David Cropper

I found the opposite, Craig. I thought the tri blade clumsy and heavy. The two blade was faster in the cut and more manageable. I had the Husqvarna and the Oregon blades.

I always said I wouldn't have a rescue dog, their history in most cases are unknown, especially over here, you don't know what you're getting. However, there does seem to be a few who are taken in because their elderly owners are either hospitalised or dead, you've got a fighting chance that the dog has been trained to a degree. We've had all sorts of problems with Charlie, he's effectively been "institutionised " by living alone in refuge kennels for 12 months of his, then, 18 months of life. Don't get me wrong, he's loved to bits, but I've really had to change my mindset on how to deal with him. We took him to the vet's the other day for the first time, not too traumatic for him, but he can't stand anyone other than me and my wife near him. In my mind, Doug has more ideas than most of us on here on how to deal with these poor sods having had the experience. I'd suggest getting as much info as you can before you decide. Plus, the feeling of having done some good in this sometimes horrible World makes it all worth while.

Just found this beauty in the diningroom. I thought it was one of the daft things my wife constantly buys, she nearly had a heart attack when I showed her!

I find this ironic! Battery powered strimmers for use at a solar farm. Priceless.

Totally agree Ratty. We were both working full time in U.K. and didn't think it was fair to leave a dog all day on his own. Same here in France for the first 16 years, both working. We waited till we moved and adopted Charlie 11 months ago, fine, as I still work but my wife doesn't so she keeps him company. The only advice I can give you is the same as I've given Eggs, although he ignores it. Get yourself a big, fat bird as a companion, cook, cleaner "friend", etc, leave her at home with the dog, a fridge well stocked with crap food to keep her there, dog's happy, fat bird's happy. Everyone's a winner. Apart from Eggs.

Oi!

Ageist pig!

"How's your cherries?" Are we still discussing Stubby's lack of underwear?

That's a "reader's wives" picture we don't need. Speak for yourself!

Spelling mistake, should read "safety".

I think you'll find, Mr Punch, it's the family name.

I do remember you sticking that photo on a few years ago. The Three Chuckle Brothers never really took off, did it? Hence the branching out into the Punch and Judy gigs.

I don't care where you're coming from, you're booked!

That's typical of you! The kids were all excited that "Uncle Mick, the third Chuckle Brother" was coming over. I hope your new business flounders with that attitude. The American gentleman has kindly stepped in.

You're on!

Excellent! We've been looking to hire someone like you for a kid's party.

Ever the diplomat, Michael.

You are joking! He wouldn't let that out on loan. Anyway, there's always the ever present aroma of Cabinboy.

Exactly!

I may be an arse, but I don't gob off at the slightest thing, thinking I'm a bleeding comedian. You certainly aren't.

And that pleases you, does it?

I did the same, we had a terrace built, sharp sand left over put on the patch for my carrots. Never had any luck with carrots in the three years we bought the house. The sand has made all the difference. I planted a slack handful of pumpkin and cucumber seedlings in the base of the compost heap, gone absolutely crazy.

Had my first new potatoes (Allouette) Sunday, 78 days after planting. I've seven rows of those and Clairette, reds from Brittany. Not one flower at all this year, hence why I turned over one of the plants to see what was happening. About the usual number of spuds but definately had an earthy taste to them. Last year's were delicious, that's why I bought them again. Weather has been incredibly wet until 10 days ago with temperatures for the last few days in the 30s, 32 degrees today. Maybe that's messed up the growing cycle. Although I've got about 5 growing in the compost heap that are budding up now. Onions are very tall but no real sign of the bulbs filling out, again planted around 80 days ago. For the second year I've planted slices of tomatoes in compost then transplanted into trays then out in the garden. Last year I had better results with them than the few plants I bought at the market.

He has. He got it from me. Sorry K.

I had to think about that and I live in France!