The Beach
What is the Beach?
It’s a place to go when the stresses of your real life need relieving. Sometimes it is fairly quiet and you might feel like you’re the only one around, but you can leave your ‘footprints’ for others to find later on. Othertimes it is the home for a real party, with constant gossip, leg-pulling, rumour, innuendo, chit-chat and weirdness. If this were a forum (and it sort of is because we post responses to each other, not just to Eddie, hence our term for ourselves 'Froggers', a combination of forum and blogger) then the beach would be the off-topic area.
It's a tropical location, no matter the time of year it's always warm and pleasant there.
Sunrises and sunsets are spectacular, the evenings balmy. It has a number of different locations; the Nick Clarke waterfront bar; the smokers corner; Fido's Run for the dog-walkers; the Naughty Step and many others.
How do you find your way around? There is no direct answer to the question.
The beach is a moveable feast, literally. It will be renewed by our Lord and master Mr. Edward de Mair each Friday morning. This is because we have found in the past that when the number of posts exceeds about 600 the entire thing becomes unwieldy and unstable. A case of the beach turning to quicksand.
Froggers often leave bottles / glasses / trays of their favourite tipple on the bar for others to sample, not to mention big / small eats.
There is a herd of camels who frequent the sands, which froggers are very fond of. There are sun-loungers, so you can take it easy and catch some rays. Quite often the late-night attendees will have a barbie.
It's a fun place, with only one real rule; Be nice to each other; we are ALL chums here. New Froggers are ALWAYS welcome.
The real debate happens on the other threads. The beach is a place for banter, whimsy, relaxation and friendship, where jarring comments are not particularly welcome. There are certain very mild protocols, which you tend to pick up as you go along. So slip your shoes off, feel the sand between your toes, relax and enjoy yourself.
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Wheeeee!!! A fresh new Beach to play on. Untouched by human foot. You can run and jump and skip and play and
Eeewwwwww! Those rotten camels. they've been here already. And they've left something behind.
I'm going to wash this off my feet. Meanwhile help yourselves to the strong espresso which has mystically appeared on the bar, along with the breakfast version of a Norwegian smorgasbord.
Si.
Rhubarb crumble on the counter for later. T£$€o had it on offer and I took Fifi's permission to purchase seriously. The family are relieved that they will be able to continue eating until I get my act together. This "allotment" idea has been in the offing for the past 3 years...
I remain unconvinced that said chef doesn't grow his own whiting given the other things he grows. I imagine he has had a small sea installed just behind the pig sty.
Nervously awaiting news of job application. Its a role with a Youth Offending Team (sadly, I am too old to be the offending youth myself), less money than being self-employed, but possibly interesting and useful work with a career path hidden behind the wrought iron gate.
Step son managed to lose his lodgings last week (careless of him - I'd have put it in a safe place) and has just found a great little flat in the local spa town so we have to sort his logistics for him. And brother in law had a car accident earlier in the week, has broken lots of ribs and is back at his parents (aged 40-something) yet again. This could all have severe impact on the remainder of the half-term and my plans for the weekend.
Anyhoo, the custard has thickened up nicely. If it is too early for pudding, just imagine you are in New Zealand - it's supper.
Thanks for mit espresso gladly received this morning!
I have popped some fresh doughnuts on the bar, sorry guys no custard ones just the bog standard rasp'y jam...
...right, back off to June..
How lovely - just two huge footprints -- Where's Si
Isn't it good news about Alan - I'm sure in no time he'll be chatting to Eddie.
Imagine drinking 5 bottles of cheap red wine, then going 10 rounds with a heavyweight boxer followed closely by an hour on a high-speed rollercoaster with a large cream cake, and you will have some idea of how I am feeling. I'm going to pass out in the hammock if you don't mind.
Good news about Alan though! I just hope that this is followed by even better news very soon.
Hello Belinda. Given your fighting spirit, I imagine the heavyweight boxer isn't feeling too well himself! Can I get you anything?
Hi Belinda. I echo RJD's comments. I imagine that alchol is off the menu, so there is an excellent Devon cream tea awaiting your indulgence.
Si.
Morning all, and especially Belinda. Relax and enjoy the gentle breeze. Frugs available whenever you need/want them.
Hopeful news about Alan Johnston. Everything crossed.
Who's for a gentle jog around the island to work up an appetite? (Who knows, we may come across Johny and George in full Pirate costume on the way round...)
Gosh, isn't it quiet around here today!
Hi Belinda. What a great description! I made chicken stock yesterday, just before going out to do battle with the Troll, so there will be yummy Jewish Penicillin later today if you fancy some.
Bacon butties anyone?
Fifi xxx
So I see Siobhan Hathaway is no longer with us.
After glancing at the Archers website - and yes there are a few, I thought I'd better reassure some of the wailers that Caroline Lennon (who played the part of Siobhan) is alive and well.
It's only a story!
Now come on - relax - calm down, and pull out a lounger for heavens sake.
Jonnie - I predict that Adam and Ian will adopt the brat, solving everyone's problems in one unlikely storyline.
Money on it?
Fifi
the last time i went to the beach, i got sand in al sorts of unwieldy places...of course, a sunlounger sounds just fine - and the cocktails...simply divine!!!
sadly, not beach weather here though - think I will just sit and stare at the camels for a while, and maybe pass the time having a nap - it is nearly lunchtime after all
I happened across mention of Susan Stranks elsewhere following the sad departure of Tony Bastable. I was never allowed to watch Magpie as a kid, but that didn't stop me liking Susan Stranks...
Just off the phone to the bank. I rang them on Tuesday to arrange an overdraft facility. Just a small one to cover for when customers don't pay me particularly fast and I have to buy more rhubarb from T£$€o.
Anyhoo, being self-employed they made me jump through all sorts of hoops including ringing me back and asking me loads of pertinent questions. In the end they grudgingly said "yes". But it didn't show on my online banking thingy (sorry, technophobe IT engineer here). And the week went mad and I have just got around to ringing them.
So, I ring-ding-a-ling them and they say they have no record whatsoever of the phone call. None. Nor of me applying for an overdraft, nor of it being approved. So it didn't happen. Would I like to apply again?
Suppressing the "grrrr" that I couldn't possibly apply again if I hadn't already I went along with it. And I was asked similar questions and the same things happened. And they approved it again (or not, depending who you are) and it now shows on my online thingy.
In fact, am I sure that amount will be enough and would I like a huge credit card limit to go with that? Amazing.
No no - Fifi - you are quite wrong.
Here's why - Brian promised Siobhan that 'whatever happened' he would take care of little Ruairi. (the brat)
Now we know that Brian Aldridge doesn't lie and is as trustworthy as the day is long -
Lucky Ruairi to have such a lovely Dad ;-)
Belinda #5, Look after yourself. When my mother's laid up in bed, she drinks endless cups of tea - a malady known to us as "teahydration".
Jason #14,
Just had a very similar situation myself. I wanted to close/open accounts to sort out the messy arrangements with the bank. No I could not do it over the phone, so booked appointment, went in, discussed, signed all the forms etc.
Two weeks later, nothing had happened
So I phoned up. Ended up, indeed, doing everything over the phone after all. All those forms have still not turned up. That was a complete waste of my morning, whereas it took about ten minutes over the phone. Bah!
I see from the newsletter that Eric is arranging the letters with Maria...I presume they are magnetic and that you have a big fridge door to stick them to. No rude words.
Oooh! This is an early beach. The camels are only just stirring and the lights aren't on in Nick's Bar.
Off to make some footprints.
(Hmm, this is 'malicious'. I wonder - do we need to be logged on for a while before the software accepts us? Marc, or any server-wise frogger, is this possible?)
Oh Dear! First BB, now The Archers... I shal have to whistle loudly so I can ignore it all....
I bring a mixed case of Bordeaux for replenishing the bar supplies, and I see someone's left some fishing tackle. I'll see if I can catch comething (RJDstopit!) for dinner....
FF - That's my tackle you've got in your hands you know. Now there WILL be talk.
Give a man a fish and feed him for a day.
Teach a man to fish and he will sit in a boat and drink beer all day.
Well, first things first - Belinda, very gentle frugs ((((())))). I've managed to press gang the invisible beach cleaner into being your personal fetcher and carrier - ask and your every whim will be catered for.
Fifi - I wont bet against you, I said the very same thing to SO just last week. Watch that space!
FF - Sorry, Fred but the Archers is a very different animal to the likes of BB. It's just got to be listened to - and that's that. ;o)
RJD - you know the way, off you go!
