CLP ... I got caught doing 92 on the A14. 3 points and £60 fine.

It got me big man-points at the time with my colleagues on the landfill site - I think they were amazed that I knew my car had more than 3 gears!!!

Bless you and your belly!!

CtD xxxxx

The Badger got 6 points too...for doing 78 in a 70, in a car that needed winding up if it was going anywhere but down hill...effers the lot of 'em...

It's the same as the no oil = no interest thang...and at risk of tarring everyone with the same brush etc. I would like to suggest that it would seem that if you're famous (no disrespect to you AT ALL *EVER* Christophe) you can get away with murder.

Possibly quite literally sometimes.

speed on macduff
love
hazel
x

Oooooo I can't wait to hear the explanation from cyber space about unfair, vagaries of speeding fines.

Got caught doing 70 on the motorway by man hiding on bridge by toll booths on M4 bridge, two days after Christmas. Some people need to get a life. Apparently the limit is 50 on the approach to the tolls - and how exactly was I supposed to know that and how exactly was I supposed to know the cameras I could never see were because he comes and goes and hides on the bridge. Bitter, moi?

I know one always feels so bad the next day, but accidental overloads of alcohol can be such fun at the time!

jx

o God, that sounds awful!!!

haha anyways - good story!

You are making me feel guilty though at the weight issue - lets not talk about weight, far too stressful!

Kielty got away with it I think " due to the amount of charity work" he's involved in . .

Hmmm . . .

DtM

My dad got caught doing 31 in a 30 zone and was offered to attend a driving course to tell him how to drive (at aged 70 lol) or 3 points...now that to me is just jobsworth!

Sara xx

Hi Chris,

There is a way to avoid speeding bans - I am here to tell you how. Just simply drive a Mini Metro along the motorway with your six month old daughter in the baby seat, almost get flattened by an articulated lorry and drive home in a complete panic, never to drive again!

Well, that's my story. Yes, I know I should have driven the very next day but I couldn't and now 17 years have passed. Public transport - hate it!

I do have sympathy with those drivers treated harshly - except those idiots that will not adhere to mini-roundabouts!

12st 8lbs - rings a bell. I am 5' 2"!!

Love, C xx

Hopeseternal - in answer to your post on yesterday's blog ....

Apparently she lady of the house stabbed the man of the house. She's now in police custody on an attempted murder charge. If you go to BBC News/England/Suffolk it was (at lunchtime at least) the lead story!!

It's all going on, I tell ya!!

CtD xxxx

Wow did u know her?

Bet he took the last rolo or something lol

No - we're typical of a lot of English neighbours. Lived there for 13 years (Mr Diva even longeR) and sadly don't know the neighbours.

If our house is anything to go by, she probably requested that he switch off the PS3 ....

Cheryl x x

Well I got 3 points for doing 51 in a 60! OK so I was in an artic so I should have only been doing 40 but it was 3 in the morning and absolutely nothing else on the road. Don’t you just love the cameras!!!

As for weight I dream of being 12 stone anything….

Poorly tummy, I would blame it on the dodgy water in Northamptonshire. ;-)

Keith the (NotSo) BigUn
xx

While we're talking driving - can I put in a massive plea for people to pull in when they can on any dual carriage way or motorway.

The second and third lanes are not speed lanes (ie slow and fast) but are purely for overtaking.

Use the second lane to overtake someone on the inside lane, and use the outside lane for overtaking someone overtaking someone on the inside lane.

PLEASE - it drives me barmy. It's the law in France that you have to pull in if you can and when I become dictator that's the first law I'm going to make.

What's yours...

jx

I agree with you Jan - it really annoys me when people drive at 65 on the middle lane when they could pull over - of every one drives properly the motorways work!

At this point in time - never been caught speeding - but seeing as I do it so little (my car can speed, I just chose not to) I would be very unlucky too be caught! however touch wood - I would hate to be caught now

super bp x

Jen - I am so with you on that one! Coming back from Donnington on Monday - M1 south, then A14. Really, really annoying people poodling down the middle lane without a care in the world - ugh!!

and another thing (sorry keith ...)

When I'm PM I am going to ban lorries from overtaking other lorries. Do they forget they're in a lorry, and think they're in a lambourgini or something? The amount of times that during a 3 hour drive I had to brake dramatically** or join a queue of cars - all because of a lorry overtaking another lorry.

and finally, whilst on my soap box .... people wh leave it until the very last minute to get into the left hand lane to exit a motorway junction.

