Lynda seeks a mature Robin Hood – Sun 20.10.13 #thearchers

Pondering The Archers Sunday 20th October 2013

• Kirsty auditions
• Handbells and One Direction don’t need multiple spotlights
• Harassed Cook Hampers
• Kirsty and Tom clean out a lagoon
• Nathan Booth auditions
• Henry’s being a pain
• Harriet’s divorcing Ray
• Robert wants Sean Connery and Audrey Hepburn
• The Three Legged Mole
• Fallon has a talent
• Tom puts his foot in it
• Constanza gets brushed

The Archers Tuesday 25th October 2011: Mutterings in the cider club …

• Christine and Jim are falling into bad habits
• The Cider Club isn’t happy
• Nathan Booth is being not nice again

Christine and Jim are falling into bad habits

It’s nearly 10am and they’re just now clearing the breakfast things away.

Shocker!

But, Christine sounds chirpy, and is also sleeping a lot better.

And seems Jim is also benefitting from living (in friendship) with Christine.

He’s been introduced to the world of Radio Borchester.

[Jim] “Not shouting at the Today programme must be doing my blood pressure the world of good!”

The Cider Club isn’t happy

About the orchard.

They want to know who the cider will belong to.

[Mike] “I’ll put it to you straight Eddie, I ain't sweating my guts out improving that orchard if you and Joe are the only ones to reap the benefits, got it!”

Blimey! Feelings are running high.

[Eddie] “Are you saying I’m on the fiddle?”

Mike reckons the cider Eddie and Joe makes isn't just for their own drinking – so yes. He does see Eddie as being on the fiddle.

Jim tries to make them compromise. He suggests everyone gets an allocation of cider for the amount of work that they do.

But Eddie’s not happy with that. He reckons it’s the Grundy’s equipment and storage.

[Eddie] “Us Grundy’s have put money and effort into acquiring them over the years”

[Mike] “You what? Scrounging bits of old sack and barrels out of people!”

BUT the Grundys do own the cider press.

So Eddie and Mike grudgingly agree to disagree. And everyone shall get their fair share of the cider.


Nathan Booth is being not nice again

Seems Christine went into the shop, and Nathan Booth made a remark about her “gentleman caller”.
And, he smirked.

Jim tells Christine not to care. That everyone who matters understands.

[Jim] “If you’re going to associate with me, you’re going to have to grow a much thicker skin”

I’ve said it before – but, good lad Jim. Good lad.

The Archers Tues 22nd March 2011: Gardeners’ Question Time AND the first Book Club

• Gardeners’ Question Time
• Hello Christine!
• “Roy is a treasure”
• Nigel and Topper – picture perfect
• No grazing allowed at the Book Blub
• “What’s under that there foil there, Caroline Sterling?”
• Can’t afford books??????????
• “Little Drummer boy died of his wounds an’ all”
• “Cheer up Nathan Booth”
• Joe enjoyed, Usha not so
• Sabrina’s “paucity of intellectual rigour”
• What will Jim choose?
• ‘That’ statue

Gardeners’ Question Time

Might be coming to Ambridge.

Steady on there! Camilla, possibly some hat woman AND Gardeners’ Question Time.

Makes one hope that loads are not being blown too soon …

No mention of exactly when, but they seemingly need the village hall from 12pm-2pm.

Ah – anticipation.



Hello Christine!

It’s been an age – so lovely to hear Christine again.

It was she who Jim had to race round to in order to check if the village hall would be free for Gardeners’ Question Time.

Christine mentioned that it was Phil who had first asked Gardeners’ Question Time to come to Ambridge.

(pause … sigh … lovely, lovely Phil)


“Roy is a treasure”

So says Elizabeth to Caroline.

Funny how suddenly Elizabeth feels less stressed now that Roy is on-hand – just goes to how that Farmer David’s intentions were good, but not really up to the job at hand.

Still, Elizabeth does sound in far better form, even though Lily is still having nightmares.

[Elizabeth] “The device has given me new confidence, and I’m being waited on hand and foot”

Nigel and Topper – picture perfect

To ease the Twins’ sadness at having to lose Topper (and, ahem, their dad), Caroline has framed a seemingly superb picture of Nigel and Topper.

Nigel’s holding the Stirrup Cup, and is “looking mischievous”.



No grazing allowed at the Book Blub

Usha’s being strict with her cultural endeavours – the Book Club shall break for nibbles, rather than be allowed to munch during the discussion. Avoids “greasy marks” on the book, you see …

Jennifer couldn’t be there (and Jim was surprised to learn she is a published author), and neither could Ruth (she never sounded that keen in the first place, and now wants to clean before Home farm’s cleaner comes to Brookfield to clean).

But Caroline, Jim, Richard Thwaite (Usha, of course) are all at the inaugural meeting.

As is Jim and Nathan Booth …



“What’s under that there foil there, Caroline Sterling?”

As suspected yesterday when Joe’s ears perked up at Robert Snell’s mention of nibbles and wine at the Book Club – Joe’s invited himself along.

He’s joined by a Nathan Booth, very keen to see Sabrina.

(one would have thought he’d been able to see enough of Sabrina in her cat show during the Panto to provide him with enough pleasurable memories for the next decade!).

And the answer to Joe’s question to Caroline – leftover canapés …


Can’t afford books??????????

Joe reckons he hasn’t read the book for the Book Club as he can’t afford books.

Have all the Borchester libraries already shut for good?

He later went onto say that he might get it on tape (if he can).

Why not just ask Clarrie to read it aloud while she’s clipping your toenails?




“Little Drummer boy died of his wounds an’ all”

As the group is getting into meaningful discussion about the murder (in The Suspicions of Mr Whicher – which I do highly recommend) was so shocking because it was middle class etc. etc. , Joe jumps in to ramble on about the Little Drummer Boy.

For those who don’t know it – he was shot by a round head musket, or an Irish one, the battle of Hassett Bridge on 14th June, he staggered to The Bull but died, then June 14th 1995 a cannon ball was hurled into The Bull, followed by a Tap, Tap Tap Tappity Tap Tap from the wall – the very next week Sid opened the Hassett room in the Drummer Boy’s memory.

What’s that got to do with the topic at hand, Joe only knows!


“Cheer up Nathan Booth”

[Joe] “Cheer up Nathan Booth, it’s time for the nibbles”

And that was really all there was to cheer up poor Nathan.

[Joe] “Nathan Booth is a very disappointed man. He only showed up on the promise of Sabrina Thwaite coming … got a crush on her see. He don’t get to meet many women, socially”

Maybe Harry could help Nathan learn to use the internet.

