Marty

Who knows, bro? Who knows? "There are more things in heaven and earth, Bucket Horatio, Than are dreamt of in your philosophy." Greetings, young Albert.

Now you see it... Now you don't... We are not alone...

I drove 50 miles or so today to be part of a surprise for a friend of mine who had been nominated for, and won, an award with Volunteer Ireland for the work she does for the LGBTI+ community in the west of Ireland. Normally these awards would take place at a special ceremony in Dublin at the start of December each year, but that couldn't happen this year because of Covid restrictions. I had received word through Volunteer Ireland that she was to receive a surprise delivery today, which would include her trophy, a letter from Volunteer Ireland sharing some of the amazing things that were said about her in her nominations, as well as a note from the Irish President, Michael D. Higgins, and a hamper of goodies to celebrate with. As I was driving down, and for the first time ever during Covid lockdowns, I was actually stopped at a Garda (Irish Police) checkpoint. I was worried that I would be told to turn back, as I was no longer in my own county at the time. I put my facemask on before opening the driver door window, and reached for my wallet to get my driving licence out. The gard was actually quite friendly and, when he saw the wallet, jokingly told me I only needed to give him one fifty euro note! I just showed him my licence, and when I told him where I was going, and why, he simply sent me on my way (whilst pretending to be upset that he hadn't got his fifty euros). The look on my friend's face when the surprise was sprung was brilliant! I waited outside her house and started videoing when the delivery driver knocked on her door. Volunteer Ireland had asked myself and Jordan to take videos for them to use when the awards are made public in December. Jordan had made sure our friend would actually be at home at the time of the delivery by arranging to call round with homemade lasagne for them to have for lunch. Several hours later, she was still claiming she didn't deserve the award. The few of us there just kept saying "Nonsense! Of course you do!" It was a good day! One that helped lift some of the funk that I have been feeling over the Covid situation recently!

Two words...

Not a lot at the moment, Albert. What you up to?

I hope you're not thinking of leaving poor Steve, young man!

You might be better moving in with my non-binary friend, Jordan. They created and cooked the homemade lasagne.

I'm doing really good, thanks for asking, Albert. I had homemade lasagne for dinner.

I see we're on page 1922... That was the year my mother was born.

A belated greeting back at you, young Albert.

Greetings, bro!

Oui !! Toi !!

Why? Does Ogopogo have a cure for sore throats?

Glad you're slowly getting better, Gary. I'll just take this opportunity to suggest that both clochette and dughlas should try to avoid making any innuendos about the colour of the spots in Gary's throat.

Ask @clochette nicely, and she might knit you a pair, @Albert1434!

Ah! Having not seen the play, I didn't realise the reference you were making.

Maybe try it again, but in colour?

Aw shucks, Gary... You certainly know how to make a grown man blush.

Yes, there was originally a wider window, as can be seen by the lintel, which carries on across the brickwork. As, and when, I ever get round to repairing it, I shall open it up to its full width again. As to what makes me less than totally happy about it, I think I should have maybe taken it in landscape format to show the full lintel... Truth be told, I'm never totally happy with any of my photographs. But I think that's a fairly common fault with most artists (if I dare use such a word to try and describe my photographic skills - or lack thereof).

In Ireland, Little Christmas is the traditional name for the Feast of the Epiphany (January 6th), celebrated after the conclusion of the twelve days of Christmas. It is also called in Irish Nollaig na mBan ("Women's Christmas") because, traditionally, Irish men take on household duties for the day. So maybe that's why Aunti Mame would be hoping for a little Christmas.

Greetings, Page! Hello, young Albert!