OK - my blood is now officially boiling.

CtD xxx

** OK so I'm a Diva, ergo everything tends to be "done dramatically" !!!!!

This reminds me of a story told by one of the nurses at my Dad's veterinary surgery:

She was stopped by a policeman and was asked "Do you realise your were doing 80mph in a 70 zone?". She just turned to him with a completely straight face and said "Really? I didn't know it could go that fast!". Given that she drove an old Lada, it was probably true. I think the policeman let her off because she was so obviously shocked.

well I've got points too and haven't a clue how it works???

Chris it's all down to the magistrate, police just hand over the evidence.

....I don't do traffic - honest!!!

I heard this story once (but don't think it's true)
A male saw a police car in his rear view mirror so he sped up. The police car put on his blues and sirens but the man just went faster and faster. Eventually he stopped as he knew he'd never out-run them.

When the police officer asked him why he'd driven in that manner the man replied...

.."my wife left me last year for a copper, I was so worried in case you were him bringing her back!"

sorry it's not upto Bingo's standard x

Me thinks someone was making an example of you Chris!

Clodagh - I enjoyed your story with the togmeister this morning - how's your hair?

feelin calmer darling diva?

Evening CLP!!!

Just dropping by for a mo! Well done on the weight loss …. my scales run when they see me coming near me, so I have no idea what weight I am!! In fact, for my new (old) job I had I had to fill in a medical questionnaire (is pregnancy a medical condition!?!), but it asked for my weight!! Aye, right … watch me!

As for the speeding, I’ve never been caught, but have never gone more than 10mph over. But since I’ve had the wee lass, I’m more mindful of speed limits … which are there, after all, for our safety! And having had a near miss with the wee lass running in front of a car yesterday, I am eternally grateful that the lady in the car that missed her was actually below the limit (30mph). The law’s an ass - what is good for the goose, is good for the gander - I don’t care how much charity work someone has done, if they are speeding, they should be dealt with appropriately. After all, thank God there was no accident, but imagine if there had been? It always seems to be the victims who come off worse, as in the case of that poor family who lost their children because of the stupidity of a footballer.

As for the idiots who hog lanes, whether it be motorway or single carriageway - they are causing just as much danger, imho! There should be speed camera’s for them!!! Like the numpty I followed along 26 miles of road by Loch Ness, going at 30mph in a 60! AAARRRGGGHHH! I was really wishing Nessie could have swept them into the loch!

Anyhow - stepping off soap box again!

Huggles,

Susan

Not to worry CtD I do not take overtaking personally. ;-)) I only drive part time these days just for a little extra wedge you understand. Everybody seems to be in a rush on our roads. I mean you could be doing say 92 in a 70 and still be overtaken…. Do not get me started on horse boxes ;-)

Anyhoo I read this and thought some of your may enjoy it as well. I have no idea if it is indeed true so I guess you can make your own minds up…

In the 16th and 17th centuries, everything had to be transported by
ship and it was also before the invention of commercial fertilizer.
Large shipments of manure were common.

It was shipped dry, because in dry form it weighed a lot less than when
wet, but once water (at sea) hit it, it not only became heavier, but
the process of fermentation began again, of which a by-product is
methane gas. As the stuff was stored below decks in bundles you can see
what could (and did) happen.

Methane began to build up below decks and the first time someone came
below at night with a lantern, BOOOOM!
Several ships were destroyed in this manner before it was determined
just what was happening.

After that, the bundles of manure were always stamped with the term,
'Ship High In Transit' on them, which meant for the sailors to stow it
high enough off the lower decks so that any water that came into the
hold

would not touch this volatile cargo and start the production of
methane.

Thus evolved the term 'S.H.I.T', (Ship High In Transit) which has come
down through the centuries and is still in use to this very day.

Keith the (NotSo) BigUn
Xx

P.S I had always thought it was a golf term.

Susan Im glad im not the only person that uses the word numpty

xx

I'm with CtD re banning lorries overtaking on m'ways. Why do they always do it on hills?

Am waiting rather agitatedly for the post as speed camera flashed me last week. Has never happened to me before :(

Loopy

Loopy - my pal, who was with wee lass yesterday when she ran onto the road, is awaiting a little letter too, having been zapped that very morning!