.....and now....big drum roll.....
It's over - ta da! No more exams till September 2008!!!!! Hoorah! 3 months off till I start my placement!!! Hoorah!
Party, party (actually, The Who in Swansea and a meal after - but that's a party for me these days!)
Will return over the weekend, in the meantime please do all join in with the champers that's in the huge ice bucket on the NC bar. There's lots of deli goodies to snack on to go with it.
Toodle pip.
Izz xx
That's it Belinda, you sock it to 'em!
I think you're one of the few I've heard of who can stomach a whole large cream cake, especially after just alighting from your 60 minute roller coaster ride....(I dont want to mention the boxer, but just how long would the heavyweight have lasted if you hadn't had five bottles of red first???) !!!
Mind over matter, obviously!! Well done!! Take one step at a time, thats seems to be the best...and you have all the very best wishes from all of us froggers on the blog, as I am sure you already know !!!
How was the jog, Appy? I would have joined all of you, but just had to sample several of those cocktail thingy menus left on the bar....
...and I can report that they are sort of mesmorising...Excellent work!!
n-n
xx
Am just popping my beach cherry.
I am feeling very unmotivated after rather a large spot of lunch. And my parents are visiting me this weekend.
I wonder if paddling is allowed...
Cactus - Welcome. Paddling is not only allowed but positively encouraged. Just watch for Fearless Fred out there - he's supposed to be fishing for something for the barbecue but in fact is just lazing about at the waters edge. But he does get upset if anybody steps on his tackle.
Izzy T'Me - What?!
Welcome Cactus....paddle away. No, come back....I didn't mean go away! I meant paddle as much as you like!
Don't forget we're here all weekend....if the parents get you down, you may need to plunge right in. The sea is always just at the right temperature.
Afternoon tea now being served on the NC bar. Never mind fancy sandwiches - help yourselves to cheddar cheese cobs with Spanish onions!
What wouldn't I give to hear Eddie interview Brian Aldridge (yes, I listen to 'The Archers', too. 1700 - 1915 is my radio indulgence time).
Welcome to the Beach, Cactus! Pull up a dune and take the weight off your feet for a while. Here - I've opened a beer for you...
Don't worry, we'll be here all through the weekend, so if you need a break from the folks, you can always join us here....
RJD, I thought it was your tackle :p
I've managed to line catch some yellowfin tuna for the barbeque. I'm just off to find some coconuts for the marinade....
I am back from my paddling - the water was lovely. I stepped very gingerly over Fred's tackle. That would not have endeared me to the members of the beach.
Apparently I need to drink more water so have left an open bottle of the clear stuff on the bar. Gentle carbonated it said, but it didn't seem very gentle when it exploded over my shirt....
Thanks for the welcomes
Fifi, Izzy - beat ya both! I posited exactly the same theory weeks ago to Mr Val P. I think it's a perfect idea - they seem great guys and a secure loving relationship is just what the wee guy will need. Brian and Jennifer can be honorary doting grandparents etc, etc.
btw Izzy, how did the viva go?
Just been on a round trip for a haircut and I've picked up a couple of bottles of an interesting looking sparkling Pinot Grigio - my two current favourite aspects in wine, How can they fail? Give it a while to chill, then we'll crack it open before I head off to a 40th birthday party tonight (yes, I know, young enough to be my offspring RJD), a bit in trepidation as I shan't know anyone there except Mr Val P.
Belinda - what a description, I just wish you didn't have to experience it. Chin up :o))
Just keeping up the profile of VOLES.
Can we have a vole place on the beach?
Or nearby. There must be a gentle stream that twinkles down to the beach. Beaches need streams.
Oh! Is that a rill I see between gently overhanging vegetation? Trickling at just the right rate...
We could have otters, too, if we try.
What is this drivel about?
I have been hearing about the pm blog for weeks and have finally made the time to get here only to find inconsequential chitchat and gossip.
hello and goodbye!
Sorry, I brought the kids along.
There goes the peace and quiet.
Still, I expect you wanted to be buried under tons of sand with a few crunchy crab shells thrown in for good measure.
Cactus, lovely to see you. I was admiring that rather fetching beanie-hat of yours while you were paddling. Next time, give me a shout and I'll come with you.
Frances - didn't you know? There is a thriving vole colony round the quiet side of the island, guarded from harm by the reindeer. (You wondered where they'd gone, admit it!)
Belinda - you must be exhausted from leaping about catching all our frugs and positive thoughts. I rather like the look of that young man who's tending to your whims. Does he do fancies as well?
All - bearded the Troll and his Moll last night. He really is horrible: threatening legal action, for goodness' sake, when he's completely in the wrong and knows not of what he speaks! Somehow I kept my temper, didn't slap him, didn't even rise to his bait ... it won't make a scrap of difference in the long term but at least we'll know we tried everything.
Now I'm off to have the weekly supermarket debacle. Ug.
Fifi xxx
Oh dear, Mrschimera doesn't read instructions then?
Perhaps we should put up a big KEEP OUT UNLESS YOU WANT A GIGGLE sign on the top.
Grrrrr! (that's the noise Fifi makes when she's a bit cross)
Fifi ;o)
Me to a tee!! "inconsequential chitchat"
Ahhh what it is to be perfectly described....
Why is it that people post messages that just sound as though they are upset?! Why can't everyone be happy?!!
I have a message for them narky types, which I have wrote out in the sand with the sea shells (32 -thanks beta ma)
"go take it out on a piece of crockery!"
(tee hee)!!
but they wont. they'll keep posting. Well, we'll just have to keep singing, doin the conga, munchin the bbq, sendin RJD to and from the Naughty Corner Step! and other high jinks. That's what the beach is here for init?!!
Right! last one round the palm tree's a dromadary.....
n-n
Welcome Cactus.
Welcome Beta Mum, and interesting blog as well.
Haul the children into hammocks, come over to the bar and have a glass. Wonder if Fearless found the coconuts for the marinade....fortunately the barbie doesn't take long to heat up.
Due to the milk going off in June, I've been on fruit teas all day. Some of them are very acceptible, so I've put some behind the bar...and where has the strong rum for the Rumtopf gone...whose trying to blaim the camels??
Apologies for my bad grammar....for whose read who's
That's okay, anth, have a glass of red... (btw, we won't mention the blaim either)
Fun and games at the Cransley tonight!
Gill's underwear clinging to the chandelier, DIY gazing in wonder at the fiddler's cleavage, everybody now knows what Simon keeps in his secret drawers...
And I THINK Humph might be allergic to cats, but I may have picked that up incorrectly.
Fifi
Evening all....... just popped by to say "hola" to all (ok have just been watching Ugly Betty!)
Oh Belinda, gentle hugs m'dear - just reading your description made me feel ill. Hang on in there honey.
By the way who was the grumpy Mrs something who stopped by earlier? What on earth is wrong with "inconsequential chat"??! If you ask me there is far too much consequential chat in this world and that is why it is in such a mess.
Anyway - good news about Alan Johnston - fingers crossed his ordeal will be over soon.
Right am going to grab a hammock and get some shut eye - am on lone parenting duty again tomorrow (SO worked last Saturday, Sunday and BH Monday and is working again tomorrow). But Appy thank you so much! Just been catching up on the other beach and your idea of another Pirates with JD and George - mmmm, how lovely. Sweet dreams for me I think.....
Right see you all soon x
You are all invited to join me and someone called Bob at
for late night silliness and ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳2!
Fifi xxx
Well so many new faces around.
anth, thanks for pointing out Beta mums blog - what a fun place.
Belated welcome to you cactus.
Belinda - we are all thinking about you. I'm sure you will benefit as a person in the long run. Anyway sleep tight in your hammock -- not long until you can take a dip hopefully.
mrschimera - it's what you do -- and what we do! I know you'll be popping back soon.
Fifi :- Did Simon really tell what's in his secret drawers? Oh I hope not!
And why did DIWyman keep on asking everyone to get their ti*s out?
All very peculiar behaviour for a Radio 3/4 audience --
Beach bum alert!
It's very early on the beach this Saturday. That means it's quiet. The sun is just peeking out now and the sky is clear. It's still cool and there is promise in the air
First coffee, black and rich. The dog is curled up next to me, asleep. He doesn't care much about the view or the promise of the day, he's all wrapped up in the unconscious moment.
I smile to myself, refelcting on Tony Blair's very different day at the beach this past week, out there in the desert (the beach is a state of mind, isn't it?). Outside the tent camels snorting and making greenhouse gases. Inside, Mr. Blair and Mr. Gaddafi pretty much doing the same.
