WEEKLY CHAT (non-osprey topics) SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2014

Morning all: Check back the last page of the previous week to catch up with bits and bobs of news.

We put our clocks back tonight - and I also pulled out the space heater as  my feet are cold and I haven't dug out my toasty slippers yet.  We had more lovely showers today, but it's supposed to warm up later this week for a few days. We're in this in-between stage when it's quite warm during the day but decidedly cooler at night.   

OG; Thanks for letting us know Diane is expecting snow; I hope it's not too severe.  My NY friends are dreading a repeat of last winter, when the temps dropped sharply early in the winter and stayed there all winter.

Take care all.

  • I see some people want to delay taking down the amazing poppies around The Tower of London and as one who purchased one I hope they leave them there forever. The money still goes to amazing men and women.

    Youngest is going on Monday and as her late father was in the forces my heart goes with her;-)

  • Today’s the day all the young have been waiting for. Father Christmas comes to town. In less than half an hour Adelaide’s C-mas pageant begins, after 2 months of rehearsals, 120 people to apply makeup to 1200 characters since dawn. This year there are 63 floats, 16 bands, 11 dance groups, 9 walking groups, not to forget the 250 clowns. They wind their way through city streets from South Tce to North Tce, watched by the usual crowd of 320,000. It ends with Father C himself taking up residence in a department store Magic Cave. The first pageant in 1933 had 8 floats & 4 bands. My, how they have grown.

  • That's one heck of a lot of floats & bands, AQ!! Hope its a big success. All the children will be extra excited! We still have some fireworks going off here, as 5th November was a weekday, people are having their bonfires & fireworks on different days. Expect there will be more tomorrow.
  • Unknown said:

    It's so sad that Christmas decorations are up so early... Negates any joy in the season and as I said to my hairdresser yesterday who on earth is going to dust them!!

    . --- Good point!!
  • Everything & everyone here is thoroughly wet, now. It has finally stopped, after turning to drizzle for a while. On my way back home at lunchtime the main roads were beginning to flood as there are probably lots of mushy leaves in the drains - anyway, it was so bad in places that I thought how frightened I would have been if I were not an experienced driver. Glad to get back in one piece. Must put out the lights now. Night All.
  • Linda - Authorities here abandoned 5 Nov bonfire & cracker night years ago. Wisely as it is beginning of fire risk season. Having said that, it is now raining! It started about 1 pm (20 mins ago), so the crowds for the pageant were lucky with fine weather this morn.

  • Evening all: Spent all afternoon on phone to various organizations sorting out one wrinkle or anoother.  Lovely full moon tonight (or was it last night?) so very bright and clear.

    AQ;   Cocolat is definitely my kind of place:  Four food groups (by their book): White chocolate, milk chocolate, dark chocolate and truffles!  I could probably choke down one of each of their confections, though it might take a week or two. Hope the place hasn't melted before you and friend get a chance to go there.  What!!!  Father Christmas in town already? I thought the U.S. had cornered the market on commercialization of that holiday!   I'd have to emigrate!   Have they banned Nov 5 fireworks all over OZ or just the hot and dry bits?  :-)

    Wendy: We don't have decorations up here yet; they're for sale, but likely won't be up in full force until right around Thanksgiving. We've seen photos of the poppies; what a lovely memorial.

    OK, seem to be having a hard time staying awake much past 9:30 since the time change.  Anyway, off to meet friends for breakfast tomorrow morning; it's been a long time since we all got together.

    Have a good Saturday all.

  • Good Morning, Everyone. Dry here with a pretty pink-streaked sky. Annette - Have a nice "get together" breakfast. I have to go shopping, & rush around as we are off on our trip south to see little Amber early tomorrow. Staying in a Travelodge (to keep the strain off our hosts) and back sometime Monday.
  • Good Morning Everyone. After yesterday and last night, it is lovely to see it is not raining, but we have another warning for heavy rain this evening and overnight. We got drenched last night going to the bowls club AGM.

    As far as I have seen, the first places to have the biggest and earliest Christmas displays were the garden centres but no Father Christmas yet. I have already got tins of Quality Street, Cadbury's Roses and Celebration for 79p instead of £5 when I spend over £40 in the local supermarket.

    AQ, Sounds a lovely welcome for Father Christmas, but for a child, it is a very long wait for Christmas Eve and the 'real ' FC.

    Linda, Do have a lovely time with the family and seeing gorgeous Amber.

    Wendy, It will be a pity to see all the poppies removed from the Tower. An artist explained this morning, that part of the original artists idea was that it will be significant to see the poppies removed gradually, as it illustrates how the men left, to never return.

  • Thanks Brenda. We are so looking forward to seeing her, as she will have grown already since we first saw her at one week old. I have been fiddling with pictures, and hope to come back later with some, on here. My OH has been planting a new row of tiny beech trees, to replace our hedge at the front of the house. I won't be able to put Christmas lights on the front hedge this year, but I'm sure I'll find some trees & shrubs instead! ;-)