Hedge funds! Yes. And bush accounts. And folliage bonds.

Almost as bad as them pesky F keys. Scary boys!

Eyyy ooop CLP!

CtD xxxx

"Here come the girls ....."

You can't beat cash. You know where you are with it, there are no sudden unexpected charges, and once its gone then thats it until your next cash injection.

The problem with cash though is that you can't book a hotel room, even if you are stood at the reception with your wad in hand, you can't get the great deals from the internet and you get odd looks if buying something expensive with straight cash.

Credit and debit cards are these days a necessary evil, and I do believe a three week training course should be given to all newcomers to the world of plastic to prevent getting themselves into trouble.

Dookegg - kitten advice on previous blog.

MW, a!

Hallooooooooooooo

Chris: Did I hear Johnny say 'who would buy Newcastle'? As a Geordie, I am seriously offended.

xxxx

MW,a!

Good point about cash. When Him and me stayed in London recently the hotel receptionist almost passed out when Himself offered pounds sterling cash to pay for our 2 nights. It was almost like she didn't know what to do with it.

C xxx

Creative accounting Chris - this lot good at it too - counting things twice when there is only one there or sometimes nothing there - just an idea! Mad! Invisible assets now invisible money - just debts. Pensions bye bye all!!

Pigs - suddenly seem a good idea to keep together with chickens - grow your own everything - get the old sewing machine out again - used to be quite good at that - took exams to go further then changed mind!

Hey we could all chip in and buy Newcastle for Annie?

Thank heaven for music to keep us sane!

Beesmum xxx

Chris,

Very good blog - as always! I honestly believe that credit is the worst idea ever - what a mess MrS and I ended up in because of our "plastic friends". Horrendous!

In 1978 (yes, I know, a very long time ago) we went on holiday to the USA for a trip of a lifetime. We saved for 18 months to finance the trip - everything was paid in cash! Those were the days!

And now, we have no credit cards - it is a nightmare trying to book tickets for anything - shows, flights, hotels. The financial world has truly lost the plot!

C xx

Ahhh Bob Seger. Lovely song.

xxx

It seems that all those old ladies with money stashed in tins under the bed have the right idea does it not?

Dinner in the oven (thanks Cheryl have you stopped laughing yet?) so while I have some peace and quiet I'll catch up on the posts.

Debbie x

PS: Hope that you have all enjoyed some nice weather today. Love this weather, love my garden.

Debbie: You had sun today??? Grey skies nr Edinburgh. Am getting seriously fed up with this weather. Who do I complain to?

xxx

Bayby it's a alllllright nowwwa, baby allllrightnowwww, allllllright nowwwa, baby it's aaa allllllllright now.......... yyyyyyyyyeeeeeeaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!

Privyet Blog Operatatives and CLP........

It's 20.00 aka 8pm... that can only mean one thing.... am just in time for 'alf way ;ouse in CLP's most BIG shoe, sorry show......

Ave goot mesen inter a bitta of amess ere in Kharkiv... i'll write and tell all in a mo whilst listening ter CLP boy in action.......

Bingo: You daft so-and-so. What you done now???

xxx

Never understood the world of money. Here is my news - ding dong = wedding bells! Well, the doorbell on the registery office in truth, as this is the second time and the good auld catholic church wouldn't hear of a rerun, but who cares? Next July we're really doing it!

I have lived with my One True Love for 7 years now and he is the best, for me anyway! Not the least because he lives patiently in a house full of female hormones and has the dubious pleasure of being stepdad to my 2 gorgeous teenage dirtbags.

So now I'm like Bagpuss and trying to find a venue, actually we're off to sample one now.

Laters

A xxxxxx:)

PS Sorry Cheryl I know your idea was funnier!

Basically all as noot gone as smooth in the groove as you may imagine blog friends, nnyyyaaa!
A decided ter find a gym ter try and keep in guten shape. So ere in Kharkiv aka Xapkib in russian. Yes all I was ready ter pump and pump big all. And noot just because we did well in the olympics.
Oh no all, ave been pumping big at the gym for many a year. Plus ave goot ter keep in good shape for Inna aka Ihha in russian. As for an 'enn' yer bang in a 'aych' instead - russian cryllic alphabet all!!!!
Any way I asked at me 'otel reception iz there a gym in the area???@? (That's 'otel in english without an aych but means the same as one with an aych). (Although the 'otel iz noot english but ukrainian). (aka a gasteeneesta or in russian a rocTNHNUA.
Any way I went ter reception and asked where iz the nearest gym.
They said sorry don't know of any.
I said surely there must be a gym near.... ere!!!@! aka in Kharkiv!
A said this iz very important as ave goot a beautiful ukrainian lady ter keep loose as a goose for!!! Aka in good shape!
Then they said "ohhhhh da.... there is one nearby"!
They drew a map... outta the 'otel, left, left, right, right, left, second right, left, right and you'll find one at number 58 Sumskaya Street!
So I 'eaded there blog friends... number 58!
When I goot there I walked in and said "privyet, errr where is the gym, I need ter pump"??
They replied "wait.... we get"!
I waited and a man came outta the back room. 'e said "privyet.... ya Jim"!!!!!!!

Wrong type of Jim all!!!!!!!

Poka!!!@@@!!@!

