It's ridiculous that everybody is jumping on the Holy Grail/Da Vinci Code bandwagon. Anything to lure a few more tourists with fanciful tales of legends and myths.

However, a little gem, that nobody seems to know about, is the beautiful town of Methil and the legend of Mary from Methilhill. I won't go into details as it would spoil the tourists fun in uncovering the story.

More details can be found at New Bayview Stadium in Methil.

I believe it's Mary fae Maryhill.
I'd heard she's got legs like a spider.

The Corryvrekan Whirlpool - is that the one that was featured in the BBC natural world series which travelled around the British Isles last year? I'd never heard of it until I saw that programme.

I can't see what it has to do with the Holy Grail though - mind you thats no reason not to market it as a Holy Grail site and cash in on the interest created by the DaVinci Code.

Utter Nonsense.

Anon,
Maryhill, Methilhill. I suppose through time the legend has become blurred.

Anon,

A popular folk song has been sung for years in East Fife about Mary fae Methillhill, so I think there is tangible evidence to state that she did indeed come from this area.

I suppose many areas will lay claim to Mary, a bit like Sir William Wallace's birthplace and Jesus' resurrection.

AJ

Is Mary fae Methillhill supposed to be a vision of the Virgin Mary like they claim at Lourdes? If not who is Mary?

Hullo Anna

Thanks for sticking up for me last night, that Texan was sure a pesky varmint!

Mary fae Methilhill was more of a Mary Magdalene character, but a legend none the less. The song lyrics suggest she enjoyed carnal pleasures.

I like the Lourdes idea, it could be the boost the Methil area needs. People could come and pray at the back of bus shelters and meditate in the local hayloft.

Hi AJ

No probs about the Texan - I just don't think they get the sense of humour sometimes. If its a serious topic - they don't seem to realise that people like to take the p... out of it just for a laugh!!

Re: the Methilhill Mary vision thing - what you need is to discover a stream or some other life giving thing there. Get a statue set up and have someone say that they've seen it cry or drip oil or milk or some such liquid and its a licence to print money! There are more hotels in Lourdes than anywhere else in France except Paris - not to mention all the tacky souvenier shops. It's a huge money spinner - get the PR right and Methilhill could be the same!

Yup Anna I like it, although I shudder to think what liquid might drip out of a statue of Mary!!!!

Anna, tell me was that taking it too far?

AJ @ 10

Possibly - but heyho we'll just gloss over that bit - if it doesn't quite fit the PR machine!!

The internationally renowned scultor David Mach is a local, as well as Jack Vettriano, maybe I'll get them to knock something up and get the ball rolling.

Interestingly, Jack was brought up in Methilhill itself, so he will be well aware of the legend. Indeed some of his pictures are of risque wumin.

Could be a winner Anna, but it might attract lots of Japanese businessmen!

Sounds great - see if you can get them to tie it in with this whirlpool thing and the Holy Grail/Da Vinci Code stuff and you're onto a sure fire winner.

The Holy Grail seems to have been looked for everywhere else in the world - so you might as well start a rumour about it being in Methilhill as well. Any spooky old chapels there or connections with the Templars? If you can get the Templars involved - it'll be even more plausible and financially rewarding! Failing the Templar involvement - how about other Secret Societies with strange ritualistic behaviour and a history of being a bit wierd in the area ......... ?!

Hmmmmm........Anna, there are some strange phenomena in Methilhill - things like single girls falling pregnant when they reach a certain age, cars going missing and only to found later on fire!!
There may indeed be powers at work.

Societies? could be the Douglas Arms darts team - almost impossible for an outsider to get into!

Anna,

Oops, that is my name - AJ is my initials.

This Mary thing could take off. I can pinpoint various location where she did her 'work' and create a tour around the village. Ancient artefacts, such as discarded knickers, could be displayed in a visitor centre.

Yes Anna, you can get a cut of the action, nae problemo!

Thanks AJ

I'll do your PR for you and advertise it down here. Mind you, if the independence thing happens - then you'll have to get the visas, for the pilgrims, sorted out at your end!!

Anna,
I think I'm going to be too busy to set this up - maybe later when my wee lassie starts school. It's getting too complicated.

But the job has been partly done - the masses are now aware of the legend!!

Hello,Anna, AJ seems I'm a bit late here, but am enjoying a belated laugh; wonderful, I can only hope to keep up with the wit!!!! Hope you both have a great day, and will chat later, perhaps.

Can you imagine the treasures sucked into that vortex and laid to rest in that narrow pit?

The story of Graal is a fiction for adult.In this this story we have the combination of Celtic mythology,christian belief and animism.The Graal is a personification of the life and dead in a concept or if you prefers idea.In primitif societies the water is a source of life and power i belief in medieval period the christians shursh propose the blood of the Christ like a substance of the life.The water is a source of many legend in Arthurian legend we have a woman she live inside the water in a castel....

Hi Melanie,
I'm afraid I can't indulge in my new addiction today, but I'll catch up sometime.

here in Australia mary is recalled as 'sheila' from sydney.
An Aboriginal elder told of the oral myth that both Mary (jesus' mum) and Mary (jesus' lover) visited in a tall ship with some guy called Muhamed. Muhamed had been sent over to Australia, via Israel, for tampering with some sacred ball game

As an addendum to my last information, Mary, Mary, Jesus and muhamed's ashes are being returned to Australia later this year by a team of gladiators dressed in white whereupon the ashes will remain in Australia.

Hi AJ, I was rather busy myself....I'm new to this as well, it is sort of an addiction though isn't it?? I love the practice of expressing/sharing ideas...Let me know when you're back round if you see me in another forum...perhaps Anna, too, then if things get too heated we can join back here for a respite and talk about holy grail tours and the music of the 1960's or something. hope all is well, give the wee one a hug...they grow up so fast!

thank you for the comic relief, a drum roll for you!!
; o )

comic relief as in gordon for #31 comment, not you AJ... :)

That's great Gordon - we'll tie that in with the Mary fae Metihilhill thing and have a 'down under' pilgrimage as well!!

Hi - Melanie - I just popped over to that politics forum and I see that I'm being accused of being Marie Antionette now!! I'm sure MA is a man and Scottish - so can't be me as I don't fit either category.............

Melanie......you are too kind. I feel a kindred spirit with you, being another colonial an' all. "tis nice for the humour to be read into the writing. I think I am a really funny bugga (australian for bugger) and laff at all my own jokes. I am a 40 year old black belted, beach volleyball playing, single father of two grown up children teacher who just loves a good laff.
Now, having said that.........I will have to reply to Aj and his freinds far more often as the audience just seems to be growing. have a ncie day :)

you too gordon!!

Did you see my comment in your defence, Anna?
I wonder how many there are that do tricky things like being several personas and argue amongst themselves to sort of control the forum...?

Hi Melanie,

Glad the kids are having a treat - File Gumbo?

The several personas idea is pretty difficult to execute, but I reckon plenty of people do it. But they end up having conversations with themselves!!

The wee one is thriving and running her auld man ragged!

it's a recipe from Louisiana, my aunt lives there sends me wonderful Cajun/creole recipes....Anna was asking too...I'm hoping to get up a neutral website to post hellos off forum...I'm going into the wine consulting business, as if I don't already have too much to do...I'll most likely be including recipes on the page. I'm not sure what the rules are here for posting info...I set up por_la_mar@yahoo.com as a neutral e-mail site. At least then you can contact us when you're in the Santa Monica area again!! It's always nice to have contacts when you travel...we've lost contact with, but had an Aussie friend who would call out of the blue during his various walk-abouts...sometimes it was just a quick hello, or help, I'm stuck at the airport.

Melanie,

My wife and I have few vices(we gave them up), but wine is certainly one of them and on a rather unhealthy scale.

The neutral website is a good idea, but like you I would be scared to give my own e-mail address, Anna and Wee Jimmy Krankie could catch up with me!

I don't know when we'll be through LA again, but thanks for the offer, I'll definitly keep it in mind.

"The neutral website is a good idea, but like you I would be scared to give my own e-mail address, Anna and Wee Jimmy Krankie could catch up with me!"

AJ...........
You should be so lucky .................. to have Wee Jimmy Krankie chasing you that is!!

Hi Melanie, thanks for the defence let me know if you get your website thing set up!!

I was going to say something about Sean Connery on the other blog - but I can't think of anything to say so I won't - his fans might get me!! Maybe, we could ask him to say a few words when we open the Mary fae Methilhilhill extravaganza!!!

Yes, there's nothing like a good red wine, that's why my hubby and I decided to do this, something fun, together, maybe make a little dinero($), or at least enough dinero to pay for our own wine consumption! ;)

I'll let ya know when the site is up...say hello to your wife for me...does she also chat here.....or is it too much of a fight with ya to get at the keyboard??!! :)

did the poor colonial miss something with 'Wee Jimmy Krankie'?

Do you know who Wee Jimmy Krankie is, Melanie? If not............ they are a Scottish double act played by a man and his wife but the wife is very small and dresses up as a little boy called Jimmy Krankie. They used to be very popular on children's TV shows in the 80s. Anyway, somebody was pretending to be Wee Jimmy on these boards now and again - could have been AJ but not sure! But, I think it's more likely to be the person who is Marie Antionette!!

Melanie,

Despite the red wine intake tonight, I'll give you the low down on Wee Jimmy Krankie(WJK).

WJK is a 60 odd year old woman who has been dressing up as a 10 year old schoolboy for 40 odd years - school cap, short troosers etc.

This has been done in the name of comedy of course, however her stage partner/husband, seems to revel in the chasing and spanking. Nevertheless, WJK is a much loved character in the UK.

Recently WJK has been helping Kofi Anan and FIFA in their particular problems, as her/his negotiating skills are second to none.

That is the legend that is WJK!!

Anna,
You got their before me................drat double drat(wacky races)

Anna,

Tried to push the 'Mary fae Methilhill legend' on the Big Brother story in my abnormal way - check it oot!

Yes, AJ and that's despite having had an unusually large amount of gin and tonics tonight!!

Hee, hee hee, rassen, tassen Dick Dastardly!!

okay that explains it; by the way, the invite extends to you too should you be in the area...I know one has to be careful etc. I'm not trying to scare ya'll off...it's just we've traveled thru Europe, Eng, Sco, Ire, US, Mex, Can and it was wonderful to have contacts...we've tried to extend the courtesy to those we've met, even if it is only in a neutral capacity eg. what sites to see, but never meet when they visit. Anyway, please don't be frightened off!!

Anna,

You've got to admit this networking is good - Melanie is a wine consultant!!!!!!!!!
How cool is that - I always envy people who earn a living from their hobby!

well, you all are 8 hours ahead of me with the spirits...darn...maybe I should try to catch up...instead of afternoon tea, it'll have to be afternoon wine cooler!!

Well, AJ, unless, my wine business takes off dramatically, I will still be slugging away at the 12 hour hospital shifts!!

Maybe, I could be a gin and tonic consultant!! Had a look at the Big Brother site - its a bit boring isn't it? At least you've livened it up a bit at the end! I've added my bit to it - I bet somebody takes it seriously and starts ponitificating!!

I wonder how much gin and tonic the Holy Grail holds!!

do you know that I was watching Tom and Jerry this morn with me wee one....I was laughing so hard at all of the cartoon's goings on esp with just having that blog on here....It'll be a shame if they edit all of that time-appropriate wit!!

am I hearing the sound of crickets???........well, then, good night all!!!

Melanie,

Got to get the head down, knackered, will catch up soon.

Ps AJ...it's fun when you add the dialect, in my poor attempt to imitate, I do not mean to insult...you may counter any time with a mimic of a southern accent, but I warn you, mine only comes out after "a few" and then it's something of a mix with a slight English accent...my husband teases me all the time about it......it has to do, I think, with my spending a lot of time either with my British or my American(southern) grandparents growing up. And, when I get around southern or English friends, it only gets worse....bring on the wine!!! ;)

Melanie,

A Street Car Named Desire - great film - accents fantastic!

So I like the Southern Drawl.

Hi AJ, goodmorning...slept in a bit...up late watching movies with fam/hubby..just recent movies ...so are you a classic movies/americana film buff? I haven't watched AStreet.. in ages, will have to go re-rent. Yes, southern drawls are great, but so are Scottish accents! (and I find Scots language interesting, very colorful-as in vibrance, not the negative connotation, and witty!) Irish accents are fun too, my friend can really thicken it up when he wants to. There is a unique way that I've noticed with how words are put together, used...most Americans seem lacking in that. Save my husband, he's California born of midwest stock, he can say some "country colloquiolisms (sp) " that will set you rolling.
...so back to the topic at hand....lest we get into trouble....have you seen this whirlpool phenomena? It actually looks intriguing. Would love to come over for another visit. We only had a long weekend in Scotland the last time, we wanted to get down to London to visit my great-aunt and were short on time (we only had a two-week train pass for UK, but had been traveling around for about 4 months total...this was definitely before children)...hope you're having a good day, say hi to Anna if I miss her!!!

Ps....sorry, should have spaced that out for easier reading

AJ, Anna, do you watch the History Intl Channel?....it's along with this topic I suppose, ancient stories, ideas etc...

...we were lucky to be involved in a project about Egypt and harnessing wind power to help move the stones....the documentary is called, "Flying Pyramids, Soaring Stones"; they're currently working on a second documentary, you might able to see our 'ugly mugs' in the second one, unless we end up on the cutting room floor!!! ;)
... (in the first one, my hubby is the one driving the tractor)

see ya around, off to spend time with the not-so-wee-ones, teenagers...aaahhhh!!!

Melanie

I used to watch telly, but since these message boards, I've almost given up!

I do watch lots of History/Discovery channel when I do get a chance - my wife finds me incredibly boring. I'll keep an eye out for the documentary.

Enjoy your Sunday.

I should hardly think you boring, AJ, with the wit I've seen in your posts.......is "incredibly boring" your words, or hers...........wait!.....nevermind,.....it's best not to be involved in 'domestic' issues!!! ;)

thanks, I am enjoying my Sunday! Have a nice eve.

Those were my words Melanie, my wife uses stronger terms! Of course I only jest, but your involvement in Egyptology is very interesting. How did you get involved? Is your hubby an archaeologist or part of a film crew?

Of course I would understand if you don't answer these questions on this forum, but you get more interesting each day. Indeed, I would now put you ahead of Wing Commander Anna in the "windswept and interesting" stakes.

AJ

I'm crushed........ ah well, I'm more interested in the story about Keith Richards and the ciggie at the moment, anyway.

Can't be bothered with the SNP one, I wonder if they've ever thought about looking in the whirlpool for the Holy Grail! They might get voted in if they found it!

AJ will have to get back to you later on that, yes will answer your questions....

Anna, don't be crushed...I'm sure you have more than enough interesting stories to share!!! ;)

...will talk with ya'll later, bye for now!

Melanie - I'll look forward to that.

Anna or should I say Maam, you've got to admit Melanie's Raiders of the Lost Ark antics have left you floundering. Nevermind you could redeem yourself with stories of missiles going astray in Benbecula.

Hi Anna,

Thought I'd retreat from the Zara story before you start giving me a kicking.

Bank Holidays are great.

Aj and Melanie...........another aboriginal elder told me the story, passed down through eons of living off the land, that a great white tribe once wandered through this red, arid land of ours and said they were from a "subjugated people" to the west. The upshot of it was that the Scottish people are actually the original aboriginal inhabitants of Australia and that they, the people, are only waiting for a calamity of mighty proportions to happen before they start the long trek back to Oz. it would seem that that calamity may happen in 8 months time.

Having been to OZ, I canny wait to get back!

AJ

Did you wear your shiny red shoes, have a dog called Toto, pal up with a Scarecrow, Lion and Tinman and visit a wizard when you were in OZ?

If that was you ........... then I thought your rendition of 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow' was delightful.

You could ask the wizard if he knows where the Holy Grail thingy is..........

AJ, ya best get working on your film about Mary and the Grail, you can enter into the film festival and win that silver sporran!!
...Gordon can consult, if you screenwrite Mary going to OZ
...Anna, I mentioned Ewan McGregor playing one of the leads, or do you have a better suggestion, Liam Neeson can play the wise old sage. AJ had a suggestion for the female lead, how did you sleep that night AJ? No need to comment on your dreams, though! :)

Anna,

Very good. Obviously still smarting about Zara!