What a weird thing politics is, I never thought I'd see those two sharing an espresso but I suppose that it's a good thing. Perhaps the espressos were brewed here, on the beach.
I'd like to visit Libya one day, to see those magnificent, empty Roman ruins and walk where Carthage once stood. Now I can. Yes, that is good.
A very early visit from me, due to the fact that I was woken at 4am by 4 year old being sick in bed - our bed! He had crept through in the night and so I crept into his bed (why do young children take up so much space?). So he was sick, cried for mummy, came through to me and was sick again over his own bed - all over bedding that was freshly laundered and changed yesterday! Now I cant relax in case he is ill again poor little mite. Have already hung out two loads of washing. SO has just left for work so its going to be a long day methinks. So if there is any coffee spare Paul Turney I will have a cup if that's ok. Now I am going to crawl back into this hammock and try and have a little snooze in this glorious early morning sun...x
Dear Fiona, I do sympathise. And laughed, I'm sorry. Reminds me of a trip to vist friends with 4 kids, who got a vomiting bug while we were there. From one to the other 1 per day (or rather night). The last one, the 5 yr old boy, managed to be sick in 3 places, over 3 lots of bedding in one night, at which point supplies of bedding ran out.
The night we got back, it was our daughter's turn for the bug. Yep, all over the bedding.
I promise you, one day you'll look back & laugh...
Vomitting on the beach? Oh dear!
Morning all, and welcome newcomers.
Lovely home mixed muesli and red bush tea on the bar.
Off for a pre breakfast swim -- any takers?
. . . sun-cream or brolly? . . . sun-cream or brolly? . . . sun-cream or brolly? Morning all! Just to let you know that it is Humph hol-time again and so I am going to be off Frog for a few days. I am just doing the last of the packing now. So . . . sun-cream or brolly? . . . sun-cream or brolly?
H.
I'm on the bacon buttie run, frogging from the kitchen. Any takers? All recipes available.
Fifi :o)
Happy hols Humph. (Sun cream. Less to carry, more room in bag for books and duty-free.)
Fiona - oh dear! (But I say that with the smugness of the childfree.) When you re-surface, there's a bacon buttie with your name on it.
Appy - only making brekkers now. Does that still qualify me for a swim?
Where is Whisht? Cracking strapline!
Jonnie - you need to rewind the concert and try to concentrate on the fiddler's cleavage. (I know... I know...) Its most prominent moments coincided with DIY's calls for the small birds to be released.
Fifi
Froggage? Hmmmm.
I am retreating from my formerly smug position and offering a very sympathetic frug to (((Fiona))).
When you're ready to emerge from your hammock, I have a case of ice cold lager (magically alcoholfrei with no loss of flavour!) to refesh you whilst caring for the poorly one.
Meanwhile, I'm just arranging my houseplants outside for the summer. Would this yucca look OK at the door of the Nick Clarke waterfront bar?
Fifi xx
P
. . .U
. . . . . .S
. . . . . . . . H !!!!!!!
Fifi
Good Heavens!!
I must have dropt off, there!!! It was just about the time Appy was going for a quick dip, when I thought: " I'll just sit here under a palm tree, and rest each eyelid alternately...."
...and now look!! I kipped the entire afternoon...must say, though, I do feel good!!
Happy Hols Humph!!
Fifi seems to have 4 posts in a row - what's the rule, again? Five in a flush, is a straight hand, of one kind or another...
[nope. help me out with that one, please!!!]!
Right. A game. who's up for alphabetty spagetti hoopla?!!
n-n
xx
Quiet here tonight...Lots of Fifi's footprints, and a few others as well.
Having replaced the mysteriously disappeared bottle of strong rum (FOR THE RUMTOPF - all fresh fruit left-over gladly accepted for the xmas treat) , I'll retire to that hammock over there, with a good book, a good bottle and catching the last rays of the day...
Alex is just back from Venice and Croatia. Half term. To catch the plane, she had to get up just as the day was being pried open and night put away. Over dinner this evening I described the beach here and I think she might have got it -- it's not the rocky, charming thing that she's experienced on the Adriatic Coast-- we've got a real Jimmy Buffett bar here, all warped planking and ice cold beer. If you fall off the deck, you land on sand -- cool sand this evening in the sunset. Something Caribbean is playing in my head.
Earlier this week Alex texted me -- 'hope you're having a blast at work, Dad. Yay work!' I texted back, 'it pays the bills'.
Welcome Paul! You have a charming turn of phrase, as good as a fresh coat of paint on the Nick Clarke bar.
Pull up a lounger, pour yourself a glass of something from the bar (it's all free, because we've all brought it to share) and let's join n-n in a game of alphabetti spaghetti hoop-la.
Oh look! got it on me nose.
Now you....?
Fifi ;o)
Gosh its quiet here tonight isn't it. Thanks for the bacon butty and beer Fifi - much appreciated.....
Right I'm off to bed now - 4am wake up calls do not agree with me. Nighty night all x
Night Fi!
Gosh it's quiet here. Not even an audience for hoop-la!
Go on Nikki .... your turn again.
Wheeeeeey!
Fifi
Nikki, that is cheating. I can't do what you just did, I don't have the...
Stop that!
Oh RJD, where are you when I need you?
Fifi
Love and hugs to Belinda xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
xx
LadyP
Why is it that no matter how big or small your fridge is it spends most of the time almost empty and is then never big enough when you have lots of things to keep cold?
I think someone should develop a pop-up roof for fridges so that you can minimise the area when the cupboard is bare and expand a lot for a hot weekend.
Or something.
fifi (58) ....dont have the... 'hat'?!!! Thanks for your kind words sent earlier today!
To be quite honest, I'm glad we didn't have much of an audience, what with you dripping everywhere like that, and my letters always dropping off!! I haven't laughed so much in ages!!! Tears running down the tomato sauce, and me wobblin all over the place!!! Gosh, what a state...streaking evrywhere...
How silly was I!!
phew. Must be the spagetti, cos I don't think all that alcohol could've had any effect...do you?!!!
Welcome one and all. I'll do lunch, today, it must be my turn again. Put your orders in...!
n-n
xx
so yesterday and today I have tried to post comments, in each case hours after a previous post or, as in today's case, first of the day. ANd both times I've had a maliciously fast warning. Weren't all these glitches suposed to be ironed out in March. It's very irritating, so I'm off for a while, although if this runs true to form you won;t know because it won't get through either.
Wow, it's nice to be back. I've been house-hunting for the past week, sans PC, and I've missed you all. I did have a radio though, so tuned in every night to hear Eddie and to try to work out what you might have been frogging about.
Anyway, the good news is that we've found a house to rent, so we'll have somewhere to move our furniture to when we leave here, which is a big weight off my mind. The rented place is much smaller than our current house, though, which means I shall be mounting an attack on the moutains of crap that we seem to have accumulated over the last 6 years.
in preparation, I've brought some lovely fruity spanish wine for you all (and some elderflower cordial for EdI) and some bits and pieces to nibble on. I shall have a quick dip and a rest in the purple hammock before I get started.
xx
ahhhh!! So *that's* why it's been quiet!!
da da da da da - Da! Da!
n-n
xx
Now - In the absence of most of the Froglets (for some reason) - perhaps Eddie has an idea? - I've been grafting away on the Froggers song.
So far I've been - let's say - optimising the individual contributions. They are all far better than I ever imagined, both technically and musically.
Anne P:- Do you have a recording studio? - I didn't have to tweek you at all!
All was going well until we discovered - yet again, that one of our two Gloworm condensing boilers was flooding, failed heat exchanger, so the song session turned in to an Internet search for a new boiler & installer. They are both eight years old and have been nothing but trouble since day one :-(
Oh well ! - Hopefully next week we will have a new boiler and a song to go with it.
One never knows what's around the corner?
Ouch! Stop *tweaking* me Jonnie!
jonnie: there is now another recording of a version of the song now in Lissa's possession.
There is also a video of you Skyping in the possession of the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳...
Uh Uh Jason - I can imagine. Would this have been some impromptu effort after some imbibing?
I see the lovely Fifi hasn't shown up yet?
There and back in one day Fifi!
I don't think so !
Izzy - great Strapline!
Hope you are enjoying your freedom form exams?!
Mornin' all.
Wow - a strapline! Didn't think I had it in me.
Just popped by to say hello and head off to lovely June with no revision to do - hooray!
