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Hello, Rosalind!
Not paying road tax incurs expensive hassle!
I would not fancy the rigmarole that is involved.
I have several granddaughters who drive super little cars that they do not have to tax.
I was amazed at the leg room (in the front!) I had.
I think in Eastern Europe they had very severe gymnastic training too.
I am glad I did not see the Chinese children programme!

Hi, Rusty!
Workmen arrived just after I spoke to you earlier this morning!
I am well impressed! They came certainly meaning business!
They even brought a tow truck to remove any cars still parked in the road!
There were five - but all have been forcibly "removed" now, and the men are hard at work.
I wonder what it will cost for owners to redeem their vehicles?
But it serves them right - the rest of us had to struggle to find alternative parking.
I am out for lunch today......it will be nice to get away from the road trauma!
We are having to keep front windows closed because of the noise and fumes.
The attack in Russell Square is still being considered as a possible terrorist attack ...but apparently it might be a mental health issue.
Russell Square is very close to Queen Square, where I used to work at the National Hospital for Nervous Diseases.
This would be the second time that Russell Square has been targetted.
Are you doing anything special today?
Did you catch up with Miss La Bamba after her holiday?


Hello, Ros!
I didn't see the programme you mentioned, but I do remember one a few years back, where children of a very young age were being exploited to work in Primark factories.
Primark denied responsibility and said that the sewing work was being fielded out unbeknown to them.
I think there were a few sackings to make their point.
But of course , mud sticks.....I don't think it was ever satisfactorily resolved....or not so as the general public heard.

Hello, Elle!
Maybe the car owners did not know about the roadworks?
Visitors or something?
I am sure my old auntie told me that tar fumes are good for the lungs!
I think they have caught the Russell Square perpetrator.
No, nothing planned today.
Maybe watch the Olympic football.
I have been reading about autograph collecting.
A strange hobby it seems to me.
I do not know the origin of it though.
Paul Newman would not sign one.
Lots and lots of fakes about, too.

Hi, Rusty!
In all fairness to the local Council, I think they virtually covered all eventualities regarding the road works.
Residents received an advance letter; occasional parkers got notes under their windscreens in the run up ; and there were notices at the ends of the road explaining what was to happen.
Also traffic cones and police cones were placed along the road at regular intervals.
One couldn't really fault the planning! Very efficient!
Did you know that the hobby of collecting autographs is called 'philography'?
I have never collected autographs of famous people, but there was a fad when I was at school of collecting autographs - plus a "saying" or a little poem - from one's friends - especially when it was time to leave school and move on to other spheres......
I have made a start on my crossword but have just noticed the time........I must go and get changed ready to go out!
I shall be back about teatime.
Have a good day!

Good afternoon, Elle!
I agree, your council seems to have prepared properly for the roadworks.
No, I did not know it was called philography.
Just wondered who started it off, and why?
Seems slightly odd to me, although it is taken for granted nowadays.
Crossword not too bad today.

HI, Rusty!
I had a very enjoyable lunch with my daughter and baby!
I forgot to say that there was no "Ladies who Lunch" today, and so when my daughter rang inviting me out to lunch ( her treat!) I was able to say yes.
We went to the local Toby Carvery.
On my return, the workmen were just finishing the road.
They appear to have done a very neat job. Apparently we can use the road again after 6pm this evening.
It must be very quick setting tarmac?
I think though we might well leave the car in situ in the neighbouring road, and collect it en route for the park in the morning.
Now, I looked up the origin of autographs......
According to Wikipedia.........what is considered to be the oldest "autograph" is a Sumerian clay tablet from about 3100BC, including the name of the scribe Gar.ama.
(Who is he?)
But there are no records of any ancient 'written' autographs......apparently the oldest one for a known major historical figure is that of El Cid in 1098.
Not a very interesting or enlightening search.
(Admittedly, it was a 'quick' one!)
So what did you do today?
Did you watch the Olympic football as you thought you might?

Hello, Elle!
I just wondered how autograph collecting became a hobby?
Seems a slightly odd thing to collect.
That is good about your road.
Probably huge advances in tar technology nowadays.
I have a football game on at the minute.
Iraq v Denmark.
A dearth of spectators!
Stadium practically empty!
Just awaiting my son visiting me.

Hi, Rusty!
I'm not sure whether your son will still be with you?
(I had momentarily forgotten that he came on Thursdays).
I am surprised that there were so few people watching the football match...... I would have thought that competition for tickets to the Games would be fierce, and that they would be hard to get.
Maybe so few because of the Zika virus? or the bad publicity about drug abuse?
Or just "early days"?
There was a cycling question on Eggheads!
Which female British cyclist became Road Race champion in 2015?
Lizzie Armitstead ; Laura Trott; or Victoria Pendleton.
I am sure that you will know the answer!
The Egghead (Barry) didn't know, though!
We have brought our car back, as all the neighbours were so doing.
The road looks good!

Good evening, Elle!
Well done on your fine road!
It will be worth the hassle I am sure.
I watched bits of two games played in stadiums with a few dozen spectators. Brazil are on now and stadium is full.
Just a lack of interest, I think.
Neither Trotty or Queen Vic were road riders so not a very difficult question.
I am no longer interested in Lizzie and have a good mind to ask for a refund on my corn flakes!
My son was here earlier and we had a great chat about all sorts.

Hey, Rusty!
It is good that you and your son had a good time talking.
Younger daughter and I covered a range of subjects at lunchtime!
We always enjoy getting together!
Baby is now five months old - sitting up and attempting to crawl!
He is a good "grabber"!
I have to watch my glasses, as he is very quick!
Oh dear! I am sorry you are so disillusioned about Lizzie.
(Maybe get a packet of cereal with Steve Redgrave on it next time!)
Remember how disgusted you were last year when you found out Martina Hingis had tested positive for cocaine (even though it was back in 2007?).........but you seem to have forgiven her now?
I am wondering if all our "idols" will turn out to have "feet of clay"?
Maybe it is better to remain in (happy) ignorance?