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Hello, Elle!
Well done on the shopping!
Pine Cone was the busiest I've seen it.
The tree buyers do not come into the cafe.
They go into the plantation.
Lots of sacks of logs and kindling etc being sold.
Very busy.
I am going back on Sat and Sun mornings.
My son has just left.
Had a good chat!

Hi, Rusty!
You have had a good day!
We went out to Poll Hill Garden Centre, near Sevenoaks, where not only is there a large choice of plants on sale , but there is also a large shopping complex within the building.
And it is always special at this time of year, as the range of Christmas trees and decorations is wonderful!
It is glorious to see!
I always find myself wanting to buy a decoration......but this time I managed to resist!
I did come away though with some lovely gifts, from the various shops, for family and friends.
And, as a side benefit, I popped into the farm shop and there espied some "genuine" parkin!
Parkin is a speciality we can never buy in London!
Or if we do , it is only a weak form of ginger cake masquerading as parkin!
But this is wonderful!!
I am going to make a coffee.... and have another piece, once I have sent this!

Hello, Elle!
You seem to have done well.
Must be a good feeling to get your Christmas shopping over.
Or is it finished?
I don't think I have had a parkin.
I like gingerbread though.

Good morning, Rusty!
Very wet and windy here!
I haven't been out for a walk this morning, as the dog has been sick!
She vomited up her breakfast yesterday, and refused to eat her evening meal last night. Nor does she want food this morning.
This is most unusual for her. I shall keep an eye on her for the next 24 hours.
I hope it doesn't necessitate a visit to the vets!
No, I haven't finished my Christmas shopping, but, thankfully, I am about half way through now.
You haven't sampled parkin?
I think you would like it. It is a sort of dark gingerbread, with a dry texture, made with oatmeal and black treacle.
Parkin is usually associated with Yorkshire......but is very popular in Lancashire, too.
What are you up to today?

Good morning, Elle!
A cold dry morning here.
Poor doggie!
Maybe something she ate when out?
I think I would like parkin.
I'll ask one of the ASDA lasses if they have any.
What am I up to today?
I have been to shop, and was taking photos of a building site.
Later, I may take my son to collect his newly bought car, or Miss L-B may be more likely to do it.
Other than that, no plans today.
And I have to wait for a parcel delivery.
I ordered me a new winter shirt!

Hi, Rusty!
Yes, I, too, am thinking that maybe the dog ate something whilst out, but I am being vigilant and keeping a weather eye on her!
Now, parkin....
Funnily enough, some dictionaries describe it as a 'dry' cake, and some as 'moist and soggy'......
(Chambers refuses to commit itself!)
But, trust me, it needs to look "oatmealish" and be "dry in texture" to be "good"!
You stand a better chance of getting it up your way, than I do down here...it is a Northern delicacy.
Is your new 'winter' shirt another fleece -lined one?
I am also awaiting a parcel delivery...... books for my granddaughter and her brother.



Hello, Ros!
Your friend William was the subject of a question on "Fifteen to One"
yesterday!
The question was what animals were featured in the book "Dunston Wood" by William Horwood.
Having read the book, I of course knew the answer…...moles!

Sorry, typo, Ros!
That should of course read "DunCton Wood"!

Hello, Elle!
I think ASDA started out in Leeds so they should know about parkin!
My new shirt is a fleece lined one.
They are excellent, I find.
Hope it arrives soon as I hope to go out.
Puzzle was quite tough today.
I just can't quite grasp the parse of 22d.
9a, 23a, 2d, are new words to me.
I will come back to 22d later.
I am obviously missing something!

Good afternoon, Rusty!
I have been updating my Christmas card list.......and have made a start on writing my cards.
As I have just over a hundred to send, this will take some time!
My parcel has not yet arrived - I received an email to say it was coming today, but with no time slot allocated.
It is a nuisance as I want to go out.
I am struggling - in between card-writing - with today's puzzle.
It is difficult!
I am only about a third of the way through, but have taken a look at 22d, as you mentioned it....
No, I cannot even get the answer, let alone the parsing!
So back to the Christmas cards......

Good afternoon, Elle!
Lovely day here!
I have just posted one of my cards.
It goes to a pub in Donegal.
The tradition is the cards from all the ex-pats go up on the wall.
And everyone gets to read them....and reminisce!
My parcel is here!
It is a tricky puzzle, Elle, and my parse for 22d is still far away!