The Beach.
The Beach, The place to visit for a little rest and relaxation when real life gets too real. Off topic friendly chat.
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The blog for the afternoon news and current affairs programme presented by Eddie Mair.
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Morning, Eric, I've just made some coffee, want a top-up?
Tea and croissants coming up at Nick's bar.
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Oh yes please.
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I'll have a pint of coffee and a couple of croissants, please ... Mmmm, that sun is warm already ...
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Any of that coffee spare, Frances?
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I have snowballs in my drawers* if anyone wants one.
* The edible kind**
** The snowballs are edible, not the drawers
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Have I had this coffee shop long, Sir, dishing out coffee and tea? Ever since Big Ben was a wrist watch and the Thames that was as dry as me.
How long have I worn this apron? I won't tell you a fib.
I've had it since I was a baby, round my neck I have worn it as a bib. Longer than that I've had it, when the lace on it looked very nice. But you know how things shrink in the laundry, everything shrinks but the price.
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Mmmm, are there any croissants to spare or have you lot scoffed them all? ;o)
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Well I've heard them called lots of things before but 'Snowballs' SSC ;-()
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Big Sis - fortunately I've brought some more with me, help yourself! How was the hydro week?
Beach intro brief and to the point? Not sure I don't prefer them long and rambling myself.....
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Morning all, am rather hungry as well so hope there are still some croissants left?
Frances O you are up and about early today.........and Eddie as well.
Thank you for clarifying SSC.
xx
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Morning everyone. Nice coffee!
I'm making bacon butties - Any takers?
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Just for wee 'bendy' Wendy Alexander,
Oh ye cannae shove yer grannie aff the bus,
Oh ye cannae shove yer grannie aff the bus,
Ye cannae shove yer grannie
For she's yer mammie's mammie,
Ye canna shove yer grannie aff the bus.
:)
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ValP: Thanks for that lovely croissant - and a buttie for me, please, Horse!
The hydro was good, but cut short this week as I developed a cold :o( Last week was as an inpatient (for in read im!), this week as an outpatient (for out, now read off!).
I'm with ValP on the intro: Brief and to the point is good. The whole point of the Beach is that it should be what you want it to be.
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Morning all,
Been busy for hours already today in RL :-(
I see a new temporal warp on the beach to beware of; Frances O's first comment was almost three quarters of an hour before Eric made the new Beach!
Any coffee left?
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{emerges from the sea, dripping, taut 6 pack, speedos glistening straining at the seams, orchestral music swells into the beach theme}
Hello everybodypeeps. Who put that orchestra there?
Any coffee?
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Any bacon butties left? I could just murder one! (However I suspect that eating it daintily would be more appropriate for present company.)
Am I the only one feeling slightly suspicious that Frances and Eric were snuggling up with coffees first thing this morning?
...anything to confess, Frances??
;o)
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Do I hear a singing kettle?
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No.. it's the orchestra...
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Ahhhh, soothing music and bacon butties, just what I need to replenish the energy banks after fighting the weeds on the allotment.
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I've said it before, and I'll say it again: "Eeeuuuuggghhhhh!"
That's better. Any coffee and bacon sarnies left?
Not having a good week. Too hot on the Tube, too many pushy, rude people, not enough joy to go round. Why do so many people think their incompetance is my problem?
I'll be the one in the purple hammock twitching every now and then and muttering...
;o) []
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<sighs>!
phhhffff...why do some peeps take it all so *seriously*?!!!!
Am going to go and phone the listeners log Right Now....
..or maybe not!!
(tee hee!)
n-n
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Hi Folks. Just had a message from Witchiwoman. Her PC's acting up at the moment, so he's unable to Frog, FaceBeach etc. She's not ignoring anyone, just unable to reply :-)
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No comment, Feefs, you'd better ring the BBC Press Office.
They'll tell you where to find the best wardrobes, cupboards etc in West London. Not so good on closets.
I remember snowballs. And macaroon bars. Early afternoon snack, anyone?
Gladys, I like that. where's it from?
And for whisky-joe:
Ye can shove yer ither grannie aff the bus...
Sid, I think the kettle's singing. Another pinta caffeine?
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As it's Friday, and it's hot, I've gone for early-Pimms-time. Big jug on the bar. If you don't fancy drinking out of the jug, there are some glasses chilling in the eco-friendly-cooling-system.
My, those musicians are looking a bit hot in their dinner jackets. I'm off to see if I can persuade any of them to go for a swim. I'll start with the brass section, I think; they're usually up for anything . . .
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If the band's here, why is Annasee on the "Should we take their radios away" thread?
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Thanks FF, hi back to ww!!
Early or not, Frances, I am snacking and, oh yes: 5 to tea time!!!
Good luck with the brass, Perky; that'll change their tune!!!
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I would just like to announce that, following a major and somewhat unexpected shift of power on our Parish Council last night, you may now all address me as 'Sir Fifi'.
You may need to shout it though, as I'm still laughing about being called 'madam chairman'. What a hoot!
* does a bit more rolling on the floor, wishing she'd vacuumed first... *
Sir Fifi ;o)
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Feefs: Doesn't that sound just a teeny weeny bit like ...... [takes a deep breathe and prepares to duck] .... boasting? :o)
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BS 28,
I was invited to attend two, er, Mayors' Balls here in St Albans. Parish Council indeed....
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Feefs, what the...??
I mean Sir, what the...??
Mind you, and since my name is being faffed around with on another thread by, well, a person, may I add that all too many people have thought I was a FrancIs.
Many's the 'Dear Sir...' I've been sent by ignorami (ignoramuses? Hippopotamuses?).
It's easy...
The Frances/Francis guide:
'E' is for 'er'
'I' is for 'im'
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Oh - and
;o)
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Frances ) 30,
Frances, Fifi, feefs, faff, fanny, fe, fi, fo, fum.
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Frances,
Make that O, not ). ;O)
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Big Sister (28) - Of course I'm boasting!!!! I'm chuffed to smithereens. Even though all it really means is I have to stop cracking rude jokes during the meetings now, and sign bits of paper every now and then.
;oP
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I smell the blood of an Ameri-can*
;o)
But you can call me ) if you like.
I do my research! Nah... it's just you've said you are
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Frances O 35,
I was a member of the St Albans Mummers (the Turkish Knight since you ask) and our Giant who said, 'Fe, fi, etc' was English.
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Did you see Terry Jones' 'Crusades' , where he showed a puppet show between the Christian Knight and the Turk?
btw, it was a giant who said 'Fee, Fi' etc, and a giant is quite obviously not an Englishman. Whatever the actor's origins. Giants are nasty, horrid bullies and - before anybody cuts in - 12 or more ft tall.
Anyway, you have to say SIR fee, SIR fi now. Do keep up.
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But Feefs - if you're now a bloke, surely you're allowed to crack rude jokes.
Blokes Being on Committee - it's what they do.
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Crumbs, am I the only beachfrog around?
Well, I've been told I'll get the newsletter. After being deleted and tried twice before.
jonnie, I may not need your help, even modded [rolls eyes, sighs dramatically] any more.
Blimey, you'd think they'd want as many subscribers as poss.
And I KNOW it's nowt to do with the PM people, and modding isn't, either, (though I can't see why some other authority takes it upon themselves to do this. Really, I don't.)
But if I'm faffed off
;o)
just imagine how people who aren't seasoned froggers must feel.
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Frances O - :-)!!
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Sir Fifi (27),
Better that than Madame Fifi, as that brings to mind a dark tent, a crystal ball, palms crossed with silver &c.
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DT41: Better that madame FiFi than the one that sprung to my mind!
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FrancesNow you happen to mention i, I haven't had a n/letter for simply ages! I thought it had stopped so now I'm really cross...
O
WORDS are needed!
Mollyxx
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GoOd eVE pEePs & fr00G8rs in GeNERa1!
It;s no good, how ever hard I try I cannot create a password that must be a combination of lower & upper case with numbers!
Anyhoo, back in Horstead after doing battle in Chelsea on the Fulham Road...*if you live down that way you may want to check out No 345 where in about a weeks time a new bookshop opens care of Crockatt & Powell*....just time to change mit Speedos before heading off to Biggleswade in the morn. I have popped a couple of flaggons of best Scrumpy at NC's in case anyone wants to destroy some brain cells.....enjoy!
DiY
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DIY - what do you DO exactly?? You seem to be zipping around from one place to the other and working 7 days a week!!
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Of course us* revolutionaries get revolutionised about this time of night like everyone else.
And the news that alcohol is the second greatest poison society has doesn't deter us one drop (hic). Like every other Beachy head, it seems.
That's probably why the revolution is further off than ever and why the young should take no notice of us at all. Seriously kids, stay away from this thread.
But this thread, indeed this blog, would be less of a headache for the average widdlehead like me if the way you read each post - from top to bottom - was also the way the posts are arranged chronologically.....if anyone, including myself, is still with me.... so that the last word entered in a single blog or in a whole thread is at the bottom.
It would be much easier then for the totally revolutionised like me.
'Cos the eye moves down each post and then has to move up to read the next one. Let's make the Beach like we want it to be. Less zigzaggy.
* A grammarian at my shoulder says that should be 'oui'. Only a totally revolutionised Fifi could confirm or deny that.
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Molly! If you persevere it may be possible. Some beebish robot has told me I'm allowed back into the hallowed number of newsletter receivers.
We shall see.
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Morning Froggers, clean pair of Speedos packed, breakfast coffee brewing so am just about ready to invade Biggleswade.
Perky........if you follow the link it will tell you what I do / install / train etc!!
http://www.bertrams.com/BertWeb/index.jsp?s=36&ss=291
Anyhoo, coffee and crossaunts at NC's with a selection of the finest preserves.......ttfn
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Frances O 37,
Yes, I saw the Terry Jones thingy.
Ahem (checks script), The Giant: "Here I am, the Giant, bold Turpin is my name...." Now I'm not sure, other than Dick Turpin, whether he was English or not. His real name was John Cox. When he entered, I shouted, "It's Turpin time!"
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Are you thinking what I am thinking? On the best programme on the radio, last night, Eddie interviewed the chairperoffspring of the London Assembly. Feef then turns up here and says that there has been a power shift in the "Parish Council" and that we should start calling her "Sir". Now putting two and two together, which is tricky if you have a hang-over, who else thinks that Fifi and Boris are one and the same person?