Perky - well done for finding an abode. Isn't it ridiculous how much we accumulate. SO and I have found a great wheeze for getting rid of stuff that you feel you shouldn't but is just clutter really - give it to his mother's am dram society. You still get to see it, but someone else has to look after it!!
Farmers market bacon and free range, organic egg (or just egg, for the veggies) baps on the NC bar, with lashings of various teas to wash them down. Dig in, do.
I need some r&r pronto on the beach, as hideous travelling conditions last night led to a short night's sleep, interspersed with vivid dreams and flashbacks.
I'm glad to see GM and Jason have made it safely down here already this morning and are none the worse.
If I'm quieter than usual give me a nudge, as I've woken to a mountain of work to be done in June. Think I'll run away again!
Izzy - glad you're free of those exams at last.
Perky - more power to your elbow for the de-cluttering. Ask Appy for tips!
Lady Pen - Only last night I was thinking about you and wondering how life is treating you? Good to see you back on the beach again.
Jonnie - how did Simon's eyebrows turn out? Thanks for the compliment btw!!! It's a long time since I've been called Gorgeous, was that before or after Robert cleaned the dust off the laptop screen do you remember??
Hi GM - Thank you. And - Oh I am, I surely am!
GM:
If you're still around ..... Firstly, sorry to miss you yesterday, Secondly, sorry I missed your birthday last week. If you had a glass of the Oyster Bay yesterday, perhaps you'd regard that as a birthday drink from me. (Actually, I had no idea it was your birthday last week until I read the Blog today - you know how it is when you're away!)
Meanwhile, here on the Beach, may I offer you a glass of the finest champers along with a selection of handmade canapes?
I am STUFFED after yesterday.
got LOADS of food left over! anyone fancy some GRUB on the beach???
Mpb
x
Hiya Miss Pooh Bear, I'll have some qinoa (sp?)please - minus the worms?
Morning Miss Pooh Bear. Sorry we scared your cat!
Thanks Big Sis, sorry to miss you too. Somewhere between lectures and getting lost in Blackburn, it just wasn't meant to be!
Miss Pooh Bear - yes please that'd be lovely. And, Froggers, what you might not know is what a lovely and talented young lady MPB is - not only does she draw and paint wonderful pictures but also sings and plays the violin!x
Val - here have this hammock and a glass of champers. Hope you're not still fretting over your frog....?
hi all, just having a quick paddle as I break a long drive back 'ome. Will try to frog later if I find another hotspot...
No chance of doing any work this afternoon so 'hello' and I think I'll have a little lie down in that there hammock.
Thanks Miss Pooh Bear, but I'll pass on lunch. I'm stuffed too, but may I take something back to June with me, please? My fridge is bare, and I'm too busy swinging in my hammock, sipping fizzy water, to go foraging to feed the family. ;o)
POOSH!
hi peeps...just popped in from June for a splash about in mit briney...
....working in Wellingborough / Higham Ferrers at the moment.....
.....can almost see Fifi from here!!!
HI FI, WOT U DOIN' GAL?
Gilliam (81) i understand...
Mpb
x
Are you in an amphibious vehicle then FFred? Wot with being able to paddle an' drive an' all!
It's no wonder things woz so quiet down here last night. The photos are great - what a friendly-looking bunch you are! And intelligent and discerning too, obviously.
I am currently trying to freecycle all my worldly goods - well, the ones I've decided to part with, at any rate. I need a break before dashing back to June to check the email, so I've brought a big jug of Pimms and a bowl of strawberries with some cinnamon and pepper - trust me, it works.
xx
Perky (86),
(it seems this is the etiquette for the comment number, sorry if I offended anyone)
I agree about the strawberries and pepper in particular - most people look at me in a very odd way when I request the latter.
Don't forget the rumtopf for any leftover strawberries - if there are any this time...and keep the rum away from the camels (or vice versa)
Well, weren't there some fun and games going on yesterday, off-beach. No wonder it was so quiet last night.
Apparently it's the season for turtles to come onto beaches, lay their eggs and then depart. Wonder if any will visit our beach? Better be prepared to mark of any area where they visit.
Ah, anth - a turtle creche - how sweet. I'll sit in the hammock and give a yell if I see anything turtle-like appearing from the waves.
Pass the pepper, there's a love.
Perky (88),
#
Apparently, there are holidays to Caribbean islands to patrol such beaches and ensure the turtles are not disturbed (how they can do that while being around is a question I've not had answered).
Is that a turtle I see emerging from the sea, or is it a camel with a snorkel?
I used to have a variety of black peppers to offer, but I've run out and the s*p*rm*rk*t that stock them stocks them no more. Sadly, it will be standard Black Pepper...
Anth - let's wait to see if it lays an egg! ;)
After a day on Annasee's Beach, this one's looking a bit lacklustre. Perhaps I need to buy some of those wonderful 3-D glasses so I can get things back into perspective .....
Is that AndyC over there? Perhaps he'd like to fill my glass. I hear he had a bottle that he meant to share with us all.
How was the journey back Andy?
All is quiet down here on the beach tonight? I must hie me away, to sleep, perchance to dream.
Annasee - great strapline!
DIY - is that you, waving from Wellingborough? If you can see me waving back, drop in for a cuppa. Kettle's always on, luvvie.
('Waving from Wellingborough? Sounds like a correspondent to Feedback...)
Sorry to be so quiet yesterday. I had a long journey (thank goodness I didn't try the both-ways-same-day thing ... RJD stopit ... after all) followed by an angry call to the Police about a white van being driven very dangerously, followed by a site meeting with the local Wildlife Trust.
Tonight I'm supposed to be helping sort through photos from the Belvoir Castle music weekend ... may give that a miss actually. And tomorrow I am reacquainting myself with the world of toxic waste.
Golly, June is proving every bit as hectic as May. Thank goodness for the Beach and this lovely big jug of Pimms. Spelt Pimmmmmmmmmms!
Fifi
Morning all,
Is that a turtle I see in the foam? Blimey!
Champers for everyone. I'm celebrating having a lie in this morning (any excuse!) Now, must do some packing.
Toxic waste Fifi? Um, why?...
A, x.
Good Morning Froggers!
Gosh, it seems like it's been forever since I was last on the Beach. I'm sure I've missed a great deal of whimsy and light-hearted banter. Nice to see some new Froggers on the dunes too, come on in, the water's lovely! ;o)
Well, my so-called week off was about as hectic as being at work. Thank goodness the Beach is here for me to relax and recuperate on. Let's see; there was meeting my Mother and Grandmother for lunch, a visit to Duxford museum, some shopping with Mrs Wonko and a meal to celebrate a friend's Birthday, a trip to Mrs Wonko's Godmother to pick up a painting, and lastly a day trip to Brighton (where I got hit on the right ear by a stone thrown by some kids - it wasn't deliberate, they just couldn't aim - suffice it to say I had words with them). And then I collapsed back in a heap and came to work again. Phew!
Did somebody say Pimms? Time for a paddle I think.
;o) []
Just spotted Jonnie's very flattering comment in the picture thread. I used to look young for my age and then my hair went very very grey. I am vain enough to care but not vain enough to colour it. And believe me, I do need to lose weight.
Hello everyone - haven't had chance for a proper catch up as June (at least the work part of it) is proving overwhelming. So I'm going to dip my toes then get back to the fray - someone save me a bit of hammock for this afternoon; I'm going to need it.
(((((( x )))))) to all
Oooh, that sand feels nice between the toes today. I can fully understand what you mean re the journeys, Feef, that's why I wasn't around on sunday :( I've got another similar one tomorrow afternoon & thursday. At least I get to sunbathe here! I bring some fruit juices, coffees and teas for elevenses, and I've left a large bowl of tropical fruit salad as well as clotted cream in the fridge for those that want it...
FFred - clotted cream?? Oh, you are lovely. I suppose I'd better have some fruit salad with it, rather than just dipping my finger in the pot?
deeeeeeeelicious!
A quick wave to all on the beach, today is being dedicated seriously to catching up with June :-(
Jason - it's all in the way you carry it ;-). Btw you have exactly the same phone, why didn't I ask you to show me how to get the photos out of it??? My pc won't recognise it when I instal the cd software stuff.
Appy - now you know what will happen if you get into the champers before you start the packing! If there's still some when I get back here later tonight, I'll join you.
Jason (96),
As one who has always looked old for my age, and even now the grey helps keep up the illusion, on the whole you had it the right way around. True I could always get served in pubs...
Gearing myself up for a rather long trip tomorrow out and back in a day with multiple stop-offs.