Melanie,

I slept very well because today is a holiday. I think Monica wouldn't fit the part after all. Who we need would be a rather more whorish type character. Someone like................Jane Fonda in Klute or Roseanne Barr. It's important you cast well!

Melanie, got to ask you, do you like the British Royal family?

Hi Melanie,

I think Antonio Banderas should play the sexy male lead......... I know he's not Scottish but that never stopped the French bloke in Highlander playing the lead. Also, Sean Connery played a Spanish bloke in that film.

I'll volunteer to look after Antonio on set......... it'll be a pleasure.......... believe me!!!

Anna, Melanie and Gordon,

I've just checked out the Death Row Scot story - he is selling his belongings on e-bay.

What would you buy and why?

AJ - Melanie

Check out the brown sauce story - it could be nearly as big as the pesto one............... I still think the one about the millionaire rock star being fined £50 for having a ciggie is fab!!!

Maybe that is what the Holy Grail is - an ancient ashtray ........... and that's why it's been hidden in the Whirlpool - since the Scottish Smoking Ban!!

(Trying to stay on topic here a bit btw!)

ah, yes, Anna he is a bit of a hunk, and I do believe a nice guy, actually...I'll give you a few words in spanish you can whisper into his ear!! ;)

But, I still vote for Ewan, the only thing Latin I really like is a bit of the spanish guitar, flamenco , or to dance a tango! Too bad Liam is aging, I liked him in Rob Roy. (and, please NO comments on the female american colonial drooling over the Scottish highland warrior!!!! (Liam's Irish, anyway!) ;)

...I bet Johnny Depp might come up with an interesting character...can we work out Jack Sparrow finding the Holy Grail in the whirlpool following his being swallowed by the Crackin??

Hi AJ, "do I like the Royal Family" tsk tsk , are you type-casting me??

to be honest, I could care less...my dad's parents did their best to keep me clued in...(they didn't want me growing up..."too American")...they were very much loyal to Queen and country (my grand-dad became an American Citizen for economical purposes only)
.....I grew up seeing (in books), Prince Andie on his pony, (I loved horses...still do) and the royal children doing this/that....trust me, I realized there's no such thing as...Prince Charming!!!!

Bravo for Zara, I wouldn't want to take a horse, no matter how well trained, over those fences!!!

Hi AJ, just curious as to your comment here....you don't need to go into detail re this if you don't want to, but I am curious as to your thoughts...
"Yes, the Bowes Lyon thing............ I'm a bit touchy on the Scottish Aristocrats issue, however come the revolution - they could all be 're-educated'.
...don't forget to keep in line with the subject here...maybe the royal jewels King Chas I lost have made their way into the whirlpool vortex?? (it was King ChasI right?? crown jewels or something sank on the ferry??)

Hi Anna, couldn't find the 'brown sauce story' care to clue me in....

AJ , found the ebay sale, no thanks!...there may be too many nits and other jailhouse creepy crawlies on the merchandise!!

hope to see ya'll round later, again, darn this time difference!! ;)

Melanie

It's the Branston sauce story after the Zara Phillips one on the UK news site.

Maybe, we could use the Holy Grail as a table centre for brown sauce........

found it...on a third page or something, must have missed it earlier; it's not after Zara on my page. thanks. I think Trifle would be better as the Holy Grail centerpiece, but then, you couldn't see the layers!

Had to go out tonight to a concert in Edinburgh, so I've missed the latest stuff on the Holy Grail scandal.

Melanie, the "come the revolution" remark was taken from a Marxist called Wolfie Smith. In the seventies he was going to sort everyone out "come the revolution". I should add, this was a comedy show on telly starring Robert Lindsay.

So you can put your gun away, I'm not a marxist revolutionary! The Scottish Aristos are safe.

Anna, I'll try and ketchup with you tomorrow.

hello, sorry I missed ya AJ was out at dance class with my youngest still-little one. Hope the concert was nice....what was the music genre??

I enjoyed walking around Edinburgh (1989-backpacks and Euro/UK train passes), but with some of the posts I've been reading, I think I might want to pass on seeing the city again, or at least have a tour map of the 'stay-away from' areas...

I was wondering if our 'whirlpool' respite might be closing it's doors for comments soon...hopefully we'll find another subject forum we can function in and still get some chatting done, away from the other heavier, ranting -type subjects.

don't worry AJ, it didn't strike me that you were the Marxist type! I suppose I was just curious to see if You liked the Royals!! ;)

you might notice that I added a blog site... My wine consulting website prob won't be up for a few weeks, (it's the winery's deal, have little control over it)...the blog is prob better as neutral site to give you the info on the Egypt thing. It would be hard to work in the Grail aspect and might be too personal to be allowed here...so with that said...

Anna, AJ...please be merciful to the poor colonial with regard to the site...the name comes from a quote from the kid's movie "The Incredibles"...the site is meant to be lighthearted, and was created late at night after much sampling of my consulting 'products'!! ;)

Disc/Hist Ch is a must in our house!, sorry I missed the BBC program on the whirlpool ( on subject) ...I'll try to post the info on the blog tonite re Egypt/with sites to where you can see film clips.

in case I miss ya'll in the morn/tomorrow, hope you all have a great day! :)

Hi Anna, well, it seems the brown sauce wasn't quite as spicy as the pesto!!

As the screenplay for 'Mary and the Grail' seems to be on hold due to the lack of finding an adequate female role...sorry AJ, but I think we ladies have done our part quite well in finding some 'mighty fine' gentlemen to fill the role!...

...perhaps we could help find the stolen Robin Hood tapes; was there a reward??

I apologise ahead of time as this post is heavily influenced by Jim Morrison and the ever dedication to sampling and accurately describing the full body and aroma of a particular red wine!

Don't worry, I type responsibly!

AJ/Anna...what do you think of the movie, 'Apocalypse Now'?....sorry kind of heavy, but the song, 'This is the end' just came on....lest it get too heavy, it's best to change to some Eric Clapton!

...the info for the Egypt/wind power theory is on the blog....if you get a chance, have a look and let me know what you think about the project!

Again, have a great day... I have a day off Tues. so I will be sleeping in....thanks for all the chatting....

(to be said in a southern drawl...
....."it's ben a pleasure, I'm sure!")

Melanie,

Most of the people who post comments are ultra negative - Edinburgh is as vibrant today as it was 1989, infact more so with the growth of the annual festival. Having been to many major cities throughout the world, Edinburgh still has an appeal that is unique. Ignore the Trainspotting image, it is there if you look hard enough, but that is the case in most cities.

The band I went to see were the Dirty Pretty Things - up and coming rock band - very raw and punklike. Great gig!

Have a good one and I'll look forward to the Holy Grail/Pyramids/Methilhill film clips

Melanie,

Are you having a party? The Legend of Jim Morrison is as captivating as the Holy Grail. One of my all time favourite bands. Apocalypse Now is another classic. Only like Eric Clapton until 1982, everything before was great, after he was boring - just my personal opinion.

Right, the female part - Madonna is too old but fits my criteria perfectly. It's gotta be Christina Aguilera - she is a Madonna type for sure.

Hi AJ, sorry was listening to 'Deadwood' and "Bang Bang your dead', reading lyrics to B.U.R.M.A. My bro was/is really into punk...San Diego mosh pits....

not really having a party, just home don't have to work tomorrow, I like Van Morrison, and CCR, lots of good music from that time period...

Madonna would have been perfect, I agree!!! Christina....okay, I'm sold!! She gets the part...when do we start filming?!

I listen to a variety of music, not so much rock...some classic like Aerosmith...love the music from the 60's, the Doors and CCR esp,(the turmoil of the times is reflected; I remember vaguely Vietnam images on the Tele....am I giving away my age??)....I am also, do I dare confess...a classic country western fan...Johnny Cash...and yes, I listen to the Chieftans, Gaelic Storm, and a folk band from Aberdeen? Old Blind Dogs, but to even it out I also listen to Mozart and some Pink Floyd!! ;)

...and, as I am a fan of archeology and the search for the Holy Grail (must stay on topic), I always thought it would be fun to come over your way with a metal detector and investigate some field or something....you know, get a finder's fee for some lost Viking/Celtic/Saxon treasure!

Melanie,

You sure you're not a Hippy.

If you can download music, check out Aberfeldy - folk/rock - great band relatively new, only two albums.

Aberfeldy the town, is a place in Scotland quite near the claimed birthplace of Pontious Pilate. Now that's a spectacular attempt to get the tourists in!!

As for your age, I reckon you must be a similar vintage as myself- just approaching middle age! Dunno about Anna though, she could be anywhere between 35 and 60.

Do you like Dirty Pretty Things?

It's like finding the Holy Grail!

I didn't get to hear the song BURMA, but I thought the lyrics were interesting....I like to know the stories behind the songs...I liked their energy, and the sound of the slower song, Bang Bang... My bro's punk music put me off, a bit, to some of the faster, harder core Punk...it always sounded a little "too angry" for my taste...but I refuse to form any opinion until I listen to more!

...when I recover from my late nite/early morn, I will listen to more, and to the Aberfeldy group

...as to your hippie comment.... you've found me out!! ;) My somewhat stuffy relatives, of the proper English persuasion (no, "dis" as in disrespect to you Anna!) have labeled me as such!

...can I let you in on yet another story AJ....(in my search for the Holy Grail, must stay on topic)...we lived a rather nomadic life in my early married years....backpack/europe...then lived in an American Indian teepee...like in the movie 'Dances with Wolves'....much to the shock of my family....but it was great! very Free!

Melanie,

You get better, I sense a wild spirit, beads, bells, flowers, guitar on the back etc, - you where searching for the Holy Grail!!

Did you ever see the film Breezie (I think), starring William Holden who is a middle aged businessman and is shown a better life by a young hippy girl?
I think that was set in California!?!

actually to be sensitive to the first Americans, I should have said, "Native American teepee"....

oh, it's getting late, if I'm going to recover to function at all today, I best get to bed!!

...I'm open to most questions about things, AJ, even if it's agree to disagree, so feel free to ask...I love exchanging ideas, cultures, etc

...good nite/morn...will talk with ya soon....glad you had a great time at the gig!

no to Breezie...yes to beads! and yes to the wild spirit....Gaelic Storm has a song...Heart of the Ocean...I hear myself in that one..

...I do have a 'sensible' side to me lest give you the impression of me only running thru tha heather, hair loose, throwing flowers...but I am ever in the quest for the Holy Grail, so to speak....why else are we here??!

please, your posts are too interesting to refuse....but I Must get some sleep!!!!

Melanie,

GNite

My Goodness, you people talk a lot!...I decided as an expat to get in on the action. All I can say is that I don´t give a damn about the Holy Grail but... Hippies, Jim Morrison, Eric Clapton...that´s more interesting!
Has anyone but my goodself been on the Marrakesch Express?
And is it old-fashioned to like Runrig, as you haven´t mentioned them?

Jill,

You've got to keep with topic - The Holy Grail

However, never been on the Marrakesch Express but I love the CSNY song.

In my opinion Runrig are naff these days, although since the old lead singer left to become Prime Minister they have improved - according to my sources.

Are you a German? I'm going to Berlin in October - searching for the Holy Grail and other Nazi war plunder - got any ideas?

Oops, just noticed you're an ex-pat, that kinda takes the edge off the Nazi plunder comment.....nevermind!

AJ - you could tie that comment about the Nazi plunder with the Indiana Jones film about the Lost Ark of the Covenant - which is a bit like the search for the Holy Grail. No one knows where it is, it's supposed to have magical powers, religious association, everyone wants to find it and/or make money out of it etc etc.

Actually the lost Ark could be in the whirlpool on the same ledge as the Grail - it's a possibility. Or it could be located near the 'fertile spring of living water' at the Mary fae Metilhilhill shrine".

Btw: About age - I would guess yours at about 40ish.

Age Question - not a million miles away.

The Ark and Holy Grail - legend has them buried under the Parish Church in Methilhill, so in for a penny...........

Rudolf Hess delivered them in 1941! The Duke of Hamilton never admits this little known fact.

The girl from Germany sounded good, but must have got bored!

Excellent, I knew the Methilhill shrine would just run and run .............. the Ark of the Covenant, the Holy Grail .. any other religious artefacts that you know of located there? Bits of the true cross brought back from the crusades would do, or failing the real thing ... well, you know the score you must have some old wood knocking around in the shed we can use. Maybe a few old nails as well?

Anna, I'm so jealous, AJ gets to go to Berlin! ....missed chatting with ya last nite....!

Hello Jill, "Grussgott!" (sp) you're welcome to join in, but things can get a bit 'cheeky', as it were....aye, there, ye be fairly waarned!

...just finished watching, "Pirates of Carib" with the 'chittlins' (southern american for wee ones)

...am moving a bit slow this a.m. AJ but I will perservere to recover!...had fun with the chat!

...work in the Knights Templar aspect....oops gotta go, hubby just invited me to lunch out at a favorite Mexican restaurant....Ciao!

Melanie,

You just take it easy - loads of black coffee and some Irn Bru and you'll feel as good as new. Yeah the chat was good and I now have a image of you running through the heather in the buff - in my imagination you look like Rachel Welch circa 1970.

Anna

Great idea, I've got some rusty nails - should do the trick. Also, we should get the Muslim sector tapped, but that might be a problem - any more ideas.

AJ
Better leave the Muslim folk out of this - might get a bit touchy.

There is the Shroud of Turin - now I don't think they'll let us have that but there could be a bit of mileage in an old sheet with unidentified marks/stains on it. Or maybe an old hankie - these holy people must have had to blow their nose now and again!!
Any word on how the statue of Mary o' the Methilhillhillhillhill and Holy Grail shrine is getting on?

Anna,

The only trouble with all this, is that Methilhill is a Protestant stronghold and the 'bairns' would probably set fire to any iconiclastical symbols. Plus David Mach or Jack Vettriano might get verbally abuse for being arty farty pansies as they go about their work.

Also MI5 would get touchy bringing Rudolf Hess into the legend - I could go missing, end up on one of those flights the CIA run. Rather that, than the Protestant zealots of Methilhill Parish Church though.
I think I'll stick with writing a book.

I'm afraid this could be dead in the water before it starts.

You're probably right - I'll leave it up to you - it's an area of the world you know more about than me!!

Stick to the book - I'll maybe write/make one up as well! There can never be too many fairy tales about the Holy Grail..............

Have you seen the one about the Lap Dancing Board on here? I bet those punters think they've found their Holy Grail, sometimes.

Anna,

Just been on the lap dancing one. Interestingly, Mary is alive and well posting comments.

The punters have indeed found the Holy Grail, but to sup from it, probably costs a fortune!

hello all, anyone here....

AJ...listened to Aberfeldy...good sound, hopefully they'll take off, get some more songs/albums going
....you seem to have a broad range of 'music likes' as well

...ah, yes, that explains yer absence...been reconoitering for necessary extras to cast in the movie!

Well Melanie, I suppose it's something to do with our vintage, even as a laddie in the late 60's music was a big thing in our household. I was brought up on Trini Lopez, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby, Nelson Riddle, Bert Kaempfert etc. Cheesy easy listening turned into The Who, Beatles, Stones, Kinks, then Bad Co, Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, then The Clash, Sex Pistols, Stranglers.and so on and on. Plus stuff like Pink Floyd, Emerson, Lake and Palmer and Yes. I basically liked most music, apart from Abba and Queen.

Also Folk and Country, and now I've rediscovered a lot of singer song writers like Al Stewart, Nick Drake and Tim and Jeff Buckley. Plus Leonard Cohen and Johnny Cash.

Melanie you shouldn't have asked! There are tons more, my brain is getting sore thinking about it all.

Forgot Pet Sounds by the Beach Boys - now that's an album!

Lap dancers would be perfect for any future Grail movie. I'll write it into the screenplay somehow!

Melanie how were your Burritos/Fajhitas/Relenos etc

Were you served by real Mehicanos - you don't get real ones in Scotland - just students from Australia!

Hi AJ, your up late! Lunch was great...Tacos al Pastor...regional dish from south of Mex City I think...served by Mexicanos nativos, si'! We don't eat where the touristy gringos eat, only authentic food for us!

...you should try mehican food served to you by Germans, singing mehican songs in german!

Sounds good, must be the Holy Grail of Mehicano eateries(kept on subject).