Greenyeovil - LOL!! Cannae believe that got past BP!! Brilliant!

I do like the word numpty ... do not like the fact that the wee lass and her wee pal now use it too!! *blushes*

Here in the US my son had his license for 6 months. He skided off the road in 6 inches of snow and ended up in a ditch. No property damage other than to his car and his pride. He was driving very slowly but was still ticketed for driving too fast. Was told that if he'd been going 5 MPH and slid off the road he was still going too fast. He was fined $300 and given 3 points........ It was his first offense......

Whoops just got distracted whapping great jet plane did low fly over the bay - loud or what

ooooh my first post disappeared into the ether... what did I say?

That is awfully harsh, JLFB007 (I love it that you are joining us from the US!). So I guess they were saying he shouldn't have been out in those conditions? Makes me wonder if he was being made an example of because of his age?

I have always said that young folk (I was 17 when I passed mine) are not given the right training in treacherous conditions, and that it should be part of the test! If one lives in a rural area, there is also no motorway driving.

oooer I'm being bingoed and bp'd.
Trying again:
Numpty - I use this term as well it's great when put with "yer gert big numpty" for any idiot I meet on the roads - makes me smile.

oooer its the good luck bit for greenyeovil that the blog doesn't like.

Evening each

Chris: Sorry, but I don't do speeding and I have little sympathy for those who are caught.

When I was 19 and my twin brothers were 13 my Dad was knocked down and killed on New Years Eve. The mini which killed him was being driven by someone who was so sorry afterwards that he sent a wreath to my Dad's funeral. I so wanted to kill him!!!

Sorry, I feel very strongly about drivers who break the law. My family was devasted, my mother never recovered from losing her husband and my brothers grew up without their Dad.

Anne xx

Just a quickie.

Wimbers (when you've been 42 times you earn the right to call it that) was fab.

Took Mother of MfR and we had a great day. Lovely weather, superb tennis and a chance to have a god old fashioned mum 'n' son day.

Just had a pint at The M with the old colleague mate and, hot off the press, the dream job could be on. For the first time in ages, I am excited about work......

Despite years of smoking around in Jags and the like I have, amazingly, never had so much as a point on my licence. God only knows......

Anyway. Tennis and a rather interesting football match beckon.

Oh, and the rather fabulous Mrs MfR.

Peace, love and two months notice.

MfR

Oh Anne what a sad event to hit your poor family. I have to say I did stop taking any driving risks when I had children and now 30 means 30 even if I have a full queue of traffic behind me!!!

xx

Buenos Noches one and all

Well been trying to keep up with the blog but very hard on a rubbish connection. Anyway back home tomorrow on Bin Bag airways ... starved of music this last 10 days, my Ipod not working at all, apart from a 5 mins download of Ask Elvis well that was that.

Which reminds me of a dream I had. I made a fortune with a smoking airline... called fly the fag...

Whatever
COCO

Hi Cathmel

Yes, it was truly awful. I had to collect my Dad's clothes from the hospital. Covered in blood, one shoe and a broken watch.

The man driving the car was rushing to a New Year's party in Sunderland and had driven from England, so very tired. However, I still, all these years later, hate him passionately.

Anne xx

Hi Annie I can understand your feelings on this subject and from one driver who doesn't speed you have my condolences belatedly.

Annie

I really don't know what to say, but I can say hand on heart that since I got my points I have seriously readdressed the way I drive.

The thing that really irked when I got caught was that I was honestly maintaining the flow of traffic - had I gone any slower I'd have been tailgated.

Our roads are very dangerous places.

CtD xxxx

Thank you Phoenix. It's so many years ago, but it still hurts to talk about it. I loved my Dad, I remember him as a gentle, quiet man who worked hard for his family, loved to sing, loved his kids and his wife and his rose garden.

Sad, eh? He was 49 when he died and was looking forward to the time when his kids had left home and he had time to spend with his beloved wife.

Anne xx

Dear CLP and Johnny Saunders

Thank you for having young Scott Redding on the show tonight - even if he did sound like a rabbit caught in the headlights!

He has got to be the bestest brightest hope for British (two wheeled) motor sport for a very long time.

The riding is second to none, but can someone please give the lad some media training! Bless!!

Thanks again.

Cheryl

PS: Shame on you for the tumbleweed moment - fancy not knowing who Alex Barros is!!!!

