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Tuesday, September 12, 2006

The Quest for the Grail

Well, it would seem censorship is at hand, although we did stretch out of the 'realm of rules' a bit in search of the grail at the whirlpool. What pilgrim did we offend, I wonder? Are we barred forever from participating in our search for the grail at other places?? Let's hope not! Regardless, the whirlpool respite was some fun!; and, wonderful memories and chuckles shared by we who saw the humour of it!!! Friends are welcome here. Let freedom of speech abound!!!

1,072 comments:

1 – 200 of 1072   Newer›   Newest»
Melanie said...

Hi Anna, thanks for your post to my "Disclaimer" section, and letting me know what was happening on your end...again, hopefully this isn't permanent; I'm not sure how to go about, if possible, being tracked differently by our "computer address"....oh well

AJ, hopefully, you'll 'feel' our 'vibes' and come this a way...

AJ Fife said...

I'm here, hiya folks

where the crayfish gumbo?

Anonymous said...

Melanie

I've left a message for AJ at the Scotsman - he was being moderated as well but seems to have got round it. I don't know how long it lasts for but I think it's quite a while... As I said I've been naughty and registered under a hotmail account but I don't want to use it too often or they'll kick me off completely. I think I'll cool it on there for a bit - it gets too addictive anyway. I'll pop back here, occasionally and check your news ... See ya!!

Anonymous said...

AJ

How did you get round the moderator?

AJ Fife said...

Like you Anna, I have another account and re-registered. Maybe I shouldn't have done that. I thought it was just me,because sometimes I do go too far, but at the same time, not as far as a lot of others!I like Melanie's place it's quite nice here!

Anonymous said...

Well, AJ and Melanie,

I think we've upset them with the Grail blogs ...... or something!! However, as you said, AJ, there are much worse people than us on there - maybe it's their way of telling us 'To get a life'!! Any idea how long the moderate for? The same thing happened to the Marie Antoinette character and he is back on as Mario Antoinette. Ah well, it was fun while it lasted but I think it was only a matter of time before they rumbled us. I'm surprised they didn't just close the whole Grail blog down as well.

Melanie said...

still trying to figure out how to get around it....but like you, I don't want the door shut completely...tried your blog site, AJ, but nothing came up...is it under construction??

okay, I have a funny "story" that Melanna D was trying to share at St Mungo's before 'freedom' was attacked, will post it soon.

Ps. always the disclaimer! ...whatever my hubby says on his blog about me is a past happenning! ;) (I have his permission to say that...relationships/marriages, ever evolving!!!) :) ...as I've warned, he's a deep thinker!

Anonymous said...

Melanie,

You can either open a Hotmail account and get round it like that or alternatively, just make one up!! If you use a slightly different name - they won't suss you out for a while!!

Anonymous said...

my second cousin, twice removed told me this little story, so I thought I'd share it with ya'll...


Boudreaux , Cajun highlander from Rapides Parish in
central Louisiana, was an older, single gentleman, who was
born and raised a Baptist living in South Louisiana.
Each Friday night after work, he would fire up his
outdoor grill and cook a venison steak.

Now, all of Boudreaux's neighbors were Catholic, and
since it was Lent, they were forbidden from eating meat on
Fridays. The delicious aroma from the grilled venison
steaks was causing such a problem for the Catholic
faithful that they finally talked to their priest.
The priest came to visit Boudreaux, and suggested
that Boudreaux convert to Catholicism.

After several classes and much study, Boudreaux
attended Mass and as the priest sprinkled
holy water over him, he said, "You were born a
Baptist and raised a Baptist, but now you are Catholic."

Boudreaux's neighbors were greatly relieved, until
Friday night arrived, and the wonderful aroma of grilled venison
filled the neighborhood. The priest was called
immediately by the neighbors and, as he rushed into
Boudreaux's yard, clutching a rosary and prepared to
scold him, he stopped in amazement and watched.

There stood Boudreaux, clutching a small bottle of
water which he carefully sprinkled over the grilling meat, and
chanted:
"You wuz born a deer, and you wuz raised a deer,
but now you a catfish."

Anonymous said...

Good post - Melanie - I see you managed to get back onto the Grail blog - did you make one up?

Melanie said...

AJ...I suppose I wasn't really clear on the modern vs historic...I agree, the ruins have much more mystique, although I'm thankful there are those that have been kept up/restored and allowed as a museum tour or B&B type lodging. I meant music etc at the highland games here meaning it is a nice respite to go to culturally speaking; we get bombarded by the rap, hip hop, saggy trouser culture
here. But, things do get out of hand with the "Brigadoon" representation,...I want to associate myself with the Scottish culture, and the heritage...but realistically...without looking like a silly 'tartan terror'

Anna, my technical consultants (hubby and teenager) had me go thru internet explorer, then to the newspaper where I applied under my neutral yahoo adress I made earlier (for when ya'll come ta visit this a'way! ;) ) I gave the new yahoo address, new name, new dob and a nearby postal code. Hopefully they won't find me out!!! but I will be careful to post as close to the topic as reasonably can!!!!

AJ Fife said...

Hi Melanie/Anna,

Just getting to grips with this blog forum. As Anna would say - hey ho - I'll get there.

The Scotsman business was strange to say the least, but I reckon they thought we were all the same person and they suspected they were dealing with someone in a deep psychosis.

Melanie, I made up the blog site by mistake, but you never know I may make use of it. My photographs could be useful - if placed strategically they would warn the kids away from fireplaces and such-like!!

Anonymous said...

Hi AJ, it would be fun if you would post photos and quips of your adventures....esp when you go to Berlin

Anonymous said...

Agree with you there AJ - it was probably dear "lack of sense of humour" David - complaining. I still can't believe they haven't closed the Grail blog yet or removed our posts. As I said I'm going to cool it on there for a while but if you see Joanna from Cambs on there it's me!!

Anyway, Melanie - AJ - bye for now!!

AJ Fife said...

I'll keep posting, but I'll retire from the Grail site. It was good though. I went from being a closet poof to a champion of the Haggis in the California area.

Anonymous said...

...and here we were in the last lap towards the ever-coveted 600!!
Oh well, better to be safe, than banned forever!!! :)

Anna, would you consider putting a blog together to post some of your historical research, facts and tidbits??! Just an idea!

AJ, help me here! :)

AJ Fife said...

Melanie,

You're right Anna is a clever cookie and I'm sure she'll share her findings with us.

Anonymous said...

Hi AJ, saw your comments on the one politics page...there didn't seem much any thing interesting to try to comment on with my 'new' self or try the 'old' one. Didn't come across Anna/Joanna at all....well, one good thing, our families will see some more of us!! :)

Hopefully a good day for you, today!! Am still in the midst of mine...so far, so good....lots of kiddy homework to attend to...but I love it!

Have you tried the Australian wine...Lindemans Cawarra? ...a Shiraz/Cabernet blend...I remember it being nice...sorry that other Ca wine turned out less than...most wine of that area is pretty good

Anonymous said...

I saw your comment on the politics site AJ - I'm not going to post too often for a while and I'm going to try and avoid getting in to an argument with anyone. That's going to be hard (!) but I've made a comment on the prostitute story.

I might have a look at setting up a blog ............ interesting idea that one, Melanie. Get the gumbo recipe on here as well Melanie and any other speciality Cajun or Creole food ones that you know!!

Anna............... Joanna

Anonymous said...

Hi Anna! good morning! okay...will get some Cajun/Creole recipes up! :)

Have some nice ones, too, from the winery people...they have a French Chef consulting to put menus together to complement the wines

The beta.blogger took me step by step thru how to do it....it still was a bit confusing as I'm no 'tech' person...but I had my teen and other-half help.

Yes, I suppose it's good to 'lay-low' for a while. I was able to post using other's email acct, as well...but still don't feel all that well about it....I hope whoever complained is getting their chuckles, however, I do wonder about the Karma thing, and will it be coming back round to them some day....don't worry I'm not the type to plan anything! :)

Good morning AJ, sorry to have missed you...but then a man's business, is a man's business!! ;)

Anonymous said...

Hi Melanie

I've created a hotmail account @ www.hotmail.com which is quite easy to do. So, I'm using that to post on the Scotsman as joanna from cambs. Mind you, there hasn't been anything that intesting to post about - same old, same old and deja vu!!! I put something on about the prostitute who had her arm cut off by an attacker. Felt so sorry for the woman - predictably, some people are having a go at her for her profession but heyho - it's the oldest one in the world and it's not going to go away anytime soon. I feel sorry for woman who have to do that for a living anyway and most of the time it's because they're being abused by some guy whether thro' drugs or for money.
Anyway, talk later .....Anna.

AJ Fife said...

Hiya ma new Pals

I've had a busy day, but I couldn't stay away from the postings. It's a problem, this addiction :-)but I learned about this emoticoms! :-)) That'll get pretty annoying though!!!

Melanie the Ozzy wines you mentioned are very popular here. I quite like wine from the McGuigan estate - I think it's in the Hunter Valley. Also wines from Hawkes Bay in New Zealand are excellent, especially the cabernet sauvignon.

Anna, I miss you arguing. Stand at ease Flight Sgt!!

Anonymous said...

Hi AJ

To be honest - I didn't find any of the blogs that interesting today - the clan chief thing was so predictable and so was the gay thing - deja vu again - I see the religious freaks were back on there!! You never know there might be something more interesting in the next few weeks. Did you watch that programme on Aberfan tonight - that was so sad.... 116 children killed - you can't really comprehend what that must have been like.... such a tragedy.
I saw you on the politics one with the emoticoms thing :-) I can't remember half of them.....
Haven't seen you on anything, Melanie, still lying low? Makes you sound like Brer Fox - and ole Brer Fox he lay low!!!
Take care, Anna

AJ Fife said...

Anna,

Good to hear from you. I'm finding the political thread fun. I've managed spin a few sub-threads and Melanie made an appearance too.

I saw the one armed prostitute blog - a bit disturbing. The girl is making the most of her experience, I noticed she was in most tabloids being pictured at the scene of her accident! Something not right, but she is a drug addict and I suppose needs must!

Anonymous said...

