MargieH

We are in Skeg at the moment - booked it before the freeze! Although it's -1 it doesn't actually feel as cold as I thought it would be because there's no wind to speak of. We walked down to the deserted beach which was covered in frost, then wandered to the shops where it was quite busy. I suppose people are still buying Christmas presents. We then drove on the coast road to Ingoldmells past Butlins where the car parks seemed to be full, then Fantasy Island which looked looked very cold and still. Further along on the coast road where we used to jhave a static caravan (Golden. Sands)

I think ‘clarty’ means it almost sticks to the inside of your mouth. Same as mud sticking to your boots

@Beekay just remember he’s younger than us!!! It’s only in the last few years that I’ve had to pace myself in what I can achieve each day. I know, @PeverilPeril can still achieve lots of things in a day but I reckon he’s an exception…..

Ben, perhaps a loose silk scarf twice round your neck and over your trachy?

Sounds like a lovely lunch! Would suit me perfectly , unlike tje 5 mile bike ride…. Perhaps you should change the tyres BEFORE you go out - I presume it’s as frosty where you are as it is down here ? Just thought….. you’ll probably be back home again by now!

Lizzie… and the smart meter man on Thursday morning? hope your strep? throat will soon get better x. antibiotics ?

Garden Centres and pubs which do a carvery are often often very good

I think some of the smaller charities are better - we have MIND and SCOPE in Ely and they seem to be less well supported…. They are always very grateful when stuff is donated to their shops,

Perhaps it’s the difference between USA and UK charts? I know the first record I bought was Heartbreak Hotel when I was about 13 (1956 ish). I’ve always thought that Bill Haley and the Comets introduced rock and roll to the UK as Elvis was more of a a country and/or blues singer ?

I like that! (Above)

Whatever…. I’m close on your heels.

Hope you’ll have a lovely birthday, Jill, however you choose to spend it x

I believe there are schemes in some cities where you can buy food vouchers and give them to any homeless person. The vouchers can be redeemed at certain food outlets. I personally think it’s a better idea to give to local homeless shelters so they can do more for those who are truly homeless

As I said to catfan earlier …. Tapping a card to pay is much easier for me as I can’t differentiate between some coin denominations now, especially if the light isn’t good. I remember going in our local shop last year and having to put a handful of cash on the counter so the assistant could pick out the relevant coins (embarrassing or what!). Also, if I hand over a note, I can’t see well enough to check the change I get!

Hope you’ll enjoy the break at Skeggy @catfan I’m afraid more and more places will be asking for ‘card only’ payments. I think you’ll have to bite the bullet and get a card you can tap. I must admit that card payment is easier for me than cash as my eyesight, like yours, is not good…

Phil, maybe your wife is a better driver than you? By better, I mean more consistent speed, more patient and not constantly changing lanes etc But what do I know I don’t really know either of you. I’d like to meet her - we could talk about our shared experience of dancing lessons!

I’ve just watched the film again… it’s quite surreal isn’t it! I started thinking about the song - 99 red balloons from the 80s

We’re part of the way there, Mary, as there will be most of our family (probably 14 of us) gathering at my eldest son’s house on the Tuesday Bank Holiday. Looking forward to it and I’m not cooking! I organise a few games, though - that’s always my job…

I'd live in Woodthorpe but only if all my children, grandchildren and my friends would move there as well

Hope you're enjoying your birthday bk xx

David I think we‘Ve spoken about this before, but my mum was born in Saundby in 1902, which is the next village to Wheatley

@denshaw I agree about British Gas! 4 days ago, Paul had tried to log on because the smart meter was showing that we were only using around 30p each day when we’d been using all the usual appliances and he wanted to report it. He was unable to log in to the account so he phoned the help line. He was on the phone to them for 15 minutes to tell them our smart meter was faulty but the lady couldn’t find our account! Well, we’ve been paying every month so I wonder where that’s been going… The lady said she’d refer the problem to Head Office and they would get back to us within 24 hou

@Alpha It really is true! My close friends were just the same - snobs and knitting with the occasional game of Bridge. Other ‘not so close’ friends were more interested in the bike sheds…

@Stuart.C David Ragsdale is Doug’s younger brother! We rarely visit Retford these days and when we do we only see my cousin and Doug - I haven’t seen David for decades. Nice photos of those massive beasts!

Back on topic …. I have relatives who live in Retford. My cousin there used to have 2 huge traction engines, then his son took them over. They used to go to rallies . My cousin’s name was Bruce Ragsdale and his son was Doug. Maybe those of you who like those huge machines might have come across them?