Crossword Help Forum
Forum Rules

Good afternoon, Rusty!
Well at least we haven't had any snow!
Yes, it made sense to refrain from taking your car up to the garage today - best stay at home in these adverse conditions.
It is much worse here now than earlier.
I went out to have lunch with my friend....but it had become quite scary by the time I made a move to come home!
I found myself embracing the bus stop to prevent myself being blown into the road!
Ah, now, Byfleet......yes, possibly that could be what you were thinking of?
Byfleet featured quite a lot in the two World Wars, as there were several aircraft factories in and around the village.
So you may have read about it?
Also the London 2012 men's and women's Cycling road races passed through Byfleet village - you might have seen that televised?
Just a thought?
Have you done your crossword?
I have yet to look at mine!

Hello, Elle!
Our "weather" has passed,
Dry now and the wind has dropped.
No snow lying, thankfully.
Doris was not so bad!
I think it is Byfleet that rang a bell, probably due to the cycling.
Apparently the report that is heading the way of British Cycling for bullying and sexism is severe stuff.
I have done the crossword and there is a "man in a boat" in it!
Must get my tea ere my son arrives.
Smoked haddock fishcakes!

Hi, Rusty!
I am glad that all has calmed down at your end!
I know your son only has a short distance to go to reach you, but it is as well he does not have to fight his way through a heavy gale even so!
I hope you have had a great chat?
It is still extremely windy here.........
I trust it will die down before tomorrow morning, as I am supposed to be going up to London to meet up with my friend Sue (the one from Tewin).
Train disruption is the last thing I need!
We are going to see an Australian Impressionism Exhibition at the National Gallery (in Trafalgar Square)
It should be good!
I am looking forward to it!
I haven't made much progress with the 15 x15 crossword (altho I've done the QC).
"A man in a boat" clue?

Hello, Elle!
Yes, all quiet on the Northern front now.
Wind and snow have gone.
My son was here and brought me a roast chicken dinner from the butcher!
Let us hope you get up to Town to meet Sue!
"Man in a boat" clue!
4d, "They are bullying boatman to secure a level of proficiency" (9)
The boatman is not George!

Hey, Rusty!
Yes, quieter here too now.......the wind seems to have died down somewhat at last.
Hopefully, there will be no problem with my trip to town tomorrow!
My daughter texted to see if we were all okay - she had been hearing dramatic tales of Doris' doings!
Fortunately, daughter's return flight to the UK is not until tomorrow evening, by which time D may have departed!
Now........"Man in a boat"!
I had gotten around to it in the interim since last speaking to you!
"Harridans" = they are bullying (def)
Harris - "man in a boat"!
dan - level of proficiency ( as in martial arts instructor )
( My son used to do "judo"!)
How weird that should appear just now when we are reading the book!
Spooky !
Right, time for a coffee........we have run out of shorties, it will have to be a Rich Tea biscuit!

Hello, Elle!
Well done with "harri dan s"!
Not came across a "man in a boat" clue before.
Several "Little Woman" clues, though.
And I have had "Regan" for daughter once or twice.
Yes, remarkable how several on this thread are reading about the bold Harris at present!
I like shortie biscuits, too.

Good morning, Rusty!
What an incredible change from yesterday!
We have blue sky and sunshine!
All is calm.....no wind! Not even a breeze at the moment!
It is much colder though....3C...... but I don't mind that.
I have a lovely day for my outing!
Even though we shall be spending some considerable time in the Art gallery, we may well get chance for a walk in St James Park which is close by.
I am looking forward to my "trip"!
I hope your weather is much improved, too?
Shall you try taking your car to the garage today?

Good morning, Elle!
Lovely clear day here.
I can see the snow covered summit of Schiehallion from my kitchen window.
No, my car is going in on Monday.
Just took it for a run to Glencarse and back to charge up the battery.
I passed the Horn Cafe but did not go in!
Hope you get on fine in Town,

Hi, Rusty!
Yes, thank you, I had a great time up in town.
The weather held all day - chilly but beautiful.
The Australian Impressionists exhibition was wonderful!
I didn't know any of the artists but was interested to read the posted blurb about them.
I have treated myself to a book showing all the paintings exhibited, plus further information about them and the relevant artists.
I shall enjoy studying that!
My friend and I also enjoyed catching up on all the family "news"!
You sound as though you, too, have had a good day?
( You showed great restraint in passing The Horn without going in!!!)

Good evening, Elle!
You had a good day in Town, so!
Very nice to meet up with your friend!
I have had a good day.
I had the roast chicken meal my son bought me, for my tea!
i saw Tina and Jonathan practising their bobsleigh skills earlier.
I was tempted at the Horn.
One of their giant bacon rolls would have gone down well!
Pity you do not like the cycling, Elle.
The Belgian one-day classics start tomorrow on Eurosport.
Will suit me!