tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56027477482224797592024-03-20T07:17:05.469+00:00Cow IslandThe adventures of six cartoon cows who live on an island. Created, written and illustrated by Steven Allender, aka The Great Pencil.Steve Allenderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09047133502404395963noreply@blogger.comBlogger999125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602747748222479759.post-26455315657047816422020-06-27T08:15:00.001+01:002020-06-27T08:15:03.381+01:00And In The End<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7LvIjEUNm4IaohsqzgpeaNo0fOshTPZtY0rxTNeq4KdeOYK8MBbBvKW3og9NAPP2KiSGogL_XD6TAZqu53gDKMw_rCsVIwSO5Q-49pUdKtOO82BPJKk2me8aOOZbTQQZP-rNspZ5Zpsuo/s1600/IMG_20200627_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="874" data-original-width="1600" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7LvIjEUNm4IaohsqzgpeaNo0fOshTPZtY0rxTNeq4KdeOYK8MBbBvKW3og9NAPP2KiSGogL_XD6TAZqu53gDKMw_rCsVIwSO5Q-49pUdKtOO82BPJKk2me8aOOZbTQQZP-rNspZ5Zpsuo/s640/IMG_20200627_0001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'And lobsters prefer steel toe capped boots,' Annie explained, 'but woe betide you if you offer them anything with a kitten heel.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Annie waited for Captain Eyepatch's head to say something but it didn't so she did an extremely pretty dance around him and then yawned.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Tired now!' she mooed.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'I sincerely hope you're not!' Cyril said. 'It's almost semi mid morning not quite lunch yet snack time!'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Oh goodie!' Annie yawned. 'What are we having?'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'It's mostly advanced legal fee on toast,' Cyril replied. 'But the toast is on trifle which is on cake which is on pancakes. I thought we'd keep it light and save ourselves for a proper late morning almost lunchtime feast.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'I shall be guided by your culinary wisdom,' Annie said. 'Are there any choccie biccies left?' </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>And Cyril said there were.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Can we stay on the beach for weeks and weeks and weeks?' Annie asked.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>And Cyril said they could stay for even longer than that if they wanted and he lent over and kissed Annie on the nose.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Tickles!' Annie mooed.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>And it did.....but it was the nicest kind of tickle that Annie could possibly imagine.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>(And there we must leave them for a while.....Many thanks to everyone who has popped by for a read. Until we meet again...kind things and ice creams to you all!)</b></span>Steve Allenderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09047133502404395963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602747748222479759.post-48450927580197851612020-06-26T05:58:00.001+01:002020-06-26T05:58:13.409+01:00Legal Action Pending...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG7tUufz8akytLWABCols4gl2bIivOy1n_z3hbJaLtWfDqoyY5-jxCSq4J3LQVF2L6cg1Pa8qp2q3yl6sD9xhvSzpNL2RpUACM5_KrkgczvewcXL9IGRYUMWz3Pndibkh77j4K55ZXSkID/s1600/IMG_20200625_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="975" data-original-width="1600" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG7tUufz8akytLWABCols4gl2bIivOy1n_z3hbJaLtWfDqoyY5-jxCSq4J3LQVF2L6cg1Pa8qp2q3yl6sD9xhvSzpNL2RpUACM5_KrkgczvewcXL9IGRYUMWz3Pndibkh77j4K55ZXSkID/s640/IMG_20200625_0001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'Take them away!' Queen Phoebe commanded and she waved in a regal fashion as Flossie and Lefty, led by Norman and several palace guards, marched off along the beach.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'It's so sad that they can't seem to change their evil pirate type ways,' Norma sighed.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'Possibly,' Queen Phoebe replied, 'but One had them bang to rights and no mistake so it's a ten year stretch at His Kingshipfulness's pleasure I'm afraid.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'But are you not concerned about their threat of legal action from injuries sustained due to the absence of an 'andrail?' Camille asked.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'One has already taken the precaution of employing a top notch legal team,' Queen Phoebe replied. 'One has been assured it will be dealt with in next to no time.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Norma experienced a sudden sinking feeling.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'Has it been suggested they be paid in food?' she asked.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'As it happens,' Queen Phoebe replied.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Norma wondered if she should say something but decided not to. Instead she asked Queen Phoebe if they could stay awhile.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'Even though there isn't a film being made anymore,' she added. 'It would be nice to have a holiday and I think Captain Bill needs time to recover.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'In ma opinion 'e is getting used to it,' Camille said. ''e is far less bruised than last time.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'I think landing in soft sand helped,' Norma mooed.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>And everyone agreed that it did.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>And Queen Phoebe said that of course everyone was welcome to stay for as long as they liked and besides while Geraldine was here she needed to talk to her about a quote for putting in double glazing at the castle.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>Steve Allenderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09047133502404395963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602747748222479759.post-48223117641607304432020-06-25T06:19:00.001+01:002020-06-25T06:19:16.358+01:00When It All Got Too Much<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0DHujCVqaqHJb9FqpPPUB3bdSJxqfeQjySAK42e01KYbhHmGLuIBgoymo8mcQttw8hKilFrKm4A2tLjdmJktk_dMlHXXElwBMXVjbk_LSH0EF9paW1P6Isc85sKucYgxvMTHvIV1dRAxt/s1600/IMG_20200625_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="950" data-original-width="1600" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0DHujCVqaqHJb9FqpPPUB3bdSJxqfeQjySAK42e01KYbhHmGLuIBgoymo8mcQttw8hKilFrKm4A2tLjdmJktk_dMlHXXElwBMXVjbk_LSH0EF9paW1P6Isc85sKucYgxvMTHvIV1dRAxt/s640/IMG_20200625_0001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Flossie lay at the bottom of the old cliff path. Lefty lay next to him under what appeared to be Captain Bill's head. Flossie had a vague recollection that he might have been hit by it.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'Should have been a handrail,' Lefty sighed.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Then the sand vibrated with the sound of approaching feet and Norman arrived.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!' he trumpeted and he waved his tentacles about and they all flew off and landed in the sea.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'Ooooops!' he cried and he ran off to get them back.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Flossie noticed that what appeared to be Captain Bill's body was close by too.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>And the sand vibrated with the sound of approaching hooves and Annie tumbled horns over tail into view.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'I told him to use more brown tape!' she mooed and she picked up Captain Bill's head, did a very pretty dance, and stampeded off toward Cyril.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Flossie saw that the swag bag was also at the bottom of the old cliff path.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>And the sand vibrated but only a little (because it was getting bored with it all) and Horace wandered up.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'I don't suppose you'd have any chocolate biscuits?' he asked and Flossie had recovered just enough to shake his head. So Horace thanked them and moved on.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>And the sand simply gave up moving altogether and Queen Phoebe, Camille and her little students and Norma arrived via the old cliff path.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'One's crown!' Queen Phoebe exclaimed and Norma and Camille helped her rescue it from the swag bag and place it back where it belonged and then Camille hit Flossie with her 'andbag.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>And the real Captain Bill flew by attached to a rope that was attached to a staple.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'Sorry!' Bertha called out from the cliff top. 'Just couldn't resist the temptation.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>And then Geraldine cycled past on a penny farthing and everyone wondered how she could possibly reach the peddles.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'I think,' Flossie bleated, 'that we surrender. We've had enough for one day.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>And indeed they had.</b></span>Steve Allenderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09047133502404395963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602747748222479759.post-76887330737235342020-06-24T07:14:00.000+01:002020-06-24T07:14:00.706+01:00Picking a souvenir <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-R4T-8Fem1t2E7BdmgZ7klF357DdwkIZj1I2B366B033OJWSXKXiEXqStCG-PFcSq8_WP6Ipg-AvrYp-eunfqPd8N0HfjVIVdto3tiu34t61ph_C6iIwLvBLRB0uZqk0X9PEZsWs-CgIF/s1600/IMG_20200624_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1329" data-original-width="1600" height="530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-R4T-8Fem1t2E7BdmgZ7klF357DdwkIZj1I2B366B033OJWSXKXiEXqStCG-PFcSq8_WP6Ipg-AvrYp-eunfqPd8N0HfjVIVdto3tiu34t61ph_C6iIwLvBLRB0uZqk0X9PEZsWs-CgIF/s640/IMG_20200624_0001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Last one's almost out,' Lefty bleated.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Har! Har! Har!' Flossie cried. 'Who needs opposable thumbs!'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Be nice though,' Lefty said. 'Would make eating bananas easier.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'True!' Flossie replied. 'Very partial to a banana...need to be ripe though.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Do we have to take the tiny pick back?' Lefty asked.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Should do,' Flossie said, 'but then, you know, pirates and all, just thought we'd steal it.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Make a nice memento,' Lefty suggested.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'I thought so,' Flossie agreed. 'Was going to get some postcards but never had the time.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Could get Mum to make a display case for it,' Lefty continued, 'with a small engraved brass plaque.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Like your thinking!' Flossie replied. 'Now, are we ready to go?'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'All done and staple free,' Lefty bleated.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Top pirating!' Flossie said. 'I can't help feeling the we've weathered the storm. Should be plain sailing from here on in. A quick dash to the Mint Sauce and we're away. They've done their worst and we've come through it. What can they possible have left to throw at us?'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Well,' Lefty replied, '........There's that for a start!!!'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>And using the tiny pick he pointed back over Flossie's tail.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Flossie turned and looked and very much to his surprise saw what appeared to be the separated head and body of Captain Bill flying towards them.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Ah!' He just had time to say. 'See what you mean!' </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>Steve Allenderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09047133502404395963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602747748222479759.post-21519245738384511282020-06-23T06:13:00.001+01:002020-06-23T06:13:22.174+01:00How To Carry Your Captain<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijOoJanUSd_8Nn9s5pFONoAE-UX2zwj0g2OWlkZXj3HzrX_cICTbtYIbRF8LyXlzySpq11YAS9mf4dH-mxJMmgJkjazBvHD3509dVFlf05a6fQZzINXybs90fteN76JALMAlFOnDNOuc9r/s1600/IMG_20200623_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1168" data-original-width="1600" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijOoJanUSd_8Nn9s5pFONoAE-UX2zwj0g2OWlkZXj3HzrX_cICTbtYIbRF8LyXlzySpq11YAS9mf4dH-mxJMmgJkjazBvHD3509dVFlf05a6fQZzINXybs90fteN76JALMAlFOnDNOuc9r/s640/IMG_20200623_0001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Norma, Queen Phoebe and Camille's little students stood and watched as the figures came nearer. Bertha appeared to be carrying Captain Bill. Camille appeared to be carrying another Captain Bill.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'One thought there was only one of them?' Queen Phoebe said.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'It's a long story,' Norma mooed.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'It so often is where your lives are concerned,' Queen Phoebe replied.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>One of the little students raised a hoof.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'The one on the left,' Norma said as she could guess the question that was being asked.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>As they got closer Norma, Queen Phoebe and Camille's little students could hear shouting coming from one of the approaching figures. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'PUT ME DOWN!' It was the voice of Captain Bill. 'DOWN!....NOW!.....DOWN!....DOWN! THAT'S AN ORDER!!!!'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Norma guessed it was Bertha who was being shouted at. Norma also guessed, correctly as it happens, that Bertha wasn't taking a blind bit of notice.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Eventually, Bertha, Camille and the two Captain Bills arrived.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'NEVER! NEVER! NEVER! DO THAT AGAIN!!!' Captain Bill shouted as Bertha finally put him down.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>But Bertha continued to ignore him and spoke instead to Norma.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Thought he aught to be here,' she said. 'Now, quick as you can use some rope and tie one end around a staple and the other around its neck.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Norma hesitated, 'Which one?' she whispered to Bertha.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Bertha stood and thought. 'Well, it's very tempting,' she began.</b></span>Steve Allenderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09047133502404395963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602747748222479759.post-31576309647208160382020-06-22T06:20:00.001+01:002020-06-22T06:20:12.469+01:00How To Approach Rabbits<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYyp2ii-NLZMDfVdyq0nBW5oG95b98c1EY1y1Zdab79E04CtLA5U3WQPPIkR4cduNH-IJ8FQeWsD6RVaQtO2GDaVqsljFGh33HpcBEHaGbY6kyGiXIqUyMctn_FlWrw6vG4NBN0SK2nzAT/s1600/IMG_20200622_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1600" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYyp2ii-NLZMDfVdyq0nBW5oG95b98c1EY1y1Zdab79E04CtLA5U3WQPPIkR4cduNH-IJ8FQeWsD6RVaQtO2GDaVqsljFGh33HpcBEHaGbY6kyGiXIqUyMctn_FlWrw6vG4NBN0SK2nzAT/s640/IMG_20200622_0001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'Curses part one hundred and twelve...give or take,' Flossie began. 'Lost count if I'm honest! The swag bag's been giant stapled to the cliff me hearties!'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'Does make it more secure,' Lefty observed. 'It's less likely to fall off the edge now.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'True!' Flossie replied. 'But not really the point.........Don't suppose you're carrying a crowbar by any chance?'</b></span><br />
<b style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></b>
<b style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">'I've made a note to make sure I always carry one in the future,' Lefty bleated. 'Mum's got one she doesn't use anymore.'</b><br />
<b style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></b>
<b style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">'Excellent!' Flossie cried. 'Positive thinking etcetera etcetera but really need it now. Did we happen to pass a kiosk of an itinerant crow bar vendor as we started up the old cliff path?'</b><br />
<b style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></b>
<b style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">'Didn't see one,' Lefty said.</b><br />
<b style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></b>
<b style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">'No, neither did I,' Flossie bleated. 'Thought it was a bit of a long shot. Clutching at straws really but, you know, desperate times...'</b><br />
<b style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></b>
<b style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">'Could ask someone?' Lefty suggested. 'Might be a shop nearby?'</b><br />
<b style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></b>
<b style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Flossie looked up and down the path.</b><br />
<b style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></b>
<b style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">'Nobody around,' he sighed.</b><br />
<b style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></b>
<b style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">'Some rabbits over there,' Lefty said.</b><br />
<b style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></b>
<b style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">'Hmm,' Flossie replied. 'Doesn't seem likely, can't imagine they'd have much call for crow bars. I see your rabbit as being more of a spade user or perhaps a tiny pick.'</b><br />
<b style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></b>
