

     I made an arrangement with a domestic appliance repair person to meet at home to check out broken dishwasher. 3pm was the agreed time - in order to get home by 3 I had to leave work at 2.
     At 3.30 I called him to see if he was on his way - "er - I thought we said 4.30" he said.
     Ok, I thought, not the end of the world. Timing is going to be a bit of a challenge - have to be somewhere else by 6 to pick up the wee man, but we should be OK.
     At 4.35 the domestic appliance repairman phones to say he can't make it, there has been an emergency at his son's school. Aaaaaaaaaagh!
     That's better

     I'll sulk down by the water for a few minutes, then I'll go and get wee man early - every cloud............

161. At 05:00 PM on 02 Nov 2007, Simon Worrall wrote:

     Hey DI W;
     What's pink and always hard first thing in the morning?

     The Financial Times crossword...

     Si.

162. At 05:29 PM on 02 Nov 2007, wrote:

     SW (161)

     LOL....r u planning to spend the WHOLE weekend on the naughty step?

163. At 05:40 PM on 02 Nov 2007, wrote:

     Grandpa Arnold and Grandma Emily were staying overnight at their grandson Paul's house when Grandpa Arnold saw a bottle of Viagra pills in the bathroom cabinet. He asked Paul whether he could try one of the tablets.

     Paul said, 'I don't think you should take one Grandpa, they are very potent and expensive.'

     'How much?' asked Grandpa Arnold.

     'Ten pounds for each pill,' replied Paul.

     'I don't care.' said Grandpa Arnold. 'I'd like to try Viagra at least once before I die. But don't worry , if I do take one, I'll pay you for it'.

     
     The next morning Paul found a cheque for Β£110 on the kitchen table. He said to Granpa Arnold, Grandpa, I told you each pill was Β£10 not Β£100.'

     'I know,' said Grandpa Arnold, 'The extra Β£100 is from your Grandma'.

     
     .....I thank You....
     

164. At 07:41 PM on 02 Nov 2007, Humph wrote:

     I may be getting the wrong idea here, Fifi (159), but if it is the men who are in the buff, I do not think that I would need the blindfold.

     H.

165. At 06:46 AM on 03 Nov 2007, wrote:

     morning froggers, come on wakey wakey, it's clear and dry in RL (well it on the Broads). Just back from foraging for mushrooms. Not many but just enough to share.

     I will gently fry them in butter so you can try them with your Saturday fry ups!

     I am having mine in a omelette made with batams eggs!

     Enjoy

     DiY
     

166. At 07:27 AM on 03 Nov 2007, wrote:

     It is late autumn and the Lone Ranger and Tonto had been out on the plains all day tracking a gang of rustlers. But with little success they were headed back to town to try and pick up a fresh trail.

     Tired and rather saddle sore the reigned up outside a saloon. They planned to get a meal and ask around for help but the Lone Ranger spies a notice pinned to the door 'No Injuns allowed'

     Slightly miffed at this but hardly surprised Tonto agrees to watch over their horses whilst the Lone Ranger goes in and gets his good friend a plate of meat and beans, with a side order of onion rings.

     The Lone Ranger brings out the food for Tonto and says that he won't be long; he is just going to have his meal, a drink and ask around for the low down on the rustlers.

     Anyway after an hour there is no sign of his return and Tonto is starting to get a bit chilled in the evening air.

     Another hour passes and Tonto has taken to jogging on the spot to keep warm.

     Meanwhile the Lone Ranger is in the warm and comforted by a couple of whiskies he is enjoying a quick hand of poker when he is approached by a real mean looking cowpoke....'Hey you are you the Lone Ranger?' 'Yes, why?' says the Lone Ranger sliding his hand down to the butt of his Pearl handled revolver.

     'Yer left yer injun running outside'

     
     ......I thank you......
     

167. At 08:30 AM on 03 Nov 2007, wrote:

     G'day, DIY (166) : You and I seem to be the early birds today! My excuse is that I'm taking friends to the station in a few mins; otherwise I would still be revelling in a Saturday morning lie-in!

     I shall leave some waffle batter and irons by the barbecue for later arrivals ... there's golden syrup, maple syrup and cream for those with a sweet tooth, lemon juice for those of a more savoury persuasion.

     See you folks later!

     Fifi xx

168. At 08:47 AM on 03 Nov 2007, Deepthought wrote:

     Morning all,

     I too am up early, but spent much time ranting about Direct Deb(i)ts. Since these are now virtually compulsary for any service, council tax, mortgage etc, I therefore do *not* have control over my bank account.

     Result - overdrawn for the first time ever!

     I loathe Direct Debt at the best of times, I've had plenty go wrong (like Β£3000 instead of Β£300, and did they honour their guarantee - rhetorical question), but now as I cannot control which day the money goes from my account, bingo! OD by the side of a largish number.

     .

     Plenty of tea and coffee, freshly squeezed (according to the packet) Orange juice on the bar.

169. At 09:04 AM on 03 Nov 2007, Deepthought wrote:

     I see the rant warning disappeared from my previous entry, but that is not the reason for this one.

     Has anyone else noticed that when a thread gets long (such as the Beach), that the right hand column gets cut off, just after the calendar, so no "Recent Entries", no recent categories, no pics of Sequin, Carrie etc?

170. At 09:15 AM on 03 Nov 2007, wrote:

     Deepthought (168) : I once returned to work after the festive break to find that the magazine whose subscriptions I was paid to promote had effectively stolen Β£20-odd from hundreds and hundreds of people. Technical glitch, ooops.

     As the person likely to be fielding the angry calls from Victor Meldrew types, as our subscribers discovered the horrible truth, I immediately set about finding out what the DD Guarantee had to say about it....

     Nuffink. There was no way to identify the customers we'd robbed in a proactive manner... all we could do was wait for the complaints and refund really quickly and apologetically.

     I haven't taken out a DD since. :o( The advice is, wherever possible insist on taking out a Standing Order instead. When they tell you SOs don't exist any more -- they're lying!!! They don't like 'em because control remains with you, the customer.

     Grrrrr.

     My friends caught their train by the way. Waffles for Fifiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

     xx

171. At 09:45 AM on 03 Nov 2007, Little Red wrote:

     mmm. homemade gooseberry jam for my toast this morning. i'll put a spare pot on the bar with a fresh brew.

     now how warm do you think the water is? think i'll try a paddle first and then a swim up and down the length of the beach. shame my ipod isn't water resistant - a bit of Feeder might help me out!

172. At 10:52 AM on 03 Nov 2007, wrote:

     'ang on Little Red,I will join you in my canoe I'll bring my i thingy with speakers.....ok..what do want to listen to?

     iDIY!

173. At 11:17 AM on 03 Nov 2007, wrote:

     DIWyman(172)
     Well here's a song to start you off - I've made you some new khaki speedos ......they've got pockets in the most unexpected places!

174. At 11:18 AM on 03 Nov 2007, Izzy T'Me wrote:

     Come on in Little Red and DiY, the water's lovely. The surf is particularly good and here I seem to be able to catch gnarly (!!) waves which I jolly well can't in RL!

     Looking forward to waffles with gooseberry jam when I come out - yum!

175. At 11:24 AM on 03 Nov 2007, wrote:

     Little Red, how did Tuesday go???

     Fifi x

176. At 11:25 AM on 03 Nov 2007, Deepthought wrote:

     Where is my 10am reply to Fifi?

177. At 12:00 PM on 03 Nov 2007, Aperitif wrote:

     Morning all. Yes, Little Red, how was t'interview?

178. At 12:05 PM on 03 Nov 2007, Val P wrote:

     Ah - another mild day in RL so I can no longer put off doing a bit of what I can only describe as Housework in the Garden, certainly couldn't call it Gardening. Still, every little helps.

     Catch y'all back here later x

179. At 12:28 PM on 03 Nov 2007, Stewart M wrote:

     Afternoon folk. I too had a DD disaster earlier in the year. My own fault as I'd mistimed monies in & out. Result fee from bank for ballsing up and fee from payment that went pear shaped. The double whammy is swearingly annoying.

     Off for lunch with kids soon and then a go onthe tepmorary big wheel in Centenary Square (bradfrog). I have my camera so may post up somewhere some aerial images of the buiding site that will eventually be a shopping centre. Was supposedly to be completed in the Autumn of 2007 when the council started demolishing stuff. They have not got far in 4+ years!

     Ciabbata anyone?

180. At 01:01 PM on 03 Nov 2007, wrote:

     Gillian (173)

     much thanks for new Speedos,,,,but y put a zip there.....when I sit down it chaffes a bit....

     .......oh....it's so I can see out of my glass bottomed canoe.........how........wonderful?

     
     anyhoo.....left over fried rice for lunch......then back to making things out of broken pallets...

181. At 01:10 PM on 03 Nov 2007, Deepthought wrote:

     As well as Little Red, your meeting OK Aperitif?

