Bath Tec School

What have you bought me for Christmas dear?

12/15/2009 5:13:15 PM
Well its that time of the year again and this question must be asked all over the country for the next few weeks.
 I dread it as I have no idea what she may want or need, if I buy clothes, wrong size, colour, style, if its chocolate its fattening, perfume, wrong smell, I can't win so the best thing is to let her buy it herself and then sit back and relax, even that will be wrong.
My latest is to let my daughters decide as has been pointed out, female minds are totally different to ours or at least thats what they tell me.
I suppose it works the other way as well as they don't seem to know what to buy me either.

Comments

- 12/15/2009 5:50:41 PM
Last year I bought mine a ticket to see Paul Weller, she looked a bit miffed at only having a card sized pressie until she opened it, I collected enough brownie points to see me clear to Easter, this year's proving to be a bit of a dilemma though. "What do you want", or "Is there anything you'd like", are met with either a blank expression or a straight "Nothing", but I not so stupid that producing "nothing" on christmas morning will result in me spending the rest of the holiday outside on the pavement. Any and all ideas gratefully welcomed.
 
Stu
 
PS I should add I did hide one or two other little things last year.
- 12/15/2009 7:21:44 PM
apart from completely forgetting a birthday the least well received present I gave mrs W was an early Sinclair calculator.....surely a collectors item by now.

I usually find some item of jewellery hits the mark. Or useful bags or scarves.

I agree about clothes etc....ALWAYS a disaster  especially in those long ago days of thinking I could improve the exciting underwear situation. Nowadays the undies which would be deemed acceptable would be too heavy for me to carry home and. wouldn.t fit under any domestic sized Xmas tree

I hate being asked what I want. If people can't be assed to think of something I'd rather not have any thing. I don't want to add to the sum total of the world misery by having anyone fretting over me.......SO THERE!!!!!!
- 12/15/2009 7:42:21 PM
Anth, I took my very own perfumed Ayatollah to Clarke's Village last month and let her see things she liked and then suggested they might make a good Christmas Pressie. I steered her clear of the Jewellers mind you when she mentioned a real gold watch !!!!! We managed to fill quite a few carrier bags, had a nice lunch and with the price reductions, had a painless drive home. My green shield stamp book is stuffed full of points earned and Mrs L is very happy. "What can I get you?" she asked. Apart from a subscription to Record Collector Magazine I couldn't think of a thing.
 
Rich
- 12/15/2009 10:48:22 PM
Some useful suggestions there Chris, sadly we took an extra suitcase on holiday for all the scarves my Mrs. bought, she knew there would be plenty of scarf buying opportunities, there's more bloody silk pashminas round our house than at Harvey Nicks, she's fussy about jewelry as well, having just been to China we've also got an abundance of pearls, jade, silver and lapis lazuli about the place, bags are OK as long as they're strong enough to carry the average breeze block that's usually in hers. And we've done the shopping for clothes bit also Rich, Monsoon and Zara took a battering the weekend before last, (along with my credit card), I briefly entertained the thought after one particulary hectic round of buying of phoning up and saying it had been nicked a couple of hours previous, but considering that I'm a useless liar I thought it best not to. So I s'pose it'll have to be a new broomstick, now should I go for supercharged or steam powered, perhaps solar powered that'd be the green option.
 
Stu
 
PS knickers etc. are out as well, at my age I just don't go down that road, (was going to say don't go there, but though the wording not quite appropriate).
- 12/15/2009 11:33:42 PM
Hi Stu and all.
Hardly surprising is it that we all have the same problem at this time of year? Been pondering myself over what to get 'er indoors and will admit that the broomstick idea did cross my mind as well. I'm told that a twin two stroke leaves a lovely vapour trail!
Already tried convincing her that a pillar drill was actually a food mixer, that didn't work!
As everyone have already said personal items are a definite no no, wrong size,wrong colour, wrong style, wrong perfume etc etc.
To make matters worse, now we have a new floor in the dining room she's decided that we need a new dining room suite, which translated means that she wants a new suite that I get to pay for! Seriously thinking of buying her an Ipod, but guess she would only complain that there are no Ipeas in it. Isn't life difficult during the festive season?
On t'other hand I s'pose this works the other way as well. How can you expect a sensible pressy from someone that doesn't understand the finer points of Walschaert's gear or has no idea what a number two morse taper is? Guess it will be sweaters again then........
Bah humbug.
Have fun all.
Sticky. 
- 12/16/2009 9:10:56 AM
Good morning all
 
Why do we find it so difficult and they find it so easy? Perhaps we are easily pleased.  I will confirm that when a women says I want nothing she does want something. Never, ever get her nothing  unless of course you have already put in place a solid escape route. Must admit Sticky, I thought you would have bought the better half a service manual for a Massey Ferguson!
 