We get limited Mexican fayre here but it is good. Curry is the big thing in the UK now. Cities like Manchester, Birmingham and London have whole streets devoted to curry houses. It's great and keeps you regular............too regular!

Germans..mmmmmmmmmm.........serving Mehican food? Would be preferable to Germans serving Pizza - you'd never know what those big ovens were being used for!

Melanie, was that too much?

Melanie,

Time for bed, got to turn up at my work tomorrow and do something productive.

Have some afternoon cocktails and enjoy your day, oh and remember to feed the kids.

in searching for the Holy Grail, I came across a curious combination of music, which doesn't surprise me they hooked up...Nickel Creek and the Chieftans, fun song called 'Raggle Taggle Gypsy' on the Chieftan's Further Down the Plank Road...North Caroling Blue Grass mixed with Irish Celtic. Different/folksy but fun.

My older bro--Blk Sabbath, lil bro punk/mosh pit....I think I stayed mostly with 60's and country-western....parents and grands, sounds like the same kinda music, save my southern granny and heritage songs and my Brit granny and 'pipes and drums'....I could hum "Scotland the Brave" and "Dixie" all in one breath! ;)

good nite AJ...see ya 'round!

Just before I go, look up the Hayseed Dixies - Heavy Rock meets the Hill Billies.

Finally found your blog - very interesting - I'll check it oot in full tomorrow. Gnite

Hey, people. I'm a rank newcomer -- a Johnnie Raw. Don't like to carp in my very first post, but here goes anyway.

Melanie, where do you get the idea that chittlins are wee ones (Do you mean children?)? They're an Appalachian version of tripe.

If you hail from the South, you may have lived in an area where that was a slang term. I grew up in Texas and Tennessee, and have lived in North Carolina and Loluisiana. Enlighten me.

Hi Mark, the term is slang, maybe just our fam....East Tenn granny used to say it....yes, I know what chittlins really are!! Not sure how it got started...lost to the obscurity of history, like the Holy Grail (on subject)
...figures a Texan would be speakin his mind right out of the gate!!! Glad you've joined us!

Ps friends across the pond...i apologise for any mis-leading info, with regard to verbage, slang-verbage, fam only slang verbage...

Anna, do you give lessons in 'fact-presentations'? ;)

those hillbillies look kinda scary, AJ

...if Mary were to host a Methilhill Ceilidh, perhaps she might hire The Wicked Tickers, their music from 'Bangers for Breakfast' is robust and rowdy, but perhaps their 'Bonfire Dreaming' might be more apropo for Mary to dance the ancient Celtic Moon Ritual....the centerpiece grail would be full of whisky, of course!

Melanie,

You are a mysterious woman, with your refernces to rituals, running through the heather etc. Sounds great - have you ever watched the Wicker Man?

good morning....don't worry, I'm not a Druid or anything! ;) (would love to see the Callanais Stones, though)

Just having some fun; saw the band Wicked Tinkers at a Highland Game last year that just happened to coincide with being held by the ocean(any excuse to be 'by the sea'!)...friend's daughter does Highland dancing.

The Wicker Man, present day movie?, heard of it I think, but maybe right now I'm only remembering the version from a doc. re. the Roman's view of the Celts, or something...it's quite early here, haven't had coffee...am off to work today, too! ;(

It's a cult movie over here - stars Christopher Lee and Edward Woodward, set on a Scottish island( although filmed in various location in South West Scotland), it deals with a cult worshipping community, I think you would like it.

Oh and Britt Ekland gets her kit off!

Enjoy your day - making documentary films, wine tasting and nursing. Do you do the wine first and then a bit of nursing or do both at the same time?

I think Anna has abandoned us.

AJ you mentioned being in Santa Monica...where else have you traveled in 'search of the Grail' (on subject)

Anna, has your being a wing commander allowed you travels, as well?....love to hear some of your Grail exploits!

...will be in late. your tomorrow...hope you've both had a good day...or should I say, "I'm hoping you were feelin some good vibes, man, and had a groovy day, peace man!"

home for lunch?? hopefully we can draw Anna back in to the conversation...wonder what music she likes, she's much to fun not to have around!!

no, straight-laced when it comes to work

okay, you've figured out what I do, are you an archeologist in search of the Grail, or will you give a hint?

...had some fun after some of the field work for the 2nd doc the other day...Mumm's Champane is one of the sponsors!

perhaps, they can be a sponsor when you set up Methilhill Grail tours to see the whirlpool? (on subject)

Melanie, does your mum own a chateau?!? You lucky girl.

Occupation - give me a hint

Anna - probably likes Abba and Queen!

I've searched for the Grail through Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, US and Canada - and that was just one trip. Couldn't find the Grail, but we got a dirty great big carved elephant in Thailand.

are you sure you're not an Aussie, with that grand walk-about??

...sorry, mostly working class, the Chateaus are 'only by marriage' ;) (not mine, hubby is from wonderful farming know-how people)

Occupation, when not an explorer for the Grail, perhaps big game hunter? elephant huh? oh, carved elephant! ;) You are the one that's the mystery here, like the grail, elusive! okay, computers, or a banker with a penchant for punk? Although, hard to imagine a banker hunting for elepants!

I bet Anna is a secret country-western fan, Garth Brooks, George Strait...you, know, the 'crooners' :)

off to work, will see ya tomorra!

Ps when you searched for the Grail, which country/place did you like the most, and why....?

Melanie, as I explained to Anna, I'm going to write the book/screenplay next. Any Statue/shrine would be heavily vandalised by the protestant zealots or Rangers supporters as they are better known.

However you could get a crate sent over for the long hours spent researching and typing. Have a word with Mr Mumm!

Melanie,

I liked Australia the best, because, as you're digging for Grails and stuff, you meet some interesting insects and reptiles. It is a spectacular country, but there are many more I want to see before my expiry date runs oot.

Occupation - not banking, but a fairly boring/dull job. Not exciting like your stuff.

Have you ever been chased by dangerous animals or sabre swinging banditos?

Hi AJ & Melanie too,

Music - yes, definitely to Queen, no to Abba - yes to a bit of Elvis (!) fave song 'In the Ghetto'. Yes to Elton John, Kate Bush, Madonna and light rock. I also like some classical - mainly ballet - Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake is favourite! Also the Music from Lord of the Rings............. Only country & western I know is Dolly Parton and I think she is fab.

I have searched in some unlikely places for the Holy Grail - the least favourite of which is the Falkland Islands - too far from anywhere for my taste!!

AJ

Sister Holly Graile says 'Behave yourself and keep it clean" to Mary fae Methilhillhillhillhillhillhillhilllllllllllll!!

Anna,

Wotcha on aboot? Don't understand the ticking off this time.

Falkland Islands - Wildlife meant to be outstanding but islanders a bit peculiar - would that sum the place up?

Anna,

What have I said this time, AJ no understand?

Sorry, AJ it's that Sister Holly - she's a bossy old besom - keeps taking over the keyboard - she did it with that lap dancing story as well!!

The only tunes she likes are Gregorian chants!!

Well, I don't want to offend any Falkland Islanders who might be blogging on here - but when I was there in the early 90s - there were a couple of odd ones. Although I did meet some very nice people as well and I actually travelled across part of the eastern island with some like minded friends on horseback.............. we searched high and low for the Holy Grail and underneath every penguin we saw ......... but to no avail.

Btw: The Wicker Man has just been remade and is now set in America .......... the new one is getting a bit of a panning by a critic in the Times today. Sorry, Melanie but it sounds as if they've ruined the original story by "Americanising" it. Try and see the original if you can, Melanie, but I hear it's quite hard to get hold of in the US. It's a bit of a cult film in the UK.

Was that you Anna!!!!

Geezo, yer a wee tike, so ye are.

Now your Holy Grail Hunt on horseback.......is getting back to the Californian Treasure
hunter's level. Brings up a fantastic image in my bewildering mind. Galloping across desolate moorland - it's like Wuthering Heights

Yeah,

I had to sort out some rude bloke on the Scottish comedy board ............. I'll maybe need to set Sister Holly onto him! On second thoughts, maybe not, he seems the type that might enjoy a Domimatrix. It wasn't you was it? Dan the Sceptical Man?

Anyway back to the Grail story - maybe that is what Heathcliff and Cathy were looking for in all those tortured love scenes they had...... on those wild, windy, rugged moors.

Not me Anna, Scottish comedy board? How have I missed that?!?

I will admit the Wee Jimmy Krankie role though - I think you guessed that though. It was good for a while, seeing the world through the eyes of a 10 year old laddie, who was really a dwarf woman!!

I thought WJK was you especially after post 43 to Melanie......

The comedy blog is the one with the picture of Rab C on it. I can't be bothered to reply to old Dan anymore tho' - I'll just leave him to his fantasies and be as elusive as the Holy Grail itself..... (on topic!).

Ah yes, could have been more subtle, kind of gave the game away there. It was getting too complcated, I once posted WJK comment under AJ, got it taken off. I don't suppose anybody was vaguely interested in WJK, but it did amuse me!! It was like finding the Holy Grail(getting good at this).

I made a comment about Cuba on the Tommy Sheridan story and eventually got a reaction.

Right Anna, I read the Dubious Dan comment. I wish I wrote it, cos it is so funny. He did well to keep it on the board, obviously people don't understand Rab C's terminology.

I think you were a vehicle for the gag, don't take it too badly!!!

I thought it was a Rab C type comment - don't worry I won't fret about it - or complain about it either - I just took it as a joke.

Yes, I saw the Tommy Sheridan (Cuba) comment - but I don't know anything at all about either and have very little interest in politics, really, so I don't get too involved in those ones. I assumed you were joking about Cuba ........

Maybe thats where the Holy Grail is in Cuba - perhaps old Castro used it as a container for his big fat cuban cigars.

Not entirely, Cuba does have a welfare system second to none, but their problems really stem from the US trade embargoes against them.

Pre 1960 President Batista basically ran a corrupt govt(really corrupt) and Havana was no more than a knocking shop for wealthy Americans. If Castro was so bad they would have got shot of him years ago.

Sorry - a serious moment - but I'd like to search for the Grail there.

Potential cracking story in the international section - the Cult leader with the 40 wives and 120 bairns.

Got to admire a man like that - however there is a darkside to it ......as always! I take it back I don't admire him.

I think it takes place mainly in California - maybe Melanie knows him!!

Well, there are a lot of people taking your comments about Cuba seriously, on that board. What is the stuff about flavoured milk? Or is that poster joking? Maybe the Holy Grail could be used as a suitable container for flavoured milk.

Actually talking about flavoured milk leads me to milk shakes and I'm surprised the well known burger chain hasn't put a Holy Grail freebie inside their Happy Meals yet!! It's quite surprising that they didn't cash in on the Da Vinci code phenomenom - they could have had mini Holy Grail toys which refilled themselves at the flick of a switch, mini Mona Lisa's (the eyes really do follow you) dressing up dolls for the girls, little crosses with real nails for the boys - and so it goes on - not like them to miss a prime marketing opportunity!

Did you know that well known Burger outlet use chicken fat as an ingredient in their milkshakes..........yuuuuuuch. Maybe the Holy Grail is actually the recipe for delicious milkshakes?!?

The flavoured milk - a mickey take I think.

I like the Da Vinci code idea, but the well known chain could have been originally Roman Catholic. The RC establishment got severely p'd off at the book and film. It didn't stop them lapping up the Passion of Christ though, because the Jews got it in the neck!!

I have to admit, it's a couple of years since I read the book and thoroughly enjoyed, but the whole thing gets on my nerves now.

Are you religious Anna?, if yes - why?, and if no - well done!

Anna,

Are you watching the tennis - tiny tim taking on BIG GREG, followed by Super Andy, searching for the Holy Grail

Melanie,

What about the Sect 40 wives Cult guy. I apologise for the CA connection, he seems to be active in Utah and Nevada with his 10,000 followers., He looks a bit of a geek to me.

I have to say, I was facinated by the David Koresh/Waiko Farm disaster and the drama that unfolded. The authorities got that spectacularly wrong.........what do you think? Holy Grail(just put the subject in)

look at all the chattin you two have ben doin....Welcome back Anna!

okay let me try to catch up!! never have been chased by four legged or two legged 'critters' but have been in Very close proximity to not-so-nice Communist Hungarian Police....

...as far as wild creatures.... black bears, bobcats, and snakes...rattle snakes we move away from, gopher snakes we catch-good to keep gophers/mice out of the yard (cats would be good, too, but my dogs aren't nice to them)

Cuba, maybe I'll reconsider your Marxist tendancies AJ!!! ;) My sister-in-law's mom is Cuban, they got away from Castro in the 60's, she doesn't speak too highly of him....although to your credit, the other gov. doesn't sound too good either...will have to ask her

40 wives guy, what an idiot! he definitely got lost on the way to seek the grail! My hubby said he should have stopped at 7, as in one for each day.....just kiddin! :) Didn't want to read the article, was he Mormon....

You didn't ask me specifically, but....I don't much care to ascribe to religious doctrine...too many man-made rules and too much fighting over them...although there is something to the Grail, as in a spiritual sense....bad experience with a 'religion' AJ?...don't have to answer if you don't want....

what next, oh how I do hate this time diff....Koresh and Waco...gov bungling...right to bear arms vs too many 'dangerous' weapons...crazy fanatics...innocent children...will ask hubby on that, he often has inside scoops on that type of issue....

thank goodness I don't like milkshakes...

your horseback ride sound wonderful Anna, I've been riding since 3yrs old, have two myself; I plan to take them on the trail in the continued search for the Grail. Nothing like Zara mind you...

occupation AJ,... okay, fair enough....I think I understand that...my job is rewarding to a point, but it's my other activities and time with fam. that bring me satisfaction...

...Australia s

Hi AJ...couldn't find the Cuba/Sheridan comments...interested to see what you wrote..directions to the possible grail resting place in Cuba, please?!

update to Waco...hubby says the whys/whats are pretty involved...lots of unanswered questions...esp as to why the gov handled Koresh's arrest at the compound vs individually out on the street in town, missing evidence; original warrant was for lewd & lasciv against a minor/s...Koresh marrying minors with parents' consents...some gun charges (misdemeaners usually...but if they were automatic weapons-federal, although automatic weapons were never found..anywhere), fires started in the compound...by Koresh's people? by gov. flares??

I was going to ask about Dan's slang, but nevermind... :) Lots of heated debate there...just don't quite understand the politics, but i suppose it's similiar to here, just diff names....

will try to catch up with you both later....leave directions to the grail if the search has taken you away from the whirlpool!

Melanie, speak to you soon - off to look for Grail at my work!

Melanie,

From an early age, I didn't believe the nonsense that was getting rammed down my throat. I remember asking a Sunday School teacher about dinosaurs when I was 7 or 8 and didn't get an adequate answer, she laughed it off and was very patronising. She made me feel stupid in front of the other kids and I never forgot!!!!

So I naturally became a non-believer. However I feel there is a "bigger picture", but I don't have a clue what it is.

The Waco incident was bewildering to me, how people can be brainwashed like that, also there were a number of Scottish families involved. The authorities made a complete mess of the whole thing though. I read a book on Waco a few years ago and the author reckoned the sect were mainly peaceful and the govt obliterated them as an example to others.

Dan's slang was extremely rude, but was in the context of the story, so it was ok really......and very funny.

The search for the Grail in Cuba was in the Political section. I was just protecting the integrity of Cuba really, but the thing grew arms and legs as per normal.

Right Melanie, you were in UK in 1989 back packing, so you must be aged between 34 and 43.

Am I close?

Hi all,
Is there room for a newbie here with questions? My Mom sends me articles (from this site) from time to time, which she thinks may interest me.
I read that locals call the Corryvreckan whirlpool, the "Cailleach". I've heard this name used for a number of places and thought the meaning was "hag" or "old woman". Is it something to do with cauldron? I'm sort of confused. Also, if someone could give me a phonetic pronounciation, I'd sure appreciate it. In my mind I'm saying it, "Kally-ack", which I'm sure is incorrect. Any help in this will be welcomed. Thanks.

Good morning! I was hoping to get an 'on call' from work, today...'hang out' with the kids, last week before school starts, and of course, pursue the grail...but alas it is not to be!!