HI AJ/Anna...Anna, I made an appearance under a pseudonym...AJ picked up on it as I hoped...

AJ, I made a mild comment back to Sod...I may need your assistance as a matter of honor should he question the amount of my Bourbon imbibment! ;)

Anonymous said...

AJ, you were right, their little T-word was removed!!!!

Went shopping and bought some Ozzy Lindemans...will try to look for the others next time! There's a specialty import store (Trader Joe's)..that I can get stuff the tradtional stores don't have...and it's not too bad with the prices..

Just for fun....AJ were you any of the other characters on the politics blog...that you'll admit to!! ;)

AJ Fife said...

Melanie,

No I wasn't anybody else on that discussion, just AJ. It was good fun though. Sodthesnp took my sarcasm in good humour.

Are you currently researching wine for the "business"? I like researching wine, Anna researches gin. My daughter researches milk, my wife likes to research diet coke and wine!

Research can be such an enjoyable experience!

Just signed up on a course to study the cinema(film studies) as an extra module. Starts this Monday, so I might be in super bore mode the next few weeks!!

Anonymous said...

Just read your posts on the politics blog - very funny Lanna - loved the pulling at my petticoat bit............. so Scarlett O'Hara. Have to say, however, although some Scots men are quite sexy - I don't think they all suit the kilt, also I like the soft burr but not the Ah Ken harsh Scots accent. Sorry, AJ - I just know that you look fab in your kilt and have a nice soft burr:-))
Have to say I like a soft English and American accent and an Irish one and Antonio Bandaras can whisper sweet nothings to me in any accent he wants!!! We have a friend from New Zealand and his partner is South African so they are an interesting combination!! My niece's boyfriend is South African too, and I find him quite hard to understand sometimes - must be the Boer influence. There are a lot of South Africans in this area - including our doctor - lovely man!!
Catch you later - might blog on the Scotsman today - I'm in the mood for a rumble - watch out AJ!! I'm not as soft with you as Lanna/Melanie!!

Anonymous said...

Actually, having looked at the latest politics blog about GB on the Scotsman - it's the same old blah again...... so I can't be bothered with that blog!!

Any recommendations?

Anonymous said...

Hi Anna/AJ,

AJ...as they would say here...."you're scarin me, dude!"
Would you believe that I took a film studies class in college....absolutely loved it! ...it was no doubt where I learned about a certain French Courtesan!! ;) So, with that said, bring on the tidbits and things learned! :)

Yes, I'm researching wine as far as diff types, what pairs best with what foods...the winery is giving classes so we can sound "edumacated"! :)

Hi Anna, thanks about the petticoat comment, I was having fun doing the southern lady spar thing...I agree about that soft burr, which is what I suppose I was more referring too. I like the Irish accent and the drawl of our southern influenced Cowboys, too. The kilt is just something so unique, so rebellious to western convention or something....and, of course, I have to be cheeky here...."I just always have a blue ribbon with me...ya neva know when it might come in handy!!" ;)

Have a great day!

Anonymous said...

Anna..under heritage and culture.."The pharaoh's daughter who was the mother of all Scots"...haven't time to read it all but your 'friends'..'Angus Og' and 'dark long veil' are there..

bye for now!

Anonymous said...

PS....Anna said "sorry, AJ - I just know that you look fab in your kilt and have a nice soft burr:-))"....

AJ...have to agree with Anna, bet you have a nice 'sweet-talkin' burr and look wonderful in your kilt! :)

Anonymous said...

Yes, I just had a look there, Melanie, but to be honest - I know very little about the ancient civilisations or their languages ... so, I'll leave that one alone.
I wonder if AJ is descended from the pharohs of Egypt.....:)/ (is that the wink one? - if it's not it's meant to be - I;ll have to look the emoticons up)!!

AJ Fife said...

Hello Anna and Melanie

Yes I do have a kilt - Ancient Davidson Tartan, part of family heritage. I have a Fife accent, but slightly more cultured than the rough arses!:-) I've had to cultivate my accent to accommodate the English people I've worked beside. Anna will understand that.

I've been told I have the legs for a kilt and also the neccessary broad beam!! I hope this isn't too much ladies!!;-))

That's interesting about the film studies course Melanie, maybe I could plagerise your essays and save myself a lot of high blood pressure and strife ;-)
I look forward to keeping you posted about the course and will happily accept any input you may wish to convey.

Anna, the political blog was hotting up, but work beckoned and I had to leave it. Can't be bothered to get started again. I was playing the diplomatic nationalist(which I am), but you can't make any headway with some of the guys. I was attacking an over zealous nationalist as well as Scottish Unionists. I did reply to your wee interjection.

Anyway, I've got some relatives coming tonight, so I will be off by and large until Saturday. Pesky social life!!!

Anonymous said...

The political blog is getting boring, now, AJ - they're all going round in circles on there and when they can't win the argument they just abuse each other. You're anti Scottish if you're a Unionist versus you're anti English if you're a Nationalist. Same old, same old as I said before!! I'm sure you cut a dash in your kilt .... but I'll leave it to Melanie to do the Southern Belle thing that she excels at.......... Flattering the gentleman :-))
I was at a Scottish wedding a couple of weeks ago (in Cambs) and the men were wearing kilts - have to say some of them suited it and some did not - but thought they did!! Still it was a good knees up as they say!!
Later...........

Anonymous said...

Hi AJ, enjoy the company tonight...but I dare you to sneak away for a quick hello!! ;)...just don't get in trouble wi' yer wif!!! :)

..it's not too much about yer 'fitting of the kilt', always nice to know a gentleman friend is put together well! :)

Anna, I liked your 'cut a dash' !

AJ,I'm afraid all my essays have seen better days...but would love to chat about your class! I love how film-makers use different ways to get the message across...without 'words'!

Friday eves are "Sci Fi Friday" with my kiddies, we sit and watch the Tele together...'Stargate Atlantis' and 'Stargate SG One'...so I won't be posting much, either. I work Sat. so I will try to get a morning (my time) post off to ya'll before I head out the door!
Ciao!

Anonymous said...

Hi Anna, my knowledge of ancient civilisations comes from the Disc/Hist channels. What I find interesting is the knowledge the ancients had...Roman surgeons using instruments made with silver (silver having natural antiseptic properties)...it was said the Roman soldiers had a statistically higher rate of survival from their war wounds than the soldiers from the Am. Civil War.

I want to get back and at least read the article...my friend's project had spiked my interest in things Egypt...and of course, I'm interested in the history of the Celtic/Gael Culture.

AJ Fife said...

Melanie,

I've sneaked away!

But I've been on the guinness so I'll bid you farewell for tonight:=)

Anonymous said...

Hi AJ, well done, good man!!! ;)

...hope the Guinness doesn't have your head hanging too heavy this morn....

Anna, ya may have to go easy on the poor lad today....he's had a tough nite entertaining guests! :)

Have a good day!

Anonymous said...

Poor AJ - Guinness eh? I've only drunk it a couple of times - can't say I'm that keen. Apparently, they can tell straightaway if you're a tourist in Dublin if you order Guinness. I'm reading a really good travel book called 'The Craic' at the moment about a journey round Ireland.
Hi Melanie - the Scotsman blog is a bit boring again today - they've had to remove the Pope v the Muslims blog because that was getting really bad - some of the stuff on there was awful. Glad I saw most of it before it was removed!!!:-) Eve of the poor spelling is on the Tory blog at the moment - is she a bit simple do you think? I know she says shes dyslexic but she seems a bit thick as well.... she thought Islam and Christianity were the same faith......... very odd!!

Still, hope you've both been enjoying your weekend - or are you working Melanie? We've had a fairly quiet day today. Speak soon, Anna......... Joanna!!

Anonymous said...

Hi Anna, I wonder if AJ is dragging a bit...as he is AWOL at the moment!! :)

...I prefer a Black & Tan, as opposed to straight Guinness, even better is a Lager Top!

Not sure what to make of Eve, to be honest, I wonder if it's a game sometimes!?

I had to work today...and I will be away from the keyboard for a bit starting (my a.m.) tomorrow...will have to catch up with ya'll Tuesday...don't worry, I'm not "in trouble" and being made to stay away!! ;)

...hope you both have a nice weekend, and your Monday workday isn't coming too quickly!!

AJ, thanks for "sneaking" away, that gave me a chuckle and 'made my night'!! :)

AJ Fife said...

Anna,

Eve is barking! I reckon Eve does the whole dyslexia thing on purpose, some of her spelling would take quite a bit of thought - if that makes sense!!

I've had a busy weelend so far and opportunities have been non-existant to post meaningful nonsense!

I'll get back in the groove, so see ya around Joanna!!;-)

Anonymous said...

Hi Anna/AJ,
just a quick hello for this morning...

I will have to catch up with ya'll (your) early Tues....am off to another part of the sandbox for a wee bit...unfortunately, I don't have a lap top...

...hope you're having a nice Sunday! Bye for now!

Ps. thanks for the travel tip about Dublin :)

Anonymous said...

Hi AJ - Melanie

Think you're right about Eve - it's someone taking the p***. I've made a comment on the 'why didn't Jack McConnell support England at the footie - some people won't like what I've said but it's true. It's a 2 way street - English footie fans won't support Scotland either - but ordinary non footie fans will. Have to say that we never ever support Arsenal because we're Chelsea fans - it's just the way it is. Do you like footie AJ?

Have a nice break - Melanie - try not to miss us too much!!

Anna

AJ Fife said...

Anna,

I'll have a wee look at your comments soon, hopefully you're still active (outrageous terminology).

My team is .............East Fife, there I've admitted it. Currently top of Division 3. Do you remember Gordon Durie, he started his career at the Fife!

Anonymous said...

Yes, thanks, AJ - still active - East Fife eh? I used to love it when the commentators used to read out the football scores and my Dad would be there with his pools coupon - I remember East Fife 5 Forfar 4 or was it East Fife 4 Forfar 5. Those were the days. Stenhousemuir was another one that sticks in my mind for some reason!! Ah well, I'm rambling away again.... poor auld soul!

AJ Fife said...

