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If you look up Aral Sea, elle, you'll see what a tragedy it is, almost none left when once it supported whole communities based on fishing.
I only knew about it because I had to study Matthew's Arnold's poetry for O level and one ends
"the new-bathed stars
Emerge, and shine upon the Aral Sea"

The mighty Oxus River, which once fed it, is one of two rivers used for irrigation instead of flowing into the Aral Sea. As the Sea dried up, dust laden with agricultural chemicals blew from the bed onto the crops, which needed more water to get rid of them etc. Apparently the weather was even affected. There's now a dam and the North Aral Sea is very slowly growing again and some fishing is possible.

Good morning, Elle!
Another great day, here, but hot!
I have little knowledge about computers and technology.
Just the very basics.
Have you unplugged it from wall socket for a minute or two?
That may help.
Or, try a different browser?
I recently switched from Chrome browser to Brave browser and found it to be better...and no intrusive ads either!
I have a BT router, I think it's called, and the advice BT gave me when trouble strikes, is to unplug it for a couple of minutes, and that often solves issues.
It won't do any harm to try anyway.
Sagan will be sore today, but I hope he starts.
He is a very hardy lad, and will tough it out, I think.
He has very good team mates to help him.
I was reading about Philippe Gilbert who crashed the previous day.
He got back on the bike and rode 60 kms to the finish, where they discovered he had a broken kneecap, and he abandoned the race.
Just off out to get my paper!

Good Morning, Rusty!
It just gets hotter and hotter here!
A not so pleasant walk this morning in the humidity!
But we are now forecast thunderstorms and rain for about ten hours, starting at 1am Friday morning!!
Will it really happen?
We shall have to wait with bated breath......
But for now, I am doing as little as possible!
My computer seems to be functioning normally again this morning....
I won't tempt providence though......I shall add "as yet" to the sentence!
We have the boiler service this morning.......and a delivery at some point......
In the meantime, I shall see what inroads I can make on today's crossword!



Hello, Ros!
Thank you for the information about the Aral Sea......it was new to me!

Hello, Elle!
Fine breeze here, but still hot!
Hopefully your computer is fine now!
Well...!
Today's puzzle is a belter!
I found it tough! I prefer it that way.
Was in and out of Chambers quite a bit for assistance.
New words to me, were, 9a, 3d, 26a (though I knew the football team from that city, which helped) and 15d.
Favourite clue was 14a!
I have a letter to post then home for the day.
Seniors golf from St Andrews, and Le Tour to watch, and in the evening, the Canadian Open Golf Championship.
A canny day!

Hi, Rusty!
Whew.....it is over 30C here........and presumably still on the up........
No "air" at all!
My daughter has just phoned......they are feeling better and are on their way to Clacton -on -Sea.....
The wedding is not until Saturday, so they will have a bit of recuperation time before the big day!
We are in charge of the cat whilst they are away, so will need to go visit him at some point.
This crossword is indeed a stickler.......
Well done on finishing it!
I have done all that I can.......
I still have about nine clues that I cannot solve!
I liked Bader; feat; smart drug; dinner lady; and carpe diem.
I got "Cinderella" in 20a but couldn't parse it?
The puzzle is totally beyond my limited capabilities today!
I am ceding defeat!
You have a busy day of Sport ahead....
What news of Pete Sagan?
Is he fit to race?

Hello, Elle!
30C is very hot!
Best stay home?
That's good the family is on the mend!
I am not surprised you are struggling, Elle, with the puzzle.
It is a toughie!
Now "Cinderella"!
To me it looks like the whole clue is the definition.
Did not she try on a shoe to prove the glass slipper was hers, or something like that?
I have long forgotten the tale!
In 9a, you need a "binary star".
I had not heard of a binary star, but Chambers has!
I think Sagan is riding.
He Tweeted two hours ago, "The Tour is not over, Four stages to go!"
Which suggests he rides on.
Today's finish is made for Sagan if he was at his best.

Hi, Rusty!
We are set to reach 34 C by mid afternoon, Rusty!
Do you wonder I am finding it unbearable?
No, I shall not be going out again, other than to post a birthday card that I have forgotten!
It seems ironical that the BG engineer has just been to service our boiler.....
The concept of needing central -heating seems very remote right now!
All is well...no problems!
So we are all set for the Winter....I could wish it be here soon!!!!
Yes, of course, you are right about Cinderella...... "footie match" of course!
A good clue had I the brains to see it!
That sounds positive feedback from Sagan!
I think it's ice cream time!
Mackies are doing well out of us!

Hello, Elle!
34C is very hot, Elle.
Beginning to wonder if there is any point in the ospreys migrating to Africa this year.
It will be warmer at Dunkeld, and no crocodiles to look out for!
I am looking in and out of Le Tour and the golf.
Having a quiet day!

Hi, Rusty!
Yes, indeed......for someone like me, who finds anything above 20 - 22C too hot, this is horrendous!
My friend returns home from her holiday home in Majorca this coming Saturday......she will find it several degrees hotter here!
I have been looking in on the ospreys....... one of the chicks is in the nest, loudly calling....presumably for dad to come and feed him?
The blog says that the chicks are now attempting to catch fish themselves from a branch about five foot above the water.
They are not yet deep diving.
They do return to the nest in order to be fed though....as they find perching on a branch too precarious a position in which to deal with a fish!
I had been wondering about that!
It is expected that Lassie will leave soon...but Laddie will remain on food duty for some time yet.
Is your son coming visiting you today?
That will be good.......

Hello, Elle.
Yes, it's too hot.
I blame Trump.
Yes, Lassie will go first, her job will be over.
Then the chicks, and finally Laddie.
I think my son will visit but I have not heard from him.
I doubt he will go fishing.
Sunny weather is poor for salmon fishing.
I see Sagan in the peloton.
He is well bandaged!
It looks as if it will be a bunch sprint and will the bold Peter take part, I wonder?
I'd say he will!