Hi AJ, shame on that that woman for handing an innocent child's natural curiosity that way!!...I'm sorry, that's terrible!...but what's also terrible, is I've heard many similiar stories (and the ramming of dogma rather than the nurturing of a faith)...we've had run-ins/problems ourselves...with our grail seeking, unorthodox outlooks on life...we don't fit 'the mold' and therefore make people like your Sun. sch .teacher feel uncomfortable...most freethinkers/adventures don't fit in with convention....sounds like you fit in with our catagory a bit though....(good!!)....., and I think you also sense....there is something more...to seeking the grail....if you care to explore, there's a link from my blog to my hubby's blog...he's a free-thinker, gets in depth about stuff, mostly about human behavior and adventure seekers/risk takers...he/we won't be offended if you agree to disagree.. maybe they'll be some grail answers there, and if not, ok, too! If anything, it will allow for more topics of discussion!!

There is a book, written from a non-denom Chr. perspective, thankfully does not 'bible thump' (or I wouldn't have read it!!)...called "Wild at Heart, Discovering the Secret of a Man's Soul" by John Eldredge...a quote "We've taken away the dreams of a man' heart and told him to play the man"....in it he quotes CS Lewis..."We castrate the gelding and bid him be fruitful."
...food for thought, interesting to hear your comment on any of the above.....

...as to Waco...(and et al) as far as the brainwashing...And, the example making, yes, but will have to get back to discuss that!

will try to find your grail seeking quotes on Cuba...I'm interested to hear more of what/how you think! It's been fun getting to know you and Anna he

Hi Wisteria, will have to leave the pronunciation to the locals!!!

Melanie,

Ref History of Ulster : I recently completed a module on the British Atlantic Empire at Uni, and Ulster figured quite prominently. The plantations set up by James VI of Scotland and Elizabeth I of England were seen as the model when it came to settle the East Coast of America, especially in the early days - Jamestown etc. How to harness the natives - so comparisons were made of the Irish and Native Americans.

What was particularly interesting was the migration of Ulster Scots. America seems to get confused between Irish and Scots and it's easy to see why. However, revisionist history highlights the fact that there were many more Scots that emigrated than was originally thought, through Ulster. These people used to be thought of as Irish - an easy misconception.

These Ulster Scots seemed to settle mainly throughout the Apalation Mountains, creating the Hilly Billy community. This obviously appeals to my warped humour!

I wonder if the Hill Billies are the sacred keepers of the Holy Grail?!?

Melanie, the Psychology stuff is maybe a wee bit beyond me, but I'm highly sceptical of any formal religion. At the same time I don't criticise anybody that has a faith - well maybe a wee bit. I was interested in Humanist theories for a while though. But I don't want to get bogged by that.

Have a great day Melanie

Hi Wisteria,

The name you refer to is Gaelic and being a lowland Scot, I don't have a clue on pronunciation, possibly oor other pal, Anna, could help you. Anna worked in the Scottish Islands for a while.

I believe your right about the cauldron explanation though. To pronounce words in Gaelic, you need a fair amount of flem in the throat.

Hi Anna,

I've passed Wisteria on to you - you must have poured over maps looking for your wayward missiles!

Wisteria - Hi

This is an web link that you may find interesting - the mysterious Britain one:

http://www.mysteriousbritain.co.uk/folklore/calleach.html

AJ - Talking about the Appaliachian's - have you seen the film Deliverance? That is one place you wouldn't want to turn your back on the locals!

Am I religious - short answer No.......... but I am interested in religion from a historical point of view. War, injustices and atrocities have been carried out in the name of religion and they still are. Personally I think that organised religion is just another way of controlling people. However, that is not to say that I do not believe that there is something greater than ourselves, call it a sense of spirituality if you like ............ I just don't like the way that all the major religions promote and sometimes try to force people to believe that theirs is the one and only way!

The Da Vinci book and film is a case in point - someone dares to write a work of fiction which questions the dogma of the church and the church becomes upset because there is a risk that some of it's members might start thinking outside the box. Noone would have dared to raise the suggestion of Jesus being married in the middle ages because they would have been instantly condemned to death on a charge of heresy ............ there are probably still some people around to today who would like to see the old heresy laws revived!!

Anna,

We have something in common, I share your view 100%

Deliverance - it was on telly a few weeks ago, and I was telling my wife that the Hill Billies' ancestors were from Scotland. She didn't like that little gem of information! great film though, but was the guy shot in the boat?

I can't remember - its a while since I saw the film - I'll have to ask 'him indoors' he'll probably remember it better than me!

Have you read any Billy Bryson books? One of his is "A Walk in the Woods" and is about the Appalaiachian Trail - which starts off down in the South and goes all the way to about Maine. It's quite a good read and he mentions Deliverance in that a few times!

Hi Melanie - still searching for the Grail - you sound like a bit of a free spirit ........... and I liked the sound of the Mexican restaurant the other day.

I went into one a few weeks back just opposite Trafalgar Square (family cultural visit to the National Gallery!) - the food was nice but expensive - but then West London is a bit pricy!!

AJ - I saw your comment about Zara v Andy on the sports personality site - they sure do take you seriously, some of them.

Anyway must go and continue the search for the Grail in my kitchen - and peel a few potatoes...... Later!

Anna,

They do take things seriously, no matter how ridiculous you make the post. However, that's part of the fun.

I can be serious sometimes!

Hi AJ

I see the comment by Dan has been removed from the Rab C blog. Nothing to do with me ....... I just thought it was a joke and the way that Rab C talks anyway.

Back to the Grail - I see there is another board on here about Roslyn Chapel - they must be making a fair bit of money marketing that to people since it featured in the book/film.

Roslyn Capel Trust have effectively won the lottery because of Mr Brown. If Braveheart is anything to go by, the effect of a big blockbuster type film can last a long time. Hollywood would appear to be all powerful!

I said before Anna that I was surprised it was kept on, but I thought it was in context and funny. A member of the clergy maybe came across it and choked on the communion wine!!

Anna,

The Roslyn Chapel is well worth a visit next time you're in Edinburgh. Of course you may well have been already. In that case disregard what I have just said.....because you know already.

I've worked out that Melanie is 41 and a half.

No I haven't visited Roslyn Chapel before so I think I will next time I'm in the area. Actually, I'd never even heard of it until I read the Da Vinci code, but coincidently (for me anyway) my grandparents used to live in a house called Roslin Cottage in Peebles. It's a small world..............

At least you're a bit kinder to Melanie than you were to me - you had me down as between 35 and 60!!! I've just had a look back at that SNP site - they're still arguing away on there about who did what to whose ancestor etc etc and what blood group you have to be to paint your face blue or to be a saxon. That blog has been going for days! I've put my two pennorth in as well but I think the main protagonists need to chill out and mediate on the search for the Holy Grail ........... (on topic!). I'm sure the Picts and the Saxons knew all about it......... maybe that's what they were fighting about for all those years!

Melanie ....... what is the time difference between us and California? Are you about 6 hours behind us?

Anna,

You could have claimed to be 35! not a bad offer, but I was going on the basis that you were at least an ex Sqn Ldr. Not many Sqn Ldrs at that age unless you're a pilot or a nav. Obviously I've got too much time on my hands to think about this stuff!!
However I start Uni again soon, so I'll have to get back on track.

Anna, Melanie

Have a look at the oil/hair story in international.

AJ

Try the one about Ms England - someone on there thinks I'm a muslim!!

Actually, I think I'll opt for 36!!

Anna,

For somebody not intersted in politik, you were getting stuck in. Alas these are hardcore nutters debating blood groups in the UK - mental stuff - you can't get through to these guys.

As you know, I'm a nationalist, but I see it in much more simpler terms.

Maybe the Grail is in the Philipines - old Spanish colony and all that!

Yeah - I'll have to stay out of the politics ones - it just irritates me when they start blaming the English for everything......... but there are English people who are just as bad - I know that, before you say it! Mind you, I'm sure that David who was going on about his Celtic heritage lives in Texas!!! There's noone more patriotic that an expat, same goes for the one on the ms england board - don't think she lives in Scotland, either!!

Still, who cares ............ the search for the Grail continues ...... and I'm going to look for it in the Land of Nod............

I had a look at the hair board - very good - bit of a wierd story tho' isn't it?

AJ - Thanks for the defence on the Miss England board........ If I find the Grail - I'll be sure to share it with you - and Melanie of course ......... wonder where she is tonight - must be the time thing!

Weird, really weird! I'm sure they've got somebody who just makes stories up to fill space. That's a bizarre one though - mopping up oil with hair and how did they get an incarcerated British drug smuggler to give a quote. I used to think my imagination could stretch things, but this has got me beat!

Melanie keeps get dragged away by her pesky kids and has to do family stuff......shocking commitment don't you think?

Did you watch the video clips on the Pyramids, Melanie was the one driving the tractor!

Anna,

I'll say gnite, busy day tomorrow - BoB stuff.

That'll take you back!

Anna, thank you for the link. The other folk tales were interesting as well. I remember my mom telling me about Silkies (She said, "Selkies")

AJ- As to your "Deliverance" statement to your wife, you are very correct. I lived in Western North Carolina for a while (in the mountains, near Tennessee). One look in the very tiny phone book proved that nearly all the residents were of Scot's descent.

Hi Anna, AJ...late to the party, again!! 8 hours behind ya!

...as hopefully you guessed, I'm the 'free spirit' in the family, not the deep thinker, I leave the psych/human behavior stuff to hubby (meant well to ya, AJ, honest!).... (hubby's working on his thesis...cognitive behavior and the intervention of crimenogenic risk)...heady stuff but a very good cause!

(Disclaimer...the following is not meant to disrespect hubby!).....

Blogging is much more interesting....you get to learn about all kind of things like wee Jimmy Krankie, rude Scots-Dan speak, politics/war/religion different place, different names, same arguments

...as to religion, wow, you both are playing the same record as me!! ...esp what you said about 'controlling the people' Anna!!
...I do my best to teach my kids take nothing at face value, always 'think outside the box'!
...skeptical of religion, AJ, yes, I grew up in it and it's made me that way, too......as to spirituality.... even the Native American Lakota (Sioux) recognize a Great Spirit...and I feel,also, the search for the Grail;....I think I prefer the Lakota version....okay, on to some fun stuff...I still can get too riled about this, if I let it...esp. as it was a long day today at work...so...

Disclaimer...this next entry is in fun...I mean no disrespect to my American family's ancestors nor anyone elses....(I've learned to do this ahead of time, it's always best to ask forgiveness, don't bother with permission...)

yep, about dem Appalachia folk ....they'ins got a grail too, dey bring it owt most evry nite'heer...ands dey be fillin it wit dat fine ol' moonshine!...I shoor no dat cuz me folk eezz just owt a wayz in them thar hills betwixt North Carolina and Tennesee...yep....serve up dem vittles, I be fiercely hunngree! Git dat dare banjo playin, Jethro!!!

too much???

...a hobby, on occasion, when I'm not cooking dinner.... history re migrations of people, cultural customs/languages sifting down thru the generations,
.....close wi' me age AJ, but ya didn't win the prize!! What are you studying???

Re: Appalachia....first white men that went overmountain (from North Car. to settle in East Tenn) with Daniel Boone (English) to search for the Grail....William & John Bean(Highland Scot descent), joined later by brother-in-law George Russell (Ulster Scot-pending verification,but most likely)..... later joined by George Gillespie (Ulster Scot) and the Lanes (English) (okay these guys above here were my ancestors)...., there were lots of Scots settled there, but not exclusively) ...almost forgot to name the Crocketts (Scottish) (AJ you know them right...Alamo!! ;)..... created their own government...Watauga Association..apart from the British and North Carolina governments...made a few people upset because they stubbornly 'marched to their own drummer'.....(might be it runs in the blood??!...oops did I say that?!)

...fascinating Grail searching time in history for me...can ya tell?

oh, sorry, danny boone, not ancestor;
.....i think the hillbillies are the keepers of the holy whisky!!

hi Wisteria, don't be scared off...AJ did mention warped humor, Anna will keep it well balanced though, (but not always, she does let go...when seeking the grail...I've seen it!)

...will try to find your other posts...my my, what all did I miss tonite?? :)

...not sampling the consulting product tonite....just slap-happy tired....your humor cheered me up tonite AJ, Anna, thanks!!

You'll tucked up in your beddybys now, I'll catch up withyou in a wee while.

Melanie is it true thaty Hilly Billy dialect can only be mastered if one is willing to let their teeth rot away to ugly stumps, while at the same time chain smoking a clay pipe.
Also, is the rocking chair on the front porch essential? Of course buckets of moonshine would be obligatory.

Hi Melanie

Sorry we missed each other again ....... I didn't realise it was as much as an 8 hour difference - quite a bit really. We'll have to have synchronise watches when we set out on the quest for the Holy Grail!!

AJ - I think they eat a lot of squirrel and possum as well, have bare feet and go around on beat up old trucks in large extended family groups. Or am I confusing this with the 60s/early 70s TV show Beverly Hillbillies? Maybe, the illicit moonshine still is just a ruse to hide the fact that they have actually discovered the Holy Grail in 'them, thar woods!

Anna,

A man called Dave accused me of being a muppet on the Iranian Nuclear debate. Not very nice is it?
I reckon his blood pressure must have hit the roof, so job done!

How are you today? Do you post from work or are you a wee Hoosewifie?

AJ,

I've just been reading the Iranian postings - there's someone called Kermit sticking up for you on that blog. He doesn't like people in Fife being referred to as muppets and who can blame him? Some people can't stand anyone who has an alternative opinion to them without resorting to personal abuse, they don't realise that it just makes them look as if they have nothing else to say!

During the school hols - I'm just a 'wee hoosewife'. They go back on Tuesday down here but they've already gone back in Scotland haven't they?

I'm trying to think of a comment about the Scream painting but haven't come up with anything yet - maybe, the thieves swapped the paintings for the Holy Grail - which has been tucked away in a Norweigian fjord for yonks and not in this whirlpool!

Anna, I think the Scream painting depicts the person who dropped the Grail into the Corryvreckan.

Kermit is really me.

Aye, the kids are back here and the roads are choked with people carriers and 4x4s.

I see Miss Piggy is sticking up for you now - I think Sister Holly must have sent her!!

The 'gay rights march and firemen' story is creating a lot of interest. It's up to 139 already. Were they searching for the Holy Grail on that march do you think?

...had to check on barking dogs, must have been a stray searching for the grail...wanted to check in while I was up.....

I must say, Kermit is the most charming and better looking of the muppets. ;)

...AJ, thank you so much for the 'visual' regarding hillbilly dialect....although you did more than make up for it by the comments on the hair article...esp about a certain S. American country!! ;)

Ps. right about the rocking chairs (have photos to prove!)

Anna, word of warning...red neck cookin...don't ask what meat is in the stew!!! I have a recipe book that includes some interesting things!

So, I know you 'fly sorties' quite well. Anna,....you took care of that Elizabeth...what was she about????Very well handled on your part!!
....If you don't mind me asking, how many kids do you have??

wanted to comment on the Iranian board, but just didn't want to commit to the grail quest there...not much in to debate with all that....and, head is hanging a bit low ...things haven't been handled well(being polite)...

well, on to better thoughts...will look forward to catching up with ya later, I have to admit this really has been fun...should be home more or less today, so I'll be able to join in more...in between not neglecting my fam!

Melanie - I wasn't talking about the country, just the hair style. I don't think Mary fae Methilhill would have had a Brazilian, as she was referred to as Hairy Mary in other parts of Scotland!

Anyway just back from a long lunch. Sets up the weekend.

Have a nice morning Melanie.

AJ - The Dambuster's blog is showing possibilities - I saw you were on there nice and early!!

Melanie - I have one little boy - who is my heart's darling. How about you? I had a quick look at your website last night - very interesting - is it OK to comment - do you need a code name? Is that you AJ that has already commented on there?

Anyway, I think the Holy Grail might be located at Muppet Mafia HQ - I'll go and ask Miss Piggy if shes seen it!!

The increase in women committing violence blog is becoming quite a funny one (I know it's not a funny topic really) - how many aliases have you got on there AJ?

Anna,

You're ahead of me, but I'll get on to the violent women ASAP.

Haven't commented on Mel's site yet - Anna you think I'm commenting on everything, I've got to do some work in between! I now get nervous when I see a risque comment cos you think it's me!

Anna

In our search for the Grail, we are approaching 200 comments - surely a world record. I would like you or Melanie to be No 200.