East Fife 5 Forfar 4

Classic scoreline and we won, that was the mid seventies - I used to sneak in and marvel at old men wearing cloth caps,swearing, smoking woodbine, drinking whisky neat out of half bottle, the blatant urinating on the ash and timber terraces and many other adult and curious habits.

I think all my psychological problems stem from those times!!:-))

AJ Fife said...

Anna,

Couldn't find the McConnell fitba' story. Please point me:-))

Emoticoms eh? How crap are they?

Anonymous said...

AJ
The one in International (for some reason) "Cummings hits out at McConnell own goal" They probably hid it in there so it wouldn't get too much interest (or abuse)!! Have a look at Angus Og (last post) on the main McConnell blog - does he drink do you think? What century does he live in? Is the Minch a loony bin as well as being the bit of water in the Hebrides?

Hope Melanie doesn't mind us chatting on her blog - she'll probably kick us off when she gets back!!

Anonymous said...

Oh btw AJ - when Scots posters refer to a housing scheme do they mean a council estate? Are people who live in 'schemes' looked down on - I just wondered because the expression pops up every now and then and always seems to be a bit derogatory when it does.:-))
Just wondered what a scheme was.

AJ Fife said...

Hi Anna,

I found the Alan Cumming one, and posted something in support of you!

A scheme is a council estate and is normally a derogatory comment. Most housing in the central belt was council owned until the Conservatives sold the best bits off. Because there are no desirable areas left, the housing stock is now in a very poor state.

That's it in pretty general terms, but I suspect you will understand the reason for posters being cruel in their descriptions.

Of course, they could just be snobs without a thought for people less fortunate than themselves!

Anonymous said...

So, the Central Belt, AJ, that's the bit between Glasgow and Edinburgh? I know there are some shocking housing conditions in Glasgow and Edinburgh but then, there are in some of the inner cities in England as well. I've mainly visited the Scottish Borders and Western Highlands and Islands in recent years and have to say that a lot of the houses in the Border Towns are very nice and there seems to be a lot of private stock, but I think the standard of living in the Borders has always been quite high, anyway.

There are people in England who look down on people who live in council estates as well - I'd just never heard the expression scheme before - I though it was probably council or former council estates.

AJ Fife said...

Anna

The Central Belt runs from Ayrshire through to Edinburgh and Fife, also including Glasgow and Dundee. Basically the previously industrialised part of Scotland.

Anonymous said...

Oh right thanks AJ. You know when the issue of Scottish independence - own government comes up on these blogs - do you find it annoying to be lectured by expats who left Scotland yonks ago or whose great grandfather did? If I was Scottish it would irritate me - what the hell has it got to do with them anyway - they don't live over here and you don't tell them how to run their country.
I've always said, however, that if I had been born Irish I would have been a nationalist and the same goes for if I had been born Scottish (and lived there). I can well understand how it would rankle being governed by another country. People in England, north of Watford, get cheesed off with the London South East bias in the news and government. So it must seem even more irrelevant and annoying in Scotland.
Simon Jenkins in the Sunday Times today has got an editorial in about Scottish independence - he makes a good argument for it.

AJ Fife said...

Anna,

Do I find it irritating? No, I'm not too bad about the ex-pats. I think it is good to take on board some views from outwith the normal circle of debate.

I know myself, that occasionally things become clearer once you step back from an issue or a situation. So in the main I find input from afar very useful - it sometimes alters the angle slightly.

Although I'm a nationalist, I stay away from the more extreme individuals ( who I reckon are mainly under 25 and one dimensional), but my attitude as developed over the years and can be attributed to maturity(cue for a slagging!).

The guys who are right wing, I hope never have an input into any future independant Scotland. I think, in the main, the people that matter are too well educated and will ensure any exremists, are frozen out.

Sorry for taking time to get back to you, but as you know you've gotta grab the chance when you can.

Anonymous said...

Fair enough AJ - I agree with you - I don't like extremists of any kind - too far right or too far left causes problems. Having said that I'm not a Lib Dem either - sit on the fence type person!! A lot of service people vote Tory because, traditionally, they have treated the services better than Labour - who won't spend on defence but carry on with foreign wars as if they still had the Cold War capability... Anyway, you should never argue about politics or religion - how true that is - especially when you read some of the 'crazies' on those blogs.

I was irritated but also amused by a Kiwi saying that the English raped and plundered on the Hutton blog, so I've replied to him. I've also been having a nice chat with the man who took the photos of Scotland featured in the Heritage site. I've even given him a photo tip!! The view from the top of Carter Bar is stunning. What has always caused comment in my family has been that the English side looks wilder than the Scottish - you'd think it would be the other way round. If those hills could talk what stories they could tell!!

AJ Fife said...

Anna,

Yes there are lots of crazies out there, but I suppose mental institutions probably have internet facilities in this day and age!!

I've a friend who is a Maxwell and is exremely proud of his Borders heritage. His sworn enemy are Johnstones, due to lots of skullduggery in the 16th century - shooting peace envoys, murdering clan chiefs etc. He loves the family history and when we visited the Caln Maxwell's Caerlaverock Castle near Dumfries, he took a wee bit of masonry home with him as a souvenier!! I won't divulge his full name, Scottish Heritage will be after him!

The Border Reivers were certainly an unruley bunch, but they served a purpose on both sides - a weekend away to Lake District was out of the question!!! So the border was exactly that - an uncrossable border.

I often think we could employ riders to harry modern caravan holidaymakers crossing into Scotland. Maybe put them off and I could then drive to Inverness in respectable time!

Anonymous said...

Funnily enough my grandfather was a Border shepherd and he and my uncle worked for a man called Maxwell who farmed near Peebles - small world.
Some of my family live in Lauder and they are heavily involved in the annual Common Riding there. I have ridden the Lauder Common Riding once - my cousin hired a horse for me - it was a great day. We got to the Watering Stane on the top of Lauder Hill and had a few nips out of our hip flasks!! Later there was dancing in the town and off to the pub for the rest of the night...... Great fun, but a very sore head (and a bit saddle sore!!) the next day. That all stems from the Border Reivers. The Selkirk one has it's roots in the Battle of Flodden - when a survivor brought the colours back to Selkirk. They have the 'casting of the colours' on their Common Riding day. I've only been to the Selkirk one as a visitor on foot, although my cousin often rides in that one, and other Border rideouts as part of the Lauder contingent.

AJ Fife said...

Anna,

You get more Scottish everyday. The Riding of the Marches is a great tradition, and as you allude to, a great excuse for a piss up!

I remember a stooshie a few years ago about ladies being allowed to take part in the riding for the first time. I think it was the Hawick one, could be wrong.

The same friend that I mentioned earlier, is hoping to move to Kelso soon, so I should be spending more time in that area. It's a really interesting landscape and just packed full of history. My favourite place is Norham Castle, a fabulous Norman style keep which was trashed by JamesIV just before Flodden. It directly led to his downfall at Flodden. When he should have been planning for the battle, he instead spent the days before, enjoying "relations" with the lady of the Castle. The exact details escape me, but that's the jist of the story.

I suppose the disasterous Scottish defeat could be put down to an English woman - as good an excuse as any!!!

Anonymous said...

Yeah, blame it on the English AJ - our backs are broad!! If he, a married man, was seduced by an Englishwoman then it was his own look out!!

Strangely, enough I have an auntie and 3 cousins who live in Kelso - very nice place. We went to a wedding reception at the Cross Keys hotel a couple of years back - that was a good party!! Who knows, we might bump into each other on one of our Border forays!!

Anonymous said...

I have always got on very well with my cousin in Lauder. He's about the same age as me........ but when we were about 12 or so and were going to meet some of his mates - he asked me to kid on that I was Scottish!! Bless, didn't want the p*** taken out of him for being related to someone English. I was happy to oblige - I could do a fair Scottish accent at the time!! Mind you, I've never let him forget it since and he's been forced to apologise a few times!!

AJ Fife said...

Anna,

You never know, although the fact we don't have a scooby what each of us looks like, would mean it would have to be a spectacular meeting! Such as crashing into your car, making a citizens arrest - if you're on a shoplifting spree etc, something drastic like those examples, I suppose.

I would be on the look out for some one with a very posh accent, RAFA badge, straight back and shiny shoes!!;-))

Anyway, King JamesIV was married, but as a top dog, he had the pick of the ladies. It was expected - look at Prince Charles...oops...bad example!!

Anonymous said...

Hmm ...... well I guess the description could have been worse..(at least you didn't mention warts or a moustache!!) have I got one of those helmet type hairstyles and a blazer and do I say "Chocks away" and "Spiffing" a lot?

Right - you sound a bit like Starsky & Hutch - with all the crashing into cars etc, etc. So which one ...... Starsky I think - so you've got a cardigan, 70's style dodgy perm, wear a kilt and drive a Capri type car? You should be dead easy to spot!:-)) Don't you just love these emoticons - I can only remember the smiley one!!

AJ Fife said...

If only I had enough hair!!
The cardigan was pretty cool back then, and Starsky was the funny one. I think Hutch used to beat his wife or something!

Alas I look nothing like Mr Starsky and I used to hate the ford Capri.

If I had a choice I would like to be The Man in a Suitcase - Richard Bradford(I think), now he was cool, always thumping some baddy who refused to pay him for his work. He could never afford a decent house - hence his name.

Anna, do you remember Jason King - a swinging 60's dandy?

Anonymous said...

No - I can't really remember Jason King - bit before my time probably!!!

I hope Melanie doesn't mind us gassing away on her blog - she'll probably come back and ban us - like the Scotsman did!

I wonder what Melanie looks like ...... cheesecloth shirt, faded levis, flowers in her long hair ...... A combination of California dreaming and If you're going to San Francisco be sure to wear some flowers in your hair .... etc, etc........

Anonymous said...

Btw - I haven't seen you on any of the Scotsman blogs today - or are you incognito...... or just too busy? The exotic beasts one had potential but it seems to have petered out a bit now. I see the Grail blog is still open - I daren't post on there tho' .... I'd get spotted - also I think that we've said all you can say about that whirlpool!! ;-) is that a wink?

AJ Fife said...

I think Melanie is as you describe her - straw sun hat, long flowing hair, bare foot, guitar on the back, meditating everywhere etc. I'm getting carried away - hopefully she hasn't sold out like Jane Fonda(Hanoi Jane)and become a pillar of the establishment and advertising facial creams!

Melanie will be cool about our use of her site.

I think old Corby has been upto his tricks on Me Time and the beasts blogs. But AJ has been quiet today. Although I posted a couple of things earlier, I've forgotten what they were!?!?

Yup ;-) is a wink!

AJ Fife said...

Gotta start my course at uni tonight, so I'll have to sign off now. Speak to you tomorrow.

Anonymous said...

Well, look at the two of you here! ;) ...chatting away while I was on such a dangerous mission!

...but I have returned!...to tell the tale of my survival on the trek into the vast interior of the brown sand dunes and prickly tumbleweeds...the sergeant-major conscripted me into service to help paint the interior walls of a home/re-model that he was hired to work on, deep in the heart of 'the wastelands'.

...With the dangerous spiders routed with a broom, I continued on my perilous journey up the tall ladders to see to the upper walls and truss beams... care was ever taken not to suffer from the tediousness that is painting...a radio station that played greatest hits from the 60s & 70s was found immediately...the men were wise to leave the lone female to her work....

Anonymous said...

You guys are too funny!...although you described my authentic, 70's era hippie cousin 'to a tee'!

Alas, my hair is only shoulder length now, but the denim is at hand, always, should I be inclined to wear it! Barefoot, ooh, too many prickly things out this'a'way...Sell out!? Never! :)

Interesting, this whole 'wonder what we look like' question....I suppose if we were ever to meet for coffee/tea in the future, we would have to have some 'Jason Bourne' secret passwords or something! ;)

Your horse riding on the Borders sounds wonderful, Anna!

Corby was naughty, but gave me a good chuckle!

well, tis late so I will be saying good night!......and although, Sir Sean would have been proud of the Sergeant-Major making the Mrs. "earn her keep"
....I was treated to a wonderful evening meal out at the end of it! :)

Talk with ya'll sometime (my)tomorrow...

AJ Fife said...

Melanie,

Good to hear from you. Did you see any rattle snakes? Do you find it difficult walking about with spurs on and a holster? Does your ten gallon hat really hold ten gallons?

Just some of the questions I have bottled up!;-))

Sounds like you were working very hard, do you share the contract fee with the Sgt Major?

Started my film studies course last night - it's going to be real fun, apart from the three essays!

Films being studied :-
Citizen Kane
Jules et Jim
The Godfather
Sixth Sense

I think it's a good spread, covering very different styles. I correctly predicted we'd get Citizen Kane, and Jules et Jim is very appealing. I love foreign cinema - more arty than American and British films, well generally anyway!

My wife thinks this course is the biggest joke yet, but she won't be laughing when I tear apart all her favourite films!!!

Speak to you soon Melanie!

Anna, you too!

Anonymous said...

Hard working - AJ - studying films ..... nice work if you can get it!! I've never seen Jules et Jim, or Citizen Kane - I know I should have watched Citizen Kane because it's supposed to be such a statement of a film etc etc, but I've never got round to it. The Godfather and Sixth Sense are good tho'. Hope you don't find any horse's heads in the bed or have spooky nightmares about ghosts and things!!

Hi, Melanie, so him indoors had you working - that's men for you. I quite like painting once I get started - it's the starting I don't like. We've just finished our big project this year - which was having a new kitchen put in. We bought this place about 5 years ago and the first thing we said when we saw it was "don't like the kitchen, it needs a new one"! Well, it took 5 years to get round to it but it was worth the wait!! However, we've had enough of house improvements both physically and financially for this year.
Take care......

Anonymous said...

I thought the return England to Rome comment was good - couldn't resist taking it a step further!! There's been a few replies - I think other people liked it too!! Amazing what the thought of Ancient Rome inspires!! One too many viewings of Up Pompei. It must be Melanie's influence on me - I'm losing my stiff upper lip :-) Tee hee!!

Melanie, check out the handing Gibraltar back to the Spanish in the International section to catch up!

Anonymous said...

AJ - btw - is Fiona from Fife your wife? If she is - then you're in trouble when you get home!!

AJ Fife said...

Anna,

Don't say that, you scare me. However, I'm always in trouble with Mrs AJ, so no change there.

She renounced Calvinist practices a long time ago and doesn't wear a "goonie"!

Anonymous said...

Right - I'd better lay off the Gibraltar blog - the bloggie police will catch me again and ban me from the site...:-|

AJ Fife said...

Anna,

You just carry on, I think you're in the clear. Nobody would twig your really Joanna(got that the wrong way round!). They haven't noticed AJ from Fife is really AJ from Fife!!!:-)))

The Gibralter blog has got potential!

Anonymous said...

Good Morning! Just finished with the Rome reading, what fun....I like the comment....are you people at work.....

Anna/AJ, good going....you definitely started a roll there!

Will have to have some coffee before my thoughts start rolling...

: - )

Anonymous said...

Hi Melanie - yes, get some coffee before you start on 'the glory that was Rome' etc etc. Or even stay on topic and talk about Gibraltar - yawn!!

AJ - were you JA?

AJ Fife said...

Good Morning Melanie,

Enjoy the coffee, and get stuck into the postings!!

Anna must have taken fright when I mentioned the horse!

AJ Fife said...

Doh! hello Anna,

Unfortunately I wasn't JA, but what a great post - sounded like an academic, I thought it was you!;-)

Anonymous said...

Well, AJ, about the horse... given that you've had the movie Godfather on your mind....

... I've replied as Lanna...she can be so much more fun...although I'll have to ask my nurse friend from Cajun country...about some more Creole slang...

"Ma Scha" is a French derivative of Mon Cherie (sp) sorry don't speak french...the french saying was out of my Cajun cookbook

Anonymous said...

I was trying to think of a reply to the horse comment, but could only think of something rude .... not like me at all!!

Stop calling me Anna - it's Joanna on the Scotsman blog - you'll blow my cover ..... and you both did it!! ;-))

Nice bit of French - Lanna - btw!

AJ Fife said...

Oh, I see what you mean.....oops......sorry!

Anna is short for Joanna - you're being too sensitive.

Hope I'm not in for Jankers, Maam!

Melanie, you've got to be careful not to blow Joanna's cover!!!

Anonymous said...

Yes, AJ - I know Anna is short for Joanna - its my name!!:-)) - but we don't want David (aka Sherlock Holmes) to see us on the same blog and put 2 + 2 together and make 46 - do we? I'm undercover ....... well I would be if I could work out how to get this ruddy toga on!!

Anonymous said...

oops, sorry! Joanna!

AJ Fife said...

Steady Anna, have another G&T and everything will seem fine!:-)

These emotigromets are great!

Anonymous said...

okay, did the American scare everyone away from Gibraltar or is it Tea Time?

...my children's school schedule will have me up earlier on the usual, so I can chat with you more easily...it was a bit of a sleep in today, the kiddies are with gran...they weren't indentured like I was! ;)

darn this time difference!! :)

AJ, do you have class tonight?

AJ Fife said...

Wow, had a look at the single mother blog and thought about throwing Corbett into the fray. I think the verbal castration would be too much though!

A lot of snarling men and women haters tearing chunks out of each other!

A bit like how Anna and I first met!!:-))

AJ Fife said...

Melanie' check out one of my earlier messages about my course - last night. You're right it's confusing the old time diff.

Anonymous said...

Melanie - Joanna - has replied to you - but that's it 4 me on there - I can't think of anything else to say about Gibraltar and I'll get kicked off if I keep going on about Rome ( much more interesting!) And I'll be :-(( if I get booted off again and a bit
:-o ...... <((o))< Does that look like fish to you?

Anonymous said...

Hi AJ, I saw that it was last night...just wasn't sure if it was once a week or more...

I was thinking the same thing, Anna, I had to throw in the 'on topic sentence' just to be safe

I was going to check out the single woman thing...what will these politicians dream up next??

...you make it seem that daggers, dirks and sgian dubhs were flying when you two met! whoo, that must have been a good blog day!

Anna, maybe a Halibut? :)

Anonymous said...

There's a couple of people called Anna on the single mother's blog - neither of them are me!! The one called Anna Doolally is pretty feisty tho' ...... and the other one's not bad either - altho' she needs to work on her spelling ;-)

Anonymous said...

Hi Anna/AJ....I responded to you Anna, but I couldn't think of anything for your Caligula comment, AJ...always fearful now off the Blog police....ooohhh, living in a Police state, now there's a scary thought!

single moms...too deep for me today, and sometimes a touchy subject that sets me off...I have to deal with a lot of "freeloader" patients at my work, you know...breeding to gain more government assistance, and don't get me started on the Illegal breeders seeking the Citizenship and benefits for the baby they just dropped across the border...

oops there I go, getting riled up...

Anonymous said...

Hi AJ, didn't see any rattlesnakes this time, but we do need to be careful, they are about...we keep animals(dogs, goat) in the back so they scare away the snakes, usually. I was petrified when my kiddies were younger....used to keep the dog about in the play-part of the yard constantly.

Spurs and 10 gallon hat...You forgot the "chapps" ! ;) There are cowboys around here....but I'm a rather boring cowgirl...I have spurs, but not the 'jangly' kind, and I wear a helmut when I ride, tho I do wear the leather chapps on occasion (now there's a potentially cheeky comeback in the making!) :)

as far as the Sgt. Major sharing the compensation, well, he reminded me that money isn't everything ;-)....he said "tell your friends that the wife was well compensated with dinner, wine, and ....." (well, you know, the benefits of marriage, I won't say what he said!) :)

AJ, It's a hazard to your health to keep questions bottled up...so, fire away, as you please!! You too, Anna....

so, here's one from me....how long have you known your respective spouses (and where did you meet them)...hard to believe they put up with us, eh???!!!!


Have to go be responsible now, will try to get a post in before you two head off to beddy-by! :)

Anonymous said...

Hi Melanie - your husband sounds a character - the benefits of marriage - now what could that possibly be? Oh, I know he buys you a dishwasher when you've been married a few years ;-))

We met in the RAF about 20 years ago and we've been married for 19 years now. As my other half says "you get less than that for murder"!!