182. At 01:54 PM on 03 Nov 2007, wrote:

     Is that really a camel in a corset??? Is she trying to get a raunchy part in a costume drama on Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ 3??? I shall remove it with the aid of my special camel pacifier gun - 1 injection causes hallucinations of 'Lawrence Of Arabia' for 40mins and lets us gets close enough for minor proceedures..... There we go! Now leave here there to dribble for a bit then give her a stiff gin when she wakes up - she'll be fine!

     Sorry for not being around - very sad funeral yesterday for singing colleague, died of breast cancer aged 47. Late night & now in pyjamas on the beach... just rustling up a frothy coffee if anyone would like one?x

183. At 02:22 PM on 03 Nov 2007, wrote:

     GMX (182)

     47...and then out.....lifes a bitch.

     Not really though, onwards and upwards....just recall the happy memories and they will be with you for always.

     have a frug {{{{ x }}}}

     DiY

184. At 06:36 PM on 03 Nov 2007, Izzy T'Me wrote:

     Sent a sympathetic frog and frug to GM but it was 502'd!!!

     (((((frug)))))

185. At 08:48 PM on 03 Nov 2007, wrote:

     Life's a beach!

186. At 09:06 PM on 03 Nov 2007, wrote:

     Me too, Izzy. Grrrrr!

     ;o)

     Fifi

187. At 07:24 AM on 04 Nov 2007, wrote:

     happy Sunday morning to the frogging community.

     
     all quiet here so I am going beachcombing, anyone care to join me?

188. At 07:45 AM on 04 Nov 2007, wrote:

     happy Sunday morning to the frogging community.

     
     all quiet here so I am going beachcombing, anyone care to join me?

189. At 07:53 AM on 04 Nov 2007, wrote:

     A frug from me got 502'd too :( I hope it makes it through this time....

190. At 10:28 AM on 04 Nov 2007, Anne P. wrote:

     Tentative toe in the water - don't like all these references to 502 making a reappearance when last week was so wonderfully clear and fast.

     If this makes it through, there's fresh tea and coffee on the bar and I'll be making scotch pancakes later - requests for variants - raisins, raspberries, lots of vanilla, just name it and it shall be yours.

     A.
     xx

191. At 10:29 AM on 04 Nov 2007, wrote:

     Broken again?

     Sid

     10:37
     

192. At 10:53 AM on 04 Nov 2007, Sara wrote:

     November shrouded in fog, so I had a bit of trouble finding my way down here. I hope I won't be 502d now that I've got here.

     No news yet of Little Red's and Appy's various weekdays. But a big frug to GM - 47 sounds fearfully young to me, so I guess I must just be grateful to be still here. Well, I am, even though SO sometimes isn't!!

     Sorry about the DDs. Has anyone had any trouble with W**tr*se Wines Direct? My mother has tried to arrange delivery of a Christmas present but can't do so without an email address (which at 93 she hasn't got). She had to give mine, so I now know exactly what it all cost. And delivery is a nightmare - at 11.26 pm on Wednesday they emailed me to say the wine was on its way, and then tried to deliver it on Thursday when of course no-one was in. Then they tried again on Friday but with such short notice we couldn't arrange for someone to be home "any time between 8 am and 6 pm" - which means all day, of course. Now it seems I've got to go to Telford to collect our present. Grrrrrrrrr.

     Rant over. Have a bacon buttie.

193. At 12:23 PM on 04 Nov 2007, wrote:

     Very sad news gossipmistress. Far too young to go.

     Thinking of you at the moment.

     ((((((((((((((((((((0))))))))))))))))))))))))

194. At 01:54 PM on 04 Nov 2007, nikki noodle wrote:

     GM - Very sorry to hear about your friend.

     there are really no words that can say anything, do tell us more if you want.

     n-n

195. At 03:40 PM on 04 Nov 2007, wrote:

     today has not gone as one would hope!

     son #2 rings...'Dad, cntral heating is not working' ???

     'Tom, your point is?'

     1 hour, 21 mile round trip.....time switch replaced.....

     son #3 rings.....'Dad, water is coming out of the pipe above the bathoom window'

     'Matt, you need a plumber, it may be the ball cock is stuck, go in the loft and have a look'

     
     1/2 hour later.....'Dad I can't get into the loft'

     'y'

     'Its full of spiders'

     FFS

     18 mile round trip, incl visit to B*Q, ball cock changed...happy son.....

     if son #1, rings......I am out. Besides he doesn't want me to caddy for him at the Daily Telegraph / Wilson Staff golf masters in Portugal in January....wants someone he can rely on!

     An' theres me with me with a new suit and Speedos!

     kids...are they not a joy to behold?

196. At 04:50 PM on 04 Nov 2007, wrote:

     DI Wyman - how did the beachcombing go then?

     Sid
     

197. At 05:20 PM on 04 Nov 2007, Humph wrote:

     I went to my local general store the other day. Whilst I was there, trying to work out what I wanted to buy for that evening’s dinner, the shop-owner approached me and asked if I wanted to buy a clockwork train set. �No!� I said, and the shop-owner left me alone. Just then, a dog enters the shop with a basket in his mouth and the shop-owner goes to attend to his needs. There was a shopping list in the basket, which the shop-owner used to fill the basket. He then he took some money from the purse in the basket and returned some change. The dog then left the shop at a gallop. After that, the shop-owner came back to me and asked if I would rather purchase a grandfather clock? �What are you,� I asked, �some sort of wind-up merchant?�

     A couple of days later, I needed to return to the same shop for some nails. �How long do you want them?� the shop-owner asked. �Actually,� I replied, �I was rather hoping to keep them!� Whilst there, the same dog turns up again! I knew that it was the same dog, because he had the same basket in his mouth and again the shop-owner used the list to find out what he wanted. Not much, on this occasion, just a box of matches and some cigarettes. Does the over 16 rule only apply to people?? Anyway, the shop owner put the required items into the basket and took some money from the purse. He then returned some change before the dog ran off again.

     Well I wanted to know more about this dog and so decided to wait outside the grocery shop until he returned again. I did not have too long to wait. Only yesterday, whilst I was standing outside the shop, there was the same dog, same basket, the same shopping list and, I would wager, the same purse. I was waiting outside the shop whilst dog and shop-owner did their business. But I managed to follow the dog all the way to his, I assume, home. When he gets there, he puts the basket down on the ground and leaps up at the door to press the bell button with his nose. Nothing happens. The dog barks twice and then jumps up again to press the bell button with his nose; longer this time. Eventually, an elderly woman opens the door and proceeds to beat the dog with her walking stick. I was shocked! Shocked? I was appalled!!! I ran up to the old lady (lady?) and told her to stop beating the dog that instant. �That dog� I said �is the most intelligent dog that I have ever seen!� �Intelligent my pass*,� the old woman said, �this is the second time this week that he has forgotten his house key!�

     H.

     *Humph rhyming slang. Not as good as Fifi’s, I agree, but you get the idea.
     

198. At 05:31 PM on 04 Nov 2007, Little Red wrote:

     frugs to all in need... and here's some stewed rhubarb and custard - my favourite comfort food (if I can get past the 502)

     I was successful in t'interview which is fabulous news and has left me smiling all week :) Just have to sort out the details (like work locations) before I can hand in my notice which the devil on my shoulder is really looking forward to ;)

     Anyone for mohito's later?

199. At 06:21 PM on 04 Nov 2007, Aunt Dahlia wrote:

     Thinking of you GM. Been there. Horrid
     Take comfort.

200. At 06:31 PM on 04 Nov 2007, Cammelia, Lady Dromedary wrote:

     Aaaah thats better
     Now then, there's some sort of bash at the Hice next Wednesday and I've been told I have to wear me furs, black tights and moth balls.
     Now, no probs with the fur, and tights, but moth balls?
     I've tried the shop over at Nadger's Drift, and they just laughed - said they only had seedar - is that some sort of visual aid? Any road up I need them and a packet of egg sandwiches. I must say representation without election is a frightful faff. I may give this up and just lounge about on the dunes, propositioning sailors
     No no I know where me duty lies, and I look good in the tights even if I do have to wear a weird necklace.
     Sorry, wierd necklace.
     xx

201. At 07:07 PM on 04 Nov 2007, Sara wrote:

     Wonderful news, little Red. Congrats.

202. At 07:43 PM on 04 Nov 2007, Big Sister wrote:

     Please could froggers think very positive thoughts for me and SO tomorrow morning when we tackle our builder about the way he is ploughing through our funds with very little to show for it?

     We're both totally stressed out with it at the moment, and I've just spent all afternoon putting together some documents for SO to rattle 'Bob the Builder' with in the hope that we can bring some sense back into the project without us being totally bankrupted (or him walking off site). Somehow I don't think I shall sleep well tonight .....

203. At 09:36 PM on 04 Nov 2007, nikki noodle wrote:

     Well done, Lil' Red!!! Congratulations!!!

     ¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬ da da

     And best wishes to you in advance, Big Sis, hope you do manage a few hours in the land of Nod.

     WW - any more news about the place of your abode?!

     n-n

204. At 09:45 PM on 04 Nov 2007, Deepthought wrote:

     Well done LRed (199).

     No news yet on Aperitif.

     Spent the declining daylight minutes picking up windfalls from late Father's orchard, with the odd one falling on me (no wind, just the trees getting their own back on me). I suspect a record crop, were I able to pick it, rather than pick it up off the ground...
     
     Big Sis (203), understand. Know your problem. I solved it by knowing, socially, builder before RFQ. I knew him as music teacher, was surprise to me to learn he was now a builder and a bl**dy good carpenter as well (and I say that from position of strength).

205. At 10:49 PM on 04 Nov 2007, The Intermittent Horse wrote:

     Hi all. Cantered quite a few furlongs on my furlough. Good to be back.

     Ap (66) – If you miss him, is it because he is elusive or that your aim is bad?

     Si (67) – I have it on very good authority that he was in no way bothered by the sometimes abusive but more often deranged mac and could easily both tolerate and ignore the posted drivel.

     Cammelia, Lady Dromedary (122) – Dear Lady, unwobble your hump and banter me more.
     

206. At 10:52 PM on 04 Nov 2007, Deepthought wrote:

     Just occurred to me;

     Do Apple trees understand sarcasm, when they drop an apple on one's head?

207. At 11:09 PM on 04 Nov 2007, wrote:

     sorry BigSister to hear the news. Been there many times. Thinking of you - have courage - if you aren't satisfied tell him!
     

208. At 11:16 PM on 04 Nov 2007, wrote:

     Apple trees don't always appreciate the gravity of the situation, in my experience ...

     Good luck to all for their various endeavours this week.

     Sid

209. At 07:38 AM on 05 Nov 2007, wrote:

     Right, I'm off for a few days in Poland in RL, so may not be able to frog much. I've left a large pile of snacks, treats, and suchlike on the bar. See you all soon, I hope....

210. At 09:05 AM on 05 Nov 2007, Anne P. wrote:

     Fresh English breakfast and a selection of coffees on the bar to accompany FFred's eats. I too am incommunicado for a few days, but not as exciting as Poland - just visiting elderly Mum in Somerset.
     Have a good week.
     

211. At 09:43 AM on 05 Nov 2007, Molly wrote:

     Just popped by to find out what I've missed tthis past week- everything seems better....?
     Sorry to hear the sad things for some froggers- life is good but can be a bitch. can't it.

     Gillian- a zip? How very unkind!!!

     Fearless F-Poland eh? Where exactly?
     Lucky you anyway. More of your super photos, I hope....

     Well, much to do today.

     PM-who is it today, I wonder...

     Mollyxx
     

212. At 09:45 AM on 05 Nov 2007, witchiwoman wrote:

     Good morning!

     Is it monday, I've lost track?

     BigSis - sending thoughts of a strong, direct and firm kind. You will get the answers you want I'm sure!

     NN - thanks for asking. Am moving on friday, will be my last day at work and removers are going in whilst I'm out (supervised by my dear Mom) No news on my place yet but its only been a month! Spent all saturday doing homework for teaching course and getting lesson plans together for next week, yesterday was pack fest. Not only run out of boxes but plastic bags as well (the joys of being a careful carbon user!). More sorting and cleaning tonight. Stressed but happy!

     GM - sending you frugs ((( )))

213. At 10:06 AM on 05 Nov 2007, Val P wrote:

     Oh dear - where's Fabio when you need him? My aching back is now vying with the sore hip and needing immediate attention. Far too much Gardening this weekend, I knew that I'd regret it. At least the garden looks tidier, even if I am covered in midgie bites.

     Big Sis - just imagine us sending you all the good vibes as you confront Bob the B.

     Lady Cammy - does it have to be egg? Is that why they need the mothballs? Can't decide which has the most evil pong..

     Little Red - great news :-)

     GM - {{{{{frug}}}}}

     If anyone needs me, I'll be the one stomping about in the dunes as this post was interrupted by a phone call which threw all of today's plans up in the air and rescrambled them into something I don't want :o(
     

214. At 10:24 AM on 05 Nov 2007, Belinda wrote:

     GM - having the same condition and being in the same age group, your post hit me rather close to home. I hope you are ok and I hope that the family of your friend will be ok, but the entire situation is just crappy.

     Big Sister - in similar situations, I just usually lay my cards on the table and say that I have no more money. Surprising how work always tends to speed up after that. Good luck with everything.

     FFred and Anne P - have a great time on your respective trips.

     Appy - hope you are ok.

215. At 01:06 PM on 05 Nov 2007, Big Sister wrote:

     Confrontation with builder has been postponed until this afternoon as a delivery of premixed concrete is being delivered, supposedly as I speak (but no sign of it at the moment, in reality). We thought it might be as well to get that over before, potentially, upsetting Mr. Bob - at least it will take us one stage further!

     This morning he and his pal have spent most of the morning (when on site - as they've kept wandering off) just chatting (no doubt they'd say they were planning), but at least SO's been here to witness at first hand the issue I've been raising with him.

     I'll let you know how it goes, but your advice has been welcome. Deepthought: the only builder I know that I'd trust is my cousin, and unfortunately he lives in London. I consulted with him yesterday, however, about the whole problem and was able to get some clear idea from him of how long it SHOULD be taking, which will be informing our meeting with the builder this afternoon.

     He is, incidentally, the friend of a neighbour, which makes his dealings with us all the more disgraceful imho.

216. At 02:08 PM on 05 Nov 2007, Perky wrote:

     GM - many ((((frugs to you)))), along with a big pot of hot chocolate as the winter seems to have got decidedly cooler in RL.

     Witchi - great strapline!

     BigSis - hope all goes well with the builder. I'll keep my froggy fingers crossed that it turns out right for you.

     xx

217. At 02:49 PM on 05 Nov 2007, wrote:

     Huge panic yesterday afternoon... quietly and without fuss, our network and with it our internet access fell over.

     But all those positive froggy vibes whizzing around for GM, BigSister, Little Red, Belinda, Appy, Val (ouch!) and Witchi (and others, I'm bound to have missed someone!) must have helped because...

     This morning I FIXED IT!!! Me! It was still broken when I first tried it. Then I fiddled a bit with the server and ... fixed it.

     
     Now then... does anybody NOT know that it's Somebody's Birthday on Monday?

     Should you feel so inclined, the address for your insults and crudities is:

     Sir Tedward le Maire of Dundee
     PM
     Room G601
     Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ News Centre
     London W12 7RJ

     Lovely to see you, Mister Horse. It's nice to be out and about without a mac, in November...

     Fifi xx

218. At 02:50 PM on 05 Nov 2007, Peej wrote:

     Big Sis - threaten him with your Uncle Eddie, tell him you can arrange for a PM expose of dodgy builders a la Rogue Traders.

219. At 02:53 PM on 05 Nov 2007, Humph wrote:

     There are 10 kinds of people in the world - those who count using the binary number system and those who do not. ;o).

     H.

220. At 03:47 PM on 05 Nov 2007, Gossipmistress wrote:

     Just a quick note form work to say a big Thank You to everyone for all the good wishes & frugs. Tried many times on saturday to post a Thank you but got 502'd

     No time to read every thing now, will catch up later GMxxx

221. At 04:19 PM on 05 Nov 2007, The Intermittent Horse wrote:

     Humph (220) - Was it you that went into the bar and raised two fingers to the barman and said "Three beers please."?

222. At 04:29 PM on 05 Nov 2007, Fiona wrote:

     Just another flying visit from me....

     Good luck with the builders Big Sis - withhold payment, that's the way to get them going! But speaking as somone who lives with a builder I can vouch for the fact that they are not all the same. I really do hope you get it all sorted out soon though x

     Belated ((((frugs))))) to you GM (and to anyone else who needs them btw), how awful for you and for your friend's family

     And Fifi (218), yes I do indeed know that it is a certain someone's birthday next Monday.....and I also happen to know that yours truly here (ie. me!) was born a mere 4 days later, and only about 60 miles further north.......so near yet so far (sigh!) :0)

223. At 04:59 PM on 05 Nov 2007, Humph wrote:

     TIH (222) I do not believe that I have ever raised two fingers, to a barman or anyone else. Mind you, I do not believe that I have said "Three beers, please", either.

     H.

224. At 05:25 PM on 05 Nov 2007, wrote:

     Gillian...

     If you are about?

     I haven't forgooten about your forthcoming Royal vist but things are in a state of flux in RL re me going to Newcastle-under-Lyme....

     
     will keep u posted......