PPS: Donnington Park went absolutely wild on Sunday when he crossed the finish line the winner.

PPPS: You could have heard a pin drop at Donnington Park on Sunday when James Toseland high-sided (ouch) at the first corner!!

Nite Nite x x x

Anne

I'm sorry my comments appeared trite after your very moving post.

I dashed on and didn't read what came before.

I hope your experience will influence others.

It has made made me think.

Best wishes

MfR

Mat: Please don't apologise. I do think my Dad dying in that way has influenced how our family deal with things. I know that he is looking after his family - have had some quite scary moments in the past few years- he is definitely looking after his grandchildren, especially on the roads.

I talk to him frequently - he doesnt always answer but I know he is listening and probably rolling his eyes at my comments.

Anne xx

Been on fb all night so will catch up now - but stand by your beds EJR is on his way back! 20 mins ago.

Beesmum xx

hate me or not I have no points and have never sped - frankly if you speed you should lose your licence and need to retake your test - harsh I know but there is no excuse - no matter what the time of day - if you are not sure what the limit is where you are then go at 30 to be safe until you see a sign...if that is too slow for the chap or chappess behind then tough - run someone over or crash yourself and you will be regretting it for ever - best not to take the chance. Happily I am a forgiving type and never hold someones speeding prosecutions against them - time done and all that.

As the dictator of the world I would have armed police officers pull middle lane hogs over and do away with them - simple and easy to remember.

Here is a driving joke - I think it is Billy Connelley ro Spike Milligan - could have been Tommy cooper :

"Police Officer pulls over a chap for swerving wildly in the road - and asks him if he has been drinking.

I have had 3 pints, two whishkeys and a bottlesh of wine orrifersher.

Well i am afraid I shall have to breathalyse you sir.

Why? Don't you believe me?"

Could have been Jim Davidson ;)

Sat in the lounge at Auckland Airport....watching you all!!! Sleep tight each.

Ouch Annie 49 - that's young - mine 67
Beesmum xx

middle lane hoggers grrr! togs

Beesmum

lorries who overtake when approaching a hill grrr!

Beesmum

speeding dipsticks grrr

Beesmum x

live just off m'way so get screaming idiots still on m'way speed when they hit town - just love driving in front at exactly 30mph!

Besmum xx

actually had beemer flash me yesterday - wish I had blue light fitted!!
sorry but being bingoed

Beesmum xx

training when young - a must - was sent up country lane in snow - 17 - big lesson - thanks dad

Beesmum x

later - much later - advanced by poliss yikes! but should be compulsory! When you drive - do you ever think of a safe escape route? prob not.

Beesmum xx

and pk should have been banned over 100 mph regardless.

nite all - safe within speed limit driving - didn't know about limit up to toll in Wales -over new bridge? usually slowing down anyway.
Please stay on blog US person - would love your opinions on some of these comments!

Beesmum xx

Just caught up with the comments - so nite nite and welcome back Rob.

My gripes on bad drivers are:

Its raining I can't see you why haven't you put some lights on.

You wanted to turn right - well indicate first then.

What lane did you really want on the roundabout - you are going where - oh yes

It's a 20 limit for a reason - honest

If I'm doing 70 on the motorway and you overtake me what speed are you doing?

Oh really you don't know that the national speed limit on non motorways is 60... shame on you.

It's a really big hill and I can't see the other traffic - do you really need to overtake me on the wrong side - where's an exit??

That'll do for now if I can locate my dad's alternative 10 commandments for road users I'll post it on here.

Advanced Drivers rule or at least know the 2 second rule!

Nite nite everyone - fingers crossed not bingoed again

Hi everyone,

Anne - so sorry to read what happened to your dad.

I don't actually drive (passed my test years ago but have a complete fear of being behind the wheel), but I have many friends who drive like maniacs but somehow have never been stopped. Mr M has unfortunately been done for speeding twice so now he is super careful, it makes me feel better as I am not a relaxed passenger (I sometimes think I'm going to put my foot through the floor trying to brake on his behalf!) I would rather walk everywhere, I'm a bit of a hippy at heart!

em xx

I dont drive either but after being used to being ferried everywhere (usually by Dad) and him passing away end of 2006 im lost without a car and desperately wishing Jerome and I had one.

