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

Good Morning Nick (it's afternoon here but then you already know that )

It's another georgeous day across the big pond and temperatures are set to reach around 23c today, or so we're told. I won't be seeing too much of it being cooped up in a poorly air-conditioned office but, at least I can gaze longingly out of the window It started out cloudy and didn't look as if it was going to be such a good day but it's bright sunny and hot now

I spoke to Kathryn (the new mum) last night and everything is going swimmingly well. Baby Lauren is learning very quickly how to rule the roost and how to wrap her doting Daddy around her little finger . When I rang last night she had just woken up and was wanting her mum's attention () so couldn't speak for long but it's good to know all is well and the new mum is coping!

Great news for you too .....so they're hoping for a boy this time I gather? I never really cared what I got as long as everything was in it's right place and the baby was healthy.....I was lucky til Dan arrived......he seems to have lost his brain somewhere along the way or maybe it's just a hormonal thing?

Yeah, I'd say it's mostly a hormonal thingie he's dealing with. A time in life when a lad's brain travels far south ... If he's lucky, it'll re-emerge where it ought to be by the time he hits 40 !!!

Actually, my kiddlies are really hoping for a little girlie this time. But naturally, they'll be happy with anyone that proves healthy. There's already been mention of specifically NOT wanting to know for certain, until a wet and wrinkly thingie is in-hand, and appendages are counted.

We had ourselves a pretty bleak and wet week-end, which served to turn our lawns into hay-fields again. Fortunately, yesterday's 25C and brilliant sun allowed a mowing. Today, a degree or two higher is expected, so with the humidities we grow (adjacent to a bay ...) it's almost a good idea to stay inside.

Just as an aside, I like the idea that new-Mum is feeding the Lauren- the natural way. So long as a Mommy eats reasonably healthy, it IS the best thing for a little person. For substance, digestion, immunities to lots of little nasties. My girl has gone that way as long as reasonable. Usually the first sharp-enough-tooth was the beginning of the weaning process.

How's your own health doing? You had a couple of nasty chest congestions through the winter, and along with asthma stuff, ... I've been wondering how spring changes, pollens and stuff are treating you.

By the time he hits 40???.....that soon???

Apparently, Kathryn and Rob did know what they were going to have, although Kathryn didn't want to know, but Rob nagged and nagged and nagged at the last 22 week scan until she gave in. Both parents have to agree before they will tell. So they knew but they didn't tell anyone else, so we were all in the dark until the birth

She has always said she would breast feed and seems to be coping very well. She does express milk so that Rob can feed Lauren sometimes during the night or if K wants to go out for a while. It also gives Dad a chance to get closer to baby I think......exclusive breast feeding can tend to exclude Dad a bit K did have a small chilli in the early days just after she got out of hospital and learnt pretty quick that it didn't suit Lauren ......not so much tummy pains as nasty nappies ......so spicey food is now off the menu!!!

As for my health......I'm fine ......I don't and never have suffered with pollen allergies so spring/summer isn't miserable for me .....the asthma is down to a dust mite allergy which I can do vwery little about so I don't worry about it too much. It's only mild asthma anyway!

How are you and M'Lady doing health-wise? It's not long since you both had the sniffles and coughs if I remember right?

Mavis has also made good use of a pump and the fridge. Being rather generously gifted in the chest department, she produces milk quite readily. And then Daddy can have his time with the littlie too.

Hmmmm, yes, I can see how a chili might be a delight after months of irregular heart-burns and such. Mostly, I pity little Lauren's tender parts passing the results though...

As to the repetitive snuffles and coughs, we seem to be shed of them. But a couple of weeks ago, milady found herself waking a few times to what she terms "heart palpitations". Mentioning this to her , when she was in for a prescription refill, won her the thrill of wearing a heart-monitor for 24 hours. The half-dozen little suction-pads weren't bad, but the 40-miles of sticky-tape they used gave her itches that nearly drove her as mad as I am. Anyway, we've not yet heard anything back, and so assume that nothing of consequence was measured. And it was enough impetus for her to again give some very serious thought to that reduction surgery ...

A - or three, and a mound of

Reduction surgery??? From what I can remember, M'Lady doesn't have too much that needs reducing? ......she looked pretty slim to me!!!

Now if it was me going in for the reducing, then the surgeon wouldn't know where to start first.......would keep him gainfully employed for several hours I think

Kathryn like your daughter is amply endowed in the feeding department and produces enough milk to supply a small army I think, so the pump helps to relieve some of the pressure as well as providing ready-made bottles that Rob can use as and when necessary!

Sorry to hear about the heart palpitations but, as the old saying goes, 'no news is good news'. If there was anything seriously amiss then I'm sure you would've been contacted by now!

That's what we have found with our medics ... If there is any concern, they call immediately. If there is nothing, or just a minor something to know about, they call when they have time. So with each day that passes quietly, we breathe easier.