Malicious, is this?
Jason - but don't you think it's better to have a young -looking face with grey hair, rather than unfeasibly-youthful coloured hair & a visibly careworn face?
Something ever- so- faintly-shifty about men dying their hair I feel. Not women though. Heaven forbid! With us it's just - well- vanity I suppose. But for men, well, just compare Peter Mandelson with Jeremy Paxman for example - you get my drift?
Various (various): I did dye it once. It looked awful. No one mentioned it except one young female teacher who's reaction was wide eyed, open mouthed "Oh my God - you've dyed your hair." And not in a good way...
Perhaps I should've chosen a different shade of purple?
Oh dear, Wonko's paddling in the Pimms again. Why does he always do that??
Appy - I have the ill fortune to live near one of Britain's top hazardous waste landfills. My one telly appearance so far was to be interviewed about it. And every few months we go and meet the site operators to find out what's what.
No sign of DI Wyman yet, so I guess Wellingborough must have made him a better offer. :o( My kettle boils in vain.
Or maybe not! Who's for a cuppa? Decaff, builder's (thanks Anna for that expression!), redbush, Chinese green, or spiced?
First one to kiss me on the cheek gets theirs served in the extra-large mug...
Fifi
Spiced builder's, please fifi.
All this talk of dyeing hair and tea types has just reminded me of the alternative name for Redbush....
Kiss FiFi!
Annaseed/Jason102/103 : it depends if it's noticeable or not .. . doesn't it?
Pimms, now with added foot! ;o)
Very refreshing. As is builders tea (a common term in the Wonko household for many years). Actually I'm rather taken with Twi**ings Everyday Tea. Any chance of a cup Feefs?
Seeing as we're talking tea, how about a quick biscuit poll? Rather partial to garribaldis myself, though not to dunk, I prefer a standard digestive for that. How about the rest of you?
Speaking of which, big pile of water crackers with cream cheese on the bar at Nick's, help yourselves...
;o) []
Fifi (104): All those teas...does the redbush come in a tartan wrapper?
GM (106) - Answer please! I'm making up my own jokes here!
Andycroak (107) don't worry yours was very convincing......
Thanks GM, it's extremely expensive :)
RJD I'm not sure it would get past the censors.....
Ooh Fifi I'll have a cup of builder's if you don't mind - nice and strong with just a drop of milk.
Well am now just 2 days away from unemployment, woo hoo! Am quite nervous about it but the plan was always to save like mad so we had money in reserve to tide us over for a few months, then during that time off then I/we could relax, be a stay-at-home mum for a while and we can go off house hunting in France in our camper van..... But was in a dilemma today - cant stop myself looking at job sites (have always been a bit of a "career girl" so hard habit to break), and saw a perfect role for me - its what I do, pays well and is for a company whose offices are about 10 mins walk from my house!! So I sent off my CV and they wanted to interview me, arrggh! Anyway after chatting it over last night I called them today and told them sorry - I am not in a position to take a new job until at least Sept, they need someone now so have walked away from it. For someone used to a regular salary and my own financial independence that was hard - but I think I have done the right thing.......
........oh forget the tea, can I have a large glass of something chilled and white please! (or is my "virtual" drinking exceeding government guidelines??)
Oh, hello everyone by the way xxx
Andy wins the big mug contest. Wonko, yours is in the one with the various breeds of haggis on it.
All the rest of you may take yourselves off to the naughty step right now!
(see you there later, right?)
Fifi ;o)
Malicious! I'll show you malicious!!! grrrrr......
Glass of muscadet here for you Fiona, nicely chilled.
L A R G E glass.
Ignore the Food Fascists, they can't make their minds up. This is medicinal!
Fifi xx
GM 111 - Haha. Was it really, do you think? I missed that. Will have to look at the group shot more carefully again. Which btw you missed out on. We should have done another one later, darn it. Could you photoshop yourself into one, do you think?
Still trying to get my head round the idea of pink bandages on Liverpool's toughest cats. What about a really tough dog. Would you put one on a rottweiller, for instance?
Jason (109) depends on your sporran...
Jason (96), I happen to have noticed that you are a handsome chap and your hair distinguished rather than ageing. Perhaps I should have told you that before I got squiffy and too excited to have proper conversations. (And don't mention weight -- mine has been creeping up this year. As soon as this Big Shift (yes, Humph) is over I must get back to the swimming pool!) You are lovely and I claim my right to say so!
Val P (100), You're quite right, but champers and frogging is so much more fun! My mother has been helping me all day actually, so I feel I've earned a quick whizz by the beach. Of course there's some left for you. Raise your glass!
Fifi (104) Oh dear! I hope your reacquaintence is to do with an improvement in the sitaution?
Gossipmistress (106) I echo RJD at 110!
AndyCrFibber (107), If you're dishing out kisses please may I have one? There's a biscuit to go with your tea in it ;-)
Fiona (114) - go for it gal! I gave it all up (after 25 years of working like a mad thing) to go to uni, 2 years ago. It's very scary at first, but you'll love it. Just think of all those things you always said you'd do if you just had the time - and do them!
Wonko - welcome back - I'll have a custard cream please.
Fifi - Keep 'em on their toes re that toxic waste - have they conducted a risk assessment on it (and following the suggested outcomes)? All local authorities should have completed a contaminated land strategy by June 2001.
Anyway - I'm sure you probably know more about it than I, as you've been living with it for so long. But, I do have a big book about pollution if you have a query.
Isn't it nice not to have hay fever on the beach? In June, my eyes are driving me up the wall - arghhh!
Anyway, enough of that - large bottle of Bombay Saphire and very cold tonic on the bar for those that do. Fruit punch for those that don't. I'm going for a paddle.
Fiona (114): "it's what I do." You are the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ and I claim my five pounds.
Appy (119): Grab yer coat. Seriously, I think no man has a look in bar one given the reaction when you heard his dulcet tones on speaker phone. ("How do I put this on speakerphone - oh, it is already is it?")
Best comment was someone said "Isn't it funny hearing Eddie's voice?". Err, no...he's a radio presenter...it's what he does...
Stop press! The tabouleh is finished. I think I'll just sit here quietly for a bit if you don't mind. Feel a bit full.
SO tonight at tea time : "This is the same food we've been eating for 3 days"
Me :"Stop complaining. The faster you eat it the sooner you'll get something else"
He ate it.
Well, RJD & Appy, the first word is *ginger* and the second word rhymes and has one syllable. Can I go to the Naughty Step now?
Annasee - well who knows? Maybe he will tell us his beauty secrets? Just hope no-one noticed my dodgy tint!
Oh and I *especially* put the pink (or fluorescant green) on big butch dogs too, but it does look especially nice on black cats!! Next time we do one I'll take a photo!
Am off darn sarff to the dentist now, may be able to frog down there but if not see y'all tomorrow night. And anyone between J21 of the M6 and J13 of the m1 give me a wave!!x
Well it did seem funny to hear Eddie in real life! You know what I mean.....
If I knew how to make a link to fl*kr then I would do so as I've managed to upload mine already! Unprecedentedly fast too.
Appy - here's my glass and it's extra large I'm afraid :o) A long day's work, apparently, at least I felt as if I worked all day, and when I add up the times that I've noted down, I see I can only claim for 3.5 hours. Groan...what did I do with the rest of my time because I haven't been cavorting around the blog.
Aaaagh! Got 502d!!!
Where are these improvements that we were promised in MARCH???
I repeat(ish):
Jason (121) I thought you were going to say 'bar one called Gordon'. Re the Speakerphone Incident -- if I ever actually met him I'd probably be stunned into silence, which he would undoubtedly prefer...
Gossipmistress (123) Oh, I see. Which means I should really come to the naughty corner with you.
Val (125), Oh dear! Here's the whole bottle so you can keep topping up! Can't you claim double time for working on an "I'd prefer to be frogging" day???
Hmmm - the beach is quiet tonight? Oh well I'll leap nimbly up into the nearest hammock, please tell me if I start to snore?
Gossipmrs - good luck at the dentist, are you particularly drawn to one in an inconvenient place or what? Your hair was fab btw :o)
Anna R - Anna Rex? Where are you? Is that your strapline? R U OK?
The "stepson who managed to lose his lodgings" saga took another turn last night.
Today is the day he is due to sign for new flat. His girlfriend was supposed to have arranged herself a job so they could afford it. She hasn't so they can't. We were trying to scratch up the deposit for him. He decides he doesn't want the flat anymore despite homelessness beckoning.