PS Ello Ter Annie G - Sadly we didn't get the Queen tune for ARF but CLP did play Alright Now by Free as I watching Paul Rogers sing it live... nnnyyyaaaaaa!!!!!!

Somerset Pheonix - Ello BIG thanks for your support in all areas!!!! I miss you too Phee!!!

CtD - Thank you.... nobody 'as ever said that about me girth of me blog.... you commentations ave made me feel most... 'motional!!!!!!

Prof Plum - Good ter see you on blog again and wrockin' the boat abit!!!!!!!

Debbie C - 'ope your ok... you never write ter me since me Tommy Cooper blonde joke... no offence mean't to you Deb!!!!!! Peace and love form me!!!!

B's Mum - Yeah damn fine GP and a brilliant win from the young Vetel. Those Red Bulls were incredibally fast yesterdee. Uncharacteristically so, kept up with the front running pace, amazing... maybe they addded abitta Red Bull inter the fuel mixture - know what ams ayin'!!!!!

Poka!

PPS CLP - Told yer the banks and american ecomony were gonna collapse earlier in the year on the blog. Read it in a Nostradamus prediction that there iz gonna be the economic destruction of america and a new world superpower will emerge aka China!!!!

Looks like it's 'appening - know what am tryin' ter say ere CLP mate!!!!

Poka!

Boleyngirl ... congrats big time!! Me and B-sMum are really gonna have to invest in new hats, what with all these bloggy nuptials n'all!

Hellooo Bingo! xx

Debbie - thank you for quite literally making my evening hun! I wasn't laughing. Honest. And I did pull over speshly to phone you so that dinner wasn't delayed ......

... talking of dinner ..... B-sMum: have whisked up the BBQ sauce, the ribs are in the oven now having a bit of a pre-bake before I smother them. Also got corn on the cobs in the oven, picked by Mr Diva at half five. Might even open a bottle of vin rouge to wash it all down .... (who needs an excuse??)

Just nipping over to the dark side to see if its my go yet.

CtD xx

PS: CLP ... next time you have someone on Woman's Minute with the surname of Bayliss, forget TRevor ... ask them if they are related to the World Superbike genius Troy Bayliss. Way hotter ...... xx

PPPS ALL -

If you want to see the amazing photos of the Queen Kharkiv gig go to....

www.brainmay.com

'click' onto 'Brain May's face',

Then 'click' 'Bri's Soapbox' and some photos come up of the gig in Freedom Square to 350,000 people. Am up near the front on the right of the photo...... WROCKIN"!!!!!

Poka again!!!!

Bingo: Saw you (NOT!!). Great photos though. Looks like a great concert.

xxx

Hello Bingo mate, so not offended by blonde jokes. I'm so not a real blonde, more mousey really!

Peace and love right back at ya! x x

Anne, weather was sunny/cloudy but dry. That's good enough for me!

Congrats to you boleyngirl that's lovely news!

Cheryl, I was laughing as I was texting. But I think of cooking and I think of you. Honestly I'm so rubbish in the kitchen. I didn't realise the time either sorry, thanks for pulling over.

I recognise that name, Troy Bayliss. I'm sure I saw him race the same time that I watched Foggy too.

Back in a bit.

Debbie x

Ola

Well what a day it's the Wall Street crash.
The far reaching implications are there for us all though.

It's all a bit scary really.... like your Nostradamus prediction Bingo.

Thought the Queen website was great although you spelt Brian as Brain a commmon fault of mine too when using a keyboard....

Thinking of all the staff at Lehmans in London.


Normal service( ie crazy person) will be resumed later.



PP

I'm sure it'll all sort itself out once people start being prudent again. In the meantime anyone wanna lend me a couple million?

Steve :)

Yeh Steve, I'm sure there's a few hedge fund big boys could do that!.

xxx

But they're probably on their yachts in the Bahamas and certainly not reading this blog.

WooooooooooHoooooooooooooo

B-sMum ..... well, Thank You Very Muchly! Just enjoyed simply the best BBQ spare ribs ever - all thanks to your jollop. Yep, sticky like toffee but holey maloney .... delish!

Deb - you wanna try it!!

Not sure how lomg Troy has been racing, but yes, it's possible he was there for the end of The Foggy Years. I think he's retiring at the end of this season, so I guess he must be getting on a bit. But then, aren't we all.

PP .... please, please don't unleash crazy person. Can't speak for the others, but I like the PP of the last week or two. ;-)

RIght, off to watch Corrie 2 and then catch up with Wire In The Blood, so will bid you all a very good eve!

Nitey Nite

CtD x x x

Anyone on FB? Dr. T. needs some tlc.

xxxx

Not everyone in Financial institutions earn mega bucks Annie. Many are support staff that have earned degrees at Uni and live in the city in house rental shares and work long hours.

The thing is, finance rules the world and when finance does badly it pulls the plug on business. That's why we see Airlines going into administration at the moment.

Watch the shops close down in the high street.

Watch unemployment rise.

CTD I do prefer to be slighty crazy.. must be the actress in me.

So what's up with DR T



PP

Hi PP, Dr T is referring to 'unhappy bankers' Not sure what the rhyming slang is so hope that helps ;-)

Cheryl I am trying out more in the kitchen lately. I'm inspired you see. My mum didn't enjoy cooking so I'm sort of starting from scratch. Yesterday I did us some huge mushrooms with bacon bits and stilton, parsley etc which the guys loved (or so they said!).

