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Hello, Elle!
Hell's bells, I know, hell's teeth I am not so sure of!
Another old phrase came into my head (I wonder at times what is going on in there!) "As black as Earl Haig's waistcoat."
Must have seen it in one of my WW1 books.
Not sure why Haig's waistcoat was selected, though.
Lyn McDonald will know!
"As black as my boot", or "as black as the ace of Spades", is more usual with me.
I have not tackled the crossword yet.
I hear the Cockneys are to the fore again!

Good afternoon, Rusty!
Whew! I am taking a well earned break!
We have been playing "Sorry" and "Happy Families".
I have never heard of "as black as Earl Haig's waistcoat"? That is a new one on me! Are we talking Douglas Haig, here?
The most common ones I have heard and would use are "as black as coal/ pitch /soot or the ace of spades"!
Did you do your crossword? - how did you make out with the clue in contention this morning? I managed it but had a problem with "punch" meaning "chin"!
I had to consult Anne B!
The Cockney part was okay - I got that bit first!
It has been glorious all day here - what has it been like up your way? Have you been out for a walk?
Oops! I can hear the word "Grandma" coming from somewhere.............better go ..............talk later......

Hello, Elle!
No, you would not know that phrase.
I have hunted and discovered that it is a Scots phrase.
Originally, "As black as the Earl o' Hell's waistcoat".
The Earl o' Hell was the Devil.
The saying meant pitch dark.
In certain parts of the country Earl Haig was substituted for the Earl o' Hell.
I rue mentioning him now!
I completed the crossword, in spite of the Cockney clue.
A bit wet here, and we may get snow.
i have been gathering old ladders, and iron boards, etc .to take to the skips in the morning.

Hi, Rusty!
You are having a big sort out - taking this and that to the dump!
However will you get various ladders plus iron boards into your car?
Or are you hiring a van?
We have a local dump-yard, access of which is free for residents of the borough, but for that we have a special pass.
Anyone not local wanting to use it has to pay.
I think that is to prevent tradesmen using it as a regular tipping ground?
The boys are about to go to bed..........and then we shall have dinner.
Spaghetti bolognese this evening!
What did you have for your tea?
Just off to help tuck the boys up and say goodnight to them!
It has remained dry here......and fortunately so far there has been no further mention of snow......

Hello, Elle!
Just two step ladders, one iron board, a bed board, a wee bike, and old ropes.
My son will pay a flying visit in the morning with his van, and we shall visit the skips.
I had a fine haddock for my tea.
And oatcakes for supper.

Good morning, Rusty!
How are you today?
If you think I am ahead of myself, you will be wrong! I am doing things in reverse order this morning!
I have given the children their breakfast but have yet to walk the dog!
We thought it would be a good idea if the boys came out with us for some fresh air and exercise this morning, so we shall go out about 10.30 am.
Meanwhile they are playing games on their tablets and I am about to have a coffee and do the crossword........
Have you been to the tip yet? It is useful that your son can help you transport things there.
Have you remembered whereabouts in Kent he is going for his course?

Good morning, Elle!
Very dreich here!
Snow on the hills is disappearing.
It will be later this morning before we go to tip.
Good idea taking the boys for a walk.
I think the place in Kent may begin with "M".
Not sure though.
He has been there several times on courses.
I am off out for my paper.

Hi, Rusty!
I wonder if it could be Maidstone? That is the County town of Kent - the River Medway runs through the middle of it!
An attractive town.
My husband did a locum part-time job at Maidstone Hospital for three years, after he had officially retired from St Mary's Hospital in Paddington.
I hope you didn't get too wet going for your paper?
Lovely here at the moment, although we are threatened with rain later.....just taking the dog and the boys out now......

Hello, Elle!
No, not Maidstone.
I would know that. But did not associate the Medway with it!
Have the RAF a base in Kent?
Been to skips and also to say cheerio to one of the ASDA girls.
Her last day today, then she is off to live in Spain.
Hope the boys don't get as muddy as the dog!

Good afternoon, Rusty!
We are home again - all surprisingly ( relatively) clean!
There are a fair number of RAF bases in Kent, but if you think it begins with an 'M' , then there is an RAF base at Manston, which I think is on the Isle of Thanet (not actually an isle).
Is the RAF connected with your son's course?
I am just about to provide lunch......only a quick snack, as we shall have our main meal later.
Our granddaughter and her mum are coming here about 2 o'clock - it will be nice for the cousins to play together.
I'd better get a move on........!