Finally found time to catch up on the last few day`s worth of postings, including firsthand match reports. As I suspected, it makes for depressing reading - and for the travelling fans particularly, it has been a dire week of football. As I have said before, it`s one thing sitting at the computer moaning on the matchday thread, but to have to travelled to Southampton and Newcastle in one week, and not see the same kind of commitment on the pitch, must smart like mad.(:o|

Let`s hope you`re rewarded tonight with a better game.

I`m feeling horribly flat this week. (Not helped I might add by the fact that we seem to be missing out on the beautiful mellow autumn weather which I love.) Loads of catching up to do at home, due to last week being totally taken up by arranging Mum and Dad`s Golden Wedding celebrations. In true Olympic style I shall be attempting the washathon to-day, and going for gold in the ironing event! (:o|

BTW Clarky - have a missed a report on your visit to France? I`d love to know what you thought. (:o)

-- Anonymous, September 26, 2000

Answers

So you're keen to be depressed even further do you Gal?
I've felt so deflated by the footy recently - and the weather - that I just haven't been able to work up the enthusiam for the other task. However, you're not going to let me off the hook......
I doubt anyone else on here is interested, so I may just send you an e-mail - when I can work up the enthusiasm.

-- Anonymous, September 26, 2000

Don't be like that Clarky!!

Of course we're interested!! we just don't maybe post replies that's all....

-- Anonymous, September 26, 2000

I don`t know Clarky - might do us all some good - get things back into perspective maybe? And yes I really am interested, though I can understand why assembling your thoughts on such a visit could take some time.(:o)

-- Anonymous, September 26, 2000

Clarky, I think you'll find that your audience would be large. Get writing!.

Galaxy, It was gloriously hot and sunny on Saturday was it not? It must have ben 'cos I went through my entire range of superstitions:
b&w underpants
cut the grass
watched Sky Sports 1 while having lunch/beer
I even indulged in some horticultural acupuncture (cutting back the pyracanthas!)

Since 5pm on Saturday the weather has been as foul as my mood. Enjoy your ironing, you wouldn't want to go out on a day like this!

-- Anonymous, September 26, 2000

Sorry Gav, I really wasn't trying to be a smart-@rse. I just didn't think my impressions from the WW1 Battlefields would be of any real interest on here.
It was an extremely thought-provoking trip, and only emotionally demanding in parts. I've been doing some follow-up reading, and I will try to summarise my thoughts and make a single post, especially now that I know at least a couple of you are interested - it will take me a little while.
Thanks for the feedback.

-- Anonymous, September 26, 2000

Geordie - yes gorgeous on Saturday - when I was slaving over a hot stove all day preparing food for Sunday`s Garden Party - when of course the weather was crap!(:o)

Just can`t rely on outdoor arrangements in this country, not even here in `sunny` Bumblef@*k!!!

Pyracathas? Ouch! My garden is like a quagmire, none of the autumn colour I had planned either - all the leaves are sodden and brown, the lawn needs cutting, the canna lillies which valiantly defied the slugs at their third attempt to break through the soil were cut down in their prime by the torrential rain, and my roses are moldy grey blobs!!! Sometimes I wonder if I will ever win the battle and realise my dream of elegantly wandering around the garden in long flowing Laura Ashley, genteely snipping off the odd deadhead!(:o)

-- Anonymous, September 26, 2000

I spent a few years in the Army myself, and was at a few trouble spots. Managed to get to Bergen-Belsen area for a pilgrimage and to pay my respects, but to my embarrassment have never been to the WW1 battlefields. Have read a number of books about it- as have most of us - and feel it's something I must do.

My son is now in the cadets, and went there this summer, marching around the Menin (sp?) Gate and paying his respects. I tried to give him an understanding of what these soldiers went through, but better men then I have had trouble explaining. I hope some of the horror sank in though

I'm planning a trip in the spring, so would love to read a report too Clarky. Don't want to be too deep on these pages, but those heroes demand my respect and my thoughts. Look forward to your posting

-- Anonymous, September 26, 2000

Come on Clarky. I am very interested. look forward to reading your post.

Pete

-- Anonymous, September 26, 2000