I’ve said it before about our single Ambridge residents – dating websites …


Joe enjoyed, Usha not so

[Joe] “A nice social occasion with the grub and that Them canapés was past their best, mind …”

[Usha] “Oh the cheek of him … I don’t know who invited Joe, I certainly didn’t””

Jim relates that it was Robert’s fault for Joe being there – but he own fault for a scowling Nathan’s presence. It was he who mentioned Sabrina.

Though Usha thinks it was a disaster, Jim’s quick to correct her.

[Jim] “It went very well. No, you’ve heralded something culturally rather interesting for Ambridge”

Cripes!



Sabrina’s “paucity of intellectual rigour”

[Jim] “Then I made an ironic comment saying I could only hope Sabrina would join as well, if only to enrich her mind, Usha. She has such a paucity of intellectual rigour, I dread doing a shift with her in the shop”

Meow, Mr Lloyd. Me-ow!


What will Jim choose?

Usha is normally quite an astute lady – why did she give the next book choice to Jim?

He might surprise us all with Angela’s Ashes (or the like), but it’s a bit of a gamble for only the second meeting.

[Jim] “Ah,. Don’t you worry. I’m still cogitating. It’s going to be a hard one though, when you consider the legions of classic books so dear to my heart”

Hmmm.


‘That’ statue

[Joe] “Nice Indian Statue in the living room, by the way”

[Usha] “Thank you, not everyone thinks it”

Considering Usha and Shula actually spoke (and were civil) to each other just after Nigel died – I wonder if more is yet to come about the statue?

It’s been a fair while.

The Archers Monday 29th November 2010: Poor Lynda

The Archers: Panto misery … Helen’s misery … at least Fallon and Harry are having a laugh

• “I suppose we could have guitar playing rats”
• “If it was up to her, she’d have the baby in the stockroom …”
• Fallon doesn’t understand her motivation
• Phew for Amy!
• Tony makes good?

“I suppose we could have guitar playing rats”

Lynda really has lost the plot.

Having lost Nathan Booth to a “lack of professionalism” (his words), Lynda’s becoming increasingly erratic.

After ignoring Fallon’s plea for a bit of understanding over her lateness due to Jolene wanting to do a bit of Christmas shopping (come on Lynda – Jolene interested in anything is something to be nurtured!), Lynda’s after Fallon's band-mate Rolla.

But he seemingly won’t go on stage without a guitar.


“If it was up to her, she’d have the baby in the stockroom …”

“ … and be back behind the counter an hour later”

So says Kirsty about Helen.

Tony’s also having a pop at Helen via Amy

“Do you come across this often? Young women having babies on their own … I think it’s crazy!”

On hearing that Helen is finding things a bit tough, Tony is even less sympathetic:

[Tony] “If she’s cracking under the strain now, what’s it going to be like when the baby arrives?”

Come on Tony. You’re going to melt eventually …


Fallon doesn’t understand her motivation

And she’s also brave enough to take on Lynda about her script@

[Fallon] “Alice is supposed to be quite a demur young woman, isn’t she? She's not the sort to go picking up men on the street!”

After questioning Lynda over Alice falling for a bit of a dirty Dick (fnar!), Fallon then gets far over excited about Harry’s ability to do rhymes.

Goodness me! Ask him out properly, Fallon. All of this giggling and mooning doesn’t become you.

And watch your back. Lynda was sounding very sniffy as you were tittering and rhyming away with Harry.

[Lynda] “We are not here to have fun … we are here to put on a show! Christmas shopping and general joviality take priority over their commitment to me”

All of which would be quite amusing, if Harry and Fallon hadn’t actually driven Lynda to tears.


Phew for Amy!

At last – Helen has someone to talk to who she actually trusts and believes (though I still don’t know why Helen won’t listen to her own, or any other, mum. Amy is only recently qualified)

[Helen] “is there any chance it’s something I’ve done – like not eating enough, taking too much exercise … could I have been depriving the baby of nourishment?”

Amy explained, reassured, relaxed.

Just in time for Helen (and the rest of us).


Tony makes good?

Popping round to drop off a casserole for Helen (which she froze rather than ate), Tony seems to have slightly mellowed towards Helen. Maybe Pat has got through to him. Maybe he realised that, like it or not, his daughter needs him.

[Tony] “Any time you do feel a bit down, for no matter what reason, … we’ll always be there for you”

The Archers Fri 26th Nov 2010: Helen’s worried she’s hurt her baby

The Archers: Tony’s got to scrape the yard … Helen’s making a batch of Borchester Blue … seemingly it isn’t okay to eat takeaway for breakfast (I beg to differ!)

• Kenton and Jolene off to lunch again
• “walking the path of sinfulness”
• Helen’s baby is too small
• Eddie is innocent
• Is Tony coming round?

Kenton and Jolene off to lunch again

Kenton and Jolene happen to bump into each other. Kenton suggests Jolene goes to lunch with him at Jaxx, and Jolene agrees.

Doesn’t sound like the start of a steamy romance, but you just never know …

I must say that Jolene does seem to have a high tolerance for Kenton’s rather dated and rubbish sense of humour:

[when Kenton was pretending to be a guitar, Jolene:] “You’re a natural”

Hmmm. I’d have other words for it …

Anyhoo, Jolene was saying to Kenton that she feels she got more energy now.

Just in time for a steamy time with Mr K Archer?


“walking the path of sinfulness”

Kenton has a slight concern that he’ll be struck down by the Almighty as he tries to enter His house on Sunday (for the advent service).

Carrying on the religious theme, Kenton also calls David:

“my angelic little brother”

Interesting.

Is Kenton developing a conscience?


Helen’s baby is too small

I found it very odd that Pat didn’t notice Helen was close to tears at first (maybe that’s why Helen tends to hold it all in, in the first place).

But at least we now know why Helen was being a bit off after she had been to see the midwife.

Seemingly her baby is small for the stage it is at.

And Helen’s worried it’s her fault, for doing too much exercise.

[Helen] “For once in my life I just wanted something to go right for me”

[Pat] “Babies are really robust little things – they can hope with a lot (p)

[Pat] “You just have to realise, you can’t control everything”

[Helen] “I’m damaging it before it’s even been born”

Cripes. And there was me thinking Helen’s kid would only need specialist treatment from a psychiatrist.


Eddie is innocent

Eddie’s still protesting that he knew nothing about the gloop in the bucket he threw over Sabrina.

Nathan’s demonstrating his guilt by quitting the Panto.

Nathan claims he “couldn’t work in such an unprofessional environment”, but I think we can guess that he knew Eddie would do anything and everything to get him back. So probably best he wasn’t on stage in front of an audience when that happened.

Still, Eddie’s had to pay £45 to get Sabrina’s top dry cleaned. Which surely Eddie will get back through Karma – after all, Eddie only stung Nathan for trying to rip off a charity.