Recession? What recession. Has anyone actually admitted that we are on the brink? I agree with PP, it's the domino effect and I think we are in for some hard times ahead.

Debbie x

Debbie I am a bit spooked by the Internet at the moment.

I have just used those very words of the Domino effect on the phone to my daughter who has several collegues that worked at Lehmans and were told today they had all lost their jobs.

Secondly somebody mentioned my Home town on here.

All a bit spookey

Now what is Derek Acorahs telephone number.


PP

Hello everyone - have only just finished work so in dire need of a drink! Hubby away so I'm drinking alone - is this the first step to alcoholism?

I know what everyone means by the curse of credit. I have been stung many a time by flexing my plastic too much.

My dad only got a bank account for the first time when he turned 65 as he needed to get his pension paid into his account. He still uses bartering for some of his purchases. He grows veggies and swaps these with the local mechanic to work on his car.

Anyhoo - the microwave has just pinged; homemade veggie chilli that I had made and froze last week with some rice. Yum Yum!!

Speak soon y'all.

Noodles
XX

Hi all!

Been steering clear of the plastic debt since had to sell a bit of gold in my youth to pay credit card bill. Use like water these days but only up to amount I can pay off when bill comes in! Shame the big institutions don't do the same! Far far too big for their own boots - how on earth can you keep an eye on all going on when that big?

Any of you guys had a consumer credit licence demand for your business? Don't start me but instant money spinner springs to mind!

Had a difficult day? moi?

Diva - nice A? - Deb - give it a go! Bingo - thank goodness for you - always make me smile! Annie message on fb - PP daughter not caught up? Steve - prudent is a word which makes me grit my teeth thanks to a certain person but know what you mean - what happened to sensible!!

Rant over

Beesmum xxx

Sorry Noodles - and anyone else missed out! Cheers - - late eating so only just picked up first and last glass of red - grrrr! one nightmares - two sends me to sleep! but got to wait for dins to go down!

BM xxx

[Yawn] been a very busy day due to our friends over the water.

Just in and caught up with all your entries.

I'm no trained cook either and usually my best meals are ones I've cobbled together.

Bingo you sure are having fun - when are you due back. The M2 is a mobile carpark still with lorries parked up awaiting travel to France. Good job we still have ferry companies plying across the dover straits.

Good evening to Noodles and other brand new joiners.

What's food - not had anything since lunchtime and it's too late to eat now as I am departing soon for bedfordshire*

Wednesday sees me attempt to play volleyball once more after 12 yrs absence from the indoor courts. You didn't think I would be outdoors in a skimpy two piece - think again!

Chris I paid off all my credit cards with redundancy money a couple of years ago and haven't used them much since - but with the way the travel industry is going will be using one of them to book holiday so that I am protected other than ATOL number.

yawning like mad - must be off - will do FB matters tomorrow evening.


{*up the stairs not the county}

Morning chuckle gang ...

Up with the lark yet again ... it's only til Christmas I keep telling myself .... yaaawwn ...

Still, at least I get to watch the early morning headlines - cheerful joy behold all over our globe eh?!? And closer to home ..

Gingembre ..... sorry! Ramos out, d'ya fink?

Lady boss back today so silence and Dickensian quills return to the orifice. Boo. When, pray tell me, when, will she retire? Or at least cut down to 3 days a week? When indeed? She actually sits at her desk most of the day reading a novel ...... oh well!

Have funky Tuesdays everyone. Catch up with you all later.

CtD xxxx

morning all

I've melted the plastic far too many times and suffered in the past. Oly use them for certain things now in moderation.

Credit Crunch eh? Whilst I feel for people losing their jobs at the moment it still amazes me that there are nail bars open and thriving, tanning shops, gyms, etc etc
These are all things we don't 'need' to have yet are still being used, when these start closing down I'll panic my behind off.

To be fair though, times are tough, we're feeling the pinch like so many others.

and as for the Damiaen Hirst auction - well I was gobsmacked.

bonnet de douche

KWx

ps, Cheryl, IMHO - we will never be a top 4 club with players like Bent, Lennon and Zokora in our team. They're not household names in their own houses!

post 35 - wasn't meant to come accross as flippant, just as an observation!

Good Morning one and all.

Now then. Finally frogmarched Renee to the doctor's yesterday to get her feet looked at. To her delight, he said she has to sit with her feet up above her bottom, and demonstrated, alarmingly, by swingin' his feet up on his desk, knockin' over his plastic model of the Inner Ear. I did, however, feel the need to ask him to point out that he didn't mean forever, given that the only exercise Renee takes these days is with her right arm, usin' the phone to get as many people as possible involved in doin' jobs for her.

So all is well, and as the doc himself pointed out, she is well looked after and in far greater danger of havin' her block knocked off than losin' her leg.

Any road. All this talk of clothes in the attic, I have a sartorial dilemma.

Packing for my next missionary tour to God's Own Country, I have unearthed some old suits which haven't seen light of day for many a year, causing much hilarity and a little bit of escaped wee with Renee and the Genius Daughter. How did we ever think we looked attractive in shoulder pads...and I fear they may re-surge soon, girls, achtung.