     DiY

225. At 05:45 PM on 05 Nov 2007, Big Sister wrote:

     Bob the Builder appears to have abandoned us. Meeting went ahead, we presented our points, including the fact that there was a lot of 'downtime' on site, which we were paying for, and that the costs were heading for double what he'd originally thought they would be (in part due to the labour). He brought on site last week, without consulting us, another tradesperson, to be paid at the same rate as us. We only found out the truth of this when the man had been on site 2 days. As we've been paying on a daily rate, this was news we needed to hear - but preferably to be consulted on.

     As it happens, second tradeperson is more productive than Bob, and we'd probably prefer just to have him on site - but that doesn't seem to be an option.

     After the meeting, when we presented our proposal (i.e. a fixed price for the balance of the work, based on a reliable estimate provided by my cousin of how long that work should take) Bob (who didn't look too happy) said he'd let us know later today whether they'd accept our proposition. Next thing we know, the second tradeperson is scuttling around the site gathering up his tools and they both disappeared. That was at about 3.30 p.m. We've now cancelled a delivery of materials for tomorrow. Bob hasn't been in touch, I've left a message to say we've cancelled the delivery of materials (because they would cause a highway issue), yet despite all this I'm feeling 'relieved'. No idea yet how we're going to proceed, but standing up for yourself is a mighty tonic, particularly when you've had three weeks of becoming progressively more irritated by Bob.

226. At 10:04 PM on 05 Nov 2007, Little Red wrote:

     Sorry the Mohito's failed to materialise last night but I got waylaid with one thing and another. But here they are (better late than never!) and I think just in time for Big Sis. Hopefully a new builder will cause much less stress. I wonder if anyone has Neil Morrissey's number ;)

227. At 11:00 PM on 05 Nov 2007, nikki noodle wrote:

     Well done Big Sis!!!!

     Stood up to them good and proper you did, and we're all there right behind you!!

     More power to your elbow!!

     n-n

228. At 11:01 PM on 05 Nov 2007, Big Sister wrote:

     Thank you, Little Red - Most welcome!

     Less stress? That sounds good to me. Why do some people seem to think you'll allow them to treat you like an idiot without challenging their behaviour? An honest day's work for an honest day's pay isn't, after all, such an odd thing to expect, is it?

     It was, however, rather satisfying to see his jaw drop when we pointed out to him that we'd seen him arriving late on site two mornings in a row (yet leaving bang on time), noted that he and matey had been spending hours and hours "planning" (involving lots of talking and no physical activity) over the last two days, and basically just hung around all this morning until the concrete delivery arrived at 1 p.m. And watching him squirm as we reminded him that we were paying him and matey good money to idle away (okay, I didn't use that term - but the meaning would have been clear to him) and that, basically, we weren't prepared to carry on watching this little farrago.

     Still, 11 p.m. and no contact from him. I think we can conclude he has declined our perfectly fair proposal and decided that the money cow has been milked dry. We'll now look for somebody who we can RELY on and who believes in earning his/her money.

229. At 11:03 PM on 05 Nov 2007, Molly wrote:

     Humph (223)

     You are such a hoot!

     Mollyxx
     (can't stop sniggering...!)

230. At 11:36 PM on 05 Nov 2007, wrote:

     Belinda - I'm really sorry if my message caused shock or upset, I just didn't think before writing.
     I was just so sorry for her poor husband & children and it seemed just so so unfair. I apologise xx

     
     Perky - Thank You - I shall have to donate the chocolate to someone else though, as I'm doing the chocolate fast too. Is it right that you're doing it as well? Will we make it to Dec 1st?

231. At 09:01 AM on 06 Nov 2007, Belinda wrote:

     Oh lord GM, no need to apologise! And I apologise if my message came across like that, that wasn't my intention. I wasn't shocked or upset by your message at all - I just tend to forget the impact that this thing has on the people around me, however distant they may be. Your message reminded me of that, so really I should be thanking you! But seriously, I hope you are ok.

232. At 10:08 AM on 06 Nov 2007, Perky wrote:

     GM - I am indeed still chocolate-fasting. Nearly came a cropper last night after I took the kids to the local firework display and had to make them (but not me!) hot chocolate when we got home. I apologise for tempting you - name your chosen substitute and I'll do what I can.

     If it's a G&T, it's already on the bar!!!

233. At 10:10 AM on 06 Nov 2007, witchiwoman wrote:

     BigSis - well done! Hope you manage to find someone else soon, but better than throwing good money after bad etc etc

     Anyone for tea - am in the need for huge amount of caffeine.

234. At 10:59 AM on 06 Nov 2007, Little Red wrote:

     oh dear i think eddie broke the blog again. i can't seem to comment on the "it's an oddity" post. and i was only going to mention that fifi has the magic network/internet touch...

     oh well.

235. At 11:20 AM on 06 Nov 2007, Big Sister wrote:

     Thanks, WW. Yes, in spite of the dilemma we're left with, we still feel relieved. Bob's tools are still on site, along with a motorised wheelbarrow he'd hired (but presumably is expecting us to pay for) but we've heard nothing from him. Spoke to matey this morning, offered him the balance of the work at the equivalent of what we were offering the two of them. He's got today to think about it - Not holding out any real hope, but at least we've shown him that we're not holding him responsible for the shambles.

     No doubt we'll eventually get something sorted out, and we may yet have to pay more than we'd hoped to, but at least I feel the badge saying *mug* has been lifted from my forehead!

236. At 11:33 AM on 06 Nov 2007, Perky wrote:

     BigSis - I meant to post this link earlier. It's to the website of the Federation of Master Builders. You can check if your builder (past, present or future) is a member, but more usefully, you can download a sample contract that helps you to draw up something both you and your builder can sign, which may help.

     I'm not promoting the FMB or any builders, but I did write some building-related articles a while ago and it struck me as being a useful source of info.

     
     

237. At 11:59 AM on 06 Nov 2007, Big Sister wrote:

     Perky,

     Thanks for that link - I'll certainly look at it later (off out now). Fortunately, I also have my lovely cousin to help me with some of the issues (though not near enough to complete the job, sadly).

     I'm still hoping for Neil Morrissey ;o)

238. At 01:16 PM on 06 Nov 2007, wrote:

     Goodness me, such a lot going on here!

     Big Sister shows two fingers to Bob the Builder, Humph denies ever knowingly showing two fingers at anyone (wish I could say the same!), and now people are apologising for apologising....?

     Does anyone know what that big bright yellow thing in the sky is?

     Fifi

239. At 01:22 PM on 06 Nov 2007, Gossipmistress wrote:

     Big Sis - well done! It must feel good to be *cleansed* of Bob!

     Belinda - thanks for that, and I'm fine, thank you :-) Just feel so sad for her husband & young children. Life is very unfair.

     Perky - I'd better not start on the G&T yet as I'll be locked in a consulting room all afternoon, but I may well later thank you!

     Val - has the *something you don't want* gone yet?

240. At 02:08 PM on 06 Nov 2007, wrote:

     Evening all.

     Haven't been about for a while. Far too much preverbial has hit the fan so need a decent glass of 'feckin idiot' served at the bar...

     Warm Regards

     John

241. At 02:33 PM on 06 Nov 2007, wrote:

     Welcome back John (240) ... pull up a lounger, bring your drink, and tell us all about it......

     
     By the way, can anyone tell me why Recent Links includes PM Preview from July???

     
     If anyone wants me, I shall be in the Bar stroking John Cooper's forehead.

     ;o)

     Fifi

242. At 02:59 PM on 06 Nov 2007, Aperitif wrote:

     Hello Everyone,

     Such a lot of catching up to do! β€�Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔβ€� Internet connection is broken, but the office is nice and quiet today and a 10 day deadline has just been put back to the end of the month (hurrah!) so I felt I could afford a little time to see what’s been a-happening here.

     And hasn’t a lot been a-happening?!

     First of all, Gossipmistress, really sorry to hear your sad news. Big hugs from me to add to the pile.

     Little Red, Congratulations! Well done girl!

     Big Sis, well done too! Glad to hear you stood up for yourself and hope things progress more smoothly with Bob’s replacement. Have you tried asking your local authority Building regulations people for a list of trusted builders? I believe they are not supposed to recommend as such, but can give you a list of those with whom they have not had problems, if you see what I mean.

     DeepJohn, Sara, Belinda, thanks all for asking. Last Thursday’s meeting was very uncomfortable for me – I prefer to discuss a problem face to face and feel that behind-the-back bitching is both cowardly and hypocritical. Thursday’s meeting basically involved me �giving evidence� to a director, in private, as about what had gone on in my office. Everything I said to him I have already said to the perpetrators, but I still felt unhappy about the covert way he was investigating the problem. However, whilst I may not like his methods, or his laissez-faire attitude, I did come away feeling that he has a true picture of what has gone on and that he knows that the claim of racism was false. The atmosphere here has improved a lot this week, although not everyone has been I the office yet this week. I can say that we’re out of the woods yet but the main cause of the problems has moved to another office and her sidekick (the over-attentive lesbian) is now remarkably subdued. Keep your fingers crossed for those of us in here who want a pleasant working atmosphere, frog-friends?

