Marty

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!

Just my head measurement, I hope? P.S. Let's hope your brother, Drew, doesn't ask for one as well. You may not have enough yarn for a head the size of his!

You make it sound as though that's a bad thing. I'll place an order for one of those hats you made for Nathan. But in grownup size, please.

Here's my week 35 offering in my attempt to take and upload one new monochrome photograph each week for 52 weeks... I'm not totally happy with it, but think Gary may like it. If only because it's one of the windows in the old cottage in my back garden.

I'm basically in agreement with Gary here. One thing I have learnt in life about the relationship problems of others is for me to try not to get involved in them...

Hi, Gary! Great to hear you're starting to feel better!

Greetings, young Albert!

It's not even December, bro.

Happy Friday, everyone! (Yes, @Valkyrie, it's that day of the week again - hopefully I don't forget later...) Cool and overcast day here, but fortunately very little wind to make it feel even cooler. Currently (just past noon) 5°C/41°F with a high of 7°C/45°F forecast - although it may drop to as low as 1°C/34°F overnight. No significant rain expected, which is something to be grateful for. I'll be heading off in about an hour to meet up with my social bubble for a takeaway restaurant meal in one of their houses. Need to stop in the small town on the way to pick up a few essentials for one of them. It's strange how the current lockdown (which will hopefully be eased somewhat next Tuesday) makes these weekly meet ups seem so much more special... First, though, I need to apply another coat of varnish to the new back door. The tradesman who will hang it for me advised varnishing it first. Problem is, there's no heat in the store room where it's sitting on trestles, so each coat of varnish takes several days to fully dry. Three coats of varnish are recommended. I have the first coat applied to the second side. I've also to finish varnishing the new door frame (casement), as well. So it may be the middle of next week before the door is ready to be hung (and then the tradesman may still keep me waiting).

Lets just hope all that food will help you grow taller, and not fatter...

Interesting first chapter... The story blurb says that Tristan meets his ex again six years later. I shall be interested in seeing how that pans out. Whilst it's always possible that Peter could have some semi reasonable explanation for his behaviour (although I greatly doubt he will be able to come up with one that sounds even slightly as though he wasn't in the wrong), let's hope the intervening six years have at least allowed Tristan to develop the warrior side of his name. As the older lady said to him on the subway: " ... Tristan. It's a nice name. It means 'warrior', and 'the sad one'. Today you’re the latter, but never forget the first."

We don't actually celebrate Thanksgiving here in Ireland... But I'm sure there will be lots of children over here who were giving thanks today, when the Minister for Foreign affairs made the following announcement in parliament: ___________________________________________ 'He's exempt. He's coming' Government confirms no restrictions for Santa travelling to Ireland this Christmas ____________________ Source: https://www.thejournal.ie/santa-ireland-clearance-5279442-Nov2020/ Extract: "THERE WAS GOOD news from the Dáil [Parliament] this morning, as Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney confirmed that Santa Claus’ travels have been deemed essential, clearing the way for him to visit Ireland this Christmas. Despite Covid-19 restrictions recommending against various forms of travel, Coveney said today that Santa is “exempt” but stressed that children should maintain social distancing and ensure they don’t risk Santa’s health when he visits them this year." [ ... ] "I can also confirm that following discussions with Santa’s representatives that although there are reports that there are a number of deputies in the house on the naughty list, at the time of writing, this is not the case, although I believe that in a few instances, it was quite a close run thing – there are still a few weeks to go though. Sources at the Dáil today were unable to confirm reports that one government minister remarked “bah, humbug” at the Santa news this morning, and TheJournal.ie has asked for comment."

I did consider using the following image in my previous post:

I see it's another busy day in the meat market today. I just hope everyone's observing correct social distancing...

Greetings, young Albert! Enjoy your day.

Enjoy your thanksgiving, ma Sherye. And stay safe out there.

Hi, bro! Hope today's the day your throat starts to feel better.

If you read the story, you'll see suggestions similar to that almost led to a civil war between the normally peace loving residents of sleepy Oakland... _________________________________________ ‘It tore the neighborhood apart’ As damaging as Gerald’s presence was to people in the garden, perhaps even more explosive was the conversation on Nextdoor, a popular social media platform for neighbors to discuss local issues. Nancy Friedman, a longtime resident and neighborhood “lead” on Nextdoor, said she had never seen such a divisive topic on the platform, “with people attacking each other more often than the turkey attacked people”. _________________________________________