Annie as hard as this may sound I think it made you stronger, and I talk to my Dad every day too, still waiting for his reply :)

Sara xx

morning all

Annie - so sorry for your loss, we lost a mate when we were all 18 to a fast corner taker and I cannot tell you how we harrassed him for a while...feel bad now but at the time the hate was immense.
I have been to far too many road collisions to condone speeding, drinking, mobile phoning, texting etc etc and hate pulling face's out of tarmac, knocking on doors to inform relatives that their nearest and dearest aren't coming home, or are horrifically injured in hospital.
We are allowed in our position to speed to emergencies which looks great but I can assure you is very dangerous, I had a head on crash a couple of years ago whilst on 'blues n twos'....the guy (texting) reckoned he hadn't heard nor seen my two tonne car with lights and sirens as he pulled out...thank god for airbags and seatbelts is all I will say!

MrsW off to Ibiza tonight for a few days with her girlies....lots planned this end will let you know as and when it happens!

Bonnet de douche

KWx

PS - how's the unpacking going Chris?????

Morning gang

Hurrah
Hurrah
Hurrah

Happy Happy Happy

CtD xxxxx

.. to be continued ...

And another driving gripe ....

Do your indicators stop working the second you enter the supermarket car park?? Well, do they??? No - you just can't be bovvered to tell the Micra-driving bod (me!) behind you which lane you're going to steer down, which pedestrian you are going to scare the beejaysus out of next!!!

And don't get me started on the berks who leave their shopping trollies abandoned in an empty car parking space without taking it back to the trolly bay ....

CtD x x

PS: Many moons ago, in my first ever car (a white Mini 850 called ellwood) I popped to the supermarcardo on Christmas Eve and there was nowhere to park. Trolley monkey had just emptied the trolley bay .. which was just the right size for a Mini 850 to reside for 10 minutes!!!!

Gingembre - please forgive me for saying anything BUT...

you know CLP is living in his silver machine for quite some time and hasn't even moved into his new house yet let alone started the process of unpacking.

Sorry, but you appear a little rude.

jx

Annie

I've been thinking about your post from last night and agree that losing a parent really makes you re-assess your lifestyle.

My dad died in 2005 aged 60. He'd been a heavy drinker all his life and in the end it was to prove his final downfall and claim his life (basically his body gave up).

I still like a drink but having seen what it did to him, I'm careful and despise the binge-drinking culture we are subjected to.

He also had no qualms about driving after having a drink - the classic "I'm OK" syndrome. I've always maintained that had he not moved abroad and remained living in the UK I would gladly have shopped him to the local force - he was a driver by profession, which makes it even worse.

Cheryl x x x

Morning

So sad these stories.

My friends Dad died this morning. She feels some kind of relief and is feeling very guilty about that.

Going to give my Dad a call and see if he wants to pop by for a coffee later. I'm so lucky.

Debbie x

Morning all!

Annie, lots of love and hugs coming your way sweetie. Where I grew up, the road is treacherous and we have lost a lot of people to idiots speeding on the road. The parents of a school mate of mine were killed in a head-on with a young lad from the village, nit long passed. 2 days later he was tooting and waving to the grieving relatives in the village. No jail for him. A few years later he crashed again on the same corner. A few years later still his fiancee was killed on the same corner.

The law needs to be reviewed.

Huggles,

Susan

Sorry gang, but I've just had this emailed to me from a good friend and it made me smile, so I wanted to share with you all ...

TOP TEN THINGS ONLY WOMEN UNDERSTAND

10. Cats' facial expressions.
9. The need for the same style of shoes in different colors.
8. Why bean sprouts aren't just weeds.
7. Fat clothes.
6. Taking a car trip without trying to beat your best time.
5. The difference between beige, ecru, cream, off-white, and eggshell.
4. Cutting your hair to make it grow.
3. Eyelash curlers.
2. The inaccuracy of every bathroom scale ever made.

AND, the Number One thing only women understand:

1. OTHER WOMEN

I prefer riding my bike personally, made a real effort this year to try and ride to work three times a week, mainly to save money on fuel but also it's good for training. It must be doing me some good, got 2nd place last night in the midweek race I ride, my teammate got 1st..woohoo!
I have no speeding stories, have 3 points on my licence, it's a fair cop etc etc. These days the price of fuel has meant I drive a lot more economically, get 550miles to the tank now in the good old diesel Focus.