One such item was a pair of Vivienne Westwood bondage trousers, which, teamed with a later vintage Westwood bustier and given that the old bazookas are somewhat more belligerent these days, is a sight that would scare the average police horse.

However. This is my question. Is it wrong for a 53 year-old to wear a chocolate brown leather pencil skirt? Trousers, perhaps but hmmm, skirt? Teamed with pussy-bow blouse and tweedy waistcoat, woolly tights and Mary Jane shoes? V. stylish, I thought. The daughter disagrees and has threatened to ground me and ring Child-line if I go anywhere in public wearing said skirt.

Mind you I must admit the last time I wore a pencil skirt, I also failed to notice it didn't have a split and so restricted my stride to about 5 inches, and wore unfeasibly high heels with it; therefore I cut rather less of a figure of Kate Moss than Dick Emery.

Whaddaya reckon chaps. Cheryl, B.sMum and AF. Yes or no to the skirt.

By the way, congrats to boleyngirl, marvellous.

Me, I'm stayin' single. Why would I want to get married and spend the rest of me life makin' one chap miserable when I can stay single and make hundreds happy? Hurrah.

As if... Hahahaha pfff..

Clodagh.xx

And Cheryl.

No, I fear said lady boss is dug in for the duration and will only expire if somebody takes the old stake and mallet to her before the dawn chorus.

I had a boss like that once when I worked for a major fashion company. What a nightmare, when I look back I'm amazed she was never sued for bullying, racism, whatever. And, as I'm sure you can imagine, given her abhorrence of enjoyment and fun in whatever form, HATED me. I was only on a short contract and was drafted in more in my capacity to lift morale than for my skills as a designer/ pattern-cutter. So I wasn't in fear for my job as were the rest of the work-force and used to stand up to this repellent woman, and given my rather stupid predisposition for fighting everyone else's battles but not my own, (my bessy mate doesn't call me Boadicea for nowt) made some good friends I still have to this day. No job, like, but good friends, hahahahaha....

So chin up, Cheryl, you're well able for her.

Clodagh.xx

LOL Clodagh - you really are a fantastic tonic: who needs gin when you're around!!?

Pencil skirt - hell yes!! Although I have my reservations at chocolate brown. I have a thing about brown as it was the clour of my school uniform (how glam - not!!). Loving the image of the Dick Emery "mince" rather than the Moss-esque stride!

Awwww shoulder pads. How grand were they?!? Bless Joan Collins and Linda Evans.

As for Big Hair, that's something I've never grown out of. Every time wannabe-gangster-rapper-crimper cuts my hair he offers to use the straighteners on it. Nooooooooooooo. I demand an upside down, full-on head in the groin (his, not mine) diffused scrunch. With products.

Gingembre ...... should the nail bars and beauty shops close down, I'm becoming a hermit!!

The thing that annoys me is the people you see if supermarkets buying real nasty, cheap convenience food, crisps, fizzy drinks etc etc but still having enough money for the lottery / scratch cards / ciggies. If they were to ditch the lottery / scratch cards / ciggies they may be able to afford to buy (get this - how radical ...) fresh fruit and veg and decent cuts of meat.

Phew... went a bit ranty there!

Right, best get prepped for the return of Lady Lucifer.

ttfn

CtD xxx

PS: swung my way to work this morn and now have Frank, Deano and Sammie swooshing about my brain-box

Morning all. Just looked at the clock thinking it'd be around 11, but no, it's 9.30 :-(

Ginngembre, take your point about the nail bars etc, but I think maybe people feel the need to treat themselves occasionally in tough times. It's like when you're down to your last couple of quid and it's burning a hole in your pocket. Or is that just me....

As for credit cards, well I have two. One has a small balance which will be easily paid off, then it'll be put away again. The other... well that balance is somewhat larger and, given that I don't have a huge amount of spare cash after paying bills etc, will take some considerable time to pay off. I mean, we're not talking ten grand here, but it's a large sum to me. So now I am being careful with my money. Which, yes, means I go without some things, like the mid-week bottle(s) of wine and the expensive tea bags, but it's hardly the end of the world. Just means I'm not hung over during the week. Don't mention last Saturday to me though... So, obviously I'm no expert, but I think things have been going a little bit crazy financially, so maybe a slowdown is not such a bad thing? But then, as PP says, jobs are on the line.

Clodagh, hon, go with the skirt, sounds great. As long as it's around knee length. Any shorter, hmmmmm, maybe not!!

AF xx

ps, could I just point out that I have never been to a nail bar, or a tanning salon. Although I do go the gym. A treat for me is a new book, not new nails!!

Morning all

I hate going to the supermarket these days and I hate going to the petrol station.

My food shopping bill is hardly ever below £150 and it cost's me £60+ to fill my car with petrol.

Mr Debbie's car went in for a service yesterday, they wanted over £700 to replace the clutch. Couldn't afford it so had to say no.

Everything is so expensive now, it's like people are trying to make as much money out of us while we have it.

Hope that you all have a good day.

Debbie x

AF I agree with you but it's the fact that so many jobs are on the line as you say. Regarding these banks it's not just the bankers/traders, it's the cleaners, canteen workers, etc.

Mr Debbie works in IT for an investment bank so many fingers and toes crossed here.

Debbie x

AF. Eew indeed I shan't get the old knees out. One's like Les Dawson, the other's a ringer for Winston Churchill so unless well restrained by elastane and behind the leather parapet they're never let out, oh no.