<b style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">'Tiny pick would work,' Lefty said.</b><br />
<b style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></b>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'True again!' Flossie agreed. 'You stay here, I'll pop over and see what our floppy eared chums have to offer.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>So Lefty stood guard by the swag bag and Flossie went to work on the rabbits.</b></span>Steve Allenderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09047133502404395963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602747748222479759.post-68757716979770964522020-06-20T07:10:00.001+01:002020-06-20T07:10:10.033+01:00When A New Plan Was Needed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivNOplLduyyXg0knGnt4Qyd1_UJJNhiBZPGxrCU3cR2jz7RtgELxBubwjfKT12ViwYTbVw7ngqHsrEDV7AXvCxSjVJbQCUBjgSs3swDRFJasSMlPzos65ekEI2l5wPD-TelahTM4ieRtX5/s1600/IMG_20200620_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1600" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivNOplLduyyXg0knGnt4Qyd1_UJJNhiBZPGxrCU3cR2jz7RtgELxBubwjfKT12ViwYTbVw7ngqHsrEDV7AXvCxSjVJbQCUBjgSs3swDRFJasSMlPzos65ekEI2l5wPD-TelahTM4ieRtX5/s640/IMG_20200620_0001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'But you 'ave 'ad four directs 'its on Flossie alone!' Camille cried.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'And three on Lefty,' Bertha replied, 'but the staples are just bouncing off of their fleece.'</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'But what can be done?' Camille asked. 'They will get away!'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Bertha stopped firing and turned to Norma.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'You take over,' she mooed, 'I need to go back to the Pickled Heifer.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'I shall accompany you!' Camille exclaimed. 'Norma, look after ma little students if you please. I shall be setting no 'omework in my absence but if there is time you could get them to write 'ome to their parents telling them what a great time they are 'aving....Maybe encourage them to ask for more spending money?'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>And so Bertha and Camille ran back towards the ship.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Might One be of any use?' Queen Phoebe asked after they had left. 'One is feeling not quite fully used in the current crisis.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'I'm not sure that there's anything you can do,' Norma replied. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'One could wave in a regal type fashion,' Queen Phoebe suggested. 'His Kingshipfulness often does it. He says it helps to calm the nerves and raise the moral of the peasants.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'That's very kind of you,' Norma mooed. 'I'm sure it would help.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>So Queen Phoebe waved in a most regal fashion and Norma and the little students all agreed that they felt better for it.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'But we still need to slow down Flossie in some way,' Norma continued. 'At the very least keep them here until Bertha returns.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>And just as Norma was trying to work out what to do Geraldine ran up to her and did some frantic wing waving and then ran on.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Now that,' Norma said, 'is just genius!'</b></span>Steve Allenderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09047133502404395963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602747748222479759.post-79191671323490552452020-06-19T06:04:00.003+01:002020-06-19T06:04:35.249+01:00RUN!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG2ZFJ2ELKYlguuNWigPSBcZk7aZOIZXZs6Hk8ry0UEYqaY1dEp2cl_wiwelgfs1fGt7QRL_21YFhmYvIo2pa1XdOsrppxzYC2YpGZ_5_XA4EuFPDFblX73bFZm75b-Av2qi7GNgzSPGr1/s1600/IMG_20200619_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1235" data-original-width="1600" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG2ZFJ2ELKYlguuNWigPSBcZk7aZOIZXZs6Hk8ry0UEYqaY1dEp2cl_wiwelgfs1fGt7QRL_21YFhmYvIo2pa1XdOsrppxzYC2YpGZ_5_XA4EuFPDFblX73bFZm75b-Av2qi7GNgzSPGr1/s640/IMG_20200619_0001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Appreciating that the crown does have pointy bits AND that there really should be a handrail of some sort but, all things considered,....RUN!!!!' Flossie shouted.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>And so he and Lefty picked up the sack between them and headed back down the old cliff path just as fast as they could.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'CRUNCH!!!!' went a noise behind them and a giant staple zipped over Flossie's head.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'That could have had someones eye out!' Lefty cried.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'And I don't have any to spare!' Flossie replied.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'CRUNCH!!!!' went the noise again and a second staple bounced off of the rocks below them.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Where are we heading for?' Lefty called out.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Not sure,' Flossie shouted back. 'We can decide once we're at the bottom.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Not far to go now!' Lefty said.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>And, despite the danger, Flossie stopped them running and they paused for a moment. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Odd, isn't it,' he observed, 'how it always seems so much quicker on the way back?'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Psychological,' Lefty replied. 'My theory is that on the initial journey your brain is taking in and processing new information and of course you are genuinely more likely to pause for a variety of reasons plus there is a sense in which time lies in the future. Whereas on the way back those things are largely absent and so time appears to pass more quickly.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'True!' Flossie said. 'Plus, we weren't running away from a giant stapler on the way up.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Oh, yes!' Lefty bleated.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>And they went to pick up the sack but as they did....</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Crunch!!!!' went a noise behind them and this time their luck ran out and the staple hit Flossie square in the fleece.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Arrrghhh!' Lefty cried. 'Are you hurt?'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Errrmmm?' Flossie replied. 'Now you ask...as it happens......no!' </b></span>Steve Allenderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09047133502404395963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602747748222479759.post-53547975872714720832020-06-18T06:45:00.002+01:002020-06-18T06:45:18.166+01:00A Pleasant Walk<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixopmEpB2nSuAn6s_Nj_jEU1Yr30QQnqKf7k5dPvFPqo6WLFI0hdQI4hOKOtqnuolg2YX4rgF8q2MPLtRnrIj-GKCgy8Q8SC8TbvUh9hpdFmba3W70nKgqaUO7yUVfS7daIQ-5NuTDtpH8/s1600/IMG_20200618_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="986" data-original-width="1600" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixopmEpB2nSuAn6s_Nj_jEU1Yr30QQnqKf7k5dPvFPqo6WLFI0hdQI4hOKOtqnuolg2YX4rgF8q2MPLtRnrIj-GKCgy8Q8SC8TbvUh9hpdFmba3W70nKgqaUO7yUVfS7daIQ-5NuTDtpH8/s640/IMG_20200618_0001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Curses!' Flossie cried. 'Delayed again!'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'And forced to take a diversion via the old cliff path just to get around them,' Lefty added.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Flossie paused for a moment. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Hmm,' he pondered out loud, 'slightly laboured lines if you ask me.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Helps to establish the scene though,' Lefty replied.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'....Suppose,' Flossie said, 'and it's a nice walk...good views.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Bit steep in places,' Lefty observed. 'I mean, it's OK for us but Mum would find it a bit of a struggle and strictly speaking they should put in some sort of safety handrail. If we weren't in such a hurry I'd speak to someone about it.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Maybe you could write to them?' Flossie suggested. 'After we get home.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Oh!' Lefty bleated. 'That's a good idea! As long as you don't mind?'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Absolutely fine with me,' Flossie replied. 'Might be best not to put our address on it though. Possibly prefer them not to know where we live.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Noted!' Lefty said. 'And it would give me more time to go into detail. I could make some recommendations. Right materials, signage, placing of first aid kits, that sort of thing.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'I'm sure they'd appreciate it,' Flossie said.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>And between them they picked up the sack and set off again along the old cliff path.