Pam50

Dogs Act 1871 It is a civil offence if a dog is dangerous (to people or animals) and not kept under proper control (generally regarded as not on a lead nor muzzled). This law can apply wherever the incident happened. The dog can be subject to a control or a destruction order and you may have to pay costs.

A terrifying experience; so sorry for you all. I walk through the park most days with my young grandaughters on the way to school and we are constantly on guard with so many dogs off the lead. They look friendly and most have responsible owners in charge, but as today's incident proves, they are wild animals and we really have no way of anticipating their behaviour. In public places, dogs should be on leads, with perhaps one clearly signposted and gated section of the park where they could run freely with their owners in supervision.

Happy to hand over the parrot if you go with the pirates. I'm in ED until Thursday, so PM if you'd like to arrange a drop off! Pam

One easy solution is a Pirate family: old shirts with ragged edges, cut off off jeans and some cheapo trimmings from the toy shop? I have a parrot puppet that squawks if you want to really annoy your host!

Huge thanks to all for all the excellent advice!

Thanks Jeremy, very helpful.

A friend sent this email today... You know how irritating mobile phone users are when they fail to exercise discretion and think the world needs to know their business? When you have enjoyed as much as you can stand you can now get you own back!!! enjoy!!! After a busy day he settled down in his train from Waterloo for a nap as far as his destination at Winchester , when the chap sitting near him hauled out his mobile and started up:- "Hi darling it's Peter, I'm on the train - yes, I know it's the 6.30 not the 4.30 but I had a long meeting - no, not with that floozie from the typing pool, with the boss no darling you're the only one in my life - yes, I'm sure, cross my heart" etc., etc. This was still going on at Wimbledon , when the young woman opposite, driven beyond endurance, yelled at the top of her voice, "Hey, Peter, turn that bloody phone off and come back to bed!!"

I probably need two medium sofas or a corner unit, ?1500??

I probably need two medium sofas or a corner unit, ?1500??

I am so glad you enjoyed it too!

Thanks!

Where would you go to buy a new sofa? Anywhere you wouldn't go from experience? Many thanks...oh...and is anyone else getting just a little bored with wall to wall Retro?

Sorry Steveo, I beg to differ. I thoroughly enjoyed the exhibition. The paintings are wonderful and an absolute joy to see. I'm so very glad I wasn't put off by the few negative reviews around. GigGirl, hope you find it just as engaging!

I've used gift cards from Myer Online (one of the big shop chains in Oz) for weddings etc...they send the card http://shop.myer.com.au/shop/en/myeronline/au-gift-cards-r-3/au-gift-cards-myer-gift-cards-c-12 Worked well! Pam

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Father-Christmas-Needs-Nicholas-Allan/dp/186230825X Father Christmas needs a Wee: absolute hit with 4 - 7 year olds!

Thank you both! That was the answer I was hoping for:)) Maxi it is then!!

I'd be grateful for any advice on moving on from the Microscooter: Micro maxi or Sprite? Used daily by a 6 year old scooting to school. Thanks!

Here's another candidate for U3A! And I'd bet on there being many others too!

http://www.funkymoose.co.uk/toys-games-creative-play/dolls-dolls-house-from-haba The grandaughters and I love HABA dolls. Not cheap, but FunkyMoose do 15% discounts every so often. They machine wash and are sooooooo lovely!!

Not cheeky, just a caring mum... Hope they win tomorrow!

http://www.boden.co.uk/en-GB/Girls-Trousers-Jeans/32382-PRP/Girls-Dusty-Purple-Cord-Slim-Fit-Jeans.html These work well with skinny long legged grandaughter...there's usually offers too if you search. Good Luck!

http://www.eczema.org/ The National Eczema Society was a lifeline when my daughter had the condition many years ago. It might help you to have a look at their website. Best Wishes, Pam

My grandaughters refer to those parts as 'your bits'...This applies to both genders. Tidy!

The children have a staggered intake starting next week so you may well be starting on the 15th. School opens tomorrow, so phone (perhaps later in the day; first mornings back are very busy!)

Sounds a great idea!!