How about you?

Btw: Do you have any problems with getting water supplies where you live as it's so hot? Do you have to ration it or anything? When I was a child we lived in Aden in the Middle East and we had to take salt tablets ... I don't know if people still do that.

Anonymous said...

Hi Anna, yes him inside can be 'full of it'...but I suppose it matches my cheekiness... ;)

together 22yrs, married almost 19...we met on a sport rockclimbing trip, each with our respective groups of friends

Anna, if we're going to give AJ any intelligent converstation regarding his film studies course, we should probably go rent the said films, make some popcorn, and take lots of notes!

AJ Fife said...

Melanie/Anna

Only been married for 3&1/2 years, but I was married before and lost/choose to forget, a large chunk of my adult life due to that - but it's never too late!!

This time it's very different and obviously I'm not so "green".

Anyway, both your husbands sound cool and obviously have the measure of you both!!;-)

Anonymous said...

AJ, very cool!...right, with "it's never too late!!" ...glad yer smilin'!! :))

Will you be posting today? I haven't had a look at the stories yet....Anna must be out shopping or have some other wifely/motherly duties to attend to!

I have to work Thurs/Fri so I wanted to have some fun before suffering from keyboard withdrawals!

AJ Fife said...

Hi Melanie,

I've posted something in the fraudulent book story - might get struck down if there is a god, but he probably isn't registered with the Scotsman!!

I think Anna will be stocking up with the gin or having afternoon tea and scones with the Vicar's wife!!;-)

Anonymous said...

the pickins do seem pretty slim,
were you Gerry or mitchell, didn't see AJ/post, or perhaps I got the wrong story??... there's also the
'Donkey-care session' under sci&tech, and 'Pipers deal a blow to city office rent drive' under Scotland...which could be fun...any suggestions....

AJ, Anna's a bit exotic having lived in 'the land of the sheiks!'
...don't know about the salt tabs, Anna, I think the military have them for over there...

Well, I've picked up my kit for the wine thing, but the actual training classes haven't been scheduled yet. What have I gotten myself into?? just kiddin, kind of ;) I'm all for the wine/food pairing thing...but it's still always a bit intimidating for me with speaking in front of people...and, ...tis so unfair, no 'jason bourne' for me, my photo will be on the website....

AJ Fife said...

The salt tablet thing is interesting, my father was issued with salt tablets when he worked on tankers in the Middle East. Much later he developed kidney problems which was put down to de-hydration, which was also linked to the salt tablets. Can't remember if it was because he took them or because he didn't, but the kidney problem later killed him.

Melanie, with your medical connections, what do you think?

Anonymous said...

We're always careful when working in the heat to supplement our water intake with Gatorade(or other similiar mineral-added fluids)

...the salt tablets put me off a bit, because I think if the proper abount of fluids are not taken with them, then they can be detrimental...also if the food you eat is salty as well,

...Sorry about your dad. My grandad was a ship's welder/ Merchant Marines...The work and all the hazardous material did his lungs in...I'm glad there's a few more safety concerns in place for our generation

Anonymous said...

My "newspaper" only just arrived and I see I had the wrong 'book' story....the first comment was removed, was that you AJ?

Anonymous said...

Lanna answered you AJ, on the book blog

AJ Fife said...

Hi Melanie,it wasn't me, I came in later and prattled on about the monk and his scribbles - deliberately belittling the task of the monk. Hoping it would hook a few christian zealots!

My dad was in the merchant navy, and he probably did well to survive so long, given what he was exposed to - asbestos, coal dust, fumes, etc. But as you say, these things are more controlled - hopefully!! Ships from eastern Europe are always being held in British ports due to there H&S or unseaworthiness.

Anonymous said...

well, I have to be about with the responsible mommy thing

....I should be back now and then today to check on any grail progress...missed you two last nite, but just as well, I suppose...had some time with the fam....watching "whose line is it anyway"

when ya can, give a hint when you might be on chattin in (your) evening time, and I'll try to match up...

AJ Fife said...

will do Mel!!!

Anonymous said...

Ps AJ, was your dad at sea, a lot?...my mum/mom used to say that it seemed like her dad was always gone...I almost married a sailor, but the 6-9mos at sea was a big deterrant....

Anonymous said...

Hi AJ - Melanie

You've been busy chatting away today .......... I've been at college today - you're not the only one who is doing a bit of further education - AJ. Mine is a legal thingy .... they wouldn't let me on the gin tasting one! Must have been the unsteady gait and red teary eyes that put them off!!

Catch you later

AJ Fife said...

Melanie/Anna

Good night/good morning, Hope you are both well.

Melanie you asked about my dad - he served for about 13 hears or so before he met my mum. So I didn't experience him being away, but he ran a business that was 7 days a week and probably didn't any more contact despite him being here. That was the way it was for most people 35 -40 years ago.

Nowadays, it's certainly different, as I intend to spend as much time as possible with my wee girl and anymore that come along. I will be geriatric dad however, my kids will be embarassed to be seen with me, no doubt. I know I would have been - if you know what I mean !! How do you cope Anna ;-))

Anna, I will surprise you with my comment on the Tiger Woods' porno wife story!!

With your "legal thingy", will you be able to sue the Scotsman for stopping the Grail hunt - it must be an infringement on our human rights!!

Anonymous said...

Hi AJ - Melanie

Well, because I look so amazingly youthful, despite being 65, I don't see it as a huge problem!! :)) Actually, us oldie parents are starting to be more and more the norm - there are a few 40 something mums in the playground where my son goes to school - so it's not so bad! Although, my son's best friend's mum is probably young enough to be my daughter - c'est la vie!! They keep you young and active, anyway. It doesn't matter what age your parents are when you're a teenager, anyway, they start becoming an embarassment. I wouldn't be seen anywhere with my mum & dad when I was a stroppy teenager.
Actually, when I was at college yesterday there were loads of young (some seemed very young!!) students hanging about - they must have a lot of free lessons!! When we went for a coffee - the hormones were flying around the 'refectory' - boys eyeing up girls, girls strutting their stuff - nothing changes! I did feel a bit old tho'...;-))

Anonymous said...

So, AJ - you don't rate Dublin that much then? I have to say that I've never been to Eire so I can't really comment. I have been to Ulster - I lived there for a while as a child at Ballykelly near (London)Derry when it was a RAF station. So, I went to school there - which I remember with great fondness because once a week instead of just plain milk we used to get flavoured milk - strawberry or chocolate - that you will agree was the height of luxury in the early 70s school system!! My best friend at the time was a local girl whose dad had a farm on the Derry road. I knew very little about the political situation at the time and cared even less but I know Rosemary's dad had received threats for employing two Catholic men on his farm. Scary people over there. My mum never forgot it when the RAF left Ballykelly and the army came in (when the 70s troubles really kicked off) because the Headmaster at our little school was nearly in tears when the RAF children were leaving. He said to my mum "will you tell them over there that we're not all bad people here". I regret not keeping in touch with Rosemary for longer than a couple of years but kids are fickle little things - and that's the problem with moving around so much - you get used to saying Goodbye!!

My other half did a tour at Aldergrove (near Belfast) in the late 80's - they didn't go off camp that much because everywhere was out of bounds. However, one night him and a couple of mates went into a pub in Antrim or somewhere and the barman said "we don't serve you in here" - so they didn't stay to argue but left hurriedly - he said on the way out he noticed a few dodgy looking geezers!! Phew - lucky escape.......!

AJ Fife said...

Anna,

I know how you feel, I had to matriculate(sounds rude!)during the day last week and I was the oldest person in the world - I'm sure all the youngsters thought I was there to fix the toilets or something!!

Still to meet a parent at the nursey as old as me unfortunately. There are a lot of grumpy young mums tho' - the joy of being an RAF wife!! ;-)

AJ Fife said...

Anna,

That's interesting about Aldermaston, I worked with a guy who was from Belfast and he used to go on about recognising a Roman Catholic just by the look - I took great pleasure in proving his theory wrong - repeatedly!

I think the tour over there is slightly more relaxed, however the word slightly is important. The whole thing will never be far away from erupting again - the conflict seemed to suit the crooked factions on both sides ie Catholic v Protestant. The poor military are caught in a very difficult situation.

Hopefully peace will hold and if it does it will be one positive from Blair's administration - can't believe I said that!!

btw Dublin was ok, I just didn't think it rated with other places I've visited in the last few years. We possibly went over expecting too much and it was a bit of an anti-climax. If your ex-service, I believe the place still has an under-current of UK resentment, so don't mention your auld joab! I'm sure the man of the hoose kens that!!!;-)

Anonymous said...

Yeah, I have to say that my husband is not that keen to go to Ireland - I'd quite like to but we'll see. It's not that long since they lifted the restrictions on service people visiting Eire and I think they are still in force in N.Ireland.
They are a strange lot tho' - I worked with a young lad from (London)Derry a few year's back (during the late 80s). He always called it Derry but one day another Ulsterman asked him where he was from and when he replied Derry he had a real go at him and said it was Londonderry and was quite abusive - sectarianism I suppose. I remember being quite annoyed about it at the time and a bit bewildered as I'd never really experienced or seen that kind of thing before. My other half was not surprised when I told him - he said it was par for the course between the different factions in Ulster. Let's hope it doesn't all kick off again!

AJ Fife said...

Anna,

I would like to tour the west coast - all the usual stuff - but there are a lot more places I'd visit before Ireland. I'll say this only once - there are many places in England I want to visit, ie Cornwall, East Anglia, Liverpool(Beatles fan) and Snowdonia(Wales is a conquered nation, therefor belongs to England!). ;-)

Anonymous said...

Speaking of Dublin...is it "Murphy's Law" here that I seem to be leaving my keyboard on what seems could be an excellent chat day???? :(

The west was pretty(simple word but I'm typing quickly), Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Dingle...nice people, good music/pub. Wanted to go up North but there was too much trouble at the time.

I like your idea of visiting Cornwall and Wales, AJ. Didn't get to do that...

Will have to get back on the auld parent thing.... ;)

have a great day!!, will check back (my) tonight to see your banter for the day!! :)

Anonymous said...

