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The first time my younger son could vote he was a student and, since he was studying electronics, politics had not been large on his horizon (yes, I've heard many engineer jokes). He felt it was wrong to influence a result when he did not have time to educate himself re the main parties.
I told him he had to vote, so he went for the Monster Raving Loonies whose manifesto included compulsory asparagus on Fridays. Afterwards, living in Mr Bercow's constituency, he was effectively disenfranchised for 10 years. No-one was even offering asparagus.

Malone Rosalind

I had a depressing trip to M & S today, the first for many months. I didn't see a onesies, or is it onesie. I have no idea what it/they are.

I was pleased to receive "assistance" from the young lady who helped me with the Plant Kitchen/Kitchen Plant confusion a few months ago. I must tell you about it. Sadly I have to go there again tomorrow. I will try to get some asparagus, which I have never eaten.

Rosalind
Thanks for the asparagus information. 'Compulsory asparagus' would rule out my vote, free asparagus was bad enough.

If … note the change in attitude... I ruled the world, I would make voting compulsory. I would also ensure that any 'journey' had to be a physical one - none of this 'my Strictly journey', 'my dieting journey', 'my complete and utter nonsense journey'.

Skyewalker

It`s comforting to have the existence of Baby Cheeses confirmed. I always suspected that `BC` must stand for something significant ... `AD` obviously refers to after dinner!

Rosalind Malone Grunger

I love `proper` fresh sprouts, not those disgusting, inedible, frozen specimens which many restaurants serve up. The only frozen vegetables I can eat are peas.

Jigjag

Pleased to see `Big Duncan`has got the troops firing again!

malone
I understand voting is compulsory in Belgium- well, something to be proud of.... that and the statue of Le Manneken Pis in Grand Place, Brussels, who has been at it since about 1618. It is as well he does not eat asparagus (which you would understand if you did). Jigjag, please wait until the right season and I will send you some I've grown, far better than any with jetlag.

I am writing "My Journey Through Life", and assuming you wouldn't want to read it. It is, naturally, complete and utter nonsense.

Tyke
I am a very generous person - I hereby bequeath you my lifetime's allocation of fresh Brussels sprouts. (This is hardly a sacrifice on my part, I hate the evil little green things.)

Rosalind
I'm afraid I'd be unable to pick up, let alone read, your 'Journey' book. Apart from the title, it does sound interesting, so perhaps you could come up with a better (sorry, new) title?

Jigjag
Onesies are/were what Americans call babygros/Babygros. A few years ago, versions for children and adults started invading the shops. Most were truly awful - they featured cartoon characters or were in 'fun' leopardskin or tiger patterns. 'Onesies' were designated 'leisurewear' - ideal for lounging around the house in the evenings. You have been lucky to catch nary a glimpse of the awful things!

jigjag

What happened at M&S? Can you tell us about it?

Malone, Grunger
I went to M & S yesterday to buy some jeans and to look for Christmas presents. I was pleased to see Isla Sellitt, the young lady who helped me a few months ago. I enquired about jeans. She looked me up and down and asked “Are you straight?”

“I never reveal my orientation” I replied solemnly.

“I meant the fit. Or are you slim or skinny?”
I am clearly neither.

“You want the fit that shows off your best shape” she added. I’m afraid I don’t speak the same language as these sales people.

I asked her about the cans of Gin & Tonic that I bought last year. She led me to a remote part of the shop. “We seem to have sold out” she said. “Why not try Rum & Coke or Mosquito?”

“I have had enough problems with gryllidae this year, so canned diptera does not appeal to me.” I replied.

“But mosquito is a very popular cocktail.”

It might well be, but it’s not for me, and, as usual, I left the shop empty-handed. Even worse, I have got to go back this afternoon.

Malone

I lounge around in a twosie, or track suit as I call it. The onesie seems such an impractical garment. How do you get in and out of it?

Rosalind

Thanks for the offer of your home-grown asparagus. Sounds delicious.

Tyke

Yes, Big Dunc has got them really fired up. He seems such an unlikely manager but it is working at the moment. I'm not sure about shirt sleeves in the freezing cold and pouring rain though.

Hoho jigjag (I quite like that phrase)

While I have sympathy with your non-communication with the M & S salesgirl, I feel it may have been a bit much to flash your knowledge of Insecta at her.

Nevertheless, my dentist recently refilled a tooth much filled before, saying "I think we should do this (like the "we"!) even though I'm worried it may open a can of worms." Some weeks later, after she had done the operation, I asked if any annelids had appeared. Luckily not.

I am going to ask a silly question. You must have bought jeans (or at least, trousers, I hope) before. Why not look at the old labels, possibly make a mental adjustment and try on a few pairs in the region of.....???

I ate a fried grasshopper in China. Not Diptera, but similar tasting I imagine.

The last twice I have left M &S without buying anything. Or, to be more precise, the first time I left with 2 jumpers made from recycled polyester. The next time I had taken them back. Do not go there (recycled polyester), you have been warned.