     Fearless, Anne P, Bon Voyage, although you’ve probably both gone already, in which case, when you read this, welcome back, hope you had good trips �

     Humph and Intermittent Horse, thanks for the light relief � Horse, what kind of horse are you, when you are a horse? I’m guessing �colt�, but who knows?...

     And John Cooper (why do I always think �Mellencamp�? after reading your name??? �), hope your fan is clean now.

     Folks, I may have found a house! Made an offer – and told I’ll get an answer next Monday. Oh the anticipation!!!

     Early, medicinal G&T anyone?

243. At 03:14 PM on 06 Nov 2007, The Intermittent Horse wrote:

     Oh, I see the drivel machine is back!

244. At 03:29 PM on 06 Nov 2007, Big Sister wrote:

     Mac: I know I really shouldn't bother answering you but .......

     I have never shirked from doing, what you describe as 'manual labour'. However, Bob the Builder would have come and put one on you if he were to be described as a 'manual labourer'.

     To my mind, it is you who do not have sufficient respect for working people, whether engaged in the trades, the professions, or any other legitimate line of business.

     (Oh, and for the record Bob the Builder shrank from the manual stuff and it was this 'middle class intellectual', along with her partner, who cleared away all the heavy stuff that he just littered around the site)

     As I think I've said before, Mac, it is time you grew up.

245. At 03:52 PM on 06 Nov 2007, Jason Good wrote:

     Trolls die quickest when starved of either food or oxygen.

246. At 03:55 PM on 06 Nov 2007, Aperitif wrote:

     I dunno how I got those squares in my post at 243 -- they were meant to be smiley faces. And I'm sure I sent wishes of good health to Belinda too. Dear me, I'm slipping.

     Belinda, hope you're on the up and up.

     Big Sis, your assertiveness and fairness clearly inspires jelaousy -- don't let it get you down.

     A, x.

247. At 04:15 PM on 06 Nov 2007, Val P wrote:

     Appy - ha! I always see your name John C (240) and think Clarke! Anyways, line up in an orderly q for the bar both of you, your wish is my command :o) Let's drink to Better Times for All.

     GMrs - thanks for asking, that turned out ok, I was just throwing my teddy out the pram really...On another note though, I'll make you laugh with a phone call that came later that day. Message to phone doc's surgery and "ask for Emma" re xray results. On doing so "Emma" (not real name) informs me that Doc has asked her to tell me that the xray is normal.
     "Ah, says I, so that means.....what now? Pain's still there, so I do what?"
     Emma "Oh, I don't know really, do you want me to try to make you another appointment with the doctor, he's very busy, or do you just want to leave it and see how it goes?"

     More slapping of hand to forehead, I didn't have the heart to increase his workload. I'm seeing how it goes, perhaps that's a new NHS approach?

248. At 04:47 PM on 06 Nov 2007, Fiona wrote:

     Rise above it dear Big Sis, he aint worth it (our troll friend I mean.....or your Bob the B come to think of it)......can I get you a soothing cup of cammomile tea, or perhaps a large chilled glass of sauvignon blanc?

     Oh dear, Val P - what were you thinking of! You can't possibly want to actually see your doctor do you, he's far too busy to be troubled with the likes of you patients don't you know??!!! Hee hee - that did make me smile....the good old nhs eh!

     Right, anyone else care to share this bottle of sauvignon with me?

249. At 05:01 PM on 06 Nov 2007, wrote:

     Must be somethin wrong wi' me. I can't see any reason for the violent reaction to piffle.

     Shanthi

     ed

     Everything is possible. Pass the word.
     -- Rita Mae Brown, "Six of One"
     

250. At 05:06 PM on 06 Nov 2007, Aperitif wrote:

     Horse (244), You talking about me? And there was me about to suggest you might be a stud... ;-)

     Val (248), I should make an appointment and spend the first part of it telling him exactly how inappropriate the advice from his receptionist was, if I were you!

     Fiona (249), Yes please!

251. At 05:12 PM on 06 Nov 2007, wrote:

     Now then, now then, I thought we had an agreement about not feeding the you-know-whats?

     There are much more useful things you can do instead, one of which utilises a link below any remark you're not happy about.

     Appy (250): Perfect example. The Stud (for such shall I term him from now on) was referring to the same 'thing' I am!

     Fifi

252. At 05:40 PM on 06 Nov 2007, Aperitif wrote:

     You may think that Feefs (252), but that Horse likes to have a go at me, dontcha know ;-)

253. At 05:50 PM on 06 Nov 2007, wrote:

     Take it as a compliment Apps (253). I'd rather be nudged by a Horse than trawled by a creep!

     Our Scrabble poem is coming along nicely by the way. It doesn't rhyme but it's incredibly ... post-watershed!

     Fifi

254. At 07:15 PM on 06 Nov 2007, Selkius Piscinus wrote:

     Ed @ 250, I think maybe it's because there was a glorious gap. So the reaction is more irritable. A bit like being crosser about a midge in the Sahara in winter than one is about a midge in late summer in Inverness.

255. At 08:04 PM on 06 Nov 2007, Little Red wrote:

     thanks for the congrats everyone. i thik every night tonight will be celebration...

     and...

     oh no. my local haunt for a tipple has wireless. why oh why had i not noticed this before. oh dear. the valpoliacella is going down all to easily. another bottle anyone?

256. At 10:18 PM on 06 Nov 2007, The Occasional Stud wrote:

     Ap (252) "but that Horse likes to have a go at me" - Oh really? I honestly think I can differentiate between a new red skirt and a shabby old mac.

     Intermittent – adj. not continuous or steady. – now that’s worrying!
     

257. At 10:21 PM on 06 Nov 2007, Molly wrote:

     Don't know what and where the drivel is/ was- all very strange.
     Or am I in the wrong place?

     Never mind- not worth bothering about..
     Intriguing though.

     Mollyxx
     

258. At 10:40 PM on 06 Nov 2007, nikki noodle wrote:

     ooooh yes, keep it coming lil red....!!

     another 14 hour day today - but im off tomorrow!! yay!!

     "chinks" all round!!
     n-n

259. At 11:13 PM on 06 Nov 2007, wrote:

     Hey NN - me too! Chink!
     But are you doing what I'm doing tomorrow? Meeting up with another Frogger??

260. At 11:15 PM on 06 Nov 2007, wrote:

     Val - sounds almost as helpful as NHS Direct. Had you waited 6mths for the Xray results too?? It's just pants, isn't it!

261. At 11:15 PM on 06 Nov 2007, Izzy T'Me wrote:

     Molly - t'was here, but tis gone - many people complained about it. Certainly wasn't worth any intrigue.

     nn - good to see you're still about as is the new stud on the block - woo hoo!!

     I'll share a night-cap with you before retiring - chin chin.

262. At 11:39 PM on 06 Nov 2007, wrote:

     Evening, all, from a very misty & murky Poland (it's Warsaw, so it must be tuesday night). I hope to take a few snapshots tomorrow am, when the weather clears up a bit...

     Thanks for all the good wishes for travel from the froggers. I'm already looking orward to getting back to the blog properly in a few days time.

     It seems I managed to miss a visit from a certail Tr*ll. I think we need to be a bit more assertive in mot replying directly her, just complaining o the PTB. That seems to be the only way to dis-abuse the tr*ll-minded out there...

     Still, time for me to get some zzzzs as it's already nearly 1am, and I have a full day tomorrow. See you all on a lilypad soon :)

263. At 12:32 AM on 07 Nov 2007, wrote:

     Wild and windy up here in the treehouse tonight. A three dog night, but they're only wee JRs.

     Sorry to be late in congratulating Lil Red, and y'all know there are plenty of fruggggs available where needed.

     xxxx
     ed

     Velilind's Laws of Experimentation:
     (1) If reproducibility may be a problem, conduct the test only once.
     (2) If a straight line fit is required, obtain only two data points.
     

264. At 08:55 AM on 07 Nov 2007, Simon Worrall wrote:

     Big pots of coffee and tea on the NCMB, with toast, muffins, crumpets and pastries and lashings of what-you-fancy to spread all over them.

     Help yourselves.

     Si.

265. At 09:02 AM on 07 Nov 2007, witchiwoman wrote:

     Morning all -

     I think its a juice, fruit salad and R**hel's yogurt type of morning, after a quick jog along the shoreline!

266. At 09:23 AM on 07 Nov 2007, wrote:

     Morning, all. I smell coffee, and I spy a spare hammock ... looks like a good day ahead.

     Sid
     

267. At 09:27 AM on 07 Nov 2007, Peej wrote:

     Witchi you're so healthy it's disgusting. I'm so fed up with having to be at least half sensible diet-wise in RL, when I'm on the beach I won't consider anything not dripping with calories and /or cholesterol.