Seriously, to achieve the perfect present you must take quiet note of remarks made throughout the year. Trouble is with that is the memory is not so good now so have taken to writing down these secret and precious thoughts. Problem is come Christmas I cannot remember where I put the bloody list!!
 
No good asking for a list as darling will say she wants a suprise. So, there is only one solution to be taken as the dreaded day nears and you are shaking and sweating profusely as she piles on the agony. She will know you have not bought anything and you do not have acle what to buy her except for a nice Malt you seen in Threshers. The solution my friends is on Christmas Eve to have a bloody good drink in a local hostelery and proceed to Mallorys the jewellers. Expensive but she's worth it, isn't she??
 
Hope you all get it right and remember do the washing up on the big day before you get too pissed.
 
Cheers
 
Steve
- 12/16/2009 10:02:10 AM
This is the new illuminated keyboard in action .. lots of blue pretties to dazzle the eyes...I`m a bit perplexed by where all the little "special" keys are,and even more amazed at what they do. Totally overawed at the speed of the typing now. The only drawback? The spelling mistakes and typos are quicker to make.!!! only, the glasse to do now, vari-focals for reading .. gotta try it.
 
Guess what I`m trying to say it that the present you chose for your other half has to be at least useful,or menaingful. The stuff in the loft, in boxes, never used .. is what we try to avoid.  Carole has always been easy to buy for, I get her a small something and "grunt" Happy Christmas at the appropriate moments as we dish out / unwrap the presents under the tree ..yes, tree.. with lights switched on ..ha ha ..(old fashioned lot the Williams family).
 
The main gift is (usually) decided opon before, and then bought after Christmas, when value for money returns to normal levels. So Carole gets two bites of the cherry this way.... seems to work for (50s) me. We have both run out of original ideas after 38 years of sharing the same bed bugs....ha ha
  
Well, having recovered from "blue blindness", I am going to sign off now .. catch you guys later on .. things to do..
 
 
- 12/16/2009 4:50:50 PM
Slight change to thread guys, but the Christmas theme remains, have yo0u done the decorations yet? got a tree? if not why not try the new Amy Winehouse Christmas Tree, comes with it's own pot, but drops needles everywhere.
 
Stu
 
PS still pondering on pressies, won't do what my brother in law did some years ago though, his Mrs, mines sister happened to mention she needed a new mop, quess what she got for Christmas, this was about 25 years ago we're still laughing, she never did see the funny side though, ( he was serious as well, thought that was what she really wanted!!!!), I mean...................................
 
I forgot to mention there was a bucket that went with it too.
- 12/16/2009 9:09:53 PM
The story about the tree, makes me pine for the good old days Stu.......when Cristmas was a family thing, not a shop keepers delight.
 
 
- 12/17/2009 12:33:56 AM
Hi all.
Still worrying about pressies, finger nails down to the quick now, and still hav'nt a clue!
Trouble is, I've four females to buy for, Mrs, daughter and two daughter in laws, there's a double whammey in there as well, 'cos daughter has a birthday on the 23rd also.
I'm afraid the MF manual for the Mrs is out 'cos we dont have an MF any more, all Internationals except the little Allis B.
She does like listening to audio books and an Ipod is still the favourite, but I'm not totally convinced, have to shop around a bit I think.
Incidentally, Bill we still have a tree with lights and all, and all the offspring still have 'stockings' except that they have morphed into dustbin liners over the years. It's hell in our house Christmas afternoon, besides all the people, Ben usually brings his dog and we have four cats. It's OK though 'cos they get on alright together, the dog is used to cats and treats 'em with respect. One of the cats likes to shred up paper, it's a little fettish she has, I'm sure its not to difficult to imagine the results with all that wrapping around!
Oh happy, happy days!
Best wishes to all.
Sticky. 
- 12/17/2009 6:36:22 AM
Audio books, John, now there's a good idea, "Gone With the Wind" perhaps, that should be appropriate for Christmas Day.
 
