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Hi, Rusty!
Well, at least the sun has continued to shine throughout all my tribulations!
I am done with my enquiries about planning permission.
I have just spoken with a solicitor from the legal advice line that goes with one's Insurance policies, and she tells me that the local councils are pushing through as many flat conversions as they can because of housing shortages!
The solicitor's own personal experience regarding alterations to the house next to hers, was that the letter from the council, advising her of the planning application, came on the same day as the builders started work!!
(And she a solicitor! What chance do we mere non -legal mortals stand?)
She advises us to go though the motions, but has basically said don't hold out any hope!
Now......striving for a lighter note...!
Have you been watching the Commonwealth Games?
And what time is the golf?

Hello, Elle!
Not a very encouraging solicitor!
But, you and your neighbours must do your best to get the matter resolved as best you can.
I watched some of the cycling at the Gold Coast.
The golf is on now through Sky Golf Red Button.
Finished my puzzle.
It is a good one. 15d is a new word to me,

Hi, Rusty!
You sound as though you are having a good day, with plenty of sport to watch.
A postcard arrived belatedly from Swanage this morning, from BB.....he had taken the trouble to write it himself!
Wasn't that nice?
We have been pottering about in the garden this afternoon, as it is an absolutely beautiful day here , with the temperature well up in double figures!
We bought three rhododendron bushes and have been deciding where they should go.......
I haven't even printed out the crosswords today.....

hi Elle
Please keep an eye on your doggie and cat in the garden as Rhododendron are toxic and can harm both animals.

Regarding your neighbour's plans, I was in the same position as you about 15 years ago. Outcome was a 2-storey extension and the view from my bathroom window (which once used to have the sun pouring in early morning) now faces a rendered wall ! I tried the "lack of light" complaint, but the lady from the planning dept. said the builder was within his rights.
I wish you luck, anyway !

Hi elle

Jazzy is right to warn you about rhodos, but I don't think there's much to worry about. We have lots, and none of our cats or dogs have ever shown any interest in eating the flowers.

What is less well known (and a bit worrying) is that honey that bees make from rhodo nectar can be poisonous to humans!

PS The leaves are the most poisonous part of the rhododendron

They're even less tempted to eat the leaves! (except by mistake, I suppose)

Hello, Jazzy!
I appreciate your warning about rhododendrons, but we have had them in our garden for years for years and - like Chris - none of our cats or dogs have ever shown the slightest interest in them.
These are (small) replacements for our other bush, which didn't survive its replanting when we replaced our decrepit garden wall with a new fence!

I am sorry to hear about your building experience.
My talk with a solicitor this morning has not led me to hold out much hope...I can see the plans going ahead.
Almost every consideration I offered, she said that the Council would knock down!
I am stressed at the thought of living next door to what will amount to a block of flats , when it has always been a quiet family home!



Hi, Chris!
I didn't know that about bees and rhodos! and we have had both in our garden for years.
You are full of interesting facts!

Hi, Rusty!
Update on what I said before!
I have now (belatedly) done my crossword.........
There are two words that I did not know......
Like you, "chiliarch" was a new word for me..... and also "tigon".
I am not always keen on homophones, but I rather liked "Thai gone"!
Has your son been visiting you this evening?
I have only just realised that it is Thursday!

Hello, Elle!
I knew "tigon", there is a "liger", too.
I liked today's puzzle.
My son was here for a while.
We were keeping an eye on the Masters while we chatted.
I was reading that Laddie has been chasing off male ospreys over the last few days.
Apparently there were five ospreys in the air today.
All go at the loch!