Watched Bridge at Remagen yesterday whilst tucked up on the sofa with a fire blazing.

[Burney]

:cloud9:

Why couldn't more Christmas telly be like that? Fück off, Harry Potter! Fück off, Sherlock! Fück off, Peter Kay's Warmed Up Comedy Leftovers!

War films, that's what you need. All Christmas. Obviously including Zulu

[Sir C]

:cloud9:

Why couldn't more Christmas telly be like that? Fück off, Harry Potter! Fück off, Sherlock! Fück off, Peter Kay's Warmed Up Comedy Leftovers!

War films, that's what you need. All Christmas. Obviously including Zulu

My favourite christmas memory is of a christmas eve afternoon when I was 8 or 9, watching The Battle of the Bulge whilst my mother bustled around doing whatever mothers do on christmas eve.

That 9 year old is dead now, of course. As is she. All comes to dust, you see.

[Pokster]

My favourite christmas memory is of a christmas eve afternoon when I was 8 or 9, watching The Battle of the Bulge whilst my mother bustled around doing whatever mothers do on christmas eve.

That 9 year old is dead now, of course. As is she. All comes to dust, you see.

And when you get to our age the Battle of the Bulge takes on a whole new meaning

[Sir C]

And when you get to our age the Battle of the Bulge takes on a whole new meaning

Yes, my belt informs me that christmas has taken its toll. :-(

Mind you, I'm off oop Lakes tomorrow for a week of struggling up mountains in the dark and the rain, so I probably need a layer of fat to ward off the hypothermia.

[Burney]

My favourite christmas memory is of a christmas eve afternoon when I was 8 or 9, watching The Battle of the Bulge whilst my mother bustled around doing whatever mothers do on christmas eve.

That 9 year old is dead now, of course. As is she. All comes to dust, you see.

And a Happy New Year to you, old chum. :-)

I have a similar 9/10 year-old memory, only it was Easter and I was watching The Great Escape while painting Napoleonic soldiers with a glass of orange squash and a couple of biscuits. I remember thinking that life didn't get much better than that. I was probably right, to be fair.

I liked The Battle of the Bugle, but it's one that historical knowledge has ruined for me. I went through thon Anthony Beevor book about it and they didn't mention Robert Shaw once.

Are you doing your usual January flit to foreign climes to avoid weather this year?

[Pokster]

Yes, my belt informs me that christmas has taken its toll. :-(

Mind you, I'm off oop Lakes tomorrow for a week of struggling up mountains in the dark and the rain, so I probably need a layer of fat to ward off the hypothermia.

Thinking of doing the lakes again this Spring... have a jolly good time

[Sir C]

And a Happy New Year to you, old chum. :-)

I have a similar 9/10 year-old memory, only it was Easter and I was watching The Great Escape while painting Napoleonic soldiers with a glass of orange squash and a couple of biscuits. I remember thinking that life didn't get much better than that. I was probably right, to be fair.

I liked The Battle of the Bugle, but it's one that historical knowledge has ruined for me. I went through thon Anthony Beevor book about it and they didn't mention Robert Shaw once.

Are you doing your usual January flit to foreign climes to avoid weather this year?

Yes, happy new year and all that.

Sadly we are unable so to do this year due to pesky work commitments. We're just squeezing in a week oop norf from tomorrow; sat down yesterday to look for a nice cottage and found the most remarkable bargains. Who knew that the Lake District would be unpopular in January?

[Pokster]

Yes, happy new year and all that.

Sadly we are unable so to do this year due to pesky work commitments. We're just squeezing in a week oop norf from tomorrow; sat down yesterday to look for a nice cottage and found the most remarkable bargains. Who knew that the Lake District would be unpopular in January?

Work colleague spent Christmas in a cottage in the Lakes... said it was lovely with less people around and cold crisp mornings

[Burney]

Yes, happy new year and all that.

Sadly we are unable so to do this year due to pesky work commitments. We're just squeezing in a week oop norf from tomorrow; sat down yesterday to look for a nice cottage and found the most remarkable bargains. Who knew that the Lake District would be unpopular in January?

It does seem a bit odd of you to go somewhere that's actually darker, colder and wetter than where you live, I must admit. However, I of course wish you joy of it - it can be very beautiful in winter if the weather is kind. If not, pubs, open fires, ale and hearty grub will see you through.