And even in the black tights I look like Fagin's dog.

Ah the memories of the black leggings and Doc Martens, aah...

Clodagh.xx

Ah Boleyngirl, congratulations, sweet!

Can CtD, AF, Debbie and BM be bridesmaids? I promise we won't get the knees out and I myself can supply enough pansies, dead parrots and raspberries to knock the headdresses together....

Clodagh.xx

LOL Clodagh! Your knees sound great!

x x x

Baby it's a alllllright now, a baby it's a alllllright nowwwwwa, baby alllllright now, baby it's a alllllright now.........

Greetings of privyetness all,

Bingo Star ere coming to you from eastern areas.....

Prof Plum - Bit of a 'brain' fade there me spelling Brian May, Brain May.... I'll use the excuse it's cos 'e' is the brains of geetarr playing!!!!

Debbie C - Am so glad you didn't take offence at me blonde joke and still wanter speak/ write ter me.... peace ter you too, peace ter you too!!!!

CLP and ALL - As for the credit crunch ave missed it again!!!!
I read the markets so well but am me own worsed enemy- never do what I know or always miss the boat of the market.
I knew the stockmarket was gonna break down and go lower the second week in September. I read many books and study it all. The Schwartz Stockmarket 'andbook one of the best!!!!@!
The stockmarket did well in August which I knew it would as August is traditionally the strongest month of the year.
Recently people ave been saying the credit crunch is over but no way all.
Like I said in January on the blog WE WILL be in reccession by the end of 2008.
I was saying that when all the experts and politicians were dismissing such things.
You don't ave ter be a genius ter realise what I wrote many a time on the blog that the whole boom was false all propped up on credit/ loans.
I remember arguing with the estate agents who came to value me 'ouse when I sold me 'ouse in mid 2007. I said we are on the edge of a cliff with the 'ousing market/ economy but most of the agents who valued me 'ouse argued that they don't think there will be a crash.
Of course there was gonna be a crash... 'ouses costing way above the national wage. Are these people MAD!!!!!!!!!
I stick by my prediction that this recession will be the worst since the 1929 depression but noot as bad as the 29 one. And 'ouse prices will fall around 40% from their peak.
I predict we are in for a 5 year down period and as i've said before 2013 is nooot going to be an unlucky year but the beginning of the new boom/ up trend of the world economy!!!!!
As for the stockmarket my own 'unch was right about August up and now we enter the tradiotionally terrible month of October. Rember the 1987 crash.. but there won't be a crash this year... eveything as already crashed!!!
The stockmarket will make a lower low than the previous one in June thus continuing the bear market.
I predict from December the market again will rally up with the traditionally good period for the stockmarket around December/ early January.
The only DAMN thing ave missed the DAMN market again even though I know/ knew/ know/ knew what's gonna 'appen.
I was gonna short the FTSE100 ter make money as it goes down from around 5500 but ave damn missed it being ere in Ukraine..... sometimes I AM SUCH AN IDIOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I think the FTSE100 next year will 'it 3500!!!

NNNNNNNNNNNNNNYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!

Poka!

Clodagh .... what do you mean "memories" of black leggings and DMs? That sounds like my weekend wardrobe now!!

Loving the idea of being a bridesmaid. Can we wear crimson .. please, please ... can we ....??? with gladiolis. Like Morrisey.

Deb - I hate getting petrol but this morning there was a new chap in the garage, and he was raaaaaaaaaaather cute! Kinda softened the blow of parting with dosh for over-priced fuel. And I've only got a Micra.

AF - I think my local nail bar would close down without my custom. And I'm still the only client who has black nails every visit, which even after all this time, they still find highly amusing!

Ciao lovelies for now.

CtD xxxx

PS: my DMs are (1) purple and black and (2) red patent. May wear to Docklands!

Hahahah tanks Debbie. You should see the left one with a cigar.

Right am off. Renee has managed to lose the remote to her VD box whatsiname and though I thought it might turn up beneath the bed, behind the All Bran or in the tit box, no, it hasn't materilaised. Renee is sat sittin' like Alf Garnett's missus pointin' the phone at the TV and mutterin' about duff batteries, having rung the council, the plumber, the next door neighbour (yes, she does ring the next-door neighbour) and Age Concern to come and 'fix' it; anything rather than do as I've told her and let me replace it.

Well, I've had enough. I'm off to buy a whole new TV. An all-singin', all-dancin' TV set and I'm chainin' the ruddy thing to the wall.

Well, am off in 10 minutes. Just need to distract Renee with a story about the Polish Air Force during the War in the Womans' Weekly and make my escape.

Clodagh.xx

Hi Bingo mate. After reading your post I need another cup of tea!

I have never been a bridesmaid, always wanted to be but was never picked. Ho hum.

Dug out my wedding photos a few weeks ago, they were so lovely. Made me realise I really must go on that diet though hehe.

Debbie x

CtD. You are more spookily accurate than you know!!!

Clodagh.xx

Clodagh - I keep telling you all ..

I am a Witch!!

official.

Just ask Deb and B-sMum

xxxxx

Clodagh me lovely - am sitting here with me pencil skirt on - just above the knees so you can see my purple blotchy knees/legs refusing to put stockings on until October - where's the sun?

