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Hi, Rusty!
That is a pity about the grey squirrels needing to be killed throughout Scotland, although I can understand that there seems to be no other way to protect the red squirrels.
But the grey squirrels are loved by many here...and are definitely not considered as vermin.
They are mostly very tame and friendly and will take food from one's hand
Dogs are not allowed to chase them, and I think must be muzzled, if of a nature to do so.
Some years ago now, we had two albino squirrels in our local park.
These are very rare.

Hello, Elle!
We look upon the greys as an invasive species, hence the culling each year to protect the native reds.
I was reading that the last of London's reds died out in the 1920's.
I think Beatrix Potter's squirrels were reds, not sure though?
I'd have thought by now, the scientists would have come up with some sort of immunology treatment for the reds, but the larger greys would drive them out anyway.
A pity!

Good morning, Rusty!
A lovely morning...blue sky, bright sunshine and already 16C at 8 am.
I hope it as nice as this up your way?
Yes, you are quite correct.....Beatrix Potter's Squirrel Nutkin was indeed a red squirrel.
I intend taking it easy....... and am hoping for a stress free day!
I've just made a coffee and am going to look at the crosswords.
What are you doing?

Good afternoon, Elle!
Fine day here.
I have several tasks to perform today.
But taking it easy, too.
Not looked at my puzzle yet.
Any sign of the Thames Water lads?

Hi, Rusty!
Yes and no, to your query!
Two guys came about 12.30 pm., and repaired the pavement out in front of the house.
I went out and asked them if they were going to finish our path....
However, they denied that it was anything to do with them!
Then another chap came to move the barriers.........
Eventually, after a further phone call to the contractors, I have now been assured that more workmen will come tomorrow morning - supposedly without fail- to complete the re- instatement of our path.
However........I am not holding my breath!
I am away out now to walk off some of my hereto rigidly controlled temper!

Good evening, Rusty!
How has your day been?
Have you managed to get most of your tasks done?
My afternoon walk had the desired effect...and I am now in a much calmer frame of mind.....
After all, we can easily go out and buy a bag or two of shingle and complete the job ourselves.......why am I worrying?
Did you get chance to do your puzzle?
I just have two that I cannot solve .......

Good evening, Elle!
My day has been fairly full.
Some tasks done but others to do tomorrow.
Just one of those weeks, or months!
The Thames Water folk are a hoot, are they not?
Hopefully tomorrow will see it finished!
I had no paper today, but I did the puzzle online.
If you would like a wee hand, just say.

Hi, Rusty!
At least your day sounds to have been more satisfying than has mine!
I am still at a loss as to how TW officials could have photos (so they say) showing completed repair work on my path?
I have suggested they come to look at it for themselves.......
Yes, thank you...I will take you up on your offer of help re the crossword......
5d: Waiter's assistant initially should be ordered to block purchase (6)
B?S?O?
24a: Certain ears, or part of one, catching second bit of music (5)
D?R?M
And I cannot parse 8a: Tiny weight of messengers dressed up as elderly relatives ? (9)
I have "nanograms"
Firstly , why is it plural when the clue says "weight", and not "weights"?
Is "nan" meaning a relative?
I really cannot understand this at all?
Your assistance will be greatly appreciated!

Hello, Elle!
It will all be fine tomorrow!
Now, this puzzle was created for an American crossword puzzle convention.
It seems to have an American tone to it.
5D is "Bu sbo y", "buy" is purchase, around first letters of "should be ordered".
I presume busboy is a waiter's assistant!
24 tied me in knots!
"Durum" is a type of wheat, often used for pasta.
Wheat have ears, part of an ear is a "drum", with the second letter of m"u"sic.
I think that was very tough!
Nanograms looks good, but the dear Lord only knows what the parse is!
My suggestion is that the answer is based on the word "kissogram", meaning the "nans/grannies" are older kissograms.
But, that is only my opinion, and may be a bit iffy!

hello, Elle,
For 6d I have "out of door" and I have only ever heard the phrase "out of doorS".
Maybe American ?