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Chris. Love it!

Again! Again!!

Barking!!!

I felt the same after white water rafting on the nile and I thought all day I was going to die. Immediate amnesia - body in self preservation mode and I did not have to do it ever again!

Good luck. Does the video not bring some of it back?

jx

Your a braver man than me.

Go for it!!!!

Chris

I was like that after I swam with dolphins in Cuba. I so almost nearly bottled out - they're bigger than me and the water was very, very deep and murky and full of crabs.

So glad I did it, and would do it again tomorrow if I had the chance - if only to enjoy it rather than stress, stress, stress.

Up you go then .....

Cheryl The Diva
x x x

Didn't I say on prevous blog you would do it again but sign up to go solo - Knew it!!! Another piggy back and you will be off on your own after that I'm sure!

Diva you lucky lucky thing - must do that before I pop my clogs - why on earth were you worried - they smile at you with those big teeth? Want to go noooww!! wwhaaaaaa!! Anyone know - where can I go - other than cuba!!!?

Beesmum xxx

Yo CLP, if yer gonna do it again, why not jump from a 'igher..... 'eight?

That way it will last longer.... the jump!

Still aven't answered me question - do yer ears pop?

I have now got butterflies in my stomach... I've just been looking up how difficult it would be to do a skydive for charity, and am really nervous at realising just how easy it would be to organise. doitforcharity.com organise it, you just raise the money!

I would love to conquer my fear of falling. Maybe next summer I'll do just that.

Major butterflies just thinking about it.

xx

jumpingbean

Or what about 'ang gliding? Could sort of be similar!!! But longer up in the air!

Poka!

Jumping bean #9 - You really would be a jumping bean then!

Aye CLP - Got the answer - Paragliding!!!

Big Chief CLP

It actually reminds me of my first time at something else . . .

. . eyes closed, here goes nothing . . . cripes whats happening . . .what is that, WHAT WAS THAT , O my God - its over, its over . . .phew, sweating . . tears of laughter, joy, embarassment, regret, sadness and distinct loss of memory . . .

if only I can ever get to try it again . .

DtM xx

DtM ..... was that YOU??? Your description is oh so familiar!!!!!

CtD xxx

Chris excellent - shame you don't remember much about the jump. Good luck with the next one.

Hangliding is also a fabulous way of sailing through the sky - recommend it highly.

Enjoy what you do when you do it. It's not for me though. I prefer hot air ballooning instead - ever thought of doing that - there's usually press passes for the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta in August - try it you might get hooked. Hmmm Drivetime balloon with commercial license and hosted events sounds like a plan - Speak to Don Cameron in Bristol.

Another thing, CLP .... tattoos are addictive. You have one, you want another. You have another one, you want a third ... and so on.

Shall we open a book on how many skydives CLP willcram in before his next birthday???

Diva xxxx

Dan that is hilarious!!!!!

Phoenix - that Bristol festival is something else isn't it - the shapes of the balloons is a scream sometimes - never see those floating over us in the summer just panic faces screaming how close they are getting to the motorway!!!

Beesmum xxx

Dan - you forgot "excruciating pain" - I hope CLP didn't experience any of that mid-air!!!

I've been up in them at the Fiesta - the best one was on press day from Queens Square in the center of Bristol.

I love them - I have loads of photos over the years and even won a photographic competition with one that had Rupert Bear ballon in it.

Oh the Hoffmeister bear and the Piper - the skydiver and the shopping trolley. I am hoping to be at one of the lifts this year but not planning on going up - it would however be brilliant if Chris did go up though as I believe it is a special anniversary this year for the fiesta and I think he would enjoy it.

Phoenix - I have a pic somewhere of the Rupert the Bear one!!! Haven't seen the shopping trolley - bet thats good!!!

Beesmum xxx

It must be getting near to the Northampton Balloon Festival too ... early August I think. You can usually see dozens of them, in all shapes and sizes, from the A14 in the very early morning.

Sublime!

MPW night tonight gang, but be warned .... he's doing squirrel!

Nite Nite

CtD x x x

Bristol is the 7th to 10th and it's their 30th Fiesta Anniversary this year and the red arrows will be doing a fly past on the Sunday.

I think the Northampton one is the weekend after - don't quote me on that.

I've sent an email to Mr Evans and will see if anything comes of it. Meanwhile realplayer has died and along with it my radio - boo hoo.

Off to get into the car to listen to the programme.

MPW is doing squirrel - I hope its grey then.

Near to me we 'ave The Birkenhead Ballon Festival......