I would like to propose a test. If anyone actually meets Boris in the next few months they should:
1) Call him "Fifi".
2) Observe his reaction.
3) Report back here.
H.
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Humph, drat it, with a blonde wig like that I thought 'she' was called Doris!
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So, Humph, does this mean we should be calling Boris "madam"?
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Congratulations Molly!!!!
n-n
xx
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"Madam" Doris, now that I like. Conjours up all sorts of thoughts.........'ang on someone at the door.
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Is there anybody here???
Oh well, it looks like I'll have to drink this bottle of Minervois all by myself.....and there's spicy burgers on the barbie, too ;o)
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Cooo eeee!!! Gillianian, over here!!!!
What a cracking barberque, spicy snorkers went down a treat!! And to wash them down, a bottle and a half of rioja, (yes rather wasted after the spicy food, but what ever can I do?!)
And a lovely evening sunny setting too!!
nn
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Evening folks,
Just had a very near miss of flooding mother's place. The hot water system valve broke apart in the hands of the wrench I was using to try and open it. Luckily for me it held shut while I drained down the entire system in emergency mode, then off to B&Home to get a replacement, which I then fitted*, and so, like a soap opera, back to the status quo ante.
And the leak at the immersion heater is still there...
So my very good friend G&T is helping me relax after the strains of the day, and while I look forward to a repeat match against mother's immersion heater tomorrow. Anyone else around to generate silly comments? (Feeling silly is now subject to a restraining order).
* Just to point out I'm not an incompetant on this. My replacement of this valve took 10 minutes (once I had the new spare parts etc) in cramped conditions and by torchlight, and was sealed first time. The immersion heater leak is much trickier, for just tightening the joint further is likely to rip the tank apart. Hence all the faffing about trying to block the leak...
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Deep, well done my son, well done!
Gillianianianian........thanks, beats the Sweet and Urgh Chook I have just had at this Brewing Fair!
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Right who is up for a game of name that star. It's quite easy to play. All you have to do is sit on the Beach, lay back, look up and gaze at the celestial objects. When you think you have spotted a star you have a guess at naming it.......
.........Sid, stop faffing about with the JCB and come and join us.....
....right heads back and off we go..........
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Oooh look there is the consternation G-Brownicus - 10P and its orbiting star T-B-ToldUSo......
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Looks around...
Polaris!
Always a good bet
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Sorry chaps, I can't stay in this position much longer - these asteroids are killing me :o(
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Morning Froggers and a glorious morn it is here at the 'Lenny Henry' B&B in St Neots!
Looking forward to a Premier breakfast and then a busy day in RL.
Gillian, sorry to hear about your asteroids! Have you tried Sharks Liver Oil?
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Aaaahhhh. . .hmmmm...watimeisit?
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Humph... you have me thinking seriously now... because you never see Fifi and Boris in the same place, do you?
By the way, for those of a chatty disposition... Up The Trossachs has contacted me on a certain social networking site of our acquaintance. And he looks rather like the Young Macallan..............
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DIWyman (63) I've been putting that on my face!! I can tell when there's a storm coming - my skin turns from a lovely golden colour to milky white ;o)
I've set up a breakfast buffet in the shade of the palm trees - fresh fruit salad, yoghurt, Danish pastries, croissants....sorry, but it's too hot to cook!
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Fifi.... I was only chatting to him last night! Be a pal and point me in his direction ;o)
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Just got back from the farmers' market in town (St Albans) I bought a smoked trout for lunch, some cockles to snack on with homemade chilled apple wine, and some nice pork and apple sausages to put on the barbecue tonight......if it doesn't rain.
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Gillianianian (67) : I've already pointed him in your direction, and will now point you in his.
Any other directionally channelled froggers in need of their mortar repairing?
;o)
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(did that post? i dont think it did....will have to trype it ALL again)
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Fifi!!! What are you suggesting??? Are the lines in my face really that bad?! ;o)
I'm going to send that Shark Oil back and ask for a refund ;o(
David (68) Thanks for lunch - lovely!! And you know it never rains here!
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No more sun in RL south east Scotland, so I'll just have to take the dog a trip along Fido's Run - much more pleasant aspect.
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Afternoon all! Just managed to drag myself into a hammock after being busy yesterday. I've made a jug of pineapple and mango juice with ice if anyone wants some...
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Sorry Fearless, you'll need to take the next hammock along. I am working on my laptop in this one ... and playing scrabble when nobody's looking. Anyone fancy a game?
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* Ooooof! *
All right Fearless. If you insist on sharing, at least keep your elbows out of my ear!
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Oooh, mango juice, yummy, go on, fill my glass.
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Afternoon Froggers, just finished a hard and sweaty day of work in RL so in need of cooling refreshment. Ooooohhh....pineapple and mango juice with ice, just the job thanks FF!
Nice Laptop Feefs, but not sure of the Banana though!
Didn't your style guru say Bandana?
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Mangos, pineapple and juicy papaya
Served over ice
Will douse down that fire.
But the hot sweet heat of today's late afternoon is best cooled and complemented by the exquisite voice of Tony William singing all the Buck Ram hits at You Tube.
Has there ever been a tenor with a sweeter voice?
On You Tube there is some superb b&w film to go with the 1955 versions.
I think they are the clips of a concert at Olympia which Six Five Special used to promise to play every week and scarcely ever did.
Did the Platters ever tour Britain? I have the uncomfortable feeling they got a 'Paul Robson' reaction here. ('Only You' was number 1 here).
Oh, his high notes are divine like liquid sunshine and nectar.
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Right, had a shower and a meal, now in need of liquid refreshment that is alcohol based........'ang on I'll 'ave wot the pmLeader is 'aving!
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DMc - what a cracking lunch!! more of the same, please!!!
Horse - hang on, I have it on a piece of paper, here; there you go...
DIY - oh go on then, pour me one too!!!
Fifi - I'll go first, if you like: Ive got 'AEOGNMT'
hang on....um...right, shuffle a little bit...no, that doesnt help...ok, so i'll have to play:
MANGO ( or possibly, GOAMENT, the sort of raincoat you'd wear in a monsoon...)
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Frances O:
here you go, fresh from the trees and squeezed!
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Why do I only ever seem to receive vowels in scrabble??
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This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
Oooo, nikki, and still chilled, you are clever [inhales delicious smell] mmmmmhhhhmmmm, almost too good to drink -
Hey! [slaps frogger's hand reaching out for the glassful of bliss] not that good, get thee to the naughty step, go!
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Blimey crikey, they've modded my 83, which was a selection of vowels freshly plucked from the allotment of language and simply garnished with a quick grind of pepperish eyebrow-raising and a smithereen of suppressed salty language.
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And they were useful vowels for Feefs. At least 3 'u's.
Ah.
You think she might be implicated?
Fifi, I hereby donate an 's', a blank, a 'd' and three 'q's.
Can't say fairer than that.
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If anyone's looking for a blether, I am over at Jonnie's.
http://jonnie.camstreams.com
;o)
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Evening all,
Various meat and veggie stuff on the barbie, as being sold off amazingly cheap at waitburycos this afternoon for some unfathomable reason. Garden center (sic) was advertising out of gas bottles (so assume outbreak of barbies across the land this evening). But strawberrys at an amazing 90% discount! Also a tragedy; a bottle slipped out of its holder and smashed on the pavement. *What a waste*. Slightly worse than letting booze go off to make vinegar!
Score draw against mother's immersion heater leak.. Cured *the* leak, but another one turned up when I put the system to mains water pressure (which it does not normally have, but was used to test the system)... This is becoming a grudge match..Another round tomorrow, as, when for work, will more-or-less be passing her place anyway, so can check the situation after this evenings attempt to bung it up.
Since I've collected my usual scrabble hand - XZSQPLA - think I'll be skipping for some while...
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Frances O - Do you play scrabble on Facebook?
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Evening, I'll be doing the hot Chocolate soon. Well may do it cold cos it's still warm. Typical that I am away from here for a few days doing RL stuff and Hey its my Beach Words.
Barrell and Dredge come to mind if erics using them.
Still I'm well chuffed but.
I am impressed by that Fifi shaped chair. How comfy is it?
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Morning Peeps, looks like another warm day is on the cards!
Chilled Orange juice and crossaunts with preserves at NC's, tuck in!
Deep, keep up the good work!
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Deep 88,
If you are starting, PALS, SLAP or LAPS. Keep the XQ, and Z for later big point words.
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DI W 91,
I had a couple of cross aunts. Boy, you didn't mess with them!!
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Has anybody seen the drawings of the floor of the Saints Chapel in St Albans Cathedral that I started 20 odd years ago? I can't find them anywhere.
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Haha, comments below have just reminded me of the occasional Viz series "Famous People on the Toilet". Two examples spring to mind:
Mangus Mangusson: "I've started so I'll finish"; and
Neville Chamberlain: "I have here in my hand a piece of paper"...
Oh how childish... :-)
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David Mc (92),
Sorry, the A was a typo; it was another S. I hit the submit before I noticed.
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Ap (95) -
Captain Oates - "I may be some time."
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Afternoon all, just whiffling through as RL is full of the news that the Arts Council have signed an out of court settlement over Derby Playhouse which effectively admits that they had no right to use a claim for refund of £1m in grants to force liquidation of the theatre company. So we live to fight on and must now work to get out of administration.
Fresh Romanov smoked salmon and salad sandwiches on the bar.
Toodle pip.
A.
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Hi everyone!
Phew! Giddy now having speng ages spinning backwards an the beach- (I'm like that- can be dangerous if those big cammely things about).
i *think* i know what's bin goin' on now.
DIY (44)
Are you getting at my typing by any chance- looks like my attempts.....
mollyxx
ps thanks for nice words peeps.
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Roll up! Roll up!
I waddle over the sand-dunes wearng a dodgy usherette outfit and bearing a tray of assorted ice creams and fruit ices. All free, all delicious and alll available (phew, it's been a while since I last said THAT in public).
Help yourselves - any not taken will be stuck in the bar freezer 'ti later.