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>But they hadn't gone much further when.......</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>Steve Allenderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09047133502404395963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602747748222479759.post-40085234146785488362020-06-17T06:36:00.001+01:002020-06-17T06:36:39.855+01:00A Pleasant Talk<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPiy3kX5n97d-TruA-Af095CknrXMTwSYq40hi05a7kzmus66lM8HIMSBl2G9-ElbJbXEmzM0dXX_hqo5gd70fMaHutRrKqwT_NJyZ2TtjpSnW8fJtCouvVkbV4i92uxWplDN44SOtcerW/s1600/IMG_20200617_0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="993" data-original-width="1600" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPiy3kX5n97d-TruA-Af095CknrXMTwSYq40hi05a7kzmus66lM8HIMSBl2G9-ElbJbXEmzM0dXX_hqo5gd70fMaHutRrKqwT_NJyZ2TtjpSnW8fJtCouvVkbV4i92uxWplDN44SOtcerW/s640/IMG_20200617_0002.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'Afternoon!' Cyril said.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'It's morning,' Flossie bleated.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'So it is!' Cyril replied. 'If you could make a note of that please?'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>And Lefty wrote it down.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'Shall we continue?' Cyril asked.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'FREE CAKE!!!!!' Annie mooed.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'Errr?' Flossie replied. 'Kind of you but we're in a bit of a hurry.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'Ah!' Cyril cried. 'You misunderstand! My Friend was actually wondering if you had any free cake....for us?'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Annie stampeded around Cyril and slid to a halt in front of Flossie.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'I'm a cake eater,' she explained, 'and Mr Sir Cyril of Biscuitshire is a walrus. It's parody!' and she turned away but then stopped. 'Or possibly homage?' she added and she ran back behind Cyril but went via the sea so she could have a paddle on the way.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'I'm afraid we have no cake,' Lefty explained.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Annie fainted.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'Oh!' Lefty said.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'It's just pretend!' Annie called out.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'Shh!' Cyril mooed.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'If we could pass?' Flossie asked. 'We really do need to be getting along.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'But of course!' Cyril replied.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>And Flossie and Lefty took a step forward.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'Just as soon,' Cyril cried, 'as we've checked in your sack.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'For cake!' Annie said and she jumped up and ran back around Cyril to Flossie. 'Cus you could be fibbing!' she added before she ran back behind Cyril going via the sea again so she could pick up another tin of biscuits.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'Oh biccies!' Cyril said.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'Sharesies?' Annie suggested.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'....Possibly?' Cyril replied.</b></span>Steve Allenderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09047133502404395963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602747748222479759.post-51525928655527007692020-06-16T06:54:00.001+01:002020-06-16T06:54:56.811+01:00Anyone For A Gold Star?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Thank you Norman,' Bertha mooed.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Anytime,' Norman replied.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'And you know what you're doing next?' Norma asked him.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>And Norman assured them that he did and he hurried away.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Could I just ask,' Camille began, 'this thing that you 'ave just 'ad Monsieur Norman bring from your ship...what is it?'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'You can have a guess if you want?' Bertha teased.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Well,' Camille continued, 'if I were some sort of strange and deranged individual I could perhaps imagine that it was some kind of giant stapling machine.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'If you have any gold stars in your handbag you may award yourself one,' Bertha replied.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>As it turned out Camille didn't so she couldn't but as luck would have it Norma did have some in the bottom of her knitting bag and so she gave one to Camille.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Would One also get a gold star if One was to correctly guess what it is to be used for?' Queen Phoebe asked.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>And Bertha said she would think about it but to avoid a diplomatic incident Norma hurriedly gave Queen Phoebe a gold star and then gave everyone else one as well...just because.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>And then they all stood around for a while and watched Bertha as she pulled on levers and pressed buttons and adjusted the sights.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'I made some further modifications to it while we were sailing here,' she explained while she went along.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>But eventually she finished and declared that she was ready.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'So,' Camille asked, 'what next?'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Which was a very good question indeed!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>Steve Allenderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09047133502404395963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602747748222479759.post-1224117521607383422020-06-15T06:07:00.001+01:002020-06-15T06:07:30.859+01:00Finally! Biscuits! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'I can see the shrimps!' Annie called out.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'Wonderful!' Cyril replied. 'Have they got any choccie biccies perchance?'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Annie briefly dipped her head back under the water before resurfacing again.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'Dark chocolate or dark chocolate or dark chocolate?' she asked.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'Hmm,' Cyril said and he thought for a moment, 'dark chocolate if they have them?'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>And for a second time Annie went back below the waves before reemerging carrying an extra large tin of dark chocolate biscuits.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'Shrimptastic!' Cyril mooed.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Annie danced back up to the beach and gave the tin to Cyril.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'Are the fluffies here yet?' she enquired.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Cyril took a moment to look off down the beach.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'No,' he replied, 'not yet.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'Is there time for a nap?' Annie asked.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>And Cyril said he thought there was so Annie had a nap and Cyril amused himself by nibbling a few of the chocolate biscuits...and then a few more....and then all of the rest...and the tin.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>By which time Annie had woken up.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'Oooooooh!' she exclaimed. 'I'm still here!'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'So you are!' Cyril replied and he had another look down the beach. 'And I think,' he continued, 'it might be time!'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'Oh goodie!' Annie said and she picked up her bucket and spade.</b></span>Steve Allenderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09047133502404395963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602747748222479759.post-14835687868712489332020-06-13T07:14:00.001+01:002020-06-13T07:14:47.436+01:00When A Lot Was Going On<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'It is your ship?' Camille asked.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'It is,' Norma replied.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'It is on an 'ill!'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'I know,' Norma mooed. 'It's complicated.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'That is what Ms Bertha said,' Camille replied. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Talking of Bertha?' Norma began.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'I left 'er at the ship,' Camille said, 'with the brave and occasionally conscious Capitaine Bile. Ms Bertha said to tell you she was collecting something.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'I thought she might be,' Norma replied. 'I just hope we're not too late.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Well,' Camille continued, 'I must also tell you that Ms Bertha as spoken to Ms Geraldine and so I can report that the pirates 'ave been delayed! Apparently Flossie is not the only one capable of adopting a disguise and much time was lost over a dispute about a catering bill.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Such a clever penguin!' Norma mooed.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'She also made an excellent job of the patio extension to the castle last year,' Queen Phoebe added.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>And everyone stopped for a moment to agree that she had.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'So, what now?' Camille asked.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'We wait here,' Norma replied.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'I am going to suggest that is not the most detailed of plans,' Camille said. 'Surely, time is of the most critical importance?'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'I know,' Norma replied, 'but Annie has left us a note asking us the wait here.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'You are going to trust to a note written in crayon on the side of an 'at?' Camille asked.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Odd though it may seem,' Norma replied, 'but, yes!'</b></span>Steve Allenderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09047133502404395963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602747748222479759.post-42108173480742981182020-06-12T06:32:00.000+01:002020-06-12T06:32:05.321+01:00On How To Move Royalty<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Over the grasslands, across the lawns, along the shingle paths, Norman rushed on, majestic, noble, a creature of power and beauty!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'One might be more careful where One is shoving One's tusks!' Queen Phoebe called out.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'Sorry!' Norman trumpeted. 'I could slow down if you'd prefer?'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'I think speed is off the essence,' Norma suggested.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'I'm sure it is,' Queen Phoebe replied, 'but One has One's dignity to maintain. One is a royal personage after all!'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>And Norman said he was well aware of that and that he was being as careful as he could be and so they went on.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'Was that,' Queen Phoebe asked a few minutes later, 'was that a ship we just passed?'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'I'm afraid so,' Norma replied.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'Well, what's it doing on a hill?' </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'It's a long story,' Norma mooed. 'Perhaps I could explain later on?'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'I suppose under the circumstances...' Queen Phoebe replied. 'I take it it's yours?'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>And Norma confirmed that it was.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>And so they ran on.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>But they hadn't gone that much further when Norma spotted something up ahead of them.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'I think,' she shouted,' that we should stop for a moment.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>And so they stopped and Norman took the opportunity to put Queen Phoebe down.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'......................Other way up!' Norma whispered to him.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'Sorry!' Norman trumpeted.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'Much obliged!' Queen Phoebe sighed.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>Steve Allenderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09047133502404395963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602747748222479759.post-27688348457221898802020-06-11T08:02:00.001+01:002020-06-11T08:02:43.908+01:00Catering With Delays<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'Sorry for the delay,' Lefty bleated and he paused for a moment to catch his breath.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'Problem?' Flossie asked.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'They tried to overcharge on the pancakes,' Lefty replied.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'Never!!!' Flossie cried.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'Seriously,' Lefty assured him. 'I was sure I was right but the manager had mislaid the paperwork and it took ages to find it. Their filing system left a lot to be desired I can tell you.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'Just goes to prove that it's always worth checking though,' Flossie replied.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'That's what I thought,' Lefty said, 'but I knew we were pressed for time.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'No, no!' Flossie interrupted. 'You did absolutely the right thing. Overcharging on a catering bill is something I simply will not stand for.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'Anyway,' Lefty continued, 'it's all sorted and paid for so we can get going whenever you want.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'I quite like the view from here,' Flossie replied, 'but it might be for the best if we get moving. I've sent the rest of the flock on ahead, thought we could manage the crown between us. If we run we can soon catch them up.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'Ah!' Lefty bleated, 'might be a bit of a problem.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'What?' Flossie asked.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'It's just the crown does have quite pointy corners. Strictly speaking we shouldn't run with it...health and safety and all.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'Right,' Flossie replied. '............................Are we OK walking with it?'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'Oh, yes!' Lefty said. 'The path down to the beach is rather steep and normally I'd advise use of safety goggles and some high vis...but under the circumstances I'd say a fast medium walking pace should be alright.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'Fine!' Flossie replied. 'To the beach it is! Har! Har!.....Oh, I can't be bothered.</b></span>Steve Allenderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09047133502404395963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602747748222479759.post-32551896077513834692020-06-10T06:20:00.001+01:002020-06-10T06:20:29.892+01:00How Captains Find Out<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK9ZDd3jFWfgUXDBapgQAlcb0hveulPIVkPmHG4HZVGikpMx7XM-XyLuwFe1N5F72NdG4AcV3i7C4J0jjjYSiGYSIuorUaqUyiSDoNEkYTPpVZxVgD5_UsDagb6h3y4_Cz_h8S_SI00Fgv/s1600/IMG_20200610_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="961" data-original-width="1600" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK9ZDd3jFWfgUXDBapgQAlcb0hveulPIVkPmHG4HZVGikpMx7XM-XyLuwFe1N5F72NdG4AcV3i7C4J0jjjYSiGYSIuorUaqUyiSDoNEkYTPpVZxVgD5_UsDagb6h3y4_Cz_h8S_SI00Fgv/s640/IMG_20200610_0001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>''as 'e fainted?' Camille asked.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'He always does when you mention pirate sheep,' Bertha replied. 'That's why I wanted to be the first to tell him.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'But it seems too ludicrous to be true!'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Honestly,' Bertha mooed, 'every time.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'No,' Camille corrected, 'I mean about the pirate sheep.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Oh, I see!' Bertha replied. 'But,' and here she took a crude drawing from under her hat, 'if you take that director chappie, remove his beret and monocle and add a speech bubble saying 'Har! Har! Har!'.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Mon dieu!' Camille exclaimed. 'Flossie!!!!'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'The self same,' Bertha replied. 'The disguise was almost foolproof and none of us need feel in the least bit embarrassed that we failed to realise who it was at an earlier point in time.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Agreed!' Camille agreed. 'Just curious but....do you think there's any chance that ma little students will still get paid for their excellent cinematic acting?'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'I very much doubt it,' Bertha said.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Then we must unleash all hell upon these despicable wool covered swashbucklers!' Camille mooed.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'You're welcome to join in,' Bertha offered.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'I will 'it them with ma 'andbag and ma little students will bite their ankles....they do 'ave ankles I presume?'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Can't say I checked,' Bertha replied. 