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Hello Elle/Rusty,

I remember the Zola Budd incident - I must have been watching that particular event.

You are probably right about politics being involved in the ban mess - it could well cause a big diplomatic incident, were all Russian sport people to be banned.

Hi, Rusty!
It is a beautiful evening! by far the nicest part of the day!
I think FINA have allowed Russian swimmers generally, but have banned three who were implicated in the McLaren report?
The Russians themselves have reputedly withdrawn those swimmers who have been previously convicted of drug -taking.
I don't know about the cyclists.
It is all becoming such a mockery.
I feel we are going around in circles.......
I have just been talking to younger daughter.
As you know, she is on maternity leave, but today and yesterday went into work as part of a "keeping -in- touch" scheme .....
A very good idea, I think (and she gets paid for it!)
I haven't even looked at today's crosswords yet!

Hello, Pigale!
Putin apparently made noises like threating "revenge" if the banning of Russia went ahead!
I don't know quite was meant ?
Possibly, it is as well we don't have to find out?
But I personally still think there should have been a blanket ban on the country.

Good evening, Pigale!
It is a mess indeed!
I have discovered that after both World Wars, the countries on the losing side in the War were not invited to the following Olympic Games.
I can not see why that should have been.

The problem is that there are so many other countries whose sport people take drugs - they don't openly admit it, but it still happens, and I fear in almost any sport!

Hello, Elle!
Yes, I did not realise that swimming came under "aquatics".
That's why I could not find it!
I would not think the UCI would be bothered about doped cyclists.
They knew all about Armstrong and did nothing.
i think I am a cynic!
That is good about your daughter!
Miss La Bamba comes home from Greece tomorrow!
We are all missing her!
I did crossword earlier.
There was one last week that irked me.
It was something about "part of our capital"
Answer was "Mayfair".
I think they should have used a different word to "our", as Mayfair is not part of my capital, or am I being picky?

Hey, Rusty!
My daughter's work place is extremely forward looking!
They have agreed to my daughter's proposal that, after her maternity leave finishes, she should work only four days a week, with the fourth day being from home.
They have also agreed to her working hours being from 8 am to 4.30 pm
All of which will fit much better around the children.
I think it is a very enterprising and considerate company!
I hadn't realised that Miss La Bamba was still away. Yes, you will all be glad to have her back home!
I hope she has enjoyed her holiday?
That does seem rather a strange clue , referring to "our" capital.....The Times is well read in many countries......."our" can relate to but a few among the many who read the paper.
I don't think you are being picky.

Hello, Elle!
Yes, your daughter's employer seems to be the real deal!
I have not heard a word from La Bamba.
But she is flying in to Glasgow tomorrow and her big sister is very excited!
We have missed her!
"Our" capital, indeed!
Rose nearly got another email!

Good morning, Rusty!
A lovely morning - a bit cool, but the sun is shining.
I see on the News that Russia has seen off the first 70 members of its Olympic team at Sheremetyevo airport.
Its original hope was to send 387 members , but 100 have been banned.
I presume that the fate of some of the others still lies in the balance, awaiting the individual decisions from the various sporting federations.
Those travelling at the moment are members of the volleyball, handball, boxing, synchronised swimming and table tennis teams.
Right, the dog and I are off for a walk now......

Good morning, Elle!
Fine morning here.
The UCI state that no motors were detected during the Tour.
Nothing about Russian dopers so far, though I would be surprised if any are banned.
I am waiting on a tradesman arriving.
Hope to go for my paper soon!