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Hello, Elle!
Apologies!
I forgot to mention "Offa"! It is dire, too.
Remember that today is Wednesday.
The Times has said the toughest puzzle is on a Wednesday.
I think you will get there, but best leave it aside for a while.
I think "magirist" comes from a Greek word for butcher or cook, if I remember the Tweet correctly.
I am taking an interest in the skiing just now, before heading out.

Hi, Rusty!
I have done all that I can of today's puzzle...I am left with seven unsolved clues.
I have put it to one side ...in the hope that (just maybe) inspiration will strike later!
I am about to go for a walk …...the dog is keen to be off.....
And "the sun has got his hat on ......"
Talk later!

Hello, Elle!
Best plan, take a break from your puzzle!
It can make a good difference when you come back to it.
It's a fine afternoon here.
I had another walk to the building sites.
Amazing diggers they have!
I am off to "magirist" my tea, now!

Hello Elle and Rusty!

The sun has got his hat on here too..... finally!
Due to remain with us with very nice temperatures for quite a while,
or so the Met Office is promising us.

Had a nice walk down town, and going to what I call the "Star Trek"
medical cabinet! It will be nice as it is only a 10mns walk from home,
in the other direction from Town - so all flat.
Then Friday is Market day, and unfortunately I also have a funeral
to attend - one of my neighbours, a suicide job so not so nice.

I knew him well - he helped my dad with the garden after work and week-ends - He was only 62, I know why he committed this desperate act and I can understand. His wife left him some 3 years ago after being married for 20 odd years and he never recovered from this - understandably.

It is a religious funeral, so I am pleased to see that the Church has
become more lenient towards deaths by suicide. They used to
refuse a religious funeral in such case before - not that long ago
really. Now, it is a more human attitude I think.

On a brighter subject, I hope you both had a nice day and
Thank You Elle for sending the sun - I did take its time to cross the
Channel, but finally arrived!

Hi, Rusty!
It was beautiful out in the park.... and very much milder this afternoon.
I think the temperature must have hit double figures.
We have just a few Egyptian geese in the park (compared with far more Canada geese)
A pair of these were seen on the lake with eight babies on Sunday.
Sadly, though, mum and dad are gradually losing the little ones.....
This morning the Egyptian goose was down to six babies.....but only five tiny goslings were left by this afternoon!
The goslings are most probably being snatched by one of the herons, altho' there are also some very predatory seagulls around early in the mornings.
I saw a heron taking a very tiny duckling last year, and the poor little mite was still crying, as the heron bore it across the sky.
Mother duck just sat in the water and watched.
What have you had for your tea?



Hello, Pigale!
I am glad the sun finally reached you ......wearing his hat!
And that the weather is also feeling somewhat warmer.
You are obviously improving, as you can now walk into town!
That is good to hear!
I am sorry about your friend.
He must have been feeling very desperate to take such drastic action as ending his life. Poor man.

Hello, Pigale!
Glad to hear you have better weather now.
Elle must have worked her magic!
Nice weather here, too, quite mild, in fact.
It's good you are getting out for a walk.
That is awful news about your neighbour's death.
Poor man must have been in torment.
What goes on in the human mind can be very difficult to understand.
I am pleased the Church has adopted a more humane approach to these tragedies.
Much better for everyone.
Do you have someone to accompany you to the funeral?
Company is very helpful on these occasions.

Hello, Elle!
Very mild here, too.
Must be about 8C this afternoon.
Fine for walking!
I'm afraid that is Nature in the raw you are witnessing.
The birds have large broods but many will not survive.
I do not like gulls.
I had a mackerel, baked beans and boiled tatties for tea.
And it was very nice!
Have you had another peek at your crossword puzzle?

Hello Rusty!

I will go to the funeral alone, but will probably know many of the people attending it. He was of a well known family, a truly 'local'
family for generations in fact, so I believe there will be a lot
of other local people attending the funeral.

Re the temps, yes, it is becoming milder here too, except at nights
when the thermometre still goes as low as minus 1C or 2C - but
it's a small price to pay for a brilliant sunny mildish day!
Glad you are enjoying it too. Spring seems to be in the air doesn't it?

Hello, Pigale!
As long as you know folk at the funeral that will be fine.
I am sure you will like having their company.
I have never thought of Spring, yet!
We have had an excellent Winter here, so far.
Hope it continues!

Good evening, Rusty!
Yes, I know the ruthlessness of nature is inevitable...... but it seems so sad that the geese and ducks do not protect their young more efficiently.
The goslings were left alone on the lake this morning.......one parent finally returning whilst we watched from a distance.
Whereas you should see the coots in action!
They are brilliant parents - and work as a team, both mum and dad "parenting" and protecting their brood!
Yes, I have had another go at my crossword.
I have only three left to do now, but I have reached an impasse.....
I am throwing in the towel!
4d: What player shown red card has is unusual (9)
L?F???E?D
12a: Fellow stressed but in good form? (7)
H?M?E??
28a: Stop using sticks for cycle accessories (10)
K?C?S?A?D?
Help, please! My mind is a total blank!