Off to Barcelona tomorrow for a long weekend, can't wait :-) EJR i'll be flying with my employers so there should be no problems at all ;-)
J

Jen

- I certainly didn't mean to appear that way,
perhaps my excitement has clouded my judgement in this instance.
Won't mention it again x

Kx

debbie - sorry to hear of your friends loss

CLP,

Anymore clues as to what you have for gingembre?

I cannot wait for you to unpack!

x x x x

Debbie, lots of hugs and prayers for strength and comfort for your friend.

Gingembre, hon, CLP is an excitable, vivacious chap and I'm sure he can cope with another chap like that on his blog! What's on at the weekend then!?!

Rusty, sweetie, have a blast in Barcelona (I see Freddie and that large lady with the large voice every time I think of Barcelona!!) - and mind and tell us all about it!

Talking of unpacking - we are 2 years in this house in October and still have boxes in the loft we haven't unpacked!! It's quite exciting when we get round to unpacking them!

Gingembre you are sure getting excited but you may have to be a little more patient for a bit longer - I have packing cases from when I moved to Dorset in my garage and that was 5 years ago - lol!

Rusty - enjoy Barcelona and try to take in a little culture along with the nightlife and tell us all when you get back.

Debbie {{}} for your friend on the loss of her dad - mine died aged 69 two years ago today so my mum will be popping into the crematorium where the memorial book will be open at his page to pay her respects.

Off to healthy place again for rest, exercise and pure relaxation - taking my cousin this time as a guest as a treat - she will have a day off from parental duties of a nearly 3 yr old.

on the topic of Dads- I still have mine and at the ender age of 48 I hope I have him for many a year

my mum left when i was little and my dad bought me up so i ahve a lot to be thankful for - heres a bug thumbs up to dads everywhere :-)

Super bp x

London Blog Meet

Pls see FB CLP page - I've floated a new date and an explanation, if you've not seen it already.

CtD xxxxx

Happy Thirsty Thursday everyone - looking forward to pay day tomorrow...

Not a driver so nothing to contribute to today's blog, I'm afraid.

Re - yesterday's blog:

Debbie and CtD - you guys had me LMAO. Brilliant! Although the clingfilm? Vile!

AF - strippers and chicken in a basket - sounds like a hen do I've got to go on in a couple of weeks. We have to wear matching T-shirts. I'm dreading it.

CtD - you're so right about scuzzy work kitchens. Ours is so bad that I don't even bother making myself tea anymore. And I work at a GP surgery! Surely hygiene should be the top priority!

KJR - well done on informing your stinky colleague that he, well, stinks. Can't have been easy.

Looking forward to ARF tomorrow - I've got a wee belter.

She's dirty, sweet and she's my girl [sic]...

Rosie x

Posts #42 and #44

HURRAH!!!!!

CtD xxxxx

Gingembre - Don't think you come across as rude at all, it's all a bit of fun and I'm sure Chris would see it that way xx Lucky Mrs W off to Ibiza, I've hardly ever left my two little horrors and I think it would do them (and me) the world of good!

Just been hearing the kids read at school, call me sad but it's one of the highlights of my week, they're all so lovely!

Em xx

Rosie

Is she clad in black by any chance??

I'll second that!

Cheryl x x x

Phew! - bit busy this morn.

Gingembre not rude in the least - was thinking about putting something on todays/tomorrows blog about very same thing so he can see when he looks for first record! Discovered he'd lost his print so must be rummaging through some boxes!!

CLP open the box!!

Beesmum xx

Back later

CtD you missed out 43 from the man himself?

Just another thing on the driving thing - to those ninnies who scream past in the outside lane on motorways - regardless of volume of traffic - then slam on their brakes as they come up against - oh dear - other traffic!

result - half a dozen other idiots slamming brakes on - back up the line - a 5 mile queue doing 30 !!

Please refrain from using brakes on motorways - judge the speed and volume of traffic and just ease that right foot off!! but just watch your mirror - there will always be a "Lewis" about to smack you up the back - hence the escape route?

Beesmum xx

Hi everyone,

Just felt I had to defend Gingembre! Such a nice guy and I can't believe he would ever be rude!

Jen, you probably didn't mean it the way it looked, but it did seem harsh to me.

Sometimes that happens with the written word, doesn't it? I am in the middle of an email nightmare with a friend and we are just getting into a deeper hole by the minute! Make a phone call, you say? How terribly old-fashioned!

C xx

By the way - new Chrissie - had a very large lorry scream up to the back of my then - very small car - not asleep - not on phone - not drinking or reading but just very angry and not apparently with me but car who had just dived in front of me to get out of his way.

Spose he thought why not take the two of us out he was so mad! Swear he was no more than a foot away! very scary and very big.

You should have got right back in there and driven again perhaps not on motorway but other roads until confidence back.

Beesmum xx

ps I got off at next exit!! very quickly - cos doubt he could see my indicator from that great height!!

Munch gingembre - you are lovely xxx

Beesmum xx

B-sMum

#82

Here Here!!

Although NewChrissieS has probably got a very good point about the written word.

Gingembre .... we luvs ya hunnybuns!

CtD xxxxxx

PS: I was hyperventilating at #43.

Soz bout that gang!

Cheryl x x x

When CtD meets EJR - could make a film?

te he

Beesmum xx

Like that'll ever happen BM!!!

xxxx

Count yourself lucky Chris. Last Wednesday I got slapped (or rather the car did) by a car that wasn't there when I looked up.

20valve Fiat Coupe now a complete write off. Ask Jeremy Clarkson 'cos I wrote all about it to him after he wrote one off two days later, on TV.

1. You weren't hurt or injured.

2. Your car is intact.

3. You can afford to enjoy a chauffeur for the next 2 months.

4. You still have your job.

5. Your friend has confessed to a crime, and can be fined.

6. You won't have to queue at a garage.

7. You now have loads of material for your next programme to prevent someone else making the same mistakes.

Good Luck.

ps. I'm too old to listen to your programme but I still got loads of recipes if you want any more for CIN

Betty

Welcome to the blog.

TOO OLD??? Heavens Evans woman!! You're never too old to blog or listen to CLP.

We're very friendly, can be a bit naughty at times and love new people to come in and test the water!!!

Cheryl xxx

Ah Gingembre is so sweet, wasn't being rude, just excited.

Rosie/CtD - I was telling Mr Debbie last night about the AS party with the clingfilm etc and told him that I mentioned it on the blog.

He looked at me in horror asking why would I talk about that on the blog.

'it wasn't just me' I replied 'Cheryl was talking about eggs and I don't mean free-range!'. I think at that point he gave up . He is sure that I'm mad now.

Debbie x

"accidentally had a load of alcohol"

It's terrible the way alcohol just sneaks up on you like that.

I went out for a quick pint on Sunday, and before I knew it 5 pints had fallen down my throat.

Monday Morning:
fresh as a daisy - I was NOT

Afternoon all,

After living down the embarrassment of the lovely Errol relaying my bedroom secrets (steady now!) I have finally regained my composure and am delighted to endulge you all with a little insight into our life at the moment.

We live in Northamptonshire, which currently is plagued with parasites in the water system. Happy days! We are coping rather well and it must be said that the chickens, rabbits, g pigs and cats are all rather enjoying their Evian, and the fish have requested their water to be changed with Perrier. They say they like the bubbles. I have flossed, brushed and mouth washed (which order are you supposed to do that in??) and rinsed with pre boiled and pre chilled eau de northants. All necessary precautions are being taken and so far not a dicky tummy in sight.
Living next to a river its all a bit weird. We get flooded about 4 times a year, and its becoming a bit water water everywhere etc etc. Still, its only gonna be for 2 or 3 weeks. Yay.

On the speeding note, I feel that some people drive because they have to, or its easier, more convenient that the other options and some people drive for pleasure. I fall into the latter category myself and love a good drive either motorway or country roads. I love my car and she performs very well. I'm no boy racer and sometimes my ghast is all flabbered by what I witness on the roads. Personally I believe that Brands Hatch, Silverstone, Oulton and Donnington should do the Nuremberg (?) Ring thing and be opened up to the public to drive how they want for however long they want. Just a thought.

Hey Errol, fancy a day at Brands? I know how you like it when I'm behind the wheel!
He's a very nervous passenger, bless him x

Til later,

MW, a!

Mw,a - I totally agree with you about race tracks. As much as i adore bike racing as a sport, I despise motorbikes on the road. Maybe because I've never been on one, I have no spacial appreciation of their capabilities?

Keep motorbikes on tracks is what I say.

But men in leathers is a different story altogether!

Glad you're coping with the icky water situ - thought of you when I saw it on the news: my mum's not far from there either (Billing).

Take care all.

