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A Very Good morning to you, Rusty!
It is a dull somewhat miserable day here.......damp and coolish.
A brisk walk this morning!
So your book offers plausible explanations where possible?
For instance, like Houdini expanding his muscles whilst being shackled, so that it was easier afterwards to escape.
Are reasons offered to explain the Hills' alien experiences?
Now the Cottingley fairies are new to me?
I haven't heard of them?
Right, I am going to make a coffee before printing out the crosswords.....
I also have some paperwork to catch up on........

Hello, Elle!
Lovely day here!
Just home, been visiting.
No, the book sticks to what is known about the unexplained.
Houdini and many other escapologists used various techniques for their performances.
Some died when things went wrong.
The Hills had a two hour window missing from their journey.
But they were the first to report an alleged "alien abduction" so were not taken seriously at first.
But, there are many more abductions reported from the USA and UK, than from France and Germany, say. So...?
I am surprised you do not know the Cottingley fairies story.
Try YouTube, a few videos on there about what happened.
The woman who claimed to be the Duchess Anastasia had DNA taken when she died and was found to have no connection with the Romanovs.
But! Some folk dispute the DNA evidence...!
It's a great book for dipping in and out of.

Hello, Rusty - I could do with you tackling Malone Times Wednesday 4....
PS. Glad your new dictionary is such a success.

Hi, Rusty!
I have just been reading about the Cottingley Fairies in Wikipedia...and also watching a video on YouTube.
I am rather surprised that I knew nothing of the controversy surrounding the fairy allegations.......especially seeing as it has spanned a remarkable number of years.
But I had heard nary a word!
And apparently the two cousins admitted eventually to the "hoax" of earlier fairy photos.
Yet said that this did not include the seemingly true existence of a fairy pictured on the fifth and final photograph?
So was there really a fairy...after all?
Uhm.......
Speaking of Anastasia......
I remember years back seeing a film called "Anastasia"......starring Ingrid Bergman!

Hello, Malone!
I have had a look at your clue, but....can not see it,...yet!
The dictionary is great.
One of my better purchases!

Hello, Elle!
I am surprised you had not come across the Cottingley fairies, too!
There is a large article in my dictionary about it.
The girls say the final photo was not faked and they did see the fairies.
I'm a non-believer.
Just too much of a co-incidence that they were lucky enough to take a final "genuine" photo of the fairies, when they had faked the first few photos.
When the Romanovs bodies were discovered, two bodies were missing,
one was the body of the Grand Duchess Anastasia.
The most persistent "Anastasia" claimant was Anna Anderson, who insisted up until her death that she was Anastasia.
Many of the Romanov extended family believed her, but many did not.
I just finished reading about the "Flannan Isles Mystery", and am on to "Project Blue Book", now!

Hi, Rusty!
Still somewhat dark and dull here - we have not seen a sight of the sun all day!
Although it was fairly warm, when I went out with the dog a short while ago.
In fact, it feels warmer outside than it does indoors!
I made sure to be home again for my daughter's phoning when she comes out of her office as she usually rings me on the way home!
But if I do happen to be out, it does not matter, as then she rings later in the evening.
Her husband stayed home today, as YB had hurt his leg..... ....
But he seems to be walking better on it now, so perhaps he just pulled a muscle or something similar.
Hopefully, he will be back to normal tomorrow, and able to go to nursery.
Your book sounds enthralling........
Now I have heard about the three lighthouse keepers who disappeared!
But I do not know of "Project Blue Book"?
What is that?

Hello, Elle!
Been a great day here.
I think that is great of your daughter keeping in touch with you every day.
Wee boys are resilient. YB will be fine!
Elle, honestly, this is a great dictionary!
Project Blue Book is the third in a series of projects set up by the US Airforce to investigate UFOs.
Set up in 1951, I think, and ran until 1967, when the University of Colorado took over the investigations, and when they closed down the project, an unknown government department took over.
Very hush hush!
Just finished my puzzle!

Hi, Rusty!
I have spoken to both daughters today!
Our two eldest grandsons only go back to school tomorrow.......they have had two extra days holiday than have BB and our granddaughter.
Soon, elder daughter and her husband will need to start looking at secondary schools for next year, for their elder son.
Where do the years go?!
Yes, I think your new Chambers "Dictionary" is a big success!
I too have ordered a new book today.....
Talking about Winnie the Pooh made me think of one of the "Pooh" books called "Now We Are Six".
And this caused me to look up a book that I had heard about and had always meant to investigate........
"Now We Are Sixty", by Christopher Matthew.
On reaching the age of sixty himself, Christopher Matthew decided to adapt A.A. Milne's book "Now We Are Six" for an older audience....!
I thought it might be fun to read!
So I have ordered it from Amazon!

Hello, Elle!
The nights are drawing in!
Just been reading about sea serpents, and the Turin Shroud, in my new book.
Your Tower of London is in it, too.
I have heard of "Now We Are Sixty", before.
A long time since I was sixty!
I finished one of my jigsaws earlier!
What an exciting life I lead!