Is Tony coming round?

Pat’s talking to Tony about her concerns over Helen:

[Pat] “I think there’s something a lot deeper going on … she’s terrified that something awful is going to happen … because it always does, she said”

[Pat] “When you think how many things have gone wrong in her life … she’s desperate for something to go right at last … she’s pinning so much on this baby”

[Tony] “But it’s alright, we’ll look after her … both of us”

Does Tony really mean that?

The Archers Wed 24th Nov 2010: Eddie really upsets Sabrina

The Archers: Lynda buys a bar of chocolate for Robert … Jazzer in Ambridge Organics shock … Jazzer cooks (!) … Revenge is sweet

• Jazzer’s cooking for his “wee lassie”
• Pelvic exercises upset Tony
• Christmas trees aren’t just for weans
• Helen sounds odd
• Sabrina makes even more audible noises
• Just a filler?
• The rats have lost their chemistry

Jazzer’s cooking for his “wee lassie”

My goodness – it’s a real surprise Jazzer gets any ladies interested when he has such a caveman grasp of language.

[Lynda] “So much nicer for your … ahem … lady friend if you’ve taken the trouble yourself”

[Jazzer] “It better have the desired effect … [Harry’s] staying at a mate’s the night in case it does, you know what I mean”

[Helen] “Too much information!”

(and Lynda quickly exits the shop to avoid hearing any more of Jazzer’s leering).

So Jazzer doesn’t know how to talk about, and to, women – plus his knowledge of food is far from impressive:

[Jazzer] “Gelatine – is that something you can eat?”

[Jazzer] “Pan-a-something”

[Kirsty] “Oh – panacotta”

And later, as Jazzer attempts to cook the food he so clearly doesn’t understand:

[Jazzer] “How will this no stay on … this flour and paparazzi?”

(bless!)



Pelvic exercises upset Tony

Tony nips into Ambridge Organics, while Helen’s there, to drop off the veg.

He and Helen sounded quite cold with each other – which Helen didn’t help by ta;lking to Tony avout her ante-natal classes.

The poor man really couldn’t cope with hearting about Helen’s pelvic excercises.

But he’s not letting go of Helen being wrong for having the baby by herself. He asked her about whether anyone else at the class didn’t have a partner there – which two others didn’t.

Is it just me, or is Tony more worried about Helen than angry?

It sounded like he just hates the thought of Helen being the odd one out – alone – different.

Isn’t that just him being a dad?


Christmas trees aren’t just for weans

They’re fur big yins an all!


Helen sounds odd

Well, odder than usual.

Back from her appointment with the midwife, Helen sounds a bit forlorn.

Oh dear.


Sabrina makes even more audible noises

What’s going on?

Is there going to a rash of ‘silent’ residents making noise?

Or is Sabrina building up to an actual word?!?

Sabrina sounds like she’s dolled herself up to the nines.

[Harry] “Sabrina’s pulled out the stops with her outfit”

[Lynda] “Oh that … it’s not very practical”

Seemingly Sabrina’s all dressed up as she’s joining Richard later on for drinks with his clients.

But hark – is that Sabrina’s shoes I hear a-clipping? And did she say “oh”, and also sighing when she had to exert herself while sharing a very small space onstage with Eddie and Nathan.

My oh my. Come out into the light, Sabrina Thwaite.


Just a filler?

Was is a really slow day in Ambridge?

Must have been. We were subjected to at least 5 minutes of Lynda giving stage instructions to the spound of shuffling and that odd ‘okay’ from Eddie.



The rats have lost their chemistry

Earlier on in the day, Eddie was being a bit too cocky about putting one over Nathan.

[Eddie on Nathan] “He’s been beaten by a master you see … he knows who is boss”

Well, we all know that pride comes before a fall.

As Eddie throws what is supposed to be a bucket of confetti over Sabrina, we hear Sabrina shreek, sob, then slap Eddie.

(again with the audible noises from Sabrina!)

Eddie has aeemingly just thrown something akin to wallpaper paste over Sabrina.

And then Lynda fires him.

Ah Eddie. Nathan was not a man to underestimate.

The Archers Thurs 18th Nov 2010: Sabrina Spoke!!!!!!!!!

The Archers: Josh is playing by himself … Pip wants to be a farmer … Patrick can play the piano … Fallon plans to be alone with Harry … Eddie’s crowing

• “Jamie’s gone all weird”
• “His stance needs working on”
• Patrick to the Rescue!
• Pip, please don’t tell us what Jude taught you …
• I think that counted as Sabrina speaking
• Sabrina’s treasure chest
• How desperate is Fallon!!!
• Nathan, not any trouble? I very much doubt that Eddie

“Jamie’s gone all weird”

Sounds like David and Ruth might need to get Tom over to have a check on their yard lighting.

Josh was found by Eddie playing football by the floodlights.

And the poor wee mite had to play by himself.

[Josh] “Jamie’s gone all weir … hanging out with a rubbish crowd at school”

Eddie had a wee kick about with him, but sounded out of breath within a few minutes. Many days since Eddie was on a pitch, then:

[Eddie] “Wizard of the wing, I was called”


“His stance needs working on”

After Eddie had to wheeze off of the footy, Josh had to make do with helping his sister Pip work on the Hereford Steer that they’re putting into the primestock next week.

“Great topline … it’s his stance which needs working on”

We’ll take your work for it, Pip!


Patrick to the Rescue!

That Patrick’s an odd one.

He’s forever popping in and out of Ambridge, with seemingly no agenda (or staying power!).

But he’s not Lynda’s man of the moment (I wonder if Harry’s okay with that?!).

With Fallon now in the Panto, she doesn’t have time to pre-record the background music.

But along comes Patrick, as he’s apt to do. While Lynda was in a busy Ambridge Organics:

[Lynda] “In the hiatus, while Derek fletcher swung between yoghurt covered brazils and a blueberry flapjack …”

She got chatting to Patrick.

[Lynda] “If you ever get him on the lifecycle of the large butterfly he’ll open your eyes!”

Putting large butterflies to one side for the moment, Lynda also found out that Patrick achieved Grade 7 piano when he was a mere 17.

[Lynda] “The moment he revealed his talent … the poor man’s fate was sealed”

You said it Lynda!

Patrick and Harry in the same room? Just when I’d started to think they were one and the same …



Pip, please don’t tell us what Jude taught you …

(*shudder*)

No – it’s okay – all Pip said to Josh was that

“At least I learnt one thing from Jude … find something you're good at and stick to it – that’s what he was so useless at”

Pip looks like she’s considering staying out at Brookfield as a farmer.

[Josh] “So you going to stay here all your life?”