Sorry, Melanie - beat you to it!!

Those SNP bloodgroup bloggers are still searching for the grail on that site - do those people ever give up?

Do you do work then AJ? I thought everyone north of Watford was on the dole!!!

AJ - As a Scottish person - have you ever complained about the Scottish weather? I am having a disagreement with some fellow from Texas (on the violent women blog) who says that the Scots never complain about the weather there. Well, the ones I know do ......

We'll all have to make sure that the weather is exactly right when we embark on the Holy Grail quest!! That's me 201 not out!!

Rats! Anna, ya flew in thar mighty quick!!!

I'll have to go back and read SNP more thoroughly, blood type and politics, hmmm? what a strange question in pursuit of the grail....

Hi AJ...ah, would love some 'weather' right about now...it's still getting about 105+F (40/41C?) in the shade....so, care to comment on your weather?? Ps I know you weren't talking about a 'country', and right, mary needs to stay hairy, although the moon ritual dance might not be so appealling!!

Anna, the comment was from my cousin who I think, actually lives a bit near you...sorry P, they found ya out...Anna, before I got in trouble about the comment, I think it was, "stuffy english family'...I had to let her and her mum know it wasn't them i was referring to...they are wonderfully 'proper', but not in the least bit stuffy!

...ah, ran out of time, off with the middle wee one for a music lesson....doing my best to expose them to some culture, but I think my boy prefers 'Sunshine of your Love' vs anything classical on the guitar.... will get back....

Hi Melanie

3 children? Just a guess............ I tell you what - there are some strange people blogging on the 'violent women' site at the moment - apparently the whole of the UK is afloat on a sea of beer..... don't people take life seriously!!? The gay firemen blog is getting wierd as well - it must be crazy night! Well, I'll pop off and have a search for that Grail again............. Later!!

Just been to Sainsbury's and the Grail wasn't there either. Checked the freezer compartments and all I could find was peas and ice cream.

Weather - Haven't complained this summer, but come November when I have to take the dogs out, I'll be complaining for sure. We stay overlooking a beach and it can be wild, however the view makes up for any dodgy weather.

So Melanie, the moon dance? Care to elaborate! Bet you wouldn't do it in November in Sconnie Botland.

Hi Anna, yes, 3..g,b,g...teen, tween, lil'un...Keep me busy. Do you speak French...you mentioned reading a French newspaper, on the other post.

Also, curious about Benbecula, as what was it like..climate, culture; we wanted to pursue the grail out to Skye etc but limited time and weather not best to cross. I like learning about diff cultures/histories etc...we were in West Ire trying to speak limited Irish to a Irish-only speaking elderly shepherd, and hiking in the Alps (to remote Alms/hostels) where people were shocked to see Americans; my limited German was much better than my Irish!!

Would love to hear some of your travel adventures...nothing like a good story shared...we'll just have to imagine the "pints" in our hands...bit too early for me!! ;)

Will check out the other blogs...AJ must be out for the nite?? tis Fri after all!! talk with ya later!

oh, hi! I'm envious, you're by the sea...weather and all! :)

"The Ancient Celtic Ritual Moon Dance", earlier post here, not sure what number...it was for the Mary and the Grail screenplay...part of Mary's adventures

....I had read the story on the Callanais stones and was listening to a variety of music...my music tastes are a bit eclectic...at that moment it was a mix of 'Bonfire Dancing' album- Wicked Tickers, Van Morrison's 'Moon Dance' and the Doors

I speak a bit of French - Melanie - enough to get by - I try to improve it by reading French newspapers, occasionally. I've searched for the Grail in Germany, France, Belgium, Austria and Holland. I like all of those countries - but I have some French ancestors so I like to feel I have a bit of an affinity there!!! I speak enough German to get by - one of my brother-in-laws is German - the other is Glaswegian - what a mixture!!

Benbecula is very windy, actually, the Outer Islands tend to be. When the weather is good it is very attractive - in a wild Scottish way. The beaches are unspoilt but are more suitable for walking or riding on - definitely not sunbathing. There are peat bogs and heather moorlands - when I was there a whale was stranded on the beach and it died there. The roads are narrow with passing places and the islanders are friendly - they speak Gaelic but will speak English to foreigners like me!!

AJ - Ice cream and peas - strange food you Fife people eat ...........!! Sounds nice where you live - overlooking a beach! We overlook a Fen dyke which in this part of the world is for the drainage of the fens and not a wall like it is in Scotland. We have a lock gate near us and barges going along during the Summer. Those barge people are probably looking for the Grail............!

Hi Anna, yes, but isn't the mixture of cultures...fun! my two sister-in-laws...one, American but mom is Cuban, dad Mexican...and my other is Brazilian of Dutch descent.

so what's for dinner AJ? Moon dance in Nov,yes, I'll pass, although bundled up in a sweater etc and out for a walk along the shore...okay!!

Anna,

It's unsafe in the other blogs - I think I'll search for the Grail here for a while.

Peas and ice cream is a delicacy in this part of the world. It's a substitute for mint flavoured ice cream -you get the correct colour but not quite the taste!

Cambridgeshire as I understand is very flat but perfect for building airbases. That apart, I would imagine living there would be pretty good. Traditional English villages are what England is all about. It's only urbanisation that has dragged the place down.

Melanie, good to here from you - 3 kids, you must be a busy woman. My last reckoning you had at least 3 jobs, more hobbies than a member of the Royal Family and a hubby to support!

Whatever it is you take, I think I need some.

AJ - you are right about the urbanisation - and it seems to be getting worse - I blame Prescott!!
Actually, AJ - I know you're really quite posh - the shopping at Sainsburys gave it away!!

Those other sites are getting a bit heavy - the gay one is full of bible people spouting off and being rebuffed by the heathens!

Yes, Melanie - you do seem very active - have you already found the Grail - or is it the California air?

Hi AJ/Anna, yes, have fingers in a few pies so to speak...Only one job at hospital, consulting in the future but only for fun and spending money...other pursuits are here and there; I am busy, the hobbies/grail explorations are sporadic but keep my mind off living in the heat and brown sand; this area, although not crowded, is not all that fun ...I need to keep busy or living here will drive me nuts!

Anna

Gay site? Is that the fireman one? That's the sort of subject that can polarise opinion and the two extremes clash - not a chance in hell of middleground being found. Sounds like a job for me - to stir a bit.

Prescott might as well get the blame, he's Tony's fall guy after all. He is unsackable, it would seem.

Melanie is very active, she reminds me of an old aunty I used to have. She could make hundreds of jars of any jam you care to mention, shoe a horse and beat her two mischevious sons to a pulp at the same time.

I tell you what though - you think I can be feisty - check out Doreen on the gay blog - she is really feisty and funny with it!!

The Grail might be in Glasgow after all.

you two need to clue me in on some of your past spats......I bet the reading of it would be great!!!

glad you're getting on better, though!

thanks, AJ, I'm like yer auld auntie now am I??? perhaps I should be sending a horseshoe yer way....Anna had it right!

Yes, you've been far too nice to him, Melanie, he needs keeping in line, now and then. If the Grail is in that whirlpool - AJ can jump in and fish it out!!

Och, she used to pick on me and call me names. It started on a blog about cricket and I suggested that cricketers were a bunch of Jessies. That's when Anna called me a poof!

I've just found out about a Temple of the Grail in Glesca(Glasgow Melanie).

Melane, I'm sure you don't beat your kids that much!

See what I mean about Anna being feisty, Melanie - she wants to drown me!

AJ
Were you freedom from caledonia on the gay v firemen blog .......... if you were then that was funny!! If you weren't it was still funny but you know what I mean.
I didn't call him a poof, Melanie, I just asked him if his allusions to homosexuals on that topic and on previous ones that I'd seen him comment on - was his cry for help in trying to find his way out of the closet!!
He, of course, denied that - asked me if I was a lesbian which I, of course, denied and then started to tell me how much he enjoyed watching Brazillian women playing beach volley ball!!

Actually, maybe the Grail is in the closet!! (on topic)

AJ, would this temple be serving lager from the tap?

hallo, see, I do forgive quickly, no cold shoulder on my part....however,.. my horseshoe will ever be lurking nearby and handy!

Hi Anna, yes, these men do need to be kept in line, ...whatever would they do without us!!!

Melanie,

Can't remember all that stuff that Anna's going on about, apart from the volleyball. But reading between the lines, she called me a poof - that's the beginning,middle and end of it.

Auld Annie,

Changed my opinion on what feisty is......that Doreen is seriously feisty. Anna, I'm afraid it's back to feisty school for you. I think I would rate you as mildly objectionable. Didn't Cranwell teach you feistiness(new word?)?

It seems to be Girl Power rules these day. I remember an old adage - once they invent a vibrator that can mow the lawn, men will be history!

Hi AJ.....to quote you..."exotic second wife" (love the adjective), and your penchant for Brazillian female volleyball players....right, could hardly call you a 'poof'

Um, yes, I have heard that old adage before, ......don't worry AJ, can still think of some good uses for the 'likes of yas'... ;)

Well ................ that could, of course, all be a cover!!
See what I mean about Doreen - she reaches new heights in feistinessness .......... and shes well scary - I'm in her gang in the playground!!

Right, must pop off and resume the search for the Grail tomorrow - night all..........

good nite Anna!!! Good one to AJ and David on the other site!!!!

Gnite Anna, don't batter yer man too badly!

Melanie,

Thanks for your support against the Mildly Objectionable one!

yer too fun, AJ what does yer wife do we' ye???

...you never did tell me what you were studying at uni?? Is it top secret???

History - module form - done many topics, including early colonial history in America.
Going to concentrate on Medieval Scottish history next year.

So there you go, it's not top secret.

lookin to become a teacher??

gettin late, & I need to be gettin to makin dinner...your classes sound interesting...will talk with ya later!

Hi AJ, was hopin you'd stop by before headin to bed...wanted to clarify...I shared the Appalachia info for the fun of history; I stumbled across the family connection quite accidently...grannie's stories and family names just matched up with my interest in reading about the time period...I got into genealogy for a time, afterwards ...but, I'm no pedigree snob...anyway just wanted to clear the air if it needed clearin!!

...the pirate/privateer was a historical figure I came across, not an ancestor....I needed something to counter your Blackbeard comment...! :)

am going out tonite with some friends; will raise a pint in your and Anna's honor...cheers to your wit!!

Sleep well!

Melanie,

I slept well, that's what happens nowadays - Friday nights in, social life virtually non-existent and I love it. I'll talk more about the colonials - I found it really interesting - Roanoke, Jamestown, PIRATES etc - later.

See ya

AJ, Melanie- your history study sounds interesting - I enjoy studying history as well - quite like the middle ages too.

I don't know very much about colonial history in the US but I am very interested in the American Civil War ............ much, more fascinating than our own Civil War. Maybe, because there is still so much information around about it!! Also, very interested in WW1 especially the Western Front, I also like reading about the origins of Christianity, beliefs and development over the centuries.
Keeps this auld girl's mind ticking over, anyway.

Still searching for the Grail - might find it today!

Peas for breakfast - AJ?

Peas with cornlakes - ancient Scottish recipe.

The Grail is possibly in the local swing park, so I'll hae a wee look there with my daughter. However, Scotland are playing the Faroe Islands today - it could be close game, so the Grail could be on the telly!

Anna, I promise not to goad you today, because you cleverly get Melanie on your side and it's no fair!

Anna,

I've got a facination with WW1 too, both my grandads were involved, one was badly wounded.

Gallipoli has been a facination in the past and I've visited the battlefield - incredibly moving. The result of my study, however was a very deep appreciation of the Turkish people and in particular their leader and reformer Mustapha Kemal Ataturk.

One of my grandads will be turning in his grave as he had a VERY different view. I can understand that though, colleagues being slaughtered all around, but the beauty of history is trying to be impartial and embracing both views.

You see I am very boring!

I'll believe it when I read it AJ - about the goading that is.
Yes, good on you Melanie, us girls have to stick together.

The story about the lobster is brilliant - perhaps they were looking for the Grail and caught the lobster instead - and then they scoffed it - great - wonder if they had it with peas!

Remember, AJ, the swings are for the children - no pushing them off so you can have a go!

Lobster and peas - too bourgeois for my family. It was a brute though, it had a good innings and might have swallowed the Grail, so it's slaughter was justified.

Anna, when do comment boards close on a particular subject? I think you should source an appropriate story in the next day or so and we could take over that one too. What do you think?

Agree - AJ - they are bound to close this one soon - there are a few backwaters on this site, though. The Bedlam story is one of them........

Check out the comments on the gay v firemen story - I'm quite pleased with my contribution near the end..........

The search for the Grail will have to continue later - I better go spend some quality time with the family!!

Ditto, see ya

I'll check the fireman gay blog

Great comment Anna, you should write satire for living, because that was really funny.
It was also spot on!

AJ

Check out the PM 9 months blog - there is a guy on there called Jeff from Texas who thinks you have discovered the Holy Grail of Scottish Independence!!

He seems to be a great admirer of yours! I've put him right tho'........

Looks like Scotland are rediscovering the Holy Grail of fitba' the day ............ I expect you're watcing that!!.

If you get the chance to pop back online - have a look at the Ancient Scot on the Ms England site - what do you think of my broad Scots? Not bad eh? Do you think that Alan guy is for real? You get some right crazies on here - they seem to think the Scots are still dodging about in the heather running away from the redcoats!!

Maybe, the redcoats were really looking for the Holy Grail all the time!!

Anna,

You're too kind, but Jeff was taking the P. Got to watch these sarcy SOB's.

Scotland 5 (repeat five goals) Faroe Islands 0

Possibly the Holy Grail has been discovered in Glasgow this afternoon.

AJ - I've just had to check out your other comment about Andorra (with ma man) - bit cheeky that one - you never know the Faroes might make a comeback and find their own Holy Grail!!

Anna,

An attempt as good as I've seen by somebody from Cambridgeshire.

There is probably lots of Alans on this site but he is a wee more radio rental than the bulk of them.

Anna,
Nae chance. But you've got to support the underdog!

good morning! got to sleep in a bit...you two have been busy, as usual....having a good day, I hope?!

Hi Melanie

AJ is probably drinking the contents of the Holy Grail just now as Scotland's football team have just beaten the Faeroes 6 - 0. England are playing Andorra at the moment and, apparently, are winning 3- 0 - so my husband has just told me, anyway!! The boys in my house are watching it but I'm not - don't really like football that much!! How about you? Do you watch any sports?

Have a look at the lobster story - it's funny! I like lobster it's the Holy Grail of shellfish for me.

Hi Anna, sports, hummm.....I'll watch football (soccer-here) with my son, he plays youth league, I like to watch ice hockey, love rugby but not usually on Tele unless you subscribe to the extra channels...another fun sport is Lacrosse, but it's mostly on the East coast, college games, again not on the Tele out here that often
...I really don't like the traditional stuff here...baseball, Am. football, basketball...just don't care for it

Lobster, have had a few times...what did AJ say..."borjwazee" ;) me too! Although I do like seafood...

have to run a quick errand, it's play day for my lill'est one at a friend's house, will be right back

Melanie,

You're being cheeky, but the fact is I love lobster, it's just a wee bit expensive in these parts.

It wasn't something you even thought about when I was growing up. Lobster belonged to big country hooses and posh hotels.

Listen, I've got to talk the proletariat talk, so you're not disappointed.

Agreed, AJ - lobster is very expensive in UK - I like crab as well. We visit Cromer on the North Norfolk coast quite a lot and the Cromer crab is delicious and not that expensive.
Cromer is a seaside resort, Melanie, and very nice if you get the good weather - but we've been there in all weathers and still had a good time!!

We were digging on the beach for the Holy Grail last month, and amazingly, for here, the weather was so good that even I went in the sea. Now, that is a rare thing for me to do - it can be a mite chilly in the North Sea even in the summer! Must be global warming .......

you seem a straightforward guy AJ, I doubt you could ever disappoint! :)

Cheeky, yes, but I think ya like that in a lass, a wee bit , don't ya! .....Right, Anna?!

went by the fireman/march posts...isn't ironic they seem to be proving our point about religion/dogma (there's the pc stuff and fawning politicians...but that's a diff subject) Anyway...Anna, touche' with the bible verses, funny!

