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Elle, there were two granddaughters today.
Miss La Bamba came too!
But...Pine Cone was helluva busy and we had to sit outside on the porch sorta-thing. It was a bit chilly. The wind was up, but we had a good time and much hilarity along with the shivering!
I am almost thawed out now!
I honestly do not know if that system exists in Scotland.
I doubt it. I think you go to nearest school?
But, a similar system exists in Norn Iron.
My friends had that earlier in the year when their daughter was moving to secondary school. She goes to a different school than her elder sister.

Hi, Rusty!
That was nice having TWO granddaughters unexpectedly! You were obviously bang on about the Pine Cone becoming very successful if there is no longer any seating room inside!
I wouldn't like to sit outside anywhere here at the moment - too wet and too cold! You 'Northerners' are obviously made of sterner stuff!
You said your friends' daughter had to go to a different school from her sister? I think we have a sibling rule here? Preference for brothers and sisters over other potential pupils. At least, I know that applies to primary schools but I cannot vouch for it being so for secondary schools?
One of my books has just arrived - at 6.45pm!! - from Amazon. The Patricia Cornwell one.
What a strange time of day to deliver?

Elle, it was great having the two of them along.
But, must try somewhere else. I don't mind the weather, but it is not good for the girls. And they don't appreciate rain in their Cokes.
I know they sit an exam in Norn Iron, and their marks then give them a choice of secondary schools. I think that is how my friends' daughters go to different schools.
Good old Amazon!

Oh dear, Rusty, it's a pity that the price of success may well deprive you of one of your favourite places!
Maybe you will have to go to The Horn again - you haven't mentioned that in a while? Is it farther away?
Or time for pastures new???
Are you sure I cannot persuade you to try the Toby Carvery?! (It isn't a tattoo parlour, honest!)
I think the girls would like it? You get a choice of roast meat - beef, pork, gammon or turkey (or a combination, or even all four, if you wish!) plus a Yorkshire pudding , roast potatoes and an assortment of vegetables.
It's quite a homely and friendly setting. Why not give it a go?
Re Amazon... one book down, three ( or is four?) to go!

Elle, the Norn Iron exam is called AQE. The first exam is tomorrow.
Yes, maybe back to the Horn, or the Joinery. The cafe at ASDA is popular, too.
I am not sure my girls would like Toby. Is there one in my neck of the woods?
I have started The Tiger.
Siberia sounds an awful place to live! The Amur tigers are enormous creatures.
I sincerely hope I do not have nightmares!

Hi, Rusty!
So is the AQE exam for selective schooling? By that I mean is it to distinguish between candidates of different scholastic ability?
Does Norn Iron still have Grammar schools, as we do here in some counties?
What does AQE stand for?
You will never know if you and the girls will like the Toby Carvery if you do not try it!! I am sure that there must be one in or near your area , as they are all over the UK.
I hope you enjoy your book about tigers.
I like tigers! Are there pictures in your book?
(I sound like a child enquiring about a comic!)
Is the Amur tiger the same as a Siberian tiger? Aren't Siberian tigers the largest cats in the world? (have I got that right?)
Yes, I too hope you don't have nightmares!

Elle, yes, to your first two questions.
AQE, no idea what it means. Something to do with a "transfer test".
There are some pictures in my book.
I think, think just, that Amur is the correct name for the Siberian tiger.
Yes, I think they are the largest of the cat family.
Their roar is terrifying, apparently.
Now, Toby carvery.
I would be well out of my comfort zone in a place like that.
Cafes, where I get served in two or three minutes are what I like.
I am a very simple man and 15 minutes in a cafe is my limit.
I would be dragged screaming to a restaurant.
Not my scene! I do not look at menus, because all I want is a bacon roll, or a mince roll.
I hope the weather picks up tomorrow.

Ok, Rusty, I throw in the towel! I concede defeat!
I promise I will not try to persuade you to try the Carvery again!!!!!
It was just a thought to widen your choice of venues with the girls.......
I wondered whether to read the book/ see the film/ "The life of Pi" as that is about a tiger.
Younger daughter and I had intended to go and see the film when it first came out , but neither of us could agree on a date that suited us both.
I shall investigate further.........
Do you have any plans for the weekend?
How is your golf interest progressing ?

Hello, Elle!
More rain here!
I do not know anything about The Life of Pi.
I recognise the title, but that's all.
No plans, just a wee bit of driving to do in the afternoon.
My golf interest this week is Rickie Fowler, and he is doing reasonably well. I am not impressed by the course though.
I prefer the links courses rather than the inland courses.
I see Jess Ennis won Sportswoman of the Year award.
I voted for Lizzie, who came second. I like Jess and Lizzie.
How is doggie getting on?

Elle - re "Life of PI"
I read it, and it's another one where I felt cheated at the end.