Of course, that all depends on whether Brookfield can manage to support adult Pip rather than Pip as one of David and Ruth’s kids.

But Pip has a cunning plan.

[Pip] “The market is changing all the time Josh, that’s why important find a good course to help us keep up”

Good planning Pip.

Wonder if we’ll be hearing similar arguments between Pip and David/Ruth as we currently hear between Tony and Tom.


I think that counted as Sabrina speaking

Okay, it was just a “meow”, and I reckon she also signed later on, but it was made by her vocal cords, therefore it was speech.

How utterly thrilling!


Sabrina’s treasure chest

[Lynda] “Prop yourself up a little more dear … that top’s a little lower cut than perhaps you realise”

[Lynda, later on] “Henchman are meant to be staring in covetously at the treasure chest!”

How desperate is Fallon!!!

That’s it.

Either Harry is asexual, gay or completely oblivious.

Did he not notice Fallon’s rather unsubtle efforts to get him to spend time alone with her?

The Panto is giving Fallon the perfect excuse to get 1-on-1 with Harry, but will he even react when she makes her move?




Nathan, not any trouble? I very much doubt that Eddie

Lynda is simply simpering over Eddie and Nathan’s revelatory panto performance this evening.

[Lynda] “your timing and teamwork was almost faultless … and I’ve never seen such sinister lurking … the sparkling chemistry you displayed this evening … tell me, what’s turned everything round?”

[Eddie] “We had a bot if a showdown earlier this week … he just needed taking a peg or two down … now that he accepts I’m top dog, we won't have any more trouble … I’m sure of that”

Hmmm. Speaking too soon, methinks.

The Archers Tues 16th Nov 2010: Race Night

The Archers: Eddie and Jazzer on a mission … Caroline’s on the bar … Nathan’s on a ‘good’ bet

• Eddie and Jazzer are looking for a patsy
• How Race Night works
• Lilian clears glue from her head with wine
• Again with the Lord Netherborne
• Tony baulks at £7
• Matt doesn’t do toy town betting
• Good Heavens Mr Booth!
• “Do you trust me enough to do a real good turn?”
• I don’t like Harry being at Peggy’s
• Shires comes in bottles!
• Nathan leaves £150 lighter

Eddie and Jazzer are looking for a patsy

At the Race Night, Eddie and Jazzer realise that they need someone to bid against Nathan in the last race, to be sure he loses a hefty price.

Jazzer can’t do it:

“He knows I only flash the cash when I have a bird to impress”

Tony then walks past, but Jazzer reckons:

“We need someone who chucks money about like sweeties”

And then Lilian pops by.

Lilian would make a perfect patsy (I’ve allowed thought of her as a bit of an Ad Fab Patsy anyway!).



How Race Night works

You bet on a horse to win, then a recording of a race is shown. Only the winning horse pays out.

In the last race, you have to pick the ‘winner of winners’. Which is where the skill (and the biggest bidding) happens. And where you have to bid against everyone else to have the right to that one horse.


Lilian clears glue from her head with wine

The cloakroom seeming “reeks of glue” after the Brownies had been making ‘stuff’ in there.

[Lilian] “I’m surprised all of them aren't as high as kites”

[Jim] “Explains a lot about Molly Button”

Tee-hee!


Again with the Lord Netherborne

Caroline’s manning the bar at the Race Night. And is asked about Lord Netherborne’s health.

He’s seemingly still not back to fighting fit, but at least he has someone living in to care from him, plus his two daughters are around.

Two daughters?

That blows my idea of Caroline inheriting if Lord Netherborne doesn’t make it through winter.

So, what’s the point?

Netherborne is most definitely a Peregrine …



Tony baulks at £7

What on earth is wrong with Tony?

First he accepts all of Tom’s new spending without much fight.

Now he’s paying for drinks.

Still, he did nearly have a heart attack when he was charged £7 for two glasses of wine.

Just how long has it been since Tony was in a pub?

Maybe The Bull has reasonable prices, as it certainly seemed £7 was considered a lot (but it was for charity)



Matt doesn’t do toy town betting

And Helen’s too big for crowds.

[Tony] “I certainly don’t want to see Helen down here … It’s not just her seize . .her knee is playing up badly”

Helen was seemingly “battling on as usual” by still being at work, rather than relaxing and taking the stress of her knee.

For goodness sake. Will someone please drag that woman back home, and lock her up for at least a few days?

It will save is all a lot of bother later on …


Good Heavens Mr Booth!

Nathan really didn’t make an effort with his fellow charity gamblers.

First he turns up in

[Caroline] “A lounge suit with an orange Hawaiian shirt”

“It should be illegal”

[Tony] “He thinks he’s in that film … Ocean’s 11”

[Caroline] “A very low rent version!”

Then Caroline notices him winking at Eddie (for which he has to remove his sunglasses – which he is wearing indoors – during winter …)

Eddie did seem to cover that quite well by saying that Nathan must have been winking at Sabrina:

“He’s developed quite a crush on her ,,, she tried her cat costume on at rehearsal – he hasn’t been the same since”

But has also served to start a rumour that Nathan has a case of “unrequited love”. Just wait until Richard hears about that.

But there’s more …

[Caroline] “Oh … does he imagine that looks sophisticated, waggling his mirrored shades instead of condescending to speak”

[Jazzer] “You mean he’s no irresistible to women?”

[Caroline] “The scales fell from my eyes when he called me babe when ordering his snakebite”

Phew!

By the end of such roguish behaviour by Mr Booth, I was quite glad he won horse number 7 …


“Do you trust me enough to do a real good turn?”

Asked Eddie of Lilian, also adding “no questions”

“Eddie, Eddie … how long have we known each other … you must realise I don’t trust you an inch by now!”

Replies Lilian. But then guffawing, and saying:

“So what can I do for you, darling?”

I don’t like Harry being at Peggy’s

My, how the tide turns!

I was one of Harry’s many adoring fans, but not would trust him less than I’d trust Eddie if he also asked me a favour with “no questions”.

At Peggy’s to help out with a laptop problem (he didn’t want Peggy to have to lug it anywhere – which begs the questions why Peggy has a laptop instead of a desktop), it all just seemed a bit odd and sinister.

Harry even ingratiated himself with Bill and Ben – as if we ever needed any more evidence that the man is probably a serial killer!

Peggy was worried by the safety warnings her laptop was giving her when she tried to open attachments from Con. So Harry explains that Peggy was right to be worried about attachments, but that ones from senders you know are okay,

Harry then takes Peggy to Florida (via what sounded like Google Earth), showing Peggy how to virtually stalk Con and his family!

I’m not happy with Harry at all. I was half expecting him to either proposition Peggy (eeeek!), or to be found riffling through her underwear drawer for spare cash (double eeeek!).