268. At 09:38 AM on 07 Nov 2007, Big Sister wrote:

     Fearless, and others: While a certainly raincoated poster is, in general, probably best ignored, I do reserve the right to challenge personal abuse, and would expect that individual to retract and apologise. If s/he isn't prepared to do that, then that person should probably be barred from the blog.

     I find such posts (from Mr. Raincoat, that is) wearisome, but we know his style so well that it is difficult to feel more than that.

     I'm grateful to fellow froggers for jumping to my defence, it was really kind of you. I'd have left him up there, because his post tells people a lot more about him than it does about me.

269. At 09:56 AM on 07 Nov 2007, nikki noodle wrote:

     *yawns*

     gosh!! already?! my my...

     Good wishes for meeting up GM! Am just having my own shenanigans (sp) with my own builder....all a by-now-familar repeat of what nearly everyone else has said!!!

     Izzy - ta!, any crumpet left, Si??

     n-n

270. At 10:01 AM on 07 Nov 2007, Sara wrote:

     Hi everyone! I'm waving at WW while she healthily jogs, whilst I'm basking in the autumn sunshine with fresh coffee and hot croissants dripping with butter. Yum! Plenty for everyone.

     Haven't been to the beach for a while; spent some of yesterday afternoon in the FB, a place I rarely visit but enjoy when I do.

     GM - your building saga sounds horrendous. (trolls aside). Some years ago our builder actually went into bankruptcy whilst working on our house! It could have caused dreadful problems but fortunately we had an architect in charge of it all so it became his headache and not ours. I know it's pricey to put building work in the hands of an architect, but sometimes it is worth the fee!

     Let us know how things progress on the house front, Appy. Sounds exciting! It's good to have something cheerful to think about when all that harrassment is going on at work.

     How's Poland, FF? Many Poles there?

271. At 11:19 AM on 07 Nov 2007, Molly wrote:

     Big Sis- I didn't mean to re-ignite the issue of 'little drivel'. Good for you in challenging her/him. The trouble with turning a blind eye is that 'it' assumes their point has been made-last word and all that.

     I hope I would be strong enough, too!

     I'd probably shout for help.

     Hope the building stuff gets on track very soon-
     will be worth it all in the end- never a smooth path. (awful pun- sorry!)

     Mollyxx

272. At 11:34 AM on 07 Nov 2007, witchiwoman wrote:

     Hello - waves back to Sara - well, this wind down lark is great fun. Hardly done anything at all in RL. Everything is sorted for the big off, am up to date on everything I need to do. Don't think my dept manager has quite thought through the fact that he's not sorted out who'll be taking over what I do. But that's for him to worry about!

     I think a bit of lounge about is now called for (seeing as after I get out of the office it gets a lot less calm!)

273. At 01:35 PM on 07 Nov 2007, Aperitif wrote:

     Equine One (256), Are you quite sure about that? OK, which of those am I wearing today? Ha! :-)

     Sara (270), Thanks, will do. Am seeing three other houses as well as revisting the one I've offered on this Saturday. Shurely shomething must come of this????
     

274. At 01:58 PM on 07 Nov 2007, Selkius Piscinus wrote:

     I sympathise utterly about removing what amounts to personal abuse, and I'm glad of it happening.

     I do have a problem, though: how readily is a post taken down? I mean, how many complaints does it take, before something is removed?

     If it's too easy it runs a risk of looking as if a clique (Ed I's word) can gag opposition, which isn't a good plan. I think that if I were complaining about a post I might feel I had to tell the rest of the list that I had done so, just in order to avoid accusations of anonymous cowardice or something.

     But talking about it at all is somewhat contrary to the spirit of the Beach, and might be as bad as the original post.

     Dilemma! help!?

275. At 02:29 PM on 07 Nov 2007, wrote:

     What's the difference between a clique and a claque?

     xx
     ed

276. At 02:38 PM on 07 Nov 2007, Gillian wrote:

     Selkius(274) I have had the same dilemma, but found an easy answer - it's all in ''Terms of Use'' at the very bottom of the page. I use it as a checklist to make sure my complaint is justifiable, and not the result of me being over-sensitive or just plain grumpy!

     DIWyman (224) Thanks for the message - I've just completely re-vamped my bathroom, so it's all prepared for the Royal Wee, whenever the Visitor deigns to Progress my way!

277. At 02:47 PM on 07 Nov 2007, The Intermittent Horse wrote:

     Ap (273) - Well it certainly ain't a grubby overcoat is it? You're not in camouflage gear again are you – playing the commando?

     
     Mr Fish (274) – No dilemma at all. If you look at the Terms of Use at the bottom of the page you will see that the first two points about posts are:

     Contributions must be civil and tasteful.

     No disruptive, offensive or abusive behaviour: contributions must be constructive and polite, not mean-spirited or contributed with the intention of causing trouble.

     If the drivel machine can’t play by the rules, he should find a new game.
     

278. At 02:50 PM on 07 Nov 2007, wrote:

     GM (259): Have I missed something or are you being enigmatic? With which frogger is your assignation??

     Sara (270): If my SO were home rather than in Cambridge at a seminar on how not to get sued, he'd have cheered! For he is an architect, and 9/10 times their fee is more than covered in costs saved.

     Selkius (274): None of us, I think, would rush to judgement on a single occasion. In his case, I even defended him for a while, making myself rather unpopular in some quarters, I felt afterwards. But that one has a long track record, both here on various threads and on Jonnie's webcam thingy. He thrived on the attention he provoked, and has even said how much he like having the last word.

     For those who haven't yet felt able to Complain... you don't just hit a button. You have to say what your complaint is, and why. In justifying your action, you are giving the pixies every chance to weigh up your probably-conflicting feelings.

     Trust your own judgement, I guess is what I'm saying Selky (274). Anything to preserve this precious lovely place and foster the real friendships that have germinated among the dunes.

     Fifi xxx

279. At 03:01 PM on 07 Nov 2007, Molly wrote:

     Did anyone hear the afternoon play/drama/doc today on R4?
     ''The lost boys of Africa''.
     I thought it was inspirational.

     Do *listen again* if you can!

     Right-late for a meeting but I don't care...

     Mollyxx
     

280. At 03:19 PM on 07 Nov 2007, Selkius Piscinus wrote:

     Ha! Ed I @ 275, a fat lot of good *you* are to a puzzled fish!

     Just in case yours was a serious question:

     A clique is an elitist coterie or in-group that enforces its will on those who are not of its number if they enter its presence, and is probably anti-Marxist and anti-Life and generally double-plus-ungood. A claque is a prearranged (often paid) group of folk who go along to a public performance of a play or opera or such in order to applaud the performers and make the event a success.

     Please may I have a rest in one of those hammocks now? Lifting all those heavy dictionaries has quite worn me out.

281. At 04:02 PM on 07 Nov 2007, Aperitif wrote:

     Ed (275), I dunno, what is the difference between a clique and a claque? (The latter does sound a little like it might be a French word for an STD...)

     Horse (277), Nah, I'm not feeling like commanding anything today. It was a trick question actually: I'm not wearing either of those things. Today is a Favourite New Jeans day.

     Anyone else care to share their sartorial selves? I admit to sheer nosiness.

282. At 04:11 PM on 07 Nov 2007, wrote:

     Hahahahahaha! Variable Steed - what a minefield you've uncovered! I'd never read the Ts and Cs before and - guess what? - Impersonation is also forbidden!

     I think you know to what I refer ......... but it was a little while back, wasn't it? ;o)

283. At 04:46 PM on 07 Nov 2007, Selkius Piscinus wrote:

     Thanks all! I feel easier in my hammock now, even though I am obviously guilty of Impersonation by some definitions: aren't most of us if we don't post under our full baptismal names, if someone wanted to get stroppy about it?

     Appers @ 281, I have on a rugby shirt with small eyelet-type holes deliberately placed under the arms by the manufacturers. My son gave it to me and assures me that it's a Fashion Statement. I haven't yet found it to be a Draughty Fashion Statement. :-)

284. At 04:47 PM on 07 Nov 2007, The Intermittent Horse wrote:

     Ap (281) - I should tell you that underneath all my clothes I am completely naked!

     Big Sis (282) - Well! - as you know I am always consistent in my use of names!

285. At 05:20 PM on 07 Nov 2007, wrote:

     Variable Steed: Consistent in your impersonations, that would be?

286. At 05:35 PM on 07 Nov 2007, Aperitif wrote:

     Interesting Fishers (283), very interesting. Does it allow you to perspire without creating a damp patch?

     Horse (284), Parts of me that are not under my clothes are naked!!!

287. At 05:45 PM on 07 Nov 2007, wrote:

     evening peeps, my trusty stead has managed to convey me unharmed to Newcastle-under-Lyme!

     but the poor people I am seeing are not happy bunnies having all been made redundant :(

     so I am looking for the silver lining...

     it has bin v v busy bee in RL but am now back in control [?] !

     Gillian can you make sure that the A34 is covered with red carpet?....and I will call you!