Cutting out all the unpleasant detail he was supposed to come round to discuss it all & called to say he was going out instead. I rang him back saying (words to the effect of) "you are jolly well coming round, expect you by 8pm". By 845pm he wasn't here so SO rang him. He decided not to come but not to tell us.
I had a vivid flashback to something my Dad said to me when I introduced him to my new family including a (then) nine year old son and seven year old daughter..."Trust you to do things the easy way."
If only...
I'm sure I did this last night but it seems to have disappeared. Anyway, there are some more pictures of the frogfest
And I hope Val P doesn't mind if I put up a to her photos.
Fingers crossed this time.
Good morning. I ought to be packing, so here's another bottle of virtual champagne and some orange juice -- Bucks Fizz should do the trick, no?
Morning all -
Bit pot of Twinn*ngs Everyday on the bar (unless all tea'd out after yesterday afternoon).
Fiona - well done you! Stick to it; a whole summer to play in camper van....bliss!
Just off to have a look at Frogfest pics - its good to know this isn't all a product of a fevered imagination!
And yes, AnnaR where are you?
RJD (130): In "Talking to Jonnie 2" I see you managed to catch my broad side...
and on "Fronds" it looks like a ventriloquists' convention. You're working me working Anna, Appy is working Andy, and (wait for it) Big Sis is working Fifi working Val working Humph.
Gottle a' gear?
Lovely pics, RJD!
Is that a pot of coffee I can smell? Anyone mind if I take a mug?
Cheers for the support (as always) folks! Have brought in a large box of Th*rnt*ns chocs for the work folks here and there's another box for you lovely froggers - I'll leave them over by the NC bar so you can help yourself whenever the need for chocolate kicks in...
You did make me chuckle Jason - I didn't realise what I had written! Anyway here's your fiver, don't spend it all at once...... By the way good luck with your stepson situation - you have my heartfelt sympathies there. When I met my SO he had a perfectly charming little 10 year old daughter............the "perfectly charming" bit didn't last long I can tell you!! Love is indeed blind. But all you can do is your best, main thing is to be as strong and supportive for your SO as you can. Good luck x
Right I'd better hop back to June. Oh before I go do tell me what happened on Sunday when you all talked to Eddie - how did all that happen and what was said?? (like I said before its not like I am insanely jealous or anything, just mildly curious you understand :0) )
Feef : so I have a big mug then?
Annasee : of course you can - mwah!
You've probably forgotten what all this means, I'm a slow frogger at the moment.
Excellent frogfest pics all round!
Hello all!
I've bought more croissants and some very smooth French coffee that I found behind the dunes.
Thanks for all your continuing frugs and support, although, Jonnie,
I'm sure you will benefit as a person in the long run.
...isn't exactly the description which is leaping to my mind at the moment. Nor those of the unfortunate people who have to deal with me on a daily basis :-)
Hi Belinda - lovely to see you back down at the beach, and I will drink a cup of coffee with you whilst we catch up. And I'm sure you're as charming to those around you as you can be in the circumstances.
Fiona - hey! Well done for turning down the job - take your break, you deserve it (I passed your turning on the M25 last week and thought of you!)
I've brought a big Greek salad down for lunch and there's some crusty bread to go with it - enjoy.
Belinda - lovely, but the caffeine may not help with Wednesday Fraughtness (as opposed to Friday Hysteria) that seems to have gripped me. Are croissants calming?
Speaking of which, I have some lovely some sweet geranium oil, uplifting and delish, should anyone fancy a quick neck and shoulder rub.
Well a miracle has happened! The "lost" pictures on mpb's camera have been retrieved thanks to a clever little disc SO has purchased. The extra photos include some lovely ones of the official blog dog, & can be seen
Don't know if this will work. Copied RJD's linky stuff.
it works - what lovely photos. So can someone do a quick who's who on the team photo (9 of 10) - think I have got most of you but that would help.
Hey Perky - good luck with the move etc! My house is about 2 mins drive off the M25 - feel free to pop by for a cup of tea :)
For those still trying to work out who's who, here is the caption we did earlier for Belinda. I think it should work for all the team-shots, as we didn't move about much. Starting with those still able to stand, L to R:
1. Gillian in a white and grey ensemble.
2. Big Sister in a blue top.
3. Fifi in pink top.
4. ValP in a black & white dress.
5. Appy peeping through, wearing blue top.
6. AndyCRoak in a fetching wine-red number.
7. RJD looking very tall in a white shirt.
8. Jason Good in a dark shirt.
9 Annasee in a blue floral print.
In front are, L to R:
10. Humph, pale blue shirt and lovely beard. (I like beards but don't tell him!)
11. Lissa the blog queen in green.
12. Miss Pooh Bear.
13. Moses, Lissa's lovely dog.
Not visible are Gordon, Annasee's cat (soon to be Appy's cat) ... and Robert, Annasee's lovely hubby who is behind the camera.
Will that do?
Oh, and if you look at mpb's pics on Annasee's link ... where we're all standing up in the gazebo, Lissa with a glass in her hand facing camera ... that was a toast to Belinda, John, and all our Absent Friends.
Fifi xx
There's a definate bloggage in the works again.
Fifi (142) can I count as 'not visible' too.... or maybe just the *late* gossipmistress?
Fifi - "we didn't move about much" Be honest babe, we couldn't move about too much by that time. Also, I was rooted to the spot because the stilettos had sunk into the grass.... You did say you needed the lawn aerated Robert didn't you?
Annasee - lovely photos, and one of my SO/chauffeur too! Did he ever actually get around to playing anything on Feef's guitar, or did he just tune up as usual?
RJD(130) - thanks for that, you can link up anytime!
Andycroak(136) - wow, true praise from a professional too ;o) thank you kindly sir.
Next time we all get together, someone will have to bring a wide-angle lens, eh?
Rummage, rummage, has anyone seen the first bottle of fizzy PG that I stashed behind the NC Bar before I left for southern climes? I've just offered some to Belinda over on another thread.
Thanks for showing us all the lovely photo's (Val - Annasee - RJD - Jason etc)
Wished I had been there.
Belinda - Rome wasn't built in a day, we are all thinking of you and all that positive thought energy will hopefully help.
Jonnie xx
What lovely pictures!!
Thanks for the list fifi (142), though I'm still matching pictures and names...
Sounds like a cracking do! And it looks like you had the weather for it too!!
...and 'evening all' to the froggers on the beach -
n-n
xx
Fed up. Sick of packing. Unhappy about other matters too but I need to settle down before I share the thoughts.
Appy - pull up an e-lounger if you wish?
Who's following Springwatch on the TV - we are just transfixed by it, in fact even turned down a trip out to the pub tonight so that we didn't miss it!
Now, how about our own wildlife on the beach, The camels have been ve-ery quiet recently - do you think they might be gathering snackerels from behind the NCB to feed their young? Does anyone have a tripod and infrared camera to hand? We could set it up over here, drape it with a beach towel and wait for the results?
Appy (148): Chin up, babes. I'm holding my chins up as I speak...
Val (149): Turned down a trip to the pub for Springwatch? Mmmm....that would explain the curious mix of Pinot Grigio and Qwerty you have on your lap.
eh?!!
That's not like the Aperitif we all know and love...hmm...you just put your feet up till you're good and ready...well ready, at least; we haven't got *that* long...!
(tee hee!)!
ValP (149) - I haven't got a telly, but i do have springwatch webcams in my favouites on the internet: watching the little chicks, and that Golden Eagle - fascinating!!!
I'd love to do a Spring Watch on the beach....cor what fun we could have...only I'm not sure my imagination is quite as good as the *real* thing!! Nothing beats watching three tawny owlets in a nest...
Right! Last one to the NCM Bar washes up...hey, no tripping, Jason!! (or was that you jonnie?!!)
doh!
n-n
xx
Thanks guys, sorry about the whinge -- I'm just very tired and it's a atressful business, as I'm sure you all know.
Val, thanks.
Jason, hahaha.
Mr Noodle -- I spotted that! Whaddaya mean? I'm very good, always! ;-)
If you can't be good - be careful!
Jason - ah you must have been flickering have you? I love a good giggle! It's cleaned up nicely thanks...
n-n - apparently the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ has been inundated with praise from viewers for the late night show at 12.15, which I think is just the webcams. So you are not alone in being glued to them. I'm just such a softy I can't bear it when they eat their brothers and sisters, or the Mum inadvertently kicks the baby wren out of the nest :-(
All part of the great circle of life I guess, if that didn't happen then we'd have wrens on every street corner ;o)
witchiwoman - I'm afraid that this strapline has been deemed to be too clever and might confuse the hard of thinking.