'Now, we must hurry. They've already got a considerable head start on us. They could be miles away by now.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Will you carry the brave Capitaine Bile or shall I?' Camille asked.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>And after brief consideration they decided to take it in turns.</b></span>Steve Allenderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09047133502404395963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602747748222479759.post-35171877435926903442020-06-09T06:36:00.001+01:002020-06-09T06:36:53.465+01:00How Elephants Find Out<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'PIRATE SHEEP!!!!' Queen Phoebe cried.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'That's what Bertha and I said,' Norma replied.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'But they looked so convincing!' </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'True,' Norma continued, and here she took a crude drawing out from her hatband, 'but if you take that director chappie and remove his beret and monocle and add a speech bubble saying, 'Har! Har! Har!'.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'FLOSSIE!!!!' Queen Phoebe wailed.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'It was the perfect disguise,' Norma conceded, 'and none of us need to feel in the least bit guilty that we didn't see through it at an earlier opportunity.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'And they have One's crown!' Queen Phoebe sobbed.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'We'll do everything we can to get it back,' Norma assured her.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Oh, when his Kingshipfulness gets to hear of it!' </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'I realise it's not good news,' Norma mooed.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'The news!!!!' Queen Phoebe cried. 'It'll be front page time and pullout specials!!!!'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'But if we can act quickly,' Norma replied, 'they may never find out. I doubt anyone can have heard about what's happened.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>But at that moment that were interrupted by the thundering of approaching feet and Norman arrived.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'I've just heard about what's happened,' he trumpeted.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'But who told you?' Norma asked.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'No one in particular,' Norman replied. 'I've just got very good hearing.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Fair point!' Norma mooed.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'So, what can I do to help?' Norman asked.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'If they're trying to get off the island,' Norma replied, 'they'll be heading towards the port.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'To the port it is then!' Norman trumpeted.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Take me with you!' Queen Phoebe cried. 'You may carry me in your trunk!'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>And Norman briefly considered pointing out that there was more to an elephant than just a trunk...but decided that it wasn't an appropriate time.</b></span>Steve Allenderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09047133502404395963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602747748222479759.post-33498028479115634482020-06-08T06:57:00.001+01:002020-06-08T06:57:15.207+01:00Is That A Pirate I See Before Me?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'PIRATE SHEEP!!!!!' Norma and Bertha exclaimed in unison.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Apparently,' Horace nervously replied. 'At least, Geraldine thinks so.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'You've spoken to her?' Bertha asked.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Annie did,' Horace replied. 'You know I've always found it difficult understanding Penguin.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Norma looked at Bertha, Bertha looked at Norma, they both looked back at Horace.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Where are they now?' Norma asked.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Who?' Horace replied. 'Annie? Cyril? Geraldine? Or the pirate sheep?'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'All of them!' Bertha mooed. 'In that order!'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'I've no idea,' Horace replied. 'Cyril pulled the megaphone out of a bin, hit it a few times and then gave it to me and said I should get you all here. Then they ran off.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Norma and Bertha did the looking at each other thing again.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'What do you think?' Norma asked. 'Could it be true?'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Do you mean about Cyril running or the film crew being pirate sheep?' Bertha replied.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Norma thought for a few moments.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'.........The latter,' she said.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Difficult,' Bertha replied. 'It seems so unlikely and yet....' And, without asking his permission, Bertha reached out and took Horace's poetry bag and began to make a crude drawing. 'If you take that film director chappie, remove his beret and monocle and add a speech bubble over his head saying, 'Har! Har! Har!'.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'FLOSSIE!!!!' Norma cried.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'He's a master of disguise,' Bertha mooed. 'It's not surprising that none of us saw through it. He must have made some sort of mistake and Geraldine was clever enough to spot it.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Somebody's going to have to tell Queen Phoebe,' Norma said.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Could you?' Bertha replied. 'There's something I need to do.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>And Norma said she could and with that they ran off in different directions.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Cyril did want me to ask you,' Horace called out behind them, 'if you had any chocolate biscuits?'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>But they were already too far away.</b></span>Steve Allenderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09047133502404395963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602747748222479759.post-17022323882061785362020-06-06T06:10:00.002+01:002020-06-06T06:10:42.012+01:00How To Do Waiting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil1EkDHoDEn5xGJZMjdKDtuIXMtximoRgu-X4MFmLlCpXbeOrHZd7wpenUX7MOZSY2QF3Sgl3hRQV-OkUQYaIRzC6_ZStb9PJpQAnlEu_HL1azWT28ri7nSjcmjz9joJEWiPiaAikmzIWA/s1600/IMG_20200606_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="995" data-original-width="1600" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil1EkDHoDEn5xGJZMjdKDtuIXMtximoRgu-X4MFmLlCpXbeOrHZd7wpenUX7MOZSY2QF3Sgl3hRQV-OkUQYaIRzC6_ZStb9PJpQAnlEu_HL1azWT28ri7nSjcmjz9joJEWiPiaAikmzIWA/s640/IMG_20200606_0001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Your crown?' Norma mooed.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'One has been ravaged by a giant squid,' Queen Phoebe replied.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Oh!' Norma exclaimed.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Only in a cinematic context,' Queen Phoebe explained, 'with no journalistic repercussions.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Ah!' Norma said. 'That's a relief. So, what's happening now?'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'I'm not sure,' Queen Phoebe continued. 'It's all gone very quiet.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Perhaps they're on a break?' Norma suggested.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Possibly,' Queen Phoebe replied, 'and One don't normally mind but One has already done a great deal of hanging around.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'I'm sure,' Norma mooed, 'it must be very tiring for you?'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'One's plates are throbbing something rotten,' Queen Phoebe said and she wiggled her toes at Norma.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'It does seem very quiet,' Norma said a few minutes later.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Very quiet,' Queen Phoebe agreed.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'It's very quiet,' Bertha said as she arrived.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'We were just saying that,' Norma replied.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Perhaps they're on a break?' Bertha suggested.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'We have assumed as much,' Queen Phoebe said.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Where have you come from?' Norma asked.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'The rose gardens,' Bertha replied.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'And was it quiet there?' Norma asked.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'It was,' Bertha mooed.