Do I also sense a trip ahoy for Peggy?



Shires comes in bottles!

Thrice hurrah!

I shall try and buy some online right now, making sure that I also get the Shires Winter Special that Eddie was talking about.




Nathan leaves £150 lighter

After a bidding war between Nathan, Lilian and Tony

(seriously – why is Tony being so generous with money at the moment?),

Lilian manages to hold her nerve to push Nathan up to bidding £150 for the wrong horse (unbeknownst to him).

Of course, it’s all fixed against him, and Nathan loses.

“The horror on his face!”

Jazzer even managed to ,lighten Nathan of another £20 on a side bet!

What’s more, Nathan even has to leave without having a chance to punch Eddie.

Nathan can’t admit that Eddie’s fooled him (as he'd also have to admit that he was trying to diddle a charity event), and Eddie managed to stick to Alan and Jim until Nathan left.

All very jolly, and all in a good cause.

Well … that was until Jazzer reminded Eddie that he’d have to rehearse with Nathan on Thursday for the Panto.

And Nathan is “going to be raging”

The Archers Mon 15th Nov 2010: Tony agrees

The Archers: A pig Ark is damaged … Tony’s going to the Race Evening …Tom and Brenda aren’t … Tom’s big plans … Nigel’s big plans … Jazzer and Eddie’s big plans for Nathan

• The Ark is going to take some hammering out
• Tony has an evening off
• “Saving our money for the one eyed bear”
• Tom’s finished the great Light Bulb survey
• Deck the Halls does indeed sound marvellous!
• Nathan’s heading for a big loss
• “Saint Clarrie o the perpetual ironing board!”
• Jack’s reduced to making decorations
• “You weren’t waiting for me to start supper!?!”
• Helen’s hobbling

The Ark is going to take some hammering out

Which is entirely Tom’s fault for not moving it, despite Jazzer warning him.

Tom then assumes Jazzer can stop on to help out, but:

[Jazzer] “You’re way overdrawn at the bank of big favours”

And anyway, Jazzer has to see Eddie, get something to eat … then it’s off to Panto rehearsal.

[Jazzer] “Cause there’s nothing I’d rather be daein, expect sticking me heid down a cludgie”

Tony has an evening off

At first blaming Jazzer for talking him into going to the Race Evening, Tony admits that he’s actually happy to be going out as Kathy is coming over.

Again.

Seemingly Tony does feel sorry for her, but she does tend to go

“about Jamie all of the time”

“Saving our money for the one eyed bear”

Which sounded incredibly rude, but was only about Children in Need.

Tom and Brenda are saving their pennies for the quiz on Friday, which is in aid of Children in Need, so that means they won’t be at the Race Evening in aid of the British Legion.

Is it just me, or does that seem a bit tight? Surely they can support both, especially they’re both working (and could have two nights out … steady!).



Tom’s finished the great Light Bulb survey

And didn’t Tony sound excited when Tom told him.

(not at all)

So with such a lack of demonstrable enthusiasm, I found it very odd indeed that Tony that agreed to all of Tom’s plans without even a hint of protest.

Is Tom completely right?

Has Tony just been swayed by savings?

Or has Tony genuinely had enough of being nagged and harassed from all quarters?

Whatever Tony’s motivations, Tom can now:

• Replace all existing lights in the cattle building with high pressure sodium lamps (24 lamps a shed)
• Replace the flood lights with security lights that use energy bulbs (and have top rims to cut out light pollution)
• AND can buy the new refrigeration for the milking parlour

All very well, but with some of the initial cost having to go onto the overdraft, can we sense a whole new round of financial problems heading its way to Bridge Farm?




Deck the Halls does indeed sound marvellous!

The website pages are ready – the dates are set (5th to 24th December) – and the German Market will be on its way soon.

Yes folks – it’s the rather magical Deck the Hall at Lower Loxley, in only its second year.

Nigel and Elizabeth didn’t mention how much the entrance fee is, but some of the attractions include:

• Traditional decorations
• Stollen
• Mulled wine
• Gluhwein
• Santa*
• Ice rink
• Greenery
• Carol Singers
• Horse drawn carriage rides (which you do have to pay extra for)
• Nativity scene
• “Breath-taking display of living Christmas trees”

Even Cranford (the horse) is “back in the harness” to help out.

I quite agree with Nigel that the

“whole place is going to be magical this Christmas”

and wish I could make it down.

I think we also need to keep an eye on the Open House day Nigel and Elizabeth are planning for January 2nd.

“Let the whole clan see this place while it’s still in its winter finery”

Hmmm. The thing is, when a family event like that is mentioned, you know there’s going to be a falling out;.


*Nigel and Elizabeth seem to think Santa comes via an agency, but we (of course) know that he personally sends his own deputies to cover all of the Santa Visit requirements, while he’s busy making those toys and checking those lists

“Both Father Christmas’ are confirmed … we don’t want a repeat of last year’s missing Santa horror”

“[the agency must have a] substitute bench full of Christmas elves waiting for their big break”

Nathan’s heading for a big loss

Well, if Jazzer and Eddie’s plans go right. Which would be a first.

Eddie’s given Nathan the ‘winners’ for the Race Evening. Nathan has also gone for the ploy of losing some, winning others, but waiting until the last race to

“Then pile everything onto a dead cert”

At least if it does come to blows, at least it will be 2 on 1.



“Saint Clarrie o the perpetual ironing board!”

Was Jazzer’s horrified response to hearing that Clarrie knew of their ploy to trick Nathan.

Jazzer was a bit more confident after Eddie reassured that Clarrie was livid at Nathan trying to take advantage of a charity event.

I wonder who could lose their nerve first.



Jack’s reduced to making decorations

Don’t get me wrong – I’d also be quite happy making tree decorations, but I found it a bit sad to think of the powerhouse that Jack once was.

Now he’s best kept busy with basic ‘fun’ tasks.



“You weren’t waiting for me to start supper!?!”

Oh Tony, that was too close for comfort.

Lucky that Pat became distracted by Tom’s talk of light bulbs.

Although you didn’t mention about waiting for Pat to come home to start tea, you had made mention that you wanted to grab a bite. Which is not the same as making food for the whole family.

Cheeky!



Helen’s hobbling

Pat reports that Helen “is in such discomfort”, as her knee really hasn’t had a chance to get better.

After Pat and Kirsty harassing her, Helen has:

“Finally admitted it was getting too sore”

And might go in late tomorrow, or even take the afternoon off of work.

“Saying she’ll look after herself is one thing – getting her to do it is another”

Come on Helen! You’re fated to be miserable, but why make the chance of that even greater?

