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Hello, Elle!
My son has left.
Just watching the golf now.
We are all fine here.
Still a bit blustery here.
Last day of Cheltenham tomorrow!
It has been good.

Hi, Rusty!
It is good that you had a good talk with your son - and that everyone is well.
You will be sorry that Cheltenham is coming to an end.
Any particular horse for you to follow, tomorrow?
I see that Victoria will be commentating!
I have had a fairly quiet day today....no "Ladies who Lunch" on a Thursday, for about three weeks.
Our numbers have dwindled due to people moving ....I myself will still see several folk but on varying days.
Now, I have all but finished the 15 x 15 - I left the last bit, because I wanted to read!
I have a couple of queries........
14a: Persistently attack judge's conclusion in worst case (5)
I have "beset".........
I have an "e" from judgE's conclusion, but how does "worst" become "best"?
And in 16a, "Violet" does not sound like "violate"?
or not to me, anyway
Oh and I learned a new word....dendriform!

Hello, Elle!
Yes, I shall miss Cheltenham.
All the hilarity and super horses etc.
Good fun!
I have backed Wonderful Charm in the Foxhunters Chase.
Katie Walsh rides and I hope for a good run.
Beset is correct, Elle.
Best and worst can mean the same.
For instance in a competition.
To best someone, or worst someone, is the same.
I emphatically agree with you on 16a.
I knew the rings on cut trees were dendri-somethings!

Elle, sorry for late reply - got busy then watched a DVD.

Yes, we can have extreme temperatures here - we can be the coldest in France (or at least one of the coldest), and we often are the hottest area of the country : right in the middle of it, so no sea air whatsoever. It does not seem that long ago that we were as low as minus 13 - 15!

Today was exceptional and is not going to last quite that warm.

Bed time for me - this sun made me tired!

Good morning, Elle and Pigale.
There is a bird at the nest this morning.
I do not think I can see a tag so I do not think it is one of "ours"!

Just had a look at the webcam, the osprey is still there, looking rather the worse for wear and standing on one leg. Have checked the blog, no mention of which osprey itis.

Good morning, Rusty!
We have another beautiful day, in that the sun is out and the sky is blue....but it is very cold!
Only 6C.
I have heard of "to best someone" but not "to worst" used in the same context - that is new to me.
No wonder I was flummoxed when trying to parse the clue.
I hope that Katie and Wonderful Charm do well in the Foxhunters' Chase.
Wasn't it this race that Victoria took part in last year?
Or am I misremembering?
Now...the osprey!
As soon as I read your message , I went to the Webcam.....
The osprey is just standing there, looking around.
There is no comment on the blog....?

Good morning, Elle!
A bit cloudy here.
Have a look at "worst" in Bradford's?
Yes, Vic rode in the Foxhunters last year.
I have just done Augusta Kate in the Albert Bartlett, each way.
Ruby rides.
She is owned by golfer Lee Westwood in partnership with Ant and Dec.
Looking forward to the racing.
It has been enjoyable.
Hopefully Charlotte will update the blog soon!

Hi, Rusty!
What has happened to your painter?
Did he arrive at 8am this morning, as promised?
Yes, I have looked up "worst" in Bradfords and seem that it gives "best".
But I wasn't doubting you for one moment!
I was only saying that I had never personally come across this.
My daughter has just been on the phone to say that her car will not start.
She thinks it is the clutch.
Fortunately she is working from home today, and is awaiting a mobile mechanic.
Her husband took the boys to school and nursery in his car and will do the pick ups.
The (intruding?) osprey is still in the nest...
I cannot find anything about it in the blog?
Good luck with the racing!

Hello, Elle!
My painter was here at 7.55 and was gone by 8.45.
Did a fine job!
I understand about best/worst.
I discovered the meanings some time ago and that was why I was so sure.
I cannot see why a malfunctioning clutch can cause a car not to start?
Seems odd?
I am engrossed in the racing!
Willie Mullins has just won the last race!
Willie walks on water!
I'll check the loch after racing.