Stu
- 12/17/2009 10:19:42 AM
Indecision is stil the favourite present as far as Carole is concerned. Expanding on the tree thing and cats; in 1980 we became the reluctant owners of two abandoned wild kittens. Mother had them under a sheet of tin in the garden opposite where we used to live. One was a Tabby, her sister a Tortoiseshell. The Tabby was truly a "wild child" and hissed and spat (even when being dropper fed her milk). We named her Thunder. Her sister was much more amicable about being fed. A streak across her face gave her the name of Lightning.
 
A "storm in a tea cup" moment arrived with a real 5 foot christmas tree. Decked out with lights, tinsel, chocolates; this tree stayed intact for just one evening. The cats curiosity overcame the trees ability to remain upright, and our christmas cheer was dispensed all over the carpet. The strangest thing was that Lighting had a penchant for aluminium, we could not stop her from eating the tinsel. Right up until 15 years later, (when she died), she would leap into the "swarf" box and eat the curls of aluminium. Didn`t like brass chips or steel, obviously a very choosy cat.
 
iPod, probbaly a choice John, but check out the contract offers on the Blackberry phones, a full internet and multimedai capable device. Could be an item to consider if she needs use a phone, camera, calculator, music & video player or sat nav etc.  http://www.google.co.uk/products/catalog?hl=en&q=blackberry+phone&cid=13170085801111806818&os=tech-specs is a place where you can check it out. I has ability to be used as a voice recorder, Mp3 and Wma sound files. It pretty well does most things, (apart from make the tea). Usual disclaimer applies.
 
 
- 12/17/2009 11:02:46 AM
Hi Bill
 
Do you know any  females that could understand a gadget like that? Bless them all.
 
Cheers
 
Steve
- 12/17/2009 11:44:17 AM
Yes Steve both my daughters can text without even looking at the keypad on their phones and they can do it whilst talking to someone else.
I have just bought a new phone with a qwerty keypad and now at last I can text at a reasonable speed, never got on with the old style keypad where you had to press a key four times a get the letter you wanted.
I think you probably right concerning females of the older generation though as my wife will often ask how to view a missed call or to add a contact.
- 12/17/2009 1:49:26 PM
BAD DAY!

1. Snow   hate the stuff

2. Most places have run out of xmas trees so had to drive around and ended up with manky expensive.

3. Shopped at Morrisons with Mrs W (trying not to comment on all the people who would have benefiited from eugenics as this angers Mrs W). Got to check out and found debit card lost, no cash and Mrs W hadn't brought anthing cos she always assumes I will have.


4. Contacted bank to cancel card..so I won't have one available for xmas...probabnly good thing.

5 Back to Morrisons to pay for and collect hostage goods

6 Had to take Alzheimer mother in law her tree and set it up, sort out her phone she has mucked up, ditto her central heating, collect parrotty who has been keeeping an eye on her while we were in Bath.

5 NOW wyffe wants me to do the cards which we hav't had time to do until now.

AND it's only lunchtime.


AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
AND I haven't got her a present yet.

HELPPPPPPP


- 12/17/2009 4:10:18 PM
Hi Chris
 
As the song goes "So this is Christmas"!!  There is always alcohol friend. Here today has been beautiful, sunny and 22C (shade!). Been sat outside in the sun reading and not a Christmas carol to be heard, bliss.
 
Hope it gets better for you.
 
Regards to parroty.
 
Cheers
 
Steve
- 12/17/2009 4:12:26 PM
My grandaughters aged 8, 6 & 6 repectively can outpace their (30 something) parents on the Nintendo DS, PS3, and Mobile phones .. the remote controls hold no fear for them either. Oh, yeh, and ask the eldest what school work she does online .. gobsmacking or what!!!
 
Even my techno-phobic other half has now mastered Mobile text, Sat Nav, laptop, and P.C. at work .. all this from a female brain .. doesn`t bode well for the future of "man" kind .. I`m glad I shan`t be around when women rule the world ... the nect thing you know we`ll be having a woman Prime Minister .. oh, bugger .. we`ve had one of those already, haven`t we?
 
Keep up with the shopping lads .. sorry to hear about your shopping experience Chris. I often say thank goodness for online banking and instant account transfers ...... pass me another Mince Pie Caroie, there`s a dear ... 
 