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>And a few minutes wandered by without anything happening at all.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'TESTING! TESTING! YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE!' said an extremely loud voice. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Which made everyone jump.</b></span>Steve Allenderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09047133502404395963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602747748222479759.post-58876746801210758802020-06-05T06:39:00.001+01:002020-06-05T06:39:49.233+01:00More About Cream Teas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZt7xKWDzVvmSYh4U-VU00aysJ878e9HyKduJZ_SuhjO7rdvyBtVKgbFfS4txLO3FxtsptOXP-xWS0qmfH562xxGJVkYLfNegkPoQPNwgMhpW5CrEYES_nA0l0i4ITCWPqgccSPMuo3ig3/s1600/IMG_20200605_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="887" data-original-width="1600" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZt7xKWDzVvmSYh4U-VU00aysJ878e9HyKduJZ_SuhjO7rdvyBtVKgbFfS4txLO3FxtsptOXP-xWS0qmfH562xxGJVkYLfNegkPoQPNwgMhpW5CrEYES_nA0l0i4ITCWPqgccSPMuo3ig3/s640/IMG_20200605_0001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'That was quite possibly the best cream tea I've ever had,' Cyril said.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Which one?' Annie asked.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Cyril consulted his score book. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Number 173,' he replied. 'I felt the balance between cream and jam almost perfect. In fact, I'd go as far as to say that the only thing it really lacked was more cream...and jam......and maybe a side order of extra cream....with more jam...and a couple of hundred more scones. How was the ice cream?'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'It was strawbleberry,' Annie mooed. 'I did 3 lengths of backstroke but after that there was only enough left to paddle in.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Wonderful!' Cyril replied. 'Now, any luck with the choccie biccies?'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'No,' Horace said.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Shame,' Cyril replied. 'Have a cream tea.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'I can't,' Horace said, 'you've eaten them all.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Oh!' Cyril mooed. 'How sad! You should have been here earlier on.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'I was,' Horace replied, 'but you sent me to ask Captain Bill if he had any biscuits.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'So I did!' Cyril recalled. 'You did check under his hat?'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>And Horace said he did but there weren't any.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'You would'ave thought a good captain,' Cyril mused. 'I mean, there's easily room for a couple of packets.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>And the conversation might have continued but for the arrival of Geraldine. The little penguin ran straight up to Annie and waved her wings about in a most agitated manner.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooh!!!' Annie mooed and then fell over sideways.</b></span>Steve Allenderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09047133502404395963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602747748222479759.post-33306946369940546722020-06-04T07:20:00.002+01:002020-06-04T07:20:44.774+01:00Don't Do It Queen Phoebe<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><b><br /></b></b></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0id-nj_ECCKipWOwUcSLf3dfPWzJMYDcUvEMQHP21gcL10PBrafwRXOcQVsq_F3iLLdnCdbnbUPymM0D9rqLZucvXiYr1leJAoWhtomtR7_49k9xBnwrXzjQ0TaKAMFr8ulvafXsdsRsG/s1600/IMG_20200604_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1820" data-original-width="2584" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0id-nj_ECCKipWOwUcSLf3dfPWzJMYDcUvEMQHP21gcL10PBrafwRXOcQVsq_F3iLLdnCdbnbUPymM0D9rqLZucvXiYr1leJAoWhtomtR7_49k9xBnwrXzjQ0TaKAMFr8ulvafXsdsRsG/s640/IMG_20200604_0001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><b><br /></b></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Help! Help! What can One do now?' One's kingdom has been ravaged by a giant squid,' Queen Phoebe wailed.</b><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></span><br />
<div>
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">'GRRRRRRRRRR!' Norman trumpeted.</span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">'Are we not doing the tentacle waving anymore?' Flossie asked.</span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">'It's just to make sure they don't fall off again,' Lefty explained.</span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">'Fine!' Flossie replied, 'Makes sense, on we go.' and he motioned towards Queen Phoebe to continue.</span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">'One must do something!' she cried. 'One must save One's crown.'</span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">'Oh, very good!' Flossie bleated. 'In my opinion the best piece of acting ever committed to film by a royal personage in a scene involving a giant squid.'</span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">'Do you really think so?' Queen Phoebe asked.</span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">'Oh yes,' Flossie replied.</span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">And Lefty said he agreed and the entire crew applauded.</span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">'One does One's best,' Queen Phoebe said and she smiled and gave a royal type wave.</span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">'Now,' Flossie bleated, 'your majesty removes your crown and places it into the safe keeping of a trusty palace guard. Played for us this afternoon by my assistant producer.'</span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">'One does have real palace guards,' Queen Phoebe pointed out.</span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">'True,' Flossie replied, 'but for such a crucial scene I feel it's critical to use someone with ample experience of handling large and extremely expensive gold crowns.'</span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">'And he has that does he?' Queen Phoebe asked.</span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">'Oh, yes!!!' Flossie replied. 'You simply wouldn't believe how many large and expensive gold crowns have passed through his hooves...Har! Har! Har! Finally, tis almost within our grasp!'</span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">'Pardon?' Queen Phoebe said.</span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">'Sorry,' Flossie bleated, 'carried away by the excitement of it all.'</span></b></div>
Steve Allenderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09047133502404395963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602747748222479759.post-23990751155173870542020-06-03T06:46:00.001+01:002020-06-03T06:46:58.686+01:00And Now...Cream Teas!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrtzYmkvEfVd2VYA9S8FBEAbXTC1QkpEtU56sKYZSxvZGeyEIa6AHkFsk03eOn3gpy7j3mqvV-86hkEYGBhVW5R3GCxJPHW473DzWKcUs_71lbFDkX2EM0B0wldiH0evwE2TbTMEAlfyab/s1600/IMG_20200603_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="962" data-original-width="1600" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrtzYmkvEfVd2VYA9S8FBEAbXTC1QkpEtU56sKYZSxvZGeyEIa6AHkFsk03eOn3gpy7j3mqvV-86hkEYGBhVW5R3GCxJPHW473DzWKcUs_71lbFDkX2EM0B0wldiH0evwE2TbTMEAlfyab/s640/IMG_20200603_0001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'No...no, she's nodded off again.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Not to worry,' Flossie replied. 'It was a boost to morale to have her awake, even if it wasn't for long.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'I might ask Harriet to get her aboard the Mint Sauce,' Lefty bleated.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Good idea,' Flossie agreed.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>And so, leaving Lefty's mum to rest, they made their way back onto the set.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Right,' Flossie began, 'scene...whatever...think of a number. Royal champion defeated, giant squid triumphant...is he here by the way?'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'He lost a tentacle,' Lefty explained.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'So he did!' Flossie bleated.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'He's having it put back on. Shouldn't be long.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Fine! Right, where was I? Ah, yes, giant squid triumphant and so...finally...dramatic action time arrives!'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Whoopee do!' Queen Phoebe yawned.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Apologies for the delay,' Flossie replied. 'Tis one of those things when filming.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Well, that's all very well for you,' Queen Phoebe said, 'but One is supposed to be running a kingdom. By the time One's finished being a star there could be peasants everywhere!'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'We'll help you round them up,' Flossie replied. 