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Good afternoon, Elle!
You are ahead of the game today.
It was a good crossword today.
Up to the usual standard, I think.
Saturday setter?
If I remember correctly, The Times has around 12 setters on its roster.
I would doubt if they would use same one each Saturday.
It is still cloudy here.
The skiing has finished.
Lara Gut won.
Very enthusiastic crowds on the mountain!
I enjoyed it!

Good afternoon, Rusty!
We are back from our walk.
The weather isn't as nice as it was - black clouds now hang threateningly overhead.
It is encouraging if you think the crossword is up to standard - I was wondering if I could always do it on (recent) Saturdays because it was easier on that day!
I am awaiting a telephone call from elder daughter to say that they have arrived safely at their half- term holiday destination.
They have gone to Northumberland.
I think it is about 250 miles away from where they live.
Strangely, I have never been to Northumberland, although I know its neighbouring county, Cumbria, quite well from my youth -hostelling days.
I am glad that you enjoyed the skiing
Is the racing of any interest to you?

Hello, Elle!
No, not "top class" racing, so I do not bother looking at it.
Not good weather here, either.
The crossword is well up to standard, I think.
I think solving them is down to concentration.
Often, if you are struggling, the best thing is to put it aside for a while.
When you return the answers often jump out at you.
You have came back with a refreshed mind and concentrate better.
Just a theory!
Should be fine around Northumberland?
Is it a holiday cottage they are at?
May need wellies, though!

Good evening, Rusty!
Re solving the crossword......
Maybe psychologically , because I had it in my head (after my initial Saturday success) that it must be easier on that day, I then consequently found it so?
A boost to my confidence?
No matter, I am pleased anyway!
Yes, it is a holiday cottage that the family are renting for the week.
They arrived safely and I have seen some photos.
It is a lovely old stone house but with a modernised interior.
They should be comfortable!
Wellies?
Mmm, likely to be necessary, I should think!
Have you been to Northumberland?

Hello, Elle!
I passed through Northumberland, that's all.
The holiday house sounds very good.
That is my kind of holiday.
Did not they invite you?
If you manage the Saturday crossword, the weekday ones are very similar.

Hi, Rusty!
That is the type of holiday we usually have, renting a house or cottage somewhere - and taking our "managerie" - dog and cat (s) - with us!
We usually go away to Pakefield in Suffolk in November every year - remember the man with the metal detector on the beach and the William IV coin?
(He and I nearly went to a Buddy Holly concert together? or so you thought from my misuse of a pronoun!)
Usually we go for about three weeks - and our younger daughter and family always come, too, for part of the time.
But this year my husband hasn't wanted to go, and so unfortunately we haven't had a holiday of late.
He doesn't like driving too far these days - to go all the way up to the Lakes or Northumberland for instance would definitely be too far for him to drive.
But I am still working on the Suffolk idea!
Although I think now it would be best to leave it until the Spring.
The weather has become so very cold.........
We shall see what develops.............
A change would be good!

Hello, Elle!
Yes, I remember about you and, he was a sailor, wasn't he?
I have not said a word.
It would have been a good concert, too.
No, your husband's health comes first and I am sure your daughters understand that.
I have gone off driving a bit, and it was not so long ago I seemed to be back and forward to Edinburgh or Glasgow airports picking up or dropping family and friends, constantly.
Can not you drive? You could start lessons, if not?
Are there trains going near Pakefield?
I am sure you will work something out!

Hi, Rusty!
It WAS a good concert!
I went with my husband!
We were dancing in the aisles.
I love Buddy Holly - or at least, his music.
But this was a very good ''impersonator''.
That isn't the right term , is it?
Tribute singer?
No, I don't drive.
And I should hate to do so in London!
Public transport here is so good, I have never had the need to drive myself.
We have mainline trains, the Overground, the Tube, buses, trams and even River buses!
And I now have a Freedom Pass, so I don't even pay!
A train wouldn't work.........we take the dog and the cat and go self - catering.
Too much stuff to carry.
Pakefield is really near enough for him to drive there.......it is just that he hates the idea of the effort involved.
I need to give it some thought......but after the Winter.

Hello, Elle!
Yes, I remember now!
Dancing in the aisles!
It would not be the Bluegrass clog dancing by any chance?
A tribute singer, I think, they are called.
Yes, your transport systems seem super, BUT,...it does not go near Pakefield!
Could a good friend be persuaded to take you there and return for you?
It is perfectly possible, just needs a bit of thought, to see how you would go about it, so it does.
Or, would you need transport to get about when you get there?

Good morning, Rusty!
Beautiful out! We have blue sky and sunshine.
I was up before six this morning!
We have a quiet day today....as yet!
The lull before the storm.......as next week is looking very hectic!
When I was doing some sorting out of books late last night, I came across Nevil Shute's "A Town Like Alice".....now weren't we talking about that recently?
Can you remember why?
It is "bugging" me!
I have become side-tracked and am now re-reading it!
Any plans for today?