Sorry balloon.....

Only problem it's not 'ot air balloons.....

Just a market stall in Birkenhead market!

Well that has just brought back memories of my childhood Bingo! I went to Birkenhead market when I was a little girl but we moved to Saffron Walden when I was about 9 years old so don't really remember too much other than my Mum thought it was great and it was very busy!

Off to walk the dog now before it rains.

Jenn x

ROFL - ha ha ha ha bingo brilliant - thanks (#26 and #27 refer)

Yup, there is no doubt about it, jumping our of a plane is totally mindblowing and I guarantee that the instant amnesia will continue for at least the next few jumps.

Your best bet is to do a level one solo jump, which entails jumping out of the plane with two instructors holding onto you (rather than one being attached to you). You pull your own chute then land yourself, quite incredible the first time you do it.

Skydiving is a very catharic exercise, such is the level of concerntration needed to make sure you come back safely. For that brief period going up in the plane and during the jump itself, all you other worries are completely forgotton. You focus totally on the job in hand. Then when you land the endorphins really kick in, it feels wonderful.....

Gotta joke :

I've been looking for a 'ouse ter rent on a well known property website........

Only problem everytime I click on 'HOME' at the top of the page no properties come up!!!!@@!!@!

My goodness it showed!!!!!!

Bingo!! Quick lie down before you fall off your chair!!!

Hi Chris

Just watched your video, it looked great fun. I loved to be straped to one of those guys. A few years ago my ex jumped free fall with a group of guys from his local, raising money for charity. They jumped at Goodwood, and one of the lads got tangled up in one of the planes on the field. He broke a leg, also had minor scratches and cuts. He went of course didn't pull the cords the right way. He never did another jump. I wonder why?

Mel xx

Some years ago I did a tandem jump from 10,000 feet strapped to a large Australian. People go on about the buzz of freefall but I thought that my face was being ripped off and didn't enjoy it much. We landed like a pantomime horse, feet moving before we touched the ground. The upside was that my kids thought I was some kind of hero for doing it.

B-s Mum Florida...Disneyland for a whole week...so wanna do it tho can't swim :P

Sara xx

CLP, the biggest buzz that I have ever had was a trip up in a helicopter funnily enough.

I wasn't prepared for the fact that it kind of tips forwards as it takes off, such a strange sensation. But I did thoroughly enjoy it.

Got to fly over our house too, which was cool.

Debbie x

By heck these wheels are turning slowly.

And I'm not talking about my new car, that is pretty quick.

Seems I was a little hasty with my 'D-Day' scenario. To think, I almost put pen to paper.

Still. It's all still on, but we're still hacking through the jungle of red tape.

So, in the meantime, I turn up as required, smile, and do what I'm told.

I'll keep you posted.

I posted my thoughts about the way the blog now works and the effect it has had on the quality/quantity of postings. Someone else mentioned the fact that with the old method, you really thought about what you were posting because it took so flipping long to come through, whereas now, it has become a bit more like a chatroom. As I said, I aired my views on this before, so I won't repeat them.

Two more days. Two more long, tedious, boring days.

Then I have a week off. A couple of days of nothing in particular, then Mrs MfR joins me and we head down to the coast for a couple of days. We've found a hotel that seems really different. Kind of 'boutique', but in a laid-back style. I checked out 'a certain travel opinion site' and no-one had a bad word to say about it. The reviews that even bordered on negative had responses from the owner. I'll let you know the name of it if we are equally impressed.

Oh, and we are going to the seaside on Saturday too! Posh place, West Sussex, lovely spa, nuff said.

Love to all

MfR

PS Bingo. Are we seeing the first signs of a recovery from your affliction?

MfR

Completely agree . . .

bring back the thoughtful snail . . .

DtM

Evening each

Chris: a very passable Geordie accent tonight, wouldn't you agree Bingo?

Was listening in the car, driving in to Edinburgh. How do you all do that every night? I'm usually home in 15 mins and listening while faffing about in the kitchen. Just couldn't go back to all that traffic!

Matt: My niece, having just started school (she's 21 now) told me she went in in the morning, did what the teacher told her and then came home again. I've always thought that was so wise coming from a 5 yr old. Enjoy your holiday.

Anne xx

Hello AnnieG

You still here? Or have you gone?

Still here Cheryl. Was just browsing FB

xx

Got ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ2 on - listening to Francesco's georgous Venetian accent!

x

Anne I do believe that the great MPW is on right now. The Diva may be away for some time yet.

x

Ooohh right, I'm off to drool
xx

MPW.