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Thanks Perky, I'll have a honeycomb one.
btw - is the outfit dodgy or is it the usherette? I'm trying to paint the picture in my head.
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FLASH!! Paris, May 3, 1871, Fort Issy has been very heavily shelled all today, and waggon-loads of dead have been brought in by Port d' Issy.
Well said! Ain't old newspapers great?
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Stewart, you rotter! That 'Fifi shaped armchair' is actually me, sprawling in a particularly ungainly but undeniably relaxed and comfortable position.
Try sitting on me and YOU won't be though. I have very pointy knees and elbows, all pointing at you!!!
;oP
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Well, this is obviously a crisis. The puritans are on the horizon. I foresee them coming round with the Pledge to sign and are petitioning to get the the pubs closed or sell non - alcoholic larger.
We could persuade the doomsayers to become tee total themselves instead and get them to chuck all their full bottles away, on the...........Beach.
This is a good place to bury your stash if you think the prohibition police are in the wings.
But seriously, kids. Don't hoard. It just drives up the price for the rest of us
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An ad: Wanted, a strong lad, who would make himself generally useful.
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Anybody (pick a number),
If I send photos to PM@bbc.co.uk is there a chance they will appear here?
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That's exactly what I did, David. I suggest you put ''photo for the Blog'' in the subject line.
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David - I forgot to say I made the pm lower case.
Hmmm....cue for a pun or two??
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TIH - or is it the sand dunes?
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Sid - Haha! I had to read Perky's post 3 times before I got that!
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Good Eve peeps, just had the most amazing encounter!
This well dodgy usherette leapt upon me, thrusting rapidly melting ice creams in my face, he was almost in tears poor dear. So I told him to go and put his stock in the freezer at NC's, seems happier now!
Anyhoo, chilled Scrumpy anyone? I have also got some ‘strong’ Cheddar, pickles and a couple of crusty loaves.......tuck in. I am off for a swim to cool down.....anyone seen my Monday Speedos?
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DIY - surely it was a female usherette (well, it was when I wrote it). And TIH and Sid - I'll obviously have to be more careful with my sentence construction next time round. To clarify:
The sand dunes are normal and not dressed up at all
The usherette's a girl
The outfit was dodgy (stilettos and sand are not a good combination)
The ice-creams have melted
Ho hum.
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Perky - Don't worry about DIY - his Speedos are so tight that they are making his eyes water and affecting his vision.
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Sorry Perky, I was doing a 'Ronaldo', couldn't really tell the gender!
TIH, not so much that the Speedos are too tight, it's just there is so much to get in them!
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DIY - Your mask and snorkel should be on your head!
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Sorry Fif. I'm sitting on the edge of a hard dining room chair to get the feeling of knees.
Re Viz
William Shatner
"Captains Log"
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eh oop!!!
wish me luck for Thursday?!! Am preparing for an inspection!!
but right now, my dunes are weaving a dodge, and I've got sand in my usherette, and my cones are giving me jip, and ice is hard to come by...
so i is mostly going to lay me down in this hammock
n-n
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Damn!
Mother's immersion heater leak has won the latest round...
This is getting serious...at least, some serious kit is going to be haulled in...
But for now, I'll star watch with the Zephyr...not another restraining order?
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Morning Peeps, bit of stiff breeze today, don't know where all this *wind* has come from!
Deep, sorry to hear you lost that battle, but the war may still be won.
n-n, good luck!
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Gosh it's quiet this time of day! Just me and the excellent DIY up and tidying the NC Bar. Dee's hens are laying well at the moment ... how would you like your organic free range eggs boiled/fried/poached/scrambled?
Later this morning I am on a mission to Melton, followed by a chore in Grantham, all in the name of music. Wish me luck!
;o)
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Mmmmmmmm, two poached eggs on toast with a dusting of black pepper......deeeeeelicioussssss!
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DIW 21,
Just toast with a yeast extract better than M*rm*t* since *n*l*v*r ruined it and tea for breakfast here.
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Gill 107,
Okie dokie.
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Gill 108,
OKIE DOKIE.
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David (123/4) i See YOU'rE ON the CASE - missiON acCompLIshEd?
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Good luck Madge.
Btw, do you have any spare badges? ;o)
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This morning I am feeling irrationally happy. This feeling of wellbeing is the result of discovering last night that, for the first time in about 8 years, we have a nightingale nesting in the neighbourhood.
I did debate trying to record it to share with you all. I may yet attempt this - though not sure anything I have will do it justice. Perhaps my camcorder? The mike on that picks up all kinds of sound. Any suggestions gratefully received.
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Sorry Big Sis, you know me and birds, but snce you mention nightingales I have to say this -- I just don't get why all that chirrupping is descibed as "singing". It's all very nice in it's place, and it is a pleasant sound, but it's NOT A SONG.
If you use your camcorder you could film it too, of course :-)
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TIH (115)
Tee-hee-hee!!
Mollyxx
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Big sis-
how lovely! I don't knowan awful lot about birds but I have noticed a definite increase in the variety of *songs* this year.Quite deafening at times. I must get a book and identify them.