- 12/17/2009 4:29:21 PM
Thanks for the solace Steve

I'm afraid the thought of you in warmth and no obvious Xmasness does little to dispel the gloom as yet another snow flurry hurtles horizontally past the window.  Parrotty returns the yuletide sentiment.

Dear friend alcohol will join me in a little while.

- 12/17/2009 4:29:37 PM
Christmas present for the memsahib? Easy. I take her to her favourite clothes shop, lead her inside and give my credit card to the woman at the cash till. Memsahib knows my financial limits. Easy.
 
Christmas presents for two sons? Easy. I get them whatever I'd like to get for myself and it never fails to please. Easy.
 
Christmas present for daughter. Easy. I ask the memsahib to buy it. Easy.
 
So that's my efforts completed for this year.
- 12/17/2009 5:32:07 PM
Cop out or what David? We've already been down the dress shop route, unfortunately that won't fully suffice, I had thought of an effects pedal for her electric guitar, opps! sorry my electric guitar, mind's wandering again. I suppose it'll be down to spending my one day a week of peace, tomorrow, dragging myself from emporium to emporium on a stress inducing quest to find some little, (expensive), trifle for madam's amusement, please guys don't suggest anything remotely electronic, clockwork possibly, or even better string powered. Then there's the card, one always has to buy a special card doesn't one, can't be anything run of the mill or you get accused of not trying, well not so much accused as the frosty "Very nice", tone suggesting that what she really means is "Don't know why you bothered". Actually my Mrs. is very easy to buy presents for I just like to get something she will really appreciate.
 
Been a lovely day here today, sun's been shining, bit chilly but then it is near Christmas, my boss had to interview some guys for a new post today, one of them was named Jesus, I told him to ask the guy if he'd be needing Easter off.
 
Stu
- 12/17/2009 11:53:17 PM
Hi guys.
All very well, Stu, but what a way to spend Easter, if you happen to be called Jesus.
You're right David has got it pretty well sewn up. Know what he means about buying for the boys though, I have just ordered a set of 19 machine collets, boxed, for Alex, normal price £135 reduced to £59, special offer, easy peasey, delivery next Monday. Lovely old job. Now, why can't it be that easy to buy for a woman? 
Sorry to hear about the terrible weather Chris, sun's been out here today, but very cold. I expect our turn will come though!
Shame about the disasterous shopping trip, the kind of scenario we all have nightmares about. Your damage limitation exercise seems to have swung into operation like a well oiled machine though. Better luck next time and best wishes to Parrotty.
On the subject of cats, when we first moved to Stroud we had a tortoiseshell cat called Cricket. (Don't ask why). The first Christmas we had a natural tree which we put in a bucket full of earth 'cos it had roots, and decorated it. That night some friends came to visit and we settled in the lounge, where the tree was, with drinks. As we were talking the cat saunters in, strolled up to the tree and proceeds to crap in the bucket. Embarassing or what? Fortunately our friends thought it was hilarious, but I'm not sure if they were laughing at the cat or the look of complete horror on our faces. Since then we have always had artificial trees! 
Got to do more pressie hunting now guys.
Have fun.
Sticky.
- 12/18/2009 9:27:08 AM
Sun's shining brightly down in deepest Dorset, John. Not a cloud in sight and not a trace of snow ... yet. We were expecting it but someone has obviously turned off the tap at the Dorset border. Very cold though. Ken tells me it's forty degree is Adelaide. Talk about extremes!
- 12/18/2009 10:04:46 AM
Luvly day yer in North Devon as well David, bit parky but tis seasonal, eh? don't somehow seem right to be baking hot and spending Christmas on the beach, although at 40 degrees I think I'd be spending it in the fridge.
I'm assuming that Chris is somewhere under a mountain of snow at the moment, at least he'll be able to go out and build a snowman, parrotty can watch him from a window and offer suitable encouragement, and it'll take his mind off shopping, mind you I think the ploy of losing one's credit card is the best one I've heard yet for avoiding buying any Christmas presents, well thought out mate.
 
Stu
- 12/18/2009 11:39:55 AM
NEWS FROM THE WEATHER FRONT

Thanks for all your concerns. It is officially HELL according to our local paper which I had to drive to the village to collect as there is no delivery today. You see how SERIOUS things are. No post has arriven either.

