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Good morning, Rusty!
We have yet another lovely day here ...very cold initially early morning, but the temperature is set to rise to 5C by midday, when we shall venture out for a walk.
How is it in your neck of the woods?
Have you been out yet for your paper?
At least, you do not have far to go!
I was intending to meet a friend for a late lunch today but it is her turn to be "sick" !
These bugs are everywhere!

Good morning, Elle!
Lucky you with the weather.
Dull here but not so cold.
Just home with my paper and raspberries for the smoothies!
I just noticed on my television set that BBC were advertising a programme for next "Wendesday".
And Sky Sports are advertising a match for "Sudnay".
I have the practice runs for the men's downhill on.
Course does not seem to be a tough one, although the racers are not going flat out.

Hi, Rusty!
Yes, we are doing well with the weather compared with other areas....it is just a pity that it is so cold at the moment, in the very early mornings.
It fits my life style and planning so much better to go out very early with the dog.....
Then I can be home for about 9.30 -10ish, giving time for other things during the day then, and also allowing time for a second dog walk in the late afternoon.
But as things stand.......it does seem foolish to go out in minus temps when I need not!
Hopefully, this intense cold will be of short duration...and life can resume its normal pattern!
Those mistakes don't say much for the BBC's spelling.......or vigilance?
How are you doing for reading material?
Have you ordered any books from Amazon/ ebay/ wherever / recently?

Hello, Elle!
It is not cold here today.
If the BBC's only mistake was a spelling error or two, that's fine.
Certainly BBC Scotland is not an organisation I admire.
Too many untruths published and their News website has stories several days old.
Hardly "News"!
I have had a look at my books, and there are seven I have not read yet, so I don't need anymore.
Puzzle is a good one today!
26, is new to me!
From an old book I have never read!
I liked 25a.

Hi, Rusty!
You are way ahead of me with your crossword....
The phone has not been still all morning - it is as though folk are aware that I am at home....!
I have just been speaking to my younger daughter phoning in her lunch hour...she talks for the hour's duration!
I am now about to grab the dog and go out....
I am far behind my planned schedule!
I shall take a look at the puzzle on my return.......
Back in a while.........

Hello, Elle!

Hope you and the dog liked the walk!
Weather is a lot nicer here now...but we have a snow and ice warning from Met Office.
No visit from my son this evening.
He is up North fishing the River Dee and it will be later when he gets home.

Hi, Rusty!
I am home again now......it was not as pleasant a walk as yesterday.
The sun disappeared and so there was no added warmth from its weak rays.
We felt the chill, despite walking briskly!
But hey, no rain and no snow, so I'm not complaining!
Have you been out yourself?
Now, the puzzle......
You mentioned 26 a...I had "Franklin", although I always thought the story-teller was referred to as "The Franklin"?
Yes, " In it I ate" was good for 25a!
You will miss your son's visit this afternoon .......
Will he come to see you tomorrow instead?
He finishes work early on a Friday, doesn't he?

Hello, Elle!
Yes, I was out buying cheese which slipped my mind this morning!
Elle, I have no idea about the storyteller.
This Franklin lad appears in an old book which I have not read.
I am not keen on old books.
The "Agnes" yesterday, was another old book which I had never heard of.
A Bronte wrote it, apparently.
Yes, I'll miss my son coming to see me.
He may well visit tomorrow or Saturday.
This fishing trip is a surprise to me.
But the Dee is known for its Spring run of fish and he must have got permission to fish a beat on it.
He has many contacts in the salmon fishing world.

Hi, Rusty!
Ah yes, I remember yesterday's clue...............
"Agnes Grey" was Anne Bronte's first book , I think, followed by "The Tennant of Wildfell Hall".
Emily Bronte wrote "Wuthering Heights" and Charlotte Bronte wrote "Jane Eyre".
I guess both these are much better know than their sister's dramatic efforts?
The Bronte sisters wrote under the pen- names of Acton, Currer and Ellis Bell.
I think "Jane Eyre" remains my favourite!
Right, I must away to cook dinner........
Have you had yours?

Hello, Elle!
I recognise the names of these books, Elle, but would not read them.
Too old fashioned for me, and I do not take to fiction.
I read a couple of Thomas Hardy books though, but much prefer modern books, like Miss Peckwitt's!
Any sign of Dion Dublin visiting next door yet?