Ashcombe

Further to Ian's contribution on the Sarthe Saga (they really do need the rain over there to cool their ardour!) above, we shall be celebrating our Fourth Welding Anniversary next month. You might be interested to learn that, last month, Ian had his first experience of treading the boards in the Toads' production of “The Vicar of Dibley” at The Little Theatre in Torquay. No words to learn, but an opportunity to raise the biggest laugh of the evening appearing as a Teletubby bridesmaid at Alice's welding. He was Lala and I played Tinky Winky!

I Won’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me - Nik Kershaw

Pretty Woman - Roy Orbison

Poor France! A friend from Toads Theatre Company wrote this:- The Ghost of Quasimodo On our knees with grief and disbelief, the masses throng the barricades once more. People paralysed in an unplanned demonstration of unity through adversity. Here the Communards and First Republic’s dreams were voiced. Napoleon and Hitler stood in awe. Esmeralda clung to gargoyles. Demands for freedom shouted in the square. Now we can only stare, heavy of heart and humbled. Our petty parliamentary wrangles seen for what they are. This is not ‘Their Lady’; it is Our Lady, martyred by fire; put to the torch. Ask not for whom the bell tolls; that dismal knell is a last-ditch wake-up call for Europe. Through the smoke of the bell tower, Quasimodo dances in the flames. John Miles. ‘Notre Dame de Paris’ 15th April, 2019.

Beat It - Michael Jackson

Olddudders: I might allow you to borrow my car, if ever you live permanently in the UK! For the benefit of other readers: it’s a Ford Fiesta Zetec Eco Boost which I love.....even more than the Lexus IS200 owned in my previous life. This car is great for around town especially for on street parking but it’s got plenty of oomph when required e.g. on long journeys to France. In the the distant past I drove Mini's, with a black Mini Mayfair being a great favourite! Some years after parting with it, I saw it being driven by the parent of a child in my class!

Respect Me - Dizzee Rascal

Still blowing a hooley now! Rain and hail at times but sunny at the moment.

Many of us are of an age when we have watched friends and/or family members suffer with cancer. It never gets easier but I admire those who face their difficulties with such fortitude. My thoughts and prayers are with those brave folk.

Coming soon to a cinema near you:- THE DUKE'S A HAZARD

Linda’s personality shines out of that photograph. My sincere condolences on your loss, Jim.

..... but not through your pipes....!

So do I!!

Why Me? by Kris Kristofferson because I’m a struggling Christian. Rock and Roll Dreams by Meatloaf because the chorus is meaningful. Lacrimosa from Mozart's Requiem because the music is poignantly beautiful.

My Guy - Mary Wells

People - Barbra Streisand

Only with husbands!

Thank you for sharing your difficult news with us and I hope you and Linda will gain comfort from the warm responses already posted. It helps to hear from like minded folk who have often had similar experiences to what you are facing. As already suggested, a short hairstyle is advisable and I wonder if a cold cap has been recommended to Linda as I believe that can help reduce hair loss. We shall be thinking of you and hope you will post occasionally when you feel you can. My best wishes to you both.

Some people prefer to use a stylus on an iPad. Would that be easier for your mother?

Happy birthday, Jamie! And happy third anniversary to Ian and me!

In the Country - Cliff Richard

WARNING: X-rated content. Do not read if you are of a nervous disposition!

IIRC, Ian gave up on ER's after frustration with certain attitudes towards the poor inhabitants of Grenfell Towers, a tragedy about which we both felt angry and disappointed. Anger that it should have happened and disappointed by the reaction of some politicians and councillors towards the poor victims. Sadly, certain members of this fraternity did not cover themselves in glory by their comments at the time.

!thginot kcab og skcolc ehT .tegrof t'noD

Sad to hear booing as LH received his trophy. Such prejudice still apparent in the Southern states. Shame on them.