Legend? Yep.

Genius? Probably..

Ego way, way out of control? No Doubt.

Don't get me wrong. I love watching this series and everything he does, but it is a little 'car crash'.

Come on. The guy paved the way for the likes of Gordon, Gary and Jamie, but did he really need to come back and 'show us how it is really done'?

Marco. We loved you anyway.

Still, it makes good telly. And I know Chris loves him.

My bad knee hampered my training tonight, but the cabernet sauvignon eased the pain.

Did I tell you? I got an email from Jeffery Deaver the other day? Ho hum, another showbiz day at Rudgwick Heights......

MfR

anyone up for some banal banter not related to the blog of the day?

Love to cathmel but doubt you are still here!??? Bit of light hearted stuff would be good!

Beesmum xx

CLP is living for the day and trying to get that light hearted *Enjoy* stuff over --SO

Always look on the bright side of life ---
de dum de dum de dum de dum!!!

Beesmum xxx

Therefore - to start tomorrow - CtD what's going to be in the party bags!?

Nite nite peeps!

BM xx

Coo, massive respect for you LP. Looks cool. Pity you can’t remember it. I could never do that, know your limitations and all that.
Interesting conversation re the content of the comments…..if we all restrict ourselves to just responding to the blog, it’s well, less interesting, (sorry LP). On the other hand if people are put off responding by the chat, that’s a pity.

Personally, I love a bit of grit in the chat but also enjoy the life glimpses. Viz, allotment veg, fretting for Phoenix and paying her bills, KW’s knees, jumping and her bean, Debbie et al. I’m glad you are generous enough to share bits of your lives.
I would share too except I don’t go anywhere or have much of a life worth sharing (that’s not as grim as it sounds). The travelogs on here rival Michael Palin. If I’m well I have ear -marked NZ for our thirtieth next year. Although if I’m well, Birkenhead market will be great! and I love Pembrokeshire BM.
Can’t wait for Coco’s next reincarnation.

The point is we are humans, I came here because LP brightens my day and I like reading what’s going on for him. As a result I now like you and what goes on for you guys.
Long may it continue.

Zadoc and Simon were brilliant posts, don’t be strangers!!

Well, when I have something to say I’ll be back. Don’t hold your breath, I’m not Arnie.

XX hug hug

P.S viva la diva

Hiya

I have been off for a couple of days - in case anyone missed me - I had a virus which gave me a temperature so I was dreaning cap'n jack harkness wouldn't let me sleep until I reconcilied some accounts - very scary!

Much better now - still have sore throat but I guess that will go soon! Back in the office to get some work done - and an awful lot of work to do - oh well!

I did a tandum sky jump - the quickest use of a couple of hundred pounds I have ever spent - great feeling though! I loved the open parachute bit better then the free fall - the space you have to look around and see the world (I was in Norfolk) and feel the breeze and the silence - amazing! Total down time to think! Shame it was over so quick!

anyway- back to the drawing desk!

super bp x

Morning lads and lasses.

Sorry to hear you've not been well Bagpuss! Hope the sore throat goes quickly. Scary dreams indeed but at least it was Captain Jack :)

Jules good to hear from you! Been a while! Am trying to think of a way to describe what my belly looks like when bean decides it's disco time but have run out of adjectives :)

Beesmum / Diva - I mentioned the idea of party bags to Mr Jumpy last night, we're doing his birthday at the end of August and he was quite excited at the idea of party bags! I know one or two things that's going to be in them - if I can get my hands on a good supply of micro machines (preferably planes) one of them'll be going in each bag, then the exceedingly good cakes man does tubs of mini cakes which look like good party bag fillers. And of course those things on suckers and springs that you push down to the table and wait for them to jump. All good! But any other suggestions for party bag fillers for boys would be welcome :)

MfR glad to hear the cabernet helped with the knees, I will have to mention that one to Mr Jumpy next time he goes cycling. Hope you make it through the jungle, I'm sure you will, but it does seem to take forever doesn't it. Hope the holiday does you and Mrs MfR good :) Posh spa in West Sussex? REALLY hope the weather's good for you too (especially as that's my vicininty!).

See ya later, alligators.

xx

jumpingbean

PS Mr Jumpy also thought that me doing a tandem jump was a good idea :S

PPS Next summer.... anybody else "up" for it?!

PPPS Highlandlass, I know you're home.....

PPPPS Bingo hope you've recovered from the shock at getting a full-length post through......

