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Hello, Elle!
They sent me a photo of the bus and as far as I recall it was a "disco bus" with DJ, and driver, probably.
The old parties were every bit as much fun.
And I know that the "disco bus" parties are not popular with many parents as they are expensive.
They can not afford to hire the bus and DJ, even if the kids want one.
And I have every sympathy with them.

Hi, Rusty!
I think our pleasures were much simpler in the "old days"........most probably because first our parents, and then us, couldn't afford any different.
I think it a pity that the simpler things of life are now often overlooked .
My daughters tell me that all the children in the school class (30 odd) now have to be invited, because it is no longer P.C. to invite just a chosen few.
And it is "fashionable" to hold the event at a "themed venue"!
We could never have afforded to do that......it was sandwiches, jelly, and cake at home, with a few friends!
Playing party games !
Blind Man's Bluff! Pin the tail on the donkey!
But everyone always seemed to have a good time!
Money isn't everything!

Hello, Elle!
Yes, things were much simpler regarding birthdays etc, years ago.
My friends over the water told me there are several single parent pupils who would like a "bus" party but they have no money for it.
So, your daughter's hearing that all the class has to be invited goes some way to make sure the less well off can go to the party too.
There was a class skiing trip to Italy last Winter, and you can imagine how much that would cost, especially for those on very tight budgets.
I am having a quiet evening reading my book.

Hi, Rusty!
That's a two -edged sword, though, Rusty.......
Large numbers make it too expensive when it come to inviting children back, when your "turn" to host comes around....
The same with expensive school trips, such as those overseas.
We could never afford for our children to go on anything that expensive .
It is as well that school uniform has been introduced.
That, at least, is a great "leveller" and all children look the same.
I am reading, too!
I am out of fresh reading material......
My bookshelves are "two books deep".... so I have been delving behind to find old favourites!

Hello, Elle!
Lots of single parents would like a "turn" but can not afford it.
I think these schools should get a grip.
The poorer children are being discriminated against and that should not be.
Some of my books are many years old!
I have a clean out every so often.
I've been reading about the Boer War just now.
It is fascinating!

Good morning, Rusty!
It is a glorious day here ...bright blue sky and sunshine!
I haven't been further than the garden as yet ......
No early walk today, as we are meeting up with our daughter and family for an outing, at about 11am.
That will be good!
What is it like in your neck of the woods?
You are going out with Miss O this morning, aren't you?
What time is she collecting you?

Good afternoon, Elle!
Plan B, here!
I did not go out today.
Think I have a bug!
So it will be next week with Miss O.
Hope you enjoy your outing!

Hi, Rusty!
Oh dear! I am sorry to hear that you are feeling rough.
I hope it is just something transitory and you will be better tomorrow.
Take it easy for today.
We had a great time, thank you.
It is very warm out - in the mid-twenties - no need for coats / jackets, so a lot of people are out having picnics.
We did the same ourselves and took lunch out with us.
Summer is temporarily back with us!
We are home again now, though, as BB had to be back for a swimming lesson at 4 pm.

Hello, Elle!
You have been lucky with the weather!
Not like that here!
Good that you had a nice day out with your family!
You will have lots to tell your cousin this evening about your outing!
I was watching the cycling.
A win for Peter Sagan!
He is World Champion for the third year running.
That has never happened before.
Not even Eddy Merckx won 3 in a row!
I have a TV programme to watch that I recorded about several lochs up here.
Think it will be good!

Hi, Rusty!
At least, you have had the cycling to watch, as you were not feeling well enough to go out!
Yes, Peter Sagan did very well , becoming World Champion for the third time.
A strange coincidence occurred this morning!
A friend sent me a mini video of Darci doing her winning ventriloquism turn!
She had been so impressed by Darci's act, that she was forwarding the link!
How is that for a coincidence?
I finished the Everyman this morning before I went out.
A good puzzle but a tad too easy this week.
Nothing left over to worry about and chew on!
I haven't had chance to look at the Sunday Times puzzle as we only bought the paper on our way home.
I am reading ......