     DiY

     
     

288. At 05:50 PM on 07 Nov 2007, wrote:

     Big Sister (282): ...and you and I both know someone else who dabbled, in the early days.

     Don't we? ;o)

     Fifi

289. At 07:11 PM on 07 Nov 2007, wrote:

     Feefs: There's only one frogger that I know of who has taken on the identity of a real person other than himself, which is, I believe, the definition of impersonation.

     There are a number of froggers who experimented with their identity, which is another matter.;o)

290. At 07:40 PM on 07 Nov 2007, Perky wrote:

     I have enough trouble with one identity, thank you very much - how confusing it would be to try to be someone else.

     No, it's no good. I'll have to open this bottle of red. And this one. Anyone (or anyone impersonating anyone) up for a drop?

291. At 07:45 PM on 07 Nov 2007, wrote:

     Including a certain Mr Muir?

     xx
     ed

     The man who understands one woman is qualified to understand pretty well everything.
     -- Yeats
     

292. At 08:36 PM on 07 Nov 2007, mac wrote:

     244.

     
     Tricky isn't it? A phrase in quotation marks that wasn't in a post that's been removed anyway.

     I thought my post at worst teasing, yours worse.
     I find it difficult to see how you regard what I said as abusive. (Are you sure Bob is as over sensitive as you are?)
     It is my greatest ambition to be a middle class intellectual and to be free of the burden of manual work. Is there a social network site I can join which would sign me up as a bone fide member of the idle chattering middle classes?

     I think the distribution of manual work in this country is an unfair one. I don't think I hold or apply that opinion abusively. It seems to me to apply to everyone I can think of with the possible exception of Eddie Mair.
     I thought the story (true) about the grass cutters interesting. So I'll paste it here for you:

     
     In the old days the grass cutters here used to walk behind a 3 mph lawn mower.

     12 miles before lunch and twelve miles after lunch made up their eight and a half hour day. A good 24 mile day.

     And woe betide them if they only walked 16 miles a day, and sat in Fifi's sunshine for the rest of the time eh?

     If they did it on Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔFields or Back Common or down by Riverside Lands there'd be letters and pnone calls to the Council by the ton.

     
     Its odd too that my tease in reply to Big's complaining about some builders should be seen as not kosher whilst the complaints themselves are apparently perfectly proper for the Beach, where I thought we were supposed solely to play, tease and frolic.

     Yours, till we apply the same rules of socio economic criticism to our own cliques, claques, family and friends and to ourselves that we do to our political enemies.

     mac (which is my name, not a pseudonym)

     PS When should gangs of self declared troll hunters be called unpleasant mobs?

     What's the prob. kids? Can't sell the programme rights if any posts criticise blog aristocracy?
     And can't arrange lucrative weekend breaks to blog land if someone there might be banging on about the distribution of wealth, income and work inequalities?

     Grow up? Personally I think only Chris among us at 283 called it right.

     I should think it all sounds like a childish tissy fit to readers who don't post.
     

293. At 09:25 PM on 07 Nov 2007, nikki noodle wrote:

     Neigh!

     The sort of no that is infact assent. And in some circles, a reply is confirmation.

     And confirmation is praise.

     And praise is a stroke, and strokes are sought after.

     Shall I say you are beautiful?
     Shall I say youre loved?
     Shall I say the kinds of things that money just can't buy?
     Shall I say what you'd like to hear?
     Shall I be cross with you, and tell you off?
     Shall I be reflective and ask you why?
     Shall I just ignore you?
     Shall I never post?
     Shall I shrug and pout?
     Shall I agree with you and sign up for your campaign?
     Shall I be untrue to myself?

     Neigh, and nay too.

     I shall not.
     I am me, and I know who I am.
     And I am content.

     I am going down to paddle in the water, to share Perky's wine, and then to stroll under the stars!
     n-n

294. At 09:44 PM on 07 Nov 2007, wrote:

     Move over, NN. And fill my glass.

     And do tell me - is that an intermittent horse sitting at the occasional table?

     Sid
     

295. At 09:47 PM on 07 Nov 2007, wrote:

     What a lovely day I've had! Fifi - I wasn't being enigmatic, I had just not been on the blog much so hadn't mentioned it before, but I was invited to lunch with Annasee, Mr Annasee & Miss Pooh Bear! And what a lovely scrummy lunch it was too, Thank You!xx

     And... a lovely drawing by MPB which is now up on the study wall!xx

296. At 10:40 PM on 07 Nov 2007, wrote:

     Okay, GM (294), mpb's picture is now on the study wall . . . but we cannot see it there!! Please let us see mpb's picture, pleeeezzzzze.

     H.

297. At 11:28 PM on 07 Nov 2007, Big Sister wrote:

     Mmm, NN, strolling under the stars sounds lovely. Mind if I join you?

     I put a range of interesting cocktails in the chiller which may tempt you on our return.

298. At 11:59 PM on 07 Nov 2007, wrote:

     Hello mac,

     I personally missed your post - so can't really comment although I think I get the jist of what it was all about.

     I'm not sure why it was removed but presumably it was deemed offensive by someone or other.

     Providing it met in with the guidlines of the blog (below under terms of use) then it should have remained in place. Froggers can then make up their own views about the comment.

     However all this is totally irrelevant to why I'm replying to your post.

     I'd just ask you to clarify what you meant by a

     'Lucrative weekend break to blogland'

     If it was a reference to our 'Froggers' get together in Bournemouth then I can assure you as a business we could have made it far more lucrative.

     Everyone made considerable journeys and sacrifices to make it - and have a good time.

     Thanks to Fifi and the members of her band we were also well entertained. Nobody scored financially, least of all Fifi - and Simon and I charged a reduced rate to keep the mortgage lenders happy.

     Unfortunately BigSister couldn't make it and was sorely missed.

     Now I realise how easy it is to upset people and believe me I've done it unintentionably here several times in the past. I've even had the wrath of Eric, due to a flippent comment -not really intended - but possibly misinterperated.

     Unlike meeting people in reality the blogosphere doesn't take into account body language and how people feel when they are reading a comment possibly many hours after it was written.

     Perhaps we all need to remember that now and again mac?

     I'm casting no blame either way however.

299. At 08:57 AM on 08 Nov 2007, The Intermittent Horsse wrote:

     jonnie (298) - Alas jonnie, you are employing rational thought, logic, reasonableness and courtesy - foreign concepts to the contributor in question, I fear.

300. At 09:51 AM on 08 Nov 2007, wrote:

     Jonnie (298) and Stud (299): Tried all that. Will try no more. Lost cause.

     Phrases such as 'blog aristocracy' are doing people no favours. Persistence in using them persuades me it's deliberate.

     If we're so exclusive and annoying, why keep coming back and complaining? Hmm??

     Fifi

     :o(

301. At 09:56 AM on 08 Nov 2007, witchiwoman wrote:

     Last day but one! Hooray!! I will keep the fizz for tomorrow but how about pancakes today?

     
     

302. At 12:00 PM on 08 Nov 2007, Simon Worrall wrote:

     Mmmmmm, yes please witchi! you've just hit my weak spot. I never could resist pancakes.

     ** Lines up with a large plate **

     Lemon juice and diabetic-friendly Canderel sprinkled on mine please. And keep 'em coming.

     Si.

303. At 12:20 PM on 08 Nov 2007, wrote:

     Oooh, is that a pot of coffee I smell? Just what I need today...

304. At 12:33 PM on 08 Nov 2007, The Intermittent Horse wrote:

     I'm so hungry I could eat a ----, well, maybe not. But pancakes - lovely witchi! Pile 'em high.

     (what an odd error message - telling me that it can't find an error message!)

305. At 12:41 PM on 08 Nov 2007, Molly wrote:

     witchi- lovely- just what I fancy- don't give too many to Si.....share and share alike!

     CouldI have ice cream with mine please?

     Mollyxx

306. At 12:54 PM on 08 Nov 2007, witchiwoman wrote:

     Anymore for anymore? Still some batter left even after SiW's brave attempts! If not I will retire to the hammock with a large mug of chai and relax for a bit before all chaos breaks lose in RL!

     (did I mention it's only one more day to go....)

307. At 01:15 PM on 08 Nov 2007, Stewart M wrote:

     Calvodos on mine please. I always enjoy a crepe ;-)

308. At 01:34 PM on 08 Nov 2007, Perky wrote:

     Witchi - you've only got one more day to go! (I thought I'd remind you in case it had slipped your mind . . .) Can we club together and provide a suitable feast for you, seeing as you're always appearing with yummy offerings?

     I'll leave the chilli to the experts, but I can provide the most delicious chocolate brownies (and I haven't touched a crumb!) with cinnamon ice-cream.

     xx

309. At 01:48 PM on 08 Nov 2007, wrote:

     My wife and I found a nice creperie in Argentat last summer. We crept in, had a crepe and crept out again.

