Crossword Help Forum
Forum Rules

Rosalind, I have just google the 2016 Crufts winners and I entirely agree with you; that poor Alsation dog looks as though it is towards the end of his life - too much in-breeding I feer !

I assume you are talking about the Field Spaniel ? Yes, the head looks rather small.

The Pyrenean Mountain dog is a beauty though - but there again, I like big dogs !

Good morning, Elle!
It's here! Cheltenham !!!
My transport system is adequate at best.
London and surrounding area seems to be well served.
I am just home from visiting my health practice nurse.
Annual MOT time! Just bloods today.
An in-depth report next week!
Going to pick a couple of horses for today.
One will be Vroum Vroum Mag, one of Willie Mullins team.

Good morning, Rosalind.
I am in full agreement with you about the Crufts dogs.
The German Shepherd is an abomination compared to how the breed used to be.
I have saw paintings of bulldogs of 150 years ago, and they are completely different (much better) from the present bulldogs.
Was there not one of the major manufacturers who withdrew advertising from Crufts because of the way it was going?

Hi, Rusty!
Hi, Rusty!
At least you have the advantage of being able to drive!
If I go out alone, I am dependent on public transport, so it is as well that I have a lot of options....trains, trams , buses, the Overground .......
I had my MOT a while ago.......all ok, thankfully.
I hope you will be lucky with your bets! it all adds to the excitement!
I hope "Vroum, Vroum......." lives up to her name!
Which other horse are you backing?
We are going out soon....gone very dull... hope we aren't going to have rain!

Another homophone for you - and Malone and Pigale if around.....
Times QC 14A:
Member of the clergy reportedly shot playing billiards (6)

I believe is the King Charles spaniels that get driven mad by having skulls too small for their brains. I saw a TV program on it way back, The poor animals were running round and round from pain and people were saying "It's the breed standard" as if that were any excuse for such torture.
I understand there are now 2 kinds of Alsatians, those like the Cruft's one and those with normal straight backs, but the latter wouldn't win so are not entered.
Think you are right, there was a fuss last year too. Time to at least take the show off TV

Hello, Elle!
Not sure yet, regarding a bet.
Was going to do Nina but her race is on after C4 finishes coverage.
Clare Balding did a great interview with Nina and husband, Ted. Was very funny!
Britain 1 Ireland 1 at the minute.

Hello, Rosalind,
I have read about these poor dogs.
Surely there should be laws against this.
I sometimes go to the Bull Sales at Stirling, and the bulls there are enormous great things compared to the bulls of fifty years ago. All caused by creative breeding.
Frankensteins are being bred!

Elle, I've noticed - and accepted - the recent homophones. It's the alleged homophones that irritate me!

I have no interest whatsoever in dogs, any dogs, but I've always been of the view that Crufts is like the Miss World competition - it's totally unnecessary and something that should be abolished.

Hello, Elle!
Good racing at Cheltenham!
Willie (walks on water) Mullins has had three winners including Vroum Vroum Mag. All ridden by Ruby Walsh.
Could this be Ruby Tuesday?
Willie's wife, Jackie, rides Mag at home every day.
She can pick a horse!
I have made a wee profit, so shall back Nina in the next, and hopefully Paddy Power site will show it.
I have not looked at the crossword yet!

Hi, Rusty!
That's great! I am glad that you had a win!
It all adds to the afternoon's entertainment, doesn't it!
Well done, Vroum Vroum Mag (obviously aptly named!)
Ruby Tuesday - I like it!
Goodness that is going back a long way.......1960s..... The Rolling Stones?
So have you backed Nina? and has she won her race?
Is this another instance of only being able to watch the race if you back a horse running in it?
Wasn't that the situation previously with the Paddy Power website?
Did you solve the Times QC homophone? Not one to argue about anyway!

Hello, Elle!
Yes, Mag won well!
Nina Carberry was 4th, so a little profit as I had her each way.
Her sister-in-law, Katie Walsh (Ruby's sister) was third.
Yes, the Stones did Ruby Tuesday.
Paddy lets you watch the race, only if you bet a minimum of £1 on it.
It is a jumpy picture though.
I think I got the homophone but I have forgotten it!
My bedside table-thingy has arrived.
The packaging stunk (is that a word?) of cigarette smoke.
Just finished the crossword. Quite good today!

Hi, Rusty!
So a good day for you at the races!
I am somewhat confused as to the relationships between Ruby and Katie Walsh and Nina Carberry?
Ruby and Katie are brother and sister?
Nina is their sister- in -law? So there must be another brother to whom Nina is married?
Is he a jockey, too?
Are you pleased with your new table - thingy now that it is in position by your bed?
I hope that the aroma of cigarette smoke from the packaging hasn't lingered on the table?
All stations go for the new lamp now ?
Maybe time now for a coffee.......I limit myself to two mugs a day! - otherwise I drink water!
And possibly some shortbread biscuits......our son bought us some unusual shortbread with chocolate "bits" in it....I'm not sure whether I fancy it? I'm not a chocolate lover..... I'll let you know my verdict!
Btw, the homophone was cannon/ canon - no pronunciation to argue about today!