Catch up with posts and be back later

Beesmum xxx

Morning all, long time no see :)

Credit crunch... hmm well if you're anything like me and Mr Jumpy things are always a little tight so no change there then. But right now, it's nice having soon-to-be doting grandparents ready to help out :)

I remember the last time we really struggled financially, I remember how frustrated I was because we had nothing to "give up" to save money. Going out involved going to friends' houses, we didn't (and still don't) have a TV so no expenses there, neither of us smokes, we hardly drink (if we do it's something decent once in a blue moon), we didn't waste money on takeaways or fast food, our car was Mr Jumpy's mum's car which she'd put him on the insurance for - what was there left to give up?!

Frustrating. Got through it though, and that was while the going was apparently good. If me and him managed to get through that I'm sure we'll get through this :)

Clodagh - if you can fit in said pencil skirt, wear it with pride! Even if it's brown :)

As for nail bars and tanning salons - they scare me. I suppose if I stopped buying nail polish though I might save a few quid every year...

xx

me-and-jumpingbean

PS jumpingbean update (if interested) is on my own blog (if you can find it!)

Mad night and morning and awaiting doc to decide whether one of old gits should be put down! (joking?) Need care now - can you pay - yes - when can arrange? 10 days! Steam - ears - again me dears! Ne're mind we'll get there!

Clodagh no to brown - deffo yes to pencil skirt and to heck with the length!
Bridesmaids - poor boleyngirl can you imagine us lot!!! Now that would be worth a charity calender!! Crimson dresses billowing in the wind - mad hair - pansies dahlias and don't forget the freesias so we smell nice!

Bingo - can remember your predictions - smarty pants - right again!

Must admit Deb/Diva I send Mr B to fill up car now - just can't bear the thought of another pair of shoes going in to the tank! Quite happy to watch his vehicle fill up though twenty squid or so of LPG!!

AF -always done my own nails - spend too much at hairdressers but gym - nah definite no - allergic to exercise!
Gingembre - already had a few pamper type salons shut on me or downsize - waaaah! business reducing - but on other hand few new ones too ?

Not struck a blow yet workwise - quill at ready - here I go ......

Beesmum xxx

Morning Jumpin - not long now - and Sus? must be getting close!

BM xxx

Oh yes and being very low on the folding stuff - can remember it well after I had departed from "first" with clothes, music and bean bag and took on three jobs to keep going! Lowest was when asked dear departed mother if she had finished with that dishcloth!!

BM xxx

What...you too, Cheryl?

Hurrah well now I was told by a very reliable if deranged source that I was a witch in a previous life. Oh yes. Met a grisly end on the business end of the duckin' stool. Hence that's why I can't bear swimming pools lest some eejit thinks it's hilarious to duck me. I'm not fonda see-saws either, to be honest.

Bit of a no-win situation, that duckin' stool I've always thought. If you survived said stool you were a witch and got carted off to be burnt at the stake. Bit harsh, that.

And yes I know; I'm not sure about all the past-life stuff either but it's a lovely romantic idea isn't it so yes, I'm up for it. It's a sign of our human arrogance that we believe that anything we can't prove by our scientific means must therefore not exist. So in this life the only things I bear any malice towards are Al Qaeda, car clampers and wasps, lest I return as a wildebeest in me next incarnation.

Mind you I was also told I was a rather high-profile old slapper in the Tudor court and met yet another sticky end on the block so I can see a pattern emerging here.

Sticky ends, not old slappers, cheeky monkeys. Just because I'm wearin' the leather skirt in me fifties and flirtin' with the bin men....

Clodagh.xx

In a previous life I think my name was Lola and I was a Show Girl!!

Update from the Land Of Diva ....

Thank you .. there is a God! And man, I love jet-lag. Especially for elderly lady-bosses!!

Radio on. Just in time for Jeremy Vine-cum-Kyle.

CtD xxxx

Blimey Cheryl. In that case I wish I'd bin there when that chap Rico called you Rover...

Eeee.

Clodagh.xx

I've got an interview tomorrow hurray!!

x x x

Deb - that is fab news!! Is it with the Shane Ward looky-likie?? Best of British .... get shot of that cold: lock yourself in the bathroom with some essential oils and steam it out of your system! Everything crossed - will you be the next one after Errol and (possibly) MfR ??

xxxxxx

Yep it's at the car showroom. I'm excited/nervous and my hands are shaking hehe what's all that about?

Maybe the cold won't be so bad tomorrow but then the croaky voice may help what do ya reckon?

I haven't done the interview thing for 12 years! Ok, deep breaths Debbie, calm.........x x x

Clodagh

it was ok ...

Rico went a bit too far, Tony sailed across the bar!

xxx

Yey Debs I've me fingers, toes, eyes and legs crossed for you, well I will have when I've returned from the telly shop. Don't want 'em all thinkin' I'm cross-bred with an alcoholic Irish Setter.

Clodagh.xx

Clodagh - is the leg situ owt to do with that there pencil skirt??

Helloooooooo!! Did ya miss me?? (Did ya notice I wasn't around???)

I've been up in the 'Pool visiting my mum, and then I got poorly. I'm still poorly but back in work cos I've got loads to do before I go on my -woo hoo - jollydays next week!!!!