Mollyxx
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Aperitif (128) - Of course it is a song - you just don't understand the lyrics! And anyone who considers that Duran Duran represented melodic and harmonious perfection should be a bit more circumspect about becoming a music critic. :o)
Big Sis (127) For the past week I have been watching the antics of a male blackbird that every morning has sneaked into our garage and come out with a beakful of catfood. The cat is 15 or 16 and I think has given up worrying!
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Oh Horse, that's lovely! I think you should 'borrow' Appy's suggestion and film it at work.
As to filming the nightingale, there are two problems with the suggestion (1) they're notoriously shy and therefore difficult to spot and (2) without the facilities of BBC Bristol's technology, I doubt any nighttime shot with a camcorder would amount to much :o)
I may, though, attempt a recording of the song.... and Appy, it is definitely a song, of infinite variety.
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Molly (130) - you could try the RSPB website -
http://www.rspb.org.uk/advice/watchingbirds/identify/howto/index.asp
If you scroll down to the bottom of the page, you'll find a link to their Online Bird Identifier. Not sure if this means they also cover birrds that are Offline, but hey . . .
LadyPen
(and how come I'm signed in as an unnamed user, eh? When I distinctly remember trying my name . . .)
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I meant 'tryping' of course. And am not sure why the birds turned out to have a Scots accent . . .
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Don't worry, LadyPen, we're all unnamed now :-)
I'm not a number, I'm an unnamed frogger!
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Gosh, Fearless, are you auditioning for the remake of The Prisoner? ;o)
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Gill 125,
I sent one and got a response. Now let's see if it appears. If I can get some out of my camera, I'll send them. I've hooket it up to the computer, but can't figure out the rest.
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Dave (137) Fingers crossed....!
I've just booked a short break in Cornwall and Somerset, so I'm in the mood for a cream tea. Help yourselves to scones, an assortment of jams and clotted cream :o)
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Gill 138,
My wife bought a cake in the shop at N*ttc*tts nursery, so it's cake and coffee soon. It came all the way from Ashby de la Zouch (?sp, can't be bothered to Google).
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Horse (131) re:"And anyone who considers that Duran Duran represented melodic and harmonious perfection..."
I think you are confusing my youthful taste in bass players with a fondness for terrible music! :-)
I'm not saying Nightingales don't sound quite pleasant -- they do -- but it just isn't singing! Really. It's chirping. Honest. Not singing. There's no tune... Yep, I realise that none of you is taking any notice of me...
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David (139), Ashby de la Zouch always reminds me of Adrian Mole.
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Gill 138,
I just managed to send a photo of red flowers from my camera.....I think. Who says 67 is too old to understand a bit of technology?
No cake and coffee yet. Must go downstairs and see wifey.
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Aperitif 141,
I've been through Ashby on my way to Repton.
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Aperitif 140,
So, you liked Bob Haggart and Ray Bauduc?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d95fb1y11lE
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Just back from Biggleswade and up for some dinner, nothing cooked so Chinese Takeaway tonight…..who wants what?
Re birds a singing, you can't beat abaht a Kate Bush!
Right.....*hops up on soap box*, and.........
Seriously though, 'Blackbird singing in the dead of night' (which they do), Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Robin, Wren, Reed Warbler, Tree Creeper and not forgetting Gold Finch, Green Finch, Yellow Hammer ( little-bit-of-bread-and-no-cheese) and Long tailed Tit (teacher-teacher-teacher-teacher) all give it 110% in the morn and eve here in my part of Norfolk.
We also have Little and Tawny Owls but they just wind our two cats up!
My neighbour wot lets me give Lead Aspirins to Rats, Rabbits and Wood Pidgies has Barn Owls but they just 'hiss'.
Wot I am trying to say is that although they may not 'sing' a 'song' they are part of creations grand orchestra and every note is a joy to hear. So the vey mention of Duran Duran in the same thread as The Birds is bang out of order!!!!!
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David McN. 'on your way to Repton' ? if you often come this way you must drop in to Derby sometime, especially when we get the Playhouse back in operation.
Funny place Derby - in many ways a city aspiring to become a village or at least the market town it used to be. I have often debated why, when it led the Industrial Revolution and the Enlightenment (Ben Franklin visited 7 times, Erasmus Darwin lived here etc etc) while Nottingham was nothing, the position is now so different. Something odd happened in between then and now - one day I'll work out what it was.
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Dave (143) Both places are near to me - and also close to Calke Abbey, where I took the Blue photo.
I hope to see ''Red'' in the morning ;o)
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DIY 143 - your mornings sound much more pleasant than mine (either woken by the birds or The Birds) - I'm woken up by a cockerel.
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Apertif/DIY/Gillianian/others,
Well, I think it's bird song. Birds make noises for reasons, for example the Blackbird's alarm call, the threat (or just angry) call from a Blue Tit when I was hanging around outside it's nest (even though I supplied the nest box).
Birds sing to claim and defend territory. To attract a mate. But it has been shown that birds sing for the sheer hell of it, it's a nice day etc. What is that if that is not singing?
Now just because they don't use a harmonic scale, with lyrics in English (or whatever language Duran Duran use) does not make it not singing. Other human societies "sing", but sound distinctly odd to Western ears. Javan gamalans are definately not tuned to a Western harmonic scale, though my knowledge as to their singing is lacking.