'We have experience in such matters. Anyway, dramatic action etcetera, etcetera. Your majesty, fearing for her kingdom, strikes a pose and says....and says?'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Lefty handed Flossie a piece of paper.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'TWO HUNDRED CREAM TEAS!!!!!!!!' Flossie screamed.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>'Sorry,' Lefty bleated, 'wrong piece of paper.'</b></span>Steve Allenderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09047133502404395963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602747748222479759.post-71837091921296454182020-06-02T05:59:00.001+01:002020-06-02T05:59:32.598+01:00How Many Pancakes Make A Flock?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCUBA6xE5FlmpQQWZUd-y_kMGU2VML9QKOialuPKZ8RAFFC1dagDrePSfyVbSbGcuDrqTz-tfB0MfVy3NgN0oizHH879dbnpSGe4rfKpe_k8jImSaC7LlmxUeBF23sRneUVNx-yav5nHOJ/s1600/IMG_20200602_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1116" data-original-width="1600" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCUBA6xE5FlmpQQWZUd-y_kMGU2VML9QKOialuPKZ8RAFFC1dagDrePSfyVbSbGcuDrqTz-tfB0MfVy3NgN0oizHH879dbnpSGe4rfKpe_k8jImSaC7LlmxUeBF23sRneUVNx-yav5nHOJ/s640/IMG_20200602_0001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'Well, I never knew that!' Flossie bleated. 'A flock of pancakes! Who'd have thought it?'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'I would have gone for coven,' Lefty said.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'A bankruptcy would be more appropriate,' Flossie sighed.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'And there's several dozen family sized cakes, 24 bowls of sugar and a swimming pool of ice cream on the same bill,' Lefty added.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'We haven't hired a coach full of very thin people at some point?' Flossie asked.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'No,' Lefty replied, '......I checked.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'Oh well,' Flossie said.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'If the newly improvised diabolically fiendish plan works we can still break even.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'Needs to,' Flossie replied. 'Is the Mint Sauce ready to sail?'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'I've sent Harriet and Slightly Threatening Dave down to make sure,' Lefty said.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'Top choice!' Flossie bleated. 'We'll need everyone ready. It'll come down to split second timing. The whole flock will need to play their part.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'They won't let you down,' Lefty assured him.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'Wouldn't doubt it for a moment,' Flossie replied. 'I couldn't ask for a better crew.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'Thanks,' Lefty replied, '......and....I didn't want to bother you with this earlier on but....Mum's woken up.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'Perfect!!!!' Flossie cried. 'Her timing couldn't be better! Cometh the hour...'</b></span>Steve Allenderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09047133502404395963noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602747748222479759.post-56850120142140086772020-06-01T06:14:00.000+01:002020-06-01T06:14:03.477+01:00When Things Go Too Far<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUTJg_EXiTy0EJzkPUDiTQnwWX_oahA0DbJEL-HHtyMkdWNDbsanaZ4T7evOqcVUZL58dylj38SudfVRJGXjpqJBbFxAWDZE7MwXodiuFsmlLWCDyq-BhNt-_JqeohECuIUYPFJuvC7p0t/s1600/IMG_20200601_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUTJg_EXiTy0EJzkPUDiTQnwWX_oahA0DbJEL-HHtyMkdWNDbsanaZ4T7evOqcVUZL58dylj38SudfVRJGXjpqJBbFxAWDZE7MwXodiuFsmlLWCDyq-BhNt-_JqeohECuIUYPFJuvC7p0t/s640/IMG_20200601_0001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'I think I just got carried away in the moment,' Norman trumpeted.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'It's easily done,' Bertha replied.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'I hope it didn't hurt him?'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'Oh, he'll be fine,' Bertha mooed. 'He's used to it.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'It's just I think I'd really got myself into the whole giant squid mindset.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'Really,' Bertha continued, 'I wouldn't worry about him.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'And one of my tentacles came off!'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'I'll help you find it,' Bertha offered. 'It's the least I can do.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'That's kind of you,' Norman replied. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'Do you know if they were filming it?' Bertha asked. 'Only, I thought I might ask for a copy, just for private use obviously.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'I don't think so,' Norman said. 'We were only rehearsing.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'Oh well,' Bertha mooed. 'It's just that I don't normally get to see it from that angle, I'm usually too close to him.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'Emotionally?' Norman suggested.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'Physically,' Bertha replied. 'You get a much better feeling of the distance he goes when you're side on and you can see his face, the look of terror. He does terror very well.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'Perhaps I should apologise?' Norman said?'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'I wouldn't bother if I were you,' Bertha replied. 'He won't be expecting it. Would you like the trophy?'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'Trophy?' Norman asked.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'For setting the new record,' Bertha replied. 'I've always kept it but I think you should have it now. I'd get your name engraved on it first.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'....................................................................................................Go on then,' Norman said.</b></span>Steve Allenderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09047133502404395963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602747748222479759.post-92108808070708015112020-05-30T06:06:00.001+01:002020-05-30T06:06:13.647+01:00A Truly Terrible Scene<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ooN9HV9ScoBd2c4im1ZIcAvipSv0qJD5WRa-uX7rYhPVGnLimUmqWauDIsqsuMv1VSVksc-UULjIxSeqnZHivajyQXoiUMTWNetXRJwqrk_d3e4dO0q8c2T4EF5b0V3cJzjDGi2rfyaU/s1600/IMG_20200530_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1169" data-original-width="1600" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ooN9HV9ScoBd2c4im1ZIcAvipSv0qJD5WRa-uX7rYhPVGnLimUmqWauDIsqsuMv1VSVksc-UULjIxSeqnZHivajyQXoiUMTWNetXRJwqrk_d3e4dO0q8c2T4EF5b0V3cJzjDGi2rfyaU/s640/IMG_20200530_0001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'Really, I ask you, 'ow could they 'ave written such a scene?' Camille mooed.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'Oooooooooooooooh!' Captain Bill moaned.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'I 'ave a mind to completely withdraw ma support for the entire film,' Camille continued.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'Oooooooooooooooh!' Captain Bill moaned.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'But you understand that it would be depriving ma little students of a once in a lifetime educational opportunity that also 'appens to pay quite astonishing amounts of cash.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'Oooooooooooooooh!' Captain Bill moaned.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'Also, there is always the chance that if it makes money they might well commission a series of sequels and I am thinking that sixteen weeks of exotic on location filming each year for say five years is not to be sniffed at.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'Ooooooooooooooh!' Captain Bill moaned.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'And of course we know that it was only pretend because in real life the brave Capitaine Bile would 'ave no problem defeating a giant squid. I 'ave made this clear to Jean Claude because 'e seemed to be particularly traumatised by seeing you 'urled so far. By the way Ms Bertha said it was a new record distance. Apparently she 'as been keeping track of this for many years and even carries a tape measure and a little book for writing it down.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'Ooooooooooooh!' Captain Bill moaned.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'You know, if you don't mind me saying so, I am sometimes finding your conversation a touch repetitive. I am suggesting that in future if you want to engage the attention of a fashionable young lady you will need to, 'ow they say, up your game.'</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>And Camille herded away.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>To be replaced moments later by Horace.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'Cyril was just wondering...' he began. </b></span>Steve Allenderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09047133502404395963noreply@blogger.com0