Try telling that to the Welsh!! I have lived in Wales as well - and even had to learn Welsh - compulsory in secondary education in Wales. Regardless of the fact that we were only there 18 months and then my Dad got posted to Germany...... I couldn't speak much German but I could say Bore Da and count to 10 in Welsh!! Oh and this: Mae'r cloc ar y silf ben tan yn y lolfa...... which translates as My clock is on the mantlepiece in the sitting room. Which is not the most useful phrase I could have learned!!

East Anglia is very nice - the North Norfolk coast is lovely - although it is getting a bit more pricy in places - due to the fact that more and more rich Londoners seem to have 'discovered it'. So, there are a few arty farty places and fancy pants restaurants but there are still real places left as well. We go to Cromer a lot - at the moment our son is still young enough to appreciate and enjoy it there but when he gets older ... he'll probably find it a bit tame and slow. But, that's what we like about it - old fashioned, quiet seaside town with nice beaches, walks, pubs and not spoilt (yet) by too much consumerism and glitz.......

Its a few years not since I visited Cornwall - but it was nice then, although people do say that the 'London' influence has taken over a bit now. I've only been to Liverpool once to a friend's wedding, so didn't really see that much of the place. I like the Beatles too ......... who doesn't?

Anonymous said...

Hi Melanie

AJ Fife said...

Hi Melanie,

Did you have waffles and maple syrup for breakfast or was it a bagel?

When you order sandwiches, do you rattle off 20 different things to the shop assistant?

Do you drink gallons of coffee every day?

Just some more questions for you
:-))

We've had an intersting day with the Irish problem, although I was laying it on a wee bit thick to Paddy Wacker!

Hope you are well and will post soon!

Anonymous said...

Yes, you weren't doing much for Scots/Irish relations were you AJ.. still never mind I expect Paddy Wackery is as Irish as us!!

Melanie - do you have a good recipe for American pancakes .... serious question - the ones I've tried over here don't seem as nice as the ones in the US. I must be missing something out....

What's your favourite beverage - that's to you as well AJ..... I really like mochas - choc & coffee mixed together - and if they say do you want cream on that - oh, OK then - twist my arm. The Cliftonville hotel in Cromer does great mocha coffee (their G&Ts are nice too!) I know they're a bit high on the calories side but once in a while is OK!! ;-)

AJ Fife said...

Melanie,

Missed you today, I threw in a few idiotic questions on American breakfast/lunch scenarios, but alas, they probably bored you;-)

I've had a busy night with fam stuff, so I haven't been able to post.

I'll catch up with you later/tomorrow!
Gnite

Anonymous said...

Hello, I'm just home from work with some down time watching Tele with the fam...busy day, so I apologise ahead of time for any tired ramblings....the Duhks should perk things up a bit...

AJ, how can I be bored with your questions?! Actually, as I am at work by 7am tis only a cup of coffee and am out the door, then my mid morn break is ....oatmeal, usually :)

Have to watch the coffee intake or I do "bounce" too much! ;) With sandwich orders, I usually have mercy on the shop attendant and try to keep it 'simple'

Anna, I have a 'from scratch' recipe for pancakes, but I usually use a ready-mix for Buttermilk pancakes/waffles called 'Krusteaz'...I'd have to do a 'taste test', I don't remember if the 'from scratch' was as good.

Coffee...we have Starbucks here that does great 'mochas'; they have a lot of different blends of coffees, really good...

okay, I'm in need of a good curry recipe, haven't found one I've liked, yet....

will have to think of more questions later, I'm nodding off....will be back here again in (my) am...I'm hoping for an "on call" from work, then I can stay home and chat!! bye for now!

Anonymous said...

busy morn for ya'll??

Didn't get the on-call so I'm gone for another 12...will have to chat with you Sat

What are your weekend plans?? Any more grail hunts for furniture, AJ?

Anna, law-thingy class, sounds hard!

So, tell me, are the rumours true.... does all of the UK stop at 4 o'clock for afternoon tea???!!!! ;)

hope your Fri is smooth sailin! :)

talk with ya soon!

Ps. as far as American cuisine....nothing beats the afternoon outdoor BBQ'd meal and all the accompaniments, especially when shared with friends!!

Anonymous said...

Melanie - no the days of afternoon tea are a thing of the past, although, you can still get it at some of the top London hotels, but if you want 'tea at the Ritz' you have to book months in advance and dress appropriately!! I've never been to the Ritz but I have been to tea next door to them, in Fortnums & Masons which is probably the poshest food shop in the country (on a par with Harrod's food hall) except that Fortnums haven't offended the Queen and they are still 'by royal appointment'. The owner of Harrods is Al Fayed and he is persona non grata with the toffs now!!
I really like London - we visit as often as we can afford it - because it is very pricy but it seems to beat with a different pulse to other places and there is so much to see and do. Last time we went down was in August - we went to see The Lion King on stage (birthday treat) - it was great - my son was, literally, on the edge of his seat throughout the whole performance. However, we spent a bomb and we only stayed 2 days - so we have to save up for the next visit! Hope to go and see Evita next but if we all go it'll probably be Mary Poppins:)

Anonymous said...

Hi Anna, I was partly kidding about 'full stop' for the tea, but still, a little curious! My grannie/aunts made/make such a fuss about it...maybe it's just a bit of "home" to them.

Anna if the play Evita is anything like the movie, then it will be great!...my grandad, when watching the movie in the theater, said he felt like he was living it again...

I understand about the 'Mary Poppins' thing...we end up doing the same!

Well, for AJ's sake, I must comment on breakfast...don't worry, it's not that convenient but not so great oatmeal...tomorrow is real eggs, taters, and sausage...or maybe I'll get motivated and make the fam some Eggs Benedict!!

Well, it's late...missed chatting with ya'll, hopefully we'll meet up this weekend sometime?!

Anonymous said...

I agree about the film, Evita, Melanie we really enjoyed it as well. I have the DVD and the CD - that is what inspired my deep admiration ;-) for Antonio Banderas - I think he is great as Che in the film. Alas, he doesn't play him on stage, otherwise I would be hanging round the stage door after the performance!! :-) like an old groupie!! I saw Miss Saigon in the West End a few years ago - that was absolutely brill ...... it was a girl's night out and we had a great time before, during and after the performance!

My grandparents used to have tea quite a lot - and my parents did on Sundays, but it's not really a regular thing nowadays. However, if you visit England and come this way - I'll make you an English tea!! I'm not bad at scones and things!
You can whip up some Eggs Benedict for my husband - he loves that and ate it regularly when he was on detachment in the US!
Take care

Anonymous said...

Hi Anna,

Lanna answered Joanna on the beef/foie gras blog...

Tea, and Eggs Benedict...it's 'a deal'! :)

I'm off and runnin for the day, my boy has a soccer(football) match...

Will catch up with ya later...

miss you AJ! Hope all is well!

Anonymous said...

Hi Anna,

It must have been interesting living in all of those different places, (but always a bit sad to say goodbye. My friend in college was a "military brat" as we call them here...she said the goodbyes were the hardest)

The following is the 'from scratch' recipe that I used...long ago...when I had more time!

Buttermilk Pancakes
10 oz sifted all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 beaten egg
8 oz buttermilk
2 tablespoons salad oil

Sift dry ingredients. Combine milk, egg, salad oil; add to dry ingredients, stirring until just moist. Makes about eight 4inch pancakes. For thinner cakes, add 2 tablespoons more milk

Hope your weekend is going well...leave a note for any interesting 'conversation/debates' anywhere! :)

Anonymous said...

Melanie,

Thanks for the recipe - it looks great - so I'll give it a go & let you know how I get on!

Bit busy today with various thing so I've not had time to look at the Scotsman much - doesn't look that interesting today anyway.

What's happened to AJ? Has he abandoned us?

Speak later,
Anna

Anonymous said...

Hi Anna, just reading here and there with my coffee....saw that you chatted with the photographer Andy Hall. He seems nice, loved the photos!

I do wonder where AJ is....either something came up, which I hope was not bad....or, he at least... owes us flowers or chocolate for being AWOL! ;)

Anonymous said...

Hi AJ,

just kiddin about the flowers etc....it's just that you're missed!

....hope everything is okay!

Anonymous said...

Melanie...... just had a thought - didn't AJ say he was going to Berlin .. maybe it was this weekend.

He must be away somewhere because there is no way he wouldn't have commented on that Buckfast story if he was around. He loves Buckie - he and Mary fae Metilhill often have a wee drink together of the monk's tonic!! :-))

The photographer guy, Andy does seem nice and his photos are lovely - I had a look at his website and there are some nice pics on there.

Haven't been moved to comment on anything, yet, I did think about the Prince Charles eggs story but I'm not that interested in how many eggs he eats!

Anonymous said...

Hi Anna, I think AJ said Berlin was in October...but you're right, they've probably gone off somewhere for a nice weekend!

I haven't felt 'moved' to comment either....the egg one did seem kind of 'funny', as in what else do rich, entitled people have to think about!!

Good for you on your RAF comment...I wonder, if the politicians (or their sons) were on the front lines, how soon things would be set right!?

Andy's photos made me want to go visit Scotland again! I love the Sierras here, but it's a different kind of beauty.

Well, the teen and I are going to head out to care for our four-legged friends...hopefully we'll get a nice ride in, too! You'll probably be tucked in for the nite by the time I get back to my desk...so goodnite! and we'll hopefully meet up tomorrow! :)

Anonymous said...

Enjoy your ride - Melanie - I kind of envy you but I think it would take a lot to get me back on a horse now. Once you lose your nerve - it's hard to get it back - or at least it is for me! Shame, really because I enjoyed riding a lot. The same thing happened to my cousin's wife - she used to ride a lot and never does now. Altho' my cousin and their 2 teenage children all ride - I suppose she feels a bit left out sometimes but nothing will get her back on that horsey!! :) Have a nice day!! :)

Anonymous said...