I got through to the village by the skin of my chattering teeth. Some of the snow/slush drifts must have been 6 inches high in places!

I got home and managed to make it through the 2" mat of snow to the back door.

I was then confronted by Mrs W who has decided that "we" must polish all the posh cutlery we never use because it is "filthy". Looks nice and shiney to me. But now a cloud has descended because I "stormed" in here to seek solace in the arms of my "virtual" friends. Having told her if she wants do spend the rest of the day with duraglit fine by me but why should I be involved when the task seems pointless. But isn't that often the case with women....so much energy expended on pointless work when real things never get a look in.

Oh well I had better go in the kitchen and help....rebellion over....once again. Mind you the day she helps me to service my Austin 7 or one of the many bits of garden machinery will be a day of miracles.

Yours inconsolably.
- 12/18/2009 4:58:12 PM
Sun has been shining for most of the day here in Frome but it is still very cold outside, went to look at the fishpool and it is frozen over so no more food for the fish for a while.
If it wasn,t for the family I know where I would be this winter, lying in the sun outside the motorhome down by the Med., with a bit of luck we may still get there for March or April.
- 12/19/2009 12:22:14 AM
Hi all.
Weather about the same here in the Cotswolds, sunny most of the day but very cold with the odd flurry of snow, just enough for a light dusting but a hint of what is to come I think.
Brownie points in the end, eh Chris, but I feel there may be a few deducted for the tantrum!. I think I may have earned a few as well. Had a day off work today, dining room floor now complete, furiture back in place and all cleared up. I even bought a bunch of roses to go on the table. She was even forced to admit hat it looked 'Lovely', but swiftly added that it needs redecorating in the spring!
Why do they have this obsession with things like 'Best cutlery' and 'Best china' that rarely if ever gets used? I s'pose if the Queen were to call it could be wheeled out, but how likely is that?
Meanwhile back in the real world we carry on with the comfortable old mugs and cheap cutlery and I like it that way.
You have an Austin seven Chris, which year and model would this be then? Incidentally, I like the photos of Parrotty, quite the little film star now.
Best wishes to all and Parrotty.
Sticky.
 
 
- 12/19/2009 9:56:55 AM
Thanks for your words of wisdom Sticky.

The cutlery looks magnificent.

 Parrotty is indeed a little prima donna.

The A7 is 1933 box saloon 750cc. Photo in Parrotty's album.

Cheers all
- 12/19/2009 9:13:16 PM
Hi Chris and all.
Nice photo Chris, super car. I'd ask you to bring it along to our show but I realise just how impractical that is. Very nice indeed anyway!
I know several people that own 'Chummies' and 'Rubys', but yours is a bit later. A good friend, Mike Smith has two Morris's of the same period, if I can find a photo I will paste something up for you. He is a steam nut also, goes all over the world chasing photos of the last steam locos in action. He even went up the Khyber Pass two or three years ago, with an armed guard I hasten to add!
Incidentall when son Ben got married they had two vintage Austins to transport the wedding party from the church to the reception.
Their wedding was very unusual transport-wise, the groom arrived at the church in a rally prepared escort mk3 and the bride arrived in a pony and trap, the two Austins were an ex London cab big 10, late twenties and a seven just a bit later than yours, owned by a father and son, they also own several Field Marshall tractors.
Went up to the midlands today to collect a 'Pot belly' stove bought on ebay, it's a Christmas pressie for Ben, he wanted one to go in his workshop for a bit of warmth during these cold winter days. He always has plenty of scrap wood so the fuel is free!
Got to go now, regards to parrotty.
Sticky,
- 12/20/2009 12:45:10 PM
David, you have my complete admiration !! I wish all our everlovings were as easily pleaed though !!     Ooerrr !!! Ther's another load of posts after that one. Please excuse while I catch up>
 
 
Rich
- 12/21/2009 1:22:12 AM
Hi all.
Just a quick note, 'cos it's getting quite late and I've got 'school' tomorrow.
Noticed that Howard has added to the identification of the crew in the rugby photo, well done Howard!
All a bit of a mystery to me I'm afraid 'cos I was a year earlier and in P, not X.
Regards to Parrotty and all who sail in her.
Sticky.
- 12/21/2009 10:42:46 AM
Hello John,
I should have read your post before I put mine up for Howard..I`ll guess we`ll have to put it down to another "senior moment" of mine ..ha ha .. I Hope that Stroud is surviving the snow successfully, and that you`ll be able to complete all neccessary tasks (on your / her list) before the festivities begin in earnest.
 