     Sid

     (courtesy Victoria Wood)
     

310. At 02:05 PM on 08 Nov 2007, witchiwoman wrote:

     Perky - Cinnamon ice cream, yum, one of my favourite flavours!

     No other requests apart from lots of happy froggers and champagne! (although I could be tempted by fresh-baked-from-scratch-pizza!)

311. At 02:54 PM on 08 Nov 2007, Selkius Piscinus wrote:

     I've just realised: Selkius Piscinus is my *given name*! Somebody gave it to me. Now I know that I am not impersonating me, just accepting a kind donation. That's a relief. May I have a pancake with caster sugar and lemon please, to celebrate?

     Big Sister @ 289, I too recall only the once, and then I thought there was a pretty thorough apology made for what had been meant as a joke, and if it hasn't been repeated maybe it really was an acccident and intended to be funny. Heavy-handed but not deliberately horrid.

     That's the trouble altogether, in fact. The Beach needs a light touch, and heavy-handed simply doesn't fit. It sticks out like a sore thumb? :-)

312. At 02:58 PM on 08 Nov 2007, Perky wrote:

     Mmmm. Feeling hungry now, so I'll leave the brownies in the fridge, otherwise I'll be tempted.

     I'm sure I'll be able to stagger over bearing champagne tomorrow!

     xx

313. At 03:01 PM on 08 Nov 2007, Little Red wrote:

     Sid @309:
     VW = very funny...
     "Get me some strawberry youghurt? And if there isn't any strawberry yoghurt get me something else..."

314. At 03:25 PM on 08 Nov 2007, wrote:

     witchiwoman (310) - you want pizza? We make about 400,000 a week here in sunny Cambuslang. I can recommend the Ham & Pepperoni. I'll leave a couple of sample boxes behind the bar. 8 minutes at 180 degrees should be about right, once the oven is warmed up. Get them while they're still fresh..... don't drop any of that cheese! It's worth about a third of a penny per gram. (well, that's how much it costs, whether it is actually worth that much..... )

315. At 03:41 PM on 08 Nov 2007, wrote:

     Perky - but did you inhale? ;-)

316. At 03:48 PM on 08 Nov 2007, witchiwoman wrote:

     UptT - what do you recommend for a vege?

     And will be very careful of the cheese, surely the best bit? :)

317. At 04:10 PM on 08 Nov 2007, wrote:

     Witchiwoman - Cheese & Tomato (or Margherita if you're feeling pretentious) is always a good starting point. Lush it up with some goat's cheese, LOTS of black pepper and spinach and/or mushrooms.
     Check the ingredients decs on some of the Cheese & toms out there in supermarketland, there is at least one that has turkey stock in the tomato sauce...... (tends to be in smaller outlets with distinct German accents)

     Cheesy dough balls anyone?

318. At 04:10 PM on 08 Nov 2007, Perky wrote:

     GM - I don't know what you mean ;)

     I absolutely didn't lick the crumbs from the counter. Honestly.

     I've also noticed that whilst I was eating the wicked stuff last month, it was beautiful weather and now that I've given it up it's chucking it down. There's more to chocolate than meets the eye - that's what I say.

     xx

319. At 04:50 PM on 08 Nov 2007, witchiwoman wrote:

     Hmmm....goat's cheese.....hmmmm

320. At 05:00 PM on 08 Nov 2007, Little Red wrote:

     ... "they didn't have strawberry yoghurt. so i got you meat and potato pie."

     Hahahahaha.

     Ok. Perhaps it was the delivery.

     Too early for the wine?

321. At 05:36 PM on 08 Nov 2007, mac wrote:

     hey, jonnie.

     Rest assured. it was a reference to the plans i envisaged on a furrowed contribution ages ago. who knows it could still be there. I suggested whole resorts, centrally placed, be turned over to social meetings, political, literary, film buff, theatre, painting, architecture etc weekends for bloggers outside the 6 week hectic family holiday season. Particularly resorts without a conference or independent entertainment etc profile. Such resorts need net revenue.
     Obviously if PM listeners are involved in that sort of thing they will want to use the blog to advertise their wears.

     Whether informally by posting news of preliminary meetings (product placement?) or by buying advertising space on the blog, (perish the thought). I do not know.
     Hence the comments about the reputation of the blog.

     Later I suggested the blog qua family, whose narratives would interest PM listeners rather like a soap, had a problem.

     Soaps unify their audiences by having fools whom we all agree we should laugh at. (Linda Snell??) And villans whom we can all boo together. I suggested we posters all took ourselves far too seriously to make permanant fools of ourselves deliberately.
     Anyway, willy nilly and pro bono publico I am delighted to fulfill both roles for y'all.

     It does worry me that controversy on the beach produces sequences of posts more comprehensible to those outside the blog aristocracy than do reports of their real or virtual time taken out.

     And the rules as to when a Bweach poster can become serious seem unclear. Some seem to think their problems with builders etc justify an immediate change of tone.
     Others quite rightly ring alarm bells about their own lives when they think necessary.

     Personally for the later I would suggest a thread called 'My side only' where only supportative comments wrt to the original moan are allowed.
     All of us need to feel that the world is entirely on our side sometimes.
     Even Bob the Builder, who must be upset at the idea that he would stick one on anyone whom the Big Sis nominates, by misquotation, as having insulted him.

     Meanwhile.

     'I tell my blues they musn't show
     'Cos its raining
     Raining in my heart.'

     
     Mmm, time to get a real

     
     mac.

322. At 05:49 PM on 08 Nov 2007, wrote:

     UTT,

     Do anchovies count as veggie fare?

     Never mind, I'll have whatever's going, as long as there's lots of black pepper and garlic and double cheese, of course. Pepperoni's ok too, and, mushrooms, and black olives, but hold the pineapple.

     I never could get the hang of this veggie lark.

     xx
     ed

     There is no such thing as inner peace. There is only nervousness or death. Any attempt to prove otherwise constitutes unacceptable behaviour.
     -- Fran Lebowitz, "Metropolitan Life"
     

323. At 06:02 PM on 08 Nov 2007, DI Wyman wrote:

     good eve peeps......

     Little Red (320)

     It's never to early for a whine....as my kids will testify!

324. At 06:46 PM on 08 Nov 2007, wrote:

     Ed (322)

     Re vegetarian cooking: anchovies count as fruit, I believe. Also bacon.

     Sid
     

325. At 07:43 PM on 08 Nov 2007, Little Red wrote:

     i think the wine was too early... hic... but might be a good way to drown the whining DIY

     mmm. pizza might help sober me up so i'm in a "fit state" for office tomorrow. no anchovies or bacon on mine - i'm afraid i'm a "calssic" vegemetarian ;)

326. At 07:50 PM on 08 Nov 2007, Sara wrote:

     The Beach

     It's about time for a new one.

     (takes far too long scrolling around)

     Meanwhile, large glasses of Shiraz on the NC Bar (courtesy of Mr Sara!)

327. At 07:51 PM on 08 Nov 2007, nikki noodle wrote:

     mmmmmm bacon!!

     How about a combo: what do you reckon to a bacon-and-strawberry-yohurt-pizza-pancake?

     Sid, apologies for tardiness, consider your glass filled!!

     Right, whats for pudding?!

328. At 08:38 PM on 08 Nov 2007, Selkius Piscinus wrote:

     Ed @ 322, I dunno about anchovies, but one of my veggie friends can't have anything with Lea&P sauce in or on it, and as far as I can tell the anchovy is the only non-vegetable ingredient in Lea&P's.

329. At 09:05 PM on 08 Nov 2007, Selkius Piscinus wrote:

     Ed, I forgot to add, 'and the pineapple is an inseck and needs to have a ticket on this here train'.

330. At 09:32 PM on 08 Nov 2007, Izzy T'Me wrote:

     n-n - I'll have a glass of your finest, thank you very much.

     Would you like a cone of this rather fine garlic and snail ice cream? Honestly, you're more than welcome! Take it, please....

331. At 09:39 PM on 08 Nov 2007, Fiona wrote:

     DIWyman - aren't you Norfolk based? Hope you are ok with these iminent floods that were talked about tonight?

     Anyhoo if you dont mind I'll claim that glass of shiraz (cheers Sara) and a slice of pizza if any is going spare?

     Night all...

332. At 10:21 PM on 08 Nov 2007, Gillian wrote:

     Fiona (330) DIY and Humph are both quite far inland, but I believe Belinda is by the coast. I do hope everyone stays safe and dry through the night and in the morning.

333. At 11:02 PM on 08 Nov 2007, Aperitif wrote:

     Ed (322), Your Fran Lebowitz quotation has really disturbed me, because it is so truthful. I need beer to blot it out. Quick. Please!

334. At 12:19 AM on 09 Nov 2007, wrote:

     Lovely and windy up here with a bright milky way sky, but certain to be dry, even if my eyrie blows down! Sandbaggy and supportive thoughts for all our eastern pals, but frogs can usually cope with a bit of damp...

     xx
     ed

     Do you have lysdexia?