Milady has been encouraged by her doctor to seek a breast reduction. A 42-DD on her frame causes aggravation to soft tissue damages she incurred in the lower back. As well, some nights, it's too much weight on the chest as she sleeps. Causing shortness of breath and irregular heart beat. Still, it is not a mandatory thing for her, and being somewhat intrusive, ... She is still giving it very long and careful thought. Once, the woman actually asked me what size she ought to seek !!! All I could do was cup my hands and say "about so big". Really, she and I agree that any resulting size would be at the best judgement of the expert with the scalpel.

In another way, besides the sturdy German-farmer build, my daughter is lucky to have aquired the ability to produce quality milk. As an infant, she had to go on to a formula, as my ex just couldn't satisfy her. Lots in volume, little in substance, if you know what I mean. I guess that was the way for generations of the Smith women.

So on with the subject of tasty delights, ... (Well, from my perspective anyway ) What have you today for your lunch? I've a poor and simple lunch of left-over roast pork, mashed spuds, my home-made stuffing and some kernel corn. Pretty simple, eh?

s, es and s

Hmmmmmmmm well I'm a 40DD (should I say that in a public forum? ) but I have a larger frame than M'Lady and it doesn't cause me any problems. They're one of my better assets so I'm not in any hurry to reduce them

Was just wondering what size hands you have......she may not need to have a reduction if you have shovels for hands .......I was once told by a complete stranger in a bar, after he'd gazed long and hard at my assets.......'you don't get many of them to the pound do ya luv' . I didn't know whether to laugh or slap him or whether it was meant as a compliment or an insult?

Lunch was a chicken dinner from the take-away around the corner. I did bring a microwave meal with me but didn't fancy it when lunchtime came around so opted for fast food instead......less healthy but much more tasty

There's nothing wrong with simple food. I'm hardly a gourmet chef but what I do cook is good hearty wholesome food (when I do cook that is). It's the way my mother taught me to cook and has stood me in good stead up to now. I can cook fancy meals if I want to but having no'one to entertain these days, there doesn't seem much point in spending hours in the kitchen just to feed me

Indeed, you have a little more stature of form than milady, ... she being 5' 5"-ish according to her new passport. Ah well, no two people will carry the same 'poundage' quite the same, will they?

As to the bloke with the comment, I really have no idea how that could be taken. Chances are, it sounded perfectly smooth and debonnaire in his head. But by the time it worked off of his tongue, it lost a couple bits and pieces. Been there and done that enough times, m'dear.

A couple times a month, I too step out and buy some kind of take-away for lunch. We've several burger places near, a rotisserie-roasted chicken place, a sub-sandwich place, even the little restaurant in a department store that we frequent. So I can find fast and fatty, which is always a treat, as well as healthy. But at home, if we want fancy? That becomes her department. I can cook and serve nearly any meat and veggie that has stopped moving, but it will always be simple. Tasty, but simple.

Ya know, something I haven't niggled for in a long time ... And no, I'm not talking piccies of your "assets". But how's about piccies of you and your ever-growing family? We've never seen a one of either Lady nor the young man, let alone in-laws and s.

I have to confess that when it comes to photo's I'm probably the worlds worst. I have a personal phobia about having a camera pointed at me and tend to run as fast as I can in the opposite direction. I'm equally bad about taking photo's too.......but I'll try and rustle up some pics from the family that I can send out to you. I did buy a digital camera from Ebay last year but haven't got round to getting a memory card for it yet so am limited to how many pics I can store on it and not having a PC at the moment, I can't download any either. Just call me useless

I keep meaning to get some postcards showing scenes in around the Cardiff and surrounding areas but, as usual, whenever I'm out and about, I completely forget

Will make a note to get some next time I'm in town shopping

Just teasing at ya, girl. I know that sooner or later, we'll take pics of your family OURSELVES !!! Saving you a lot of postage and stuff.

Meanwhile, I have to go on-line and reserve some theatre tickets for milady's birthday. On July 21st, another couple will join us for dinner and then a show at the < http://www.stirlingfestivaltheatre.com >

* , , ... *

Is this thing on? Testing, testing, ... one, two, anudder and anudder ...

Hiya, Lady H. How's stuff with you this new'ish week? Our week-end involved a lot of thorough house-cleaning. Because on the 17th, ridiculously early, we'll be driving away to visit my in-laws. And we like a fresh and tidy place to return to on the 26th.

s, es, and some really full-bodied

OI!!! Stop poking and prodding me

I hope you've got cooler, pleasanter weather than we have over here at the moment for your long journey, otherwise it's going to be very hot and sweaty

It's been too hot to do anything much this w/e and definitely NOT housework ......I did attempt to tame the jungle I call a garden with a newly acquired electric strimmer, but alas, it's going to require a more robust petrol strimmer I think and a strapping son to handle it ......I'll make him work for his pocket money

So, you're off on your travels this w/e then? Is this the annual pilgrimage to see the out-laws?