Morning,

I tend to find I suffer from instant amnesia after a gig or concert. I can remember who I saw, but generally can only remember about 5 songs that were played. I don't see how that is self preservation, unless its to stop me going to the nearest music store to stock up on new albums. Who knows.

Hopeseternal - I swam with dolphins in mexico, actually booked the next level up to be a dolphin trainer for a day. Our first job was to take all the backbones out of 2 buckets full of squid. I can swim, but have a terrible phobia about going under water, but fear not. We were provided with life jackets and you just kinda paddle about in the water and the dolphins come to you. The best part was at the end of the day. You had to lay flat on your stomach, with legs outstretched behind you. 2 dolphins swim up behind you and push you along the water with their noses on the soles of your feet. You go so fast that they actually raise you up out of the water so you are standing upright like an angel. I did it twice, and the force of the water was pulling my bikini bottoms down, but I really did not care - would have done it naked if necessary.

And with that pretty picture,

Til later,

MW, a!

What an image MW,a!, what an image!

Morning peeps.

Thirsty Thursday. Need to share a couple of things with y'all.

Thing 1: sorry to harp back to yesterday's controversial blog about chitty-chatting, but can anyone remember CLP's obivous joy and borderline hysteria when he told us the news of the changes to the blog and that it would now be instant blogging. And he does oft refer to the blog on air, so my stance is, if CLP is happy with it, then amen to all!

Thing 2: I don't know how, but I've managed to come to work this morning resembling Joey Ramone. Not quite a "bad hair day", more of a Ramone Hair Day. All I need now is a pair of skinny drainpipes (ouch!) and some shades!

That's all my things for now.

Bagpuss: keep on gargling hun xxx

Party bags: thanks to a long expensive phone call yesterday to the leccy board (21st century highway men!!) I didn't get round to party bags. It's on today's list tho!!

'citing!!!

Diva, over and out.
For now.

x x x

PS: Thing 3/MfR: yep MPW is a bit "car crash", but is that just the ITV production? I always find ITV foodie shows a bit naff. Auntie Beeb and Ch4 tend to do food so much better ....

PPS: Thing 4: The numpties are today calling for the word "chav" to be banned.

Shall we discuss this, and define chavness?

I think we should .......

;-)

Morning all

Aw sorry to hear that you have been ill super bp. Wish you better x

Jumpingbean - nope sorry. No way. But more than happy to support anyone who does in whatever that way I can x

Jules - that was a lovely post. I believe that there is something here for on the blog for everyone. Come back soon x

Me, I'm off to see Mama Mia the movie with MiL, SiL and my niece tonight. So not looking forward to it even though it has had good reviews. Not really my cup of tea. Ho hum!

Love
Debbie x

Morning each

Bs-Mum: Page 6, thank god it's small and a bit blurred!!

Anne xx

Sorry folks, can't access FB from work.

Regarding the instant messages and the quality etc.

To be quiet honest I think I used to post the same rubbish back in the old days......it just took longer to get here!

Laters x

See told yer Matt Man........

Ave just writted a paragraph saing ter MfR - no damn chance.....

Of the blog being fixed for me!!!!

And I was correcto as it didn't show.....

'ence I know, now write this in bits!!!!!

PS Matt - You've met CLP too - I noticed about CLP......

Tall, very tall......

About 6' 2 ter 3"......

same 'eight as me......

And exceptionally good skin, very good skin......

CLP must use special celebrity oil of olay.... every day!!!!!

I might try ter get some......

Terdee at The Open.... I bet Monty uses some!!!!

PS Matt - Very friendly CLP too. Although I get the ipression 'e thought I waz a..... NUTTER!!!!!

Annie G - Yeap... I 'eard CLP's geordie tines...... sorry tones......

Helloooo Chris
Juust watch the video of your skydive...AMAZING!!
I am also doing one in August and was so excited, now even more so. Just cant wait.
Eveyone thinks I'm crazy but I don't care.
Well done.

The man could be from the side of the Tyne... It's all those nights out with Gazza!!!!!!

Meandjumpingbean....... Like I said ter Matt man..... I just must ave caught the....

Blog spam interceptor on a good moment - know what am sayin'!!!!

Oh well am off ter the golf aka The Open..... it's not raining is it?

It is DAMN raining!!!!!!! DAMN IT.... Give me sanity ter survive the summer in England!!!!!!!!

Bingo - beware the rain. You could end up with Ramones hair like what I am sporting terdeeeeee

xxxxxx

Am gonna emergrate at this rate!!!!!

Poka!!!!!