The Archers Sun 14th Nov 2010: A soldier’s tale

The Archers: Eddie’s off to the boot sale … Nathan’s fate is in Clarrie’s hands … Des Penlow

• I love it when Clarrie talks angry
• Meg hates the brush cutter
• I’m all for the traditional ones
• So a good time was had by all at the Dance
• Remembrance Sunday remembered well
• So the van story FINALLY ends

I love it when Clarrie talks angry

Eddie’s pushing Clarrie for an answer as to whether he can put on over on Nathan Booth.

Clarrie’s just as “disgusted” as Eddie about Nathan trying to fiddle the Race Evening – thereby taking money away from the British Legion.

Eddie reckoned Nathan’s antics are

“Like nicking the money out of a poppy tray”

Clarrie's first thought was to tell Alan, but Eddie didn’t want that as Nathan would know he’d grassed him up

(come on Eddie – you’re not in the playground now!)

After hearing Des Penlow and how much the British Legion had helped him, Clarrie came back from church full of righteous fury

“No matter how I turn it round I still don’t agree with people taking the law into their hand … but just this once, I’ll make an exception for Nathan booth … miserable little beggar … I hope you and Jazzer sting him hard!”

Oh Nathan.

Be very, very afraid.

Clarrie doesn’t get that angry very often, but when she does, it’s best to hide in the shed …


Meg hates the brush cutter

Aw, wee toots!

Still, at least she gets to run about in the open with Will (dogs don’t care what you’re like – just as long as you feed ‘em and walk ‘em).

Most dogs only ever get a chance to hate the hoover.


I’m all for the traditional ones

An advent calendar should indeed have “angel and glitter and all that”

Will and Nic’s cartoon characters alternative to Clarrie’s one for the kids just makes me want to go ‘pah’.


So a good time was had by all at the Dance

Will reckoned the Dance was fine because

“At least he had the sense to keep his button lipped for once”

But either way, the Ed and Will managed to spend a whole evening together without exchanging blows or loud insults.

Progress indeed.

Clarrie might be taking it too far by having the whole family round for Grundy Christmas, but Will doesn’t sound too keen.

He may try and put off making a decision, but I reckon that Nic won’t let him away with not doing as she and Clarrie wish.

They make a grand pair, those two. Nic’s even bought Clarrie that Pashmina she’d had her eye on (Pashmina, William, not shawl. You oik!).


Remembrance Sunday remembered well

Des Penwell, the ex-soldier giving a speech at St. Stephens for today’s Remembrance Day, did a very fine job.

That was really quite moving.

And a good reminder that it isn’t just past wars we need to remember. It also isn’t just about the scare you can see

“Damage up top – where it doesn’t always show”

Des talked about how he didn’t realise he needed help after leaving the army. When he did realise, he didn’t want to ask as it would be “soft”.

He’d hit rock bottom (lost his partner, child, home and hit the booze, when he met some good listeners – including our own Alan.

The British Legion then gave him a case worker, who helped him get his life back on track.

• [Clarrie] “I’ve never seen the Boys Brigade sit still so long … spellbound … gave them plenty to think about”

If you’d like to know more about the Royal British Legion – click here


So the van story FINALLY ends

Eh?

I’d totally forgotten about the hoo-ha surrounding Eddie needing a new van – Will lending him the money – Eddie being a tad worried about taking it – and me predicting it’d all end in tears.

Mais non!

We hear nothing for months, and today Eddie makes his final repayment to Will.

I must have been so worried that I block any other previous mention of it from my mind …

The Archers Thurs 11th Nov 2010: Jill and Peggy are creating work

The Archers: A pig with a wheeze and a sheep with Orf … the cows are in for the winter … Pip’s all revved up for the Dance tomorrow … Jazzer’s first Panto rehearsal

• As winter sets in, the animals are feeling the strain
• At least Peggy is proud of Tom
• A great-grandmother who is more excited about energy plans
• Panto ‘snot’ moments #3
• Pip’s having to pull out the stops
• Phew! No more dark corner for Peggy
• Jill needs her hive (and attitude!) fixed
• “Madam Snell hasn’t driven you to the evil weed an all, has she?”
• Nathan Booth is in for it …

As winter sets in, the animals are feeling the strain

One of Tom’s pigs have a wheeze (though he doesn’t seemed to concerned about it), and one of David’s sheep might have orf.

While David might have to vaccinate his whole flock, Tom won’t let Jazzer take the pig in.

Tom could be right that it isn’t that serious, and Jazzer is obviously concerned about more than just a pig.

Especially as he even offered to work longer for no pay (which just isn’t like him at all!).

As Tom tried to illustrate in a very bad accent, Jazzer’s simply trying to avoid his first Panto rehearsal.



At least Peggy is proud of Tom

It has to be said that Tom is doing a good thing by trying to save Bridge Farm expense, but it’s the way he goes about it.

Tony’s only ever going to say ‘no’ to Tom’s ideas, because Tom only ever makes him feel old fashioned or daft for not having made the changes before.

And even Jazzer’s losing his temper with his over-eager approach:

“I could die of extreme old age before I ever gave a damn about your yard lighting”

Which was a bit harsh of Jazzer, but he’s likely had enough of Tom going on and on and on and on and on …

But good old Peggy is at least being nice and excited about Tom’s plans.

“So refreshing to hear someone with a clear plan for that farm”

But – Peggy does still manage to slip Con into the conversation (she mentioned she’d been telling Con about Tom’s plans).



A great-grandmother who is more excited about energy plans

As much as I have a very soft spot for Peggy, and am glad she’s finding a wee bit of happiness through Con, it’s very off-putting that she still can’t find any joy for Helen’s pregnancy.

As she was talking to Tom about the email she’d sent back to Con, she quickly changed the subject when Tom asked her if she’d mentioned that she was about to become a great-grandmother.

That’s a shame. On Helen, and on her soon-to-be little one.

Do we reckon both Peggy and Tony will come round once they get to actually hold the new addition to their clan?


Panto ‘snot’ moments #3

[David] “I had the dolphin’s speech off by heart – couldn’t get beyond ‘we’re talking at cross porpoises’”

Pip’s having to pull out the stops

Oh dear.

That church organ doesn’t sound a friendly fella at all.

Pip’s struggling to learn the piece for the Advent Service, but likely all will be well in the end.

Especially as it’s a tribute for Phil.


Phew! No more dark corner for Peggy

Seemingly it was only a pulled wire, which Tom sorted out (and then was rewarded with a can or lager).

Seemingly that ever naughty Bill was the culprit (despite no real evidence).

Something had given the light a right thump.

But could it have been Ben???



Jill needs her hive (and attitude!) fixed

As Peggy needed her family to help fix her dark corner, Jill needs the roof of one of her hives fixed.

