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Hi, Rusty!
I'm sorry...I didn't mean to be gloomy!
I just thought that the info about the "blood rain" was interesting..........if a tad disconcerting!!
Incidentally, I had the most terrible trouble posting that message to you.......I must have tried some five or six times? each time a notice came up saying that I wasn't allowed to post it?
I reckon it took me the best part of an hour to send - trying intermittently!
I've just looked at the webcam - but no sign of birds or even movement in the trees - not sure whether the camera is working or not?
Don't forget to watch or record that programme you wanted to see about the Tube!

Hello, Elle!
That's better.
No doom and gloom in that post!
I had the posting hold up last week.
Message informed me I had to wait a minute or something.
In red print!
No idea why that should be.
The webcam was working earlier but Lassie was perched outside the nest.
I think they roost in a nearby tree at night.
My recorder is set to catch the Tube programme.
I hope Nina gets in the National on Saturday.
Only 40 start and her horse, Knock House, is number 41!
Took 100-1 each way.

Hi, Rusty!
This though wasn't the warning about waiting for a minute.
That, I think, was set up by Ash as some sort of deterrent when there were all those multiple Korean postings.
This particular warning simply stated that I wasn't allowed to post that specific message? Straight out, no mention of a time limit!
Ah well, the post was accepted in the end......
I didn't realise that it wasn't cut and dried whether or not Nina would be racing in the Grand National?
If there are too many horses entered, how is it decided which should run?
I can see that there will probably be some 'natural wastage ' as it were, with a horse perhaps being unfit - or maybe finding the going unsuitable - but if there are still too many contenders, what happens then ?
Are the horses numbered by merit? the first 40 being the best for instance?
If so, if one drops out , does that mean that Nina's horse (being no 41) automatically gets the next place?
And what does each way betting mean? (yes, I'm sure you've told me before! but please be patient and tell me again!)

Hello, Elle!
Right, I see.
This one minute thing has not happened before to me.
There are too many horses, but you have came to the correct conclusion that the best horses stay in.
The best horse in the race, in theory, is Number 1, the top weight. And so on down through the field.
I think Nina would not have been booked unless they were fairly sure the horse would "get in".
Each way betting.
Basically, the stake you put on is split in two equal shares.
Half goes on the horse to win.
The other half goes on the horse being placed.
Bookie pays out the full odds if horse wins. 100-1
If my horse finishes in the first five, Paddy P will pay me a quarter of the odds. 25-1.
As I may have mentioned before, it is only a bit of fun, and the odds reflect my chances of success. Gambling is a mug's game.
But I like Nina and shall support her, (and I made a wee profit on Lydia and Lexi!).

Hi, Rusty!
Yes, I understand about the horses' placements - that was the only way I could think of that made sense to me!
And I'm dimly grasping the betting situation!!
This time I will endeavour to remember what you have told me!
Yes, don't worry, I do know you only do it for a bit of fun! - I wasn't envisaging you as a compulsive heavy gambler!
What happened about Nina and the suspension? has that passed now?
I, too, am recording the "Tube" programme!
Raining here now!

Hello, Elle!
The rain has not let up all day here.
Yes, my bets are for fun only.
A wee bit added spice, if you like.
I know you won't ever have entered a betting shop.
They are the most depressing places on God's Holy Earth.
Folk losing money left right and centre. Awful!
I think Nina will serve her suspension on other dates.
Sam Waley-Cohen knew the Stewards own rules better than they did! That benefited Nina, too.
I hope the Tube is good. I am fairly sure it will be.
Mr Rogan's setters will be writing down the names of all the stations so they can annoy Malone and me!

Good morning, Rusty!
How are you today!
It is another lovely morning here - a mite chilly at present, but the sun is gradually warming up everywhere.
Very pleasant out walking!
I have a 'free' day today, so will play catch up - doing household chores, writing letters (doing the crosswords!) etc., this morning, until it is time to venture out for another walk this afternoon.
How about you?
I hope your rain has ceased?

Good day to you, Elle!
Rain has ceased here but the sky looks very threatening.
I was driving earlier but came home, dumped the car, and took the "move more" route to ASDA for my paper.
I am listening to one of my James Last cd's whilst having a coffee. Very relaxing, until he gets to "Orange Blossom Special"!
Then it's lickety-split for the orchestra!
Though it is a favourite tune of mine.
And where did lickety-split come from?

I shall have a look through my local paper then watch The Tube with notebook to hand to record the names of stations.
Can't let Mr Rogan get the better of me!
Webcam back to normal!

Good morning, Pigale!
I am fairly sure there is a swan on the loch just now!

Good Morning Rusty,

I missed the swan but boy, isn't Laddie verbal this morning ! He seems to have a lot to say for himself! I am hoping to see him bring a fish for lunch, but he does not seem to be in a hurry to do so.

Weather mild and bright grey sky - perhaps the sun will appear later on ..