Winegum

Your info was most interesting Angela. I'm still in the process of writing with about 30,000 words to go. I haven't thought much about how to go about getting the book in print, probably because I don't need money from it. I was going to get it finished and polished and then start looking for an agent (simply because I'd heard that that's what most people do). In the meantime I was going to start book number two. What you have said has given me food for thought. Thanks. Jude[:D]

Great photos! I love bees - and honey. I'm glad they found a new home. Jude

[quote user="sid"] However, his obsession is control of speeding. If you don't speed you shouldn't have anything to worry about. Sid   [/quote] But you should worry about pictures of your mangled body being shown without your family's consent if you get killed in his county. Jude

Unlike the thing we saw in a different area (which I think was a rack) it doesn't have any manacles, so presumably whoever used it did so voluntarily. It was standing next to two suits of armour and a metal cage! They obviously locked people in the cage and then maybe poked them with sharp sticks! (Far better than ASBO's eh!). But if that chair was for giving birth I'm blinkin' glad I didn't live in that era. [:-))] But then of course those suits of armour did make me think of knights on white chargers ... so ... maybe ... [kiss] Jude [:D]

Now look! I'm jealous enough of the Ducati - always loved the Ducati Monster particularly, but being 5'9" and only 58 kgms is downright showing off! I've just thrown myself into a serious session of 'Atkins' dieting in the hopes of getting back down to about 73 kgms, at which point, being five feet nine and a half I'm pretty slim. Jude[:P]

After reading the 'What is it?' thread about the martinet it made me think of this amazing looking creation which we saw last year in Reignac - a fortified house, now classed as a historical monument, near Rouffignac. We pondered for many minutes as to the possible uses of this contraption and decided it was either a wierd instrument of torture or maybe (heaven forbid) something to do with childbirth! Any suggestions? Jude [IMG]http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q259/bikesindordogne/Whatsitfor.jpg[/IMG]

Hi Samanta Welcome! I'm Jude, Bob T's other half. We both have R1100S'  I used to have a Blackbird before making the move to France. I did a six day course about seven years ago to get my bike licence, the first 3 days on a CG 125. Like you I really wondered how I'd cope with a big bike. We graduated to an ER500 on the fourth afternoon and I took my test a day and a half later - a day I will never forget! I don't think I ever wanted anything quite so much.  Never looked back since. In your photo you look tall, like me, so no probs with size of bike like some have. Maybe we'll get to meet on one of the ride-outs one day when you're not so busy. Happy riding Jude[:D]

Go for it Charlotte - you'll be fine I'm sure!  Just think positive and let us know how it goes. Jude

Absolutely Eddie, and I'll bring home-made chocolate chip cookies! Just let us know when the next ride-out is. Jude [:D]

I don’t know what it is that makes bikers react so strongly to criticism of bikers. Maybe it’s because so many (not all)UK car drivers are just so inconsiderate, unaware, and pig-ignorant of all other vehicles on the road. Bikers (generally speaking) are excessively aware and very defensive drivers. So when criticized about their riding it seems unusual and tends to incur defensive reactions. If bikers were to write a post every time they encountered a bad driver we’d need a whole new category on the forum and it would a right busy one!   Jude[:)]

[:D][:D][:D]  We took my seat out for a ride yesterday at last and I have to say it is magic, (worth at least 3 smileys) and such a contrast to the old one. As you sit longer the gel warms up and it's SO comfy. Now I just need a longer 'test' trip, like Spain or Germany ... did you hear that Bob T? I'd also like to say at this point that Stand 33 who got the seat done gave us excellent service. Having said it would take two weeks, and received a look of dismay and a big groan from me, the lady wrote URGENT all over the box and lo and behold it was back in 10 days and that incuded a bank holiday. So would fully recommend them if anyone is looking for a re-cover job. Jude