Dasveedanya..... all!!!!@!

morning all

just a quickie - been on phone to daughter and she got 5's accross the board in her SATS....I couldn'tbe any prouder. I wept when the phone clicked.

After the year she's had, I'm truly honoured that she's mine. I hope mummy's looking down today

Yours in awe

KWx

CtD - Chez the rains gonna ruin me quiff.... AND when I might be live on ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ sport tv!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's NOT a good situation!!!!!

No wonder Tiger's pulled out.... don't blame the gezza!!!

Chez maybe we should form a wrock band if we've got the 'air for it!!!!

Chow!

KW - great news about your daughter ( i think - slightly too old for SATS and I wne to RC primary school anyway so we did different exams)

super bp x

Gingembre

{{{HUGS}}}

You've put a lump in my throat now. Ramones hair and Alice Cooper eyes. Not a good look!!

Well done, proud dad.

Cheryl xxxxxxx

Bingo

I can do 12 bar blues on a bass geetar!! And backing vox. If that's any help ...?

YAY Gingembre what a clever daughter you have. Am sure mummy is always looking down and so proud of you both :-)

Debbie - Mamma Mia - I'll go, I'll go - it's got to be the best feel good film ever by the looks of it!!!! And surely we'll be able to singalonga???

Re blogging - I also post the same stuff I posted before the superhighspeedyway system came in - it's just that now it feels more like we can all chat to one another and respond more quickly which I think is fab. And anyone can talk about anything, that's the joy of it isn't it???

Didn't watch MPW - went right off him after hearing him on the show, sorry! I watched the Tribal Wives prog again. Absolutely fab. With the Masai last night, and it was just lovely.

CtD - any good recipes for a giant courgette??? (Ooh err missus!!) Someone down at the allotments gave me one yesterday (ooh err again!) but I'm at a loss as to how to cook it. It looks more like a marrow it's so big (and thrice oooh err!!)

T xxxx

tinsel - in Nigella's "Domestic Goddess" cookbook (and she is!!) there's a recipe for a courgette cake. I can personally say, hand on heart, it is one of THE most awesome cakes I've ever made, especially if you go to the trouble of making the home-made lime curd to sandwich it together.

other than that ... treat it as a marrow and stuff it. smokey chicken fajita works well (obv without the tortilla tho!!)

let us know what you decide .....

x x x

Thanks hon. Courgette cake sounds like it could be complicated, but I love cake so ...

I also just found a very simple recipe for courgette soup on vegbox recipes, so I might try that. Sounds yummy!!

T xx

Courgette and pasta soup's good too.

The cake isn't complex - similar to carrot cake but green!! lol

Morning all

Courgette cake - must look that up but I would stuff it Tinsell so to speak!! Saw a recipe somewhere where they treated as aubergine - moussaka style but can't for life of me remember - sounded a bit soggy though!! Can't remember if you are a grazer? Think you are?

Catch up on blogs - back later

Beesmum xxx

Get well soon Pink Bagpuss
Great news Gingembre - I did same Diva blub.

I soooo definitely want to do one! Jumpybean - I'm going to check out that site for myself and see what's going on...

B'smum - wouldn't dare jump in 6 inch stilletos; I love them and would cry if they got broken. Still, footwear is an issue: maybe a nice, wedge boot would constitute as sensible skydiving attire?

Boleyngirl - from previous blog: when I first started blogging, I too thought it was all too cliquey until Gingembre explained so succinctly that I shouldn't take offense if people didn't reply to my post; not every blogger can mention everyone else (apart from the lovely Susan S of course) and different people have different interests. For example, I'm not going to join in on the Red Arrows / Olympics debate because it's not my cup o' tea.

Chrissie / CtD / Debbie and all the others who have been bullied: I have never been bullied but I still sympathise with you. Kids can be so cruel, can't they?

CtD - it's strange that your step-sister softened after giving birth. When I was growing up, I hated my sister and she hated me. Since she had Dillon Blue 2 years ago, she's a much calmer, nicer person and we get on so much better now - weird, isn't it?

Anyway, this post is far too long so best be off...house hunting calls...(B'smum: can I get another "oh joy!"?)

Rosie x

You can do courgette fritters too - with a tempura batter.

Yum Yum indded.

Oh - we had roasted veg last night - there was a 'gette off lotty there too .... and home grown onions and garlic. very nice!

I'm flippin' hungry now!

Chez - The 12 blue bars... are they Blue Riband bars, soz a mean Blues rythm bars!!!!

gotta go now...... traaarrr!!!!!