CtD xxxxx

evening, afternoon etc....good god what time is it!!!!? It is 9.30pm here in Kuala Lumpur and I think about 11.30pm in Auckland and I am somewhere in between. Spent ages on the flight just dealing with the few remaining pics that have now been posted on the FB. I am really tired and drinking some red wine to help me sleep through the next flight - then it is one more and I shall be back in summer time (but not sure where my head will be). Then a cool weekend in the Ox with ex-uni buddies and finally back to the job (whatever that is ...I have written it dowen in a sealed envelope at home to be opened at 6am on Monday morning...with a map so i can find the office hehehehe).

Gingembre - nice guy, just impatient (unlike all other men eh?) Actually i would quite like to know what you have got.

CtD - steady!!

*looks at wine bottle and decides it is almost empty and someone should do something about that*

Oh...am updating the movie thingy as well...newer nicer pics.

you get some strange folk in the airport lounges you know...lots of very overweight business suited types speaking very loudly into a mobile...I hope I don't look like that when I travel for work...they need to get off their behinds and start moving around most of em.....

Motorbikes are fine - i miss mine - it is always the prat in the car you need to watch out for. On a bike you are (normally) aware of how vunerable you are - that is why we roar off from the lights normally. Yes there are some prat bikers but there are far more prat drivers.

EJR

hello!!

sweet dreams.

make mine a Shiraz.

C

Gingembre - My apologies as I did come across as very harsh (thanks, NewChrissieS) and I hope I've not offended.

However, getting impatient about something does not in any way impinge on you being a lovely chap - as so many posts have testified.

Jx

Anne. Just to say what a sad story, that must be terrible for you to have lived with and I send you my most heartfelt warm thoughts. But I can only hope your anger is dissipating as this will not help you to heal. We cannot put the clock back, as heartbreaking as this is, and I can only assume that the perpetrator would do this in an instant if he only could. So in whatever way is possible for you, please, please, sweetie, try to move out of that angry place. I say this with nothing but compassion and I wish you well.

But this aside, it's not just speed that kills on our roads. It's the aggression, arrogance and anger of the person behind the wheel which drives it.

I drive many thousands of miles a year, mainly in the UK and Ireland, and let me tell you I see things you would simply not believe. I might have a giggle at some people's ineptitude- and at my own sometimes- but we do all need to realise what lethal machines our cars are, and the importance of basic manners.

The most lethal situation I ever see is that which occurs between two drivers waging war between themselves, becoming rabidly angry at being 'cut up' or made to wait in a line of traffic. That anger which I see on a regular basis, the red mist which descends and pervades the atmosphere, is truly frightening and is the cause of more accidents than we will ever know.

Indeed, (and the daughter gets the hump with me when I get on me soap box over this) even more anger and bitterness is generated among motorists because we are treated these days by the Police, the Highways Agencies and the Councils as fair game. It's open season for the motorist at the moment in pursuit of revenue.

When I'm zapped for doing 49mph through motorway road-works, two lanes open, on a perfectly clear evening with no other cars around, designated a ridiculous 40mph zone, and am fined 100 quid and given points it does make me extremely vexed. Because make no mistake, I will be pursued to the ends of the earth until I pay up in a manner that will never apply to the average mugger.

Mind you, when I'm pulled up for drivin' in the bus lane between Dublin and Dun Laoghaire because I've bin' shoppin' and made meself late for me ferry, I have to hold me hands up. And apologise to the nice Gardai for being a tad haughty. ew.

So Christoff I don't know how they decide. Shut their eyes and stick a pin in I guess.

Any road up.

Cathmel. Hahaha, me hair is bloody Gargeous thankyou kindly. Mind you it moults twice a year and gets in the way a bit when I'm buryin' me lamb chop bones.

Mw. Oh dear, that's not clever re. the contaminated water is it. Still, you could take heed of the events of last Summer over in Galway. They had the old Crypto-sporidia in the water so all hell was let loose with the natives goin' down like flies and Paddy Power were offering odds on how many reports of the squitters there would be during race week.

The thing that delighted me more than anything, though, was the promotion girls going around town, giving out the bottled water with the labels declaring as follows;-

"Galway Spring Mineral Water, Fresh From The Springs Of Ireland."

And underneath, "And No Shite."

Marvellous.

Clodagh.xx

one or two bottles?

And apologies to the language police. I'm only quotin'.

Hurrah.

C.xx