EV 874 Arthur

[DocHH]

Hello EV N&C Wine Clubbers,
Had a struggle getting into this one. Not many gift clues. But once the clashes were becoming apparent, they could be used to good effect. A good feeling on completing this EV. soon be time for a preprandial while cooking the dinner.
Chrisiana, this might help, if you need Brewers while away from home,

http://www.infoplease.com/dictionary/brewers/

It isn't as good the actual book, EV 871 is appropriate!

[DocHH]

Christiana, you really just have to keep plugging away at the word-play! I had trouble until I used the clashes to that advantage! Herself has a sister who has a Norwegian Forest Cat. Lovely looking cat, but as soon as it is let out, it is straight up a tree! In kitten times, and indoors the curtains were the main climbing frame! I suspect your assessment of my persona isn't too far off the mark, but it would be nice if Novalis was checking in!
I won't mention weather here, oh drat I will, despite incurring the wrath of ringer and devadolly, overcast and humid! But I've been recording for the Talking Newspaper today. Therefore unable to top up the tan!!
Devadolly, you really must try and get over the mental hurdle Mr O presents you. I thought Scotland was above the Polar Circle and in a state of perma-frost, and as for Manchester, what is there to say!!!!!!!!!!!!! Fingers crossed that mowing and bale-ing is done to best for you. BTW I did a thesis on Respiratory Allergens as part of my Masters when at Georgia Tech in Atlanta!

[devadolly]

Doc, if you don't love Manchester you have neither heart nor soul and have obviously didn't spend your youth there, you have definately dipped in my estimation, what a disgrace for one from the Establishment!!!!!!!
Allegens in Horses and cows????
Well they are both 'at it', I have tied them to their mowers and by now the outside rounds of the 20 acre shopuld be down and the sun is breaking out...........................................fingers crossed everyone!
Oh! Blow Mr O.........................................................silly man!

[DocHH]

Hello Devadolly,
Hope the "mowing(?)" is going well. Hope that you are allowing them to be unleashed to have time off for refreshments and comfort breaks!
Allergens can be spores, and if I am not deluded they can breed in damp conditions such as the bales. My thesis was on airborne allergens.
Manchester!! Didn't spend any of my youth near there, had to go there frequently for meetings in the early days of my career, there and back to North London in one day, stupid travel, 7 or 8 hours driving plus 6 hours of meetings. On one occasion I was involved in an accident, my volvo plus 4 lorries, got out unharmed, but the 18 month old rather large 240GLT was a write-off.
Then moved to a Company on Costa del Geriatrica with a factory in Stalybridge, had to go there regularly, and combined it with Meetings in Sheffield. Would stay at a delightful hotel/pub just outside Bamford, about half-way between Bamford and Snake Pass, with rooms overlooking the Ladybower Reservoir, that was fine but down-town Manchester, no thanks. When in central Manchester used to use a pub called "Brahms & Listz" for light lunches. Probably gone now.
I spent my youth in the quiet suburbs of North London, which aren't what they used to be! School was in White Hart Lane, remeniscent of last week's EV!

[Christiana]

My youngest went to UMIST (Manchester Uni, basically) and really liked the area. One of his friends from Uni. settled there so he still visits regularly. I have friends in the area and am beginning to appreciate it, now I�m getting to know it. Having said that, can�t say I�ve ventured into downtown Manchester, but then I�m not a city girl by inclination, though grew up in London. The countryside round and about is great though.
Yes, DocHH I am still plugging away, in between a lot of other commitments today, and trying to use the clashes. Getting there, but slowly.
Hope all is well with the mowing, Devadolly. Excellent sunny day here.

[devadolly]

There you are - Christina is an afficianda (?) Started work there in 1963 for Manchester Public Libraries and had the most marvellous 2 years working in every branch & dept (apart from the bindery!) and downtown M/c was the biggest buzz, Stones, Beatles (yeah well!) and all the groups were there, just continued when finally hit the Establishment - if one doesn't rave in one's youth it's far too late to become a saddo in late middle age. M/c is just a small London, must admit I still love it.
You will be happy to know that they were allowed to break for lunch and they finished the 20 acre and the 13 acres (very small beer in the eyes of the arable farmers) by 4.30pm so it is al ready to be hay-bobbed tomoprrow and the contractors will be here on Friday to bale it, we are looking at about 3 - 350 bales which is good and all horse quality ..................if only it stays dry! Were going to cut a further 13 acre field but the forecast is not good for Sunday which is when it would be ready so that and a further 20 acres will have to wait for the next gap in the weather. At least Himself will have some pasture ready for the sheep for tupping time in a couple of weeks!
I've straye dforom Mr O haven't I - can you see my eyes glazing over?

[ringer]

Good to know the weather has held out for you today devadolly - there was a bright yellow light in the sky here about 4ish and I actually sat outside and felt warm (a novalty for us "Midlanders" - in Cheshire!!) Am hoping the weather holds - our mini allotment has peas almost ready for picking which means I must make some space in the freezer.
I love going to the theatre in Manchester although I try to go in by train as parking can be a nightmare. We seem to get a lot of the popular West End Musicals - Blood Brothers, Sound of Music & Les Mis all booked for the coming season. Would really love to see Lion King and Hairspray but no signs of them yet.

[DocHH]

Christiana, regret that after 10.30 tomorrow will not be able offer hints!
Devadolly, Good news as far as the "mowing" is concerned, pleased to hear that they were allowed to break for lunch and get it all ready for what you describe as "hay-bobbing" , what on earth is that! Hopefully you can optimise the income from all this hard work!
At the Establishment, the first group I saw, and it was for free and gratis was "Free". I saw the Beatles at the Finsbury Park Astoria,circa 1964, supported by a then unkown band called "The Moody Blues". Saw The Stones" in Hyde Park, when the butterfiles were relearsed, they were supported by "Family". Also saw Jethro Tull at the Establishment, coo you are making me feel young. I was at school with Nicky Horne who is now a Planet Rock presenter. have seen the Moody Blues a few times since then. With Justin Hayward rather than Dennie Layne as originally.
You now need to get your eyes unglazed and back on Mr O's offering! Quelle felicite! Is what novalis would have said if he hadn't deserted us!

[DocHH]

Hello ringer,
Pleased you are hanging on in there with us! Must remember to send you some sunshine!! Has been glorious today, have had to slap on the suncream! Hope all is well in your neck of the woods.

[Christiana]

Do not fear, Doc H H, will hang on in there. Naturally obstinate by nature.
Fingers crossed for the haybobbing, Devadolly. Have not even looked at EV today, but about to have a quick peek before bed.

[devadolly]

Thank you all for the crossed fingers & toes!
A Hay-Bob Doc,, is a tractor attached machine that is an off-set metal frame (heavy duty of course) that hold what looks like two horizontal wheels mounted over small (wheelbarrow type) wheels from which double tines hang down almost to ground level. Behind these are two movable gates that , if open spread the grass wide and fluff it up to assist with the drying. If closed they put two rows (swathes) into one to make it quicker for the baler to collect. For chopped silage the contractors use a huge hay-bob called a tedder which will put 6 - 8 rows into one. What you really need is the book that is written as farming for townies!
As we speak, ours is rushing up and down with gates open, that will be done twice today and then tomorrow it will be gates shut ready for the big baler and the wrapper - next question!
Ringer, we generally go to M/c by train, we are on the airport run so it is very quick and very frequent, very fond of Cheshire excellent stopping places for journeys south - all marked on the Motoring atlas.