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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........!

Hello, Elle,
He is not on an island.
It is loosely connected to MOD.
I won't say more!
Yes, best feed the tribe!
Just hearing some disappointing news from Ireland.
Faugheen has damaged a suspensory ligament and will miss Cheltenham.
Bad news for Willie M, Ruby, and all connected with the horse.
My bet is kaput but that is unimportant.
I was really looking forward to seeing him.
He is very good indeed.
But, that's racing, these things happen.
Now you know why I warn people from gambling!
Willie is bringing a huge team over (about 50 horses, I think) and there will be a few winners amongst them.
So, on that note I shall head out for a walk up to the nature trail!

Hi, Rusty!
It is appears that Manston is no longer used as an RAF base, but is affiliated to the MOD ( and the Isle of Thanet is no longer an island ) so possibly this is the place where your son is going for his course?
Maybe.........?
I'm sorry to hear about Faugheen - that IS disappointing for you. I see what you mean about the fragility of race-horses and the uncertainty of placing bets, especially well ahead of the race.
We have had a great - albeit very exhausting! - afternoon. All three children get on very well (most of the time!).
Our granddaughter and her mum have just left - off to a birthday celebration - and we are just about to feed the boys.
Our daughter is going out to dinner with friends. so we are in sole charge this evening!!!!