Enjoy your ride - Melanie - I kind of envy you but I think it would take a lot to get me back on a horse now. Once you lose your nerve - it's hard to get it back - or at least it is for me! Shame, really because I enjoyed riding a lot. The same thing happened to my cousin's wife - she used to ride a lot and never does now. Altho' my cousin and their 2 teenage children all ride - I suppose she feels a bit left out sometimes but nothing will get her back on that horsey!! :) Have a nice day!! :)

Anonymous said...

Enjoy your ride - Melanie - I kind of envy you but I think it would take a lot to get me back on a horse now. Once you lose your nerve - it's hard to get it back - or at least it is for me! Shame, really because I enjoyed riding a lot. The same thing happened to my cousin's wife - she used to ride a lot and never does now. Altho' my cousin and their 2 teenage children all ride - I suppose she feels a bit left out sometimes but nothing will get her back on that horsey!! :) Have a nice day!! :)

Anonymous said...

Sorry to post that 3 times .. but I think there was a technical glich! Whoops a daisy!!

Anonymous said...

Hi Anna, 3's a charm! :)

didn't get to ride...it turned a bit too windy...we get the shopping plastic bags blowing thru and the horses get too spooky...I've had a few bad spills myself, and it's taken me some time to get the nerve back up to ride...so I definitely try to be careful!

The Buckfast blog would have been a 'field day' for AJ...there are some pretty funny comments!

..."feel the vibes", AJ....come back to post...! ;)

Anonymous said...

He must be away, Melanie, there is absolutely no way that he would have missed that Buckfast one if he'd been online. Maybe he's having a tecnical glich as well... or perhaps he's off out having a few bottles of Buckie with Mary fae Metilhill as we speak. If you are AJ - you behave yourself - that one is definitely NOT a lady!!

I'll let you into a secret, Melanie, I occasionally post as 'Jack' as well - if I want people to think it's a guy posting and if I don't want to post too much as Joanna! I popped up as Jack on the RAF blog having a go back at Martha from Miami........ she's a Red Hot Republican that one - she must keep a couple of cruise missiles under the bed!

AJ Fife said...

Anna & Melanie

The weekend was a disaster. We had guests again and I couldn't get any posts done at all - I should ban my wife from inviting people round....shocking!

As an addict, I had severe withdrawal, and finding out about a Buckie blog, is too much. Anyway, I'm back now, but Mel will be in the land of nod, and Anna will be reading her Town and Country magazine whilst planning for a church fund raiser with the Vicar's wife!!;-)

Anonymous said...

Oh yeah right AJ - I believe you .... Not!! Be honest, you were out on the pop with Mary fae Metilhill weren't you ? How many bottles of Buckie did you and the old trollop get through?

More tea vicar?? :)

Anonymous said...

Excellent AJ - I see they've got a Buckie blog, today, for you to post on. Good post btw - Syrup of figs - can't wait for the first person who takes that seriously!! Gotta go and do some work - laters!!

AJ Fife said...

Alas, the days of partaking in lethal beverage whilst in the arms of a village trollop, are well behind me.

Domesticity and routine rule OK :-)

Anonymous said...

I agree Anna, definitley AJ was out with Mary,...
....well, so much for our company...

...I was out with some ex-pat friends tonight....cider, guinness..."fools and horses"; my Scots born, English raised girlfriends were wondering if AJ was Ginger?! ;) Well, what say ya, mate?
.....sorry, tis the cider speakin! ;) G'nite, will be to the land of nod, shortly!!!

AJ Fife said...

Melanie,

In the days when I had an abundance of hair, it was dark brown but very fine. When I was 34 it started to fall out and I decided to keep the remaider almost shaved. But I've never been a ginger or my parents would've drowned me at birth!;-)

Sounds like a good party Melanie, I enjoyed a drop of Chianti myself(2 bottles!)on Saturday night.

Anonymous said...

AJ Oh dear, my reply to your comment about Syrup of Figs was removed!! I only queried who cleaned the loos after the SofF and what if the drinker missed!! Obviously offended someone ........ I didn't even swear - I should have done - might as well be hung for a sheep as a lamb!! Surprised yours is still on there!

AJ Fife said...

Anna,

I also posted in response to your reply and it's been kicked into touch too. Like you, I didn't use any doubtful vocabulary. It was maybe going off on tangent that did it. But they've never bothered before!

I did mention public toilets, needles and condoms - so I suppose they just nipped it in the bud, before it got out of hand!!

Aw well, hey-ho!!:|

Anonymous said...

Yes, I think it was possibly the needles and condoms that did it ... I never saw that one - I noticed a few comments had been removed on there!

So you're a baldy heid then? Still, nothing wrong with that - she said as she flicked back her long red (ginger) hair!! ;-))

Actually, I haven't really got red hair - although my niece has and she is gorgeous - a 17 year old drama student now and she has a temper to match the red hair. Me, I have no idea what my real colour is anymore - probably going a bit grey - but I get it coloured and highlighted every 4 to 5 weeks in the never ending battle of fighting off the ageing process. Now, where did I put that Botox ;))

AJ Fife said...

Anna,

I have a picture now - tell me if it's way off the mark - Nigella Lawson!!!

In fact you might be Nigella Lawson - famous for cooking, gorgeous 40 something, feisty, intelligent and not to be messed with!! ;-))

For once the Scotsman was probably right.

Anonymous said...

Nigella Lawson - I wish ..... I think she's great and I've even got most of her cook books! My husband likes her as well - probably for the same reasons that you do - her physical attributes rather than her culinary ones;-).

My hair is fair - I was born blonde and then it went a bit darker in my teens and since I was about 18 it's been blonde again!! But, I'm not a peroxide blonde - well hopefully not - I don't think I look like Bet Lynch - I haven't got a leopard skin coat for a start!!

AJ Fife said...

OK, not Nigella, maybe Joely Richardson? Or a younger Julie Christie?

I reckon Melanie is possibly similar to Linda Ronstadt!

I really should get a life!!:-))

Anonymous said...

Thanks very much - I'll opt for Joely Richardson, then.... ah, if only!! ;))
How about you? Who do you want to look like? At least you haven't got a comb over like Gregor Fisher in that Hamlet advert...... or have you?

Anonymous said...

AJ - do you get upset if you're called a Jock? I only ask because it is in common use in the RAF and I've never known anyone to be bothered about it. I actually know a couple of guys in Scotland, including one of my uncles who are called Jock as a nickname (real names are John).
It's just that David from TX the one without a sense of humour thinks that some guy posting as Jock must be English because no Scot ever calls themself that. I have never thought of Jock as being insulting, anymore than Taff is to the Welsh. I have known a couple of Welsh guys whose nickname was Taff and they didn't seem bothered.
We have a friend who gets called Archie because his surname is Gemmel - I have no idea what his real name is!
I'm sure most people in England don't think of Jock as being offensive - I'm quite surprised that some Scots think it is - or is it only David from TX who seems like a bit of a tool anyway?

Anonymous said...

Hi Anna/AJ,

I haven't had time to read the posts yet....so you two gotten in trouble already, have you! ;)

Anna, I pictured you fair-haired! :)

AJ, I didn't think you a red-head, it was just some fun joking! My hubby also has the same problem as you, and wears his hair closely cut/shaved as well....

What's this complainin about gettin a life?! I think you have the most social life out of the three of us!!! Your young bride seems to keep ya'll very busy! ;)

Hmmm...Linda Ronstadt, if only I had her voice....your right about my being brunette...

Anna/AJ...well, I said I would give you the winery link...and I do my best to keep my word, so here goes...(you'll get to see your 'cheeky hippie friend')

It's a small winery recently started, with very good wine...the prices are a bit high-end but we get a discount on their wine Anyway... adwineadventures.com/mc1024

Was it class for you tonite, AJ...which film are you dissecting first?

Anonymous said...

Melanie - is your picture on that site? I couldn't see it - but the site looks very interesting.
I've had a couple of posts today - nice exchange of drinky jokes with someone called Fiona - who also replied to you AJ - she seems like a laugh! :-D ..new emoticon that I've just remembered!
David from TX is making friends and influencing people (not) on the Gordon Brown blog. The Scotsman is obsessed with GB - they've always got something on about him -- Yawn!!

Anonymous said...

Hi Anna, I still have yet to read anything...will probably have more time tonite...plus my computer is misbehaving a bit, so I'm having trouble accessing things

my photo should be on the upper right, above the grapes photo...I'm in a brown shirt, with grapevines behind me :)

Anonymous said...

It's not on there Melanie - it says your wine consultant is Melanie Cripe (you?) and the pic below is blank ..... but I'll keep checking :-))
AJ will be zooming on to that site as soon as he gets back... ;-))

Anonymous said...

try this:

http://www.adwineadventures.com/d.cgi/mc1024/home.html

Anonymous said...

let's try again...

http://www.adwineadventures.
com/d.cgi/mc1024/home.html

AJ Fife said...

Mrs Mel,

I typed in the address and it came up with a cheeky reply!? I thought I was going to catch an image of you, with your beads, straw sun hat and guitar.

Anna, does the Vicar's wife use such strong language - "tool" - I think not. I've put you on a charge.

The term Jock isn't insulting, but the rhyming slang is - Sweaty Socks. Mind you, I quite enjoy the banter, so even the term Sweaty doesn't bother me really. But I know some guys really object to it.

Melanie, it was my second class and we discussed a clip from the Wizard of Oz, and thanks to you guys, I blethered on about the New Deal and FDR. The younger students didn't know what I was on about, but the lecturer enjoyed the theory! So thanks for that :-D

Anna, I don't have a comb over, thank you very much, but as I get older, hair is growing out of my ears - I could use that!!

Melanie, did you have a sair heid this morning hen?

Peajay said...

Hi Melanie

Your looking good.

AJ, the nose hair thingy, that's so not a nice image!!

AJ Fife said...

Peajay,

Aye, nose hair - another extra trimming job. Old age is seriously pish!

What's your story doll?

Peajay said...

Yuk! Have you considered waxing!!

Peajay said...

Sorry I missed you Melanie, off to bed. Maybe catch you tomorrow.

AJ Fife said...

Melanie,

Could you please ban Peajay from this site. We didn't hit it off and she mentioned nose hair and she said yuk and I think she's no nice!

Anonymous said...

Hi Peajay, sorry I missed you...other half was off work today, so I could only get a short word or two typed ...didn't want to cause problems!!

