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Hello, Elle!
It could well be the weather that has held your cousin up.
Or something to do with the floods.
You will find out in the morning, probably.
No, Mauretania did not sink.
Titanic had two sisters, Olympic and Britannic.
I think Britannic hit a mine and went down.
I know Britannic was in use as a hospital ship at the time, and there was a woman on board who was a survivor of the Titanic disaster (not Molly Brown) and she also survived the Britannic sinking. I would send her for a lottery ticket, no problem! Either that, or make sure I was never sailing on the same ship as her!
I have forgotten her name.
I tried a Jeffrey Archer book a few years ago.
He was good!

Helli, Elle!
The woman's name was Violet Jessop and she was a jinx!
She was also on board RMS Olympic when it ran into a cruiser off the Isle of Wight. Luckily, the Olympic was able to limp back to port, Southampton, I think.

Good morning, Rusty!
It's a lovely morning here - blue sky and sunshine with a fresh breeze. An enjoyable walk!
What is it like with you?
No word from my cousin as yet....wherever she is, the reception must be bad.
I hadn't heard of Violet Jessop - one very lucky young woman - though, as you say, not one with whom you would want to be in company, if she makes a habit of getting shipwrecked!
There was some excitement - rather, panic - in Bromley, Kent, yesterday!
There is a big shopping centre there - now called "intu" (used to be "The Glades")
We often shop there when in the town.
You will have heard me mention it.
At the time it was thought by most shoppers to be a terrorist attack, as someone ran amok with a machete and other youths were carrying knives. Apparently there was wide scale panic and people fled the scene.
The police turned up in force but seemingly it turned out to be a gang attack, and not now thought to be terrorist related.
If you google it, you can see the town centre and the shopping arcade
How's that for a bit of excitement? I'm glad I wasn't there!

Hello Elle,

I can understand the panic among the shoppers! But more importantly, did the police arrest the gang?

Weather same as yours - It has been like this for about a week.
Due for a little rain tomorrow or Thursday I think

Good morning, Elle!
I read about the "Bromley Incident" on BBC News website.
Dreadful behaviour.
A good hard boot up the buttocks is what they need!
My weather is OKish. Dry anyway.
Roads are very quiet.
Wonder what is up with your cousin? Mind you it is a long drive from Fort William. Not heard anything about road problems up there.
Violet's life story would make a great film!
She "supposedly" rescued a baby during the Titanic tragedy.
I am not sure how true that is.
I am watching the skiing, first run of the women's giant slalom.
Viktoria is lying 5th just now. Ana Drev is leading at the moment.

Hi, Rusty!
I'm sorry about the delay in answering - I have been playing Snakes and Ladders with my youngest grandson! (no trains today!)
I have heard from my cousin -they are travelling back today instead - some sort of problem yesterday?
All should be well, though, when her daughter does get home. Although the village High Street is flooded, and completely closed off, her own property is now clear of the floods.
How is the skiing going? How is Viktoria doing?
I think I am required for another game.......

Hello, Pigale!
Sorry not to have replied - I am being kept busy here!
As far as I know - and accounts seem to vary - the police have caught one miscreant, but the others are still at large!
(I don't know whereabouts the machete is - scary, isn't it?)

Hello, Elle!
I hope you are not cheating at the snakes and ladders!
Good that you have heard from your cousin and all's well.
Skiing was great!
Viktoria came third behind Lara Gut and Tina Weirather.
Lindsey Vonn crashed out. I made a wee profit.
We have heavy rain forecast for Wednesday. Still dry here, for now.

Hello, Pigale!
I trust you are well and had a nice Christmas!
There is a programme on Eurosport today about Bernard Hinault.
I am recording it. Should be good!

Hi, Rusty!
I never cheat! We declared the last game a draw as my grandson wearied of playing!
I am now left to my own devices as daughter and family have gone shopping......and husband and dog are gardening!
I am being lazy and have just completed today's Times 2 Jumbo GK crossword.
My friend is back from holiday so he has sent a lot of Mind Games from today's Times!
I should /could / be doing some household chores......but then, there is always tomorrow........
Well done , Viktoria , for earning you a small profit!
Still dry here, too - in fact, it has been a glorious day! It's going dark now, though.

Hello, Elle!
The light has gone here, too.
The Times is full of puzzles today.
Pages of them!
I have done the main one.
I came across a crossword book I bought years ago.
Times Jumbo Cryptic Crossword. There are 100 puzzles in it.
I have not done one!
My son did something to my TV today.
Means I can watch missed programmes.
So I found one about Shane McGowan getting new teeth.
Will watch it tomorrow.
Yes, Viktoria did well.

Hi Rusty,

Sorry but missed Bernard Hinault - some English friends from Luxembourg are down here just for one day and I spent late afternoon/early evening with them; aperitif with all the trimmings hence no need for food now.

My Christmas was peaceful - I know you had a good time and so did Elle, and everyone else I hope.

Weather still like Spring - Shrubs and flowers don't know what to do and neither do the birds. It's mad.