But, AJ, toss the bible completely?...I think the verse.... "Your stature is like a palm tree, And your breasts are like its clusters. I said, 'I will climb the palm tree, I will take hold of its fruit stalks. Oh, may your breasts be like clusters of the vine, And the fragrance of your breath like apples, And your mouth like the best wine...." Song Sol 7:7-9
(do you think Solomon found a copy of the Kama Sutra on his way to seek the Grail?) ;)

That's the hottest text from the Bible and if there was more of that, it would have had pride of place under my bed during the difficult teenage years!!

...I thought you'd have some fun with that!! :)

I briefly toyed with the idea about being anon and commenting on the fire/march board, something about the pc/political crowd supporting diversity and showing up to support a special pet parade march, but I thought the ovine jokes might get out of hand.....(too much??!)

okay, back to more of a dignified conversation.... :)
....about Gallipoli and that Turkish leader you mentioned...I googled a bit about him; the little I had time to read (fam requesting my presence)...he seemed a forward thinker....Have you seen the movie Gallipoli with Mel Gibson? It's been a while, just wanted to know if it was factual....I remember feeling depressed afterwards...like what a waste. I'm afraid I don't know much about all that...I'm more up on WW2

you know, you really are interesting...some of your ideas...you mentioned Cuba as well, wanting to go/live there?...would it be for the warm beaches and palms and/or is the ideology more to your liking politically? While no government is perfect, (look at the free thinking ours was founded on, and what it has turned into....) I find the totalitarian/soc aspect a bit frightening.....disclaimer, I'm not up on all of the political facets, really, so sorry if I'm speaking naively.

Melanie,

You're reading into my Psyche a bit to deeply. As you said I'm a regular guy really, but I do have strong views on many issues - mainly issues effecting Scotland. However, I do take an interest in worldwide issues, such as Cuba and the Middle East.

My views on Cuba were formed fairly recently, when the penny dropped that America was the bad guy in their relations with Cuba. Since the ending of the Cold War the pressure has been on Cuba with trade embargoes imposed by the US. Yet this little island still survives against all odds. And the reason, Fidel Castro's intelligent and philanthropic style of governance.

This view might not sit well with many people exiled from Cuba, but I think in general terms his administration has benefitted the people of Cuba. As I said before, the previous ruler presided over an American style theme park - substituting Mickey Mouse for Latino prostitutes!

I'll discuss Ataturk some other time Melanie, he is an incredible person, who I discovered fought at the same time as my Grandfather in Gallipoli.

I have to say I have no desire to live in Cuba. I know it is not a Utopian paradise. I admire Castro for his tenacity and ability to survive. However, I'm a pretty pasty white Scot and would suffer terribly with sunburn!

I am currently on the Blair political story Melanie and I'm no happy, no happy at all!!!!

Still you always cheer me up Melanie.

Melanie - get you - quoting the Song of Songs - that is a very sexy piece of Bible there. I went to a wedding once and they quoted some of it at that - setting them up for their honeymoon!!

This is also part of it:

Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth: for thy love is better than wine.

Which was used in the song by Steven Tintin Duffy - I've pasted a link so you can hear it. The song is No 2 on the list and is called Kiss Me.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000I5TZ

What do they teach you girls in California? You'll be embarassing poor old AJ - a well brought up Scottish laddie........!!

Any sign of the Grail yet?

Hi Anna, sorry meant to get back to you on the blog thing....this is all new to me, I'm only a 'basic' computer navigator!! (had to consult!) .

...to post a comment, click on 'comment', put your thoughts down,then you can choose anon, put your name etc, type in the anti-spam letters shown there
...no need to leave a return address, nor is it traceable...would love to have you post there, or at least keep abreast of the Egypt project

It would be fun to talk 'Am Civil War' with ya...my family for the most part were for the Confederacy. It was like I grew up with it, or at least the shadows of it sort of, from some of the stories

perhaps you can tutor me on WW1, not much up on the facts, etc

history of religion....do you know anything on the Celtic church...have only done a little reading....I think they had a better way with regard to things, women's roles....but then the misogynists from Rome ruined things (sorry cousin P if your reading, I don't mean to be insulting-it's a feeling/opinion...generalized; I want to research more to get all of the facts)

Anna,

I was blushing big time, had to undo ma collar...phew! That Bible is some book - sex, death, flayings, murder, and child abuse(Dan Brown says Jesus' mum would have been 12 or 13 years old when she had him!)

Anna,

Have you heard about the Nimrod going down in Afghanistan - 14 guys all from RAF Kinloss. I know a lot of people up there, so this too close to home.

I heard the news when I was reading the TB 9mth story and I really got angry - I didn't know it was RAF personnel at that time.

As you probably know, I'm completely sick of this conflict, with British lives being lost, at a now alarming rate. It's got to be resolved ASAP - but it won't as Bush calls the shots.

I'll speak to you soon, I suspect you'll be feeling pretty bad, take care.

yes, Anna, the California beach-bum attitudes have definitely influenced me!! I just couldn't resist, hee hee!! :)

...speaking of proper Scottish laddies, do you know we were almost thrown out of a 'proper' Scottish youth hostel??! We had just come from Ireland, where the hostel rules were very relaxed (co-ed rooms, bathrooms, but everyone respectful, as well as alcohol, but not drunkeness, was pemitted) Anyway, I'm glad we couldn't understand his Scots, my husband might have said a few things back...but some really nice Scots lasses were the mediators, and it worked out, and we weren't put out!!!

Hi AJ, sorry for any, discomfort......I just don't want to get in trouble wi yer wife AJ....I really was raised/am a 'lady'...!! :)

not avoiding the other topic about the losses, AJ/Anna...just trying to get things done inbetween typing

Hi Melanie

Re: WW1 - well it is a big subject but I do know of one link which gives you links to most of the good WW1 sites on the web:

http://www.firstworldwarlinks.com/

Also, if you want a tear jerker try this one:

http://www.aftermathww1.com/warrior.asp

I started my research because my great grandfather served for just over 2 years on the Western Front and then was finally killed during the Battle of Arras in 1917. He is buried in a Commonwealth War Grave in France. My father's mother (he was her Dad) often spoke about him, she was about 13 when he died. There were also a few bits of memorabilia which eventually came to me. I decided to do a bit of research and eventually got his service records - so I have written up some stuff for other members of the family. It was very interesting to do the research and intensely moving.

AJ - if you want to check out your grandfather's service, then the national archives are now on line at http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/medals...

I intend to look up 3 of my maternal grandmother's uncles who survived the war. At one time it was, ironically, easier to research those who had died in WW1 but since they put the national archives on line - it has become a bit easier to find out things about those who survived.

You're right about the Bible - it makes the Holy Grail search look very tame indeed. Yes, I have just finished a book about Mary, the Mother of Jesus and most sources seem to think she was about 12 or 13.

we have friends there too...about had a breakwown at work when I heard a USMC chopper went down...friends with that unit, but they were ok, unfortunately the others were not

AJ

Yes I have heard that there were 12 RAF and 1 marine and I'm not sure about which service the 14th was in.
My husband is still in the RAF - so, sometimes, these things strike a bit close to home. Also, the RAF is a small world............... as you know.

Hi Cousin Melanie
No insult taken. But please don't think that those brought up in the ways of those 'mysoginists' don't question the rights and wrongs. To quote Benjamin Franklin “To Follow by faith alone is to follow blindly.”
I check back often for any sign of the Grail, alas my disappontment knows no bounds.

Thanks for the link to the National Archive. It's something I've been meaning to do and I will check it out.

Your right about the size of the RAF community, it's only about 43,000 personnel. So if you don't effected people directly, you will know someone who does - if you know what I mean. Anna, you know all this anyway.........duh!

Melanie,

Did you search for the Grail with the kids today, where did you go?

Sorry about the heavy stuff earlier. I normally like to keep things light. Did you spot the Lobster story, Anna was telling bad jokes!

Anna,

Very good - Peajay -not clever enough to get past me!!

here's to share some music AJ, but I think, Dirty Pretty Things has way more style!

http://greenday.com/greenday.html

AJ

Sorry, Peajay is not me - I think it's Melanie's cousin tho'

The Ancient Scot has been back on the Ms England site - do you think the accent has improved?

I will admit to Larry the Lobster and Penelope the Prawn on the lobster blog.....

I sent Penelope and Larry out to look for the Grail in the whirlpool hours ago and still no sign of it!!

Thanks Melanie, Green Day are huge over here as well. Funny wee fella the lead singer, but obviously talented.

A band you might find interesting - The Mull Historical Society. It's only one guy, but he comes from Mull and is supremely talented. His name is Colin McIntyre and I've been to three of his concerts. He dropped the name Mull Hist and performs under his own name now. A wee bit confusing I know.

He's spent a lot of time in America - New Orleans pre-flood, and his music is influenced by his travels

Very good Melanie - Peajay - not clever enough to get past me.

I had a 50% chance of getting the culprit right and blew it!!! That's why I don't gamble.

I'll check the Ancient guy out and see if your accent has improved!

uh, Peajay is from Hertfordshire...

Hi P, yes, there have been many ups and downs with regard to the search for the Grail. I'm happy to have some new aquaintances to use humor to make the trudge of the journey lighter. Disapointment, yes, sadness,also; too many have muddied the beauty of the Grail for the sake of their own interests.

I'm glad you didn't take offense (we Americans...bible bangers or heathens...I'd like to think I'm in a completely separate category; I know the truth of the Grail, I just don't like all of the extra add-ons !)

"Hertfort, Hereford and Hampshire
Hurricanes hardly ever happen"

Right Melanie, I've cracked the source of your knowledge of Hertfortshire.

Am telling ye, ye'll hiv tae get up a wee bitty earlier tae catch me oot!

Take note Anna! Also ever since I called you Auld Annie, you keep on using Ancient for your pseudonyms.

missed the lobster link, and can't find...do tell.....
(that wasn't me pretending to be P)!!

Crusty the lobster celebrity - think it's in Scotland section. You'll have to pinch yourself when you read it. But don't feel shellshocked, you'll be able to claw your way through the article.

If you're not P then who is? Ancient Scot, Penelope Pitstop, Corbett Hunckers?

AJ - I think Peejay is another blogger!!

Melanie - lobster link is the one about Crusty the lobster on the Scotland news site.

AJ - I quite like being the Ancient Scot - I've added a bit more - I think I'm getting quite good at it now. Shame that Alan bloke hasn't popped back for a chat!!
Maybe, Alan is off searching for the Grail on the red & mauve heather moorland that he was on about! I'm surprised he didn't put in a bit about the rivers running with blood - it would have made it more poetic and stirring!!

Colin is talented, there seems almost a 60ish style you could say, at least the songs I heard...

okay, here's back at ya...
http://www.myspace.com/theduhks

Anna, He maybe slipped on Red Deer droppings, got bitten on the arse by an adder and savaged by a wild cat. Mind you I know what it's like being savaged by a wild cat...right Anna!

I'll check ye oot again....see ya

Anna!!! You're a Pirate in RAF clothing..... ;)

no wonder you're sorties have been so effective!

The Duhks are right up my street, I'll be downloading the CD.

see ya all, d'ye hear

Ah'll go get me an injun.......yeeeha

good nite AJ

Hi Anna, thanks for the WW1 sites, will take me a bit to go thru, plus like any heavy subject can only be taken a little at a time.

...I think I heard someone say one time..."beaurocrats (sp) will be the death of us all";......one could say that they definitely got lost on their way to the grail...

...."It's higher up the blame should stay; Sir 'Enery whats'is name
With the red tabs, 'Big Noise'.
What's 'e know about this game - all safe and dry and well-defended ?
To him we're nothing more than toys
To be expended....
....Have a pint of best, you and yer mates, and think of me
Lying here……"

Evening Whispers on the Somme
Guillemon Cemetery, March 1997
by Roger Laing

sorry, pensive tonite!!! .....but I will bounce back.......Fun is always in style!

hello, good morning,bounced back already.... had some fun reading the lobster blog, what a laugh, definitely lightened the mood!! Disney characters have come on stage as well as Appalachia hunters!! Ye best be waaarned!!!

Hi,

Just having a 'debate' with one of the tartan terrors from the US - they love to see it all in black and white and how oppressed their ancestors were - on the teaching history in school blog.

I might have to bring the Ancient Scot in soon.... !!

Noticed you on the golf story site AJ - any sign of the Grail on the 19th Tee?

Hi Anna, will have a look!

AJ, where ARE You!!!! (did ya hear me way over your way, tried to yell as loud as I could!) ;)

Hi P, Mark used your quote on his blog...he sends his regards!!!

Melanie, it's the weekend, got some family stuff to do. You're full of beans, I can tell. Can't work out the hours you keep, do stay awake 24hrs?

Anna, the golf story is a bit bizarre, but pathetic at the same time.

Hi Anna, I see what you meant by tarten terror, I think I've read some of Wm's posts before, nice 'chap', but yes, I think a bit blk & wht. Good analogy with the Confederacy!! There are those here who still see the rosy of it.

Hi AJ, yes, but thank you for not adding 'spit & vinegar', as well! :)
....I do behave in social gatherings!...this blogging just brings out my 'alter-ego' sometimes!! ;)

As far as my hours, I would prefer 'early to bed and early to rise'....but, I sometimes resort back to when I worked night shift, and am unable to sleep at night...

Ps....I didn't post the Bambi comment :)

Well, have a great day with your fam, AJ!! Have fam time myself today, too!!

Bye, for now Anna, will catch up later!

Hi Melanie

I thought the Bambi comment was you.... ?! I love all the 'hug a lobster' people - they would have us all eating tofu and lentils if they could....

I'm having a 'chat' with some Gaelic speaking fellow now - there seems to be more groups in the US that speak Gaelic than in Scotland! Do you speak any Gaelic AJ? No offence, if you do but it always seems to me that apart from the indigenous Highland and Islanders who still speak it - the wannabee Gaelic speakers, in the UK, nowadays, seem to be upper middle class English who knit yoghurt, eat tofu and lentils and keep goats from which they make smelly cheese!!

Ah the search for the Grail continues - enjoy your family things - I've nipped away from mine for a minute or two for a quick bit of blogging.

Melanie - glad you understood what I meant about the Confederacy - apart from their not very nice habit of keeping slaves - they always seem to come over as the more 'romantic' side. That is definitely the Gone with the Wind effect and probably the fact that they lost and the brutal suppression the North inflicted on the South after the war ended. Mind you it is in the names as well - Stonewall Jackson, Jed Stuart, Robert E Lee and his horse Traveller - a grey man on a grey horse, the Rebel Yell, the Yankees always seem much more utilitarian and dull to me.

AJ - Melanie

Thought you might like this link - about the Hill Billies and Rednecks in the US - it confirms what you both said about being descended from Scots:

http://www.scotshistoryonline.co.uk/rednecks/rednecks.html

Interesting site that one - I'll continue my search for the Grail on it!!

Forgot to mention 'Dixie' - fab song - so evocative and much better than 'The Battle Hymn of the Republic' - you see it's all in the terminology and the songs - you're more likely to shed a tear for Dixie and the Skye Boat Song than for the more martial victory songs. Also the tattered flags of the Confederacy vailiantly waving in the teeth of the Juggernaut advance of the Yankees blends beautifully with the Lost Cause of the Stuarts on Culloden Moor. Not a dry eye in the house, it appeals to the sentimental and romantic vein in all of us!!

The same can be said for the Grail and the search continues!!

HI Anna, my hubby was in the room when I read one or two sentences about 'hunters being murderers, and no reason to hunt etc..." He's slow to anger about most things :) but that one just got him riled....he turned it around tho and handled it with humor....so, I guess, I'm partially involved there....I was ever so encouraging!!! ;)

The Yankees were 'wonderful' with the suppression! Most southerners were only fighting for their homes, their states (allegiance to state rather than fed)...my grandparents parents' families (save one Norse great grand) lost a lot...I have a square of quilt, made by a great etc grand,that was never pieced together because the Yankees were coming! Grannie said they literally buried "important but cumbersome" belongings out back, then loaded up wagons and got out of there.
...I'm grateful to my gran for passing the heritage on...she really did teach me to sing Dixie, and ingrained the Southern Lady thing into me....although my behavior here has been a bit cheeky,... still, I think my granny would appreciate it! ;) She was/is a feisty thing!!

The men you mentioned Stonewall, Jeb, Robert E Lee...have done some reading in search of the grail....very much to be admired there (the only fault being the slavery issue, but that was a mindset of the time also, I think...same with regard to the Native Americans)

as to the songs, the gallentry, the Rebel Yell,...I have to read into it there and say it might have been the Celtic influence...just a theory...There also was an Irish Brigade out of New York, very vibrant uniforms, unique style and the same bravery....

wonderful link there...yes, ...lowland Scots Presbyterian left because of religious troubles (same story from ma grannie)

didn't know about the origens for the terms hillbilly etc...what fun!!

Gaelic seems a difficult language to learn, gutteral much like German; I like it tho, my Irish friend remembers some from his childhood (thus...ar muir and of course Ceud Mile Failte from my blog...

...I'm glad they are taking measures to bring it back into more of the mainstream, at least that's what I've been reading......I live in the "present day", but like the heritage thing...some of the Native Americans are reviving their culture/heritage/languages as well! Don't worry, tho, no tartan rants from me!!! :)

A ha, Melanie - so you have your secret weapon and let your man loose on the keyboard every so often... good for him!! I liked his post!!

The quilt sounds great - that's the kind of thing I imagine generations of American women doing and passing their history on at the same time. My maternal Nana used to make quilts from odd scraps of material and clippie rugs which were made from rags. Quilting was quite a thing in the North East of England and some of the old quilts are worth quite a lot of money now. Unfortuately, none of my families were passed down...! Your info about the Civil War was very interesting too! I think you are probably right about the Rebel Yell and the Celtic influence - I'll have to google it!!

Well off in search of the Grail again - we went out for a walk this afternoon and despite our searching it was nowhere to be seen!!!

Aye I see ye's are al on here blethering aboot the Grail. Weel I can tell ye now - ye'll nivvor find it. Thon Grail is ower weel hidden and oor Laird is making far tae much brass oot o' thae gullible fules that think it's hidden in Roslyn Chapel or in thon bonny whirlpool. Aye, he'll dae ony thing fare mouli that yin!

Thon, Alan mannie is back oan the Miss England blog blethering aboot witches and heretics!! Weel, aa ken al aboot them sae I've put him reet!!

your walk sounds nice, am waiting for it to cool off a bit, then we'll be out too!

two of my great-granddads were from NE Eng area, I'll have to look up the town names to be sure exactly where.... I'm not really familiar with the traditions there...thanks for the 'share'!

Hello ancient, ya auld crusty seafarin pirate...ye be back in port then be ye.....tis good ta see ya agin!!

Ancient, stirring up trouble wi'the Alan, are ye? He's been back at ya already, best get ye o'er there and show him what for.....

.....how was your day??? :)

Hoo's yersel' Melanie - thon Alan laddie is living mair in the past then I am - nivvor mind I've sorted him agin. He's mebbee nae right in the heid whit dae ye think?

:) Well done Ancient, you do have a way with words....(I love your adjectives!!!)

Yes, right about the past, esp when the same is going on today; the 'today' is much more important to be concerned about!!!

Good night, then?

will check back just in case....work tomorra no doubt....if anythin, I'll try to catch ya'll for yer mornin coffee/tea!!!

if yer feelin in the hillbilly mood....a fun soundtrack is from the movie "O Brother Where Art Thou"

...tried me best ta keep up wi' yer brogue, ancient, but it be nary no gud...ah just needs mebee o' bit more o' work fer it ta be neer ta as flow'in as yers....gud day to ya!

OK, it would seem I've been sacked, due to AWOL.

Sorry, I'll start my search again tomorrow. I'll have to study your posts and make sure I don't get caught out in the traps you set.

Was searching for the Holy Grail in Flushing Meadow tonight and I think Andy Murray is coming close to finding it.

Andy Murray is quite important to myself and Anna, because it was because of him we found a tiny wee bit of common ground.

hi yer back!

not familiar wi' Andy Murray, was this an earlier article? Flushing Meadow?

found the info...not much current with tennis, but grew up with it, parents big into it....

do you play tennis?? Other sports?

ah, twas more miss than hit tonite, ah well...will check back later, but probably too late for ya!

...glad you two found common ground...will talk with ya later.....No traps! just some fun! :)

Melanie,

Hiya, I used to play lots of sport - football(soccer), golf, tennis, squash, badminton etc. I'm now pretty broken down- dodgy knees and ankles, plus a calf muscle that keeps ripping.....ow!

So gentler pursuits like hill walking and cycling are the main activities - if I get a chance!

Andy Murray is a new Scottish Hero! look up the US open - he got into the fourth round tonight.

Interesting note on Andy Murray - he was a pupil at Dunblane Primary School when the awful massacre took place. Apart from being a fantastic talent, this experience has given him strength to be as good as he can be, for the sake of his pals that died that day.
That isn't me making an assumption, that is by his own admission.

He is a special talent and person, and i think he may well reach the top. I certainly hope so.

Think I've missed you guys tonight, it's late so I'll see later

Hi AJ,

....will ask my parents, they have probably been following him (what a powerful story re overcoming the tragedy!) I'll have a look for his story...

.... the auld body aging...isn't it terrible,....have some sports injuries myself...so it's hill walking (easy hiking) here for me, too...used to cycle a lot when I lived near beach, and we would mountain bike a little, but not so much any more...age, kids, time restrictions (it seems you can relate!)

.....it's on 'the list' to get back over to Scotland some day, would love to do some hill walking there...we make it up to the Sierras once in a while, so it's nice to go about on the trails/by the lakes.

....I have my horse (always wanted one, since little, finally three years ago able to get one)....she's a nice mare, easy going...does the "hiking" for me!!

...must have just missed ya, my littlest one was begging to bake cookies(biscuits)....didn't see your #315 post til just now,.... ah well, talk with ya tomorrow, ...it's a holiday, no school/work, so should be around...

Anna must have turned in early!!!

Ancient, first thin this morn ye best be off to defend AJ against the pent up feminist o'er the first tee o' the fancy golf course.....tis a bit o' honor at stake there to be seen ta....the words from a lass, however cheeky, canny compare to what ye salty sea dog can most certainly ge' out!!

No probs - Melanie - Ancient has had a wee jab wie his claymore at them!!

Hi AJ - I don't think you'll be getting asked round to Arleena's any time soon.

Anna,

She seems such a sweet girl too.

Another one caught on my line!!

Melanie's got a horse! Do you have one too?
I want a couple of donkeys for my wee one.

Could be handy for the Grail thing. Whats his name went about on a donkey, didn't he? I remember him being fanned by palm branches whilst riding a poor wee donkey.

No - I don't have a horse AJ - I don't even go riding anymore.... Had an accident a couple of years ago and lost my nerve!!

I like donkeys too - they are so sweet - little patient plodders. They get cruelly treated in some parts of the world too.

Ah Yes, back to the Grail - I think Ancient is trying to find it on the Golf Course.....

Anna,

The Spanish have a bit of a dodgy history when it comes to donkeys. They have a dodgy history full stop!

Ancient is ma pal. I've tried to connect by immitating one of my ancestors.

AJ

Ancient is a man of his time!!! No Women's Lib in his day.... I bet if Arleena or the other poster come back - they take it seriously - I'm not sure where that Alan on the Miss England site is from - but he doesn't seem to realise that he's having the p!!! taken out of him..... Maybe, he thinks that PCs were around in 1300 & something. I know the Scots invented loads of stuff but I didn't know they were that much ahead of the rest of the world.

The flesh eating virus in the sea blog is a good one! On the UK site. There is no virus, really, it's just a ploy to stop us looking in the sea for the Grail!!

Typical Govt tactic - a bit like the Bird Flu epedemic. I'll have a wee look.

I've been trying to drum up support for Andy Murray, but tennis doesn't seem to cut the mustard with one dimensional sport fans.

AJ, ma mare told me to tell ya it would be best if ya dinna bring yer wee sweet daughter inta the company of those jacks...she said the gossip she's heard aboot those types is somthin terrible....those Napolean-complex ponies are nary better....
.....Now aren't you feelin a bit cheeky this morn AJ; being in the company of the ancient is wearin off on ya!!

Anna, sorry you lost your nerve....had a few bad spills myself, almost thought I'd never ride again, but the pull of it is just too strong....I chose a more calm type of breed, much better, but do still try to be careful.
The irony of living in the heat and brown, is I could afford to have/own a horse here; It'd be too expensive on the coast or bigger city.

Ancient, Ah see you and AJ have handled the golf course situation...wise tactic in yer choice of words!!!.... there's nothin more difficult than an angry pent up feminist!!

...the nanny vs manny article has merit...
I don't know, I think having a manny around might be nice??!! Don't ya think Anna??? :)

(....actually, quite never understood the whole nanny thing...you have kids to enjoy being with/raising them, not shove them off to a babysitter(carer)!!)

....now were I to have a housecleaner & cook, that would be nice!....it would free me up for more grail adventures with ma kids......but she'd have to be older, or at least ugly!! ;) ...unless you have a manny doing all that???

....and since I'm dreaming here....how 'bout a house by the shore!!!! ;)

...hope to pick up with ya'll later, tis boring to banter alone..

AJ, were those your comments removed....too much mustard???

(Murray roars into last 16)

Hi Melanie

AJ - what rude thing did you write to get it taken off? I assume it had nothing to do with Andy Murray's search for his personal Holy Grail - a Grand Slam victory? You've upset someone anyway.

I notice that the women who had a pop at me on the Miss England blog has been removed. I can honestly say that had nothing to do with me. Also the comments on the girl who's gone to live in Pakistan have been taken off all the blogs. Good, some of those were really nasty.... there are some strange people out there in cyber space!!

Well, Melanie any sign of the Grail - out there in the desert. My other half has done a few bits and pieces in California with the USAF ........... he said it was a bit out in the sticks where he was....

Ladies, I don't think it was my comment, was it?
I certainly wouldn't write anything bad on the Andy Murray blog - I'm a big fan. There was a lot of stuff to do with Tim Henman - bad stuff. It might have been that. But is was not me...honest.

Or are you guys kidding with me?

Anyway, gonna have awee look at the nanny site. Every man should have one!!!

Oh OK AJ - I was just following on from what Melanie said - and the 1st comment on that site had been removed -

I think the Kinloss one will be the next to close - there's a few people bickering away on there in the later posts.

Hey ho, off in search of the Grail again!!

Staying off the Kinloss one, for obvious reasons.

So, Anna, where do you think the Grail is hidden today? I thought the moon thread would have taken off!

Melanie,

I really like the Duhks, thanks for that.

AJ - it was probably more likely the use of the word beginning with 't' (she said, coyly) - they would probably class that as a swear word - don't get yourself banned off here will you!!! Don't worry we won't complain about you....... I've only ever complained about one post and that was a really nasty, obscene, racist piece - the person that wrote it must live wallow in slime.

I've been looking for the Grail on the flesh eating bug site - but it's not there - which one is the moon story?

I didn't notice the other person you upset on the golf blog............ she must think the Holy Grail is in Canada!!

Anna

Moon probe story on the science page, it's a wee bit out of this world.

Oops 332 has gone!!

ok who wrote on332 and what were they inferring...or do I want to know?? What could have been said here about the search for the grail that would have been so bad??....I think we're all really quite harmless here!!!

...hey, on a sad note, did you hear the Crocodile Hunter guy was killed while filming one of his documentaries??....the kiddies and I will be missing his humour and energy!

AJ, I didn't think your would say anything bad, you respect Andy M's accomplishments too much...I thought maybe you had been humorous and someone took it wrong...there seems to be sensitive people out here that would be offended/take wrong almost anything...

...wanted to say something for the Kinloss crew, but words wouldn't come...my friend with two lil ones has a hubby with a chopper unit in Iraq

Anna, there are a few places out this a way for the USAF to search for the grail.....one close to here....we have all kinds of diff aircraft flying over....sometimes I don't know if the sonic booms are aircraft or the start of an earthquake....(not joking)

Hi AJ/Anna,

....seems I've missed you both, again :( but it was my last morning to get to sleep in for a while....the kiddies start school tomorrow, and Sat. football(soccer) games are starting...

...it would be fun to chat later; leave directions if your seeking the grail elsewhere...

glad you like the Duhks, AJ...they have a great sound don't they! :) Would love to go to one of their concerts...will have to search that out, not sure if there'd be one close by

Hope you're both having a great day! not sure what we're doing...a holiday off sometimes means doing yard/house work!! how dull!!! ;) (but loving every minute if it includes the fam!!! )

Melanie and Anna

The word that spells Trans World Airline Team, would appear to be a bad word. It used to be a bad word, but I thought it was reasonably acceptable these days. Oh well. I'm a marked man!

The Duhks web page details their upcoming concerts Melanie.

I'm away Grail Hunting again on the moon.

Anna, btw Steve Irwin was an exceptional man and will be missed by millions.

Never mind AJ - I've seen a lot worse than that on these blogs!!

Yeah, bad news about Steve Irwin - my youngster was quite upset about it when he saw it on the News. He's quite a fan and an avid viewer of Croc Files.

I'll have a look for the Grail on the moon blog - I see your Golf lady has popped back for a chat!! You don't see to have offended her.......... She'll be inviting you out for a round of golf next!

Hi Melanie ........ my little man is back to school tomorrow - he was a bit glum this afternoon but he'll be fine wants he's back with his friends again..

Bye for now - the Grail awaits us............

sorry spelling mistake I meant once not wants!!

On that subject, I apologidse too, for the several hundred so far in this blag!

Anna,

I think Robyn is either a bloke or a lesbian(suppose it would be OK to play around with her!).

Really bad news about the croc-man. My wife and I both liked watching him and strangely we have both snorkled on the reefs off Port Douglas.

I see Melanie has got a reaction to her Mehicano Algae complaint. You should go to the doctors Melanie!! Get a cream!

Ha, AJ i thought the same thing about that Robyn!!....what are you about with that comment, 'ok to play a/round'....best watch yer back o' yer wif be at ya!

...am I in trouble ...again? I'll check, then I'll swing by the moon, then back here for a grail search.. ;)

It's my bro that's the San Diego surfer and gets the weird skin things and ear infections, not me!!!, that was his comment about the Meh stuff, not mine!

Melanie,

I need a crash helmet when I make jokes like that - I like playing the male chauvinist pig card, it often gets a reaction!!

The Mehicano itch might be catching - you get it sorted out, d'ye here now....yeeeeeha

is that you Anna visiting Skye to practice your Gaelic....or are you tiring of red wine, AJ ;)

gee, I wonder why it would get a reaction!!! :)

Melanie, it's not me, but I thought it might be oor Anna.

okay!! Anna, fess up, now!!

hey, alas, the Duhks are playing no where near....

Melanie,

Get your man to treat you to a flight across America and take in concert!!

You work hard, bring up the kids, spend countless hours on the internet encouraging cultural intercourse and ride about on a horse all day.
Crivens, you need a break!

I was thinking Calgary, we have friends there...okay, getting passports in order!!! :)

...i wish ;)

I wish I had time to ride all day!!!

...am trying very hard to get work done inbetween posts so I don't get in trouble with him....he kinda thinks the banter is a waste of time...so I must walk a "fine line" here... ;)

...I suppose we Must balance things!!

Withdraw your crayfish gumbo speciality and serve up liver and onions for a week. He'll soon see sense!

Yep, got the same pressure here, I off - here she comes.........aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaargh

too funny!

Ah do hope ya ducked aweh fast enuf, we wifs can be pretty tarrible wen we wan'ta be!!

Jist back fae hospital, got hit with a sauce pan.
You wifs are violent.

ah, gud, I was worried!

ya men haf yer tempers too ya know; Och, what all we womin haf ta put up with, tis tarrible!! ;)

tis sometim a hard trudge for the grail.... :)

Gonna look for the Grail in ma bed
gnite Melanie

21st century wumin have got it easy!

You have dishwashers and cookers and washing machines and coffee perculaters and hoovers.

waddaya complaining aboot!

ok good nite!!

not complainin just havin fun!!!

... ya sounded like him just then,... ach, ah dinna need two o'ya!!!

ah like ta think all them wonderful conveniences ge's us more tim ta see ta aor men!

but, ye are full of it ya know!!!
...too bad, so late, was lookin for some banter...ah well, best ah go cook somthin aneeway!

Nite

...tomorra's a new day ta search fer the grail!

Melanie,

You're havering to yourself. This is the start of a new day Scotland and I've a good feeling about the Grail!