Which is fair enough, but what a horrid attitude she’s got towards Peggy and Con.

Jill needs her bee hive roof to be fixed

[Peggy] “I do still find it odd … how excited she is about Con’s email … even though he made things so difficult for her last time … if it had been Phil … it would have been disloyal”

[David] “All Peggy’s going through, it must be nice to have someone else to think about for once”

Quite right David. Jill is also going through a horrible round of ‘firsts’ without Phil, but she could at least be happy that Peggy is happy.

And let’s face it – Jack isn’t exactly going to notice Peggy sending a few emails …



“Madam Snell hasn’t driven you to the evil weed an all, has she?”

It’s Jazzer’s first Panto rehearsal, and he’s already having a fag break.

Eddie stumbles into him in the dark, as he also escapes.

But it’s not Lynda that’s the problem – it’s that rascal Nathan Booth.

Nathan’s really winding Eddie up by saying his lines early, upstaging him (surely not possible?) and pulling funny faces.

[Jazzer] “If you were Nathan Booth, wouldn’t you want to try on a new face?”

Eddie then also has to put up with Jazzer being cheeky about his part in the Panto:

“All you ever say is ‘I’m a rat I’m a rat, what do you think of that?’”

But Jazzer’s soon forgiven as he hatches a crafty plan …


Nathan Booth is in for it …

Nathan’s been trying to get Joe’s race videos from Eddie so that he can clean up at the Race Evening.

Which Eddie is utterly appalled by Nathan’s plan, as the Race Evening is in aid of the British Legion.

[Jazzer] “Slippery than a butter deal that one”

was Jazzer’s estimation of Nathan.

[Jazzer] “Let’s be a bit smart about it – bout time wee weasely Nathan learned a lesson”

Nathan really ought to be shaking in his socks. What with a dynamic duo like Jazzer and Eddie on your case …

The Archers Sun 7th November 2010: Harry really rates Lynda

The Archers: Jolene plans a day out … Peggy’s birthday plans … Con has been in touch … Nathan Booth is being naughty at the Panto … Poppies are selling well in The Bull

• Fallon’s working on her tunes again
• Does Jolene really just want bar supplies?
• Bill’s been on the pull
• Peggy’s having a birthday tea
• “Tom really has got his head screwed on, doesn’t he?”
• Con Lives!
• Robert’s making funny sounds
• Harry and Lynda up a tree?
• Ah, that’s why Lynda is so …
• Ruairi has his bottom pinched
• Vicky is not an ingénue
• I want to see Nathan’s Bruce Forsyth
• At last … someone realises Fallon can sing!

Fallon’s working on her tunes again

Oh, that’s a surprise.

Just when there’s a dire need for music in the panto.

If I was a cynical person …

Does Jolene really just want bar supplies?

She sounded very odd indeed.

And then she ‘reveals’ that Kenton is taking her to Borchester Bar Supplies.

That’s interesting. Very interesting indeed.



Bill’s been on the pull

Naughty Bill.

That’s Peggy’s sofa, that is.


Peggy’s having a birthday tea

Ah, how lovely. With family, and cake!

(and I’m not being sarcastic. That sounds like a lovely time for a lady about to turn 86).

[Peggy] “Don’t bother hunting out the right number of candles”

Bless her.


“Tom really has got his head screwed on, doesn’t he?”

No Peggy.

Sorry to disagree, but Tom is just an annoying little man who doesn’t have enough respect for his father to listen and discuss, rather than just railroad.


Con Lives!

And isn’t Peggy delighted about it.

On the one hand – Peggy is still married – on the other hand, it’s lovely to hear Peggy so happy and excited about something that’s just about her.

Might be good for all concerned?

[Peggy] “Thought [Con] was very gracious asking about jack”

especially as last time Con and Jack met, it was

[Peggy] “Like two stags sizing each other up”

Though as Peggy put it,

[Peggy] “How trivial that all seems now”

Either way, Con is very much alive and seems just as delighted to hear from Peggy.

He has a daughter Belinda, son Danny and granddaughter Amanda.

Peggy also thinks Con still has his sense of humour. Though I’d doubt he still had his own teeth.


Robert’s making funny sounds

Oh tee-hee Mr Snell!

In charge of the Panto’s sound effects, he’s having a grand old time to himself.

First a submarine sound effect

[“for when the rats dive away from the cook”]

then a ‘boing’ sound

[“King rat bouncing in the cooking pot”]

and finally a bit of a Pyscho soundtrack sounding sound

[“the littlest rat getting caught in the door”]

While Robert and Harry were having a right old titter at the sound effects, Lynda:

“If I hear one more raspberry or comic boing tonight, I will not be answerable”

At which point Robert ceases his schoolboy behaviour, and heads off to the pub.

Leaving Harry to sweet talk Lynda

(I kid you not!)




Harry and Lynda up a tree?

Harry is either trying to butter Lynda up for a swindle, or he genuinely adores her:

[Harry] “I can see how important you are to the village … you make things happen … life would be a lot duller … you deserve all the support you can get”

Oh Harry.

Sorry to be super critical, but I really can’t work you out.

What is Harry’s Game?!?


Ah, that’s why Lynda is so …

… extreme about the Panto.

Lynda reckons she was shy when young, (the wee poppet even got teased for being so quiet) but her head teacher (Miss Baxter)

[Lynda] “saw something in me no-one else did”

and casted her as Gerda in the snow queen. And that was:

[Lynda] “the best thing ever happened to me … I felt special”

So, Lynda is so focused on the Panto because she wants everyone else to have that feeling.

I do like Lynda. She’s just not the one dimensional obsessive she often makes herself out to be.


Ruairi has his bottom pinched

By the rather cheeky Molly Button.

Keep your eye on those two (but give it another 10 years for it to get properly interesting)


Vicky is not an ingénue

So says Lynda.

Honestly, Lynda and Vicky are the worst friends ever!

Vicky stabs Lynda in the back over the Peregrines – now Lynda is merrily slagging Vicky off when Vicky had actually stepped in to help Lynda out.

Still bereft of an Alice Fitzwarren for the Panton, Vicky read the part during rehearsals.

Not impressed by Vicky’s giggling and waving to Mike, Lynda is becoming increasing desperate to cast her leading lady.


I want to see Nathan’s Bruce Forsyth

Especially if he has managed to make Bruce seem more like Maureen Lipman.


At last … someone realises Fallon can sing!

Ah, we can always depend on Clarrie to speak sense.

And the penny finally drops for Lynda.

Trying the idea out on Jolene, Lynda realises that while it is probably too busy a time at The Bull for Fallon to take a full part in the Panto, she could always get Fallon to record the backing music.

Didn’t Vicky suggest that weeks ago?

