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Hello, Elle!
Well, that is excellent news about Mr Jingles!
He seems to have settled in fine at your abode, as we were hoping!
That's good you are enjoying your family.
Times crossword is a good one.
I liked 5 down. Well done setter!
One or two new words/meanings for me, which I like.
Weather has settled down.
Wind has dropped a bit.
We had snow and rain on and off, all day.
Clear sky now, and cold, so probably icy tomorrow.

Hi, Rusty!
Oh dear, although snow is very pretty and picturesque when falling/ newly fallen, the icy state of the roads and pavements afterwards can be very scary and dangerous.
How deep is the snow?
Any chance of its thawing by tomorrow?
I do hope it doesn't reach us here!
Elder daughter and co are travelling back home tomorrow after breakfast.
So we are hoping for good weather conditions as they will have around a three hour drive to reach the Midlands area where they live.
I have had a quick shifty at the Times 15 x 15....not finished it yet though......
For 5d : I've got "thought-reading" = uncanny perception (def)
though - while
treading - putting one's foot down
Yes, quite a nice one!

Hello, Elle!
There is only the odd patch of snow left.
Mainly on the grass.
The rain would shift it.
It is the black ice that is the problem.
Treacherous stuff!
Hope your daughter gets good dry roads for the journey North.
I do not think there is anything untoward forecast?
"Though treading" was a good one, I thought!
A good crossword, today!

Hi, Rusty!
It is supposedly going to be very cold tomorrow, about 2C, I think?
Foggy early morning, but then clearing to sunshine.
I doubt they will leave before about 10am, so hopefully all will be well on the roads by then.
After that, we shall have to take the dog out for a really long hike - she has had her exercise much curtailed over the last two days with the coming of visitors!
Then we shall have a few days ( well-earned!) rest before the New Year celebrations.........
It is of course also my husband's birthday on New Year's Day!
So all the family get together then, when possible.......
I like that!
Coffees all round now.......and maybe a mince pie?

Hello, Elle,
It is going to be colder down your way than up here, tomorrow.
Just hope there is no ice!
I am not a fan of New Year.
It used to be a big occasion up here, but not any more.
Yes, your dog will miss the long walks.
Keep an eye on the weather, though.

Hi, Rusty!
No, I agree, New Year is not what it once was......
But it is different though, with us , as we are not really celebrating "New Year" as such, but rather my husband's birthday!
And we all gather on New Year's Day itself, not on New Year's Eve!
Different motivation!
Just a nice family occasion.
Although this year we shall be fewer than usual, as elder daughter will not be coming back again to London for the occasion.
But then we gain our granddaughter and her mum (and the new half -brother) as they always come.
It will be good.
Bitterly cold out!

Good morning, Elle!
Beautiful day here.
No ice, but it is cold.
Your New Year/birthday plans sound good.
Is your elder daughter and family safe home?
I was at ASDA earlier. Was quiet there.
Say "hello" to Mr Jingles for me.

Good afternoon, Rusty!
Glorious day here, too.
Bright blue sky and sunshine. And about 2C!
No, daughter and family will not be home yet....they didn't leave here until about 10.30am.
Allowing for a three hour drive and an hour's food and toilet break , I should think they might make base about 2.30 - with luck.
She will phone / text when they get there.
We went out with the dog immediately after they left.........and have just returned.
Fortuitously, whilst in the park, we met up with some old friends....it was lovely to catch up.
They had just come back from Southern Ireland.......they live there for part of the year.
What have you been doing with your day?
(I am now about to put my feet up....!)

Hello, Elle!
I have been sitting glaring at a recalcitrant laptop!
I suspect it is kaput!
It has being repairing start up mode, and going back to a "known" working date, all to no avail.
I'll get a young one involved, but I think it is all up with it!
Fortunately the sales are on!
A fine day here.
Crossword is finished.
There is one "alleged" homophone in it, too.
Not to me , it isn't!

Hi, Rusty!
Oh dear! I'm sorry about the demise of your laptop!
It's spirit has probably departed to wherever defunct technological machines go!
It might well meet my printer there!
We too shall be visiting the Sales!
Meanwhile....no crosswords unless I buy a paper!
(which I haven't!)
So what was your "alleged" homophone?
Daughter rang about 3.15 - all home safely.
Traffic very slow as roads very busy.
I then attempted to watch "Call the Midwife" which I had recorded ......but I fell asleep!