Hi Anna, were you able to get the site/photo?...try via internet explorer... AOL only brought the winery main page up for me

"Cheeky reply!?"? ...AJ, Sorry to disappoint, but I doubt I would be taken seriously if I showed up barefoot in a sundress, with my straw hat, & beads, chanting 'make love, not war!' ;)

Well, I think you and Peajay will have to work it out, you know, bad for family dynamics if I go and ban the cousin!!! ;)

...aye, the hen had a bit of a sair heid this morning...have to remember I'm not as young as I used to be!! But we did have a grand time!

Well, I've used up my minutes, have to sneak back before by absence is suspect!! ;)

see ya tomorra!!

Anonymous said...

I'll have another try today - Melanie - I managed to get onto the site no problem but I didn't see your photo ....... I'll have another go.
AJ - I've heard much worse things in the RAF than Sweaty .... ask one of the techies what they call aircraft electrical guys - I can't repeat it because it's not nice and the Vicar's wife would kick me off the altar cloth ironing team if she heard me ;)) Suffice it to say it has something to do with dogs....... same sort of thing that Welshman get accused of with sheep! I know a few leckies that get very upset about it - but my other half is a lecky/fairy (dual trade now) and he just laughs it off. Thats the best way if you laugh about these things they leave you alone. If you haven't got a sense of humour you shouldn't have joined - very true!!
You sound as if you can take the banter ....... and dish it out as well!! You must fit in nicely!

Anonymous said...

Hi Melanie - I've tried that link - I'm having no bother getting on to the site but your photo does not come up - all the other pics do - including the photos of the winery owners.

AJ Fife said...

Cripes, Melanie is that you with the vineyard in the background?

If it is, I'm impressed and I could imagine you with flowers in the hair, Jesus sandals, Mammas and Pappas LP etc.

Fantastic stuff

No need to post a photo of myself, all you need to do is check out the Shrek website. Although I don't have that much wax in my ears, we do have similar habits in the bath!!:-)

Anonymous said...

Thats a man in the picture isn't it? At the bottom of the page - I'm not being rude because I know it's not you, Melanie. Why can't I see the pic of you? I've got the site but no pic - it's not fair - I get all the other pics........ my teddy is going out of the cot in a minute!!

Anonymous said...

good morn, I'm up early and hopefully around my desk today more...

keep trying Anna, I must have you able to identify me when me meet for tea! :)

Hi AJ, ok, Shrek it is, and I even like the accent!... I always thought he had nice eyes!
Aye, that's me in the brown shirt with the vineyard in the back... thanks!...California Dreamin :)

Anonymous said...

AJ - what did you type in to get Melanie's pic - never mind Shrek - I'll be Shriek in a moment - I'm so impatient - one of my greatest faults!! :-))

Hi Melanie btw - and bye for now have to go out for a bit - spk later - I'll keep trying the site!!

AJ Fife said...

Anna,

I typed in the address melanie gave us and she appears at the top of the right hand margin - a very cheery lass

Anonymous said...

Hi Anna, will have to catch you later!

AJ, did you see the 'manners' and Scottish food blogs...I thought to post but need coffee first.

How are you this morning/afternoon?! :)

AJ Fife said...

Melanie,

I'm fine, I've got one and a half working hours left today. So I pick up my wee girl from creche and it's off home.

I should get a fair bit of posting done tonight, only if something interesting comes up, but I've always got this site which is better anyway.

The Sqn Ldr has been active today and for someone who doesn't like politics - she fairly gets stuck in!!!;-)

I read the food blog, but I didn't take the bait!!

What's the weather like over there, it's the start of our "Fall" here. Before we know it, we'll be in the depths of winter yuk!!

Do you pop up to the Sierra Nevadas for a spot of ski-ing(if that's anywhere near)?

AJ Fife said...

Anna, Melanie,

I've waded into the Brown Cherie debate with scathing attack. It is a bit demeaning to witches, comparing Cherie to them, but heyho.

Melanie, during your wayward stage, did you ever dabble in the dark arts. I think Anna would've and maybe still does in her idyllic English village setting! The Vicar's wife always emerges at the center of these things!!

Anonymous said...

Hi AJ,

The Sierras (Mammoth Mountain) is about 5 hours of driving...I've done some downhill (tore a knee ligament, so not doing that anymore)...I've enjoyed nordic skiing, but then the kiddies came along and we sort of gave up a lot of our sports pastimes...for me it was too hard to leave the babes! (and too expensive...play money turned into diaper (nappy-right?) money :)

I miss the change in weather...we do get some change, but it being so dry here...I miss the rain. You probably are pretty sick of it come Jan?

It's still pretty warm mid 80'sF(36C?) during the day, in fact, I'll be out for a walk here soon, while it's still cool, you'll probably be off shift then and in transport

...that's nice your picking up your wee one! (I love the involved dad thing!)

Right, I couldn't bring myself to post anything either...will have to see later...it's more fun when you two are on-board as well!

Perhaps a chat tonite, then!? Will have to read the Sqn Ldr's political posts to see what she's been up to! ;)

Anonymous said...

ooh, you've opened up something there...I wonder if anyone will bite?

No, to the dark arts, although I was a Macbeth witch once...'double double, toil and trouble.......in the fire, boil n' bake' ...or something like that! ;)

AJ Fife said...

Melanie,

Hopefully get something going later on.

The Sqn Ldr will use her 'powers' to trap an unsuspecting poster person. Her diciples,(Mel and me)tear the poor academic apart with the old good cop/bad cop routine!!

I am going mad! :-D

Anonymous said...

mad, yes, mad darling!!! ;)

will catch you tonite...am off for my walk before the sun starts melting things!!! ...have to be healthy, fit, trim...you know. I'm sure you hear your other half saying the same! :)

AJ Fife said...

News Flash
Corbett Hunckers has re-appeared on the good manners story.....the cad!!

Anonymous said...

Well, for some reason I can't get Melanie's pic - I can get everything else on the site, including all the other pics but not that one - you'll have to wear a red rose behind your ear when you come for tea - Melanie, so I know who you are!!;))

I saw your witchy post AJ, very good - no takers yet, tho'... It's knuckling down, again, to a reprisal of Bannockburn etc between posters. Battle lines are being drawn ...:D

AJ Fife said...

Anna,

It could be a blog about fairy cake baking, they would still get around to Bannockburn!! Mind you, I used to be a wee bit like that. I still am.

Did you notice I replied to myself on the manners story?

Now that is worrying :-(

Anonymous said...

I'm just off to the check out the manners story now..... :-))

Anonymous said...

AJ - I notice that Melanie has started calling you Darling! Don't worry I won't be calling you that .... I can think of lots of other names tho' not as flattering and certainly not terms of endearment but heyho you wouldn't expect anything else from me would you? ;) No wonder your husband doesn't want you blogging too much, Melanie :D

AJ Fife said...

Anna,

It's all in the name of fun.

Horrible Cankers wasn't me, before you start accusing:-)

You must admit, Melanie plays the Southern Belle really well!!

AJ Fife said...

Anna,

When you give a ticking off....I feel fear! Are you related to any school teachers?

Anonymous said...

AJ - I've revived the Ancient Scot for the manners blog. I must admit I wondered about Horrible Cankers - do you think it was Doreen?

Melanie excels at the Southern Belle thing ..... are you Melanie Wilkes out of Gone with the Wind or Scarlett O'Hara? Don't forget that Scarlett was no lady and she was very feisty but she could be a bit of a b**tch. But Melanie Wilkes was a real southern lady with a backbone of sheer steel running thro' her.

Who do you want to be AJ - devilish, dashing and dangerous to know Rhett Butler, or drippy, do gooder, droopy drawers Ashley Wilkes?

Anonymous said...

Horrible Cankers is after you AJ - looks like you've pulled!! She/He certainly seems keen enough anyway - she/he has probably heard all about you from Mary fae Metilhill..... Hope you can handle it - good luck :D

AJ Fife said...

Anna, I think Corbett was around when they made Gone with the Wind, and he is obviously Rhett Butler.

I told you I was Shrek!!!

Horrible, I think has just met her match in Corbie.

You're right tho', it is the same style as the fearsome Doreen!

AJ Fife said...

Take that back, I've just been slayed.

Horrible is a class writer.

Got to accept defeat.

Anonymous said...

Yeah - its a bit like 'how low can you go' on that board now. Better be careful you don't want to get kicked off again! I've let the ancient have another outing but that's his lot for the night ;)
I'm sure that is Doreen - either that or its a bloke - but Doreen had a sparring/flirting match with Corby before didn't she? She's at it again - I like the way Corby is dodging around France - keep him on the move she won't catch you then. Ooh what a 'orrible way to go....... hope you don't have too many nightmares tonight.

Melanie you'll have to soothe his fevered brow for him - the poor thing is getting clawed and virtually molested by Doreen pretending to be Horrible Cankers!

Anonymous said...

hey I'm back, but have some kiddie homework to help with.... I'll be around if your still up!

AJ Fife said...

Anna,

At least Janice and her daughter(!), enjoyed the routine.

I forgot about the potential to get booted off, so.... good point Anna. I'll stick to the witch tortures on the Cherie story!

Anonymous said...

sorry, I missed the fun, errands with the Sgt. Maj. ran later than I thought (I got to learn wonderful things about tractors and excavators) :)

...it looks like I missed out on some good? ...well, interesting...banter ;)

Poor Corby...that Doreen/Horrible is something else!

Lanna will most definitely try to soothe poor Corby, but no doubt it will have to wait till later! ;)

Anonymous said...

howdy there AJ!

AJ Fife said...

hi Melanie,

Has the Sgt Mjr cut you a bit slack? The manners site was good fun, if a wee bit earthy by the end!! However, I consider it a job well done, as it drew out Horrible/Doreen and her/his classic posts.

The only drawback, is that Anna really gives me a ticking off - must be the Vicar's wife influence. Also, I'm sure she could just about track me down in real life and banjo me, good and proper!:-)

So you were checking oot some tractors?

Anonymous said...

Hi AJ, yes tractors, he has a tractor business, and was looking to add some inventory

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