Debbie - best of luck for your interview - you'll be fine - how could you not be with the force of the blog behind you??? If in doubt have a bit of rescue remedy a couple of hours before the interview, if they're being horrid just imagine them in their undercrackers, do a bit of research on the company so you can impress them with your knowledge - amazing how many people go for an interview without knowing ANYTHING about the place they want to work - and think of a question for them (they're bound to ask - is there anything you'd like to ask us??)?

CtD - I bought myself some gawjus DMs a few weeks ago - with flowers all over them.

Boleyngirl - congratulations indeed!!

and everyone else I haven't got time to mention - Hello and hope you're all well :-)

T xxxx

Debbie: just had to say well done on getting an interview - good luck for tomorrow!

Great advice from Tinsel - find out something, anything, about their business!

And, don't arrive too early: 3-5 minutes before the appointed time is fine. We had a girl show up for her interview 20 minutes ahead of time - not good!

And finally, about an hour before the interview, have a hot cup of tea and two Nurofen/painkiller of choice. I promise you, it takes the edge of the nerves!!

C xx

me again:

Final sentence should read "off the nerves"!

That'll teach me for giving advice!

xx

Tins welcome back sorry poorly though -
Debs great advice from Tins and Chrissie eat and digest and good luck!

Didn't know there could be four witches of eastwick - now thats Diva Annie Clodagh and me!

BM xxx

Thanks for the tips!

I'm sure that I'll be fine, I just hope that I get good vibes about the place. Wonder if there are any other women working there. I could only see Men when I dropped the CV in last Friday.

All I know is that it's a used car showroom that has been there for as long as I can remember. The website doesn't give much away.

The guy that called was very nice though, think he's one of the partners.

x x x

Debbie: this SO going to come out the wrong way, but here goes .... I MUCH prefer working with men! Women can be such a pain to work with - invariably there is rivalry. Well, that's what I've found in the past!

Men, usually, can be really good for a laugh and a bit of banter (as long as it stays clean!).

Used car showroom? Bound to be wall-to-wall men! Go for it!

C xx

Hehe! So funny Chrissie. I've been very lucky in the past, I haven't had any problems with the women that I've worked with. I've even made some lovely friends. But I know what you mean.

I'll see how it goes tomorrow.

I just called my dad, he used to run a petrol station down the road from this showroom. That's where I used to work 'on the pumps'.

My dad thinks that he remembers the guy that phoned me, said that he's a nice chap. Oh good.

x x x

PS: Oh dear, all men. Is that going to mean dodgy calenders and tea bags in the sink?!

Chrissie - know what you mean. I've had a couple of women bosses who've been HORRENDOUS, I'd much prefer a male boss.

And of course benefits of car showroom - there'll be discounts to be had!!!!

T xx

Debbie - whatever else, if it is all men, I hope you get your own loo!!!

Or take wellies.

Cheryl....Just who shot who?

Yes the legs are crossed within the pencil skirt...the most efficient contraceptive since the County Cavan one, namely a 50 cent clasped firmly between the knees.

Hurrah.

Never made it to the telly shop. Got hijacked by the postman and some eejit on the phone from the National Ploughing Championship Festival in Kilkenny. Ergo Renee rumbled my imminent departure and insisted on coming with me. Now there's zippo chance of my takin' Renee near an y form of modern technology so we went to Sainsbury's instead for a cabbage, half a pound of sausage and a patio cover for her wheely shopping trolley. Completely pointless but it beats huggin' me knees in a corner of Dixon's.

On with the packin'.

Clodagh.xx

Well Clodagh ...

Seeing as I lost my youth, and I lost my Tony, now I've lost my mind ....

My money's on that snake Rico being the one with the bullet!




Deb - just had a look at the website. I see what you mean!

Agree wholeheartedly about working with men tho - much more fun and easier to manipulate - but yes, do take your wellies if you share the loo!

Laters x x x

Ergh! Hadn't thought about the loo situation. Home from home then.

x x x

Deb. No comment on that one! Speechless. that's me! xxxx

This whole situation with the Banks and other financial institutions makes me particularly angry. I worked for one of the major UK Banks from 1978 until 2000, in the late 80's early 90's. I worked in various places within the Bank on their Lending side. I was there when the crash of the late 80's happened and it was not a nice place to be. Virtually all top Managers had their lending ability reduced to nothing and everything was passed to "those who knew better" at Regional Offices around the country. One of my jobs during this time was to phone customers in difficulty and ask them to pay money in to cover their debts and if they didn't I had to 'bounce' cheques etc and charge them huge sums. One day I phoned a customer, whose wife answered the phone only to tell me that her husband had committed suicide the day before. How many more suicides like this will we hear of in the months to come?

How many people in this country with mortgages knew their lenders were involved in the sub-prior mortgage market (whatever that is). if we had known the risks of this gambling with other people's (our) money I don't think any of the lenders would have been allowed to be so free and easy with our cash. Did the government know what was going on?

When all this happened in the late 80's early 90's all staff in the Bank where I worked were told that lending would never be the same again, Banks would be much more careful in future - what a load of old rubbish that was!

Interesting post dualpepperpot thank you. I can understand your anger, what a horrible position you were in back then.

We have already had a letter from the people we have a loan with telling us that they are not taking on any more customers.

It turns out that we were mis-sold a PPI on top so we are currently taking steps to claim some money back. Check out Money Saving Expert website for tips anyone out there interested.

