philmayfield

We did have an enormous crop of mushrooms in our hay meadow about 20 years ago. It's never happened since. Unless someone comes before dawn and picks them for market!

I have dabbled with Thomas Hardy (in the nicest possible way!) and found his works quite readable. I can’t live with George Elliot though. I could never understand the point of Shakespeare in the school curriculum. I must confess I can still quote a few of his well known passages. I can also quote from St. John’s gospel in the Bible. I think I might have learnt that whilst in detention!

Looking introspectively at myself I think I am the very epitome of Thomas Gradgrind. The resemblance is almost uncanny.

I have a brief knowledge of the trade from accountancy clients many years ago. Springfield Hosiery and Wrights and Dobsons. I think it was to do with a jacking machine that stacked up the fabric into piles.

I’ve never been a reader of fiction. I want facts and information. I have a large collection of reference books on every subject under the sun. I can attempt anything from an appendectomy to stripping down a gearbox. I must admit I have yet to try the former but my time will come!

I find Dickens' long, descriptive passages equally boring. I have his complete works and they do look impressive on my bookshelves next to the Complete Works of Shakespeare. It makes me look intellectual even if I'm not!

We used to have an old lady own our lane who was a self acknowledged expert on mushrooms. She looked the part, black floppy hat, black cape. I remember her being carted off in an ambulance after one misadventure. Mushrooms can be very nasty things. Always take advice from a proper expert. Even then, ignore it and don't eat them unless bought from a reliable source.

The hymn to which the answer to each question is No’!

......... and the day he died.

...... but master of none! Actually I gave up accountancy and was involved in electrical and mechanical engineering plus building a few factories over my last 25 years of work. You name it, I've done it!

Anterior vena cava, external jugular, innominate, subclavian, labial,?, internal jugular, brachial, musculo cutaneous- or something like that. Trim, throttle, mixture, carb heat, fuel, flaps, gauges, electrics, harness, hatch secure. Flying controls full and free movement. How about that!

How about this for a mnemonic. 'After expressing joy in suitable language my Indo- Japanese servant brewed my coffee'. It's to remember the anterior venous system of the common frog. I still remember that from my A level biology days! A mine of useless information me! Another on for light aircraft pre take off checks: Tommy tickled Mary carefully for five gorgeous ecstatic heavenly hours.

Heard it today here in the Trent Valley. Anyone else?

Trout and cheese. Sounds disgusting!

I heartily agree. Fine foods don't require tarting up or fancifying. On the rare occasions we have lobster (usually bought fresh on the quayside when on holiday) it's best served with a simple salad and new potatoes and not made into a fancy thermidor dish. Good food has it's own intrinsic flavour which can best be appreciated by simplicity of cooking. I believe lots of sauces and spice dishes originally evolved from disguising meat which had gone over the top!

They say 'You can't take it with you'. However if you build up a large pile you can hide behind it!

I'm quite popular in my own close circle! If they celebrate it will be at their own expense which will bring me even further joy!

I know where I’m going. ‘Straight to Crem!’ It’s in my will. No ceremony, no mourners, no ham tea. I’ve even set aside a zero sum of cash to pay for it! No bugger’s getting a free buffet on me!

As you infer Brew, it’s a futile argument and nothing to get too exited about unless you can produce firm evidence. Faith is the belief in something, deep down, that you know doesn’t really exist!

I can learn towards 'humanism' but that would mean my joining a sort of 'club' and I prefer to be independent. During these weeks of lock down I've spent much time pondering on religious faiths and deciding they can't all be the true one. I think trying to be good, honest and upright is the path to follow without a need to seek that elusive 'architect of the universe'. I do think there could be something deeper though!

You have misinterpreted me Loppy. I’ve said that Christians appear to be nice people who do good in their communities and are to be applauded for what they do. Some of the communities appear a little odd in their celebrations and their regalia but that’s their traditions and doesn’t usually affect others. Some, like the Catholics have strange ideas about priestly celibacy and there have been scandals probably due to repressed sexuality. I’m all for live and let live. People are free to join which Christian ‘club’ they choose and to carry out good works in their communities. I choose not to b

Alpha’s summary of religion is bang on. It’s original purpose was to put the fear of god onto the population so that they could be more easily controlled. This has carried over today with some of the more intense religions. The others are just cosy little clubs where mainly nice, kind people can come together to act out their harmless rituals which give them comfort. Quite harmless really and they should be left alone.

As my Catholic second cousin in Perth was told when applying for a post at an Anglican school. ‘One can of beans is very much like any other can of beans!’. She’s a school psychologist, available for consultation with staff and pupils alike. We never had one of those in my day!

The Albany restaurant and carvery possibly. Used to take the kids for Sunday lunch way back. Good value and extensive views.

I had a long chat with him in the queue for the Milan flight at Heathrow. Nice bloke!