Oh well if it comes back again I may have to get serious and drive it somewhere. Only problem will be if it escapes in the car and goes up my husband's trouser leg! His snake phobia is as bad as my spider phobia. Hopefully Mr or Mrs Snake will find a mate down by the stream and not resort to coming back to our wood pile. Jude

Blimey, I have a terrible track record - three living-together relationships (one 15 years) and two marriages. I'm convinced that the way to a happy marriage is to pick the right person in the first place. An old friend once told me when you both feel the same way about each other then that's when you have 'the pixie dust', and he reckoned it only happens once in a lifetime - if you're lucky. Maybe my past failures were something to do with being a hopeless romantic, an eternal optimist and having such a restless spirit. I'm so glad I've found my ideal man at last - complete with 'pixie-dust' (And a motor bike).[:D] Jude

We caught quite a big Grass Snake in the garden two days ago, which I caught and re-located about a quarter of a mile away near a stream. I respect snakes but hate the thought of them snacking on our lizards. We have no pool or stream to attract them to our garden, and we live completely isolated. Can anyone tell me whether snakes have a 'homing' instict' and am I wasting my time moving them? Jude

Hi Angela I'm an absolute Philistine when it comes to history and have not much interest in genealogy, buy my hubby is just the opposite. He has an excellent family tree programme on the computer, and it has helped me become more interested. I really admire people who have the ability to research so thoroughly and who enjoy dealing with facts. I'm finding it difficult at times having to keep within the confines of my own short history, and look forward to getting back to an old book which has been on the back-burner since my son was six. He's 29 this year. I started a re-write in '95 and then it got shelved again. With regards photos, yes, so important. I've recently started scanning mine into the computer, that way they won't end up lost in an attic. Mine have recently been a great help with my book, taking me back to my Canada days. It's amazing what feelings and memories a photo can revive, and how much it can help to get long forgotten events on paper. Hey you should maybe write about those 'Black Sheep'! Good title for a book even? Jude[:D]

 I have the answer! Yesterday while up at our local decheterie the lovely old chap that works there dragged us over to something rather special that he'd rescued. It was an ancient Gestetner, a portable printing press, probably 1930's that still works! It was an amazing looking thing, and one wonders what it may have printed during it's lifetime. Now that could be a story in itself. Anyone want their book printed? A quick squirt of WD40 and I'll be in business ... !!

Hey Tag ... The sun's been out for two days so I assume you've got another chapter finished?! It has the opposite effect on me, I feel guilty about the weeds and forsake the book to go and sort out the garden. [:)] Jude

That's interesting Neil. I'm on my first book and it's sort of an autobiography with a story. If I can't get it published I'll be happy to have it to look back on and read when I'm very old, and the Grandkids may enjoy it - if I have any. I did a lot of 'walkabout' in Canada in my younger years, and have never really stopped 'moving on'. Some people have regarded this way of life as a tad irresponsible, others just shake their heads and say 'There she goes off on another tangent' I guess I just like tangents! Will you not try for publication at all? Jude

Hey S.D ................Sausages??????????? .......only I think he's hidden his keys! Seatless

Could you lend me a bike please????? [:(][:(][:(][:(] Jude

Actually - We just got back from Stand 33 in Bordeaux, went in by car and took the S's seat with us. We have left it to be recovered and they have promised to put two tons of gel in it! Also of course it's to be trimmed with some pretty mandarin piping and a fine looking 'S'. Should be lovely when finished. Trouble is I'm now bikeless for two whole weeks!!!! And the blinkin' sun is out! And Bob said he's going out on his bike tomorrow ... the bas***d. So I'm threatening to get a plank and nail a cushion to it, or maybe just cut the legs off that chair that I see he's planted on it ... unless anyone's got about ten pounds of blue-tack they can lend me for two weeks? Bikeless Jude[:(][:(][:(]

Funny, I was out in the garden today and I only saw a single gnat! Jude

Tag, how are you enjoying writing fiction? Jude

S'cuse me Bugbear! Is that a nice way of saying our bottoms hang over the edge? [:P]

Thanks Steve I'll do that.[:)]