Now whether Alex, the talking parrot, could have been taught to sing in English is an interesting, but moot point. The fact the parrot talked and would have given the Turing test a run for its money (he could count, distinguish colours, and say so in English).
Anyway, G&Ts after a very long day...
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David (144) Hahaha -- I rather enjoyed that thank you!
Note I reffered to my taste IN bass players, not a particular taste FOR them. Horse having a dig at me for liking Duran Duran is as relevant to a debate about singing as would be a comment about crisps: I had a favourite in my youth, but it was nothing to do with the sound it made...
DIY (145), re "the vey mention of Duran Duran in the same thread as The Birds is bang out of order!!!!!" Yep, and it was Horse what did it! Go on, tie pink ribbons in his mane until he promises not to do it again! :-)
DeepJohn (149), I just think singing needs some lyrics, you know... Yes, yes, I know that nobody in the world agrees with me and there is clearly something lacking in me -- I'm just not into birds.
Hmm, I can see too many comedic possibilites there but I hope you can all be restrained.
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Aperitif (150),
I used to be able to do a good impersonation of bantum chickens (f). It would fool the others. Does that mean I cannot sing? Care to come to the next concert I'm in?
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...reminds me of one of my favouritest sayings:
"birds don't sing because they have an answer; they sing because they have a song"
xx
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Been awake since about 4.......dawn chorus........*uddy birds!
Strong coffee in the pot at NC's, can't be faffed doing anything else so am relying on others!
Anyhoo, two days of from RL jobbies......I will be taking a swim and then will be in the hammock with the round window.
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Ap(150) - If I was a Crisp I would be Horseradish and Onion. Would that be any good?
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Horse, they sound tasty, but wouldn't go with the pink ribbons in your mane!
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Anybody going near the NC bar? Bring me a pint of coffee please - I can hardly move after my JCB exertions. I do you hope you all appreciate my sand sculptures - do you think I'm getting better with practice? I'm giving it a rest today - too many bruises and strains - it's like riding a bucking bronco ...
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Anne P 146,
I worked on archaeological sites in Repton for quite a few summers in the late 1970s-early 80s. I've been to Derby and have seen the 'lovely' cathedral. Our daughter lives just 'down the road' in Albrighton.
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Deep 151,
I used to have a record of chickens 'singing' In the Mood.
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David - wasn't that one of Kenny Everett's gems?
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Sid, you did really well!
I especially like the one of Fifi......you have got the pointy chin and the worts spot on!
As for the one of Fearless Frederick.......not a bad likeness but I dont think she is bald!
*DiY, legs it off over the dunes*
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Lady P (134)
Thanks for the link'. I think I may be onto ssomething here- possibly a woodpecker!
Anything to distract me from work today!
Time for chilled fresh Lemonade and a flapjack anyone....
Mollyxx
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Molly, jack me flaps and if you see the Occasional Horse, you ain't seen me...alright?
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DIY-
I'd keep m'head down if I was yew- sailing abit close to the wind,I say......
I've done my best to smooth the waters..
Mollyxx
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Just found a stripped beige and pink horse blanket, Molly is it yours?
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Hey,
Well the 2nd May Beach evidently WASN'T 'da place' for this, which said:
Hey,
Since this is where every regular gets to, dis muss be da place to whack a rumor.
I am not never have been nor ever shall be mac.
Whether the other people you think are, I know not, but I ain't.
So, a large G and T for a certain Horse when he gets here. I'd have posted this at 'Alcohol' where the Horse thought it best to start the rumour but I would have thought that thread was strictly for people with serious concerns. Horse sense?
Well, not much as it turned out!!! Apologies to one 'n' all
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Sun is over the yardarm, anyone for Pink Gins?
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Pink Gins? did someone say Pink Gins? I haven't had a Pink Gin in years. So, yes please!
;o) []
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Pink gin? Just what I need ... I hate technology - especially when I'm supposed to show people how it works - and it doesn't. One of those days ...
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Sid 159,
I knew it from the US before I ever heard of Everett. Google says it was by Ray Stevens, whoever he is/was.
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DIW 166,
Plymouth gin please, with nothing else.
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Good eve peeps, Gins....Pink, Blue, Beige etc all now being served at NC's. Bring yer own ice though, the freezer is on the blink since Deep plumbed it into his dear ol' mums boiler!
Anyone seen Horse?
If you do..DO NOT MENTION PINK RIBBONS, touchy subject.....Mums the word...no name no pack drill, nod is as good as a wink to a blind man etc.....
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170
Sorry to ask the key half time cross - cultural question but is nil - nil a win for you scotties (by extraction and a trip across the pond and back)?
Sorry there was more, but got to get back to the game. It's not (nae) a matter of life and death, it's more important than that.
Quiz: Name five PM icons glued to the box right now!!!
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Why has this nice brownish bit of beach I remember got stripes of pink sand? What's going on?
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Hey! I'm a dab hand at Pink Gins. As a student we used to have a cocktail party nearish to Candlemas. Just an excuse really.
Pink gins = bitters, gin and water. However we always neglected the water when making the pink gins for the Chaplain.
Can also do a decent Brandy Alexander. Perhaps a bit heavy for this warm weather.