It could be Cambridgeshire and the bloodline could be carried by Anna!

I've decided Anna is Royalty, because she is quite posh and rides horses.

AJ/Anna

...Just wanted to say good morn before I head off to ma pillow!!

:)

what are you doing up so early!!

...at least a countess....

must be off to work then? see ya later

...glad to see your mood's light!! :)

Good morn Countess Anna! ;)

Yes, morning Melanie and AJ - how are you peasants this morning. Well, must rush off myself just now - things to do, people to see, Grails to search for!!

Tea with HM - all that don't cha know!!

Melanie,

I'm now at my work and my mood is certainly light, and it's because of you, the Southern Belle, Melanie Du Bois!

Anna,

How do you spell Hoytie Toytie, is it the fore mentioned or is it Hoity Toity?

Melanie was saying she gets a row for wasting time on the message boards. My wife thinks I'm mad, I tell her I'm expanding my cultural knowledge. However, that justification is blown out of the water when she sneaks up and clocks the drivel I actually write!!!

Does the Air Commodore give you a hard time?

Melanie,

Are you a doctor?

If you are, you could get something for the Mehicano itch quite easily!

AJ

I think it's Hoity Toity........!

Ah, yes I do get asked what I'm up to - but he just laughs about it - he knows I'm a bit of a word addict - reading and writing - so usually just lets me get on with it....!! Anyway, it means he gets to watch 'any old team' playing footie on Sky Sports! He'll watch anyone at all as long as it's football!! But, we both watch cricket .........

However, you are right about the cultural knowledge bit in a way - it's really interesting to hear yours and Melanies take on things. I think that the fact that someone from Scotland, England and California can have a natter like this is great...... the internet really is an amazing thing!!

Any sign of that infernal Grail yet. Also what is that comment about the Gaelic thing - I don't think I've been on a Gaelic site!!

Melanie and I suspected you were Southern Skye.

I suspected you, because Southern Skye made a reference to bucket loads of gin and tonics.

It's a very loose thread to work on - 2+2=436. My hunches are generally well of the mark, it's called male intuition!

btw, I don't go on Gaelic sites, cos the lingo is a bit tricky.

You are dead right about the diversity of the internet, but sometimes a person claiming to be from Myanmar is actually a bus driver from Croydon.

I have no doubt about the authenticity of yourself and Melanie. Do you have any doubts, other than my sexuality, about me?

Well......... not until you mentioned it actually!! Possibly you are really a bus driver from Croydon!!

No I wasn't Southern Skye - I've seen him/her on here quite a bit tho' - usually has an interesting post. I've often wondered who Sed etc etc Latin phrase from the People's Republic of Scotland is. I have no idea what the Latin means either - perhaps all will be revealed if I find out!

Yes make mine a G & T everytime - you were right about that anyway!

The Grail - where do you think it is today?

hi good morn...

Anna, it's something like "who watches the watchers"...had to look it up myself

AJ, I'll admit to the Southern Belle, my fam teases me enough when my accent slips out in certain words....But, being that you seem to be an old film buff.....I'm not sure how to take the other....although, I am a bit of a 'country girl', and I do like to dance! ;)

...nope, not a doc, but if ya need a homeopathic cream, let me know! :)

...ok why in the Uk is an extra 'a' added to certain words...leftover from the Greek??

Well, the proof that I'm not a bus driver from Croydon is the very fact I write in English(OK, that's debateable!).

I thought you'd have a grasp of the Latin as well. You can make that your project for today!

As I said, it was the G&T connection. I would imagine your time in Benbecula would be spent shifting quite a lot G&T, with the Mess prices being somewhere back in the 1930's. Ah, the perks of the services!

As for the Grail, nothing is leaping out at me, but later on it will be sought after in Flushing Meadow. The Scottish phenomena, that is........Andy Murray...... will be continuing his remarkable story tonight.

I was checking out the Blair 9 mths story and noticed you had a wee entry today, so I had a wee reply myself!

Hi Melanie,

It's all good, all good.

Your translation is interesting - it probably is correct and refers to an organisation called Settler Watch. These are Ultra Nationalists, who would attempt to unnerve, in particular, English incomers.

I don't at all condone that type of behaviour, as I see it as particularly dangerous - could lead to ethnic divides which, as we know is a disasterous state of affairs. I firmly believe, as I repeatedly state, that Scotland is far more richer because of cultural diversity. As we know, not all people on this site share that view!

Of course, as always, I could be 6 trillion miles off with that theory...................aint that right Anna!?!

Homeowhatsits sounds good, I'll have a crate please!

Anna,

Your taking a fair few hits on the Blair 9 mths page. You best get over there a defend yourself.

Hi Anna, you present your facts well...(Blair page)....difficult subject for all it seems!!

Yes, it's all good, AJ!

will try to chat in between have to's....busy schedule today!

leave a note if ya seek the grail elsewhere, would love to join in...

...I thought for sure you were Southern Skye, Anna...I'm still trying to figure out if AJ has any alter-egos!! Any guesses?, ...shhh, tho, AJ might be listening!!

(no doubts about the other, AJ, the VB Players penchant says it all!) :)

Melanie,

I've just founded a new organisation called Belle Watch. We monitor the ramblings of Southern Ladies and report them to the appropriate feminist group, when send round a couple of "butch type " lesbians to re-educate!

I'm safe at my work. Ah yes the VB penchant. Cuba v Brazil semi-final 1996 Atlanta Olympic semi-final - a classic encounter with athletic young ladies, showing unbelievable qualities!!

Only Andy Murray and the Scottish Football(soccer Melanie) team are of more interest in sporting terms!!!!

Oh dear, that's the 3rd time I've had a spat with that fellow, I don't think we'll ever see eye to eye. Just as well I've no plans to search for the Grail in Texas!!

Yeah,

That was a serious wee contractent, but I think you picked out the flaws in his attempts to criticise you.

I think I've had a run in with him too....maybe not, it's hard to keep track.

I wonder if Mel has been searching for the grail?

I'm having a nice chat with 2 guys on the 'teaching history to kids in scotland (under education) site. Both seem to know their stuff.. and without any rancour as well which is great.

Haven't found the Grail yet though....

Have to say that guy on the 9 mths site seems a bit contradictory - one minute he's a Nat (fair enough) the next he's a Unionist (fair enough) but you can't be both can you? Serious question btw.......

No you certainly can't. I think his boat is only rowing with one oar, so to speak.

He seemed desperate to have a pop, no matter what point of view was running. A 24 carat nutter!

interesting history lesson going on, will have to go back and read....

...will have to go back and read more of the other...I think that David from Texas can have a bit of a temper about things, have talked with him other times, tho, and it's been ok.

...AJ, Belle Watch...funny, although please be merciful there with what you send....yeeooow......I'll have to jump on ma horse quick, and ride away!!...hope no pc's are listening!! :)

...yes, busy day but will try to keep up with ya!

ps...yes, Anna, I was thinking the same myself about the 'cultural exchange' and the ability to have access to other people so far away...love it!! (as I am a "travel bug" at heart, it helps with my being"landlocked" from far away adventures!)

AJ have the same problem with the banter vs substance issue with the other half...I keep showing him all the historical posts!!!!....he knows I'm a history buff! :) ...see, there is substance here!!!.... gotta keep the peace!

...when will you all be back tonite after eve meal/ fam/tennis...? Perhaps can coordinate a time to search for the grail?!

meanwhile will try to search for interesting grail subjects to discuss!!

AJ

Check out the 9 mths blog - our man thinks you're me and I'm you and hes pretending to be me now... what a *!!*

Anna, a good movie I can think of re Civil War that's pretty factual with good actors is "Gods and Generals" Robert Duvall plays Robert E Lee

Tombstone, (Wyatt Earp, and the OK Corral) on the other hand, is a great shoot-em-up western with great actors and great one-liners..."I'm yer Huckleberry"

Thanks for that Melanie.. I think I've seen Tombstone but I'll check out the Robert Duvall one.

I collect old books as well from second hand bookshops and the like. I have an interesting copy of the Surrender by Robert E Lee to Grant at Appomattox Court House. It's a 1950's American book - so is probably out of print now - but it's a fascinating little gem really.

Onwards and upwards to search for the Grail - catch you later Melanie.

bye for now! (out of print books...e-bay! :)

Ps...you probably need some fresh air after the bout you just had!!! whew!!!! you were ever civil, though; and thus made your point!

;)

Hi AJ, hope the tennis went well, no "couch potato" time for me right now! Although, work brings me to my desk, so I can peek in at the whirlpool

...must be fam time, tho, for you two

...I'm hearing the crickets!!! :)

Melanie,

Tennis is delayed by rain, Murray is 2-1 sets down, however I'm hopeful. I'm back to talk to my alter-ego.

Anna,

That guy David is really mixed up now. He is blethering on the mail political story about me, you and Andy being the same person. He is making an announcement that we are racists.

I think we could have fun, seeking him out and co-ordinating a three prong attack by getting Melanie in on the act.

Now that would really screw with his feeble brain!

He is on that Jack McConnell 8 points above SNP (or whatever) story at the moment. Did you read the post where he says you, me and that Andy guy from England are the same person? Strange - I'm sure I'd have noticed if I had 2 blokes going about with me!!

He's a Unionist and he doesn't like any talk of English Independence because it scares him so he attacks the poster as racist..........

He'll never find the Holy Grail that way will he?

I wonder if they'll remove that post because of the religious thing - or maybe David will call you a racist - or will it be me?

I'm getting confused - if I could only find the Grail - we could solve it all.

k

AJ chalks up the 400 - yabadabadoo

Who would ever have thought when we set out looking for the grail, 400 posts would have come and gone.

Mary fae Methilhill is now a distant memory!

Yes, 401 now and we still haven't found that blessed Grail .............. I wonder how long they'll let us keep the search for it going.

I still think it's in the Whirlpool!!

no doubt there getting a bit of a chuckle from it all!!

Oh no ......... he's calling me a Troll and he still thinks I'm Andy - the man's mad!!

Melanie,

I think this guy is going bonkers, how about you giving him a wee bit of Southern charm. I reckon the guy is hooked now!

Anna,

If he continues we can drive him insane. I can do condescending, you just whack him and Melanie can sooth his broken pride whilst ripping the P out of him!!!

Maybe I'm losing it too......naw.

He's got Iain in Dalkeith on the case now going on about IP addresses - do you think that's got anything to do with the Grail?

Some bloke called Jamie thinks that someone called Eve is us now - .........

Where is the Grail when you need it.

I think I need a swig of something from the grail. Nevermind, I'm trying to guide these confused people - for a wee while anyway. It'll keep me amused on the search.

It would be funny if they stumbled on this blog!!!

not too sure...once he gets his temper up....best ta let him cool off...he's beyond the southern charm thing right now, I think......he'll just think it's one of you trying to trap him

...what has been started here!!! They best not find us....they'd find all our grail secrets!!! :)

l

Melanie,

They might form a posse and come searchin'.
Best saddle up yer trusty nag!

Anyway, I'll keep an eye on that blog, adding a bit here and a bit there.

ok :) ...have to run a quick errand, should be back quick-like!!! are ya stayin up late a bit?? don't want ta miss ya....has Anna turned in allready??

be right back ?/30 mins

hey, come to think about it...I think David/Texas was Toulane from the Immigration/Pole discussion...I was wondering why Toulane went off at me the way he did (my response to your mehican joke)...he seemed to know me a little...maybe he had a fight w' his southern belle wif, and I was the nearest southern female ta retort at??? what'ya think? He does get going tho, but other times talking with him, he's been okay...

Melanie,

You should be a diplomat, I think we should stop goading the man.

I believe it's Anna's influence on me.

I was getting carried away with the taunting, but it was fun to see the reaction.

Anna is a natural at the winding up tho'

and you two together...oh my gosh, I'm glad I'm on yur side!!!!!!

Melanie,

I'll say gnite, have a nice day d'ye here.

We'll behave tomorrow..........maybe

good night!

Melanie

We will resume talking about interesting stuff tomorrow. I feel we've mucked about too much tonight. Lets get serious!!!!!!!!

gnite

ya still there?? yes, you two were pretty funny!

okay, serious stuff tomorrow, ;)

....we have to dignify our historical research, if our 'sponsors' are going to continue funding the grant for our archeological pursuits in finding the grail!!!

Wishing you good sleep, as always; glad your footsteps were light today! :)

good morning! ....and in keeping with the grail theme for today, AJ....interesting stuff (hopefully!) ;)

...I have a couple of books I found on e-bay, Anna, (will try to search there for the one you have)...they are Home to Tennessee, by Alfred Crabb (1952), and The Far Side of Home, by Maggie Davis (1963)...fictional accounts/Civil War-South.
...Did you see the movie, Cold Mountain? Hollywood-style account, but good, have been told the book's better (watch movie without kids-adult scene)

for WW2, Panzer Commander, Memoirs of Colonel Hans von Luck(1989); he was a Prussian officer under Rommel, served on all major campaigns.

AJ, are you familiar with the book, The Cousin's Wars, by Kevin Phillips(1999)...I have it here but it looks a bit intimidating to start...thought maybe they had used it in your classes? (I wanted to read it because it goes from the Eng. Civil War, thru the Am. Rev War to Am. Civil War)

American/Vietnam era..We Were Soldiers Once...And Young, by Moore and Galloway(1992). Both movie and book were good....my dad might have been with that unit had he not been medically discharged...a lot of his friends died there.

okay, some important grail researching information; hopefully you both have some more favorites to share back!! :)

okay, more kinda "interesting" stuff...sorry AJ/Anna, nothing on the Tele and kids are to bed/or busy doing homework, and have had my fill of reading for the nite, hubby with work stuff....

This is an interesting take from my hubby's blog...he attended a training session today that had accounts of Vietnam POWs...

"Growing Updoc in the Winter."

"I just returned from a leadership training course and thought I would pass on a great remedy for those of you suffering from whatever. This actually comes from a righteous prisoner of war. The stuff is called updoc. From what I got from the story, updoc really helped the POWs out in bad times. I have always been baffled by how POWs can come up with creative ideas to make life better for themselves and their fellow prisoners. It can be grown quickly and even in the Winter. This stuff has a long shelve life. We have evidently seen or heard of updoc in American cartoons. I was amazed at this stuff. I could not believe I have never heard about updoc until now. My wife and I are always looking for home remedies, and this stuff will fix a lot of ailments. Have any of you ever heard of this stuff? Do you know what updoc is?"

....Whats... Up Doc?

(gotta love the humor of those old cartoons...apparently the POWs were able to utilise this...!.) ;)

...the account, that he heard was apparently of a POW being interrogated by a reasonably Eng/fluent Vietnamese soldier (the following is very paraphrased)...the Vietnamese asked the Am. soldier....where are you from, he replied Kansas; the next question the soldier only replied, "up doc"....when the Am. soldier refused to say anything more, the Vietnamese soldier became irate, and began running around and screaming at all of the American POWs held there.....are you ready, honest, true account....you guessed it...he began screaming..."What's up doc?!" "What's up doc?!"

Ps .....AJ, have I fulfilled the requirements for being 'sensible and interesting'....does this now leave us free to banter, taunt, and terrorise with endless sorties, those unwitting ones who might fall into our traps and snares????

....hopefully!! :) ....but, would honestly love to share history etc or whatever interesting thing that comes to mind!!! ...talk with ya'll later!!!

Hi Melanie

I'm not familiar with that particular American History book, but it does sound up my street. It probably was on my reading list, but there were about 80 books on it!. I chose a select few that I reckoned would get me through and they did!

The Cold mountain film was good, but a bit mushy in places. If my memory serves me right, Jack White (White Stripes) had a small role. I meant to mention the Raconteurs (Jack's new Band), I think you would loke them, they are top drawer!!!

The WW2 book you mentioned sounds really up my street. I like personal accounts of campaigns, especially the German perspective. I grew up getting the victors version, and as you know, you need both sides of the story to gain the holistic aspect of the conflict, especially with regard to the impact on ordinary people.

A book I read a while back dealt with the final months of the war from D Day. It mixed the overview of the final battle - all sides being considered - with eye witness testimonies - refugees, Russian, Allied troops and German troops and civilians caught in Berlin. It is called Road to Berlin, the authors escape me at the moment- Reid and Fisher I think - I'll confrm that later.

You see Mela