I`ve been in contact lately with a young (now older) lady in Minchenhampton, and she says it can get a bit hairy round her way ( SNOW, I mean of course lads..your minds ..really!). Where was I?, oh, yes she`s very exposed where she is ..oh god..we`re there again ..
 
The weather does get a bit outrageous in her neck of the woods, very little cover where she is ..II`m giving up on this message ..all these misinterpreted inuendoes ..I`m off for breakfast .. well, brunch actually ...oh, hello all .. hope we are well.  
- 12/21/2009 2:17:35 PM
Ho Ho Ho
 
We are returning to UK today but it is all up in the air at the moment. Where we are supposed to be!!! It is looking 50/50 and depends I think on how weather conditions are at Bristol airport later today. Keep your eyes open, I will be wearing a red coat and a white beard.  Wherever you are I hope you and your families have the best Christmas ever.
 
I hope to have internet access over the holiday so I can keep up with the holiday nonsense.
 
Hope parroty is not to tough and maybe you shopuld buy a turkey?
 
Cheers every body from Spain or England? Who knows?
 
Steve
- 12/21/2009 3:12:03 PM
Steve, I have the 60x spotting scope set up in the front bedroom .. firmly fixed onto the European inbound flightpath of Bristol (International) Airport. Whilst my eyes are still able to discern aircraft (and even the odd window or two) I feel it will not be possible to establish the colour of your coat (or hair) from this location. However, if you could open a window on your landing approach, I feel that my hearing could possiblly  remember your voice. Could I suggest this phrase "Heeelllllllooooooooo Biiiiiiiiillllllllllllllyyy" .. if successful contact is established, I will of course respond with "HHHeeeeeeeeeeellllllllllllllooooooooooooo Steeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeevvvie".
 
Should this fail, try email ... Timsbury is that little place on the left of the big hill as you approach from the east  .. keep an eye out for the turbine and the camper, they should be all of 1/8" in size and covered in snow .. you can`t miss either of them .... safe landing on the ice at Bristol by the way.
- 12/22/2009 12:55:19 AM
Hi Bill and all.
Interesting the things you have to say about the lady at Minchenhampton, our weather eco system is similar to theirs although we are 'Across t'other side o' t' dale'. Yes it can be a bit exposed, you've got me doing it now! How shall I say, we do tend to suffer from the wind. No that aint right either! Well you know what I mean. Fortunately however, this time it has not been too bad with only a sprinkling of snow, in fact in the low areas of the Severn flood plain they've not had any. Just the same it has been very cold. 
Nice that Steve is back in the UK for the festivities, I think he stands a good chance of getting into Bristol, better than most other airports possibly, keep your eye open for the red suit and the beard. I don't think shouting at the plane is going to work as a suitable means of communication, though.
Dining room floor finished and furniture back in, now I'm told 'We' need to redecorate! This small matter has been deferred till the spring, phew!
Still got more pressies to buy, pocket a lot lighter already! Bah humbug!
Best wishes to all for Christmas and the new year.
Sticky. 
- 12/22/2009 2:29:22 PM
Ow be Me Cockers!

I hope all those who have to travel get on OK.

We are "blessed" that we are at home for the first time in several years.

Today we irritated each other around Sainsburghas and spent obscene amounts on food that won't all be eaten.

Interesting phenomenon I noticed:

Mrs W....wyffe...had compiled a LIST, with a little input from me. BUT she evidently has a clear plan in her head so that ANY "help" from me that does not coincide PRECISELY with whatever is in her memory banks, is rejected out of hand. So anything I picked up from the displays whilst trying to be useful was usually rejected. So being unable to cope with rejection at the best of times, I gave up and just pushed the trolley. BUT then was accused of not being interested or engaged enough.

Does this sound familiar to any of you or is it just my own dysfunctional relationship.

At least I was allowed freedom of action in the alcohol area....so it's not all bad.

Oohh! another nasty moment yesterday. I had assumed that I could get the beef for Xmas Day without problem. BUT the PRECISE cut of beef Mrs W had in "mind" had all gone when I phoned the order. Si I was accuseed of not discharging the "sole responsibility" she had given me. After a very short sulk I found a butcher who will do the honours and all is nearly well again. It's a very fine dividing line between success and disaster, isnt it.

