h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I have no idea what the barmen in my local ale houses are like but judging by their punters (young and old) that ones sees staggering from one watering hole to another, I'd do better if I were to visit the baboon house of the local zoo!

Besides, I'd much rather stay home and drool into a over the likes of Clint Eastwood and Tommy Lee Jones in Space Cowboys (one of my more recent DVD acquisitions!).

Being married to a post menopausal, hormonally challenged female gives poor old John a great deal to contend with.

You have all this to look forward to with Debs in 10/15 years time you know...By which time Rebecca will be going through puberty and giving you something else to worry about.

i think i might have to be researching my travel book for a few years about that time...

Coward! Should I warn Debs of your plans now?

Speaking/writing of teenagers...

Mair slept over at a girlfriend's house last night in a neighbouring town where there was a travelling fair visiting and then spent the afternoon at an agricultural fair with the same friend.

I tried hard not to worry or think about what I got up to at her age on Friday nights and let loose in a fair ground... I like to think that she's more sensible than I was at her age and that she's not as naive either...

I'm sure she thinks she is more sensible than you fullstop.


Poor Rebecca, between Deb and myself she will find it very hard to come up with an excuse that we will believe.

I know what you mean...

Mair frequently complains "How did you know I was going to ask/do that?" to which my reply is usually, "Been there and done that years ago."

Fortunately I have evidence as proof to Mair that I was once young too. When I was 14 my parents gave me a little Kodak Instamatic camera and I used to carry it everywhere with me (school and school trips, hanging out with friends, pictures of old boyfriends and evenings in the pub).

Mair was shocked that I used to go out drinking when I was 15 and said that she couldn't believe that my dad allowed it. I had to own up to going behind my parents backs and she found this highly amusing.

She also displays aloof amusement at my enthusiasm when I re-establish contact with an old school friend that I haven't seen for 30 years via the Friends Reunited website.

Are you or Debs still in contact with any of your old school friends? I lost contact with many of mine because I moved away from where I grew up when I married my ex-husband.

i'm in touch with a few but not many. I'm not that fussed about most of them to be honest.

Deb had a reunion 6 months or so ago, but her group of friends that she still has pretty much stuck together.

I've always been a bit of a drifter, although i'm well and truly ensconsed at the Carlisle

I assume that the Carlisle is your local watering hole.

some people would call it my office

Well I suppose if you use your laptop whilst in there, then it could be described as such...

You have a lap top, don't you Linus? We're thinking of buying Mair a refurbished one for Crimbo for her school work. Do you happen to know whether laptops are any good with handling graphic programmes like Adobe Photoshop and a graphic pad?

I'm a complete novice in this sort of area...

I do have a laptop, but it usually sits on the desk at the office.

As far as i know they can handle most things - depending on the specs of course. Mine plays dvds so i presume it can handle most graphics. they can basically do anything a pc can do.

Mind you i wouldn't be relying on my far from expert advice

So sorry Linus.

I've been tied up with my new college course and voluntary stints at the Red Cross shop so have missed saying cheerio to you and wishing you a safe and enjoyable trip.

If and when you read this on your return I hope you've had a wonderful time and that all your hard work and organisation fell into place.

I'm back.

My liver seems to be still functioning somehow.

If you don't start talking to me soon, i shall be forced to resort to taunting you about the ability of your cricket team

Now THAT comment has to warrant a response!

How's you liver Linus? Has it regenerated yet?

Did you have fun/obtain lots of bruises/hangovers?

Were your family pleased to have you home and did you do all your own laundry?

John is miffed that none of the England vs provincial Aussie side matches are being aired on television here.

I thought that might stir you up.

My liver seems to be fine, somehow.

I had a great time and saw some amazing things, as well as meeting some interesting people. With a bit of luck i should be getting my photos back today. 14 rolls and 3 disposable cameras in 18 days, a personal best by a long shot. I am hoping to do a report for the Post sometime soon.

Yes i did do my own washing, which consisted mainly of more beer and rugby tshirts than any one man could possibly need.

Perhaps the tv channel didn't want to depress anyone too much before the tests start...

Har! Har!

I reckon you Aussies knobble our players by plying them with s and other inebriating substances from the moment they arrive until the moment you win the Ashes.

Will you be updating your club website with some of your many pictures?

bound too, if they are any good.

There are already pictures there from some of the others.

Do we get to see any of Linus in action though?

there may be a very rare shot in there somewhere

Aha! I can't wait...Rare as in a shot of Linus in some suitably embarrassing situation, as in being at the bottom of a scrum or having his shorts pulled down on the pitch perhaps?