I've booked some leave from the 18th to the 21st cos my ex out-laws are going on a cruise for a week so I decided it might be advisable to be around to supervise the kids......there might be a bloodbath if left unsupervised and Dan still has a couple of exams to sit so will need taxiing to and from school

Hey, I thought that was the whole purpose of nicely soft and curvy bits, ... gentle pokes, prods and general appreciation.

We don't really do an annual pilgrimage to the out-laws. Just as and when something noteworthy arises, like a funeral or a wedding. (Often, equally sombre events ) This time is primarily to attend the high-school graduation of the eldest of 3 nieces. Mind you, word has it now that her grades may not even be adequate. But we've already booked the time off. As well, we'll work in a much belated anniversary party for the elders. We weren't able to get there for December 30th, ... milady's -boss not permitting it.

How are the lad's grades measuring up? And current examinations?

We had two strong bouts of that heat and humidity. I got so fed up with it, I packed 'em up and sent them YOUR way. Mind you, Serenity has found a good use for the heat, ... weed control. For now, we've a cooler time, temps more in the low to mid 20's. Which should be just nice for our 14-hour drive. And even if it does warm up, milady's newer car still has well-functioning air conditioning.

In general, how's you doing? You probably noticed that I tried to call you up once or twice. One day, we will again exercise those phone wires.

s and galore.

Hi Nick

First day back in work after 10 days off and I really really don't want to be here

How was your break with the out-laws? Hope you've had a good time and managed to relax a bit?

I spent most of my time taxiing the son and heir around and being piggy-in-the-middle between said son and ex-inlaws ......I really am sick and tired of being referee!!! His Bampi is now threatening to throw him out again which means he will have to move in with me on a permanent basis (to which I have no objection whatsoever) but he will have to fend for himself when I'm in work as I'm out of the house for 12 hours and have no intention of cooking once I do get home! His father is moving out to live in Turkey soon and so won't be able to have him, not that he would anyway cos the new wife doesn't do kids......even her own grandkids

There's an Eagles concert on across the road in gthe Millenium Stadium tonight and I really wish I was there and not here......they're one of my favourite bands!!

........

Hiya good Lady.

I did indeed survive my trip. A great deal of driving, and then the obligatory following along, nodding and smiling a lot, ... Oh yay,

How did the heir manage with his exams? Good enough for some top-paying summer work? I am sorry to hear that you are still the peace-maker of sorts, but I guess that is your lot fer awhile yet. Who knows, if he moves back with you full-time, he may learn some domestic skills that every man or woman ought to know. Self-preservation and maintenance stuff. Simple cooking, how to wash the unmentionables, maybe iron a dress shirt ...

And lastly, ... the Eagles? They STILL perform? I lost track of them ages ago when the lad tried a solo career. But indeed, they rank highly in my frequent week-end listening lists.

s and es a-plenty

Hiya Nick

Good to hear the trip went well

We won't know about Dan's exam results until August when they've all been marked and the results sent to the school but he seems to think he did OK! He needs to get at least 5 'C' grades to be allowed to stay on in the 6th form and do his 'A'levels.


As for him getting any summer work........he's not actually 16 until August 9th so the jobs he can do are a bit limited so we'll just have to see what comes up for him!!!

Yep! The Eagles are still alive but don't know how 'kicking' they are these days ......really wish I could've gone and seen them tho

Ah yes, I often forget that the times, they are a-changin' When I was younger, any age was acceptable for working, so long as you were big enough and strong enough for what-ever the line of work. But as others have pointed out, these days employers are extremely conscious of liabilities of youth injuries, real or imagined. Though I've not seen pics, as you've described him, your son could have been making good wages for several years otherwise...

How are you this day? Have you too been swamped with the heat that seems to be depleting England and parts of Europe? We have a measure of that, which made our little garden party/BBQ yesterday I(35 people attended) a bit of a chore. But yet, a fine time was had by all ...

and

Hi Nick

The heat here is stifling cos it's not only hot but humid as well.......and......the air-con isn't working again!!! Some things just never change do they?

Yep, times are a changing. When I was his age I'd had a saturday job for about 2 years but it's not so easy for them these days. Everyone is paranoid about health and safety so mostly they have to be 16 to get any sort of decent job.

How's the itinerary going for the proposed visit across the 'pond'?

I know of heat and humidity. And we also get to toss in great loads of smog from ours and some northern US industrial points. Oh yay, huh?

We aren't yet making any concrete plans for our 'great adventure'. That will be pretty much left for the early Spring. And then we'll peruse a calendar, see who is still willing to entertain us to a degree, and what we have to work with. Time, money, etc. But so far, at a guess, it seems to be Essex and London area (Venus), Wales (a royal lady herself) and Dublin (a -wench).

Well......you know it's open house for you and M'Lady when you find yourselves in the area

It's grey, overcast and very threatening today......no rain as yet but thunderstorms and flash floods predicted ......keeping my fingers crossed that they don't happen here!

Just a quick p.s........my home line is temporarily out of action so don't try and call til further notice .......will let you know when normal service is resumed