Still ahvn't got her a present yet. Terror grips my heart. Tomorrow I have to make a solo trip in ice and slush and hope.

I wish I could be like Parrotty who doesn't celebrate Xmas.
- 12/22/2009 11:46:59 PM
Hi Chris and all.
Yes Chris, absolutely spot on!
Bin there, done that.
Thankfully all the supermarket shopping is over now till after the festivities.
Like you I'm still presentless, but trying to buy her a puzzle ring. Too late for anything off the internet, but have found a shop at Gloucester that has them, plan to pop in during lunch tomorrow.
Best wishes for the forthcoming festivities to all, and Parrotty.
Surely she will have some extra nuts or something!!!!
Have fun.
Sticky.
- 12/23/2009 3:35:04 PM
Thanks again Sticky

Joy O Joy!!!!! JIngle jingle jingle etc

A day of hard won successes

Got Mrs Wyffe her present with little fuss.

Beef got after q-ing for 1 hour ....just like USSR...much blitz-type comradeship

Hair cut.....+ wine & peanuts from lovely Italian family barber

Wine got at lovely cynical wine merchant  ...we discussed the misery of having to deal with the "great unwashed and feckless & young" at Xmas...or any other time for that matter.

Collected No 2 son from train....bearing lots of London ethnic-type goodies, not obtainable in the provinces.

Have just made a N African lamb stew.

NOW I am going to sit DOWN.

Bless you alle and keep you.

Chris
- 12/23/2009 7:09:26 PM
Hey Chris, any spare seats at yours for the Lamb Stew? It sounds good to me. Could we have the recipe, please? Perhaps we could have some favourite recipes on these hallowed pages. I'm no great shakes in the kitchen, apart from a good stew or a roast, but maybe we could show the women folk we are capable of something edible.............or are we treading dodgy ground again?
 
 
Rich
- 12/23/2009 8:22:35 PM
Nah! It's a good idea Rich, I like me grub as well, goes with being a fat Ba*$&**, and I do like N. African, make a nice pepper sauce to go with lamb, it was supposed to be Harissa but turned out a little different. I do a mean, simple Ratatoue? can't spell it but tastes good.
 
To echo other sentiments without swapping threads, liked the audio Bill, even if I did take the p***, and I'd like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and a Prosperous and Creative New Year.
 
Like you Mike I enjoy a nip or three of Jura, so about 19.00 on Christmas Day I'll raise a glass and toast you.
 
Stu
 
PS I think I might have cracked the Christmas pressie, tell you after, OK.
 
 
- 12/23/2009 9:09:59 PM
All this talk of North African stew and I had just watched Michael Palin in an episode of "Sahara" walking across the desert with an Arab caravan, they stopped for the evening meal, killed the sheep that had been walking with them, skinned and jointed it and produced a stew cooked over the campfire in less than an hour, didn,t look that tasty though but Michael got stuck in as usual, hope yours tasted better than theirs looked Chris.
Merry Christmas to you all
Anth
- 12/23/2009 9:51:54 PM
We just finished the stew. Bloody good too. Would keep the chubblie bits well populated Stu!

Hardly anyone touched the eyeballs or the sheeps's naughty bits. Just as well I'll put em under me pillow for later!

Well Rich, the secret is apricots but I will post a recipe if you wish it. On the other hand some of you lads are much more travelled than me and will ahve eaten the real thing.

Sickly sentimental Yuletide Blessynngges trickle down oponn ye alle
- 12/24/2009 3:29:39 AM
Hi all.
Like the idea of a few exotic recipes on here. Could be good fun, especially after Christmas when we've all got oodles of left overs to make use of. I do a mean cheesy pasta, but Mrs Boss always says its too pi**y, but thats how I like it!
Deepest sympathy for your weather problems Chris, this time we've been very lucky in this neck of the woods. Still green fields around the Gloucester area, plenty of ice about though. Up here on the Cotswolds a sprinkling of snow, but not too bad. Glad you manageed to get the necessary duties done though. Managed to get the puzzle ring I was after for 'Er indoors without much trouble today.
As this is probably the last posting before the big day. All have a wonderful Christmas, enjoy the indulgences and have one for me. I shall be thinking of you all over a large Bacardi on Christmas afternoon.
Be in touch again soon.
Sticky.