The Archers Fri 29th Oct 2010: The Panto auditions

The Archers: the Odd Couple’s House meeting … it’s ‘no’ to the Peregrines … Eddie doesn’t want to be a rat …Nigel does want to be a Dame … Elizabeth just isn’t any fun at all

• Jazzer and Harry’s house meeting
• Lynda’s hoping for dead pigeons
• Panto *snort* moments #1
• “How come he gets to be the dame?”
• “I know who Van Helsing is … I just didn’t realise he looked like Nigel”
• “I’ve got more to worry about than your irrational hatred of Nathan booth”
• Does smoking out of the window count?
• The Panto cast (so far) #1

Jazzer and Harry’s house meeting

That seemed to go quite well.

£20 for the kitty, and Jazzer agrees to do a bit of cleaning.

Could this Odd Couple actually work out?

Later on, Jazzer even says to Harry, as he’s off out clubbing:

“Sweet dreams darling … don’t wait up”

(*snort*! He did say that sarcastically)


Panto *snort* moments #1

[Jazzer to Harry] “Off you, go trixi bell”

[Harry to Jazzer] “Titchy dwarf”

[Eddie on Sabrina being a cat] “Pussy galore?”

[Lynda in reply to the above] “No. .. Tom”

[Eddie, still on about Sabrina being a cat] “She can tickle your whiskers any day, eh Nigel!”

Lynda’s hoping for dead pigeons

It was a ‘no’ to the Peregrines, so Lynda is fuming and wishing dead matter falls on all the naysayers heads.

Ah that Lynda. You can always depend on her to be magnanimous in defeat.


“How come he gets to be the Dame?”

Poor Eddie.

He read for Idle Jack, but has ended up a Rat.

Well, Second rat.

Actually Rat Henchman Two.

With Nathan Booth as Rat Henchman One.

And Richard Thwaite as King Rat.

Eddie was desperately trying to get Nigel to give him the Dame part (but Nigel was increasingly quite taken with the idea … it sounded like he was even already planning some nice frocks).

Ah well.

It’s the taking part that counts.


“I know who Van Helsing is … I just didn’t realise he looked like Nigel”

Kenton’s making a real effort for The Bull’s Halloween party tomorrow. Which seems to involve wearing all of Nigel’s clothes in an effort to be Van Helsing.

Elizabeth seems quite bemused at Kenton and Nigel acting like two wee laddies setting off on guising.

Actually, when was the last time Elizabeth actually had any fun at all (apart from when Nigel goes all out to surprise her).

Does she ever just relax and enjoy?

Even her wee quip to Kenton sounded flat and a bit like nagging, when said by anyone else it would have been witty:

“When you do [go out with Nigel] … bring Nigel back in the realm of the living”

“I’ve got more to worry about than your irrational hatred of Nathan Booth”

[Eddie to Lynda] “It’s not irrational … you can ask anyone!”

[Lynda to Eddie] “I’m sure you and Nathan could come to an amicable working relationship”

Hmmm.

Lynda’s not listening to Eddie, and Eddie isn’t listening to Lynda.

“If you were such a great actor, Eddie, you’d be able to empathise”

I think you could both do with a bit of empathy Lynda.




Does smoking out of the window count?

Ah, that’s more like it.

Harry’s not amused that Jazzer has been smoking in the flat.

But Jazzer reckons he hasn’t been. As he was leaning out of the window at the time. And he was also doing it in his own room, which he pays for.

[Jazzer] “I’ve done everything else you wanted … I’ve sat through your meetings … paid for the kitty … even cleaned up”

And, Harry admitted that he couldn’t even smell the smoke. He’d noticed Jazzer hanging out of the window on his way back to the flat.

I’m with Jazzer on this one.



The Panto cast (so far) #1

Jill: fairy beau bells

Vicky: Mrs Fitzwarren

Sabrina: Whittington’s cat

Nigel: Sarah the Cook (The Dame)

Harry: Idle Jack

Richard Thwaite: King Rat

Nathan Booth: Rate Henchman 1

Eddie: Rat Henchman 2

Jim: The Imperial Majesty

(but still no Dick or Alice!)

25th June 2010

Freda buckles under pressure … “Kenton needs cheering” … David critiques Jill’s new cookery demonstration video … Pat talks up Brenda … Pip quits

• All that stress over a salsa verde?
• “Kenton needs cheering”
• “Once you get past that rather gauche exterior, she’s much less limited than you’d think”
• What sort of work can Pip be doing that’ll pay for a trip to Australia or America after only a couple of weeks???

All that stress over a salsa verde?

Poor Freda.

Will she have a complete breakdown if Nathan Booth keeps up his jinks?

“Kenton needs cheering”

According to David.

Maybe he can cheer himself up by behaving like a half-decent human?

Pat was telling Lilian about how upset Kathy is, and that Jamie is glued to his video games.

As we all know, Jamie needs Kenton. Seemingly Kenton is the only one Jamie will open up to – but he’s simply just not there (physically as well as emotionally).
Lilian reckons it’s because of Kenton starting up a new business.

But, as it’s been said before, I reckon it’s just a matter of priorities.
Jaxx is more important than Kathy or Jamie.

But just how long will they be willing to put up with coming a very poor second best?

“Once you get past that rather gauche exterior, she’s much less limited than you’d think”

*snort*

That’s a backhanded compliment if I ever heard one!

Lilian just can’t quite seem to rise to Pat’s utterly positive opinion of Brenda and her abilities.

“In an ideal world, we looked around a bit longer – seen who else was available”

Though as Pat was waxing lyrical, Lilian did mention that she’d no doubt that Brenda could

“manage basic office jobs”

How long before that gets back to Brenda? And just how vitriolic will Tom be about it?

What sort of work can Pip be doing that’ll pay for a trip to Australia or America after only a couple of weeks???

The mind does boggle and worry …

It was a long time coming, but Pip has quit College before David and Ruth even had a chance to persuade her otherwise. And she finally admits that she mucked up some of her exams (will that keep Elizabeth quiet now?)

As Ruth put it, Pip’s basically

“Giving up education for a long holiday”

And let’s face it, even if Pip had got rubbish grades at the end of College, as long as she passed overall, it’d never matter. Unless she was aiming for academia, all that she needs to show is that she managed to stick with it, get a qualification and learn some stuff.

Instead, she’s wasted the last year.

Though, did I hear Pip started to say ‘Jude’ as David and Josh do (along the lines of ‘Ruuuude’)? Is that the tone of dissent with the manboy?

Ah well. The best we can hope for is that both Pip and Jude goes away for a long while, with Pip then returning solo and a less whiny person.

Either way, the fund to pay for Jude to go (and stay gone) is swelling up nicely in an offshore account. Feel free to contribute at your leisure ;-)