We hereby serve a Notice of Compliance and notify you that said strapline must be removed/repaced by midnight tonight.
I've just found the beach whilst listening to the midnight news.....
What a relief from all of the stresses and strains - oh, and a lovely frozen marguerita has just been placed in my hand by a rather lovely young man - how heavenly...
I think I'll just sit back, relax, enjoy some rays and forget I should be up for work in 7 hours to complete a very important document.....
Now....what's your name? Jerry, you say? Do go on.....
Aperitif I'm sorry you are stressed and a bit down .
Now probably isn't the time to break you and others more bad news. But here goes....
Chris Jarvis always brings me Ariel (the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ in house magazine)
Last week there was a comment from a ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ staff member who was complaining that there was no money put aside for blogs. I sent him an e-mail voicing my concern?
I said :-
So is there really no cash available!
Perhaps you can pop on the blog and explain why!
There are loads of us eager to know what's actually happening?
Regards,
Jonathan Perry
(jonnie)
He replied:-
Hi Jonathan
Blimey Ariel's getting everywhere this week, I had a journalist from The Sunday Times on to me about something else I wrote. Anyway, back to blogging. I don't think it's particularly a sercret but yes cash is the problem as always. It's a question of resources really and while all that is being sorted out I'm afraid things are frozen.
Of all the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ blogs I think the PM one is one of the best, I just wish I was allowed to have one for Midlands Today where I work. Hope that helps a bit, to be honest I think you and Eddie are really lucky!
If you've any further questions just email me
-------------------------
I can't publish hius e-mail address and PM were not prepared to publish the article on the blog - but we *were* promised things and we *should* be told.
Don't you think?
Morning Froggers.
On Monday I go from being 40 to being in my early 40s. I am being pestered for a gift idea from SO & co. Suggestions, please. Ideally less than £50.
Jonnie - well, you've confirmed what many of us had probably been thinking.
1. Couldn't get the comments-counter to work
2. Couldn't tame the pixies when it came to innocent but quickly-typed postings
3. Inexplicable bloggages
4. Newsletters vanishing into the aether
5. Servers all over the place...
Until someone demonstrates and measures, by doing proper research into it, the 'real' (for which read, 'translateable into £££') value of blogs to the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳, nobody will invest big bucks in them.
Perhaps the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ staff member would like to propose a secondment of froggers to Midlands Today, to get things going for him?
What about a discount on licence fee for those of us prepared to put the work in, to prop up the proper blogging of the Beeb?
Fifi
Morning all!
I seem to have brought in a tray of doughnuts - all sort and shapes!
I;ll just put them over here, help yourselves!!
Right, back to June...
nik
Morning everyone. There are dolphins larking about at the south end of the beach if anyone is interested. I had a swim with them - great fun!
witchiwoman - Your strapline is showing! Is this a Health & Safety concern?
Now I'm grabbing a coffee, a couple of n-n's doughnuts and finding a quiet corner to finish this Bateman novel. Might even go to the Naughty Step - it has been very quiet recently.
NN - they will perfectly with the muffins I brought by way of strapline celebration! Fresh Blue Montain coffee, English Breakfast tea and a herbal selection (as ever) on bar.
Appy - how are you doing today sweety?
Highbury Al - did you manage to extracate (sp?) yourself from the Hammock this morning?
Various Springwatchers - hasn't it been fab, yet a little distressing? Haven't seen the Nightshift bits but am finding Simon King very watchable...which is not quite as alarming as dreaming about poilticians.
Fifi - thanks for the captions!
Right, I'm going to see if the sea otters are playing today, do you think they like muffins? :)
Grrrr! I posted THREE non-malicious comments late last night and none has appeared! Yet others have appeared this morning!
Witchi - I read your remark to Appy as 'How are you doing today sweaty?' Oops.
Congrats on a lovely strap by the way.
Jason - are you into cricket or rugby or anything? tickets for a game? ~ gazebo for lazing in the garden? ~ my SO says you can never go wrong with power tools ~ and if all else fails ... BOOZE!!!!!
June is proving to be as hectic as May here in Feefia ... I think I need a nap in the lovely sparkly hammock. Would someone mind passing me that enormous mug of green tea? (I think that's what it is.)
............... aaaaaah, thank you.
zzzz.....zzzz....zzzz....zzzzz..........
Fifi
Argh - the otters were lovely but June is all over the place (emotionally at least).
Have just had great chat with my CPN who is happy 'to let me fly'! Its such an apt analogy, I truly feel as if my wings are spreading and where else to flutter them but here!!
RJD - I'm sure H & S are on the case, they have been most attentive of late; and a bit of attention is always good :)
Well, as they haven't appeared, I'll try again!!
Pssssst! Val! Creep over here very quietly and have a look at this:
Morning chaps.
Does anyone mind if I have Test Match Special on (very quietly) at Nick's? Ah the sounds of an English Summer; leather on willow - or more often air if you're an England Batsman, ripples of polite applause from the pavillion, the chink of glasses of something long, cold and tinkly with fruit in it, a distant (and slightly sozzled) "Lan-ca-shire...la, la, la...Lan-ca-shire...la, la, la" and Blowers talking about cakes, buses, birds and clouds, in fact anything other than the cricket.
Mmmm... doughnuts and coffee...
Welcome Highbury Al, pull up a lounger, make yourself at home.
;o) []
Belinda- hope you're good today.
Jonnie (156)
Oh No!- sounds awful!
What can we do?
MollyXX
Morning all! I don't manage to get down to the beach very often, but today I have an awkward half hour between dull morning chores and getting my hair cut (how did my life become so vacant) and thought I'd pop in and see how you all are.
My great sympathies to Aperitif. After the last time, I have vowed never, ever, to move again. It was more than seven years ago and still the thought of solicitors and estate agents has my blood pressure rising. Our contracts were supposed to be exchanged the day before the 2000 Budget when Stamp Duty was increased on more expensive properties. The hike was well forecasted and, while I enjoy paying tax (really), it seemed reasonable to exchange before the rules changed. But one of the solicitors in the chain went home early. And cost us £3,000. Ouch.
I was intrigued by your accounts and photos of the froggers' bash on Sunday. I'm much too easily scared to join in such an event, but you clearly had a good time. It is odd to be able to put faces to names now, though. A bit like seeing photos in the paper of Archers' cast members - never quite how you imagine them in your head.
Better go and get shorn, thanks for the donuts!
Gossipmistress (162) It wasn't just me ,then! I thought I'd been kicked off the Beach for performing and singing Flamenco, though I thought I was alone at the time. I didn't even get my castanets out! Olé!
Love the nest, btw!
P
U
S
H
!!
;o) []
Have I missed him or is SiW a bit quite at the mo? May just go over to the Brow and have a quick coo-ee to see if he responds.
Everybody - you MUST look at GM's Springwatch webcam at 165 above. It's specially for beachfroggers.
Gillian - you weren't alone. I heard you, remember? In fact the entire North West probably heard you. That's a powerful singing voice you've got there!
Gillian, you'd never get kicked off for singing flamenco - why, we're all joining in with our castenets!
Appy: sorry you're down. I emailed you today - after several attempts, I think it may have got through. But it didn't offer you a glass of wine, which I now do. Chillled Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc.
Interestingly, SO and I were at a very fine eatery on Friday, noted for both their good fare and excellent wines. Chatting to the proprietor about sauvignon blanc, she asked me if I was familiar with Villa Maria. I told her it was my very favourite and of longstanding. She proceeded to praise it to the heavens. And this from a person whose winelist stretches well into the realms of ££££s Montrachet, etc.
Lunchtime froggers!
Warm bread rolls, cream cheese and bacon bits on the bar at Mick's, together with a salad of crisp lettice, apple slices, radishes and walnuts.
I've also made a punch out of cranberry juice, lemonade, crushed ice and apple schnaps.
Is that hammock taken?
;o) []
Hello all....well its my last day of work today. As of tonight I am officially UNEMPLOYED, so have brought along a couple of bottles of bubbly to celebrate my new found freedom....well for now anyway! (and some liffey water for you Ed I)
Congrats on the strapline Witchi x
Re Springwatch - yes I am also an addict, my little boy loves it - its kind of his bedtime routine at the moment, snuggled up on the sofa watching. Love the cBeebies version as well - its such a good idea to bring it down to that level and get the really young ones interested. (BTW - Jonnie, on the subject of cbeebies - tell Chris J we (as in I but pretending to express the opinions of my children to seem more credible) think he's lovely)
Right this is my third comment in a row - will I be malicious this time I wonder.....