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D McN @ 169 - I guess Kenny must have played it on his radio show.
RS - also responsible for 'Ahab the Arab' and 'The Streak' IIRC.
They don't make music like that any more ...
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At Last! I've found my Douglas Adams/John Lloyd Meaning of Liff.
For those that don't know its a dictionary of definitions for place names. Favourite is probably "Wetwang"
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DIY (171),
You don't live up to your name. I'd never plumb in a deep freeze into mother's hot water system, since it mixes gas and electricity. Me-(starts-to)-thinks your nom-de-frog is not all that it seems ;-)
The freezer problem's probably due to The Elusive Camel, as stars on my blog.
But a heavy day in RL, so if a G&T is not around, I'll hang around for a Brandy Alexander
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Morning Frogging friends....second of two days off from work in RL........deep joy and bliss abounds.
Coffee and toast with my favourite Lemon marmalade will be available shortly at NC's.
Deep, recently I have also doubted my non de plume! Some recent jobbies were not up to the usual high standards. Mrs Diy started to mutter things like 'getting someone in' and 'I know a bloke who can'........but thanks to threat to take away access to a credit card all dissension from that quarter has ceased!
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Morning DIY - I'll try some of the toast and marmalade, thanks. Have a great day off.
A.
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DI (178):
Two days off work! Lucky thing.
I've just finished my urgent work for the week and since I'm off tomorrow, the urge is to go home now (and work from home of course). Sadly the rest of the Tech/Research team (being footie fans) are off today, so there's just me holding up my end.
Why is everyone taking pictures of the coloured-sand end of the Beach? That sand's brownish-orange I tell you, not red!
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Stewart 174,
I don't drink Brandy and my name isn't Alexander. I'll have a nice Calvados, though.
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Sid 175,
I have a record of dogs 'singing' Jingle Bells. And I used to have The Flying Saucer record. I'm going to hear Chris Barber tonight.
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DeepJohn (151), No, but you weren't singing at the same time as you were pretending to be a bantam, obviously.
Any of that pink gin left?
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Selkius P (173)
Shushhh!
That's a special bit of beach I've knitted for TIH...
I hope he likes it. He's been a bit busy lately with his colours aand all.
Maybe his own patch of Horse beach blanket (or should it be a Beach horse blanket?) will make him a bit more *mittant*
on the beach!
Mollyxx
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What ho everyone!
My The beach is looking colourful today. Well it's eleven past elevenses, so I bring re-inforcements of tea and coffee together with chelsea buns and an assortment tin of biscuits.
Anyone up for a game of beach cricket later in honour of the first day of the First Test? I'm wearing my panama hat and blazer specially!
;o) []
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What ho, Wonko! I'll be twelfth man, if that's OK. Wake me if you need me ...
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Has anyone seen my mobile phone lying around here?
I used it first thing this morning, then didn't take it to school because I wasn't going to be there long, and now I can't find it ANYWHERE.
* panics *
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Molly @ 184, ah, that explains it. Thanks.
Sand-knitting, eh? There's clever!
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By 'Eck, it's a long traipze from the current thread back to the Beach at the mo.
I'll tbe the third match official for the cricket :-)
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It's OK you can stop looking. SO had an extra look in the car for me, and found it jammed behind the seat belt clip.
Celebratory aubergine bake all round!!!!
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Wonko, love the panama hat and blazer and I know it is quite warm but don't you think you should have put yer troosers on?
Fifi, give yourself a call from a land line!
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DIY - these *are* my trousers old fruit!
Right, wickets are set up, patich and boundary rope marked out, cream tea is ready in the pavilion (NC Bar) and it's six and out. Watch out for my Doosra!
;o) []
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"Take me out to the ball game...."
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Anybody want some peanuts and Cracker Jack?
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Wonko ( 192)...spotted and dispatched the Doosra...but patich has got me completely bamboozled.
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DMcN (194) Cracker Jack: A device for lifting biscuits
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Patich - Middle English word meaning "pitch"
;o) []
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Many thanks for your good wishes, it (117) all went swimmingly...!
time for a little celebratory something!!
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FF (196) Device: Remove all tendencies to view or partake in lewd behaviour.
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n-n, well done sport, chilled Scrumpy now available at NC's
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FF (196)
Depart: the bit you got in the play.
Delight: illumination device.
Defense: the boundary between neighbours.
Define: charge payable for illicit parking.
Defeat: the things in your shoes.
Deport: where the ships are.
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FF, 196
defile: check through the prisoner's home-made cake
delight: plunge into darkness
destabilise: put your horses in a field
debit: take their bridles off first
defraud: pay back stolen money
deliver: operate on a footballer
decant: remove the slang
demure: stop playing My Word
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I tried to post and it seems to have gone astray. Sorry if this has appeared before by the time it appears.
FF 196
defile: check through the prisoner's home-made cake
delight: plunge into darkness
destabilise: put your horses in a field
debit: take their bridles off first
defraud: pay back stolen money
deliver: operate on a footballer
decant: remove the slang
demure: stop playing My Word
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ooooh! the beach is too long and has to have another page. That explains why mypost vanished first time round. Sorry all.
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FF 196,
You get the prize.
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