PeverilPeril

I want to say something Chulla, but I don't know what to say.

Halfway through 'The Martian' by Andy Weir. A 21st Century Robinson Crusoe adventure. Very entertaining.

Blessings to you too darkazana. Good news - our Larch tree is to be spared - well almost. A local expert arborist has advised me to cut certain branches off so that the tree does not threaten the cottage. We are lucky to have some wonderful trees on the fermette. Massif oaks, Sweet Chestnut, Hormbeam, Aspen etc., and the oldest species of all - a very large Monkey Puzzle tree. We have an ancient Yew tree 5m from our house here in Staffs and I have to keep trimming it. It is protected of course. Several of her saplings have been planted out. Ancient Pagans must have had a special place in t

Moved from here for some reason? It had nothing to do with winter fuel.

My post suggesting that Ayupmiducks write a book about coal mining has vanished? His posts about dahn pit were enlightening.

Messenger boy/tea maker. Apprentice engineer. Skilled machine shop engineer. Cost estimator - cranes. Cost office supervisor. Technical rep - special steels. Sales manager - toolmakers and industrial products. Partner/owner - electronic control equipment. Education - Honours Degree from University of Life, Retired at 66.

Why do fishing tackle manufacturers make split shot with the split on the wrong side?

Ayupmeducks should write a book about coal mining. His posts have been enlightening.

Not if you eat it.

I love old market caffs. Suppose I caught the habit when dad worked Central market in the 50's. I can't explain it, but egg and bacon butties at the market caffs cannot be replicated at home. We have an enclosed market here in Stafford and I was in there at lunchtime yesterday. Four quid for a mug of tea and an 'award winning' breakfast! Wonderful. I always pop in there when in town. Great place to 'people watch'. .

Mistletoe from my old apple trees Took a bag full to the pub last night where we had a fishing club meeting. I dished it out to the lads and to some locals at the bar and told them that because it was'French Mistletoe' it had magical powers and that they could expect more than a kiss when they offered it to their chosen ones. When we left, the lads, clutching their sprigs, all had a gleam in their eyes.

That is an amazing picture CT! I would not have guessed where that was without your pointers - even then it is difficult to recognise anything.

Mistletoe run today. Returned home from France this morning with an onion sack full.

As a cyclists' in Nottingham over 50 years ago we would have a club run called the 'Holly Run'. It was always 2 sunday's before Christmas. So tomorrow would have been the day. Off we would go into the country looking for holly bushes; returning home with a bunch of holly tied to to our saddle bags. Don't suppose that it is done nowadays?

Uncut Calvados sipped over black chocolate. Gets me as close to heaven as I will ever get.

Thanks for that very useful info spikesland9 The peg opposite to your red arrow was amazingly productive in the 80's. At that time is was controlled by Raleigh AC and I was a member. We could park under the bridge then. I will make a pilgrimage and fish there again soon. The chub and roach were still obliging in Winter.

My tipple varies and is governed by mood, company and 'the scene' rather than the taste; although it needs to taste good as well.. Local pub with mates or other locals = a quality 'hoppy' real ale. This evening in France, village bar = Laffe Ruby. Nightcap fav is farm calvados sipped over a square of black chocolate. Only occasionally. Days out fishing with friends = shared hip flask of various brandy concoctions. Latest fav apero, that everyone likes so far, is the liqueur drained off peaches that has soaked in home made calvados for 4 months. During Summer my fav tipple, if ever I make

#4 Fly2 - just had a couple of drinks with Edward Watkin! And guess what? He was a chief surveyor for British Coal. He knew all about Sir Edwards' achievements.

Never raced in a rowing boat on the Trent (or anywhere) but would love to.

Not seen a monocle since Patrick Moore's last TV appearance.

Just retuned home, "Where are you love"? "I'm up here in the bedroom with Henry" she replied.

Time to get the tent out then Compo? Is it snowing up there?

Nice write up again Carni. Thank you. Been walking the dog on the towpath recently and last week saw a Mallard duck leading her new baby chicks along the margins. Almost newly hatched in November! Doubtful if they will survive the Winter cold and lack of food. I'll be on the canal fishing tomorrow and I'll feed the chicks if I see them.

Brown envelope bearing 'HM Justice System' came through the letter box. Oh! what have I done now? I thought. Opened it to find a cheque for £286 compensation following court case against a gang who nicked my Toyota pickup over two years ago! Forgotten all about it thinking that filling the form in a year ago was a waste of time. Compensation partly covered none insured items.

#83 yes they do have a couple of decent players and I wonder how THEY feel about their goon manager and the team they play for?