[Sir C]

It does seem a bit odd of you to go somewhere that's actually darker, colder and wetter than where you live, I must admit. However, I of course wish you joy of it - it can be very beautiful in winter if the weather is kind. If not, pubs, open fires, ale and hearty grub will see you through.

It's not really worth travelling somewhere properly warm for the sake of a week, so I'm thinking we may as well embrace it.

It's going to be like living in an Ingmar Bergman movie, isn't it?

[Sir C]

Work colleague spent Christmas in a cottage in the Lakes... said it was lovely with less people around and cold crisp mornings

I'm secretly hoping for snow.

[Burney]

It's not really worth travelling somewhere properly warm for the sake of a week, so I'm thinking we may as well embrace it.

It's going to be like living in an Ingmar Bergman movie, isn't it?

Well the women are a lot less attractive, I'm afraid.

[Sir C]

Well the women are a lot less attractive, I'm afraid.

I beg your pardon? Are you calling my wife a minger?

[Burney]

I beg your pardon? Are you calling my wife a minger?

Ah. No. Of course not. My comment was aimed at the general attractiveness (or lack thereof) of the womenfolk of Cumbria, who are beasts.

I, of course, would never presume your wife's gender to the extent of calling her 'a woman' at all.

[Sir C]

Ah. No. Of course not. My comment was aimed at the general attractiveness (or lack thereof) of the womenfolk of Cumbria, who are beasts.

I, of course, would never presume your wife's gender to the extent of calling her 'a woman' at all.

I was pleased to note that New TYork now recognises 31 different genders, including 'two-spirit' and 'hijra'.

Hijra. I'm afraid to look.

[Burney]

I was pleased to note that New TYork now recognises 31 different genders, including 'two-spirit' and 'hijra'.

Hijra. I'm afraid to look.

Apparently, it's what they call trannies in India. :shrug:

[Sir C]

Apparently, it's what they call trannies in India. :shrug:

So what's that got to do with New York?

These Americans are crazy.

[Herbette Chapman - aged 15]

:cloud9:

Why couldn't more Christmas telly be like that? Fück off, Harry Potter! Fück off, Sherlock! Fück off, Peter Kay's Warmed Up Comedy Leftovers!

War films, that's what you need. All Christmas. Obviously including Zulu

Surely there'd be room for "The King and I" though? Not a war film exactly but as manly a tale of derring do as was ever told.

[Herbette Chapman - aged 15]

My favourite christmas memory is of a christmas eve afternoon when I was 8 or 9, watching The Battle of the Bulge whilst my mother bustled around doing whatever mothers do on christmas eve.

That 9 year old is dead now, of course. As is she. All comes to dust, you see.

Ah well C, the wilderness must gather all its children back again to paraphrase the recently departed miserablist and great poet :-(

[Burney]

Surely there'd be room for "The King and I" though? Not a war film exactly but as manly a tale of derring do as was ever told.

Certain musicals would of course be acceptable. Oliver! for instance, is excellent despite having no warfare in it whatsoever.

[Herbette Chapman - aged 15]

Certain musicals would of course be acceptable. Oliver! for instance, is excellent despite having no warfare in it whatsoever.

God no!!! I meant "The Man Who Would Be King" of course!

[Burney]

God no!!! I meant "The Man Who Would Be King" of course!

I did wonder, but didn't say anything cutting as I'm trying to be nice to people on the internet this year and pointing out that 'The King and I' is a musical for screaming benders would have been wrong in that context.

The Man Who Would Be King is OK, but goes on a bit. Worth turning on for the ending where he sings 'The Minstrel Boy' as they cut the rope bridge, though.

[Ash]

Work colleague spent Christmas in a cottage in the Lakes... said it was lovely with less people around and cold crisp mornings

Went in December two years ago. Spent one day of mildly terrifying peril up on the tops in fog and torrential rain, though climbing next to Sourmilk Gill (Seathwaite) in the pissing rain is quite the spectacle. Was so relieved to see the shape of the Honister Mine finally appearing through the mist on the slippery, rocky descent. Getting back to the hotel to dry out in front of the old roaring fire and a few pints of ale was pure joy. As you say though, cheap rates and the place to yourselves.

