the village idiot

It would be amazing if you were right MattyF and I genuinely admire your optimism:thumbup: There hasn't been an Ash tree planted in the wood I manage for at least 60 years but Chalara is rampant. You are right that it only seems to be visable on young specimens, but I fear that this may just be down to the fact that the pathogen has less work to do with these. I have more mature trees at the wood which are starting to look very suspect. I'll take some pictures when the leaves are fully out. Having said all that, we still don't know how it will pan out. It may be that our larger stronger trees can muster enough resistance to carry on producing seed. They would have to be super resistant though to produce viable offspring as the Ash seems so vulnerable at sapling stage. It's still just a case of wait and see.

Nice try matelot. Unfortunately I don't have the power to ban you, but I can choose to ignore all your future posts and hopefully if enough of the other excellent folk and folkesses on here do the same then you will get bored and go and be pathetic somewhere else.

Still very much out there! The wood I work in and all those in the area are riddled with it.

Three shredded wheat for breakfast?

As Felix would say: "fixed that for ya"

Discovering the means by which attributes are passed from generation to generation does not make you an authority on the 'intelligence' and work ethic of an entire race of people. Very clever people say very stupid things sometimes when commenting on things outside of their field of expertise. It's not dissimilar to us lot (who specialise in the world of trees) self righteously debating the rights and wrongs of the complex world of politics (the intricacies of which we know very little). To imply that we are 'better' than black Africans just because we score better in Western derived tests of IQ is hideous. If us British whites of long lineage are so bloomin brilliant and the path our country has chosen to take so great why do we spend so much of our time moaning about our lot? You are right that the West has been responsible for the development of most of the technical inovations in recent times and our ways of life and aspirations have altered dramatically as a result. Whether we are truly better off for this would make for an interesting discussion. It would do this thread a great credit if we kept away from sweeping generalisations branding whole races of people as one thing or another. It not only tarnishes what is a brilliant forum but also makes people think you are a complete pillock.

Wow!! That was a very interesting and occasionally astonishing catch up. I sincerely hope that some of the sentiments expressed are just done for show. Eggs is probably right in saying that if confronted face to face the offending arguments would quickly crumble.

:lol::lol: To paraphrase someone from a thread some time back, Better adapted to a life in water than on land.

That's a bit harsh Jon. It might be water retention.

I did wonder if anyone would ask me that:001_smile: I was looking for the website of the forestry agent who came over for a look at the wood yesterday. I guess she must share a name with one of the two robust ladies in the picture.

:lol:

Popped back to the leisure centre this morning to see if I could pick up a couple more lovely's. Got talking to one of the lifeguards there. Apparently they pay Stacey and Minky to haul themselves in and out of the pool all day. He says it saves them a fortune on wave machines!

Wow! What a night! These girls really know how to rumba! Let's just say I now need a serious re-stock of glace cherries and butterscotch instant whip:thumbup: It's not all good mind. I was an hour looking for my keys this morning before they finally emerged from under one of Stacey's back flaps (along with 7 tangy cheese doritos and £2.66 in loose change). They've left for their Pilates class now having totally cleared me out of coco-pops! Might have to change the locks.

Back off you lot, they're all mine:sneaky2: Oh and sweet dreams:001_smile:

Spotted these two vixens beached in the shallow end of my local swimming pool. A trail of Kit-Kat Chunky's between the changing rooms and the car park... Most comfortable night's sleep I've ever had!

Scored BIG time at the local swimming baths:thumbup:

Yup, gets my vote too:thumbup:

It's BIG, and it has ARRIVED. I can't disclose my sources.

The father of a friend of mine went to sleep on a sofa. He rolled off sometime in the night, landed awkwardly and is now paralysed from the neck down. It's not just the trees that can get you.

Thanks Alec, that would be great. I'll send you a PM

Here's an old one of Jon, long before he got his hands on the 560.

Capital letter to begin a proper noun please Mull. Steve will not thank you for his little 's'. Important to get these things right, like!

Speechless! That post contains enough emotion and depth to keep me thinking and wondering for a lifetime. Total respect to you Sean. You are amazing.

Fantastic!!! What I understood of it at any rate! Would you consider doing a half day's consultancy at the wood? You sound like the man who can advise me on the best way forward to keep my retort going as long as possible.

Best take some layers off Jon.... and send us a piccie:001_smile: