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Hi, Rusty
!Now that you have mentioned it, yes, I even remember your having spoken about the crematorium in Middlesbrough! but the original reason for our talking about the place still eludes me? How frustrating! Maybe the recollection will come to us when we least expect it.........
I have looked up "deadline" in Brewers.
In what context did you come across it?
During the American Civil War, in a Confederate P.O.W camp, a line was marked out some distance from the peripheral wire fence. Any prisoner crossing this line was shot on sight - hence the origin of "deadline".
Now taken to mean the final date or time when a task must be completed.
Where would we be without Brewers and Anne B?
I've just had my daughter on the phone finalising arrangements for their arrival tomorrow. They expect to get here some time before lunch.
Looking forward to it!

Hello, Elle!
Yes, that's my "deadline", too!
I never imagined that!
I think "skedaddled" comes from the US Civil War, too.
Definitely sounds American!
Brewers is great. Some gems in there.
Be all "go" for you tomorrow!

Hi, Rusty!
I looked up "skedaddle" but, guess what, it isn't in Brewers?
Chambers says the verb means to run off hurriedly; and the noun a hasty flight.
Apparently the etymology is uncertain.
All I can find out if is that you are right in thinking it comes from America..........the word suddenly appeared at the beginning of the Civil War.
Out of the blue, it became fashionable in 1862, with lots of examples appearing in American newspapers and books.
Without doubt it started out as military slang with the meaning of fleeing the battlefield or retreating hurriedly.
I did manage to find this........
It may be from Scots word "skiddle", meaning to splash water about or spill.
It is suggested that this transferred to the US through the image of blood and corpses being "spilled and scattered " on the battlefield

I've had a couple of holidays organised by "Saddle Skeddadle". They are cycling routes where the firm organises the overnight stays and moves your luggage from one stay to the next - very civilized!

Hello, Elle!
You have been busy at the word-finding!
Skiddle is a new word to me.
But, skedaddle is much used in Ireland.
I often use it myself.
The US Civil War had many Scots and Irish taking part, on both sides.
Could it maybe come from Scots or Irish Gaelic?

Hi, Rusty!
I enjoyed researching that, but I'm afraid that is the best that I could come up with?
There doesn't seem to be much known about the origin of the word.
Maybe someone reading this will have something additional to offer us.
I have been busy digging out some old board games that haven't seen the light of day for "yonks"!
I am sure the boys will appreciate learning some new games!
We have a lot planned for the week.......the other grandchildren are coming over, too, at various times.
Should be good fun!


Hello, Chris!
That sounds an interesting way of travelling around if you are a keen cyclist and like exploring/ touring .
Having your luggage tranported from A to B sounds ideal!
In our younger days , we always walked everywhere, staying sometimes in Youth Hostels, especially if we were in the Lake District.

Goodmorning, Elle!
Quite cold here!
Are you all set for your family arriving?
Remember the "server error" that your daughter may fix!
I like "yonks" too. A favourite of mine.
What about "hens teeth"?
Are they to do with a long time or am I wrong again?
I am off out for my paper.

Morning Rusty,

Extremely cold night ! Everything very white with frost, and still now in places at 10.45am - but blue sky and sun, which is very nice.
What's your weather like?

I thought 'hens teeth' was used when something is rare or impossible (probably because hens don't have teeth?)

Elle, Rusty, Malone and All

Is this a 'Londonism' in today's 15 x 15 or just C for Cockney?

1a Cockney was hovering, about to strike punch, cutting loose (10)

I have absolutely no idea at present !

Pigale, it's a Londonism/London-speak thing again. I decided not to mention it as I risked looking obsessed with these clues!