Also went one January - up Skiddaw in a blizzard was fun. Had to walk backwards to give the exposed side of the face a rest from the relentless icy blast. That was that day I discovered the mighty power of the humble flapjack. Then up one of Blencathra's ridges in the ice. Wouldn't do that now. :old:

[Burney]

Went in December two years ago. Spent one day of mildly terrifying peril up on the tops in fog and torrential rain, though climbing next to Sourmilk Gill (Seathwaite) in the pissing rain is quite the spectacle. Was so relieved to see the shape of the Honister Mine finally appearing through the mist on the slippery, rocky descent. Getting back to the hotel to dry out in front of the old roaring fire and a few pints of ale was pure joy. As you say though, cheap rates and the place to yourselves.

Also went one January - up Skiddaw in a blizzard was fun. Had to walk backwards to give the exposed side of the face a rest from the relentless icy blast. That was that day I discovered the mighty power of the humble flapjack. Then up one of Blencathra's ridges in the ice. Wouldn't do that now. :old:

It comes to something when you're glad to see the empty bleakness of the Honister Pass in winter imo.

[Sir C]

Went in December two years ago. Spent one day of mildly terrifying peril up on the tops in fog and torrential rain, though climbing next to Sourmilk Gill (Seathwaite) in the pissing rain is quite the spectacle. Was so relieved to see the shape of the Honister Mine finally appearing through the mist on the slippery, rocky descent. Getting back to the hotel to dry out in front of the old roaring fire and a few pints of ale was pure joy. As you say though, cheap rates and the place to yourselves.

Also went one January - up Skiddaw in a blizzard was fun. Had to walk backwards to give the exposed side of the face a rest from the relentless icy blast. That was that day I discovered the mighty power of the humble flapjack. Then up one of Blencathra's ridges in the ice. Wouldn't do that now. :old:

I'm not reaslly planning on going up anything, tbh, other than driving up passes, obviously.

I shall mainly be going along. Or pointing my toes to the fire, listening to the wind howling and the rain battering against the windows :cloud9:

[Burney]

I'm not reaslly planning on going up anything, tbh

I'm sure this is welcome news for your good lady wife.

[Sir C]

I'm sure this is welcome news for your good lady wife.

Oh don't know, she's prbably braver than I in these m...

Ah. I see what you mean. Yes. Not that she is troubled by these matters, of course. What with my physiological issues.

[Burney]

Oh don't know, she's prbably braver than I in these m...

Ah. I see what you mean. Yes. Not that she is troubled by these matters, of course. What with my physiological issues.

I've heard they can do wonders with pumps these days.

[Sir C]

I've heard they can do wonders with pumps these days.

I was prescribed a lolly stick and two elastic bands by my GP, but results to date have been disappointing.

[Ash]

I'm not reaslly planning on going up anything, tbh, other than driving up passes, obviously.

I shall mainly be going along. Or pointing my toes to the fire, listening to the wind howling and the rain battering against the windows :cloud9:

Your cottage isn't too close to a river, I hope. All very picturesque, of course, but a bit nervy when it starts getting higher and closer.

[Burney]

I was prescribed a lolly stick and two elastic bands by my GP, but results to date have been disappointing.

Well I don't think he meant you to stick the lolly stick up there. :shrug:

[Sir C]

Your cottage isn't too close to a river, I hope. All very picturesque, of course, but a bit nervy when it starts getting higher and closer.

It is quite close to a river but uphill. It's up Kirkstone Pass! We might get snowed in :cloud9:

[Burney]

It is quite close to a river but uphill. It's up Kirkstone Pass! We might get snowed in :cloud9:

I take it you're taking a robust vehicle?

[Ash]

It is quite close to a river but uphill. It's up Kirkstone Pass! We might get snowed in :cloud9:

The real Kirkstone Pass, I trust. Not that vulgar motorway-thingy.

[Sir C]

The real Kirkstone Pass, I trust. Not that vulgar motorway-thingy.

The real one, naturally. We were warned that the pass itself might be dangerous, and that the track from the pass to the house is accessible only with 4x4 :cloud9:

No chance of an Ocado delivery then.

[Sir C]

I take it you're taking a robust vehicle?

:nod: RX450h.