so, possibly, did my aunt. But there was no doctor because no-one could or would pay for one, so we'll never know.

The science had been first proposed some 50 years before in Ireland IIRC with more detailed figures.

But that expression of yours that so startled him; well, congratulations on not wasting the advantages which accrue from growing up in a naval family!

Though one might enquire as to whose they are and how he came by them.

I want to agree, but let's cling to due process. The other route is the Primrose path to Roland Freisler.

And no, we will not accept a glass plate negative post unpaid.

Phoebe wouldn't fall for that.

But if she's carrying a Golden Delicious, we understand, it means at least a shepherd has voted for her. Or something.

What, out of interest are the comparative gross figures? As in the actual amounts.

Go to BBC iPlayer, and find this week's Americast podcast. As a US citizen you may find the analysis superficial, but its more outspoken than any analysis in the UK of the strate of affairs than i can remember. It cover what you point out.

It's not useless though. You might, say, decorate the page on which you write with drawings of flowers (we are sure that draughtsmanship would be appropriate in style) fold them nto encvelopes and leave them about for Mama and Papa to find. Apt, economical, and comically confusing for the elderly

Blimey! I have no idea what this is about. I need to come and see you so that you can explain all this to me.