Economy built up on loans and credit obviously doesn't work does it.

Debbie x

Woah! It makes gratefull for the pig and 12 hens we got for our wedding presents not to mention the numerous garden Centre vouchers to fill up my Veg garden and Polytunnel. Also drive a LPG 4x4 (size required to take medium sized animals to the Vet when needs must and also Winter approaches fast in them here hills in the north!)

It makes you wonder how much our childhood television influences our lives - Granny and grandad egg always sat us down for The Good Life and Jimmy Savile's Road Safety Progettes - Clunk Click every trip

Quack x

Cheryl. Never mind them feathers in your hair, I'm goin' to give yous such a slap. I've bin singin' Copacabana all mornin' and chucklin' away but now enough already....anybody got an antidote?

I've tried superimposin' Blaze Away but I'm gettin' "We'll Make A Bonfire Of Our Problems, And We'll Watch Them Blaze Awaaaay..And When They All Go Up In Smoke Clouds, Tony Sailed Across The Bar...diddly doo dedoodedooda..."

Au Secour.

Clodagh.xx

Clodagh ...

I know a song that'll get on your nerves, get on your nerves, get on your nerves ....

I know a song that'll get on your nerves, get on your nerves, get on your nerves ....

I know a song that'll get on your nerves, get on your nerves, get on your nerves ....


Does that help at all??

T xxx

I think my ARF this week has to be Copacabana! Or else I'll go home tonight and dig out "The Best Of Barry" vinyl 33 rpm!!

Just had a panic situ here. Internet connection lost. Nobody able to get onto FB / eB@y etc. But I fixed it.

I is now a hero baby!!!

xxxx

Trouble with that Tins you can still split it in to
I know a sooo --ong
Thatll get on your neee- rves
with yellow feathers in her hair

aaaaargh!!!

Been going through my head all morning too!!!

Pepperpot I think they saw old fish mouth flogging off all our reserves/gold etc and borrowing like there was no tomorrow so they thought it was alright to copy - NOT!

Dookegg Mr B just filled his 4wd with LPG 22 squid!! Enough left over for a pair of flip flops! Yahoo

Beesmum xxx

Annie - one being carted off to horspital as I speak!

Diva - on my desk - freebie from the Ma** on Sunday The very best of B Manilow advertising O2 arena 4th and 6th Dec!!!
BM xxx

And I NEVER even mentioned yellow feathers .... it's yoos lot!

SW now playing Adam Ant's Prince Charming. Soooooo trying not to Heeeeey haaaaaaa round the office.

Pass the lippy!!

Awwwwwwwwwwwwww

Wanna Go To 02
Wanna Go to 02
Now now Now

Closet Barry fan here! Gonna check out ticket prices, but nobody to go with .... :-(

tickets available from www.manilow.com

BM xxx

Just checked. Not falling for that one ...

£50 tickets plus £5 per ticket handling charge. only ones left are WAY UP IN THE HEAVENS ...... even Bazza's nose will look tiny up there! Sat up there to see Prince and didn't see a flippin' thing!

Spoilt after being in row 5 block A2 for Take That! So close, we could se their stubble and smell their chewing gum ....

Back to vinyl collection for La Barry!

Cheryl, he's been worked on you know. His nose isn't his nose anymore.

I'd of gone with you but no money. Yet!

x x x

Flippin eck 50 squid! you can borrow this cd!!!

That right debs? doesn't look like on pic on cd but praps old pic?

BM xx

Insy wincy spider
climbed up the spout

nah - no good - can still fit that to the tune!

BM xxx

Yep he walked into a hotel room door or something a few years back. Or that was the official story anyway. He looks a bit wierd now I think.

x x x

Cheryl. DEFFO ARF Copacabana, hurrah!!!

On account of I'll be across t' Irish Sea, wrestlin' with wedding dresses and truculent lighting technicians, and therefore won't be able to hear it and re-infect meself.

So wish me luck; last time I came to blows with a lighting technician I did the job meself and nearly put 5,000 volts through the GBF Damian.

Gave 'im a lovely smile and a facelift all weekend, mind. He now answers to the name Gary Gilmour.

Clodagh.xx

Hi all, blimey you've got the sillies this after!

Thanks for the congrats and good wishes, much appreciated.

Bridesmaids - hmmm can I get back to you on that?

I've got a real dilemma I'd like people's thoughts on, including any men if they're there:

I have had the name "Mrs "First Husband" (no, obviously not that!) for 16 years, am comfortable with it and am known by it professionally. Mr One True Love has, to be frank, a bit of a silly name, especially for a primary school teacher (children can be so cruel!). If only he was called Tudor.

Also, his mum and sister-in-law are, rather spookily, also called Anne, so we would all have exactly the same name which a) removes my individuality and b) makes me feel a bit squirmy.

So I have the following options:

1) Bite the bullet and take his name because it's the nicest thing to do, even though my children will still be called "First Husband".

2) Keep current name and possibly incur wrath from in-laws

3) Confuse all by reverting to maiden name

4) Choose a new name entirely!

He says he doesn't mind, but does he really mean that?

Going double/triple barrelled is definitely not an option.

Right, I await your wisdom.

Debs good luck with the interview.

Now off on taxi duty, I'm so good at driving people around I might drive meself to the wedding.

Sorry this is a bit me me me me.

A x