Wonko (175) : Well I've been enjoying a much needed nap in the hammock ... but if I budge over a bit ... and brush those bacon crumbs out ... ???
Fifi
Feefs, how kind of you to budge for me! Where did those bacon crumbs come from? And just as importantly, where are they going? ;o)
Now where's my panama? A nice doze in the sun while TMS burbles in the background. Could someone water the bowl of petunias for me...
;o) []
Wonko - The camels were here earlier. Your petunias won't ever need watering again
Fiona - wahey! And crack open those bubbles.
I'm really not sure whats going on today - one of those up-and-down days; but look, a bean bag to curl up in (some how a hammock is just too chalenging today) and a glass of something cold and fruity...surely that will help!
It's okay RJD the petunias will be back. This being a Plural Zone (Galactic sector coordinates ZZ9 Plural Z Alpha) funny things happen when things disappear - usually they are replaced by an alternative version of the same thing. So, I fully expect a new bowl of petunias to appear soon, possibly double blooms in a delicate pink this time.
Here they come now in fact...
"Oh no, not again!"
;o) []
Jason - well your family could always be like mine, and buy second-hand??they'd get more for their money. To be fair, I mentioned that to him last night and he denies it, says it was brand new and cost £130 5 years ago - it was State of the Art and I was Ahead of My Time. Yes, well.
GM - that's priceless, it takes the patience of a vet to do something like that! Oh, and loads of my comments seem to have gone walkabout too.
Rachel - I know precisely what you mean about the photos, and believe me that was a big concern before I went to the Reunion, but I wouldn't have missed it for anything and would recommend to all. The Blog is organic after all and nothing stays the same ;o)
Witchi - I know whereof you speak too, freedom but with that added dash of responsibility for oneself again? Come and fly over the dunes with me for a chat?
Fiona - good for you girl. I remember that feeling 20 years ago. So why have I let myself get sucked back in this year???? Today has been a case in point - I just seem to have no me time at all any more, and I'm only supposed to be "doing 10 hours a week" :-(
Val P: I'm confused, both my body and my watch already have a second hand...
ValP - don't the dunes look lovely from above? I just need to work on my landings! Thanks (( ))
Val & WW,
Have you been dipping into Azazello's magic cream? I think we should be told.
xx
ed
Wonko ---- please ---- elbows!
Fifi
Ed - no creams necessary!
Ed I - Have you seen those old crows flying above the beach? You still got your shotgun?
RJD (186),
Sadly not. The cops came and disarmed me because I didn't renew my permits. They came in full armour, just in case. All I've got now is a catapault and some round pebbles....
My wee nursing Squirrel momma is sitting eight feet away eating peanuts provided by the Global Market.
xx
ed
.........LOOK OUT EVERYONE THEY HAVE LET PARIS HILTON OUT........
Exactly whom are you calling an old crow?
Taken me ages to learn how to hanglide in a hammock....
But Feefs, you already have some elbows! You can't have mine too. ;o)
Seriously, sorry heart of oak, getting a bit animated by the cricket. The ship seems to be back on course now, I'll calm down.
Actually I'm going to have to go back to June. Duty (and home time) calls.
I'm leaving some hot buttered teacakes on the bar before I go.
Until tomorrow... ;o) []
DI Wyman: I didn't realise she was in the Big Brother house. Or was it the Big Bother house?
Eddie's Plum Lines ?
Appreciated the analysis of Gordon Brown's Sense of Humour with the excellant Paul Sinha last night. (The face of good satire for the Naughties)
However, it got me thinking . Has a formal analysis of Eddie Mair's sense of humour ever been attempted?
Peresonally, I can still remember being reduced to tears by the inciteful interview almost 2 years ago when Mr Mair questioned an experienced gardener about the troublesome problem of Wasps being on your Plums.
Does any other listeners remember this as I do or are fellow listeners unaware of such stupendous use of the double - entendre?
Can a record be kept of such examples of " Eddie's Plum Lines"
Nik Johnson
And whaddya mean OLD?????
Nik (194): I know someone who is an expert on Eddie's Plum Lines...especially in Speedo's (other methods of exposing your belly are available).
Nik (194),
Have you been here before - maybe before my time?
Only a day or so ago, on another thread, Fearless Fred and I was discussing his "Golden Joystick" moment from last summer, an audio of which we would love to accidentally find. There are a few choice lines on W*k*quote under his name.
---
Glad am I to have got to the end of today, having had a tsunami of correspondance to deal with after I got back from my travels yesterday. So I'm opening up some of this Rioja, bottle at the bar, and retiring to a hammock for a while.
Aunt Dahlia - I do apologise. It's the eyes and age you know!
CONGRATULATIONS FIONA!!!!!
Right: who's day is it on the calendar for a whinge and a moan?! Can I book myself in, please for tomorro?!! Oh hang on, it'll be a friday (yay!) so I'll be past caring!!!!
Zippeddy doo da, Zippeddy day!
ooer...back in a mo... I've got me towel snagged on a branch...
n-n
xx
anth (197) Ooh, thanks for the Rioja. I did leave some here last night, along with some Sangria for this afternoon, but the mods pinched it. Never even said thank you. ;o(
Mmmmmm....that's lovely. I feel another Flamenco coming on......
OOOOoooooooOOOOh AAAAaaaYYYYYE LOOOOoove RiiiOOOoojaaaaaAa.
Clap, clap, clapclap clappity clap
Tippy-tappy-tippy,drrrrrrrrrring STAMP!
Anth (197) may I echo the sendiments so eloquently expressed by a previous speaker, and say many thanks for the rioja...
Rioja translates as 'fit for a king' in my book. Can't say that that is in any way verifiable, as I wrote it myself...
way to go Gillianian...!
Dirrrup, Stamp! dup Stamp! - di dum, di dum!
(repeat, slurping from wine glass)
n-n
Gillian, your flamenco technique is very impressive. Those two dark-eyed gentlemen over by the trees have been watching you intently.
Either they're paid assassins or they're talent scouts about to tempt you off to Seville for a life of rioja and ... er... oranges?
Fifi
I need a stiff drink after seeing a couple of removal quotes, so I've brought some Balvenie down, along with a bottle of Highland water for those who like to dilute. I'll just pour myself a large measure and leave the rest for beach frogs.
Fiona - Congrats on your last day! Here, let me top you up with the rest of that bubbly
Appy - hope you're OK out there & not too stressed with the packing. You can always join me in one of those lovely hammocks for a joint scream ;) Or alternatively, a big bowl of ice-cream.....
Jason Good you are very naughty! (196)
I wholeheartedly approve :-)
Thanks for the kind words and enquiries chums. Still packing: two days to go. Knackered.
To be honest Gillian I wouldn't have recognised But there you go! Who is that with you?
I'm hiding from a tsunami of correspondance in June. I cannot keep up with it. It's not my job, either, just what I have to do "on the side", as it were.
So more Rioja, but not so much of the castanetts (sp) please. Some people are trying to sleep - to avoid June.
I thought the external decoration quotes were bad enough - those who actually gave a quote after visiting - so gok what moving quotes are like - a joy I have later this year.
RJD - ah, but did you read the notes by the guy who posted the video? Someone called andy who lives near Bournemouth - I kid you not!
By the way - less of the old, if you are referring to my young friend Witchi and me! We're enjoying our freedom. {{Witchi}}
Fifi - you're gonna love this! SO came back in tonight with your CD, he'd been playing it to and from work today. "You've got to listen to this" he said "It'll bring a smile to your face". He proceeded to play the Hedgehog son to TD and me. Safe to say, you have yet another convert!
Wonko - let me just deadhead those petunias for you, it helps to encourage more flowering doncha know.
Well I'm going to turn in while today is still today, and I will be ite and abite all day tomorrow and Saturday, so if I don't get down to the beach - behave yourselves!
RJD (188) did you perhaps mean beautiful young choughs?
Well! That's new one on me RJD! I have never seen a Cheeky Girls video before. You are full of surprises. Although, the most surprising thing, obviously, is what Gillian gets up to in her spare time!...
Gossipmistress (209) - You're probably right - I blame the poteen that Ed I left behind the bar.
Ap (210) - Gillian was amazing – she kept dancing the whole night. I damaged my castanets and had to retire.
Sounds painful.
Hope all goes well with the move Appy xx